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.
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 Colombiawas 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.
Isabella 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.
A post shared by Isabella?? (@isabella_robusto_55) on
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.
Rev Racing’s Nick Sanchez wins Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award
BY
CARA COOPERNASCAR.COMNOVEMBER 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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
NASCAR, Rev Racing to Evaluate Ethnically Diverse and Female Drivers for 2019 ClassDAYTONA 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’).
NASCAR Drive for Diversity Drivers Giving Recognition to Two Historic Moments
Concord, NC (July 3, 2017) – Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park (TSMP) unveiled their 2017 short track schedule in December, announcing the return of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. After an eight-year absence for the KNPSE, the upcoming race will celebrate the series’ New England roots and the rich history of the division with the Busch North Throwback 100 on Saturday, July 8.
To mark the occasion, Rev Racing will honorably wrap two of their cars in the former paint schemes of Rogelio López and Tommy Houston.
“We love the opportunity to pay respect and celebrate those who have paved the way in this sport,” said Jefferson Hodges, Rev Racing Director of Competition. “It is important that we continue to bridge the gap between these racing generations. Knowledge continues to be power and the more we can expose our drivers to these momentous moments and icons the more successful they will be as they in advance in this sport.”
The No. 03 Telmex Toyota will be piloted by Mexico City’s Rubén García Jr.,as he pays tribute to Lopez. Lopez, a Aguascalientes, Mexico native won the 2006 Desafío Corona Series (now NASCAR Peak Mexico Series) championship, and came to the United States to drive the No. 03 Telmex/Lucas Oil Dodge in the NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch East Series for the 2007 season. On July 22nd, 2007, Lopez won with this particular paint scheme at The Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, TN. He became the first Mexican-born driver to win on an oval in the series and in NASCAR, beating current NASCAR Monster Energy Cup driver, Joey Logano.
“It’s an honor for me to be part of this throwback race for the first time in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East,” said Rogelio López. “It has been 10 years since I won in Nashville and I still remember the win like it was yesterday. I want to thank everyone at Rev Racing and Rubén for driving the 03 car (Dave Davis Motorsports). It was an unforgettable race and I am excited to be able to attend the upcoming event in support of Ruben and the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program.”
Teammate Chase Cabre will be paying tribute to Tommy Houston. Houston (born on January 29, 1945) is a retired NASCAR Busch Series driver, now called the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Over his career, Houston helped that series grow throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. Houston had 417 starts, 24 wins and 123 top fives.
Houston’s son, Andy, spotter for current NASCAR Monster Energy Series Cup Driver Austin Dillion, shared the paint scheme with his dad.
“I showed my dad the drawing last night! He really liked it. He won a K&N race (Busch North) at Stafford in that same paint scheme! He said seeing that paint scheme brings back a lot of good memories and hopes it brings Rev Racing some good luck!”
Team Rev Racing is ready to make history of their own this coming weekend, while capitalizing on the momentum from this past weekend’s race at Berlin Raceway. Driver Chase Cabre earned a third place finish and teammate Jay Bealsey garnered a fourth place finish, the Coca-Cola Move of the Race and the Brembo Brake Through Challenge. García and Collin Cabre rounded out the top-10 with an eighth and 10th place finish.
Garcia Jr., Cabre, and the entire Rev Racing team will join other drivers of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park on Saturday, July 8 for the Busch North Throwback 100.
Don’t miss your opportunity to meet the stars of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East on Friday, July 7, from 5-7p in a FREE Fan Fest.
Madeline Crane, an 18-year-old Meansville, Georgia native, has joined this season’s NASCAR Drive for Diversity roster. Crane will drive for Rev Racing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
Crane was named the first alternate after her performance in the October combine. She will make her debut with Rev Racing in place of Juan Garcia, who will pursue opportunities in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.
Crane started racing Bandoleros at 10-years-old in the Thursday Night Thunder Series at Atlanta Motor Speedway. She finished her first season strong with two consecutive wins. She quickly moved into Legend cars, and by the time she was 14 she had already garnered 59 top-5 finishes in just 82 starts, and finished the year as the Pro Division Winter Flurry Champion.
At the age of 15, she again moved up and started racing Crate Late Models at Dixie Speedway. After another strong year, Crane finished her first season second in points. From there, she focused on driving Super Late Models.
“We are excited to have Maddie join our program,” said Max Siegel, Rev Racing team owner. “Crane has continued to show growth year-after-year during her combine evaluation. We are ready to get her in the car and prepared for the season ahead.”
