Q&A - Richard Petty's Driver Search - Do You Have What It Takes?

(Concord, NC) June 8, 2011 – A nineteen year-old Legends/Super Late Model racer from Las Vegas, NV is one step closer to a career in big-time stock car racing after an impressive 11th place finish at the June 4th ARCA Racing event at Chicagoland Speedway.

“My Richard Petty’s Driver Search Dodge was fast off the truck in the short practice session. The team did an awesome job preparing the car and, most importantly, they helped me with my transition from short track to intermediate speedway,” said Rzesnowiecky, “I finished the race as the happiest 19 year-old in the world!”

“Bear drove the heck out of the car and we were thrilled at how he finished,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President and COO of Richard Petty Driving Experience, organizers of the Driver Search. “We saw him improve each day during Richard Petty’s Driver Search III and it was exciting to watch him apply those skills during the race.” Rzesnoweicky was named “Top Driver” of Richard Petty’s Driver Search III in December, after four exhaustive days on-track at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Speedway and Carolina Motorsports Park.

In a field that included talented racers from across the U.S, Bear established himself early in the training camp and competition and his aggressive and consistent performance across all of the driving modules ultimately proved to be the difference.

Richard Petty’s Driver Search is a training camp and competition comprised of eleven “modules”, each designed to test a specific skill or set of skills, using well-defined criteria. Competitors take the wheel of High Performance Karts, USAC midgets and both NASCAR Nationwide and COT-style stock cars during the program. Driver results in nine of the modules are based on computerized scoring and timing data including Endurance, Car Control, Track Management, Reaction Time, Mechanical Feel, Adaptability, Race Practices, Passing Skills and Speed. Scoring in the Communication and Marketability modules is determined by a group of industry experts.

Richard Petty’s Driver Search IV will be held September 12th – 15th in Charlotte, NC. For complete information, visit http://www.pettydriversearch.com.

Tyler Allen Eyeing Moriarity’s NASCAR Title at Evergreen Speedway

BELLEVUE, Wash. – February 15, 2011 –

Tyler Allen will race in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe. Tyler has his sight set on Tom Moriarity who holds the Super Late Model championship from 2010. “Tom helped us during the 2009 season on our first trip to the 5/8 mile at Evergreen, I’m really looking forward to racing against him for a championship. Earning the respect of racers at a new track is always important and I look forward to racing hard with everyone at Evergreen Speedway.”

Allen comes to the series from South Sound Speedway where he raced for three years. In 2010 he finished 2nd in the championship series, consistently qualifying and finishing in the top five every weekend. In 2010 Allen competed in the Richard Petty’s Driver Search II and placed 5th in the competition. Allen gained experience driving a NASCAR Sprint Cup car on Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Motorsports Park and worked with NASCAR drivers, Ken Schrader and Marcos Ambrose. Allen is looking forward to bringing those experiences to Evergreen Speedway on both the 3/8 and 5/8 track.

Allen continues to work with Richard Petty Driving Experience as a driving instructor and will be traveling throughout the racing season gaining experience on many of the famous race tracks around the country. Allen Racing is also pleased to announce that Ron Wolf, a five time late model champion, has agreed to support as a backup driver.

“Ron taught me a lot the past few year, so we are really excited he has agreed to stand in as a backup driver in the case that I am traveling for Richard Petty Driving Experience. Ron brings a lot of talent and knowledge to the team that will ultimately help us in our quest for the championship, and it’s a real confidence builder knowing we have that kind of support.”

Stay tuned for additional announcements as the Allen Racing team and its partners prepare for the 2011 season. Follow Tyler Allen on www.allenracing.com, twitter @allenracing and Facebook!

ITP Q&A: Agler Comes Of Age In 2010

(Larry Lowrey, Silver Lake, KS) – January 12, 2011 – Cody Agler spent a majority of his young life in motor sports. The two wheel version of motor sports. Agler jumped on a motorcycle almost before he could walk and recently he is attempting the same feat getting into dirt modified racing without any previous dirt track experience.

His rookie campaign started off in Florida with Speedweeks. This youngster came into the sport with some large goals and even bigger *&*. Here was a teenager, with no modified racing experience, getting ready to take on some of the toughest competitors in a division that I personally feel is the most competitive in the USA.

Agler started in Florida and finished his first full season in Kansas. Along the way during his 1st season he made some huge gains. Gains that showed that this moto cross racer from Emporia, KS might just have what it takes to be a great race car driver.

The sophomore season is where the learning curve started to ease up for Agler. After running strong at end of his 1st season, everyone wanted to see if Agler was going to get better. He didn't disappoint anyone.

Agler picked up 4 wins on the season, 3 of them coming at Lakeside Speedway!

His sudden shot to the front has drawn some comparisons to another Emporia driver that now makes his living racing on Sundays, Clint Bowyer.

Whether or not the comparisons are fair to Agler, he has shown with his success in his 2nd season that he has a chance to get to the next level. After the 2010 season ended, Agler took some time to go to N.C. and compete in the Richard Petty's Driver Search Program, we caught up with Agler and asked him about that and some other things...

ITP - How did you get involved with the Richard Petty's Driver Search program? (C.A.) My dad filled out an application and I was fortunate enough among all applicants to be chosen for one of the 12 positions.

ITP - What was the program like? (C.A.) This program was a great learning experience. I was taught so much that will help me not only on asphalt but on dirt as well. Every day I was there I was always learning something new and someone was always helping me and telling me something that I could improve on to make me become a better driver. Cody Agler would like to find himself behind the wheel of a CUP car in the future. Cody Agler Racing Pic

ITP - How well did you do in their modules? (C.A.) I did well in all the modules. There were quite a few different ones. The other 3 kids had only asphalt experience and that was where I was getting beat at in the modules.

ITP - How much did you learn from the experience? (C.A.) I learned a tremendous amount of knowledge. Everything from driving to car handling to reaction times to talking in front of a crowd and marketability. It was a very unique experience and I was very happy that I could take part in it.

ITP - Did you get a chance to visit with the "King"? (C.A.) Yes I had a chance to visit with the King in his Condo on the Charlotte Motor Speedway and down on the race track while taking pictures. He was a very nice guy and an interesting man as well.

ITP - Are you looking to take your racing career to NASCAR? (C.A.) NASCAR is my ultimate goal and I would want nothing more than to make it to NASCAR. It has been a dream of mine. My first step begins in April when I start driving for Richard Petty Driver Experience.

ITP - What did you think of your 2010 season? (C.A.) I was very happy with my 2010 season considering some of the bad luck I had with rolling the car and the motor problems. I felt like I should of finished the season with more wins but I am happy with how it turned out.

ITP - You racked up some wins, a lot of top 5's did you think your game was going to that level before the season started? (C.A.) No, I didn’t really know what my season would entitle at the beginning of the year. I didn’t think I would get as many wins as I did since it was only my second year.

ITP - What did you do differently last year to become a better driver? (C.A.) I scaled the car before every weekend of racing. I wouldn’t have been able to of scaled my car if I wouldn’t of had my cell phone so that I could communicate with Tim Karrick and have him help me through it. Also communicating with Tim and my crew when coming off the track and letting them know what the car was doing, so that we could fix it was another big thing that helped me this past season.

ITP - Looking at 2011, ITP has learned that you have gotten a hold of a Shaw by Landers Modified? Is this true and if so how do you think you will like the new car? (C.A.) We are still debating on what type of car to get but whatever car it will be, we feel that it will be a very successful season.

ITP - What kind of goals are you setting for 2011? (C.A.) In 2011, my goals are to win at least half of the races at both tracks at Lakeside and HPT and win both track championships!

ITP - Where will you be racing in 2011? (C.A.) I will be racing at Lakeside on Fridays and HPT on Saturdays. Any time that are not racing we will try to hit up some of the USMTS Series.

ITP - There are some big races coming up this season in our area, what would it mean for you to pick up a big $$$ win? (C.A.) It would mean the world to me. It would be awesome knowing I had to go up against some tough competition to win a big money check. It would really help me keep the car where we want it to be and would help with buying any necessary parts.

Driver Search to be Featured in “Speedway Illustrated” National Magazine for Racers Examines Unique Training Camp and Competition

(Concord, NC.) January 18, 2011 – 2011 – When Karl Fredrickson, the long-time editor of Speedway Illustrated, wrote a brief observation piece on a recently announced “Driver Search” bearing the legendary Petty name last February, he wasn’t sure what to make of the new program. After all, the idea of a company with a fleet of race cars promising driver training and development or that offered a chance to compete for some “racing carrot” was nothing new. What could be new, he thought, was a program that actually delivered to aspiring racers what it said it would, because too many had not. Promising big name guest instructors, a comprehensive 4-day training regimen and offering a fully funded ARCA series race opportunity for the participant named “Top Driver”, Richard Petty’s Driver Search promised to be unlike any program ever offered to racers. And, of course, there was that iconic Petty brand, too. Still, Fredrickson reserved judgment, even as the magazine let its readers know that applications were being accepted for the inaugural training camp and competition in April.

Fast forward to the annual Performance Racing Institute (PRI) Trade Show held in Orlando, FL in December…Fredrickson is now publisher of Speedway Illustrated and Petty Holdings has followed its highly successful inaugural program with an equally successful Driver Search II in September and Driver Search III earlier that month. Fredrickson meets with Petty’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mike Bartelli and Head Driving Instructor, Brad Noffsinger. Well-aware of Speedway Illustrated’s credibility and stature amongst local racers, the two were eager for the magazine to follow up the original piece with a story that provided an in-depth look at the program which, they insisted to Fredrickson, was exceeding expectations on every level and getting unanimously excellent feedback from its alumni.

“Mike and Brad’s pitch,” said Fredrickson, “was ‘don’t take our word for it; talk to racers who’ve been through the program and hear for yourself.’ And that’s exactly what I did.”

In the weeks that followed, Fredrickson spent hours on the phone with Driver Search alumni and the accounts he heard began to convince him that this was a story his magazine needed to tell.

“What I was most taken with,’ he said, “was that these guys were so varied in background. Some are extremely accomplished, older racers who I've seen win big, national races, while others are just getting started. But despite where they were in their respective careers, all had a common response to their Driver Search experience. Regardless of where they finished in the program, each said they're much better racers because of it, were thrilled with their time there, and got much more out of it than they ever expected.”

The skeptical publisher was beginning to become a believer, but confirmation came when he spoke with two men widely respected throughout the racing community, both of whom have served on the program’s instructional staff; Ken Schrader and Randy LaJoie.

“These are guys who truly understand the sport and care about its participants at every level,” said Fredrickson. “When they enthusiastically said that Richard Petty’s Driver Search was a great deal for all of its students, it really meant something to us.”

And with that important affirmation, Fredrickson decided that the February issue of Speedway Illustrated would feature Richard Petty’s Driver Search.

“Producing a second story on the same subject within a calendar year is not unheard of,” Fredrickson said, “but a follow-up that’s bigger than the initial report is not so common.”

“We knew Karl would see the light,” Bartelli joked. He then added, “Speedway Illustrated believes that it’s accountable to the local racing community and, in turn, the community trusts the magazine. Karl takes this relationship very seriously and that’s exactly why we’re so proud to have earned this feature.”

The February issue of Speedway Illustrated will be available later this month.

Complete information and driver applications can be found at http://www.pettydriversearch.com.

BEAR RZESNOWIECKY WINS "TOP DRIVER" OF RICHARD PETTY DRIVER SEARCH III

(Concord, NC) December 10, 2010 – Racers from across the United States and Puerto Rico arrived in the Charlotte area this week on a quest to show off their racing chops and, ultimately, take the prize of “Top Driver” in Richard Petty’s Driver Search III, earning the opportunity to qualify for an ARCA race in Spring 2011. Following four days of intense competition at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Speedway, and Carolina Motorsports Park it was Las Vegas, NV native Bear Rzesnowiecky, an eighteen year-old late model racer, who took the honors.

Rzesnowiecky’s performance earned him the opportunity to race the No. 96 Richard Petty’s Driver Search Dodge in an upcoming ARCA Racing Series event next spring. His car, crew, and equipment will be provided by Petty Holdings LLC.

