Road Course Savvy Robb Brent Looking Forward To Palm Beach |
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Topics: Robb Brent, Tire Kingdom 150
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Chris Knight
Robb Brent Racing
February 22, 2010
JUPITER, Florida (February 22, 2010) - - The ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards usually enjoys a two-month break between the first two races of the season but the start of a new decade has brought change. For the first time in a long time the sanctioning body has put a second race on the schedule in the month of February. Ironically it happens to come at the newly redesigned Palm Beach (Fla.) International Raceway. For Allgaier Motorsports driver Robb Brent, the timing is perfect.
“Heck yeah, I’m excited,” said Brent, a veteran road course racer. ARCA is really throwing a curve at us this year by going to a superspeedway like Daytona and then two weeks later a road course but we’re ready to embrace it with open arms.”
Brent enters the second race of the season on the heels of a solid run at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway where he steered the No. 36 Orchard Chrysler Dodge Jeep Dodge Charger to a 13th place finish. The effort was a personal best for the Shelby Township, Michigan native on a restrictor plate track.
Switching gears, Brent has left the thrill of Daytona behind him and is focused on showcasing his road course skills on a brand new track.
“Palm Beach is a nice place,” added Brent. “The track has some impressive speed with some super tight corners but that should make the race very exciting. We truly have a legitimate chance at winning Saturday’s race.”
Without hesitation, it’s easy to place the 23-year old as a pre-race favorite. Last year at New Jersey Motorsports Park, Brent stood out in the competitive pack. After qualifying sixth, Brent easily marched forward into the field and was in the hunt to win his first career ARCA event but eventually had to settle for fourth. Despite just missing the podium, the effort rewarded the upcoming driver with his career best finish in ARCA competition.
“Road course racing is a lot of fun,” added Brent. “It throws some different techniques at you from a team and driver standpoint. While you are focused on staying on the track – you’re also looking at who you are racing with, pit strategy and even weather.”
Speaking of weather, Brent participated in an open test at Palm Beach earlier this month and tested the Hoosier rain tire should the sanctioning body be forced to put their competitors on slicks. Overall, Brent was pleased.
“We’re going to be fine with the rain tire,” he said. “If we have to race in the rain – that throws a different factor at the competitors but if everyone uses their heads we should still have a good race.”
Currently, Brent occupies the 13th position in the ARCA Racing Series point standings sitting just 15 points from entering the top-10 and 70 markers from the top-spot.
“Points are important but last year it was a totally different ball-game,” Brent stated. “We missed the show at Daytona last year and we had to literally play catch-up all year long. Thankfully this year we’re not in the same position but we still have to keep the long term goal within reach.”
Washington Township, Michigan based Orchard Chrysler Dodge Jeep will continue it’s long-time association with Brent and serve as the primary sponsor on Brent’s No. 36 Dodge Charger this weekend. Orchard Chrysler Dodge Jeep has backed Brent since his entrance into racing at the age of 16.
Prior to joining Allgaier Motorsports, Brent participated in the ARCA Racing Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driving for NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski and Brad Keselowski Racing. In his 38 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 in 2008. He has led the ARCA 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.
The Tire Kingdom 150 presented by ModSpace (75 laps / 150 miles) is the second of 20 events on the 2010 ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards schedule. The first ARCA race held at Palm Beach is a two day show. Practice begins Friday, February 26 with a three hour practice session planned from 11:30a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later in the day Friday, February 5 slated to begin at 4:00 p.m. The event will take the green flag on Saturday, February 27 shortly after 1:00 p.m. The race will not be televised but race coverage including live timing and scoring and radio broadcast will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local.
For more on Robb Brent, sponsorship opportunities and official team merchandise, please visit the newly re-launched Robbbrentracing.com.
Driver Contact:
Carol Brent
P: 586.703.3737
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