Crane, along with her teammate Enrique Baca, will hit the track on Saturday, March 19th at Hickory Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series season opener for Rev Racing.
The 2014-15 NASCAR Drive for Diversity (D4D) Combine will take place in Hampton, VA for the 4th consecutive year. While the Drive for Diversity Combine is a NASCAR-sanctioned initiative, the success of the Drive for Diversity combine is largely contributed to the support of its partners and year-round sponsors.
Langley Speedway will host the combine, drivers and officials on October 13th – October 15th. Langley Speedway is a NASCAR-sanctioned track that hosts more than fifty percent of Rev Racing’s Whelen All-American Series races throughout the year. The track currently hosts 11 divisions which alternate running during their Saturday night program: Late Models, Grand Stock, Modifieds, K&N Pro Series East, Legend cars, Super Street, UCAR, Pro Six, Super Trucks, HRKC Pro Winged Champ Karts, Bandoleros, Enduros, and the Whelen Southern Modified Tour.
“Langley Speedway is pleased to continue their relationship with NASACR Drive for Diversity and Rev Racing for the fourth consecutive year. We again welcome the opportunity to partner with the City of Hampton and Hampton University to showcase these stars of tomorrow,” said Bill Mullis, owner of Langley Speedway.
In addition to the on-track performance evaluations that will take place at Langley Speedway, the participants will be evaluated on physical fitness conducted by pit crew coach Phil Horton at nearby Hampton University. Hampton will host and offer the usage of their athletic facilities for Coach Horton and staff to test both the endurance and strength of the athletes hoping to secure a spot on our 2015 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Pitcrew roster. The combine will engage and test Hampton student athletes and trainers.
Rev Racing’s partnership with Hampton University has extended outside merely the use of their facilities. Management at Rev Racing has worked year-round with students in the sports management program as well as the business school. Students and faculty have worked together on research projects surrounding strategies and distribution tactics of the teams’ social media platform. “Being able to directly work with the marketing staff and drivers of Rev Racing has been invaluable to my students. The experiences have truly developed their skill sets in research, analysis, virtual collaboration and new media,” said Professor Ralph Charlton. The combine participants and Hampton students will also go through an afternoon media and PR training session before hitting the track that will take place at the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communication.
Rev Racing and the Drive for Diversity Program continue to look for opportunities to improve the combine and driver experience, as well as, engaging other institutes that hold the same diversity initiatives.
“We are extremely proud of the relationships that we have fostered with our various partners. We look forward to continuing these relationships and look for areas of growth for many years to come,” said Rev Racing owner, Max Siegel.
Another destination for the Drive for Diversity Combine is the Virginia Air & Space Center. Every year the combine has taken place in Hampton, the Air & Space Center has provided NASCAR & Rev Racing with an inaugural catered dinner as an official welcome to the combine and to the city of Hampton, Virginia.
In addition to Langley Speedway, Hampton University, and the Air & Space Center we would also like to thank NASCAR, Sunoco, Toyota, and Goodyear for their continued support during the combine and the entire NASCAR K&N Pro Series East season. It is through the positive relationships with our partners and sponsors that Rev Racing is able to experience success year-in and year-out.
For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Christy Gormal at [email protected].
CONCORD, N.C. (Sep. 12, 2014) — Asphalt and dirt were foreign elements to Paige Decker when she first began racing at three-years-old on her snowmobile.
In her hometown of Eagle River, Wisconsin, she raced for her family-owned team called Decker Racing, which began with her father and uncle, Allen and Chuck Decker. Both raced snowmobiles, and the family tradition continued with their daughters.
Paige’s teammates were her younger sister, Claire, and cousin, Natalie. Growing up, they both looked up to her.
“I’ve always been there for them, and every time they race at home, they call and update me, and that’s how I want it to be,” she said. “I just want to be a role model for them and do everything I can so they can succeed.”
After racing snowmobiles, Paige transitioned to go-karts, and eventually began to race limited late models and super late models. In 2013, Paige became the first female and rookie to win a race in the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series after taking the checkered at Golden Sands Speedway. She later became the first woman to receive the Rookie of the Year award after a successful season in the series.
Alongside racing, Paige had an active childhood. She danced and competed in water skiing, but as racing grew more prominent, the other extracurricular activities dwindled, and so did her social life.
