Category: News

Sanchez and Siegel earn historic first ARCA Menards Series win as team prepares for final race of the season

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Sanchez and Siegel earn historic first ARCA Menards Series win as team prepares for final race of the season

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Concord, NC— Nick Sanchez, a  20-year-old rookie from Miami, Florida, and member of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program garnered his first ARCA Menards Series (AMS) win at Kansas Speedway in the Reese’s 150 on October 23rd. This victory happened during the AMS season-finale, where history was made for both Sanchez and team-owner Max Siegel.

According to AMS reporter Tadd Haislop, “Max Siegel, the owner of Rev Racing and Sanchez’s No. 2 Chevrolet, became the first Black team owner to score a superspeedway victory in the ARCA Menards Series dating back to the series’ first superspeedway race in 1964.” Siegel was also confirmed as the only Black owner to ever win an AMS race in the history of the Series.

“I have always believed in my heart that with opportunity, the right support and development, that talented drivers can achieve success regardless of race or gender,” said Max Siegel, Rev Racing Owner. “I have been committed to the development of talent and the Drive for Diversity Program now for 13 years. This win reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire Rev Racing organization and we will continue to develop drivers and crew members for years to come.”

Sanchez, the program’s most seasoned-driver in 2021, led the last two laps of the race before earning his first AMS victory. These laps also happened to be his first laps led in his AMS career. Sanchez earned 9 top 5s and 13 top 10s, finishing his 2021 ARCA Menards Series rookie season third in points behind Ty Gibbs and Cory Heim. 

“I am still on cloud nine,” said Nick Sanchez, driver of the No. 2 Chevy. “The team and I have worked so hard all year and just have not been able to cross the finish line first. I can’t thank everyone enough, but this is a true testament that commitment and focus will eventually yield results. We are ready to head to Phoenix and finish this season out strong.”

Teammate, Rajah Caruth, finished 10th in the Reese’s 150. Caruth, who earned one top-5 and four top 10s in just five AMS races, is the first driver from an iRacing background to be selected for the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. Caruth, who ran full-time this year in the ARCA Menards Series East, finished third in East Series points in his rookie season.

Both Sanchez and Caruth, announced in the past months, plans to run a multi-race schedule in the NASCAR Xfinity Series next season while competing full-time with Rev Racing in the AMS in 2022.

Both drivers will return to action November 6th, at Phoenix Raceway, to participate in the Arizona Lottery 100, which also marks the final race of the ARCA Menards Series West. Sanchez will pilot the No. 2 Sunoco Chevrolet and Caruth the No. 66 UTI/NTI Chevrolet. Qualifications are set to begin at 9 am MT, with the Start of the Arizona Lottery 100 (100 miles / 100 laps) at 12:00 pm MT. The race will be offered on a live stream available on NBC Sports Gold’s TrackPass.

About Rev Racing: Rev Racing seeks to obtain the highest quality applicants representing diverse backgrounds and develop them into successful NASCAR drivers. Started by Max Siegel in 2009, Rev Racing manages the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. Rev Racing currently operates and manages drivers in the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series, and a youth racing initiative.

Florida’s 26th Congressional District to honor Sanchez during Hispanic Heritage Month

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Florida’s 26th Congressional District to honor Sanchez during Hispanic Heritage Month



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Concord, N.C. – This Hispanic Heritage Month, U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell of Florida’s 26th Congressional District, is celebrating the spirit and resilience of the Latino community by honoring and highlighting stories of Floridians who have made a lasting impact on the community during these unprecedented times. Representative Mucarsel-Powell and a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus will hold a virtual event to honor seven local Hispanic leaders, one of which is NASCAR Drive for Diversity Development Driver, Nicholas (Nick) Sanchez.

A group of local students have been invited to the event to learn about Hispanic leadership and heritage, as well as be inspired by the awardees as they share messages of hope.

“It is of utmost importance that we continue to elevate the stories of Floridians who have made important contributions to our community during the COVID -19 pandemic,” said Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.

Sanchez is a full-time race car driver in NASCAR’s ARCA Menards Series and a 3-year member of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. Sanchez runs for Rev Racing, owned by Max and Jennifer Siegel. The NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program is a developmental program designed to provide training and opportunities for women and minorities in the driver’s seat and on pit crews within the NASCAR industry.

“I am very excited to be honored by Florida’s 26th Congressional District and Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell,” said Nick Sanchez. “Being a part of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program has really given me a platform to not only showcase my talents as a driver, but to make an impact around me everyday. I have had the privilege to be a role model for young people and volunteer with several different philanthropic efforts in communities across the country.”

The 26th Congressional District’s Hispanic Heritage Month recognitions will take place virtually on Wednesday, October 14th at 4:00pm ET.  The event will be conducted via webinar and will be viewed by a group of local students and media.

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About Rev Racing

Headquartered in Concord, N.C., Rev Racing, owned by Max Siegel, operates the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program, which is the industry’s leading developmental program for ethnic minorities and women drivers and pit crew members. For more information about Rev Racing visit http://revracing.net or follow on Twitter @RevRacin.

 

Media Contact:
Christy Gormal
Chief Marketing Officer
Rev Racing
[email protected] 

Rev Returns back to racing at Toledo

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Rev Racing returns to on-track action at Toledo

 

Concord, NC (6/12/2020) – Rev Racing drivers will compete at the Herr’s Potato Chips 200 presented by Federated Auto Parts at Toledo Speedway for the second race of the ARCA Menards East season.

The Development Drivers are looking to get great results in their first race back since the Covid-19 pandemic halted scheduled activities. Rev Racing drivers Chase Cabre and Nick Sanchez are excited to get back behind the wheel after a 3 month break. Rev Racing’s NASCAR Drive for Diversity Development drivers have never competed at the half-mile oval.

Chase Cabre (Age: 22 – Hometown: Tampa, Fla.)


Chase Cabre, driver of the No. 4 Max Siegel Inc./Eibach Toyota, will be returning back to action looking to improve on his top-10 result at Phoenix in March. Cabre had a breakout 2019 season that included 2 wins and is looking forward to pursuing another this weekend.

“This race is going to be crazy” says Cabre. “Limited practice, no fans, but I’m confident in my team and can only hope for the best result possible.”

Nick Sanchez (Age: 18 – Hometown: Miami, Fla.)

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Nick Sanchez, driver of the No. 2 UTI/NTI Toyota, will be making his 6th start in ARCA and 3rd of his first full season in Toledo. The 18-year-old Florida native will take on the half mile track looking to improve on his top-10 finish at Phoenix. In his first 5 ARCA appearances, Sanchez has tallied a top-10 result in all but 1 start in his career. 


“It’s been a long time coming” says Sanchez. “I’m excited to get to the track and continue our season, we still have a lot to build off of and show for!”

From the Drive for Diversity Program’s start, Rev Racing has had 21 wins, 97 top 5s, and 200 top 10 finishes in the NASCAR ARCA East Series, with drivers finishing in the top-10 in points in every season.

The duo will have a one day show on Saturday with the green flag waving at 6 p.m. ET.

Driver Spotlight: Perry Patino

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Perry Patino will join the Rev Racing roster for his first season, running full-time in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. Prior to joining the Rev Racing roster, Patino has been running a Limited Late Model schedule.

