January 18, 2011
“Sixth place in last single car session. What a difference a year can make!”
DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (January 18, 2011) - - Redemption was the name of the game for Scott Stenzel driver of the No. 42 Yellow Stripes Making the Driver Ford Fusion. After the last single car session, on Tuesday, Stenzel posted a sixth place time of 49.457 and was the highest placing Ford. One year ago Stenzel was setup to attempt his first ARCA Racing Series start powered by Roush Yates Engines and fielded by Spraker Racing Enterprises. During qualifying for the 2010 Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200, Stenzel made light contact with the turn three wall which ruined his chances of making his first start.
Following the disappointing Daytona heartbreak, the team gathered themselves back together and was able to successfully capitalize on a seventh place finish at Talladega (Ala) Superspeedway after participating in the open test and qualifying in the 28th position for the race.
The Yellow Stripes team was optimistic coming back to Daytona International Speedway after the teams' success at Talladega. "With this new track surface we figured we'd be at least as fast as we were at Talladega," said Scott Stenzel. "But had no idea after that first session on Tuesday that we'd be posting a time of eighth quick."
During the afternoon session Spraker Racing continued to shine as the team fielded the No. 42 car for two rookie drivers to gain some valuable seat time. Joey Gase (42b) posted 23rd with a lap time of 50.048 and Ryan Lynch (42c) posted 27th with a lap time of 50.080. "It was great to give these guys some experience at high speeds. For never turning a lap at Daytona they both showed they can be competitive," added Stenzel.
Wrapping up day one with only a few qualifying runs didn't give the team all the data they needed to be confident for their return in February. Jeff Spraker made the call to stay for Wednesday morning practice and it sure paid off. Spraker Racing made some significant adjustments to help get the car through the air better at these speeds, sent Stenzel back out on the track, and posted a top-three position immediately. After making further adjustments the No. 42 Ford Fusion settled in at a comfortable sixth place position at a time of 49.457 with a speed of 181.976 miles per hour.
"We fulfilled our test agenda and we are pleased with the results. In addition to helping Joey Gase and Ryan Lynch a chance to gain some valuable track time, we discovered some more speed in the car and really helped enhance Scott's confidence and prove that we have a very competitive effort here," said crew chief and team owner Jeff Spraker. "Between the great support from Roush Yates and Spraker Racing we are into Daytona with a great package."
"Now that we were able to prove we have a good piece it’s time to get out there and keep this momentum going by seeking sponsor partnerships. We have a lot of irons in the fire but any bit can help as we don’t have enough sponsorship to keep going," Stenzel reluctantly added. "Clearly we can’t stop now as we’ve left a big mark at the test."
Stenzel co-owns Digi Craft Agency www.digicraftagency.com and has been using every tool and resource to help bring a more realistic return on investment for sponsorship partners. "Sponsors today are most concerned about receiving a return on investment and that’s what the Digi Craft Agency specializes in," said John Baxter, Director of Marketing and Advertising at Digi Craft. "We build performance based campaigns that work for our clients, they can track and see their return and in-turn they earn trust and faith in what we do." The team hopes to extend these services to sponsorship partners through out the 2011 season.
"Now that we were able to prove we have a good piece it’s time to get out there and keep this momentum going by seeking sponsor partnerships. We have a lot of irons in the fire but any bit can help as we don’t have enough sponsorship to keep going," Stenzel reluctantly added. "Clearly we can’t stop now as we’ve left a big mark at the test."
DAYTONA INT'L SPEEDWAY TEST - 1/11-13/11
ARCA RACING SERIES PRESENTED BY MENARDS
January 12, 2011, Morning Session
| POSITION |
CAR NUMBER |
DRIVER |
MAKE |
TIME |
SPEED |
| 1 |
15 |
Kyle Fowler |
Chevy |
48.668 |
184.926 |
| 2 |
55 |
Hal Martin |
Toyota |
48.697 |
184.816 |
| 3 |
31 |
Tim George |
Chevy |
48.985 |
183.730 |
| 4 |
25 |
Steve Arpin |
Toyota |
49.222 |
182.845 |
| 5 |
22 |
Dakoda Armstrong |
Dodge |
49.438 |
182.046 |
| 6 |
42 |
Scott Stenzel |
Ford |
49.457 |
181.976 |
| 7 |
41a |
Ty Dillon |
Chevy |
49.517 |
181.756 |
| 8 |
77 |
Joey Licata, Jr. |
Dodge |
49.549 |
181.638 |
| 9 |
36 |
Grant Enfinger |
Dodge |
49.559 |
181.602 |
| 10 |
18a |
Ryan Glenski |
Ford |
49.578 |
181.532 |
Follow Scott’s career by visiting the "Yellow Stripes Making the Driver" website: www.makingthedriver.com
For more information about Spraker Racing Enterprises visit: www.sprakerracing.com
For more information about Roush Yates Motors visit: www.roushyates.com
September 3, 2010
ARCA driver, Scott Stenzel, takes advantage of his momentum from a 7th place finish during his first stock car debut at Talladega Superspeedway and is going to be participating in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series New Hampshire 125.
