Ambrose Fishing for Victory at Pocono

LONG POND, Penn. (July 28, 2009) – Marcos Ambrose has scored three top-10s in the last seven races and one of those events includes the Pocono 500 where he finished sixth in June at Pocono Raceway.

“We delivered a strong top-10 finish at Pocono earlier this season,” Ambrose said. “Our package was good and we are making it better from what we learned. This weekend we have a great looking new design on our Toyota Camry with iRacing.com to help create awareness about their internet-based racing service to fans. We are looking to deliver a strong finish for them.

On Tuesday, iRacing.com - a motorsport simulation company - announced they will serve as a single-event primary sponsor for the JTG-Daugherty Racing No. 47 Toyota Camry entry during the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500.

“Our partnership with Marcos to help introduce iRacing to Australia and New Zealand has gone extremely well,” said Steve Myers, iRacing’s executive producer. “So, when this opportunity with his NASCAR team, JTG Daugherty Racing, became available, we jumped at it. With NASCAR-sanctioned online racing being introduced to the iRacing service in less than six months, this seemed like a great way to introduce ourselves to the more than 80,000 NASCAR fans who will attend the race in person and the several million more who will be watching on ESPN.”

Ambrose is optimistic about returning to Pocono Raceway this time with iRacing.com and looks to build on his two top-five and five top-10 finishes.

“I’m optimistic, but I was when we started the race at Indy (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) too and we did not have the finish we desired,” said Ambrose, who finished 22nd. “We’ve learned there are no guarantees in this business, but this has been a strong year for us. Every good event we have from here on out will be a bonus. We are just looking for that breakout race though. Who knows when it is going to happen? It could be Pocono or it could be Watkins Glen International. You just never know.”

“We did miss a chance at Indy,” Ambrose continued. “We qualified 11th and ran inside the top-15 and then it somehow slipped through our fingers. At the end of the race, I’m racing back there racing for a 21st or 22nd-place finish with Jamie McMurray and you know he’s no slouch. Our sport is just that tough.”

Sitting 254 points out of 12th-place in the championship points standings, Ambrose knows where he stands in The Race to the Chase with six races remaining.

“It’s slipping away a little bit,” Ambrose said. “I’m looking at the cars in front of us and it’s virtually impossible to gain points on them. They are all running well and they’ve got experience and momentum on their side. We just want to focus on our job and keep finishing in the top-10 and see how it plays out. We have an outside shot at the very best. For me, I’m going into Pocono and Watkins Glen to win it. If we win a race, things may look different. We are just focused on race by race.”

Ambrose does not want to think about points.

“I don’t want to think about points my first year in NASCAR,” Ambrose said. “For me in racing, the more I think about it, the worse I go. I just put my helmet on and I don’t get ahead of myself. I look back at my previous racing in Europe when I would qualify fifth and wake up in the middle of the night thinking how I was going to pass them all in Turn 1. Then I would start the race and end up taking all four wheels off of it thinking that was really a stupid idea. From those early days of learning about racing, you can’t predict anything that happens around you. You have to drive in the moment. That’s what I try to do. I don’t get bogged down with points or strategy. I just drive it as fast as I can.

“This sport is easy to let the highs get too high and the lows get too low and then you start worrying about the wrong stuff,” Ambrose continued. “It’s all about race by race, lap by lap and driving it as fast as you can and see how it works out.”

To free his mind from worry, Ambrose is adventurous and this weekend at Pocono it is no different.

“I hope I’m here next week because I have a Marcos Ambrose outdoor adventure special in Pocono,” Ambrose said. “The last time we went to Pocono we went trout finishing and we couldn’t find good spots because we didn’t have access. So, this trip I’ve actually bought two $20 rafts from the sporting store and we are going to float down from one bridge to the next. The problem is, they are $20 rafts with a 200 pound frame. I’m not confident I’m going to make it before I put a hole in it. If I don’t make it back, you know why. Having a canoe is too professional. I like to do it the hardest way possible.”

Live coverage of the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 on Sunday, August 2nd begins at 1 p.m. Eastern on ESPN. Also, MRN and Sirius XM Satellite Radio will air the event live.

iRacing, Marcos Ambrose and JTG Daugherty Team Up for Pocono NASCAR Race

BEDFORD, MA (July 28, 2009) – The JTG Daugherty Racing #47 Toyota Camry, driven by Australia’s Marcos Ambrose, will race under iRacing.com colors in this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono International Raceway. The announcement of the single-event tie-up between the race team and the motorsport simulation company, which had been widely rumored, was made today by Steve Myers, iRacing’s executive producer, and Tad Geschickter, co-owner of JTG Daugherty Racing.

