Tag: Jessica Brunelli

Top 10 Weekend for Brunelli

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Jessica Brunelli piloted the No. 2 Late Model to two top-10 finishes this weekend, including a fifth-place finish at Tri-County Motor Speedway on Friday night and a seventh-place finish at Hickory Motor Speedway on Saturday night. “It’s hard to complain about two top-10 finishes,” said Brunelli. “We did struggle with the car a little bit on Friday night, despite the fifth-place finish, but the guys worked hard to make some changes before practice at Hickory on Saturday to get it where it needed to be. We had an awesome qualifying lap, our best of the year at Hickory, and really had a good car for the race. It just took it a little bit to come in, which hurt us at the start of the race.” Brunelli qualified third at both Tri-County Motor Speedway and Hickory Motor Speedway. The third-place starting position at Hickory was the best of the year for Brunelli. Brunelli battled a loose race car to start the 50 lap feature at Hickory and dropped to ninth at the drop of the green flag as she waited for her car to come in. With the race going caution free, Brunelli had to earn her spots back on the track. She got stuck behind a pair of cars racing each other side-by-side for several laps. Brunelli remained patient and waited for an opening, and was able to pass both cars before the checkered flag. “It’s tough when you’re stuck behind two cars running side by side like that,” said Brunelli. “You try to be patient, but as the laps wind down, you’ve got to make a move. I waited for my opportunity and took it, and was able to pick up two spots on the track.” Brunelli now has six top fives and ten top 10s in 14 races this season. She has competed in six races at Tri-County Motor Speedway and eight races at Hickory Motor Speedway.

Weekend Preview: Late Models

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Jessica Brunelli and Katie Hagar are ready for another exciting weekend of racing at Hickory Motor Speedway. The two NASCAR Whelen All-American Series drivers will compete in Saturday night’s 100 lap feature for Revolution Racing. The two drivers got a little seat time this week away from the short tracks of North Carolina, participating in a Media Race Experience at Pocono Raceway along with teammates Michael Cherry and Ryan Gifford. Brunelli and Hagar were able to take a few laps around the 2.5-mile track, the longest track that either has driven in their career. Now the two will return their focus to short-track racing, heading to the 0.363-mile Hickory Motor Speedway on Saturday night.   Event Information: Late Model 100 Hickory Motor Speedway Saturday, July 17 at 7 p.m.   Jessica Brunelli Team: No. 2 Late Model  Crew Chief: Brandon Butler  Brunelli on her season with Revolution Racing: “It’s hard to believe we’re 11 races into the season already. I’m looking forward to these last seven races of the season. We’ve made a lot of progress as a team, and, individually I think I’ve made a lot of progress as a driver. I’ve learned so much about these cars from working in the shop and working side by side with my teammates and our crew chiefs at Revolution Racing.”  Fast Facts:
  • Six of Brunelli’s 11 races this season have been at Hickory Motor Speedway. Her best finish at the 0.363-mile track is third.
  • Brunelli has five top fives and seven top 10s in 11 races this season. She has been competing at Tri-County Motor Speedway and Hickory Motor Speedway.
  • At just 17 years old, Brunelli is the youngest of Revolution Racing’s late model drivers. She is completing her junior year of high school via online college prep independent study.

 
Katie Hagar Team: No. 3 Late Model Crew Chief: David Flynn Hagar on the Pocono Race Experience: “I had a blast going out to Pocono Raceway this week and having the opportunity to make a few laps around the track as part of the Media Race Experience. Everyone with the Pocono Race Experience is top-notch. I’ve never been on a track anywhere close to that big before, so it was like getting a sneak peak at what it will be like as we move up through the ranks for NASCAR and get approved to race on bigger tracks.” Fast Facts:
  • Hagar finished eighth in her last race at Hickory Motor Speedway on June 19.
  • Hagar has three top fives and eight top 10s in 10 races so far this season.
  • Hagar has raced late models in California for the last two seasons, competing at All American Speedway, Madera Speedway and Stockton 99 Speedway.
For more about Jessica Brunelli or Katie Hagar, check out their bios at www.revolutionracing.net

Move over Danica… (Mooresville Weekly)

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When Max Siegel and John Story started Revolution Racing, they had a vision of creating a developmental race team that would springboard drivers and crewmembers to NASCAR’s premier series. Not even a year later, their team is well on its way toward that goal, fielding six drivers in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series and four competitors in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series for 2010.  “We’re very happy with where we are as an organization after only a few months of operation,” Story said. “We’ve exceeded our expectations at this point, and we have no reason to believe that we won’t continue to do that.” What sets this racing outfit apart from any other NASCAR team? Read the rest at MooresvilleWeekly.com…

Strong Showing for Late Models at Tri-County

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Jessica Brunelli, Jason Romero and Megan Reitenour were at Tri-County Motor Speedway (Hudson, N.C.) Friday night with the Revolution Racing Late Model program. Romero finished second in the No. 3 Revolution Racing Late Model after earning his third pole of the year at the 0.4-mile speedway. “Revolution Racing continues to give us cars capable of running up front,” said Romero, who piloted the No. 3 car this weekend instead of his usual No. 2 Late Model. “Unfortunately we came up a little short tonight, but as a team we continue to show that we can run up front, win poles and win races. I’m looking forward to coming back next week for the Firecracker 150.” Brunelli started the race third in the No. 2 Late Model, and battled with the No. 57 and No. 28 car several times throughout the race. On lap 39, Brunelli moved ahead of Romero for second-place. The two battled side-by-side before Romero re-took the position at lap 42. Brunelli finished third. Reitenour finished sixth in the No. 5 Revolution Racing Late Model after qualifying fifth. Reitenour was sent to the rear of the field early in the race and had to battle her way back to the front. Reitenour, who had a strong race car all night, ended up stuck behind two cars battling side-by-side and was unable to get around them before running out of laps in the 50 lap feature. She finished sixth. Brunelli, Reitenour and Romero will return to Tri-County Motor Speedway Friday, July 2 for the Firecracker 150.

