(NEWTON, Iowa - July 12, 2012) - Jared Marks made one of his first ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards starts last season at Iowa Speedway and finished 11th, but hopes for significant improvement with another year under his belt.

Marks (No. 12 Premium Energy VIP/SRT Motorsports/UNOH Dodge) is currently 13th in ARCA points, having competed in seven out of 10 races with top-10 finishes in all but two.

The 0.875-mile Iowa oval, he says, is one of his favorite tracks.

"It has characteristics of big and little tracks all in one - the best of both worlds," he said. "I am excited to go back; last year was my first race there and we finished 11th, but we are looking for a top-five or better this weekend."

The car Marks will run first raced at Michigan last month. He finished that race 16th.

Tomorrow's Prairie Meadows 200 falls on Friday the 13th, and like Iowa's hybrid makeup of speedway and short track characteristics, Marks seems superstitious and not all at once.

"I really am not superstitious so I don't think (the day) will have any effect on the outcome of the race, but you probably won't see me walking under any ladders Friday," he said. "I know my crew chief will make sure there are no $50 bills in his pocket and had better not catch anyone eating peanuts." 

Marks did not race at New Jersey Motorsports Park on July 1, but stayed busy in his time away from ARCA. He recently acted as crew chief for his sister Rachel at the Eastern Grand Nationals in Michigan, and she finished third in her class after setting the fastest time to bring several trophies back to the Tony Marks Racing showroom.

All on-track activity for the Prairie Meadows 200 will take place tomorrow. Two practices are scheduled, from 10:30-noon and 1-2. Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell will begin at 4:30. SPEED will broadcast the race live at 8, and ARCARacing.com will carry live timing and scoring of all on-track activity. All times are Central.

From Team Release