NASCAR Nationwide Series regular Blake Koch has joined Go FAS Racing for three upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events, CATCHFENCE.com has learned.
In addition to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sprint Showdown this Friday night at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway (CMS), Koch, a native of West Palm Beach, Florida will drive the team’s No. 32 Ford Fusion in the upcoming Coca-Cola 600 at CMS on May 25 and the FedEx 400 at Dover (Del.) International Speedway on June 1.
Koch has two prior NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts to his credit. He made his Cup debut last October at Charlotte driving under the Leavine Family Racing banner. Additionally, he has one start this season with Front Row Motorsports at Phoenix (Ariz.) International Raceway.
“I had Blake in our part time Cup ride last year at Charlotte and was very impressed with his ability to adapt to the increased horsepower from his nationwide ride to the cup car,” said Go FAS Racing partner Archie St. Hilaire. “We have a sponsor that would like to see how he can handle the grueling 600 mile race and Frank (Stoddard, co-partner) and I also feel it’s time to start looking at a few drivers for 2015.”
Koch, who has been competing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for TriStar Motorsports added, “I am so appreciative of the Go FAS team for giving me this opportunity to race in the (NASCAR) Cup Series. Archie gave me my first ever Cup start last year in Charlotte and it’s been awesome to see the growth of this (team) and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
While sponsorship for Koch’s upcoming starts is forthcoming, SupportMilitary.org is expected to be involved.
Travis Kvapil, who has driven the No. 32 in nine races thus far in 2014 remains with the organization. CATCHFENCE.com has learned that he will return with the team at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway on June 8.
Additionally, Ben Leslie has taken the reins as crew chief replacing Dan Stillman. Leslie began his new role last weekend at Kansas Speedway in the 5-hour ENERGY 400.
Koch is scheduled to drive the No. 10 for TriStar Motorsports this weekend at Iowa Speedway in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. However, it is still undecided if he will attempt the double-duty challenge.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
