PEAK Motor Oil, Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) and PEAK Motor Oil spokesperson Danica Patrick have announced the finalists of the PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge, who will now compete for a chance to join Michael Waltrip Racing as a rookie stock car driver.
Hailing from all across the country, the finalists were selected from more than 700 entries on PEAKStockCarDream.com, where aspiring amateur racers could submit a video audition highlighting their abilities, sharing their enthusiasm for racing and telling fans why they should be chosen to become the next stock car star.
The finalists will participate in a racing competition from July 9-11 at Charlotte, with expert coaching from the MWR principals and their drivers Michael Waltrip, Clint Bowyer, Martin Truex Jr., Brian Vickers and Mark Martin, as well as Patrick. They will be tested behind the wheel, through short-track road course, speedway, car control and endurance racing – all led by some of the biggest names in the sport.
One final winner from the racing competition will be selected and fast-tracked through an extensive preparation process including additional training and the opportunity to earn their competition license. Subject to qualification and licensing, PEAK will equip the winner with a sponsored stock car to compete in a sanctioned K&N West race to prove they have what it takes to become Michael Waltrip Racing’s next all-star driver.
The PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge finalists are:
• Chase Briscoe – Mitchell, Ind.
• Amber Colvin – Tallahassee, Fla.
• Caleb Dillard – Robeline, La.
• Cassie Gannis – Phoenix, Ariz.
• Chris Heim – Hoxie, Kan.
• Garrett Lancaster – Carrollton, Texas
• Tyler Miles – Pulaski, Tenn.
• Logan Ruffin – Nashville, Tenn.
• Patrick Staropoli – Plantation, Fla.
"PEAK is proud to be an all-American, independent company; the same qualities that these PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge finalists possess," said Bryan Emrich, senior vice president of marketing at PEAK. "For every successful driver today, there are thousands sitting in the grandstands who are looking for their opportunity to be seen and to race at this level. We’re excited to continue working with Michael Waltrip Racing to give them this opportunity."
"It’s really cool that PEAK is giving these amateur racers a chance to bring their enthusiasm and passion for the sport to life, and we’re excited to work with these finalists at the track and put their skills to the test," said Waltrip, founder and co-owner of MWR. "We are really energetic about the PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge, and look forward to picking a winner out of all this."
PEAK has a rich heritage in the world of motorsports, with more than 30 years of active involvement in NASCAR, NHRA, IndyCar and the TORC short course off-road series. In 2013, PEAK joined forces with Michael Waltrip Racing to become a primary sponsor on Clint Bowyer’s No. 15 Toyota for three races in each of the next three NASCAR Sprint Cup seasons. PEAK also is an associate sponsor on the No. 55 and No. 56 cars with MWR. Since 2005, Danica Patrick has been an official product ambassador for PEAK products, appearing in numerous television, print and radio advertisements.
The PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge racing competition will be filmed for an exclusive segment that will premiere on the cable television network Speed at noon ET on Aug. 11. Follow @PEAKAuto on Twitter and check out Facebook.com/PEAKAuto for live updates.