“This is unbelievable,” said Rzesnowiecky. “The competition this week was really tough - I had to run near perfect in every module just to stay in the running. And now, I’m honored to have the opportunity to race one of Richard Petty’s cars.” “This group of drivers was pretty darn good” said Petty. “Bear gave them a run for their money and his hard work earned him the chance to race in an ARCA event with us. I can’t wait to see this kid take the track.”

Richard Petty’s Driver Search, a unique training camp and competition for aspiring race car drivers looking for an opportunity to advance their careers, was designed to focus on the core skill sets necessary for success at the highest levels in motorsports. Competitors demonstrate their abilities and learn from experts in the areas of car control, endurance, track management, adaptability, race practices, passing exercises, car knowledge/feel, mechanical knowledge, speed, communication and marketability. The driving modules take place on two short tracks, a road course, and a superspeedway in equipment that includes High Performance Karts, USAC Midgets, Dodge Viper SRT10®, Nationwide-style and 850hp Sprint Cup Series stock cars.

The “Top Driver” is determined, primarily, by the use of state-of-the-art computerized timing/scoring and video/data acquisition technologies. In addition to the Petty instructional staff, guest instructors and speakers included Marcos Ambrose, Randy Lajoie, Dale Inman, Frank Kimmel, Kyle Petty, and Miss Sprint Cup-Monica Palumbo. “We’re continually impressed by the caliber of drivers that come through this program and this week’s group was no exception,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President and COO of Richard Petty Driving Experience, which created and operates the program. “After four days of intense competition, Bear proved that he is ready for this challenge, and we look forward to getting him in the car next spring.”

For complete information and driver applications, visit http://www.pettydriversearch.com.

Ryan Wilson brings home Top-15 finish for the No. 15 Richard Petty’s Driver Search team at Rockingham Speedway

(Rockingham, NC) October 9, 2010 – – Ryan Wilson, “Top Driver” of Richard Petty’s Driver Search II, brought home a 14th place finish for the No. 15 Richard Petty’s Driver Search Dodge team in the American 200 ARCA Racing Series event at Rockingham Speedway on October 9th, 2010.

“We had a pretty good day,” said Wilson, making his first ever appearance at the one mile track known as “The Rock”. “As a driver you want to win every race, but to come down here with no experience in these cars, run solid all weekend, and come home in 14th place is great.”

The No.15 Richard Petty’s Driver Search Dodge team, led by Crew Chief Brad Noffsinger, unloaded for Thursday’s open test session with one goal, getting their young driver comfortable in a bigger, heavier car than the late model stock cars he is used to running on a weekly basis. “You could see Ryan’s late model tendencies slowly start to fade away as the weekend progressed,” said Noffsinger. “The test session that was provided by ARCA was huge for us because it gave us a full day of free testing to really work with Ryan and develop his skills which is the main goal of this great program.”

Friday brought practice and qualifying for the Driver Search team. Wilson ran consistently in the top 15 during both practice sessions and was able to turn a lap in qualifying that was good enough for 19th position on the starting grid. “It was great effort by our team because everytime we came in to make adjustments during practice, we went back out and were faster on the track,” added Noffsinger “We made a lot of significant changes to the setup and Ryan gave us valuable feedback with the handling of the car.”

Race day approached on Saturday with one goal: run consistent and stay out of trouble with a young driver on a tough track. Any form of racing event that takes place at Rockingham can get wild quickly as the old, abrasive surface is known to wear down tires making the cars on the track slide around creating a lot of cautions. “We worked with Ryan because he liked to drive the car so hard into the corners which would easily melt the tires and severely alter the handling of the car. It was amazing to see the improvements he made and we hoped it would carry over to race day because we knew tires were going to be a major concern.”

Wilson started the race in 19th and improved his position throughout the race moving all the way up to 10th. As the race progressed, Wilson made three different pit stops (all under caution flag conditions) which were smooth and without any penalties from ARCA Officials. “I really would have liked to get Ryan a green flag stop because the best way to learn something is to actually go out and do it,” said Noffsinger. “We did, however, have good pit stops which worked out great in our favor. The tire situation is what really hurt us in the long run.” ARCA only allows three sets of tires for each team and the second set of tires that the Driver Search team used wasn’t to their liking and only lasted 22 laps forcing them to use old tires while every other team put on fresh tires.

In the end, Wilson came home with a solid 14th place finish and was very excited and appreciative of the opportunity to represent the Driver Search program. “This was a pretty neat deal,” said Wilson. “I feel like I gained a ton of experience today that will help me down the road and it was a lot of fun to race this car for Richard Petty. Not many people get to say they’ve done that.”

“I can’t speak highly enough about Ryan as a driver and the overall Driver Search team as a whole,” commented Team Manager, Rick Fedrizzi. “Everyone really gave it everything they had trying to get this car dialed in and it showed in the final results.”

The third edition of the one-of-a kind training camp and competition, Richard Petty’s Driver Search III, will take place December 6th-9th, 2010 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Speedway in North Carolina, and the road course at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina. Two-time Nationwide Series Champion, Randy LaJoie and road course expert Marcos Ambrose, will be among the racing celebrities to join the Driver Search instruction staff, with the “Top Driver” earning the chance to compete in an ARCA Racing Series event during the 2011 season in another effort fully supported by Petty Holdings.

Complete information and driver applications can be found at www.pettydriversearch.com.

Ambrose and LaJoie Return For Driver Search III
- HANS Performance Products Joins Program

(Concord, NC.) – October 11, 2010 – Renowned road course racer Marcos Ambrose and two-time Nationwide series champion Randy LaJoie will, again, be among the guest instructors when Richard Petty’s Driver Search III takes place December 6-9, 2010 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Speedway in North Carolina, and the road course at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina.

“The Petty guys have developed something quite unique and I’m proud to be part of it,” said Ambrose, who is generally recognized as the best road racer in NASCAR. “I really enjoyed working with the competitors in the first two Driver Search programs and I’m sure this time will be no different.”

“I had a blast with the guys the first time around,” said LaJoie who was a guest instructor for the inaugural Richard Petty’s Driver Search in April. “The twelve racers who get to be part of this program are in for a very special experience.”

Over the course of the four days, competitors will demonstrate their abilities and learn from industry experts in the areas of car control, endurance, track management, adaptability, race practices, passing exercises, car knowledge/feel, mechanical knowledge, speed, communication and marketability. Performance in the driving modules is assessed throughout the program by state-of-the-art computerized timing and scoring and video and data acquisition technologies.

At the conclusion of the final day, one of the participants will be named “Top Driver” of Richard Petty’s Driver Search III and awarded the chance to compete in an ARCA Racing Series event during the 2011 season.

Additionally, Petty Holdings announced that HANS Performance Products will supply the Sports Series version of the HANS Device for use during Richard Petty’s Driver Search. “We believe that safety is the most important consideration for all motor racing competitors and that a head and neck restraint should be part of any driver’s safety equipment,” said Gary Milgrom, Vice President of HANS Performance Products. “Our HANS Device Sports Series combines the highest standards in the industry for a head and neck restraint at a reasonable cost to drivers in entry levels of competition. The HANS Device fits any size of driver, works in all types of cars and in any type of racing competition, which makes it a perfect fit for Richard Petty’s Driver Search,” added Milgrom.

“HANS is respected and trusted by racers everywhere” said Mike Bartelli, Chief Marketing Officer of Petty Holdings. “They are exactly the type of partner that we want to have for this program.”

Complete information and driver applications can be found at www.pettydriversearch.com.

Ryan Wilson - No. 15 Richard Petty’s Driver Search Dodge - October 9th, 2010, American 200 at Rockingham Speedway

Primary Team Members

Driver: Ryan Wilson
Hometown: Randleman, NC

Crew Chief: Brad Noffsinger
Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA

Car Chief: James Cowan
Hometown: Concord, NC

About Richard Petty’s Driver Search
Named for the NASCAR Hall of Famer and winningest driver in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history, this unique training camp and competition is for aspiring race car drivers looking for an opportunity to advance their careers. The program, which is limited to 12 participants, focuses on the core skill sets necessary for success at the highest levels in motorsports.

Richard Petty’s Driver Search II, which took place last month, saw drivers from eight different states, Canada, and Barbados demonstrate their abilities in High Performance Karts, USAC midgets, Nationwide-style stock cars, and 850 hp-Sprint Cup Series stock cars. Over the course of four days, participants received valuable feedback from industry experts such as Ken Schrader, Marcos Ambrose, and Frank Kimmel as well as the Driver Search instructional staff. The “Top Driver” was determined, primarily, by the use of state-of-the-art computerized data acquisition technologies in the areas of: car control, endurance, track management, adaptability, race practices, passing exercises, car knowledge/feel, mechanical knowledge, speed, communication, and marketability.

Richard Petty’s Driver Search III is scheduled for December 6-9, 2010. For more information, please visit visit www.pettydriversearch.com.

About Ryan Wilson
“Top Driver”, Richard Petty’s Driver Search II Ryan Wilson, 18 years old of Randleman, NC, was named “Top Driver” of Richard Petty’s Driver Search II in September. Ryan was only five years old when he first jumped behind the wheel of a go-kart. After spending years tearing up the go-kart circuit, he began racing a Sportsman car at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, NC and had instant success winning five of his first 12 starts.

After his quick start, Wilson moved up to Late Model Trucks and Late Model Stock Cars. In only his eighth start, he won his first race on May, 31, 2009 at Caraway Speedway. In 2009, he picked up another win at Caraway and also ran multiple races at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, NC. So far in 2010, he has picked up one more win at Caraway and continued to develop his skills in a Late Model Stock Car.

Wilson has also competed in NASCAR Whelen All-American Series sanctioned races at Myrtle Beach Speedway, Hickory Motor Speedway, and Motor Mile Speedway, as well as with the UARA-STARS Series at Hickory Motor Speedway.

Ryan Wilson Quotes

"Richard Petty’s Driver Search is the only program of its kind that allows drivers to get in several different types of cars on such diverse tracks. I gained tons of experience that will help me in the future, by having to adapt quickly in bigger, heavier cars."

"Growing up right down the road from the Petty family, it is a “dream come true” to be able to make my first ARCA Series start in a Petty owned car."

"Being from North Carolina, I went to watch races at Rockingham a few times over the years and have always hoped that I would get an opportunity to drive there. Now the opportunity has come and I am very excited to make my ARCA debut at the historic track."

Tyler Allen Finishes Fifth in Richard Petty’s Driver Search II
www.allenracing.com By Tyler Allen - September 19, 2010

Tyler Allen places fifth in Richard Petty’s Driver Search II where eleven other drivers from eight states, Canada, and Barbados competed for the top driver title. Allen started the week at Charlotte Motor Speedway competing in the karting endurance competition where he placed 4th against some tough competitors “Most of these guys had a lot of karting experience. I was really fortunate to get instruction and track time at PGP Motorsports Park back home. The experience was invaluable to doing well in the competition.”

For the second part of the day Allen drove the Nationwide car on a 1/16th mile skid pad. The skid pad prepared the drivers for the follow on “reaction time” module where they used lights to measure how quick the drivers could react to instructors who activated the lights and measured the drivers responses. Allen did well, placing second in this competition and began to get comfortable driving the 3400 lb stock car. The drivers were also receiving great advice and instruction from legendary crew chief Dale Inman and 9 time ARCA RE/MAX champion Frank Kimmel. It was really clear that Petty team was putting a lot of resources into this experience. “The Richard Petty Driver Search crew pulled out all the stops for the program. They were incredibly organized and it allowed for a ton of seat time, and instruction by some of the best in the business”.

Allen’s experience in his limited late model would pay off as the drivers started the Mechanical Feel module. Each of the drivers went on to the mile and a half track and come in for a pit stop where the Petty crews would do something mechanical to the car. The drivers would have to diagnose the problem at full speed on the legendary Charlotte Motor Speedway. Allen diagnosed every problem correctly and scored the highest out of all drivers in this module.

