Justin Marks Plans To Leave A Mark At Gateway
Justin Marks Plans To Leave A Mark At Gateway MADISION, Ill (Wednesday, July 26, 2006) - - It’s been a couple weeks since Justin Marks has competed in an ARCA RE/MAX Series event, but as the series steers towards the Shop ‘n’ Save 150, the Shaver Motorsports developmental driver is looking to leave a lasting impact at Gateway International Raceway. Marks wasn’t expecting to leave Kentucky Speedway earlier this month with a sour 36th place finish especially after maneuvering the fastest lap time in the open test prior to the event. After starting 32nd, Marks quickly began his approach towards the front but contact from another competitor less than 25 markers into the race put the impressive rookie out of the race. “Kentucky is behind us,�?? said Marks. “We really had high expectations for the race, but it didn’t work out. Hopefully our bad luck is out of the way and Gateway will bring a welcomed outlook to the Shaver Motorsports team.�?? In preparation for this week’s race, Shaver Motorsports was one of 14 ARCA RE/MAX Series teams to participate in the open test session at GIR (Gateway International Raceway) notching the fourth fastest effort. Marks turned an effort of 34.46 seconds or 130.586 mph behind fellow competitors Steve Wallace, Brad Coleman and Phil Bozell. “Gateway is a new track for me, so it was important for us to test,�?? added Marks. “We are not competing in a lot of ARCA races this year so every chance we can utilize to get ahead we have to use it to our advantage. I think the test went really well. I learned a lot about the track and I know the test is going to aid me this weekend.�?? One of Marks main goals for the weekend is qualifying. Time Trials have been one of Marks’s flaws in ARCA competition this season and he hopes to put an period to that on Friday. “I’ve had fast race cars all year, but I’ve had to come from the back to the front. I’m not used to one or two laps and you’ re done. I’m used to a time session. This is just one of the obstacles I’m going to beat and I plan to make this one of my major focuses on Friday.�?? For the second consecutive race, Crocs Inc. a leading company in footwear will sponsor Marks’s No. 2 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for the 13th event on the 2006 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule. Crocs was formed in July 2002 when three Boulder, Colorado based founders decided to market an unusual shoe developed and manufactured by Foam Creations, Inc. Originally intended as a boating and outdoor shoe because of its slip-resistant, non-marking sole. By 2003 Crocs had become a bona-fide phenomenon, universally accepted as an all purpose shoe for comfort and fashion. From 2003 to 2004 Crocs focused on accommodating our remarkable growth while maintaining control. They expanded our product line, added warehouses and shipping programs for speedy assembly and delivery, hired a senior management team and acquired Foam Creations. Today, Crocs are available all over the world and on the internet as we continue to significantly expand all aspects of our business. Despite their rapid success, they still stand behind to the core values of Crocs Footwear. They are committed to making a lightweight, comfortable, slip-resistant, fashionable and functional shoe that can be produced quickly and at an affordable price to our customers. “We’re really excited about carrying the Crocs Racing colors again this weekend,�?? explained Marks. “Crocs have been a long time supporter of mine and I’ m proud and honored to be carrying their colors. They didn’t get the finish they deserved at Kentucky. We hope to bounce back with a great finish.�?? In addition to Crocs, Spy Optic will serve as an associate sponsor as Marks attempts to make his fifth career ARCA start on Friday night. “I’m glad that Spy Optic is back with us this weekend,�?? Marks said. “They sponsored us in our three races this season and we’re excited about having them onboard at Gateway.�?? Carrying the Crocs and Spy Optic logos isn’t the only reason why Marks is so enthused about this weekend. Marks is originally from the Madison, Illinois area before moving to California at the tender age of ten. Friday’s race is a “homecoming�?? for Marks, who competes as a factory driver for BMW of North America in the American Le Mans Series' GT2 class. Marks will have several family members and close friends attend the race which is an added boost of confidence for the “young gun�??. “It’s going to be great having the extra company at the race track. This race will have an impact on me not like any other of the races and for good reason. Jeff Buice (crew chief) and the Shaver Motorsports team have prepared me a great racecar and we’re all expecting a good night of racing,�?? Marks concluded. Rolling into Gateway, Marks a native of California has four ARCA RE/MAX Series starts to his resume with a career best finish of tenth at Michigan International Speedway (June 2006). He holds a career best superspeedway time trials effort of fifth at Talladega Superspeedway (October 2005), The Shop ‘n’ Save 150 (120 laps/150 miles) is the 13th of 23 events on the 2006 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule. The teams will endure another one day show this week. Practice begins Friday, June 28th with a two hour (10:30am-12:30pm CST) session planned. Pork pole qualifying is on tap Friday afternoon (4:15pm CST) with the race set to take the green flag later that night. SPEED will have live coverage of the event beginning at 8:00pm CST. In addition to SPEED, _arcaracing.com_ (http://www.arcaracing.com/) will have all the latest news and results from the track. Following Gateway, Marks and the No. 2 Shaver Motorsports team will run three more events on the ARCA schedule at Nashville, Chicagoland and Talladega. For further input about Crocs and its products please visit _http://www.crocs.com_ (http://www.crocs.com/) For more information on this upcoming talent, please visit _http://www.justinmarksracing.com_ (http://www.justinmarksracing.com/) DATE: July 26th, 2006 NAME: Chris Knight, Justin Marks Racing PHONE: 734-674-9108 EMAIL: _knight849@aol.com_ (mailto:knight849@aol.com)