No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet News and Notes
Second Chance at Iowa... Cale Gale and the No. 33 Rheem team had a fast Chevrolet and a strong run during their last trip to Iowa Speedway, but late-race contact resulted in a 26th-place finish for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender.  After practicing inside the top 10 and qualifying sixth, Gale maintained his position near the front of the field.  Gale was racing in the seventh position on lap 182 when he and another competitor made contact as a result of tight racing coming off a restart.  The incident ended the night for both drivers as they emerged from their cockpits.  After spending the entire race in the top 12, Gale was credited with a 26th-place finish in the American Ethanol 200 at Iowa Speedway.

Sweet Home Alabama... Gale joined Eddie Sharp Racing (ESR) teammate Justin Lofton in Birmingham, Ala. on Friday afternoon to promote next month's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.  The teammates helped kick off the college football season with a tailgate party at WJOX-FM where they greeted fans and handed out free tickets before going to visit the third-grade students at Moody Elementary School.  The duo wrapped up their day at a private meet and greet with breast cancer survivors at America's First Federal Credit Union in Trussville, Ala.  The drivers surprised three lucky ladies with autographs and free tickets to the fred's 250 at Talladega Superspeedway.  After the event in Birmingham, Gale traveled to his hometown of Mobile, Ala. to join Rick Crawford and the staff at Mobile International Speedway as they announced their plans for 2013.  As the defending winner of the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Racing Series' Mobile ARCA 200, the driver of the No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet was available for interviews during a press conference to announce the ARCA Racing Series' return to Mobile on March 9, 2013. 

Cale Gale, driver of the No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet

Battling for Points... With just eight races remaining in the 2012 NCWTS season, Gale is currently ranked inside the top 15 of both the championship driver and owner point standings.  Gale, who has scored three top-10 finishes this season, is ranked 13th in driver points and 15th in owner points.  Currently second in the Rookie of the Year points, Gale is chasing down leader Ty Dillon.

Follow Cale... Follow Cale Gale, driver of the No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet Silverado, on twitter @CaleGale and Facebook (facebook.com/CaleGale), and check out CaleGale.com for the latest news and updates.

Get the Inside Scoop...  Follow Eddie Sharp Racing on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook to get real-time updates and behind-the-scenes information:  @TeamESR or facebook.com/teamesr.

Watch and Listen... The fight for the championship continues this weekend as competitors of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series return to Iowa Speedway on Saturday, September 15.  Get ready for all the action with coverage of qualifying from the 0.875-mile track on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET.  Live coverage of the American Ethanol 200 presented by Hy-Vee will be aired on SPEED, MRN & SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, channel 90, beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET.  

From the Driver's Seat

Cale Gale Quotes... On getting back to Iowa:  "I'm really looking forward to getting back to Iowa Speedway with the Rheem Chevrolet this weekend.  I enjoy the track and the style of racing there.  It's like a big Richmond-small enough where you use a lot of brake, but big enough that you still carry momentum through the corners.  We had a strong Rheem Chevrolet during our last trip to Iowa in July; we were good in practice and qualifying and were able to race inside the top 10 most of the night.  Hopefully this time we'll be able to stay out of trouble and bring home a solid finish.  Jerry [Baxter, crew chief] and all the guys have been working hard to make sure that we finish out the season strong.  I can't thank my team at Eddie Sharp Racing or my sponsor Rheem enough for standing behind me all year.  To be able to race a full season in the NCWTS has been a dream come true."

From the Pit Box                       

Jerry Baxter Quotes... On getting ready to race at Iowa Speedway:  "We're very excited to get back to Iowa Speedway with the Rheem Chevrolet this weekend.  We ran well in July, and plan to unload with our truck pretty similar to how we finished the last race.  The whole Rheem team has a lot of confidence going into the race this weekend; we know that we can run well at Iowa.  Hopefully we can stay out of trouble and keep up the momentum going into our first four-race stretch of the season."

