UMP Dirt Ace And Points Leader Ryan Unzicker Set For ARCA Return

UMP Dirt Ace And Points Leader Ryan Unzicker Set For ARCA Return

Topics: Ryan Unzicker, Allen Crowe 100

UMP Dirt Ace And Points Leader Ryan Unzicker Set For ARCA Return

Chris Knight
Knight Motorsports Management
August 15, 2011

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (August 15, 2011) - - Current DIRTcar Late Model National points leader Ryan Unzicker will return to the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards after nearly an eight year sabbatical in Sunday’s Allen Crowe 100 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds (Springfield).

Unzicker, a native of El Paso, Illinois has reunited with Hendren Motorsports, the same ARCA team he paired with in 2003 at the tender age of 23 for three events which included the races of the Illinois State Fairgrounds, the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds and Salem (Ind.) Speedway respectively.

Now, 30 and considered one of the finest dirt racers in the Mid-West, Unzicker returns to ARCA competition ready to better his career best finish of sixth which came in his ARCA debut at Springfield after starting 20th.

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity to come back and race in the ARCA Racing Series with Hendren Motorsports,” said Unzicker. “It means a lot after so many years to get the call to come and race for them again. I know they (Hendren Motorsports) enjoy competing at these dirt tracks and I’ve been blessed with a strong season in our UMP Late Model, so hopefully we can bring that luck over to ARCA.”

He added, “I know a lot has changed over the years in ARCA,” Unzicker explained. “I’ve tried and keep up with the series as best as I can over the years and I know I’m in for a little bit of a crash course when I get climb into the car on Sunday, but I cannot tell you how excited I am to race.”

Unzicker will pilot the No. 15 RJR Transportation Chevrolet Impala in the first of two confirmed races with Hendren Motorsports this season. Following Springfield, the duo plans to return to the circuit a few weeks later for the traditional Labor Day treat at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds.

“Springfield will always be special to me, because it was the place I made my ARCA debut,” Unzicker sounded. “I know, much like it is in dirt, the schedule is very hectic and quick, but I like the pace. Hopefully we can unload out of the trailer decent and gain the speed we’re wanting and just have a good finish.

I would love to say we have a shot to come out and win the Allen Crowe 100 on Sunday, but I know the bunch at Hendren Motorsports would be satisfied with a strong run and the car in one piece. I know their equipment is capable of running up front and I have the confidence in myself to get the job done, we just need the dots to connect to make it happen.”

With over 10 wins thus far in 2011, Unzicker will look to pull off a triple-weekend sweep after competing in a DIRTcar Late Model National race on Friday and Saturday night. After tackling Farmercity, Illinois on August 19, then he’ll try and master Peoria, Illinois the following night before making the trek to Springfield.

“It’s always tough pulling triple duty, especially when you’re hopping from one type of car to another,” Unzicker explained. “But, I’m used to racing several times a week, so I’m not really worried. I just want to make sure that I’m completely focused when the green flag drops on Sunday, because I want to everyone to know how strong and competitive the Hendren Motorsports team really is.”

The Allen Crowe 100 (100 laps / 100 miles) is the 14th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 29th ARCA event held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds is a one-day show. Practice begins Sunday, August 21 with a one hour practice session planned from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin at 11:00 a.m. The field will take the green flag Sunday afternoon shortly after 1:00 p.m. The event will not be televised but race coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,326th 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 more on Ryan Unzicker, please visit ryanunzickercom.

PHOTO CAPTION: Ryan Unzicker, driver of the No. 15 RJR Transportation Chevrolet Impala in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards for Hendren Motorsports.

MEDIA CONTACT:

NAME: Chris Knight, Knight Motorsports Management
PHONE: 239.834.9797
EMAIL: chris@chrisknightpr.com