Romero Scores Season Best Finish

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Jason Romero scored his best finish of the season Friday night with a second-place run at Tri-County Motor Speedway in the No. 2 MBC Group Late Model. Romero’s teammates Jessica Brunelli and Katie Hagar finished third and fifth, respectively. “It was a good night for the entire Revolution Racing team,” said Romero. “My crew chief, Brandon Butler, put a great set up in the MBC Group Late Model tonight. Unfortunately we made a little contact with the wall early on, and that kept us from really contending for the win. We’ll take second-place tonight and come back next week fighting even harder for the win.” Romero qualified second for the 50 lap feature and took the lead on lap 2 after a three-way battle up front. Grant Wimbish was able to slide back under Romero to retake the lead at lap 3. The race went green for all 50 laps, and Romero was unable to overtake Wimbish’s No. 57 car. He settled for second, his best finish of the season. Brunelli qualified fourth in the No. 3 Late Model, and moved into third at lap 15. She pulled away from the rest of the field, running single-file behind Wimbish and Romero. Hagar qualified sixth and finished fifth after a hard fought battle with the No. 35 car. The two battled for the final 15 laps of the race, with the No. 35 unable to make a move to get around Hagar. With five to go, Hagar was able to pull away and finish fifth in the No. 5 AirTight Late Model. The three Revolution Racing drivers were also in action at Hickory Motor Speedway on Saturday night. Hagar finished eighth in the No. 5 AirTight Late Model after qualifying 10th for the 50 lap race. Romero, who qualified seventh, had worked his way up to fourth before he was spun out in turn 4 with six laps to go. He dropped to the rear of the field but was able to salvage a ninth-place finish in the No. 2 MBC Group Late Model. Romero remained positive about his weekend, despite missing out on a top-five finish: “This may have been the most fun I’ve ever had in a race car,” said Romero. “The car was hooked up tonight. I could run the high line in (turns) 1 and 2 and just pull away. It was awesome to have a car that could run like that. It’s a shame we got knocked to the back of the pack, but we learned so much out there tonight with our line and our set up. We’ll be good when we come back in a few weeks.” Brunelli qualified eighth in the No. 3 Late Model and was running in the top 10 before contact with the No. 15 car in turn 1 sent her spinning with 2 laps remaining in the race. She finished 11th. Romero will return to Tri-County Motor Speedway this Friday night, along with Revolution Racing teammates Becca Kasten and Megan Reitenour.

Weekend Preview: Late Models

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Michael Cherry scored Revolution Racing’s first late model win of the season last Friday night at Tri-County Motor Speedway and followed it up with a runner-up finish at Hickory Motor Speedway on Saturday. Now Jason Romero will climb behind the wheel of the No. 2 MBC Group Late Model, looking for similar success. Romero already has two poles at Tri-County Motor Speedway this year and is looking to add a tally to the win column. Katie Hagar will climb back into the No. 5 Late Model this weekend after several weekends off. Hagar’s last race was at Hickory Motor Speedway on May 15. Jessica Brunelli scored a pair of top fives last weekend at Tri-County Motor Speedway. This weekend she’ll pull double duty, racing the No. 3 Late Model at Tri-County on Friday night and at Hickory Motor Speedway on Saturday night.   Event Information: Late Model Stock 50 laps Tri-County Motor Speedway Friday, June 18 at 8 p.m.   Late Model Stock 50 laps Hickory Motor Speedway Saturday, June 19 at 7 p.m.   Jessica Brunelli Team: No. 1 Late Model Crew Chief: David Flynn Brunelli on the No. 3 car: “I’m excited to be back in the No. 3 car this weekend. We’re trying something different with the car this weekend and I think it’ll get us to where we need to be. We were pretty good last weekend at Tri-County and I know [crew chief] David [Flynn] and Matt [Montgomery] are working hard to give me a car capable of running up front. Now it’s up to me as a driver to get in there and show everyone that I have what it takes.” Fast Facts:
  • Brunelli made her first start of the season at Tri-County Motor Speedway last weekend. She finished fourth and fifth in the Twin 35 races.
  • After just seven starts this season, Brunelli has three top fives and four top 10s.
  • At just 17 years old, Brunelli is the youngest of Revolution Racing’s late model drivers. She is completing her junior year of high school via online college prep independent study.
  Katie Hagar Team: No. 5 AirTight Late Model Crew Chief: Danny Johnson Hagar on getting back behind the wheel: “Any driver wants to be in the car racing and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to be out there competing every week. With the way the program is set up this year, though, I’m not only getting the opportunity to race but I’m also getting the opportunity to work on the cars and learn from watching my teammates. I’ve seen Revolution Racing improve as a whole each week, and now I get to climb back in and take what we’ve learned and put it to good use.” Fast Facts:
  • Hagar’s last start in the AirTight Late Model was May 15. Hagar shares seat time with teammate Becca Kasten.
  • Hagar’s best finish of the season at Tri-County Motor Speedway is fourth. She finished a season-best fifth at Hickory Motor Speedway after starting at the rear of the 16 car field.
  • Hagar has raced late models in California for the last two seasons, competing at All American Speedway, Madera Speedway and Stockton 99 Speedway.
  Jason Romero Team: No. 2 MBC Group Late Model Crew Chief: Brandon Butler Romero on his return to action: “I’m really excited about the next couple of weeks. I’ve seen the success that Michael Cherry has had in the No. 2 car over the past few weeks and I can see the cars and team getting better. I can’t wait to go out there and run some good, consistent laps. Fast Facts:
  • Romero has won two poles at Tri-County Motor Speedway this season and tied for fast-time at a third event earlier this year.
  • Both Jason Romero and Michael Cherry are very hands-on with their race car, and support each other as mechanics on the weekends they are not racing.
In his first full season of racing late models at All American Speedway, Romero won four poles and 11 races on his way to the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series track championship.

