CORNELIUS, N.C. — No. 00 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota driver Ryan Truex earns his second consecutive K&N Pro Series East championship Friday when he starts the series finale at Dover International Speedway. The 18-year-old Mayetta, N.J. native won his second race in 2010 last weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway building a 118-point lead over the second-place driver. The lead guarantees Truex the title if he starts Friday’s race.


RYAN TRUEX QUOTES

Racing at Dover International Speedway: "Dover is a fun track to race at. You can go high in one and two and make a run on people, but it is also pretty strenuous with the speeds. You really have to be aggressive to do well. We went there last year and had a top-ten run, but this year we’re looking to put it all on the line for the win. I’ve had a neat opportunity to race so close to my hometown for the last two races of the season. I want to go out there and get another win for MWR. They’ve worked really hard for this and another trip to victory lane would be a good end to our East Series season.”

Clinching the East Series Championship: "Winning the championship was our season goal, and I’m lucky to have the opportunity to win it in front of my friends and family. I’m looking forward to going into Dover and being able to go out and win and not have to worry about points. It will most likely be my last race in the East Series so we’re really going to lay it on the line and try to get the win”

Looking back on the 2010 East Series Season: “It was a great year and everyone worked hard and gave me awesome race cars every week. We were always in contention for wins and were consistent and that is what it takes to win championships. I’m proud of my guys and everyone at MWR and very thankful to be where I’m at. Hopefully we can move on to bigger and better things.”

NOTES

• Only six drivers have won back-to-back East Series titles—none as a teenager.

• Dover International Speedway is 128 miles from Truex’s hometown of Mayetta, N.J.

• Truex owns five career East Series victories.

• Veteran Mike Greci, who once served as Martin Truex’s crew chief, has been working with Truex throughout his career in the East Series beginning in 2008.

• Truex is the first driver to earn a championship for Michael Waltrip Racing when he won the K&N Pro Series East Championship in 2009.

• Truex is the third member of his family to win in the K&N Pro Series East. His father, Martin Truex Sr. won at New Hampshire in 1994 and his brother NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver, Martin Truex Jr. won five times.

Ryan Truex New Hampshire Preview

CORNELIUS, N.C. — In June, No. 00 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota driver Ryan Truex joined his father Martin Sr. and older brother Martin Jr. on the K&N Pro Series East win list at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The East Series returns to the “Magic Mile” for Friday’s penultimate race of the 2010 season. The 18-year-old’s 66-point lead gives him an outside chance to join five other drivers in clinching a second consecutive East Series title. Instead of concentrating on points, the Michael Waltrip Racing driver says he prefers to concentrate on the checkered flag. Truex hasn’t finished worse than third and has led 103 total laps in three East starts at NHMS.

QUOTES

RYAN TRUEX ON A SECOND CHAMPIONSHIP: “We’re focused on winning. That’s all that matters. If we win the race the championship stuff will take care of itself. I still believe this will come down to the final race at Dover and probably the final few laps. In the East Series, anything can happen and probably will. It’s been a wild year so far and I don’t see that changing.”

ON NEW HAMPSHIRE SUCCESS IN JUNE: “That was a special moment for my family in June. We won the race and my Dad, brother and Mom were all in victory lane with me. That’s one of the highlights of my career and even my life. New Hampshire is a special place not just for us but for every driver from the Northeast. It’s been a place where a lot of drivers have gotten the attention of people in NASCAR.”

ON WINNING A SECOND CHAMPIONSHIP: “Obviously, that’s our goal. My crew chief Mike Greci and the guys at MWR worked really hard all summer to make it happen. Winning two in a row would be an honor. There’s some great racers on that list.”

NOTES

Martin Truex Sr.’s lone victory in 135 East Series starts came at NHMS in 1994. Martin Truex Jr. started 62 East races visiting victory lane five times including wins at NHMS in 2000 and 2003.

Martin Truex Sr. competed in 15 Nationwide Series races 1989-1998. His best career finish of 12th came at Nazareth Speedway in 1994. He won an East Series race at New Hampshire in 1994. Martin Truex Jr. won the 2004 and 2005 Nationwide Series titles.

Veteran Mike Greci, who once served as Martin Truex Jr.’s crew chief, has been working with Truex throughout his East Series career beginning in 2008.

Truex will race Kansas, Charlotte and Homestead in the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series.

New Hampshire– Truex Clinch Scenarios

Truex Winning and:

Wallace finishing 35th or worse (lead no laps); OR 36th (lead one lap)

Whitt finishing 11th or worse (lead no laps); OR 12th or worse (lead one lap); OR 14th or worse (lead most laps)

Moffitt finishing 10th or worse (lead no laps); OR 12th or worse (lead one lap); OR 13th of worse (lead most laps)

Truex Winning and Leading Most Laps:

Wallace finishing 33th or worse (lead no laps); OR 35th (lead one lap)

Whitt finishing 10th or worse (lead no laps); OR 11th or worse (lead one lap); OR 12th or worse (lead most laps)

Moffitt finishing 9th or worse (lead no laps); OR 10th or worse (lead one lap); OR 12th of worse (lead most laps)

Truex Second and Leading Most Laps:

Wallace finishing 36th or worse (lead no laps)

Whitt finishing 13th or worse (lead no laps); OR 14th or worse (lead one lap); OR 16th or worse (lead most laps)

Moffitt finishing 12th or worse (lead no laps); OR 11th or worse (lead one lap); OR 16th of worse (lead most laps)

Ryan Truex Richmond Post Race Report

Ryan Truex Race Summary: No. 00 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota driver Ryan Truex finished 26th Friday night at Richmond International Raceway. Making his third Nationwide Series appearance, the 18-year-old driver battled a loose handling race car in the early going that saw him fall down a lap to the leaders by the half way mark as the race slowed for just one caution. Truex and his Michael Waltrip Racing team corrected the handling issues and he began working his way through the field. Truex’s next race is at Kansas Speedway on Oct. 2.

Truex qualified 15th

Battled loose race car and brake vibration in early going of race.

Lost lap to leader Kevin Harvick at lap 70 and another during pit sequence.

Truex ran his three fastest laps of the race 150 laps in to the event.

NAPA crew corrected handling issues and Truex got faster and faster throughout race.

On final run, Truex’s lap times were as fast as leaders.

RYAN TRUEX: “That wasn’t what we were hoping for. We were pretty loose at the beginning and we struggled. But the second half of the race we were good. That last run we were as quick as the best cars. It was too little too late. That stinks. I wish we could run this race again right now because I think we’d have a really good finish. That’s just part of the learning curve and we start better at Kansas.”

Ryan Truex - Richmond Preview

CORNELIUS, N.C. — No. 00 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota driver Ryan Truex makes his third NASCAR Nationwide Series start Friday night at Richmond International Raceway.


