Ryan Truex
No. 99 SeaWatch International/Grime Boss Toyota Camry
Event Preview Fact Sheet
Event/Date: OneMain Financial 200 – September 29, 2012
Venue: Dover International Speedway
News & Notes:
Truex Looks to Slay The Monster… Truex will step back behind the wheel of the No. 99 SeaWatch International/Grime Boss Camry this weekend at Dover International Speedway for the running of the OneMain Financial 200. In his last visit to the Monster Mile, Truex had what seemed to be a perfect weekend on tap. After grabbing his first career Nationwide Series pole, he led 43 laps on his way to a second-place finish.
Familiar Paint Scheme… Truex will step behind the wheel of the No. 99 SeaWatch International/Grime Boss Camry this Saturday afternoon at Dover International Speedway with RAB Racing. This paint scheme is reminiscent of older brother Martin Truex Jr.’s scheme that he raced seven times throughout his Nationwide Series career. Founded in 1978, SeaWatch International is the largest harvester and processor of clam products in the world. The organization operates 34 vessels to harvest the largest offshore clam allocation in the industry, which are processed in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Massachusetts.
Garden State… Truex grew up in Mayetta, N.J., just north of Dover International Speedway off exit 63 on the Garden State Parkway. A child of all sports, Ryan spent his younger years playing local hockey, but when his father put him in a Bandolero hoping he’d get bored and move on, he took a liking to the fast-paced bump and grind sport. He captured the Wall Stadium championship and dominated short tracks in his early years. He progressed through the racing ranks catching the attention of Michael Waltrip Racing, who gave Truex his start in the NASCAR K&N East Pro Series. He impressed, and captured the 2009 and 2010 series’ championships. The No. 99 driver has completed 33 NASCAR Nationwide Series events in his career earning one pole, one top five and nine top-10 finishes.
This Week’s SeaWatch International/Grime Boss Toyota at Dover International Speedway… Truex will pilot RAB Racing Chassis No. 40 in Saturday’s OneMain Financial 200. Kenny Wallace raced this Toyota Camry to a 20th-place finish at Chicagoland Speedway earlier this month.
RAB Racing at Dover International Speedway… RAB Racing has fielded Nationwide Series entries at Dover International Speedway eight times since 2008, with drivers Kelly Bires, Chad McCumbee, John Wes Townley and Kenny Wallace. The team’s best showing at the mile-oval is a seventh-place finish, which was posted by Wallace in 2011.
The Collective RAB Racing Report…With 27 of 33 races completed this season, RAB Racing’s two NASCAR Nationwide Series entries have notched one top-five and four top-10 finishes. RAB Racing-prepared Toyotas have also completed 4,286 laps with its eight drivers – Alex Bowman, Patrick Carpentier, Victor Gonzalez, Jr., Moffit, Pastrana, Townley, Ryan Truex and Wallace.
In-Race Reporter … Truex will serve as ESPN2’s in-race reporter for Saturday’s live broadcast of the OneMain Financial 200. Fans will see live in-car camera shots from the SeaWatch International/Grime Boss Toyota Camry and listen as he and crew chief Scott Zipadelli give live updates throughout the race.
Additionally, front tire changer Shayne Pipala will wear a camera as he performs his duties, serving as Saturday’s ‘Over the Wall Reporter.’
History at Dover… The 20-year-old Toyota Racing driver has accumulated one pole, one top-five three top-10 finishes and 43 laps led at Dover International Speedway. He returns to Dover with an average track driver rating of 106.5%
So Far in 2012… This weekend will mark Truex’s ninth Nationwide Series start in 2012. In his previous eight starts he has earned one pole, one-top five, four top-10 finishes and led 46 laps.
Supporting the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation… Prior to tackling the Monster Mile, Truex will join older brother Martin in support of the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation Golf Tournament on Thursday September 27th, 2012. The annual event will host 144 golfers on an 18-hole championship course capped by a gourmet dinner for over 250 guests. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, silent auction and raffle prizes. The event before, fans of all ages will have the opportunity to attend the third annual Martin Truex Jr. Foundation Fan Event at the Holiday Inn in Manahawkin, NJ. Guests will be treated to dinner, entertainment, raffle prizes, an silent auction and private autograph session
Social Savvy… Fans can follow Truex on a variety social media channels: Twitter @Ryan_Truex and Facebook at facebook.com/RyanTruex. Truex also frequently posts photos on Instagram at @Ryan_Truex. Fans can also find his sponsor Grime Boss on Twitter @GrimeBoss and Facebook: facebook.com/GrimeBoss.
Ryan Truex Quote:
“I can’t wait to get to Dover this weekend. If we show up and we’re strong in practice and qualifying, there’s no reason we can’t take the checkered flag. Dover has always been one of my strongest tracks. Martin [Truex Jr.] has taught me tricks over the years, plus I’ve always wanted to run well there, since it’s my hometown race. After June’s race, I now know the feel I need in the car and how to run the race to win for sure. I learned a lot in the spring and it’ll really help me coming back this time. Plus, I know now not to run into lapped cars with five to go.”
What is it like Racing on the Monster Mile?
“Dover is one of the tracks where it feels like you’re going about 300 miles per hour. I think it’s because the walls are so close and the straightaways are so narrow, it’s like looking down a funnel from the driver’s seat. When you go into the corner your body sinks into the seat unlike anywhere else and you compresses about three inches. So much so, my steering wheel is set lower so I can see over the wheel when I sink.”
Scott Zipadelli Quote:
“Dover is a great place to race. As a crew chief, you have to get the car comfortable enough for the driver to be able to be rhythmic over a long run. You’ve got to be consistent as far as hitting your marks lap after lap, but you’ve also got to have a little something extra so he can get aggressive every once in a while. Consistency is key, that way when the driver sees an opening, he can take it. Qualifying is crucial at Dover. It’s going to be important for us to start towards the front. We know that Ryan is fast at Dover, and he’s got something he wants to prove after finishing second there in June. We’re bringing a strong SeaWatch International/Grime Boss Toyota Camry this weekend, we feel like we’ve got something we can get excited about.”
