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Feb 15
2011

Justin Lofton, No. 77 Lofton Cattle Toyota Tundra

Posted by lori in Valvoline , Sherwin Williams , Safety Kleen , Germain Racing

Justin Lofton, No. 77 Lofton Cattle Toyota Tundra

Track: Daytona International Speedway
Event: NextEra Energy Resources 250
When: Friday, February 18th 7:30 PM
Broadcast information: 7:30 PM, SPEED
 
New Year, New Team: Lofton joins Germain Racing for his sophomore effort in 2011 behind the wheel of the No. 77 Lofton Cattle Toyota Tundra. Lofton is now part of a four-truck stable including teammates Max Papis, Brendan Gaughan, and two-time series champion Todd Bodine. To date, Germain Racing has 22 wins, nine pole awards and two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championships. During Lofton's debut season in trucks in 2010, he accumulated a solid stat sheet including four top-five and eight top-10 finishes, with a best finish of third, and a season-ending 12th place showing in the driver point standings.
 
No "Off" Season for Lofton: Despite the break in competition, Lofton had anything but downtime. He kept busy during the two month absence from the track by hosting a charity golf tournament in his native California. All proceeds from the event benefited the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Imperial Valley. Following the golf outing, Lofton trekked to Nevada and participated in the SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge. He led day one in Class 1 Unlimited and was well on his way to the win on the second and final day before breaking a spindle on the last lap of the event. From there, Lofton returned to North Carolina and participated in two separate test sessions with his new team before heading to Daytona.
 
Lofton at Daytona: Friday's event at Daytona may be his first with his new Germain Racing team, but it will not be Lofton's first on the 2.5-mile superspeedway. In 2010 in truck competition, Lofton started 19th and finished 18th. In 2009, en route to the ARCA Racing Series championship, Lofton earned the pole for ARCA's season-opener and finished an impressive third.
 
Birthday Boy: In addition to kicking off the new season on Friday, February 18th, Lofton will celebrate his 25th birthday at the World Center of Racing.
 
Truck Information: Lofton will race chassis GR015 this week at Daytona. It is a brand new truck that has yet to hit the racetrack.
 
Lofton on Daytona: "I am so excited about this season with Germain Racing. I've spent a lot of time with my new crew chief and we get along great. We've got a great group of guys on the No. 77 team and I can't wait to start the season. It is really going to be a lot of fun this year, and there is no better way to start than racing under the lights at Daytona. I really enjoy superspeedway racing. It's fun and historic."
 
Crew Chief Ryan "Rudy" Fugle on Daytona: "I am excited to be part of the Germain Racing truck program and to work with Justin. Germain is always strong at superspeedways. I feel like we have a good shot at the win. With Friday being Justin's birthday, it would be extra special."
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________________________________
Amanda Brahler
Justin Lofton Media Relations
PH: 704.650.4527
Feb 10
2011

Tire Kingdom to Sponsor Todd Bodine's Trifecta Attempt During Daytona Speedweeks

Posted by lori in Valvoline , Sherwin Williams , Safety Kleen , NASCAR Sprint Cup Series , Germain.com , Germain Racing

 Germain Racing driver is entered in Daytona 500,

Nationwide and Truck events at Daytona International Speedway 

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 9, 2011) -- Tire Kingdom®, a leading brand of automotive service centers for the Florida-based TBC Retail Group, announced that it will be the primary sponsor in Todd Bodine's quest to compete in NASCAR's three national racing series for Germain Racing at Daytona International Speedway.

 

A 36-time NASCAR winner, Bodine is entered in the No. 30 Tire Kingdom Toyota Tundra for the Feb. 18 Camping World Truck Series race, the No. 15 Tire Kingdom Toyota Camry for the Feb. 19 Nationwide Series event and the No. 60 Tire Kingdom Toyota Camry for the Feb. 20 Daytona 500 Sprint Cup Series opener.

