HOUSTON, Texas (March 17, 2016) – NASCAR Whelen-All American Series (NWAAS) driver Zach Knowles has a rejuvenated boost of confidence for the 2016 season.
And that confidence is what the Houston, Texas native hopes to use to his advantage when his 2016 season gets underway this weekend at Central Texas Speedway (CTS) on Saturday night, Mar. 19.
“I’m really looking forward to this season,” said Knowles who will pilot the No. 51 Ford in this Saturday night’s season-opener. “We’ve worked really hard during the off-season to improve a lot of areas within our ZKM team and I’m confident that those changes will pay off as early as this weekend.”
Of course with plenty of experience at CTS, it’s not surprising that Knowles has been considered a pre-season favorite not only to contend for race wins – but ultimately the Pro Late Model Series championship as well.
With hesitation though, Knowles reflected and said his family-owned team is focused on showing consistency on the track – knowing that performance will eventually lead to results.
“We’ve proven that we can win and ultimately continuing to win races will open the door for us to take that approach to the next path, but like with any new season, we need to walk before we can run,” added Knowles. “I want to make sure we get a good qualifying spot, clean air is everything and if we can do that and stay up front throughout the race I feel like we will have a good shot at bringing the Grant Sheet Metal Ford to victory lane.”
To help dial in their automobile, Knowles and his team participated in a test session at the 0.375-mile paved oval, where Knowles was extremely content with the results, as well praise from NASCAR legend Ken (Kenny) Schrader.
“The test went great and even Kenny Schrader said I ran a good line, which was a great feeling hearing one of my idols compliment me like that,” sounded Knowles. “We were focused on long runs, we knew we had a fast No. 51 Grant Sheet metal Ford right out of the box, but we want to make sure we stay fast. That’s the key to winning races.”
Knowles had a busy off-season. In addition to his full-time executive position at REDCO, Knowles also spent two weeks down in Daytona for Speedweeks 2016 where he spent nearly 10 days networking with NASCAR industry veterans, members of the media core, as well as teams from both the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards and the NASCAR Camping World Truck and XFINITY Series.
“Daytona was a great experience and would love to do it again,” sounded Knowles. “I met some very humble people that I honestly didn’t think existed in the racing world. I have already had my experience of being burned and don’t wish that upon anybody. My opportunities for the 2016 are looking promising and I’m absolutely honored to have the opportunity to even have a chance at potentially driving in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at some point during the year.”
Though before those NASCAR dreams become a reality, Knowles is focused on running well, contending for a championship – and most importantly representing his marketing partners best, while the ongoing marketing search continues to strengthen the ZKM schedule in 2016.
Knowles added, “I feel like we have great sponsorship partners behind us this year as far as Reynolds company, Wholesale Electric, Taylor Lightning Protection, Material Express Inc., Midwest Electric, REDCO Tool and Fastener, Frio Acres, HD Supply to be able to have a great shot at the title, but we are going to take one race at a time and capitalize on each race. With that approach, I don’t think we can lose.”
The first round of the 2016 season from Central Texas Speedways hits the ground running this Saturday with gates opening at 3:00 p.m. (CT). Tickets are just $15.00 with kids 12 and under free. Discounts are available for seniors and military members.
Additional information on Zach Knowles is available by connecting with Zach Knowles Motorsports through Facebook by clicking here.
Be sure to keep up with the latest through his website by viewing the driver’s all-new website at ZachKnowles.com.
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