Emerson Radio 250 - Kelly Bires Notes

BIRES EXCITED ABOUT CLOROX FORD FUSION AT RICHMOND

BIRES EXCITED ABOUT MAKING DEBUT AT RICHMOND IN No. 47 CLOROX FORD

Kelly Bires has waited all year – make that his entire career – for the opportunity to race at the Richmond International Raceway.

Considered one of the most-popular tracks on the NASCAR Busch Series schedule, Richmond requires a short-track mentality and a speedway approach. As the reigning American Speed Association national champion, Bires said the three-quarter-mile track is the greatest challenge to anyone who’s a short-track racer at heart.

Bires said his No. 47 Clorox Ford is well-equipped for Richmond’s fast corners and even-faster straightaways. Although speeds will approach 150 mph at the end of the frontstretch, Bires said the Wood Brothers/JTG Racing’s approach won’t be any different than any other short track – only faster.

Crew chief Scott Zipadelli said the basics never change. Their Ford Fusion has to work through the corners so it can generate more speed for the run down the straightaways. In short, they want Bires to hit the gas pedal, not the brakes, in the middle of the banking. Practice and qualifying are during the heat of the day; the main event is at night. That only adds to the challenges facing the team – a challenge Bires said everyone at Wood Brothers/JTG Racing enjoys.

WHAT THE TEAM HAS TO SAY
Kelly Bires, Driver of the No. 47 Clorox Ford Fusion:
“Richmond is a great racetrack and I know we’ve got a great car for Friday night’s race,” Bires said. “This Clorox team has been trying a lot of new things in the past couple months and we’ve learned so much. We’ve got a lot of notes of what works and what doesn’t, so we’re always excited to get to the track to put it all together.

“We’ve come a long way with this race team this year. We’ve changed our cars and re-built everything in the shop. You can’t say enough about the desire and drive for everyone on this Clorox team. We’re taking all the good things, like pieces of a puzzle, and putting them together.”

Scott Zipadelli, Crew Chief of the No. 47 Clorox Ford Fusion:
“Richmond can be tough on a team and even tougher on the race car. Practice and qualifying in the day and racing at night really puts a strain on the team, and the fact drivers race Richmond like a short track can make it tough on the car. If you run up front, that makes it easier on everyone. If you practice and qualify in the lead group, it keeps everyone on their toes and it keeps you ahead of most of the trouble. If we can start the race with track position, we can put Kelly in a much better position.”

FAST & FUN FACTS:
- Kelly Bires was a two-time Wisconsin State wrestling champion in high school.
- The Emerson Radio 250 will be Bires’ 12th career start in the NASCAR Busch Series. He also has eight starts this year in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
- Bires won the 2006 American Speed Association national championship. He won eight races and was that league’s top rookie. He quickly was signed by Wood Brothers/JTG Racing to a driver development deal.

RACE INFORMATION:
What – Emerson Radio 250 NASCAR Busch Series race
When – Friday, Sept. 7, 8 p.m. ET
Where – Richmond International Raceway
Networks – ESPN2, Sirius Satellite Channel 128