Track PR Release

Myrtle Beach, SC(November 14, 2012) – Garrett Jones, 13, doesn’t have a driver’s license, but that won’t keep him out of a limited late model at Myrtle Beach.  Jones, driving for Dale Earnhardt, Jr., will field the no. 88 car in the South East Limited Late Model race.  Jones hails from West Palm Beach, FL where he began racing quarter midgets.  He’s raced coast-to-coast in mini-sprints.  This year, the 13 year-old weighing in at 85 pounds moved up to the limited late models which weigh 3,100 pounds.

Jones had never seen Myrtle Beach Speedway until Saturday afternoon.  Following qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway, Earnhardt told Jones, “That’s my favorite track.  Go down there, have some fun and save your tires.”  Jones learned the track and laid down a 21.000 second lap.

Akinori Ogata is a Japanese driver who currently hails from Mooresville, NC.  He failed to qualify for the race on time and needed to run a heat race to make the show.  His efforts came to an end with a turn three crash that ended his day.  This year, Ogata’s back with aspirations of making the field for Sunday’s NASCAR Whelen All American Series late model feature.

Garrett Campbell won last year’s late model race after battling local competitor Justin Milliken for the win.  Both drivers raced through the “cool down” lap thinking the lap count was correct.  Milliken was hoping it was incorrect and that there was one more lap.  However, the lap count was correct and his efforts fell short.

Over 40 drivers showed up on Wednesday for open testing.  Many showed up early hoping to beat inclement weather that threatened the area.  Other drivers showed up to secure their pit stalls.  More cars are on the way and pit stalls are filling up fast.

“I will be releasing a schedule events for the 2013 season before the weekend in concluded,” Bob Lutz, Myrtle Beach Speedway owner, said.  I think the schedule will be beneficial to the business community and the racers.”

Lutz has introduced several innovative racing shows and entertainment features for 2013.

Renegade Racing Fuels and Lubricants have announced contingency awards for the drivers leading at halfway in each division during this weekend’s Myrtle Beach 400.  The leader at halfway in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series late model race will win $500.  The leader at halfway in the Southeast Limited Late Model, SELLM Challenger, the Super Truck division and the Mini Stock divisions will each receive a case of Renegade Racing Oil.

Renegade Racing Fuels and Lubricants will be the official fuel supplier of the Myrtle Beach 400 and the 2013 season at Myrtle Beach Speedway.