He began racing when he was eleven years old and has been at the race track since he was a baby as his Dad was a stock car driver as well. Perry loved being at the track, and followed in his Dad’s footsteps by becoming a driver himself. His Rev debut was due to start in March but has been delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This week we finish our Spotlight series with our newest member.



Q: Coming into your first season at Rev what do you think your biggest adjustment will be?

PP: I think my biggest adjustment will be the feel of the late model stock car. I am used to a pro late model which drives very differently. The late models are heavier and move a little slower.
Q: What has been your biggest racing accomplishment to date?

PP: My biggest accomplish so far in my career so far is my 2018 limited late model championship at Montgomery Motor Speedway. All the hard work put in paid off and that’s what made it special.
Q: What are other activities outside of iRacing have you participated in during this break?

PP: I do a lot of wakeboarding, hunting, and dirt biking to help pass time til we’re back at the track.
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Lake day //? @jack_bennet #thicklegs

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Q: Who was your favorite driver growing up and why?

PP: I was a fan of the late Ayrton Senna because of the raw speed he showed on the track and his passion for the sport and the safety of the drivers. 
Q: If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?

PP:If I could be any animal I would be an eagle because having the ability to fly interests me so much.

Q: Favorite food and why?

PP:My favorite food is steak! It’s the best thing ever when cooked right and put with the right side dishes
Q: What do you miss about racing and being at the track?

PP: The biggest thing I miss about racing is the pressure that race day brings along with the focus that it would bring. I also miss seeing all the familiar faces at the track.
Q: You spent some time in your father’s homeland of Colombia in the offseason how was that experience and what did you take away from it?

PP: The experience in Colombia was amazing. The culture is so different and so is the way of living. The  take away from the experience was to be more appreciative of what we have.

Q: Are there any special talents or skills that you have that the world does not know about?

PP: My one special skill is that I can do a Donald Duck impression that’s extremely accurate and is a great thing to use around young children.

Driver Spotlight: Isabella Robusto

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Ir 2Isabella Robusto is in her fourth season with Rev this year and has competed as a youth driver in the legends division her first three seasons with the team. In 2020, Robusto was promoted to become a late model driver in the Whelen All-American Series for Rev and was preparing for her debut at South Boston Speedway before the delay caused by COVID-19. Robusto shines off the track as well as in the athletic field of play and we caught up with her this past week to check in on her world away from racing.

Q: Making the transition from legend cars to late models what are you expecting for this season?

IR: Whenever this season gets back going my main goal is to learn as much as I possibly can. Both about the cars and the new tracks. I want to get a win and finish in the top five for the majority of the races.

Q: With having a twin brother, how competitive are you two with all the activities you guys are involved in?

IR: Having my brother is like a race inside of a race, because I want to win and do the best I can during the race, but I also want to beat him every race. 

Q: What activities have you participated in during this time away from the track?

IR: Some things that I have done since the end of race season is I have be doing a lot of Iracing. Before the pandemic happened I did not do a lot of Iracing, but now I do it on a day to day basis. I also am practicing high jump, and basketball a lot more. 

Q: Who was your favorite driver growing up and why?

IR: My favorite driver from growing up was and still is Kyle Busch, because I love how he puts himself out their and cares more about winning than anything else. I also love how aggressive he is out on the race track. 

Q: If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?

IR: If I where an animal I would be a dog, because I can be cute and playful at times, and I can be aggressive and fearful at other times.  

Q: Favorite food and why?

IR: My favorite food is avocado, and I like it on anything from toast to eggs or even a sandwich. I never really liked avocado until last year. 

Q: What do you miss about racing and being at the track?

IR: I miss getting to see all my friends at the tracks and getting that rush of energy that racing side by side on the track gives you. 


Q: With being a track athlete in your time away from the racetrack, how do the two sports relate when you’re competing?

IR: Both track and racing need a lot of preparation and practice to be good at. I go to track practice after school every day and work on my skill for high jump and long jump. It is the same with racing, because you have to learn the car and the track, and the more practice you have the better and better you get. 

Q: Are there any special talents or skills that you have that the no one else knows about you?

IR: Some skills that not many people know I have is that I can high jump 5 feet 4 inches, and long jump 15 and a half feet. Another skill I have is I can kick a 35 yard field goal and kicked for the 8th grade football team doing punts, kickoffs and field goals.  

Driver Spotlight: Nick Sanchez

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Driver Spotlight: Nick Sanchez

Concord, NC (4/8/2020)


In his first full season in the ARCA Menards Series East, Nick Sanchez has proved he is more than prepared to compete. With a 3rd place finish at the season opener at New Smyrna and a 6th place finish at Phoenix, Sanchez has showed how his steady driving ability can quickly turn into quick results. Due to Covid-19, Sanchez like many other drivers has been adjusting to life in its current state and staying ready to race. This week we caught up with Nick to see how he has been spending his time away.

Q: Coming from a karting background what do you think your biggest adjustment to stock cars has been?

NS: My biggest adjustment has been managing the lengths of the races and remembering that I have to be patient even when I make a mistake.


Q: What notable guys did you compete against in Karting before you transitioned to stock car racing?

NS: Rubens Barrichello who raced in Formula one and Indycar along with former NASCAR driver Nelson Piquet Jr were just a few of my competitors.

Q: What are other activities outside of iRacing have you participated in during this break?

NS: I have been involved in daily workouts, mountain biking, and other preparation of returning back to racing.



Q: Who was your favorite driver growing up and why?

NS: My favorite driver growing up was Dale Jr as well as Sebastian Vettel because of their driving styles and how they handled themselves away from the track too.

Q: If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?

NS: I’d like to be a wolf, but they’re soft looking but also tough when they need to be.

Q: Favorite food and why?

NS: My favorite food is actually any and all fruit. I haven’t come across a fruit that I haven’t liked yet and they’re always a perfect snack option

Q: What do you miss about racing and being at the track?

NS: The thing I miss most is the sensation of driving and how it feels when you have perfect control of the car. There is no feeling that comes close to that.

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Missing it ?

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Q: You had 2 great finishes in your first two starts this season, how do you regain that momentum when racing returns?

NS: Staying focused and working hard in the gym, iracing, and watching old races during this time away so I’m ready when racing returns.

Q: Are there any special talents or skills that you have that the world does not know about?

NS: Honestly, not really I haven’t thought to explore many other avenues outside of my racing career to even find out.

Driver Spotlight: Rajah Caruth

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Rajah Caruth was preparing to officially begin his 2020 season in a legends car for Rev Racing at the quarter-mile oval inside Atlanta Motor Speedway. He, along with Blake Lothian made the trip south to compete, but the event along with the rest of the sporting world came to a halt due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This past week we caught up with Rajah and discussed what has been happening in his life during the time away from the track.


Q: How are you spending your time away from racing?

RC: I’ve spent my time away from the racetrack primarily on iRacing where I have recently joined Richmond Raceway’s eSports team, along with doing schoolwork and finding things productive to do around the house.





Q:Favorite TV show and why?

RC: My favorite TV show is the Office because I see a lot of similarities between the social shenanigans at Dundler Mifflin and the high school I currently attend.

