TOLEDO, Ohio (January 26, 2016) – Defending General Tire Superspeedway Challenge champion Matt Kurzejewski not only got reacquainted with Daytona Int’l Speedway during the recent ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards open test, the Mansfield, Pennsylvania driver also had the opportunity to get to know his new Ken Schrader Racing teammates.
“The whole team is just phenomenal,” Kurzejewski said. “Ken Schrader Racing has assembled an amazing group of people. Donnie Richeson (crew chief) and I just clicked immediately…it was right off the bat. The amount of confidence I had around me was unexplainable.”
Kurzejewski, who recently announced a full season in Schrader’s No. 52 Ansell / Menards Toyota, spent about four hours on and off the track last Saturday, got what they needed, and headed for the hills. He ended up 34th overall on the speed charts among 64 drivers.
“I think we drafted three separate times, with two or three other cars – Cole Custer, the Cunningham cars and Bo LeMastus. I looked at the time sheet once. I wasn’t concerned at all. We were done by 2:30, put it back in the box and went home. We got the information we needed; but more importantly, the whole experience could not have gone better as far as being able to communicate with a team.”
It also didn’t take Kurzejewski long to figure out how much he appreciates the culture at Ken Schrader Racing.
“There’s no car owner in the garage that treats his people better than Ken Schrader. He’s very professional…I know I’m going to learn a lot from him. He’s all about racing; but he’s also really in tune with the business of racing. Those are two very different things.
“I remember the first time he called me. I thought, ‘wow, Ken Schrader’s calling me. That’s a big deal.’ Once I got to know him, we just talk as friends now…it’s really cool.”
In addition to the opportunity to race for an industry icon, Kurzejewski, with Ansell and Menards on the 52, will also have the opportunity to represent corporate America.
“I always felt I had comprehension on how to handle these situations…whether it was our own company or someone else’s, but this takes it to a whole new level. There are hundreds…thousands of drivers that work week in and week out just to get to the track, but to go to the track with the combination of Ken Schrader Racing and Ansell and Menards is such a huge honor. It’s a big responsibility to represent Ansell and Menards, and one I’m very excited about.”
“To be able to listen and learn from Kenny is an honor. I wish everyone could have that experience. His words represent the company, and that’s a good thing because that man is so smart.
“It’s hard to explain. It’s not the typical team…it really is more like a family…you’re part of a home. Everyone’s on the same page. It’s very performance-based, professional, but very enjoyable too. The comfort I was afforded from just being a part of this team is something I’ve never experienced.
“Schrader’s not just smart when it comes to racecars, but in general. He understands the business side of this as well as anyone does in this industry…he knows exactly what’s going on around him and what’s going on in the world, in general.
“I know the opportunities I have this year are slim to none and I’m absolutely excited to be able to be a part of it and represent Ansell and Menards.
“This is a game-changer for me. It doesn’t scare me away at all. I’m excited to have the opportunity to help them (Ansell and Menards) grow in the industry, from a business marketing side, and in any other way I can help out with.”
The 53rd annual Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona is live on FS1 Saturday, February 13 and precedes NASCAR’s same-night Sprint Unlimited. The ARCA Racing Series takes to the track for practice Thursday from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Friday following final practice Friday morning (9:30 – 10:30 a.m.). ARCARacing.com will feature live timing and scoring and live chat for all on-track activities.
About Automobile Racing Club of America:
The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is among the leading auto racing sanctioning bodies in the country. Founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum, the organization administers more than 100 events each year in multiple racing series, including the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the ARCA / CRA Super Series, the ARCA Midwest Tour and the ARCA Truck Series, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways.