ESR PR

This weekend, David Ragan and the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford will compete in the first race for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship at Chicagoland Speedway.  Although Ragan and his team are not eligible to compete for the championship, they are focused on a championship of their own.  Ragan and the No. 34 Ford team want to help bring Front Row Motorsports its best finish in its short history.

Carrying the message, "One Text or Call Could Wreck it All," from the U.S. Government Department of Transportation, Ragan enters Chicagoland 29th in the Sprint Cup points standings. That is already three positions higher than the team's previous best finish in the championship. But, Ragan, in his first year with the Bob Jenkins-owned team, is looking for a lot more. He wants to be closer to the top-25 when the season ends in Homestead-Miami in November.

"I didn't come over to Front Row to not help this team improve its performance," said Ragan.  "Everyone's goal was to race as hard as we could and get close to the top-25 or even top-20.  I think the top-20 is a bit out of our reach, but getting closer to the top-25 is attainable for us.  We just need to work hard, avoid trouble and see if we can race as smart as possible."

 Ragan comes into Chicagoland with nine top-25 finishes and one top-10 finish this season.

"We have had some good races and we have had races where we have had some bad luck, too," continued Ragan.  "I think we're ready to concentrate pretty hard and see what we can do over the last 10 races. We have some tracks where we can really have some good finishes.  I'd love to be able to get as high as possible in points and carry that momentum into 2013 with this team."

Ragan will first attempt to gain maximum points this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway.  Ragan has never finished outside the top-25 at the track and has one top-10 finish in Joliet.

FRM PR

California native David Gilliland comes to Chicagoland Speedway this weekend with some friends from his home state.  Encino, Calif.-based 1-800LoanMart will be the primary sponsor of the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports (FRM) Ford during this weekend's Geico 400.  The company signed as a multiple-race sponsor with the growing organization earlier this season.

Chicagoland Speedway, located in Joliet, Ill., will be the site of the first race in the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup.  The race and venue serve as the perfect location and time for 1-800LoanMart to return to the sponsor lineup at FRM.  Like Front Row Motorsports, 1-800LoanMart is still growing and looking to become a leader in its category.  1-800-LoanMart specializes in car title loans and serves customers in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Illinois and Missouri.  

"The start of the championship Chase at Chicagoland is a perfect time for us to return as a partner with Front Row Motorsports," said Colby Estes, director of marketing for 1-800LoanMart.  "We not only serve a lot of people in the state of Illinois, but we're also looking to grow and become the champion of car title loans.  We also see Front Row Motorsports and David Gilliland as people who are also growing to one day be in the Chase for the championship.  We've always said that this is a perfect fit for our company."

Gilliland and Front Row Motorsports have continued to grow this season with more partners off the track and better success on it.  Gilliland has eight top-25 finishes and is currently ranked 28th in championship points.    

"Yes, I do think we're improving as an organization," said Gilliland.  "Heading into this season our owner, Bob Jenkins, turned his attention to finding partners that wanted to help grow with our team.  I think we've had a lot of success in doing that.  I look at 1-800LoanMart as a perfect example of a growing company that is a perfect partner for us. Being from the west coast, I know that this company has really become popular in that area.  Now, moving into the Midwest, Chicagoland is a great track for them to be a sponsor this weekend.

"And, on the track, I think we have started to see a bit more improvement," continued Gilliland.  "Sure, we have a lot more to improve on, but our funding is becoming stronger, our relationship and information from Ford has increased and the team is always looking for ways to improve.  We're not in the Chase this weekend, but this organization is moving in the right direction to one day be in it."

Gilliland and the No. 38 1-800LoanMart team will begin their weekend Friday with practice and continue Saturday with qualifying and the 400-mile feature on Sunday.

FRM PR

Chandra and Jimmie Johnson announced today the release of their self-published book, On The Road. The 208-page, hardcover book chronicles Johnson’s 2011 unsuccessful quest for an historic sixth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.