The 18-year-old Mayetta, N.J. native qualified second and raced there for 45 laps at Michigan last month in only his second Nationwide Series start. At his debut in St. Louis he started 19th and raced his way into the top 10 by the halfway mark. The Michael Waltrip Racing driver competes fulltime in the K&N Pro Series East where he is the defending champion and 2010 points leader.

Truex is the son of race car driver Martin Truex Sr. and the younger brother of Martin Truex Jr. who drives the No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The Nationwide Series practices Thursday at Richmond then practices, qualifies and races Friday night.

QUOTES

Truex on racing at Richmond International Raceway: “I’m all about learning and finishing the race. Where we finish is important but it isn't as important as what we learn. We’ve started off the first two races really good. At St. Louis we drove to the front and at Michigan we ran second a long time. We have to work on dialing our car in for later in the race. That’s where these Nationwide guys and especially the Cup drivers have something over us. They know what these cars will do as the race goes on. That’ll come with experience.”

Truex and teammate Trevor Bayne: “Trevor has been great to talk to in the last few months. We bounce stuff off each other. I know my crew chief (Mike Greci) and his crew chief (Jerry Baxter) talk a lot at the shop then at the track. The No. 99 team has really improved over the season. That’s what we are counting on with our team. The more we race the more we learn and the better we’ll be.”

Notes

• Ryan Truex will race at Richmond, Kansas, Charlotte and Homestead in 2010 Nationwide Series competition.

• Martin Truex Sr. competed in 15 Nationwide Series races 1989-1998. His best career finish of 12th came at Nazareth Speedway in 1994. He won an East Series race at New Hampshire in 1994. Martin Truex Jr. won the 2004 and 2005 Nationwide Series titles.

• Ryan is the first driver to earn a championship for Michael Waltrip Racing when he won the K&N Pro Series East Championship in 2009. He leads the 2010 standings by 66 points over Darrell Wallace Jr. New Hampshire and Dover are the only remaining races in the 2010 East schedule.

• Michael Waltrip Racing fields Ryan Truex’s racecars in the Nationwide series as well as the East Series while Diamond-Waltrip Racing fields cars for Trevor Bayne in the Nationwide Series. Gary and Blake Bechtel along with MWR own the Diamond-Waltrip organization.

Ryan Truex Gresham Motorsports Park Preview

CORNELIUS, N.C. — No. 00 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota driver Ryan Truex continues his chase for the K&N Pro Series East championship Saturday at Gresham Motorsports Park in Jefferson, Ga. The 18-year-old Mayetta, N.J. native has three races left to achieve his back-to-back championship quest as well as garner his second title for Michael Waltrip Racing.

Truex is the son of race car driver Martin Truex Sr. and the younger brother of Martin Truex Jr. who drives the No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Truex tested his East Series car with crew chief Mike Greci at Gresham on Aug. 19.

QUOTES

Truex on racing at Gresham Motorsports Park: "Gresham is a fast track. I really like running there a lot. This will be my first time actually racing there, and I’m confident that my NAPA team can go there and do well. It’s a track that I feel comfortable on. I’ve heard a lot of guys compare it to Bristol, but with less banking so I’ll have to stay on my toes. I think our main strategy will be to make sure the car rotates in the center, and to qualify well for the track position. I’m definitely looking forward to getting on the track Saturday.”

Truex on his chase for the East Series Championship: "We are just trying to take this one race at a time right now. The championship is our long term goal, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves. We have Gresham to focus on this weekend and two more races after that. Greci and I have both just been focusing on one race at a time and I think that has worked out well for us.”

Truex on testing at Gresham: “Our test went really well. Greci and my guys put a great car together for this track. We unloaded and were immediately fast, that’s always a fun way to start a testing session. We worked making minor changes and picked up time towards the end of the test. I think this was a great confidence boost for my whole team and really got us all excited to go back and race on Saturday night.”

Greci on working with Ryan at Gresham: “He did an exceptional job at the test on Thursday. We were fast when we unloaded off of the trailer and he continued to get better as we continued. He really likes the track and is comfortable there. I think that all of the testing he has done in the Cup cars there has been a huge help to him.”

Notes

Veteran Mike Greci, who once served as Martin Truex Jr.’s crew chief, has been working with Truex throughout his career in the East Series beginning in 2008.

Truex is the first driver to earn a championship for Michael Waltrip Racing when he won the K&N Pro Series East Championship in 2009. He leads the 2010 standings by 33 points over Darrell Wallace Jr. with three races left in the championship.

Truex is the third member of his family to win in the K&N Pro Series East. His father, Martin Truex Sr. won at New Hampshire in 1994 and his brother Martin Truex Jr. won five times.

Ryan Truex Michigan Report

Ryan Truex Race Summary: No. 00 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota driver Ryan Truex qualified second and raced in the top 10 most of the race before finishing 12th in Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Michigan International Speedway. The 18-year-old Michael Waltrip Racing driver ran in the top three the first 40 laps of the race outrunning Sprint Cup stars like Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch. A tight handling condition in the second half of the race prevented Truex from maintaining his pace, but he never ventured far outside the top 10. Truex makes his third Nationwide appearance at Richmond International Raceway on Sept. 10.




• Truex qualified second in just his second NASCAR Nationwide Series race.

• Truex ran second for the first 45 laps of the race.

• Remained in the top ten through the first 100 laps as he battled a tight handling condition.

• Brother Martin Truex Jr. sat on Ryan’s pit box and gave advice over the team radio throughout the race.

• Saturday’s race marked Truex’s second of six scheduled 2010 Nationwide races.

• Truex’s next Nationwide appearance is at Richmond on Sept. 10.



RYAN TRUEX: “It was a lot of fun. We had a good car. We were running with the 22 (Brad Keselowski) there at the beginning. We made a pit stop and with this car being new and us never running it before we weren’t sure about adjustments. We made an adjustment and it just didn’t agree with the car. We learned for next time. At the end there we got it better and we were running up there. I had a lot of fun and have to thank NAPA and Tow Truck in a Box for helping me out this weekend and this team for giving me a good car. I think me and Trevor (Bayne) finished right in front of each other. It was a fun day and a lot of fun racing. I learned a lot for next time.”



How much did your brother help you this weekend? “He taught me pretty much everything I used in the race. He’s been a lot of help and he was talking to me during the race and telling me what to do. He’s definitely been a big help. It’s been a fun weekend and I’m just happy we got out of here in one piece.”



Did you have any nervous moments in the race? “That last restart when that car blew up in front of me, I thought that race was over. I was dead sideways and I thought I was plowing into the wall. Somehow got through it, but that cost us a couple spots. It is what it is and I had a lot of fun. Happy to have the car in one piece and have a decent run.”



