HUNTERSVILLE, NC (2-22-10) - ARCA title contender Joey Coulter has never considered himself much of a road course racer; however, he feels as prepared as ever entering this weekend's Tire Kingdom 150 presented by ModSpace at Palm Beach International Raceway. Preparation that started long before the green flag dropped on the 2010 ARCA Racing Series presented by RE/MAX and Menards season.
Going into his second full season on the ARCA circuit, Coulter knew he had to be prepared for the series two road course visits. Taking the initiative to improve his road course skills, Coulter signed himself up for the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving in Phoenix, AZ.
He knew the skills taught there would translate well to his No. 16 Darrell Gwynn Foundation, Tempest Cycles, Rip It Energy Fuel Chevrolet come race time at Palm Beach.
"Going into the 2010 race season, I knew I needed to be prepared as possible and the road courses proved to be my biggest challenge," commented Coulter. "I went out to Bondurant in January, knowing they would help me learn the intricacies of the left and right handed turns. It proved very useful, as we tested very well here (PBIR) just a few weeks ago."
Traveling straight to Palm Beach International Raceway, after the Daytona race, for the ARCA open test was another step in the right direction for Coulter's learning curve. The team set out to use the February 8th test to hone Coulter's skills and create an evenly balanced car. But before the test was to ever start, Coulter showed yet another reason why he is considered a top caliber driver. He would walk the 2.034 mile 11-turn course, visualizing every aspect and turn he would soon be making in his No. 16 Chevrolet.
"I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with a lot of talented drivers over my career, and Joey (Coulter) showed veteran prowess at the test by walking that track to physically learn every move he would make," said Coulter Motorsports Crew Chief Harold Holly. "Between going to Bondurant, and testing earlier in the month, I feel he is more than capable of running up front when we go back for the race. He will definitely be a contender come checkered flag time."
Coulter and his team left the PBIR test with a renewed sense of valor as he laid down the sixth fastest time of the day at 80.630 seconds at 90.324 MPH. He spent the day learning from and closely trailing numerous road course aces, who were on hand to shake down other team's cars. Coulter and his No. 16 Darrell Gwynn Foundation, Tempest Cycles, Rip It Energy Fuel Chevrolet are ready to hit the track again this week, as he looks to make PBIR his first ARCA win.
Make sure to catch all of the racing action beginning 1:00 PM on Saturday February 27th. Tune into http://www.arcaracing.com/ for live audio of the event.
You can also receive LIVE updates on Joey Coulter's racing progress this weekend by following him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joeycoulter
You can also vote for Joey Coulter as the most popular ARCA driver for 2010 at www.arcanation.com/joeycoulter
Please be sure to check out Joey's official website at http://www.joeycoulter.com/
Also please be sure to support Joey's sponsors at:
Rip It Energy Fuel: http://www.ripitenergyfuel.com/
Tempest Cycles: http://www.tempestcycles.com/
MAD Industry: http://www.areumad.com/
About Darrell Gwynn Foundation (DGF)
http://www.darrellgwynnfoundation.org/
The Darrell Gwynn Foundation (DGF) is a certified non-profit 501(c) 3 agency. DGF exists to prevent, provide for and ultimately cure spinal cord injuries and other debilitating illnesses. To expedite specific cures, the Foundation assists in the funding of targeted research. DGF is also dedicated to injury prevention, with special emphasis on programs targeting children. The Foundation helps improve the quality of life for those already afflicted with injury or illness, by providing necessary equipment or special services. DGF is an official charity of the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction, National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and has a close affiliation with NASCAR and the NASCAR Foundation.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Nic Moncher
Coulter Motorsports
Director of Public Relations
nic@joeycoulter.com
