Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Ryan Truex Pairs with MWR in NASCAR Camping World East Series


CORNELIUS, N.C. – At 17 years of age, Ryan Truex has a career action plan and one of his long-term career goals includes following his NASCAR champion brother Martin Truex Jr. to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series level.

Today, Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) announced a partnership that will field a full-time NASCAR Camping World East program for the young Truex as he takes the next step towards fulfilling that lifelong dream. The season-opener is this weekend at Greenville-Pickens (S.C.) Speedway.

“Pairing with a racing organization like Michael Waltrip Racing and having NAPA AUTO PARTS on my Toyota is a great opportunity for me,” said Truex, whose team is operating out of the 140,000 square foot shop in Cornelius, N.C. “MWR is really coming on strong this year in the Cup Series and I hope to learn a lot from just being there each week.”

Last season, Truex finished 11th at Stafford Speedway in his CW East debut and only career start while driving a car prepared by Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Now, he is ready for his first race with Michael Waltrip Racing.

“In essence, Ryan was ready to move to the next level,” said Ty Norris, MWR general manager. “The Truex's had the cars and the engines, but needed someone to house, employ the staff and operate the team. I've known the Truex's since we approached Truex Jr. about driving for DEI's nationwide team in 2003. Ryan has the bloodline and needed the opportunity, so we partnered in this entry. We heard he was aggressive and fast and we can’t wait to see him compete.”

Truex started four years ago racing a Bandolero at Wall Township Speedway in Wall, New Jersey that has been hosting racing event for 54 years. He graduated to Legends and quickly won a speedway championship at the track in 2007. Last season, Truex raced a family-owned Late Model at Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Va.

Fast forward to today, he’s preparing to turn laps at the half-mile oval in Greenville, S.C.under the watchful eye of his crew chief Mike Greci. Greci has been a regular in the NASCAR garages where he has experienced working with Truex's brother.

“I'm looking forward to starting the season with Mike," Truex said. "Our first race takes place this weekend at Greenville-Pickens, which is a flat half-mile oval with not much grip. We're hoping to leave there with a strong finish."

The NASCAR Camping World Series East broadcast schedule will cover all 11 races. The Greenville-Pickens opener, scheduled for Saturday, April 11, will air Thursday, April 16 on SPEED. The season will conclude Friday, Sept. 25 at Dover International Speedway and the race will be broadcast Thursday, Oct. 1.

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