LANGLEY SPEEDWAY SELECTED AS DRIVE FOR DIVERSITY COMBINE HOST

CONCORD, NC (June 29, 2012) Rev Racing announced today that it has selected Langley Speedway to serve as host for the 2012 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine to be held October 16-18, 2012. “We’re excited about returning to Langley Speedway,” said Derik Crotts, General Manager of Rev Racing. “They have excellent facilities and have tremendous support from the community. We’re looking forward to another great Combine and the opportunity to evaluate and develop NASCAR’s next group of stars.” The Combine is NASCAR’s premier event used to review, evaluate and select its Drive for Diversity Program race car drivers for the 2013 race season. The Combine evaluation process consists of a complete assessment of drivers based on their physical fitness, driver resume, media aptitude, driver communications/knowledge anddriving skill (on and off track). Diverse aspiring drivers are encouraged to find more information and apply at revracing.net. Tracks from across the nation had the opportunity to submit their application to host the 2012 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine. In addition to Langley Speedway, four other tracks, which submitted compelling and unique proposals, were reviewed as contenders. Sites were selected based on their ability to adequately fulfill NASCAR and Rev Racing’s requirements to effectively assess and evaluate each participant. The selection panel, which included members from Rev Racing and NASCAR, evaluated each proposal based on elements such as direct cost, resources required and community involvement and support, stated Crotts. “It was a tough process, with several good opportunities provided for our consideration,” added Crotts. “ In the end, Langley presented the most cost effective option for the Combine, while at the same time meeting or exceeding all of our other requirements.” Submissions for the 2012 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine will be accepted through August 1st, 2012. For more information and to apply visit RevRacing.net or contact Ade Herbert at 704.455.7556.

Top 10 Finish for Rev Racing’s Dylan Smith In Summer Shootout Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway

CONCORD, NC (June 28, 2012) Coming back from a difficult start to the Jack in the Box Summer Shootout Series, at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Rev Racing’s Dylan Smith experienced his first top-10 finish of the season in Tuesday night’s NOS Energy Legend Car Semi-Pro feature. Starting 20th in what was supposed to be a 25-lap feature race, Smith quickly jumped into the 14th position after avoiding a multi car crash on lap two. After the restart, Smith continued to push the legendary No. 34, into the top-10 within three laps. After the second caution flag of the night flew on lap seven, Smith, who felt like he had one of the strongest cars in the 30 car field, was holding steady in eighth. After falling back two positions on the restart, Smith avoided a second multi car crash in turn four. Due to excessive and extended caution periods, track officials ended this race after the final restart on lap 10, where Smith was able to push his way back to ninth when the checkered flag was waved. Although happy with this top-10 finish, Smith said that he was hoping that this race would go its full distance. “It seems like there was a caution every other lap and I was dodging a lot of wrecks, but we had a top-5 car and I would have liked to have had the opportunity to prove it,” said Smith. “Fortunately, my Rev Racing team has given me a strong car that not only did well tonight, but will be ready for next week’s 3rd Annual Legends Big Money 100.” Smith will feature his legendary Max Siegel, Inc.,Toyota and Langley Speedway No. 34 in next Tuesday’s Big Money Legend Car Semi-Pro feature, at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Three Top 10’s For Rev Racing in Visit Hampton, VA 175

