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Five First Time Gator Winners Score DIRTcar UMP Modified Feature Wins at Volusia
09 Feb 2019 Written by Steven B. WilsonOne of the most popular nights of the 48th annual DIRTcar Nationals for the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds is the Quad-15s Features Night. Due to the extremely high car counts throughout the week, the UMP Modifieds ran five features instead of the originally scheduled four during the fourth night of the DIRTcar Nationals at the fast half-mile, high-banked dirt oval of Volusia Speedway Park. The newly renamed Five-Star 15s saw five first time feature winners take home a coveted Gator trophy.
The big winner was R.C. Whitwell, who brought home the victory in the fifth and final Five-Star 15 for the top points earners entering the night in the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds. Whitwell, who started on the pole, paced the field early, with Lucas Lee, who started in third, passing outside front row starter Allen Weisser. Whitwell and Lee pulled away from the pack, with Whitwell slowly but surely getting away from Lee, who had to deal with a hard-charging David Stremme, who started fourth. Stremme got passed Lee briefly but soon lost the spot back to him.
Lee set his sights on Whitwell and got close to the race-long leader but couldn’t mount a serious charge as Whitwell, the 34-year-old from Tucson, AZ in his #96 Hoskins Construction / Longhorn Chassis ride, stayed out front the entire race while withstanding a final charge from Lee to secure his first career win at Volusia.
“I felt like we took advantage of starting on the pole. But we worked out butts off this week to get to this point. I definitely feel like we earned this tonight, especially with the field that’s here, especially in this feature with all the top points guys,” he explained in Victory Lane. “I can’t thank Jesse Hoskins and the entire crew, everyone in the shop, for this opportunity. We stayed on the top the whole race. I wasn’t real sure about the bottom so we committed up there for the whole race and it paid off for us.”
Lee settled for second while Stremme completed the podium finishers in third. Current DIRTcar Nationals points leader and three-time defending champion in the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds at Volusia, Nick Hoffman finished fourth, and Weisser finished fifth to complete the top five. Brian Ruhlman finished sixth over Will Krup from 11th, and Tyler Evans, who started 15th, Tyler Nicely and Zeke McKenzie, who started 12th, rounded out the top 10.
In the fourth feature of the night, Todd Neiheiser and Kenny Wallace started on the front row with Wallace leading the way early. Neiheiser stayed close to the former NASCAR driver and on lap seven made the pass for the lead. Neiheiser, Wallace and Chase Collins were in a dogfight for the point when 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series rookie contender for Kaulig Racing, Justin Haley, who was running fourth with five laps to go, fired to the inside of all three drivers to take the lead.
From there, the 19-year-old from Winamac, IN in his #11 Leaf Filter Gutter Protection / Lethal Chassis machine held on for his first career Gator trophy. “This is more important to me than the Xfinity Series or winning a Truck Series race, mainly because this is much harder to do," offered Haley after he jubilantly climbed from his car after winning his first Gator. “Even if we win next Saturday at Daytona, this is still bigger. I was started to doubt myself there after we finished third on opening night and then not make the show the next two nights. But God showed us the way and to have faith, rise above the challenges and here we are.”
Shon Flannery wound up in second after starting in 10th ahead of Wallace as Collins and Neiheiser rounded out the top five. Ryan Ayers was sixth ahead of Garret Stewart as Mark Whitener from 18th, Trey Harris and David Wietholder, who started 12th, finished off the final top 10.
The middle stanza saw Chad Roush and Mike Learman bring the starting field to the green flag, but it was DIRTcar Summer Nationals star Gordy Gundaker, who started third, charging out to the early race lead. Gundaker set a torrid pace, but Roush, who recoiled, slowly caught back up to Gundaker and passed him back for the lead with four laps to go. As the checkered flag was about to come out, Roush spun his mount coming out of turn four. This set up a Green/White restart with Gundaker back out front and Dylan Stephens, who started 18th, trailing.
On that final restart, Gundaker was able to get away from Stephens, and the 26-year-old from St. Charles, MO hung on to claim his first career Gator Trophy in his #11 AOne Towing / AOne Racecars ride. Stephens settled for second after advancing 16 positions, while Paul Miles, Brad Waits, who started 13th, and Michael McGee completed the top five. Larry Burkins was sixth over Learman, and Brenden Rassel, who started 16th, was eighth over former ARCA Racing Series star Joey Miller. Jason Gross, who started 12th, finished off the top 10.
