ARCA Banquet Closes Out Record Season for Praytor

In what has rapidly become an annual tradition, Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his Mobile, Alabama based race team collected some hardware at the ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards Annual Championship Banquet in Indianapolis.

The 2016 season was filled with career best for the Max Force team with primary sponsorship from DK-LOK, Project Semi-Colon, G-Force, GoodBookey and The Chive Charities.

“We had a great line up of Sponsor on the hood this year and their support was a key to our success,” offered Praytor.

While Praytor achieved his highest level of success in in his ARCA career with a 5^th place finish in the Championship, the team turned some heads in 2016.

Crew chief Adam Lowe completed his 4^th full season with the team. Lowe has made 81 consecutive races with Praytor while juggling a full course load at UNOH and a full time job. In 2016 Lowe accomplished what no other UNOH student has ever done before by guiding Praytor to the top 5 in the Championship. The ARCA Series recognized Lowe with a special award. (Pictured with his Dad)

Praytor’s all UNOH pit crew hung in and bested some of the high dollar over the wall teams in helping Praytor achieve his best season in the standings since joining the ARCA Series 4 years ago.

Another key to Praytor 2016 season was the cast of local sponsors that supported the team with parts, pieces and support in Mobile. Advanced Collision, APS Automotive Painters Supply, Dueitt’s Battery Supply, Airgas, John Thompson & Associates, Judy’s Place, Greer’s Food Market, Campbell, Duke & Campbell, Omni Fitness, Golden Flake, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and Praytor Realty all had significant roles in 2016.

“We ended the 2016 racing season with a fun filled weekend with family and friends. Growing up I never thought I would be given the opportunities I have in racing over the years. It took a lot of hard work and help from more people than I can count. I never gave up on my dream and now we have an 81 race streak in the ARCA Racing Series. I'm very proud to say that Max Force Racing is based out of Mobile, Alabama and always will be! Top 5 in points and 12 career best finishes! Thank you to everyone that has believed in me and we can't wait for 2017!”

With testing for Daytona in just 30 days the team is already hard at work on their Speedway cars.

Praytor to celebrate successful season at ARCA awards banquet
Posted by J. Mark Bryant | Dec 7, 2016 | Upon Further Review | Lagniappe

It has been a banner year for Thomas “Moose” Praytor and the Max Force Racing Team. The Mobile native recorded his best-ever finish in the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) drivers’ standings by claiming the No. 5 position.

Praytor will get a chance to celebrate his accomplishments this Saturday, Dec. 10, when the 2016 ARCA Championship awards banquet takes place at the Indiana Convention Center.

“There was a point this season we didn’t think we could stay in the top 10, but our guys kept working, never gave up and the finishes started to fall our way,” said Praytor, who will be among the featured speakers this weekend in Indianapolis.

Praytor started his racing career when he was just 12. After trying the Late Model ranks at Mobile International Speedway and Pensacola’s Five Flags Speedway, he made a splash on the ARCA circuit with a ninth-place finish in 2013. He followed in 2014 with a seventh-place mark and in 2015 took the No. 8 spot.

During this last season, Praytor recorded his best career finishes at Daytona, Talladega, Toledo, Madison, Iowa, IRP (Indianapolis), Berlin, Springfield, DuQuoin, Chicago, Kentucky and Kansas.

“The quality of our equipment was better in 2016 and we work hard on preparing them to go the distance; you can’t finish if parts are falling off,” said Praytor, whose main sponsors are DK-LOK Fittings and Valves of Mobile, Chive Charities and GoodBookley. “We may not have the fastest cars but we take a great deal of pride in our cars being ready.”

While Praytor manages to have a paid crew to prepare the cars for weekend races like the other top five finishers, at his shop in Mobile it’s just Praytor and anyone who wishes to volunteer. His No. 9 Ford also featured an older steel body and a Legacy Roush D3 motor while his competitors had new composite bodies and high-performance Ilmor engines.

“We were down on horsepower, heavy on bodies and down on aero,” Praytor said. “Basically, we were behind the eight ball in almost every competitive category except one — our people. When you are an underfunded team you can either complain or make the best of what you have. We’ve learned a lot about what it takes to make these cars go and we’ll keep adding the parts and pieces we need to run up front.”

Even his pit crew was unique, consisting of volunteer students from the University of Northwestern Ohio. Adam Lowe, the crew chief, is a two-year member of the UNOH Race Club, a school-supported internship program.

“I wouldn’t trade our guys for a crew from Hendrick [a NASCAR team]. They work their butts off,” said Praytor, a high school teammate of current NFL quarterback AJ McCarron. “Not only do they care about what they are doing, they have gotten pretty quick, too. Adam Lowe has been with us from the first lap and most of the other guys joined us last year: Tevin Bair, Kyle Warner, Angelo Callabrese and Andy Ball. They all get what we are trying to do.”

Praytor has continued his connection to academics in Mobile. He has begun teaching students at Bishop State Community College how to drive big rigs and earn their commercial driver’s license.

“It has really been fulfilling working with students from all types of backgrounds,” Praytor said. “We can take a student who has a minimum-wage job outlook and in eight weeks we can give them an opportunity to have a career with a national trucking company. Last semester every one of our graduating students had jobs within a week.”

Praytor’s connection to Bishop State began when he took his driving test there in order to operate his race team’s Kenworth truck during the season. He spends three or four half-days a week teaching at Bishop State when not working on his ARCA career.

This Saturday, Praytor’s team will be among those being recognized in many categories: CGS Hard Charger Award (second), S&S Volvo Laps Completed (third), Bill France Four Crown Award (fourth), Fast Track Driving Award (sixth), Racing Electronics Lighting Challenge (seventh) and Short Track Challenge by Protect Plus (sixth).

“We have had an incredible season, and I couldn’t begin to thank everyone who has had a hand in our success,” Praytor said. “My family has been with me all the way and we couldn’t be here without DK-LOK. There isn’t much of an off-season in our shop — we are already working on next season.”

Santa Moose Makes Mobile Delivery Before Indy

In what has become a tradition, Thomas “Moose” Praytor made his annual stop to the WKRG-5 Great Toy Drive before heading to the Annual ARCA Championship Banquet in Indianapolis.

“We have a lot of corporate partners but having our nationally ranked athletes come home and make a contribution really makes an impact on our toy drive,” offered WKRG Sports Director Randy Patrick.

Praytor delivered remote control cars and trucks with a hand from recently crowned  2016 Alabama Bandolero State Champion, Grant Thompson.

“It’s always rewarding to give back, especially at this time of year. The toughest part about giving the remote control cars is they get too much use in the shop before we get there,” said Praytor. “As the 2003 Alabama Bandolero State Champion it was a lot of fun having Grant join us in this year’s Toy Drive. Grant is just one of the great young racers we have coming out of Mobile. I hope they let me keep my ride a few more years before they take over.”

The WKRG Great Toy Drive continues until December 18^th, toys can be turned in at the WKRG Studios at 555 Broadcast Drive in Mobile.

Praytor and his race team will be converging on Indianapolis this week for the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show culminating in the 64^th Annual ARCA Championship Awards Banquet on Saturday night.

Picture: Praytor, Grant Thompson, Randy Patrick and camera man Brad Gunther who was a camera man for ARCA Racing This Week.

UNOH student Adam Lowe Crew Chiefs Praytor to top-5 national points finish

TOLEDO, Ohio (Nov. 26/27, 2016) - Chesterfield, Michigan's Adam Lowe has done what no other University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) student has done before. Lowe crew-chiefed a driver on the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards national tour to a top-five finish in championship standings.

Lowe is a two-year member of the UNOH Race Club, a University-supported internship program that allows students to receive real-world experience working with ARCA Racing Series teams as crew members. The 23-year-old has served as a volunteer for Max Force Racing for the last four years. In fact, the completely volunteer chief hasn't missed an ARCA race since his debut at Daytona in 2013. He's been the team's crew chief since Daytona 2015.

"I'm really proud of what we accomplished...really proud of that team," said Lowe. "I'm really proud that I've worked with him."

The "him" part is in reference to Thomas "Moose" Praytor who finished fifth in ARCA Racing Series standings in 2016 with Lowe as crew chief atop the pit box.

"He really is remarkable," said Praytor. "He's worked full-time all the way through college and races at the same time. He's like a robot...he'll be at a race and up till two or three in the morning doing homework. If he's not doing homework, he's working. It says a lot about the program at UNOH. Every kid I've had the chance to work with has had the drive and determination to go the extra miles. I wouldn't trade my UNOH guys for anything."

Lowe, right on schedule, has already graduated from UNOH's High Performance Program with an Associate's degree in Applied Science. Lowe is currently pursuing his bachelor's degree at UNOH in marketing. He's on track to graduate in March 2017. Lowe also works full-time in addition to his full academic schedule and racing program.

"It's been great having Adam here at UNOH," said Steve Klausing, UNOH Automotive Division Head and Race Club Coordinator. "He's been a model student...gets good grades, works hard and always goes above and beyond the call of duty. If I have extra students, he's who I go to because I know he'll take them on and do the right thing. He's been with the ARCA team for four years. That's an amazing run and he should be commended for it."

Lowe's life changed forever when a UNOH Admissions Representative came to his high school his junior year.

"I watched NASCAR all my life," Lowe said. "It's all I ever really wanted to do. I saw UNOH as a necessary connection to get me where I wanted to go."

In order to get where he "wanted to go", he moved to Lima, Ohio to attend UNOH right after he graduated from high school. Lowe had to earn his own way.

"I worked full-time through high school to pay for college. I've paid for every penny of my tuition."

Lowe started working at Walgreens when he was in high school, saving money to attend college. He worked his way up from cashier to manager and currently works in a local store in Lima. And there's the third thing of course - chasing ARCA's national tour around the country non-stop.

"Fortunately, Walgreens is really flexible with my crazy schedule. If I can only work four days a week, they give me extra hours to get me to 40 hours so I can get to the races on schedule."

Lowe has driven to each and every ARCA race since he started in 2013.

"I've driven to every single track...81 consecutive races. I've gone a few times by myself, but I usually travel with someone, or they travel with me."

Despite the grind, Lowe says the journey has been well worth the effort.

"For me, crew chiefing for Thomas is a huge deal. I'm way further along than I thought I'd be in six years. What was once a dream is turning into a reality. Until I went to Daytona, I never touched a race car. Tommy and Thomas have taught me everything. I look at myself as an intern crew chief. When Billy Gerhart came to Kentucky and helped us, I took a lot of notes...I took about four pages from Billy."

While decisions often ride with Lowe during the race, he admits it's still a team effort.

"It's not just me making decisions...it's group decisions more than anything. It really relieves the pressure. If I say something, they'll call me out if they don't agree...it takes the pressure off.

"The biggest thing I've learned is to always give your best effort. If you make a mistake, you gotta own it. You can't beat around the bush...especially working for Tommy."

If some decisions are a group effort, others are not.

"As I've gained their trust, I've made most of the adjustments on the car. When it comes in from practice, I make the adjustments, or at least oversee all the adjustments."

After he graduates in March, Lowe plans on making the big move to Alabama to work in the shop with the Praytors.

"We hope to have him move here after he graduates," Praytor said. "We sure could use him in the shop. We'll always have a spot for him here no matter what. He's taken so much pressure off me. He's the man in charge now and everyone knows it."

Lowe definitely has goals beyond ARCA.

"The ultimate goal is to work in the NASCAR ranks, but my immediate plan is to move to Alabama to work in the race shop once I graduate," Lowe added. "I can still work at Walgreens down there...still trying to get all that in place."

Lowe also says that the best path to NASCAR is through ARCA.

"You can't beat ARCA for what it teaches you. I really love the diversity it offers. You literally have every track there is out there all on one circuit. There are a lot of different things you need to learn about the car coming from Daytona to a Winchester or Toledo."

In the four years Lowe has been with Praytor's team, they have not finished outside the top-10 in driver points.

"I'm just so proud of what our team has accomplished. I'm really looking forward to what's ahead."

Don Radebaugh
dradebaugh@arcaracing.com

 

Professor Praytor Keeps On Rolling

 

The 2016 ARCA Racing Series Season is in the books but Professor Thomas “Moose” Praytor keeps on rolling up miles as a CDL Instructor at Bishop State College.

Earlier this year Praytor started teaching students how to drive big rigs and earn their Commercial Driver’s License, the experience has been rewarding an eye opening.

“It has really been fulfilling working with students from all types of backgrounds. We can take a student who has a minimum wage job outlook and in 8 weeks we can give them an opportunity to have a career with a national trucking company,” said Praytor. “Last semester every one of our graduating students had jobs within a week.”

Praytor is no stranger to driving big rigs, he can be found behind the wheel of his Race Team’s Kenworth going to and from the track during the season. The ARCA Driver took his driving test at Bishop State and the student has become the instructor.

“The kids really relate to Thomas as an instructor. How do you argue with a guy that’s gone 200 MPH at Daytona and Talladega?” offered the Director of CDL Instructors at Bishop State, Brad Wallace.

In addition to collecting 81 consecutive ARCA starts over the last 4 seasons Praytor has been honing his teaching skills with a pit crew full of UNOH students.

