Maryeve Dufault; Tony Marks Racing Solid In Pocono Debut

LONG POND, Pennsylvania (June 13, 2011) - - ARCA Racing Series Rookie of the Year candidate Maryeve Dufault had an impressive showing in her Pocono (Pa.) Raceway debut continuing her Tony Marks Racing (TMR) team’s run of consistent finishes in the Pocono ARCA 200.

 

Never have seeing the defying 2.5-mile triangle before practice on Friday morning, fellow Dodge teammate and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kurt Busch offered the Sorel, Quebec native a private tour around the “Tricky Triangle.” Undoubtedly, the advice paid off.   In practice, Dufault in her No. 12 VR-12 / Dodge Motorsports Dodge Charger mounted the 17th fastest practice lap. Throughout practice, she showed massive improvement which climbed the freshman team through the running order.   The TMR team led by Darren Wolfe and Ryan Chism elected to make minor changes to her No. 12 VR-12 / Dodge Motorsports Dodge Charger hoping to give her a little more speed in Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying. In time trials, Dufault found more speed and negotiated a 15th place qualifying position, a career best in seven races.   The strategy for Dufault and her TMR team was to learn and finish the race.   Through the race’s first 15 circuits, the No. 12 VR-12 / Dodge Motorsports Dodge Charger maintained a spot in the top-15. With the leaders on a torrid pace, Dufault would lose a lap under green but would fight off her other challengers for the Aaron’s Lucky Dog. The caution flag waived on lap 17, with Dufault rightfully earning her lap back.   A solid pit stop by the TMR team would return the former NASCAR Canadian Tire Series competitor into the top-15. With light rain falling and fog present though, the caution period extended over the next 12 laps, and initially, ARCA officials decided to drop the green flag on lap 32. After restarts to begin laps 32 and 33 were aborted, officials instructed drivers to drive down pit road to close lap 35 where the red flag would be issued as everyone waited for the fog to lift.    A short time later, the cars would be re-fired and moved from pit road. The green flag would fly on lap 38 with Dufault on the move. Making work of her challengers, Dufault would move into the 13th position when the caution flag would waive on lap 50. The team followed the leaders and made the trip to pit road for four tires and fuel. Dufault called for no adjustments as she was very comfortable with her race car.   Restarting the event on lap 57 in the 12th position, Dufault would get yet another lap under her belts before a caution flag waived two laps later for again dense fog around the facility. Red flag conditions would again adorn the field but ultimately the fog would force ARCA officials to consider the race complete on lap 59 with Dufault scored in the 12th position.   “It was a very good day for Tony Marks Racing, VR-12 and Dodge,” said Dufault, who notched her fourth top-15 finish in seven races. “I learned a lot this weekend that will help us when we come back in August. Tony (Marks, owner) did a great job spotting and the team was strong in the pits. I’m happy with a 12th in my first Pocono start. Hopefully we can keep these solid finishes going.”   As for Marks, who played a double-duty role at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway, he was exceptionally pleased with the outcome. “It was nice to see the progress of Maryeve from start to finish this weekend,” he said. “Darren, Ryan and the whole TMR team did a great job giving her a competitive car that she was able to maneuver through a very difficult track in some uncharacteristic conditions.”   With her finish on Saturday, Dufault remains 10th in the ARCA Racing Series championship standings after seven races.   Next up for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is round eight of nine on the 2011 schedule. The RainEater Wiper Blades 200 from the two-mile oval of Michigan International Speedway is set for Friday, June 17th at 5:00 p.m. Eastern live on SPEED. Dufault will make her inaugural debut at the track nestled in the “Irish Hills.”   For additional information on TMT, Inc. please visit; tmtcompanies.net.   For more on Maryeve Dufault, please log onto Maryeveracing.com.   To learn more about Tony Marks Racing, please click over to Tmr-racing.com.   See the buzz that VR-12 is creating by clicking over to their website at VR-12.com.   CONTACT INFORMATION: NAME: Chris Knight, Knight Motorsports Management PHONE: 239.834.9797 EMAIL:  chris@chrisknightpr.com

 

TMR PR - Jared Marks Hopes For Hopping Performance At Toledo Speedway

TOLEDO, Ohio (April 21, 2011) - - It’s only fitting with the VR-12 / Easter Bunny 100 presented by Jegs.com set for this Saturday night at Toledo Speedway that rising star Jared Marks is looking for a hopping performance when the JEGS / CRA All-Stars Tour takes the green flag in their season opener at the historic half-mile oval.