Q:Favorite restaurant and food from the restaurant?

RC:My favorite restaurant is anywhere that has quality chicken tenders because you can’t ever go wrong with chicken tenders. 

Q:If you could be any animal what would you be?

RC: If I could be any animal, I’d be a tiger because of the strength and power that a tiger represents, but not because of the Tiger King Netflix documentary.

Q:Have you participated in any of the stay at home social media challenges? If so which one(s)?

RC:Not yet, but I will likely soon. Have been trying to focus on being the best me during all this free time so far.

Q:How are you preparing for the upcoming late model season?

RC:In prep for our late model season, I’ve been working on improving my fitness, diet, and overall health along with using iRacing as a tool to improve my skills while we have all of this extra time that usually is not available.

Q:Special talent/skill that not many people know you have?

RC:Not many people know that I’m pretty good at basketball, and can draw as well. Those are some activities that I do in my spare time.

Q:What do you miss most about racing? What do you miss most about being at the track?

RC: Just being able to race and do what I love is what I miss the most about being at the racetrack.I also miss the competition the most along with the people I was used to seeing constantly, but I know that we’ll be back at the track at some point doing what we love.





 Continue reading “Driver Spotlight: Rajah Caruth”

Rev Racing Returns To New Smyrna For 2020 Season Opener

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Rev Racing Returns To New Smyrna For 2020 Season Opener


Concord, N.C. – Rev Racing, home to NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Driver Development 2020 driver class, will open their ARCA Menards East season at New Smyrna Speedway on Monday night for the Skips Western Outfitters 175.

Rev Racing’s NASCAR Drive for Diversity drivers are certainly familiar with the half-mile track at New Smyrna Speedway. The program’s competitive combine was held there in October, and two of the team’s six drivers will be returning to compete in Monday’s race.

The driver lineup features two Florida natives looking to make an impact in the upcoming season.

Chase Cabre (Age: 22 – Hometown: Tampa, Fla.)

Chase Cabre, driver of the No. 4 Honda Generators/Eibach Toyota, will be returning to the team for his fourth year. Cabre began his racing career on dirt motorcycles and has since transitioned to dirt and stock car racing. Driver highlights include:

– Finished 2nd in the 2019 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East point standings
– 2019 wins at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Memphis International Raceway in the NASCAR K&N East Series
– Became a part of the elite NASCAR Next Class of 2017

Cabre will also be participating from February 6th– 8th in the Battle at the Bullring in Ocala, FL. at Marion County Speedway in the Outlaw Wing class.

Nick Sanchez (Age: 18 – Hometown: Miami, Fla.)

Nick Sanchez, driver of the No. 6 UTI/NTI Max Siegel Inc. Toyota, will have two years experience driving late models and two years in the US Legend Car Series with Rev Racing before beginning his fourth season with the team. Sanchez began his career in karting competing against some of the country’s best before his transition to late model stock cars. Driver highlights include:

– Earned his first NASCAR K&N East Series pole at South Boston Speedway in 2019
– First win in 2019 at Myrtle Beach Speedway in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series
– Win at Langley Speedway in Whelen All-American Series in 2019
– 2019 Wendell Scott trailblazer award recipient

Under Rev Racing owner and CEO Max Siegel’s leadership, NASCAR Drive for Diversity aligns drivers with a team of executives, crew chiefs and mentors tasked with training drivers for career success.

“We have seen great success this past season with our drivers having multiple wins in every series we participated in this season,” said Max Siegel, Owner of Rev Racing. “Our returning drivers have certainly set the bar high. We are all excited for the season opener at New Smyrna Speedway and are eager to participate in the ARCA Menards series.  We aim to continue the momentum moving into the 2020 season.”

From the Drive for Diversity Program’s start, Rev Racing has had 21 wins, 97 top-5, and 198 top-10 finishes in the NASCAR ARCA East Series, with drivers finishing in the top-10 in points in every season.

Rev Racing will get back to the track on Monday, February 10th, 2020 at New Smyrna Speedway. Group qualifying will begin at 5:30 pm, followed by the autograph session at 6:30 pm and the New Smyrna “175” at 7:40 pm EST.

 

Rev Racing’s Nick Sanchez wins Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award

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Rev Racing’s Nick Sanchez wins Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award

BY
 NASCAR.COM NOVEMBER 18, 2019


Nick Sanchez finished his race season about a month ago feeling good about what he had learned in his rookie late model season.

He recently received more accolades to make his first year racing in Division I of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series even more special.

Nick Sanchez
Nick Sanchez, an 18-year-old from Miami, Florida, finished 23rd in the NWAAS DI points standings this season. (Courtesy Nick Sanchez)

Sanchez is the 2019 recipient of the Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award, an annual award given to an outstanding minority or female driver in the Whelen All-American Series. The award recipient is selected by a committee as nominated by drivers, crew members, and track operators based not only on the driver’s final standings in the top 500 of the national standings, but also based on exceptional on-track performance, sportsmanship, and community service.

The award is named for Wendell Scott, a Virginian who on December 1, 1963 became the first, and to date only, African-American driver to win a race in NASCAR’s top national series.

Scott was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015.

Sanchez said he got a call from a NASCAR official about a week ago out of the blue to learn he won the award. He will officially receive the award Saturday on stage at the Charlotte Convention Center at the NASCAR Hall of Fame as part of the NASCAR Awards.

“Honestly it was a total surprise because I really hadn’t thought much of it and I was so focused on just trying to win and the unreal idea of trying to go for a national championship and I totally forgot about that award,” Sanchez said. “And when someone told me about it I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ That’s an awesome accomplishment as well.”

Sanchez drives for Rev Racing, the competition arm of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Program that serves as the NASCAR-supported racing team that develops female and minority drivers and pit crew members in development series for future competition at NASCAR’s highest levels.

The 18-year-old Miami, Florida, driver got his start with Rev Racing running in its Legends Car program before moving up to Late Models this year. He credited his team with helping him win the Wendell Scott award.

“It feels pretty good and especially how it’s a performance-based award, it really shows that my Rev guys brought a good late model the whole year,” he said. “I’m pretty excited for it. It’s a nice accomplishment.”

Sanchez finished 23rd in the Whelen All-American Series Division I final points standings. He had one national points win and 15 top-5 finishes in 20 late model starts this season.

Related: Nick Sanchez Picks Up First Late Model Win, Set His Sights on National Honors

Sanchez also ran three races in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East this year, and had a pole start at South Boston Speedway on May 4.

Nick Sanchez
In his rookie season, Nick Sanchez traveled to five different tracks and came away with 15 top-5 finishes in 20 races. (Courtesy Nick Sanchez)

In the late model, Sanchez and his Rev Racing team traveled to five different tracks this season: Motor Mile, South Boston, and Langley Speedways in Virginia, Myrtle Beach Speedway in South Carolina, and Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina. He also raced at Loudon Speedway in New Hampshire in a K&N Pro East race on September 21. Getting the chance to see his fair share of different sized tracks with character gave him the opportunity to really dive in and get his feet wet in his first season.