The second Five-Star 15 feature of the evening, held prior to the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series main event, started with a front row of Brandon Green and Steve Meyer Jr., taking the green flag. Green shot out to the lead early in the race while the rest of the field jockeyed for position behind him. Green, in his #51 Complete Towing / Nemesis Racecars ride, was never seriously challenged the entire race and coasted to his first Gator triumph.
Meyer Jr. fell back within the top five during the race, but would rebound to finish second with Josh Harris who started 11th, completed the podium finishers. Austin Holcombe, who started 14th and the youngest driver on the property, 14-year-old Hunt Gossum, started 10th and advanced five spots to finish off the top five. Christopher Smith garnered a sixth place showing ahead of Ryan Fowler, who started 12th as Mark Enk who started 16th, John Baker and Ken Mihalik, who advanced eight spots from 18th, rounded out the final top 10.
The first Five-Star 15 of the night saw Bobby Miles and Jesse Rupe bring the field down to Chief Starter David Farney’s green flag. Rupe rocketed out to the early race lead. Rupe was on cruise control until five laps to go when Dale Kelley, who started deep in the field in 16th and Robert Poole mounted a late charge at the race long leader. Rupe was up to the challenge though as the 25-year-old from Sophia, WV staved off the advances of his two pursuers to grab his first career Gator trophy in his #11 Level Land Development / Lightning Chassis entry.
Kelley did move up 14 positions to claim the runner-up spot over Poole while 2018 Eldora Speedway (OH) Track Champion, Jonathan Taylor, from 15th and Will Norris were the top five. Steve Stevenson, who started 19th, grabbed the sixth spot over Miles as Jesse Strange, Tyler Davis from 18th and Jim Shipman, who started in the 17th spot, would be the final top 10.
On Saturday, February 10, the first of two Big Gator Championship Qualifier Nights will begin setting the field for the 15th annual Big Gator Championship. Half of the 102 teams that have competed in the DIRTcar Nationals through the first four nights, will race on Saturday. Then the remainder of the field will run in the second Big Gator Championship Qualifier Night on Sunday, February 11. Both nights for the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds will begin setting the field for the 15th annual Big Gator Championship Night and the crowning of the 2019 DIRTcar Nationals Champion on Monday, February 11.
The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will race in their final two nights at Volusia also on Saturday and Sunday to complete Sprint Car Week at the DCN. Late Model Week then begins on Monday with the first of two nights of action for the DIRTcar Super Late Models. The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series take over on the Late Model side starting on Wednesday, February 13 while the day before, the Super DIRTcar Big Block Modified Series take over for the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds starting on Tuesday, February 12.
For more information about the remaining eight nights of the 48th annual DIRTcar Nationals and to order tickets, please call: 1 (844) DIRT-TIX or visit dirtcarnationals.com. You can also follow the DIRTcar UMP Modified portions all week long, as well as the DIRTcar Super Late Model portion of the DCN starting on Monday throughout race week by visiting the DIRTcar Racing Social Media outlets. Just search for “DIRTcar Racing” on both Facebook and Twitter as well as the DIRTcar Nationals Twitter page at: @DIRTcarNats for the very latest updates from Volusia Speedway Park and the 48th annual DIRTcar Nationals.
DIRTcar Nationals PR
Petry Motorsports’ Kevin Thomas Jr. placed second to lead Toyota at the USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midget season opener at Bubba Raceway Park Friday night in Ocala, Fla.
Four different Toyota drivers ran in the top three during the 30-lap event with Thomas joined by Tucker Klaasmeyer (Keith Kunz Motorsports), Chad Boat (Tucker-Boat Motorsports) and C.J. Leary (Frank Manafort Racing).
It was Klaasmeyer, the 2018 POWRi champion, who took the lead at the green flag, followed by eventual winner Tyler Courtney and Leary, making his first start with Manafort.
Klaasmeyer held the top spot through the first four laps before Courtney moved to the outside coming out of turn four to take over the top spot on lap five.
Boat then became the driver on the move, climbing past Leary and then overtaking Klaasmeyer for second on lap eight. After 10 laps, Boat, Klaasmeyer, Leary and Thomas held down four of the top five spots.
