Mooresville, N.C. (February 7, 2013) – Coming off the heels of their announcement of expanding to three cars in 2013, SR² Motorsports announced today that Blake Koch will race in the NASCAR Nationwide Series as driver of one of the team’s Toyota Camrys. This will mark Koch’s second season with the organization after starting in nine races for the Georgia-based team in 2012. Benny Gordon, who was promoted to team general manager and lead crew chief, will serve as the No. 24 team’s crew chief.
SR² Motorsports is bringing back a driver with youth, talent and strong morals and ethics to represent their team and sponsors. Koch, 26, was behind the wheel for nine of the team’s races in 2012 and quickly became an integral part of helping to move the team forward. Koch also impressed his sponsors and team management with this attitude, ability and positive lifestyle.
“Everyone at SR² Motorsports is very excited to have Blake Koch return in 2013,” said Jason Sciavicco, team owner. “What he believes in as a person really fits to our team model and where we’re heading. We also believe he has the talents behind the wheel to deliver the results we are expecting.”
Koch made his Nationwide Series debut in 2009. In his first 10 races, Blake Koch earned five top-25 finishes. He completed 32 Nationwide Races in 2011 and finished 18th in points, finishing a close second in the battle for rookie of the year.
“I’m really excited to be teaming with SR² Motorsports for the 2013 season,” Koch said. “Our team chemistry is solid. In the races we competed in last season, we worked well together and developed a good understanding of how our race cars need to be set up. We have great note packages to build on from last year, which have laid a good foundation for this year. We grew leaps and bounds last season and I’m optimistic that we’ll continue that this year.”
Gordon drove 11 races for SR² Motorsports in 2011. He was a major factor in establishing the team and locking them into the top-30 of the owner point standings. Throughout his career, Gordon has competed in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, Camping World Truck Series, K&N Pro Series East and the ARCA Series.
“No doubt about it, SR² Motorsports wouldn’t be where we are today without Benny Gordon,” Sciavicco said. “It’s great to know that he’ll still be guiding us and helping shape our organization in 2013. He brings loads of experience and leadership to the table and he will certainly be an asset to us in our second season of competition.”
The drivers for the team’s remaining two cars will be named at a later date. Gordon and Koch will team together for the first time at Daytona International Speedway for the DRIVE4COPD 300 on February 23. The event will broadcast on ESPN, MRN and Sirius Satellite Radio.
###