 

Bodine’s vehicles for the season-opening races will also carry associate sponsorship from Valvoline and TBC Retail’s other automotive service centers -- NTB - National Tire and Battery®, Merchant's Tire and Auto Centers® and Big O Tires®.  

 

“Featuring Tire Kingdom as the primary on these vehicles is a great complement to our automotive service centers in the Florida market,” said Bob Crostarosa, senior vice president of marketing and advertising, TBC Retail Group. “We are able to maintain the consistent theme of our Service Central Racing program. The red, white and blue color scheme is synonymous with integrity, trustworthiness, and quality, which is the foundation of Service Central® and our service centers Tire Kingdom, NTB-National Tire and Battery, Merchant’s Tire and Big O Tires.”

 

Bodine is the reigning and two-time NASCAR truck season champion. Since 2005 – his first season driving full time for Germain Racing -- he has never finished lower than fourth in the season point standings. Along with winning the series title last year, he also took home the truck championship in 2006.

 

Bodine’s truck record at Daytona has been impeccable with two wins, two runners-up, a third and a fifth for a finishing average of 2.3 in six starts. Bodine’s overall truck record includes: 21 wins, 82 top fives and 106 top 10s in 165 starts.

 

“I am very excited to have Tire Kingdom and Valvoline for all of my races in Daytona and being part of the Service Central Racing program,” said Bodine. “It does not happen often that you get to represent one great company, let alone two in all three races in a weekend. Hopefully with a little luck we can run up front and get into Victory Lane.”

 

Bodine, a native of Chemung, N.Y. and the youngest (46) of the three famous racing brothers with Geoffrey and Brett, has a career total of 238 Cup starts (including four in the Daytona 500) and 324 Nationwide Series starts. He has captured 15 victories in the Nationwide Series.

 

"It is with great honor that we can bring world class brands such as Tire Kingdom, Service Central and Valvoline together with Germain Racing and our reigning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion, Todd Bodine,” said team owner Bob Germain Jr.  “It is a perfect complement in both brand and sport, and a partnership we are very much looking forward to cultivating as we have done with Valvoline."  

 

Germain, along with brothers Steve and Rick, formed Germain Racing in 2004. The team has collected six consecutive top-five point finishes in the Truck Series, including two championships, 22 wins and nine pole awards. Follow Germain Racing on Twitter @GermainRacing, on the web at Germainracing.com or become a fan on Facebook: Facebook.com/pages/Germain-Racing/198863890135.

 

ABOUT SERVICE CENTRAL:

Service Central® is the automotive service offering available exclusively at Tire Kingdom®, NTB-National Tire and Battery®, Merchant’s Tire and Auto®, and Big O Tires®. Available at nearly 1,300 locations nationwide, its trained and certified ASE technicians use state-of-the art equipment to provide quality service on cars or trucks. The nationwide warranty provides peace of mind while it protects consumers and their investment in over 40 states. (http://www.facebook.com/ServiceCentralRacing)

 

ABOUT TBC RETAIL GROUP

Headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida, TBC Retail Group, Inc., a subsidiary of TBC Corporation, operates more than 800 tire and automotive service centers under the brands: Tire Kingdom®, NTB - National Tire and Battery®, and Merchant’s Tire and Auto Centers®, along with nearly 500 franchised Big O Tires® locations. The contingent of nearly 1300 stores has trained and certified ASE technicians who use state-of-the-art equipment to provide quality service on cars and trucks.  The nationwide warranty provides peace of mind while it protects consumers and their investment in over 40 states.  TBC Retail Group employs more than 300 associates at its Juno Beach, Fla. headquarters and approximately 10,000 associates nationally.  To locate a store near you, call 800-NEW-TIRE. TBC Corporation, headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, is one of the nation's largest marketers of automotive replacement tires through a multi-channel retail and wholesale strategy. 

