Veteran Trip Bruce to serve as crew chief for team’s limited schedule; engines to be supplied by Roush-Yates
CERRO GORDO, N.C. (Feb. 11, 2014) – Ricky Benton Racing (RBR) Enterprises announced today the team is going back to its roots for the 2014 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) season.
The team has switched manufacturers for its BTS Tire and Wheel Distributors/National Watermelon Association/Goodyear FleetHQ/Wynn’s Truck Series entry and will be running Ford F-150’s powered by Roush-Yates Engines beginning with the NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway later this month.
From 2010 to 2013, RBR Enterprises fielded Chevrolets in the Truck Series.
“RBR had a long, successful, championship-winning history with Ford Motor Company before coming to the Truck Series in 2010,” Ricky Benton, RBR Enterprises team owner, said. “We have grown our truck program over the last four years and feel like partnering with Ford is the best move to help us continue to grow.”
RBR Enterprises ran Fords in the Pro Cup Series and various NASCAR touring series for more than 20 years prior to joining the NCWTS in 2010.
New Driver
RBR Enterprises will also have a new driver behind the wheel in 2014. Ross Chastain, who had a break out year in 2013, will make the move from Brad Keselowski Racing to take over driving duties of the No. 92 Ford. The 21-year old Alva, Fla. native has competed in 41 Truck Series events with two poles and 231 laps led en route to five top-five and 12 top-10 finishes.
Chastain
“After a successful 2013 season, I knew I needed to make the right move,” Chastain said. “Aligning myself with Ricky Benton and continuing my relationship with the Ford Racing family felt like a move in the right direction for me. Everything came together a little later than we expected but Ricky (Benton) is putting all the right parts and people in place to have a strong year.”
New Crew Chief
Calling the shots for the No. 92 RBR Enterprises Ford is veteran crew chief Trip Bruce.
Bruce has 13 wins as a crew chief and a NCWTS championship with driver Johnny Benson Jr. in 2008. The team plans to run 10-12 races, depending on sponsorship. Chastain and Bruce have worked together in the Truck Series previously. The duo paired up for three races in 2011.
“Timing was everything with this deal coming together,” Bruce said. “Ross wanted to stay with Ford and Ricky (Benton) was making the switch to Ford, so it made sense for everyone.”
Success in 2014
Owner, driver and crew chief have high expectations for the team in 2014, but each cited constant improvement as the true metric for success.
“Our goal is to be competitive and to win races,” Bruce continued. “I feel as though we have the parts and pieces in place to run in the top 10 consistently and be in a position to win races. We are looking to grow each time we go to the track. If we are improving each time out, that’s success.”
“I have the utmost faith in Ross (Chastain) and Trip (Bruce) to make RBR better than we have been,” Benton said. “They have each had success in this series and have worked together before. That relationship is something that we can build on this year.”
“Our goal is to improve each time we go to the track,” Chastain said. “The core pieces are there at RBR, we just have to get them polished up and put together to run as fast as we can. I have a ton of confidence in Trip (Bruce) and Ricky (Benton) to give me what I need.”
The No. 92 RBR Enterprises Ford will carry primary sponsorship from BTS Tire and Wheel Distributors and National Watermelon Association. Associate sponsors for the entry will be Goodyear, FleetHQ and Wynn’s.
The team plans to run 10 to 15 races in 2014, but the schedule could expand if additional sponsorship can be secured.
Stay up to speed on Ross Chastain during the 2014 NCWTS season by following him on Twitter: @RossChastain
Follow RBR Enterprises on Twitter or like them on Facebook.
About BTS Tire and Wheel Distributors
BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors offers wholesale distribution services to tire and automotive dealers across the Southeast, operating out of locations in North and South Carolina. For more information, visit bts.tireweb.com.
About NWA
The National Watermelon Association, Inc. (NWA) is a voluntary, membership trade association dedicated to helping the watermelon industry produce and market their crops at a profit. The NWA currently has members in 38 states plus Mexico and Canada – with chapters representing Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana-Illinois, Maryland-Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and the Western U.S. Many chapters also represent members from adjoining states. The purpose of the Association is to promote the best interests of the Watermelon Industry from production to consumption. The NWA is the voice of watermelon farmers, packers, shippers and suppliers. For more information, visit www.NationalWatermelonAssociation.com
About Goodyear FleetHQ
GoodyearFleetHQ is a business solutions provider for commercial trucking fleets and service tire dealers all across North America. Goodyear FleetHQ provides 24-hour support, and helps fleets reduce operating cost while making it easier to do business. For more information, visit www.goodyeartrucktires.com.
About Wynn’s
Wynn’s, formerly Wynn Oil Company, traces its history to 1939, when the original Wynn’s Friction Proofing Oil Treatment® formula was first developed and introduced to the automotive market. In the more than 70 years following the introduction of that single product, Wynn’s has grown to become a worldwide manufacturer and marketer of innovative automotive specialty chemicals, service equipment and complete automotive maintenance programs. Today, Wynn’s operates as a division of Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available
For more information, or to learn how you can partner with RBR Enterprises in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, contact Rick Benton II at 910.840.6857 or by email at rbrmarketing@ncez.net.
