Sheltra Motorsports Tackles The Motor Mile To Prepare For Toledo Assault

Topics:  Patrick Sheltra, Menards 200

Chris Knight
Sheltra Motorsports
May 14, 2010

MOORESVILLE, North Carolina (May 14, 2010) - - Without a doubt Patrick Sheltra and his Mooresville, North Carolina-based Sheltra Motorsports team are off to the best start in four seasons on the ARCA Racing Series tour heading into next Sunday’s Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care at Toledo (Oh.) Speedway.

Vowing to keep their impressive five consecutive top-10 finishes alive in the sixth race of year, the No. 60 Sheltra Motorsports team participated in a private test at The Motor Mile Speedway in Fairlawn, Virginia on Thursday, May 13 to shake down their Dodge Charger, eyeing the perfect setup that could propel the Indiantown, Florida native to his second career victory in the ARCA Racing Series (ARS) presented by RE/MAX and Menards.

Sheltra, who will celebrate his 24th birthday on Friday, May 14, ironically the same day as father, Sheltra Motorsports co-owner Richard (Rick) Sheltra viewed the test extremely successful and says a win at Toledo is evident, not to mention the perfect birthday present, even if it's a little late.

“The test went really well,” said Sheltra, who sits third in the ARCA Racing Series championship standings entering next weekend’s festivities. “Jon (Wolfe, crew chief) and everyone on the Sheltra Motorsports team really worked hard during the day to make sure the car adapted well to changes and the responses sent us in the right direction. It was also a prime opportunity to make sure when we unload at Toledo next weekend, we’ll be on the spot. We’re going there to win, bottom line. Even though it would be a little late, it would be the best birthday present I could ever ask for.”

While Sheltra easily admitted that The Motor Mile is no Toledo Speedway, the ARCA pro was able to pin-point some similarities. “There are parts of the track at The Motor Mile where you really have to be finesse the throttle, a lot like Toledo Speedway. The tracks are different but yet a little similar too. I had never seen The Motor Mile before Thursday, but it was a cool place.”

Why is Sheltra expected to be a threat at the half-mile short track? Overall, he has a comfortable record at the ARCA-sanctioned track. In six starts, Sheltra has netted two top-fives and three top-10s including a personal best of second in 2008 behind first time winner and fellow friend Matt Carter. Sheltra’s goal of notching four consecutive top-10 finishes was crushed last April after an early incident relegated the team to a 29th place finish.

“I’m looking forward to getting our Toledo record back on track,” sounded Sheltra. “I really love running there. The races are hot and heavy from the drop of the green flag and represents what true short track racing is all about. Obviously, our record shows that if we can keep our nose clean – we finish near the front and that’s our number one goal next weekend, but with a celebration in victory lane!”

Sheltra has 72 ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards starts to his credit with one career victory at Salem (Ind.) Speedway (April 2009). During his ARCA tenure, Sheltra has accumulated 13 top-fives and posted 27 top-10 finishes. A third place qualifying effort at Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway (April 2009) is Sheltra’s best time trials efforts to date. He has controlled the ARCA field six times for 148 laps.

The Menards 200 by Federated Car Care (200 laps / 100 miles) is the sixth of 20 events on the 2010 ARCA Racing Series schedule. The 67th ARCA race at Toledo Speedway is a two-day show. Practice begins Saturday, May 22 with an hour and a half practice session planned from 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later in the day slated to begin at 3:30 p.m. An hour and 15 minute on-track autograph session has been etched in from 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. on race day. The contest will take the green flag shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 23. The race will not be televised but weekend coverage including live timing and scoring and a radio broadcast will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local.

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

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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 Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards (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 Mooresville, North Carolina.

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