WS: RTD Motorsports sign Jonathan Gomez

Gomez named to drive RTD Motorsports Chevy in West Series

North Highlands, Calif. - Rob Dixon's RTD Motorsports, Inc. is proud to announce driver Jonathan Gomez from Twin Falls, ID will compete for rookie of the year and championship honors in the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series West.

Gomez emerged from a pack of 25 Drive for Diversity candidates to be chosen for a ride in the NASCAR Camping World Series.

"It makes you feel good and gives you confidence to be selected by Drive for Diversity and NASCAR," the 26 year-old driver said.

Gomez will drive the #34 Heritage Cattle Company / Drive for Diversity Chevrolet in Saturday's NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown in Irwindale, Calif. before embarking on the 13 round 2009 slate.

"Everybody at RTD Motorsports is just ready for the season to begin," Dixon said. "We have the right pieces in place to run for the championship this year with Jonathan."

2009 will mark Gomez' just third year in stockcar racing, after two successful seasons at Magic Valley Speedway in Idaho. Gomez came home second in the Late Model 'Elite Division' with Rookie of the Year honors in 2008. He was also the track's 2008 Super Stock champion.

He started two races for RTD Motorsports in the West Series in 2008 and recorded two top-ten finishes.

Dixon has put together an all-star cast to support the rookie driver, including crew chief Craig Raudman. Raudman handled crew chief duties for Brian Ickler in 2006 and 2007, and is a former NASCAR Southwest Series champion.

"I'm really thankful to have Rob and Craig with all their experience," Gomez said. "Craig's knowledge speeds up my learning curve."

"I'm looking forward to the season," Raudman said. 'Gomez has a lot of talent and has great car control and attitude."

RTD Motorsports snuck in some testing dates before the January 1st testing ban came into affect and had great success. The testing also proved to be a good bonding experience for the team which has several new members.

"The testing was a huge plus," Gomez said. "I got the first time jitters out of the way and I feel really comfortable."

Another crucial part of the team will be new team manager Mike Master. With Master and Raudman at the helm, Dixon will move to a full-time ownership role. Dixon served as team manager and crew chief for RTD's 2008 efforts with Mike Gallegos.

The team will continue to operate out of its newly expanded shop in North Highlands, Calif.

This Friday and Saturday, Gomez will be the only Drive for Diversity driver competing in the Grand National-portion of the prestigious NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, Calif. The event will mark just his third start in the NASCAR Camping World Series.

A star-studded field of over 60 cars from both the East and West Series will be on hand to duel for nearly $500,000 in prizes. The event is being televised live on SPEED at 7 p.m. Pacific each night. Fans can also meet Gomez during Saturday night's autograph session before the feature.

-credit: rtdm