Concord, North Carolina (September 6, 2016) – Christopher Bell makes his return to the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards aiming to defend his early season victory at Salem Speedway in the Eddie Gilstrap Motors Fall Classic 200 on Saturday, September 10.
Bell, with three career series starts, made his ARCA debut at Salem in April and walked away with the hard-fought victory after leading 94-laps. The 21-year-old driver out of Norman, Oklahoma looks to become the first driver to sweep the spring and fall Salem races since Shelby Howard completed the feat in 2003.
Bell, hoping to make history, will drive Venturini Motorsports No. 15 JBL Toyota.
“Racing at Salem is such a rush,” said Bell. “It’s an amazing track, has so much character and really fits my style of racing a lot. I’ve been looking forward to going back to Salem since we left earlier in the year. I have no doubt Venturini (Motorsports) will bring us a great piece and give me every opportunity to challenge for another win.”
The upcoming Salem event marks the 100th ARCA Racing Series race at Salem since the tour debuted on the legendary high-banked half-mile track in 1955. No track has appeared more on ARCA’s schedule over the tour’s 64-year history than Salem.
Bell will join teammates Tom Hessert, Dalton Sargeant, and Zane Smith for the historic 100th ARCA race at Salem.
Venturini Motorsports with 41 all-time ARCA Series victories has five team wins at Salem Speedway (Billy Venturini ’06, Steve Arpin ’10, Brennan Poole ’11, Kyle Benjamin ’13 and Christopher Bell ’16). Venturini Motorsports is tied for second with Harold Steele on the all-time ARCA Series team victory list. Larry Clement, who was teamed with Frank Kimmel for many years, leads the way with 71 team victories.
Golf Scramble, Hauler Parade, Friday Night Fan Fest:
The Eddie Gilstrap Motors Fall Classic 200 presented by Meadow View / Salem Crossing tops off two full days of celebration that kicks-off on Friday, Sept. 9 with a Golf Scramble, Hauler Parade and evening Fan Fest at the track.
Raceday Schedule:
Raceday also includes the Lucas Oil Great American Stocks alongside the stars and cars of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. ARCA Racing Series practice is from 12:30 – 1:15 p.m., followed by final practice from 1:45 – 2:30 p.m. Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell is scheduled for 4 p.m. The 100th Eddie Gilstrap Motors Fall Classic starts at 8:00 p.m. Saturday night, September 10.
About Venturini Motorsports:
Venturini Motorsports (VMS), fielding cars for over 30-years in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, is one of the premier NASCAR driver development programs in the country. Multiple team championships and consistent on-track success, VMS has evolved into one of the most recognizable names in motorsports. Since 2007, VMS has assisted in the career development of notable NASCAR drivers such as Joey Logano, Justin Allgaier, Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Brian Scott, Kevin Swindell, John Wes Townley, Erik Jones and Justin Boston. Over the years the Venturini name has become synonymous with modern-day racing in America. In 2012, the Venturini family was inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (www.NIASHF.org) and now find themselves enshrined with such sports icons as Joe DiMaggio, Mario Andretti, Vince Lombardi, Tommy Lasorda and Rocky Marciano.
Official: www.VenturiniMotorsports.com | Twitter: @VenturiniMotor | Facebook: Venturini Motorsports
Source: Venturini Motorsports