 

After strapping in his No. 5 VR-12 / Dodge Motorsports / Victory Water Dodge Charger early in the season at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway, the youngster has shifted his attention towards school. Now, with his sophomore season dwindling down, Marks can slowly begin to trade his school books in for steering wheels.   The Tony Marks Racing (TMR) development driver is not only looking for a satisfying performance in an event that is supported by his sponsor, VR-12, but the 16-year old is looking to find his niche at a track that he can consider his hometown place.   “It’s an important weekend for us,” said Marks, who will return to Toledo Speedway on May 15 to compete in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards race. “I think our No. 5 VR-12 / Dodge Motorsports / Victory Water Dodge Charger will be fast. No doubt that the race will go by quick, so I don’t have a lot of time to waste. But, to have a shot to win, you have to be around in the end. So, hopefully we’ll keep our fenders clean and make our mark when it counts.”   He continued, “I appreciate VR-12 stepping up their commitments in racing and sponsoring the race Saturday night. It’s an honor to carry their colors and I hope we can thank them a little more with a strong finish.”   The avid late model competitor also explained how he will utilize this weekend’s race as a test session as well.   “The more laps I can gain at Toledo, it will only help me with the ARCA car next month,” he explained. “Our goal and focus is to go out there this weekend and win, but it’s also our intentions to learn some stuff that could aid us on the ARCA side in a couple of weeks. Toledo is a tough track; it’s no cookie-cutter for sure. The more laps the merrier as far as I’m concerned.”   Tony Marks, owner of Tony Marks Racing (TMR) offered his thoughts on having his son represent VR-12 in their first nationally sponsor Late Model event. “VR-12 has become an instrumental part of Tony Marks Racing. Their dedication and support to TMR has been amassed our expectations and stepping up to the plate and sponsoring an event only shows their commitment to growing their name in the racing family. I have no doubt that with the equipment and personnel that we’ve surrounded Jared with for this weekend, we should have a good reason to hopefully celebrate.”   In addition to a Late Model program, TMR also fields a full-time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards entry for Canadian Maryeve Dufault in the No. 12 VR-12 / Dodge Motorsports / Victory Water Dodge Charger. Dufault recently scored a superb 12th place finish in the ARS most recent event at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.   See the buzz that VR-12 is creating by clicking over to their website at VR-12.com.   For additional information on TMT, Inc. please visit; tmtcompanies.net.   To learn more about Jared Marks and Tony Marks Racing, please click over to Tmr-racing.com   Quench yourself with Victory Water, see how at Victoryh20.com.   About Tony Marks Racing (TMR):   Tony Marks Racing was founded in 2009 through the passion for racing of team owner and former driver Tony Marks.  Marks is the successful owner of TMT, Inc., a logistics, warehousing and packaging company with over 400 employees whose customers are mainly comprised of Fortune 100 companies.    Marks began his racing career in 1985 getting behind the wheel of everything from drag racers, Dirt Late Models, SCCA Formula Fords, USAC F2000 Open Wheel and ARCA cars.  Tony personally raced until 2005 amassing numerous wins, championships and track records along the way until he  then changed his focus from driver to owner and began building racing programs for his children Jared (16 years old) and Rachel (13 years old).  Under the auspices of TMR, Jared began his racing career in 2002 in quarter midgets and now competes in late model, CRA, ASA and ARCA Series events while Rachel continues her development program racing quarter midgets and Bandoleros. TMR has been at the forefront of charitable giving through its’  “Driving Against Hunger” and “Million Meal Challenge” race programs which have raised over $200,000 for Forgotten Harvest in 2010 at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Michigan International Speedway.    For the NASCAR events TMR along with TMT, Inc. partnered with Forgotten Harvest for the “Million Meal Challenge For Our Kids” which helps to bridge the hunger gap while schools are out of session and feeds 20,000 children per day in the Detroit metro area. Forgotten Harvest was significantly displayed on the entry of Chase Austin during both the Truck and Nationwide events at Michigan International Speedway along with logos of “Million Meal Challenge” sponsors Walgreen’s, United Race Group, Holyfield’s Choice Alka-Power Water and Vitamin Spice.  Evander Holyfield was also instrumental in the challenge, acting as Grand Marshall for the August race and announcing his “Fight Against Hunger” on behalf of Forgotten Harvest.    As the first race team to “Drive Against Hunger” through their partnership with Forgotten Harvest, TMR plans to continue their alliance with Forgotten Harvest and once again “Drive Against Hunger” during the 2011 season. ###

