Dreams Do Come True: A.J. Franks Thunders To First Career CARS Win

Topics:  AJ Frank, Catawaba County United Way 200

Chris Knight
Knight Motorsports Management
October 18, 2011

HICKORY, North Carolina (October 18, 2011) - It wasn’t a matter of if, but when. After 85 starts in the CARS Pro Cup Series, formally known as the USARacing Pro Cup Series, A.J. Frank finally pulled into victory lane after winning the Catawaba County United Way 200 presented by Pizza Hut on Saturday, October 8 at the historic Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway

The popular win, seven years in the making for Frank comes on the heels of what could easily be called as a stressful season as the lack of sponsorship dollars have forced the Blufton, South Carolina to bounce from seat to seat with the thriving passion to just race.

Still, it was the opportunity from Progressive Racing and its owner Danny Abold, team manager Arthur Haire and former NASCAR Nationwide Series championship crew chief Steve Bird (Birdie) that finally propelled the long-time CARS star to victory circle.

After starting sixth in the 200-lap slugfest, Frank would use patient and pit strategy from Bird to lead just 16 laps including the most important one to record his fifth top-five finish of the 2011 season.

“I don’t know what to say,” said an emotional Frank. “I’ve worked so hard for this. I knew with the right people we could go to victory lane. I cannot tell you what a blessing and a relief it is to finally get a win. I have to thank Danny (Abold), Arthur (Haire), Birdie, the pit crew and everyone on the Progressive Racing team for putting a great No. 6 U-Pull U-save Auto Parts / Speedco / Lucas Oil Chevrolet Impala.”

Despite the overwhelming emotions, Frank was quick to point out those who continued to believe in and helped make the victory a possibility. “Without Speedco, Lucas Oil, Odle Motorsports, Shawn (Treadway, spotter) and Enders Racing Engines, none of this would have been possible. I hope this is the first of more victories to come, because we definitely have a potent organization here with great chemistry and we don’t plan to let our guard down anytime soon.”

Exiting Hickory, Frank has 85 career USAR starts. During his tenure, he has captured one win, 30 top-fives and 50 top-10 finishes, including five top-fives and six top-10 runs in the seven events he has participated in this season.

Next up for the CARS Pro Cup Series is the CARS Pro Cup Series 200 presented by ESPN 93.9 “The Team” at Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Speedway on Saturday, October 22, 2011. On-track activity begins on Friday, October 21, 2011 with an open practice session from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The teams return to action on race day with the first of three official practice sessions set to launch at 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The second round of practice resumes at 12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m., with a final happy hour session scheduled from 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Qualifying is set to begin at 5:00 p.m. with an on-track autograph session tentatively planned to begin at 6:00 p.m. The green flag will waive shortly after 7:30 p.m. All times are local.

Join A.J. Frank on Facebook by visiting, Facebook.com/ajfmotorsports.

Visit the CARS Pro Cup Series on the web at, CARSProCup.com.

For additional input on Speedco Truck Lube & Tire, please click to, Speedco.com.

About Speedco Truck Lube & Tires:

Speedco Truck Lube & Tires is the only national network to specialize in quick lube and tire service for heavy-duty trucks. We don't preach speed. We live and breathe it. Every second of our time, every inch of our stores is dedicated to one simple goal: getting your trucks back on the road faster than anyone else.

We are Speedco. Built for speed. Staffed for Quality. Delivering world class value.
For more information, visit Speedco.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
NAME: Chris Knight
PHONE: 239.834.9797
EMAIL: chris@chrisknightpr.com