“Our partnership with Marcos to help introduce iRacing to Australia and New Zealand has gone extremely well,” said Myers. “So, when this opportunity with his NASCAR team, JTG Daugherty Racing, became available, we jumped at it. With NASCAR-sanctioned online racing being introduced to the iRacing service in less than six months, this seemed like a great way to introduce ourselves to the more than 80,000 NASCAR fans who will attend the race in person and the several million more who will be watching on ESPN.”

Ambrose has racked up four top-10 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series finishes so far, including a third-place on the Infineon road course at Sonoma, CA, and a sixth-place finish earlier this summer at Pocono. Last year Ambrose scored the team’s first-ever NASCAR Nationwide Series, taking the checkered flag at Watkins Glen.

“We are a sponsor-focused race team, and we’re eager to show the folks at iRacing what that means,” said Geschickter. “Perhaps they’re only joining us for a single race, but we know that Marcos has a close relationship with iRacing and we’re eager to show them what we can do to help them get the word out to NASCAR fans about how much fun it is to race with other fans and professional racing drivers on iRacing’s internet-based racing service.”

While NASCAR-sanctioned racing won’t begin on the iRacing service until early next year, iRacing has already introduced exact digital duplicates of the vehicles raced in NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series, Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series, that perform exactly as their real-world counterparts do. In addition, iRacing has built, is building or is negotiating to produce digital versions of all the tracks on the current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. The use of survey-quality laser scanning and proprietary data-processing yields tracks with millimeter-accuracy and an online experience that is as real as possible and virtually as much fun as driving the car in the physical world.

Myers noted that in celebration of the Pocono sponsorship, iRacing is making a special offer for new subscribers, a $25.00 (half-price) three-month subscription to the service, which includes all of the cars and tracks necessary for oval and road-racing rookie and advanced rookie seasons. “Plus, we’re throwing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup car,” for free Myers said. “That’s an additional $15.00 value.”

According to Myers, while the virtual version of Pocono International Raceway is not yet quite ready to be made available to subscribers to the iRacing service, work is quite advanced and iRacing has been able to supply Ambrose with a pre-release version so that he can get in as many practice laps as necessary before he pulls out of the pits and onto the real-world version of the track.

"I will be getting a head start on the competition by practicing on iRacing before heading to the track to try and get every advantage I can," Ambrose said. “Making sure I’m fully up to speed the first time I roll out of the pits on Friday means that we’ll have more laps to focus on getting the car absolutely right.”

Myers noted that Pocono is unique among the ovals where NASCAR competes in that the track has three distinctly different turns – different banking and radius for each one – making it a particularly challenging one to learn. “In that way, Pocono is kind of like the road courses at Watkins Glen and Sonoma, but with all left-hand turns.”

So no one should be surprised to see Ambrose sitting in a simulator next to the JTG Daugherty Racing hauler in the garage area when his iRacing car isn’t on the track. He’ll just be getting ready for the next practice or qualifying session.


About JTG Daugherty
JTG Daugherty Racing is a sponsor-focused race team that runs both NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup entries. By combining the full-service marketing expertise of ST Motorsports and JTG Daugherty’s extensive racing experience, it is uniquely equipped to drive sponsor’s business. The company’s industry-leading client-retention rate is a testament to its commitment to building partnerships and delivering value.

About iRacing.com
iRacing.com was founded in September of 2004 by Dave Kaemmer and John Henry. Kaemmer was co-founder of Papyrus Design Group, developers of award-winning racing simulations including NASCAR Racing: 2003 Season and Grand Prix Legends. Henry is principal owner of the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Sports Group – the co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing – as well as an avid simracer. The iRacing team combines more than 100 years of real-world racing experience with more than 50 years of successful racing simulation development. The company has developed numerous corporate relationships in the motorsport industry, including agreements to develop track simulations with International Speedway Corporation, Speedway Motorsports, and Panoz Motor Sports Group and vehicles with General Motors, Riley Technologies, Radical Sportscars, and 600 Racing. iRacing is the official simulation partner of the Sports Car Club of America, Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, Star Mazda Championship, Skip Barber Racing School and Australia’s V8 Super School. Most recently iRacing and NASCAR have announced a partnership to develop NASCAR-sanctioned online racing series. The iRacing service is open to racers and fans of all skill levels from top-level pros to complete beginners. To join in the fun, go to www.iRacing.com.