Scott's car and team is owned and operated by Jeff Spraker, owner of Spraker Racing Enterprises. Jeff and Scott teamed up together in previous races at Daytona and Talladega for the ARCA Series and they look forward to running at New Hampshire Speedway on September 17th.
Scott will be piloting car #37, a Spraker Racing Enterprise Chevrolet Monte Carlo, during his NASCAR debut. The car will be co-sponsored by Spraker Racing Enterprises and the Yellow Stripes Making the Driver TV Series. Stenzel's marketing and advertising firm, Digi Craft, will be providing an associate sponsorship.
"We are really fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and experienced car/team owner supporting our debut into NASCAR. It's important I get some seat time followed up by a strong finish," stated Stenzel, "To have the support of an organization like Spraker Racing Enterprises helps gives me the confidence I need to run up front."
Scott Stenzel’s Agent Charlie Patterson, commented "The deal we put together with Jeff Spraker will help take Scott's career to the next level. He's just gotta stay out of trouble and have a good finish."
The race weekend begins September 15th as the haulers will start to unload the race cars into the garage areas to prepare for practice, qualifying and the race.
New Hampshire 125 - Schedule
Thursday, September 16th:
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Practice
3:15 p.m. - Qualifying
Friday, September 17th:
4:40 p.m. - Driver Introductions
5:00 p.m. - Start of the New Hampshire 125
Follow Scott’s career by visiting the "Yellow Stripes Making the Driver" website: www.makingthedriver.com
Visit NASCAR's K&N Pro Series website: www.hometracks.nascar.com
April 23, 2010
Talladega, AL - ARCA driver Scott Stenzel finishes 7th in his first stock car debut at Talladega Superspeedway.
Stenzel, a rookie driver in the ARCA REMAX racing series passed 10 cars in final 2 laps to record a top 10 finish in his first ever stock car race. Stenzel starting the race in the 28th position was Talladega’s highest mover when he passed the finish line in the 7th position during the ARCA REMAX 250 at Talladega Superspeedway.
“What was impressive about Friday’s performance was Scott’s ability to avoid two major crashes and catch up to the leaders with 10 laps to go. You don’t see many rookie drivers that come with that type of determination or poise in a debut race,” said Agent Charlie Patterson.
Before the race Team Stenzel, faced adversity, when a last minute crew chief change could have proved to be very costly. Crew Chief, Jeff Spraker was unable to make the race, which gave David Efft, control over Team Stenzel. Efft’s experience includes winning Talladega 5 times, was a former crew chief for Darrel Waltrip, Cale Yarborough and Buddy Baker. “I really enjoy working with these young guys, even after being retired, I am still finding enjoyment in bringing up new drivers,” Efft stated after the finish, "Scott ran a very smart race and he exceeded my expectations, he has everything it takes to make it in racing, talent, drive, determination and charisma."
Scott Stenzel’s Agent Charlie Patterson, commented "Listening to experienced spotter Greg Newman was so very important, and Scott did just that. I am very proud to be a part of his 7th place finish."
Greg Newman father of NASCAR’s Ryan Newman played an important role for Team Stenzel who spotted the entire race. Newman said, “Since this was Scott’s debut we decided our goal was just to have avoid crashes and just finish the 250 mile race. Its was great that Scott finished in the top 10.”
Stenzel had this to say after the race, "This is a dream come true, our goal was to finish the race. Dave said that if we finish we'd be in the top ten, but I never thought we'd be in position to possibly win the thing. What a day! I learned a lot behind the wheel and am excited to work with the same people again. I give all the credit to such a experienced team. Finishing 7th was like a win!"
Follow Scott’s career by visiting the "Yellow Stripes Making the Driver" website: www.makingthedriver.com
Race Results - Talladega ARCA 250 - 04/23/2010
Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, AL
| Pos |
Car |
Driver |
| 1 |
22 |
Dakota Armstrong |
| 2 |
60 |
Patrick Sheltra |
| 3 |
31 |
Tim George, Jr. |
| 4 |
81 |
Craig Goess |
| 5 |
25 |
Mikey Kile |
| 6 |
09 |
Grant Enfinger |
| 7 |
42 |
Scott Stenzel |
| 8 |
77 |
Tom Hessert |
| 9 |
32 |
Justin Marks |
| 10 |
35 |
Hal Martin |
Visit ARCA's website: www.arcaracing.com
April 19, 2010
Building a winning team has been the main focus of the 2010 season. The Yellow Stripes Making the Driver program has allowed ARCA Driver, Scott Stenzel, the opportunity to work with the best in the industry as he makes his superspeedway debut in Talladega.
