Michigan: John Wes Townley preview

* Following an 11th-place finish at Watkins Glen, RAB Racing announced that Boris Said will be back behind the wheel of the No. 09 Zaxby's Ford Fusion at Montreal on August 30th. Said has two starts at the 2.71-mile road course with one top-5 finish.

This Week's No. 09 Zaxby's Ford: Townley will pilot chassis No. 032 in the Carfax 250 this weekend at Michigan International Speedway (MIS). This was a new chassis built for the 2009 season and was last raced at Chicagoland speedway where Townley finished 21st.

John Wes Townley at Michigan: Raybestos Rookie contender John Wes Townley has one prior start at MIS. The 19-year-old Watkinsville, GA native started 8th and finished 13th in the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series Racing for Wildlife 200.

Season Review: After 22 of the scheduled 35 events on the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series Schedule, Townley has three top-20 and seven top-25 finishes.

Last Time Around-Watkins Glen: Road course racing specialist, Boris Said made his NNS debut for RAB Racing at The Glen last weekend bringing home a pair of series firsts for the rookie team; First top-10 start (9th) and first top-15 finish (11th).

Points Check: Boris Said's solid effort in the Zippo 200 at The Glen closed the points gap to 33rd in the season long owner's point standings. The No. 09 entry currently sits 34th in points; just 159 markers out of 33rd and 286 points out of 30th.

Rookie Race: Townley remains 6th in the 2009 Raybestos Rookie of the Year standings with 105 points.

We Are Guessing He Signs His Name Fast Too: Townley will be signing autographs with fellow Raybestos Rookie, Michael Annett on Saturday, August 15th from 9:30-10:30 a.m. ET at the NASCAR merchandise trailer located in front of gate 30 at the north end of the Fan Plaza at MIS.

A Proven Champion: David Green, the 1994 NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion has been working with John Wes since Dover (May, 2009) as his driver coach and spotter. Green has worked with other rookie drivers such as Stephen Leicht and Landon Cassill.

And The Voting Begins: You can now log onto www.teamrab.com and vote for your favorite NASCAR Nationwide Series driver. Only one vote per day but you are encouraged to vote throughout the remainder of the season. Results of the voting will be announced at the awards banquet at the end of the year.

John Wes Townley:

How did you feel about having to get out of the driver's seat at Watkins Glen?

"It wasn't easy to step aside and let someone else get behind the wheel, but it was in the team's best interest to get back into the top-30 in points. I consider myself to have a lack of experience when it comes to road courses and Boris is an expert. I wouldn't have had anyone else fill-in for me last weekend other than Boris. I really like him and respect him and was happy to see him bring home a solid finish."

You have been to Michigan before in an ARCA car do you feel like that will help you this weekend in your Nationwide Series car?

"I think so. It has been over a year since I was last at Michigan. I'm sure it will all come back to me when I get out there again in practice and make a few laps. I have so much knowledge within my team to help guide me, not to mention David (Green) and Brad's (Parrot) experience at this track."

-credit: rabr