Marcos Ambrose - Allstate 400 at the Brickyard Preview

INDIANAPOLIS (July 21, 2009) – This season marked Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s celebration of its Centennial Era, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the facility. It is also the 16th running of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard and Marcos Ambrose’s second chance to race the No. 47 Little Debbie® Toyota with his crew chief Frank Kerr and JTG-Daugherty Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team.

The historic 2.5-mile oval is a place like no other that still gives Kerr goose bumps when he steps foot on what he refers to as “hallowed ground.”

“To be honest I do get goose bumps every time I go there,” said Kerr who grew up racing open wheel cars, winning 250 races in divisions such as, USAC, World of Outlaws and All Star (four-time All Star Champion). “It’s just the coolest place in the world and the most historic venue we go to on the circuit. It doesn’t matter how many times you walk into that facility, you are still in awe. Then there is the ‘Yard of Bricks’ at the start-finish line serving as a tribute to the 2.5-mile oval - - the only ones left exposed from the original Indianapolis Motor Speedway racing surface.”

“I’ve been through the museum a hundred times too,” continued Kerr. “Once I was able to take a special tour of the basement and that was really something. It has a lot of old cars like Indy cars, roadsters and much more. There’s stuff down there that has never been on display. To think those guys ran around there at 150 miles per hour or better with them old cars with six inch tires on them is pretty amazing.”

Kerr’s Australian driver, who will be driving the same Toyota he finished sixth with at Pocono Raceway in June, shares his crew chief’s sentiments.

“Frankie’s right, the place is special and I remember growing up watching the Indy 500 in Tasmania wishing I was there,” Ambrose said. “It’s just a big thrill to be able to race the Little Debbie® Toyota at the Brickyard because there’s so much racing history.”

There are many memorable Brickyard moments for both the IRL and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. If you asked Kerr who comes to mind when you talk about the Brickyard, he will jump at the chance to say “why A.J. Foyt, get serious, he’s the real deal.” While Kerr is adamant about the four-time Indy 500 champ, Ambrose is just as serious about four-time Indy 500 winner Rick Mears. Danny Sullivan was another racing great that Ambrose mentioned as he discussed the unforgettable 1985 Indy 500 win and spin.

“A.J. was a little before my time, but I really liked watching Rick Mears, who drove for Roger Penske,” Ambrose said. “Danny Sullivan was another standout and I remember his 1985 win. He spun 360 degrees down the south short chute between one and two after passing Mario Andretti for the lead. He recovered from that to come back and win the race.”
Ambrose and Kerr spoke of several monumental moments and this season they are looking to make their own.

“We've had some great runs this year," Ambrose said. "I always said that if I didn’t make it, I’ll just pack up and go home and last year's Allstate 400 was a really important race for me. There was a lot riding on that race. We qualified decent and fortunately it was a breakout race.”

“My first race there was with Robby Gordon and it was an unbelievable feeling to be standing on pit road with all the fans in the stands surrounding you,” Kerr said. “Then I went back there with Marcos last year and I was still mesmerized. It's a place we really want to excel at this weekend.”

It was only Ambrose’s second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start with Kerr last year and they posted a respectable 22nd-place finish in the prestigious event.

“We had a good showing there and we really didn’t have nothing,” Kerr said. “We’ve been running well this season and we have some expectations going into this weekend. We’re bringing the same car we almost had a top-five with at Pocono. Pocono’s turns 2 and 3 are a lot like Indy and Marcos excelled there. We feel like we can have a good run.”

Ambrose and his JTG-Daugherty Racing team compete in the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on Sunday, July 26th. Live coverage from Indianapolis Motor Speedway airs on ESPN beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern. Also, IMS and Sirius XM Satellite Radio will also air the event live.

Ambrose Captures Fifth Top-10 Finish Of Season at Coke Zero 400 at DIS

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 5, 2009) – An ailing Marcos Ambrose was all smiles when he climbed from his No. 47 Kingsford® Charcoal Toyota Saturday night after crossing the finish line sixth at Daytona International Speedway in the Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola.

“I was sick again this weekend and had to have an IV treatment, but this is one way to clear up a severe cold,” said Ambrose, who has two top-five and five top-10 finishes in 18 starts this year. “This finish makes me feel 100 percent better. It was just a great night for us. We fought hard all day.”

It was yet another spectacular superspeedway finish as Kyle Busch and Tony Stewart were battling for the victory. On the final lap the two tangled and Stewart was the victor as Busch slammed hard into the retaining wall causing a chain reaction.

