arca_communications's avatar
Author:
ARCA Communications
Login For More
Rate this article:
  • 0/5 Stars
SPEEDtv.com Store
Grand National:America's Golden Age of Motorcycle Racing, by Joe Scalzo
Joe Scalzo’s book captures the spirit of the Golden Age of motorcycle racing.
Our Price: $39.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Man-Made Thunder
The book examines the sport of stock car racing through the eyes and ears of the men behind the wheel and the wrenches.
Our Price: $49.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
Unisex Sandwich Cap
Unisex Velcro back hat with SPEED logo on front. PINKS logo embroidered on left and PAO logo on right. One size fits all.
Our Price: $24.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Speedway T-shirt
Men's 6 oz. 100% Cotton Jersey Short Sleeve Tee. SPEED logo imprinted on the front center chest.
Our Price: $24.99
Visit Button
Buy Button
Ferrari Red Classic Hat
100% cotton twill. Ferrari shield embroidered on front, piping on the peak and Ferrari logo embroidered on back strap adjuster.
Our Price: $30.00 ($27.00 Member)
Visit Button
Buy Button
Footer Bg
  • Zoom More Photos Button
  • Camera Icon
ARCA: BGR Among 7 Teams Testing at Talladega for Daytona
Written by: ARCA Communications
ARCA Communications   http://www.arcaracing.com
01/09/2009
Talladega, AL
 
Multiple ARCA teams test at Talladega to ready for Daytona. (ARCA) ยป More Photos


It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that Bobby Gerhart Racing (BGR) is serious about their restrictor plate racing. After testing at Daytona Int'l Speedway in December with four drivers, the BGR team is headed back south for yet another test prior to the running of the 46th Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona coming Saturday, February 7th.

However, this time, they're headed for Talladega Superspeedway for a two-day test January 24th and 25th. And, they are not alone. "It looks like we're going to have several teams testing with us," said Bill Gerhart, car owner/crew chief for his brother Bobby Gerhart. "We've done this test (at Talladega) since 1998. Fortunately, we've always had other teams down there with us to help share in the expense. It's a big operation to open up Talladega and put cars on the track, but it's been so beneficial to our success over the years."

When it comes to success in the restrictor plate world, no team has had it quite like Gerhart's, who have won a record five times at Daytona alone, and another at Talladega. "The test at Talladega makes even more sense now," added Gerhart. "With the Talladega race coming in April, you can gather valuable notes for both Daytona and Talladega. Plus, if we were to happen to lose one of our primary cars at Daytona, with Talladega right around the corner, we need to be ready with a back-up (car). So, we're not only testing at Talladega for Daytona, we'll be working on our back-up cars too so we're ready to go with one if we need to. With plate races back-to-back, preparation will be paramount.

"Our Daytona test went very well. We pretty-much know what we're going to use spring-wise and shock-wise at Daytona. One of the things we'll be working on in the Talladega test is our aero speed and horsepower package, trying to improve both." The Gerhart's are not the only ones trying get ahead of the game. At present, six additional teams, maybe more, are planning on joining the BGR squad for the two-day test in late January, including Hixson Motorsports, Cunningham Motorsports, Larry Hollenbeck Racing, Bob Schacht Motorsports, Butch Jarvis Racing and Germain Racing.

"It makes all the difference in the world when you're able to share the expenses. You figure that the track has
to have a full contingent of safety people and ground crews on hand. If we get weather, like we did last year, you've got to pay the diesel for the jet blower, so it can be expensive. Last year, it rained much of the day on Saturday, so the first day was a complete wash out. When track drying procedures started Saturday afternoon, it wasn't until Sunday about noon when we were all able to get out on the track. We probably went through a thousand gallons of diesel; it gets costly. So you can see where having several teams on hand can help make it more cost effective."

The Gerhart's will also be testing rookie driver Joey Coulter (left), who tested with BGR at Daytona. Coulter is expected to run Gerhart's 7 car in the Daytona opener. Hixson Motorsports will also be testing with BGR at Talladega with ARCA RE/MAX Series veteran driver Ron Cox in the driver's chair. Hixson Motorsports will also be testing one, maybe two rookie drivers in preparation for Daytona, according to team spokesperson Roy Shipley.

Cunningham Motorsports is also on the docket for the test with rookie Nur Ali and an undisclosed driver. Former Daytona and Talladega winner Michael Annett is also expected to test in a Germain Racing Toyota. The Gerhart's, who finished fourth at Daytona in 2008, will be chasing an unprecedented sixth Daytona triumph in February.

"I think the racing community in our world understands how seriously Bobby and I and the entire BGR team take our restrictor plate program. Daytona is so huge for us, for our sponsors. We've got one more shot to try and massage our fleet of Chevrolets for Daytona. We've got 11 years of notes from our Talladega tests. We think our plate record speaks for itself; it didn't happen by accident. It's a lot of hard work, preparation and dedication. And testing at Talladega has been a big part of that."

In addition to Gerhart's five wins at Daytona, which include three consecutive in '05, '06 and '07, Gerhart earned a record four consecutive pole awards at the "World Center of Racing" 2003 through 2006. In 252 career ARCA RE/MAX Series starts since 1988, Gerhart has 51 top-5 & 111 top-10 finishes.

The 46th annual Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona is LIVE on SPEED at 4:00 PM ET Saturday, February 7th.

View All Comments