DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (February 10, 2016) – – After posting one of the fastest times during preseason ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards testing NASCAR Next driver Dylan Lupton will make his superspeedway debut in this Saturday’s Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.
Lupton, a native of Wilton, California has teamed up with Empire Racing Group through a partnership with Win-Tron Racing to drive the No. 82 Ford Fusion in his ARCA Racing Series debut. The 22-year-old received clearance to compete in the series’ season-opener on Feb. 13, after posting the fifth and seventh fastest times overall during two days of testing filled with 68 drivers last month.
“I can’t wait to get to Daytona,” said Lupton who plans to run a limited NASCAR schedule this season. “I wasn’t really sure what to expect for the test, but we had some really fast cars which made it a pretty easy decision to come back for the race. I can’t thank Mike (“Grump” Cheek), Kevin (Cywinski), Sean (Corr) and everyone at Empire Racing for making this possible. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Cheek mentioned, “We’re really excited about this partnership with Dylan for Daytona. He went there for the test and blew our expectations away. I was amazed how quick he picked up on the superspeedway concept and we know what he learned in the test will pay dividends for race weekend. On behalf of the Corrs and everyone at Empire Racing, we welcome him to the team.”
And despite his inexperience on a superspeedway, Lupton adapted quickly making him a favorite to draft with alongside his teammates Corr, Bret Holmes and Dylan Martin, among others.
“I learned a lot at the test, a ton actually,” added Lupton. “The test was my first experience in a superspeedway type of draft. Quickly I learned the dos and don’t, which I think will pay off for the race next week. Most of all, I saw how fast things develop and how you really have to pay attention and be aware of your surroundings.
“We’re going back down there to win. I know we can’t do it without help though. Sean and I worked very well together at the test and I hope we’re able to do the same for the race. Even though it’s going to be a quick race, I think it will be intense. I’m focused on staying out of trouble and being there when it counts the most.”
Cywinski, owner of Win-Tron Racing became aware of Lupton’s abilities and talent while watching him compete in the NASCAR XFINITY Series last season.
“I’m really glad things worked out for Dylan to run the ARCA race this weekend,” said Cywinski. “He did a phenomenal job at the test, exceeded all of our expectations for sure. His cool, calm yet approachable demeanor outside the racecar mixed with his abilities and skills inside the racecar easily makes him one of the favorites for the race.
“He’s in great hands with Mike and the entire Empire Racing family, we’re just glad he’s a part of our family too.”
After finishing second in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West championship in 2014, Lupton advanced to the NASCAR XFINITY Series in 2015 in a partial schedule with Athenian Motorsports. Lupton earned the organization their first top-10 finish in XFINITY competition with a ninth place result at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Lupton again plans to compete in a limited NASCAR schedule this season.
The Lucas Oil 200, the opening round for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards is set for Saturday, February 13 from the newly renovated 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway. The event (80 laps / 200 miles) will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) beginning at 4:00 p.m. The race serves as the preamble for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series exhibition dash Sprint Unlimited later that night.
For more on Dylan Lupton follow him on Twitter @LuptonDylan or visit LuptonRacing.com.
About Win-Tron Racing:
Located in Mooresville, North Carolina, Win-Tron Racing (Win-TronRacing.com / @WinTronRacing) owned by former racer Kevin Cywinski is the home of one the most potent ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards single-car operations. Since Win-Tron Racing’s inception in 2007, the team has hosted a variety of drivers including leading drivers James Buescher, Blake Bjorklund, Justin Marks, Matt Merrell and Brandon McReynolds to their first career ARCA victories. In 2016, the team will begin its 10th year of competition with a presence in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
About Empire Racing Group:
Established in 2009, Empire Racing Group (ERG) is a driver-development team that strives to identify young racing talent and assist them in the advancement of their careers. While ERG originally focused on the ARCA Racing Series with drivers Sean Corr (team owner) and Mason Mitchell, the team has since expanded its reach into other series thanks in part to its alliance with Grumpy’s Performance, Inc. Under the expertise of crew chief Mike ‘Grumpy’ Cheek, ERG now competes in various Late Model series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS). In 2016, the team will compete in multiple racing series including the ARCA Racing Series, NCWTS, and NASCAR Late Model Series at Caraway Speedway. Drivers for the 2016 season include notable rising stars Austin Hill and Dylan Martin, as well as racing veteran Sean Corr.
