MARNE, Michigan (August 9, 2012) – – Recently turned 19-year old Josh Williams (@Josh02Williams) and his Josh Williams Motorsports (JWM) team are hoping for a chance of luck as they steer their flagship towards Berlin (Mich.) Raceway for Saturday night’s Berlin ARCA 200 presented by Hantz.
Last weekend at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway, the team’s chances for a strong finish were thwarted just three laps into the 50-lap shootout as they struggled to gain fuel pressure into their No. 02 Southwest Florida Cable Construction Ford Fusion. After dropping to as deep as 33rd during the 14th race of the season – the team was able to solider on to a noteworthy recovery of 21st.
Returning to short tracks, the family-owned team hopes to continue their consistency on the smaller tracks but more importantly surge their Concord, North Carolina-based team back into the top-10 for the fourth time this season.
“I’ll be honest, we don’t know a lot about Berlin, but we’re ready to go,” said Williams. “It’s another challenge and this team is all about conquering challenges. There’s no doubt that we’ve faced challenges this year – but I’m ready to get back to some short track racing on Saturday night. I’ve been told what to expect this weekend as far as the track conditions and layout – so it will be a learning experience – but I’m hoping it will be a positive one for sure.”
For the fourth time in five races, the JWM team will rely on the car nicknamed “Bertha” as their car of choice for competition for the 15th race of the year. Previously, the team has raced this blue oval at Iowa Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway and most recently at Lucas Oil Raceway two weeks ago. Noted as one of the best machines in their fleet, Williams is hoping that “Bertha” can live up to her expectations this weekend.
“Over the years, we’ve put a lot of work into her (“Bertha”),” said Williams. “We’ve raced her a lot here lately – but that’s a good thing. We haven’t had the finishes to show what we feel the car is capable of showing, so I’m hoping with a little luck we can change that with a good run this weekend.”
Currently idling 12th in the ARCA Racing Series championship point standings and with the intent to run the remaining six races left on the tour, the team is still hopeful that come Kansas Speedway in October – Williams will be fighting for a top-10 spot in the overall championship contest.
“I think everyone would be surprised if they knew what we’ve gone through to try and run this year without hardly any sponsorship. We’re trying all the time, but it’s still a tough market out there. If we can run to the end and finish inside the top-10, it will be a great boost for this team.”
After 14 races, JWM has competed in 13 of them and unofficially occupies a respectable 12th in the championship standings, just 30 markers from 11th. This season, the team has amounted three top-10 finishes including a season best of ninth at Salem (Ind.) Speedway and 10th at the treacherous Winchester (Ind.) Speedway and Pocono (Pa.) Raceway. An 11th place qualifying run at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway in June is the team’s best time trials effort to date thus far.
The Berlin ARCA 200 presented by Hantz(200 laps / 88 miles) is the 15th of 20 events on the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 25th ARCA race at Berlin is a one-day show. Practice begins Saturday, August 11 with a forty-five minute practice session planned from 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. A final practice is scheduled from 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later in the day slated to begin at 5:00 p.m. The event will take the green flag under the lights shortly after 8:30 p.m. The race will not be televised but additional coverage including a radio broadcast and timing and scoring will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local (Eastern).
For more information on Josh Williams, his Josh Williams Motorsports team and sponsorship opportunities for the 2012 and 2013 seasons please connect to the team’s official website at Joshwracing.com.
Williams has joined the Twitter crave. Follow and connect with him @Josh02Williams.
