Ryan Hunter-Reay calls win at Iowa “crazy” and “unreal”, carrying momentum into Toronto

By

-

July 16, 2014

04CJ0264 — Photo Credit: Chris Jones/IndyCar

Set to go for a late race restart, Michael Andretti made the decision to bring Ryan Hunter-Reay down pit road and put stickers tires on his No. 28 DHL Honda-powered Dallara. The results turned out to be successful as Ryan Hunter-Reay was able to slice and dice his way from 10th on the restart to the lead with two laps to go to pick up the victory at Iowa Speedway.

The day didn’t start off anything like the 2012 Verizon IndyCar Series Champion would’ve hoped for as everything seemed to go wrong from trouble on the track, to trouble in the pits, resulting in him being stuck at the back half of the top-10.

“I was really frustrated at times,” Hunter-Reay admitted. “I’ve learned in the years of experience that I’ve had in the Verizon IndyCar Series that you just have to keep your head in it. No matter what, you have to charge hard and be ready for it. Whether it’s a street circuit, short oval, races can turn. You have to put yourself in a position every time to take advantage of that, put yourself in a better position, get that car in front of you, whatever it is, just keep plugging away.”

Though being stuck there is what gave Andretti the opportunity to make the race winning call.

“Then at the end Michael Andretti made a bold move there, a pretty bold call, to call me in and take stickers,” Hunter-Reay commented. “I didn’t think we’d have enough time because of the way things were panning out with Montoya’s car and the wall. Credit to the safety team, they got that car cleaned up and we had just enough time to make it happen. We passed Tony coming to the white flag.

“It was a lot of fun the last few laps, as I’m sure (Josef) Newgarden told you. It was unreal. I hope I get to do that sometime again in my career, but I don’t think I’ll have 10 cars in front of me all on used tires and there I am on new. “

Coming through the field, Hunter-Reay commented that it was a “blur” the first couple of laps as he just made to pick the right line to slice his way through the field.

“I think we got at least four of them on the first lap,” he added. “I was surprised how quick Tony (Kanaan) was, though, on used tires like that. He took a while to catch. I felt like I had to duck my head down just to catch up to him. He was pretty hooked up.”

The call and drive through was made possible as a result of the tier fall throughout the race, that was giving guys a lot of push and understeer off the corners.

“It was an exciting night. The tire degradation is like that so the racing is exciting. I think it made for a good show,” Hunter-Reay said. “The gamble with that is when you do take new tires, you might not have enough time. Every track is different with how they come in, fall off. It was a pretty big gamble. Thanks to Michael Andretti for making it.”

Now with momentum on his side, Hunter-Reay heads to a track that he has visited victory lane before, making a visit there during his championship season in 2012.

In his first four appearances, Hunter-Reay posted three top-fives as well as a seventh. Though the two events last year didn’t go well, as he finished outside of the top 15 both days with problems.

Hoping to avoid the mechanical problems that plagued his season last year and have hurt him a couple times this year, Hunter-Reay will look to repeat his previous Toronto success. It’ll all depend on how things shake out as Hunter-Reay posted a second earlier this year on the streets of St. Petersburg and a sixth and seventh in Houston, however found poor finishes on the other street course events this year to date.

Common Sense Guidelines for Race Fans

By

Michelle Lippold

-

July 15, 2014

fans_flag_bms1_scearce — Photo Credit: David Scearce

We are all vulnerable to something bad happening to us while on vacation, even the most seasoned vacationers. The problem is most of us think that because we are on vacation, there is an invisible bubble surrounding us, protecting us from harm.

For instance, many race fans camp in the same camping spot(s) every race and see the same campers each time. They do not think that they are at risk, when in fact it may be the opposite. That sense of knowing everyone causes you to let your guard down and may leave you vulnerable.

Another thing that no one thinks of is bullying. It happens at the track more often than you think. It could be triggered by the T-shirt you are wearing or the one your son is wearing. Perhaps it’s because someone has had way too much to drink.

I am not writing this so that you will change your mind about attending races or change your attire. I don’t want you to look at every fan as an escaped convict looking to mug you. I am just sharing some examples of experiences that have happened to some people I know. Some happened to those I don’t know but who wanted their story told.

A little track etiquette can go a long way as well. First of all, we have all had the jumpers. Yes, we all know the ones that you swear are sitting on a spring, and are up and down like a Jack-in-the-Box. There are times, of course, when everyone will jump up, such as the start of the race or for a caution, etc. and that is to be expected. We all do it but do we need to be standing the whole race? No, we don’t.

