Reigning Truck Series Champion to Drive TMS No. 31 Chevrolet Silverado for Rheem®
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (JANUARY 3, 2013) – Turner Motorsports (TMS) today announced that NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion, James Buescher will return to the seat of the No.31 Chevrolet Silverado competing in a full 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) schedule . Much like the 2012 season, Buescher will also continue to hone his skills running select NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) events in 2013. Buescher will aim to become the first back-to-back NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion. Buescher will drive a minimum of fifteen races for new Turner Motorsports sponsor, Rheem Manufacturing Company. Rheem is the only North American manufacturer that produces a comprehensive line of advanced, energy efficient heating, cooling and water heating solutions for homes and businesses throughout the world. A long time, loyal sponsor throughout NASCAR and other racing series, Rheem is one of the few sponsors in the sport today that has visited victory lane in each of the NASCAR’s national series, including the Daytona 500.
Coming off a breakout season in 2012, Buescher went on to record four wins in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, 10 top-fives and 14 top-10’s, enroute to his and Turner Motorsports’ first NASCAR Championship. Last season’s suspenseful ending that included three drivers trading positions right up until the last race at Miami-Homestead while vying for the coveted championship trophy brought heightened fan attention to the NASCAR truck series. In addition to Buescher’s stellar NCWTS in 2012, he also won the NASCAR Nationwide (NNS) series’ opening race at the famed Daytona International Speedway in February.
“Last season was a dream come true for me. I had always dreamt of winning a NASCAR championship. I am most excited about the opportunity to compete to become the first driver to win the NCWTS championship in back-to-back seasons. I look forward to working with the entire Turner Motorsports organization and Rheem on our quest to keep the NCWTS championship at Turner Motorsports “said Buescher.
“Everyone at Turner Motorsports is excited to have James [Buescher] return to Turner Motorsports and the seat of the No. 31 NCWTS ride. And, to have a company like Rheem with such a long standing relationship in the sport of NASCAR come on board is an honor. To have Rheem join us is just the icing on the cake,” said Turner Motorsports team owner, Steve Turner.
“The Rheem family of quality brands is proud to continue our support of NASCAR by joining Turner Motorsports for the 2013 season. The Rheem hallmarks of quality , innovation and consistent performance are the same qualities as those exhibited at Turner Motorsports. Championship performance built on professionals dedicated to delivering quality results is at the heart of Rheem; we believe that Steve Turner, his entire organization, James Buescher and the No. 31 team exemplify those same characteristics. We can’t wait to see the famed red and black Rheem paint design competing for the 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship, said JR Jones, Rheem President and CEO.
In addition to Buescher returning to the NCWTS, 2012 Champion crew chief, Michael Shelton will return to his previous role serving as Crew Chief for Buescher and the No. 31 Rheem Chevy Silverado in 2013.
About Turner Motorsports
Turner Motorsports, LLC was established in 1999 by Texas businessman Steve Turner. 2013 will mark the fourth season of full-time NASCAR competition for the organization, which expanded in 2011 from a two-truck operation in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) to become the largest stand-alone multi-series team in NASCAR’s top-tier touring series. The team earned its first championship when James Buescher captured the NCWTS title in 2012. Turner Motorsports operates out of an 110,000 square-foot state-of-the art facility in Mooresville, N.C. The Chevrolet-backed team has created alliances with General Motors’ powerhouse team Hendrick Motorsports, which provides engine support for both its NNS and NCWTS programs, and Earnhardt Technology Group for drive train and suspension technology assistance. For more information on Turner Motorsports, visit www.turnermotorsportsllc.com.
About Rheem Manufacturing Company
Rheem Manufacturing Company (www.rheem.com) is privately held with headquarters in Atlanta. In its 87th year of operation, the company manufactures a full-line of high-quality residential and commercial heating and cooling systems; tank, tankless, solar, and heat pump water heaters; swimming pool heaters and commercial boilers throughout North America and world markets. The company’s premium brands including Raypak, Ruud and Rheem have been recognized with countless industry and consumer awards for reliability, innovative design and high quality. Rheem, now in its seventh consecutive year as a NASCAR sponsor is the official heating, cooling and water heating supplier to Turner Motorsports, LLC. and Richard Childress Racing. Rheem sponsors RCR’s No. 29 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car driven by Kevin Harvick and the No. 33 NASCAR Nationwide Series car driven by Paul Menard.
