Andy Belmont Racing (ABR) officials announced today the signing of USAR Hooter’s Pro Cup star Tom Hessert to pilot Belmont’s familiar No. 1 Ford Fusion in the full 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series (ARS) schedule beginning with the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway in February. In addition, Hessert will gun for Rookie-of-the-Year honors.
ABR also announced that Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting will back the New Jersey native’s effort. Additional marketing partners will be announced before Daytona.
Hessert who is well known in the racing community for his quiet yet dedication to get the job made two ARCA RE/MAX Series starts for ABR in 2007 on the dirt at the Illinois State Fairgrounds (Springfield) and the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. Hessert collected a career best finish of 20th after starting 23rd on the Labor Day tradition at DuQuoin.
“This is a true honor, ” said the 21-year old Hessert. “I’m excited about the opportunity that has been presented to me in 2008 and believe me I plan to make the best of it. Everyone knows what Andy Belmont Racing is capable of and we plan to do that on a weekly basis next year. Not only is Andy my car owner but he’s my coach and I couldn’t ask for a better mentor as we plan to take the series by storm next year. ”
For Belmont, who has etched himself into the ARCA RE/MAX Series as a “Driver Development” operation, sees the opportunity to work with Hessert as a welcomed one.
“Tom Hessert will go a long way in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, I guarantee it. He has a lot of natural talent and his quiet yet enthusiastic demeanor will go a long way next year. Everyone in the shop is excited about working with him and I feel that we can be a Championship contender in 2008, ” Belmont sounded.
In preparation for his first full-season of ARCA competition, Hessert will join Andy Belmont Racing for the final open-test of the 2007 season this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Daytona International Speedway preparing for the 56th season of competition. “I’m looking forward to buckling in at Daytona, ” Hessert mentioned. “The test is really going to allow us the first opportunity to work with one another. We’re bringing a very competitive car to the test and I think we have to be considered a sleeper for the season opener. ”
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