ARCA RE/MAX SERIES PRAIRIE MEADOWS 200
Arpin, Lofton finish in the top 10, Goess and George Jr. run top 20 at Iowa

NEWTON, IA (July 11, 2009) - Eddie Sharp Racing continued their dominance of the top 10 on Saturday at Iowa Speedway with Steve Arpin and Justin Lofton both nabbing top 10 runs. ESR's other entries driven by Craig Goess, Jr. and Tim George Jr. also had strong nights, with all four ESR teams claiming finishes within the top 20.


Next week, Eddie Sharp Racing's four teams will head to the 1.5-mile Kentucky Speedway next Saturday, July 18th, for the running of the Click It or Ticket Buckle-Up Kentucky 150. ESR rookies Craig Goess, Jr. and Tim George Jr. recently tested the track and Lofton was also on hand, making Team ESR the team to watch next week.

Another top-10 for Arpin in Iowa

Steve Arpin

Steve Arpin notched another top-ten finish this past weekend during ARCA RE/MAX Series action at Iowa Speedway. Arpin piloted his Pinewood Sports & Marine/Taylor Motorsports Toyota Camry to an eighth place run in the ‘Prairie Meadows 200’ and is currently ranked in the seventh spot of the season-long championship chase.

After qualifying eighth for the event, Arpin battled his way up to third place and began to reel in the front two cars prior to a pair of pit stops under separate caution periods. Fighting back through the field after handling issues were resolved, Arpin would battle side-by-side with 9-Time ARCA Series Champion Frank Kimmel for the last two laps to eventually wind up in eighth at the end of the night.

‘Our Pinewood Sports Toyota was very strong all weekend,’ commented Arpin on the Iowa run. ‘ We really struggled through the middle of the race with one set of tires that had no grip. I was just along for the ride until the next caution came out and we could get them off.’ Arpin added. ‘I am not at all happy with an 8th place finish, but I do know that we are still heading in the right direction and our cars are getting better each week.’

Pulling Double Duty at Iowa Speedway

Prior to Saturday night’s ARCA RE/MAX Series event at Iowa Speedway, Arpin took on the added challenge of competing in the fifty lap ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series event where he also posted a top-10 finish.

"The cars and the trucks were both completely different to drive," said Arpin. "Especially with the truck being on such narrow tires and having no power steering. They don't have near as much power as the cars and I could almost hold the truck wide open all the way around the track. The ARCA cars are just bigger, faster, heavier and they take a lot more patience to get around the race track. Either way they were both a lot of fun to drive and lead some laps in the truck at Iowa."

The busy afternoon had Arpin on his toes as he qualified the truck at 3:30 p.m. then immediately jumped into his ARCA RE/MAX Toyota Camry for qualifications at 4:00 p.m. then having to be ready to compete in both of the races in the summer heat.

‘It was pretty cool to get the opportunity to race the number 11 Phantom truck for the Pizza Ranch 100,’ said Arpin. ‘We had a great qualifying run and were able to start on the outside pole. The trucks get around there pretty good and we took the lead at the start and held on to a solid 3rd position,’ Arpin added. ‘We were taking the lead again just past the half way mark and the right rear tire blew. It was great to get some extra laps before the ARCA race.’

Another top-10 for Lofton in Iowa

Justin Lofton

Justin Lofton notched his eighth top-10 of the season on Saturday night on the 7/8-mile Iowa Speedway short track. Lofton, piloting the No. 6 Lofton Cattle/J.D. Heiskell & Company Toyota, rolled off from the fourth starting position and battled within the top five for the majority of the 200-lap race before settling into 10th at the finish.

"I'm happy we had another top-10 but wish we could have finished further up front," Lofton said. "This is a fun racetrack. My guys, Mark Rette (crew chief), all did a great job. We have such a good team here. I'd like to get another win for them again soon."

Lofton ran within the top 10 for the majority of the first portion of the race. Pit strategy shuffled the field a bit as the race played out, with some teams taking on their second set of tires earlier than the rest of the lead lap cars. Lofton's No. 6 crew didn't make any risky calls, allowing their driver to focus only on track position.