As the laps began to wind down, Boat was able to hold down the second position until Leary capitalized on a late-race restart to move into second with five laps to go. Behind him, Thomas was charging through the field, climbing up from seventh on the restart up to third by lap 27.
On the final lap, Thomas powered past Leary for second, while Leary would slip to fourth to give Toyota two of the top-four finishers.
Behind them, Tanner Carrick would place sixth, followed by Klaasmeyer in seventh, Boat in eighth and Jerry Coons Jr. finishing 10thas Toyota drivers claimed six of the top 10 positions.
The USAC Nos Energy Drink National Midget Series is back in action on Saturday night at Bubba Park.
Place | Toyota Friday Feature Results at Bubba Raceway Park |
A Main – 2nd | Kevin Thomas Jr. |
A Main – 4th | C.J. Leary |
A Main – 6th | Tanner Carrick |
A Main – 7th | Tucker Klaasmeyer |
A Main – 8th | Chad Boat |
A Main – 10th | Jerry Coons Jr. |
A Main - 11th | Cole Bodine |
A Main – 12th | Logan Seavey |
A Main – 13th | Tyler Thomas |
A Main – 14th | Jesse Colwell |
A Main – 16th | Karsyn Elledge |
A Main – 18th | Holley Hollan |
A Main – 19th | Zane Hendricks |
B Main – 11th | Sterling Cling |
TRD PR
Earlier today Christian Eckes (No.15 JBL Audio Toyota), in his first ever qualifying attempt at the World Center of Speed, won the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards - General Tire Pole Award for tomorrow’s Lucas Oil 200 Driven by General Tire at Daytona International Speedway. Eckes, 18, driving for Venturini Motorsports (VMS) turned a fast lap of 49.180 seconds (183.001 mph) around Daytona’s famous 2.5-mile high banked tri-oval.
"You always want to start your season off this way," Eckes said. "We watched a couple of others do it. Our plan was to stay up tight with the cars in front of us and see what happens but it turns out we dropped back and got a really good run. We brought a really fast JBL Audio Toyota here and we didn't really show it yesterday. We have 80 more laps to do this. My whole team is just excited to get going."
Eckes' pole marks the third consecutive General Tire Pole Award and seventh overall during Venturini Motorsports’ storied ARCA history at Daytona International Speedway. Eckes joins drivers Bill Venturini, who won three during his career, John Wes Townley (2013), Tom Hessert (2017) and Natalie Decker, last year’s pole sitter. During the last 10-years Venturini Motorsports has qualified on the front row nine times with four of those from the top-spot.
Teammate Leilani Münter (No.55 What the Health Toyota), racing in her final event, posted a career best starting spot by qualifying third with a speed of 182.604 mph.
"I have been telling people I am at the end of my 18-year motorsports journey, and this is a great way to kick off my final race as a driver," she said. "I have been so close to top five finishes here in the past only to have it go away at the very end. I have the same car I drove here last year and it's the best handling car I've ever had here. We're excited to get to tomorrow."
Adding to the success of today’s effort, VMS’ Harrison Burton (No.20 DEX Imaging Toyota) claimed the fifth qualifying spot while Michael Self (No.25 Sinclair Oil Toyota) finished sixth quickest giving VMS four drivers inside the top-6 qualifiers for tomorrow’s race.
The Lucas Oil 200 driven by General Tire is slated for a 4:30 pm ET green flag on Saturday, February 9. The race will be shown live on FS1.
VMS PR
Christian Eckes Takes General Tire Pole for ARCA Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona
08 Feb 2019 Written by Steven B. Wilson
Bounty Signs On As Entitlement Sponsor For The ARCA Racing Series at Chicagoland Speedway
08 Feb 2019 Written by Steven B. WilsonChicagoland Speedway announced today Bounty, the Quicker Picker Upper, will serve as the entitlement sponsor of the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Series race on Thursday, June 27 and will officially be named the Bounty 150 at Chicagoland Speedway.
For the fifth consecutive year, the ARCA Racing Series will kick off Chicagoland Speedway’s four-day race weekend, including the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Camping World 225, the NASCAR Xfinity Series Camping World 300 and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Camping World 400.
“We are thrilled to have Bounty on board as our entitlement sponsor to kick off four great days of racing,” said Chicagoland Speedway President Scott Paddock. “For 18 consecutive years, Chicagoland Speedway has played host to the ARCA Racing Series, where it has showcased the stars of tomorrow.”
