Bryan Silas Anxious For NASCAR Bristol Motor Speedway Debut

Topics:  Bryan Silas, O’Reilly 200

Chris Knight
Fast Track Racing
August 21, 2007

BRISTOL, Tennessee (Tuesday, August 21, 2007) - - NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series rookie Bryan Silas heads to Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) this week preparing to make one of the most important starts of his inaugural season, Wednesday’s O’Reilly 200.

Making three speedway races thus far this season, Silas heads to his first short track NCTS event with an open-mind and plenty of confidence thanks to car owner, spotter and mentor Andy Hillenburg.

Luckily, Silas had the opportunity to familiarize himself with the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” as the Fast Track Racing (FTR) team joined over 30 organizations in the open test session at BMS last month.

The track has been resurfaced recently and while many of Silas’s competition will be focusing on how to adapt themselves around the Tennessee based track, Silas however can enter with a clean and open approach since he never had the opportunity to race on the old surface.

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“I am really glad we tested,” said the Stuart, Florida native. “I love Bristol Motor Speedway; it’s a very cool track. There’s nothing quite like it on the ARCA tour, but it’s a track I don’t have a problem getting used to. I’m looking forward to the race.”

When asked if there’s any track on the ARCA circuit he can compare Bristol to, Silas replied, “maybe Salem Speedway in Salem , Indiana . But still, Bristol Motor Speedway has its own element. Salem is a track that has a mix of Bristol and Darlington Raceway in it. Nevertheless, there’s probably no track in the world that even remotely carries the same respect and fear that Bristol does.”

Silas added, “We spent the day testing with very promising results. It’s a lot for any rookie driver to make their short track debut at Bristol , but I am lucky enough to surround myself with excellent people. I really think our truck will be competitive from the moment we unload.”

The ARCA RE/MAX Series rookie also knows he has to show patience and maturity in Wednesday’s race in order to gain the respect of his competitors, especially at a thundering track like Bristol Motor Speedway.

“I’ve worked hard in my three races to make a good name for myself with my other competitors. I’m racing with some of the best drivers in the United States and I’ve learned an awful lot from them. This race is different, extremely different. I know there’s going to be some beating and banging, but it’s also about giving your competition respect. I plan to race smart and not overdrive the truck. I have the best spotter in the business, so I don’t have to worry about that. I can concentrate on what I do best, driving.”

The O’Reilly 200 is one of three races that Silas will compete in this week. Before taking on the NCTS, Silas is scheduled to make a start in the United Speed Alliance Racing (USAR) series event at Bristol Motor Speedway, the prelude to the NCTS race.

From Bristol , Silas will hop a plane and head to Wisconsin where he’ll turn his concentration towards his primary job in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. Driving the No. 11 Nortrax-Shell Rotella T-Holland Pump-Palm Beach Grading Chevrolet Monte Carlo for FTR, the development driver will look to continue his surge in Sunday’s Governor’s Cup 200.

“This is a busy week for me,” explained Silas. “Luckily, I’m up for the challenge. I’m staying plenty hydrated, working out and getting plenty of sleep. I know running two races at Bristol Motor Speedway in one day is a tough task for anyone, but I’m ready.”

Shell Rotella T will carry their decals on Silas’s Silverado on Wednesday as the primary sponsor. “I’m extremely excited to be carrying the logos of Shell Rotella T at Bristol . They have been an extreme influence in the world of Motorsports for many, many years. I’m just happy to be representing them in my biggest race on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series circuit, so far,” sounded Silas.

The O’Reilly 200 (150 laps/225 miles) is the 16th of 25 races on the 2007 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule. Practice begins Tuesday, August 21 with an optional four hour (1:00pm-5:00pm local time) practice session planned. Two rounds of normal practice have been etched in from 10:00am-11:00pm and 12:00pm-1:00pm local time. Bud pole qualifying is set for Wednesday, August 22 set to commence at 4:30pm. The race will be broadcasted live on the SPEED channel beginning with the pre-race show at 7:30pm local time and the main event starting at 8:00pm local time. MRN will handle the airwaves starting at 7:30pm local time. The race will also be available via Sirius satellite radio channel 128 also launching at 7:30pm local time. TruckSeries.com will also provide extensive at track coverage beginning Friday.

For more on Bryan Silas please visit, BryanSilasRacing.com

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