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IMAGE
ON TRAK-
Debbie Clark
Vidovich Racing
Ragan Out, Vidovich in No. 6 Ford at
Mansfield
May 25, 2006---Roush Racing announced late Thursday evening
that Auggie Vidovich, II will drive for Roush Racing in the
No. 6 Scotts Miracle-Gro Ford F-150 for the City of
Mansfield 250 at the Mansfield Motorsports Speedway on
Saturday.
"I'm really excited to have this opportunity," said Vidovich.
"Jack Roush called and asked if I would drive the No. 6 Scotts
Ford this weekend at Mansfield. It's a great opportunity, and
I'm thankful to be able to do it. I hope we can pull off a good
finish on Saturday."
Vidovich, who has three career NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
starts, will replace David Ragan for the weekend's race at
Mansfield. His career best finish came at Portland in 1999,
where he finished 22nd.
Vidovich was one of 25 drivers chosen from 1,776 applicants
to participate in 2005's Discovery Channel reality show "Roush
Racing: Driver X." He advanced from the first segment of the
test at Martinsville Speedway to the second and third rounds at
Darlington Raceway, ultimately finishing sixth in the
competition.
"Driving for Jack Roush and his organization is something
I've always wanted to do, so I'm looking forward to making the
most of this opportunity," said Vidovich.
###
Roush Racing
VIDOVICH JOINS BIAGI BROS. RACING; NEW PARTNERSHIP FORMED
Mooresville, N.C. (May 19, 2006) - Biagi Bros.
Racing, one of NASCAR’s only stand-alone Busch Series teams,
announced significant changes to its organization today,
including the addition of Auggie Vidovich II as driver of the
No. 4 Dodge, launching a new partnership with DenBeste
Transportation, and realigning key personnel.
Auggie Vidovich II, a standout in
the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series, will take
over the wheel of the No. 4 Dodge starting at the 1-mile
concrete oval of Dover International Speedway on Saturday, June
3rd. A driver has not yet been named for the
Carquest Auto Parts 300 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway next week.
In addition to the driver switch,
Biagi has formed a new partnership with longtime friend and
businessman, Bill DenBeste. The newly formed venture will
operate under the name “Biagi-DenBeste Racing”.
“I have been friends with Bill and
Lori DenBeste for a long time. It is our hope that with the new
partnership, our race team will be much more successful,”
explained Biagi. “Bill and Lori are great businesspeople and
the new energy, renewed focus, and leadership that they will
bring to our team is priceless.”
Prior to partnering with Biagi,
the DenBeste’s fielded the No. 57 entry for Vidovich in the
NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series.
“My wife and I have worked hard to
build our family business and our race team from the ground up
and I am looking forward to this challenge with the same
commitment and drive that has made those things run
successfully,” said Bill DenBeste. “The NASCAR Busch Series is
the second most popular motorsport in the country and partnering
with Fred made the best business sense for us when we decided to
make this move.”
In addition to the new business
arrangement, Biagi has hired Mike Harvick as General Manager and
promoted Jamie Maynard to the position of Director of Team
Operations.
“Fred and Bill know what it takes
to be winning owners in business and in racing,” said Harvick.
“Together, we are putting all the pieces together to run strong
and get the best finishes we can every week. Auggie is a driver
that can succeed at the Busch Series level and with the cars
that Jon Wolfe and the team are putting together, we have high
expectations,” said Harvick.
The first event for the new
Biagi-DenBeste team will be the Carquest Auto Parts 300 at the
newly repaved 1.5-mile quad-oval of Lowe’s Motor Speedway on
Saturday, May 27th, 2006.
For more
information on Auggie Vidovich II, please visit
www.vidovichracing.com.
###
Media Contact: Jamie Maynard
Biagi Bros. Racing
Mobile: (707) 287-5450
IMAGE
ON TRAK
VIDOVICH LOOKING FOR SHASTA SW REPEAT
LAKESIDE, California (10 May 2006) — Auggie Vidovich II of Lakeside,
Calif. returns to Shasta Raceway Park (Anderson, CA) May 13 looking for
a repeat win after winning last year’s event on the fast but quaint
3/8-mile oval. Vidovich enjoyed last year’s stop at the small-town
track located at the Shasta Fairgrounds saying it reminded him of his
hometown track, Cajon Speedway in El Cajon, Calif., also a 3/8-mile
which closed down in 2005.
Vidovich will be eyeing another win this weekend with crew chief Mike
Harvick, which would be his first for the year after winning a season
best of four events in 2005 including win number four at Shasta last
September – leading the final 40 laps for the win. Only two other
drivers have won back-to-back wins at Shasta over the years in the
Southwest Series competition -- Ron Esau (86, 87) and Mike Chase (86,
87). Vidovich will be aspiring to add his name along side Esau, 1986
Inaugural Southwest Series Champion also from Vidovich’s Lakeside,
Calif. hometown.
Over 30 drivers from California, Colorado, Idaho, Washington, Arizona,
Oregon and North Carolina will attempt to secure one of 24 possible
starting positions for the NARI Records 125 presented by BECCA race when
the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series headlines for the
Saturday evening event at SRP, since the popular series returned to the
track in 2005 after a 16-year hiatus. The race is set to be one of the
biggest events of the year for SRP, as the top drivers in both the
Northwest and Southwest NASCAR AutoZone Elite Divisions will be on hand
making it an exciting race for the fans and an interesting race for all
competitors on the small oval.
Vidovich, 2005 NASCAR Toyota All Star Showdown winner, currently sits
ninth in Southwest Series points only 42 points out of first after one
race and is confident he can still be a factor for the 2006 championship
– the final year of competition announced recently by NASCAR for the
popular series.
Vidovich, one of six finalists in the 2005-2006 Discovery Channel Roush
Racing “Driver X: The Race for the Ride”, is dividing his race schedule
between the Southwest and Grand National West Series’ this year. Plans
for the 2003 NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series Champion have him
scheduled to drive the No.57 Den Beste Transportation Ford in three West
Series races in 2006 -- Phoenix, Infineon and Fontana -- to get the
twenty-five-year-old racer ready for the competitive Busch Series in
2007.
Samantha Palumbo’s photo returns on the hood of the Vidovich No.11
Centrifugal Technologies, Ransom Brothers True Value Lumber Chevrolet
owned by Rich and Kathie Fountain. Vidovich and the team continue to
support Samantha’s daily challenges since the beautiful teenager and
former Miss California Junior National Teen from San Dimas, Calif. was
involved in a near-fatal accident April 8, 2005. “Our team will
continue to support the Sam and Diana Palumbo family in spreading the
word about Samantha’s story,” said twenty-five-year-old Vidovich.
Samantha has done so much for others like starting her own charitable
project “To Mom, With Love” where she collected and donated gift items
and supplies to be given to children staying in local women’s shelters
so the children can make their own special presents for their moms.