Cherry Adds His Name to the Record Books

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Michael Cherry won his first career late model race at Tri-County Motor Speedway Friday night, becoming the first African American to win a late model race at the 0.4-mile speedway. Cherry won the pole and led all 35 laps of the race en route to his first career NASCAR Whelen All-American Series victory. “Man this has been a long time coming,” said Cherry, who is in his third season with Drive for Diversity. “I can’t thank everyone at Revolution Racing enough for believing in me and making this happen. A big shout out to my crew chief, Brandon Butler, John Story, Max Siegel and everyone else at Revolution Racing who had something to do with this win tonight.” Cherry started on the pole in the No. 2 MBC Group Late Model for both segments of the Twin 35 event after posting qualifying laps of 16.284 and 16.287 seconds. Cherry lost the lead on the first lap of the first 35 lap race, and was unable to retake the position from the No. 27 of Grant Wimbish. Cherry finished the race second, his third runner-up finish of the year at Tri-County Motor Speedway, but knew he had a car that was capable of winning. “I just wasn’t able to get back around the No. 27,” said Cherry. “He had a heck of a motor in that thing, but I think if we could have gotten by him we would have pulled away. Unfortunately we just couldn’t get back out front.” In the second 35 lap race, Cherry got that opportunity. He led the field to the green, and this time he didn’t relinquish the lead. He led all 35 laps on the way to his first career late model win, taking the checkered flag with a half of a straightaway lead over his Revolution Racing teammate Becca Kasten, who crossed the line second in the No. 5 AirTight Mechanical Late Model. The win also marks the first NASCAR Whelen All-American Series win for Revolution Racing, a team that has been making history all season in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. Darrell Wallace Jr., became the youngest driver and first African American winner in series history with his win at Greenville Pickens Speedway earlier this year. Last weekend, Ryan Gifford became the first African American pole winner in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East history. It is also the first win for crew chief Brandon “Chuck” Butler. “I’m just tickled to death to be a part of this team,” said Butler. “I think I wore out the bottoms of my shoes pacing back and forth in the pits during those 35 laps. I was confident we had the car to beat, but I also know how bad Michael wanted, and needed, this win. I was a nervous wreck for him. I’m just so glad we were able to get this first win for everyone at Revolution Racing.” Revolution Racing looks to continue its winning ways tonight at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway. Cherry, Kasten and teammate Megan Reitenour will compete in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model division. Photos Courtesy of L&D Photography