 

Maryeve Dufault; Tony Marks Racing Qualify Career-Best Third At Talladega

“Rookie Team; Driver Continue To Show Strength At Superspeedway”   TALLADEGA, Ala. (April 14, 2011) - - Maryeve Dufault qualified a career-best third in only her second ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards attempt at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway Thursday afternoon lining up her No. 12 VR-12 / Dodge Motorsports / Victory Water Dodge Charger on the inside of row number two for tomorrow’s 3 Amigos 250.

 

Dufault, the Sorel, Quebec native has been very impressive in her Talladega debut. Her rookie Tony Marks Racing (TMR) team showed early signs of strength in pre-race testing last month before rocketing herself to third on the practice charts earlier today.     For a while, Dufault’s lap of 52.204 seconds at 183.434 miles per hour set the rookie on the outside of row number one before youngest Kyle Fowler knocked the Redondo Beach, California native down to third overall.   In her first career ARCA Racing Series start at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in February, Dufault qualified 24th.   “Wow, this is great,” Dufault said with a huge smile. “I cannot thank VR-12, Dodge, Victory Water, Tony Marks and Tony Marks Racing for this great opportunity and with a really fast race car. I know we were going for the pole, but I’ll take third and we’ll look forward to tomorrow’s race.”   With her superb qualifying effort, Dufault picked up five crucial championship points towards the coveted ARCA Racing Series championship title which resumes tomorrow after nearly a two month sabbatical.    “Points are good,” she added. “Our goal for tomorrow is to stay up front and not make any mistakes. I’ll have Mike (Calinoff) up spotting for me tomorrow and with his experience, I know I’ll have a shot to be in contention for a good finish if not a win for our sponsors and everyone at Tony Marks Racing.”   Tony Marks, a successful entrepreneur from Ohio has been very pleased with the development and progression of his young race team and was rightfully thrilled with today’s results. “Maryeve and the entire TMR team did a fabulous job,” he said. “We came here and showed the field that we have a great race car and I feel that Maryeve can take VR-12, Dodge, Victory Water and all who support us to victory lane. It’s been a great day so far, hopefully it will keep going into tomorrow!”   A short happy hour final practice session has been etched in for competitors tomorrow but the TMR has not fully decided if they will participate in the run.   The 3 Amigos 250 (94 laps / 250 miles) is the second of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 49th ever ARCA race at Talladega Superspeedway is a two-day show. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later today slated to begin at 5:05 p.m. Coverage of time trials is available online through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com in collaboration with Alabama’s local WTDR Thunder 92.7 FM. A 45-minute final practice has been etched in on Friday, April 15 from 10:00 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. The event will take the green flag that afternoon shortly after 4:00 p.m. The race will be televised live on SPEED with additional live broadcasting available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com in collaboration with Alabama’s local WTDR Thunder 92.7 FM. All times are local (Central).   For additional information on TMT, Inc. please visit; tmtcompanies.net.   For more on Maryeve Dufault, please log onto Maryeveracing.com   To learn more about Tony Marks Racing, please click over to Tmr-racing.com   See the buzz that VR-12 is creating by clicking over to their website at VR-12.com.   Quench yourself with Victory Water, see how at Victoryh20.com.   About Tony Marks Racing (TMR):   Tony Marks Racing was founded in 2009 through the passion for racing of team owner and former driver Tony Marks.  Marks is the successful owner of TMT, Inc., a logistics, warehousing and packaging company with over 400 employees whose customers are mainly comprised of Fortune 100 companies.    Marks began his racing career in 1985 getting behind the wheel of everything from drag racers, Dirt Late Models, SCCA Formula Fords, USAC F2000 Open Wheel and ARCA cars.  Tony personally raced until 2005 amassing numerous wins, championships and track records along the way until he  then changed his focus from driver to owner and began building racing programs for his children Jared (16 years old) and Rachel (13 years old).  Under the auspices of TMR, Jared began his racing career in 2002 in quarter midgets and now competes in late model, CRA, ASA and ARCA Series events while Rachel continues her development program racing quarter midgets and Bandoleros. TMR has been at the forefront of charitable giving through its’  “Driving Against Hunger” and “Million Meal Challenge” race programs which have raised over $200,000 for Forgotten Harvest in 2010 at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Michigan International Speedway.    For the NASCAR events TMR along with TMT, Inc. partnered with Forgotten Harvest for the “Million Meal Challenge For Our Kids” which helps to bridge the hunger gap while schools are out of session and feeds 20,000 children per day in the Detroit metro area. Forgotten Harvest was significantly displayed on the entry of Chase Austin during both the Truck and Nationwide events at Michigan International Speedway along with logos of “Million Meal Challenge” sponsors Walgreen’s, United Race Group, Holyfield’s Choice Alka-Power Water and Vitamin Spice.  Evander Holyfield was also instrumental in the challenge, acting as Grand Marshall for the August race and announcing his “Fight Against Hunger” on behalf of Forgotten Harvest.    As the first race team to “Drive Against Hunger” through their partnership with Forgotten Harvest, TMR plans to continue their alliance with Forgotten Harvest and once again “Drive Against Hunger” during the 2011 season. ###