More information about Samantha Palumbo can be found on her website,
www.pray4samantha.com.
Click on
www.vidovichracing.com
for updates and more information on 2005 NASCAR Toyota All Star Showdown
Elite Division Winner and 2003 NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series
Champion.
IMAGE
ON TRAK
VIDOVICH AND TEAM
DEN BESTE PLEASED WITH PIR WEST SERIES DEBUT
LAKESIDE, California (3 May 2006) — Although Auggie Vidovich II, driver for
the newly formed NASCAR No.57 Den Beste Transportation Grand National West
Series team, did not have the finish he wished for, team owner Lori Den
Beste was very pleased with the entire Den Beste Transportation performance
with a finish of 24th on April 20 at Phoenix International Raceway. “We had
a great car in practice as well as qualifying, a little bad luck at the
start of the race, but the team did an excellent job getting Auggie back on
the track, Auggie made up some laps and we finished the race,” said Lori Den
Beste.
Two early morning practices on race day, listed Vidovich at the top of the
board for each session with the fastest car each time by more than two
tenths.
Confident for qualifying, Vidovich went out eighth early in the heated
afternoon and ran a qualifying time of 28.761 (one tenth off pole) to
position the Den Beste Transportation Ford in forth for the 150-lap race.
Vidovich started the Thursday evening Casino Arizona 150 race under the
Musco lighting outside front row due to a post qualifying penalty on the car
starting in front of him. The green flag waived and Vidovich had taken the
lead over car No.9 on the back straightaway when he experienced what he
thought was an engine failure. Vidovich quickly radioed in to crew chief
Mike Harvick that he had very little power to the motor and was instructed
to bring the No.57 Den Beste Transportation Ford back to pit lane. After
figuring out the lack of horsepower – with the assistance of bystander
Nextel Busch and Cup driver Mike Wallace calling out possibilities for the
setback -- the Den Beste Transportation team got Vidovich back out to the
track around lap 29.
Vidovich got back to racing and kept his composure while making up
positions, receiving three NASCAR lucky dog calls to move to the tail of
pack making up additional laps. The No.57 was as fast as the leader and
sometimes faster by up to two to three tenths but was unable to make up the
laps down due to the debris found in the fuel line that caused the lack of
power at the beginning of the race.
“We did what we came to PIR to do, get me the experience and laps that
NASCAR is looking for and I really enjoyed driving the Mike Harvick setup
car,” said Vidovich.
The newly formed No.57 Den Beste Transportation team are planning on a
one-day practice at Infineon Raceway prior to the upcoming West race June
24, running the same weekend as the Nextel Cup Series race on the 1.949-mile
road course.
Plans for the new No.57 NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series team
formed by owner Lori Den Beste along with her husband, Bill Den Beste of
Windsor, CA and Mike Harvick of Bakersfield, CA are to race at least three
races --- Phoenix April 20, Infineon Raceway June 24 and California Speedway
September 1 and maybe one more --- to get Vidovich up to speed in the West
Series and gain exposure for the sponsors. “Again, we would like to race
the Busch Series next year with Auggie and Mike and hopefully create a
successful Busch team and bring another great team to the sport,” quoted
Lori Den Beste. As the majority owner of the newly formed team, Lori Den
Beste brings diversity to the sport of NASCAR as a women-owned Hispanic team
owner.
Den Beste Transportation welcomed partners Dine Transportation, Pinnacle
Supply, Generation Wines, Remedial Transportation Services (RTS) and Den
Beste Tank Rentals for the Phoenix race.
Vidovich was recently featured in this year’s Discovery Channel Roush Racing
“Driver X: The Race for the Ride,” a 13-part nationally televised reality
series. Vidovich, the only driver from California, made it down to the
final top six after he was originally selected one of the 25 qualified
participants out of 1700 submitted resumes. After on track driving
observation on the Darlington and Martinsville tracks and intensive
interviews by marketing personnel and Roush Racing current drivers and key
Roush employees, Vidovich was happy with the results and said the show gave
him great exposure and experience in the heavy Roush Craftsman trucks.
Vidovich’s next race is scheduled for May 13 at Shasta Raceway when he
returns to the NASCAR Southwest Series where he won last year’s main event
at Shasta on September 10, leading the final 40 laps to the finish line.
With this being the final year of competition announced recently by NASCAR
for the popular Southwest Series, Vidovich will continue competing in the
Southwest Series this year driving the No.11 Centrifugal Technologies /
Ransom Brothers True Value Lumber Chevrolet owned by Rich Fountain aiming to
win another championship and get his name on the final Southwest Series
trophy.
Den Beste Transportation, Inc. – a small minority owned enterprise
(certified DBE, WBE, & MBE) serving clients statewide since 1988 –
specializes in the transportation of hazardous and non-hazardous
(contaminated) soils quickly and safety per OSHA mandated regulations and
company policies. A full service intrastate and interstate fully bonded
transportation broker, Den Beste Transportation meets the highest federal
and state standards for training and certification in handling hazardous
waste through dedication, dependability and a professional and quality
service at the same time helping to solve today's environmental problems.
For more information about the many services available through Den Beste
Transportation – go to
www.denbeste.com.
Updates and more information on Auggie Vidovich II – 2005 NASCAR Toyota
All-Star Showdown Elite Division Winner and 2003 NASCAR Elite Division,
Southwest Series Champion – can be found at
www.vidovichracing.com.
IMAGE
ON TRAK
NEW NASCAR WEST TEAM LURES SHOWDOWN WINNER VIDOVICH
FOR PIR DEBUT
LAKESIDE, California (17 April 2006) — A new NASCAR Grand National
Division, West Series team will be making their debut at Phoenix
International Raceway April 20. However, this team is not new to
racing and has as much racing experience as any one could wish for at a
debut race. The newly formed team owned by Lori DenBeste along with
her husband, Bill DenBeste of Windsor, CA and Mike Harvick of
Bakersfield, CA signed 2005 NASCAR Toyota All Star Showdown winner,
Auggie Vidovich II, to pilot their entry for the West Series CASINO
ARIZONA 150 race.
A one-day shake out on the one-mile PIR oval in the No. 57 DenBeste
Transportation Ford Taurus got twenty-five-year-old Vidovich quickly
accustomed to the more than 3,000 lb car similar to the NASCAR Busch
East Series with no problem. Vidovich was smooth from the initial laps
and he got faster and more comfortable with every lap. “We were very
happy with all of Auggie’s laps in the new car. Everything went very
well,” smiled Mike Harvick.