“I’ve really learned a lot about preparing cars at this level and have enjoyed passing that along to our UNOH guys. We’ve had a lot of brand new crew members and I’ve been able to use the lessons I’ve learned from them in helping my students who have never been in a truck before.”

Praytor spends 3 or 4 half days a week teaching at Bishop State when he is not preparing cars for his ARCA Racing effort.

Picture: Most recent graduating class and Chris Fisher with his CDL Certificate.

 

Praytor’s Career Season Takes Him to 5^th in Championship

Mobile, Alabama’s Thomas “Moose” Praytor turned in a career performance in 2016 earning his first top 5 in the ARCA Series presented by Menards National Championship.

“There was a point this season we didn’t think we could stay in the top 10 but our guys kept working, never gave up and the finishes started to fall our way,” said Praytor.

On the way to his 4^th consecutive top 10 finish in the Season Standings Praytor posted career best finishes at; Daytona, Talladega, Toledo, Madison, Iowa, IRP, Berlin, Springfield, DuQuoin, Chicago, Kentucky and Kansas.

“The quality of our equipment was better in 2017 and our team worked hard on preparing them to go the distance, you can’t finish if parts are falling off. We may not have the fastest cars but we take a great deal of pride in our cars being ready.”

While the team painstakingly prepares for each race their equipment is second generation compared to the Champions. The top 4 teams utilized the new composite body and the new ARCA Ilmore engine in 2016, Praytor’s 5^th place team used the older steel body cars and the Legacy Roush D3 motor.

“We were down on horsepower, heavy on bodies and down on aero. Basically, we were behind the eight ball in almost every competitive category except one, our people. When you are an underfunded team you can either complain or make the best of what you have. We’ve learned a lot about what it takes to make these cars go and we’ll keep adding the parts and pieces we need to run up front.”

Praytor and his team not only had to overcome competitive disadvantages but the Mobile, Alabama based team had the longest commute of any ARCA team, logging over 50,000 miles in 2016. After the cars are loaded most drivers fly to the race, not Praytor he can be found behind the wheel sharing driving duties with his Dad getting the teams equipment to the track.

“Some of our turnaround times were so short we might as well have slept in the hauler at the shop between races. We had some close calls this year, I think we blew out 5 trailer tires going to Winchester and barely got there in time to race. The water lines on the motor broke in Michigan and we blew tires so often we got quicker than the pit crew replacing trailer tires.”

The 5^th place team in the Championship standings also utilizes an unusual pit crew, all volunteer students from the University Of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH). Each week the crew finishes their classes and like the driver hustles through the night to get to the races. Crew Chief Adam Lowe, UNOH student, finished 8^th in the Cometic Crew Chief of the Year Award.

“I wouldn’t trade our guys for a crew from Hendrick, they work their butts off. Not only do they care about what they are doing they have gotten pretty quick too. Adam Lowe has been with us from the first lap and most of the other guys joined us last year, Tevin Bair, Kyle Warner, Angelo Callabrese and, Andy Ball. They all get what we are trying to do.”

With primary sponsorship from DK-LOK Fittings and Valves, Praytor and his team were able to give back by making appearances, running special paint schemes for Project Semicolon, The Chive Charities, GoodBookey.com and  a special AJ McCarron race helmet for the Alabama Institute of the Deaf and Blind.

“We are very lucky and privileged to be able to do what we do, giving back is very important to my family. This year we have been fortunate to work with some really cool organizations and I hope we can build on those relationships in the future.”

While racking up championship points Praytor and his team were also scoring in every special award category;

CGS Hard Charger Award 2^nd
S & S Volvo Laps Completed 3^rd
Bill France Four Crown Award 4^th
Fast Track Driving Award 6^th
Racing Electronics Lightning Challenge 7^th
Short Track Challenge by Protect Plus 6^thAdam Lowe Cometic Crew Chief of the Year 8^th

  

Praytor-Bailey Finish Back to Back in Kansas Finale

Mobile, Alabama’s Max Force Racing fielded two cars for the ARCA Season finale at Kansas Speedway, with both Chris Bailey and Thomas “Moose” Praytor ready to go the distance.

Two drivers, two agendas; the Moose came into the event 5^th in the Championship and needed a solid finish to cap off a career best season. Bailey who spent the season in a support role was getting a rare opportunity to show off his skills for a full 150 laps.

Early practice was rained out while teams were given a one hour practice session then lined up by points to start the race. Points put The Chive Charity/GoodBookey Ford of Praytor 11^th and Bailey’s G-Force Ford at the tail end of the field, 35^th.

Within a few laps the duo were running where they practiced in 21^st and 22^nd logging laps and taking advantage of cautions to keep their tank full of Sunoco fuel. The big one happened just before the halfway point, Praytor dodge the carnage unscathed while Bailey took a blow across the hood shearing off the hood pins.

Pit road was busy with our UNOH pit crew pitting both cars, the 9 of Praytor took 4 General Tires and a full load of Sunoco fuel while the 5 of Bailey took multiple stops for Generals, Sunoco and repairing the sheared off hood pins, taping down the hood.

Multiple stops put Bailey back at the end of the field while Praytor developed a sour motor running on 7 cylinders to the finish. As the laps wound down, the duo ended up back together for the finish, Praytor 15^th and Bailey 16^th best of the non Ilmore engines.

“It was big day for our race team running two cars the whole race. It strained our resources getting to the track and during the race but it showed us what we need to work on,” said Praytor. “Really appreciate Chris working with us all year and glad he was able to get a couple of full races in. Proud to have Chive Charities and GoodBookey.com on for the last two races, the Chive fans are off the hook.”

 

  

G-Force Racing Partners with Bailey for Kansas

Roswell, Georgia’s G-Force Racing Gear is teaming up with Chris Bailey for the final ARCA race of the 2016 season in Kansas.

“Chris has been on our radar since his ARCA Truck Series Championship and we are excited about getting to work with him for the first time,” said G-Force National Sales Manager Jeremy Curtis . “Chris has been wearing one of our custom suits for years and we enjoy supporting those guys who are part of our program.”

Bailey is a former ARCA Truck Series Champion and has been testing and driving cars in 2016 for Mobile, Alabama’s, Max Force Racing. The South Park, Pennsylvania native has been in a support role to Thomas “Moose” Praytor giving valuable feedback helping the Moose to the best season of his ARCA career. In Kansas the support role will be pushed aside for a full blown 150 lap effort for Bailey.

“Really pumped up about the opportunity in Kansas. G-Force made my first custom suit and all of their equipment is always top notch,” offered Bailey. “Super stoked about Kansas, I’ve been testing “Pinkie” (Chassis #306) most of the year and feel really comfortable in it. The team is putting in a fresh Ford for Kansas that’s headed to the dyno this week, I’m looking forward to a great run!”

The ARCA Series 2016 Season Finale is October 14^th at 7:30 CST on Fox sports 1.

G-Force: G-FORCE Racing Gear is a racing product manufacturer specializing in suits, helmets, gloves, shoes, camlock harnesses, latch and link harnesses, nets and restraints, towing gear, crew gear, junior racing gear, flame retardant underwear and various accessories. G-FORCE stays up to date with the latest SFI and TPP ratings, and we manufacture custom racing suits to fit you perfectly.

Another Career Best for Praytor Chive On!

With new sponsorship from Chive Charities powered by GoodBookey Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his team galloped into the Blue Grass State for the Crosley Brands 150 at Kentucky Speedway.

Friday night’s race was the 4^th in 19 days and the tight schedule has had the Mobile, Alabama based team working overtime with the Kentucky car being loaded into the hauler at 2AM on Thursday morning.

“The last few weeks we have been wide open in the shop. We’ve thrown everything we have into these last few races trying to stay in the top 5. Just when we think we hit the wall GoodBookey and Chive Charities join our team. You see what these guys are doing and you just get powered back up.”

A new surface awaited the Chive Charities/GoodBookey Ford at Kentucky Speedway and the team had an hour and half to find the right balance.

Our second team ran the Gerhardt 5 number in Kentucky and with the number we picked up the help of 8 time Daytona winning crew chief Billy Gerhardt. “Having Mr. Billy with us really gave everyone on the team a lot of confidence figuring out the new surface and the new General tire.”

The first practice laps on the track for the Chive Charities/GoodBookey Ford were solid and each time the team took to the track they were quicker. The Moose would qualify 22^nd for the Crosley Brands 150.

With a new General tire the game plan was for Praytor to take it easy for the first segment of the race and check tire wear after the first long run. While the teams plan was conserve the rest of the field didn’t get the memo and the action was wild from the drop of the green flag.

Wild action meant cautions and with each caution the Chive Charities/GoodBookey Ford was on pit road topping off with Sunoco fuel. “We kept getting fuel knowing we would have a long green flag run eventually and we would be able to stay out longer than everyone else.”

Topping off with fuel meant the Chive Charities/GoodBookey machine would have to take up the tail end of the field on every restart, well you can only keep a race horse pinned up so long before he starts to take off.

After being up high on the track in Chicago the Moose took to the high side on the ensuing restarts, at times the Chive Charities/GoodBookey machine  was 3 and 4 wide while passing cars in groups not just one at a time.

“Restarts were wild and reminded me of heat races at Pensacola’s 5 Flags Speedway. We’d catch some really fast cars sleeping on the restarts and it would take them 5 or 6 laps to catch back up and get by us.”

At lap 30 Praytor brought his machine to the attention of his over the wall crew, 4 General Tires and a load of Sunoco fuel.

Restarts were all the Moose until one of the veterans decided he had enough of being snookered by the Mobile, Alabama driver and shoved the Chive Charity/GoodBookey machine into the outside wall. Praytor fought back keeping from being wrecked but it cost the team damage on the right front and the left front fenders.

Kentucky is an aerodynamic dependent track and the damage to the fenders would knock enough speed out of the Chive Charities/GoodBookey car to limit the Moose’s forward progress.

The team had been here before, wounded but never quitting. On the next caution the team changed 4 General Tires filled her up with Sunoco fuel and worked on the damage to the fenders.

Back under green Praytor wheeled the Chive Charities/GoodBookey machine for all it had but it had a little less than earlier in the race and the Crosley Brands 150 went on along green flag run.

After dodging wrecks and wrestling an ill handling car the Moose was able to scramble back to 14^th another career best finish in a year stacked with them.

“Another solid night for our team, we never give up. Exciting to have Chive Charities and GoodBookey on the car there is a lot of excitement surrounding these guys and it’s fun to be a part of it. The fans are off the hook we made the announcement Thursday night and we were getting messages all night and all day from fans. We even had some come by after the race. Really appreciate Billy Gerhardt coming down to help us this weekend. We always learn a lot from the veterans of this sports that are willing to share. All in all a solid performance, each week we learn a little more about our new car and we’re really looking forward to Kansas.”

The team has a 3 weeks off before heading to the season finale at Kansas speedway on October 14^th at 7:30CST live on Fox Sports 1.

 

The Chive Charities Powered by GoodBookey Team With Praytor

Chive Charities and GoodBookey will become the primary sponsors of Thomas “Moose” Praytor’s #9 Ford for the final 2 races of the 2016 ARCA Series Season.

Race teams and fans hold charitable giving in the highest regard. With a heart for giving back, Thomas “Moose” Praytor and team welcomed the opportunity to partner with these two philanthropically minded organizations that are passionate about raising funds and awareness for impactful nonprofits.

Chive Charities is the charitable arm of theChive, which leverages the Chive Nation community to support causes that would otherwise be forgotten, such as rare medical conditions, veterans with medical needs and underfunded special education initiatives.

Chive Charities is a valued partner on the GoodBookey online charitable donation platform. GoodBookey users challenge their friends on collegiate and pro sports events and the loser makes a tax deductible donation to the winner’s selected nonprofit. The application is in both the Google Play Store and in Apple iTunes and can be downloaded at www.goodbookey.com.

“Our mission is to raise funds and awareness for high impact nonprofits. We were thrilled when presented the opportunity to partner with the Thomas Praytor race team and in supporting our mission, we needed to share this opportunity with one of our charity partners. The Chive Charities was a natural fit for race fans and the ARCA series” said Tony Pease, GoodBookey CEO.

“This is really a cool deal to be a part of, Chive Nation is huge and the way they empower the community to make an impact on individuals is incredible,” offered Praytor. “Teaming up with GoodBookey to help fund those stories with our race team is really special. Everyone knows my Grandmother instilled giving back in all of us. Being a part of this team is awesome.”

Watch Fox Sports 2 Friday night at 7:00 PM CST to see the Chive Charities/GoodBookey Ford on track in the Crosley Brands 150 at Kentucky Speedway.

About Chive Charities – Chive Charities is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit and the charitable arm of thechive.com. Chive Charities inspires a new generation to support causes that often go unnoticed.  Proving themselves as the most generous community on the web today, Chive Nation has earned media recognition for their support of veterans and those with rare medical conditions.  With the goal to make the world 10% happier, Chive Charities has mobilized their global Chive fans to do amazing things for those in need.  For more information on Chive Charities and their great work, visit them at www.chivecharities.org.

About GoodBookey – GoodBookey is an award winning, charitable donation platform with the mission to raise funds and awareness to high impact nonprofits. GoodBookey simulates peer to peer sports challenges where participants can select from popular sporting events, challenge their friends with a predetermined donation amount.  The application processes the event and donation.  GoodBookey is developed by the Carimus Corporation, a for-profit company creating applications for social good.  We help charities focus on their charitable impact and support a wide variety of charities.  For more information visit the website at www.goodbookey.com.

