Fresh off a solid top-25 finish in his ARCA RE/MAX Series (ARS) debut at Pocono Raceway last weekend, John Graham is ready to move up the ladder and collect a career best finish in Friday’s Racing for Wildlife 200 at Michigan International Speedway.
Graham, a talented road course ringer looks to make his Michigan International Speedway (MIS) debut behind the wheel of the No. 14 Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz Ford Fusion in a second Andy Belmont Racing (ABR) entry.
“I learned an awful lot last weekend at Pocono Raceway and I’m ready to move forward and conquer Michigan on Friday,” offered Graham. “I’m really proud of what our team accomplished and despite our hiccups during the race with flat tires, we had a good car and we expect the same this weekend.”
Never competing at the two-mile oval of Michigan International Speedway doesn’t faze the former NASCAR Nationwide driver. “I didn’t have an opportunity to participate in the open test, but I’m not worried. The Andy Belmont Racing team was there and they did a great job. I’m going to consult with Andy and Tom and they will help me conquer any questions that I may have. It’s a big place, a lot to learn but I’m excited about Thursday.”
With a tighter and stouter entry list this weekend at Michigan International Speedway, Graham knows that qualifying will be extremely critical in making his sixth career ARCA start.
“I was blown away on how much more competitive the ARCA RE/MAX Series has become over the past year, especially at Pocono. It’s a good thing for the series and all of the sponsors. We did our job and I think we did it well. Michigan isn’t going to be a breeze. I am going to have to be on top of my game all the way. We have all the components for me to make my MIS debut.”
Graham also commented on working with ABR teammate Tom Hessert. “I really like Tom. He’s a young and very talented kid. He has done a good job full time in the ARCA RE/MAX Series this year for ABR and I enjoy every chance I get to communicate with him. I would really love to put two ABR machines up front Friday afternoon.”
For the second straight week, Graham will boast the Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz colors. “I can’t say enough our about Kickbutt sponsor! They do a lot for me and are very supportive of the ARCA RE/MAX Series. We gave away free samples last Saturday at Pocono and we’re going to do the same at Michigan. We’re going to try and kick some butt!”
Veteran car owner Andy Belmont and Graham’s mentor offered, “John did a very nice job at Pocono. We’re excited to have him back at Michigan this week. I think what he learned at Pocono can be applied this weekend. John is developing himself into a smart and competitive ARCA racer and I think a strong finish isn’t out of the question for all of us this weekend.”
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