“It was tough trying to balance the racing and all the other activities even from a young age. I had very few friends because a lot of them just didn’t understand how seriously I took the racing,” she said. “In order for me to do something 100 percent, I wanted to focus on one thing.”
Her hard work and focus paid off. After her second attempt at NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity combine, she was selected to the 2014 Rev Racing Team and now races her late model in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
Though Paige constantly raced and has garnered much success, it wasn’t all fun and games for the young female driver growing up. Her father made her and her sister work at the two hotels he still owns. In the hotels, the Decker girls literally worked their way from the ground up.
“My dad used to make us pick up cigarette buds in the driveway of the hotel, and he wouldn’t pay us. It was horrible,” she laughed. “I think he just wanted to keep us grounded, so he told us we had to work.”
That’s not all Allen made his daughters do to earn their racing privileges. Paige and Claire were also responsible for getting their own sponsors throughout their racing careers.
After graduating from high school in 2011, Paige attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout for two years. But, balancing college-level coursework and full time racing proved to be a difficult task. Like most young drivers pursuing an education and racing career, she struggled to convince her professors how serious racing was to her, and she occasionally missed classes, which eventually caused her academics to suffer.
“It was really tough to focus on both academics and racing. I left home to come down here and follow my dream,” she said. “I never thought that I would have dropped out of school to come down here and race, but I have a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I’m trying to make the best of it.”
In college, Paige was a member of the university’s dance team and studied early childhood education because she has a passion for children. She discovered her love for kids when she volunteered as a teacher’s assistant in high school, and though she dreams of becoming the first woman to win a Sprint Cup race, she also hopes to teach kindergarten in the future.
Paige enjoys volunteering with special education students and participated in pen pal projects writing letters to elementary students in Wisconsin.
The Mexican-food lover also works as a hostess at On The Border when she’s not revving it up on the track or playing with her cat, Chase.
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, women drivers, and pit crew members. For more information about Rev Racing visit https://revracing.net and follow us on Twitter @RevRacin.
Concord, N.C. (Aug. 15, 2014) — Devon Amos starts every day by writing down ten things he’s thankful for. One of those is his opportunity to drive for Rev Racing. He traveled more than 1,400 miles from his Rio Rancho, New Mexico home to drive for the team.
Amos became interested in racing at 9-years-old after watching a cartoon called, “NASCAR Racers.” The show had an ethnically diverse cast as well as both male and female drivers.
“The cars were going upside down in these circles, and they had these rocket boosters. They were flying, and I said I was going to do that someday.” His stepfather later introduced him to the real world of NASCAR, and he was automatically hooked.
Amos began racing quarter-midgets at 12-years-old and then moved on to race a 4-cylinder Volkswagen Beetle.
His mother and stepfather, Christi and Michael Feery, raised the young Italian and African-American driver along with his older sister, SaRae. The 23-year-old learned the importance of work ethic and responsibility at a young age. His parents only allowed him to race if he made good grades.
“My parents did a great job guiding me and my sister as kids,” Amos said. “They brought me up to work hard. They taught me that I needed to work for the things that I wanted.”
At 15-years-old, Amos stopped racing altogether, but after graduating from Independence High School in 2009, he knew he wanted to race professionally.
He worked at Home Depot and in 6 months, Amos saved $6,000 to buy a racecar to pursue his dream of becoming a NASCAR driver.
“I bought my car, but I didn’t really think everything through. I didn’t know how I was going to do it. I just knew I was going to do it.”
He bought his car from Wim Dons who was heavily involved in racing. Dons allowed Amos to travel with his family to compete in races and let Amos keep his car in his garage. Even with a three-year absence from the sport, Amos excelled with help from the Dons, which Amos refers to as his second family.
He first applied for the Drive for Diversity Program in 2010 but needed more racing experience, so he went to racing school in Hickory, N.C. He did well and was invited to the 2011 combine, but was not selected to the team.
“I was really frustrated, but it just pushed me more. Each time pushed me to be better and make it to the next level,” he said. “I was devastated, but then I was like, ‘I’m going to go to the combine next year and not give them a choice but to pick me.’”
And he did just that. Amos persevered and was selected to the 2013 Rev Racing team.
He now balances full-time racing and working 25 hours per week. When he’s not at work or racing, he helps out as a mechanic on teammate Daniel Suárez’s crew to learn as much as he can about all aspects of the sport.
As a driver, Amos believes that his ability to work on the outside of the car will help him develop better communication, as well as a stronger chemistry with his own crew, which is vital to team success.
