Driver Tom Hessert will make his Venturini Motorsports (VMS) driving debut piloting the No.25 Florida Lottery Toyota during next weekend’s (February 13th) ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards (ARCA) season-opening Lucas Oil 200 at the famed and newly renovated Daytona International Speedway.
“I’m thrilled to be headed back to Daytona for the start of another season. As a driver there’s no better place to compete for a chance to win. Daytona is such a special place and the thought of parking my car in Victory Lane would be a major accomplishment and dream come true,” said Hessert.
Hessert, a native of Cherry Hill, NJ, made the offseason move to VMS after driving the previous four seasons with Cunningham Motorsports. Hessert is a nine year veteran of the ARCA Series. Hessert inherits the No.25 Toyota, which was vacated by last season’s driver combination of Frank Kimmel and Brandon Jones.
“Joining Venturini during the off-season only adds to my excitement,” said Hessert.” We tested last month and had a lot of speed. Daytona is a tough place to win but I’m confident we have all the pieces and resources in place for a legitimate shot. We’ve set the bar high this season and everyone on the team is focused on one goal – a series championship which starts on lap one at Daytona.”
Hessert, already a five time ARCA Series winner, will make his 160th career start and ninth attempt at Daytona glory. Of his five wins, Hessert has one restrictor plate victory to his credit, winning at Talladega in 2013.
Hoping to win big, Hessert will carry the Florida Lottery colors onboard his No.25 Toyota entry. As part of a single race sponsorship agreement with VMS, the Florida Lottery identifies the value of ARCA’s premier event in their home state.
“We’re pleased to announce our strategic partnership with Venturini Motorsports at Daytona this year,” said Tom Delacenserie – Secretary of the Florida Lottery. “Once a year Daytona becomes the center of the universe for Motorsports enthusiasts. We’re proud to connect our brand to this event and kick off our involvement during Daytona’s Speedweeks. In addition to our involvement with VMS and driver, Tom Hessert, the Lottery will be onsite engaging with fans the weekend of the Daytona 500.”
Joining the Florida Lottery’s sponsorship effort with VMS is yet another Florida based group, Bullet Products. Bullett Products is a leading manufacturer and patent holder of roofing products with coast-to-coast distribution.
Entering their 34th year of ARCA Series competition, VMS looks to return to Daytona’s Gatorade Victory Lane for the second time in the past three years. In 2013, driver John Wes Townley delivered the team’s sole Daytona victory. VMS, known as one of the premier driver development teams in the country, has compiled 39 series victories overall – 26 wins coming since 2007.
The 53rd annual Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona is live on FOX SPORTS 1 (FS1) Saturday, February 13 at 4:00 p.m. EST and precedes NASCAR’s same-night Sprint Unlimited. The ARCA Racing Series takes to the track for practice Thursday from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Friday following final practice Friday morning (9:30 – 10:30 a.m.). ARCAracing.com will feature live timing and scoring and live chat for all on-track activities.
VMS PR
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