 

Career Night for Praytor in Windy City

Chicagoland Speedway has not been kind to Thomas “Moose” Praytor over the last 4 seasons but this year the team had a new car and a new attitude fueled by their success during the 2016 season.

For the final 3 races, RK486 “Black Betty” had been completely redone since it’s last outing over a year ago with a new body and a new car underneath.

The new car fought the team during practice, a new-transmission, steering box along with a laundry list of changes after practice and the Project Semi Colon Ford was ready for qualifying. The hard work paid off and the Ford Fusion picked up over a second qualifying 22^nd.

All of the changes and repairs after practice made the Project Semi Colon late for the inline time and instead of starting 22^nd would have to fall back to the tail end of the 35 car field to start the race.

“A lot of work went into this car and it paid off the first laps on the track. A lot of stability with the new body (Greg) Purkey put on for us made it easy to drive over the bumps.”

Praytor wasn’t the only driver taking up the tail end of the SCOTT 150, another Ford, the 99 of Austin Cendric was late for in line time and the pair of Fords would be shotgun on the field.

With Tab Boyd on the roof the Ford duo took to the high side of the track and started slicing their way to the front.

“Had a lot of fun those first couple of laps with Austin, his Ford was bad fast.” Within a few  laps the Project Semi Colon Ford was inside the top 20.

An early caution had the Moose come to pit road to top off with Sunoco fuel and on the restart the normal bottom feeding driver was back at the top of the track picking up spots.

On lap 30 the 52 lost a side window and the Project Semi Colon Ford was brought to pit road for 4 General Tires , Sunoco fuel and a track bar adjustment trying to free the Ford up in the corners. The guys had a solid stop, made the changes and the Moose was down and away, ready for a long green flag run.

40plus green flag laps a caution for Shane Lee let the field come back to pit road. “Our Project Semi Colon Ford just kept getting tighter (wouldn’t turn) as the night went on.”

This time the Moose would get 4 fresh Generals and a full load of Sunoco plus a track bar change and a wedge change. Back under green Betty really didn’t like the changes and the Moose had his hands full but was still making progress.

By lap 100 Praytor had worked his way up to 15^th a career best at Chicagoland.

“Really a solid night for our team, the guys had great stops, Tab did an awesome job from the roof. I’m really not comfortable at the top of the track but we kept creeping up there. Really proud to carry the Project Semi Colon colors one more time, Amy and her group do an awesome job. It was a good points night for us, Josh and his guys ran into some trouble early. We have a lot of ground to pick up to catch him but we aren’t going to give up until the checkered flag falls in Kansas.”

After 3 races in 11 days the team has a long week in Mobile before heading to Kentucky Speedway for the Crosley Brands 150 Friday night live on Fox Sports 2.

 

Praytor Cruises to 14^th in 100^th Salem Race

Racing at Salem speedway is always special but for this installment of the Fall Classic everything was magnified by 100.

It was the 100^th ARCA Series race at Salem Speedway plus Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his DK-LOK team were sporting a throwback paint scheme tied to one of the most iconic names in all of motorsport, Allison.

As the Grand Marshall of the 100^th race at Salem, Bobby Allison was generous enough to stop by, talk with the crew and have pictures made before giving the command to fire engines.

“Mr. Allison was really cool. He shook hands with all the crew and we talked about the old Miller Paint scheme. As a driver from Alabama it doesn’t get much bigger than that,” offered Praytor.

The day had gone to script with the team solving the minor issues arising during practice.

“We had a brand new set up package under the car this weekend and our guys worked hard on dialing it in. It wasnt exactly what we wanted but we think it’s closer to what we want than what had.”

Qualifying was rained out and the Moose High Life machine would roll off 16^th.

From the drop of the green flag the field separated in to 2 packs. The cars that were hauling the mail and the cars that weren’t. The Moose was doing all he could to hang on the lead pack and stay on the lead lap.

While Praytor was working hard in the car the crew was working hard in the pits pitting the 9 and the 10 of Ed Pompa.

“Our guys like doing double duty it makes us better as a unit. We can practice all we want at UNOH there is nothing like live stops,” said crew chief Adam Lowe.

A couple of long green flag runs really separated the field and the Moose found himself stuck in 14^th.

“We got where we couldn’t go forward and we really couldn’t go backwards so we started working hard on a lines around the track and changes that would help me and the car when we come back.”

For Salem it was a remarkable clean race and the 9 Moose Time Ford came home without a scratch and in 14^th position.

“Little disappointed we couldn’t post another top 10 but we got all we could get. Our guys had great stops for both cars tonight and you can see their confidence level rising at every race. It was a real honor to run the Allison car and have Mr. Allison come by and talk with our team.”

Only 48 hours in Mobile before the DK-LOK hauler heads out to Chicagoland Speedway for the Scott 150 under the lights Thursday night.

 

Allison Throwback for 100^th ARCA Race at Salem

 

Eddie Gilstrap Motors Fall Classic presented by Meadow View/Salem Crossing at SALEM SPEEDWAY: The Fall Classic in Salem is always a big event on the ARCA Schedule. This year marks the 100^th ARCA race at Salem, Bobby Allison is the Grand Marshall, teams are sporting throwback paint schemes and amidst the racing celebration one driver will walk away as the 100^th Champion. “Our race team has really been on a roll these last few weeks and we are carrying a lot of momentum going into this weekend,” said Thomas “Moose” Praytor. We unveiled our Davey Allison 1984 Rookie of the Year car a couple of weeks ago and the response has been massive. Mr. Allison is going to be the Grand Marshall and I hope we can make him happy and proud.”

 

Meet the Moose: Fans will get a chance to meet Thomas on Friday night at Salem Speedway during the cook out at 7:00 and on Saturday night on the front stretch at 5:30PM prior to the race.

 

Eddie Gilstrap Motors Fall Classic presented by Meadow View/Salem Crossing : The 100^th ARCA race at Salem is a 2 day event beginning on Friday with a hauler parade through downtown Salem. Following the parade, teams will unload at the track and take part in the cookout with a driver meet and greet starting at approximately 7:00 PM.  On Saturday teams will get down to business with technical inspection, practice, and Menards Pole Qualifying. The Green Flag will drop at 7:00 CST. There will be live timing and scoring for practice, qualifying and the race on ARCAracing.com. The race will be televised on American Sports Network.  www.americansportsnet.com

 

ARCA CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING: 5^TH

 

CAR: Chassis #RK500 will return to Salem this weekend after 3 straight top 10s, Berlin, Springfield and DuQuoin. RK500 is the teams favorite short track car.   

 

What to look for this weekend: The fans in stands are in for a ride as Salem is like no other track on the circuit. The name of the game is finding a way to get forward grip off the corners while conserving tires. If there is a long green flag run, tire conservation will be the tail of the tape. Expect conservation to go out the window because everyone wants to own the 100^th trophy!

 

Salem Speedway Track Specs:
.555 mile asphalt
Banking-33 degrees in corners

 

Praytor Survives Early Adversity for Top 10 at DuQuoin

Dirt is not a natural surface for Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his DK-LOK race team but over the last couple of years the team has made playing in the dirt something to look forward to instead of dread.

After an 8^th place finish in Springfield the Moose was looking forward to the next dirt stop the General Tire Grabber 100 at DuQuoin.

Off the trailer RK-500 was as solid as it was in Springfield and with some freshly learned dirt knowledge from Joe Cooksey the DK-LOK was back to form quickly at DuQuoin.

During practice Praytor’s Ford had been running hotter than desired and the team was working on cooling options for the race. One of the experienced dirt teams had a new grill covering the team owner borrowed to use for the race.

It didn’t take long after the green flag for Praytor to realize he had a cooling issue and by lap 10 the DK-LOK Ford was spewing water out of the overflow. With the temp rising the Moose was called to pit road and the new grill covering was taken off.

Back on the track the motor was cooling back down but it really needed some water. As fate would have it the team had not put the cool down unit on the truck for the weekend and the boys went scrambling up and down pit road for one to borrow.

They crew had no luck finding a cool down unit because almost everyone had a cooling issue on Sunday night. The morale of the story is you never send a man to do a woman’s job and within minutes Hayley Praytor had a cool down unit for the team to use. Thanks to Crystal Bates and Hixson Racing.

At the next caution the Moose came to pit road and the team loaded the DK-LOK Ford back up with water and the team was back in business.

No longer having to conserve and keep a distance to have a clean radiator Praytor was rumbling on the Magic Mile.

“It’s really a shame we got behind early our DK-LOK Ford was really fast and I had a lot of fun putting the whip to her in the last 50 laps.”

As the Moose picked off competitors he finally worked his way up to the guy who has been helping him go fast on the dirt, Joe Cooksey. Cooksey had borrowed a car from Hixson for the weekend and was having a solid run inside the top 10. Praytor quickly ran him down but soon found out catching him was one thing passing him was another.

“I had a lot of fun racing with Joe, I learned a lot. I think he finally let me by I don’t think I actually ever passed him. A few laps later when he got tired of following me he passed me back.”

As the checkered flag flew on the 63^rd installment of ARCA racing on the Magic Mile the DK-LOK Ford posted a 9^th place finish for its 3^rd consecutive top 10.

“Another come from behind race where are guys just wouldn’t quit until the checkered flag. Three top 10s sends a strong message about our race team and how far we have come this season. It was a solid points night and we creeped closer to 4^th. Really proud of my guys for how hard they work and the results show it. We are ready for Salem and our throwback Allison car.”

A short week in Mobile before the team heads to the 100^th ARCA race at Salem Speedway for the Eddie Gilstrap Motors Fall Classic presented by Meadow View/Salem Crossing, September 10^th at 7:00 PM CST.

 

Praytor Looking to Continue String of Top 10s at DuQuoin

General Tire Grabber 100 at the DuQuoin State Fair: Coming off an 8^th place finish at Berlin, followed by a career best dirt finish at Springfield taking over the 5^th place in the points standings, Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his DK-LOK team are looking forward to this week’s return to the DuQuoin State Fair Grounds.  “Everything has been going our way and I’m really looking forward to this weekend,” said Praytor. “I was really lost on the dirt 4 years ago and each race we are getting better. My main man Joe Cooksey is racing for Hixson this weekend, so our first goal is to make sure we beat him. I haven’t been on dirt under the lights since I was 8 years old at J & J Speedway, so Sunday night should be fun.”

General Tire Grabber 100 Southern Illinois 100 presented by Federated Car Care is a 1 day event with technical inspection, practice and Menards Pole Qualifying and the Green Flag on Sunday night at 8:00 CST. Live timing and scoring for practice, qualifying and the race will be on ARCAracing.com. Live TV broadcast on American Sports Network or americansportnet.com.

What to look for this weekend: Springfield was one of the most physical dirt track races in some time. Drivers have had 2 weeks to cool off but it they start pushing and shoving early it could get really ugly at DuQuoin. DuQuoin’s dirt is different than Springfield’s and the track races differently. Like Springfield the driver that slides that best at the end of the race will have a good day if they can keep up with an ever changing track surface. Tires will not be critical unless the old dirt gets hard and has solid rubber base on top.

Illinois State Fair Ground Track Specs:
1 mile dirt-flat
The green inner ring on the aerial photo looks like grass but its actually water. Make a wrong step at the end of pit road and you’ll be in the lake!

 

Praytor Unveils Allison Throwback for Salem

On September 10^th the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards will return to Salem Speedway for the 100^th ARCA race at the famed high bank half mile in Indiana. With Alabama’s Bobby Allison serving as the Grand Marshall for the Fall Classic, Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his Mobile, Alabama based raced team will salute the Allisons with a special Davey Allison paint scheme.

Praytor’s Salem paint scheme is a drastic departure from his normal black base to a white base throwback to Allison’s 1984 ARCA Rookie of the Year car. (inset)

“If you grow up racing in Alabama, the Alabama Gang is legendary. Allison, Farmer, Bonnet they put Hueytown and Alabama on the racing map,” said Praytor. “Really pumped up Mr. Bobby is going to be the Grand Marshall, maybe he can give me a few pointers on getting around Salem.”

The original Allison Scheme was a Miller High Life Scheme that has been altered to Moose High Life for the 100^th ARCA running at Salem.

“We have been working on this project for months, Don Radebough at ARCA really helped out with some old pics from the archives, Advanced Collision painted the car and the guys at CGS Imaging went through a pain staking process of replicating the graphics. About the only thing we didn’t get was a Buick nose.”

The celebration of the 100^th running of the ARCA Series at Salem begins on Friday morning September 9^th with a golf tournament followed by a hauler parade in the afternoon for the teams to unload at the race track.

On track activity for the Eddie Gilstrap Motors Fall Classic presented by Meadow View/Salem Crossing is Saturday, with the Green flag at 7:00 CST. The race will be broadcast live on the American Sports Network or on americansportsnet.com. Live timing and scoring on arcaracing.com.

 

Career Best Dirt Finish Jumps Praytor to 5^th in Championship

“Career best finish” has become a regular phrase for Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his DK-LOK Team in 2016. And after the Central Illinois ChevySuperStore.com 100 a career best finish vaulted the Alabama driver to the top 5 in the driver Championship standings, another “career best”.

