TRG Signs Donny Lia to Second Team
There has been a lot of speculation this off-season on where 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Champion Donny Lia would land for 2008, but the rumors can be put to rest now that Lia has signed to drive the No. 71 Chevrolet Silverado in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Kevin Buckler’s TRG Motorsports team. Lia has signed on to drive a second TRG Motorsports entry, as a teammate to fellow New York-native and three-time Rolex Grand Am Champion Andy Lally. Both drivers will compete for Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors and the Championship Crown.
“We are really excited to sign Donny Lia to drive a second truck for us in 2008,” said Team Principal, Kevin Buckler. “When we were looking at adding a second truck team, it made perfect sense to bring Donny in as our second driver. Donny is a very talented young man and has won in just about everything he has raced. He’s one of the most determined racers out there and he’ll make a great addition to our team. Both he and Andy are true racers and they are the future of TRG.”
“TRG Motorsports has a really good foundation,” explained Lia, who made his decision this week to join the newly-formed TRG Motorsports team. “When I was approached by Kevin Buckler and saw his enthusiasm and business plan, I knew this was where I needed to be. TRG has an all-star group of people and this sport is all about people and all about chemistry. With all of the people that are in place, I know that we’ll have what we need to be successful.”
Success shouldn’t be far away for Lia at TRG. Lia has been victorious in almost everything he’s raced and TRG has a long standing history of success in the Rolex Sports Car Series. The team has the most wins of any team in the Grand-Am Rolex Series with 23, including the 2005 and 2006 Rolex Series GT Championship trophy to go along with wins in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 24 Hours or Le Mans.
Even though both team and driver are in championship form, Lia lacks the clearance by NASCAR to compete at Daytona next week, requiring the New York-native to sit out during the season-opening Chevy Silverado 250. Lia will be ready to race at California Speedway the following week in the San Bernardino 200 on Saturday, February 23rd. Live coverage from the 2-mile oval will be broadcast live on FOX at 3 p.m. ET with radio coverage coming to you live from MRN.
Sources: TRG Motorsports PR.