The staff at Digi Craft produced this paint scheme for the Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway.
"We have surrounded Scott with a winning team full of Veterans. Our goal is that one day we hope Scott will be that elite driver you hear about every weekend in the Cup and Nationwide series." John Baxter, Yellow Stripes Making the Driver Series Executive Producer.
Scott, under the watchful eye of crew chief/team owner, Jeff Spraker, took full advantage of the March 23rd Test Session to shake down the #42 Yellow Stripes Making the Driver Ford Fusion.
Under the hood, a Roush/Yates prepared engine has been tagged to provide all the necessary horsepower for Scott and Team to conquer the venerable high banks of Talladega as the #42 Ford Fusion aims to garner a top Five Finish in the ARCA/ReMax 250. The race is scheduled to take place Friday, April 23rd with LIVE telecast on SPEED TV at 5:00 PM EST.
Race-day at Talladega will see Jeff Straker manning the war wagon as Crew Chief / Team Owner for the Yellow Stripes Ford Fusion. Jeff has over 20 years winning experience as both driver and car owner in NASCAR¨ as well as ARCA.
"Testing at Talladega was most important for Scott. He did a great job giving feedback for his first time at the superspeedway," Jeff commented. "We are going to do everything we can to help Scott do well during the race. He has a lot of people in his corner and we want the best for him."
Nick Ramey, from Roush/Yates Engines, has leant his considerable expertise to the Yellow Stripes team to make sure that the #42 Ford Fusion engine will lay some serious horsepower onto the ÔDega superspeedway pavement.
Greg Newman, father to NASCAR Driver Ryan Newman, was spotter for Ryan's historic victory at the Daytona 500. Greg will be manning the spotter stand for Scott's assault on Talladega.
Charlie Patterson with NexGen Motorsports has been developing Scott's career over the last few years, "Working with Scott has a lot of the qualities similar to other drivers I have worked with, like Ryan Newman, and I believe Scott is ready to make it big in the racing world."
"Scott is one of the most impressive young drivers I've seen in a long time," says Dave Bowman, creator of Two Guys Garage and Shade Tree Mechanic seen on SPEED TV. "He is the complete package. He is a very talented driver and is adept at representing a sponsors interests both on and off the race track. The Yellow Strips television series tells his story about the struggle in making it in stock car racing and is a brilliantly crafted."
"I'm really excited about returning to superspeedway racing. After not making the field at Daytona, we learned a lot, not just as a team but as a driver, too." Scott stated regarding the upcoming race, "My main goal is to stay focused, out of trouble and be as consistent as possible. Hopefully we'll have a solid finish and look good to our fans and sponsors."
ARCA RE/MAX 250 at Talladega Superspeedway Schedule:
Thursday, April 22nd
Practice 11:00AM - 2:00PM EST
Qualifying Presented by Ansell 6:05PM EST
Friday, April 23rd
Practice 10:30AM - 11:15AM EST
Start of the Talladega ARCA 250 (250 miles / 94 laps) 5:00PM EST
For more information please visit: www.makingthedriver.com
January 22, 2010
The staff at Digi Craft produced this paint scheme for the Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway.
When "Yellow Stripes: Making the Driver" agreed to sponsor his car, Scott then approached Jeff
Spraker Racing to finalize the Daytona assault. Jeff and his crew have been working on preparing
Scott's speedway car purchased from the Wood Brothers and powered by a Roush/Yates motor. On January 22nd, 2010, Scott made it official when he entered his #42 Ford Fusion into the Lucas Oil 200 @ Daytona with Jeff Spraker agreeing to sit atop the war wagon as crew chief all throughout speed week.
When asked about preparing for the upcoming event, Scott commented, "I can't thank everyone enough for helping out a rookie driver. Jeff Spraker and his skilled crew have taken me and this Wood Brothers Ford Fusion on at the last minute. Everything is coming together smoothly with everyone pulling extra duty. Plus, as a team we've been able to gel. Spraker's been to Daytona several times. He knows what it takes to lead and finish up front, but he's yet to win one. Now, we share the same goal - to win at Daytona."
Who says a small town farm boy can't achieve all his dreams. All it takes is a lot of tenacity, talent, dedication and the unquenchable need for speed. Scott Stenzel is well on his way to finally realizing his lifelong goal. To compete and win back his racing career. And, he still has his sights set on the greatest dream of all - "to Win at DAYTONA."
