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Stellar ARCA RE/MAX Series debut for 17-year-old Chad Finley.
By Brad Keselowski Racing / M.P.H. Promotions
DeWitt, Michigan (Thursday, May 21, 2009): Toledo Speedway in Toledo, Ohio hosted the ARCA RE/MAX Series' sixth race of the 2009 racing season, the Menards 200 Presented by Federated Car Care on Sunday afternoon, May 18th.
While 18-year-old rookie, Parker Kligerman made headlines with his first career series victory after a thrilling dual with ARCA RE/MAX Series point's leader, Justin Lofton, another teenager was making headlines himself in such a way that not only were onlookers talking about Kligerman, another name kept coming up as well.
17-year-old Chad Finley made his ARCA RE/MAX Series debut behind the wheel of the #29 Auto Value / Bumper to Bumper Parts Stores and Certified Service Centers Chevrolet for Brad Keselowski Racing.
He was strong to say the least throughout the afternoon on the historic 1/2 mile high-banked paved oval and after running in the Top Five for the majority of the day while running neck and neck with the leaders, the DeWitt, Michigan teenager finished an impressive sixth.
"Toledo was a great learning curve for me. I can't thank (Crew Chief) Wayne Setterington and all the guys from B.K.R. (Brad Keselowski Racing) enough for giving a great race car for my first series start," The excited Great Lakes State driver stated.
Finley then added; "The car was really good and drove well. We struggled a little bit in the middle of the race with oil all over the window from another car that made it real tough to see but Wayne talked me through it."
Proud Father, Jeff Finley was emotional after the race after his son performed so well in his ARCA RE/MAX Series debut; "I was really impressed with the whole team. All of the B.K.R., guys lead by Wayne Setterington just did and outstanding job with Chad."
"As for Chad, I'm just breathless. He performed to a standard that was just unbelievable!" Continued the former ARCA driver. "His maturity and calmness simply amazed me. My guys did very well for there first time. This was a great boost for us all." He added.
Finley's next scheduled start for Brad Keselowski Racing in the ARCA RE/MAX Series will be on Saturday, July 13th at the immaculate 7/8s (0.875) mile progressively banked paved oval of Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa for the Prairie Meadows 200.
"I have to thank Auto Value Parts Stores and Certified Service Centers, Northside Towing.Net and My dad and our outlaw crew guys. Everyone did a great job." He added. "I'm really excited to get to Newton (Iowa Speedway) and learn some more. We would like to welcome a new sponsor for Iowa; www.baysideinnkeylargo.com. We are very thankful for support as well." The 17-year-old ended.
In addition to Iowa, he's scheduled for three more starts in the ARCA RE/MAX Series. Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan will be after Iowa on July 25th, then its back to Toledo Speedway over the Labor Day Holiday Weekend on Friday, September 4th. Finally, Finley will complete his 2009 limited schedule in ARCA with the season finale at Rockingham Speedway in Rockingham, North Carolina.
Up next for Finley will see him get back into "outlaw" mode over the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend with two races in two nights. On Friday, May 22nd he'll return to his home track of Spartan Speedway in Mason, Michigan for Autograph Night where he'll surely be a popular stop for his fans. He's also the current points leader in the tracks' Outlaw Super Late Models division.
The next night on Saturday, May 23rd, Finley and crew will head out West to the famed Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan for the Budweiser Spring Championships for their Outlaw Super Late Models.
Throughout the 2009 racing season, all of Finley's cars will sport prominent decals from Auto Value / Bumper to Bumper Parts Stores and Certified Service Centers as well stickers from AutoParts2020.com on his #29 Chevrolet in the ARCA RE/MAX Series as well as his #42 Outlaw Bodied Super Late Model.
In addition, more sponsorship comes from; Northside Service, Neal's Truck Parts of Grand Rapids Michigan, Bayside Inn of Key Largo Florida, Nalett Trucking, Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil, Velocity Graphix, Howe Racing Enterprises, M.P.H. Promotions, Team Finley Racing, and Brad Keselowski Racing.
To learn more about Chad Finley and to inquire about sponsorship opportunities for the 2009 racing season in the ARCA RE/MAX Series as well as other select events this season and in 2010, e-mail the team at: biz@chadfinley.com You can also log onto the teams website at: www.chadfinley.com