Day 2 began at Concord Speedway where the drivers strapped in to the USAC midgets on the ¼ mile track and the Nationwide car on the ½ mile track. With only 10 laps in a USAC midget prior to the competition, he was very nervous about this first module. The drivers were receiving encouragement and instruction from another legendary NASCAR driver and two time USAC champion, Ken Schrader, who explained how to get around the ¼ mile track. After a few laps Allen got the feel of the car and began to push his speed. He ultimately set lap times that would secure a 3rd place for the module. “I’m going to race those someday! The cars were fast and pretty forgiving so they were fun to run around the ¼ mile track at Concord. The crew provided us with top notch equipment day after day and incredible instruction.”

Allen finished the day on the 1/2 mile track running the Nationwide cars. The Petty instructors had the drivers follow them so that they could safely get up to speed. Then as the drivers showed their car control, they set up a chance for them to make a pass on the instructors. Allen moved into position behind his instructor setting him up for a pass in turn four. Allen made the pass and continued around the track. After entering turn four Allen rolled through the corner a little too fast for the heavy cars, the car broke loose and spun in turn four. Fortunately Allen kept it away from the wall and no damage to the car. “It’s all about feel with these big cars, I rolled through four just a little fast and it started to go on me. I knew it would hurt my score but I didn’t hit anything and there wasn’t much I could do about it”.

Day 3 started with a long morning drive to Carolina Motorsports Park where the drivers were treated to a fun but challenging road course day. They were greeted by NASCAR drivers Marcos Ambrose and Ken Schrader, who would provide coaching on the skills needed for high speed road racing. The drivers did a ride along in the Nascar Nationwide cars learning about the track and car techniques needed to drive a road course. The Petty team surprised the drivers when they rolled out some fantastic V-10 Dodge Vipers. The drivers drove the Vipers with the instructors to get additional instruction on how to navigate the course at higher speeds. “Dodge really stepped up on Wednesday, the team had originally asked for a few Challengers, but they sent race ready Vipers!”

The day ended with each of the drivers getting scored on overall average time for a 6 lap run on the road course. Allen finished in 5th place in this module.

“I learned so much about driving these big cars on the Road Course. It was a really cool experience listening to Marcos Ambrose in your ear, while you drive around the course. Not too many people get that kind of personalized and professional instruction!”

On the final day the drivers were at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the drive on the big track and the marketing module. The drivers were split into two groups with the first group driving the Nationwide stock cars on the ¼ mile track. The drivers were given 30 total minutes to adjust their cars and improve lap times. This challenged the drivers to communicate with a pit crew to improve the setup of the car while managing time on pit road as they competed to make the car faster. The drivers then transferred to the NASCAR Sprint Cup COT (Car of Tomorrow) and went out on the 1 ½ mile track following an instructor car that brought them up to full speed for ten laps. After the ten lap run the drivers went out on their own to run their timed, ten lap run at full speed averaging 162 mph. “This was the event everyone was waiting for, the chance to run genuine Cup cars on the prestigious Charlotte Motor Speedway. I didn’t have the finish I had hoped for in this module, but I sure did enjoy it. What an experience!”

The final part of the day was the marketing module. Allen was very comfortable in taking questions from the reporters and doing the commercial with Jamie Little. The drivers assembled in the Charlotte Motor Speedway media building and took hard questions from the reporters, then they were moved over to the auditorium where they filmed the commercial with Jamie Little.

“I was really looking forward to this portion of the competition. You sit in the same seats that Cup Drivers do and field questions from industry experts, it felt like the real deal.”

Allen completed the marketing module and would later learn that he had been scored number #1 in this module.

The day at the track ended and moved to the evening banquet and the announcement of Top Driver. The Petty team put on a wonderful reception and dinner with Richard Petty hosting the evening event. Ryan Wilson was announced as the Top Driver, with Happy Feree taking second , Davey Pennel third, Kodi Sunley, fourth, with Tyler Allen rounding out the top five drivers.

“The experience was incredible, they provided us with top notch equipment and instruction, and I would recommend the program to anyone. I really want to thank PGP Motorsports Park, Garage Experts, my crew back home, and my family and friends for all the support over the past 3 years. I could not have done it without them and I am looking forward to writing the next chapter in my racing career. Stay tuned to the website for more updates!

Ryan Wilson Wins “Top Driver” of Richard Petty’s Driver Search II
- Randleman, NC native to compete in Rockingham ARCA event next month

(Concord, NC.) – September 17, 2010 – Twelve racers from eight states, Canada, and Barbados descended upon the Charlotte area this week to display their racing talents, but Richard Petty only needed to look a few miles away to find his guy.

Ryan Wilson, an eighteen year-old late model racer from Randleman, NC, was named “Top Driver” of Richard Petty’s Driver Search II, following four days of intense competition at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Speedway, and Carolina Motorsports Park.

Wilson’s performance earned him the opportunity to race the No. 41 Richard Petty’s Driver Search Dodge in the upcoming “American 200” ARCA Racing Series event at historic Rockingham Speedway on October 9th, 2010. His car, crew, and equipment will be provided by Petty Holdings LLC.

“I can’t believe this,” said Wilson. “For a kid who grew up just down the road from Level Cross, it’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to race one of Richard Petty’s cars.”

“Now that’s a pretty neat deal,” said Petty. “My guys said Ryan was a very smooth, very good all-around driver, but it’s the computers that mostly determine who wins this thing. I’m really glad for him and his family.”

“This was an incredibly close Driver’s Search and we couldn’t be more proud of this group of racers,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President and COO of Richard Petty Driving Experience, which created and operates the program. “We’re really looking forward to getting Ryan ready for Rockingham.”

Richard Petty’s Driver Search III will take place Dec. 6-9, 2010. For complete information and driver applications, visit www.pettydriversearch.com.

There can be only one - Richard Petty's Driver Search II comes to Kershaw
www.lcni5.com By Gregory A. Summers - September 16, 2010

Happy Lee Ferree was wearing two smiles at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw on Wednesday. One, painted on his helmet, is a testament to the name given him by his parents, Patty, and the late Dennis Ferree. “They named me that because they never thought they could have a child,” the Grass Valley, Calif., native said. The second smile, worn inside his helmet, is a testament to why the 24-year-old Snap-On Tools Pro Truck Series driver was in Kershaw this week to start with.

Ferree is one of 12 drivers from eight states, Canada and Barbados competing in the prestigious Richard Petty’s Driver Search II. And if Ferree finishes the four-day, intense racing boot camp on wheels at the top of the class, he wins the chance to pilot a Petty-sponsored ride in the ARCA racing series American 200 at Rockingham Speedway on Oct. 9. “It’s really an awesome tool,” said Ferree, who was one of the drivers chosen from 150 applicants after a thorough screening. Ferree then forked out $15,000 and a $5,000 deposit for one of the 12 seats. He considers it an investment in his future. “Of course, I want to win. We all do. But there is a lot of talent out here,” Ferree said. “Even if I don’t, you can’t measure what laps mean in a car this heavy with tires this big. This experience is something that will make me a much better driver.”

The drivers search competition started Monday and includes stops at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Speedway in North Carolina and the 2.3-mile road course at Carolina Motorsports Park. “I grew up on a mountain road, so I know left from right, but there’s a lot more to this place than that,” Ferree said, laughing.

This week, the driving dozen has put in their paces in high performance karts, USAC midgets, Nationwide-style stock cars and honest-to-goodness 850-horsepower COT Sprint Cup cars under the watchful eyes of NASCAR drivers Marcos Ambrose, Ken Schrader and the driver search instruction staff.

The total package - They’ve been learning about car control, endurance, track management, passing, speed, mechanics, communication and marketability. Each driver is evaluated using state-of-the-art computerized timing, scoring and video and data acquisition technology. Schrader said a couple of the drivers are already showing an upside. But as the Fenton, Mo., native knows well, running a road course is no cup of tea. “The learning curve is huge,” said Schrader, who has been racing in NASCAR’s top series since 1984. “The first time I went to a road course, it was ugly,” Schrader said. “I felt like the people in the grandstands weren’t safe. Trust me, there’s a big, big difference.”

The 12 drivers spent most of the morning in the passenger side of a two-seater race car with an instructor to learn the layout. After that, they navigated the course in equally-prepared Dodge Vipers. They didn’t get behind the wheel of a 3,400-pound Sprint Cup car on their own until Wednesday afternoon.

Bill Lobdell, a 26-year-old upstart from upstate New York, likes how the week has been progressing. “I’m having fun and it’s a great thing to be a part of,” said Lobdell, a pro stock dirt tracker who considers Lebanon Valley Speedway as his home track. “I’ve been amazed by how much I’ve learned and how much I didn’t know about my own abilities.” But the fun changed when Lobdell hit the road course for the first time by himself on Wednesday afternoon. He took a turn too fast and wound up in a ditch. “You can forget about how it handles and how it feels. The first thing you gotta learn is where to point the car, when to brake, when not to brake, when to get on the gas and when not to get on it. That’s why Marcos is doing most of the talking today. I’ll do it tomorrow when we get back to the COTs in Charlotte,” Schrader said. “Loose is fast, but too loose always means the fence,” said Ambrose, who is regarded as one of NASCAR’s top road racers and one of Australia's top exports.

Ambrose now drives for JTG Motorsports, but recently signed a deal to drive for Richard Petty Motorsports in 2011. Ambrose, who donned a radio headset to talk with each driver during their last two runs, said driving style means little when the final evaluation of each driver is complete. “The first run means nothing,” he said. “It’s the second run that matters. All the guys are applying themselves well. And at the end of the day, they need to go fast. But progressive learning and a great attitude count just as much as speed. It’s about being the total package.”

Mike Bartelli, chief marketing officer for Richard Petty Holdings, said he hopes one of the 12 drivers is another Dillon Molt in the making. After winning the inaugural Richard Petty’s Driver Search earlier this year, Molt, 19, finished 20th in his ARCA racing debut at Pocono Raceway on July 31. Molt, a late model driver from Waterford, Conn., consistently ran in the top 16 until he was penalized a lap for speeding on pit road. “Keep in mind this is a kid, who before that day, had never made a green flag pit stop in his life,” Bartelli said. “He fought his way from the back to finish in the top 20. We were pleased with Dillon’s performance and we saw what we hoped we would see. “That’s exactly what want from everyone in the driver search,” Bartelli said. “Only one can win, but when all of these guys get home to their Midgets and Legends (cars), they will have a leg up. They’re going back home better drivers than when they got here.”

Dodge joins Richard Petty’s Driver Search II

(Concord, NC.) – September 13, 2010 – Petty Holdings, LLC and Dodge have teamed up for Richard Petty’s Driver Search II, a unique training camp and competition for aspiring race car drivers looking for an opportunity to advance their careers. Dodge will provide Dodge Viper SRT10® and Dodge Viper ACR-X models for the road course module of the event, which takes place starting today and runs through September 16.

Named for the NASCAR Hall of Famer and winningest driver in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history, Richard Petty’s Driver Search II is limited to 12 participants and focuses on the core skill sets necessary for success at the highest levels in motorsports. Competitors will demonstrate their abilities and learn from industry experts in the areas of car control, endurance, track management, adaptability, race practices, passing exercises, car knowledge and feel, mechanical knowledge, speed, communication and marketability. This includes training in: High Performance Karts, USAC midgets, Nationwide-style stock cars and real 850hp Sprint Cup cars at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Speedway in North Carolina, and the road course at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina.

The Viper SRT10 boasts an 8.4-liter (510 cu. in.), V-10 engine that produces 600 (450 kW) horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. (760 N•m) of torque. Benchmark performance numbers include: 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph. The Viper ACR-X utilizes the 600 horsepower ACR package as a starting point and, with the aid of headers and a low-restriction exhaust system, pushes it to a pavement-pounding 640 horsepower. The Viper ACR-X also competes in the newly formed Dodge Viper Cup spec-racing series.