RACE NOTES:

• Brad Keselowski won his fourth race of the season.

• Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch rounded out the top three.

• There were two cautions for nine laps.

• The 1 hour and 39 minute race saw 11 lead changes among seven drivers.

• NASCAR estimated 40,000 attended the race.

Ryan Truex Michigan International Speedway Preview

CORNELIUS, N.C. — No. 00 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota driver Ryan Truex makes his second NASCAR Nationwide Series start Saturday at Michigan International Speedway— the biggest and fastest track ever faced by the 18-year-old Mayetta, N.J. native.

In his Nationwide Series debut in St. Louis he started 19th and raced his way into the top 10 by lap 100 before a late-race accident left him with a 28th-place finish. The Michael Waltrip Racing driver competes fulltime in the K&N Pro Series East where he is the defending champion and 2010 points leader.

Truex is the son of race car driver Martin Truex Sr. and the younger brother of Martin Truex Jr. who drives the No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. With the new car racing at MIS this weekend, the Nationwide series plans a day-long test session Thursday with practice Friday followed by qualifying and the race on Saturday.

QUOTES


Truex on racing at Michigan International Speedway: "Michigan is a wide, fast racetrack and will be the biggest track I’ve ever raced on. I want to go there and gain experience on a bigger track. I’ve been leaning on my brother a lot for advice and he said that it’s wide, very fast and with the higher speeds aerodynamics start to really come into play. I have a lot to learn on that side of things and I feel like having the extra day of testing on Thursday will be a huge benefit to us. This way I can get plenty of experience with the new car and how being around different cars affects my own car. I can learn what the cars do when you pull up on another car and all of those new experiences that come with running at a bigger track."

Truex on his first race with the new car: "I think they look awesome and it’s cool how they represent the street cars better. I have heard they are a lot of fun to drive and hopefully we can have a good run with it this weekend."

Truex on expectations for his second Nationwide Series race: “I feel like as a team we can go out and run good. (Diamond-Waltrip driver) Trevor (Bayne) has been running great and that just gives me more confidence in the racecars and how good of a job everyone at MWR is doing. I think with this race being the first race at an intermediate track with the new car we have more of a level playing field with the other teams. It’s just a matter of going into the weekend with confidence and learning as much as I can. Hopefully we have a great weekend with our NAPA Toyota.”


Martin Truex Jr. on Ryan’s Debut: “He did a great job and I was really proud of him. He’s good at staying pretty calm on and off the track. He did good with it. It all worked out good in the end. He ran a really good race—all but the last 20 laps—and I think he learned a lot. He earned a lot of respect from the drivers and had a good first outing.”


NOTES

Veteran Mike Greci, who once served as Martin Truex’s crew chief, will serve as Ryan Truex’s crew chief this weekend in Michigan.

Martin Truex Sr. competed in 15 Nationwide Series races 1989-1998. His best career finish of 12th came at Nazareth Speedway in 1994. He won an East Series race at New Hampshire in 1994. Martin Jr. is a two-time

Ryan is the first driver to earn a championship for Michael Waltrip Racing when he won the K&N Pro Series East Championship in 2009. He leads the 2010 standings by 33 points over Darrell Wallace Jr.

Truex is leading the East Series championship by 33 points over Darrell Wallace Jr. with three races left in the 2010 season.

Ryan Truex Lee USA Race Report

Ryan Truex, No. 00 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota Camry - finished second – leads in points.


LEE, N.H. - No. 00 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota driver Ryan Truex raced through the field to finish second Friday night in the K&N Pro Series East race at Lee USA Speedway in New Hampshire. The 18-year-old started 16th and moved into the top five in the first 50 laps then battled for the lead on lap 90 of the 125-lap race. A late-race caution bunched the field with three laps remaining. Truex led on the restart before he and Darrell Wallace Jr. made contact racing for the victory. Wallace crossed the start/finish line a few feet ahead of Truex who finished second. The Michael Waltrip Racing driver continues to lead the East championship by 33 points. The series returns to action Aug. 28 at Gresham Motorsports Park in Georgia.



RYAN TRUEX, NAPA Auto Parts Toyota

• Truex led laps 100-102 and 115-122 of the 125 lap race.

• He earned the Coca-Cola Move of the Race Award.

• The margin of victory between Truex and the No. 6 of Darrell Wallace Jr. was only .175 seconds.

• Darrell Wallace Jr. won the NASCAR K&N Pro Series 125, his 2nd victory of the season.

• The fastest qualifier was Kevin Swindell at 15.562 seconds.

• This is Truex’s sixth top-five finish this season.

• The race was slowed by seven yellow flag periods totaling 38 laps.

• Truex is the third member of his family to win in the K&N Pro Series East. His father, Martin Truex Sr. won at New Hampshire in 1994 and his brother Martin Truex Jr. won five times.

• The 18-year-old is the first driver to earn a championship for Michael Waltrip Racing when he won the K&N Pro Series East Championship in 2009.

• •There are only three races left in the 2010 East Series Championship.

• Truex will resume his NASCAR Nationwide schedule August 14 in Michigan.

CREW CHIEF MIKE GRECI QUOTES:

“We didn’t qualify where we needed to be. We were 16th, but we stayed positive. We were third fastest in the final practice and we just needed our driver to stay confident for the race. We started in the back and worked our way through the field. Around lap-50 we were already in the top-five and Ryan was battling for the lead at lap 90. They battled hard back and forth for the next 25-30 laps. Then at the final restart with three to go the No. 6 went low and they were three wide. It was just hard racing; unfortunately that’s who we are battling for the lead. We finished second and it was a good battle for the team.”

Ryan Truex - Lee USA Preview

CORNELIUS, N.C. — Michael Waltrip Racing development driver Ryan Truex will pilot the No. 00 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota in the K&N Pro Series East race Friday night at Lee USA Speedway in Lee, N.H. Truex is the East Series’ defending champion and leads Darrell Wallace Jr. by 43 points with four races remaining in the 2010 championship. The 18-year-old made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut July 17 at Gateway International Raceway where an accident with 22 laps remaining ended a top-10 run. The Mayetta N.J. native said experience gained in the East Series prepared him well for his race at Gateway, but on transitioning back to the East Series his focus is on clinching a second consecutive championship.

QUOTES


Truex on racing at Lee USA Speedway: “Lee is a shorter track, not much grip. I’ve never been there, but (No. 00 crew chief) Mike Greci has been there, my brother and dad have both been there so I’ve heard about it. They say the surface of the track is a lot like Greenville there’s not much grip so the biggest thing is getting your car to drive off of the corners. I think we’ll be able to do that. We’re good at Greenville and we’ve had a good short track program this year so far, so I’m confident we can go there and run pretty good. The biggest thing is just going there, learning the track and figuring out what we need to do to go fast.”