“I have a high standard for myself. I want to do everything that I can to just go fast,” he said. He started racing in the Legend Series his first year, and despite a significant transition from mini-sprints, he secured four top-5 and seven top-10 finishes. Amos advanced to the Whelen All-American Series for the 2014 season.
With a competitive drive to succeed, Amos says he always strives for greatness and optimism. Despite his many accolades in racing throughout the years, Amos, just like every athlete and every person, is sometimes frustrated with his performance, but he refuses to let negativity interfere with his potential and success.
“I give myself positive affirmations. One thing I do is look at my trophies in my apartment. I remind myself that I’ve succeeded before and tell myself that I have to focus on what I want to get to,” he explained. “Then I understand that I just have to continue to have faith in God and move forward.”
Because his passion for racing requires much of his time, Amos is unable to visit his family and often misses his Southwest home. He says his mother is his biggest supporter, and they talk often. She sends him inspirational books that he reads almost every night.
Though most of his support system resides in New Mexico, he is still able to rely on his girlfriend, Christine, who moved to Charlotte with him when he was selected to the team.
One of the main things he misses about home is looking at the stars. Unlike Charlotte’s busy metropolitan area, Amos lived on the outskirts of Rio Rancho, where he could see the stars for miles.
“I remember spending just about every night sitting on the back wall, looking at the stars. I would just connect with everything and be one with life,” he said. “It just felt so good. I would think a lot about being successful and where I wanted my career to go.”
To Amos, racing is more than a sport. He believes racing is his purpose.
“I look at racing, and it can help people in many ways, especially with what we’re doing with the Drive for Diversity. There are so many people that can be pulled from different places to achieve goals they never thought they could and make a difference in the community.”
He hopes NASCAR’s diversity continues to grow on and off the track. Amos was happy when he learned that Wendell Scott, the first African-American to win a NASCAR race, would be inducted into the 2015 Hall of Fame.
“I think it’s great. I hope there’s more to come,” he said. “He paved the way for what we’re working on now. I couldn’t imagine what Wendell Scott went through back then. He’s a true inspiration.”
While he admires Scott’s legacy, Amos’s favorite NASCAR driver is Jeff Gordon. He hopes to race for Hendrick Motorsports someday, just like Gordon.
Amos loves watching the Miami Heat and enjoys giving back to the community. He participated in Habitat for Humanity’s effort to build homes earlier this year. And with his experience on both dirt and asphalt tracks, he also mentors Rev Racing’s bandolero drivers.
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, women drivers, and pit crew members. For more information about Rev Racing visit https://revracing.net and follow us on Twitter @RevRacin.
CONCORD, N.C. (July 24, 2014) — Rev Racing’s Devon Amos and Paige Decker are headed to Hampton, Va. to race for the fourth time at Langley Speedway. The duo will compete in the Hampton Heat 200, the longest and most anticipated race of the season.
Paige Decker (No. 2 Rev Racing Toyota) — During her month long break from the Whelen All-American Series, Decker was able to get extra seat time with her family-owned racing team to prepare for Saturday’s 79.6-mile event.
Last week, Decker raced her super late model in the Slinger Nationals in her home state of Wisconsin where she became the first female to win a major super late model race in 2013 and subsequently the first woman named Rookie of the Year.
“Any extra seat time helps a driver. Being in a different car and the ability to adapt will help me when jumping back in the late model,” she said. “I want to be a flexible driver.”
After finishing one place shy of gaining her third top 10 of the season in her last outing with Rev Racing at Motor Mile Speedway, she is anxious to get back on the asphalt to showcase her skills at Langley Speedway, one of her favorite tracks.
Devon Amos (No. 6 Rev Racing Toyota) — In his last race, Amos was unable to finish due to suspension damage resulting from a 13-car accident, but he’s not letting the unfavorable finish put a damper on his motivation to have a successful race.
“Our pace has been consistently improving, and I’m looking forward to seeing some good results this weekend,” Amos said. “Hopefully we can avoid trouble and finish the 200 laps close to the front.”
He has been training harder for the 200-lap event and is excited to compete this weekend because it will be new milestone for him. While the Hampton Heat 200 will be the longest race the season, it will also be the longest event of Amos’s racing career.
Mackena Bell (No. 21 Lung Force/B&C Seafood Toyota) — With a weekend off from the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, Bell will have the opportunity to race her late model this weekend along with her two Whelen All-American Series teammates.