 

TMR PR: Maryeve Dufault Solid In 'Dega Practice; Third Fastest Overall

“No. 12 VR 12 / Dodge Motorsports Dodge Charger Quickest Charger At Talladega”   TALLADEGA, Ala. (April 14, 2011) - - Maryeve Dufault driver of the No. 12 VR-12 / Dodge Motorsports Dodge Charger posted an impressive third fastest time overall during the ARCA Racing Series three hour practice session leading up to tomorrow’s 3 Amigos 250 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

 

Dufault, the ARCA Racing Series Rookie of the Year candidate for Tony Marks Racing (TMR) led the session early at the 2.66-mile superspeedway before eventually falling to the third fastest time overall. She turned 23 laps overall with her fastest lap being a 51.969 seconds or 184.264 miles per hour.   “I’m real excited,” said Dufault, who will make her second career ARCA Racing Series start Friday afternoon. “The entire Tony Marks Racing team have given me a great VR 12 / Dodge Motorsports Dodge Charger for Talladega. I’m anxious for qualifying later today and hopefully we can have a good race tomorrow and learn a lot.”   She added, “even though this is my first trip to Talladega, I really enjoy the track. VR-12, Dodge and all of our other sponsors deserve some time to be in the spotlight, so hopefully our strong start will continue.”   With qualifying set for later today, Dufault remained optimistic about a pole-contending run but felt their VR 12 / Dodge Motorsports hot rod would be starting near the front. “I’d like to hope that we have a shot at the pole, but I would be happy if we end up somewhere in the top-five. We just have to remain focused the rest of the day and hope for the best.”   The 3 Amigos 250 (94 laps / 250 miles) is the second of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 49th ever ARCA race at Talladega Superspeedway is a two-day show. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later today slated to begin at 5:05 p.m. Coverage of time trials is available online through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com in collaboration with Alabama’s local WTDR Thunder 92.7 FM. A 45-minute final practice has been etched in on Friday, April 15 from 10:00 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. The event will take the green flag that afternoon shortly after 4:00 p.m. The race will be televised live on SPEED with additional live broadcasting available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com in collaboration with Alabama’s local WTDR Thunder 92.7 FM. All times are local (Central).   For additional information on TMT, Inc. please visit; tmtcompanies.net.   For more on Maryeve Dufault, please log onto Maryeveracing.com   To learn more about Tony Marks Racing, please click over to Tmr-racing.com   See the buzz that VR-12 is creating by clicking over to their website at VR-12.com. About Tony Marks Racing (TMR):   Tony Marks Racing was founded in 2009 through the passion for racing of team owner and former driver Tony Marks.  Marks is the successful owner of TMT, Inc., a logistics, warehousing and packaging company with over 400 employees whose customers are mainly comprised of Fortune 100 companies.    Marks began his racing career in 1985 getting behind the wheel of everything from drag racers, Dirt Late Models, SCCA Formula Fords, USAC F2000 Open Wheel and ARCA cars.  Tony personally raced until 2005 amassing numerous wins, championships and track records along the way until he  then changed his focus from driver to owner and began building racing programs for his children Jared (16 years old) and Rachel (13 years old).  Under the auspices of TMR, Jared began his racing career in 2002 in quarter midgets and now competes in late model, CRA, ASA and ARCA Series events while Rachel continues her development program racing quarter midgets and Bandoleros. TMR has been at the forefront of charitable giving through its’  “Driving Against Hunger” and “Million Meal Challenge” race programs which have raised over $200,000 for Forgotten Harvest in 2010 at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Michigan International Speedway.    For the NASCAR events TMR along with TMT, Inc. partnered with Forgotten Harvest for the “Million Meal Challenge For Our Kids” which helps to bridge the hunger gap while schools are out of session and feeds 20,000 children per day in the Detroit metro area. Forgotten Harvest was significantly displayed on the entry of Chase Austin during both the Truck and Nationwide events at Michigan International Speedway along with logos of “Million Meal Challenge” sponsors Walgreen’s, United Race Group, Holyfield’s Choice Alka-Power Water and Vitamin Spice.  Evander Holyfield was also instrumental in the challenge, acting as Grand Marshall for the August race and announcing his “Fight Against Hunger” on behalf of Forgotten Harvest.    As the first race team to “Drive Against Hunger” through their partnership with Forgotten Harvest, TMR plans to continue their alliance with Forgotten Harvest and once again “Drive Against Hunger” during the 2011 season. PHOTO CAPTION: 1) ARCA Racing Series Rookie of the Year candidate Maryeve Dufault.   ###

