CHINA GROVE, N.C. (August 2, 2011) – Robert Richardson, Jr. has been ready for this weekend’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Iowa Speedway for quite a few weeks.
With the task of switching the No. 23 North Texas Pipe race cars back to Chevrolets recently almost completed, Richardson and team are ready to get back to doing what they like most – racing. The native of McKinney, Texas and team head to the Midwestern track loaded with optimism and readiness for the weekend’s events.
For this race, the team has Best Western Plus Marquis Des Moines Airport Hotel on board as an associate sponsor. Fans are invited to the Bennigan’s located on the lower level of the hotel for an autograph session on Friday night at 8:30 p.m. Richardson will be joined by fellow drivers. Jennifer Jo Cobb and Morgan Shepherd to meet and greet fans.
Fast Facts:Richardson, 29, will be making his 85th career NNS start and 16th of the 2011 season. To date in 2011, his best finish of 20th took place at Richmond International Speedway. The No. 23 is locked in via the Owner’s Points, so there’s no pressure to qualify in on time leaving driver and team plenty of time to dial in their Chevrolet through the practice sessions.
Track Facts:This will be his third start at the short track of Iowa where he’s had finishes of 23rd and 22nd, respectively, while completing an impressive 98.2 percent of the laps contested.
Tune in for the Win:There will be two practice sessions on Friday, with the first taking place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., than 6 to 7:30 p.m. – neither of those are aired. Saturday action begins with qualifying at 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2, then followed by race coverage beginning at 7 p.m. Listen in on MRN Radio or Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90, as well, for all 250 laps of action.
Robert Richarsdon, Jr. Quotes:“First, I want to thank Walter Giles (crew chief) and all the guys for the work they’ve been putting in for us to get back to being Chevrolets. I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the No. 23 for R3 Motorsports. We have a good stretch of races coming up here where we hope to be very competitive. It all starts with this race here in Iowa.
“I like this track because you can drive the low and high sides to get your car just right. Racing under the lights here is pretty cool because these fans get all pumped up for when we race there at Iowa – day or night. The energy from this crowd is pretty intense.
“Hope you all come out to the Bennigan’s located on the ground floor of the Best Western at the Des Moines Airport on Friday night. Stop by, say hi, get an autograph and have your picture taken with us. That’s one of the best parts about this sport is meeting the fans in a casual atmosphere.”
About the Best Western Plus Marquis Des Moines Airport Hotel: This Des Moines, Iowa hotel is the recipient of Cityview Magazine’s Best Hotel Award and is near the Blank Park Zoo and the Iowa State Capital Building. The BEST WESTERN PLUS Marquis Des Moines Airport Hotel is a full-service hotel located right next to the Des Moines International Airport. Hotel guest will find easy access to key area attractions including the Science Center Museum, the Wells Fargo Arena and Drake University.