The book reveals lifestyle photographer Missy McLamb’s unprecedented access to all aspects of the Johnsons’ lives, from the frustrations of ending his record-breaking winning streak to the joys of fatherhood with then 1-year-old daughter Genevieve. NASCAR’s 10-week playoff known as the Chase serves as the backdrop for this first-hand account of the emotional toll running for a championship takes on Johnson, his family and team.

“I don’t think many people realize just how consuming and stressful the Chase can be,” said Chandra Johnson, who helped spearhead the project. “Most fans know what happens on the racetrack. This was a unique way for us to show what happens behind the scenes.”

The book was self-published by the Johnsons and packaged for publication by designer Mark Pollard. Pollard’s history of book design includes editions with Stephen King, Roy Rodgers and The Pace Gallery. He is an award-winning designer for the film industry and has worked with such renowned directors as Wes Anderson, Darren Aronofsky, Jim Jarmusch and Todd Haynes, whose mini-series, Mildred Pierce, was the 2011 Creative Arts Emmy winner.

A limited release of 2,000 copies will be available for purchase exclusively trackside at the No. 48 merchandise hauler starting Friday (Sept. 15) at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill. The track is the site of the first race in this year’s 10-race Chase where Johnson will begin his quest for a sixth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. Johnson will sign books at the merchandise hauler Saturday (Sept. 16) immediately following the Nationwide Series race. He will hold additional signings at track during the Chase while supplies last. In addition, copies are available at jimmiejohnson.com.

“This really was a passion project for Chani and me,” Johnson said. “Missy (McLamb) had unlimited access to our family, as well as the team. She did a wonderful job of capturing the emotional roller coaster that is the Chase. It’s a perspective fans typically don’t get to see.”

A gallery showing of select prints will take place Oct. 13-20 in Charlotte, N.C. For more information, visit ontheroadstudio.com.

TSC PR

Midwestern Hospitality: Following a week away from the track, ToddBodine travels to Iowa Speedway this weekend with his No. 11 Toyota Care team in the midst of a battle to turn his season around. Since pulling into victory lane at Dover in June, Bodine has fallen victim to a streak of bad luck and slipped from sixth to 14^th in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver point standings. Though many situations have been out of his control, the two-time series champion believes there's a big advantage to racing in front of a large crowd of passionate fans. Fortunately for Bodine, the enthusiastic fan base that Iowa provides may be just the ticket to help him get fired up and back on track.

"From the first time any of us made the trip out to Iowa the fans have been so receptive and appreciative of us to coming to put a show on for them. Every autograph session has been packed and the stands are always full. It's something that we really pay attention to because it gets you pumped up knowing that you've got a crowd to perform for. It just makes it that much better for us to come out there knowing that we're appreciated," Bodine explained.

Visiting Prairie Meadows: In town for the Iowa Speedway festivities? Come meet "The Onion" during a special appearance at Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino on Tuesday evening, September 11, from 7 to 8:30 pm.  He will be signing autographs and greeting fans in the Finish Line Lounge, and also randomly selecting the names of fans who have signed up to win tickets to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series American Ethanol 200 presented by Hy-Vee on Saturday night.

Fan Friendly Garage: Catering to the exceptional NASCAR fan base in the Midwest, Iowa Speedway and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will provide an "open garage" this weekend, giving the fans a chance to get up close to their favorite teams and drivers. The series drivers' meeting will be held under the grandstands, accessible to the fans.

Previous Race Recap:Admittedly a fan of the fast, slick 1.5-mile oval, Bodine entered the Jeff Foxworthy's Grit Chips 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway with a solid record and a chance to reverse his bad luck. After racing his way inside the top-10 early in the evening, Bodine began to slide back through the field while dealing with handling woes in his Tundra. A long green flag run put the No. 11 Toyota Care machine one lap down to the leaders, and unable to get his lap back, Bodine finished the night in 21^st.

Todd Bodine on Iowa Speedway

What are the biggest challenges for you at Iowa?

