Buster Graham Back And Ready For More In ARCA At Iowa Speedway

Buster Graham Back And Ready For More In ARCA At Iowa Speedway

Topics: Buster Graham, Prairie Meadows 200

Buster Graham Back And Ready For More In ARCA At Iowa Speedway

Chris Knight
Knight Motorsports Management
Mark Gibson Racing
July 14, 2011

NEWTON, Iowa (July 14, 2011) - - After a promising debut in his inaugural ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards debut at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway last month, Buster Graham returns to wheel of the No. 59 Batter’s Dream Dodge Charger this weekend for his second go-around with Mark Gibson Racing (MGR) in Saturday afternoon’s Prairie Meadows 200 at Iowa Speedway.

Recording a solid 20th place finish at the tricky triangle of Pocono, Graham returns to short track racing, something he’s experienced first-hand in the USARacing Pro Cup Series for the 11th installment of the 2011 ARCA Racing Series season.

With an understanding and adaption to how an ARCA car handles and maneuvers, Graham has raised his expectation levels just a notch for his first tango with the .075-mile paved oval.

“I’m looking forward to returning to the ARCA Racing Series this weekend, especially with Mark Gibson Racing,” said Graham. “I had a blast at Pocono and everyone in the ARCA garage was so welcoming, it was almost overwhelming. We did what we needed to do and that was to finish the race. Now that I have some laps under my belt, I think it would be fair to raise the bar for myself just a tad and collect a top-20 finish on Saturday.”

Not knowing what to expect from the impressive Iowa Speedway, Graham will lean on his car owner and crew chief Mark Gibson – who is often considered one of the most respected individuals in the garage.

“I don’t have a better person on my side rather than Mark Gibson,” offered Graham, a native of Lafayette, Louisiana. “Thankfully, Mark has been to Iowa before, so he’ll have a setup that we can start with and then adjust as needed. I’m still learning these ARCA cars, they are a lot different than anything I’ve ever raced before, but I’m having a blast with them. Getting comfortable with the track is my main objective leading up to the race, because once I’m familiar with the track – then I’m hoping I can keep up with the pace of some of the regulars.”

For his second ARCA race, Batter’s Dream returns to the role as the primary marketing role of Graham’s No. 59 entry this weekend.

Batter's Dream is an automated ball feeding system (pitching machine) that allows baseball hitters and softball hitters to maximize time in the batting cage by getting more quality cuts without fixing a tee. One of the key benefits of the Batter's Dream batting machines is that it allows batters the freedom to focus on rhythm, stance, and timing and swing speed without the need for a second person. Simply put, Batter's Dream is the most effective, simple and easy-to-use soft toss system ever invented to help improve a hitter's mechanics and increase their batting average.

“None of this would be possible without my father-in-law Don (Mashburn),” sounded Graham. “Batter’s Dream is an amazing project and everyone will soon see why I stand behind this product. It’s just not because I have a personal tie to it, it’s because I truly believe in it. Hopefully we can bat our way to a good finish.”

For Gibson, the opportunity to work with Graham again in ARCA is one that he is welcoming with open arms. “I tell you that Buster really impressed me at Pocono,” he said. “For his first time ever in an ARCA car, especially at that track he really did a great job. I’m not necessarily surprised though because Buster has amazed me a lot this year with his lack of experience and all. We’ve set our own personal goals for this weekend at Iowa and there’s no reason in my mind that we shouldn’t be able to accomplish those hands down.”

The four-time winner in ARCA competition went onto say, “Iowa Speedway is such a great place to race. It resembles Richmond (Va.) International Raceway in a lot of ways – but the track has produced some great racing in the ARCA Racing Series and I don’t expect anything less on Saturday afternoon. As for Buster, his biggest challenge may be adjusting to the heavier car on a smaller track, but I’m sure with some guidance and self-confidence, we’re going to be just fine.”

The Prairie Meadows 200 (200 laps / 175 miles) is the 11th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The sixth ever ARCA race at Iowa Speedway is a two-day show. Practice begins Friday, July 15th with an hour and twenty minute practice session planned from 3:00 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. A final fifty minute session has been etched in from 5:30 p.m. – 6:20 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated for race day, Saturday July 16th set to begin at 12:10 p.m. The event will take the green flag shortly after 4:15 p.m. The event will air live on SPEED. Additional event coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,323rd 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 Batter’s Dream, please visit Battersdream.com.

About Batter’s Dream:

Batter's Dream is an automated ball feeding system (pitching machine) that allows baseball hitters and softball hitters to maximize time in the batting cage by getting more quality cuts without fixing a tee. One of the key benefits of the Batter's Dream batting machines is that it allows batters the freedom to focus on rhythm, stance, timing and swing speed without the need for a second person. Simply put, Batter's Dream is the most effective, simple and easy-to-use soft toss system ever invented to help improve a hitter's mechanics and increase their batting average.

PHOTO CAPTION: Buster Graham, driver of the No. 59 Batter’s Dream Dodge Charger in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards for Mark Gibson Racing (MGR).

MEDIA CONTACT:

NAME: Chris Knight, Knight Motorsports Management
PHONE: 239.834.9797
EMAIL: chris@chrisknightpr.com / knight849@aol.com