News Archives - Page 9 of 19

Rev Racing to Compete in First of Two Road Course Races This Season

Posted on August 23, 2013 by matchbook

Concord, N.C. (August 23, 2013) – The Rev Racing drivers will gain experience turning both left and right this weekend, as they compete at the first of two road courses on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series (NKNPS) East schedule this season. The team is headed to Virginia International Raceway (VIR) on Saturday, August 24, for the Buiscuitville 125, the tracks inaugural NASCAR-sanctioned race. This is the first road course race for the series since 2010. The team will be looking to Bryan Ortiz (@BryanORacing) who has competed at VIR in the Grand-AM series, and Daniel Suarez (@DnlSuarez) who has a road course win this season in the NASCAR Toyota Mexico Series, for guidance. The drivers will be competing 55 laps on the 2.25-mile North Course of the track, and will be doing live pit stops for the first time this season.

Ryan Gifford (@RyanGifford2) (No. 2 NASCAR Technical Institute/UTI Toyota Camry) – Gifford, who scored his first series win at Richmond earlier this season, is currently fourth in points. He’s in contention to capture the championship with four top-five’s, six top-10s, and an average finish of 8.6 this season. Bryan Ortiz (No. 4 Rev Racing Toyota Camry) – Ortiz has extensive road course experience and has competed at VIR in the Grand-AM series. The Bayamon, Puerto Rico native, who’s competing in his second full season in the NKNPS East, is looking to capitalize on that experience this weekend. He has four top-10 finishes this season. Daniel Suarez (No. 6 Visit Acapulco Toyota Camry) – Suarez who is currently eighth in NKNPS East points, scored a road course win at Monterrey in the NASCAR Toyota Mexico Series earlier this season. He’s had three top-three finishes in the last three NKNPS East races, and captured his first series win at Iowa earlier this year. Mackena Bell (@MackenaBell) (No. 21 Toyota Racing Development Toyota Camry) – Bell who’s competing in her first full NKNPS East season is tied for 11th in points and in contention to capture Rookie of they Year honors. She has one top-five and two top-10 finishes this season. Practice for the Biscuitville 125 begins at 9:05 a.m. followed by qualifying at 1:20 p.m. and the green flag at 4:35 p.m. ET. For live updates throughout the weekend follow @RevRacin on twitter.

BARNES AND MADRID COMPETE AT MOTOR MILE SPEEDWAY

Posted on August 16, 2013 by matchbook

Concord, N.C. (August 16, 2013) – Annabeth Barnes and Jack Madrid headed north to Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, VA last weekend, to compete in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (NWAAS) Twin 125s. The field was stacked with competitors, including previous Series champion, Lee Pulliam. This was both drivers first time competing at Motor Mile Speedwaybut Barnes and Madrid didn’t let the competition intimidate them. The starting lineup for the first race was based on qualifying lap speed, while the starting lineup for the second race was based on finishing position of the first race. Madrid qualified 15th in his No. 4 Toyota Camry, and Barnes qualified 16th in her No. 21 Toyota Camry out of 21 competitors. Both drivers ran a clean race and kept their cars out of trouble, setting them up for success in the final Twin 125 of the night. Madrid started the second race 13th and as soon as the green flag fell he began making his way through the field. He had a competitive car, and was able to work his way into the top-10 halfway through the race. A late race caution gave him the time he needed to work his way to an eighth place finish. Barnes finished the night 12th, after starting 17th. The next race for both drivers will be tomorrow, August 17th, at Hickory Motor Speedway in Hickory, N.C. Follow us on twitter @RevRacin for live updates.

Jack Madrid at Motor Mile Speedway — Jack Madrid earned an eighth place finish in the second Twin 125 of the night.

LEMONDS FINDS SUCCESS AT SUMMER SHOOTOUT

Posted on August 6, 2013 by matchbook

(CONCORD, N.C.) August 6, 2013 – Ryleigh Lemonds, a Rev Racing development driver, found success at the Jack in the Box Summer Shootout Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) this season. She had three top-five, and eight top-10 finishes in 10 races, with an average of 17 competitors running each week. The last two nights of competition proved to be Lemonds best, as she was able to win both of the heat races, and finished fourth in the feature race both nights. She finished the 2014 season eighth in the points standings out of 21 cars. “I had so much fun competing in the Summer Shootout!” said Lemonds. “I feel like I learned a lot, and I can’t wait to run the Summer Shootout again next year, I feel like this experience is going to help me the rest of the year.” The 10 year old from Yorktown, VA is running her first season with Rev Racing in the Bandits division of the INEX sanctioned Bandolero Series. During the 2012 racing season, Lemonds competed in 29 races and achieved a record of 10 wins, 27 top-five, and 29 top-10 finishes. She won races on five tracks in three States; became the youngest driver to win the 2012 Langley Speedway Track Championship and won the 2012 INEX Virginia State Bandolero Bandit championship. She was also the recipient of the “Youth Racer Award” at the 2013 NASCAR Diversity Awards luncheon. Next week she’ll be traveling to Bethel Motor Speedway in Bethel, NY to compete in the Bandolero Nationals. Follow Ryleigh on Twitter @RyleighLemonds or on Facebook at Ryleigh Lemonds Racing to get all the latest updates.

