MORGAN HILL, California — 17 year-old Devon Ostheimer of Morgan Hill, CA, just completed his rookie season in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series at TOYOTA Speedway in Irwindale, CA where he racked up seven top-five finishes and a victory against one of the toughest Late Model fields in the nation. Now Ostheimer will take the show on the road as he will compete in the “Fall Classic” at the Las Vegas Bullring this weekend.
Ostheimer will drive a #38 Late Model for established Las Vegas driver Scott Gafforini, with sponsorship from Binon’s Gambling Hall, Four Queens Hotel & Casino, and MDR Machine, Inc.
The 2010 Ocean Sprints Rookie of the Year was a highly lauded young Sprint Car talent when he made the career switch to stockcars for 2011. The move proved to be a success as Ostheimer finished sixth in the TOYOTA Speedway Auto Club Late Model points in the #57 MDR Machine, Inc. Chevrolet for Tim Huddleston’s High Point Racing.
“We had an up-and-down season this year but learned a lot and paid our dues,” Ostheimer said. “I’m really excited to go to Las Vegas and experience a new atmosphere.”
Las Vegas Bullring, home to the “Fall Classic”, is a fast-paced three-eights mile track with speeds just a few miles per hour less than the half-mile TOYOTA Speedway. The close-quarters action attracts competitors from all over the Western United States for a chance to win in Sin City.
Ostheimer will be making a whole-hearted run for the 2012 TOYOTA Speedway track championship but also wants to gain exposure and experience at additional tracks on the West Coast. Ostheimer is also looking for sponsorship to compete in either the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West or the ARCA Racing Series on a limited basis in 2012. The West Series visited Las Vegas in 2011 and is a possible track for the 2012 schedule.
“I don’t really know what to expect at Las Vegas but a top-five would be a good goal,” Ostheimer said. “It’s important to travel and be able to adapt to new cars and new tracks.”
Activities at the Bullring get underway on Thursday night with an open testing session, before practice, qualifying, and 15 lap heat races on Friday night. The 100 lap Late Model feature will take place on Saturday night.
Ostheimer also plans to compete in the prestigious “California Classic” at TOYOTA Speedway on November 26-27 to wrap up a productive 2011 season.
Race fans can learn more about Devon Ostheimer at www.devonostheimer.com Potential sponsors and media inquiries can be made to Steven Blakesley of Blakesley Sports Media at steven@norcalmedia.com
