(China Grove, NC) February 10, 2009 – After two long months of the off-season spent in the quiet wilds of Texas hunting and fishing, Robert Richardson, Jr. is ready to hear the noise of the crowds of the Daytona International Speedway when the green flag drops on the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series season on Saturday.
“With a new sponsor on board this season, I’m ready to climb behind the wheel of my No. 23 Mahindra Tractors car and put some heat on its tires. The off-season was a great time for me to relax and get away from the noisiness of the track,” said Richardson. “But, I am ready to get this season underway. Nothing beats the deafening roar of the fans once they hear those famous NASCAR words, ‘Drivers, start your engines!’ There is a feeling you get when you hear it, it sends chills up my spine. “
Backed by Mahindra Tractors, Richardson is primed to tackle the high banking of the 2.5 mile trioval of Daytona International Speedway.
“Racing at Daytona is an almost indescribable experience,” said Richardson. “First, it is the world center of racing, I am incredibly lucky to get to go racing here. Second, when the green flag drops, the crowd roars and you go three wide into turn two, the track becomes like a dream. You have to be mentally prepared and ready for about anything that could happen out there on a superspeedway. My crew has been working so hard in the shop getting the No. 23 Mahindra Tractors car ready to go. I just want to make my team and my sponsor proud out there on the track by bringing home a strong performance.” Richardson enters into his third Nationwide Series season when the R3 Motorsports team loads the hauler and heads to sunny Daytona Beach, Florida.
“It has been a busy off-season for us and we are ready to head to Daytona,” said Mark Nelson, crew chief. “The No. 23 Mahindra Tractors car team has been incredible, putting in long hours and making sure our equipment will be the best out there. Our car’s performance will show the team’s dedication out there on the track. I know Rob, the team and Mahindra USA are chomping at the bit to plow down our competitors, it is time for that green flag to drop.”
The No. 23 Mahindra Tractors team will be in action on Saturday in the Camping World 300 at the Daytona International Speedway on ESPN2 at 1:15 p.m.