Austin Wayne Self readies for third Chicagoland Truck Series start

[NickHolt]

Austin Wayne Self readies for third Chicagoland Truck Series start

JOLIET, Ill. – Recording his fifth top-20 finish in the last six NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races, Austin Wayne Self (@AustinWSelf) and his Niece Motorsports team trek to Chicagoland Speedway, eyeing their first top-10 finish of the year in Friday night’s Overton’s 225.

Chicagoland Speedway is the final stop of a four-consecutive race stretch for the Truck Series, and while Self and his No. 22 GO TEXAN | AM Technical Solutions Chevrolet Silverado have shown raw speed at Texas, Iowa and Gateway respectively, the team is confident Self’s prior experience in the Windy City will pay dividends in the 11th race of the year.

“It’s different to go to Chicagoland at the end of June instead of mid-September, but maybe that’s a good thing for our Niece Motorsports team,” said Austin, Texas native Austin Wayne Self.

“Our Niece Motorsports team has worked really hard to get our No. 22 GO TEXAN | AM Technical Solutions Chevrolet Silverado pointed in the right direction and I feel very confident in our abilities – not only for Chicagoland but for the rest of the summer.

“We’ve been able to persevere through obstacles and still deliver solid finishes for our No. 22 Niece Motorsports team. Our passion for success is the energy we need to keep charging ahead and focused on getting the best finish not only for our team, but for all our marketing partners too.”

Unlike Gateway last weekend, Chicagoland is a scene of familiarity for the 22-year-old driver.

he Texan has two prior starts at the 1.5-mile race track, recording top 20 finishes in both events. Additionally, Self has two prior ARCA starts at the Joliet, Ill. facility in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Four starts combined, Self is poised about his ability to earn his fourth career Truck Series top-10 Friday night.

“The Truck Series isn’t a cakewalk right now, the competition is incredibly tough,” added Self. “But, I think our Niece Motorsports team has made significant progress over the last couple of months, that we’re inching closer to the front with every given race.

“Chicagoland is like Kentucky Speedway or Kansas Speedway. You really need to have a truck that can wrestle the bumps and carry the speed through the corners onto the straightaways.

“Handling is going to be key Friday night, especially shifting from day to night. That is something we’re used too, so we should be fine.

“Our intermediate track program this year has been very solid, and I don’t expect anything less this weekend at Chicagoland. It will be nice to get another strong finish heading into an off week – then setting ourselves up for a fun stretch in July and August.”

After 10 races, Self sits 14th in the series’ standings. He carries an average finish of 18.1 entering Chicagoland.

Like last year, the Texas Department of Agriculture’s GO TEXAN program and AM Technical Solutions will also support Self in his 51st career start.

GO TEXAN represents Texas agri-business on state, national and international levels by building recognition with the GO TEXAN mark.

Don’t mess with Texas, CForce Bottling Company, Flying Circle and Kreuz Market will serve as associate partners in the 11th race of the year.

In 50 NCWTS races, the 2015 ARCA Racing Series rookie of the year has one top-five (second at Daytona 2017) and three top-10 finishes. The Texan maintains an average finish of 18.7 during his three years of competition.

For more on Austin Wayne Self, like his Facebook page (Austin Wayne Self) or follow him on Twitter @AustinWSelf.

For more on Niece Motorsports, please visit niecemotorsports.com.

The Overton’s 225 (150 laps | 225 miles) is the 11th of 23 races on the 2018 NASCAR Camping World Truck schedule. Practice begins on Thurs., June 28 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:20 p.m., while final practice is set for 6:35 p.m. – 7:25 p.m.Qualifying is set for race day, Fri., June 29 beginning at 4:40 p.m. The 32-truck field will take the green flag shortly after 8:00 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Satellite Radio, Channel 90). All times are local (Central).