Patrick Sheltra Comments On Upcoming Danica Patrick ARCA Entrance

Topics:  Patrick Sheltra, Danica Patrick

Chris Knight
Sheltra Motorsports
December 10, 2009

INDIANTOWN, Florida (December 10, 2009) - - The question has been answered. After months of speculation, IZOD IndyCar Series star Danica Patrick announced this week her plans to run a limited stock-car schedule with the primary focus being on the NASCAR Nationwide Series for 2010 and 2011 with JR Motorsports (JRM).

However, before Patrick enters the NASCAR Nationwide Series, she’ll first tackle the ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards which is often referred as the stepping-stone to NASCAR.

Patrick will join veteran ARCA driver Patrick Sheltra, his Sheltra Motorsports team and not to mention a healthy and impressive plethora of other drivers and teams expected to partake in the three-day open test session at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway beginning on Friday December 18 and concluding on Sunday December 20, preparing for next year’s season opener.

Sheltra, who just concluded his three consecutive season of ARCA competition commented on the recent announcement while also giving his opinion on his expectations for Patrick for the test and next season’s Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona set for Saturday, February 6, 2010.

Sheltra’s statement will also be featured in an expected upcoming commentary article on ARCARacing.com.

PATRICK SHELTRA, No. 60 Buffalo Wings & Rings Dodge Charger: "I'm excited to have Danica Patrick be a part of the ARCA Racing Series whether if it's for one race, five races or a full-season. I know she is going to bring a lot of publicity to the series and that in-turn should bring publicity to the other drivers competing on the tour. Obviously, she has a lot on her plate and everyone has high expectations for her but I'm going to do anything I can to help her (if she wants it). The move from me from dirt to stock cars was massive and I'm sure the transition from IndyCar to stock-cars won't be a piece of cake either.

For any driver making their debut at Daytona will be no easy task. I know she is used to speed but there is a big difference between the two series. I don't know if she will fully understand the draft in a stock-car compared to an IndyCar. I will be watching her and her team very closely at the test next weekend. She really needs to with the help of JR Motorsports get a good feel for the car. She may not be my first choice to draft with for the race in February but when push-comes to shove, she will have a good car and as a team we're going to have to look at her as a possible drafting partner. I just hope she understands how the draft works and how to use it appropriately when it's go time. I think if she can go out there for the test and the race and learn, talk to the some of the experienced ARCA drivers and don't do anything over her head, she'll have a successful stockcar debut.

Finally, I've been listening, reading and hearing about all the controversy about Danica Patrick making the move to ARCA and NASCAR. Here's my two cents. She is not afraid. She is coming here with an open-mind and if she makes it, she won't be the first or the last to make the transition successfully. If she doesn't make it, she at least tried and again, she won't be the first nor the last to make a jump from another form of Motorsports and not succeed. Nonetheless, I wish her all the best."

For more on Patrick Sheltra, the Sheltra Motorsports team and marketing partnership opportunities please visit PatrickSheltra.com.

For additional input on Buffalo Wings & Rings, please connect to Buffalowingsandrings.com or call 513.831.WING.

About Sheltra Motorsports:

Sheltra Motorsports (sheltramotorsports.com) is a three-tier Motorsports operation consisting of dirt and asphalt competition. Patrick Sheltra, a 23-year old native of Indiantown, Florida competes in the UMP and WoO (Dirt) Series; while also running a full schedule in the ARCA RE/MAX Series (No. 60) and a limited schedule in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Sheltra Motorsports ownership is combined of Richard, Grace and Patrick Sheltra. The team is headquartered in Indiantown , Florida with additional operations in Richmond , Indiana and Whitesville , Kentucky .

About Buffalo Wings & Rings:

Buffalo Wings & Rings is the fastest-growing privately owned franchised chain of restaurants in the nation serving Buffalo-style chicken wings, onion rings, burgers, chicken and salads. Founded in 1988 in Cincinnati, OH, Buffalo Wings & Rings operates 49 franchised restaurants in the United States. Buffalo Wings & Rings was ranked the #1 fastest growing restaurant chain nationwide in the July 2008 issue of Restaurant Business, and ranked in the top 500 franchises in the January 2009 issue of Entrepreneur. For more information, visit www.buffalowingsandrings.com or call 513-831-WING.

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TEAM COMMUNICATIONS CONTACT:
NAME: Chris Knight, Sheltra Motorsports
PHONE: 239.834.9797 or 239.214.1083
EMAIL: chris@patricksheltra.com