The partnership between Bill and Lori DenBeste of DenBeste
Transportation and Mike Harvick was a natural after their friendship
the past several years. “Mike is a great guy and we think he is a great
contributor to the sport. We are very lucky to have him aboard. We
wanted the exposure and experience and hopefully wins in 2006 to build
on for 2007 and the future,” said team owner Lori DenBeste. Mike
Harvick took the time, did the research and found the cars that were
purchased from PPC Racing in North Carolina. Another plus for the new
team, Watkins Engine Development of Bakersfield, CA will continue to
supply the engines for Vidovich after Vidovich’s great run in 2005 in
the Southwest Series.
Having a relationship with Mike Harvick already, Bill and Lori DenBeste
felt it was a good pairing with the experienced crew chief from
Bakersfield, CA and Auggie Vidovich, the young driver from Lakeside,
CA. They have shown they get along and communicate well with the four
NASCAR Southwest Series wins in 2005 and the prestigious NASCAR Toyota
All Star Showdown win last November. “Auggie is professional, committed
and hard working and an all around good guy. We immediately liked what
we saw in Auggie when we first met him,” said Lori.
The No.57 DenBeste Transportation team plan on racing a total of three
races in 2006 --- Phoenix April 20, Infineon Raceway June 24 and
California Speedway September 1 – to get Vidovich up to speed in the
West Series and gain exposure for the sponsors. “We would like to race
the Busch Series next year with Auggie and Mike and hopefully we can
create a successful Busch team and bring another great team to the
sport,” quoted Lori DenBeste. And as the majority owner of the newly
formed team, Lori Denbeste brings diversity to the sport of NASCAR as a
women owned Hispanic team owner.
Vidovich’s last (and only) start in the then referred to NASCAR Winston
West Series was back on October 13, 2001 on the 1.5-mile Las Vegas Motor
Speedway, starting 28th and finishing 16th.
DenBeste Transportation welcomes partners Dine Transportation, Pinnacle
Supply, Generation Wines, Remedial Transportation Services (RTS) and
DenBeste Tank Rentals for the Phoenix race.
Bill and Lori DenBeste were first introduced to NASCAR racing after
attending a race as an invitee of the No. 4 Biagi Racing Team about four
years ago. Fred Biagi invited the two to a race and sponsored the No. 4
Biagi Team at a Bristol Motor Speedway race and have been hooked ever
since.
With this being the final year of competition announced recently by
NASCAR for the popular Southwest Series, Vidovich will continue
competing in the Southwest Series this year driving No.11 Centrifugal
Technologies / Ransom Brothers True Value Lumber Chevrolet owned by Rich
Fountain aiming to win the championship and get his name on the final
Southwest Series trophy.
Finishing second in the final point standings in 2005, Vidovich has now
finished second three times (2005, 2001 and 2000) more than any other
driver in the series history since 1986. Vidovich is determined more
than ever to build on the 2005 year stats with the four wins, nine
top-five, eleven top-ten finishes, two back-to-back wins plus winning
both races held at one track, leading two entire races and leading the
most laps for the season for the final Southwest Series year.
Vidovich’s Southwest Series Crew Chief, Mike Harvick, was awarded the
2005 Lunati Crew Chief Award for Vidovich’s four wins (a season high) in
2005.
Vidovich was recently featured in this year’s Discovery Channel Roush
Racing “Driver X: The Race for the Ride,” a13-part nationally televised
reality series. Vidovich, the only driver from California, made it
down to the final top six after he was originally selected one of the 25
qualified participants out of 1700 submitted resumes. After on track
driving observation on the Darlington and Martinsville tracks and
intensive interviews by marketing personnel and Roush Racing current
drivers and key Roush employees, Vidovich was happy with the results and
said the show gave him great exposure and experience in the heavy Roush
Craftsman trucks.
Another new aspect to the new team includes a special wrap graphics
application applied to the No. 57 DenBeste Transportation Ford for the
Phoenix race. Wraps are not new to NASCAR racing especially in the
upper divisions like Nextel Cup, Busch and the Craftsman Truck Series
but not used much due to the costs in the regional division races. The
wrap, meaning all logos and graphics are printed on a couple pieces of
vinyl, is tightly wrapped over the entire car. SignCo of Bakersfield,
CA proved the wrap as one of the first they have ever attempted and
looked forward to adding this unique and time saving application to
Vidovich’s car and to their line of sign products, said Windi Portenga.
DenBeste Transportation, Inc. – a small minority owned enterprise
(certified DBE, WBE, & MBE) serving clients statewide since 1988 –
specializes in the transportation of hazardous and non-hazardous
(contaminated) soils quickly and safety per OSHA mandated regulations
and company policies. A full service intrastate and interstate fully
bonded transportation broker, Denbeste Transportation meets the highest
federal and state standards for training and certification in handling
hazardous waste through dedication, dependability and a professional and
quality service at the same time helping to solve today's environmental
problems. For more information about the many services available
through DenBeste Transportation go to
www.denbeste.com.
For updates and more information on Auggie Vidovich II – 2005 NASCAR
Toyota All-Star Showdown Elite Division Winner and 2003 NASCAR Elite
Division, Southwest Series Champion – click on
www.vidovichracing.com.
IMAGE
ON TRAK
SHOWDOWN WINNER AUGGIE VIDOVICH HAS EYE ON A SECOND SW
CHAMPIONSHIP
LAKESIDE, California. (19 January 2006) — Roush Racing “Driver X: Race
for the Ride” standout and recent NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown winner,
Auggie Vidovich II returns to racing this weekend for round one of the
NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series at PIR in quest of claiming
a second Southwest Series Championship in 2006. Like many Southwest Series
competitors, Vidovich will be looking to win this weekend’s Southwest
Series “100" race, which includes 25 additional laps, to get off to a
positive start for the season.
This is the final year of competition announced recently by NASCAR for the
popular Southwest Series and Vidovich is more focused than ever to get his
name on the final Southwest Series Championship trophy this year. The
twenty-four-year-old will be looking to carry over last season’s great year
with four wins to this weekend’s 29th Annual Copper World Classic on the
one-mile Phoenix International Raceway (Avondale, AZ).
Returning with Vidovich this year is Mike Harvick, crew chief for the #11
Centrifugal Technologies / Ransom Brothers True Value Lumber Chevrolet owned
by Rich Fountain. “Mike brought a tremendous amount of experience to the
whole scenario last year and it was evident by our four Southwest wins and
the big win at the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown in November,” said
Vidovich. “Mike is such a knowledgeable guy and I appreciate everything he
has done for me and the team.” Harvick was also rewarded by winning the
2005 Lunati Crew Chief Award for the four wins (season high) at the
Southwest Series award’s banquet in December.