AMOS SAVES THE BEST FOR LAST

Posted on August 5, 2013 by matchbook

CONCORD, N.C. (August 5, 2013) – As Rev Racing driver, Devon Amos, crossed the finish line at Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) for the last time this summer, he knew he had saved the best for last. Amos, who competed in the 10-week INEX U.S. Legend Cars Jack in the Box Summer Shootout Series at CMS scored his best finish, of third, on the closing night of competition, leaving him feeling as though he had accomplished his goals. “I knew that this year would be a huge learning experience for me and I had a big learning curve ahead of me. My goal was to lead laps, and be competitive, and I think I accomplished that goal.” said Amos. “I’m so thankful for Rev Racing and the Drive for Diversity (D4D) program. I look forward to continuing to learn and develop as a driver.” Amos moved 1600 miles away from his home of New Mexico to participate in the D4D program, where he is competing in the U.S. Legend Cars Series, and a few Late Model races. The rookie driver, who’s racing in his first season with the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program, scored three top-five and five top-10 finishes in ten starts, impressive results for a driver running a new type of car, at an unfamiliar track. “It’s an amazing opportunity to race for a team who developed drivers such as Kyle Larson and Darrell Wallace Jr.” said Amos. “I’m proud of the success we had this season, but I’m also anxious to get that first win. I have no doubt that it will come as long as we continue to work hard.”

REV RACING RETURNS TO IOWA

Posted on July 31, 2013 by matchbook

CONCORD, N.C.(July 30, 2013) – Rev Racing returns to Iowa Speedway this Friday, Aug. 2, for the second East-West combination race of the season, The Pork Be Inspired 150. This is another monumental weekend for the team as Ryan Gifford becomes the third Rev Racing driver to make his NASCAR national series debut when he competes in the U.S. Cellular 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) event on Saturday.

Ryan Gifford (No. 2 Universal Technical Institute/NTI Toyota Camry) – Gifford will be doing double duty this weekend in the NKNPS East and NNS. He is currently fourth in the NKNPS East standings with one win, and four top-five finishes. His best finish in a K&N East-West combination race was of sixth in 2011.

Bryan Ortiz (No. 4 L&M Ethanol Maintenance and Contracting Toyota Camry) – Ortiz is currently 12th in the series standings, with a best finish of sixth this season and four top-10 finishes. He has an average finish of 13th in the K&N East-West combination races at Iowa.

Mackena Bell (No. 27 Toyota Racing Development Toyota Camry) – Bell who is competing in her rookie season is currently 11th in the point’s standings and a Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender. She has one top-five and two top-10 finishes this season, with a best finish of fifth at Richmond earlier this year.

Daniel Suarez (No. 69 Visit Acapulco Toyota Camry) – Suarez is headed to Iowa fresh off his first NKNPS East win, at Columbus Speedway the last time out. He’s currently ninth in the K&N East Championship standings, with one win, two top-five and four top-10 finishes this season. His best overall K&N East-West finish was 10th in 2012.

This weekend Bell and Suarez will be running with different numbers due to point standings in the K&N East-West combination race. Bell will be in the No. 27 Toyota Racing Development Toyota Camry and Suarez will be in the No. 69 Visit Acapulco Toyota Camry.

Qualifying for The Pork Be Inspired 150 from Iowa speedway will begin at 5 p.m. CT and the green flag will drop at 8 p.m. CT. The race will air on Fox Sports 1, Aug. 25, 1 p.m. ET.

Follow @RevRacin on twitter for updates throughout the race.