Truex on how the East Series has helped his transition to Nationwide: “The K&N Pro Series East is probably the best place to start before jumping into the Nationwide Series just because the cars are so similar. The series is good because we go to a lot of bigger tracks like Loudon, Iowa and Dover to get experience. It’s a better place to step up than anywhere else just because of that and the way the cars drive. It has definitely made my transition easier being in the East Series for two years. Even with my partial Nationwide schedule, I’m still definitely looking forward to running the rest of the East Series this year too.”


Truex on added pressure upon returning to the East Series from the Nationwide Series: “I don’t feel like there is as much pressure going back from the Nationwide to the East Series. I feel like it will actually help me because I’ve raced with a higher level of competition. Now when I go to the East Series I’ll have more confidence going into the race. Hopefully that’s how it is, maybe we can go in there and win some more races and keep doing good in points. We’ve had great cars all year and I’m pretty confident that we can have good cars for the rest of the year and hopefully we can get another championship.”


Truex on NASCAR's 2010 Most Popular Driver competition: “It would be nice to be voted Most Popular Driver. We didn’t get it last year, but I’ve done a lot more this year to connect with fans. Hopefully I have more people who have gotten to know me this year that will go out and vote for me. It would be nice to know that I have a lot of fans out there who support my career, but the biggest thing for me is to win the championship.”

ADDITIONAL NOTES OF INTEREST

Truex resumes his six-race NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule on Aug. 14 in Michigan.

Vote for Ryan Truex the 2010 Most Popular Driver at http://bit.ly/cmtPQi

Truex is the third member of his family to win in the K&N Pro Series East. His father, Martin Truex Sr. won at New Hampshire in 1994 and his brother Martin Truex Jr. won five times.

Ryan is the first driver to earn a championship for Michael Waltrip Racing when he won the K&N Pro Series East Championship in 2009.

The 18-year-old was the youngest competitor to make a start in any of NASCAR’s top-three series this season.

Truex Has A Strong Run In Nationwide Series Debut

‪

Ryan Truex Race Summary: It only took half a race for No. 00 Ryan Truex to claw his way into the top-10 in his first NASCAR Nationwide Series appearance. The 2009 K&N Pro Series East Champion and 2010 points leader impressed competitors and fans at Gateway International Raceway on Saturday night by driving like a veteran. The 18-year-old qualified 18th then stormed into the top 10 at the halfway mark and even climbed as high as eighth. With just 22 laps remaining, Truex lost control of his car and slapped the wall. He parked the car after the accident but drove the No. 20 Toyota in relief for Matt DiBenedetto who was involved in an earlier accident. Truex returns to Nationwide race at Michigan on Aug. 14.

‪·‬ Truex started his first NASCAR Nationwide Series race in 18th.

‪·‬ Truex moved into the top-10 at the halfway mark of the race.

‪·‬ He climbed as high as eighth late in the race.

‪·‬ Raced in 10th on lap 178 when he hit the wall and pulled into the garage.

‪·‬ Served a relief driver for Matt DiBenedetto who was in an accident earlier in the race.

TRUEX QUOTE: "Man that was a lot of fun until I spun out. I was really surprised how well we ran. I didn’t know if we would run that well. Napa and my crew made all this happen. I just drive. I have a lot to learn but that started tonight. I was having fun out there. Really, I was. Next time will be more about racing. This weekend was getting in the field and learning. I got hot out there, but I think everyone did. Sounds like it was a cool finish.”

RACE NOTES:

‪·‬ Carl Edwards and Brad Kesolowski made contact the front stretch coming to the checkered flag.

‪·‬ Edwards survived the contact and claimed the victory. Kesolowski hit and wall and was struck by another car and finished 14th.

‪·‬ Reed Sorenson finished second and Bayne finished third.

‪·‬ The next race is July 24 at Raceway Park in Indianapolis.

Trevor Bayne Race Summary:  No. 99 Out Pet Care Toyota driver Trevor Bayne earned his second career pole and posted a career-best third-place finish Saturday night at Gateway International Raceway. Bayne opted to stay on the race track while the leaders pitted with just under 30 laps remaining to take the lead.  Bayne relinquished two spots during the several restarts but was still able to hold off cars with fresher tires through the wild racing to hold on for the third-place finish.  Bayne led the race’s opening lap and never faded outside the top-five in the first half of the race. The Jerry Baxter-led team prepared a Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota that looked good in every practice, qualifying and in the race on the 1.25-mile oval. Bayne’s finished, kept him in 11th-place in the series points race. The Nationwide Series returns to action Saturday night in Indianapolis.

‪·‬ Bayne won his second career pole in just his 34th career race.
‪·‬ His third-place finish was the best of his brief career.
‪·‬ Bayne led the first lap and never fell outside the top five in the first half of the race.
‪·‬ Ran in the top-10 in second half of the race.
‪·‬ With 20 laps remaining, crew chief Jerry Baxter had Bayne stay on the track giving him the lead.
‪·‬ Carl Edwards and Brad Kesolowski passed Bayne before a red flag stopped the race.
‪·‬ Bayne restarted the with two laps to go in fourth and finished third after Kesolowski and Edwards made contact.

BAYNE QUOTE:  How do you feel after tonight’s race?

“It was just a really enduring race.  It was hard for the drivers, it was hard for the team, but Jerry Baxter (crew chief) did a great job with the call there to not pit and got us our track position back.  We had a strong enough car to be up there and that was the way it was for us in our Out! Pet Car Toyota all weekend.  We unloaded fast, in the top three, qualified on the pole and then finished top three so it’s a great weekend for us.  Can’t thank everyone enough for giving us this opportunity.  It was a great weekend for us and we’re happy to be in the top three.”

How important was the call by Jerry Baxter to not pit on the last caution?
“That was a crucial call for us and we had fallen back to eighth.  That wasn’t because of our car, that was just because of some coincidences that had happened when I got pinched down on the bottom by the 62 (Brendan Gaughan) and that cost us to lose a couple spots.  We were coming back, but track position is so important here because you don’t have the gear to get off the corners.  That was a really great call and it took a lot of guts for Jerry Baxter (crew chief) to do that, to leave us out when everybody was coming down pit road.  It paid off for us.  We got a top three out of it, we had a strong Out! Pet Care Toyota all weekend.  We unloaded top three, stayed top three all through practices, qualified on the pole and then finished top three.  Just a really strong weekend for us.”