“Chicagoland Speedway is a special place and we’re really excited to partner with Bounty for what promises to be a top-notch ARCA Menards Series race,” said Jeff Abbott, Promotions Manager/Spokesperson Menard, Inc.
“In partnership with Menards, we are looking to help make Chicagoland Speedway even quicker!” said Jacques Hagopian, Bounty Brand Director. “Bounty, the Quicker Picker Upper, is honored to continue the company’s support of motorsports and is excited to sponsor the race at Chicagoland Speedway.”
The on-track action will all take place on Thursday, including practice, General Tire Pole Qualifying, and the Bounty 150, which is scheduled for live broadcast on FS1.
“The ARCA Race at Chicagoland Speedway is a very important event on our schedule,” commented Mark Gundrum, ARCA Vice President for Business Development and Corporate Partnerships. “Chicago is Menards number one retail market, and through a B2B relationship with Procter & Gamble, Menards and P&G have partnered to help bring the Bounty brand to the ARCA Race as the entitlement sponsor.”
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway will take place in June as part of the four-race weekend June 27 – June 30. The weekend will kick off on Thursday, June 27 with the ARCA Racing Series followed by NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Camping World 225 under the lights on Friday night. On Saturday, the NASCAR Xfinity Series Camping World 300 will hit the track as the
precursor to Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Camping World 400 showdown.
To purchase tickets to any 2019 Chicagoland Speedway event, visit us online at www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com,
call 888-629-RACE (7223), download the Chicagoland Speedway mobile app, visit the Chicagoland Speedway Administrative office or stop by the box office on the day of the event.
For the most current information about Chicagoland Speedway, follow us on Facebook along with Twitter and Instagram @chicagolndspdwy.
ARCA Racing Series PR
NASCAR and NBC Sports Group announced the 2019 broadcast schedule Friday for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
NBCSN is where NASCAR fans can tune-in to watch their favorite regional drivers – from the up-and-coming stars of tomorrow to the local heroes who make these series their home. NBCSN will air a total of 37 regional events from 27 different venues, including the series openers and championship finales for all three series.
The season will kick off on NBCSN on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. ET with the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East from Florida’s New Smyrna Speedway. The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West opener from the Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will air on Tuesday, March 5 at 6 p.m., followed by the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at Myrtle Beach Speedway on Thursday, March 21 at 6 p.m. ET.
Fans can see the NASCAR champions crowned from Dover International Speedway (NASCAR K&N Pro Series East) on Friday, Oct. 11; Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park (NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) on Thursday, Oct. 17; and Phoenix’s ISM Raceway (NASCAR K&N Pro Series West) on Thursday, Nov. 14.
NBCSN COVERAGE | ||||
RACE DATE | SERIES | TRACK | AIR DATE | TIME (ET) |
Sun, Feb 10 | K&N Pro East | New Smyrna Speedway | Wed, Feb 13 | 6 p.m. |
Thu, Feb 28 | K&N Pro West | Las Vegas Motor Speedway | Tue, Mar 05 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, Mar 16 | Whelen Modified | Myrtle Beach Speedway | Thu, Mar 21 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, Mar 30 | Whelen Modified | South Boston Speedway | Wed, Apr 03 | 4 p.m. |
Sat, Mar 30 | K&N Pro West | Irwindale Speedway | Wed, Apr 03 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, Apr 06 | K&N Pro East | Bristol Motor Speedway | Thu, Apr 11 | 4 p.m. |
Sat, May 04 | K&N Pro East | South Boston Speedway (Twin #1) | Wed, May 08 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, May 04 | K&N Pro East | South Boston Speedway (Twin #2) | Thu, May 09 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, May 11 | K&N Pro West | Tucson Speedway (Twin #1) | Wed, May 22 | 4 p.m. |
Sat, May 11 | K&N Pro West | Tucson Speedway (Twin #2) | Wed, May 22 | 7 p.m. |
Sat, May 18 | Whelen Modified | Wall Stadium Speedway | Thu, May 23 | 7 p.m. |
Sat, Jun 01 | K&N Pro East | Memphis International Raceway | Wed, Jun 05 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, Jun 01 | Whelen Modified | Seekonk Speedway | Wed, Jun 05 | 7 p.m. |
