Reining ARCA Champion Patrick Sheltra To Substitute For Maryeve Dufault At Berlin |
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Topics: Patrick Sheltra, Hantz Group 200
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Chris Knight
Knight Motorsports Management
Tony Marks Racing/a>
July 6, 2011
“Sheltra To Drive No. 12 Dodge Charger For Tony Marks Racing In Hantz Group 200; 2010 ARCA Champion Substituting For Dufault”
MARNE, Michigan (July 6, 2011) - - Reining ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards champion Patrick Sheltra will return to competition Saturday night at Berlin (Mich.) Raceway behind the wheel of the No. 12 Mad Croc / Dodge Motorsports Dodge Charger for Tony Marks Racing (TMR) in the Hantz Group 200.
Sheltra, 25 will substitute ARCA Racing Series Rookie of the Year candidate Maryeve Dufault who is recovering from a minor shoulder injury sustained at Winchester (Ind.) Speedway two weeks ago. The 2010 ARCA champ will also evaluate the team’s ARCA program while also acting as a mentor and driver mentor for Tony Marks Racing’s primary driver Dufault and newcomer Jared Marks.
“In the best interest of Maryeve, we made a joint decision for her to skip Berlin, so she can fully recover and ready for our next race at Iowa Speedway,” said car owner Tony Marks. “I’ve talked to Patrick on multiple occasions throughout the year about possibly racing with us for a race or two and with the circumstances we’re faced with, we’re happy to have Patrick on-board this weekend. We also know that someone of Patrick’s caliber cannot only make this team stronger but also give Maryeve and Jared an enormous amount of input and guidance.”
Marks added, “Tony Marks Racing and all of our marketing partners continue to stand behind Maryeve 100 percent. She has been a great advocate and spokesperson for this race team and will continue to be. I know when she races at Iowa Speedway next weekend; she will compete as if she’s never missed a beat.”
Dufault, the Sorel, Quebec Canada native is disappointed that she will not behind the wheel of her familiar No. 12 Dodge Charger this weekend but will attend the 10th race of the ARCA Racing Series season to support her team and learn from Sheltra.
"It’s unfortunate but its racing and things happen,” explained Dufault. “I know Patrick will do great job in the No. 12 Mad Croc / Dodge Motorsports Dodge Charger. I’m also looking forward to the opportunity to work with someone like him and learn from someone who is not only highly respected in the garage area but an ARCA champion as well. With all his experience it will only make us stronger as a team for Iowa and beyond.”
Sheltra, a native of Indiantown, Florida will make his fifth start at the .4-mile paved oval and returns to the Marne, Michigan short track on the heels of a runner-up performance their last year.
“I’m appreciative to Tony Marks and his team for allowing me the opportunity to compete this weekend,” said Sheltra, who will make his 88th career start Saturday night. “I’ve watched this team since Daytona and I know they have a talented pool of people and equipment. My goal at Berlin is to put the No. 12 Mac Croc / Dodge Motorsports Dodge Charger up front but also answer, assist and mentor Maryeve and Jared as needed as they prepare for the remainder of the ARCA season.”
Darren Wolfe and Ryan Chism will continue to lead the TMR organization with Sheltra at the helm.
The Hantz Group 200 (200 laps / 100 miles) is the 10th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 24th ARCA race at Berlin (Mich.) Raceway is a one-day show. Practice begins Saturday, July 9 with a one hour and half practice session planned from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin later in the day at 5:00 p.m. The field will take the green flag later that night shortly after 8:00 p.m. The race will not be televised but event coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,322nd race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.
For additional information on TMT, Inc. please visit; tmtcompanies.net.
For more on Maryeve Dufault, please log on to Maryeveracing.com.
For additional input on Patrick Sheltra, please connect to PatrickSheltra.com.
To learn more about Tony Marks Racing, please click over to Tmr-racing.com.
TEAM COMMUNICATIONS CONTACT:
NAME: Chris Knight, Knight Motorsports Management
PHONE: 239.834.9797
EMAIL: chris@chrisknightpr.com