Vidovich finished out his 2005 Southwest Series season at PIR November 10
with a fifth for the day. After posting the fastest practice time on the
board prior to qualifying, Vidovich then had the provisional pole time at
27.715 until final qualifier NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Kenny Schrader bumped
Vidovich off the pole (27.667). Vidovich then started along side Schrader
but things changed when he was hit by another car sending him into the turn
three wall on the first lap ending his chances for a second Southwest Series
Championship. Vidovich salvaged the fifth place thanks to Mike Harvick and
the #11 Centrifugal Technologies / Ransom Brothers True Value Lumber
Chevrolet crew for quickly repairing the damage and sending Vidovich back
out on the lead lap finishing a decent fifth place.
Finishing second in the final point standings in 2005, Vidovich has now
finished second three times (2005, 2001 and 2000) more than any other driver
in the series history since 1986. Vidovich is determined more than ever to
build on the 2005 year stats with the four wins, nine top-five, eleven
top-ten finishes, two back-to-back wins plus winning both races held at one
track, leading two entire races and leading the most laps for the season.
Although Vidovich’s schedule at this point has him racing only the Southwest
Series, he would like to diversify his racing schedule to include other
racing series such as NASCAR West, Busch or Craftsman Truck as the year goes
by, but hasn’t finalized anything as of yet.
Vidovich continues to be featured on the Discovery Channel Roush Racing
“Driver X: The Race for the Ride,” a13-part nationally televised reality
series. Vidovich was selected one of the 25 qualified participants out of
1700 submitted resumes making it down to the finals by rising to the top in
all aspects of competition with his on and off the track racing and media
experience. Racing in actual Roush Racing prepared Craftsman Trucks at
Darlington and Martinsville displayed that the Southern California racer
still has what it takes to be a competitive factor in the heavy trucks.
Two practice sessions are scheduled for Saturday January 21 with qualifying
again the day of the event with positions 1 through 35 to be determined by
actual qualifying times and the remaining seven positions based on
predetermined provisionals. PIR will host the USAC National / Western
Midgets, USAC Silver Crown Series and NASCAR AutoZone Grand National
Division, West Series, all racing Sunday with the Southwest Series. The
Southwest Series “100" will take the green Sunday, January 22 1pm (Phoenix
time).
For updates on the 2005 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown Elite Division
Winner and 2003 NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series Champion, click on
www.vidovichracing.com.
IMAGE
ON TRAK
UNBELIEVABLE YEAR FOR SHOWDOWN WINNER AUGGIE VIDOVICH
LAKESIDE, Calif. (21 December 2005) — Auggie Vidovich II of Lakeside,
California recently summarized his year in racing for an interview stating
that he still can not believe what he accomplished in 2005. The
twenty-four-year-old racer recorded four wins, nine top-five, eleven
top-ten, two back-to-back wins, lead two entire races, won both races held
at one track, finished second in the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division,
Southwest Series and more importantly won the esteemed NASCAR Toyota
All-Star Showdown in November pitting the best-of-the-best racers in
NASCAR’s regional touring series today.
Vidovich ended his Southwest Series season at Phoenix International Raceway
(Avondale, AZ) November 10, where he finished fifth for the final race of
the year. Heading to PIR with a 51-point deficit, Vidovich was on the top
of the board with the fastest practice time before qualifying. Vidovich
qualified with the potential pole time at 27.715 until NASCAR Nextel Cup
driver Kenny Schrader bumped Vidovich off the pole (27.667) as one of the
final qualifiers. Excited about racing along side veteran Schrader,
Vidovich’s day changed when he was hit by another car sending the No.11 into
the turn three wall on the first lap. Crew chief, Mike Harvick radioed
Vidovich in to view damages, make quick repairs, and sent him back out to
finish the 125-lap race on the lead lap for the fifth place finish, 34
points out of first in the point standings. Vidovich has now finished the
year-end standings in second three times (2005, 2001 and 2000), more than
any other driver in the series history since 1986. Vidovich also lead the
most laps in the Southwest Series this year at 423.
Finishing out the year with the most wins (four) for the Southwest Series,
the 2003 NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series Champion now has ten career
Southwest Series wins after the wins at Mesa Marin, Shasta and Stockton
twice this year.
Vidovich was excited about his chances for this year’s 3rd Annual Showdown
after finishing eighth out of 40 entries in 2003, the same year he won the
Southwest Series championship. Vidovich started the Saturday night 125-lap
main event in eighth, fourth row outside. Finding the quickest way around
the 1/2-mile oval moving up to second before the mandatory 10-minute break
at lap 75 to take on gas, tires and a couple of small adjustments. Vidovich
took advantage of a double-file restart on lap 76 to pass the leader
dominating the final 50-lap segment for the win crossing the finish line
with a 1.738 second lead. Vidovich was elated to win after coming so close
to other Southwest Series victories at Irwindale Speedway but never
succeeding. “I’ve hated this track at times but love it tonight!”
exclaimed Vidovich in victory lane.
A very rewarding spotlight of the year was the running of Samantha Palumbo’s
picture on Vidovich’s hood for the final three races including the Showdown
race. Rich and Kathie Fountain, owners of the No. 11 Centrifugal
Technologies, Ultra Custom Boats, Ransom Brothers True Value Lumber
Chevrolet wanted to do this for the beautiful 16-year-old Miss California
Junior National Teen, who was involved in a near-fatal accident April 8.
Samantha returned home in October with continued therapy and future
operations. Samantha made a special trip to Irwindale Speedway to watch
Vidovich qualify on Friday night and joined the team in the pits for
photos. The Sam and Diana Palumbo family continue to be overwhelmed with
the racing community's support for their daughter since Vidovich has been
displaying Samantha’s picture on the hood. For more information about
Samantha Palumbo and her continued challenges, go to
www.pray4samantha.com.
Vidovich dedicated his big Showdown win to Samantha when interviewed in
winner’s circle.
Another highlight for the Southern California racer this year was his
selection by Roush Racing for the Discovery Channel “Driver X: The Race for
the Ride,” the 13-part nationally televised reality series awarding the
winner with a fully sponsored Roush Racing NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
ride in 2006. Vidovich was selected one of the 25 out of 1700 submitted
resumes making it down to the finals sensing he did well with his prior on
track truck experience. Show filming showed candidates being timed in
actual Roush Racing prepared Craftsman Trucks taking place at the Darlington
and Martinsville tracks with Vidovich savoring the experience.
Vidovich as also awarded the 2005 Most Popular Driver in the Southwest
Series at the recent award’s banquet held at The Orleans Hotel and Casino.
An award he very much appreciated and has won in 2003 and 2001.
Vidovich’s crew chief, Mike Harvick, was also awarded the Lunati Cams Crew
Chief Trophy for Vidovich’s four wins in 2005.
As for next year, Vidovich and the No.11 Centrifugal Technologies team
return to Phoenix International Raceway, Sunday January 22 for the first
round of the 2006 NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series season.
For updates on the 2005 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown Elite Division
Winner and 2003 NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series Champion go to
www.vidovichracing.com.