 

 

Contacts:

David Ferroni

Kermish-Geylin Public Relations

(612) 805-8718

dferroni@kgpr.com

 

Jill D'Alessandro

Germain Racing

(704) 634-3148

jillmacphee@me.com

 

 

Feb 09
2011

Auto Smarts as presented by Germain.com will be burning rubber this Sunday!

Posted by lori in Germain.com

 

Join the gang from Auto Smarts as presented by Germain.com this Sunday from 10am-12n on 95.5 The Hawk and Wink 107.1 as they put the pedal to the metal and blaze the quarter mile! Dan "Boots" Longenette, Randy Rhinehart, Lex McAllister, and Germain Honda GM Jessica Germain will be joined in the studio by Mike Fornataro from National Trail Raceway! Mike will be talking about how they are gearing up for the 47th season of racing at National Trail Raceway! All of the high-speed, rubber burning action is only a few weeks and a few miles away in beautiful Hebron, Ohio. Mike and the crew will be taking your phone calls as well at: 614-389-4044.

 

Auto Smarts as presented by Germain.com will also welcome Nancy Burton from ODOT to the program. Nancy and her co-workers at ODOT District 6 are responsible for 4,300 US Route, State Route and Interstate lane miles and 1,552 bridges throughout eight counties in Central Ohio. And you thought dealing with your driveway was enough! Nancy will talk about everything from paving to plowing! Jack Moser will be making anappearance to tell you what to do or not to do if you get pulled over with his weekly bustedfordrunkdriving.com feature. Plus, Michael Sacks of Kimmel and Silverman will check in with his 1-800Lemon Law Lemon Aid Minute.

 

   For more information, contact: 

    Randy Rhinehart-Executive Producer-Auto Smarts presented by Germain.com
    614-795-8469   www.randy@autosmarts4u.com

 

 

 

Feb 07
2011

Testing, Desert Race Fill Lofton's Time Before Daytona

Posted by lori in Germain.com , Germain Racing

(2-4-2011)  Justin Lofton has spent the last two days testing in Florida with his Germain Racing team, readying for the start of the upcoming NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season on February 18th. Following his final run on Friday afternoon, Lofton will head to Arizona and transition from his No. 77 Toyota Tundra to his No. 1577 Class 1500 Buggy for this weekend's Parker 425.
"I am so excited to run this race this weekend. It is always a blast to race in the desert. It is something I will never stop doing. I have too much fun with it," Lofton said.
Lofton last raced off-road in the SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge a few weeks ago, having led day one in Class 1, and was well on his way to the win during the second day's run before a broken spindle on the last lap dashed his hopes.
This weekend the 24-year-old will split seat-time with his father Bob, who has over 20 years of off-road racing experience and numerous class wins of his own, including the Baja 1000. The duo will take turns behind the wheel of the Buggy, with Bob wheeling the first two laps and Justin completing the final 150 miles.
The  Best in the Desert Racing Association's Bluewater Resort and Casino Parker 425 runs from Saturday through Monday.
In 2004, Lofton earned the Best in the Desert Class 1000 championship and Rookie of the Year honors.
Following his desert run, Lofton will head back to Florida for Speed Weeks, followed by his debut behind the wheel of the No. 77 Lofton Cattle Toyota in the NextEra Energy Resources 250 on Friday, February 18th.
For more on Justin Lofton, visit LoftonRacing.com
Follow Justin on Twitter: twitter.com/jlracing
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________________________________
Amanda Brahler
Justin Lofton Media Relations

Feb 07
2011

X MARKS THE SPOT ON AUTO SMARTS PRESENTED BY GERMAIN.COM

Posted by lori in Germain.com

Tune in to 95.5 The Hawk or Wink 107.1 this Sunday from 10am-12n for Auto Smarts as presented by Germain.com and get all of your car questions answered! Dan "Boots" Longenette, Randy Rhinehart and Lex McAllister will be joined in the studio by Todd Primmer from Line-X of Central Ohio. Todd will be the first to tell you that the LINE-X protective coating isn't just for pick-up trucks anymore! Regardless of what equipment you have or what your needs might be, LINE-X has you covered! Todd will talk about all of the many ways LINE-X can be used on your work and personal vehicles. 
 
