LATE INCIDENT CONVERTS TOP FIVE CHARGE TO 15th PLACE IN PHOENIX

Bill Sullivan / Golden Gate Racing

AVONDALE, ARIZONA  (March 1, 2011) – The Richard Childress Racing supported Golden Gate Racing Team and Utah's Michael Self have begun their journey together in the 2011 NASCAR K&N Series West championship season. Driving the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma #21 Chevrolet Impala, Self had a strong showing in the series opening 3 Amigos Organic Blanco 100 at the famed Phoenix International Raceway.

After charging his way into the top five during the event, a late race incident resulted in a 15th place finish at the checkered flag for Self. Despite the finish, the weekend showed much promise for the year to come for both Self and GGRT crew chief Steve Portenga as they began their first official full season together.

"Despite the finish, the weekend really went well for us. It was a big stepping stone for me because I really felt like Steve and myself and the crew really started to connect and communicate on a whole new level," said Self. "We worked hard and I gained a whole new amount of experience and learned a little more about how to drive these stock cars. I'm confident we will continue to work hard and this will be a great year for the Golden Gate Racing Team."

Early in the event, the Self was on the fast track when he took to the one mile tri-oval in the city of the sun. In the final practice of the day he was the 11th quickest driver on the roster with a top speed of 124.348 miles per hour. In qualifying he picked up the pace with a 126.930 mile per hour lap. The effort placed the Park City Utah college student ninth in the ranks overall. Self's teammate, Ty Dillon posted the third quickest lap of the day and the two GGRT Chevrolet's that carry the support of Richard Childress Racing Driving Development were locked and loaded for a stellar run in the 100 lap event where track position and precise pit stops would be a key factor throughout the evening.

With the waving of the green flag, Self began pursuit of his teammate and began his forward charge in the field. He raced his way into the top five in the early half of the race. Following a bad restart he slipped back to the ninth position and was working his way back towards the top five as the race entered it's late stages.

"We were having a really good run and I got myself shuffled back on the restart," said Self. "The car was really good and I know I was going to get back up into the top five until the spin happened and that ended our hopes."

With just 21 laps to go, Self found himself spinning into the grass after a tangle with Travis Pastrana in the second turn. The incident drew a late race caution that was beneficial for his teammate but not what Self wanted to see so late in the event.

"The spin was really unfortunate for Michael, he was charging his way back up there and having a good run" said Portenga. "It was the caution flag the team needed for Dillon to advance but we almost had two cars in the top ten or better. We showed our strength and we're ok in the points this early as a lot of cars that were racing aren't running the whole season. We''ll be ready for Roseville in April."

After finishing 15th in the event, Self sits in the 15th position in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West point standings. He will look to advance in the standings on April 16th when the series competes at the All American Speedway in Roseville for round number two. Self has a great deal of experience on the tight All American track, including victories in late model competition.

"Both Michael and Ty along with this whole crew really showed what GGRT/RCR is all about this season," said team owner Jim Offenbach. "It's pretty obvious we have stepped up our efforts this year and are ready to contend. We're looking forward to going back to Roseville in a few weeks, Michael has great record there as well as this team."

In addition to the sponsorship of the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma and Bay Bio Diesel, the Golden Gate Racing Team carries additional support from a number of dedicated marketing partners. Including the Hill Meat Company, Golden Gate Meat Company, Superior Farms, Harraka Racing Equipment Sales, Foodcomm International, Corte Madera Tow, Signco, Praxair, and JW Web Design.

"This is truly an honor to carry the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma on our car this season," said Offenbach. "Patti and myself are true believers in what this effort is all about and I can’t thank Dr. Michael John Self and Richard Childress for working together to carry the message. These kids really need our help."

For an in-depth look at the Golden Gate Racing Team and additional news, visit their website at www.goldengateracingteam.com . To learn more about the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development program visit www.rcrracing.com . Michael Self's personal racing website can be found at www.michaelselfracing.com.

Michael Self Racing is brought to you by: J. Michael Self, MSquared, and Blakesley Sports Media. Sponsorship and media inquiries can be forwarded to Steven Blakesley at (916) 316-4854.

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