“I couldn’t imagine racing at one track with the same people, just the same routine,” Sanchez said. “I love getting different challenges thrown at me, whether it be different tracks, different drivers, different races, twins or long races. I can attribute all that to my success I guess you could say this year.

“Definitely stepping into the K&N car, especially that last race at New Hampshire I definitely got a ton of big track experience and definitely got my feet wet there which I’m pretty stoked about.”

Sanchez finished his season with a win at Langley Speedway, helping finish the year on a high note. After feeling like he missed out on victories early in the year, he was glad to see he had gotten past early “rookie mistakes.”

“Honestly, by the end of the year I felt like I progressed more as a driver than I ever had,” Sanchez said. “I was a lot more patient at the end of the year because at the beginning of the year, I’m not going to lie, I gave up many, many, many wins just on not knowing any better. By the end of the year I kind of learned my lesson and revamped my racing mindset, I guess you could say.”

Sanchez said he hopes to be able to release his plans for the 2020 soon, and he’s “very stoked” about it.

For now, he has many reasons to be proud of his rookie season.

“That makes it a lot more special just knowing people voted for me based on performance and everything else,” Sanchez said. “It’s a pretty nice accomplishment. I’m pretty proud.”

2019 Drive for Diversity Combine Participants are announced

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NASCAR and Rev Racing Set to Host 2019 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Combine

Ten Diverse Drivers Will Compete On and Off the Track in Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, Fla., for the Opportunity to Drive with Rev Racing in 2020

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 17, 2019) – Following a thorough selection process, NASCAR and Rev Racing have identified 10 multicultural and female drivers to host at the 2019 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Combine in Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, Fla., on October 22-23. 

Numerous drivers from around the world applied to the program, but only the 10 finalists will compete for spots to drive with Rev Racing and compete in the NASCAR Late Model Stock, ARCA Menards Series East and ARCA Menards Showdown Series in 2020.

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Drivers will be put to the test during the two-day event where evaluators from across the industry will judge each participant on their on-track performance, physical fitness, media and marketing skills. Many of the drivers will be piloting late model stock cars for the first time during the on-track assessment at New Smyrna Speedway.  

“We are thrilled with the caliber of diverse drivers planning to compete in this year’s combine,” said Jusan Hamilton, Director of Racing Operations and Event Management at NASCAR. “The driver selection process for the 2020 class was highly competitive, as we had several talented applicants from across the United States and abroad – and that advanced level of competition boosts our confidence in the ladder system we have in place with our partners at Rev Racing, which will be effective for many years to come.”

Rajah Caruth, Isabella Robusto and Lavar Scott participated in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Youth Driver Development Combine earlier this year in Concord, N.C., where they were mentored by NASCAR Drive for Diversity team members, Chase Cabre, Nicholas Sanchez, Brooke Storer and Gracie Trotter.

“We are excited to see our some of our youth development drivers be selected as participants in this year’s combine,” said Max Siegel, Owner of Rev Racing. “We will look to our returning drivers to set the bar high and look forward to the selection of the 2020 Class.”

This year’s participants comprise a diverse group of drivers from the United States and beyond including three black, three female and four Hispanic drivers. Their ultimate goal is to compete at NASCAR’s highest level, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

Much like the other participants, foreign driver Loris Hezemans has already made a name for himself. The Dutch driver won the 2019 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series race at Raceway Vernay in the Netherlands and the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series 2018 Junior championship.

Veteran NASCAR Drive for Diversity participant, Chase Cabre, has experienced success with Rev Racing claiming two races and four poles in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2019.

Program graduates include three drivers now competing in NASCAR’s top Monster Energy series, Daniel Suarez, Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson, who scored a victory at Dover International Speedway earlier this month to punch his ticket into the Round of 8 in the NASCAR Playoffs.

The 2019 NASCAR Drive for Diversity participants include:

Name

Hometown

Age

Racing Series

Chase Cabre

Tampa, Fla.  

22

NASCAR K&N Pro Series East

Rajah Caruth

Washington, DC

17

US Legend Car Series & eNASCAR Ignite Series

Loris Hezemans 

Amsterdam, Netherlands

22

NASCAR Whelen Euro Series

Perry Patino

Montgomery, Ala.

20

Limited Late Model & Pro Late Model Series

Isabella Robusto 

Fort Mill, S.C.

14

US Legend Car Series

Nicholas Sanchez

Homestead, Fla.  

18

NASCAR Whelen All American Series & NASCAR K&N Pro Series East

Lavar Scott

Carney’s Pointe, N.J.

16

600 Micro Sprint Series

Brooke Storer

Land O’ Lakes, Fla.

21

NASCAR Whelen All American Series

Gracie Trotter

Denver, N.C.

18

NASCAR Whelen All American Series

Ryan Vargas

La Mirada, Calif.  

19

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series   

 

 

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States. NASCAR consists of three national series (Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series™), three regional series, one local grassroots series, three international series and the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

About Rev Racing

Headquartered in Concord, N.C., Rev Racing, owned by Max Siegel, operates the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program, which is the industry’s leading developmental program for ethnic minorities and women drivers and pit crew members. For more information about Rev Racing visit http://revracing.net or follow on Twitter @RevRacin. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHES FOR 2019 NASCAR DRIVE FOR DIVERSITY DRIVER COMBINE

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – OCTOBER 18: 2017 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine participants at New Smyrna Speedway on October 18, 2017 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Concord, NC (August 27, 2019) – Each year the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program along with its competition arm, Rev Racing, seeks to obtain the highest quality of applicants representing diverse backgrounds and develop them into successful NASCAR drivers. This selection process begins with the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Combine. Drivers will have the opportunity to submit a digital application on RevRacing.net, highlighting racing experience, references and historical success. Ethnically diverse and female drivers have until August 31, 2019 to be considered for the 2019 NASCAR Drive for Diversity program. Youth program participants, ages 12-17, are required to apply by December 31, 2019. Applicants must meet the following requirements along with full information:
  • Be a female or member of one or more of the following ethnic minority classifications: American Indian, Alaskan Native or of native/indigenous descent; Asian or Pacific Islander; Black or African-American; Latino or Hispanic
  • Be at least 15 years of age but no older than 26 years of age as of October 15th of the present year
  • Be legally eligible to work in the United States. Drivers from foreign countries are welcome to apply, however, if the applicant is not already a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident alien, the applicant must be legally capable of traveling to the designated location in the United States to participate in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Combine. Applicants must also be able to obtain necessary authorization to accept employment in the United States if selected to participate in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program.
  • Historical race information (track name/race name/dates/car count/results
  • Three references with contact information
  • Professional Headshot (jpeg)
  • On-track car photo (jpeg)
  • :90 second video
    • Please wear your racing suit
    • Professional environment as your backdrop
    • No longer than 90 seconds
    • MP3, MP4, WAV, AVI, MOV files are preferred. A link to your video is also acceptable
    • State your name, age, location, what series you drive in and how you think the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program will help you further your racing career.
NASCAR Drive for Diversity aligns its drivers with a team of executives, athletic trainers, crew chiefs and mentors helping them achieve professional success, and thus improving their likelihood of reaching one of the three NASCAR national series. Selected drivers will compete in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, NASCAR Whelen All-American Series or Bojangles’ Summer Shootout Series. Rev Racing has continued to find success with its current drivers and alumni. In 2018, the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program made a major impact, seeing three of its graduates (Kyle Larson, Daniel Suarez and Bubba Wallace) compete at the sport’s highest level in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Since the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program’s inception, Rev Racing has earned 20 wins, 85 top 5s, and 168 top 10 finishes in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, with drivers finishing in the top 10 in points every season. Current NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver Ruben Garcia Jr. made his first trip to victory lane at Memphis International Raceway in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and Dover in 2018. Fellow driver Chase Cabre has collected wins at Memphis and New Hampshire in 2019. To find more information about the 2019 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine or submit an application, please visit https://revracing.net/combine-application/. For additional information please email [email protected]. About NASCAR The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States. NASCAR consists of three national series (Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR XFINITY Series™, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™), four regional series, one local grassroots series and three international series. The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit http://www.NASCAR.com and http://www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

