First ARCA RE/MAX Series Podium Finish for Hessert at Toledo
Toledo, OH (5-18-09) – Tom Hessert III came to Toledo Speedway looking to top his ARCA RE/MAX Series (ARS) career best finish of fifth which also came at Toledo Speedway last fall.Mission accomplished, Tom bested his finish by two to finish third, his first podium finish in his ARS career.
After qualifying rained out on Saturday the field was lined up by owner points putting Tom on the outside of the fifth row for the start of the Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care.Due to an early race skirmish the Cherry Hill, NJ driver was shuffled back to 21st but fought his way back to the 10th position quickly.“Man, I think we passed more cars here today than in the past few races” sounded Hessert.My guys did a great job in the pits today, it wasn’t just me that got this awesome finish it was the whole Andy Belmont Racing (ABR) team.”Dave Leiner made some great calls in the pits today and the guys gave me a couple of great stops.In the race that went five laps into over time there were a total of 9 cautions. This incredible finish has boosted Tom from 8th in ARCA RE/MAX driver championship standings to 5th.
Tom and the ABR team spent two days at Caraway Speedway testing this week.“We experimented with the geometry and brakes in a big way at Caraway” offered team owner Andy Belmont.Obviously what we discovered at the test paid off here at Toledo today. “This finish gives the team an incredible boost heading to our next race at Pocono Speedway for the Pocono ARCA 200 on June 6th” stated Hessert.“The momentum will carry us over the 2 week break so we’ll be ready to hit the tricky triangle at Pocono.While most of the ARS driver will enjoying the break Tom will be hard at it.
Tom will head to Langley Speedway to run with USAR Pro Cup Series on the 23rd of May and to South Boston Speedway on the 30th to run with the NASCAR Camping World Series East.
Autograph requests can be sent along with a self addressed stamped 9x12 envelope to:
Andy Belmont Racing 169 Laurel Glen Dr Mooresville, NC 28115 andy@andybelmont.com Phone: (704) 682-3410