On The Right Track - Local Driver To Attend Racing Camp
www.wxow.com By G. Erickson - August 25, 2010

SPARTA, Wisconsin (WXOW) -- A local may have what it takes to be the next big NASCAR driver.

A high-schooler from Sparta is one of twelve participants chosen in Richard Petty's World-wide Driver Search. "The rush, just being a couple inches away from people, is really cool," Davey Pennel says.

Davey has been racing since he was eleven. But that wasn't very long ago, considering he's only sixteen. "It might be hard for some people. It's just normal for me," Davey says.

What the youngster lacks in experience, he makes up for in heart. Davey won his first feature race he was ever in and holds three time records at the Wisconsin Dells race track. "We're leading points as of right now, so it's a pretty good year for us," he says.

Number 29's legacy will reach outside Wisconsin's borders come September. He was accepted into Richard Petty's driver search for the next top driver, and he's the youngest driver there. "It's a pretty cool opportunity to be one out of the twelve from every one in the world," he says.

As Davey pursues his dreams of becoming a NASCAR driver, crew, friends and family have caught Davey-fever and are doing anything to help. "You can't buy that kind of talent. Once I realized that he had it, it makes it a no-brainer. If we have to sell the business and sell the house to go do this, we're going to do that. If we have to second-mortgage, we're going to do it, because he can do it," Davey's mother Sonya Pennel says. "They realize how big of an opportunity it is for me," Davey says.

If Davey has what it takes and becomes the top driver for Richard Petty, NASCAR dreams could soon become reality. "It's hard to say if that could happen or not. We'll see what this Richard Petty deal brings, but that'd be really cool to be that far that soon," Davey says.

The program takes place in the Carolinas at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Speedway and Carolina Motorsports Park. The driver search staff will analyze Davey over a four day period in the areas of car control, knowledge, race practices and even off-track criteria like marketability.

The "top driver" will get the chance to race at Rockingham Speedway in the "American 200."

Local pursues dream to drive in NASCAR
neighbornewspapers.com By Maurice Dixon - Sepetember 1, 2010

In less than two weeks, Garrett Smithley of Peachtree City will head north to the Carolinas to participate in the second edition of Richard Petty’s Driver Search.

Along with 11 other racers, Smithley, who recently concluded his rookie season in the Legends series at Thursday Thunder, was invited to the four-day (Sept. 13 through 16) event which will be held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Speedway and Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina.

The 18-year-old driver was more than excited about this opportunity and realizes what is at stake.

“[Being selected was] unbelievable,” said Smithley, who has been racing for the past three years. “It’s a one in a million shot to get an opportunity like this. It’s my chance to further my career and reach my goal which is to eventually be a NASCAR driver.”

Until then, Smithley’s main focus is to mentally prepare himself and get some laps in at Anderson Speedway before Sept. 13. Once there, Smithley plans to get as much experience as possible driving the different types of cars, learn from Ken Schrader, Marcos Ambrose and others, establish new contacts and hopefully earn the chance to race in the “American 200” ARCA Racing Series event on Oct. 9 at Rockingham Speedway.

Smithley will sit in the driver’s seat of four vehicles: High Performance Karts, USAC Midgets, Nationwide-style stock cars and real 850hp Sprint Cup cars. He will also receive lessons in car control, endurance, track management, adaptability, race practices, passing exercises, car knowledge and feel, mechanical knowledge, speed, communication and marketability.

After racing in the Bandolero series at Thursday Thunder for two years, Smithley joined the Legends series in 2010.

“It was a fun experience,” Smithley said about this past season. “There were ups and downs. Ultimately, we finished fifth in the standings and we were happy with that for my rookie season.”

If all that is taking place is the beginning of something special for Smithley, he will have that much more in common with his favorite drivers: David Ragan and Joey Logano.

“They started where I am in the Legends car series and they’ve worked their way up just like I‘m trying to do,” Smithley said. “They are classy guys on and off the track. I just really look up to them.”

Lineup Set for Richard Petty’s Driver Search II - “Top Driver” earns entry in ARCA Racing Series event at Rockingham Speedway
Petty Holdings has officially announced the lineup for the second edition of Richard Petty’s Driver Search, its unique training camp and competition for aspiring race car drivers scheduled for September 13-16, 2010.

The program, which is limited to 12 participants, focuses on the core skill set necessary for success at the highest levels in motorsports, with the “Top Driver” among the group being awarded the chance to compete in the “American 200” ARCA Racing Series event on October 9th at historic Rockingham Speedway.

Richard Petty’s Driver Search II will include a diverse group of racers from eight different states, as well as Canada and Barbados. They are:

Tyler Allen, 22 - Bellevue, WA
Happy Ferree, 24 - Grass Valley, CA
Orry Hunte, 18 - St. George, Barbados
Tom Hynes, 36 - Hay River, Canada
Ed Kass, 40 - Levittown, PA
David Levine, 17 - Highland Park, IL
Bill Lobdell, 26 - Averill Park, NY
Davey Pennel, 16 - Sparta, WI
Garrett Smithley, 18 - Peachtree City, GA
Kodi Sunley, 21 - Harrisburg, NC
Ken Webster, 48 - Red Deer, Canada
Ryan Wilson, 18 - Randleman, NC

The program will take place at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Speedway in North Carolina, and the road course at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina. Over the course of four days, participants will demonstrate their abilities in High Performance Karts, USAC midgets, Nationwide-style stock cars and real 850hp Sprint Cup cars, while learning from renowned racers Ken Schrader, Marcos Ambrose and the Driver Search instruction staff in the areas of car control, endurance, track management, adaptability, race practices, passing exercises, car knowledge and feel, mechanical knowledge, speed, communication and marketability.

State-of-the-art computerized timing, scoring and video and data acquisition technologies will be used throughout the program to determine the “Top Driver.”

“It seems we’ve really tapped into something with this Driver Search concept” said Mike Bartelli, Chief Marketing Officer of Petty Holdings and Richard Petty Driving Experience. “The inaugural program in April established its credibility with aspiring racers who are willing to invest in improving their skills and, perhaps, furthering their careers.”

Dillon Moltz, a 19-year old Late Model racer from Waterford, Connecticut was named “Top Driver” of that inaugural Richard Petty’s Driver Search. He was awarded the chance to pilot the #41 Richard Petty’s Driver Search Dodge in the ARCA Racing Series “Weis Market 125” at Pocono Raceway, finishing 20th. Complete information can be found at www.pettydriversearch.com.

Ken Schrader Named to Staff of Richard Petty’s Driver Search II - NASCAR veteran joins Marcos Ambrose at four-day competition

(Concord, NC.) – August 2, 2010 – One of the most respected and well-liked racers in the NASCAR garage has joined the team of instructors for Richard Petty’s Driver Search II.

Ken Schrader, a veteran of nearly 30 seasons in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, will bring his diverse racing experience to the one-of-a kind training camp and competition which will take place September 13th-16th, 2010 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Speedway in North Carolina, and the road course at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina.

Schrader’s accomplishments in NASCAR’s elite Cup series are considerable: 1985 “Rookie of the Year”, 4 wins, 64 top-5 finishes, and 184 top-10 finishes. However, it is his dedication to racing anything, anywhere, anytime that earned him a reputation as a true “racer’s racer”.

“I think this Driver Search program that ‘The King’ and his guys have come up with is really cool” said Schrader. “And I think I’ll really be able to relate to these racers. Heck, I’ve probably raced on some of their home tracks.”

“We’re glad to have Kenny on board,” said Petty. “These drivers are really gonna like him. More importantly, though, they’re really gonna learn from him.”

Schrader, who is among a small group of racers with wins in NASCAR’s top three divisions, will join road course expert Marcos Ambrose and the Driver Search instruction staff for the unique training camp and competition designed specifically for aspiring race car drivers looking for an opportunity to advance their careers. The “Top Driver” of Richard Petty’s Driver Search II will be awarded the chance to compete in the “American 200” ARCA Racing Series event on October 9th at historic Rockingham Speedway in an effort fully supported by Petty Holdings.

Dillon Moltz, the “Top Driver” of the inaugural Driver Search, finished 20th in the ARCA series “Weis Market 125” at Pocono Speedway this past Saturday in the #41 Richard Petty’s Driver Search Dodge. Complete information and driver applications can be found at www.pettydriversearch.com.

Dillon Moltz brings home Top-20 finish for Richard Petty’s Driver Search

(Long Pond, PA) – July 31, 2010 – Dillon Moltz, “Top Driver” of the inaugural Richard Petty’s Driver Search, bounced back from a pit road speeding penalty and brought home a 20th place finish for the No. 41 Richard Petty’s Driver Search Dodge team in the Weis Markets 125 ARCA Racing Series event at Pocono Raceway.

“What an unbelievable opportunity it was this weekend working with the Driver’s Search team”, said Moltz, making his first ever appearance at the 2.5 mile track known as “The Tricky Triangle”. “Overall, we completed our goals and I couldn’t be more happy about the overall experience and success of weekend”.

The No.41 Richard Petty’s Driver Search Dodge team, led by Crew Chief Brad Noffsinger, unloaded for Friday’s lone practice session with a very tight race car. After using valuable driver feedback to make proper adjustments during the hour and a half practice session, the team shaved almost two seconds off their lap times ending up 20th fastest in the field of 39 cars. “It was great to work with Dillon in practice to see what kind of feedback he would provide. It really helped us adjust the setup and give him a car more suited to his liking and it showed on the lap charts”, said Noffsinger.

Later that afternoon during qualifying, Moltz turned a lap of 55.82 seconds, good enough for 16th position on the starting grid. “Considering we didn’t make a qualifying run in practice due to time constraints, I was really happy with the effort put forth by Dillon and this team. The kid is a class act and has a serious future in this sport”, added Noffsinger.

Saturday was race day and from the beginning there was never a dull moment during the event for the 19-year old from Waterford, CT. As ARCA veteran and pole sitter, Frank Kimmel, led the field to the green flag on lap one, the first caution was only a few cars back as Donny Lia missed a shift and lost control of his car just five rows in front of the No. 41. Cars scattered, smoke filled the frontstretch, and Moltz calmly maneuvered around the accident and avoided any contact with Lia’s Toyota. “I thought our spotter, Marc Dailey, was a pivotal factor in Dillon’s development not only by keeping him calm during the incident, but also developing a trust with him throughout the entire weekend and overall program”, said Noffsinger.

As the race settled down, the No. 41 team found themselves consistently running around the 16th position for the first 20 laps. Team officials decided to make their only pit stop of the race earlier than most of the field to gain track position in case a caution came out. At lap 25, Moltz came down pit road for a green flag pit stop, made a wedge adjustment, and received four fresh Hoosier tires and enough Sunoco fuel to get him to the finish. However, ARCA officials slapped him with a “pass thru” penalty for speeding on the exit to pit road forcing the car back to the pits and putting the No. 41 a lap down to the leaders, running in the 21st position. “He was so smooth coming down pit road off the racing surface which we thought would be the tough part for him and that was great to see. However, this being his first race and first major pit stop with a professional crew…I think he just got out a little excited coming out of the box. It happens to the best of us”, said Noffsinger.

Two different caution flags flew shortly after the penalty was carried out and the No. 41 car was ineligible both times for the “lucky dog” free pass, given to the first car one lap down. After that, Moltz was able to make a long green flag run, improve his lap times, and work his way up to finish in the 20th position, the first car one lap down. “Our original goal was to come here, run competitive, and finish in the top-20 and we accomplished all of those goals”, said Team Manager, Rick Fedrizzi. “However, in racing, sometimes the final results on the track don’t always show the performance of the team and this was definitely a top 10 car. There is no doubt in my mind”, added Fedrizzi.

Upon exiting the car on pit road, the first person to greet Moltz and congratulate him on his run was “The King,” Richard Petty himself. “I was pretty hard on myself after the race for the pit road incident, but then as I pulled onto pit road, The King was there to give me feedback on my performance and ways to handle myself in that situation. That never would have happened had I not been a part of this great Driver Search program.” Other ARCA veterans such as Kimmel and Bobby Gerhart also stopped by to compliment Moltz on his racing ability and maturity. “For being only 19 years old, he showed the maturity of a seasoned veteran. Those guys don’t give out compliments to just anyone”, said Fedrizzi.