Weekend Preview: Late Models

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The Revolution Racing Late Models head back to Tri-County Motor Speedway Friday night, looking for the first win of the season for the driver development program. Revolution will also compete at Hickory Motor Speedway on Saturday. Becca Kasten, who has qualified on the front row for each of her three starts at Tri-County Motor Speedway this season, will pilot the No. 5 AirTight Late Model this weekend. Michael Cherry, who qualified third last weekend at Hickory Motor Speedway and was running second before a mechanical issue took him out of contention for the win, will drive the No. 2 Late Model this weekend. Jessica Brunelli and Megan Reitenour will split duties in the No. 1 Late Model this weekend for Revolution Racing. Brunelli will compete in the Twin 35s at Tri-County Motor Speedway Friday night before Reitenour takes over driving duties for the 50 lap race at Hickory Motor Speedway on Saturday.   Event Information: Late Model Twin 35s (2 races, 35 laps each) Tri-County Motor Speedway Friday, June 11 at 8 p.m.   Late Model Stock 50 laps Hickory Motor Speedway Saturday, June 12 at 7 p.m.   Jessica Brunelli Team: No. 1 Late Model Crew Chief: David Flynn Brunelli on the weather and racing: “I hope it doesn’t rain this weekend! I’m the only Revolution Racing late model driver who hasn’t had the opportunity to race at Tri-County yet, and I’d really like to get in that first start. It’s disappointing when we come out to the track and work all day only to end up getting rained out. I’ve raced in Formula cars before, and we have rain tires, so I’m not used to rain delays… I’m used to going out there and racing in the rain.”  Fast Facts:
  • Brunelli will be making her first start at Tri-County Motor Speedway this weekend after rain washed out her first two attempts earlier this year.
  • After just five starts this season, Brunelli has one top five and two top 10s, and is looking to add to that tally this weekend.
  • At just 17 years old, Brunelli is the youngest of Revolution Racing’s late model drivers. She is completing her junior year of high school via online college prep independent study.
  Michael Cherry Team: No. 2 Late Model Crew Chief: Brandon Butler Cherry on Tri-County Motor Speedway: “All three of the Revolution Racing late models have been fast at Tri-County Motor Speedway this year. I think any one of us has the ability to go out there and win races. As long as we can keep the weather on our side this weekend, I think we’ll have a shot at brining home two trophies.” Fast Facts:
  • Cherry qualified third for last weekend’s race at Tri-County Motor Speedway. He has two second-place finishes at the track this season.
  • Cherry qualified third at Hickory Motor Speedway last weekend and was running second at the half-way point before a mechanical issue ended his night early.
  • After nine races this season, Cherry has three top fives and eight top 10s. He’s competed at Caraway Speedway (Asheboro, N.C.), Hickory Motor Speedway and Tri-County Motor Speedway.
  Becca Kasten Team: No. 5 AirTight Late Model Crew Chief: Danny Johnson Kasten on racing at Tri-County and Hickory: “It seems like every time we’ve gone out to Tri-County we’ve been the fastest or second fastest car in the field. I think we have the right stuff to go out there and contend; we just need to get Mother Nature on our side so we can actually race. When we go over to Hickory, we’re still struggling a bit with the AirTight Late Model, but as a whole Revolution Racing is getting better. We can the fastest qualifying laps we’ve ever run out there last week, and we’re only going to continue to improve.” Fast Facts:
  • Kasten won the pole at Tri-County Motor Speedway earlier this year in the No. 5 AirTight Late Model. She qualified on the outside pole her other two trips to the track this season.
  • Kasten has four top 10s in seven starts this season. She has competed at Caraway Speedway (Asheboro, N.C.), Hickory Motor Speedway and Tri-County Motor Speedway.
  • 2010 is Kasten’s first season competing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Models. She previously competed in an ASA touring series.
  Megan Reitenour Team: No. 1 Late Model Crew Chief: David Flynn Reitenour on Hickory Motor Speedway: “The No. 1 Late Model has struggled a little bit at Hickory this season, but I think my crew chief, David Flynn, and teammate, Jessica Brunelli, hit on something with the set-up last week in the race that should help us a lot this weekend. Hickory is a tough race track, but I’m confident we’ll get it figured out and get back to running up front where we need to be.” Fast Facts:
  • Reitenour has had success at Hickory in the past, winning the Extreme Trophies 100 (Super Cup Stock Car Series) in 2008.
  • Reitenour has one top five and two top 10s this season in eight races.
  • When she’s not racing, Reitenour enjoys supporting charitable causes. She recently participated in the Jeff Gordon Foundation Ultimate Speed Event and the CARA Charities Fashion Show.

Disappointing End to Strong Run for Cherry

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Revolution Racing’s Michael Cherry put up his best qualifying effort of the year at Hickory Motor Speedway Saturday night, qualifying third for the 100 lap feature. Unfortunately for Cherry, a brush with the wall midway through the race knocked the exhaust loose on the No. 2 MBC Group Late Model and ended his night early. “It’s a shame. We had such a good run going and we knocked ourselves out of contention battling for the lead,” said Cherry. “It was a disappointing end, but we’ve definitely hit on something here that we can bring back next week and hopefully make another run at it.” Cherry was credited with a 10th-place finish. Cherry’s Revolution Racing teammates Jessica Brunelli and Becca Kasten also competed Saturday night. Kasten qualified eighth and finished seventh in the No. 5 AirTight Late Model. Brunelli qualified 11th and finished ninth, despite an ignition box issue on the No. 1 Late Model early in the race. The Revolution Racing Late Models were also at Tri-County Motor Speedway on Friday night, but the race was cancelled due to inclement weather. Brunelli, Cherry and Kasten will race Twin 35’s at Tri-County Motor Speedway Friday, June 11 before returning to Hickory Motor Speedway for a 50 lap event on Saturday, June 12.