Iowa is one of the tracks where you really need everything to go right. You have to have good track position, a truck that'll handle well with big horsepower and good braking to get it to stop in the corner. The whole package like that is hard to get, that's why every aspect of the game makes a difference.  

If you had a choice, would you pick more intermediate tracks or short tracks?

I don't know that I would pick one or the other, but I really like tracks with challenges. Whether it be a speedway, intermediate or short track, they all have their own set of challenges and characteristics. I enjoy tracks that are not easy to drive because it separates the good teams and good drivers from the bad.

Red Horse Racing PR

Combination for Success: Parker Kligerman and the rest of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series competitors travel to Iowa Speedway this Saturday for the American Ethanol 200 presented by Hy-Vee with eight races remaining on the 2012 season docket.  Sitting fourth in the series championship point standings, Kligerman enters Iowa Speedway with two previous starts to his credit and distinctly remembers the passionate fan base and energy surrounding race weekends in the Midwest. He knows it won't take just one specific component to be successful, but is looking forward to taking on the challenge with his No. 7 Red Horse Racing team and fan support behind him.

"Iowa is the short track that thinks it's a speedway. We come there with the mentality that we are going to work on mechanical grip but the speeds are fast enough that the aerodynamics come into play too. It also has multiple grooves which the drivers like and it's definitely unique in its size and speed. So all of those things combined kind of make it a place that's challenging, but we look forward to going to, especially twice because we don't really get to see that often in our schedule," Kligerman said.

"I feel like every time I've run there it's been a show worth coming to. It shows in the fans that show up in the grandstands and we really get excited about places that the fans get excited about."

Fan Friendly Garage: Catering to the exceptional NASCAR fan base in the Midwest, Iowa Speedway and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will provide an "open garage" this weekend, giving the fans a chance to get up close to their favorite teams and drivers. The series drivers' meeting will be held under the grandstands, accessible to the fans.

Previous Race Recap: Looking to give Red Horse Racing owner Tom DeLoach his first intermediate track win on one of his personal favorite tracks, Parker Kligerman traveled to Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday with high hopes. Driving up into the top-five twice during the Jeff Foxworthy's Grit Chips 200, Kligerman showed he was capable of competing with the top competitors in the field. Fast pit stops and perseverance through tight handling conditions helped Kligerman score his third top-five finish in as many races with Red Horse Racing, finishing fourth.

Chassis History: The No. 7 Red Horse Racing team has prepared chassis no. 004 for battle at Iowa Speedway this weekend. This Tundra has only seen one previous race with teammate Timothy Peters behind the wheel and is the newest machine in the Red Horse Racing stable.                                                                                                          

Racing for Awareness: Toyota Racing kicked off 'Racing For Awareness' last Friday, a friendly competition among women affiliated with the Toyota NASCAR program to design t-shirts that will support breast cancer awareness. Among the participants are two members of the Red Horse Racing family, Sara Peters, wife of driver Timothy Peters, and Janet Bodine, wife of driver Todd Bodine. The winning design will be selected from fan votes and produced during the Charlotte race weekend in October, and Toyota will donate $500 in the name of each participant to Carolina Breast Friends in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Vote at www.toyotaracing.com/RacingForAwareness  now through Oct. 4, 2012.

Parker Kligerman on Iowa Speedway

What's it going to take to run up front at Iowa?

I think Iowa has a tendency to rely a lot on your ability to create a car or truck that turns really well in the center of the corner while having the stability on exit with the aerodynamics of it. If you can turn in the center and make the front end turn you'll be better, at Iowa you need mechanical grip in the middle, but you have to rely on aerodynamics for the exit of the turns to be successful.

What are your feelings on the open garage and fan interaction?

We wouldn't race if it weren't for the fans; they allow us to do what we love and hopefully they love what we do. If we can give them a slice or another glimpse inside the NASCAR world and the garage, and if that means opening up the garage to them for another look, I have no problem with it. I love to see the enthusiasm that shows when we get a bunch of fans in the garage. Hopefully that adds to them wanting to come back to the track and watch on TV, which all helps our series and adds to our ability to find sponsors and be able to race.

