NASCAR Irwindale Winner and PEAK Champion Patrick Staropoli Heads to Hickory

Topics:  Patrick Staropoli

Chris Knight
Knight Motorsports Management
April 18, 2014

HICKORY, North Carolina (April 18, 2014) - - A stellar start to his NASCAR K&N Pro Series season on both the east and west coasts has earned Patrick Staropoli (@97patrickstar) a ride in Saturday’s Pro All Star Series (PASS) Easter Bunny 150 at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway (HMS).

Staropoli, a native of Miami, Florida won last year’s inaugural PEAK Stock Car Dream challenge and has since stormed into the spotlight by virtually flawless performances in 2013 and 2014.

In fact, in just the 24 year’s old sixth career K&N start, Staropoli netted his first career victory at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway edging series veteran David Mayhew for his first stock car triumph driving for Bill McAnally Racing (BMR). In addition to the win, he has also netted three top-10s in four starts thus far this season.

On Saturday, the rising star is hoping that some of his K&N success will translate to the super late model, a division where he has competed in over the last several years in his home state of Florida.

“I’m really thankful that Jimmy Doyle has given me the opportunity to race this weekend at Hickory,” said Staropoli, driver of the No. 71 General Auto Repair and Tire / @97patrickstar / PEAK entry. “We’ve discussed doing this for a long time and for this deal to come together for a race as prestigious as the Easter Bunny 150 just makes it even more special. I’m really excited to get back behind the wheel of a late model, and with Jimmy’s car running as competitively as it has this year, I feel like we have a lot to look forward to heading into the weekend.”

Since 2010, the former Harvard University graduate has garnered three poles, four wins, 12 top-fives and 19 top-10s in 24 starts in his own super late model. However, this will be his first trip to the historic Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

“I’m expecting forward bite and tire conservation to be key,” sounded Staropoli. “After watching some videos, it looks like the track has a lot of character and the groove seems to widen out as the race goes on. It’s going to be a very competitive race, but I think the driver who still has the drive off the corner after Lap 100 will probably be in the best position to win it. Hopefully that will be us.”

Following the annual event at HMS, Staropoli will return to NASCAR K&N Pro Series competition at Iowa Speedway on May 17. At this time, it is also his last scheduled race in the PEAK sponsored Toyota Camry. While he is continuing to seek additional marketing partners, if Staropoli’s hardcore background and early season success is any indication, next month’s contest won’t be the last time he’s behind the wheel this season.

The Easter Bunny 150 is set for Saturday, April 19 scheduled to lift off shortly after 6:00 p.m.

Become a fan of Patrick Staropoli on Facebook by visiting Facebook.com/patrickstaropoliracing.

Staropoli tweets too. Follow him @97patrickstar.

For additional input on Staropoli’s career, please visit PatrickStaropoli.com.

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