Cabre and Garcia Jr. continue their championship push at the Magic Mile

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CABRE AND GARCIA JR. CONTINUE THEIR CHAMPIONSHIP PUSH AT THE MAGIC MILE




Concord, NC (Jul. 19, 2019)  This Saturday, Rev Racing drivers will return to New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKNPSE) 7th race of the year.

 Both Development Drivers are looking to improve on their finishes at the “Magic”. Rev Racing drivers Ruben Garcia Jr. and Chase Cabre are both looking to prepare themselves for a championship push beginning this weekend.

 Rubén García Jr. (No. 6 UTI/MSI Toyota): Garcia looks to turn around a season that’s been riddled with misfortune. With a 12th place average finish in two starts at New Hampshire Garcia will hope to gain momentum in his NKNPSE season along with better luck at NHMS.

“I am very excited that the LONG break is finally over,” says Garcia Jr. “It’s time to go back on the K&N series schedule. My team has worked so hard during the break to make my #6 Universal Technical Institute/ Max Siegel Inc. Camry faster so we can take it back to Victory lane.”

Chase Cabre (No. 4 Honda Generators/E3 Toyota): 22-year-old, Chase Cabre, will return to NHMS for the third year and 4th start at the track. Cabre has two top-10 finishes in New Hampshire. In 2018, Cabre raced to 2 8th place finishes at the track. At New Hampshire Cabre holds an average of 10th in his NHMS starts. Cabre currently has 4 top-10 finishes in the NKNPSE season including a win at Memphis last month.

 “New Hampshire has not been a great track for us in the past,” says Cabre. “Hopefully with the good momentum from Memphis we can capitalize and keep the Honda Generators/E3 #4 Toyota Camry out front to stay in the close championship battle that we’re in.”

 Both drivers are maintaining top 10 points standing positions in the NKNPSE. Chase is currently 3rd in points and Ruben is currently 9th. The duo will begin track activities begin Friday with group qualifying at 7:05 p.m., followed by the autograph session at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series United Services 70 at 6:45 p.m.

 

Nicholas Sanchez Ready for NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Debut

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Nicholas Sanchez Ready for NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Debut

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Concord, NC. (April 29, 2018) Nicholas Sanchez, 17, will make his NASCAR K&N Pro Series East debut Saturday at South Boston Speedway, competing in the Twin 100s for Rev Racing. A native of Miami, Florida, Sanchez is a third-year member of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Class. Sanchez is currently in his second year, running full-time in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.

Sanchez was also part of Rev Racing’s Youth Development Program in 2017 and 2018, driving a Legend car in the Bojangles’ Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In his 2018 Legend car season with Rev Racing, Sanchez earned five podium finishes, six top-5s and one win in the Pro Series Class.

“I am extremely excited to make my first K&N East Series start at the upcoming South Boston Twin 100s,” said Nicholas Sanchez. “I have had a good season so far in my Late Model and I feel really prepared to take on this next opportunity in the East Series with the Rev Racing.”

Sanchez has previously earned six top-5s, six top-10s and one pole in six starts with Rev Racing during his 2019 Late Model season. He mostly recently earned a second place finish at Langley Speedway, this past weekend, in the second of the Twin 70s. Sanchez will continue to run a full Late Model season with Rev Racing this year.

He will join teammates Chase Cabre and Ruben Garcia Jr., piloting the No. 2 Max Siegel Inc. Toyota. All Rev Racing drivers will return to action this Saturday at South Boston Speedway on May 4th for the WhosYourDriver.org Twin 100s at 7:00 pm.

Rev Racing Names Matt Bucher as Director of Competition

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Concord, N.C. (January 4, 2019) – Rev Racing will appoint Matthew Bucher as the Director of Competition. Matt Bucher will replace his predecessor, Jefferson Hodges, who has served as the teams General Manager and Director of Competition under the direction of Max Siegel for the last nine years. Beginning mid-January 2019, Hodges will become the NASCAR Team Manager for Team Penske. As Rev Racing remains the competition arm of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Program, and serves as the NASCAR-supported race team charged with developing female and minority drivers and pit crew members in the NASCAR development series for future competition at NASCAR’s highest levels, its main focus continues to be development and training. The program not only focuses on its crew members and drivers, but also prepares and trains its leaders for growth in the industry as well. “Rev Racing has seen great accomplishment under the direction of Hodges,” said Max Siegel, owner of Rev Racing. “This is a perfect example of what our program stands for in regards to development. We are consistently focused on the future, grooming the next generation for advancement. We have a lot of faith in the foundation that we have built and know Matt Bucher is ready to lead this charge.” Bucher has been a Rev Racing employee since 2014, successfully crew chiefing some of the top performing cars over the years. One of the biggest accomplishments he has brought to the team was his season finale win with rookie driver, Collin Cabre, at Dover International Raceway. “Each year I have become more involved with both the competition and operational side of this race team,” said Bucher. “Working alongside the crew and leadership team over the last several years, I have never felt more ready to continue the successful culture we’ve established. I really appreciate the fact that leadership has put its faith in me leading the effort. Jefferson has been instrumental in the growth and stability of this organization and wish him nothing but success in his new role within the sport.” With Hodges departure, long-time Rev Racing employees Phil Horton, Director of Athletic Performance and Mark Green, Director of Driver Development, will also assume expanded responsibilities in the organization. “I’m very excited for the future of both organizations,” said Hodges. “I have been so fortunate to work with such great leaders and partners through the years that have been constant influencers in my development. I am thankful to Rev Racing and Max Siegel for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of something very meaningful in this sport. I have witnessed the growth and impact of this program first hand. I know the organization is in great hands as I prepare for this next step in my career.” The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season opener is set for February 10th at New Symrna Speedway. Rev Racing will field two cars the in 175 lap race with drivers, Chase Cabre and Ruben Garcia Jr.  

