Robb Brent Fast But Endures Tough Finish At Salem Speedway

Topics:  Robb Brent, Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic

Chris Knight
Knight Motorsports Management
Robb Brent Racing
September 21, 2009

SALEM, Indiana (September 21, 2009) - - The finish was little indication of Robb Brent’s actual performance in Saturday night’s Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic but one thing is for certain, Brent is making it known that he is a threat on the ARCA RE/MAX Series showcase come road course, short track or speedway.

The Shelby Township, Michigan native had a high outlook for the final half-mile short track race of the season, especially since Brent finished 10th in his first race of the year in April.

The one-day show started off on the right foot for the Justin Allgaier Motorsports (JAM) team by Robb maneuvering his No. 36 Orchard Chrysler Dodge Jeep Dodge Charger to the 11th fastest spot in practice thanks to the comfortable setup by crew chief Dave Leiner.

“We have a pretty good car,” said Brent. “We struggled here in the spring after practice. What a difference a couple months makes. I’m feeling better about the car and the track.”

Picking up just slightly in ARCA qualifying lined the Mike Allgaier owned machine 13th on the starting grid, a personal track best for the full-time college student.

“I’m a little disappointed because we did not pick up as much as everyone else did, but it’s still a decent starting spot. We have to stay out of trouble; that’s our biggest objective,” Brent explained, who’s qualified in the top-20 14 times in 2009.

During the first half of the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall, Brent patiently moved his way through the running order. With a rapid-fast race on the go, lapping began very quickly but Brent maintained his spot on the lead lap when the first caution flag waived approaching lap 20.

The JAM driver reported to his team that his car was “good.” When the green flag flew again the race took the long-green run which dwindled the amount of lead lap cars to less than five.

It was approaching the half-way mark when Brent’s aim and run in the top-10 would take a traumatic turn. Contact from another competitor cut down the tire of the No. 36 Dodge Charger which prompted an unexpected trip to pit road for a change of tires.

While the work by the team was lighting quick, additional damage would be done as far as taking Brent further and further from the lead lap. The team’s goal for the remainder of the evening was to stay out of trouble, protect their points and gather a good finish.

The team’s plan was working perfectly until Brent collided into the rear of another car who nearly stopped in front of the No. 36 Dodge Charger. With some damage now to the front-end, the handling changed dramatically with Brent still hanging on and fighting for position.

Twenty laps later, the right-front tire blew in-front of the JAM team which ultimately ended their night.

The team would be credited with a 20th place run.

“ Salem ’s ugly shadow really showed tonight for the Justin Allgaier Motorsports team,” Brent said. “We had a good car. I was so happy because we are running so well but sometimes the wrath of this short track racing can catch you and ruin your night. That’s what happened to us. I’m not sure what happened in the last incident. We were running with another car and all of a sudden he literally stopped and I had no where to go. I’m sorry to the guys and Orchard Chrysler Dodge Jeep, because we could have finished in the top-10 but we’ll try again at Kansas Speedway.”

Next up for the JAM team is a stop at Kansas Speedway for the running of the Kansas Lottery 150. Last year, Brent qualified and finished fifth driving the No. 00 Orchard Chrysler Dodge Jeep Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS for Brad Keselowski Racing.

Prior to joining Justin Allgaier Motorsports, Brent participated in the ARCA RE/MAX Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driving for NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski and Brad Keselowski Racing. In his 34 ARCA starts, Brent has acquired three top-five finishes and 11 top-10 efforts. Brent notched his career best qualifying effort of second at Kentucky Speedway last year. He has led the ARCA RE/MAX Series pack twice for 21 laps in 2008. His best finish in the NCWTS occurred at Nashville Superspeedway in his inaugural truck debut where he finished 21st after qualifying 26th.

This season, Brent has one top-five and six top-10 finishes in 18 starts with a best finish of fourth at New Jersey Motorsports Park in September. A third place qualifying effort at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in September is the team’s season best thus far.

For more on Robb Brent, sponsorship opportunities and official team merchandise, please visit the newly re-launched Robbbrentracing.com.

Be sure to cast your vote for Robb Brent as the 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series most popular driver. Visit ARCANation.com and vote for Robb Brent today! Remember, if you are a member your vote counts twice compared to non-members whose clicks only equal one vote.

Driver Contact:

Carol Brent

E: Carol@robbbrentracing.com

P: 586.703.3737

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