When you are a yo-yo, people can’t see through you. Be aware of your surroundings. Look around you at who is sitting behind you and realize that if they are elderly they may not be able to match you jump for jump. Also, no one wants to pay money for a seat and instead of the race they get to see your butt the whole race. Sit down and be courteous.

For the men who do this, remember that your wallet is in your back pocket. I have sat through many races watching wallets go to the ground because of the man constantly jumping up and down. I tell men when this is about to happen but many others don’t, and by the time you realize it’s gone, it may be too late. I have seen wallets drop at races and people eyeballing them. Do the right thing if you see a wallet fall and let them know. If you find one, again, do the right thing. Find someone with security and let them take it from there. Men, keep an eye on your wallet,

Also be careful when visiting the souvenir trailers. If you are pulling out your wallet to buy something it is very easy to have credit cards, ID’s, etc. slide out. The main thing is to keep checking and make sure it’s still in your pocket. There is no worse feeling than losing your wallet. Ladies you have purses and the same thing can happen to you. Leave your suitcase bag at home and get one of those small purses you can wear that hangs in front of you.

Bullying, the reason that triggered this article, is nothing to laugh about. It once happened in front of a friend of mine at Daytona. A young boy about the age of seven was at the race with an older gentleman, who we believe was the child’s grandfather. My friend and his fiancée came up and witnessed four men, around the ages of 30-40 years-old, all wearing Dale Earnhardt Jr. shirts, harassing and making fun of this child because he was wearing a Kyle Busch shirt. You may ask why my friend didn’t intervene. Well, he was one man against four that, no doubt, had a little too much to drink. I have learned to not wear my driver’s shirts because of being harassed.

I also go to souvenir row early, buy my things and get them back into my car, because I was also told by another fan that she had her bag of goodies with her and when she picked them up from under her seat someone had poured a beer and thrown nachos in the bag.

I am putting these things out there because I want you to have a good time. Most of it is common sense. If someone is harassing you or if someone seems to be drinking too much, find security, it is what they are there for. The chances are low that you will have anything happen to you but it’s the same as going to a concert, amusement park, anything of this order, use your head. If you are one of those that stand throughout the whole race, look behind you to see whose view you are blocking.

The most important thing is to enjoy the race! Hope that your driver wins but enjoy the experience, bring a tent, chairs, food, and a grill and do some tailgating. When you are at the race, close your eyes, feel the vibration, hear the power of the engines as they roar by, because once you go and experience it in person, you will be hooked and that’s a great feeling.

Points Leader Grant Enfinger making first Chicago start since 2011

By

SM Archive

-

July 15, 2014

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Statistical Advance: Saskatoon

By

SM Archive

-

July 15, 2014

Chicagoland Prepares Red Carpet for Venturini Motorsports Homecoming Event

By

SM Staff

-

July 15, 2014

Actors Mark Ruffalo and Blake Rayne Join
Townley, Boston, Coughlin & Munter for Star-Studded Event

Chicago, Illinois (July 15, 2014) – Every November Chicago sports fans become familiar with the term “Circus Trip” as the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks vacate their shared United Center home venue hitting the road to make way for the annual two-week Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus stay. But in July the term “Circus Trip” is reserved to best describe the fanfare surrounding Venturini Motorsport’s (VMS) homecoming for the annual ARCA race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois.

This year is no different. Stacked with a stout four driver line-up led by John Wes Townley, Justin Boston, Cody Coughlin and Eco Athlete Leilani Munter, Venturini Motorsports returns home with celebrity flare and support from Hollywood actor, producer, director, and screenwriter Mark Ruffalo and silver screen newcomer, actor, and musical artist, Blake Rayne.

Both Ruffalo and Rayne will play significant roles with Venturini Motorsports on and off the track this weekend in Chicago.

Ruffalo is an Academy Award-nominated actor whose credits include “You Can Count on Me,” “The Kids Are All Right,” “Avengers,” Zodiac,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” and “In the Cut.” He can currently be seen in John Carney’s “Begin Again” opposite Keira Knightley as well as the Emmy-nominated HBO film “The Normal Heart.”

Ruffalo, also a co-founder of The Solutions Project, an organization dedicated to using the powerful combination of science, business and culture to accelerate the transition to 100% clean, renewable energy, will use his organization to support Leilani Münter, who will be driving VMS’s No.66 PrairieGold Solar Toyota in Saturday’sARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Ansell ActivArmr 150 ARCA event.

In addition to his team sponsorship role, Ruffalo will lend a hand to Chicagoland Speedway serving as Grand Marshal for the NASCAR Nationwide EnjoyIllinois.com 300 nightcap, which follows the ARCA event.

