Chris Wimmer Will Be California Dreamin’ at Fontana

Over the course of the 2004 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) season, Chris Wimmer has seen several firsts. Saturday will be another when he and his MB Motorsports crew races the largest track of his career during the American Racing Wheels 200 in Fontana, Calif.

“This is going to be fun,” said Wimmer. “I started my career on the short tracks in Wisconsin, as well as racing in the American Speed Association (ASA), but I’ve learned to love racing the big tracks. Our best finishes this season have been on bigger tracks and this will be the biggest I have raced, so hopefully, we’ll see some success.”

Wimmer and the crew of his #63 Ford have experienced some growing pains over the season, being unable to procure a primary sponsor as well as having some engine difficulties. But the Wausau, Wisconsin native has maintained a positive attitude and realistic outlook on the situation.

“No one expected us to win a championship,” he said. “We’ve done the best we can with what we have. Unfortunately, we don’t have the big sponsor to pay the bills, but I have a loyal, hard-working team who has done some pretty amazing things on a limited budget. We’re going to do some great things and that will be evident in Fontana this weekend.”

MB Motorsports owner/crew chief Mike Mittler said he never ceases to be amazed by Wimmer’s perseverance. “A lot of kids come into NASCAR thinking they’re going to win every race and a championship their first year and are crushed when that doesn’t happen,” said the long-time NCTS team owner.

“But Chris has realistic expectations and knows things aren’t going to be perfect every week. Yes, we’ve had some bumps in the road this season, but it’s a learning experience and Chris has learned a lot. And I’ve learned a lot,” Mittler continued. “We’ve had some good finishes and we’re going to have more and we have every reason to believe California will be one of them.”

The American Racing Wheels 200 will be carried on SPEED Channel at 10 p.m. EST and will be broadcast live on MRN Radio at 3:30 p.m. EST.