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[/media-credit]SALEM, Indiana (April 27, 2012) – – The third race of the 60th anniversary season for the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) treks to the daunting Salem (Ind.) Speedway for Sunday afternoon’s running of the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200.
The upswing to short track racing is that it allows the “underdogs” to sneak in and permanently leave a dent in the minds of its competitors of their ability to compete and have a chance to pull off the David vs. Goliath. The Mooresville, North Carolina-based team wouldn’t mind if they stunned the garage with such a performance this weekend.
A team built on integrity of true grass roots racing; C2M will field two entries this weekend at Salem Speedway for Nick Tucker and Rookie of the Year candidate Larry Barford Jr.
Last week, the team announced that crew chief Nick Tucker will emerge from a brief hiatus and take to the track for the first time since 2008. Tucker, also a former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series pilot will drive the team’s No. 40 Ron Paul 2012 Dodge Charger.
Tucker is no stranger to Salem’s intimidating presence but the 26-year old is eager to deliver a good run for the full-time team. In his two previous starts at the Southern Indiana race track, Tucker has delivered a best outing of seventh after starting eighth in the No. 67 Prototype Racing Dodge Charger in 2007. Earlier in the year, he finished a commendable 16th after starting 12th.
Barford Jr. turns to Salem for redemption this weekend. Last month, he just by mere tenths of a second missed competing in the Mobile ARCA 200 at Mobile (Ala.) International Speedway. While the Denton, Maryland native took sitting on the sidelines in stride, the driver of the No. 04 First (1st) Mariner Bank / Trauma Doc Dodge Charger has undergone massive testing within the last month to adequately prep him for his short track debut in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.
“We’re confident in the abilities of both of our drivers,” said Carter-2-Motorsports team principal Roger Carter II. “It’s exciting to see Nick back in a car. He drove for us in 2007 and did a fantastic job. We know he’s up for the challenge this weekend, but feel he can easily get the job done on Sunday afternoon. Everyone on the team is also extremely pleased with the progression of Larry (Barford Jr.) I’ve seen some drivers take a tumble to the ground after missing a race, but we saw even more determination from Larry. He did a great job from the start of practice all the way up to qualifying; he was the fastest of our bunch. It was just a tough field to make. But since then, he’s really turned up the wick and while Salem is an awfully brutal track for any rookie to take on, I think his desire and drive will pay off this weekend. I think having Nick as a teammate from a driver spectrum will also pay off as a benefit to him too.”
Tucker who’s served as crew chief on the No. 04 entry for the first two races commented on returning to the ARCA circuit this weekend.
“I can’t wait to buckle into the No. 40 Ron Paul 2012 Dodge Charger,” offered Tucker. “Our small team has been digging deep to build two really strong cars for this weekend at Salem. I know it’s not going to be an easy field to make on time – or to race with because of the competition, but I think you’re going to see some good stuff from the C2M team this weekend.”
Barford Jr. offered his sentiments on tackling the high banks of Salem Speedway.
“I’ve been quite informed about what to expect this weekend,” he said with a smile. “I’ve done some personal research myself. It looks like a fun place to drive, but easily can be distracting. I just have to stay focused and in-tune with our No. 04 First (1st) Mariner Bank / Trauma Doc Dodge Charger. I plan to confer with Nick (Tucker) as much as possible, so I can learn. That’s what this weekend is all about. Mobile was a tough experience, but just part of the (learning) curve. I want to continue to thank all of our sponsors for their support and the team for their faith in me as a driver. I’m devoted to improving our Daytona finish (28th) and I feel we should be able to easily devour that with a little luck on Sunday.”
The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 (200 laps / 111 miles) is the third of 20 events on the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 91stARCA race held at Salem Speedway is a two day show. Practice begins Saturday, April 28 with a forty-five minute session planned from 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Final practice also consisting of forty-five minutes begins at 1:15 p.m. and will conclude at 2:00 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later in the day slated to begin at 3:30 p.m. An on-track autograph session has been etched in on race day on Sunday, April 29 set to launch at 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The event will take the green flag shortly after 2:15 p.m. The race will not be televised but race coverage including live timing and scoring will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local.
The official website of Carter-2-Motorsports is in the process of a complete makeover for the official kickoff of the new season, but for the latest on the team, drivers and sponsors, please log onto RogerCarter2Racing.com.
For more on Ron Paul and his mission to “Restore America Now”; please log onto ronpaul2012.com.