Ambrose held his line and drove through the smoke and debris to earn his fifth top-10 finish of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. The Australian driver maintained 18^th-place in the owner championship standings. “There was a lot of action on the track and it was intense,” Ambrose said. “It was just another amazing night for us and I want to thank Jodi and Tad (Geschickter), Brad Daugherty and my Kingsford® Charcoal team for believing in me. It’s been a great ride so far and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Ambrose started 18^th as the 43-car field lineup was set by the NASCAR rulebook due to afternoon showers Friday. Points leader Tony Stewart led Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Bush, Carl Edwards and the remaining rows of the field to the green flag for the Coke Zero 400 on Saturday night.

Only 11 laps after NASCAR waved the green flag, Ambrose charged into the top-10 as the top lane proved to be the way to go at the 2.5-mile tri-oval. Two laps later the first caution of the race occurred when Mark Martin went spinning off of Turn 2 and smashed the nose of his car into the inside wall. The Kingsford® Charcoal Toyota had been loose up top and tight on the bottom of the track while it was also hitting the ground.

“We were still all in all good,” Ambrose said. Frank Kerr called for four tires and no changes. The pit crew did an excellent job and picked up three spots on pit road for Ambrose, which positioned him fifth for the restart on Lap 16. On the next caution at Lap 27 for Casey Mears spinning off of Turn 2 into the inside wall, Ambrose had been shuffled back to 14^th and he was experiencing no grip. The Kingsford® Charcoal Toyota was still hitting the ground making the Toyota a little snug.

“We were so close to being really good,” Ambrose said. The JTG-Daugherty pit crew worked on getting the car off the ground and also changed four tires and made an air pressure adjustment. Ambrose returned to green flag racing in 27^th-place on Lap 31 this time with a loose handling car.

“It was pretty loose,” Ambrose said. “It was good on the bottom, but really loose in the middle of the track and up top.”

Another caution around Lap 59 for debris allowed the team to change four tires and work on the handling more. However, the changes for some reason made Kingsford® Toyota worse. A big wreck involving 13 cars on Lap 76 allowed Ambrose to return to pit road on Lap 79 for four tires and adjustments.

“The worse part was the car had been free and there was no grip in the tri-oval,” Ambrose said. “But, in turns 1, 2, 3 and 4 it was good." The No. 47 Kingsford® Charcoal Toyota took the green flag in 15^th position as the top five drivers consisted of Stewart, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards and Jimmie Johnson.

At Lap 99, Ambrose radioed Kerr and told him the car was perfect. As he entered pit road under caution on Lap 104, he emphasized to Kerr that he had more front grip and the car had a good balance. The pit crew only changed four tires, added fuel and sent Ambrose on his way. He restarted 13^th on Lap 107 and returned to the top 10 three laps later. Ambrose was charging to the front and on Lap 118 he strong-armed his way into the top-five. When the caution flag was displayed at Lap 121, Ambrose told Kerr ‘Don’t change a thing.’ Kerr had the crew only bolt on four fresh Goodyear tires and add fuel.

Back to work on Lap 127, Ambrose was 10^th while up ahead four drivers distanced themselves from the rest of the field. Stewart, Busch, Hamlin and Jimmie Johnson had a four car breakaway, but a caution at Lap 145 changed all of that. Ambrose came down pit road in 12^th-place for four tires and a quarter round of wedge out of his Kingsford® Charcoal Toyota. He restarted ninth on Lap 149 on the inside. His spotter Al DiRusso told Ambrose that the top of the track would be his best bet.

On Lap 152, An accident involving the No. 82 car of Scott Speed and No. 44 car of AJ Allmendinger brought out the eighth caution of the race. Ambrose was able to shove his way by the No. 2 car of Kurt Busch for the eighth spot as he prepared for the restart on Lap 156.

On Lap 159 Busch stole the lead from Stewart. Coming to the checkered flag on the next lap, Stewart moved to the outside of Busch and Busch moved up to block him. Busch’s rear bumper clipped Stewart’s nose causing Busch to spin around and slam hard into the retaining wall, which set off a big wreck in the field. Ambrose drove through the smoke and escaped unscathed to finish sixth in his second outing at Daytona International Speedway.

While Stewart won his second race of the season Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin, Carl Edwards and Kurt Busch rounded out the top-five. Ambrose was so close to having his third top-five finish of the season, but he was pleased with his top-10 outcome.

Next up for Ambrose and his JTG-Daugherty Racing team is Chicagoland Speedway. Live coverage on Saturday, July 11^th begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT and MRN Radio. The event will also air on Sirius XM Satellite Radio.