Weekend Preview

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This weekend will mark the first stand-alone NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, and will also mark the first start at the historic speedway for all four Revolution Racing drivers. Coming off of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East/West Challenge at Iowa Speedway two weeks ago, the Revolution Racing team is ready to get back to short track racing. Event Information: UNOH Performance 200  Martinsville Speedway (Martinsville, Va.) Sunday, June 6 at 3 p.m. ET (TV: SPEED, June 10, 6 p.m. ET)   Track Information: Martinsville Speedway is a 0.526-mile, paperclip-shaped oval with flat straightaways and 12 degree banking in the turns.   Mackena Bell Team: No. 8 Chevrolet  Crew Chief: Jerry Babb Bell on turning her luck around at Martinsville Speedway: “Hopefully we left the bad luck out in Iowa and we can turn things around with a successful run at Martinsville Speedway. We’ve had good cars every week, but we just haven’t been able to put together the finishes we need. A solid run this weekend would go a long way for this No. 8 team.” Fast Facts:
  • This is a season of new tracks for Bell, who raced primarily on the West coast before relocating to North Carolina earlier this year. This will mark her first career start at Martinsville Speedway. 
  • Bell qualified 15th of 49 cars at Iowa Speedway. She blew a right front tire with 20 laps to go, hitting the turn four wall before the car caught on fire and came to rest in the tri-oval grass. 
  • Bell is the only female driver on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series entry list for this weekend’s UNOH Performance 200 at Martinsville Speedway. 
  Ryan Gifford Team: No 2 Chevrolet Crew Chief: Lee McCall Gifford on Martinsville Speedway: “Martinsville has so much history, it’s just crazy. I’ve always wanted to race at places like Martinsville; it’s the Mecca of short track racing. I’m big on short-track racing and the go-kart track I learned on was shaped a lot like Martinsville, but just a smaller version. It had long straights and tight turns.” Fast Facts:
  • Gifford’s string of top five finishes in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East came to an end last weekend at Iowa Speedway after pitting under green for a flat tire took him out of contention. 
  • Gifford has five top-five finishes in seven NASCAR K&N Pro Series East starts. 
  • After three races, Gifford is fifth in the 2010 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East points standings. 
  Sergio Pena Team: No. 4 Chevrolet Crew Chief: Mark McFarland Pena on short track racing: “I love short track racing. To me, short track racing is real racing for a driver. It’s hard to pass and you have to work for every position. I’ve never raced at Martinsville, but I’ve been told that I’m going to love it. I’m looking forward to racing on Sunday.” Fast Facts:
  • Pena is currently 15th in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East standings after three races. 
  • Pena made his NASCAR K&N Pro Series debut at the Toyota Showdown at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale in January. He qualified on the pole and finished second to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Joey Logano. 
  • On his off weekends from the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, Pena has been racing late models at Shenandoah Speedway where he has won three consecutive races and leads the points standings. 
  Darrell Wallace Jr. Team: No. 6 Chevrolet Crew Chief: Robert Huffman Wallace on Martinsville Speedway: “We turned some laps at Martinsville Speedway last fall in the late model, but unfortunately we didn’t make the big show up there. I’m looking forward to getting up there in these East cars against the competition in this series and seeing what we can do. We’ve had a great start to the season and we’re ready to keep it rolling.” Fast Facts:
  • Wallace finished third at Iowa Speedway two weeks ago, earning his second top-three finish in three races.
  • Wallace made his NASCAR K&N Pro Series East debut one for the record books, becoming the youngest driver (16 years, 5 months and 19 days) and first African American to win in series history. He led three times for 22 laps.
  • After three NASCAR K&N Pro Series East races, Wallace is third in the overall standings and second in rookie points.
  Three of Revolution Racing’s  late model drivers will also compete this weekend on the short tracks of North Carolina. The trio of Jessica Brunelli, Michael Cherry and Becca Kasten will have a double-header weekend, racing at Tri-County Motor Speedway (Hudson, N.C.) on Friday night and Hickory Motor Speedway Saturday night. Event Information: Late Model Stock 50 laps Tri-County Motor Speedway Friday, June 4 at 8 p.m.   Late Model Stock 100 laps Hickory Motor Speedway Saturday, June 5 at 7 p.m.   Jessica Brunelli Team: No. 1 Late Model Crew Chief: David Flynn Brunelli on getting her first start at Tri-County: “I think I’m the only Revolution Racing late model driver who hasn’t had the opportunity to race at Tri-County yet. We’ve had a series of circumstances that has kept us from getting in that first start, but I know we’ll be good when we get to racing. We’ve tested and qualified well out there, and my teammates have all had good runs there. Hopefully the weather will hold off this week and I’ll get to see what I can do in a 50 lap race.”   Fast Facts:
  • Brunelli will be making her first start at Tri-County Motor Speedway this weekend after rain washed out her first attempt on May 14 after a fourth-place qualifying effort.
  • After just four starts this season, Brunelli has one top five and is looking to add to that tally this weekend.
  • At just 17 years old, Brunelli is the youngest of Revolution Racing’s late model drivers. She is her junior year of high school via online college prep independent study.
    Michael Cherry Team: No. 2 Late Model Crew Chief: Brandon Butler Cherry on rebounding after a wreck: “Man we had a tough day at Hickory last weekend. We had a good car and we were just in the wrong place at the wrong time and got caught up in someone else’s mess. The guys worked hard this week to get the car put back together and we’ll go out there this week and race like nothing happened. Last week is history and we’ve got to go out there and race as hard as we can.” Fast Facts:
  • Cherry qualified fifth at Hickory Motor Speedway last weekend, but was involved in an on-track incident that sent him to the garage early.
  • Cherry has finished second in both of his starts at Tri-County Motor Speedway this season.
  • After eight races this season, Cherry has three top fives and seven top 10s. He’s competed at Caraway Speedway (Asheboro, N.C.), Hickory Motor Speedway and Tri-County Motor Speedway.
    Becca Kasten Team: No. 5 AirTight Late Model Crew Chief: Danny Johnson Kasten on last weekend’s top 10 at Hickory: “We battled with a loose race car all day at Hickory, and it showed in the race. Fortunately we were able to avoid the big wrecks and come away with a solid sixth-place finish. We learned what worked, what didn’t work and what we need to do to make the car better for this weekend. I think we’ll be able to run strong at both tracks this weekend with the No. 5 AirTight machine.” Fast Facts:
  • Kasten scored her best finish of the season last weekend at Hickory Motor Speedway, finishing sixth.
  • Kasten has four top 10s in seven starts this season. She has competed at Caraway Speedway (Asheboro, N.C.), Hickory Motor Speedway and Tri-County Motor Speedway.
  • 2010 is Kasten’s first season competing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Models. She previously competed in an ASA touring series.