Following a caution flag, a restart came on lap 88 and Lofton, after other contenders opted to pit early, inherited the third position. Lofton's racy No. 6 Toyota remained within the top five and as the race played out over the halfway mark, he and his ESR teammate Steve Arpin even put on a spirited battle for position.

The remainder of the race was fairly calm with only six caution flags falling throughout the entire 175-mile race. Lofton battled to the end, falling into the 10th spot at the drop of the checkered flag.

Lofton maintains the second position in the point standings, 120 points behind leader Parker Kligerman.

He and the No. 6 ESR team will hit the track next on Saturday, July 18th at Kentucky Speedway.

After challenging race, George Jr. comes home 19th

Tim George Jr. entered the Prairie Meadows 200 at Iowa Speedway confident of a solid run after a recent test session on the 7/8-mile track but the speed of the short track under race conditions offered up a challenge to George Jr. and the No. 2 Ruby Tuesday/Chrome Hearts/Metromint team.

Damaged 2 car

On Friday, George Jr.'s No. 2 Toyota suffered damage in a practice crash, forcing the Eddie Sharp Racing crew scrambling to get the backup car ready for the start of the 175-mile race.

George Jr. however, stepped up to the challenge with minimal practice, and drove the unfamiliar racecar to a solid 19th place finish on Saturday night. He had a conservative run, but he did what he needed to do in order to not lose to many points.

"The Iowa race was interesting, to say the least. That was a fast little place. I hadn't raced on a track under a mile that was so quick, and unfortunately didn't get the amount of practice we needed to be real racy. I had an early incident in practice, where I got up too high in the dirty stuff and couldn't recover the car before tagging the wall," George Jr. explained.

"The backup car actually felt pretty stable. I just wish we had more time to work on it. That was the first time I've ever been in a backup car. The guys really hustled to get the other car together, and my team owner Eddie Sharp was on the roof spotting for me. Everyone did a great job."

In addition to on-track activity at Iowa Speedway, George Jr. welcomed a new associate sponsor, Metromint on board for the ride.

More importantly, 28-year-old George Jr. had a very special guest cheering him on at Iowa. George Jr. partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which allowed a young race fan to enjoy a fun-filled weekend at the racetrack.

"The highlight of my weekend was having our Make-A-Wish guest with me, hanging out with him and having Make-A-Wish decals on the car. We put him right to work signing autographs and handing out t-shirts," George Jr. proclaimed of his young friend.

"We even played a simulator game they had set up, and he was pretty good. His parents were very nice, but they better watch out because I think they have created a little racer!"

Goess Battles Transmission Issues to Finish 12th

During practice at Iowa Speedway, Craig Goess and the Eddie Sharp Racing Team were certain they were going have a satisfying race day in the ARCA RE/MAX Series event. Running on 40 to 50-lap tires, Goess was still able to turn lap times comparable to the top-three fastest cars. Goess hoped the solid practice runs were the predecessor to a successful day as he moved on to qualifying, where he landed himself a 12th-place starting position. Unfortunately, the 200-lap race provided complications with the brakes and the transmission going awry, but he was able to nurse his car to a 12th-place finish.

Craig Goess

ìWe were running sixth in the race for a while and then after the fifth lap we started having brake problems,î recalled Goess. ìThe brake pedal started vibrating a lot and it continually just kept getting worse - almost to where it was pulling the wheel out of my hands. I really had to hold the wheel straight or it would have just yanked out my hands it was vibrating so bad.î

Attempting to find a solution to one problem, Goess found himself in another unpleasant predicament during the half-way point of the race.

ìThat [the brakes] didnít help matters, and then in the last half of the race, the transmission got stuck in fourth gear and we could not get it out,î added Goess. ìWe made a couple of pit stops, but we were worried if we got it back out [of gear], we wouldnít be able to get it back in. So, needless to say, we were not in a good position to be in as far as restarts go. We would get the car up to speed at like three-quarters of a lap and we would start passing people, but then the caution would come out and we would have to do it all over again.î

Switching to a different car for his upcoming race, Goess feels confident that he can move forward from the unfortunate events at Iowa and make his way to the front of the field at Kentucky Speedway.