IMAGE
ON TRAK
AUGGIE VIDOVICH OUTCLASSES COMPETITION AT IRWINDALE
SHOWDOWN
LAKESIDE, Calif. (16 November 2005) — Twenty-four-year-old Auggie Vidovich
II of Lakeside, California is still on cloud nine after his recent NASCAR
Toyota All-Star Showdown, Elite Division win at Irwindale Speedway, November
12.
Vidovich’s week started at Phoenix International Raceway (Avondale, AZ),
November 10, where he finished fifth in the final round of NASCAR AutoZone
Elite Division, Southwest Series racing. Coming to PIR with a 51-point
deficit, Vidovich was on a mission to gain the points needed for a second
Southwest Series championship. Top of the board with the fastest practice
session before the race, Vidovich went out to qualify in eighth position,
laying down the fastest time at 27.715 until regular Cup driver Kenny
Schrader bumped Vidovich off the pole (27.667) as one of the final
qualifiers. Starting next to Schrader on the outside pole, Vidovich was
looking for an exciting race along side experienced Schrader but was hit by
another car sending Vidovich’s car backwards into the turn three wall on the
first lap. Crew chief, Mike Harvick summoned Vidovich in to view the damage
and have the team make quick repairs, sending him back out to finish the
125-lap race remaining on the lead lap with the respectable fifth place
finish for the day out of 42 cars.
Vidovich, however, finished the season in second only 34 points out of first
in the point standings. Vidovich has now finished the year-end standings in
second three times (2005, 2001 and 2000), more than any other driver in the
series history since 1986.
Finishing out the year with the most wins (four) including nine top-five and
11 top-ten finishes, Vidovich also lead the most laps in the Southwest
Series this year at 423, leading two entire races start to finish.
The 2003 NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series Champion now has ten career
Southwest Series wins after the wins at Mesa Marin, Shasta and Stockton
twice this year.
Vidovich headed to Irwindale Speedway (Irwindale, CA) Friday, November 11
after the Phoenix race for this year’s third annual NASCAR Toyota All-Star
Showdown along with the other top-10 drivers from the Elite Southwest,
Southeast, Midwest and Northwest NASCAR divisions for his second
invitation. Vidovich finished eighth out of 40 cars in 2003, the same year
he won the NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series championship.
Starting 18th in the NASCAR predesignated lineup for the Friday night 50-lap
qualifying race with the results to determine the starting positions for the
Saturday night main event with Vidovich finishing fourth.
Vidovich started the Saturday night SPEED CHANNEL televised 125-lap main
event in eighth, fourth row outside. He quickly found the quickest way
around the 1/2-mile oval moving up to second before the mandatory 10-minute
break at lap 75 where all teams stopped to take on gas, tires and make any
adjustments. Vidovich then took advantage of the double-file restart on lap
76 to pass the leader dominating the final 50-lap segment for the win
crossing the finish line with a 1.738 second lead. Vidovich was elated to
win after coming so close to other Southwest Series victories at Irwindale
Speedway but never succeeding. “I’ve hated this track at times but love it
tonight!” exclaimed Vidovich in victory lane. He credited his crew and crew
chief, Mike Harvick, for the adjustments made at the break sending him to
victory. The first 75-lap segment was awarded to the Vidovich’s Southwest
Series Division for the best overall finish.
Car owners Rich and Kathie Fountain and the No. 11 Centrifugal Technologies,
Ultra Custom Boats, Ransom Brothers True Value Lumber team had a very
special guest in the pits Friday night at the Showdown. Samantha Palumbo
and her parents, Sam and Diana, took a quick tour of the pits plus photos
before moving up to an Irwindale suite to watch Vidovich’s qualifying.
Samantha, the beautiful 16-year-old Miss California Junior National Teen,
was involved in a near-fatal accident April 8, 2005 and has been featured on
Vidovich’s hood for the final three races at Shasta, Mesa Marin and
Phoenix. The team dedicated the final races including the Showdown to the
continued recovery of Samantha Palumbo of San Dimas, California. Samantha
had been in the hospital and rehabilitation center since the accident and
recently returned home on October 29, continuing to make great strides in
her recovery. The Palumbo family continues to be overwhelmed with the
racing community's support for their daughter since Vidovich has been
displaying Samantha’s picture on the hood. For more information about
Samantha Palumbo go to
www.pray4samantha.com.
Vidovich dedicated the big Showdown win to Samantha when interviewed in
winner’s circle.
One of the highlights for the Southern California racer this year was his
selection by Roush Racing for the Discovery Channel “Driver X: The Race for
the Ride,” a 13-part reality series for a fully sponsored Roush Racing
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ride in 2006. Vidovich felt honored that he
was selected one of the 25 out of 1700 submitted resumes, making it down to
the finals and sensing he did well in the Roush Racing Craftsman Truck at
the Darlington and Martinsville tracks he tested at.
Read more about 2003 NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series Champion and
2005 Elite Division Showdown Winner Auggie Vidovich at
www.vidovichracing.com.
IMAGE
ON TRAK
DOWN TO ONE RACE, VIDOVICH READY FOR PIR DESERT MILE
SHOOT OUT
LAKESIDE, Calif. (8 November 2005) — Auggie Vidovich II, 2003 NASCAR Elite
Division, Southwest Series Champion, finishes out the final round of
Southwest Series racing November 10 at Phoenix International Raceway
attempting to add another Championship to his resume.
Only 51 points out of first place, Vidovich will give it his best effort to
win the final race and with a bit of luck win his second Southwest Series
championship. With the point leader having to finish eleventh or better in
the finale, Vidovich is positive about his championship chances.
Vidovich has been a steady factor in this year’s points battle, never
dropping below third place in the points battle all season. Posting strong
finishes including four wins (Stockton twice, Mesa Marin and Shasta),
Vidovich has eight top-five and ten top-ten finishes with an average finish
of seventh this year. The strong finishes have enabled Vidovich to gain
points on the leader race-by-race. Vidovich also leads the stats for the
most laps lead at 423 going into Phoenix. The Lakeside, California racer,
contributes this year’s results to preparation and testing along with crew
chief Mike Harvick giving Vidovich key setups. “Our whole team has rallied
together and put out 110 percent at each race,” said Vidovich.
Over forty-one listed entries are attempting to qualify for the race which
is expected to draw competitors from other AutoZone Elite Series divisions
along with a couple NASCAR Cup, Busch and Truck regulars, including Cup
regular Kenny Schrader.
The Southwest Series started the 2005 season at PIR in January for the
Copper World Classic with Vidovich forced to the pits running 7th with a
mechanical and salvaging a 14th place finish. Vidovich has recorded only
two top-five performances on the one-mile paved oval.
