Fitzpatrick’s Dreams Realized with Two Starts at Daytona with TRG
Mooresville, N.C. (February 2, 2009) – John Ryan (J.R.) Fitzpatrick, Canada’s youngest ever stock car racing champion, will have a week that dreams are made of as he descends on legendary Daytona International Speedway next week to race at the World Center of Speed. Fitzpatrick has been carefully selected to drive in two entries for TRG Motorsports, in both the ARCA RE/MAX Series race and the Camping World Truck Series event at the 2.5-mile super speedway.
“I really appreciate the opportunity that Kevin and Debra Buckler have given me,” explained the 20-year-old native of Ayr, Ontario. “They have built a solid team with great equipment and excellent leadership. I am looking forward to working with Jon Wolfe and Butch Hylton again. They have assembled a great group of guys and I really enjoy working with them.”
Fitzpatrick turned his first laps around high-banked and historic track in December when he took part in a three-day test in the ARCA RE/MAX Series for the team. Fitzpatrick turned some of the quickest laps around the oval and is expected to be at the top of his class when the ARCA RE/MAX Series hits the track for the first round of practice on Thursday, February 5th at 12 noon ET.
Fitzpatrick is pumped up, smiling from ear to ear and ready to race at the most storied NASCAR track. “This has been a dream come true” said Fitzpatrick. “Every racers dream is to compete at Daytona and that’s what we’re going to do. The TRG guys have done an awesome job preparing the trucks right from our first test. I know we’ll be strong in the race. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel”
Fitzpatrick will make his ARCA RE/MAX Series debut driving the No. 48 TRG Motorsports Chevrolet on Saturday, February 7th in the season-opening Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200, before climbing in behind the wheel of the No. 7 Mammoet Chevrolet for NASCAR Camping World Truck Series’ NextEra Energy Resources 250 on Friday, February 13th.
“We are thrilled to have J.R. representing us in two different series at Daytona,” said Team Principal, Kevin Buckler. “This will be a monumental weekend for TRG Motorsports as we make our Daytona debut not only in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, but also in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. J.R. did a great job last year when he ran three races for our team in the Camping World Truck Series and I have no doubt that he’ll do great down at Daytona.”
“Racing at Daytona is a dream come true for me,” said Fitzpatrick.
As the races near, preparations continue and complete details on Fitzpatrick’s 2009 race schedule will be finalized. The plan includes select NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races along with several NASCAR Nationwide Series events. Sponsorship details are being finalized and more announcements will be forthcoming.
For more information regarding Fitzpatrick including sponsorship opportunities contact Jason A. Sharpe at (416) 557-5451 or via e-mail at info@jrfitzpatrick.com