Daytona Beach, Fla. (Febuary 13, 2013) – Justin Boston nearly had the chance to make his ARCA debut four seasons ago, but feels far more mature and ready now with Saturday’s season opener from Daytona International Speedway on the immediate horizon.
At 23, Boston is older than many drivers who enter the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards with higher aspirations. However, the rookie driver from Baltimore is no less excited, especially after a strong performance in Venturini Motorsports’ No. 25 Toyota in December open testing on the superspeedway.
“To make my first ARCA start at Daytona is going to be one of those special moments in my career,” Boston said. “Everyone’s dream is to go run Daytona. You feel like you’ve made something of yourself in your racing career when you get that opportunity, not to mention a full season with Venturini. It’s really an honor to carry the 25 car banner and get to run their house car. With that said, I didn’t have a ride for the past two and a half years, so it’s been a huge blessing to be able to run this ARCA car for a full season.
“Coming out of the box that fast and knowing you’re in the best ride made the test go that much easier. It was a really good test for everybody. We have amazing power with Joe Gibbs engines, so I think we’ll have even more speed going down than we left with.”
With sponsorship from ZLOOP Computers & Electronic Recycling Centers, Boston finished that testing weekend second of 61 drivers to turn laps. His best lap of 48.871 seconds, or 184.158 mph, was less than 0.01 second from the top spot. He also completely led the first day of on-track action, showcasing the usual display of Venturini power on one of ARCA’s largest tracks.
While many drivers break into the series in their teens and hit Daytona’s high banks at 18, Boston knows his situation is different. Still relatively youthful, Boston feels that added maturity is on his side, and should make him a contender to win Saturday and be a fixture in the 2013 championship hunt.
Boston nearly raced in ARCA in 2009 and even tested at Daytona back then, but he ultimately took a ride in the Rev-Oil Pro Cup Series. There, he earned four top-10s in six starts. Now, Boston is prepared for the same consistency and even more success with Venturini Motorsports.
“I’ve matured greatly over the last four years in how I handle my life. This couldn’t have come at a better time in my life, where I’m at. I think my maturity will overcome, and give me an upper hand on some of the younger kids in ARCA.”.
Crew chief Keith Hinkein will lead Boston’s effort this weekend. Hinkein and team competition director Billy Venturini have been instrumental in Boston’s maturity, the driver said.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Keith,” he said. “He and I have gotten to know each other and we get along really well. I’m looking forward to working with him and I think we’ll really get the best out of each other this year. Billy really is the total package as far as a mentor, especially at the level I’m at now. He can diagnose what you’re doing wrong on the race track and then tell you what you need to do, and he can do that on the business side at the same time. To have him give me good advice is going to help further my career and my abilities this year.”
Practice for Saturday’s Lucas Oil 200 presented by MAVTV American Real will take place Thursday from 1-5 p.m. Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell will follow Friday, starting at 2 p.m. A final practice at10 a.m. Saturday will precede the 80-lap, 200-mile race – ARCA’s 50th at Daytona – which will air live on SPEED at 4:30 p.m.
About ZLOOP™
ZLOOP™ Computer and Electronics Recycling Centers, based in Hickory, N.C., offers eWaste recycling services based on the company’s core values of education and simplicity, and that will be evident in NASCAR and ARCA competition across America in 2013.
More information on ZLOOP™, its equipment and processes, and ZLOOP™ Racing is available online at zloopit.com. ZLOOP™ is on Twitter at @ZLOOPRacing and @zloopCERC.
About Venturini Motorsports
Venturini Motorsports (VMS), fielding cars for over 30 years in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, is one of the premier NASCAR driver development programs in the country. With multiple team championships and consistent on-track success, VMS has evolved into one of the most recognizable names in motorsports. Since 2007, VMS has assisted in the career development of notable NASCAR drivers such as Joey Logano, Justin Allgaier, Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Brian Scott, Kevin Swindell, Miguel Paludo, John Wes Townley, Josh Richards, and Ryan Reed. In 2012, VMS was inducted into the National Italian Sports Hall of Fame, and 2013 will highlight the team’s debut in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.
Official: www.VenturiniMotorsports.com | Twitter: @VenturiniMotor | Facebook: Venturini Motorsports