Car owners Rich and Kathie Fountain and the entire No. 11 Centrifugal
Technologies, Ultra Custom Boats, Ransom Brothers True Value Lumber
Chevrolet team dedicate the final race to the continued recovery of Samantha
Palumbo of San Dimas, California. Samantha, the beautiful 16-year-old Miss
California Junior National Teen, involved in a near-fatal accident April 8,
2005, has been featured on Vidovich’s hood for the final three races at
Shasta, Mesa Marin and Phoenix. “Our team is happy to continue to assist the
Sam and Diana Palumbo family in spreading the word about Samantha’s story,”
said Auggie Vidovich. Samantha’s family attended the Irwindale race on
August 6, in support of Vidovich, and the Palumbo family was overwhelmed
with the racing community's support for their daughter. A benefit Dinner
Dance and Live Auction in September at the Pacific Palms Resort (Industry
Hills, California) raised more than $107,000 for the 3.85 GPA sophomore
cheerleader and junior varsity team swimmer. For more information about
Samantha Palumbo go to
www.pray4samantha.com.
Samantha came home on October 29 and will be attending the Friday, November
11 qualifying night at the Irwindale All-Star Showdown.
The top-ten Southwest Series drivers won’t be able to stick around to
checkout the NASCAR Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck races this weekend as
they must arrive early Friday morning at Irwindale Speedway to participate
in the 4th Annual NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, November 11-12. Vidovich
finished eighth out of 40 entries at the first annual Showdown in 2003.
One of the highlights for the twenty-four-year-old this year was his
selection by Roush Racing for the Discovery Channel “Driver X: The Race for
the Ride”, a 13-part reality series for a fully sponsored Roush Racing
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ride in 2006. Vidovich felt honored that he
was selected one of the 25 out of 1700 submitted resumes, making it down to
the finals.
The 125-laps AZ Lottery “125" race is not scheduled to be televised live but
can be viewed lap-by-lap courtesy of RacingWest.com on the Internet Thursday
starting at 4pm (Arizona time).
Read more about Champion Auggie Vidovich and the No. 11 Centrifugal
Technologies, Ultra Custom Boats, Ransom Brothers True Value Lumber
Chevrolet at
www.vidovichracing.com.
IMAGE
ON TRAK
AUGGIE VIDOVICH ON TRACK FOR REPEAT WIN AT MESA
MARIN
LAKESIDE, Calif. (12 October 2005) — In order to
win a championship you need to be on your game to
finish and win races and that is exactly what NASCAR
Southwest Series competitor Auggie Vidovich II has
been accomplishing this year. With his four wins,
Vidovich has been on a roll this year winning races
and leading laps in 2005.
Vidovich has lead the most laps at 410, won
back-to-back races (Mesa Marin April 9 and Stockton
99 Speedway April 30), won races at the same track
this year (two at Stockton 99 Speedway) and has
posted the most wins to date (Mesa Marin
(Bakersfield, CA), two at Stockton 99 Speedway
(Stockton, CA) and Shasta Raceway Park (Anderson,
CA).
Trailing by 109 points behind series leader Pettit,
Vidovich isn’t discouraged a bit. With the
leadership of crew chief, Mike Harvick in 2005,
Vidovich has had the car to follow at most of the
races this year. “Our setups have been right on and
Mike continues to keep me in the game for each
race,” said Vidovich. “I rather be the guy chasing
the points leader than sitting at the top sweating
that no one bumps me off.”
With the one win and one second place finish at Mesa
Marin in 2005, Vidovich has posted three wins, eight
top-five and ten top-ten finishes at Mesa Marin
dating back to 2001. Like other drivers, Vidovich
likes the high-banked, 1/2-mile oval with turns
banked at 17 degrees. Mesa Marin opened in 1977 and
quickly became one of the favorite short tracks in
Southern California.
The 28th annual “final” October Classic weekend will
feature the Havoline Racing Revolution Sport
Compacts, NASCAR Late and Super Late Models, NASCAR
Grand National West Series “FORD MOTORCRAFT PARTS
150 presented by 3M” and NASCAR AutoZone Elite
Division, Southwest Series “STAR NURSERY.COM 300".
With an estimated attendance of 20,000 fans to view
the final races before the track closes its gates
permanently.
Vidovich’s recent win was recorded at Shasta Raceway
Park (Anderson, CA) September 10 when the Southwest
Series returned for the “SHASTA 125" after a 16-year
absence from the series schedule racing on the quant
3/8-mile semi-banked fairgrounds oval. Vidovich
stared in fifth position and waited for the right
time and place to take over positions before taking
the lead on lap 84, getting by the leader.
Vidovich won by a margin of .375 seconds ahead of
the second-place finisher. Mike Harvick earned his
fourth Lunati “Crew Chief of the Race” Award this
season for the Shasta win.
The next and final round of Southwest Series racing
takes place at Phoenix International Raceway
(Avondale, AZ) on Thursday, November 10. The
Southwest Series will compete at on the PIR one-mile
oval prior to the NASCAR Nextel Cup, Busch and
Craftsman Trucks the same weekend.
However, Vidovich won’t be able to stick around PIR
as he has to jet to Irwindale Speedway for his
appearance and scheduled race for this year’s NASCAR
Showdown event at Irwindale Speedway November
11-12. The top-10 drivers in the Southwest Series
have been shooting for their chance to compete on
live television at the third annual NASCAR Toyota
All-Star Showdown at Irwindale Speedway (Irwindale,
CA). The invite-only event features the top-10
drivers from each of the four regional divisional
series that comprise of the NASCAR AutoZone Elite
Division (Midwest, Northwest, Southeast and
Southwest Series). The NASCAR Showdown awards nearly
$500,000 to competitors and will be televised live
on SPEED Channel and also be broadcast live on XM
Radio. Vidovich participated in the first annual
event finishing eighth out of 40 in the featured
main event.
The Lakeside, California racer also will be featured
in the upcoming "Roush Racing: Driver X" 13-part
reality show debuting on the Discovery Channel at 8
p.m. (ET) October 24. Check your local satellite or
cable listings for actual times and channels in your
area. Vidovich took part in intense testing on
and off the track for this year’s Roush Racing Gong
Show. Not only was Vidovich the only driver
selected from California, he also made it down to
one of six finalists for the chance at a
fully-sponsored Roush Racing NASCAR Craftsman Truck
Series ride in 2006. “The experience, I will never
forget and I thank Jack Roush and the panel of
judges for considering me out of the 1700 submitted
resumes,” said Vidovich. Testing took place at
Martinsville Speedway and Darlington Raceway for
this year’s driver testing. Vidovich once again
proved to many that he was able to handle the heavy
trucks on the fast southern tracks with a
competitive edge and confidence moving him into the
final six out of 25.
