ML Motorsports Enters Justin Diercks For Daytona ARCA 200

WARSAW IN (1-26-06) - Midwest-based ML Motorsports has filed an entry for the 43rd annual Daytona ARCA 200 with Iowa native Justin Diercks listed as the driver.

Diercks was just signed on by Robert Yates Racing to compete in the NASCAR Busch Series in 2006. But first things first, and that means getting Diercks some superspeedway experience in the ARCA RE/MAX Series at Daytona.

After competing in the NASCAR Busch Series in selected events during the latter part of 2005, ML Motorsports began looking for opportunities of experienced support in the series to help the team obtain the best possible information to improve their program.

“I believe this is an ideal fit for both organizations (MLM & RYR),” said MLM President Ed Mullen. “Justin needs as much seat time as he can get this year, and we want to be there absorbing as much as we can for the betterment of our future in the NASCAR Busch Series.”

Last weekend, Diercks joined ML Motorsports at Talladega Superspeedway to test for the upcoming Daytona ARCA 200. “I had high hopes of doing a good job and getting comfortable with the car and crew going into the test,” said Diercks. “Every adjustment we made we got faster which gave me a lot more confidence going into Daytona, knowing that we have a solid race car.

“I’m very excited about working with this group of guys. They remind me a lot of my team back at home; they’re laid back, fun to be around, yet get down to business and work hard when it needs to be done. This year is going to be great, having the support from Robert Yates and all the background experience this team has. It’s going to be a solid year for all of us.”

Diercks began his driving career at the age of nine, racing at area dirt and asphalt go-kart tracks in Davenport, Iowa. In 1997, Diercks followed in his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps becoming a third generation late model driver, and took his first checkered flag at the age of 17. In 1998, Diercks set his sights on the NASCAR-sanctioned late model competition, earning Rookie of the Year honors in what used to be called the RE/MAX Challenge Series.

From 1999 to 2002, Diercks forged ahead in the series finishing in the top ten in points each year and collectively winning 4 races, 2 Bud Pole awards, and title of NASCAR RE/MAX Series Most Improved Driver. In 2003, Diercks competed in the NASCAR International Trucks and Engines Midwest Series and Cedar Rapids Late Model division.
In 2004, Diercks moved into the NASCAR AutoZone Elite / Midwest Series where he became the second youngest champion in the series with six series wins, 11 top-5s and 13 top-10s. NASCAR Nextel Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth is the youngest champion. 2005 proved to be no different as Diercks earned his second championship in the series catching the eye of Robert Yates Racing.

ML Motorsports is tentatively planning its 2006 season carefully, kicking the season off with the Daytona ARCA 200 on February 11th with plans to ease into the NASCAR Busch Series.

“We want Justin to gain as much experience and confidence as he can before we just go jumping into races. His comfort level is going to be key to how we run our schedule this year,” added Mullen. “We’re very excited about having him aboard; he’s an excellent young man who’s proved to us already that he wants to make the most of this opportunity.”

ML Motorsports has 6 wins in ARCA RE/MAX Series competition, two with Jason Jarrett at the helm and four with Chad Blount.

CONTACT: Christie Smith, csmith@mlracing.com