“I want to thank Lung Force and the American Lung Association for being on the car this weekend,” Bell said. “It’s a pleasure to create awareness for such an important cause, and I’m extremely grateful to get extra seat time.”
Qualifying will start at 4:35 p.m. and racing will begin at 7 p.m.
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, women drivers, and pit crew members. For more information about Rev Racing visit https://revracing.net and follow us on Twitter @RevRacin.
CONCORD, N.C. (June 30, 2014) — Saturday’s race proved to be a learning experience for Devon Amos and Paige Decker. The two Whelen All-American Series drivers raced their Late Models for the first time at Motor Mile Speedway, and both knew they wanted to pace themselves during the New River Bank TWIN 75s.
After taking the green in the first race, a caution came on the fifth lap, and the drivers were given a little more time to warm up their tires. By lap 30, Amos worked his way up from his 21st qualifying spot, passing two cars and maintaining his position to finish 19th. Decker was not far behind and finished 23rd after managing to pass five cars from her 28th qualifying position.
The drivers returned to the track about an hour later for the second race. After earning the 17th position in qualifying, the second race was going smoothly for Amos until lap 20. There was a wreck a few yards ahead of him at turn 1, and unfortunately, another driver tried to maneuver around the cars, but hit Amos near the end of the straightaway. The Rev Racing driver was unable to return to the track due to the amount of suspension damage on the front of the car.
“I feel like I gave it my all. It’s unfortunate that we got caught in a big wreck because we had a great race day going,” Amos said. “We definitely made improvements on the car that should carry over to our next race, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
The 13-car wreck resulted in a 40-minute caution to allow officials to get the track back in driving condition. None of the drivers were seriously hurt.
Though the first race of the night didn’t go as Decker planned, she was eager to get back on the track for the second race. After qualifying 23rd, she improved tremendously on the track gaining 13 positions, and she was in the tenth position for a few laps. She almost gained her third top-10 of the season, however, during the last two laps, a driver passed her, and Decker took the checkered flag in 11th.
“I went into Motor Mile just wanting to learn. I knew it was my first time at the track, and I knew the competition was going to be stout,” Decker said. “Next time I want to qualify better and improve my finishing spot.”
The next race for the two drivers will be in Hampton, Va. at Langley Motor Speedway on July 26.
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, women drivers, and pit crew members. For more information about Rev Racing visit https://revracing.net and follow us on Twitter @RevRacin.
Concord, N.C. (June 25, 2014) — After almost a three-week break, Devon Amos and Paige Decker will return to the track Friday to race in the New River Bank TWIN 75s at Motor Mile Speedway in Fairlawn, Va.
The drivers will compete in their sixth race of the season on the 0.416-mile asphalt oval where they will try to redeem themselves after racing earlier this month at Langley Motor Speedway. Motor Mile will be a new milestone for the two drivers and both are anxious to compete there for the first time this season.
Devon Amos (No. 6/Rev Racing Toyota) — Amos raced twice at Motor Mile last year, so he’s a bit familiar with the track. He is concentrated on winning and bringing the No. 6 car back to Concord safely.
“Our team has been working to maintain the handling of the cars and a comfortable setup for me,” he said. “My goal is to bring the car home in one piece, so we can learn from the setup and be better the following week.”
On Friday, he will look to add a fifth top-10 to his résumé in the Whelen All-American Series where he has accumulated 92 points.
Paige Decker (No. 2/Rev Racing Toyota) — In her first season with Rev Racing, Decker has shown promise with five races under her belt. She is striving to get her third top-10 on Friday and hopes to improve her qualifying time.
“I am looking forward to another new track with my late model,” she said. “I can’t wait to go out and hopefully get that top-10!”
Qualifying will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the first race is set to begin at 8 p.m. with a second race to immediately follow.
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, women drivers, and pit crew members. For more information about Rev Racing visit https://revracing.net and follow us on Twitter @RevRacin.
Concord, NC (March 7, 2014) – The first race of the season cannot come quickly enough for Whelen All-American Series drivers Devon Amos and Paige Decker. After watching Rev Racing teammate Daniel Suarez win the first two races of the 2014 K&N Pro Series East season, Decker and Amos are eager to be the next Rev Racing driver to bring a trophy home to Concord. After months of training and preparation, both drivers are eager to make the necessary adjustments for the forthcoming season. Amos will be moving up to a more competitive series, having raced Legends last season. Decker, on the other hand, has previous experience racing Super Late Models, but will be getting acclimated to a new car and pit crew. Regardless, each driver is more than ready to accept the challenges ahead.
