Casola Ready For Talladega

HOLMDEL NJ (9-30-07) - For the first time in his racing career rookie racer Dominick Casola will be competing at the legendary Talladega Superspeedway.

The Holmdel, New Jersey racer will be part of the nationally televised (SPEED Channel, 5 pm ET) ARCA RE/MAX 250 on the 2.66 mile, 33 degree banked oval on Friday, October 5th. 

"Racing at Talladega has been on my mind all season. It goes back to when I tested here earlier in the year," said the former Wall Township, NJ truck racer.

"This place can either make or break your season. As a driver you always want to run well here. I've tested here but this race will be my first opportunity to compete on the track that is such an important part of the history of the sport."

Casola had his A.Casola Farms Ford Fusion, prepared by Andy Belmont Racing, at Talladega on September 24th and 25th for two days of testing.

"We have been a threat a lot lately," said Casola who is looking to crack victory lane in an ARCA race for the first time. "I think we have a big advantage in that we were able to test for a couple of days. Take the testing and our strong runs in recent ARCA event and I think we are in a position to do very well."
 With 44 teams taking part in the test session, Casola was able to run 17th quick with a 182.435 mph trip around the 2.66-mile oval.

At present Casola sits 14th in the ARCA  RE/MAX point standings with just two races left in the season including Talladega. Mike Harmon, a veteran campaigner, is just 40 points in front of Casola. Harmon has the benefit of having run one more race than Casola.

"It would be great if we did well at Talladega and at Toledo (the season finale)," said the young racing talent. "We have the possibility of moving up a couple of spots. Maybe a top 12 finish in the points in our rookie season. That would be fantastic considering the fact we were not able to be part of the season opener at Daytona and that cost us bonus points."

The rookie racer is also looking forward to the opportunity to racing against the the very best ARCA racers combined with several Cup Driver Development teams, who will be using the ARCA RE/MAX 250 at Talladega Superspeedway to gain experience as they move toward careers in NASCAR competition.

Of course, with all the NASCAR owners on hand for the big NASCAR Nextel Cup weekend, it will be a great time for Casola to showcase his talents in the A.Casola Farms Ford Fusion.

The 2007 season closes out on Sunday, October 14th with the running of the Hantz Group 200 by Belle Tire at the one-half-mile high banked Toledo, Ohio Speedway. 

Fans can keep tabs on Dominick at http://www.dominickcasola.com/.