Sat, Jun 08 | K&N Pro West | Colorado National Speedway | Thu, Jun 13 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, Jun 15 | K&N Pro East | Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park | Thu, Jun 20 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, Jun 22 | K&N Pro West | Sonoma Raceway | Thu, Jun 27 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, Jun 29 | K&N Pro West | Douglas County Speedway | Thu, Jul 04 | 6 p.m. |
Fri, Jul 19 | Whelen Modified | New Hampshire Motor Speedway (All-Star) | Thu, Jul 25 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, Jul 20 | K&N Pro East | New Hampshire Motor Speedway | Mon, Jul 29 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, Jul 20 | Whelen Modified | New Hampshire Motor Speedway | Wed, Jul 31 | 6 p.m. |
Fri, Jul 26 | K&N Pro East/West | Iowa Speedway | Wed, Jul 31 | 7 p.m. |
Fri, Aug 02 | K&N Pro East | Watkins Glen International | Wed, Aug 07 | 6 p.m. |
Wed, Aug 14 | Whelen Modified | Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park | Wed, Aug 21 | 6 p.m. |
Thu, Aug 15 | K&N Pro East | Bristol Motor Speedway | Wed, Aug 21 | 7 p.m. |
Sat, Aug 17 | K&N Pro West | Evergreen Speedway | Thu, Aug 22 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, Aug 24 | K&N Pro East/West | Gateway Motorsports Park | Thu, Aug 29 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, Aug 31 | Whelen Modified | Oswego Speedway | Thu, Sep 05 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, Sep 07 | Whelen Modified | Riverhead Raceway | Wed, Sep 11 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, Sep 21 | K&N Pro East | New Hampshire Motor Speedway | Wed, Sep 25 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, Sep 21 | Whelen Modified | New Hampshire Motor Speedway | Thu, Sep 26 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, Sep 28 | K&N Pro West | Meridian Speedway | Fri, Oct 04 | 6 p.m. |
Sun, Sep 29 | Whelen Modified | Stafford Motor Speedway | Fri, Oct 04 | 7 p.m. |
Fri, Oct 04 | K&N Pro East | Dover International Speedway | Fri, Oct 11 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, Oct 12 | K&N Pro West | All American Speedway | Thu, Oct 17 | 6 p.m. |
Sun, Oct 13 | Whelen Modified | Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park | Thu, Oct 17 | 7 p.m. |
Sat, Oct 26 | K&N Pro West | Kern County Raceway Park | Thu, Oct 31 | 6 p.m. |
Sat, Nov 09 | K&N Pro West | ISM Raceway | Thu, Nov 14 | 6 p.m. |
NASCAR PR
This Sunday, Rev Racing drivers will return to New Smyrna Speedway (NSS) for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKNPSE) season opener.
Rev Racing’s team of drivers were selected to the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program after a competitive combine held last October at New Smyrna Speedway. Drivers will compete for Rev Racing in the NKNPSE and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series for a full season. The 2019 K&N East driver class is led by two returning drivers, Chase Cabre and Rubén García Jr.. Late model drivers include, Nicholas Sanchez, Brooke Storer, Ernie Francis Jr. and Gracie Trotter. Francis will run a select number of K&N East races throughout the season.
Rubén García Jr. (No. 6 NTI/MSI Toyota): Returning for his fourth season with Rev Racing, Rubén García Jr. brings his talents back to the NKNPSE. During his 2018 season, García balanced racing in the NKNPSE and running full time in the NASCAR Peak Mexico Series, where he won his second championship title. In this past NKNPSE season, García finished third in point standings, capturing his first two victories in the the United States, at Memphis International Raceway and Dover International Speedway. He and his team have their eye on the NKNEPS Championship.
“This year, we are going to have to make it happen,” said Rubén García Jr.. “To win a championship, we must start the year right from the very beginning. We are going to NSS with a winning mindset.”
Chase Cabre (No. 4 Honda Generators/Braille Battery Toyota): 22-year-old, Chase Cabre, will join the Rev Racing roster for the third year. Cabre started racing at the age of four in motocross and has found success on the track ever since. Most recently in the off-season, Cabre finished fourth place in the 2018 Tulsa Shootout in the Stock Non-Wing Division. Cabre earned eight top-10s and three top-5s in his 2018 NKNPSE season. Cabre, also has a winning mindset as the green flag drops on the NKNPSE season.
