BCR Racing Looking For Another Noteworthy Effort In The Windy City

Topics:  J.R. Heffner, Ansell Cut Protection 150

Chris Knight
BCR Racing
August 25, 2009

JOLIET, Illinois (August 25th 2009) - - After a productive test last weekend at Chicagoland Speedway, BCR Racing and it’s rookie driver J.R. Heffner return to the “Windy City” looking for a repeat of their Kentucky Speedway performance in Friday’s Ansell Cut Protection 150.

Guided by crew chief Howard Bixman, Heffner and the BCR Racing development bunch produced some very competitive laps during the eight hour test last Wednesday. Working with setup, shocks, springs and everything in-between, the Holly, Michigan based operation left the track confident about their fourth race of the year.

“The test went real smooth,” said Heffner, a 2007 and 2008 Modified Champion. “Ever since Kentucky, the team’s morale has been incredibly high with everyone wanting to back up or better our run from Kentucky. Howard (Bixman) has really put a lot effort into this car and our team and I cannot wait to make him proud again.”

He continued, “We spent the day working on race runs and such. The car is real good and just as drivable as it was at Kentucky.”

The trip to the Joliet 1.5-mile oval will be a first for the Pittsfield, Massachusetts native. Shining into the spotlight with a sixth place career-best qualifying run at Kentucky in July, Heffner has a good vibe about his next challenge.

“I’ve never been here and that’s one of the main reasons we decided to come and test,” added Heffner. “I am glad we did. Howard (Bixman, Crew Chief and Driver Coach) has been here before, so he was very open about the do’s and don’ts. The more track time the better our times became. The place is a lot like Kentucky but a little different at the same time. It should be an exciting afternoon of racing on Friday.”

Another reason the team is feeling an extra jolt heading into round 15 of the ARCA RE/MAX Series season is the recent announcement and signing of a new sponsor aboard the team’s No. 74 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS.

Austin Powder will take the reins as one of the leading sponsors of the BCR team while also entering its first foray into the ARCA RE/MAX Series and stock car racing.

Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Austin Powder is the second oldest manufacturing company in the Buckeye state. Today, the company manufacturers a full line of industrial explosives and accessories, and provide blasting services to customers throughout North America and around the world.

“We want to give Austin Powder a good showing on Friday afternoon. As a team we are appreciate of them stepping up and joining our race team. I know that patience will be our best friend on Friday but I think we’ll have a good car that should put us in the limelight for the second straight race.”

For Bixman, a long-time member of the ARCA community, he is looking forward to seeing Heffner continue to build momentum.

“J.R. surprises me every time he climbs behind the wheel,” Bixman stated. “He tries so hard and doesn’t leave anything on the table. He is learning to adapt to these stock cars quicker than some would have thought – but that’s balanced from his determination and the support of this team. Chicago here we come.”

Bixman also mentioned, “We didn’t make a qualifying run – we focused more on our race setup. We’re making some adjustments to the body and our shock package. We should pick up right where we left off.”

Following Chicagoland, J.R. plans to end his season with BCR in style at Kansas Speedway for the Kansas Lottery 150 set for October 1st. The team is committed on utilizing these final two races to gel together a solid development foundation for next year which is centered around running a full ARCA schedule.

A. Colarusso and Son, Park East Sales and Disposal Express will ride as co-primary sponsors in BCR Racing’s first ARCA trip to Chicagoland Speedway.

The Ansell Cut Protection 150 is set for Friday, August 28 with live coverage on the SPEED channel and the ARCA Radio Network beginning at 5:30 p.m. local.

For more on J.R. Heffner, please visit the newly re-launched JRHeffner.com.

About BCR Racing:

BCR Racing Development Team is a driver development program for fully funded drivers in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. For more information or sponsorship inquiries please call 800-578-7328.

BCR RACING DEVELOPMENT TEAM CONTACT INFO:

Howard Bixman

RFR9950@aol.com

800-578-7328