CONCORD, NC (June 25, 2012) Rev Racing brings home three top-10 finishes in Saturday night’s action packed Visit Hampton, VA 175, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at Langley Speedway. Rev Racing rookies, Bryan Ortiz and Kyle Larson, bring home sixth and seventh place finishes, while teammate Jorge Arteaga cracked the top-10 for the first time this season. The night started off well with three of four Rev Racing drivers, Larson, Ortiz and Ryan Gifford all qualifying inside the top-10. They maintained their positions for most of the night and by lap 66, Arteaga joined his teammates inside the top-10. What was shaping up as one of Rev Racing’s best nights of the season was spoiled by a couple of late race accidents. After the sixth of eight cautions on the night, and with only 20 laps remaining in the race, Larson, in the No. 6 Rev Racing and L&M Ethanol Maintenance Contracting, Inc. Toyota Camry, was spun coming into turn one and would end up near the back of the pack, in 17th position. Larson continued to work his way back through the field when teammate, Gifford, running in 10th, also experienced the wrath of short track racing when he tried to avoid a wreck involving the No. 99 of Travis Pastrana. The incident resulted in a flat left rear tire on the No. 2 Universal Technical Institute/NASCAR Technical Institute Toyota Camry and the resulting pit stop caused Gifford to lose a lap. With less than eight laps remaining in the race, this ended the teams’ hopes of all four drivers finishing in the top-10. With just three laps remaining, Larson had made a spectacular drive through the field, coming from 17th to seventh in just 14 laps, and battled his teammate, Ortiz, to the finish. At the line, Ortiz would maintain his sixth place position and Larson would follow in seventh. Holding off the remainder of the competition, teammate, Arteaga, came home with his first top-10 since his 2010 season with the K&N Pro Series East. After losing his car early at Gresham Motorsports Park, Bryan Ortiz, winner of the Sunoco Rookie of the Race and Featherlight Most Improved Driver awards, was excited to have another top-10 finish. “This was a tough race and I am really happy with this finish,” said Ortiz. “My No. 4 Toyota/ Toyota Racing Development Camry team worked hard this week and will continue to work hard for a win this season.” Larson, who was hoping to follow up his recent win at Gresham Motorsports Park with another, said that he was grateful for a top-10 after being spun out with just 20 laps to go. “Competition was tough tonight and I am just happy that I was able to work my way back up to the top-10 in such a short time,” added Larson, who finds himself 3rd in series points and leads the Rookie of the Year standings at the halfway point of the season. Rev Racing’s NASCAR K&N Pro Series East drivers will make their return to the track in the Samuel 150, at CNB Bank Raceway Park, in Clearfield, PA, on Saturday, July 14.

Winston-Salem State University’s Diversity in Motion Initiative, Winston-Salem, NC – Stop #6

We were fortunate to partner with the Motorsports Management Dept. at Winston-Salem State University for their Diversity in Motion Initiative on June 26th and 27th. The initiative was held at two separate summer camps in the Winston-Salem area and served the purpose of introducing aspects of the NASCAR industry to a group of kids who may not have had previous experiences with the sport. NASCAR Diversity’s Edwin Walker was also on hand to assist our outreach efforts. The initiative received news coverage by two media outlets, Fox 8 (High Point) and News 14 (Greensboro).

NASA’s Langley Research Facility/ Virginia Air & Space Museum – Stop #5

Our outreach activities in the Langley/ Hampton area revolved around partnering with NASA’s Rockets to Race Cars initiative on June 22nd. The day began with a chaperoned tour of various facilities at NASA’s Langley Research Center, and concluded with a driver meet and greet at the Virginia Air and Space Museum. Bonnie Murray (NASA) hosted the four Rev Racing K&N drivers, Rev Racing’s PR staff, and Edwin Walker (NASCAR) on a tour that included visits to the Rapid Prototyping lab, the Landing and Impact Research Facility (or Gantry) where soft wall testing and development was conducted, and a 14×22 foot wind tunnel. While visiting the Gantry, our group was able to meet and speak with Richard Boitnott, Lead Test Engineer for the new Orion space capsule landing systems. Richard and his colleague Robin Hardy showed a video of the testing that took place at the Gantry in efforts to design the newest way to bring astronauts back from their space missions. Following the tour, the group attended an event with NASA summer campers at the Air and Space Museum. The drivers were on hand for a Q&A session, and signed a few hero cards for the kids as well as race fans that were in attendance.

