Drivers Test at Memphis at Fast-Paced Field Trip

Three of NASCAR’s young guns tested at Memphis International Raceway on Friday in preparation for the K&N Pro Series Memphis 125 race on Saturday, June 3, with over 100 school children on hand.

Todd Gilliland and Chase Purdy, drivers of the No. 16 and No. 17 David Gilliland Racing Toyotas, along with Tyler Dippel, driver of the No. 30 Rette Jones Ford, turned fast laps around the 0.75-mile tri-oval in Millington, Tenn. before turning their attention to greeting the kids from nearby Goodlett Elementary School. The kids and their parents plan to come back and attend the race on June 3.
 
Gilliland, currently second in the K&N Series Pro East points, matched the kids’ enthusiasm when talking about NASCAR’s first race in Memphis after eight years
 
“I think these kids are in for a treat when they come back for the race,” Gilliland said. “It’s going to be a good race, a lot of side-by-side racing. Tires wear out a lot here so you’re going to see cars getting sideways. It should make for some great racing and for these kids, it’s definitely better than school.”
 
Purdy, who was raised in Mississippi, added, “It’s awesome to have NASCAR back in this part of the South. This track is awesome and these kids should see some great racing. It’s a fast track, although it’s bumpy down the backstretch and getting into turn one. It’s really cool where you have to stay on the bottom and not slide those tires too much.”
 
It was the second day of testing for Dippel, who believes the kids attending the Memphis race will see plenty of action.
 
“You’re going faster here than a lot of tracks so you have to race the track more,” Dippel said. “With this track where you’re going so fast, it looks like the best groove is on the bottom. With everybody trying to get to that bottom groove, I think fans can expect some aggressive racing.”
Tickets for the Memphis 125 start at just $20 with children 6-12 just $5 and those 5-and-under admitted free. For a $49 upgrade, fans can enjoy the VIP Experience which includes lunch with the drivers and a question and answer session with 21-time NASCAR Cup Series winner and current NBC analyst Jeff Burton.
To order tickets, visit racemir.com or call 901-WOW-Race (901-969-7223). The ticket office is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MIR PR