Patrick Sheltra Thankful For A Lot On Memorial Weekend

Topics:  Patrick Sheltra, Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 200

Chris Knight
Sheltra Motorsports
May 30, 2010

MOORESVILLE, North Carolina (May 30, 2010) - - ARCA Racing Series (ARS) presented by RE/MAX and Menards driver Patrick Sheltra has a lot to be thankful for this Memorial Day holiday weekend.

The Memorial Day holiday weekend also presents two glorious Motorsports events of the year. The IZOD IndyCar Series is competing in the prestigious Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) maneuvers their longest event of the year in the Coca-Cola 600. Sheltra, however utilized last Sunday’s Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care at Toledo (Oh.) Speedway to pay his respect to the Armed Forces while also recognizing a close friend, Operations Specialist second class Jon T. Worch, who is currently serving in the United States Navy.

With the ARCA Series enjoying an off-weekend allowing the teams to celebrate and pay their respects in their own way, Sheltra is keeping the meaning of Memorial Day close to his heart and vowing to make a difference for the remainder of the 2010 season.

“It’s because of these great brave and selfless heroes that we’re able to race on a weekly basis,” said Sheltra, the current ARCA Racing Series point’s leader. “Last weekend we were able to recognize just one of millions of voyagers who continue to risk their lives not only for us but everyone in this great country. For the rest of the season, Sheltra Motorsports is committed to saluting all of the troops in our own unique way and invite the rest of the teams to join us in our way of appreciation for all that they do.”

Sheltra, a fourth-year ARCA driver also pointed out that as the season progress he is becoming more aware of friends and his team’s peers who are also proudly serving the United States.

“We are indebted to Jon (Worch) every single day,” Sheltra added. “Christopher Nollinger is another close friend of the team that comes to mind who we will continue to praise and recognize as he works his way up the ladder. I’ve been made aware of Justin Miller, a close-friend of one of our team’s members who is currently overseas fighting the enemy in the United States Army. We’re also praying and thinking about Darryl Austin too. I wish all these people plus those who aren’t even around anymore could be honored as more than just heroes, because their acts of braveness and self-sacrificing can’t even be labeled.”

While the 24-year old Sheltra expresses his sincerity towards the United States military, he is also labeling his Sheltra Motorsports team with high honors this season.

In six races this season, the Sheltra Motorsports team has risen to the top of the ARCA points standings, much credited to a impressive six consecutive top-10 finishes including a season-best second at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway last month. Sheltra’s mother Grace Sheltra also leads the ARCA Racing Series car owner standings for the first time in her racing career.

“I try not to boast a lot,” said Sheltra. “But, this is a time where our team deserves some boasting. They have been absolutely incredible. Everyone has been determined since Daytona to fight for this championship and ultimately I feel their commitment and dedication has made be a better driver. We’re looking forward to the next two races at Pocono and Michigan and hope we can extend our point’s lead with a win or two.”

Sheltra has 73 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 28 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 Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 200 (80 laps / 200 miles) is the seventh of 20 events on the 2010 ARCA Racing Series schedule. The 50th ARCA race at Pocono Raceway is a two-day show. Practice begins Friday, June 4 with an hour and forty minute practice session planned from 10:15 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is set for later in the day slated to begin at 1:45 p.m. The event will take the green flag on Saturday, June 5 shortly after 1:00 p.m. The event will tape-delayed on SPEED and will air at 4:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon. The race however will be broadcasted live 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