BARNES AND MADRID COMPETE IN THE HAMPTON HEAT 200 AT LANGLEY SPEEDWAY

Posted on July 29, 2013 by matchbook

CONCORD, N.C. (July 29, 2013) – When Annabeth Barnes and Jack Madrid arrived at Motor Mile Speedway on Saturday they thought their hopes of racing this past weekend were over. The weather wasn’t working in their favor, and the speedway had to postpone the CMS Supply Twin 125s due to rain. The team was determined to race however, so they loaded up the haulers and drove east to Langley Speedway, hopeful to make it there in time to compete in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (NWAAS) Hampton Heat 200. The clock and driving distance weren’t the only thing the team was battling, once they arrived at Langley they had to completely change the car setup to accommodate for the different track. The team made it to Langley on time and worked tirelessly to get the cars race ready. Barnes and Madrid were able to get some practice laps in, and qualified 27th and 21st respectively out of 31 cars. The field was stacked with a talented and well-known group of short-track drivers, and Barnes and Madrid were able to gain some great experience. Langley Speedway veterans Anthony and Phil Warren were able to coach Barnes in the No. 72 Toyota Racing Camry through the race, keeping her out of trouble, and leading her to a 13th place finish. Madrid in the No. 4 Toyota Racing Camry was caught up in a wreck early on in the race. The team was able to repair the damage, but he battled an overheating car all night. He was able to finish the race and come home with a 19th place result. The next race for both drivers in the NWAAS will be on Saturday, August 10th, at Hickory Motor Speedway.

RYAN GIFFORD TO MAKE NATIONWIDE DEBUT IN IOWA

Posted on July 18, 2013 by matchbook

Ryan Gifford, a member of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity initiative who won for the first time on the K&N Pro Series earlier this season, will step up in class and make his national debut when he competes in next month’s Nationwide Series race at Iowa Speedway for Richard Childress Racing. The 23-year-old native of Winchester, Tenn., will pilot the No. 33 car backed by Menards and Rheem in the Aug. 3 event. In his fourth full season in the K&N Pro Series East, Gifford scored his first victory in April at Richmond. He also works in the shop and drives for Team Dillon Racing, the dirt late model program that spawned Austin and Ty Dillon and is located at the RCR complex in Welcome, N.C. “I’m thrilled that Menards and RCR are giving me the chance to race in my first Nationwide Series event,” Gifford said. “Menards has done so much for young racers over the years, and I’m proud to be able to represent them and their employees at Iowa Speedway. I can’t thank them enough for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to showcase my racing skills.” Gifford became the first African-American driver in Pro Series East history to earn a pole position when he competed in the circuit’s inaugural race at Martinsville Speedway in 2010. Last month at Iowa Speedway, the current Rev Racing driver was announced as a member of the 2013 NASCAR Next class, an industry initiative to help spotlight NASCAR’s rising stars. Gifford started racing go-karts at age 8, and competed in the World Karting Association from 2000-2004 before moving to dirt late models in 2005. It didn’t take long for Gifford to find success on dirt, earning three poles and four top-five finishes in his first season. Gifford made his debut for RCR in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2009 competing in four events. Since then, he has earned one win, one pole award, 15 top-five and 19 top-10 finishes in just 48 starts. “I have watched how hard Ryan has worked at the Team Dillon Racing shop and what he’s been doing on the track the past few years,” Childress said. “He had some good finishes racing in the K&N Series races for RCR a few years ago. I watched him race and win dirt track races with TDR, and I’ve always been impressed with a driver’s ability to race on dirt.” Gifford will become the eighth different driver this season to pilot RCR’s No. 33 Nationwide car, which is overseen by crew chief Ernie Cope. Tony Stewart drove it to victory in the season opener at Daytona, and since then Kevin Harvick, Ty Dillon, Max Papis, Paul Menard, Dakoda Armstrong and Matt Crafton have taken turns behind the wheel. Crafton, who finished third at Kentucky, is driving the vehicle Sunday at Chicagoland. But next month at Iowa, it will belong to Gifford. “This is a great opportunity for him to get in one of our Nationwide cars and be very competitive at Iowa,” Childress said.

REV RACING HEADS TO COLUMBUS WITH THREE DRIVERS IN THE TOP-10

Posted on July 11, 2013 by matchbook

CONCORD, N.C. (July 11, 2013) – Rev Racing is headed to Columbus (Ohio) Motor Speedway on Saturday, July 13 for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series (NKNPS) East race, the NAPA 150. The team currently has three drivers, Ryan Gifford, Mackena Bell, and Daniel Suarez in the top-10 in points, with Gifford in contention for a Championship, and Bell fighting for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors. Suarez finished fifth in both of his previous starts at Columbus, his career best results before a second place finish at Langley the last time out. Ryan Gifford (No. 2 NASCAR Technical Institute/UTI Toyota Camry) – Gifford heads into Columbus fourth in points, with one win, three top-five, and four top-10 finishes. He finished 14th and 13th in the two previous NKNPS East races at Columbus. Bryan Ortiz (No. 4 Rev Racing Toyota Camry) – Ortiz has three top-10 finishes this season and is currently 13th in points. He returns to Columbus this weekend, where he had a sixth place qualifying effort and sixth place finish last season. Daniel Suarez (No. 6 Rev Racing Toyota Camry) – Suarez heads into the weekend following a career best finish of second at Langley. He’s currently tenth in points, with one top-five and three top-10 finishes. He finished fifth in both of his previous starts at Columbus Motor Speedway. Mackena Bell (No. 21 Toyota Racing Development Toyota Camry) – Bell currently sits ninth in points, and third in Sunoco Rookie of the Year Standings. She has two top-10 finishes in seven starts, and a career best finish of fifth at Richmond earlier this season. This will be her first time racing in the NKNPS East at Columbus. Qualifying for The NAPA 150 from Columbus Motor Speedway will begin at 6 p.m. and the green flag will drop at 8:45 p.m. ET. The race will air on SPEED on Thursday, July 25, at 3 p.m. ET. Follow @RevRacin on twitter for updates throughout the race.