What did you see on the final lap between Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski?
“I had a front row view of it for sure.  I was just hoping I could get by the 32 (Reed Sorenson) because I figured for sure I would win the race if I got by him because I figured the 60 (Carl Edwards) and 22 (Brad Keselowski) would kind of take care of themselves just by the way turn one and two looked.  It was insane from the very beginning of the restart.  They went into one and two -- Keselowski overdrove it and slid up the track and it looked like the 22 just overdrove it a couple times and slid up the track and tried to run the 60 up and then the 60 just came down there at the end and got the 22 from what I saw.  I was kind of focused on chasing my car through three and four because I overdrove it as well on the last lap.  Fortunately, it helped us and we got our first top three.  It doesn’t really matter how we got it, as long as we got it.  I hate it for those guys because they were so dominant all day, but it was just a great run for us.”



Results
1           Carl Edwards
2           Reed Sorenson
3           Trevor Bayne
4           Paul Menard
5           Steve Wallace
6           Brian Scott *
7           Colin Braun *
8           Josh Wise
9           Ricky Stenhouse Jr. *
10         Tony Raines
11         Michael Annett
12         Shelby Howard
13         Steve Arpin
14         Brad Keselowski
15         Willie Allen
16         Kevin Harvick
17         Brendan Gaughan
18         Tayler Malsam
19         Mike Bliss
20         Kenny Wallace
21         Morgan Shepherd
22         Mike Wallace
23         Jason Leffler
24         Alex Kennedy
25         Justin Allgaier
26         Eric McClure
27         Joe Nemechek
28         Ryan Truex
29         Matt DiBenedetto
30         Brad Coleman
31         Landon Cassill
32         Kelly Bires
33         Brad Baker
34         Jason Keller
35         Kevin Lepage
36         Chase Miller
37         Danny O'Quinn Jr.
38         Brian Keselowski
39         Kevin Swindell
40         Johnny Chapman
41         Johnny Sauter
42         Dennis Setzer
‪43‬        Mark Green

Points
1           Brad Keselowski          Leader
2           Carl Edwards                -168
3           Justin Allgaier                -497
4           Kyle Busch                    -556
5           Kevin Harvick                -608
6           Paul Menard                  -675
7           Steve Wallace               -838
8           Brendan Gaughan       -915
9           Joey Logano                 -934
10         Jason Leffler                 -954
11         Trevor Bayne                -1002
12         Brian Scott*                   -1051
13         Michael Annett             -1069
14         Reed Sorenson            -1085
15         Tony Raines                  -1110
16         Kenny Wallace             -1296
17         Mike Wallace                 -1323
18         Mike Bliss                      -1341
19         Eric McClure                 -1483
20         Ricky Stenhouse Jr.*   -1494
21         Joe Nemechek             -1499
22         Michael McDowell        -1563
23         Jason Keller                  -1608
24         Colin Braun*                  -1633
25         Greg Biffle                     -1674
26         Scott Lagasse Jr.         -1714
27         Josh Wise                     -1847
28         Willie Allen                    -1962
29         Shelby Howard            -1972
30         Robert Richardson Jr.  -1983
31         Jamie McMurray          -1998
32         Morgan Shepherd        -2014
33         Brian Keselowski         -2068
34         James Buescher*         -2139
35         Mark Green                   -2156
36         Clint Bowyer                  -2187

Ryan Truex Race Preview - NNS debut at Gateway

CORNELIUS, N.C. — Defending K&N Pro Series East champion and 2010 points leader Ryan Truex makes his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut Saturday night at Gateway International Raceway. Truex will pilot the No. 00 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota in the 200-lap race on the 1.25-mile oval near St. Louis. When the 18-year-old Mayetta, N.J. native takes the green flag, he’ll be the youngest of any driver racing in NASCAR’s top-three series. Truex is the son of race car driver Martin Truex Sr. and the younger brother of Martin Truex Jr. who drives the No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for Michael Waltrip Racing.

QUOTES

 

Truex on racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series: “It is a really big opportunity and I’m just excited to get started. I can’t wait to get the first race started. I just can’t thank everyone enough at MWR for giving me this opportunity. Three years ago I remember racing a Legend car at Wall Stadium in New Jersey and now I’m here. It’s hard to believe how fast it’s come, but I’m excited, ready to get started and make the most of my opportunity.”

 

Truex on following in brother Martin’s footsteps: “It’s pretty big shoes to fill. I don’t expect to go out and set the world on fire. I know it’s not going to happen. I’m just going to get my feet wet and just try to get as much experience as I can. I’m not going to go in and think I can run top-10 or top-five or anything like that. It’s a tough series. It took him a lot of starts to figure it out. It’s going to be tough. I put more pressure on myself than anything just to run as good as him just because of the last name and everything. I’m just going to go and try to do the best that I can.”

Truex on racing at Gateway: “I’ve never been there before so I’ll get some advice from my brother. He’s always helped me out in the K&N Pro Series cars so this series won’t be any different in that respect. It’s a tough series, they have a lot of the cup series guys competing each week, but the cars aren’t that much different than what I have been running in. I’m just going to go to the track and get as much practice time as I can on Saturday. I’m not there to set the world on fire, I’m just there to learn, gain respect and show them that I deserve to be there.”

 

Martin Jr. on coaching Ryan: “It’s been fun to watch Ryan progress. Like he said, he hasn’t been doing this very long and he’s come a long way as a driver. He’s been impressive on the race track and behind the wheel. All the things that he’s done has led to this point. I’ll coach if he needs help, but he’s done a great job so far and he’s got a great team behind him. I look forward to watching him make his first start in the Nationwide Series.”

 

Martin Sr. on his son’s Gateway debut: “I am very proud of him. In the early days I wasn’t sure this is what he wanted to do and I really never coaxed him to do it. When he was about 14 years old, he decided he wanted to race. I wasn’t real happy about it, but we’re proud of what he’s doing and he’s really come a long way in a short time. I think he’s really got some true talent. As we progress up the ladder, we’ll see what he has.”

 

Notes

 

• Ryan Truex will be available in the Gateway media center at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

 

• Veteran Mike Greci, who once served as Martin Truex’s crew chief, will serve as Ryan Truex’s crew chief this weekend at Gateway.

 

• Martin Truex Sr. competed in 15 Nationwide Series races 1989-1998. His best career finish of 12th came at Nazareth Speedway in 1994. He won an East Series race at New Hampshire in 1994.

 

• Ryan is the first driver to earn a championship for Michael Waltrip Racing when he won the K&N Pro Series East Championship in 2009. He leads the 2010 standings by 43 points over Darrell Wallace Jr.

NAPA AUTO PARTS To Sponsor Ryan Truex in Nationwide Debut at Gateway July 17

CORNELIUS, N.C. – Michael Waltrip Racing announced today that NAPA AUTO PARTS will sponsor defending K&N Pro Series East champion and current points leader Ryan Truex, when he makes his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut at Gateway International Raceway on July 17.