Praytor made the call 2 weeks ago to gamble and take his best short track car RK500 to the dirt versus last year’s dirt car “Bubba”.

“We don’t have a lot of resources but we are in the hunt for our best season ever and we are going to use the best we have at every track and RK500 is our best short track DK-LOK Ford,” said Praytor.

The first laps off the trailer the team knew the Moose had made the right call and the Alabama driver was pitching his Roush Yates powered Ford through corners with some of the best dirt drivers in the country.

With qualifying cancelled Praytor and his DK-LOK Machine would roll of 14^th based on practice speeds.

“Joe Cooksey came back and helped us and I just can’t tell you the confidence we have when Joe is with our team. His years of experience on dirt and in the ARCA Series, you know you are making the right calls.”

The 2016 installment at Springfield started like most, rather tamely and the Moose was picking off competitors and worked his way in and out of the top 10 most of the day.

“We spent the first half of the race coming down pit road making adjustments for what we thought the track would be for the final laps and Joe was gauging what was happening to the racetrack as the laps clicked off.”

 

 

At the halfway point 3 cars appeared to be about equal Praytor, Sarah Cornett Ching moonlighting from the NASCAR K & N Series and Tyler Speer who normally is behind the wheel of his drag boat going 240 MPH driving for Andy Hillenburg’s Fast Track Racing.

“Racing with Sarah and Tyler was so much fun and aggravating at the same time. All you had to do was slip a little and they were by you, then you spent 5 laps setting them back up waiting for them to slip and you were by them. It’s fun racing with people you can trust through the corners.”

Past the halfway mark the level of intensity on the track was picking up and the give and take was going away as Springfield was starting to look like Berlin from 2 weeks ago.

As the pace intensified so did the “encouragement” from the spotters stand. “You can tell what kind of car we have by the intensity of my spotter. In horse racing terms just past the halfway point he started putting the spurs to me, with 20 to go he had the whip out and on the final restarts he had whip, spurs and double handful of mane whipping what was left to the finish line.”

Not only was the field whipped into a frenzy so was the mile long dirt track as it became a cauldron of dust that was at times impossible to see through. “Those last few restarts we just beat the crap out of car and everyone around us, you were just guessing were turn 1 was and everyone around you, it was wild.”

When the dust settled the DK-LOK Ford had bounced it’s way into a career best dirt finish of 8^th moving the team into the top 5 in the ARCA Championship standings.

“Really a solid day for our race team, can’t thank Joe Cooksey enough for helping us out. Our UNOH crew had another solid day on pit road. We have some bent up sheet metal we need to fix and we’re looking forward to DuQuoin.”

With just 5 races left to go, the ARCA Series has a weekend off before heading to the second and final dirt race of the 2016 season, the General Tire Grabber 100 at DuQuoin under the lights on September 4^th.

 

Moose Swaps to Carlos for Springfield Dirt

Central Illinois SuperChevyStores.com presented by Jive at the Illinois State Fair: Team DK-LOK is closing in on 5^th place in the ARCA Championship standings and Thomas “Moose” Praytor has opted to use his favorite short track chassis “Carlos” this weekend at Springfield. “Normally we pull out “Bubba” for the dirt but we are putting all we have into breaking in to the top 5 in the Championship,” said Praytor. We have 3 more chassis ready in the shop in case we tear one up but we want to take our best piece every week to see if we can hang in the top 5.”

For 364 days of the year the track at the Illinois State Fair is reserved for horse racing but for 1 Sunday a year the ARCA Series presented by Menards turns 1 horsepower into 800! “I’m still getting a handle on the dirt but last year we had 2 really good efforts and we are looking for a little more this year.”

Central Illinois SuperChevyStores.com presented by Jive is a 1 day event with technical inspection, practice and Menards Pole Qualifying and the Green Flag on Sunday at 1:30 CST. Live timing and scoring for practice, qualifying and the race will be on ARCAracing.com live TV on the American Sports Network or on www.americansportsnet.com

What to look for this weekend: Springfield and DuQuoin are the superspeedways of dirt and dirt racing fans come from miles around to take in this event held in the middle of the Illinois State Fair with tens of thousands of people in attendance. The driver that slides the best at the end of the race will have a good day if they can keep up with an ever changing track surface. Tires will not be critical unless the old dirt gets hard building a rubber base on top.

Ilinois State Fair Ground Track Specs:
1 mile dirt

PRIMARY SPONSOR: DK-LOK Fittings & Valves www.dklokusa.com

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS: G-Force, Nudraulix, REALTOR, Advanced Collision, APS Automotive Painters Supply, Dueitt’s Battery Supply, Airgas, John Thompson & Associates, Judy’s Place, Greer’s Food Market, Campbell, Duke & Campbell, Golden Flake, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, The FEVER Brand and Praytor Realty.

ARCA CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING: 6^th

CAR: Roush Chassis #500 “Carlos”-Chassis 500 is named for Carlos Lira at Lira Motorsports where the car came from. Carlos is Praytor’s favorite short track car and is coming off an 8^th place finish at Berlin Raceway. Praytor’s DK-LOK Ford is powered by Roush Yates Ford Motors.

 

Dick Doheny Joins Praytor For Both Dirt Races

Ballston Spa, New York’s Dick Doheny will slide behind the wheel for Max Force Racing for the Central Illinois Chevysuperstore.com 100 presented by Jive at Springfield Fairgrounds and the General Tire Grabber 100 at the DuQuoin Fair Grounds.

“Excited to try an ARCA car on the mile dirt tracks,” said Doheny. “I’ve enjoyed working with the guys from Mobile and I’m looking forward to driving for them in a couple of weeks.”

Doheny is on loan from his normal duties at Andy Hillenburg’s Fast Track Racing and is sitting in for Chris Bailey Jr. who has a scheduling conflict for the two dirt races and will be back in Salem. The Moose, Thomas Praytor will continue top pilot his #9 DK-LOK Ford.

“Dick has been such a big help to our team this year I feel like Dick is part of our team. When we were changing motors every day in Pocono Dick really busted his butt to help us get all the motor changes accomplished,” offered Tommy Praytor. “Having Dick in the car for us will set a new record for our race team, he’s a year older than I am so he will become the oldest guy to drive for our team!”

Based in Mobile, Alabama, Max Force Racing is fielding a second car at most events in 2016 with a diverse group of drivers, Rookie Chase Storch, Veteran Brad Smith, Chris Bailey Jr. and now Dick Doheny.

ARCA Get to Know Thomas Praytor

In 2016 ARCA has been producing a series of “Get To Know” video segments with some of the top drivers in the Series. Unfortunately, they sent the newest addition to the ARCA PR team Katie Wernke to interview Thomas “Moose” Praytor. The actual interview was over 30 minutes long but Katie was only able to salvage about 3 minutes to use for this segment. You get a sense in the first 10 seconds that this interview is already off the tracks, Thomas picked inside the safer barrier at Pocono for the location. If you were ever wondering if race car drivers were let’s say different, well here is your answer.

http://www.arcaracing.com/videos/2028940

 

Praytor Snakes His Way to 8^th in Michigan

While Ken “Snake” Stabler was being inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his team were involved in a full fledge donnybrook at Berlin Raceway in Michigan, Stabler would have loved it.

Michigan is home base to Crew Chief Adam Lowe and when we are in Michigan  Adams duties include 2 cars and a whole bunch of family.

The smallest track on the ARCA tour created the most carnage so far in the 2016 season. Twenty Six cars started the 200 lap event with only 12 running at the end!

After qualifying 13^th Praytor made his way up through the field bringing out the first caution when his Stabler machine tangled with the 14, it would be the first of many to come.

“The fans in the stands and those watching on American Sports Network got their money’s worth tonight,” said Praytor. “Lots of fast cars lots of leaning and pushing.”

The first incident wrinkled the right front corner of Praytor’s Ford and the team worked hard to get it off the right front tire and get Praytor back out staying on the lead lap. Aero would not come into play at Berlin.

20 laps in, the power steering fluid left the reservoir with a broken power steering line. Now the Moose was banged up and would have to make the last 185 laps with no power steering.

“I didn’t get a lot of sympathy from the roof when I said I had not power steering, something something keep something digging.”

Caution after caution Praytor was Snaking his way towards the top 10 handling an ill handling Ford and trying to survive each caution.

Just past the halfway mark the Moose and the 15 tangled with the Moose coming out on the short end of the stick spinning on the back stretch. This time the right rear quarter was ripped off the car.

More time on pit road and the Ken Stabler Hall of Fame car was battered but things were just getting good.

“Couldn’t hardly steer but we knew if we could stay out of trouble and go the distance we could end up with a good finish and a good points night.”

That would be the last caution the Moose was in but not the end of the pushing and shoving or the cautions.  

While the Moose was getting beaten up, Mike Basham found a solid groove and was now giving Praytor all he wanted. The pair traded spots back and forth in a spirited battle before a long green flag run and motor issues hampered Basham.

“Really had a lot of fun racing with Mike, I think we swapped spots 10 or 12 times without touching each other. Lot of fun racing with someone you can trust.”

As the race wound down the Stabler Hall of Fame machine kept snaking through cautions and picking up spots for an 8^th place finish.

“Another great performance by our race team, they just simply don’t know how to quit. Solid point’s night and a good finish for our team. Really wish we could have been in Canton Ohio with the Stabler family to celebrate Mr. Ken (Stabler) but it just wasn’t possible. It was truly an honor to know him.”

A much needed week off before the team heads to the dirt in Springfield.

Praytor to Honor NFL Hall of Famer Stabler in Berlin

Berlin ARCA 200 at Berlin Speedway, Marne Michigan: While the ARCA Series will be putting on some classic short track action at Berlin Raceway on Saturday, the NFL will induct its 2016 class in to the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. This year’s class will include longtime friend and sponsor Ken Stabler. “We’ve tried to figure every way we can to be in 2 places at one time and it just isn’t going to happen,” said Thomas “Moose” Praytor. “Mr. Kenny (Stabler) was such a big part of our race team I wish we could be there with Mrs. Kim and the Stabler family to celebrate his life and career.”

Stabler’s long wait to join the Hall of Fame will come to an end when he is introduced by long time coach John Madden. “In the big games he was big; in the tough games he was tough,” said Madden about Stabler. “The hot games, when it really got heated, he was the coolest guy on the field. That’s why he played in so many big games, and won so many big games right here, because when you need a play, ‘Snake’ always made the play. I always said, if I had one quarterback that I had to play in a game, to make a drive the length of the field at the end of the game, to win that game, that guy would be Ken Stabler, number 12, The Snake.”

The normal DK-LOK hood will be replaced with a replica Stabler jersey with NFL Hall of Fame at the bottom. “It’s one of the biggest injustices in sports that Kenny has not been put in the Hall of Fame before now,” said team owner Tommy Praytor. “Kenny was so full of life, so inquisitive we tried hard to get him to drive a race car but I think he was scared he would like it too much. Really miss Kenny, wish we could be there but I’m sure Raider Nation will give him a raucous welcome!”

Berlin ARCA 200 is a 2 day event with unloading on Friday and technical inspection, practice, Menards Pole Qualifying with the Green Flag on Saturday at 8:00 CST. Live timing and scoring for practice, qualifying and the race will be on ARCAracing.com. Live TV Coverage on American Sports Network and americansportsnetwork.com

MEET THE MOOSE: The Moose will be signing autographs and meeting fans before the race on the Front Stretch at 6:30 CST.

 

What to look for this weekend: Berlin Raceway is the smallest track on the tour with a unique design, complete contrast of Pocono last weekend. You have to hop a drainage grate in turn 4 to get around and the guy who can do it the best will be strong. Chase Briscoe is going for 5 wins in a row this weekend.

Berlin Raceway Track Specs:
.4375 Mile oval with no back stretch wall

PRIMARY SPONSOR: DK-LOK Fittings & Valves www.dklokusa.com

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS: G-Force, Nudraulix, REALTOR, Advanced Collision, APS Automotive Painters Supply, Dueitt’s Battery Supply, Airgas, John Thompson & Associates, Judy’s Place, Greer’s Food Market, Campbell, Duke & Campbell, Golden Flake, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, The FEVER Brand and Praytor Realty.

ARCA CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING: 6^th

CAR: Roush Chassis #500 “Carlos”-Chassis 500 is named for Carlos Lira at Lira Motorsports where the car came from. Carlos is Praytor’s favorite short track car. Praytor’s DK-LOK Ford is powered by Roush Yates Ford Motors.

 

Bailey Has Career Best Pocono Finish

All season, Chris Bailey has been doing the yeoman’s job of being Max Force Racings back up for Thomas “Moose” Praytor and testing different combinations for the #9 DK-LOK Ford. On Friday car owner Tommy Praytor had another plan.

“Chris has been doing an awesome job for our race team all year in a crappy job. He’s like an NFL number 2 quarterback, he gets to practice and work hard on new ideas and then gets very little game time. Every week Chris and his Dad travel thousands of miles to be part of our team and every week without complaint,” said owner Tommy Praytor.

Bailey put his #23 DK-LOK Ford through its paces in practice and gave back valuable intel to the team that made the #9 DK-LOK Ford faster.