ìI feel good about going in to Kentucky,î said Goess. ìIím really looking forward to getting in to the car that we tested at Kentucky. Itís really comfortable for me and I like the way it drove ñ itís probably one of the best-driving cars Iíve had so far this year. Iím just looking forward to getting out there.î

Goess will attempt to place his #81 Greenville Toyota machine in victory lane at the next ARCA RE/MAX Series race at Kentucky Speedway on Saturday, July 18th.

ARCA RE/MAX SERIES PRAIRIE MEADOWS 200
QUALIFYING: Lofton Starts from Second Row

Arpin, Goess, George 8th, 12th, 19th

NEWTON, IA (July 11, 2009) –Justin Lofton will start from fourth position for Saturday night's Prairie Meadows 200, the tenth of 21 ARCA RE/MAX Series races on the 2009 schedule. Live Timing and Scoring, live audio and a live video feed of the race will be available at arcaracing.com beginning at 8 p.m. Central.

ARCA RE/MAX SERIES PRAIRIE MEADOWS 200
Lofton Third Quickest in Practice

Goess, Arpin, George 11th, 13th, 25th

NEWTON, IA (July 10, 2009) –Eddie Sharp Racing's Justin Lofton was third fastest among 37 cars in ARCA RE/MAX Series practice Friday at Iowa Speedway in preparation for Saturday's Prairie Meadows 200.

Following the practice session, as many as 30 ARCA RE/MAX Series drivers participated in an autograph session at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, which also serves as the title sponsor of Saturday's race.

Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell is set for 4:00 PM tomorrow. The Prairie Meadows 200 at Iowa Speedway is scheduled to go off at 8:00 PM local time.

ARCA RE/MAX SERIES PRAIRIE MEADOWS 200
Tim's Ready to Rock at Iowa with Metromint and Make-A-Wish

George Jr., driver of the No. 2 Ruby Tuesday / Chrome Hearts Toyota for Eddie Sharp Racing, made his first trip to the 7/8 mile Iowa Speedway last week for a test session. A rookie this year in ARCA, George Jr. is seeking a strong finish this Saturday night in the Prairie Meadow 200.

Tim George, Jr.

"I had a solid test at Iowa last week. I felt more comfortable in the car than I have all season- maybe too comfortable. I clipped the outside wall at the exit of turn 4, and that was the first time that I went over the limit on my own. It was a learning experience, and I felt where that edge was. The car was a little too loose off, but I think with some small adjustments we will roll off the transporter good on Friday," George Jr. mentioned after the test.

After the test, George Jr. lent his name, along with associate sponsor Chrome Hearts, a boutique clothing and sunglasses line based in Los Angeles, and the Karma Foundation to a charity auction benefiting the Buddy Program. In its 10th year, the Buddy Program pairs adults with children from broken homes, serving as mentors.

With the auction complete, and $5,000 raised thanks to George Jr., Chrome Hearts, and the Karma Foundation, his focus shifted back to racing. Earlier this week George Jr., crew chief Jon Wolfe and the rest of the No. 2 ESR team reverted their attention back to this weekend's 175-mile race at Iowa Speedway.

"My team owner, Eddie Sharp, will be spotting for me this weekend at Iowa and I think this will be a productive race," George Jr. said.

Not only is Iowa an important race on track, but the No. 2 Ruby Tuesday / Chrome Hearts Toyota team has another reason to be excited this weekend.

George Jr. is teaming up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation® and will host an Iowa boy and his family throughout the race weekend. Make-A-Wish Foundation® has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish® experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors, and entire communities.

In addition, George Jr. is also pleased to announce the addition of new associate sponsor, Metromint, a refreshing mint flavored water.

"I'm psyched to have another product endorse my racing program that I actually use on a weekly basis. Metromint is truly one of my favorite beverages, and I look forward to introducing this refreshing drink to all of my fans and fellow competitors," George Jr. proclaimed.

Race fans interested in tasting Metromint can stop by the No. 2 team transporter, meet George Jr. and grab a can of Metromint from the provided cooler outside of the transporter.