He’ll pilot the No. 00 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota at the St. Louis track with his East series crew chief Mike Greci helping to guide his way. Truex will race in five additonal Nationwide races in 2010.

The 18-year-old from Mayetta, N.J. is very familiar with the NAPA Racing program. Not only is his older brother Martin Truex Jr. driver of the No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, but NAPA sponsored him during his championship run in the East Series last year.

“I want to thank NAPA AUTO PARTS for all they have done for me. I’m just excited to finally get started and have them on board for the Gateway race,” said Truex who won the New England 125 K&N Pro Series East event on June 25. “Three years ago I remember racing a Legend car at Wall Stadium in New Jersey and now I’m here. It’s hard to believe how fast it’s come, but I’m excited, ready to get started and make the most of this opportunity.”

“We are proud to be a part of Ryan’s first start in the NASCAR Nationwide Series as he advances to the next level in his career. Ryan has proven to have the talent that warrants this opportunity.” stated NAPA President, Bob Susor. “NAPA was fortunate enough to be along for the ride as Ryan picked up numerous wins in route to the 2009 K&N Pro Series East championship. It will be fun watching his progress and we wish him and his team the best of luck.”

Truex Jr., is a two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion and has two poles and a race win at Gateway. He is ready to lend his little brother support when he runs in NASCAR’s second-tiered division. It’s a series that has launched many careers including his own. He’s hoping the same holds true for Ryan.

“I look forward to watching Ryan make his first start in the Nationwide Series. It’s going to be a big day for him. It’s been fun to watch his progress. He hasn’t been racing very long and he’s come a long way as a driver. He’s been impressive. I’ll coach if he needs help, but he’s done a great job so far and he’s got a great team and sponsor behind him for this race. I haven’t decided yet if I am going to go. I am a nervous wreck when he races. It’s a 250 miler. I’m not sure I can handle that.”

MWR plans to run Ryan Truex in six NASCAR Nationwide Series events this season and is seeking sponsorship support. On the schedule are Michigan, Richmond, Kansas, Charlotte and Homestead-Miami Speedway. Plans are also in the works to run Truex fulltime in the Nationwide Series in 2011, if sponsorship can be secured.

Ryan Truex leads the K&N Pro Series East point standings by 33 markers over Darrell Wallace Jr. On Saturday the series races at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Conn., where Truex is the defending race winner.

About NAPA

NAPA was founded in 1925 to meet America’s growing need for a world-class auto parts distribution system. By providing excellent customer service for more than 80 years, NAPA has become the industry leader.

NAPA’s strength is unrivaled, with over 6,000 NAPA AUTO PARTS stores, 64 Distribution Centers, more than 13,000 NAPA AutoCare and AutoCare Collision repair facilities, over 400,000 parts in inventory every day and the convenience of 24-hour shopping with NAPAonline. NAPA AUTO PARTS stores provide friendly, personalized service. Our highly trained and experienced professionals are here to help you get the job done. With our huge in-stock inventory, NAPA provides the parts you need when you need them.

NAPA is currently participating its 15th season of primary sponsorship in NASCAR. NAPA AUTO PARTS has visited victory lane in all three major NASCAR series – Truck, Nationwide and Sprint Cup – amassing 30 wins, two Daytona 500 victories, and two Truck Series championships.

Ryan Wins New Hampshire

MWR's K&N Pro Series East Race Report


New Hampshire Motor Speedway

• Ryan Truex, No. 00 Toyota Camry - finished first and remains first in points.


Ryan Truex Race Summary: The New Hampshire Motor Speedway has been kind to the Truex family. On Friday, 18-year-old Ryan Truex joined his father Martin Sr. and his brother Martin Jr. as a winner on the flat, mile oval in Loudon, N.H. The youngest Truex led 65 of 125 laps to claim his first victory of the 2010 season and first at the track.

Truex, the 2009 series champion, took over the lead on lap 60 and never gave it back surviving a number of restarts late in the race.

“This is my Daytona 500,” said Truex in victory lane. “This is the most important race of the year for the East Series and I am so thankful for my family, my team, my crew and everyone connected with Michael Waltrip Racing.”

Truex will make his Nationwide Series debut on July 17 at Gateway International Raceway and run six races in 2010.


SPEED-TV will broadcast the race on Thursday, July 1 at 6 p.m.


The NASCAR K&N Pro Series East will return to the track at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Conn., on Saturday, July 3.


Ryan Truex, No. 00 Toyota Camry



• Truex crossed the finish line by .477 seconds over Kevin Swindell.

• Truex was followed across the line Friday by Kevin Swindell, Darrell Wallace Jr., Ryan Gifford and Brett Moffitt in the top five.

• With the New Hampshire win, Truex earned a secured starting position in the postseason NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown in Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.).

Ryan Visits New Hampshire Media Center with Dad, brother to talk about Nationwide Racing

RYAN TRUEX, No. 00 Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing


NOTE: Ryan Truex will make his NNS debut at Gateway International Raceway in July 17, 2010

How big of an opportunity is it for you to race in the Nationwide Series?

“It is a really big opportunity and I’m just excited to get started. I can’t wait to get the first race started – Gateway on July 17. I just can’t thank everyone enough at MWR (Michael Waltrip Racing) for giving me this opportunity. Three years ago I remember racing a Legend car at Wall Stadium in New Jersey and now I’m here. It’s hard to believe how fast it’s come, but I’m excited, ready to get started and make the most of my opportunity.”



Do you feel pressure from your brother because he has won two NNS championships?

“It’s pretty big shoes to fill. I don’t expect to go out and set the world on fire. I know it’s not going to happen. I’m just going to get my feet wet and just try to get as much experience as I can. I’m not going to go in and think I can run top-10 or top-five or anything like that. It’s a tough series. It took him (Martin Truex Jr.) a lot of starts to figure it out. It’s going to be tough. I put more pressure on myself than anything just to run as good as him just because of the last name and everything. I’m just going to go and try to do the best that I can.”



MARTIN TRUEX JR., No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing

Are you coaching Ryan Truex for his Nationwide start?

“I’m not sure where we race that weekend. It’s been fun to watch Ryan (Truex) progress. Like he said, he hasn’t been doing this very long and he’s come a long way as a driver. He’s been impressive on the race track and behind the wheel. All the things that he’s done has led to this point. I’ll coach if he needs help, but he’s done a great job so far and he’s got a great team behind him. I look forward to watching him make his first start in the Nationwide Series.”



Do you have any ownership in Ryan Truex’s NNS car?