The second edition of the one-of-a kind training camp and competition, Richard Petty’s Driver Search II, will take place September 13th-16th, 2010 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Speedway in North Carolina, and the road course at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina. Grassroots legend Ken Schrader and road course expert Marcos Ambrose, will be among the racing celebrities to join the Driver Search instruction staff, with the “Top Driver” earning the chance to compete in the “American 200” ARCA Racing Series event on October 9th at historic Rockingham Speedway in an effort fully supported by Petty Holdings. “After seeing the success of the first edition, it only shows the potential of this program as it grows and gives young drivers the opportunity to showcase their talents and learn from the best in business”, said Fedrizzi.

Moltz still unwinding after 'wild weekend' in Pennsylvania
www.theday.com By Owen Poole - August 5, 2010

19-year-old Waterford driver finished 20th in ARCA debut

It was Monday afternoon and Dillon Moltz was still trying to decompress from one of the more hectic weekends of his 19-year-old life. "It was definitely a wild weekend," the Waterford resident said.

Moltz had just returned from Pennsylvania, where he made his ARCA Racing Series debut in the Weis Markets 125 at Pocono Raceway on Saturday. Moltz earned the chance to race after winning the inaugural Richard Petty Driver Search earlier this year. He qualified and started 16th before finishing 20th out of a field of 40 in the event.

There are many differences between the Late Model that Moltz drives at Stafford Motor Speedway and the ARCA car he raced in Pocono. "First of all, the car's a lot heavier," Moltz said. "There's a significant weight difference. The center of gravity in the ARCA car is higher, so it feels like you're rolling over more, plus it's double the horsepower. … And the track is probably one of the toughest tracks the (Sprint) Cup series goes to. There are three different corners, so you can't compromise there. You can't rush the car. There's a lot to get used to."

Even with a finish in the middle of the pack, Moltz had nothing but good things to say about the experience. "All in all, we'll take 20th," said Moltz, who was in first place in the Late Model points standings at Stafford before missing this weekend's racing and falling to third. "I learned a lot throughout the whole weekend. I can't pinpoint just one thing, but I was able to absorb so much. It was pretty gratifying when I got out of the car and the first one to come congratulate me was Richard Petty. When you come off the track fourth-fastest, that's the stuff you remember."

Moltz said his team had planned on taking an early pit, which they were able to do, but he was penalized for speeding on pit road. "Everyone has gotten caught speeding on pit road at some point," Moltz explained. "It's probably a lack of experience on my part, but I'm not making any excuses. It was my fault. I'm the one driving the car."

After pitting and making some adjustments, Moltz's car was fourth-fastest and running up front with the leaders for a while before crashing into the wall around Lap 40. "We were hooked up for a while," Moltz said. "But both those deals (speeding and the crash) were just racing deals. After the crash, I didn't try to drive the car like it was before and beat the crap out of it. I took it easy and finished in one piece."

It's that kind of maturity that helped Moltz win the Richard Petty Driver Search in the first place, and something he hopes will continue to open doors for him. His plans right now include trying to get back into the points lead at Stafford.

"Our consistency and the way we were running was close to a championship team," Moltz said of Stafford. "Now we're behind the 8-ball a little, but what are you going to do? There was a bigger and better opportunity. Hopefully, something comes out of it."

Orry Hunte set to take on the world in September
www.barbadosadvocate.com By Corey Greaves - August 1, 2010

SOME people can only dream about it, or even watch it on television, but come September Barbados’ Orry Hunte will be taking one giant leap in fulfilling his ambitions to become a professional driver. Hunte, who has been go-karting for over 10 years, has been accepted to take part in the Richard Petty’s Driver Search in the USA.

Known to many in America as “The King”, Petty is the most decorated driver in the history of NASCAR racing and he now oversees the op-eration of the Richard Petty Motorsports NASCAR Sprint Cup teams and helps steer Richard Petty Driving Experience, the world’s largest provider of stock car ride and drive entertainment.

Hunte’s trip could not be possible without the help provided by Williams Industries and will encompass four days of the intense challenge which is designed to test the abilities of a driver. Of the many applications that were sent for the Driver Search, only 12 were chosen and Hunte, who is a multiple go-karting champion, was one of them.

Sitting beside his father, Don Hunte, at the Bushy Park Racing Circuit, Orry explained that the Driver Search will encompass the full range of skills needed for today’s successful driver. Some of the skill set that will be tested include Car Control, Endurance, Track Management, Adaptability, Race Practices, Passing Exercises, Car Knowledge and Feel, Mechanical Knowledge and Speed. However, in addition to on-the-track skills, the off-the-track aspect also comes into play with Communication and Marketability among the skills being tested and scored. But before they take to the track, he mentioned they will first have to go into a simulator to ensure they are ready for the high speed and raw power which is put out by the impressive V8 engines which produce over 800 bhp on the Oval circuit.

The challenge will take him to three circuits which are Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Speedway and Carolina Motorsports Park, with the top driver getting the opportunity to qualify for the ARCA Racing Series event at Rockingham Speedway in October. But why the choice of NASCAR, Hunte, who has done his research, told the Barbados Advocate that the opportunity to drive a lot longer is with NASCAR as the life span of a F1 driver is about five years while the World Rally Car driver is about 10 years.

Always eager to help his son on the road to achieving his dream, Don Hunte said that when Orry first approached him with the idea he was happy to respond, “Let’s do it.”

“I feel he has the right attitude,” said his father about his son’s chances in the challenge.

Though he starts at a disadvantage to the other drivers with there being no oval track in Barbados for him to hone his skills on, Orry is still optimistic as he prepares to go under a strict training regime in the buildup for the test.

He also mentioned that he will continue to go-kart as that is where many of the top international drivers graduated from as well as keep their skills sharp in the off-season, as he gets ready for anything they may throw at him during the challenge in September.

Dillon Moltz in No. 41 Richard Petty’s Driver Search Dodge - Weis Markets 125 - July 31st, 2010 - Pocono Raceway

Primary Team Members

Driver: Dillon Moltz Hometown: Waterford, Connecticut

Crew Chief: Brad Noffsinger Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA

Car Chief: James Cowan Hometown: Concord, NC

About Richard Petty’s Driver Search

Named for the NASCAR Hall of Famer and winningest driver in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history, this unique training camp and competition is for aspiring race car drivers looking for an opportunity to advance their careers. The program, which is limited to 12 participants, focuses on the core skill sets necessary for success at the highest levels in motorsports.

The inaugural Driver’s Search, which took place in April, saw drivers from 11 different states and one from Australia demonstrate their abilities in High Performance Karts, USAC midgets, Nationwide-style stock cars, and real 850 hp-Sprint Cup stock cars. Along with the Driver’s Search instructional staff, drivers also received valuable feedback from industry experts such as Marcos Ambrose and Kyle Petty. The “Top Driver” was determined, primarily, by the use of state-of-the-art computerized data acquisition technologies in the areas of: car control, endurance, track management, adaptability, race practices, passing exercises, car knowledge/feel, mechanical knowledge, speed, communication, and marketability.

Richard Petty’s Driver Search II is scheduled for September 13-16, 2010. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.pettydriversearch.com.

About Dillon Moltz

Dillon Moltz, 19 years old of Waterford, CT, was named “Top Driver” of the inaugural Richard Petty’s Driver Search in April. He started his career in 2001 in a Quarter Midget at Little-T Speedway in Thompson, CT where we captured his first championship in 2003 in the Senior Honda Division. In 2005 during his rookie season in the Allison Legacy Series, he took the North Championship. A year later, Moltz opted to join the Pro-All Star Series where he finished 5th in a 500 hp, 2,600 lb Outlaw Late Model.

Still craving a challenge and more powerful race cars, Dillon was forced to patiently wait until his 16th birthday before he was allowed to join the Late Model Division at Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, CT. Within his first year at the track, he took home two feature wins, making him the youngest driver in Stafford’s history to visit victory lane under the NASCAR over 16-year old rules. Moltz returned to the famous speedway in 2008 for his first full season and took home five wins while finishing second in points. In 2009, he broke another track record by becoming the first driver to win three 100-lap events in a row and finished the season with five wins and third in points. He currently is the driver/owner of the No. 94 AAA Driver Training Chevrolet.

Dillon Moltz Quotes

“Richard Petty’s Driver Search has opened a whole new path to my racing career, which has presented me with opportunities of a lifetime.” “Not even in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would have the opportunity to race at Pocono in an ARCA car with such a prestigious team.”

Follow us

For additional information, along with photos and videos, join us on the Richard Petty’s Driver Search Facebook page.

Late Model Points Leader Dillon Moltz To Skip Stafford Event To Compete In ARCA Race At Pocono Raceway
www.courant.com By Shawn Courchesne - July 30, 2010

After two consecutive weeks of weather affected racing cards, officials at Stafford Motor Speedway are hoping they can dodge the rain drops Friday and get in a full show for the first time since July 9.

But it will be Stafford Speedway Late Model division points leader Dillon Moltz hoping somehow his division's 30-lap feature gets cancelled.

The bright lights and attention of a nationally televised racing event are calling for Moltz this weekend, but because of that, he will miss Friday's event at Stafford.

It could end up costing him his first Stafford Motor Speedway championship.

Moltz, of Waterford, will attempt to make his ARCA Racing Series debut in Saturday's Weis Markets 125 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa.

He will spend Friday at Pocono Raceway taking part in practice and qualifying for the ARCA event. Moltz, 19, earned the opportunity to compete in the ARCA race by winning the inaugural Richard Petty's Driver Search competition in April. The race will be televised live on SPEED at 3 p.m. Saturday.

The original plan for Moltz was to travel back to Stafford after ARCA qualifying to compete in the Late Model event at Stafford, but he said officials from the driver search program asked him not to do that.

"At first I was a little disgusted," Moltz said. "It kind of turned my stomach a little bit. But all I can look at is the bigger picture of what this could mean for my future. It's difficult in a way, but it's a pretty easy. My hope is that this will lead to bigger and better things. They've put a lot into this whole deal. They want me to be fresh for Saturday and I respect that. I asked them about it and they gave me an answer and that was pretty much it. I understand their point of view."

Moltz currently holds a 16-point lead over Ryan Posocco in the Late Model standings. Posocco, of Stafford, has won four of the last seven championships in the division. Woody Pitkat of Stafford, the 2006 champion in the division, is third in the standings, 34 points out of the lead. In the Late Model division the race winner earns 50 points with each successive position earning two points fewer.

At 16 years old, Moltz became the then youngest driver ever to win at Stafford when he was victorious in a Late Model feature at the track on Sept. 7, 2007. In his first full season at the track in 2008 he finished second in the points with five victories. He has two victories and 11 top-5's in 12 starts this year.

Barring disasters for Posocco and Pitkat or cancellation of the show, Moltz will almost assuredly lose his points lead Friday.

"There really is nothing I can do," Moltz said. "It is what it is. Hopefully I'll take the least hit possible and go from there. Who knows what will happen. We'll just see how it goes. I've been trying not to think about it at all and just focus on what I'm doing this weekend. I'm not going to say it completely knocks me out, but it definitely makes it 10-times harder. Those guys are so consistent and that's what we've been doing this year, finally. Everything has been falling our way. I've finished outside of the top-5 once this year and haven't finished outside the top-10 at all. It just feels like this year things finally fell our way, but this is what it is."

In preparation for his ARCA debut, Moltz tested an ARCA car at Disney World Speedway in Orlando and a Sprint Cup Series car at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"No nerves here, I'm excited," Moltz said. "Just really excited. I can't wait to get out there. When guys like that have all the confidence that they do in me it just makes it that much better. They have the confidence that we're going to have a really good shot at winning that race. That just makes me excited."

