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High Point Racing Signs USAC Star Ryan Kaplan
Simi Valley, CA - High Point Racing has added a fourth driver to their fleet of blue Justice Brothers sponsored late models. The blue and green #51, named “Pole Position” after setting seven of fifteen fast times during the 2007 race season, will be driven by Ryan Kaplan of Chico, CA.
The twenty-one year old Kaplan recently returned from the Chili Bowl in Tulsa, OK where the countries best sprint car drivers gather for a grueling week long series of racing. Kaplan visited the High Point Racing shop on Thursday and met with the staff that has been preparing his new late model stock car for the 2008 race season.
“I am very excited about being able to be a part of a championship team like High Point Racing for 2008. After going to the shop and meeting Tim Huddleston and the team I was impressed with their attention to detail and dedication to winning,” Kaplan said. “I can't wait to go test and get comfortable with the late model style racecar. I am ready for the season to start so my team and I can start getting to know each other and eventually winning races!"
In 2007, Ryan Kaplan impressed the sprint car nation as he took home two main event wins in the USAC Western States Pavement series. This earned him the honors of both rookie of the year and series champion. Ryan also earned the CASA / USAC Best in the West championship. At Irwindale Speedway’s famed Turkey-Night, Kaplan took home a respectable fifth place finish beating out NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kasey Kahne.
Ryan’s ability to adapt quickly to new settings and new styles of racing was proven last year as he headed to Laguna Sega for the first time to try his hand at road racing. He would win his first and only race in a SCCA Formula Continental car.
Kaplan has committed to return to the USAC series this year to defend his championship. In order to maximize his seat time and gain more experience, he will also race with High Point Racing in a NASCAR late model stock car at Irwindale Speedway.
“Ryan is an extremely talented driver and a sharp individual. I have no doubt in my mind that we will see him in victory lane this year,” team owner Tim Huddleston said.
Ryan’s first race will be opening night at Irwindale Speedway March 22nd.
High Point Racing competes in the Auto Club Late Model Series at Irwindale Speedway. Primarily sponsored by Justice Brothers Car Care Products, the team fields Racecar Factory built late models powered by Liz-Zard Racing Engines. For more information on High Point Racing, visit www.high-pointracing.comand look for the HPR “Blue Crew” at Irwindale Speedway’s next late model race.
www.sprintcarchallengetour.com
www.placervillespeedway.com
www.stocktondirttrack.com
www.thunderbowlraceway.com
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