MOORESVILLE, NC (9-18-08) - The versatile mix of tracks in the ARCA RE/MAX Series can provide the perfect training ground for up and coming drivers. Where else can you race a stock car on short-tracks, superspeedways, dirt-tracks and road courses all in one season?

The series, without question, still can, and still does, provide viable opportunities for drivers who want to advance to the next level.

It just happened to 22-year-old ARCA RE/MAX Series veteran Justin Allgaier, who signed with Penske Racing Wednesday to drive in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

Allgaier, currently fifth in ARCA RE/MAX Series points, will drive a limited Nationwide Series schedule in 2008 and 2009 for Penske Racing, as he continues to develop as a driver.

"We've had our eye on Justin for some time, and Penske Racing is fortunate to be in a position to bring him on board," said Tim Cindric, president of Penske Racing. "Roger always enjoys the opportunity to grow people within our system and we are looking forward to helping him achieve his career goals."

Allgaier, of Springfield, Illinois, has been racing competitively for a majority of his life beginning with quarter midgets before working his way through the ranks into the ARCA RE/MAX Series.

"What a great opportunity to join Penske Racing and to show what we are capable of together in the Nationwide Series," said Allgaier, who has earned three ARCA RE/MAX Series victories already this year. "I look forward to my first opportunity to race in the Nationwide car later this season, and into 2009."

Up until now, Allgaier has driven mostly for his father Make Allgaier, who fielded cars for his son in the ARCA RE/MAX Series.

"Justin's going to have the chance to do what he's always wanted to do," said Mike Allgaier. "All you can ask for in this business is the chance. He's going to have to make the best of it from here.

"We've worked very hard to get Justin in a position to get to that next level. Not just me; there were a lot of people who worked very hard on our crew over the years. No one here was ever overpaid, but they all worked so hard, so everyone feels self-satisfaction to see him get the opportunity. Obviously, he's hanging onto the steering wheel, but the crew always worked very hard to give him good racecars.

"As a father, beyond getting a chance to do this with a first-class operation, he's remained a very good person, which is every bit as important to me as his career is. Good thing is, is that he's worked a deal with them so that he can come back to the ARCA RE/MAX Series and play every now and then, as long as there are no conflicts.

"Life is good."

Allgaier finished a career-best fourth in ARCA RE/MAX Series points in 2007, and has five wins overall - Salem Speedway twice, his hometown Illinois State Fairgrounds mile-dirt, Cayuga Motor Speedway and Pocono Raceway. At 14, Allgaier made big news as the youngest driver in history to advance to the main event at the famed "Chili Bowl" midget event. Allgaier finished a career-best third in the Chili Bowl in 2007 behind winner Tony Stewart and runner-up finisher JJ Yeley. 

Allgaier has also competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races (2005, 2006, 2008), and, when not RE/MAX Series racing, competes regularly in dirt late model competition and midget divisions throughout the Midwest.

Penske Racing is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Competing in a variety of disciplines, cars owned and prepared by Penske Racing have produced more than 305 major race wins, 362 pole positions and 21 National Championships. For more information about Penske Racing, please visit http://www.penskeracing.com/

SIDE NOTE:  Soon after Scott Lagasse, Jr's ARCA RE/MAX Series victory last Saturday at Chicagoland, CJM Racing officials announced that the St. Augustine, Florida driver would drive the team's no. 11 NASCAR Nationwide Series car in the remaining seven races in 2008 and fulltime in 2009.

Lagasse replaced Jason Keller, who moved to Baker Curb Racing.
 
"We took a long look at available drivers and think Scott is the perfect fit for what we are trying to achieve," CJM Racing co-owner Tony Mullet said. "He's had some experience in the NASCAR ranks, and we feel that this opportunity will give him the stability he needs to grow as a driver. We are committed to Scotty and making this program successful."