 

TMR PR - Jared Marks Juggling School To Follow Racing Dreams

"Kicking Off 2011 Racing With Busy Schedule At New Smyrna"   NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida (February 10, 2011) - - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, Jared Marks found himself nose deep in the pressure of keeping a strong sophomore academic record alive at Napoleon High School. But starting Thursday and for nine additional nights, Marks will shift his focus to his passion of racing at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway for the 45th Annual World Series in the Super Late Model (SLM) and Crate Late Model (CLM) divisions respectively.

 

Though never having the opportunity to actual race at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway, Marks care of his Tony Marks Racing (TMR) team spent their off-season profusely getting the 16-year old development driver accustomed to the tricky short track's demeanor. In addition to his Late Model, Marks even tested the heavier 3,400-pound ARCA stock car, gathering a feel for the heavier machine as he'll take to the diverse tour later this season.   When the first green flag flies on Friday night, February 11th, Marks in his No. 5 Tony Marks Racing Dodge Charger looks for consistency and comfort to set the tone for the short track version of Speedweeks 2011 with crew chief Jamie Roulo on top of the box, calling the shots.   "Testing went well despite the rain we faced," offered Marks, a second-generation racer. "We gained a lot of knowledge during the test that I think will be useful for all nine days of competition."   The youngster also commented on working alongside his newest friend, Roulo. "I'm looking forward to having Jamie on our side at New Smyrna. I'm counting on him to critique me all the way around. I want to know when I'm doing something right and I definitely want to know when I'm doing something wrong. His help will only make me a better driver."   It's a big week for the Marks family. While Jared Marks is hoping to nestle into a comfortable presence at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway, his father Tony Marks will be eyeing a successful season opener in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, approximately 15 miles southwest of New Smyrna with his TMR teammate Maryeve Dufault.   "I'm really proud of everything my dad has accomplished in such a short time with TMR," continued the younger Marks, who himself tested competitively in an ARCA car at the 2.5-mile monster superspeedway last month. "He is a very busy guy, but he has really done a lot to not only support my racing career but help bring other drivers racing dreams come true. I hope it's going to be a good couple weeks for TMR."   Once the ARCA Racing Series season-opener is in the books, Jared Marks will have the solo support of his father at his side striving to make him proud by accomplishing his own personal goal.   "My goal is to survive all nine nights," Marked offered. "I want to look at the whole nine nights as one big race in both divisions. If we can finish all the races, than I will be extremely satisfied with our effort. Without a doubt, we are capable of winning and that's what I want to do for everyone at TMR, but I'm also trying to be realistic and not set the goals too high for myself. Focus is my determination and finishing will be my strength onto the next one (race)."   To further aid him in his trial and tribulations at New Smyrna, Jarit Johnson, brother of five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson and an avid race car driver himself will be on-hand to critique and steer Marks in the right direction.   "Jarit is just like one of us," Marks commented. "He's a great guy who wants to race. I am very thankful to him for caring so much about my racing career and program. He's definitely taught me some things over the last week or two and I know I will only continue to learn more as I converse with him."   For Johnson, himself a competitive racer, his early intuition of Marks reminds him a lot of himself.   "Jared is a good kid," said Johnson, who also hails starts in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. "I'm all about helping. Jared does a good job listening and asking questions and that is one of the necessities of being an up and coming driver. It should be a fun week at New Smyrna."    In addition to running a limited Late Model schedule this year across the Country, the Napoleon, Ohio native will also compete in a second part-time ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards entry for Tony Marks Racing tentatively set to liftoff from Salem (Ind.) Speedway on May 1, 2011.   About Tony Marks Racing (TMR):   Tony Marks Racing was founded in 2009 through the passion for racing of team owner and former driver Tony Marks.  Marks is the successful owner of TMT, Inc., a logistics, warehousing and packaging company with over 400 employees whose customers are mainly comprised of Fortune 100 companies.    Marks began his racing career in 1985 getting behind the wheel of everything from drag racers, Dirt Late Models, SCCA Formula Fords, USAC F2000 Open Wheel and ARCA cars.  Tony personally raced until 2005 amassing numerous wins, championships and track records along the way until he  then changed his focus from driver to owner and began building racing programs for his children Jared (16 years old) and Rachel (13 years old).  Under the auspices of TMR, Jared began his racing career in 2002 in quarter midgets and now competes in late model, CRA, ASA and ARCA Series events while Rachel continues her development program racing quarter midgets and Bandoleros. TMR has been at the forefront of charitable giving through its'  "Driving Against Hunger" and "Million Meal Challenge" race programs which have raised over $200,000 for Forgotten Harvest in 2010 at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events at Michigan International Speedway.    For the NASCAR events TMR along with TMT, Inc. partnered with Forgotten Harvest for the "Million Meal Challenge For Our Kids" which helps to bridge the hunger gap while schools are out of session and feeds 20,000 children per day in the Detroit metro area. Forgotten Harvest was significantly displayed on the entry of Chase Austin during both the Truck and Nationwide events at Michigan International Speedway along with logos of "Million Meal Challenge" sponsors Walgreen's, United Race Group, Holyfield's Choice Alka-Power Water and Vitamin Spice.  Evander Holyfield was also instrumental in the challenge, acting as Grand Marshall for the August race and announcing his "Fight Against Hunger" on behalf of Forgotten Harvest.    As the first race team to "Drive Against Hunger" through their partnership with Forgotten Harvest, TMR plans to continue their alliance with Forgotten Harvest and once again "Drive Against Hunger" during the 2011 season. For additional information on TMT, Inc. please visit; tmtcompanies.net.     ###

 

 

 

TMR Completes First Test for 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     Tony Marks Racing Completes First Test for 2011 Dufault, Marks and Austin Turn Laps at New Smyrna   Toledo, OH (Dec. 15, 2010) –Tony Marks Racing (TMR) got their pre-season testing off to a great start after a three-day test at New Smyrna Speedway with drivers Maryeve Dufault, Jared Marks and Chase Austin at the wheel of the both a late model and ARCA car.

 