“A championship at the end of the season starts and ends with good finishes,” said Cabre. “We are looking to walk out on top in round one.”
Under Rev Racing owner Max Siegel’s leadership, the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development class aligns drivers with a team of executives, athletic directors, crew chiefs and mentors tasked with helping drivers achieve career successes. “We are excited to get the season started at New Smyrna Speedway,” said Siegel. “This year’s class brings both experienced and rookie drivers. Our ultimate goal with every class and experience level is to prepare them for success at the K&N level and eventually the national series. Every year presents new opportunities for growth and we look forward to finding what we are capable of this season. We have never been more positioned for another championship.”
From the Drive for Diversity Program’s start, Rev Racing has had 19 wins, 88 top-5, and 186 top-10 finishes in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, with drivers finishing in the top-10 in points in every season.
Rev Racing will get back to the track on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at New Smyrna Speedway. Group qualifying will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the autograph session at 6:30 p.m. and the New Smyrna “175” at 7:40 p.m. EST.
Rev Racing PR
Julia Landauer To Join DJK Racing For 2019 NASCAR Pinty’s Series
08 Feb 2019 Written by Steven B. WilsonJulia Landauer announced that she is joining DJK Racing to compete in five races in the 2019 NASCAR Pinty’s Series Championship, Canada’s national stock car championship series.
“I’m really looking forward to working with DJ and his team and building on what I learned in the Pinty’s Series last year,” Landauer said. “We’ve worked hard during the off season to put this together and I can’t wait to get back on track in a few months!”
Landauer is confirmed to race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on May 19, Jukasa Motor Speedway on June 1, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on August 25, New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 21, and again at Jukasa Motor Speedway on September 28.
“We’re really looking forward to working with Julia in 2019. We saw her adapt well to the Pinty’s car last year and we can’t wait to see what we can do when the season starts in May,” said DJ Kennington.
Landauer won the 2015 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Limited Late Model Championship at Motor Mile Speedway, then advanced to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West in 2016, where she finished fourth in the championship, the highest finish for a female in the series’ 64-year history. She competed in the K&N Pro Series West again in 2017 and ran three races in the
NASCAR Pinty’s Series in 2018.
DJK Racing drivers found Victory Lane three times in the 2018 season and DJ Kennington finished third overall in the 2018 championship points standings.
Julia Landauer PR
For the second consecutive year the CARS Tour will have the “Touring 12” program in place for drivers making the commitment to run the full season of events. The 2019 CARS Tour Touring 12 lineup features seven returning teams from a season ago, including three of the four CARS Late Model Stock champions since the series inception in 2015.
“We had a record season last year as a series and I’m confident a lot of that had to do with the Touring 12 program we started. While last year’s inaugural group was hard to decide on, this year was even tougher with the applicants we had to choose from. The talent level of this year’s class is the best in Late Model Stock racing right now,” explained CARS Tour owner Jack McNelly. “We want to thank everyone that applied to the program this year. This decision is never easy, but we feel like we have a great group of drivers and teams that fans at every track can look forward to seeing compete.”
The selection process considered multiple factors including CARS Tour team loyalty, marketability, future development of the CARS Tour and its fan base, and the ability to fulfill the Touring 12 guidelines throughout the 2019 season.
All teams that are not a part of the Touring 12 program in 2019 will all be eligible for the Loyalty Bonus Program. Any team that competes in three (3) consecutive races at any time on the 2019 schedule will receive a $500 bonus added to their purse check after the third race. In addition, any team that competes in every event on the 2019 schedule will receive an additional $500 bonus at the season finale at South Boston.
2019 CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour “Touring 12”
Josh Berry – Mooresville, NC – JR Motorsports
Tour veteran Josh Berry returns to the CARS Tour full time again for the 2019 season driving for Dale Earnhardt Jr’s JR Motorsports team. Berry, the most successful driver in CARS Late Model Stock Tour history, was the 2017 series champion, and is atop of the history books with the most wins (14) and $111,203 in winnings credited to his name.