The Prairie Meadows 200 can be heard live on ARCARacing.com at 8 PM on Saturday, July 11th.

About Make A Wish Foundation
Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish® experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors, and entire communities.
For more on Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit www.wish.org

About Metromint
Metromint is the brain-child of Rio Miura and Scott Lowe. Miura was born in Japan and has a background in product and fashion design. She conceived the recipe for Metromint and designed the label and bottle. Lowe, a Stanford graduate with a degree in International Relations, is responsible for product development and manufacturing. Together the two formed Soma Beverage Company in a loft in San Francisco's South of Market district (SOMA), a neighborhood that is home to artists, high-tech start-ups, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Combining the purest ingredients with innovative packaging and extraordinary taste, Metromint single-handedly created a new beverage category called mintwater. Metromint already has a loyal following. Metromint was introduced to the public at the New York Fancy Food Show in 2004.
For more on Metromint, Visit www.metromint.com

ARCA RE/MAX SERIES PRAIRIE MEADOWS 200
Lofton seeking redemption in Iowa

NEWTON, IA (July 9, 2009) –The ARCA RE/MAX Series had two weeks off but Justin Lofton just couldn't stay away from a racetrack. Though he took some time out to mountain bike and play a few hands of poker, Lofton and his Eddie Sharp Racing teammates headed west and spent a portion of their down time at an open test at Iowa Speedway in preparation for Saturday night's Prairie Meadows 200.

This weekend's race at Iowa is one Lofton has had penciled in on the schedule for some time now. Last year in his debut on the 7/8-mile tri-oval, Lofton got caught up in an accident, finishing 36th.

Justin Lofton

With a test under his belt and momentum strong for Lofton and the No. 6 Toyota team, all signs point to a solid run for Lofton, who sits second in the series standings with one win and four runner-up showings to date.

On June 27th however, Lofton shifted his focus away from points and racing, when he participated in the WAM Poker Run, an event benefiting ESR crew member Matt Daniels. Daniels was recently diagnosed with Guillan-Barre Syndrome, a perplexing disorder that causes the immune system to attack the central nervous system.

"The WAM Poker run was a great event. I have to thank Pat Rogers Harley Davidson for helping with the event. Myself and the whole ESR team would like to thank everyone that came out to support the event and help raise money for Matt Daniels and his family," Lofton said of the cause.

After the Poker Run, it was back to work as usual for Lofton. Earlier this week he was back at the track, testing the 1.5-mile Kentucky Speedway, the next stop for the ARCA tour.

Though Lofton's No. 6 team didn't make the trip for the test, Lofton did, hopping in his teammate Tim George Jr.'s car for a few laps around the track. If nothing else, the test gave him some mental notes for his return trip to Kentucky and, something extra for Iowa.

"I was able to learn a lot at the Kentucky test, on and off the track. I was able to make laps in my teammates car, and was able to help adjust it on and off the track. It was interesting being on the outside watching and helping someone else and not being there with your own car and crew," he said.

With a new perspective, Lofton will hit the track in Iowa on Friday for practice followed by qualifying and 175 miles of racing on Saturday in the Prairie Meadows 200. Action can be heard live on ARCARacing.com.

NEWTON, IA (June 30, 2009) –The weather forecast for this Saturday's raceday in Newton, Iowa and surrounding area is looking absolutely picture-perfect for the ARCA double header featuring the IMTA 50 for the ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series Saturday afternoon and the Prairie Meadows 200 grand finale ARCA RE/MAX Series race Saturday night. Currently, weather.com is showing bright blue sunny skies, temperatures in the low 80s with only a 20% chance of rain for Saturday.

Eddie Sharp Fields Four Drivers- Three are Rookies
Eddie Sharp Racing, who fielded cars for Scott Speed ('08) and Michael McDowell ('07), has four teams entered, three of which have rookies driving. Those rookies include Greenville, North Carolina's Craig Goess, New York, New York's Tim George, Jr. and Fort Frances, Ontario's Steve Arpin. Goess is 5th in championship points whereas Arpin and George are 7th and 10th respectively. The 4th seat in the ESR stable is occupied by veteran Justin Lofton.