SAN FRANCISCO, California — After announcing that Utah's Michael Self will assume the driving duties of the GGRT/RCR #21 Chevrolet last week, the San Francisco based Golden Gate Racing Team supported by the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development program is geared up and ready for their return to the 2010 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West in less than two weeks.
The All American Speedway in Roseville, California will be the point of return for the competitive Golden Gate Racing Team. It's the Toyota/ NAPA Auto Parts 150 presented by Pick n Pull at the Placer County Fairgrounds on October 16, one of the most anticipated events on the 2010 NASCAR West Series Schedule that takes place at a facility where the boys of Golden Gate and RCR have a history of performing well before a large enthusiastic crowd that rarely witnesses the thrill of NASCAR at this famed facility.
"These next couple of races in the series are at tracks that Golden Gate and RCR have done well at in the past," said Steve Portenga, competition director for GGRT/RCR who has been busy preparing the newly lettered #21 for the upcoming event. "We're looking forward to coming back and proving to everyone that we are alive and strong and ready to win some races in this series."
Last week it was announced by team owner Jim Offenbach and Richard Childress, CEO of Richard Childress Racing, that Utah's Michael Self would strap into the driver's seat of the Bay Bio Diesel-Golden Gate Meat Company #21 Chevrolet for the remainder of the 2010 season. After sitting out of the most recent race at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah, the announcement that Self has joined the Golden Gate Racing Team has created a buzz in the NASCAR West community and the moral at the headquarters for the Golden Gate Racing Team has risen to a level that is ready to drive their way to the checkered flag once again.
"This team is ready to go back to racing and winning," said Offenbach. "Richard (Childress) and myself are very excited about the addition of Michael Self to the team. He's young, he's talented and he likes to win. His enthusiasm already fits well with this entire team. This team is dedicated and passionate and I love everyone that's involved. I can't wait to get to Roseville."
Currently a freshman at the University of Utah, Self looks to complete his first full season of racing at the NASCAR level in the coming weeks aboard Offenbach's #21 Chevrolet. The 19-year-old contender for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award is eager to begin working with the talented Golden Gate Racing Team that is led by Portenga and driven to win by a crew that is one of the most talented and organized in the business.
The Golden Gate Racing Team has a long history of success in various racing venues since 1992. The team's record includes championship years with the IMCA Modifieds to the Northern California NORCAL Racing Circuit to finishing as high as fifth place in the NASCAR West Series. The team prides itself on professionalism, integrity and sponsorship recognition. The addition of Self to the team adds a new chapter to the Golden Gate Racing Team, one that could very well have a storybook ending in the form of victory.
As the Golden Gate Racing Team rolls onto All American Speedway for their return to action they will carry the primary sponsorship of Bay Bio Diesel and the Golden Gate Meat Company.
"I really want to thank Pat O'Keefe of Bay Bio Diesel," added Offenbach. "Pat has been a great supporter and dear friend to this team for many years. He's a talented driver and a great sponsor. We couldn't be coming back this strong without his support."
Additional support for the return to the NASCAR K&N Series West will include the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, Superior Lamb Company, Hill Meat Company, Foodcomm International and Signco,.
The Golden Gate Racing Team has competed in 9 of the ten NASCAR K&N Pro Series West events in 2010 with two different cars. Combined, the team has claimed one Coors Light Pole Award. They have finished in the top five a total of four times with a season best finish of second place in Phoenix. The team as a whole has finished in the top ten on 8 different occasions.
The Toyota/Napa Auto Parts 150 presented by Pick N Pull is a grand affair that spans two days at the All American Speedway in Roseville. On Friday, October 15, the Golden Gate Racing Team will proudly participate in Fan Fest at the Placer County Fairgounds. This event is free to the public and includes a giant display of NASCAR K&N Pro Series race cars and haulers on display and autograph sessions with the drivers in which Self will be on hand for.
The event also offers free food and beverages and a number of fun activities for race fans ranging from various exhibits, games and raffles for the whole family. The pre-event Fan Fest will take place on Friday, October 15 from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, it's game on at All American Speedway as the NASCAR K&N Series takes to the track for practice as early as 12:30. Qualifying will start at 5:30 and the Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts 150 will take the green flag shortly after 8:30 p.m. The grandstands open at All American Speedway at 3 p.m. on race day. Tickets can be purchased by calling (916) 676-0256.
Be sure and stop by the GGRT/RCR hauler during fan fest at All American Speedway to meet Michael Self and the Golden Gate Racing Team prior to the event. For an in-depth look at the Golden Gate Racing Team and additional news, visit their website at www.goldengateracingteam.com.
