Toledo Brings New Driver For Win-Tron Racing

Topics:  Matt Merrell, Hantz Group 200

Chris Knight
Win-Tron Racing
May 15, 2008

“ASA Superstar Looking For Similar Success In ARCA Debut”

TOLEDO, Ohio (May 15, 2008) - - Fresh off their first top-10 finish in ARCA RE/MAX Series competition last Saturday night at Kentucky Speedway, Minnesota’s Win-Tron Racing heads to Toledo Speedway hoping the momentum continues in Sunday’s Hantz Group 200 by Federated Car Care.

While Holmdel , New Jersey native Dominick Casola has spent the first six races in the No. 32 Dodge Charger, Casola will sit out the seventh race of the season allowing ASA Late Model Series phenomenon Andy Hanson to take the helm of the familiar Win-Tron entry.

Hanson has enjoyed a very stout career in the ASA Late Model Series and with his ARCA RE/MAX Series debut on deck this weekend at Toledo Speedway, the Ramsey, Minnesota native is looking at making the best of it.

“I’m thrilled about the opportunity to race for Win-Tron Racing this weekend at Toledo ,” said the 19-year old Hanson. “The team is coming off a strong run at Kentucky Speedway and I would like to keep their turn-around season alive with a strong run in Sunday’s race.”

Knowing that entering Toledo Speedway can be challenging for any driver, Hanson isn’t worried about his ARCA debut being a flop, he knows that the equipment and personnel are on his side.

“Win-Tron Racing stands for knowledge and equipment,” continued Hanson. “They have done a great job in ARCA RE/MAX Series competition. I can relax a little knowing that I’m heading into probably one of the biggest races of my career with a strong team and plenty of experience on my side. While I’m hoping to be in contention in Sunday’s race, I just want to make an impression to the other competitors and our sponsors this weekend. If we are in position to win the race, great. If not, I’m going to be smart and bring home a good finish that we all can be happy with.”

Win-Tron Racing’s USAR Hooter’s Pro Cup driver Matt Merrell and James Buescher grabbed finishes of 16th and second respectively in last year’s events at Toledo Speedway. In 2006, Win-Tron Racing ARCA RE/MAX Series Rookie-of-the-Year Blake Bjorklund netted finishes of 15th and third, keeping the Win-Tron Racing record at Toledo strong.

“I know that my crew chief Mike Chaffee is bringing a solid setup for me this weekend,” Hanson added. “Being in an ARCA car is very new to me, so I’m just looking to get some serious seat time in practice. In qualifying, we’re going to do the best we can and then look for a solid run in the race. Bottom line, I’m looking forward to Toledo .”

Long Haul Trucking and Roll-Tite will serve as the primary sponsors on Hanson’s Dodge Charger for the first of two events at the legendary half-mile oval this weekend. “This is not only an important race for me, but it’s equally as important for my sponsors. I cannot thank my sponsors enough for supporting my ARCA debut. A strong run on Sunday would be a great way for me to show my gratitude.”

Win-Tron Racing’s Nate Thiesse offered his thoughts on Toledo Speedway this weekend. “Dominick Casola has done a great job for our team this season and we’re looking forward to having him back at Pocono, but we’re also excited to welcome a new young gun to the ARCA RE/MAX Series in Andy Hanson. He has proven himself as a terrific short track driver and we’re all itching to see what he cannot only do at Toledo but in the ARCA RE/MAX Series as well.”

The fourth annual ARCA Fan Fest will also take shape this weekend at Toledo Speedway and Win-Tron Racing is proud to be a supporter of the event. The team has united with three other ARCA RE/MAX Series teams and their support will allow the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northwest Ohio to enjoy the festivities at no charge.

“The Fan Fest is a great idea and an awesome spectacle for the fans,” sounded Thiesse. “We are proud to be a part of it!”

Entering Toledo , Win-Tron Racing sits 22nd in the ARCA RE/MAX Series owner’s standings just 30 markers from the top-20. 80 credits separate car owner Kevin Cywinski from the 15th position held by Mike Harmon (No. 24).

Further information on Win-Tron Racing is available by visiting win-tronracing.com or contacting Nate Thiesse at 952.469.1839. For more on Andy Hanson please visit, AndyHansonRacing.com.

The Hantz Group 200 by Federated Car Care (100 miles/200 laps) is the seventh of 21 events on the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule. The first of two events held at Toledo Speedway this season is a two-day show. Practice begins Saturday, May 17 with an hour and half practice session planned from 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. ARCA SIM Factory pole qualifying is slated to begin at 3:30 p.m. The field will take the green flag on Sunday, May 18 shortly after 2:00 p.m. The race will tape-delayed on MavTV with the first showing scheduled for May 23rd at 8:00 p.m. EST. Additional race coverage including live timing and scoring will be available online at arcaracing.com. All times are local.

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