Kwasniewski to Run Full Nationwide Slate
NASCAR Next Driver Inks Deal With Turner Scott Motorsports
MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Turner Scott Motorsports is pleased to announce today that Dylan Kwasniewski, the 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West and the 2013 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East champion, will run a full-time NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule in 2014 driving the No. 31 Rockstar Energy Drink Chevrolet Camaro. Kwasniewski, 18, will make his series debut in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 22.
“I’m thankful for Harry Scott and Steve Turner for giving me this opportunity, as well as Rockstar for moving up with us,” Kwasniewski said. “The test session earlier this month at Daytona taught us a lot and it’s good to enter Daytona with a level of confidence, not only for myself, but for Pat (Tryson) and all the guys. Racing in the Nationwide Series is going to present a lot of challenges and it won’t be easy, but I look forward to taking it all on, learning from the other competitors and hopefully winning some races.”
Kwasniewski, a native of Las Vegas, will bring Rockstar Energy Drink with him from NKNPSE competition to the Nationwide Series. Rockstar Energy Drink, headquartered in Las Vegas, has partnered with Kwasniewski since 2009.
“Everyone at Rockstar is proud of the investment we have made in Dylan Kwasniewski,” Jason May, executive vice president marketing for Rockstar Energy Drink stated. “He has demonstrated that he has the potential to become one of the best drivers on the planet and his transition into the NASCAR Nationwide Series at such a young age is proof of that. Rockstar is fortunate to be aligned with such a strong brand ambassador with an incredibly bright career in front of him.”
Kwasniewski made his TSM debut last season and became the first driver ever to capture both the K&N East and West championships. In 14 starts, he earned six wins, eight top-five and 10 top-10 finishes, three poles and led 394 laps. He also was selected for the NASCAR Next program, an initiative to spotlight the sport’s up-and-coming stars, for the third consecutive year.
“Dylan is a great kid and has unbelievable talent,” Harry Scott Jr. said. “Steve and I are thrilled that he is taking the next step in his career with us here at TSM. The sky is the limit for Dylan and this Rockstar team. He showed us what he’s capable of last year and while he’s making a big step, we know Dylan can achieve great things this year.”
The Rockstar Energy Drink team will be led by veteran crew chief Pat Tryson. Tryson first joined TSM in August 2013 as crew chief for Nelson Piquet Jr. In 527 combined NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck events, he has led his teams to 10 wins, 66 top-five and 141 top-10 finishes and four poles.
Before competing in his first-ever Nationwide Series race next month, Kwasniewski also will compete in the ARCA Racing Series Lucas Oil 200 at the 2.5-mile superspeedway on Saturday, February 15. The 2014 Nationwide Series season-opening Drive4COPD 300, will follow on Saturday, February 22, airing live on ESPN and MRN at 1:30 p.m. EST.
About Turner Scott Motorsports: Turner Scott Motorsports was established in 1999 and has become one of the most successful organizations in NASCAR by combining the business acumen and shared passion for racing of co-owners Steve Turner and Harry Scott Jr. This season will mark the fifth season of full-time NASCAR competition for the organization, which expanded in 2011 from a two-truck operation in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) to become the largest stand-alone multi-series team in NASCAR’s top-tier touring series. The team earned its first championship when James Buescher captured the NCWTS title in 2012. Turner Scott Motorsports operates out of an 110,000 square-foot state-of-the art facility in Mooresville, N.C. The Chevrolet-backed team has created alliances with General Motors’ powerhouse team Hendrick Motorsports, which provides engine support for both its NNS and NCWTS programs, and Earnhardt Technology Group for drive train and suspension technology assistance. For more information on Turner Scott Motorsports, visit www.TurnerScottMotorsports.com.
About Rockstar: Rockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles – from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 20 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through Action Sports, Motor Sports, and Live Music.For more informationvisit: www.RockstarEnergy.com
Sources: Turner Scott Motorsports PR