“As of right now, I’m not sure how it’s working to be honest with you. We’re working with MWR (Michael Waltrip Racing) in anyway possible to get Ryan (Truex) on the race track. Me and my dad were the owners of the East team before MWR stepped in and said, ‘Hey, we would like to do this with you.’ They’ve been very gracious and been a big part of Ryan’s career, obviously. I think we kind of have a small part in the Nationwide deal, but not nearly as much as the East deal.”



MARTIN TRUEX SR.

How do you feel about your youngest son making his Nationwide Series start?

“I am very proud of him. In the early days I wasn’t sure this is what he wanted to do and I really never coaxed him to do it. When he was about 14 years old, he decided he wanted to race. I wasn’t real happy about it, but we’re proud of what he’s doing and he’s really come a long way in a short time. I think he’s really got some true talent. As we progress up the ladder, we’ll see what he has.”

Ryan Truex - New Hampshire Preview

CORNELIUS, N.C. — Ryan Truex hopes to add to his K&N Pro Series East points lead on Friday in the New England 125 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This race marks the halfway point in the series’ ten-race schedule. Truex, the 2009 series champion, is just eight points ahead of Darrell Wallace Jr. after taking over the lead at Martinsville Speedway on June. 6. Truex raced from the 32nd to second when rain shortened the race to just 175 laps. The 18-year-old Michael Waltrip Racing Development driver will also run six NASCAR Nationwide Series races in 2010 beginning at Gateway International Raceway on July 17.


QUOTES

ON NEW HAMPSHIRE: “This week we’re going to New Hampshire, and I’m really excited about that. We ran there last year and ran really well, we should have had a win or two. We raced there two times and I think we are going to run good. Hopefully we can be up front and try to defend our points lead.”

ON BEING CLOSE TO HOME: “It’s a pretty special track to me. It’s close to home, and my brother and my dad have both won their first races there. I almost got it last year, so hopefully we can go there this year and get the win. I’m really excited to be there. It’s just a fun track – I like everything about it. My brother has taught me a lot about it and my dad has too, so I’m excited to go back.”

ON RACE STRATEGY: “New Hampshire, unlike most tracks, we have to pit for tires and gas because it’s a longer race. The strategy is a little different there. You want to try to get your tires and gas early so you can get back your track position before everyone else pits. It’s hard to say what exactly you are going to do, you just have to play it by ear as the race goes on. You don’t want to go too early to get tires and end up shuffled back when everyone else gets new tires, but then you don’t want to pit too late and end up having bad track position. It’s pretty tough. We did pretty good at that last year and stayed up front. I’m confident that we can do it again this year.”


ADDITIONAL NOTES OF INTEREST



• Truex along with Martin Truex Jr. and Sr. will hold a media availability at the New Hampshire Speedway media center at 1:30 p.m. on Friday.



• The 18-year-old driver is first in K&N Pro Series East standings, with 631 points. He leads second place, Darrell Wallace Jr., by eight points.



• The Mayetta, N.J. native is the first driver to earn a championship for Michael Waltrip Racing.



• Truex earned the first series championship title for Toyota in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East last year.



• Truex is the third member of his family to compete in the K&N Pro Series East. His father, Martin Truex Sr., and his brother Martin Truex Jr. also competed in the series.



• Truex will make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut on July 17 at Gateway International Raceway. He will also race at Michigan, Richmond, Kansas, Charlotte and Homestead.

Ryan Truex - Martinsville Post Race Report

Ryan Truex, No. 00 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota Camry - finished second - now first in points.


Ryan Truex Race Summary: Ryan Truex qualified fourth for the UNOH Performance 200. Due to a pre-race NASCAR penalty he was forced to start from the rear of the 32-car field. The Michael Waltrip Racing development driver, was passing cars from lap one as he steadily moved his way through the field, and by lap 68 Truex was running in the top-15. The 18-year-old managed to avoid the bumping and banging that led to 11 caution periods and took over the lead on lap 130. However, that was not the end of the caution laps. On lap 161 Truex was leading the competitors out of a caution period. Upon taking the green flag NASCAR officials ruled that the No. 20 car of Brett Moffitt had beaten Truex to the line, so Truex was scored in the second position. Rain began to fall soon after and the race was ruled official on lap 175. Truex finished second and regained the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East points lead.


KNPS Racing Results

The 2009 defending champion, Ryan Truex, now leads the series points after his second-place finish at Martinsville Speedway.

Brett Moffitt won the UNOH Performance 200 at Martinsville Speedway.

Ryan Gifford won the Coors Light Pole Award on Saturday.

The race featured six lead changes among five drivers.

The race was slowed by eleven cautions for a total of 55 laps.



RYAN TRUEX, No. 00 Armed Forces Foundation Toyota

Truex started 32 and finished second

Truex qualified in the fourth position

Led 28 laps throughout the event including 23 laps of the final 38 lap run

Came home second after ending the event under caution for rain



TRUEX QUOTE: “It was a little disappointing being so close to a win, but we’re good in points now. We had a good weekend, qualified fourth and unfortunately I missed driver introductions - that wasn’t very good. We had to start from the back and had our work cut out for us, but I just took my time, was patient and made my way to the front. We had a good strategy. My crew chief, Mike Greci, was smart. We pitted before anyone else for gas and tires so when they pitted we got the track position and that is huge at Martinsville. It was a good weekend, I’m proud of the guys. They did a great job. We’re in the lead now so hopefully we can just keep on finishing in the top-3”.


UNOH Performance 200 FINAL RESULTS (Unofficial)



FIN DRIVER

1 Brett Moffitt

2 Ryan Truex

3 Darrell Wallace, Jr. *

4 Matt Kobyluck

5 Andrew Ranger

6 Jason Patison

7 Beto Monteiro

8 Matt Frahm

9 Cole Whitt

10 Jeff Anton

11 Kevin Swindell

12 Ryan Gifford

13 Jake Crum

14 Sergio Pena

15 Zach Germain

16 D.J. Shaw

17 Mas Gresham

18 Mackena Bell

19 Ryan Duff

20 Brandon Haley

21 Jody Lavender

22 Ty Dillion

23 John Salemi

24 Scott Bouley

25 Alan Tardiff

26 Andrew Smith

27 Eddie MacDonald

28 Josh Richards

29 Miguel Paludo

30 Steve Park

31 Guy Pavageau

32 Todd Peck



CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP POINT STANDINGS (Unofficial)






RANK DRIVER POINTS

Ryan Truex 631

Darrell Wallace Jr. 623

Cole Whitt 585

Max Gresham 581

Ryan Gifford 572

Brett Moffitt 571

Matt Kobyluck 560

D.J. Shaw 546

Ty Dillon 515

Jason Patison 495

Jeff Anton 495

Eddie MacDonald 493

Kevin Swindell * 458

Sergio Pena * 445

Zach Germain * 431

Ryan Duff 412

Mackena Bell 409

Mackena Bell * 400

Jody Lavender 376

Andrew Smith 370

John Salemi 339

Drew Brannon 327

Miguel Paludo 264

Andrew Ranger 262

Derek Ramstrom 256

Ryan Truex - Martinsville Preview

CORNELIUS, N.C. — Michael Waltrip Racing developmental driver Ryan Truex races at Martinsville Speedway this weekend in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East UNOH Performance 200.
The race marks the 18-year-old’s debut at the historic flat, mile oval. The defending series champion finished 14th in the season-opening race at Greenville-Pickens, third at South Boston and fifth at Iowa speedways. He’s now second in points just 13 points out of the lead. The younger brother of MWR Sprint cup driver Martin Truex Jr., will race in six Nationwide Series races in 2010 beginning July 17 at Gateway International Raceway. He’ll also race at Michigan, Richmond, Kansas, Charlotte and Homestead-Miami.