Speaking of vehicles...Auto Smarts as presented by Germain.com also welcomes the man that NAPA Auto Parts calls one of the best auto electrical guys in the state! Don Zaiser from Petty's Auto Electrical Service will be stopping by the Auto Smarts studio high atop Germain Cadillac to answer any and all questions you may have about your car's electrical system. From setting the clock on your car stereo to re-wiring the whole sled, Don has decades of auto electrical experience and tips that could help save you a fortune in electrical repairs! As always, Jack Moser will be making his weekly appearance to talk about what to do or not to do if you get pulled over with his bustedfordrunkdriving.com feature. Plus, Michael Sacks of Kimmel and Silverman will check in with his 1-800 Lemon Law Lemon Aid Minute.




For more information, contact:

Randy Rhinehart-Executive Producer-Auto Smarts Radio Network    614-795-8469   www.randy@autosmarts4u.com

Mike Austin and Aaron Rhinehart-Studio Producers     614-389-4044 

 

Jan 26
2011

Gaughan Kickstarting Daytona Experience with 24 Hours at Daytona

Posted by lori in Valvoline , Sherwin Williams , Safety Kleen , Germain.com , Germain Racing , Germain Naples Florida

Mooresville, N.C. (01-26-2011) – As many NASCAR drivers are taking in their last moments of relaxation before the start of the racing season, Brendan Gaughan has joined the list of race car drivers anxious to start their 2011 season early. Gaughan will make his debut in the 2011 Grand-Am Rolex Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 Rolex 24 Hour at Daytona. The rookie driver will be in veteran company taking turns behind the wheel of the No. 67 TRG/Sargent&Lundy/South Point Hotel & Casino Porsche. He plans to keep his fans in the loop by ‘tweeting’ about his first 24 Hour experience on his Twitter page (@Brendan62).

 

“I’m in racing because I love to race. I’ve raced off road, I’ve raced in NASCAR and I’ve raced at Daytona. I’ve never competed in the Rolex 24 Hour at Daytona. This will be a new experience and a great way to kick off the 2011 season,” said Gaughan, who’ll use social media to share his experience with his fans. “I love to tweet. Twitter fans are great and I plan on posting as many updates as I can…except when I’m in the car!”

 

The Las Vegas native has had the opportunity to test with the No. 67 entry for the Rolex 24, and with Germain Racing and the No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Tundra team in recent days. Gaughan discusses the differences.

 

"For the 67 team the worst thing that happened was that the airline cancelled all of our flights," Gaughan said.  "It was a really successful test.  Those guys have so much data to draw from and it is really fun.  The comparison of data is different in Grand Am than in NASCAR, but Germain Racing has built volumes of testing and race data over the last seven seasons. We just completed our first test with the No. 62 South Point Hotel & Casino Tundra and it confirmed what I already knew. The team is a great bunch of racers that have a unique and tireless commitment to winning races. I’m excited about Daytona! I’m excited about racing in my first 24 Hour event and getting back to my roots in the Camping World Truck Series.”

 

Gaughan is a rookie in the 24 hour event, but his team has collected several wins, and his co-drivers have helped his learning curve.

 

“I took our testing weekend like a road course driving school with the 67 car.  I have my rolling into corner speeds the same as my co-drivers.  I have my throttle pick up in the same place as them.  The last, and crucial part, is the big ball part - how far can you take the car into the corner and match how deep the guys go into the braking zone.  I don't think I need to match that!  I was able to run what I was told is going to be race pace.  For me on this program I am happy with where I am at after the test. I’m not fantastic yet but my partners are,” said Gaughan with a smile.

 

Following the Rolex 24 Hour at Daytona, Gaughan will return to Daytona International Speedway to compete in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season kick-off on Friday night, February 18th.

