China Grove, NC (February 6, 2009) – Speedweeks for R3 Motorsports is going to be a very busy one at both the “big” and “small” tracks. Especially when they have rolled four haulers down to the Daytona Beach, Fla. area to take part in four different divisions of racing at two different tracks.
Rob Fuller, a minority owner of the burgeoning race team, is overseeing the building of two No. 23 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars for the Daytona 500 and two No. 23 NASCAR Nationwide Series cars for that race. The team is also fielding a No. 7ny NASCAR Whelen Modified for Ryan Newman to drive at New Smyrna (Fla) Speedway and a No. 17 Modified for Fuller himself at the track near Daytona International Speedway.
The team is committed to a full-time NASCAR Nationwide Series season with Kevin Butler III and Robert Richardson, Jr. sharing time in the No. 23 Aaron’s Rents/Mahinda Tractors Chevrolet. Mike Skinner will drive the first five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in the No. 23 Chevrolet. After the fifth race, the team will assess where they are and take it from there.
That type of commitment would drive a full-sized team crazy. But, the R3 gang is also tackling the Modified aspect for Speedweeks. There is only question left to ask Fuller – why?
Rob Fuller: “We started out on a limited basis with the Nationwide car last year,” Fuller said. “We made the Daytona 500 with John Andretti driving a car I headed up last year, so we figured we’d try it again with our R3 guys.
“None of this, and I mean none of this would be possible without the faith and backing from the great folks at Aaron’s, the people at Mahinda Tractors and Robert Richardson, Sr.
“Our shop is filled with racers – guys who are here for the pure pleasure of racing and the desire to compete. When we set our goals for 2009, we already had the Modifieds built and ready to roll. Ryan Newman is driving a Mod owned by Kevin “Bono” Manion (crew chief for Martin Truex, Jr.) and I own the one I’m driving. We just keep and work on them here at R3 Motorsports.
“The Cup cars were a huge undertaking and when I asked the guys if they were up to the challenge with all the cars – everyone just smiled. So, off to Daytona we go.”
Figuring in the mix is Richard “Slugger” Labbe overseeing the on-floor efforts as crew chief. Already a Daytona 500 with Michael Waltrip’s 2003 victory when he drove for Dale Earnhardt, Inc., Labbe feels good about what R3 Motorsports is doing and where they are headed.
Slugger Labbe: “It’s pretty amazing what Rob has been slowly, and quietly, putting together at this shop. I’ve known him since our DEI days and he branched out on his own with the Draco (Spring Mfg. Co.) deal. He has been very successful with them and now he’s starting to build something big here, too.
“My team (Bill Davis Racing) shut down at the end of last year and I became available to help. I didn’t hesitate to jump in and start building cars. Almost every guy in this shop is a familiar face to me in one way or another. We have all given it everything to do Daytona the right way. I just hope it shows up on the track – or should I say tracks.
“Skinner is a veteran driver and that’s what we wanted for our Cup deal. He’s pretty good on the plate tracks and I look forward to working with him. Richardson, Jr. and KB3 (Butler III) are two young guys and have been very receptive to what we’ve been doing here night and day. They come here to help or hang out and I know that makes the guys work even harder.
“It’s going to be fun to see how this team grows this year.”
R3 Motorsports is comprised of Rob Fuller, Robert Richardson, Sr. and Robert Richardson, Jr.
About Mahindra USA Tractors: Mahindra USA Tractors, makers of some of the world’s most rugged and reliable compact tractors, utility tractors and full-size tractors. Since 1963, we've been building heavy-duty farm tractors and farm equipment that outperforms the competition, combining a quality-built tractor with the biggest bang for your buck. Our ultimate goal is to provide you with a superior performing tractor and unparalleled owner support, from the Dealer level - to Mahindra Corporate offices. Mahindra Tractors corporate offices are located in Tomball, Texas. Visit their website at www.mahindrausa.com
About Aaron’s: Aaron based in Atlanta, GA currently has more than 1,535 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada for the rental and sale of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics, computers and household appliances. The Company also manufactures furniture, bedding and accessories at 12 facilities in five states.
Aaron's stores offer customers access to high quality furniture, appliances, electronics and computers for sale or on a lease-ownership arrangement. Customers have the option of buying their merchandise for an attractive cash price, or opting to lease their merchandise for even greater payment flexibility. With a lease option, customers make modest monthly payments and have the immediate use of the items they need without waiting for credit checks or other delays. Plus, Aaron's will take care of delivery, set-up, repairs and more for the duration of a customer's lease. Visit their website at www.shopaarons.com