The Vidovich crew and No. 11 Centrifugal
Technologies car owners Rich and Kathie Fountain
continue to dedicate the remainder of the races to
the recovery of Samantha Palumbo of San Dimas,
California by featuring Samantha’s photo on
Vidovich’s hood. Samantha, the beautiful
16-year-old current Miss California Junior National
Teen, was involved in a near-fatal accident April 8,
2005. “Our team is happy to continue assisting the
Sam and Diana Palumbo family in spreading the word
about Samantha’s story,” said Vidovich. A benefit
Dinner Dance and Live Auction held on September 16
at the Pacific Palms Resort (Industry Hills,
California) raised over $107,000 for the 3.85 GPA
sophomore cheerleader and junior varsity team
swimmer. For more information and updates on
Samantha, go to
www.pray4samantha.com.
Samantha has done so much for others like starting
her own charitable project “To Mom, With Love”
last fall where she collects and donates gift items
and supplies to be given to children staying in
local women’s shelters so the children can make
their own special presents for their moms. Samantha
continues to heal at Casa Colina in Pomona
continuing to receive physical, speech and
occupational therapies. The Palumbo family
continues to express their deepest gratitude to all
those that are helping their daughter by praying for
her and supporting them during this most difficult
time.
The 300-lap race Saturday, starts at 6 p.m. (PT) and
is rumored to be televised on HDnet, tape delayed
being shown at a later time.
Read more about Auggie Vidovich II and the No.11
Centrifugal Technologies, Ultra Custom Boats, Ransom
Brothers True Value Lumber team at
www.vidovichracing.com.
IMAGE
ON TRAK
CHAMPIONSHIP STILL IN THE EYES OF VIDOVICH HEADING INTO FINAL THREE
LAKESIDE, Calif. (7 September 2005) — NASCAR Southwest Series competitor
Auggie Vidovich II is not just looking to race a track new to him this
Saturday, September 10, when he arrives at Shasta Raceway Park in Northern
California but rather gain a substantial number of points in his quest to
reclaim another Southwest Series championship. Vidovich will be racing on
the 3/8-mile Shasta track similar to his own hometown oval, Cajon
Speedway. Recording one top-five and two top-ten finishes throughout the
past years at Cajon Speedway, Vidovich likes what the small town tracks have
to offer adding that he won both races on the 1/4-mile Stockton 99 track
earlier this year. “The tight nose-to-tail racing gives the fans an awesome
show. I always enjoyed returning to my hometown 3/8-mile track in El Cajon,
California before it closed down this year,” said the nine-time main event
winner who is eager to take to the Anderson, California oval at the Shasta
Fairgrounds for the Shasta “125" race. The Southwest Series is heading to
Shasta after a 16-year absence and Vidovich is positioned only nine points
out of second with three races remaining in the series.
With a fourth-place finish at Irwindale Speedway August 8, Vidovich is
showing that he is not backing off his stalking for another championship in
2005. The fan-favorite twenty-four-year-old racer came from a 19th place
starting position up to fourth, passing 14 cars with ease during the
150-lap race. In fact, he avoided an early race accident in the
backstretch. Vidovich maneuvered past positions smoothly one-by-one with
the only car that handled well on the lower inside groove. “This finish was
a good one for our points bringing our team to within nine points of second
heading into this weekend’s race at Shasta,” said Vidovich who thought his
car was going to be too tight for the Irwindale race.
On another note, Vidovich last month took part in two intense weeks of
testing on and off the track at this year’s Roush Racing Gong Show and
recently took time to reflect on his experiences from the entire three weeks
of testing down south. Not only was Vidovich the only driver selected from
California, he also made it down to one of six finalists for the chance at a
fully-sponsored Roush Racing NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ride in 2006.
“The experience, I will never forget and I thank Jack Roush and the panel of
judges for considering me out of the 1700 submitted resumes,” said Vidovich
from his Lakeside, California race shop. Testing took place at Martinsville
Speedway and Darlington Raceway for this year’s Discovery Channel Roush
Racing Gong Show Driver Search. Vidovich once again proved to many that he
was able to handle the heavy trucks on the fast southern tracks with a
competitive edge and confidence moving him into the final six out of 1700.
The 13-part reality show will air this fall.
Team Vidovich and the No. 11 Centrifugal Technologies car owner Rich
Fountain will continue to dedicate the remainder of the races to the
recovery of Samantha Palumbo of San Dimas, California by featuring
Samantha’s photo on Vidovich’s hood. Samantha, the beautiful 16-year-old
current Miss California Junior National Teen, was involved in a near-fatal
accident April 8, 2005. “Our team is happy to continue assisting the Sam
and Diana Palumbo family in spreading the word about Samantha’s story,” said
Vidovich. A benefit Dinner Dance and Live Auction is scheduled for
September 16 at the Pacific Palms Resort (Industry Hills, California) for
the 3.85 GPA sophomore cheerleader and junior varsity team swimmer. It is
not too late to contact the
www.pray4samantha.com
website to get tickets or donate to the charity auction. Samantha
has done so much for others like starting her own charitable project “To
Mom, With Love” last fall where she collects and donates gift items and
supplies to be given to children staying in local women’s shelters so the
children can make their own special presents for their moms. Samantha
continues to heal at Casa Colina in Pomona continuing to receive physical,
speech and occupational therapies. The Palumbo family extends their
deepest gratitude to all those that are helping their daughter by praying
for her and supporting them during this most difficult time.
Vidovich, the 2003 NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series Champion,
continues to maintain the lead in Southwest Series laps lead at 369 and is
tied with three wins a piece with series driver, Jim Pettit II.
For more information on the No.11 Centrifugal Technologies, Ultra Custom
Boats, Ransom Brothers True Value Lumber driver, Auggie Vidovich II, go to
www.vidovichracing.com.
IMAGE
ON TRAK
WEST COASTER
AUGGIE VIDOVICH DOWN TO SIXTH IN ROUSH GONG
SHOW
LAKESIDE, Calif. (22 August 2005) —
Returning back to California days ago after
two intense weeks of NASCAR Craftsman Truck
testing at this year’s Roush Racing Gong
Show, Auggie Vidovich II took the time to
reflect on his experiences from the past
three weeks down south. Not only was
Vidovich the only driver selected from
California, he also made it down to one of
six finalists for the chance at a
fully-sponsored Roush Racing NASCAR
Craftsman Truck Series ride in 2006, before
being cut.
“The experience, I will never forget and I
thank Jack Roush and his panel of judges for
considering me out of the 1700 possible
submitted resumes,” said Vidovich from his
Lakeside, CA race shop. “The whole
experience, including making it down to the
final six, was an opportunity of a lifetime
and it reconfirmed to many that I was able
to once again handle a Craftsman Truck
(heavy car) and with positive results,”
quoted the 2003 NASCAR Elite Division,
Southwest Series champion. Vidovich had no
trouble immediately hopping into the test
trucks, communicating their handling and
turning the wheel around the tracks at
Martinsville and Darlington. “It must have
been a very intense process to select the
final winner, as I feel we all could handle
the job if selected to drive a truck for any
team today,” said the twenty-four-year-old.
