(LONG POND, Pa. – August 2, 2012) – For the first time in over a year, Matt Merrell will return to the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, reuniting with Win-Tron Racing for Saturday’s Pennsylvania ARCA 125 at Pocono Raceway.
Even though the reunion is long overdue, the history between the Portland, Texas native and the Lakeville, Minn.-based team extends back many years and includes competition in the CARS Pro Cup Series (formerly known as the USARacing Pro Cup Series). It was last July, though, that the team made magic after Merrell made a late-race charge at Berlin (Mich.) Raceway to net his first career ARCA Racing Series win after starting third.
Set to roll into the emotions of returning to the ARCA tour, the Texan is eager to prove that despite his lack of presence on the track, he hasn’t forgotten how to wheel the No. 32 Win-Tron Racing Toyota Camry. In fact, before his impressive win in the Great Lakes State, the 2.5-mile triangle was one of Merrell’s sweet stops on the tour, as he’s never finished outside the top-10 in his three previous starts.
Before finishing 10th in 2011, the 27-year-old additionally boasted two top-five runs, including a runner-up performance in 2009. But, big things have happened to Pocono since Merrell last visited the track – including a complete repaving of the track’s surface. Even though he’ll be swimming in new waters this weekend, Merrell is hoping that some of his old tricks will still work on Saturday afternoon.
“First, I’m stoked about being back in a car with the guys at Win-Tron Racing,” said Merrell. “It feels like it’s been literally forever since I’ve been back at the race track. I love this team, I love the series and I love Pocono Raceway. No doubt that a few things have changed since I’ve last been behind the wheel but I’m okay with that. It just gives you the extra incentive to go out there and try and finish right where you left off.
“Pocono has always been good to me. Three races with two top-fives and three top-10s, I really can’t complain. But, those races have always been over 50 laps – this weekend, that won’t be the case. It’s a shootout. But, I like a challenge and I’m looking forward to that opportunity of potentially pulling our No. 32 Win-Tron Racing Toyota Camry back into victory lane.”
Merrell says his long-term goal of returning to the ARCA scene on a more permanent basis looks optimistic.
“We have a lot of stuff in the works and it looks promising, but we will see,” he said. “No doubt that a good run at Pocono will help us in those negotiations and we’ll see how everything unfolds. I’m hopeful, that’s for sure.”
Nate Thiesse, co-car owner of Win-Tron Racing, offered his sentiments on welcoming Merrell back to the circuit.
“There isn’t a driver that we would like to have back in the seat at Pocono Raceway other than Matt,” he said. “He has a gift for that place and has it figured out. I think the repavement of the track will only benefit him. We’re confident that we can go to the track this weekend and be strong out of the box and with his talent and ability our chances are as good as any on Saturday afternoon.”
Merrell is set to make his 25th career ARCA start Saturday afternoon. In his previous 24 starts, he has amassed one win, nine top-fives, and 12 top-10 finishes. His best starting position based on speed occurred at Pocono in June 2009; he rolled off second.
The Pennsylvania ARCA 125 will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday. ARCA’s 50-lap shootout on Pocono’s 2.5-mile triangle will air live on SPEED. Practice will take place on Friday, from 1:40-3 p.m., and Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell will start at 5:15 that day. ARCARacing.com will provide live timing and scoring coverage of all on-track action. The event will be the 14th of 20 this season.