NASCAR announces Drive for Diversity program’s Class of 2019

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By Staff Report NASCAR.com December 6, 2018  at 10:27 am
NASCAR announced six drivers Thursday for the Drive for Diversity Class of 2019, unveiling a group that blends talented newcomers with returning veterans. Chase Cabre, Ernie Francis Jr., Rubén García Jr. and Nick Sanchez return to the driver development program next season. They’ll be joined by first-time participants Brooke Storer and Gracie Trotter. The six were chosen from the 12 invitees to the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Combine last October at New Smyrna Speedway and Bethune-Cookman University. The group will compete in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and Whelen All-American Series next year for Rev Racing. “This year’s class features six highly talented drivers who each possess an impressive blend of skill and experience,” said Jusan Hamilton, NASCAR senior manager of racing operations and event management. “We’re thrilled to see these drivers develop throughout the 2019 season and enjoy success both on and off the race track.” The 2019 campaign will mark the 10th season that Max Siegel’s Rev Racing organization has fielded cars for the Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. The team has amassed 19 wins in the K&N Pro Series and counts current Monster Energy Series drivers Kyle Larson, Daniel Suárez and Bubba Wallace among its distinguished alumni. A glance at the six participants in the 2019 program: • Chase Cabre: The 21-year-old Florida native returns for his third season with Rev Racing. He’ll compete again in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, where he wound up seventh in the 2018 standings. • Ernie Francis Jr.: Francis rolled to his fifth consecutive Trans-Am Series championship in 2018, prevailing in five of the season’s 11 races. He also won the pole last year in his K&N East debut, in June at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Francis, 20, will compete in a mix of Late Model and K&N Series races in 2019. • Rubén García Jr.: García secured the NASCAR Peak Mexico Series title for a second time last season and finished third in the K&N Pro Series East final standings. The 23-year-old driver will return to the K&N East tour, where he won twice last season. • Nick Sanchez: The 17-year-old Floridian participated as an All-American Series rookie last season, mixing in a summer schedule of Legends Car events. Sanchez will be back in a Late Model car for Rev Racing in 2019. • Brooke Storer: The 20-year-old driver claimed the Sportsman Division championship at Auburndale (Fla.) Speedway. Storer will wheel an All-American Series Late Model next season. • Gracie Trotter: Trotter split time last season in the CARS Tour, PASS Super Late Model series and Legends Car events. The 17-year-old North Carolinian will take part in the Whelen All-American Series for Rev Racing next season.

Mark Green, 2018 Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Famer, named Rev Racing; Director of Driver Development

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Rev Racing enhances driver mentorship and training program for 2019. Mark Green accepts the Hall of Fame induction plaque on behalf of the Green brothers. | Photo by AP Imagery Concord, NC (November 13, 2018) – Former NASCAR Cup Series Driver and long-time Rev Racing Crew Chief, Mark Green, was inducted into the 2018 Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction, on November 3. The 11th Annual Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place at the Owensboro Science and History Museum’s Speedzeum, which serves as home to the Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame. Green was honored along side both his brothers, David and Jeff, as well as Nicky Haden, Micheal Waltrip, Neil Tyler, Bill Clary, Jack Boggs and Tim Banks. “Being honored by your home town and state, is very exciting and humbling for me,” said Green. “What an honor to be mentioned with such influential people from my past and present.” Green began his racing career in 1973, racing go-karts in the Southern Indiana Racing Association. During his tenure, he won six consecutive championships. He then moved on to the late model division at several local speedways. Tracks where he competed included Nashville Speedway USA, Beech Bend Raceway, and Kentucky Motor Speedway. From 1988 to 1991, he also competed in the All-American Challenge Series. In 1993, he won 16 of 20 races at Beech Bend and won the track championships there, from 1991 to 1993. Green ran over 318 races in the NASCAR Busch Series, the current NASCAR Xfinity Series, garnering over 15 top-10s. Green semi-retired in 2011, joining Rev Racing full-time in 2012. Green has brought unmentionable impact to the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program and to the young drivers in development at Rev Racing over the last 7 years. Green has always served as a tremendous resource for the team, sharing his vast knowledge of tracks and driver handling. Owner of Rev Racing, Max Siegel, promoted Green to the Director of Driver Development in the beginning of November. “The drive for Mark Green’s promotion, to head up our driver development bolsters Rev Racing’s program as the leader in driver and pit crew development,” said Max Siegel, owner of Rev Racing. “Rev Racing’s drivers and NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program are the beneficiaries of one of NASCAR’s most experienced and accomplished talents in the sport.” Green will be leading the driver development of the selected NASCAR Drive for Diversity drivers, providing guidance, safety considerations, and track preparation, all while fostering an encouraging learning environment. “Being named head of driver development takes me back to my passion, which is the driving part of the sport,” said Green. “I look forward to working with our drivers and stepping up our overall performance at Rev Racing.” Rev Racing is set to announce their new driver class before the years-end, with Green preparing the team for the season-opener in February of 2019. ABOUT REV RACING: Headquartered in Concord, NC, Rev Racing, owned by Max Siegel, operates the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program, which is the industry’s leading developmental program for ethnic minorities and women drivers and pit crew members. For more information about Rev Racing visit https://revracing.net or follow us on Twitter @RevRacin.

Brehanna Daniels to be featured in Bleacher Reports’ B/Real Series

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October 19, 2018

Bleacher Report and Carmelo Anthony’s Crea7ive Team Up to

Introduce B/REAL Inspirational Miniseries Celebrating Real-Life Heroes with Star Athletes and Life-Changing Surprises

 Looking for some uplifting stories? How about Carmelo Anthony enlisting A-list athletes to visit young sports heroes from across America? How about Chris Paul showing up in Iowa to play HORSE in a 15-year-old’s backyard?

Introducing B/REAL presented by Cricket Wireless, a groundbreaking franchise from Bleacher Report—in partnership with Carmelo Anthony—that connects real-life heroes with influential athletes to show that star power can be found in all of us. B/REAL is made up of five short films that tell the stories of some of the most inspiring young people from your newsfeed, combined with their superstar role models. Each connection continues with B/R making a donation to a local charity or college fund on behalf of each hero.

Bleacher Report teamed up with Anthony, who served as the Chair of the Board for this new thought-leadership series, and created the B/REAL Board of Trustees: Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara, Candace Parker and Chris Paul.

Anthony worked closely with B/R to select five real-life heroes from more than 1,000 viral videos. Then, in partnership with Anthony’s Crea7ive and producing partner Asani Swann, B/R produced five unforgettable moments as these standout athletes showed up in backyards, living rooms and schools across America to illuminate the resilience and strength these young sports fans have shown in their everyday lives.

“These stories represent what it means to persevere against all odds,” said Anthony, the Houston Rockets star who serves as B/REAL executive producer and surprises a college football team in the Season 1 finale. “At a time when we’re so divided, B/REAL’s young heroes show how sports culture can bring us all together. Bleacher Report and I just decided to give them some extra shine.”

“B/REAL is built for sharing uplifting stories that transcend sports,” said Joe Yanarella, Bleacher Report senior vice president of content and B/REAL executive producer. “The internet can make everyday people as popular as their celebrity role models, but there’s life after going viral. We wanted to offer these young fans the same platform as the All-Stars and Pro Bowlers participating in this project, while giving back in the process.”

“Cricket Wireless is proud to be a part of the B/REALseries as the presenting sponsor to help share these amazing stories with the world,” said Tiffany Baehman, chief marketing officer for Cricket Wireless.