REV RACING READY FOR ACTION AT LANGLEY SPEEDWAY

Posted on June 20, 2013 by matchbook

CONCORD, N.C. (June 20, 2013) – Rev Racing will return to action with the Visit Hampton VA 175 NASCAR K&N Pro Series (NKNPS) East race at Langley Speedway on Saturday, June 22 in Hampton, Va. The last time Bryan Ortiz, Daniel Suarez, Mackena Bell and Ryan Gifford hit the pavement at Langley Speedway was for the 2012 NASCAR Drive for Diversity combine, where their driving careers depended on how well they could find their way around the .396 mile oval. All four were selected for the 2013 Drive for Diversity class, and hope to find success once again at Langley this weekend. The Visit Hampton VA 175 marks the midway point of the 2013 season, one which has been memorable for Rev Racing. Gifford came home with his first series win at Richmond in April, and Bell set the record for highest qualifying by a female in series history at Iowa the last time out. Ryan Gifford (No. 2 NASCAR Technical Institute/UTI Toyota Camry) – Gifford, who won his first NKNPS East race at Richmond earlier this year, is having a stellar season. He has three top-five finishes, 2 top-10s, and is currently sixth in points. This will be his third time racing at Langley, where he ran in 2011 and 2012 and qualified eighth and sixth respectively. Bryan Ortiz (No. 4 L&M Toyota Camry) – Ortiz has three top-10s this season, with a best finish of sixth at Pensacola, and is currently 10th in points. This will be his second NKNPS East race at Langley, where he qualified 10th in 2012 and finished sixth. Daniel Suarez (No. 6 Rev Racing Toyota Camry) – Suarez, who is racing in both the NKNPS East and NASCAR Toyota Series this season, will be competing at Langley for the first time. He has two top-10 finishes this season, with a best finish of seventh at Greenville, and is currently 12th in points. Mackena Bell (No. 21 Toyota Racing Development Toyota Camry) – Bell, who’s competing in her first full NKNPS East season, broke the record she had previously set, by becoming the highest qualifying female in series history with her fourth place qualifying effort at Iowa the last time out. She’s currently 11th in points and in contention to win Rookie of the Year honors. This will be her first NKNPS East race at Langley. There will be a an autograph session at 5:30 p.m. followed by the race at 8:30 p.m. ET. Follow @RevRacin on Twitter and Instagram for race updates. The Visit Hampton VA 175 will air on Thursday, June 27 at 3 p.m. ET on SPEED.

BARNES AND MADRID FIND SUCCESS AT HICKORY

Posted on June 18, 2013 by matchbook

CONCORD, N.C. (June 18, 2013) – Annabeth Barnes and Jack Madrid made their return to Hickory Motor Speedway (HMS) on Saturday night to compete in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (NWAAS) twin-50 races. This was both drivers first race at the track with Rev Racing since May, but the time away didn’t seem to impact their success. The qualifying procedure on Saturday was different due to the twin-50 schedule. Qualifying order for the first race was determined by the first lap, and qualifying order for the second race was determined by the second lap. Barnes qualified 10th for the first race and eighth for the second, while Madrid qualified eighth and sixth respectively. Barnes had her best finish of the season, fourth, in the second twin-50 race. She came home eighth in the first race, giving her two top-10 finishes for the night. Madrid was coming off a season best fifth place finish his last time at Hickory, and managed to bring home a sixth place finish for the first race. He was running third in the second race, and looking to come home with a top-three finish, but was tangled in a wreck with two laps to go and came home ninth. Both drivers will return to Hickory Motor speedway on June 29th for the NASCAR All-American Series Race.