Wild Night at Hickory for Late Models

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It was a wild night at Hickory Motor Speedway Saturday, with two of the three Revolution Racing late models getting caught up in the on-track wreck fest. Becca Kasten was the only Revolution driver able to finish the 50 lap race, wheeling her wounded No. 5 AirTight Mechanical Late Model to a sixth-place finish. “We were able to avoid the big wrecks and finish the race,” said Kasten. “Now we have a good baseline and we know what we need to do to make the car better. The No. 5 AirTight Mechanical car should be pretty good next week.” The Revolution Racing team showed improvements in qualifying this week, with Michael Cherry starting fifth, Kasten starting eighth and Megan Reitenour lining up 10th for the 50 lap feature. After a wreck-filled night in the support divisions, the late model feature went green until lap 27, when Kasten, who was battling a loose racecar, got tangled with the No. 36 car and both went spinning down the backstretch. Kasten avoided major damage and kept the No. 5 car in the race. The race went green for 10 more laps, until a three car wreck involving the No. 19, No. 88 and No. 2 of Cherry brought the yellow out again. Kasten was able to avoid the wreck, but Reitenour wasn’t so lucky. The breaks on the No. 1 car locked up while she was trying to avoid the incident, sending her car sliding into the outside wall. The night ended early for both Cherry and Reitenour. “It’s a shame we got caught up in the mess between the No. 19 and the No. 88,” said Cherry. “We had a good car and we were just in the wrong place at the wrong time and got caught up in someone else’s mess.” After a red-flag for another wreck at lap 39, Kasten’s goal was to bring the car home in one piece. Another spin nearly ended her night, but she hung on after the fourth and final caution, and picked up two spots to finish sixth. The Revolution Racing late model team will make repairs to the three cars and prepare for a double-header weekend, with Cherry, Kasten and teammate Jessica Brunelli racing at Tri-County Motor Speedway on Friday and again at Hickory Speedway on Saturday night. The Revolution Racing NASCAR K&N Pro Series East drivers will also be in action this weekend, racing at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday afternoon.

Romero on Pole for Rained out Race at Tri-County

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Jason Romero had another strong showing in the No. 2 MBC Group Late Model this weekend, setting the pole at Tri-County Motor Speedway (Hudson, N.C.) and finishing fifth at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway. Romero set fast-time at Tri-County Motor Speedway Friday night for the second consecutive week and was set to start the race fourth after the invert. Unfortunately for Romero and teammates Jessica Brunelli and Katie Hagar, who qualified fourth and fifth, inclement weather moved in cancelling the evening’s 50 lap late model race. Weather didn’t slow Romero at Hickory, however. With storms threatening, track officials moved up the start time for the 50 lap late model feature Saturday night. Romero, who qualified ninth, drove his way to a fifth-place finish in the event, crossing the line side-by-side with fourth-place finisher Ty Dillon. “We had a great run tonight,” said Romero. “The MBC Group late model was hooked up tonight and we were going to the front. Unfortunately we ran out of laps there at the end, but we’ve had two solid runs in a row here now. We’re getting better and I’m looking forward to coming back in a few weeks.” Romero’s Revolution Racing teammates Hagar and Brunelli finished 10th and 12th, respectively. The Revolution Racing Late Model program will take a weekend off before returning to Hickory Motor Speedway on May 29 with drivers Michael Cherry, Becca Kasten and Megan Reitenour.

Weekend Preview: Late Models

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As the weather heats up, so does Revolution Racing’s late model program. This weekend drivers Jessica Brunelli, Katie Hagar and Jason Romero head to Tri-County Motor Speedway and Hickory Motor Speedway with their sights set on a race win. Last weekend Romero set fast-time at Tri-County Motor Speedway, leading a one-two-three qualifying effort. His teammates, Megan Reitenour and Hagar qualified second and third respectively. With two late model poles at Tri-County, Revolution Racing is now ready for its first late model win of the season. Event Information: Late Model Stock 50 laps Tri-County Motor Speedway Friday, May 14 at 8 p.m. Late Model Stock 50 laps Hickory Motor Speedway Saturday, May 15 at 7 p.m.   Jessica Brunelli Team: No. 3 Late Model Crew Chief: David Flynn Brunelli on getting back in the car for Revolution Racing: “It’s been a while since I’ve raced the No. 3 Late Model. We got a new crew chief, David Flynn, since the last time I raced, so I’m excited to get to work with him this weekend. The Revolution Racing Late Model program has been getting better every week, and, even though I’ve had limited seat time this season, I’m excited to go out there and contend for wins.” Fast Facts:
  • Brunelli finished third in her first late model race at Hickory Motor Speedway on March 20; she has just three starts in the No. 3 Late Model this season, all coming at Hickory.
  • Brunelli is finishing her junior year of high school via online college prep independent study. She also works 20 hours/week at the race shop.
  • At just 17 years old, Brunelli is the youngest of Revolution Racing’s late model drivers.
  Katie Hagar Team: No. 5 AirTight Late Model Crew Chief: Danny Johnson Hagar on her first top fives of the season: “As a team we’ve made huge progress over the last few weeks, and it’s showing in our results across the board. I was out of the car for almost a month, so it was great to jump back in and come away with two top fives, especially coming from the pack of the field at Hickory.” Fast Facts:
  • Hagar finished fourth at Tri-County Motor Speedway last Friday night. She went on to finish fifth at Hickory Motor Speedway after starting 15th.
  • Hagar has two top fives and five top 10s in six starts this season. She’s competed at both Tri-County and Hickory Motor Speedway this season.
  • Hagar has raced late models in California for the last two seasons, competing at All American Speedway, Madera Speedway and Stockton 99 Speedway.
  Jason Romero Team: No. 2 MBC Group Late Model Crew Chief: Brandon Butler Romero on being ranked 35th in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national standings: “We’ve had some good runs this season and we’re only getting better and that shows in our national ranking. There’s still a lot of season left to go, and we have goals that we’ve yet to accomplish. We won the pole at Tri-County last week, and now it’s time to go out there and win races.” Fast Facts:
  • Romero finished fifth at Tri-County Motor Speedway last week after setting fast-time and starting third in the main event. He finished eighth at Hickory after being spun out on lap 6 and restarting from the tail end of the field.
  • Romero tied for fast-time at Tri-County Motor Speedway earlier this season.
  • In his first full season of racing late models at All American Speedway, Romero won four poles and 11 races on his way to the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series track championship.