 

Germain Racing has earned two championship titles in the Truck Series. The Toyota team owns 22 victories and 9 pole awards in the series that continues to grow ratings on SPEED. For more information on Germain Racing, visit www.GermainRacing.com or follow the team on Twitter @GermainRacing.

 

Brendan Gaughan holds eight Truck Series victories to go along with his two K&N Pro Series West championship titles. Follow Gaughan at www.BrendanGaughan.com or on Twitter @Brendan62.

 

About South Point…The South Point (http://www.SouthPointCasino.com) is a 2,200-room resort in Las Vegas, Nevada providing affordable luxury while catering to visitors and locals alike. This casino destination features a world-class spa, bowling center, eight restaurants, showroom, equestrian arena, convention center, exhibit hall, bingo and all of the casino games that made Las Vegas famous. The South Point opened in December 2005.

 

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Jan 26
2011

MAKING SURE THE DRIVE, DOESN'T "BUG" YOU ON AUTO SMARTS PRESENTED BY GERMAIN.COM

Posted by lori in Germain.com
      Join the gang from Auto Smarts as presented by germain.com this Sunday from 10am-12n on 95.5 The Hawk and Wink 107.1 as they work the bugs out! Dan "Boots" Longenette, Randy Rhinehart and Lex McAllister will be joined in the studio by Lonnie Alonso from Columbus Pest Control to help exterminate any questions you may have about those pesky, uninvited guests that may be taking up residence in your home...and your car! Lonnie will give some pointers on how to help stop the spread of bed bugs and other pests that can be carried from your home to your car. You can call and talk to the crew anytime at: 614-389-2967. Don't worry...you won't "bug" them!
 
      Keep your phone handy and your dialing finger at the ready! Auto Smarts as presented by germain.com will also welcome Ralph Cumston to the program this Sunday. Ralph is the Parts and Service Director at Germain Ford. He has decades and decades of knowledge on all things related to cars! Between Ralph and Boots, there is over 50 years of automotive experience just waiting for your call! Jack Moser will be making his weekly appearance to talk about what to do or not to do if you get pulled over with his bustedfordrunkdriving.com feature. Plus, Michael Sacks of Kimmel and Silverman will check in with his 1-800 Lemon Law Lemon Aid Minute.

 

For more information contact: Randy Rhinehart 614-795-8469 - randy@autosmarts4u.com
   or Mike Austin 614-389-2967
Jan 20
2011

Lofton Charity Golf Tournament - January 22nd

Posted by lori in Untagged 

 

With Tournament Full, Hundreds Expected For Auction, Lofton Excited For Charity Event This Weekend

After months of preparation, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Justin Lofton's inaugural charity golf tournament is now just days away. On Saturday, a capacity 108 golfers will hit the links at the Del Rio Country Club in his native Brawley, California. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Imperial Valley.
"I cannot wait until this weekend. This has been in the works for months. It's really been exciting to see it all come together," Lofton said.
Following the golf tournament, the event will move to the Stockmen's Club where an awards ceremony, check presentation, dinner, and auction will take place. Over 300 people are expected at the Stockmen's Club, including fellow Truck Series competitors Matt Crafton and new teammate at Germain Racing, Champion Todd Bodine, who will join Lofton in the day's activities.
Following the dinner and auction, country singer Tim Dugger will provide live entertainment.  
"The day is going to be a lot of fun - from the tournament to the auction, to the concert. We wanted to put on a good show in order to draw in as many people as possible. The more people we can get to attend, the more we will be able to donate to the Boys and Girls Clubs. That is what this is all about, helping these kids," Lofton added.
A full event schedule, ticket information, and registration forms are available on LoftonRacing.com. Additional information can also be found on the "Justin Lofton's Charity Golf Tournament" Facebook page.
Follow Justin on Twitter: twitter.com/jlracing
 
