Kenseth Passes Trade Secrets on Nazareth to Schuler

NAZARETH, Pa. (July 12) – Matt Kenseth staked claim to the checkered flag at Nazareth Speedway one year ago. However, Kenseth will not participate in Sunday’s NASCAR Busch Series event but has passed his invaluable trade secrets regarding the unique one-mile track to rookie teammate and protégé Jason Schuler.

Kenseth relayed information on confronting the track to Schuler earlier in the week. Schuler tested Nazareth Speedway on June 26-27 but its odd shape and three turns can be intimidating to new drivers. Yet Kenseth conquered the track in only his third trip, taking top honors in 1999. In 1998 Kenseth notched a top-five finish with his Reiser Enterprises crew.

“Matt did pass some things on to me, but I have to get out there and learn things on my own,” said Schuler, whose team is currently fifth in the NASCAR Busch Series owner standings. “The test session last month did help a lot, and I’m sure we’ll learn even more once practice kicks off on Friday.

“I really have a good feeling about Nazareth this weekend. I don’t think there’s any added pressure on me because Matt is the past winner. The team that guided Matt to victory lane is the same team that is backing me on Sunday.”

With the same troop in tow, a plethora of knowledge from past seasons and advice from the past champion, Schuler is well prepared. He even got extra seat time by competing in a NASCAR RE/MAX Challenge Series race. Schuler took a trip to victory lane on this past Tuesday after winning the Pepsi 250 at Madison International Speedway in Wisconsin.

Schuler hopes to carry the momentum into time trials for the Econo Lodge 200, which begin on Friday, July 14, at 4 p.m. ET. The race begins at 12:30 p.m. ET on Sunday with coverage on ESPN and MRN.