Rev Racing Ready for Langley Speedway

CONCORD, NC (June 21, 2012) After coming off its first win of the season, Rev Racing is looking forward to this weekend at Langley Speedway, in Hampton, VA. The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East heads to the oldest consecutively running short track in the country this Saturday, June 23, for the Visit Hampton, VA 175. Last season Rev Racing saw former Drive for Diversity team member, Sergio Peña, pick up a win at Langley. With that in mind, and carrying momentum from the win at Gresham Motorsports Park, with 2012 rookie, Kyle Larson, the team is more than ready to get back to the track this weekend. As the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East reaches its halfway point in the 2012 season this Saturday, Rev Racing’s Larson finds himself only three points out of the Series lead and seven points ahead of teammate, Bryan Ortiz, in the Rookie of the Year standings. “I am looking forward to jumping back into the No. 6 Rev Racing and L&M Ethanol Maintenance Contracting, Inc. Toyota Camry this Saturday,” said Larson. “While the points battle is exciting, I am more interested in putting the No. 6 back in victory lane this weekend.” Following his best finish at Bowman Gray Stadium recently, Ortiz said that he is looking forward to racing at this .395-mile flat track. “I am ready to get back in the driver’s seat this weekend and have a great run for myself, my family, my crew, including my spotter who is originally from this area, and partners, including Toyota and Rev Racing.” Ortiz also hopes that this finish will put him back in contention for the Rookie of the Year points battle against teammate, Larson. “My crew works so hard and deserves to be in the front contending for a great battle with my teammate, Larson.” After finishing outside of the top 20 last year at Langley Speedway, Rev Racing driver, Ryan Gifford, said that he is looking forward to ending this Saturday night’s race on a much higher note. “We had a tough time here last year, but this team has continued to work hard and improve this season and I feel good about a stronger finish this weekend.”

Pair Of Top 10 Finishes For Rev Racing at Hickory Motor Speedway

CONCORD, NC (June 18, 2012) Despite obstacles standing in their way, Rev Racing’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series drivers, Trey Gibson and Mackena Bell continued their streak of top-10 finishes at Hickory Motor Speedway on Saturday. After a 12th place starting position in Saturday night’s feature race, Gibson, driver of the No. 2 Lithium Pros Toyota Camry, was able to push his way into the top-10 before the halfway point of the race. While his teammate, Bell, was spun on lap 21, where she received extensive damage, causing her to fall to the rear of the 19 car field. Gibson continued to weave his way through this field and was up to the sixth position, with just 20 laps remaining in this exciting race, before he was spun out going into turn four. Both Gibson and Bell battled back from these set backs and with just five laps remaining they were back in the top-10.  With two laps remaining Gibson moved his No. 2 Lithium Pros Toyota Camry into the seventh position in front of teammate, Bell, who finished in eighth. “The No. 2 Lithium Pros Camry was definitely worthy of a win,” said Gibson.  “Unfortunately, being caught up in a wreck didn’t allow for this win, but pushing my way back into the top-10 before the end of this race proves that this car was powerful.  I would just like to thank my team and sponsors, Lithium Pros and Toyota, for giving me such an incredible car.” Teammate, Bell, said that she was hoping to put her No. 4 Toyota Racing Development Camry in the top five, but was happy to know that her team is continuing to improve each week. “We have continued to get better every weekend,” said Bell.  “I have learned a lot from this team and know that the time is coming to put the No. 4 Toyota Racing Development Camry in the winner’s circle.” Gibson ranks 10th in NASCAR Whelen All-American’s North Carolina state late model points standings, despite having run fewer races than many of his competitors.  Gibson and Bell also rank 35th and 186th, respectfully, out of 500 competitors, in national late model points standings.  Both drivers will have an opportunity to battle for the win in the feature NASCAR Whelen All-American Series race, at Hickory Motor Speedway, on June 30th.

Upstate Black Expo, Greenville, SC – Stop #4

The Fueling Your Dreams Tour support of the Black Expo-Upstate took place Saturday, June 16th. The goal of our participation was to further Rev Racing’s and NASCAR Diversity’s outreach to the African American community, as well as provide information about current diversity initiatives in the sport and receive feedback from those participants we engaged. Rev Racing’s Legend Series driver, Dylan Smith, was on hand to share knowledge with visitors. We had a great time and made a few new friends…and fans!

Kyle Larson and the 2012 Class of Next9

Last year, NASCARHomeTracks.com introduced fans to the #Next9 — nine drivers that are 21-and-under running in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series who represent the next wave of young talent set to make an impact on the national series scene. It’s time to take a look at the 2012 Class of the #Next9.

