WS: Roseville II: Golden Gate Racing preview

Back in Black; strong Golden Gate Racing Team, Self ready to rumble

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (10-16-10) -- After taking a break in round ten of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West last month, the competitive Golden Gate Racing Team will return to action this Saturday in Roseville California. With a new look and a talented driver behind the wheel, the San Francisco based team that carries the support of Richard Childress Racing Driver Development has a top finish in their sights for the Toyota/Napa Auto Parts 150 presented by Pick N Pull at All American Speedway.

"We're ready to get back on track with our new look, new driver and the winning attitude that this race team was built on over two decades ago," said team owner Jim Offenbach. "It was unfortunate that we missed an event to regroup but now we are ready to rock and roll into Roseville and get a top a finish. I think we have a great driver joining this team and we're coming back very strong."

Offenbach was referring to Michael Self of Park City, Utah. Self has signed on as the new primary driver of the GGRT/RCR #21 for the remainder of the 2010 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West season. At the age of 19, Self is top contender in the NASCAR West Series with a great deal of success at the All American Speedway.

Last Friday afternoon, Self strapped into the seat of the #21 Chevrolet Impala during a pre-race testing session. The event debuted the new look for the Golden Gate Racing Team that returns to shades of black, silver and red that have long been a trademark of Richard Childress Racing, a key supporter of this area team. The new ride carries the logos of Bay Bio Diesel and the Golden Gate Meat Company while the seat carries a young driver that boasts talent and a winning attitude. After a day of testing, the combination could be summed up as simply perfect.

"I think we have the perfect combination here coming into Roseville," said Steve Portenga, Competition Director for the Golden Gate Racing Team and Crew Chief for the #21. "We had a really positive test session. Michael turned some strong laps and we are ready to come back and try and win some races. This whole team is excited about getting back to the race track in Roseville."

Self is no stranger to success at the All American Speedway. In three recent late model races here, the University of Utah freshman has garnered two victories at the track where he will make one of the biggest starts of his career with a team that is very well known in this series. Self is currently eighth in the NASCAR West Series point standings after competing in 10 events for Motorway Motorsports.

"I can't wait to race at All American again," said Self. "I had some great runs there early this year. It's going to be nice to return to a track that I've raced before. I feel confident everytime I drive at Roseville and GGRT has a great track record there. Looking at how well we ran at the test I think we have a lot to look forward to and be excited about."

Self arrived in California last Wednesday and spent time getting to know his new team at their competition headquarters located in Bakersfield. After several days of working side by side with Portenga and car chief Chris Sager, he is a welcomed addition to the team and everyone is looking forward to coming together in Roseville this weekend.

"I was more than pleased with how everything went from the time I got to the shop to when we loaded up on Friday night," said Self. "Everyone was very professional and had a ton of motivation and knowledge within their job on the team. Steve and I communicated well and he helped me a ton with understanding the car and getting comfortable with it. I'm really excited to reflect on things and talk with him throughout the week so we can improve a little bit and hopefully come back with everything we've got Saturday afternoon."

While the Toyota/Napa Auto Parts 150 will not take to the track until late Saturday, race fans can meet Michael Self and the Golden Gate Racing Team on Friday evening prior to the race. The team will participate in Fan Fest presented by Pick N Pull at the All American Speedway from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30. This event features a giant display of NASCAR race cars and haulers and an opportunity to meet the drivers for autographs. There will also be numerous activities for fans and families along with free food and beverages.

"This fan fest is going to be a lot of fun, especially with this new team," added Self. "I'm looking forward to meeting all the fans of the team and hopefully bringing some of my fans along with the team."

When the Golden Gate Racing Team and Michael Self roll the #21 Chevrolet onto All American Speedway for their return to action they will carry the primary sponsorship of Bay Bio Diesel and the Golden Gate Meat Company. Additional support for the return to the NASCAR K&N Series West will include the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, Superior Lamb Company, Hill Meat Company, Harraka Racing Equipment Sales, Foodcomm International and Signco, Praxair, Sullivan Images Media and JW Web Design.

Following their return to Roseville this weekend, the Golden Gate Racing Team will then head to Phoenix International Raceway next month. Self will complete the NASCAR K&N Series West season behind the #21 that will carry the prestigious sponsorship of the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma along with Bay Bio Diesel. The final two events of 2010 are just the beginning of great things to come from GGRT/RCR in 2011.

-source: ggrt