ROUGH NIGHT FOR REV RACING AT IOWA

Posted on June 10, 2013 by matchbook

CONCORD, NC. (June 10, 2013) – It was a disappointing weekend for Rev Racing at Iowa Speedway, where Ryan Gifford had hopes of a top-five finish but came home 33rd due to a flat tire late in the race. Gifford (@RyanGifford2) had the second fastest car in the final practice and qualified well. He was ready to have a strong night after his win at Richmond, a track with similarities to Iowa. Mackena Bell (@MackenaBell) was the highest qualifier for the team this weekend. Breaking a record which she had previously set, she once again became the highest qualifying female in K&N series history, with her fourth place qualifying effort. Bryan Ortiz (@BryanORacing) who qualified 19th and Daniel Suarez (@DnlSuarez) who qualified 33rd, were the highest finishers for the team, coming home 13th and 16th respectively. Ryan Gifford (No. 2 NASCAR Technical Institute/UTI Toyota Camry) – Gifford’s Toyota Camry was the second fastest car during the final practice session, and he qualified just outside the top-10, starting 11th. Gifford was competitive all night, running as high as sixth when a flat tire brought him to pit road. Without enough laps left in the race to make up spots, he ended his night with a disappointing 33rd place finish. He’s currently sixth in points. Bryan Ortiz (No. 4 Rev Racing Toyota Camry) – Ortiz had a frustrating weekend, dealing with a poor-handling car throughout the day, and he struggled to gain positions during the race. Despite his setbacks, he still managed the highest finish of the night for the team, coming home 13th, and is currently 10th in points. Mackena Bell (No. 27 Toyota Racing Development Toyota Camry) – Bell has continued to show improvement each weekend, and in her rookie season she’s had three top-15 and two top-10 finishes. She led the team this weekend with her fourth place qualifying effort, and ran in the top-15 all night. She finished her night 22nd after hitting the wall and bringing out a caution late in the race. She’s currently 11th in points. Daniel Suarez (No. 69 Rev Racing Toyota Camry) – Suarez battled a loose car throughout much of the day, qualifying 33rd. The team attempted to make adjustments during the midway point of the race which helped Suarez maneuver his way to a 16th place finish. He’s currently 12th in points. Mackena Bell and Daniel Suarez ran different numbers in Iowa due to point standings in the NKNPS East-West combination race. Bell was in the No. 27 Toyota Racing Development Toyota Camry and Suarez was in the No. 69 Rev Racing Toyota Camry. The Casey’s General Store 150 is scheduled to air on SPEED on Thursday, June 13, at 3 p.m. ET. The next NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race for Rev Racing will be on Saturday, June 22, at Langley Speedway in Hampton, Va. Follow @RevRacin on twitter for updates.

REV RACING TO COMPETE IN EAST-WEST COMBINATION RACE AT IOWA

Posted on June 5, 2013 by matchbook

CONCORD, N.C.(June 5, 2013) – Rev Racing has had a strong start to the season, and is looking to continue that trend at Iowa Speedway this Friday, June 7, for the first of two NASCAR K&N Pro Series (NKNPS) East-West combination races on the Newton, Iowa track this year. Three of the four Rev Racing drivers had top-10 finishes at Bowman Gray Stadium the last time out, and all four currently sit within the top-15 in the series points standings. This season Rev Racing has continued its tradition of developing stars, as Ryan Gifford earned his first series career win at Richmond, and Mackena Bell became the highest female qualifier in series history with her seventh place qualifying effort at Greenville. Ryan Gifford (No. 2 NASCAR Technical Institute/UTI Toyota Camry) – Gifford, who scored his first series win at Richmond earlier this season, is currently leading the Rev Racing stable, sitting fifth in points. His best finish in the NKNPS East-West combination race was at Iowa in 2011 where he came home sixth. Gifford has an average finish of 9.0 this season. Bryan Ortiz (No. 4 Rev Racing Toyota Camry) – Ortiz, who’s racing in his second season in the NKNPS east, had an impressive race the last time out at Bowman Gray Stadium. The Bayamon, Puerto Rico native earned a second place qualifying effort and held his position for much of the race, finishing seventh. He’s currently 11th in points. Mackena Bell (No. 27 Toyota Racing Development Toyota Camry) – Bell heads to Iowa with two back to back top-10 finishes, coming home fifth at Richmond and sixth at Bowman Gray Stadium. The NKNPS East rookie of the year contender currently sits 10th in points. Earlier this season she became the highest qualifying female in series history with her seventh place qualifying effort at Greenville. Daniel Suarez (No. 69 Rev Racing Toyota Camry) – Suarez heads to Iowa with two top-five and eight top-10 finishes in 21 career series starts. The Monterrey, Mexico native is racing in both the NKNPS East and NASCAR Toyota Mexico Series this season. His best finish this season was at Greenville where he came home seventh. This weekend Mackena Bell and Daniel Suarez will be running with different numbers due to point standings in the NKNPS East-West combination race. Bell will be in the No. 27 Toyota Racing Development Toyota Camry and Suarez will be in the No. 69 Rev Racing Toyota Camry. Qualifying for The Casey’s General Stores 150 from Iowa speedway will begin at 5 p.m. CT and the green flag will drop at 8 p.m. CT. The race will air on SPEED on Thursday, June 13, at 3 p.m. ET. Follow @RevRacin on twitter for updates throughout the race.