Kyle Larson Wins Slack Auto Parts 150 at Gresham Motorsports Park

CONCORD, NC (June 10, 2012) Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 6 Rev Racing and L&M Ethanol Maintenance Contracting, Inc. Toyota Camry, takes home his first win in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, Saturday night in the Slack Auto Parts 150 at Gresham Motorsports Park. In what started off as a difficult night for Rev Racing, this 19-year-old driver proved that nothing could stop him from picking up the checkered flag. Starting the caution filled race in the 4th position, Larson fell back to sixth during the first of eight caution flags and held this position until fighting back to the top three by lap 40. While fighting his way to the top, Larson slipped back in the field after his Rev Racing teammate, Bryan Ortiz, blew a right front tire on the No. 4 Toyota Racing Development Camry, on lap 76, collecting the No. 2 Universal Technical Institute/NASCAR Technical Institute Toyota Camry of fellow teammate, Ryan Gifford, which lead to the first red flag of the race. Returning to green flag racing after this first of three red flag situations, Larson continued to climb and was contending for the win when the last of his Rev Racing teammates, Jorge Arteaga, was involved in an accident on the backstretch, on lap 125, ending his night. More determined than ever to claim a victory for Rev Racing, Larson, continued to battle race leader and pole winner, Cale Conley, for the win when the red flag flew for the final time on lap 142. Facing another restart with only eight laps remaining in the race, Larson thought he would see his dream diminish before making the ‘move of the race’, on lap 145, resulting in both the lead as well as the race win. “I am glad that I can bring a win home for Rev Racing as well as my sponsors, Toyota and L&M Ethanol Maintenance Contracting, Inc.,” said Larson. “I wasn’t sure that my team and I would have enough time to pull off this win, but we got a good restart on lap 145, I beat Conley into turn one and was able to hold him off.” After this win, 2012 Rookie of the Year contender, Larson, has moved within three points of NASCAR K&N Pro Series East points leader Chase Elliott. Larson and his fellow Rev Racing drivers will make their return to the track in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Visit Hampton, VA 175, at Langley Speedway, in Hampton, VA, on Saturday, June 23.

2014 Nascar K&N Pro Series East Schedule

Feb 16 New Smyrna 150 presented by JEGS New Smyrna Speedway
Feb 18 UNOH Battle at the Beach Daytona International Speedway
Mar 15 PittLite 125 Bristol Motor Speedway
Mar 22 Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 150 Greenville Pickens Speedway
Apr 26 Blue Ox 100 Richmond International Raceway
May 17 Casey’s General Stores 150 Iowa Speedway
May 31 NASCAR Hall of Fame 150 Bowman Gray Stadium
Jun 13 NKNPSE Five Flags 6/13/14 Five Flags Speedway
Jun 21 Visit Hampton 175 Langley Speedway
Jul 11 Granite State 100 New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Jul 19 NKNPSE Columbus 7/5/14 Columbus Motor Speedway
Aug 1 NKNPSE Iowa 8/1/14 Iowa Speedway
Aug 8 NKNPSE Watkins Glen 8/8/14 Watkins Glen International
Aug 16 Biscuitville 125 Virginia International Raceway
Sep 6 NKNPSE Greenville 9/6/14 Greenville Pickens Speedway
Sep 26 NKNPSE Dover 9/26/16 Dover International Speedway
 