When asked about her thoughts on the upcoming race, Decker exclaimed, “I’m so excited for this opportunity that Rev Racing has given me. I can’t wait to get in the car and adjust from the driving style of my [previous] Super Late Model. I am excited for the new challenge and look forward to this 2014 season.”
Paige Decker (#2 Toyota Camry) – Paige Decker, 20, joins the Rev Racing team after racing Super Late Models last season for her family-owned race team. In 2013 Decker etched her name in the history books by winning the Super Late Tundra Feature Round Four at Golden Sands Speedway, making her the first female and first rookie to win a Tundra. Additionally, her historic season garnered her “Rookie Driver of the Year” honors in her division.
Devon Amos (#6 Toyota Camry) – Devon Amos, 22, joined Rev Racing and The NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program in 2013. In his first season with the team, Amos accumulated two top 5 and four top 10 finishes in eight starts at the INEX Legends Series. He also made two starts in the NASCAR Whelen All-American series, where he finished 7th his first time out.
On Saturday, March 7, Amos and Decker will be competing in the 100-lap NWAAS Spring Classis Season Opener at Hickory Motor Speedway in Newton, NC. Qualifying begins at 5pm, followed by the race at 7pm.
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 http://www.revracing.net or follow us on Twitter @RevRacin.
Concord, NC (March 7, 2014) – The first race of the season cannot come quickly enough for Whelen All-American Series drivers Devon Amos and Paige Decker. After watching Rev Racing teammate Daniel Suarez win the first two races of the 2014 K&N Pro Series East season, Decker and Amos are eager to be the next Rev Racing driver to bring a trophy home to Concord. After months of training and preparation, both drivers are eager to make the necessary adjustments for the forthcoming season. Amos will be moving up to a more competitive series, having raced Legends last season. Decker, on the other hand, has previous experience racing Super Late Models, but will be getting acclimated to a new car and pit crew. Regardless, each driver is more than ready to accept the challenges ahead.
When asked about her thoughts on the upcoming race, Decker exclaimed, “I’m so excited for this opportunity that Rev Racing has given me. I can’t wait to get in the car and adjust from the driving style of my [previous] Super Late Model. I am excited for the new challenge and look forward to this 2014 season.”
Paige Decker (#2 Toyota Camry) – Paige Decker, 20, joins the Rev Racing team after racing Super Late Models last season for her family-owned race team. In 2013 Decker etched her name in the history books by winning the Super Late Tundra Feature Round Four at Golden Sands Speedway, making her the first female and first rookie to win a Tundra. Additionally, her historic season garnered her “Rookie Driver of the Year” honors in her division.
Devon Amos (#6 Toyota Camry) – Devon Amos, 22, joined Rev Racing and The NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program in 2013. In his first season with the team, Amos accumulated two top 5 and four top 10 finishes in eight starts in the INEX Legends Series. He also made two starts in the NASCAR Whelen All-American series, where he finished 7th his first time out.
On Saturday, March 7, Amos and Decker will be competing in the 100-lap NWAAS Spring Classic Season Opener at Hickory Motor Speedway in Newton, NC. Qualifying begins at 5pm, followed by the race at 7pm.
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 http://www.revracing.net or follow us on Twitter @RevRacin.
CONCORD, NC (August 30, 2013) – The Rev Racing Late Model program is gearing up for a weekend full of racing. On Friday night, August 30, the team will be competing in the Twin 125s at Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, VA. Jack Madrid will be piloting the No. 4 Toyota, Devon Amos will be in the No. 6 Toyota, and Annabeth Barnes will be in the No. 21. This will be the second NASCAR Whelen All-America Series (NWAAS) for Amos this season, and his first time racing at Motor Mile Speedway. Barnes and Madrid both competed in twin 125s at Motor Mile Speedway in August, and are looking forward to returning. Qualifying is set to begin at 5pm and racing will start at 8pm.
After competing at Motor Mile Speedway the team will head south to Hickory Motor Speedway where Barnes and Madrid will compete in the NWAAS race on Saturday, August 31. Barnes has one top-five and two top-10 finishes at HMS this season, and Madrid has on top-five and two top-10s. Qualifying will begin at 5pm and racing is set to start at 7pm.
The next race for Barnes and Madrid will be on Saturday, September 7, at Hickory Motor Speedway. Follow @RevRacin on twitter for live updates.
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.
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.
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.
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.