SEARCH BEGINS FOR 2014 DRIVE FOR DIVERSITY CANDIDATES

Posted on June 4, 2013 by matchbook

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 4, 2013) – Rising stars Kyle Larson and Darrell Wallace Jr. capitalized on their opportunity under the NASCAR Drive for Diversity (D4D) banner, and now enjoy regular success in NASCAR’s national series. Soon, the next generation of talent will be welcomed – and that process starts now. Applications are being accepted online for the NASCAR D4D Combine until Aug. 26. To access the application, please visit https://revracing.net/combine-application. Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) and Wallace (@BubbaWallace), both competing in their rookie seasons in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series respectively, participated in the program after being selected at the annual NASCAR D4D Combine. “Through our partnership with Rev Racing, the NASCAR D4D initiative has shown increasing success in developing minority and female drivers who are ready to compete at the highest levels of our sport,” said Marcus Jadotte, NASCAR vice president of public affairs and multicultural development. “The academy format that we have developed offers skilled drivers the training they need to move up to the next level of their racing careers.” The application for the annual Combine is the first phase of the selection process for the NASCAR D4D program. The Combine evaluation process consists of five elements: physical fitness, driver resume, media aptitude, driver communications/knowledge and driving skills on and off track. “We are proud of the successes we’ve had to date, and are looking forward to welcoming a new group of participants in the fall,” said Max Siegel, CEO of Rev Racing. “The talent level continues to rise each year, and the Combine process is the first step in developing the next generation of drivers for the sport.” Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 26 as of Oct. 15, and must be a member of an ethnic minority classification or a female of U.S. citizenship. Those who are legally allowed to work in the U.S. can apply to participate in the Combine as well. All drivers must demonstrate their skill and have experience in grassroots, local or regional racing. Drivers selected to participate in the Combine will be notified in the fall after the application process has closed. To learn more about NASCAR, the NASCAR D4D program and other diverse initiatives, log on to: www.nascardiversity.com

THREE TOP-10 FINISHES FOR REV RACING AT BOWMAN GRAY STADIUM

Posted on June 3, 2013 by matchbook

CONCORD, N.C. (June 3, 2013) – Rev Racing had a successful night at historic Bowman Gray Stadium on Saturday, for the NASCAR Hall of Fame 150. The team managed to bring home three top-10 finishes with Mackena Bell leading the group with her sixth place effort. Bryan Ortiz finished seventh, Daniel Suarez finished ninth, and Ryan Gifford came home 19th. The cars were fast throughout both practice sessions, and Ortiz barely missed the pole in qualifying, earning a second place start. He felt confident with his starting position, and was able to maintain his second place run for most of the night. Bell qualified eighth, making it her third top-10 qualifying effort in her rookie season. Ryan Gifford (No. 2 NASCAR Technical Institute/UTI Toyota Camry) – Gifford started 12^th and ran a clean race throughout the night, managing to pass cars and run as high as seventh. Unfortunately, he was black flagged due to a tire rub and was forced to pit. This caused Gifford to lose his position and he finished 19th. He’s currently fifth in points. Bryan Ortiz (No. 4 Rev Racing Toyota Camry) – Ortiz arrived at Bowman Gray Stadium this weekend ready to win. He qualified second and maintained his position until he was spun out on lap 117. He managed to maneuver his was back through the pack and bring home a seventh place finish. Ortiz is currently 11th in points. Daniel Suarez (No. 6 Rev Racing Toyota Camry) – Suarez rolled off the grid 13th and scored his season-best finish of ninth. He now has eight top-10 finishes in 21 career NKNPS east starts, and is currently 12th in points.

Mackena Bell interviews with Fox Sports, prior to the NASCAR Hall of Fame 150 at Bowman Gray Stadium

Mackena Bell (No. 21 Toyota Racing Development Toyota Camry) – Bell followed up her career best finish of fifth at Richmond with an impressive sixth place result at Bowman Gray Stadium, her first time racing there. She currently sits 10th in the series points standings. The NASCAR Hall of Fame 150 will air on SPEED on June 6 at 3 p.m. ET. Rev Racing will return to action on Friday, June 7 for the Casey’s General Store 150 at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, for a combination race where the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West will come together.