“It’s been really rewarding to get in quality cars, give feedback and be part of the team,” said Bailey.

Bailey qualified 21^st and prepared to make a few laps of live testing during the ModSpace 150 and come in.

After a few laps, team owner Praytor came over the radio and told spotter Chris Sr. to keep him on the track.

“I was happy just getting to make laps 2, 5 or 10 I was all good and then Dad told me to stay out. He could probably see me smiling from the spotters stand, said Bailey.”

The laps clicked off and with each caution Bailey remained on the track and was picking up positions.

“Chris was doing a great job, he was passing cars and really looking good on the track. I had a plan for Chris to go the distance but I didn’t want anyone to be disappointed if it didn’t work out, everything needed to fall just right and it was all going our way.”

At the halfway point Bailey was called to pit road for fuel and a track bar adjustment.

“I still hadn’t been told how long I was going to run but getting gas was a good sign Tommy planned on keeping me out for a while.”

Back under green Bailey was only a lap down with 3 other cars and was clipping off lap times within tenths of each other. The team owner tweeted from the pit box Bailey was going to try to go the distance but still hadn’t told his driver.

“Tommy came on the radio and started giving me a lot of information, who was on my lap, what our lap times were, who we might could catch and who was never going to catch us. He still didn’t say how long we running but I could tell from his voice this was a different deal,” offered Bailey.

Laps were clicking off and finally with 15 to go Bailey got the word to conserve his tires if he wanted to go the distance.

“I couldn’t believe it, still can’t,” said Bailey.

Bailey would bring his #23 DK-LOK Ford across the finish line in 16^th position, his best finish at Pocono and 2^nd best career finish.”

“Really pumped, can’t thank the Praytor’s enough for the opportunity to live a dream at Pocono. The guys on the team worked their butts off to get this car as good as it was and in the show. Days like today are a lesson for everyone working to be in this sport, keep digging, keep working and good things will happen.”

As for the team owner, well Bailey’s smile was the second biggest at Pocono.

Bailey will be back behind the wheel of the DK-LOK Ford at Berlin Raceway Saturday night.

Tricky Triangle Wins Round Two Against Moose

Team DK-LOK made the longest haul of the season to one of Thomas “Moose” Praytor favorite tracks in Long Pond Pennsylvania almost 1,100 miles from Mobile, Alabama.

After lots of testing in spring the DK-LOK Ford was on the money in practice and qualified 19^th.

With the drop of the green flag the Moose was on the march and had quickly made his way inside the top  15 and was working towards the top 10 when things started to go bad for Praytor.

“It first felt like a flat and the car was pulling hard left, the guys changed 4 tires and that didn’t fix it. We started over revving and the car would be in gear then over rev, it was a handful.”

The wounded DK-LOK machine made several trips to pit road and after going over ever possible option they sent Praytor out back to the 2.5 mile oval to get all he could. The troubled Ford finished 21^st.

“Driver earned his money today hanging on for what we could get. We are in a big points battle for 5^th and we need every point and today just did not go our way. Our guys worked really hard all weekend my teammate had a great day. Congrautlations to Chase Briscoe for 4 in a row.”

Another short week and the team will be at Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan for the Berlin ARCA 200 on Saturday live on ASN.

Pocono Round Two for Team DK-LOK

ModSpace 150 at Pocono Speedway: Coming off a solid run at Indy Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his DK-LOK Team are looking forward to the Tricky Triangle this weekend at Pocono Raceway. “We get to go to a lot of unique tracks but none are as different as Pocono. Only 3 turns, all of them are different and a mile long straightaway. Pocono really challenges the driver and I love going there.”

The Modspace 150 is a 2 day event at Pocono Raceway. Thursday is an all day tech day with practice, qualifying and the Green Flag of the ModSpace 150 at 4:30 CST. Live timing and scoring for practice, qualifying and the race will be on ARCARacing.com. This race will be televised live on Fox Sports 1, Channels in Mobile Comcast/Xfinity 49/241HD, Mediacom 52, Direct TV 219, Dish 150, AT&T Uverse 652.

PRIMARYSPONSOR: DK-LOK Fittings & Valves www.dklokusa.com

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS: G-Force, Nudraulix, REALTOR, Advanced Collision, APS Automotive Painters Supply, Dueitt’s Battery Supply, Airgas, John Thompson & Associates, Judy’s Place, Greer’s Food Market, Campbell, Duke & Campbell, Golden Flake, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, The FEVER Brand, Project Semi Colon and Praytor Realty

ARCA CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING: 6^th

CAR: Roush RK306. 306 was created as a downforce car but became the teams workhorse last year starting in 9 of 20 races. This year it has been used at Pocono, Michigan and Iowa.

What to Watch For: Fridays race is all about raw speed.

Pocono Raceway: Length 2.5 Miles

Banking: Turn 1: 14 degrees/ Turn 2: 8 degrees/ Turn 3: 6 degrees

 

 

Project Semi Colon Ford Rumbles to Another Top 15 at Indy

Racing in Indianapolis is always big but in the word of Donald Trump this weekend was “HUGE”. A stacked 35 car field filled with ARCA regulars and cars tied to the NASCAR garage racing down the street made for one of the most competitive short track events of the season.

Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his Project Semi Colon Ford unloaded strong  off the hauler, half a second faster than last year’s Sioux Chief PowerPex 200 presented by Jive at Lucas Oil Raceway.

“Our shop work and the effort we are putting in to our cars before we go to the track are really paying off when we unload. Our Project Semi Colon Ford was close and we were able to tweak on it all during practice looking for more speed.”

The tweaks paid off and the Moose picked up another half second in qualifying and would roll off 22^nd.  “Our car was good enough to be in the top 10 in a normal short track race but with the field we had Friday night we were 22^nd.”

As has become the norm of late, the Sioux Chief PowerPex 200 ripped off 80 something green flag laps without a caution. The project Semi Colon Ford had crept its way to inside the top 20 conserving tires.

Under caution, the Moose came to pit road for 2 General Tires and Sunoco Fuel. Back under green the field would make another 30 laps when the caution flew and this time Praytor was almost in it.

“I had a big run off of turn 2 and there was a car sideways and a bunch of smoke. I flat spotted all 4 tires getting wooed up.”

Now Praytor would need 4 Generals and a load of Sunoco. UNOH crew made a nice stop keeping the Project Semi Colon Ford on the same lap and then went next door to pit the 10 of Rick Clifton.

“We were a little out of sequence and the 4 new Generals were a lot of fun, we passed a lot of cars during that next segment. I think some of the Ilmores were surprised to see us slide by them.”

As the race wore on and the other teams got ahead on tires the Project Semi Colon Ford would come home a solid 15^th.

“Out short track cars have really moved up a notch or 2 up this year and our Fords have been really good allowing us to make them better. One of these days we will have a new Ilmore and we will be able to give these guys a run for their money all the way to the finish. Congratulations to Chase Briscoe and the guys at Cunningham, that’s 3 in a row, they are making us all look bad. Proud to have Project Semi Colon on our car again, Amy and her team are doing a great job.”

Short 2 days in shop for Team DK-LOK before heading to Pocono for the ModSpace150.

 

Project Semi Colon Returns to Team DK-LOK for Indy

Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200 presented by Jive at Lucas Oil Raceway (Indianapolis): With 11 races under their belt, Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his DK-LOK team head up to Indiana for the Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200 presented by Jive. This weekend the DK-LOK Ford is teaming back up with Project Semi Colon. The team will sport the newest Semi Colon T-shirt now available on Project Semi Colon’s website.

http://www.projectsemicolon.org/store/c1/Featured_Products.html

“We joined the DK-LOK Team in Madison and the family run team and crew won us over. They have strong ties to what we stand for and are a great extension of us,” Amy Bleuel.

Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200 presented by Jive is a 1 day event at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indiana. The event gates open at 8:30 AM Friday July 22^nd, with practice starting at 12:45 PM, qualifying at 5:30 PM followed by the start of the Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200 presented by Jive at 9:00 PM. Live timing and scoring at www.ARCARacing.com , there will also be live coverage on Fox Sports 1.

Channel Listing for FOX Sports 1 : DIRECTV CH- 219, Mediacom CH- 53, COMCAST CH- 49/241 HD, AT&TU-Verse CH- 652, Dish TV 150.

MEET THE MOOSE: The Moose will be signing autographs and meeting the fans on Friday afternoon at 6:30 next to the ARCA Fan Gear Tent in the Midway at Lucas Oil Raceway.

PRIMARY SPONSOR: Project Semi Colon www.projectsemicolon.org DK-LOK Fittings & Valves www.dklokusa.com

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS: G-Force, Nudraulix, REALTOR, Advanced Collision, APS Automotive Painters Supply, Dueitt’s Battery Supply, Airgas, John Thompson & Associates, Judy’s Place, Greer’s Food Market, Campbell, Duke & Campbell, Golden Flake, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, The FEVER Brand and Praytor Realty

ARCA CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING: 6^th

CAR: Roush Chassis #500 “Carlos”-Chassis 500 is named for Carlos Lira at Lira Motorsports where we the car came from. Carlos is Praytor’s favorite short track car. Praytor’s DK-LOK Ford is powered by Roush Yates Ford Motors.

Lucas Oil Raceway: 0.686 Miles of Asphalt, with 12 degree banking

 

Moose on-track for career-best season;
From ARCA Racing.com

TOLEDO, Ohio (July 17, 2016) - If there was a "Long Haul" award in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, Max Force Racing would have a lock on it, four years running. Pulling all the way from Mobile, Alabama to every ARCA race on the calendar from 2013 on, the team's effort is noteworthy to say the least.

With Thomas Praytor - better known as the "Moose" - aboard in the No. 9 DK-LOK Ford everywhere it goes, the under-funded team's effort has been impressive over the years. In fact, Praytor, in the steady-as-she-goes-mode, has finished in the top-10 ARCA national points in the last three consecutive seasons. Further, the Moose is having his best season yet, currently sixth in national championship standings just past the halfway signal in 2016. Moose credits his mob of University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) volunteers.

"We have an amazing group of young men from UNOH that do an incredible job," Praytor said.

"My crew chief Adam Lowe has been to every ARCA race for four years and counting. Not only has he been to every race for four years, he's also a 4.0 student at UNOH and works 40 hours in a week...he's the man.

"I can't say enough about my whole crew. We're really starting to come together as a team. We've had the same group of guys since Iowa last year so they all have a full season together. They put out some 14-15-second pit stops at Iowa...that's pretty stout.

"Everything's really starting to come together...my dad's not yelling as much. My crew is handling more of the responsibility so I can focus on driving more. My team has the desire and passion to come to the race track every week to help us out...I can't thank them enough."

With a weekend off in between races before the next event at Lucas Oil Raceway July 22, Praytor is busy moving his operation into a new shop. Don't think for a moment though that the Mobile, Alabama racer will be moving away from his hometown.

"We're still in Mobile...that's not going to change. We're moving into a new shop about a mile-and-a-half down the road. We were in the old shop for 20 years. We just don't have the room. Never in my dad's wildest dreams did he think we'd ever have more than one car. Now we'll have room for all our cars and a go-kart track inside! I never could have imagined how much crap we have to move. Unreal.

"People ask me all the time, 'when are you moving to Charlotte?' I tell them every time, 'I'm not.' It's worth it to me to pull the extra miles out of Mobile. We get a lot of local support here...people really pay attention to what we're doing. We have the locals coming by the shop to check out the cars and think it's really cool. If we moved to Charlotte, we'd get lost in the shuffle."

Despite the new shop, a crew that's meshing well, and the long haul from Mobile every week, there have been other challenges complicating the mix.

"I think the most challenging thing this year has been our motor issue. We started the season with three or four motors, but they all went bad in the same week. We're down to two motors and two cars. We're still running really hard, but don't have a solid back-up plan."

There was also the late arrival to Winchester after team hauler had three flat tires on the way up. They managed to get there just in time to get out for a few laps in practice.

"But from last year to this year, despite all the issues, it's been a night and day difference. I think we're a lot better this year than last year. We're running better...we're more consistent. As a race team, we just keep getting better, and that's all you can ask for from your team."

With 11 races of 20 in the rear view mirror, the Moose couldn't be more excited about the second half of the season.

"Looking at the nine races we have left, I like all of them. The first half of the season is the real booger. Love all the tracks but we're not exactly set up to run the road course and as exciting as Daytona and Talladega are, they're crap shoots...you never know how you'll come out of those. It's the second half that I really look forward to, except.....

"Berlin. It's not that I don't like it...I just think it's one of the toughest tracks we go to. I've always struggled there. To run well there, you literally have to run all over the place. I mean you have to drive over that drainage ditch off four to get grip. I like it, but it's one of the most intense tracks.

"But that just says a lot about ARCA, and why I like the series so much...just how unique it really is. Even if you get back-to-back short track races, they're still a completely different challenge. You have to come with a blank page every week. From a short track to Talladega, I love doing what I do and being able to drive all these different tracks."

Speaking of different tracks, there are also those two mile dirt tracks in Illinois coming soon.

"At first, I was really lost on the dirt tracks...had no idea. But last year, Joe Cooksey really helped me a lot. He really built up my confidence. He was able to adjust the car where it needed to be and taught be where I needed to be on the track.

