John Wes Townley Gaining Experience In 4 Racing Series This Season

[PressRoom-GFN]

CONCORD, N.C. -- About this time each year, most 18 year olds are in their final semester of high school and preparing for graduation, however, ARCA RE/MAX Series rookie John Wes Townley is an exception.

After excelling academically well enough to graduate a semester early, Townley is concentrating on four different racing series this summer before heading for college in the fall.

"Racing is my passion," Townley said. "Anytime I can get behind the wheel of a race car I am up for the challenge. My focus coming into 2008 was solely to compete in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. I have since been lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to compete in three other racing series. Along with the enormous amount of track time, different car experience and numerous pit stops, I have a tremendous opportunity to further my skills as a driver."

Since Townley's 11th-place finish in the ARCA season opener at Daytona International Speedway, Townley has been busy planning his 2008 racing season. Along with competing for the ARCA RE/MAX Series championship and Rookie-of-the-Year honors with RAB Racing, Townley will drive a limited schedule in the USAR Pro-Cup Series, the ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

"With each of these series running a different type of race vehicle, each one has something different to offer," Townley said. "The USAR Pro-Cup Series will allow me more pit stop experience, as well as seat time. The ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series schedule was planned primarily to help me get acquainted with the few tracks I will be seeing for the first time in the ARCA RE/MAX Series."

After the change in the driver line-up for the No. 09 Craftsman Truck Series entry, Roush Fenway Racing announced Townley would be behind the wheel of the Zaxby's Ford for six of the remaining 22 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events, beginning with Mansfield Motorsports Park on May 24.

"I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to competing at this level of racing,” Townley said. “I am honored to be able to drive for and represent Roush Fenway Racing, Zaxby's and Ford. I believe my experience in the Craftsman truck will be of great benefit in my endeavor to win the SunTrust Rookie-of-the-Year award in the ARCA RE/MAX Series for RAB Racing."

Townley kicked off his USAR Pro-Cup schedule Saturday at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Fla., where he finished 12th. The event was the first of 12 scheduled races in the USAR Pro-Cup Series.

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