Back-to-Back Top Fives for Romero

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Jason Romero had a solid weekend with the No. 2 MBC Group Late Model, following up Friday’s third-place finish at Tri-County Motor Speedway (Hudson, N.C.) with a top-five finish at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway on Saturday night. Romero’s fifth-place finish is his best of the season at the 0.363-mile bullring. Romero’s Revolution Racing teammates Katie Hagar and Jessica Brunelli finished 11th and 13th, respectively. “The MBC Group Late Model was good for us this weekend,” said Romero. “After running well at Tri-County last night, I knew we would have something for them here tonight. We ran a hundred laps of good, clean green-flag racing this weekend. This is what I came out here to do, and I can’t thank everyone at Revolution Racing enough for the opportunity.” Romero qualified sixth in the No. 2 MBC Group Late Model, and climbed as high as fourth during race, which went green for all 50 laps. Romero ran in a tight group of cars battling for position from third to seventh-place for much of the night. In the end, Romero settled for fifth, coming away with his second consecutive top five. Hagar, driving the No. 4 Late Model, started 11th and finished 11th. Brunelli, who was feeling under the weather for much of the day, started 13th and finished 13th in the No. 3 Late Model. Brunelli, Hagar and Romero will take the next two weekends off before returning to Tri-County Motor Speedway on Friday, April 30.

Romero Third at Tri-County

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Jason Romero earned his first top five of the season tonight, finishing third in the No. 2 MBC Group Late Model at Tri-County Motor Speedway in Hudson, N.C. Romero’s Revolution Racing teammate Katie Hagar finished ninth. “I had a great car tonight, I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” said Romero. “I have to thank everyone at Revolution Racing for all of their hard work in putting this thing together, and also Dexter Canipe Jr. and Sr. for helping us out tonight. I’m glad we were able to get a solid, top-three finish for the No. 2 MBC Group team.” Romero started the race on the outside pole after tying for fast-time with a 16.26-second lap. He slipped to fourth on the start, but was able to move back into third before lap 5 of the 50 lap feature. Romero challenged for second several times throughout the race, while holding off fourth-place Ty Dillon. The race went green for the distance and Romero came away with the third-place finish. Romero, Hagar and teammate Jessica Brunelli will race tomorrow night at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

Revolution Late Models Battle Caution Filled Night at Hickory

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Revolution Racing’s Jessica Brunelli, Katie Hagar and Jason Romero returned to Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway this weekend looking to build on what they learned in last weekend’s 100-lap season opener. What they got instead was a caution-filled 50 laps of door-to-door racing. Romero came away with a seventh-place finish in the No. 2 Distribution One Late Model, followed by Hagar in eighth in the No. 4 Late Model. Brunelli was battling for a spot in the top five when a broken wheel hub on her No. 3 Late Model brought out a late caution and ended her night before the green-white-checkered finish. “It was a crazy race with a lot of beating and banging out there tonight,” said Brunelli, who was credited with an 11th-place finish. “Unfortunately we had the issue with the hub that ended our night a few laps early. Everyone on the Revolution Racing No. 3 Late Model team worked hard tonight and it’s tough to see it end that way. Now we have to come back out here in a couple of weeks and show them we’re capable of running up front at the end.” Romero had a solid seventh-place finish after a 10th-place qualifying run. “We were good on new tires, but we were hitting the nose a little bit in qualifying which hurt our effort,” said Romero. “Fortunately we learned a lot in last week’s race and we were able to get the car rotating a little better in race conditions. We’ve got a lot of talented people in the Revolution Racing late model shop working hard to get these cars right, and we learn a little bit more and get a little bit better with every race.” Hagar fought through multiple on-track incidents to come away with an eighth-place finish. “It was a tough night for the No. 4 team, but we were able to stay on the lead lap and finish eighth,” said Hagar. “We got caught up in a couple of things on-track tonight, but we fought through it and didn’t give up. Everyone on this team worked hard and I think we showed our determination and perseverance. We’ve got next weekend off to regroup and I think we’ll come back stronger than ever.” Brunelli, Hagar and Romero will return to action April 9 at Tri-County Motor Speedway (Hudson, N.C.). They return to Hickory Motor Speedway for another 50-lap feature on April 10. Revolution late model drivers Michael Cherry, Becca Kasten and Megan Reitenour will race at Tri-County Motor Speedway April 2, followed by their first race at Caraway Speedway (Asheboro, N.C.) on April 3.

