Tom Hessert Focused On Conquering Berlin Raceway

Topics:  Tom Hessert, Hantz Group 200

Chris Knight
Knight Motorsports Management
July 6, 2011

MARNE, Michigan (July 6, 2011) - Halfway through the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season, Tom Hessert III has been satisfied with the way his season has progressed for Ken Schrader Racing (KSR) in the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet. But, with the series’ next stop at Berlin (Mich.) Raceway, Hessert is determined to raise the bar and expectations for the second half of the season beginning with Saturday night’s Hantz Group 200.

In his fourth full-season of ARCA competition, Hessert after nine races has produced two top-fives and six top-10s including a season-best fifth place run in the most recent contest at Winchester (Ind.) Speedway, a race sponsored by Federated Auto Parts.

Knowing the tricks of the trade around the tricky Berlin (Mich.) Raceway, Saturday’s night Hantz Group 200 might be the place that lifts off Hessert’s second-half in his fourth career start at the Marne, Michigan race track with his second career ARCA victory.

“Berlin Raceway is a really cool 4/10 mile uniquely shaped oval,” said Hessert, a native of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. “The tight corners and slippery surface provide a challenge for drivers and teams alike. The key to success there is having a car that turns well in the center while still having great forward drive off. To win you will have to be good on older tires and have kept your fenders straight.”

Taking the checkered flag at Berlin hasn’t been an issue for the former USARacing Pro Cup Series star. In his previous three outings, Hessert has mastered three consecutive top-10 finishes including a track best of fourth last year driving for Cunningham Motorsports after starting third. Additional top-10s were posted driving for Andy Belmont Racing and RAB Racing with Brack Maggard.

With the momentum of Winchester’s run and his pre-race vibes about Berlin (Mich.) Raceway this weekend, Hessert is relying on his KSR led by crew chief John Monsam to help put the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet Impala in contention for their first win of the season.

“Federated Auto Parts has had a long term relationship with Ken Schrader Racing,” sounded Hessert. “2011 has been my first season working with them and it has been a blast. Everyone at Federated is very supported and excited about the racing program and I am very proud to represent them on the track. To this point in the 2011 season, despite having good speed, we have not had the results that we have been looking for, but we are looking to change that this weekend at Berlin.”

Occupying the eighth position in the ARCA Racing Series championship standings, Hessert knows that finishing races inside the top-10 will help in the race for the coveted ARCA championship trophy.

“I am really looking forward to all of the remaining races of the schedule, because I feel that our Federated Auto Parts / KSR team has the ability to compete for multiple wins before the end of the year. With that being said, of course I am excited to get back to Iowa Speedway, we got our first win there last year and I can't wait to get back there soon.”

In addition to Federated Auto Parts, Cherry Hill Classic Cars will serve as an associate marketing partner for Hessert’s 74th career ARCA start. In his previous 73 outings, he has maneuvered one win, 14 top-fives and 36 top-10s.

The Hantz Group 200 (200 laps / 100 miles) is the 10th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 24th ARCA race at Berlin (Mich.) Raceway is a one-day show. Practice begins Saturday, July 9 with a one hour and half practice session planned from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin later in the day at 5:00 p.m. The field will take the green flag later that night shortly after 8:00 p.m. The race will not be televised but event coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,322nd race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

For more on Tom Hessert III, please visit tomhessert.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
NAME: Chris Knight, Knight Motorsports Management
PHONE: 239.834.9797
EMAIL: chris@chrisknightpr.com