GGRT 7th in Montana; Colorado next

For Immediate Release, August 10, 2010
Media Contact: Bill Sullivan: sullivanimages@sbcglobal.net
Team Information: www.goldengateracingteam.com
GGRT advances to sixth in West Standings; Colorado up next
By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (8-10-10) �€“ The Golden Gate Racing Team scored its sixth top ten finish of the season Saturday in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. The event marked the inaugural appearance of the series at Montana Motorsports Park in Kalispell for the Toyota Napa Auto Parts Challenge.
The .25 mile Montana Motorsports Park was new to every competitor in the field Saturday and in the end, Florida's Blake Koch drove the DayStar Television Network #21 to a seventh place finish. The San Francisco based Richard Childress Racing supported Golden Gate Racing Team will look to carry their momentum into Colorado this coming weekend as the 2010 series enters its final stretch.
"We had an off weekend, the guys worked so hard to get the car better for me, but we just couldn't get it were it needed to be," said Koch. "The track itself was really cool and a there are a lot of great, loyal fans in Montana. It was a decent points day for us, moving up a spot and now we're only 41 points from the top three."
In Saturday's event, the Golden Gate Racing Team was quick to unload at Montana Motorsports Park to insure ample time to practice and make the needed adjustments to the DayStar #21 Chevrolet. Competing on a new track to the series can often prove challenging to any team and every available lap was crucial.
In qualifying, Koch turned the 12th fastest lap of the day with a top speed of 63.916 seconds on the short track venue. The lap placed him in the middle of the field for the 150 lap affair that would require good patience and strategy to gain track position. Koch wasted no time in working his way into the top ten in the field.
When the checkered flag flew, Koch had charged his way to seventh place. The finish netted just enough accumulative points to advance Koch up to sixth in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. Koch trails point leader Eric Holmes, David Mayhew, Jonathan Gomez, Paulie Harraka and Moses Smith in the standings. He is a mere 41 points out of the top three ranks, illustrating what a great recovery the Golden Gate Racing Team has made since a series of tough finishes at the start of the season.
"The team did great in my eyes," said Jim Offenbach, owner of GGRT. "It's always a gamble when it comes to the perfect set up when you race at a new facility. they got up as high as the fifth fastest time in practice and that's just awesome. Steve Portenga and this entire crew are simply the best. I'm confident they will do extremely well this weekend in Colorado."
This Saturday marks the return to Colorado National Speedway for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. Koch and the team are well prepared for the Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts Bonus Challenge 150 at the track where they fared so well at in 2009. Last year as a virtual rookie, Koch qualified third at Colorado and muscled his way ahead of former champion Eric Holmes to take the lead on the .375 mile track.
After leading the field for 17 laps, Koch suffered a flat tire that forced him to relinquish the strong lead and his chances for his first career NASCAR victory. It was during a caution flag that Koch learned of the deflating tire. Although he attempted to maintain his position he quickly fell out of the lead once the race went green.
"Under the caution flag we had a right front tire going down," said Koch. "When we went green the car quit handling and it ended up rubbing on the sway bar and blowing a right front tire. It was disappointment for us but it was also a huge confidence boost for me knowing we had the ability to lead a race like we did."
Last weekend, Koch celebrated his birthday with a seventh place finish in Montana. This Saturday will mark a special race as well as his Mother will be in attendance, it will be the first time she has watched her son compete in a NASCAR West event since his debut in late 2008.
"I am really looking forward to Colorado," said Koch. "We had a good run going their last year before we cut the tire. Steve (Portenga) has some idea on how to make the car even better this year so I'm excited to get out there. My Mom is coming out for this race which is exciting for me. She has a tough time watching me on the track though so who will probably be in the hauler for the race. Hopefully I can bring home another strong finish."
The Toyota/NAPA Auto Parts Bonus Challenge 150 begins on Saturday with practice at 12 p.m. MT followed by Coors Light pole qualifying at 5:30. The feature race is scheduled to begin at 8:15 MT and will air on SPEED TV on August 26 at 3 p.m. Pacific Time. The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West is aired weekly on SPEED TV. This week will feature coverage of the recent event in Montana. Check your local listings for show times.
The Golden Gate Racing �€“ RCR Racing Team #21 is sponsored for the 2010 season by the Daystar Television Network. Koch and this veteran team that is owned by Offenbach with the support of Richard Childress Racing is unique, as it is one of few motor sports venues that has partnered with several successful faith-based organizations. They strive to carry a positive message to the NASCAR community at every event where they compete and along the highways in which their impressive hauler is visible �€” traveling from race to race in pursuit of the 2010 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Championship.
Associate sponsors on the DayStar Television Network Chevrolet include Tire Kingdom and I Am Second. Additional associate sponsors currently include the Golden Gate Meat Company, Superior Lamb Company, Bay Bio-Diesel/Golden Gate Petroleum, Hill Meat Company, Foodcomm International, Signco and Harraka Racing Equipment Sales.
For an in-depth look at the Golden Gate Racing Team and additional news, visit their website at www.goldengateracingteam.com.
Pat Brandon Photo