"We take our oldest car to the dirt tracks. It's an old Kimmel car...bought it just for the motor. But Mr. Bill said you gotta run that car on the dirt...it's really good. And sure enough, he was right. Now I really look forward to the dirt tracks. Two or three years ago, I wasn't so sure."

Praytor's Max Force Racing team was founded by his father Tommy Praytor who attends every single ARCA race. Praytor has 76 career ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards starts with five top-10 finishes at Michigan, Winchester, Madison, Nashville and a career-best seventh at his hometown Mobile Int'l Speedway. Praytor steered the DK-LOK Ford to 15th at Iowa Speedway last Saturday

“There were times when my spotter sounded like we were at Daytona, top of three (wide), middle of three, bottom of three. We just had a great DK-LOK Ford that let me make a lot of moves...it was really a fun night.”

With only a couple of cautions the field set a record pace and the DK-LOK Ford returned to the hauler without a scratch.

“Another solid effort by our race team. The guys had great stops and everyone is all pulling in the same direction here just past halfway in the season. It was fun night for me as a driver being able to race so hard in so many different places. There are very few tracks that you can do that on and come out with a whole race car. They announced while we were there that we would be back next year with the Indy Cars and I’m already looking forward to it.”

Praytor's next race will be the Sioux Chief PowerPEX® 200 presented by Jive at Lucas Oil Raceway Friday, July 22.

The event marks the 12^th ARCA appearance at Lucas Oil Raceway since its debut there in 1971. Former ARCA winners at LOR include Ramo Stott, Bob Schacht, Davey Allison, Ty Dillon, Frank Kimmel, Brandon Jones and last year’s winner Travis Braden.

Discounted tickets for the Sioux Chief PowerPEX® 200 are on sale now at several Menards stores in Indiana. The tickets are being offered at $10 off the gate price, and can be purchased up through July 21.

Indiana stores slated to sell the discount tickets include locations in Anderson, Avon, Bloomington, Camby, Carmel, Columbus, Fishers, Fort Wayne East, Fort Wayne South, Fort Wayne West, Greenwood, Indy East, Indy South, Kokomo, Lafayette South, Lebanon, Muncie, Richmond, Terre Haute and West Lafayette.

Raceday Schedule
There are two practice sessions for the Sioux Chief PowerPEX® 200 from 1:35 – 2:20, followed by final practice from 3:00 – 3:45. Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell is at 5:30. Pre-race ceremonies and driver introductions begin at 8:30 with the green flag waving just after 9:00.

Media Coverage
The Sioux Chief PowerPEX® 200 is live on FS1. ARCAracing.com will feature live timing and scoring and live chat of all ARCA Racing Series on-track activities.

Don Radebaugh
dradebaugh@arcaracing.com

 

Team DK-LOK Harvest Top 15 in Iowa Heartland

It’s hard to believe that Newton, Iowa would become known for one of the fastest most versatile short tracks in the country but an area known for crops not cars has cultivated its own field of dreams for teams and drivers from around the globe.

This weekend Iowa hosted the pickup truck, beer and hamburger working man series, ARCA and the limo driven, champagne and caviar crowd of the Indy Car Series, with the fans embracing the best of both worlds.

For team DK-LOK Iowa has not been ones of its best tracks and the slippery multi groove pavement has gotten the better of Thomas “Moose” Praytor who normally enjoys places that are difficult to get around.

“We’ve been OK at Iowa but not good or great and we really worked hard on getting the right setup for our DK-LOK Ford before we left Mobile,” said Praytor. “Our first time on the track our car didn’t want to work right and I really had to rethink the way I was approaching the track. Our second time was like night and day, Iowa and I had come to an understanding.”

In a field stacked full of NASCAR competitors for National TV and an opportunity for a rare Indy Car companion race the DK-LOK Ford would roll off 19^th in a 30 car field.

The start of the ABC Supply 150 presented by Caseys General Store was interesting to say the least with the inside row wrecking before they got to the start finish line.

“They were jacking each other up in front of me and I knew I couldn’t hit the brakes so I got as low and as close to the grass as I could get and fortunately had enough room to get by. After the wild start at Madison that nearly cost us a race car I’ve gotten really jumpy about starts.”

Once the field sorted itself out the ARCA drivers ripped off 86 laps before the first caution, for the Moose he was just getting to know his new friend.

“We raced really raced hard that first segment, you can really take a lap or 2 at Iowa and set a competitor up for a pass. You better be moving though because they can come back just as strong on the outside and someone you thought you had passed is now back door handle to door handle.”

The lap 86 caution was the perfect time for General Tires and Sunoco Fuel. “Our UNOH over the wall guys changed for 4 Generals and put 2 cans of Sunoco fuel in our DK-LOK Ford keeping pace with the best on pit road.”

If the first half of the ABC Supply 150 was fun for the Mobile, Alabama driver the second half would be a blast. “We got tucked in behind Kyle Weatherman who really was the first ARCA driver to use the high high line several years ago and I learned a lot.”

With a lesson from Weatherman the Moose was now rumbling around the 7/8 mile oval planted in the Iowa corn fields. The DK-LOK Ford was at the top of the track the middle of the track or at the bottom, wherever Praytor wanted it to be.

“There were times when my spotter sounded like we were at Daytona, top of 3 (wide), middle of 3, bottom of 3. We just had a great DK-LOK Ford that let me make a lot of moves it was really a fun night.”

With only a couple of cautions the field set a record pace and the DK-LOK Ford returned to the hauler without a scratch and a 15^th place finish.

“Another solid effort by our race team, the guys had great stops and everyone is all pulling in the same direction here just past halfway in the season. It was fun night for me as a driver being able to race so hard in so many different places. There are very few tracks that you can do that on and come out with a whole race car. They announced while we were there that we would be back next year with the Indy Cars and I’m already looking forward to it.”

A weekend off and the ARCA Series will be back at it at Lucas Oil Raceway Park in Indianapolis for the Sioux Chief PowerPex 200 presented by Jive July 22^nd at 8PM CST on Fox Sports 1.

Corn Country Ahead for Praytor and Team DK-LOK

ABC Supply 150 presented by Casey’s General Store: After a much needed weekend off on the Gulf Coast, Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his DK-LOK Team are headed to the Hawkeye State for the only 7/8 mile asphalt track on the tour. “Iowa is really a unique venue, part short track part speedway, lots of ways to get around,” said Praytor. “It is always amazing to see all the corn that is being grown out there. Corn is so big they even have some growing inside the race track.”

Team DK-LOK has had a nice run for the first half of the ARCA season, positioning themselves 6^th in the Championship Standings, just a few points out of the top 5.  “Really felt like our last few races our UNOH team members have really started to come together as a unit and our on track performance has shown it.”

The ABC Supply 150 presented by Casey’s General Store is a 1 day event at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa. The gates open at 7:00 AM Saturday July 9^th, with practice starting at 11:30 AM, qualifying at 3:15 PM followed by the start of the ARCA 150 presented by Casey’s General Store at 8:15 PM. Live timing and scoring at www.ARCARacing.com , there will also be live coverage on Fox Sports 1. Channel Listings for FOX Sports 1 in Mobile area-DIRECTV CH- 219, Mediacom CH- 53, COMCAST CH- 49/241 HD, AT&TU-Verse CH- 652, DISH CH-150.

PRIMARY SPONSOR: DK-LOK Fittings & Valves www.dklokusa.com

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS: G-Force, Nudraulix, REALTOR, Advanced Collision, APS Automotive Painters Supply, Dueitt’s Battery Supply, Airgas, John Thompson & Associates, Judy’s Place, Geer’s Food Market, Campbell, Duke & Campbell, Golden Flake, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, The FEVER Brand, Project Semi Colon and Praytor Realty

ARCA CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING: 6^th 

CAR: Roush Chassis: #RK 306 “Pinky” was the teams work horse chassis in 2015 running in 12 races, the Moose finished 18^th with Pinkie at Iowa last year.

Iowa Speedway:

Max Force Racing Signs Bailey for Seven More Races in 2016

Chris Bailey Jr. will join Mobile, Alabama’s Max Force Racing for seven more races in 2016 beginning this weekend for the ARCA 150 presented by Casey’s General Store at Iowa Speedway.

“Working with the Praytor’s this year has been a lot of fun and we are learning more every outing,” offered Bailey. “We are going to get a lot of opportunities to keep contributing to the program giving input on making cars better.”

In addition to Iowa Speedway Bailey will be behind the wheel at Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200 presented by Jive at Lucas Oil Raceway Park, ModSpace 150 at Pocono Speedway, Berlin ARCA 200 at Berlin Speedway, Eddie Gillstrap Motors Fall Classic presented by Meadow View/Salem At Salem Speedway, SCOTT 150 at Chicagoland Speedway and the Crosley 150 at Kentucky Speedway.

“We are excited to have Chris back with us for the second half of the season,” said Thomas “Moose” Praytor.  “When Chris is at the track it picks up the level of our whole race team.”

About Chris Bailey Jr.: Like most up and coming race car drivers Bailey started at an early age at 9 years old. Bailey won 46 races and 8 Championship in a Go-Kart before moving up to 600 racing cars. Beginning in 2002 Bailey won another 46 races and another 6 Championships including the 2004 Bandolero National Champions. In 2005 Bailey moved to Legends Cars and won 16 races 4 Championships and the Canadian National Championship. Bailey moved in to full body cars in 2007 and won the Rookie of the Year Title at Erie Speedway. Having ranked 4 times in the NASCAR top 500 Bailey moved to the ARCA Truck Series. In his first year Bailey won Rookie of the year honors and the Truck Series Championship. Bailey has been running partial schedules in the ARCA Series presented by Menards and has made two starts for Max Force Racing in 2016.

Coopetition ARCA Style
by Tommy Praytor

After having spent years in the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Xfinity, and the Camping World Truck Series it hit me on Sunday afternoon how truly unique the ARCA Series is.

On Sunday in Winchester Josh Reeves was ready to race but his over the wall crew didn’t show up. Our UNOH crew volunteered and went over the wall for him as well as pitting the #9 of Thomas “Moose” Praytor.

That may seem strange to most but the previous week in Madison, Josh’s day ended early and he (Reeves carrying for the 9) climbed out of his car and was carrying tires for the Moose. We were the ones short that week.

While I was watching our team pitting the 42 I started thinking of all the swaps, trades, exchanges and borrows that occurred at or leading up to Winchester.

Let’s start with the 27 of AJ Fike, they broke a transmission in the last practice and didn’t have a spare. We loaned them one we had gotten from Venturini Motorsports in the off season.

Speaking of Venturini, Big Bill delivered a nice set of used tires we used for the race. Big Bill wants everyone to think he’s a big wheeler dealer but in fact he has one of the softest hearts on the tour. There are lot of us low budget teams that rely on Venturini Motorsport for parts, pieces and you name it. Venturini gave Thomas one of his first ARCA start opportunities 5 years ago that gave me a chance to talk to Wayne Hixson about Daytona the next year in the spotters stand.

That conversation led to Thomas driving for Hixson for 2 years and really gave us the ability to get where we are today. Wayne’s 2 entries this weekend were both cars Thomas had driven while at Hixson’s. We had trailer troubles on the way up and Wayne was one of the first to offer a hand. Talking about Wayne leads me to Wayne Peterson.

Our trailer broke down just south of Nashville in Peterson’s back yard, he has us hooked up with a tire guy to get reloaded for Iowa. Two weeks ago in Michigan we got a sweet deal on tires because the manager of the store was friends with Peterson’s driver, Con Nicolopoulus.

Chase Storch ran our 23 car at Winchester, nick name Bubba. We got Bubba from Corey Dueser who made his first start in the ARCA Series this past weekend for Mark Rette. Come to find out Bubba was originally a Kimmel car.

This year’s Fathers Day was spent in Madison, last year’s was spent with the Kimmels in Indiana. If you want a good time have all the Kimmels in one spot and wait for the ice cream. This past weekend Will Kimmel made a rare start for Cunningham Motorsports.

Most folks don’t know that Cunningham supplied our team with our first set of owner’s points to get us in the race at Daytona 2 years ago. This wasn’t the first time we’ve worked together either, as part of the Outdoor Channel we sponsored a Cunningham car way back in 2000 and 2001.

Speaking of way back, not many drivers go back to 1988 but Brad Smith does. We ran our first second car this year at Daytona, it was an honor to have Brad behind the wheel. What a comeback story and last week he cracked the top 10 in points.

Speaking of 10’s no one had worse luck at the track last week than the 10 of Dick Doheny driving for Andy Hillenburg. For the last 2 weeks I think Dick has spent more time working on our motors than he has working on his own.  Of course you can’t talk about Fast Track without mentioning David “Niccapano” King. He is always picking up and delivering for our race team, just this weekend he brought a set of hero cards to the track for Thomas. Of course you have to feed him. The PR part of this deal is nonstop, just ask 2 time winner Josh Williams.

Josh uses our Live At Track Tweeting service and with this season he has gotten over 3 million views while chasing a Championship. In the middle of all that his race team bailed us out with a motor delivered overnight to Michigan by Alabama’s Mike Harmon.

Alabama has made a real charge in the Series this year. We are helping Brett Holmes keep his number going while he prepares for his rookie season next year. Then there is start up Jent Motorsports with Dustin Knowles another Alabamian in the top 10.