Revving to go: Bellevue's Tyler Allen hopes for big break in racing career
www.pnwlocalnews.com By Joel Willits - July 22, 2010

Tyler Allen sat in the heat, robe on and hat affixed upon his head, taking in all that was his college graduation. The sun was shining on Husky Stadium at the University of Washington that Saturday. Allen, about to officially receive his mechanical engineering degree, allowed himself a moment to let it all soak in. Four years of hard work, four years of late nights, four years of taking on all that he could. All accomplished on this warm Saturday afternoon. Finally, the ceremony hit its conclusion. As per tradition, Allen and the new graduates tossed their hats high into the sky.

Then he was gone, on a dead sprint to the family car. It was race day at the South Sound Speedway in Rochester, Wash., and the 22-year-old Interlake graduate wasn't about to miss it - even if it was commencement. "As soon as those caps were in the air," Allen said, "I was gone."

Relying on a fellow racer to qualify his limited late model stock car, Allen made it to the speedway with just minutes to spare. After changing into his racing uniform on the drive down, he sprinted to the car, ready to race. As he ran towards his green and black #35 R & C Roofing Chevy Monte Carlo, he heard the public address announcer notify the crowd that "Tyler Allen is in his car and will make the race."

"I kind of felt like a big-time race car driver for a moment," Allen said. Thanks to years of hard work, Allen now has a shot to feel like a big-time driver for more than just a few fleeting moments. With a passion that started in his childhood only to be awakened in college, the 22-year-old has put himself in a position to make a big name on a big stage.

An Old Flame Rekindled - Allen's love for racing started early. His grandfather would race "anything that could race" and owned the car of a local driver. His father, Terry, raced Minicups, half-size stock cars with a small 13-horsepower engine that would reach speeds of 60-80 miles per hour.

Soon after, Terry Allen's job would change - and racing would go back to a spectator sport. "We sold the car and things got away from racing," Terry Allen said. "Although we always loved racing -we'd watch it every weekend - he really got into baseball."

Tyler Allen turned his focus to the diamond, becoming a talented pitcher, to the point where Terry figured his son would play the sport in college. Instead, he opted to go to the University of Washington after graduating from Interlake in 2006. An interest in physics during high school spurned his decision to pursue a degree in engineering - likely aeronautical engineering.

Then, near the end of his freshman year, Allen joined on with the UW's Formula SAE team, a student design competition organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers. He quickly decided mechanical engineering was the degree in his future. And a degree wasn't the only thing he was going to pursue. The old flame was back. Not long after, he went back to his dad with a simple phrase: I want to go racing.

Paying His Dues - "I didn't think it was too good of an idea for him to do in college," Terry Allen admits, remembering his first thoughts after Tyler declared his intentions. "But we said OK, but only if he went and worked on a team for a year and it didn't affect his grades - then we'd think about it."

Terry set Tyler up with Ron Wolf, a driver he knew from his old days on the track and a driver he knew would work his son hard. Tyler spent the next year learning the in's and out's of racing - from how to pack wheel bearings ("I got all the dirty jobs, all the hard jobs," Tyler said) to how to work as part of a pit crew to how to spot during a race - Allen learned everything there was to know.

"What I didn't realize at the time and what I didn't realize until we got going is that Ronnie really took me step-by-step through the car," Tyler said. "He really worked me through the car without me knowing it." Home work was done on ferry rides. Late nights became even later as duties picked up with the crew - and the UW Formula SAE team demanded plenty of time too. Yet a year later, Tyler Allen held up his end of the bargain. At 19-years-old, the Bellevue kid was about to become a race car driver.

Wolf helped the Allen's find the car, a 2007 Chevy Monte Carlo, at the Cope Brothers Automotive Machine Shop in Tacoma. Then it was time to hit the track. Tyler calls the first time behind the wheel "one of the coolest experiences of my life."

"It's so big and powerful and loud and overwhelming that you don't know what to think," he said. "It's so intimidating. I don't think people realize that watching it. It's a whole different animal when you step inside that car."

Earning Respect - Tyler Allen got his first big crash out of the way in the second practice. "Shocking," he said, recalling the crash. "I'd always imagined it to be this big kind of slow motion thing. The car got loose, I corrected and smash! It was over that quick."

That was the only practice crash he would have. He immediately jumped into the races at the South Sound Speedway, competing in the limited late models class against 19 other drivers.

"My biggest goal that first year was to gain respect," he said. "If you don't show it, you're not going to get it. It's absolutely a growing pain." Midway through that first season, he'd stopped being lapped by the race leaders. He even had his first confrontation after a race ("It was scary. It taught me a valuable lesson."). He was feeling more and more comfortable, learning to read and trust the car. By his second season, he was competing in the top-10 and earned a pair of second place finishes.

This year he's running in the top-five and currently sits in fourth place with 474 points. He finished third in his latest race on July 18 and is still hoping to chase down the class's leaders. But a funny thing happened along the way this season. A chance clip on TV led to the opportunity of a lifetime, an opportunity that Allen is preparing for as his own personal big break.

A Shot at the Big Time - While watching racing together, the Allen's spotted an advertisement for Richard Petty's Driver Search, a four-day program in Charlotte, N.C., hosted by the racing legend. The contest would judge drivers in a variety of different ways - endurance, car control, race practices and many other factors - with the winner given the opportunity to qualify for an ARCA Racing Series event at Rockingham Speedway in October.

Allen put in for the first Driver Search, but the program was already full. When Petty announced plans for a Driver Search II, Allen was given an interview and was later accepted for the four-day contest beginning on Sept. 13. Naturally, he found out he was accepted during finals week. "I'm going in to this as it is my shot," Allen said. "It would mean the world to me if I could come away from this saying I won."

Guest instructors include former NASCAR Busch Series driver Randy Lajoie, NASCAR Sprint Cup series driver Marcus Ambrose and retired driver Kyle Petty, the son of Richard. Allen, who hopes to one day race in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, says he hopes to make connections for a possible career - as well as win the competition.

He's now preparing by getting seat time in as many different cars - and go-karts - as possible in preparation for the event, one he knows can greatly alter his future plans. "I'm just going to give it my all and hopefully walk away a winner," he said. "It's a chance of a lifetime and I'm going to go after it."

Petty Holdings Announces Official Dates for Richard Petty’s Driver Search II - “Top Driver” to be awarded fully-funded entry in ARCA Racing Series event at Rockingham Speedway
(Concord, NC.) – July 6, 2010 – After a highly successful inaugural event, Petty Holdings announced that Richard Petty’s Driver Search II will take place September 13-16, 2010 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Speedway in North Carolina, and the road course at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina.

Named for the NASCAR Hall of Famer and winningest driver in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history, Richard Petty’s Driver Search is a unique training camp and competition for aspiring race car drivers looking for an opportunity to advance their careers. The program, which is limited to 12 participants, focuses on the core skill sets necessary for success at the highest levels in motorsports. Over the course of the four days, competitors will demonstrate their abilities and learn from industry experts in the areas of car control, endurance, track management, adaptability, race practices, passing exercises, car knowledge and feel, mechanical knowledge, speed, communication and marketability.

The inaugural Richard Petty’s Driver Search, which took place in April, saw racers from 11 states and one from Australia demonstrate their abilities in High Performance Karts, USAC midgets, Nationwide-style stock cars and real 850hp Sprint Cup cars. Dillon Moltz, an 18-year old Late Model racer from Waterford, Connecticut was named “Top Driver” and awarded a fully-funded and supported opportunity to race in the “The Weis Markets 125” ARCA Racing Series event next month at Pocono Raceway. “The first Driver’s Search was really cool,” said Richard Petty. “Those young fellas were really fired up to get the chance to learn from our instructors, drive our equipment and run on these tracks. Even though only one of them could be named “Top Driver”, I heard nothing but great things from the all of the guys and their families about the program.”

The “Top Driver” is determined, primarily, by the use of state-of-the-art computerized timing and scoring and video and data acquisition technologies, throughout the program. The “Top Driver” of Richard Petty’s Driver Search II will be awarded the chance to compete in the “American 200” ARCA Racing Series event on October 9th at historic Rockingham Speedway.

“I think the guys at Petty are really onto something with this Driver’s Search”, said NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Marcos Ambrose, who was a guest instructor in the inaugural program. “I don’t believe there’s anything else out there available to young racers quite like this.” Ambrose, who will return for the second edition, continued; “I was proud to be part of the first one and really look forward to working with our next group. These guys will all leave with the experience and knowledge to be better race car drivers. “

The cost to participate is $15,000. Complete information and driver applications can be found at www.pettydriversearch.com.

Bend’s Simpson finishes fifth in ‘Driver Search’
www.bendbulletin.com Staff Reporter - May 1, 2010

Bend’s Justin Simpson finished fifth in the inaugural Richard Petty’s Driver Search, staged Monday through Thursday at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

The driver search is a training camp and competition for 12 aspiring race car drivers, selected through an application process, who are looking for an opportunity to advance their careers.

Drivers competed in all aspects of racing, accumulating points in a variety of events.

“It was like being a professional race car driver for the week,” said Simpson, 22. “I learned more in that four days than I have in a long time, especially competing against and learning from some of the best drivers in the country.”

Dillon Moltz, 18, of Waterford, Conn., won “top driver,” earning the opportunity to qualify for an upcoming ARCA series event at Pocono (Pa.) Speedway, which will share the track with the elite NASCAR Sprint Cup series.

A dirt late-model driver, Simpson was racing on pavement for the first time during the driver search.

Simpson was planning to race today at Cottage Grove Speedway.

“Hopefully, I’ll be able to apply some of the stuff I learned and go win some races,” Simpson said.

Dillon Moltz wins “Top Driver” in Richard Petty’s Driver Search -Late Model Racer to compete in Pocono ARCA series event
(Concord, NC.) – April 30, 2010 – An eighteen year-old short track racer from Waterford, CT is one step closer to a career in big-time stock car racing.

Dillon Moltz was named the “Top Driver” in the inaugural Richard Petty’s Driver Search after four exhaustive days on-track at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Speedway and Carolina Motorsports Park. In a field that included ten other talented racers from all over the U.S and one from Australia, “Thrillin’ Dillon” established himself early in the training camp and competition and his consistently impressive performances across all of the exercises ultimately proved to be the difference.

“This is a dream come true”, said Moltz. “I came to this Driver Search because I saw it as an opportunity to work with some of the best in the racing business, as well as get some exposure down in the heart of NASCAR country. Of course I wanted to be the best, too, but now I’m waiting for someone to wake me up.”

Richard Petty’s Driver Search was comprised of eleven “modules”, with each designed to test a specific skill or set of skills, using well-defined criteria. Competitors drove High Performance Karts, USAC midgets and both NASCAR Nationwide and COT-style stock cars during the program. Driver results in nine of the modules were based on computerized scoring and timing data including Endurance, Car Control, Track Management, Reaction Time, Mechanical Feel, Adaptability, Race Practices, Passing Skills and Speed. Scoring in the Communication and Marketability modules was determined by industry experts, including renowned racers Marcos Ambrose, Randy LaJoie and Kyle Petty.

“Dillon is a very talented young race car driver,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President and Chief Operating Officer of Richard Petty Driving Experience, which managed and executed the program. “He impressed our instructors on every level.”

“He has real potential,” added LaJoie, a two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion. “Give this kid more seat time in a 3400lb stock car on big tracks and who knows where he can take it.”

Moltz’s performance earned him the opportunity to qualify for an upcoming ARCA series event at Pocono Superspeedway, which will share the track with the elite NASCAR Sprint Cup series. His car, equipment and crew will be provided by Petty Holdings, the organizers of Richard Petty’s Driver Search.

Richard Petty’s Driver Search is a training camp and competition for aspiring race car drivers looking for an opportunity to advance their careers. Dates for the next program will be announced soon. For complete information, visit www.pettydriversearch.com.

New York DIRTcar Racer Mike Mahaney Places Second in Richard Petty National Driver Search
www.whowon.com By Kelly Loughlin - April 30, 2010

KING FERRY, N.Y. -- The tagline of Richard Petty’s Driver Search asked, “Do You Have What it Takes?” DIRTcar Northeast Big-Block Modified racer Mike Mahaney from King Ferry, N.Y. proved that yes, he does. The 20 year-old second-generation standout was the runner-up in Petty’s intensive training camp and competition that took place April 26-29 outside Charlotte, N.C.

