TEAM REPORT NO.4 Compiled by Dwight Drum Web work by Larsen & Drum
Alli Owens
Alli Owens, driver of the No. 19 ElectrifyingCareers.com Toyota in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, and Eddie D’Hondt, team owner D’Hondt Motorsports, announced they have mutually agreed to pursue other opportunities at the conclusion of the 2009 season.
Each party agreed it was in their best interest to explore new options for the 2010 season.
“Eddie (D’Hondt) has been a great owner and runs a first-class team,” said Owens. “His experience in motorsports has been an asset to me and he has helped me grow as a driver. D’Hondt Motorsports produces great equipment and has top notch people. I wish them the best in the future.”
“We’ve enjoyed our time racing with Alli. She’s had career-best finishes in seven of the eight races she’s run with us this year. We have also enjoyed representing the folks at NECA and the IBEW. We wish all parties success in all of their future racing endeavors” said Eddie D’Hondt.
Owens has competed in eight events this year with cars fielded by D’Hondt Motorsports. She has achieved two top-10 finishes and sat on the outside pole at Daytona International Speedway. Owens has three races remaining with D’hondt Motorsports in 2009 ARCA competition.
Alli Owens to Drive for Venturini Motorsports in 2010
Alli Owens @ Venturini Motorsports
Alli Owens and ElectrifyingCareers.com announce they will team with Venturini Motorsports in 2010. The team will compete in select ARCA Series events and potential NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races. The team is in continued talks with potential partners to expand her 2010 schedule. Owens will pilot the famed Venturini Motorsports Chevrolets.
“Venturini Motorsports’ reputation speaks for itself,” said Owens. “They’ve been in the ARCA Series for more than 25 years. They’re winning races and almost always finish in the top-five in points. It’s truly an honor to join their organization. I know their talent and resources will be an asset to me. I’m looking forward to working with them next season and know that we’ll achieve a lot together.”
The 2010 season will mark Owens’ and ElectrifyingCareers.com’s third year in the ARCA Series. In 2008, Owens teamed with DGM Racing for 12 events and drove to four top-20 finishes. Owens has competed in nine events this year with D’Hondt Motorsports. To date, Owens has tallied two top-10 finishes, seven top-20 finishes and sat on the outside pole at the Daytona International Speedway in the 2009 series.
“I watched her really mature this year,” said Billy Venturini, crew chief and general manager of Venturini Motorsports. “I’ve had my eye on her since she entered the ARCA Series. In 2008, she showed flashes of what she is capable of. This season she was steady all year. She ran in the top-10 and practiced well. I think she has what it takes to go far in our sport. We’re going to offer her all the tools she needs next year to have a breakout year.”
Venturini Motorsports is no stranger to female initiatives. Bill Venturini Sr. pioneered the first all-female pit crew in motorsports. The women were one of the first race day-only crews that specialized in performing pit stops. Billy Venturini is hopeful Owens will continue the team’s ground-breaking legacy in 2010.
“I’m really optimistic about her coming to be part of our organization next year,” said Venturini. “She performed at a very respectable level this season. We’re hoping that our team’s experience will bring her to that next level and hopefully get her to be the first lady to win in the ARCA Series.”
Patrick Sheltra
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