AVONDALE, Arizona — If any one driver is the hungriest for a top run at Phoenix International Raceway this weekend, Utah's Michael Self could very well be just that. This Saturday, the primary driver for the Richard Childress Racing Development supported Golden Gate Racing Team will enter the the Casino Arizona 125 with a fell load of steam, including a competitive #21 Chevrolet that will carry the prestigious sponsorship of the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma.
"We're really excited about this race and honored to carry the sponsorship of the Chidress Institute for Pediatric Trauma. "— Jim Offenbach
Saturday's event will mark the final segment of the 14 race NASCAR K&N Pro Series West and will take place at one of the tour's biggest venues, the one mile Phoenix International Raceway. The event will share the spotlight with the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup series, giving Self and the Golden Gate Racing team the opportunity to work side by side with Richard Childress and many of their RCR associates, something their busy national schedules often prevent. Self will be looking for a top run before one of his largest and most influential audiences this weekend.
"Phoenix is always a race I look forward to and I've pulled off some pretty strong runs there," said Self. "I know we are going into it with our best car and giving the last race of the year everything we've got so I'm excited to push for a really big run to end this year strong."
Self has had mixed results throughout the 2011 NASCAR K&N Pro Series season. The team has been one of the fastest cars in competition in nearly every event this year and simply eliminated from a top finish on a few occasions through no fault of their own. Currently, Self is 7th in the championship point standings with three top five finishes and seven top ten finishes this season.
"The Golden Gate Racing Team has progressed a lot this year and it keeps growing every race," said Self. I've been given some awesome race cars lately. Now I just have to do my part and work on my race craft a little bit."
As he enters the final event of the year, Self will carry the prestigious sponsorship of the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma upon the hood of the GGRT/RCR #21 Chevrolet. Carrying this message is an honor for both Self and team owner Jim Offenbach.
Back in 2008, Richard and Judy Childress partnered with the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina for what will one day become the nation's most comprehensive institute for pediatric trauma. The Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma will focus on key area of treatment, education and training, research and prevention of pediatric trauma, The Institute is still in the development stages following the dedicated support of the Childress family and Richard Childress Racing.
'We're really excited about this race and honored to carry the sponsorship of the Chidress Institute for Pediatric Trauma," said Offenbach. "All of us have a great passion for the what the Childress Institute will bring to so many children in need that is an honor to carry their message. I really want to thank Richard Childress and Dr. Self for their joint effort in this team. We're looking for both GGRT/RCR cars to bring home a one two punch."
Self will not be alone in the Golden Gate Racing Team stable this weekend. Joining him on the track aboard the GGRT/RCR #31 Chevrolet will be the talented Jason Bowles of Ontario, California. Bowles is the 2009 NASCAR K&N Pro Series champion who now mixes his schedule with various venues including the NASCAR Nationwide Series and the Canadian Tire Series. Self is excited to have Bowles on his team for the season finale.
"Jason Bowles is a great driver so I am hoping to absorb a little off him and really learn a couple of things," said Self. "I've known Jason for a long time and I think he and I can work well together so we have a lot to look forward to going into this weekend."
The Golden Gate Racing Team/RCR Chevrolets carry the sponsorship of RCR, Bay Bio Diesel and the Golden Gate Meat Company. Additional associate sponsors that support them are the Richard Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, RCR Street Performance, Hill Meat Company, Corte Madera Tow, Harraka Racing Equipment Sales, Foodcomm International, Signco, Praxair and JW Web Design.
For an in-depth look at the Golden Gate Racing Team and additional news, visit their official website at www.goldengateracingteam.com. To learn more about the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development program visit www.rcrracing.com All four entities can also be found on facebook, become a fan today. Saturday’s race will be broadcast on SPEED TV. Check your local listings and watch the Golden Gate Racing Team in action.