Brunelli Finishes Third In Hickory Debut

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Jessica Brunelli looked impressive in her debut at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway last night, coming from the back of the field to a third-place finish in the 100-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model race. Brunelli, Revolution Racing’s only late model rookie, had just two career late model starts going into this weekend’s race. Brunelli’s Revolution Racing teammates, Katie Hagar and Jason Romero, finished sixth and eighth, respectively. “I’m proud of myself and my team,” said Brunelli, driver of the No. 3 Revolution Racing Late Model. “I couldn’t have asked for a better car tonight… that was probably the best car I’ve ever raced. I’m glad I could give Revolution Racing a good finish in our first race here at Hickory.” A mechanical issue during her qualifying warm up lap forced Brunelli to miss her qualifying attempt and start at the tail-end of the 14 car field. That didn’t slow Brunelli down, however. By lap 35, she had worked her way into the top five and settled comfortably into the fourth position. Race leader Kyle Moon pulled into the pits with a flat tire on lap 65, moving Brunelli into third place. A restart with 15 laps to go gave Brunelli the opportunity to battle with the leaders, but she couldn’t advance her position and settled back into third. A late race charge by fourth-place Candace Muzny kept Brunelli on her toes. Muzny couldn’t make the pass and Brunelli crossed the line third for her career-best late model finish. Hagar, driving the No. 4 D4D Crew Member Development Program presented by Sprint Late Model, finished sixth after qualifying 12th. “I had my hands full tonight, that’s for sure,” said Hagar. “We didn’t get a lot of practice yesterday with the No. 4 D4D Crew Member Program Late Model, but I’m proud of all the hard work the guys put into getting the car ready for the race. We’ll go back to the shop and get it better for next week.” Romero finished eighth in the No. 2 Distribution One Late Model after a 10th-place qualifying effort.“It’s good to get the first race of the season out of the way and I’m looking forward to coming back out here next week and doing it all over again,” said Romero. “I can’t thank everyone at Revolution Racing, Drive for Diversity and Distribution One enough for their support. This is going to be a great season.” Brunelli, Hagar and Romero return to Hickory Motor Speedway next Saturday, March 27.

Weekend Preview: Hickory Motor Speedway

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The Revolution Racing late model program heads to Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway this weekend where three Revolution Racing drivers – Jessica Brunelli, Katie Hagar and Jason Romero – will make their season debut. Event Information: Late Model Stock 100 laps Hickory Motor Speedway Saturday, March 20 at 7 p.m.   Jessica Brunelli Team: No. 3 Revolution Racing Late Model  Crew Chief: Robert Huffman Brunelli on making her first late model start for Revolution Racing: “I’m excited to get racing, especially after watching my teammates race at Greenville Pickens Speedway last weekend. I’m not really familiar with a lot of the drivers out here that I will be competing against, so I’m looking to go out there and get a sense of who everyone is, how they drive, and really just learn as much as I can.” Fast Facts:
  • Brunelli earned one top-10 finish in two NASCAR Whelen All-American Series late model starts in 2009.
  • Brunelli earned Rookie of the Year honors in the NASCAR Whelen All‐American Series Modified division at All American Speedway (Roseville, Calif.) last season with 10 top fives and 13 top 10s.
  • At 17 years old, Brunelli is the youngest of Revolution Racing’s late model drivers.
  • Brunelli is completing her high school education (she’s currently a junior) through online college prep independent study, which allows her the flexibility she needs to race without sacrificing a quality education.
  • This is Brunelli’s first season participating in the Drive for Diversity program.
  Katie Hagar Team: No. 4 D4D Crew Member Development Program presented by Sprint Late Model Crew Chief: Mark McFarland Hagar on returning to the East Coast: “It was a great opportunity for me to go out to California and race for the last couple of years, but I’m glad to be back East where it’s easier for my friends and family to support my racing. It’s been a long time, nearly 10 years, since I’ve been to Hickory, and I know it’s a tough track. Everyone at Revolution Racing has been working hard to make sure we have what we need to go out there and be competitive.” Fast Facts:
  • Hagar has raced late models in California for the last two seasons, competing at All American Speedway, Madera Speedway and Stockton 99 Speedway.
  • In 2009, Hagar set the track qualifying record at Stockton 99 Speedway with a lap of 13.576 seconds.
  • Hagar made her first and only start at Hickory Motor Speedway in an Allison Legacy Car in 2000; she has also tested modifieds and late models at Hickory.
  • Hagar is in her third season with the Drive for Diversity program.
  Jason Romero Team: No. 2 Distribution One Late Model Crew Chief: Andy Santerre Romero on his first late model race away from All American Speedway: “I’m ready to get to Hickory where we’ll be competing against some of the best late model drivers in the country. Revolution Racing and the Drive for Diversity program have given me a great opportunity to come out to the East Coast after competing at All American Speedway for most of my career. There’s a big difference between the Western late models that I’ve been running and these truck-arm cars, but I’m learning all I can and I’m looking forward to a great season.” Fast Facts:
  • Romero finished the 2009 season 11th overall in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national points standings.
  • In his first full season of racing late models at All American Speedway, Romero won four poles and 11 races on his way to the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series track championship.
  • Romero was the recipient of the 2009 NASCAR Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award, which recognizes the achievements of female and minority drivers in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
  • This is Romero’s first season competing with the  support of the Drive for Diversity program.