Allgaier looks for different ending to Road America finish at Sargento 200
Even though he has made only two starts at the legendary four-mile road course, it was last season's race at Road America that will forever be ingrained upon the memory of Justin Allgaier. After the 2011 event was extended past its original distance of 50 laps, Allgaier found himself in the lead during the final green-white-checkered finish attempt, hoping he had enough fuel to get him to the checkered flag. Unfortunately, the caution flag was waved half way to the white flag, thus ending the race. All Allgaier had to do was make it back to the flag stand under pit road speed, but he was unable to do so as the car ran out of fuel.
"Last year's race was such a heartbreaker for this team," said Allgaier. "To get that close to victory lane, within a lap, and fall just short was so frustrating. But the good news for this year is that we know our teams are capable of getting a win at a course like Road America. We proved that with the winner coming from our Turner Motorsports stable last season. It's just that this year, I want to be the one that gets there."
With the 2012 season well underway, Justin Allgaier and his team continue to set their sights on winning a NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) Championship and the team looks to make a statement toward that end this weekend in the driver's third start at Road America for the Sargento 200 presented by Menards on Saturday.
Allgaier, the kid dubbed "Little Gator" for his size and ferociousness behind the wheel, is in his fourth full season of NNS competition, driving the No. 31 BRANDT Chevrolet out of the Turner Motorsports stable for the second consecutive year. After a successful 2011, where Allgaier notched one win, six top-five and 17 top-10 finishes en route to a third-place finish in the final standings, the young driver, along with his Jimmy Elledge-led team, are making a run at the series championship in 2012.
"A win at Road America this weekend would definitely be redemption for me, this team and to BRANDT. Our goals this year are pretty simple – win races and win a championship. I think one of the best things we could do to achieve those goals is a stop in victory lane this weekend. I would love to take home one of those great trophies and ride home on the Harley-Davidson!"
Race day on Saturday, June 23, will feature NASCAR Nationwide qualifying and incredible wheel-to-wheel racing from the GRAND-AM Rolex Series 250 Driven by VISITFLORIDA.com, followed by the Sargento 200 Presented by Menards. This race showcases some of NASCAR's future stars as they test their skills on the storied four-mile, 14-turn road circuit. Road America has a legendary history of featuring brilliant racers on a challenging circuit that easily separates the good from the great drivers.
On Thursday, June 21, NASCAR Nationwide Series team haulers will gather at Times Printing Company in Random Lake, Wisconsin prior to their convoy to Road America for the Sargento 200 Presented by Menards. The haulers will gather for the party at Times Printing Company in Random Lake between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Fans are invited to attend, free of charge. The Random Lake Fire Department will hold a brat fry fundraiser featuring Johnsonville brats on-site in conjunction with the party and the event will be held rain or shine.
The convoy to the track will depart around 5:30 p.m. following Hwy 57 north. After turning west on County Road J, the convoy will proceed north on Hwy 67 to Road America.
Tickets for the Sargento 200 presented by Menards are still available online and at all Wisconsin Menards stores. Additional event details, ticket pricing and camping information can be found at www.roadamerica.com or by calling 800-365-7223. Kids 12 and under are free with an adult. Parking and paddock access is free.