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A dream come true. Those four words are glowing around Indiana’s Clemons Racing as they head to Daytona International Speedway for the running of Saturday’s ARCA Daytona 200.
For the first time in their career, Clemons Racing will be running for the 2007 ARCA RE/MAX Series championship with Josh Clemons at the helm. While the team is aiming for the coveted championship, Clemons himself is looking to also claim the 2007 ARCA RE/MAX Series Rookie-of-the-Year.
Aiding their efforts towards their first championship is new sponsor Premier Mortgage Funding, Inc. The organization announced at the ARS (ARCA RE/MAX Series) championship awards banquet last December that their organization is reaching new heights this year by joining Clemons Racing in their bid for triumph.
Premier Mortgage Funding, Inc. is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida. Premier Mortgage Funding, Inc. is a National Mortgage Lender with approximately 600 Affiliate Branch offices nationwide. They have compiled hundreds of the nations top leading lenders that enable your company to build a solid foundation of quality loan products and keep your business competitive and well positioned for new market trends.
“We’re very excited about having Premier Mortgage Funding, Inc. on board for not only Daytona, but for the rest of the year, †said the driver of the No. 41 Premier Mortgage Funding, Inc. Ford Fusion, Josh Clemons. “I cannot begin to tell you how important this week is for me, my family and my team. Daytona here we come. â€
Clemons participated in the open test session for the ARCA series at DIS (Daytona International Speedway) in December in a joint effort with Bert Oostlander Racing and driver Mike Harmon. The duo spent three days testing together around the 2.5-mile speedway with Clemons turning some impressive lap times that gives Clemons extra confidence heading into the season opener.
“I learned a lot testing with Mike and his team at Daytona, †continued the pilot of the No. 41 Premier Mortgage Funding, Inc Ford Fusion. “The guidance that Mike gave me will definitely help me a lot this week. I learned the lines, the good and the bad of the draft and what to expect in the race. My expectations are high for the race, but the main goal is to take the checkered flag and kick off our season on the right foot. â€
The Clemons Racing team has joined the Ford Racing family and will utilize Ford Fusions this season. “It’s an honor to represent Ford and be a part of the Ford Racing family, †added Clemons, who controls the reins of the No. 41 Premier Mortgage Funding, Inc. Ford Fusion. “This means a lot to me. We’ve always run Fords and I’m a big fan of the blue oval. I cannot tell you what it will mean to me if we can bring Ford the manufacturer’s championship this season. I look forward to seeing our No. 41 Ford in victory lane a lot this season. â€
While running for the championship is a new strategy for the rookie team, the people surrounding the car and rookie driver are no strangers. Owner, father and former ARCA competitor Larry Clemons will play a huge role in the management of Clemons Racing this season.
Leading the team will be longtime Clemons Racing associate and friend, Jim Robinson. “We have a great group of people, †noted Clemons, the racing ambassador for the No. 41 Premier Mortgage Funding, Inc. Ford Fusion. “I couldn’t ask to have a better group of family and friends working and supporting our team. We are the real deal and we will be a threat this season. We’ve set some goals for ourselves and they’re achievable. We just need to keep our game face on and look at the bigger picture. â€
Following the ARCA RE/MAX Series event at Daytona, Clemons Racing will remain in the sunshine state as the No. 41 Premier Mortgage Funding Ford Fusion will be on display for the Race and Rock Fest for Ford Motor Company on February 14th and 15th. Fans are encouraged to attend the event and visit with the team.
Rolling into Daytona, Clemons, a native of New Albany, Indiana has eight ARCA RE/MAX Series starts to his resume with a career best finish of fifth at Salem Speedway (September 2004) while holding one additional top ten finish at Nashville Superspeedway (April 2004). He also has a career best short track qualifying effort of fifth at Salem Speedway (September 2005) followed by a career best superspeedway time trials effort of fifth at Kentucky Speedway (May 2004).
The ARCA 200 at Daytona (80 laps/200 miles) is the first of 23 events on the 2007 ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule. Practice begins Thursday, February 8 with a five-hour (12:00pm-5:00pm EST) practice session planned. Qualifying is slated for Friday, February 9 at 12:00pm EST. Final practice is limited to 55 minutes (5:15-6:10pm EST) on Friday evening.