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Amanda Brahler
Justin Lofton Media Relations
Jan 20
2011

SUNDAY WILL BE A DAY AT THE RACES WITH AUTO SMARTS PRESENTED BY GERMAIN.COM Blog title (click to edit)

Posted by lori in Germain.com , Germain Racing

Ladies and gentlemen...start your engines! Join co-hosts Dan "Boots" Longenette, Jessica Germain, Randy Rhinehart, and Lex McAllister this Sunday from 10am-12n on 95.5 The Hawk and Wink 107.l. The Auto Smarts crew will be on pit row this Sunday fielding your car calls and talking to the new President of the Daytona International Speedway, Joie Chitwood III. Joie will talk about how they're getting the track ready for the big race, including a complete repaving to the tune of $20 million. Next up is the local legend that puts the "Michael Shank" in the Michael Shank Racing Team. Mr. Shank will be checking in to update the crew on his team and their upcoming season, including the exciting and grueling 24 hours coming up in just a week at Daytona.

Geoff Parker of Adesa Auto Auctions will be stopping by the Auto Smarts studio to discuss, you guessed it...auto auctions! From boats, to cars, to RVs they have the traditional and exotic at prices that may surprise you! Jack Moser will be making his weekly appearance to talk about what to do or not to do if you get pulled over with his bustedfordrunkdriving.com feature. Plus, Michael Sacks of Kimmel and Silverman will check in with his 1-800 Lemon Law Lemon Aid Minute.


For more information contact: Randy Rhinehart 614-795-8469 - randy@autosmarts4u.com

Auto Smarts presented by Germain.com

Jan 19
2011

Leading On The Last Lap, Broken Spindle Ends Lofton's Laughlin Run; Planning Parker 425 Return

Posted by lori in Untagged 
Justin Lofton returned to his racing roots last weekend by climbing behind the wheel of a Class 1 Unlimited buggy while competing in the SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge.  Despite his sporadic absence from off-road racing over the last few years, Lofton quickly reminded everyone that he's a force to be reckoned with no matter what he's racing.  
24-year-old Lofton, who is now a full-time racer in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, led the way on Saturday in Class 1, and was well on his way to the win on Sunday before suffering a broken left spindle on the last lap of the event.
"I'm not disappointed at all. We had a good showing and I had a lot of fun. We won day one, and we were right there on Sunday before we broke a spindle. We noticed both were broke on Sunday morning when we were working on it, they just weren't broke off," Lofton explained.
Lofton hadn't raced competitively in an off-road event since racing a Trophy Truck in Laughlin in 2009. That same year he earned his first stock car championship in the ARCA Racing Series, and in 2010 he made the move to full-time Camping World Truck Series competition.
Lofton however, won't let as much time pass before his next desert event. With the Camping World Truck Series season set to begin on February 18th, the savvy racer will head to Arizona on February 4th for the Best in the Desert Racing Association's Bluewater Resort Parker 425.
In 2004, Lofton earned the Best in the Desert Class 1000 championship and Rookie of the Year honors.
For the Parker 425, Lofton will split seat-time with his father Bob, who has over 20 years of off-road racing experience and numerous class wins, including the Baja 1000, to his credit. The duo will take turns behind the No. 1577 Class 1500 Buggy, with Bob wheeling the first two laps and Justin completing the final 150 miles.
"It will be a lot of fun racing with my Dad. He taught me so much about racing, and he's always supporting me in whatever I race. He's one of the best out there. It'll be a lot of fun," the younger Lofton added.
Lofton has taken full advantage of the NASCAR off season and remained busy readying for the desert events, in addition to planning his inaugural charity golf tournament, which he will host this Saturday, January 22nd, in Brawley, California. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Imperial Valley.
For more on Justin Lofton and the golf tournament, visit LoftonRacing.com
Follow Justin on Twitter: twitter.com/jlracing
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Amanda Brahler
Justin Lofton Media Relations
PH: 704.650.4527