Red Horse Racing PR

Repeating History: Returning to the site of his first win in 2012, Timothy Peters will pilot the No. 17 Red Horse Racing Toyota Tundra this weekend at Iowa Speedway for the American Ethanol 200 presented by Hy-Vee. After sitting on the pole, leading nearly half of the laps and claiming the win in July, Peters is ready to re-visit the 0.875-mile oval and repeat history.    

"There have been several times this year where we've come so close to a win, and leading all the laps at Bristol was huge for us, but Iowa was special for me because it kind of reminded me of my late model days. We sat on the pole, I think our average running position was 1.5, we had a really good truck and we won the race," Peters said.

Still sitting first in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) point standings for the seventh week in a row, Peters and his crew are focused on the big picture, but haven't lost sight of individual goals. Continuing with the strategy they've used since Daytona, the entire No. 17 Red Horse Racing team is confident in their chances this weekend and beyond.

"My crew chief, Butch Hylton, has been around for a while and knows how to lead our crew through any situation that comes our way," Peters explained. "Basically, we look at it as our next practice or next race is the most important thing to our team. You can't look too far ahead or get all wrapped up in what's going on, because that's when bad things happen. When we led every lap at Bristol and won, we had discussed before the race that we weren't going to worry about points, we were just going to go out and win the race. And that's what we did. That mentality has really helped us so far and hopefully will carry us into Homestead in November."

Fan Friendly Garage: Catering to the exceptional NASCAR fan base in the Midwest, Iowa Speedway and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will provide an "open garage" this weekend, giving the fans a chance to get up close to their favorite teams and drivers. The series drivers' meeting will be held under the grandstands, accessible to the fans.

Previous Race Recap: Coming off a dominating victory at Bristol Motor Speedway, NCWTS championship points leader Timothy Peters aimed to ride his momentum into Atlanta Motor Speedway on Friday. Topping off a short practice with an eighth place qualifying effort, Peters battled through traffic and a variety of handling conditions throughout the Jeff Foxworthy's Grit Chips 200. Solid pit stops and consistent driving by Peters kept the team out of trouble and near the front most of the night, securing a 13^th place finish.

Racing for Awareness: Toyota Racing kicked off 'Racing For Awareness' last Friday, a friendly competition among women affiliated with the Toyota NASCAR program to design t-shirts that will support breast cancer awareness. Among the participants are two members of the Red Horse Racing family, Sara Peters, wife of driver Timothy Peters, and Janet Bodine, wife of driver Todd Bodine. The winning design will be selected from fan votes and produced during the Charlotte race weekend in October, and Toyota will donate $500 in the name of each participant to Carolina Breast Friends in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Vote at www.toyotaracing.com/RacingForAwareness  now through Oct. 4, 2012.

Timothy Peters on Iowa Speedway

What were some of the key factors that led to your win in July?

It really goes back to how good this team and Butch Hylton really are. Our Toyota Tundras have been fast all year, and they do whatever it takes to get the job done. It's hard to do as well as we did at Iowa last time, and at Bristol, and win races like that; especially with the competitive field we race with today. I'm proud of what we have accomplished so far no matter what and we're going to be just as aggressive this time around and hope for the same result.

What are you looking forward to the most when returning to Iowa?

I'm looking forward to going back to Iowa because it's a good short track and I really enjoy short track racing. It's a track that really puts a lot on the driver because it's fast, and you really have to have a good truck that handles well too. But the bar is set pretty high after our performance last time; when we go back it seems like we need a win or nothing else.

Red

Red Horse Racing PR

Fresh on the heels of announcing a reunion of lifelong friends joining forces for the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, FAS Lane Racing is proud to announce that North Country Ford will sponsor the team in this historic event.  The Frank Stoddard led team will field the No. 32 North Country Ford that will be driven by Stoddard’s lifelong best friend Mike Olsen in the running of the Sylvania 300 on Sunday September 23, 2012.