REV RACING HEADS TO BOWMAN GRAY STADIUM

Posted on May 31, 2013 by matchbook

CONCORD, N.C. (MAY 30, 2013) – Rev Racing is headed to Bowman Gray Stadium this Saturday to race in The NASCAR Hall of Fame 150 at the track more commonly referred to as “The Madhouse”. The team found success at Bowman Gray last season, where Kyle Larson captured the pole and Bryan Ortiz had a career best finish of third, and is anxious to follow up on those results once again. Ryan Gifford (No. 2 NASCAR Technical Institute/UTI Toyota Camry) – Gifford earned his first career win in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series (NKNPS) East at Richmond the last time out, and is feeling confident going into Bowman Gray. He’s currently second in points, and has three top-10s in four races this season. Bryan Ortiz (No. 4 Rev Racing Toyota Camry) – Ortiz had a career best finish of third at Bowman Gray Stadium last season, his first time racing there, and also finished third at the Daytona International Speedway short track earlier this year. He’s currently 12th in points, with a season best result of sixth at Five Flags Speedway. Daniel Suarez (No. 6 Rev Racing Toyota Camry) – Suarez is running in both the NKNPS East and the NASCAR Toyota Mexico Series (NTMS) this season. He has seven top-10s in 20 career NKNPS East starts, and three wins, eight poles, and 26 top-10s in the NTMS. Mackena Bell (No. 21 Toyota Racing Development Toyota Camry) – Bell is having a spectacular rookie season, and is currently sitting 10th in points. She became she highest female qualifier in series history earlier this season with a seventh place qualifying effort at Greenville, and scored a career best fifth place finish at Richmond the last time out.

Mackena Bell No. 21 Toyota Racing Development Toyota

Qualifying is at 6:15 p.m. and the race will begin at 8 p.m. Follow @RevRacin on twitter for updates throughout the day.

TOP-TEN FINISH FOR REV RACING AT HICKORY

Posted on May 14, 2013 by matchbook

CONCORD, N.C. (May 14, 2013) – After battling the weather all evening, Annabeth Barnes, Jack Madrid, and Devon Amos were able to hit the pavement to compete for Rev Racing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series race at Hickory Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 11th. This was the first late model race for Amos, who took home a seventh place finish, Madrid finished 14th and Barnes came home 19th. All three drivers had two successful practice sessions, and were able to score their best qualifying results of the season thus far. Barnes qualified 12th, Madrid qualified 14th, and Amos qualified 17th, in just his first start. Barnes had a fast car and was running well all night, but was tangled up in an accident in front of her, disappointingly ending her night early. Madrid passed cars throughout the race, moving up to as high as eighth, when contact with the wall left damage to his car and he wasn’t able to get it back up to speed. The next race for Barnes and Madrid with Rev Racing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series will be on Saturday, May 18th, and Motor Mile Speedway. Follow @RevRacin on twitter for updates throughout the weekend.

Suárez Turns In Golden Performance – Pole Winner Captures First 2013 Victory

Posted on May 13, 2013 by matchbook

By: John Tejada, NASCAR Chihuahua, Mexico – Daniel Suárez is definitely enjoying his most recent trip to El Dorado Speedway in Chihuahua, Mexico more than his last visit. In the NASCAR Toyota Series’ inaugural visit to the track in 2012, a suspension problem ended Suárez’s night after 130 laps and left him with a 30th place finish. This time around, the young Monterrey driver turned in his best performance of the season, winning the Chihuahua 240 from the pole position on Sunday and claiming his first victory of 2013 and third of his career. The win continues a recent hot streak by Suárez in the Toyota Series. After opening the season with an 11th place finish in Phoenix, Suárez has now turned in four Top 10 finishes and three consecutive Top 5 efforts (ninth, fourth, fourth and first respectively). The stretch of good driving has propelled the youngster to the top of the leaderboard, just three points behind series leader Antonio Pérez in the unofficial championship standings.

BARNES AND MADRID TO MAKE SECOND START FOR REV RACING AT HICKORY

Posted on May 3, 2013 by matchbook

Concord, N.C. (May 2, 2013) – Annabeth Barnes and Jack Madrid return to Hickory Motor Speedway this Saturday, May 4, for their second race with Rev Racing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (NWAAS). After a cancelled race due to rain last weekend, both drivers are eager to hit the pavement. Annabeth Barnes (No. 21 Toyota Camry) – Barnes is no stranger to Hickory Motor Speedway, where she ran her first full stock car season, competing in the Limited Late Model Division. This will be her second start with Rev Racing in the NWAAS, at the “World’s Most Famous Short Track”. Jack Madrid (No. 4 Toyota Camry) – This will be Madrid’s second time to race at Hickory Motor Speedway. The San Clemente, Calif. native spent last season racing in the Super Late Model Division, where he finished in the top-10 in all four races in which he competed. Both drivers were selected for the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program at the 2012 combine, and will be competing for Rev Racing in the NWAAS this season. Gates will open at 5 p.m. and racing will begin at 7 p.m. There will be a pre-race autograph session open to all the fans prior to the green flag. Follow us on Twitter @RevRacin for race updates.

