JAMES RIVER, NS (April 20, 2011) – NASCAR’s Marcos Ambrose has confirmed he will return to Nova Scotia this July to enter the 2011 edition of the IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis Auto Body. The Richard Petty Motorsports driver will spend a rare NASCAR Sprint Cup Series off-weekend at Riverside International Speedway July 22-23 hoping to take the IWK 250 championship trophy back to his home North Carolina.
Ambrose will return to Riverside as a sophomore behind the wheel of a super late model race car, making his first attempt in last year’s IWK 250. The two-time V8 Supercar champion turned NASCAR driver adapted quickly and led laps early in a car he felt was good enough to challenge for the win, a feat he hopes to accomplish this year.
“We had a car good enough to win last year,” said Ambrose, who finished 19th last year, “but we had a motor lay over with around 100 laps to go. We had heaps of speed so if everything hangs together, and I keep my head screwed on straight, we should be close to the front all night.”
While leading laps last year is Ambrose’s favourite memory from his trip to the IWK 250, he is quick to acknowledge the event as the best short track race he has ever seen or been a part of.
“The atmosphere is incredible,” said Ambrose. “I was impressed with the huge crowd, the competition, and the other racers, the great facilities, and the awesome oval. I’m really glad to be going back this year.”
Ambrose added the support the race offers for the IWK Children’s Hospital is a big part of his wanting to come back, and that he hopes to be able to bring his own family this year to enjoy the event with him.
“It is such a family atmosphere, with the Chisholm’s (track owners) and everyone else at the track being so hospitable,” said Ambrose. “And with all of it helping support the IWK, it makes me want to enjoy the weekend with my family.”
Since its inception in 2007 the IWK 250 has raised more than $80,000 for the IWK Health Care Centre in Halifax.
Ambrose, originally from Tasmania, Australia, started in NASCAR in 2006 in the Camping World Truck Series. In 2007 he stepped up to the Nationwide Series, where he is a two-time winner. In 2008 he moved to the Sprint Cup Series. Late in 2010 he was hired to drive the No. 9 car for “The King” of NASCAR, Richard Petty, at Richard Petty Motorsports. After eight races this year Ambrose is 21st in overall standings with one top five finish, and two top 10’s.
Ambrose will drive a car in the IWK 250 fielded by Antigonish’s Nova Racing, as a teammate to Donald Chisholm and George Koszkulics. Car sponsor announcements are expected in the near future.
The 2011 edition of the IWK 250 weekend presented by Steve Lewis Auto Body kicks off Friday July 22 with races for the Napa Sportsman and Maritime Legends. The highlight of the weekend is Saturday July 23 with the IWK 250 for the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour.
Riverside International Speedway is a 1/3-mile high banked asphalt oval located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, at exit 30 off Trans Canada Highway 104. Opened in 1969, the facility was completely rebuilt in 2006 to become a premiere motorsports site comparable to the best short tracks in North America. For more information please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902.863.2410.
From Joan Roué
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