B/REAL premieres today, simultaneously on Bleacher Report’s massive social channels and award-winning app. Each Friday at noon ET, over the next 5 weeks, B/R will drop a short film showcasing a new hero. This evening, Anthony, Parker and Paul will join the heroes at an event sponsored by Cricket Wireless at La Peer Hotel in Los Angeles, where life-changing donations will be made to push it forward for each real-life hero’s journey, as the following five individuals are inducted into the inaugural B/REAL Class of 2018:

ALEXANDRIA BUCHANAN • Honolulu, Hawaii She made history as one of the first female starting varsity QB in America. Now Alexandria is fighting for her starting job as a junior at McKinley High, fending off critics while excelling both on and off the field.

ZACK DOBSON • Knoxville, Tennessee His brother, Zaevion, died shielding friends from gunfire, leaving Zack as a largely forgotten survivor of gun violence. Three years later, Zack is a freshman wearing his brother’s number as a wide receiver with Middle Tennessee State.

BREHANNA DANIELS • Charlotte, North Carolina She broke barriers as the first black female pit-crew member in NASCAR history. Next up for this former college hooper: winning a Cup event and continuing to push the racing community into the future.

JASON SEAMAN • Noblesville, Indiana He was hailed as a national hero when he stopped a school shooting in his science class. Five months later, the teacher and football coach at Noblesville West Middle School tells his full story to B/REAL for the first time.

TRASHAUN WILLIS • Washington, Iowa He went viral for dunking with one arm, but Trashaun is a star in basketball and football while overcoming a disability—amniotic band syndrome, a condition shared with Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin.

Watch the B/REAL trailer and Part 1 now at BREAL.BLEACHERREPORT.COM

About Bleacher Report Bleacher Report is the premier digital destination for millennial sports fans creating and collaborating on the culture of sports for the next generation of fans. Its vision for making sports bigger than games has led to unmatched engagement on social media, where it consistently ranks as a top publisher on each platform. Bleacher Report also provides an industry-leading fan experience on mobile devices through Bleacher Report, the top-rated smartphone and tablet app. Find Bleacher Report at www.bleacherreport.com and on Instagram @BleacherReport. Bleacher Report is a division of Turner Sports.

About Cricket WirelessCricket brings more value with a simple, smarter, friendly wireless experience on our reliable nationwide 4G LTE network that covers more than 99% of Americans.* Our easy-to-understand and affordable service plans include monthly taxes and don’t require an annual contract. And our top-brand phones at affordable prices give our customers something to smile about. Visit cricketwireless.com to learn more or find a store near you. Stay up-to-date with the Cricket Newsroom, and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Cricket is a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. Coverage not available everywhere. © 2018 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved. Cricket and the Cricket logo are trademarks under license to Cricket Wireless LLC.

 *Based on overall coverage in U.S. Compatible device required. Coverage not available everywhere. 4G LTE coverage is not equivalent to overall network coverage.

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Top Drivers Invited to Compete for Spots in NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program

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NASCAR, Rev Racing to Evaluate Ethnically Diverse and Female Drivers for 2019 Class DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 15, 2018) – Twelve drivers from across the United States and abroad have been invited to try out for NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program, the top driver developmental program in motorsports, at Florida’s New Smyrna Speedway and Bethune-Cookman University on Oct. 22-23. The NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Combine invites promising ethnically diverse and female drivers to test their skills over a two-day period as NASCAR evaluates talent for the 2019 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development class. In partnership with Rev Racing, NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program offers racing opportunities in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, NASCAR Whelen All-American Series and U.S. Legend Cars International for one full season, providing selected drivers with equipment, mentoring, and competition experience. The goal is to provide top diverse talent with a path for development in order to improve participants’ chances of being identified as a prospect by NASCAR’s national series teams, sponsors and manufacturers. Candidates for the 2019 class have competition experience throughout North America, Asia and Europe. All will vie for an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series™ drivers Daniel Suárez, Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson, the first NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver to qualify for the NASCAR Playoffs. “The drivers invited to this year’s NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Combine represent a wide range of diverse backgrounds, both in terms of heritage and driving disciplines,” said Jusan Hamilton, NASCAR senior manager of racing operations and event management.  “The combine has been tremendous in helping the NASCAR industry identify and develop top diverse talent and this year is no different.” The combine, which will serve as a key element in the selection process for setting the driver lineup for Rev Racing in 2019, will evaluate participants on their driving skill and work ethic on and off the track, as well as their marketing and media skills. Each driver will also take part in a physical fitness assessment at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach. Additionally, Rev Racing and NASCAR will work with B-CU communications students for additional training and evaluation of the combine participants that will include a mock press conference and one-on-one interviews. Since the inception of NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program, Rev Racing has earned 19 wins, 88 top-5 finishes, and 186 top-10 finishes in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program driver Rubén García Jr. won the K&N Pro Series East season finale at Dover International Speedway in early October, the Mexico native’s second win of the season. García Jr. is also the current Championship points leader in the NASCAR Peak Mexico Series. “As we embark upon our 11th year managing the Drive for Diversity program in partnership with NASCAR, we couldn’t be more excited about the evolution of our driver development program,” said Max Siegel, CEO of Rev Racing. “Through selection process and training program we look forward to selecting and developing some of NASCAR’s brightest stars.” In addition to Garcia Jr., drivers under consideration to return to the team in 2019 are Chase Cabre, Ernie Francis Jr., Nick Sanchez and Ryan Vargas. Vargas is a two-time NASCAR Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award winner and has won three NASCAR Late Model races. In 2018, Francis Jr. achieved four wins in the Trans-Am Championship presented by Pirelli and currently leads the series standings. He has won the series championship for four consecutive years. This year’s participants also include Juan Manuel González, Loris Hezemans, Perry Patino, Brooke Storer, Ryu Taggart, Gracie Trotter and Britney Zamora. Storer is the 2016 Desoto Speedway Sportman Champion, while Zamora became the first female driver to win the Northwest Super Late Model Series Championship in 2017. In 2015, Taggart earned a third-place finish out of more than 7,000 drivers in the Red Bull Kart Fight in Japan. Rev Racing also operates the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Youth Driver Development Program, which targets drivers 12 to 17 to compete in the U.S. Legend Cars International (USLCI) and serves as an entry point to the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. The deadline to apply for the youth program is Oct. 31, 2018. 2018 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Combine drivers:
DRIVER HOMETOWN 2018 RACING EXPERIENCE
Chase Cabre Tampa, Fla. NASCAR K&N Pro Series East & NASCAR Whelen All-American Series
Ernie Francis Jr. Southwest Ranches, Fla. Trans Am TA Series & NASCAR K&N Pro Series East
Rubén García Jr. Mexico City, Mexico NASCAR K&N Pro Series East & NASCAR Peak Mexico Series
Juan Manuel González Mexico City, Mexico NASCAR Mexico FedEx Challenge Series NASCAR K&N Pro Series East
Loris Hezemans Amsterdam, Netherlands Blancpain GT Sprint Series & NASCAR Whelen Euro Series
Perry Patino Montgomery, Ala. Pro Late Model & Late Model Sportsman Series
Nick Sanchez Miami, Fla. NASCAR Whelen All-American Series & Bojangles Summer Shootout Pro Legend Car Class
Brooke Storer Land O’ Lakes, Fla. Wheelman Series Late Model/Sportsman Division
Ryu Taggart Jefferson City, Mo. Pro Late Model Division at Lebanon I-44 Speedway and USRRA A-mod on dirt
Gracie Trotter Denver, N.C. CARS Tour & PASS Series, USLCI Legend Cars & Bojangles Summer Shootout Semi Pro Division
Ryan Vargas La Mirada, Calif. NASCAR K&N Pro Series East & NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
Brittney Zamora Kennewick, Wash. NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, Budweiser Crown Series & Northwest Super Late Model Series
About NASCAR The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States. NASCAR consists of three national series (Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™), three regional series, one local grassroots series, three international series and the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