Adam Lemke – Hollister, CA – JR Motorsports
JR Motorsports second full time entry will once again be a part of the Touring 12 program in 2019. Last year the car was driven by Sam Mayer, this year Adam Lemke from Hollister, California will compete as a TORP Chassis Rookie of the Year contender. The 16 year old was the 2018 USAC Western Midget Series champion and took home Rookie of the Year honors at Madera Speedway in the Pro Late Model division.
Layne Riggs – Bahama, NC – Scott Riggs Enterprises
Three time series winner Layne Riggs, son of former NASCAR driver Scott Riggs, looks for an opportunity to get back to chasing the CARS Tour championship in 2019. The Bahama, NC driver suffered an off track shoulder injury that took him out of contention for the championship hunt in 2018 but still managed a 6th in points.
Trevor Ward – Winston Salem, NC – MK Racing
In 2018 Trevor Ward competed full time on the tour in his rookie season. After a slow start to the year Ward and his family owned team peaked to close out the year. Ward scored his first career top five finish and lead laps at his home track of Ace Speedway, scored an MPI Steering Wheel Hard Charger award on his way to a 7th place finish at South Boston in the season finale and finished 4th at Martinsville in a non-CARS Tour sanctioned event, in what was career run for the Winston-Salem driver.
Brandon Pierce – Oak Ridge, NC – Lee Pulliam Performance
Brandon Pierce return to the CARS Tour after his rookie season. This season Pierce returns with a new team that will be a part of the Touring 12 program in 2019. After finishing 9th in the driver standings with Nelson Motorsports in 2018 Pierce has moved over to the Lee Pulliam Performance stable for the upcoming season.
Bobby McCarty – Summerfield, NC – Nelson Motorsports
McCarty scored the 2018 CARS Late Model Stock Tour championship, winning four races while driving for powerhouse team Nelson Motorsports. The Summerfield, NC driver has catapulted his name to being in the conversation as one of the best drivers in Late Model Stock racing right now. McCarty will look to do what no driver has ever done in any CARS Tour division - repeat as a tour champion.
Craig Moore – Rougemont, NC – Craig Moore Racing
Craig Moore is another driver/owner combo returning to the program for the second consecutive year. Moore had a disappointing 2018 season that saw some strong runs but no racing luck. That all changed at the season finale in South Boston when he shocked many in attendance by scoring an impressive first career CARS Tour win.
Mini Tyrrell – Manassas, VA – Timmy Tyrrell Racing
New to the tour after becoming age eligible in 2018, Mini Tyrrell, competed in the season finale at South Boston a season ago. The Manassas, VA youngster has been competing in Late Model Stocks for several years, but will compete for TORP Chassis Rookie of the Year honors this season on the CARS Tour circuit.
Ronald Hill – Rougemont, NC – Ronald Hill Racing
Ronald “The Thrill” Hill once again returns for his fourth full time season on the CARS Tour. The well-known veteran driver from Rougemont, NC finished 7th in series standings in 2018 and also scored his best career finish of 2nd at Myrtle Beach.
Bradley McCaskill – Wendell, NC – Renfrow-McCaskill Racing
Bradley McCaskill and his Renfrow-McCaskill Racing team return to the tour after a disappointing 2018 season. McCaskill, who is one of seventeen drivers in CARS Late Model Stock Tour history to score a win, looks to get his team back on track for the 2019 calendar year.
Deac McCaskill – Raleigh, NC – Boyce McCaskill
All time CARS Tour starts leader (44), Deac McCaskill, and his family owned team join the Touring 12 program for the first time in 2019. In addition to the most starts, McCaskill was the 2016 series champion and has the second most wins and career winnings in series history. McCaskill looks to get back to championship form after finishing 3rd in the standings with one win a season ago.
Justin Carroll – Concord, NC – John Carroll
Another family owned driver/team combo that will be new to the Touring 12 group in 2019 is 2017 Throwback 276 winner Justin Carroll. The Concord, NC driver has twelve tour starts to his credit with four coming each year dating back to the 2016 season. Carroll will finally make the jump to full time CARS Tour competition this season.
For additional information on the CARS Late Model Stock Tour and the CARS Super Late Model Tour visit www.carsracingtour.com. Be sure to stay active and social with the tour by liking “CARS Tour” on Facebook, following @CARSTour on Twitter, and scrolling through photos on Instagram cars_tour. Additional series information can be obtained by calling the CARS Tour series office, located in Mooresville, NC, at 704.662.9212.
CARS Tour PR