GIFFORD CAPTURES FIRST NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES EAST WIN AT RICHMOND

Posted on April 30, 2013 by matchbook

CONCORD, N.C. (April 29, 2013) – Ryan Gifford scored his first victory in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series (NKNPS) East last Thursday night at Richmond International Raceway (RIR), in the Blue Ox 100. Gifford became the fourth different driver to win for Rev Racing since the organization began to field cars for the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program in 2010, and this became win 11 out of 44 starts in the series for the team. When Gifford hit the pavement on Thursday at RIR he was positive that this race would have a different outcome than it did a year ago, where he was one of two race leaders but a spin on the final restart cost him the win. He struggled during both practice sessions, and was disappointed with his 11th place qualifying effort, but his patience paid off. Gifford was able to take the lead on lap 78 and stay up front through two restarts, to bring home the win.

“This is something I’m going to remember for the rest of my life,” said Gifford. “To come up short so many times and be able to go out and do this is just awesome. I feel like there’s a thousand pounds lifted off my shoulders.” Mackena Bell (No. 21 Toyota Racing Development Toyota Camry) – Bell has had a stellar rookie season, and she proved once again on Thursday that she shouldn’t be overlooked, earning a career-best fifth place finish. She’s moved up to tenth in the series points’ standings, and is in contention to win Rookie of the Year honors.

Bryan Ortiz (No. 4 Nike Toyota Camry) – Ortiz had a rough night, getting involved in a multi-car wreck, but managed to drive his way through the pack to finish 15th after qualifying 23rd. Ortiz is currently 12th in the series points’ standings. Daniel Suarez (No. 6 Rev Racing Toyota Camry) – Suarez didn’t have the day he had hoped for at RIR. He spent both practice sessions making adjustments to his Toyota Camry, and qualified 34th. Suarez was moving up through the field when he was spun out, he managed to recover and finish 21st. The next stop for Rev Racing in the NKNPS East will be on Saturday, June 1, at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston Salem, N.C. for the Hall of Fame 150.

REV RACING HEADS TO RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

Posted on April 24, 2013 by matchbook

Concord, N.C. (April 23, 2013) – Rev Racing is set to race at Richmond International Raceway (RIR) on Thursday, April 25, after a weekend of career highs for both Mackena Bell and Bryan Ortiz the last time out at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla. The Blue Ox 100 at RIR will be the fourth stop on the 2013 NASCAR K&N Pro Series (NKNPS) East schedule. Ryan Gifford (No. 2 Sunoco/NASCAR Technical Institute Toyota) – Gifford had a chance to capture his first win at RIR last season, where he was one of only two race leaders. He’s raced twice at the track, where he has ninth and fifth-place qualifying efforts. Gifford is currently tied for sixth in the series’ points standings. Bryan Ortiz (No. 4 Nike Toyota) – Ortiz hopes to carry momentum with him from Pensacola, where he managed a career-high qualifying effort of fifth, to Richmond this weekend. Ortiz raced at RIR last season where he qualified 16th and maneuvered his way through the pack to finish seventh. Daniel Suarez (No. 6 Rev Racing Toyota) – Suarez is doing double duty this season, racing in both the NKNPS East and the NASCAR Toyota Series in Mexico. He’s coming back from a strong race weekend in Queretaro, Mexico where he earned the pole and finished fourth. This will be Suarez’s third start at RIR. Mackena Bell (No. 21 Toyota Racing Development Toyota) – Bell is also coming off a career-high weekend at Five Flags Speedway where she finished 11th. She was the fastest car during the first practice session at Pensacola and, although this will be her first time racing at RIR, she’s continued to show improvement at each race this season. All four drivers will be participating in Education Day presented by RIR on Thursday, April 25, and will be making an appearance at the Toyota Pit Pass display on Friday, April 26 at 11 a.m. ET. There will be a pre-race autograph session at 3 p.m., followed by qualifying at 4:30 p.m. and the green flag at 7 p.m. ET. The race will be aired on SPEED on May 16 at 3 p.m. ET. For updates throughout the weekend, follow @RevRacin on twitter.