The test was intended to provide Dufault and Marks an opportunity to get familiar with the ARCA car and get some valuable seat time as TMR prepares their 2011 campaign.  Under the watchful eye of veteran crew chief Larry Moore, Austin took the first laps in the ARCA car, shaking it down and making certain that it was dialed in prior to Dufault and Marks taking the wheel.   "This was only the 2nd time in the ARCA car for me but it all came back pretty easy," said Austin.  "I just shook down the car to get a good baseline so that Maryeve and Jared could run without worrying about anything but getting familiar with the ARCA car.  They both did a good job.  I was impressed with how well they did and despite the rain, it was a successful test."   Crew chief Larry Moore planned the test so that Dufault and Marks could run quite a few laps in the CRA Late Model car and learn the ½ mile oval of New Smyrna before moving into the ARCA car. "We came into the weekend with the goal being to get Maryeve and Jared familiar and comfortable in the ARCA car," explained Moore.  "I was impressed with how smooth and calm they both were when we moved to the ARCA car as that is really something you can't teach a driver.  They both handled the ARCA car really well and I was impressed with how quickly they picked up on the weight and horsepower of the car.  It's nice to leave a test and say there was no drama with the drivers or the cars."   For Dufault, the test was a good opportunity to get seat time in the ARCA car and begin to learn the nuances of the stock car.  "I am really very happy with the whole weekend," said Dufault at the close of the test.  "The team did a great job and we communicated really well.  I was really happy to adapt so quickly to the 800 HP ARCA car and the test has really boosted my confidence going into the Daytona test in January."   Marks started the weekend running the CRA Late Model that TMR plans to enter for the 2011 season.   "The test started off really well, we were fast in the late model right out of the trailer so that was nice," explained Marks.  "I'm going to be running Speedweeks at New Smyrna in February so it was nice to get a chance to run this track and fine tune the car and start getting ready for the Crate Late Model and Super Late Model events."  Marks also got his first opportunity to test the ARCA car on Sunday.  "I wanted to get my feet wet in the ARCA car," said Marks.  "It's very different than the late model with a lot more horsepower and a heavier car so it was nice to get a feel for the car and get a little seat time.  I am looking forward to doing some more testing in the ARCA car as the season goes forward."   The team has now returned to their shop in Toledo, Ohio where preparations for their next test at the Daytona International Speedway January 11-13, 2011 are underway.  "Now we're going to spend the next few weeks going over the cars and making sure we're ready to go testing in January," said Moore.  "Even though we have a lot of work on our plates, I think we are just thrilled to be here and get to work with Maryeve and Jared and watch their careers grow."   The team is slated to run the full 19 race season in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards with Dufault.  Additional team plans for 2011 include entries for additional drivers in select ARCA Racing Series events.  TMR will also enter Jared Marks in a full schedule of late model racing in CRA and ASA and is exploring the possibility of limited Nationwide Series schedule.   About Tony Marks Racing (TMR): Tony Marks Racing was founded in 2009 through the passion for racing of team owner and former driver Tony Marks.  Marks is the successful owner of TMT, Inc., a logistics, warehousing and packaging company with over 400 employees whose customers are mainly comprised of Fortune 100 companies.  Marks began his racing career in 1985 getting behind the wheel of everything from drag racers, Dirt Late Models, SCCA Formula Fords, USAC F2000 Open Wheel and ARCA cars.  Tony personally raced until 2005 amassing numerous wins, championships and track records along the way until he then changed his focus from driver to owner and began building racing programs for his children Jared (16 years old) and Rachel (13 years old).  Under the auspices of TMR, Jared began his racing career in 2002 in quarter midgets and now competes in late model, CRA and ARCA Series events while Rachel continues her development program racing quarter midgets and Bandoleros.   TMR has been at the forefront of charitable giving through its' "Driving Against Hunger" and "Million Meal Challenge" race programs which have raised over $200,000 for Forgotten Harvest in 2010 at the Truck and Nationwide events at Michigan International Speedway.  For the NASCAR events TMR along with TMT, Inc. partnered with Forgotten Harvest for the "Million Meal Challenge For Our Kids" which helps to bridge the hunger gap while schools are out of session and feeds 20,000 children per day in the Detroit metro area. Forgotten Harvest was significantly displayed on the entry of Chase Austin during both the Truck and Nationwide events at Michigan International Speedway along with logos of "Million Meal Challenge" sponsors Walgreen's, United Race Group, Holyfield's Choice Alka-Power Water and Vitamin Spice.  Evander Holyfield was also instrumental in the challenge, acting as Grand Marshall for the August race and announcing his "Fight Against Hunger" on behalf of Forgotten Harvest.  As the first race team to "Drive Against Hunger" through their partnership with Forgotten Harvest, TMR plans to continue their alliance with Forgotten Harvest and once again "Drive Against Hunger" during the 2011 season.   For additional information on TMT, Inc. go to www.tmtcompanies.net.