Just about every team in the garage has made a delivery to us at the race track none bigger than Donnie Richardson with Ken Schraders team. Donnie brought us a car from the body hanger in North Carolina and took another back with him.

The last couple of weeks Mike Basham has been our personal chauffer. Having the big rig so far from home we’ve needed transportation to and from the track. Mike’s truck has been the perfect place for our luggage. The big plus he doesn’t take money, thank goodness his Dad isn’t with him or it would have been costly. Thinking about Darrell (Basham) hurry up and get well, we miss you and Sandy at the track.

Talking about Dad’s is the perfect intro to the final paragraph and the only team that hasn’t been mentioned in this story, Mason Mitchell Motorsports. I just want to again thank Russ Mitchell for being in the ARCA Series because as long as Russ is in the Series, I’m the second worst Dad.

Winchester Solidifies Teams 6^th Spot in Championship Chase

After 5 consecutive weeks of travel about as far North as you can get from Mobile, Alabama Thomas “Moose” Praytor were looking for an easy week going to Winchester for the Herrs Potato Chips 200, it didn’t happen.

On Thursday the team was going through the final check of the Project Semi Colon/DK-LOK Ford and found the motor had water pouring out of the exhaust.

“Really surprising and disappointing, we checked the motor out early in the week and it was all good. After we put all of the front end back together we wanted to check it out one more time and with everything hooked up it just didn’t hold up. On Monday bad head gaskets are a problem on Thursday it’s a disaster.”

A 911 call to James Patrick at Professional Engine and everyone went to work. Motor out, broken down and the heads went to machine shop, by 5 AM the motor was back in and by 11AM the team was in route to Winchester. Thinking the worst was behind them.

At 9PM the hauler started blowing tires and by 10 the team was at a complete stand still looking for trailer tires on a Friday night.

Another 911 call to Quinton at Trailer World in Lexington, Kentucky and the guys were opening up the doors at midnight to get the team some spares. By 4 AM on Saturday the team was back on the road to Winchester, the problem was they were still 8 hours away and they should be checking at 8 AM.

Proving that your story is never over the team pulled in the race track at 1 and made the final practice at 2:20 and qualified 12^th for the Herr’s Potato Chips 200.

Speaking of teams having a tough weekend the 42 Crosley Brands car driven by Josh Reeves was ready to race but the pit crew set for the weekend was a no show. Our UNOH kids stepped up and volunteered to pit both cars.

About the only part of the weekend that did go to plan was the race. The Project Semi Colon Ford performed under green with the biggest issue being the heat. Prior to the race the track surface was recorded at 129 degrees.

The crew was doing double duty and pitted the Moose first, 4 General Tires and Fuel then hopped down a stall pitting Josh Reeves, 4 General Tires and Fuel, both cars down and away without losing their positions.

“What a week, just so many obstacles to overcome, we couldn’t have done it without a lot of friends not just in Mobile but up and down I-65. We had a great Project Semi Colon Ford, congratulations to Chase Briscoe he was the man all weekend. Our guys had great stops probably the best we’ve had all year. Josh finished 1 spot ahead of us so maybe we should have slowed them down some (laughing). Another solid day, looking forward to the weekend off.”

The ARCA Series has the weekend off before heading to Iowa Speedway.

 

 

Moose Cuts Wisconsin Cheese to 9^th at Madison

After a year off, the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards returned to Madison International Speedway for the Montgomery Ward Father’s Day 200. The Wisconsin based track has been voted one of the best in the country and the fans poured in for some Father’s Day racing.

After a 27 hour trip up from Mobile Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his team had “Carlos”, Chassis #500, ready to go at the track that most resembles Mobile International Speedway on the tour.

“We were one of the few teams that had been to Madison and we really had a nice Project Semi Colon Ford in the first practice.”

Up on the spotters stand 8-time Daytona winning crew chief, Billy Gerhardt was standing next to Praytor’s spotter and offered some advice. “When Billy Gerhardt is trying to help you, you listen. Mr. Billy saw something in the attitude of the car and we made his changes and it really came to life.” The Project Semi Colon Ford would roll off 12^th.

The Montgomery Ward 200 was almost over before it started for team Project Semi Colon. When they waved the green flag to start the race the driver in front of the Moose didn’t. “I think he was over my hood pins before I could even think about stopping.”

The nose of the Project Semi Colon Ford was crushed and the hood was hanging on by a thread. The first job was to get air into the air box to cool the motor, the second job was to make sure the hood stayed on.

After multiple stops the team had the Moose band aided up while keeping him on the lead lap and sent him back out.

Most of the band aids worked but the motor was still a shade hotter than the team wanted and at the next caution took the rest of the tape off the nose. The motor cooled off and the Project Semi Colon Ford was cutting through the field.

The Montgomery Ward 200 made a long green flag run and the race became one of attrition as much as speed in the heat. Conserving brakes, motors and driver became as important as going fast. You can’t have a good finish if you don’t finish.

“Conserving is not one of the things I like to do but it has gotten to be a regular deal here lately. You could tell the guys who pushed too hard too soon and we picked them off as the race wore on.”

When the checkered flag finally flew the Project Semi Colon Ford had moved all the way up to 9^th, the teams best finish of 2016.

“Happy Fathers Day to all our racing Dads, we’ve a got a lot of Dads in the garage that take care of all us. A solid day for our team, proud to have Amy Bleuel and her Project Semi Colon on the car with us this weekend. Amy lost her Dad to suicide and has been an advocate for suicide prevention ever since, perfect day for them to be at track. We’ve got a lot of work to do to this week to get to Winchester.

Pictures: Praytor and Bleuel with Project Semi Colon Ford.

Big Crowd at Madison International Speedway

Crushed hood and air box on Carlos

Praytor racing with Will Kimmel late in the Montgomery Ward 200

 

Madison’s Return-Venturini  Flashback for Praytor

Montgomery Ward Father’s Day 200, Madison International Speedway: A strong run at Michigan in the Corrigan Oil 200 pushed the Moose, Thomas Praytor in to the 6^th spot in the ARCA Championship Standings. Five years ago Praytor had one of his first ARCA starts for Venturini Motorsports at Madison. “I can still see Mr. Bill (Venturini) working on and under my car, it was just me and him with my Dad spotting. The Venturinis really gave me a lot of confidence and are a big part of why we are here today. What a great time.”

Madison is returning to the ARCA Schedule this season and Praytor is one of a few drivers competing that have ever been to the half mile oval in Wisconsin. “Madison is a lot like Mobile and I’ve always have had fun there, now we’ve had some weird things happen to us there. I think the lug nut getting caught in between the rotor and brake caliper ranked way up there.”

This week not only will the Moose being competing but he will be hosting the founder of Project Semi Colon, Amy Bleuel with her guest and employees. The Mooses’ #9 Car will have a different look in Madison then what fans are used too. The DK-LOK Ford will carry the Project Semi Colon on the hood at the Montgomery Ward Father’s Day 200 at Madison International Speedway.

MEET THE MOOSE: Meet the Moose in Madison at the Montgomery Ward Father’s Day 200 on Sunday June 19^th from 12:00 Noon to 1:00PM on the front stretch.

The Montgomery Ward Father’s Day 200 is a two day event with practice Saturday June 18^th 12:30-1:15 followed by final practice from 1:45-2:30 p.m. Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell at 4:00 p.m. Race day will be Sunday June 19^th with the Green Flag at 2:00PM CST. The Montgomery Ward Father’s Day 200 will be broadcast live on the American Sports Network (ASN). Race fans can also see the live broadcast at AmericanSportsNet.com. Coverage on ASN at Madison begins at 2:00 p.m. local Central time. With live timing and scoring at www.ARCARacing.com .

PRIMARY SPONSORS: Project Semi Colon www.projectsemicolon.org DK-LOK Fittings & Valves www.dklokusa.com

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS: G-Force, Nudraulix, REALTOR, Advanced Collision, APS Automotive Painters Supply, Dueitt’s Battery Supply, Airgas, John Thompson & Associates, Judy’s Place, Geer’s Food Market, Campbell, Duke & Campbell, Golden Flake, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, The FEVER Brand and Praytor Realty

ARCA CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING: 6^th

CAR: Roush Chassis #500 “Carlos”-Chassis 500 is named for Carlos Lira at Lira Motorsports where the car came from. Carlos has become the Moose’s favorite short track car and was even used on the road course in New Jersey. Praytor’s DK-LOK Ford is powered by Roush Yates Ford Motors.

Madison International Speedway:

Length: 0.5 Mile Paved Oval with 12 and 13 degree banking with 4 degree straight

Project Semi Colon: Over the last 3 years Amy and the Semi Colon have swept the nation as they are currently partnered several foundations such as Dignity Revolution, Honor Without Limits, Gallant Few, You Rock Foundation, and What’s Your Word. They have also been featured in People Magazine, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, and MTV.

Omni Fitness Becomes Training Center for Moose and Max Force Racing

Omni Health & Fitness Center has become an official partner for Thomas “Moose” Praytor and Max Force Racing. Omni is a fitness center with over many locations throughout the country with thousands of members, with Omni Mobile becoming the training center for the Moose and members of the Max Force Team.

“I could not ask for a better team to represent our gym then Max Force, The Moose has been in and out of here from time to time but to have him as an active ambassador for our facility really does make me happy and pumped for us to change the fitness lifestyle in our community,” offered Omni Manager Derek Barefoot.

Omni is the largest fitness facility in Mobile bosting over 40,000 square feet of space for their members. Omni’s mission is to create a stronger and faster Max Force team while promoting a life style change in the community.

“It’s really cool to have Omni, on board with our Mobile based team,” said Praytor. “Most people don’t realize how physically demanding our sport is, having a good workout program is the building block of success on the race track.”

Omni offers classes and training area for everyone in the gym to uses as well as training sessions.  Trainer Andrew Vickers, “Thomas and I have trained for some time and his results have been incredible. It’s going to be a thrill to have him and the team training with us.”

Omni offers corporate specials as well as family packages making them the choice gym in the Mobile Area. For more information on Omni Fitness and Health Center visit http://www.omnihealthandfitness.com/ or call Derek Barefoot (251) 380- 9224

Omni Health & Fitness Center:  Omni was establised in 2006, Omni Health and Fitness is a gym for everyone. No matter your fitness level, personal goals, or type of workout you want, Omni has what you need. We offer a 43,000 square foot facility, a full service child care area, a 1400 square foot private ladies only room, a group fitness studio, an 800 square foot barre room, an advanced boot camp room, a yoga and pilates studio, a massive cardio-cinema room, 75 pieces of cycling equipment, and 75 pieces of cardio equipment. We also offer a 23,000 square foot main workout floor comprised of over 150 pieces of life fitness and hammer strength machines and of 30,000 pounds of free weights. Whatever you are looking for in a gym, whatever your fitness goals are, Omni Health and Fitness is the place for you.

 

 

 Praytor Teams with Project Semi Colon for Madison

Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his DK-LOK Team are joining forces with Project Semicolon for the Montgomery Wards Father’s Day 200 at Madison International Speedway.

Project Semicolon is a global non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and love for those struggling with mental illness, suicide, addiction and self-injury.

“In the last couple of years all of our lives have been touched by friends, family members, and acquaintances that have either suffered from anxiety, depression or we lost to suicide. Our Social Media team, Hayley (Praytor) and Whtiney (Patterson) have championed this project from the beginning,” offered team owner, Tommy Praytor. “Saving just one life, changing just one life, reaching that one person is what we are after but if you know our girls it will be more than one,”

Project Semicolon was founded in 2013 by Amy Bleuel who wanted to honor her father that she lost tragically to suicide. Finding her inspiration to fight mental illness, led Amy to sharing her testimony across the country as a motivational speaker.

“Mental Illness affects people of many demographics. Through Motorsports we are able to reach a demographic that is hit harder than most and one that has a difficult time in seeking out help.” said Amy Bleuel. “We are excited about being involved with the Moose and his race team.” 

Praytor and the #9 Project Semicolon Ford will be racing the Montgomery Ward Father’s Day 200 on June 19th at 2:00 pm CDT.  The race will be streamed live on American Sports Network.

About Project Semicolon: Over the last 3 years Amy and the Semi-Colon have swept the nation as they are currently partnered several foundations such as Dignity Revolution, Honor Without Limits, Gallant Few, The You Rock Foundation, and MyIntent. They have also been featured in People Magazine, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, and MTV. In January of 2016, Project Semicolon was recognized by Rodale Inc. on the Rodale 100. The Rodale 100 recognizes 100 people, products, companies, and organizations positively impacting the world.

 

Pit Strategy Nets 14^th-Praytor Up to 6^th In Championship

After saving fuel in Pocono reaped a top 20 finish in a stacked field Team DK-LOK went back to work for their short 2 days in the shop getting ready for Corrigan Oil 200 at Michigan International Speedway.

“Off the trailer our DK-LOK Ford was the best we have ever had at Michigan. We learned a lot testing and racing at Pocono on how our cars would adapt to the new General Tire on the down force tracks,” offered Thomas “Moose” Praytor. “General has come with a really good tire that has been very durable and it has made it easy for us to make the switch over.”

All was going to plan until the final session of practice when the DK-LOK Ford cracked a piston. Instead of an easy morning on Friday the team was humping to make a motor change. A motor that didn’t get to Michigan until Friday morning.

