Chad Hackenbracht Not Intimidated By Salem Speedway Debut

SALEM, April 28, 2011: After posting a very respectable finish in the most recent ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway two weeks ago, Chad Hackenbracht and his CGH Motorsports team gear up for their first short track race of the year at the demanding Salem (Ind.) Speedway for Sunday’s Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200.

For Hackenbracht, the New Philadelphia, Ohio native, Sunday’s race will mark his inaugural ARCA debut at a short track. The 19-year old though isn’t intimidated by the track’s characteristics, instead, the rising star is determined to deliver a good finish in the third race of the season and keep his CGH Motorsports team climbing in the championship standings.

In addition to having a conquering like mentality, Hackenbracht and his team led by Rob Torrey and Kevin Reed recently tested at the half-mile short track with superior results. The outcome of the test has the family-owned team optimistic about their protégé’s ability to net his first career victory in his 12th career ARCA start.

“We had a really good test at Salem, so I’m looking forward to the weekend,” said Hackenbracht, who finished 17th at Talladega. “The track is very abrasive and very sensitive to car control. Consistent lap times and concentration are a must at Salem Speedway. Even though my short track debut comes at a place that has a bully-like demeanor, I think we can propel ourselves into contention for a good finish.”

Since Talladega, it’s been a very active couple of weeks for the CGH Motorsports team. In addition to the private test, the team also relocated it’s facility from Concord, North Carolina to Mooresville, North Carolina allowing the team to be accessible to some of the necessities needed to run a superior operation.

“The move is just another step in the right direction for our race team,” added Hackenbracht. “We were able to complete the move quickly and quietly. Being in Mooresville definitely opens some more doors for us as a team, so we feel not only will the move help us as far as equipment storage and facilitation but also on a personal level as well.”

Currently holding 27th in the championship standings, Hackenbracht is poised to make a serious gain towards his dream of becoming a champion. He knows however that escaping Salem with a satisfying finish will only further inch that dream along heading into the next contest.

“I’ve been told that surviving these short track races is pivotal,” sounded Hackenbracht. “We just need to go out there and keep our nose clean and hopefully if everything goes the way we’re hoping, we’ll find ourselves in line for a good finish and a make a major dent as far as points are concerned.”

CGH Motorsports is actively seeking additional marketing partners for the full 2011 ARCA Racing Series schedule. Single, multi and full-season placements are available on the team’s No. 58 entries. Interested parties are urged to contact Jordan Dahl at 570.234.5449 or jordan@cghmotorsports.com.

The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 (200 laps / 111 miles) is the third of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 86th ARCA race held at Salem Speedway is a two day show. Practice begins Saturday, April 30 with an hour and half practice session planned from 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later in the day slated to begin at 3:30 p.m. An on-track autograph session has been etched in before the contest on Sunday, May 1st set to launch at 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The event will take the green flag shortly after 2:15 p.m. The race will not be televised but race coverage including live timing and scoring and radio broadcast will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local.