Named for the winningest driver in NASCAR Sprint Cup history, the inaugural Richard Petty’s Driver Search presented the opportunity to just 12 applicants ---ranging in ages 16-39 yrs, representing 11 states and Australia--- to advance their racing careers and learn from some of the best in the business.

Mahaney and the other contestants were scored in 11 modules at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Speedway and Carolina Motorsports Park to test their abilities in the core skill set necessary for success in the highest levels of motorsports: Speed, Car Control, Adaptability, Endurance/Consistency, Car Knowledge/Feel, Communication and Marketability/Professional Presentation. Dillon Moltz, 19, from Waterford, Conn., compiled the highest scores to earn the opportunity to qualify and compete at Pocono (PA) Raceway in a fully supported ARCA car.

Everyone received intensive training from top racing talents such as Marcos Ambrose, Randy LaJoie and Kyle Petty, plus plenty of words of wisdom from the “King” himself, Richard Petty.

“Nothing like this program currently exists,” said Kyle Petty, Richard’s son. With just five years behind the wheel, Mahaney was the only driver from New York State accepted into the program. This dirt track native quickly found his way on the asphalt as he competed with drivers from around the country with varying levels of experience, placing in the top-five consistently and winning some of the modules.

“My mind is still racing, I’ve never learned so many new things so quickly,” remarked Mahaney, who graduated from Alfred College last year with a degree in Motorsports Technology. “I came down here to learn as much as possible and truly determine whether I have what it takes to pursue a professional racing career. I would have loved to come away with the ARCA ride, but I know for sure that I will continue to chase my dream of driving professionally.”

Mahaney grew up on a race track, becoming crew chief for his father, Jim “The Workshoe” Mahaney, at age 10. He moved from the pits into the driver’s seat a few years later and has quickly achieved success in every racing class he has entered.

Career highlights locally include two track championships at Paradise Speedway in Slingshots and one in 600cc Micro Sprints, 2006 Northeast Tour champion in the Slingshot series, 2007 DIRTcar Sportsman Rookie of the Year at Cayuga County Fair Speedway, 2008 Rookie of the Year at Black Rock Speedway in the 358-Modified division, and 2009 DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Rookie of the Year at Brewerton Speedway.

In 2010, Mike will drive his Aloi Materials Handling no. 33 Mahaney Farms & Trucking/Bicknell DIRTcar Big-Block entry at Brewerton, Cayuga County and Fulton Speedway, along with select events on the premier Super DIRTcar Series. For additional information and race schedules, log into www.mikemahaneyracing.com and also visit www.pettydriversearch.com to learn more about Richard Petty’s Driver Search.

Teen race car driver from Lakeville picked for Richard Petty racing camp
www.wndu.com By Alana Greenfogel - April 27, 2010

15-year-old Grant Galloway is one of only 12 drivers from around the world handpicked by racing legend Richard Petty for a prestigious training camp and competition for aspiring drivers.

All great athletes have to start somewhere.

Grant Galloway from Lakeville hopes one day when he's a NASCAR star, he can look back and say he got his start racing cars in Plymouth when he was 9 years old. "I went to South Bend Motor Speedway every Friday night and I saw those guys out there and I was determined that I was going to be one of them guys one night," says Grant. "I saw that and I was like, I'm going to do that one day."

That day is today, as Grant Galloway, now 15, gets ready to race. His dad is right by his side, giving his son just the push he needs to pursue his dream. "It's nerve wracking at that point, it's like here we go. Let's see if it's going to all work out,” says Todd Galloway, Grant’s dad. “So, it's cool, though, to be the last person that sees him when you send him off." "We always have a prayer before he takes off. And we always tell each other that we love each other,” says Todd. “Cause you never know. And then, ah, good luck."

"Once you first step into the cars, it's a thriller,” says Grant. “You don't realize it right away, but once it hits you, you're going crazy fast."

Grant has grown up crazy fast, from winning his first race when he was only 9-years-old. "I've always had a need for speed,” says Grant.

Speaking of gaining speed, Grant's career may be about to take off. Grant is one of only 12 drivers from around the world handpicked by racing legend Richard Petty for a prestigious training camp and competition for aspiring drivers.

"This is probably the biggest deal of my life,” says Grant. “It's my first opportunity to go professional. It's with the best driver in NASCAR. He's the king of motor sports." Of all the drivers in Petty’s camp, the oldest is 39-years-old and the youngest one is Grant. He isn't old enough to drink, buy a lotto ticket, or in fact, even drive. But here, the rules of the road, and the rearing for the rush are different.

"Very proud,” says Todd. “If he doesn't make it, at least when he gets to be our age, he will have at least chased his dream."

"Don't give up,” says Grant. “Opportunities always come and that's the way you've got to keep pushing on, pushing on with things."

The training camp got underway Monday, and Grant will continue competing through Thursday night.

Short-track driver from Springfield MO gets shot at big time in Charlotte NC
www.ky3.com By Joe Hickman - April 25, 2010

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- "It's a huge opportunity," said Jeremy Payne, who's getting a chance about which every amateur race car driver dreams.

Next week the 24-year-old driver from Springfield will join 11 other short-track drivers from all over the country in the Richard Petty Drivers Search in Charlotte, N.C. Petty, the sport's "King Richard," will be among the group of judges grading the drivers as they compete in different kinds of cars at different kinds of tracks. The winner of the competition gets a chance to qualify for an ARCA race at Pocono in June.

"There's going to be a lot of people watching your every move," Payne said. "So I'm really excited but very nervous at the same time." Payne is an Arizona native who moved to Springfield four years ago to drive for Terry Phillips, the highly successful son of legendary Larry Phillips. Payne, too, has found success at area dirt tracks, but the Petty driving competition also requires the drivers to race on paved surfaces, including NASCAR's home track, Lowe's Motor Speedway. Payne says that will be his biggest challenge.

"It's two totally different worlds," he said. "In dirt track you have so much going on. You're really working the steering wheel, the gas, the brake. On asphalt, it's all in sequence. You're never doing all three at the same time. Besides that, it's also a totally different feel to the race car. (Unlike dirt tracks) you don't want to slide (on asphalt) or you'll end up crashing into the fence. So it's quite different."

The competition grades the racers on everything from driving skills and endurance to mechanical knowledge and professional appearance. So it's not just about crossing the finish line first. And Payne knows that even if he doesn't win the search competition, he's still making valuable contacts with NASCAR higher-ups that could definitely help him down the road.

"It's so tough to get into NASCAR's top ranks," Payne said. "So it will be a great experience either way."

Stafford Late Model Driver Dillon Moltz Chosen To Participate In Inaugural Richard Petty's Driver Search
www.courant.com By Shawn Courchesne - March 5, 2010

Stafford Motor Speedway Late Model driver Dillon Moltz will be looking to learn some lessons from all the king's men next month.

Moltz, of Waterford, has been selected to participate in the inaugural Richard Petty's Driver Search April 26-29.

The 4-day combine type program will bring 12 drivers together to compete for the chance to race in a Petty funded ARCA Racing Series car on June 5 at Pocono Raceway.

"This is the opportunity that I've been looking for," said Moltz, who graduated from Waterford High School last spring. "This is the break I needed for an average racer like myself that doesn't have the money to do it all with money. It's all I've ever wanted."

According to a release from the Richard Petty's Driver Search the program "will focus on the core skill set necessary for success at the highest levels in motorsports. Over the course of the program, which will take place at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord (N.C.) Speedway and Carolina Speedway in Kershaw, SC, competitors will demonstrate their abilities, and learn from experts, in the areas of car control, endurance, track management, adaptability, race practices, passing exercises, car knowledge and feel, mechanical knowledge, speed, communication and marketability.

"Guys ask me all the time how they can advance their racing careers, and the truth of it is, it's not easy," Petty said in a release from Driver Search officials. "So many times it comes down to who you know, not what you know how to do. This driver search is [going to] give a group of racers the chance to show what they can do while, at the same time, making them better at it."

At 16 years old, Moltz became the youngest winner in track history when he won in his 10th career Late Model start at Stafford on Sept. 7, 2007. He's won five races each of the last two seasons at the track, finishing second in the standings in 2008 and third in 2009.

Auto racing: Lakeville teen gets big break with spot in 'Driver's Search'
www.SouthBendTribune.com By Tom Noie

Seat belt fastened, mirrors adequately adjusted and hands in the proper 10 and 2 o'clock positions, Grant Galloway recently played the part of someone discovering life behind the wheel during drivers education class.

It was tough. There were times when the teenager wanted to let everyone know that he had learned to drive at age 9 after his father hauled home a tired pickup truck and let him learn to work a stick shift by barreling around a bean field behind the family home. He also wanted to share that he had already won more than 100 times on a variety of race circuits — Quarter Midgets, Kenyon Midgets and National Midgets, his current classification of car — and that he had been selected to attend this week's inaugural Richard Petty Driver's Search training program.

But Galloway kept quiet, and even bit his lip when his diving instructor verbally waved a red flag after the teen cruised through a 40 mph zone at 45. "Man, I'm like, 'Dude, this is like a caution lap,' " Galloway said. "I'm like, 'Come on, in my car you have to be going 60 before your motor will even start.' My idle speed is like the speed limit on the bypass. "Everybody makes fun of me, because I have to go to drivers ed. It's pretty crazy."

Galloway, who celebrated his 16th birthday Thursday, passed drivers education. Obtaining a license can wait, for there are more important matters on Galloway's mind — chasing a dream that first surfaced when he attended his first NASCAR race at Michigan International Speedway as a 5-year-old.

Galloway remembers little from that summer afternoon in the rolling hills of southern Michigan, but he does remember leaving the track with three thoughts — seeing a Stealth bomber soar over the grandstand before the race was cool; watching Jeff Gordon, a driver he follows more closely than any other to this day, was even cooler; and it would really be cool to one day be a professional race car driver.

Four years later, with plenty of love and support and help and elbow grease from his father, his mother and his two sisters, Galloway started a journey that he hopes one day leads him to secure a ride in his dream race — the Daytona 500. "Ever since he was 5 he kept telling us, 'I want to race. I want to race,' " said Galloway's mother, Deanna. "There isn't anything else he wants to do. We're not there yet, but we're trying."

A date with the King: The call came one night in March, when Galloway was "out on the town" with a group of friends. He had applied to participate in the Richard Petty Driver's Search, where a dozen drivers get four days this week, beginning Monday, to study all aspects of stock car racing for a fee of $15,000.

They'll learn what it's like to suddenly have a spotter chattering away in your ear during a race, ways to get a better feel for how the dynamics of a car changes from lap to lap and deal with media responsibilities. They'll even get an opportunity to drive a Sprint Cup car, an idea that causes Galloway's mother to wring her hands and worry like, well, a mother. At the end of the program, one driver will be selected to qualify for and compete in an ARCA race on June 5 in Pocono (Pa.) Raceway.

"We want the other 11 to take something away that will help them in their racing careers," said Rick Fedrizzi, president and chief operating officer for the Richard Petty Driving Experience. "We hope that there will be a few drivers who stand out and be ones where you say, 'Here's a guy you should keep your eye on.' "Grant's someone at that right age."

Having advanced through a month-long application process that cut a prospective field of 60 to 24, Galloway listened as the message said that a phone interview — which was conducted March 22 — would trim the group to 12. Galloway nailed that interview, and then was told that he would be one of the final dozen.

He reacted like a typical teen. "I started screaming like a little girl, running through the house so hyped," said Galloway, who left Saturday for North Carolina. "This is what I've been dreaming of since I was 5."

Galloway is the youngest of the 12 drivers hoping that this week is their big break. He'll work alongside guys who have toiled for a decade or longer, others who have come from as far away as Australia and a few who may soon be touted as the next Jeff Gordon or Jimmie Johnson.

"From what we've seen and heard, Grant has some talent," Fedrizzi said. "He's had some success and accomplished so much at such a young age."

