Olsen Back In Driver’s Seat; Smith Looking For Home Track Advantage

By On August 9, 2009 · Leave a Comment

North Haverhill, N.H. (August 10, 2009): Fadden Racing will field two cars at this weekend’s NASCAR Camping World Series East 200-mile event as car owner Mike Olsen gets back behind the wheel of the championship-winning No. 61 to compete in only his second start this season. Jonathan Smith, driver of Fadden Racing’s No. 16 is especially optimistic about the return to road course racing whereas Lime Rock Park was where he started his go-kart career more than ten years ago.

The Smith family has a long and storied history at the Connecticut road course. Jonathan’s father, who will offer advice to his aspiring son, raced there as well. He considers it to be his home track since many of Smith’s early successes were produced there.

“I’m a big fan of road course racing so I consider that to be one of my strengths,” said Smith. “Loving a track is the first big hurdle to get over before you can be successful at it. I have a lot of good memories there and I love the challenge the course presents.”

Last season, Smith was forced to do a start and park in the event. He wrecked in practice and had no back-up car to lean on.

“I can’t wait to actually get to race Lime Rock again,” said Smith. “We didn’t get a lot of track time last year, but it’ll be different this year!”

Smith is also looking forward to having a teammate in his car owner Mike Olsen. Olsen, who won the 2001 and 2006 NASCAR Camping World Series East Championships, has had a tremendous record at the road course including ten top-10 and seven top-five finishes. His highest finish is second place and includes leading a career total of 43 laps at Lime Rock.

“I’ll be able to gain a lot of knowledge from Mike,” said Smith. “Mike is a strong road course racer and I’m definitely ready to learn from him.”

The weekend kicks off on Friday, August 14th with practice and qualifying followed by the green flag for the 82-lap event on Saturday, August 15th. For more information on Jonathan Smith, Mike Olsen, or Fadden Racing, visit www.faddenracing.net.

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Fadden Racing To Field Two Cars At NHMS

By On June 18, 2009 · Leave a Comment

North Haverhill, N.H. (June 18, 2009): Jonathan Smith, driver of the No. 16 Fadden Racing Chevrolet on the NASCAR Camping World Series East, has been steadily improving his stats under the guidance of car owner and two time champion Mike Olsen. But when the series returns to New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 26th, Smith is going to get a first hand lesson on how to get around the 1.058-mile oval when Olsen joins him as a teammate for the Heluva Good 125. Olsen will return to his familiar No. 61 and will sport the blue and white color scheme that became synonymous with his late grandfather and racing legend, Stanley “Stub” Fadden.

Olsen, who has 285 starts in the NASCAR Camping World Series East, will be making his season debut behind the wheel. K.D.D. Auto Parts is stepping up to sponsor the effort in Olsen’s home state of New Hampshire.

“It’s a lot different now getting in the car and racing at New Hampshire. I’m there to try and win it, and without the focus of points, it makes it a lot more fun for me,” said Olsen. “We’re thrilled that K.D.D. came on board and that we’ll be honoring my grandfather with the paint scheme.”

Olsen won the 2001 and 2006 NASCAR Camping World Series East Championships and has started 47 races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway over his 20 year career in the series.

Smith joined Fadden Racing at the beginning of the season and posted his first top-10 of the season at Watkins Glen International road course just a couple of weeks ago.

“We’re definitely headed in the right direction,” said Smith. “I’m anxious to keep it moving that way when we go to New Hampshire. We’re aiming for a top-five finish, and with all the laps that Mike has had there, I know we’ll be in good hands.”

Always the competitive sportsman, Smith added, “It’ll be more fun to see who can finish first!”

The Heluva Good! Summer 125 is slated to take the green flag on Friday, June 26th at 5 p.m. eastern time. For more information on Fadden Racing and its drivers, please visit www.faddenracing.net.

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