LOUISVILLE, KY :: The last time Louisville, Kentucky, native Ben Rhodes was in a NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race was back in June at Iowa Speedway for the East-West combo event.  In the race, the 16-year-old racer started 23rd, driving his way to a fifth-place finish, third among the East drivers, in his third-career start in the series.

On August 2nd, Rhodes returns to the Newton, Iowa, track with his Turner Scott Motorsports team looking to better June’s result, racing the No. 41 Alpha Energy Solutions Chevrolet in the “Pork Be Inspired 150” East-West combo.

“We had a great race at Iowa Speedway back in June,” said Rhodes.  “Since it was my first time there, I spent a lot of the practice sessions working on my line.  Once I got that down, Lee McCall and my Turner Scott Motorsports team worked on getting the car up to speed and handling through the corners.  I qualified a bit back from where I wanted to, but we were able to work our way up to finish fifth. Now that we have some great notes, we are looking forward to a strong run Friday in the Alpha Energy Solutions Chevy and hope to contend for the win.”

The June event was also memorable for Rhodes as prior to the race he was announced as one of the NASCAR Next drivers, an industry initiative to help spotlight NASCAR’s rising stars, and it demonstrates NASCAR’s commitment to the future of the sport by identifying young drivers to help shape and mold them to carry the sport in years to come.

“Being a part of the NASCAR Next program is a lot of fun,” said Rhodes.  “We participated in a NASCAR Next versus the Media Kart challenge at the GoPro Motorplex last month, and also got a tour of the NASCAR Fan and Engagement Center in uptown Charlotte (NC). It all started at Iowa Speedway, so I am looking forward to going back there and contending for the victory.”

In 2013, Rhodes is sponsored by Alpha Energy Solutions as well as Alliance Comfort Systems, Kentucky National Guard, Refrigerant Rescue, and Park Community Federal Credit Union.

Qualifying for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series “Pork Be Inspired 150” at Iowa Speedway takes place on Friday, August 2nd, at 5pm Central with the green flag dropping for the race at 8pm.  For live event updates at the track, visit www.nascarhometracks.com.  Updates on Rhodes during the weekend can be followed at www.twitter.com/benrhodesinc.