December 18-20, 2009
Scott participated in the open test at Daytona International Speedway December 18-20th, 2009. He drove the Bob Schacht Motorsports Chevrolet during the test event. The first day of testing was shortened by rain so they had to make up some ground during day 2 of testing.
Day 2 of testing allowed Scott to put up some solid times ranging from 50.5's to 50.2's. He also was able to get some experience in the draft. The photo you see here is Scott Stenzel in the 75 and Danica Patrick in the 88. This was Danica's backup car for the race weekend. Scott and Danica were participating in a late afternoon draft session to end day 2.
August 10, 2009
As President of Orlando-based web development company Digi Craft, Full Sail Computer Animation grad Scott Stenzel has seen his fair share of success in the industry, servicing 125 clients both locally and nationally, including Disney, NBC/Universal, Live Nation, and GRAMMY®-nominated recording artist Mary J. Blige.
But long before he entered the world of 3D graphics, website maintenance, and advertising, Scott had another huge passion in his life: race car driving. And now, through an initiative stemming from Digi Craft's partnership with digital media agency Gen2Media and Charlie Patterson (president of NextGen Motorsports), Scott is getting a chance to live out his dream; he'll learn how to become a professional race car driver as he stars in his own upcoming reality television show, Making The Driver.
Click Here to read full article.
July 06, 2009
The producers of the new reality documentary, "Yellow Stripes Making the Driver," has been filming Scott's progression into the limelight of motorsports. They've done a wonderful job at capturing the Real World events that take place along the way of any aspiring driver. Scott was able to get some time to talk with Ryan Newman and hear of his success as he worked his way up through the ranks.
This is a screen capture from the footage when Mike Loescher was letting Scott know what kind of cars he'd be testing at New Smyrna Speedway. There were some very interesting moments that you'll have to watch for when they release the first episode.
Mike Loescher (on left) & Scott Stenzel (on right)
June 28, 2009
Charlie Patterson got Bob Schacht and Scott Stenzel together to discuss combining their efforts for the 2010 ARCA Daytona 200. Bob was very excited to hear of Scott's great success with the Yellow Stripes TV show and felt good about Scott's continued loyalty to Bob over the years. Scott really feels comfortable working with an organizations like Bob Schacht Motorsports. They are very well put together, they know what they are doing and they can win races. Bob's been around this industry enough to not only have some of the best equipment but to be very experienced in what he does. Scott also added that it's easy to talk with Bob since he used to be a full time driver himself, so there should be an easy line of communication during speedweeks 2010.
June 14, 2009
Today marks the first day in history for Scott Stenzel Racing. We have officially earned one of our first sponsors, at this level, for auto racing. Over the years Scott's had many local sponsors that have helped him keep turning laps but none that were able to come up with the money needed to run the full race at Daytona. We are very happy to bring them on board. We will release all the information at a later date once we have all our advertising and marketing elements in sync.
January 15, 2008
The launch of my new site was a very large undertaking. To best describe your talent and the nature of your business when talking about yourself is a very hard task. I really appreciated the guidance and help from Tyler Gaw, my lead web developer and Peter Olach, from NexGen Making the Driver, for pointing me in the right direction as what to say and how to arrange my business online.
The videos you see within my site are done by the infamous Hector Ortiz. He is my business partner in Digi Craft and has done a wonderful job at portraying the on and off track experiences of a professional car driver. If anyone is wondering where you can get a video like this or a web site like this just call Digi Craft 407-249-0622 and one of their knowledgeable staff members will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Thanks again to all who has made this possible!
January 11, 2008
My hometown, Alexandria, MN, wrote up an article about my career and the pursuit of a sponsor for the 2008 season. Tara Bitzan did a wonderful job writing this article. I had a lot of feedback, mostly from high school friends, from the publication. Click on this link to download a PDF version of the article (size - 1.3MB).
Or go directly to EchoPress.com where they posted some of the photos from the article.
December 14, 2007
This was a weekend that I will never forget. It was the first time I have ever been around Daytona at the wheel. I have been around the track in passenger cars but never at the speed I posted that weekend. I always told myself that the first time I will be driving around Daytona I will do so at 180 mph! Well that dream came true! I was lucky to have such a great car from Bob Schacht Motorsports as well as a great crew. Also it doesn't hurt to have a guy like Charlie Patterson at your side making sure everything went smooth.
At the end of the weekend Director of Competition Joe Wells approved me for my ARCA RE/MAX license and to come back and race for 2008 season. I had to put some extra test laps in for Joe to approve me but we got the job done. You can read more about my first day out on Friday by clicking here
Also be sure to watch the in-car footage of my last 10 lap segment. It was an awesome weekend!
Get your Scott Stenzel hero card here