Also supporting VMS this weekend is Actor/Artist, Blake Rayne, who will be on-hand promoting the movie, THE IDENTICAL (www.TheIdenticalMovie.com), which is set to be released nationwide on September 5th. City of Peace Films, which produced The Identical, has entered into a strategic marketing partnership with Venturini Motorsports and will display the movie artwork on both John Wes Townley’s ARCA and Nationwide cars as he’ll be running back-to-back races Saturday night at Chicago.

Rayne, in his acting debut, has years of concert stage experience and recently completed recording work on the original motion picture soundtrack, which releases in stores September 2nd. In the film, he plays the dual role of Drexel Hemsley and Ryan Wade alongside popular actors Seth Green, Ashley Judd and Ray Liotta.

Like Ruffalo, Rayne will also be called on for double duty as he’ll perform the national anthem prior to the NASCAR Nationwide green flag on Saturday, July 19.

Prior to his national anthem performance, Blake Rayne will be joined by two additional City of Peace bands – Darcey & Mo and The Morph Kings. These three bands comprise most of the music featured in the upcoming motion picture THE IDENTICAL. The three bands will perform a concert on the main stage of Chicagoland Speedway’s Champions Park as part of the ARCA Racing Summer Concert Series on July 19 at 4 p.m. CT.

As for the team, Venturini Motorsports will be making its 14th appearance at Chicagoland Speedway, competing in every ARCA event at the track since it opened in 2001.

Already with two wins (Scott Lagasse Jr. 08’ & Kevin Swindell 12’) at Chicago, Venturini Motorsports looks to one of their current drivers to bring them back to glory in front of their hometown fans.

The Ansell Activ Armr 150 will be broadcasted live on Fox Sports 2 on Saturday, July 19 at 5 p.m. CT. ARCAracing.com will provide live timing and scoring of practice on Friday, July 18 from 3:30-5:20 p.m. CT. Menard’s Pole Qualifying will take place on Saturday, July 19 at 1:30 p.m. CT.

Chicagoland Speedway is hosting an autograph session in Champions Park on Friday, July 18 from 6-7 p.m. CT.

ABOUT THE IDENTICAL
THE IDENTICAL tells the compelling story of twin brothers unknowingly separated at birth during the Great Depression. DREXEL HEMSLEY becomes an iconic 50’s rock ‘n’ roll star, while RYAN WADE (Blake Rayne) struggles to balance his love for music and pleasing his father. The Reverend Wade (Ray Liotta) and his wife (Ashley Judd) are sure their adopted son has been gifted and called by God to be a preacher. But Ryan challenges his parent’s vision for his life, and unflinchingly chooses to launch his own music career with his best friend (Seth Green). Encouraged by his wife (Erin Cottrell) and employer (Joe Pantoliano), Ryan embarks on an unpredictable, provocative path – performing the legendary music of Drexel Hemsley in sold out venues all across the country. As the brothers destinies tragically collide, Ryan discovers that Drexel is his identical twin which leads him to question everything he’s ever believed about God, family and his own identity.

THE IDENTICAL is a City of Peace Films production featuring the talents of three generations of the Marcellino family from Nashville, TN. Dustin Marcellino is the first time director, Jerry Marcellino co-wrote the 20 plus original songs with his son Yochanan, who is the founder of City of Peace Films. Yochanan and Don Noes are the two men who propelled the movie to the big screen by raising the production funding and the film’s marketing budget. The movie will be distributed by Freestyle Releasing and will be opening nationwide on September 5th.

STARRING: Erin Cottrell, Amanda Crew, Brian Geraghty, Seth Green, Ashley Judd, Joe Pantoliano, Blake Rayne, and Ray Liotta

DIRECTED BY: Dustin Marcellino

PRODUCED BY: Mark G. Mathis, Yochanan Marcellino, Matthew Dean Russell

Featuring over 20 original songs by Jerry Marcellino and Yochanan Marcellino including: “Your Love’s Keepin’ Me Tonight,” “City Lights,” “Angel of Mine,” “Everybody Knows It” and “Nashville Tonight”

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. 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, John Wes Townley and Erik Jones. Over the years the Venturini name has become synonymous with modern-day racing in America. In 2012, the Venturini family was inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (www.NIASHF.org) and now find themselves enshrined with such sports icons as Joe DiMaggio, Mario Andretti, Vince Lombardi, Tommy Lasorda and Rocky Marciano.

Official: www.VenturiniMotorsports.com | Twitter: @VenturiniMotor | Facebook: Venturini Motorsports

About ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards
The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is among the leading auto racing sanctioning bodies in the country. Founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum, the organization administers more than 100 events each year in multiple racing series, including the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the ARCA/CRA Super Series, the ARCA Truck Series and the ARCA Midwest Tour, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways.