Dave Reed Racing Introduces Ricky Schlick to Driver Lineup
COTO DE CAZA, CA April 25, 2016 Since 1999, Irwindale Speedway has been the premier short track on the West Coast hosting some of the most prestigious events and the home track to many of the great young racing talents who used the ultra-fast half-mile paved oval as a springboard to future racing success. One driver looking to etch his name in Irwindale’s history is 18-year old Ricky Schlick out of Claremont, CA who will make his debut in the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour this weekend in the SPEARS Manufacturing “100” presented by Pinnacle Steakhouse.
Schlick, who cut his teeth racing in the Bandelaro and Legend Car divisions, has won numerous races and was the 2013 SRL Legends Tour champion before making the move to Late Model Stock cars in 2014.
After a successful 2015 campaign in the Irwindale Late Model Division finishing fourth in the points championship, Schlick is making the jump to the SRL in 2016 where he will drive four to five races for Dave Reed Racing.
Reed’s history in the SRL dates back to the mid-1990’s where he and Craig Raudman formed a powerful duo claiming the 2001 series title in the now defunct NASCAR Southwest Tour. While Reed has not fielded a full time team in over ten years, he is excited to be chasing the series crown as an owner in an albeit unique fashion.
Three drivers will pilot Dave Reed Racing entires in 2016 including Austin Reed, Craig Raudman, and Ricky Schlick.
“I am thrilled to be driving for Dave Reed Racing in 2016,” Schlick said. “I am even more excited to make my debut in the series at Irwindale where I started racing. This is going to be a big event for us and I can’t wait to turn laps on Saturday in the #42 car.”
While fielding three cars for three different drivers is no easy feat, Dave Reed has a veteran race team led by Craig Raudman. “We are excited to have Ricky racing for us,” Reed offered. “He is a definitely a wheelman and an exciting young driver to watch. We are hoping for big things from him this season.”
Schlick will join Dave’s son Austin Reed this weekend at Irwindale in a two-car effort in what is expected to be Irwindale’s final season of operation. “We are all saddened to see Irwindale close,” Reed said. “This track has a lot great memories for all of us in racing and we are really looking forward to making both race there this season count.”
Schlick is hoping that Irwindale will be his launching pad before the sun sets on the facility. “I have won a lot of races at Irwindale and have had a lot of fun with family and friends there during my time in racing,” Schlick said. “Racing in the SRL has been a goal of mine and it will be a great opportunity for me to compete at a high level against the best drivers.”
Schlick proudly supports and promotes Autism Awareness and uses his racing activities to focus attention on a condition that is deeply personal. His 17-year old sister has autism and Ricky dedicates his racing to supporting her through various charities, golf tournaments, and awareness walks.
Race Rewind
In round one of the 2016 SRL campaign April 9th, mother nature scored a partial victory at The Bullring at LVMS. Austin Reed drove his #14 Approved Memory Toyota Camry to a 14th place finish after torrential rain dampened the weekend. Rain washed out qualifying and the race was called after just 62-laps.
Next Up
Saturday, May 21st is the next stop on the tour at the new jewel in the west Kern County Raceway outside Bakersfield, CA.
Dave Reed Racing has corporate partnerships with Approved Memory, AMC Optics, K&N Filters, Lucas Oil, Eibach Springs, Fluidyne, Freight Train Peters Racing Engines, Ringers Gloves, JDA, Craig Raudman Racing, Performance Radio’s, and ACUWEB Services.
About Approved Memory
Founded in 2003, with over 40 years of experience in the memory industry, Approved Memory is a lead manufacturer of memory upgrade products. Through proven engineering, Approved Memory manufactures and designs virtually every memory upgrade available. Approved Memory provides the latest technology, extensive industry experience, and unparalleled sales and service support to supply their customers with the best product available to meet all of their needs. Call 949-216-9690 phone, 949-216-9695 fax or email the team at dreed@approvedmemory.com. Visit the website at www.approvedmemory.com.