“Really have to give a big shout out to Josh Williams Motorsports for helping with another motor. Of course it’s never simple, by the time we got settled Josh and his team had left for Michigan and we had to lean on some friends in North Carolina to get it to us. Alabama’s Mike Harmon in the Xfinity Series, actually brought it to the track Friday morning.”

Under the gun, the team swapped the motors and prepared the DK-LOK Ford for qualifying and had it ready to go when qualifying was cancelled. The field was set by practice speeds and the Moose would roll off 20^th.

Michigan International Speedway is a fun place, rivaling Talladega Superspeedways infield for a party. With qualifying not happening the Moose and teammate Chris Bailey started making the hospitality rounds. An autograph session in the fan zone led to a little fun time for the drivers in the kids club.
 

The Michigan Valve Folks had a big party happening in the suite (see above) and was the perfect preamble to 200 miles in the Corrigan Oil 200.

“Dave (Maddox) and his folks at Michigan Valve have always been big supporters of our DK-LOK Team. Its fun catching up with the gang and they always pump me up before we go racing.”

Speaking of going racing the DK-LOK Ford lined up 20^th in a fast field for the Corrigan 200 and the Moose took off with the lead pack. With a caution on lap 26 Praytor wheeled his DK-LOK Ford to pit road for 4 General Tires and Sunoco Fuel.

Another caution on lap 43 let the team play a little pit strategy to try and improve their finish. With the one to go signal before going green the Pit Box called the DK-LOK Ford back to pit road to top off with Sunoco Fuel.

“With Tab (Boyd) spotting for us that gives the Boss a lot of time to watch what is happening and he figured the race was looking like it was going green to the end. Don’t ask me how he knows these things but we started saving fuel when we back green again.”

Basically, the Moose was trying to go over 110 miles on a tank of fuel and everyone was doubtful that the DK-LOK Ford could go the distance but the Boss was adamant.

The strategy was really 2 sided with fuel being one part, the other was trapping those competitors multiple laps down that pitted on lap 26 who would have to come in under green to get fuel. Once they were trapped, if needed the DK-LOK Ford could come down for a splash of gas without losing 10 positions.

“Tab was calling out lap times from the roof and it was hard not going wide open but the plan was going our way. As guys were running out of gas we were moving up.”

The DK-LOK Ford had moved up to 13^th and with 2 to go she started to run dry and the Moose came for a splash of Sunoco only losing one spot on the track and finishing 14^th. (Racing with winner Brandon Jones)

“Everything went our way today after a really long couple of weeks. Our guys had great stops all day and we had a great finish. It was a solid points day moving our DK-LOK team up to 6^th in the Championship. Looking forward to going back to Madison.”

Next up, Montgomery Ward Father’s Day 200 at Madison International Speedway on Sunday at 2:00 CST. TV coverage live on American Sport Network.

 

Michigan Valve Making Suite Time at Michigan

Dave Maddox, Michigan Valve with his family at the track.

Corrigan Oil 200 at Michigan International Speedway:  After a week in the Poconos Thomas Moose Praytor and his DK-LOK Team are off to the Irish Hills of Michigan for the 4^th race in 21 days. Michigan is home track for crew chief Adam Lowe and also home to DK-LOK Distributor Michigan Valve and Fittings. “We’ve had a lot of fun with Mr. Dave (Maddox) and his group from Michigan Valve over the years and they are fun to have at the track,” said Praytor. “Last year we left Pocono and spent the week with them working on our Michigan car at their shop in Chesterfield, Michigan. Really great people can’t wait to be with them again at Michigan.” Michigan Valve and Fitting will be on the DK-LOK Ford at Michigan and Berlin. Team DK-LOK is looking for another solid effort in Michigan, a track that the Moose scored one of his first top 10s at.

MEET THE MOOSE: Meet the Moose at the Corrigan Oil 200 at Michigan at track on Friday June 10^th, Michigan Valve Pit Tour 2:30, 3:00PM-ARCA Racing Series Driver Autograph Session and 4:30 in the Michigan Valve Suite.

The Corrigan Oil 200 is a 2 day event with Tech and practice on Thursday June 9^th, followed by, Qualifying and Race at 4:45PM CST on Friday June 10^th at Michigan International Speedway. The Corrigan Oil 200 will have live coverage on Friday June 10^th on Fox Sports 1. This race will be televised live on Fox Sports 1, Channels in Mobile Comcast/Xfinity 49/241HD, Mediacom 52, Direct TV 219, Dish 150, AT&T Uverse 652. Live timing and scoring at www.ARCARacing.com .

PRIMARY SPONSOR: DK-LOK Fittings & Valves www.dklokusa.com

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS: G-Force, Nudraulix, REALTOR, Advanced Collision, APS Automotive Painters Supply, Dueitt’s Battery Supply, Airgas, John Thompson & Associates, Judy’s Place, Geer’s Food Market, Campbell, Duke & Campbell, Golden Flake, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, The FEVER Brand and Praytor Realty

ARCA CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING: 7^th

CAR: Roush Chassis RK 306- Chassis 306 made it’s first start in 2016 for the team last week at Pocono. A designated down force car 306 has done double duty for the Moose at the short tracks and was the teams most used chassis in 2015.  

Michigan International Speedway:

Length: 2.0 Miles

Banking: Turns 18 degrees, Start/Finish 12 degrees, Backstretch 5 degrees

 

Pit Strategy Nets Team DK-LOK Top 20 at Pocono

After a short race in New Jersey and even shorter turnaround for testing at Pocono Raceway, Team DK-LOK and the Moose, Thomas Praytor were headed back to the one of their favorite tracks on the tour.

Testing on Tuesday for the General Tire #anywhereispossible 200 was not a complete disaster but it was close. The motor in the car being tested for Chris Bailey Jr. blew up and had to be replaced. The team spent all day trying to make the Moose’s DK-LOK Ford turn but that wasn’t happening either.

During Thursdays practice the Moose’s DK-LOK Ford blew its motor, making us 2 for 2 on motors for the week. “Really proud of my team, we overcame a lot of adversity last week. Couldn’t have done it without Dick Doheny’s help,” said Praytor.

The DK-LOK Ford was supposed to roll off 24^th but because of the motor change would have to take up the tail end of the 36 car field filled with NASCAR teams and drivers.

The team made another set of changes to the DK-LOK Ford and took up shotgun on the field. With the drop of the green flag the Moose was rumbling and had his DK-LOK Ford up from 36^th to 17^th in the first 7 laps.

“After days of struggling to make our DK-LOK Ford turn we finally hit on some things and she was moving.”

Under caution on lap 27 Praytor brought his DK-LOK Ford to pit road for 4 fresh General Tires and a load of Sunoco Fuel. The team made a great stop and sent the Moose back out staying on the lead lap.

With a short green flag run and a caution at lap 34 the calculators were burning up on pit road figuring fuel mileage. “The Boss said we could make it and I think he was the only one that thought we could so we went for it.”

Back under green Praytor was doing something he had never done in his racing career, conserve fuel. “It was really weird not going all out but about 90%. Our spotter, Tab Boyd, was calling out lap times to make sure we stayed close to pace and we kept digging.”

Lap after lap competitors came to pit road for fuel, then as the race wound down they started to run out of fuel. The DK-LOK Ford kept perking.

“I was sweating every lap just waiting for the fuel pressure to flutter. Coming off the tunnel turn on the last lap it finally fluttered, I wiggled it for a little more juice and then she finally gave out.”

While the DK-LOK Ford was now out of gas the strategy paid off with Praytor being the last car on the track that was still racing, the dead stick Ford coasted around the final turn and across the stripe for a 20th place finish.

“Could have been the hardest we’ve ever worked for a 20^th place finish but everything went our way today against a stout field of cars. Congratulations to Grant Enfinger on winning with the Holmes in the 23, always happy to make a trip to victory lane to congratulate Grant.”

Another short week for the DK-LOK Team in Mobile with the Corrigan Oil 200 at Michigan Speedway Friday, live on Fox Sports 1.

Picture: Crew Chief Adam Lowe being interviewed for a special video on arcaracing.com.

Alabama Gang Reunion at Tricky Triangle

Pocono Speedway, General Tire #AnywhereIsPossible 200 : After a disappointing outing at New Jersey Motorsport Park, Thomas “Moose” Praytor and his DK-LOK team were testing at the  “Tricky Triangle” on Tuesday. We had a good test learned a lot gained a second from when we unloaded but we still have a lot of work to do.”

#anywhereispossible 200 marks the return of Alabama Gang Member and Defending ARCA Champion Grant Enfinger. “Looking forward to having Grant and his group back at the track again this weekend. We’ve always worked well together and Grant is a threat to win every time he is in an ARCA car.”

Pocono marks the first of the downforce tracks to be followed by Michigan next week. “Pocono is one of my favorite tracks, it’s so much fun to drive and the speed is wild. We’re continuing to work on our car all week trying break in the top 10 at Pocono.”

The General Tire #AnywhereIsPossible 200 is a 2 day event at Pocono Raceway. With Thursday being a full day of practice and Friday taking to the track for Qualifying and dropping the Green Flag at 4:45 CST. Live timing and scoring for practice, qualifying and the race will be on ARCARacing.com. This race will be televised live on Fox Sports 1, Channels in Mobile Comcast/Xfinity 49/241HD, Mediacom 52, Direct TV 219, Dish 150, AT&T Uverse 652.

PRIMARYSPONSOR: DK-LOK Fittings & Valves www.dklokusa.com

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS: G-Force, Nudraulix, REALTOR, Advanced Collision, APS Automotive Painters Supply, Dueitt’s Battery Supply, Airgas, John Thompson & Associates, Judy’s Place, Geer’s Food Market, Campbell, Duke & Campbell, Golden Flake, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, The FEVER Brand and Praytor Realty

ARCA CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING: 7^th

CAR: Roush Chassis: Roush #306. 306 was made as a downforce car but became the teams workhorse last year starting in 9 of 20 races.

What to Watch For: Fridays race is all about raw speed with a possible fuel mileage run coming in to play.

Pocono Raceway:

Length 2.5 Miles

Banking: Turn 1: 14 degrees/ Turn 2: 8 degrees/ Turn 3: 6 degrees

 

Bailey to Pilot Max Force Entries at Pocono and Michigan

Golden Flake Returns With the Moose in 2016

Birmingham based Golden Flake Snack Foods will return to Thomas “Moose” Praytor’s DK-LOK Ford for its Ninth consecutive season in 2016.

“We’ve been with the Moose since his late model days, he and his team have done a great job in making the Souths Original Potato Chip the Fastest Potato Chip In the South,” offered Golden Flake Manager of Sales Operations, Chris Crosby. ”We found in the last couple of years when we open a new market Thomas has already raced in the market making it easier to get our foot in the door. We’re looking forward to another great year!”

“In Alabama Golden Flake is an institution! From Bear Bryant to Talladega Superspeedway Golden Flake has associated itself with the biggest and best names and we are very fortunate to have them with us again in 2016,” said Praytor. “As we continue to grow our racing operation out of Mobile, Alabama, we are proud to have a great Alabama company like Golden Flake with us. 

Thomas “Moose” Praytor and the DK-LOK team will be opening at Daytona International Speedway on February 13th to the start the 2016 ARCA season.

ABOUT GOLDEN FLAKE: Golden Flake Snack Foods is a wholly owned subsidiary of Golden Enterprises, Inc. The Birmingham, Alabama based company was founded in 1923 and is publicly traded on the NASDAQ exchange, symbol GLDC. Golden Flake is a leading snack food supplier in the Southeast and is the official chip of Talladega Superspeedway, Auburn University, University of Alabama, and the Sunbelt Conference. For more information visit www.goldenflake.com.

Patterson Joins Marketing Effort

Whitney Patterson has joined the Marketing Team working with the NASCAR K & N Mobile 150 presented by Mobile Sports Authority and Team DK-LOK Racing based out of Mobile, Alabama.

Patterson is from Ashville, Alabama and a graduate of the University of South Alabama Communications and Public Relations Department. In her Senior year at USA Patterson interned for the ARCA Mobile 200 and Max Force Racing. After graduation Patterson moved to the West Coast to join the West Regal Marketing Solutions Team adding valuable real life experience to her already broad based marketing talents.

“Whitney really helped us build our race program when we signed DK-LOK for Thomas in 2014,” said Tommy Praytor. “We hated to lose her to California and I had to Facebook stalk her for over a year before I could convince her to come to work with us. Bringing NASCAR to Mobile is a huge opportunity for Mobile and Whitney’s talents will help the Mobile 150 become a success.”

“I had a great time working with Tommy while I was at South and felt like I needed to be in California to pursue big dreams. I learned a lot on the west coast but it just wasn’t for me,” offered Patterson. “Anybody that knows Tommy knows he can sell an ice cube to an Eskimo and he convinced me Mobile was better than California. I’m happy to be back, Mobile is a great place and I still have a lot of friends here.”

While at USA Patterson was part of the team bringing the “Dragon” Boat Project to Mobile and she also worked with the Greater Gulf State Fair. Patterson is an avid volley player.

She can be contacted at: 251-343-2929 whitneyzpatterson@aol.com, and www.linkedin.com/pub/whitney-patterson