Galloway's goal is the same as if he were heading out for one of his 37 races that keep him on the road for much of the spring and summer and fall — haul home a first-place finish. But soaking up anything and everything offered by instructors Marcus Ambrose, Randy LaJoie and Kyle Petty may matter more. "I just want to bring home all the stuff that they teach me," he said. "It's not just going to be all about racing. I want to take in as much as I can and put it toward my racing and myself a better driver."

He'd also like someone to remember his name, and not just because of what he can do on a race track, but how he carries himself when he's out of the car. "I want them to remember that I'm not a cocky guy," Galloway said. "You have to be cocky to a point in racing, but you have to keep it where you're laid-back and can get the job done."

In all the way: Galloway has learned that doing the job requires a massive commitment of time and energy. Sometime during his freshman year at LaVille High School, Galloway and his family decided that if they were going to make racing really work, it would be best if he did not return for his sophomore year.

While others his age spend their days in study halls and gym classes, Galloway follows a different type of schedule. Shortly after he wakes each morning, usually no later than 7, Galloway is in the gym for 90 minutes. Some days he helps his father, Todd, a homebuilder, pour concrete. Other days, Galloway loses himself for hours tinkering with his cars in the pole barn/auto shop that sits out back of the family's home. One day last week, he spent four hours in a media training class.

Daily schoolwork surfaces in the form of such standard classes as English and Geometry as part of the on-line Indiana University High School program, where he earns As and Bs. "It is totally different that I'm not in school and everything, but that's what we do," Galloway said. "It's just pretty much racing. It's to the point now where friends are my second option. I do miss my friends, but I know that I need to focus. It's what I do."

Galloway floated through a period last winter where he didn't really know what to do. It was his first winter without having to wander down his winding gravel driveway to the dead-end dirt road where he caught the school bus each morning. He spent down time riding snowmobiles with his cousins, hunting on land around his home, building bonfires with buddies, answering all challenges at PlayStation and just acting goofy while out to eat, activities that would be deemed "normal" for kids his age. There even were stretches of a day or two — seemingly an eternity for him — where Galloway wouldn't lose himself for hours while doing something associated with racing. The further he strayed from the sport, the more he felt a pull to return to his routine, and his idea of "normal."

Life again felt right when Galloway was back taking apart his car piece by piece and focusing on what the coming months might hold when the family loads up and drive to California. Or New Jersey. Or anywhere else the National Midget race schedule takes him for three days at a time. "Once I was back in the shop, I was like, 'Oh, yeah, I'm Grant again,' " Galloway said. "I could do my thing, do what I love to do."

Racing is all Galloway has known and, he hopes, all he'll ever know. As he sits among his trophies and trinkets and glossy photos of Sprint Cup drivers and their cars, Galloway thinks not of "if" he can make it, but "when." There is no timetable to succeed, no date to graduate to the big leagues or have his parents demand that it's time to do something else. For Galloway, there is nothing else. A relaxing moment for him may be the five minutes of quiet time he gets while soaking his aching muscles in the hot tub. From the minute he wakes in the morning until his head hits the pillow later, sometimes very later that night, everything revolves around racing. "I sleep, breathe, eat and race," Galloway said. "This is, like, my life. I have no clue what I'd be doing."

Inaugural Richard Petty’s Driver Search Sells Out - Twelve Participants Will Bring Diverse Racing Experience
(Concord, NC.) April 9, 2010 - The first-ever Richard Petty’s Driver Search, a unique training camp and competition for aspiring race car drivers, has filled its twelfth and final spot.

“We received far more applications than we had available seats” said Mike Bartelli, Chief Marketing Officer of Petty Holdings, the organizers of the program, “and interest came from all over the U.S and multiple countries.”

Announced in February, Richard Petty’s Driver Search will be comprised of a diverse group of racers currently competing in series ranging from open wheel sprints to late models. They are:

- David Busby, 39 - Laguna Beach, CA
- Tyler Bruening, 24 – Decorah, IA
- Vern Fagerberg, 16 – Bloomingdale, IL
- Jeremy Fenier, 22 – Fort Morgan, CO
- Grant Galloway, 16 – Lakeville, IN
- Tyler Laing, 16 – Davie, FL
- Mike Mahaney, 20 – Kings Ferry, NY
- Domenic Mariani, 24 – Sydney, Australia
- Dillon Moltz, 19 – Waterford, CT
- Tyler Monroe, 20 – Star, ID
- Jeremy Payne, 24 – Springfield, MO
- Justin Simpson, 22 – Bend, OR

“My guys thought we were onto something with this Driver’s Search idea” said Richard Petty. “The response we’ve seen seems to tell us that we were right.”

The inaugural Richard Petty’s Driver’s Search will take place April 26th – 29th at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Speedway, both in North Carolina and Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina. Focusing on the core skill set necessary for success at the highest levels in motorsports, competitors will demonstrate their abilities and learn from experts including Marcos Ambrose, Randy LaJoie and Kyle Petty in the areas of Car Control, Endurance, Track Management, Adaptability, Race Practices, Passing Exercises, Car Knowledge and Feel, Mechanical Knowledge, Speed, Communication and Marketability.

At the end of the four-day training camp, one competitor will be awarded a fully supported opportunity to qualify for, and compete in, the ARCA Racing Series event June 5th at Pocono Raceway the day prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

A second Richard Petty’s Driver Search is now being planned for later this year.

“Yes, we’re thinking about the next one,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President and Chief Operating Officer of Richard Petty Driving Experience, which will manage and execute the program. “But our primary focus now is on delivering to these racers the most comprehensive training program ever made available.”

For complete information, visit www.pettydriversearch.com

Kyle Petty Joins Staff of Richard Petty’s Driver Search
(Concord, NC) March 30, 2010 - One of the most recognizable and popular figures in NASCAR history has joined the team of instructors for Richard Petty’s Driver Search.

Kyle Petty, a veteran of nearly 30 seasons in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series, will provide insight and guidance in the areas of sponsor representation and media management to the 12 participants at the training camp and competition, scheduled to take place April 26th – April 29th.

Throughout his career, Petty represented major brands like Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo Bank, Hot Wheels, Georgia-Pacific and Marathon Oil; appearing in dozens of advertising campaigns and making thousands of public appearances. He is a widely sought after public speaker, as well, and is among the few athletes to serve on the distinguished Washington Speaker’s Bureau.

And though he stepped out of the race car at the end of the 2008 season, Petty is no less visible to NASCAR fans who still see him every week as a broadcaster on the SPEED channel.

“These 12 racers are in for a real treat,” said Mike Bartelli, Chief Marketing Officer of Petty Holdings, the organizers of the program. “When it comes to keeping a marketing partner happy, engaging the media or endearing yourself to a fan base, Kyle Petty is simply in a league of his own.”

Petty is the third racer of renown to join the staff of instructors for Richard Petty’s Driver Search, following Marcos Ambrose and Randy LaJoie.

Richard Petty’s Driver Search is a training camp and competition for aspiring race car drivers looking for an opportunity to advance their careers. For complete information, visit www.pettydriversearch.com. .

Simpson Performance Products joins Richard Petty’s Driver Search
(Concord, NC) March 11th, 2010 - Simpson Performance Products, the best known safety brand in racing, has been named “The Official Safety Gear” of Richard Petty’s Driver Search. As part of the partnership, Simpson will provide the winner with a prize package full of racing essentials.

“Simpson Performance Products are synonymous with quality and safety in the racing world,” said Brad Noffsinger, Head Driving Instructor for Richard Petty’s Driver Search. “I’ve used their gear throughout my racing career and am proud to have them as a partner in our Driver Search program.”

“Success can be quick for those with the talent and ability to excel,” said Debbie Bishop, Vice President of Marketing for Simpson. “Our friends and partners in safety at Petty have a unique concept which will provide an exceptional opportunity and showcase for racers everywhere. We are so pleased to be able to support this program with our safety gear.”

Richard Petty’s Driver Search is a unique training camp and competition for aspiring race car drivers looking for an opportunity to advance their careers. The four-day program is limited to only 12 participants and will take place at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Speedway and Carolina Speedway in Kershaw, SC. At the end of the training camp, one competitor will be awarded a fully supported opportunity to qualify for, and compete in, the ARCA Racing Series event June 5th at Pocono Raceway the day prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup series race.

The cost to participate is $15,000. Complete information and driver applications can be found at www.pettydriversearch.com.

Marcos Ambrose and Randy LaJoie join staff of Richard Petty’s Driver Search - Leading manufacturer of racing gear signs on as Official Partner
(Concord, NC.) March 4, 2010 - Two names familiar to racers and race fans, alike, have joined the team of instructors for Richard Petty’s Driver Search.

Marcos Ambrose, a two-time Nationwide Series race winner and current Sprint Cup regular and Randy LaJoie, the two-time Nationwide Series champion, will provide hands-on instruction to the 12 participants at the training camp and competition, scheduled to take place April 26th-29th.

Ambrose, who earned both of his victories at Watkins Glen International, is widely recognized as one of the most skilled road course racers competing in NASCAR today. He will lend his expertise to each of the competitors when Richard Petty’s Driver Search visits the road course at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, SC.

LaJoie is part of a select group to win back-to-back championships in a NASCAR national touring series, accomplishing this with the 1996 and 1997 Nationwide Series titles. He’ll work with the competitors at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Speedway, and Carolina Motorsports Park in multiple areas, including car control, knowledge & feel, track management and speed.

Petty Holdings Announces Richard Petty’s Driver Search - Training Camp & Competition Will Award Opportunity in ARCA Racing Series
(Concord, NC.) February 9, 2010 - Unlike virtually any other major American sport, auto racing does not have any typical path to the “big leagues.” Today’s top racers come from diverse racing backgrounds that include dirt track and asphalt, big track and small, road course and oval, open wheel and stock cars.

But despite the many different paths taken, most of these racers have one thing in common; they were lucky enough to have people who could make a difference in their careers recognize their ability, help refine it and provide a real chance to display it on a big stage.

To that end, Richard Petty’s Driver Search was created to help bring racing talent, training and opportunity together.

Named for the winningest driver in NASCAR Sprint Cup history and designed as a unique training camp and competition for aspiring race car drivers looking for an opportunity to advance their careers, the inaugural Richard Petty’s Driver Search will take place April 26th – April 29th.

The program will be limited to only 12 participants. At the end of the four-day training camp, one competitor will be awarded a fully supported opportunity to qualify for, and compete in, the ARCA Racing Series event June 5th at Pocono Raceway the day prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

“Guys ask me all the time how they can advance their racing careers,” said Petty, “and the truth of it is, it’s not easy. So many times it comes down to who you know, not what you know how to do. This Driver Search is gonna give a group of racers the chance to show what they can do while, at the same time, making them better at it.”

“We’ve designed the overall itinerary and specific modules with input from guys who know what it takes” said Rick Fedrizzi, President and COO of Richard Petty Driving Experience, which will manage and execute the program. “In addition to Richard’s feedback, we’ve incorporated suggestions from Marcos Ambrose, Kyle Petty and other accomplished racers.”

Richard Petty’s Driver Search will focus on the core skill set necessary for success at the highest levels in motorsports. Over the course of the program, which will take place at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Speedway and Carolina Speedway in Kershaw, SC, competitors will demonstrate their abilities, and learn from experts, in the areas of Car Control, Endurance, Track Management, Adaptability, Race Practices, Passing Exercises, Car Knowledge and Feel, Mechanical Knowledge, Speed, Communication and Marketability.

“Nothing like this program currently exists” said Kyle Petty. “Most of the driver competition-type programs that have come along are all about a TV package or have some other angle. But this program is about helping racecar drivers further develop their abilities and giving one of them a legitimate shot to compete in a big race on a national stage.”

The cost to participate is $15,000. Complete information and driver applications can be found at www.pettydriversearch.com.

“While just one driver will win the ARCA series opportunity, after four intense days of training and competition, every participant will leave with the experience and knowledge to be a better race car driver,” said Fedrizzi.