By Sarah Handy, Staff Writer
Scott Lagasse Jr, On Point Motorsports, and Brantley Gilbert along with Big Machine Records, Screen Your Machine will pay tribute to race engineer Gary Grossenbacher this weekend at Daytona.
This Sunday’s event marks the inaugural NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series race at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course.
Not a bad looking ride for @scottlagasse this weekends @DISupdates. The @BigMachine @brantleygilbert #ScreenYourMachine #30 @NASCAR_Trucks Toyota Tundra is ready to take on this chicane. #CancerSucks #GetScreened #AmericanCancerSociety https://t.co/10kbEbNppz pic.twitter.com/j6WmFYFfPS
— On Point Motorsports (@OnPMotorsports) August 14, 2020
About Gary Grossenbacher
Gary Grossenbacher loved racing from an early age, following his 1984 graduation from Arizona State University he began his career in racing as an engineer. Grossenbacher went on to work with many great teams such as for Group 44, Al Holbert Racing, Truesports, Kevin Doran Racing, GM Racing’s aero program with NASCAR Cup Series teams, Bill Davis Racing, Spirit of Daytona Racing, Sean Creech Motorsports and many more. Furthermore, Grossenbacher always found time to mentor young engineers who desired a life in the racing industry. Gary also won many races and Championships along the way, these included three consecutive GTP Sports Car Championships in a row and two 24 Hours of Daytona victories, all while earning the respect of many throughout motorsports.
“This weekend is very special for many of us that knew and worked with Gary,” said Lagasse. “He was an intense competitor who valued the work ethics and competitive spirit of Vince Lombardi. I feel fortunate to have known Gary and worked with him since I was young and appreciate the opportunity to honor Gary along with his family, Dr. Lance Willsey and his many friends throughout racing.”
Lagasse Jr’s Personal Mission
Scott Lagasse Jr.’s personal mission to promote cancer awareness and age appropriate screening through Screen Your Machine will be displayed on the No. 30 On Point Motorsports truck this weekend. The mission looks to encourage people to be aware and to be screened for all types of cancer at the appropriate age. Lagasse Jr. a colon cancer survivor himself is alive and healthy today because the cancer was caught early on.
“Despite all of the advances in the treatment of cancer there is no substitute for early detection. The vast majority of cancers are curable with the benefit of early detection via screening,” said Dr. Lance Willsey, M.D.
Lagasse went on to thank a number of people for making this weekend possible.
“A special thank you to team owner James Whitener, Brantley Gilbert and Big Machine Records for their support of Gary and this message. It is exciting to work with On Point Motorsports, Crew Chief Steven Lane (Bones) and the No. 30 team. Bones and I have had success in the past, and this should be a really good weekend in the Brantley Gilbert / Screen Your Machine Tundra,” said Lagasse Jr.
Brantley Gilbert
Country star Brantley Gilbert knows about the evils of cancer himself as his hard-hitting #1 song, “One Hell Of An Amen” illustrates just that. Currently, Brantley is celebrating the success of his #1 Country Album, “Fire & Brimstone”, his #1 Single with Lindsay Ell, “What Happens In A Small Town” and his latest hit single, “Hard Days.”
Brantley, a race fan himself will be watching the NGROTS race on Sunday. “I can’t wait to watch the Gander RV & Outdoor Truck Series take to the road course at Daytona,” said Gilbert. Adding, “And these drivers don’t get any practice or qualifying? Lagasse’s road course experience could be a key ingredient to landing in Victory Lane. It’s ON!”
Lagasse Jr’s Return to the Truck Series
When Lagasse Jr takes the green flag for Sunday’s Sunoco 159 from the Daytona International Speedway Road Course it’ll be his first time behind the wheel of a NASCAR truck since 2018.
Lagasse made three starts in the series in 2018 at Daytona, Bristol and Talladega. His best finish in those three starts was fifth at Daytona after starting in 18th. His starts at Bristol and Talladega were with On Point Motorsports, out of those two finishes his best result was 18th at Talladega.
Overall, since his NGROTS debut back in 2006, Lagasse has made 30 starts in the series with two top-five and five top-10 finishes. He has also made 70 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series since 2005, earning six top-10 finishes
The historic NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoor Truck Series Sunoco 159 race will take place this Sunday, August 16 at Noon EST on Fox Sports 1, or it can be heard on MRN Radio and Sirius XM NASCAR.
Photo Credit: Nigel Kinrade Photography / NKP Photo