Hessert Carries Momentum to Toledo

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After a slow start to the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season, Venturini Motorsports (VMS) driver Tom Hessert is riding momentum going into Toledo Speedway for the Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care on May 22.

In his last series attempt, Hessert finished fourth at Talladega, led the most laps and won the Menards Pole Award.

“Talladega was certainly a great race and we had a decent run before that at Salem so we’re definitely going in the right direction,” said Hessert. “Toledo should be another great racetrack for us.”

Hessert, who turns 30 years-old on raceday, has a history of strong performances at Toledo. In 12-career starts at the Ohio short track he’s accumulated six top-5 and nine top-10. In 2015, he finished second to race winner Todd Gilliland, who drove to victory lane driving for VMS.

Coming off back-to-back strong finishes at Talladega and Salem, Hessert has overcome a slow start to the ’16 campaign to find himself on the rise and sitting fourth in ARCA Racing’s driver championship point standings going into the series fifth season event.

Since his season debut at Daytona, Hessert’s finishing position has consistently improved. At Daytona he finished 28th after cutting a tire running up front, he finished 12th at Nashville after a less than satisfying qualifying spot, and sixth at Salem after a 16th qualifying position.

“Getting our qualifying efforts better on short tracks is definitely something that we need to work on this weekend at Toledo, but I think it’s getting better. I know I have a good team for the race so I’m just going to try to lead some laps and hopefully be there at the end,” said Hessert.

Hessert is backed by Crew Chief Ryan “Pickle” London. London and Hessert have been in communication about what setup to bring to Toledo.

“Pickle and I have been talking a little bit about the setup and what car we’re going to bring up there. I’m confident that what he’s going to bring us will be a great car,” said Hessert. “I’ve managed to have some good runs [at Toledo]. I can bring that experience to the No. 25 car this year.”

VMS PR

Speedway Digest Staff
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