QUOTES


ON DEFENDING THE SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP: “I’m up to second in points now. Hopefully we can have a good run and get up to first. We just need to keep the car out of the fence. It’s a tough track. Everyone uses their bumpers and the side of their cars there to try and drive by you so hopefully we can run up front and avoid a lot of that.”

ON RACE STRATEGY: “It’s 200 laps, you get two tires and you can come in whenever you want. I don’t really know how we’re going to do it. You can come in halfway and get gas and tires or you can come in later and get just gas and not tires. Track position is a big deal there. You want to be up front, you don’t want to get funneled to the back because then you have to work through and there are always wrecks there. We don’t want to end up with a torn up racecar so strategy is going to be a big deal. We’ll have our work cut out for us, but I’m pretty confident my guys can figure it out.”

ON MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY: ““I’ve never actually been to Martinsville, so I’m excited. It has a lot of history. Hopefully we can get a grandfather clock. That’s a really big deal. We’ve done well at every track we went to last year that was new. I think we’ll be alright, I know we can be up there contending for the win.”

ADDITIONAL NOTES OF INTEREST

• The 18-year-old driver is second in K&N Pro Series East standings, with 456 points. He trails leader Max Gresham by a mere 13 points.

• The Mayetta, N.J. native is the first driver to earn a championship for Michael Waltrip Racing.

• Truex recently participated in Michael Waltrip Racing’s Fan Appreciation Day on May 26, 2010 where he signed autographs for 200 fans at the MWR shop.

• Truex is the third member of his family to compete in the K&N Pro Series East. His father, Martin Truex Sr., and his brother Martin Truex Jr. also competed in the series.

• Truex will make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut on July 17 at Gateway International Raceway.

Ryan Truex Iowa Race Report

Ryan Truex, No. 00 Michael Waltrip Racing Armed Forces Foundation Toyota Camry - finished sixth - now second in points.


Ryan Truex Race Summary: Ryan Truex was solid all day in Iowa in the K&N Pro Series’ version of an All-Star Race where the top East Series drivers square off against the best West Series drivers. Truex qualified third and fought his way to the lead early. Truex and crew chief Mike Greci fought a loose condition all day, but remained in the top five most of the event. Despite the car’s handling, Truex came home sixth when the flag fell on a green-white-checkered finish. The solid points day places Truex firmly in second in East Series standings, just 14 behind leader and Iowa winner Max Gresham.


KNPS Race Results

• Max Gresham won the Goodyear Dealers of Iowa 200

• This is his second consecutive win this season

• This is his first appearance at Iowa

• Gresham edged Ty Dillon (second) by a fender at the line, Darrell Wallace Jr., Corey LaJoie and pole sitter David Mayhew rounded out the top five.

• The race featured nine lead changes among seven drivers.

• The race was slowed by seven cautions for a total of 50 laps.

Ryan Truex, No. 00 Armed Forces Foundation Toyota

• Truex started third and finished sixth

• Led six laps midway through the event

• Ran inside the top five for the majority of the race

• Came home sixth after a green-white-checkered finish

Truex Quotes: “Our car was great during that first run, but something changed after we pitted. I’m not sure if we got a bad set of tires or what, but our car was just too loose the rest of the race. I’ve got to thank everyone on my team though. Once again they gave me fast car. It was a good points day for us, so we’ll take that and get ready for Martinsville.”

Ryan Truex Iowa Preview

CORNELIUS, N.C. — Michael Waltrip Racing developmental driver Ryan Truex heads to Iowa Speedway this weekend for the fourth annual NASCAR K&N Pro Series East-West combination race. This event marks the only race in which competitors from the East and West series go head-to-head with championship points on the line. This year’s race is the third race of the season for both series.


After starting the season with a 14th-place finish at Greenville, defending K&N Pro Series East Champion Truex bounced back to finish third at South Boston moving him to fourth in points. The three East-West combination races at Iowa have produced three different race winners. Truex hopes to be the fourth this weekend in the Goodyear Dealers of Iowa 200.


QUOTES


ON HAVING SUCH A LONG BREAK BETWEEN EVENTS: “I hate it, to be honest. We had back-to-back events in April and I just started to feel like the team and I were getting into a groove. Plus, we had a strong run at South Boston (finished third) so I definitely didn’t want to take a break.”

ON THE RACE BEING A COMBINATION EVENT: “It definitely elevates the competition level. There are a lot of good racers in the West division. We don’t get to compete against them much so this gives us a chance to see where we stack up against those guys.”

ON IOWA SPEEDWAY: “I love racing there. Last year was my first year there and I got a feel for the place pretty quickly. It’s definitely one of the nicer tracks on the circuit. It’s fast and wide so you’ve got plenty of room to pass which makes it exciting for the fans.


ADDITIONAL NOTES OF INTEREST

• Last year Truex qualified third but finished 33rd after an mid-race incident. Truex then reeled off seven consecutive top-three finishes winning the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship.

• This weekend Truex will run an Armed Forces Foundation (AFF) paint scheme on his No. 00 Toyota Camry. In addition to the custom paint scheme fans are encouraged to text ‘AFF’ to 50555 and contribute $10 that will support our country’s military and their families. The text campaign will run through the end of 2010.

• Truex is the third member of his family to compete in the K&N Pro Series East. His father, Martin Truex Sr., and his brother Martin Truex Jr. also competed in the series.

• Truex will make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut on July 17 at Gateway International Raceway.

• The 18-year-old driver is fourth in K&N Pro Series East standings, with 296 points. He trails leader Cole Whitt by 49 points.

• The Mayetta, N.J., native will sign autographs 6-8 p.m. on May 26 at the Michael Waltrip Racing Fan Appreciation Event. The event will be held at Michael Waltrip Racing at exit 28 on I-77 in Cornelius, N.C.