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[/media-credit]Josh Williams Motorsports (JWM) has steadily and rightfully been earning the respect and recognition it deserves on the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards tour. They look to continue that trend as the series’ treks to the Motor City for the running of Friday’s RainEater Wiper Blades 200 at Michigan International Speedway.
On the heels of his second top-10 finish of the season and first ever on a speedway last Saturday afternoon at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway, Williams, a native of Port Charlotte, Florida is eager to roll into yet another new track – Michigan International Speedway and produce a strong finish that will help keep the family-owned team on the map and plugging along as the season presses on.
“The Pocono finish did a lot for us,” said 18-year old Josh Williams. “We literally were able to take a new car, thrash it together, take it to Pocono, make some aggressive changes throughout the weekend and bring the team home a run. It was an awesome feeling, because we’re just a small group – trying to make big dreams come true.”
The driver of the No. 02 Southwest Florida Cable Construction Ford Fusion added, “Michigan’s a bigger story this weekend. It’s a huge place, smaller than Pocono, but I think horsepower is going to be key. We’re going to give it our all and we’re bringing the same car that we used at Pocono, because we feel that with the rules change this car will once again help us.”
As for the race on Friday afternoon, Williams admitted he isn’t quite sure what to expect, but he is planning to confer with some of his fellow drivers about what might transpire.
“I’ve heard we (we’re) can either have a real calm or very aggressive race,” Williams sounded. “At Pocono, there were times you saw guys out there by themselves and others just racing the heck out of one another. I think you will see the same on Friday afternoon. That in truth will make it a great spectacle for the fans. Hopefully it will be as fun behind the wheel as I’m expecting it to be.”
Preparing to make a stab at the next three races which include Michigan, Winchester (Ind.) Speedway and New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP), the team is also hoping that their performances can help spark some interest either locally or nationally that will help them carry out the rest of the season.
“We have some stuff here and there, but nothing permanent,” added Williams. “Everyone’s trying, it’s hard out there – but we’re a family first and foremost – so we’ll just keep digging and hashing things together like we did at Pocono last week and if we don’t – we’ll have a good run that will give us some spark to go out there and let someone know that we have a great home for them. I know I wouldn’t be sitting where I am right now if it wasn’t for my parents.”
The team’s effort at Pocono last Saturday vaulted the Concord, North Carolina-based team back into 10th in the ARCA Racing Series championship standings and well within reach of ninth currently held by fellow teenager Jared Marks.
“I think it’s pretty big, even after missing a race that we’re sitting inside the top-10 again,” Williams explained. “My parents are the ones that deserve a lot of the credit and the huge dedication and countless hours by the crew too. We unite as one – one big family and that’s how we plan to stay through the thick and thin the rest of the year.”
The RainEater Wiper Blades 200 (100 laps / 200 miles) is the eighth of 20 events on the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 31st ARCA race at Michigan International Speedway is a two-day show. Practice begins Thursday, June 14 with an hour and a half practice session planned from 4:05 p.m. – 5:35 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for race day, Friday, June 15 slated to begin at 10:00 a.m. The event will take the green shortly after 5:00 p.m. The race will be televised live on SPEED. Additional coverage including timing and scoring available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local (Eastern).
For more information on Josh Williams, his Josh Williams Motorsports team and sponsorship opportunities for the 2012 season please connect to the team’s official website at Joshwracing.com.