Rev Racing Unveils Paint Schemes For The Throwback 100

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BY JAXSON JACOBS HOMETRACKS.NASCAR.COM JULY 5, 2018
The NASCAR K&N Pro Series will head to northeastern Connecticut for the Throwback 100 at Thompson Speedway on July 14. The rich history of both NASCAR and racing in New England will be celebrated as team’s  honor some of the sport’s pioneers with throwback paint schemes.
The Rev Racing trio of drivers will feature unique throwback schemes of Tommy Ellis, Ruben Pardo and Geoff Bodine. “I think the throwback races are a great link between the history of our sport and the future” said Jefferson Hodges, Rev Racing general manager and competition director. “ Without throwback races and the excitement they generate I’m afraid our sports history gets forgotten by the younger generation. We put a lot of work into selecting who we are representing and this is our way of showing respect for that they have accomplished in the sport.” Rev Racing, which fields drivers for the NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver development program, has all three of its drivers in the top eight in points after seven of 14 events. And all three will pilot cars at Thompson with unique stories behind their paint schemes.
Throwback
Ryan Vargas will honor Tommy Ellis in the Throwback 100.
Ryan Vargas, who leads the Rev Racing team in points will show homage to short-track racing legend Tommy Ellis, while making his first appearance at Thompson. Ellis, who was commonly referred to as “Terrible” Tommy Ellis for his hard-nosed, old-school style of racing won the National Late Model Sportsman Championship in 1981 before it changed to what is now the NASCAR Xfininty Series. Ellis also won the NASCAR Xfinity Series title in 1988 under the old Busch Series banner. He sits fifth all time in series wins with 22. Ellis also made 78 starts over 12 years in NASCAR’s premier series. “Running a special throwback scheme for the Thompson race is pretty incredible” said Vargas. All of the paint schemes Chase (Cabre) put together for all of the Rev Racing cars look stunning. I’m excited to represent Tommy Ellis on my No. 2 UTI Camry next weekend and I hope to give it a good showing in my first Thompson race!” Ruben Garcia Jr. will honor fellow Mexican driver, Pardo. In 2006, Pardo, a Mexico City, Mexico native went to victory lane at Connecticut’s Lime Rock Park to become the first Mexican-born driver to win in NASCAR. He was also the first Hispanic driver to win a NASCAR affiliated award after claiming the then-Busch East Series Rookie of the Year in that same year. Pardo is excited to see his colors back on track and hopes to see Garcia take them to Victory Lane. “Well to me that you use and represent that design as good as you’ve been doing it, putting it up in Victory Lane” said Pardo. “It obviously gives me a lot of happiness and pride to see those colors back in action.” Garcia became the fourth Mexican-born driver to win in the series earlier this year at Memphis. He followed Pardo (2006), Rogelio Lopez (2007) and Daniel Suarez (2014). Garcia honored Lopez in this same event a season ago.
Throwback
Ruben Garcia Jr. will look to return the Pardo paint scheme to Victory Lane.
              “It’s really cool to use the scheme that Ruben (Pardo) used when he won becoming the first Mexican to win in the U.S.” said Garcia. “It makes it even more special because I just won my first race and hopefully we can put those colors back in Victory Lane again next weekend.” Chase Cabre will throw it back to the 1980s with a tribute to Bodine and the car known as “Emma”. Bodine is an 18-time winner in the premier series of NASCAR and a Daytona 500 champion in 1986. Bodine says that this scheme is as much as a tribute for him as it is for legendary fabricator, Robert Gee Sr., who designed and built “Emma”. “Emma was Robert Gee’s mother’s name, so you can imagine that Robert put a lot of love into building this car” Bodine said. “He was one of the best fabricators and friends a guy could ever have.  He loved racing and being at the track. Emma was fast and beautiful and Robert moved slow and wasn’t so beautiful but we loved him anyway.”
Throwback
Chase Cabre will race “Emma,” the design formerly driven by Geoff Bodine.
              For Cabre, it is the little things about the throwback process that mean the most. Jimmy Gee, the son of Robert, has been a fabricator at Rev Racing for seven years and had the opportunity to put together the throwback car with his family name on the side. “It’s definitely been an awesome process for me, from picking the car, designing it, and wrapping it” said Cabre. “Probably one of the first times I’ve seen Jimmy, our fabricator, smile. Having him help me on the details, like “Emma” on the dash, and “Racing Bodies by Gee” on the car, has been something special.” Cabre, who designed the three throwback schemes for Rev Racing takes some personal pride in the throwback event as one that goes beyond just the race itself. “This throwback race puts me as the designer up for a challenge but I definitely enjoy doing it. Last year we won the Best Throwback award so hopefully one of our three cars does it again this year.”

Four-Time Trans Am Series Champion Makes NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Debut with Rev Racing

Posted on by matchbook
CONCORD, NC (Photo by Bob Leverone/Getty Images)
Concord, NC. (June 12, 2018) Ernie Francis Jr., a four-time Trams Am Series Champion, will join Rev Racing, this weekend, for the first road course of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Season at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Francis was selected as one of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Development Drivers and will participate in scheduled NASCAR K&N Pro Series East road courses and potential NASCAR Whelen All-American Series races in the 2018 season. “I am extremely excited to make my first K&N East Series start at the upcoming NJMP race,” said Ernie Francis Jr. “Coming from an extensive road racing background has me feeling very positive for a good result for the Rev Racing team.” Although a rookie to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, Francis is no new-comer to New Jersey Motorsports Park. In 2017, as Ernie Francis, Jr. took the checkered flag for the New Jersey Trans Am 100 at New Jersey Motorsport Park, he not only secured his eighth win of the 2017 season—he clinched the TA class championship with two races remaining. At the age of 16, he became the youngest Trans Am Series Champion and at 19-years-old Francis became the youngest TA class champion and the winningest driver in 50 years of the series, overtaking series Chief Steward Wally Dallenbach Jr., who won the title in 1985 at the age of 22.  This championship was the fourth of Francis’ Trans Am career, with three TA4 class championships already under his belt.  In 2018, Francis has already secured four podium finishes and two wins in just five races in the Trams Am Series. Francis made his first NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Road America in 2017 and is eager to get back to NASCAR to test his skills. Francis will pilot the No. 42 Pro-Systems Inc./NTI Toyota. He will join teammates Chase Cabre, Ryan Vargas and Ruben Garcia Jr., who most recently clinched his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series East victory at Memphis International Raceway. All Rev Racing drivers will return to action this Saturday at New Jersey Motorsports Park on June 16th for the JustDrive.com125 at 6:00 pm.