LOUISVILLE, Ky. (February 11th, 2014) – 16-year-old Louisville, Kentucky, native and NASCAR Next driver Ben Rhodes is ready. In just a few days, the Turner Scott Motorsports driver and his No. 41 Alpha Energy Solutions Chevrolet Impala will head to Florida for the two season-opening events in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, the “New Smyrna 150 Presented by JEGS at New Smyrna Speedway on Sunday, February 16th, and the “UNOH Battle at the Beach” on Tuesday, February 18th, at Daytona International Speedway.
Rhodes recently tested at New Smyrna Speedway ahead of the season-opening event on Sunday. It was his first time at the 0.48-mile asphalt oval.
“We had a great test at New Smyrna Speedway a few weeks ago,” said Rhodes. “It is a really cool track, and it was the first time I got to work with my new crew chief Mark McFarland. We were on the same page from the time we unloaded the car and we were able to try multiple different changes to get more speed out of the car. I am very confident we will give the No. 41 Alpha Energy Solutions Chevrolet Impala a great showing in the first race of the season.”
Even though Rhodes didn’t compete in the inaugural UNOH Battle at the Beach event in the K&N Pro Series East at Daytona, he did compete in the Late Model Stock portion of the event, giving him some experience prior to this year’s event on the 0.37-mile asphalt oval.
“Last year I raced in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series race of the Battle at the Beach,” explained Rhodes. “We started our heat race second and finished first, and ended up starting on the pole and leading a bunch of laps in the feature. We finished second behind Kyle Larson, and it was a great run and start to our year. I am excited to go back to the track this year and see what my Turner Scott Motorsports team can do in the K&N Pro Series East race. Hopefully we can be there at the end and maybe put the No. 41 Alpha Energy Solutions Chevrolet Impala in to victory lane.”
With the first-two points events separated by just a few days, it will be challenging for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East teams. Rhodes, who is competing for the Rookie of the Year and Championship honors in 2014, is confident heading into the double.
“My Turner Scott Motorsports team started working on our cars right after our part-time season ended last year. The cars are ready, the team is ready, and I am ready to get the season started.”
Race day updates can be followed at www.twitter.com/benrhodes.
In 2014, Rhodes is sponsored by Alpha Energy Solutions as well as Alliance Comfort Systems, Kentucky National Guard, Refrigerant Rescue, and Park Community Federal Credit Union.
For more information on Ben Rhodes, including media availability, contact Jason “Stix” Buckley of STIX FX Entertainment at (704) 519-5528 or [email protected], and make sure to keep up to date on his racing career at www.benrhodes.com, like him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/benrhodesinc, and follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/benrhodes as well as Instagram at www.instagram.com/benrhodes.
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EVENT INFORMATION
NASCAR K&N Pro Series East – Race 1
Sunday, February 16th, 2014
“New Smyrna 150 Presented by JEGS”
New Smyrna Speedway (0.48-mile asphalt oval) – New Smyrna, Florida
Practice Sessions: 12pm – 1pm; 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Qualifying: 5:30pm
On-Track Autograph Session: 6:15pm
Green Flag (150 laps): 7:30pm
TV: FOX Sports 1 on Feb. 22nd at 9am (tape delayed)
www.nascarhometracks.com | www.newsmyrnaspeedway.org
NASCAR K&N Pro Series East – Race 2
Tuesday, February 18th, 2014
“UNOH Battle at the Beach”
Daytona International Speedway (0.37-mile asphalt oval) – Daytona Beach, Florida
Practice Sessions: 10:30am – 11:30am; 12:40pm – 1:40pm
Qualifying: 4pm
Autograph Session: 6pm
Green Flag (150 laps): 8:45pm
TV: FOX Sports 2 on Feb. 18th at 8:45pm
www.nascarhometracks.com | www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com
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