San Francisco, CA -- In a sport where everything seems to be done at the last moment, when decisions are made in a split second and nothing seems to be ready till the last minute, there are exceptions. Golden Gate Racing, the West Coast RCR Driver Development program team, has nearly everything lined up for the upcoming Camping World Grand National West season.

"In all the years I've been racing, this team is the most prepared for a whole season of racing that I have ever seen. It's a nice position to be in." Said crewchief Steve Portenga. With an even stronger commitment from the Golden Gate Meat Company and the Bay Area based "Golden Gate Petroleum and Biodiesel" company, the team pulled together comprehensive and more complete program for the 2008 run at the championship. "Rushing things at the 11th hour is just bad; it creates stress and pressure for everyone, and that can undermine the quality of a team and their performance." Said team owner Jimi Offenbach who has worked hard to get everything ready early for the opening of the 2008 season.

It also helps keep things rolling that Richard Childress has pledged extended support for the team and will continue working closely with long-time friend Jimi Offenbach. "Myself and everyone here at RCR are excited about the upcoming season. With a good start to the Sprint Cup and the Nationwide Series seasons, we are anxious to get rolling with our Driver Development teams, especially Jimi and Golden Gate Racing on the west coast." Said Richard Childress at Press Day in Welcome NC.

The GGRT team now touts a total of eight cars, eight motors, three drivers and enough parts and pieces to last well into the long season. The cars all have a strong history in the RCR stalls and are topnotch machines. Watkin's Engines have been tuning the powerhouses which include three brand new spec motors and five completely refurbished and freshened spec motors. The cars are assembled, painted, decaled, polished, shined and ready to hit the track.

"Not many teams can boast such preparedness for a season." Offenbach noted. But, the team is not complacent, nor ready to wait for anything - and have several practice sessions scheduled before the season begins. This includes a March 1st date when they will spend a day at Roseville where Mayhew and O'Keefe and new driver Martinez will put the fleet of cars and equipment through their paces.

Golden Gate Racing Team now rosters three drivers, David Mayhew in the #21, Pat O'Keefe in the #31 and newcomer Luis Martinez who will be running a number of races as he learns the ropes from the Mayhew and Portenga. Mayhew is returning this season after picking up the reins halfway through the 2007 season. He had a fantastic run with GGRT and there was a great connection between him and the crew, which was evidenced in communication and car setup that translated into a front-running team. "I'm looking around at the shop, looking at our equipment, listening to the enthusiasm in everyone's voice and I'm just really geared up and ready for the best season I've ever had. Golden Gate and RCR has really stepped up the program and from the look of things we have enough equipment and back-up gear to get us through the whole season, wow." Said Mayhew.

Joining in the excitement is Pat O'Keefe. Pat has taken up the offer to run the #31 car, at least in a limited season. O'Keefe, who is also the owner of Golden Gate Petroleum and Bay Biodiesel - the primary sponsors of the Golden Gate Team, is no stranger to racing and has a history or championship driving to back up his new endeavor. "I'm looking forward to the challenge. It will be a big plus to be working with such a talented team and one I get along with so well." Said O'Keefe.

O'Keefe has a record of making a spectacular showing in his rookie seasons. An example was his first year running an asphalt modified. His rookie year in modifieds was run at Altamont in 2004 when he took the honors of "Rookie of the Year", "Most Improved Driver" and came in first runner-up in the championship points battle. "Stepping up to the modifieds was great." I'd run shifter karts for years and the transition to openwheel short track racing was a blast. I hope I can do as well in my rookie year in the Grand Nationals." Said the 30 year old entrepreneur from Pleasant Hill, California.

Also new to the roster is 18 year old Luis Martinez Jr. This talented young driver is the son of Luis Martinez, owner of the King Taco Restaurant empire. Luis comes from a strong go kart background but has recently picked up some experience in larger open-wheel racing last season. He is scheduled to run at least 4 races in the second car; tentatively Infineon Raceway, Utah's Miller Motorsports Park and two races at Irwindale. Luis is anxious to try his skills in a tour car on large road courses. Steve Portenga will be tutoring the youngster on the finer points of winning a long road course race.

Jim Offenbach, Steven Portenga and David Mayhew traveled back to Welcome, NC for the annual Press Day and met with Richard Childress at the RCR headquarters and discussed the upcoming season while posing for photos and giving interviews to the flock of press that gathers at the shop. There they met with the East Coast Development team of Andy Santerre and their chief driver Austin Dillon. "It will be beneficial working closely with Andy Santerre, exchanging information and setups. We have raced together in the past and have a good working relationship." Said Portenga of his former rival.

For the Golden Gate team the highlight of the week was spending time with Richard Childress and cementing their mutual commitment to the series and season. "We have a long-standing relationship with Jimi and the GGRT team and are truly excited about the new season. We are were thrilled with the performances that David Mayhew turned out last season and are going to be keeping an eye on him." Quoted Richard Childress.

For Complete News and Updates from the Golden Gate Racing Team - visit www.GoldenGateRacingTeam.com

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