Carlos Contreras; Rick Ware Racing Continue Bid To 100 At Kentucky

Carlos Contreras, the first Hispanic-born NASCAR driver continues his bid towards 100 career National Series starts this weekend at Kentucky Speedway in Saturday night’s VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300.

Contreras returns to Rick Ware Racing for the ninth time this season, following his last race at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway last month. Contreras has competed in 11 races thus far this season, three of those on road courses with another organization.

The Thomasville, North Carolina-based team however is dedicated on helping Contreras achieve his 100th career NASCAR National Series start in 2014. Currently, Contreras stands at 98 starts overall in a career that dates back to 1999.

Behind the wheel of the No. 23 38-Special Chevrolet Camaro, Contreras will make just his second NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) start at the 1.5-mile oval, the first since 2007. Additionally, he secures two top-20 finishes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS), dating back to 2002.

“I was at Kentucky Speedway when they ran their first NASCAR race back in 2001, so I always look forward to going back to a track that I was part of a little history,” said Contreras. “I continue to be appreciative for the effort that the Rick Ware Racing team has put in and I’m looking forward to having a good night on Saturday.”

Even though it’s been seven years since Contreras has competed in the bluegrass state, he’s aware that the track still holds its original racing surface, which be crucial towards the setup and ultimately outcome of Saturday night’s race.

“Kentucky Speedway was bumpy in 2007, I imagine it’s a lot worse now,” added Contreras. “Getting our No. 23 38-Special Chevrolet Camaro to handle through the bumps will be pivotal for the race this weekend. You can’t hide from them, but if we can make it to where the car is somewhat comfortable, our chances of a solid finish are realistic for sure.”

Car owner Rick Ware is looking forward to having Contreras’ back at the controls after a two-race break.   

“It’s been a lot of fun having Carlos drive for us this year and we’re looking forward to the weekend,” said Ware. “After Kentucky, we’ll only be one more race towards our goal of helping him achieve 100 starts across NASCAR’s national division. That’s important for us too. Just knowing that we’re a part of that gives us that motivation and desire to give him nothing less than 150 percent at the track.”

In addition to 38-Special, Lilly Trucking and Global Aircraft will serve as associate marketing partners for the 27th Nationwide Series race of the year, Contreras’s 99th NASCAR National Series start.

Following Kentucky, Contreras is schedule to pilot a Rick Ware Racing car at Texas Motor Speedway and the 2014 season-finale at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway in November.

Carlos Contreras PR