Current Roush Racing team drivers assisted
Jack Roush in the predetermined on and off
the track tests and media scenarios as the
whole experience was being filmed for the
upcoming Discovery Channel show, “Driver X:
The Race For The Ride”, a highly anticipated
13-week series debuting on October 31
running until February 2006. The filming
took place at Martinsville Speedway and at
Darlington Raceway for the final judging of
on track performance. “I feel that I did
very well in the whole process and the phone
hasn’t stopped ringing since I got back,”
stated Vidovich. Vidovich debuted a
Craftsman Truck back in October 1998 (Mesa
Marin, Bakersfield, CA) and he also ran
again in June 1999 (Portland International
Raceway, Portland, OR) and April 1999 (Mesa
Marin, Bakersfield, CA) including a Winston
West race October 2001 at Las Vegas Motor
Speedway (Las Vegas, NV).
Vidovich returns back to the Southwest
Series in the No.11 Centrifugal
Technologies, Ultra Custom Boats, Ransom
Brothers True Value Lumber Chevrolet --
third in points – in his quest for a second
Southwest Series championship. Vidovich
continues to maintain the lead in Southwest
Series laps lead at 369. The Southwest
Series heads to Shasta Raceway Park
(Anderson, CA) September 10 for Round 12
after a 16-year absence for the series on
the 3/8-mile paved oval at the Shasta
Fairgrounds.
Check out
www.vidovichracing.com
for more information on 2003 NASCAR Elite
Division, Southwest Series Champion Auggie
Vidovich II.
Debbie Clark
IMAGE
ON TRAK
VIDOVICH PASSES ROUSH DRIVER CUT AND RETURNS TO
RACING WITH RACE DEDICATED TO YOUNG GIRL
LAKESIDE, Calif. (4 August 2005) — Auggie
Vidovich II of Lakeside, California will be
jetting into Irwindale this weekend for round
eleven of the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division,
Southwest Series direct from Martinsville
Speedway after his recent test with Roush
Racing. Vidovich flew out for the test after
last weekend’s Southwest Series race at Colorado
National Speedway (Erie, Colorado) after being
selected out of 1700 applications for the
upcoming Roush Racing Discovery Channel Driver
Search for a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ride
in 2006.
Vidovich took part in two days of testing on the
famed .526-mile paperclip shaped Martinsville
Speedway located in Virginia. After the testing
of all 25 contestants, Jack Roush and his
qualified panel of judges narrowed down the
field of racers to 12, still including Vidovich,
2003 NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series
Champion.
Roush was very impressed by the competition at
Martinsville Speedway and said it was tough
narrowing the field down to the 12 that will
continue on to the 1.366-mile Darlington oval in
South Carolina next week for their final on
track testing with marketing activities
scheduled for the finalists.
Auggie Vidovich and the Rich and Kathie Fountain
owned No. 11 team are dedicating this weekend’s
Irwindale race to the recovery of Samantha
Palumbo of San Dimas, California. Samantha, the
beautiful 16-year-old current Miss California
Junior National Teen, was involved in a
near-fa tal accident April 8, 2005 and will be
featured on Vidovich’s hood at the Irwindale
race. “Our team is happy to assist the Sam and
Diana Palumbo family in spreading the word about
Samantha’s story,” said the twenty-four-year-old
racer. There is a benefit Dinner Dance and Live
Auction scheduled for September 16 at the
Pacific Palms Resort (Industry Hills,
California) for the 3.85 GPA sophomore
cheerleader and junior varsity team swimmer.
More information about Samantha Palumbo and the
Dinner Dance can be found on her website,
www.pray4samantha.com. Samantha has done so
much for others like starting her own charitable
project “To Mom, With Love” last fall where
she collects and donates gift items and supplies
to be given to children staying in local women’s
shelters so the children can make their own
special presents for their moms. Samantha’s
family will be attending the race but their
thoughts are on Samantha as she continues to
heal at Casa Colina in Pomona where she
continues to receive physical, speech and
occupational therapies. The Palumbo family
extends their deepest gratitude to all those
that are helping their daughter by praying for
her and supporting them during this most
difficult time.
The career (Southwest Series) nine-time main
event winner is still very focused on winning
another Southwest Series Championship in 2005 as
he heads to Irwindale Speedway this Saturday for
the Stock Building Supply 150 race on the
1/2-mile fast track after this test with Roush
Racing. With strong finishes all year,
including three wins, Vidovich continues to be a
front runner at each race with the three wins, 5
top-five and 7 top-ten finishes. Vidovich
maintains the lead in Southwest Series laps lead
at 369 heading into Irwindale.
Still third in the Southwest Series point
standings (148 out of first), Vidovich looks at
each race on a race-by-race basis -- to win each
race – with four important races remaining in
the schedule (Irwindale, Shasta, Mesa Marin
and Phoenix). “Mike Harvick has been great to
work with this year. He is committed to winning
races and will do everything needed to do that
and it has been evident this year in our
finishes,” Vidovich said. The No.11 Centrifugal
Technologies, Ultra Custom Boats, Ransom
Brothers True Value Lumber Chevrolet car owner,
Rich Fountain, has also given this team the
foundation to win each race and Vidovich
appreciates that also.
Qualifying third at Colorado National Speedway,
July 30, Vidovich started in eighth position
with the 10-car invert. Not worried with his
starting position, Vidovich again had a fast car
in practice and knew the car would be fast and
consistent for the race. By lap 18, Vidovich
had the No. 11 up to sixth for the 150-lap
race. With the No. 11 appearing to be the best
handling car in the field, he was now up to
fifth by lap 46. Later in the race, Vidovich
was moved up into the wall by another competitor
and the car did not initially seem to be
affected by hitting the wall. By lap 82,
Vidovich was still faster than the leaders by
two-tenths according to crew chief, Mike Harvick.
With oil on the track on lap 119, Vidovich
restarted the race in fourth with the 25-lap
single file restart in effect. With a restart
on lap 143 and laps to go in the race, Vidovich
was moved up to the higher groove and two cars
passed on the inside giving Vidovich a sixth
place finish. “We by far had the strongest car
all night but the wall took away our chances,”
said Vidovich.
Practice starts at 1:00 - 2:00 PM
and 2:30-3:00 PM, Qualifying at 5:00 PM and
Racing at 8:30 PM.
Irwindale Speedway will be again be hosting the
third annual NASCAR Toyota All Star Showdown
November 10-12 at the 1/2-mile motorsports
complex that opened in 1999. Vidovich finished
eighth out of forty invited cars at the
inaugural All Star race in 2003. For tickets
or additional information, contact (626)
358-1100.
Click on
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