“Wow, this deal just keeps getting more special the closer we get to the Loudon race,” stated FAS Lane Racing team owner Frank Stoddard. “It is something very special for Mike and I to get the opportunity to work together at the highest level of NASCAR.  But now to have a local company step up and want to be a part of it really does complete the special package we take into Loudon next week.  I hope folks in Northern New Hampshire will stop in to North Country Ford and show them thanks for being a part of this historic day for everyone that grew up in a small town of New Hampshire with big dreams.”

North Country Ford was founded in 1959 by Alexander Kopp and today is three generations strong.  Alexander's son Kevin joined the business in 1966 and became a partner with his father in 1980.  Mike and Keith Kopp joined the business in 1990 and 1995 respectively and became owners and partners in 2008 upon the retirement of their father Kevin.  After over 50 years of representing the Blue Oval they are still the same family, same name and same location.  The Kopp brothers have been stock car racing enthusiasts since childhood and that tradition has carried on to their sons who are both Saturday night drivers at the local short track. 

“The Kopp family and folks from North Country Ford in Lancaster, NH are very excited to team up with FAS Lane Racing and driver Mike Olsen,” added Keith Kopp.  “As a third generation family owned Ford dealership based in northern New Hampshire, we are very proud to be supporting the efforts of these two natives.  Frank Stoddard and Mike Olsen are two local boys who have made good in the world of NASCAR.  Mike and I jumped at the chance to support the No. 32 Ford Fusion at NHMS and promote the Ford brand that we all so proudly represent.”

WWI PR

It’s a busy and important time in the life of No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota driver Martin Truex Jr. - and that’s just describing the time before he arrives at Chicagoland Speedway for Sunday’s first of 10 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup races.

Truex joined the other 11 Chase drivers this week fanning across America to promote the sport in the ‘Chase Across America’ national media tour. The Michael Waltrip Racing driver’s schedule includes an early Tuesday flight to Kansas to spend several hours with Sprint executives, members of the National Guard and local media before traveling to downtown Chicago. Truex and all Chase drivers will appear Wednesday at the House of Blues in the annual Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Media Day. After an 11:15 a.m.– 1 p.m. media availability, he’ll participate in ‘NASCAR Contenders Live’- the ultimate question-and-answer fan event staged by Toyota and Sprint. He’ll end the night at a NASCAR dinner

After filming an ESPN feature. Truex will host a NAPA go-karting event before arriving at Chicagoland Speedway Thursday evening.  Friday and Saturday includes practice and qualifying before Sunday’s race where he will start in a ninth-place tie just 12 points out of the Chase lead.

ON THE CHASE ACROSS AMERICA: “It’s going to be nuts but I am happy to be a part of it. I have been trying to get back in the Chase since 2007. We are going to Kansas on Tuesday for a media event at Sprint headquarters then on to Chicago Tuesday night and all day Wednesday. I know we are going to the House of Blues for a big media/fan event sponsored by Toyota, which should be fun. It should be a great week for everyone involved. The team is fired up and we are ready to get going and see if we can win this thing.”

ON GETTING A SOLID START IN THE CHASE: “I think it’s pretty important to get off to a good start in the Chase. I don’t think it’s devastating if you don’t but I think it’s important to get the momentum heading in the right direction. Chicago has been a good track for us in the past and I think we have a really good shot at a solid finish there. I think it’s a great place for us to gain some valuable momentum for the start of this Chase.”

ON HAVING TWO CARS IN THE CHASE: “I think it’s going to be helpful to have Clint (Bowyer) in the Chase. He brings a lot of experience and knowledge of the Chase. It’s also helpful to have a team not in the Chase. They can take some chances and work on some stuff that maybe we wouldn’t chance in the next 10 weeks. I think we have a good mix. Obviously, it’s been a total team effort from all three teams to get us where we are this year. I feel like that needs to continues over these Chase weeks. I just think it’s awesome that we have two cars strong enough to be in the Chase and three cars strong enough to win each week.”

MWR PR