Charlotte, USA! Fueling Your Dreams Tour – Stop #3

May was, by far, the busiest month for the Fueling Your Dreams tour! The team here at Rev Racing bounced between 5 different events during our 2-week activation schedule in the Charlotte area that ranged from a Ribbon Cutting ceremony, to partying it up with the Coke 600 crowd at the Speed Street festival. Our efforts began at the 10 Faces of She Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening ceremony. 10 Faces of She is a woman’s empowerment organization located in Harrisburg, NC. Rev Racing driver, Mackena Bell, was asked to attend the ribbon cutting as a Special Guest and also sign some autographs for the young ladies and women in attendance. She also coached a few attendees on our iRacing simulator, showing them that women can certainly get up on the wheel just as good (if not better) than the guys can. Later that evening, NASCAR Diversity hosted their Opinion Leaders event for the Charlotte market at Hendricks Motorsports facility. Some 20-plus African-American community and business leaders from the Charlotte area were in attendance. In addition to hearing presentations about NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity efforts and programs, the attendees where treated to a tour of several facilities at Hendricks Motorsports and gained a better understanding and awareness of the science and technology that goes into racing. The following day, our Fueling Your Dreams team pulled double duty. Our Toyota show car and iRacing simulator were featured assets on the showroom floor at the Florida A&M University’s Annual Alumni Conference, while our Pit Crew Development tire changer made an appearance on the concourse at the Sprint All Star Pit Crew Challenge in uptown Charlotte. We finished off our Charlotte stop by hanging out at the Food Lion Speed Street festival, an annual street fair in uptown Charlotte that takes place over 3 days prior to the Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Our drivers were on hand to sign hero cards, take pictures, and talk with the many NASCAR fans and otherwise curious individuals who visited our booth. The iRacing simulator was a big hit and the Toyota show car once again proved to be a popular photo op subject. We had a blast in Charlotte! And when the dust settled, we knew we needed the recovery time until our next stop, which will be in the Langley, VA area, June 21-24. Until next time, Rev Racing fans………keep those dreams gassed up, with the accelerator mashed down!

Career Best Finish For Bryan Ortiz at Bowman Gray Stadium

CONCORD, NC (June 3, 2012) Avoiding every obstacle standing in his way, Rev Racing’s Bryan Ortiz achieved his career best finish, of third place, in Saturday’s NASCAR Hall of Fame 150, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race, at historic Bowman Gray Stadium. After a qualifying lap of 14.895 seconds, Ortiz started this race in his No. 4 Toyota/ Toyota Racing Development Camry, just seven positions behind teammate, Kyle Larson, who took the pole after posting a record qualifying lap of 14.696 seconds. As many in the almost sold out crowd expected, this race didn’t lack in the excitement department with the first of ten caution flags thrown in the first 20-laps of this extended 153-lap race. Avoiding the first of many destructive wrecks, Ortiz fell back to ninth and held this position until a two car spin allowed him to slip into the top seven, behind teammate Ryan Gifford, on lap 41. Ortiz continued to keep his No. 4 Toyota/Toyota Racing Development Camry out of trouble and within the top seven throughout this race. With five laps to go, Ortiz weaved his way into the top four and thought he would hold this position until the finish. After points leader Chase Elliott spun on lap 148, narrowly missing Ortiz, the race would go into overtime with a green-white-checker finish. This opened an opportunity and, on the last lap, Ortiz took his chance to jump into the top three by making his way around the No. 15 of Carlos Iaconelli. “In the end it was time to go around. It was the last lap and I could not let him stop me from finishing as close to the front as possible,” said Ortiz. “It was a crazy race, especially in the end. Fortunately, my spotter did a great job, which led to this finish.” Teammate Kyle Larson also finished this race in the top five with teammate, Jorge Arteaga, in eleventh. Unfortunately, teammate, Ryan Gifford, experienced the “curse of the madhouse”, which led to an eighteenth place finish. Gifford kept his No. 2 Universal Technical Institute/NASCAR Technical Institute Toyota Camry within the top 10 until lap 105, when he was tagged from behind going into turn two and ended up stuck in the infield needing repairs to his No. 2 Toyota. After returning to the race 10 laps down, Gifford crossed the finish line in eighteenth. “I was really disappointed,” said Gifford. “My Rev Racing team worked hard all day to give me a great car. I tried hard to stay out of trouble all night and someone just got a little too aggressive and took me out. I’m from this area and come to this track often to watch the modified’s race. I see that same thing happen to good drivers and cars every week here. I guess that’s one reason they call it the ‘mad house’. It’s frustrating to say the least”. These Rev Racing drivers will make their return to the track in next Saturday’s NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Slack Auto Parts 150, at Gresham Motorsports Park, in Jefferson, Georgia.