KANSAS CITY, Kansas (October 17, 2012) – – Ricky Ehrgott is looking forward to his second go-around in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards this week. After making his inaugural debut at Berlin (Mich.) Raceway this summer, the rookie returns to the scene pairing up with former ARCA championship team Allgaier Motorsports for Friday night’s Kansas Lottery 98.9.
While an impressive performance was spoiled by a late race run-in at Berlin, the 24-year old is amped about his speedway debut at the newly repaved Kansas Speedway behind the wheel of the No. 36 Rev1 PowerServices / Precision Tank and Equipment / Sandvik Dodge Charger.
The winner of the 2012 edition of the Circle Track’s Fast Track Blue Collar Driver Challenge hosted by Rockingham Speedway president and former ARCA champion Andy Hillenburg was able to get his feet wet with the Springfield, Illinois-based team a few weeks ago when the team partook in an open test session at the 1.5-mile oval.
For Ehrgott, the test session proved to be beneficial on several levels. From learning the characteristics of the track to gelling with crew chief Kelly Kovski all the while under the watchful eyes of the ARCA officials, he embraced the opportunities with open arms. Now, he’s ready to capitalize on all he’s learned.
“It’s humbling for me to finish out ARCA’s 60th season by running at Kansas Speedway this weekend,” said Ehrgott. “I’m really stoked about pairing with Allgaier Motorsports for the race this week. They are truly an incredible bunch. The team has made me feel right at home and has really taken a personal interest in making sure our Kansas debut together is something to remember.”
He added, “I learned a significant amount of information at the test. These bigger tracks are a new thing for me being that my background is in short track open-wheel midget cars, but it’s a lot of fun growing as a driver and experiencing everything these ARCA cars have to offer. We spent the day working and fine-tuning our car. We made some great strides and the guys have worked hard to make our No. 36 Rev1 PowerServices / Precision Tank and Equipment / Sandvik Dodge Charger better for the race. I’m very confident we’ll have a smooth practice, qualify well and have a competitive race. Most importantly, If not for the team and our great sponsors, none of this would be possible.”
The month of October means a lot too many people. Whether it’s the fall colors or even celebrating the spooky night of Halloween – none of those could be more important to Ehrgott then spreading the word about Breast Cancer Awareness.
Racing for a cure this Friday night hits the mark on a deep personal level for the young-gun. Just this summer, Ehrgott’s mother succumbed to the disease and now he will be racing in her honor.
“It’s deeply emotional for me, there’s no hiding behind that,” Ehrgott sounded. “My mom was an absolutely amazing person and I miss her more than words can express. I’m in the process of setting up an advocacy campaign in her memory. I want to make her proud on Friday night, I hope I succeed.”
Outside of racing, Ehrgott attends Fordham University at Lincoln Center where he’ll graduate in December with a Bachelor’s degree in economics. Previously, he attended Purdue University Indianapolis for mechanical engineering.
The Kansas Lottery 98.9 (99 laps / 148.5 miles) is the 19th of 19 events on the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 12th ARCA event held at Kansas Speedway is a one-day show. Practice begins Friday, October 7 with a two hour and 15 minute practice session planned from 9:00 a.m. -11:15 a.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin later in the day at 5:35 p.m. The field will take the green flag approximately two hours later at 7:30 p.m. The event will be televised live on SPEED with additional race coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,350th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local.
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