Full Throttle

Earlier this month Gabi DiCarlo announced turning point in the career of ARCA RE/MAX Series driver. The Phoenix, Ariz. native was preparing to make her Camping World Truck Series debut on March 28, 2009 at Martinsville Speedway.

“Was preparing,” being the operative words.

A few days ago I noted she, Stringer Motorsports and long-time sponsor, Great Clips, Inc. had entered this weeks Bernardino County 200 in Fontana. At the time I passed it off as a case of “better safe than sorry.” One of those things that may happen and in case things come together filing an entry checks off a mandatory box.

The pre-planning paid off. Bigtime.

“We batted the idea around and said if we can come up with the (sponsorship) money, then we’d try it,” said DiCarlo, 23, whose truck will carry support from the Great Clips hair salon chain. “We just picked up the trucks. I was going to do two tests at a short track, but my first time in the truck will be the first practice (today).”

DiCarlo, who finished 14th in ARCA Series points in 2008, will start inside the 12th row as she qualified her Great Clips Toyota 23rd fastest in her rookie start in the Camping World Truck Series.

Even more impressive, she starts ahead of series veterans Denis Setzer (27th) and Butch Miller (33rd).

DiCarlo’s seven-race Truck schedule, with ARCA crew chief Randy Nelson serving in a similar role, includes Atlanta in two weeks. Stringer said the team will evaluate her progress later this season to see if some Nationwide starts could follow.

For now, DiCarlo is happy to see her NASCAR dream realized ahead of schedule.

“There are some nerves going into this, but they’re the same as they would’ve been if I had tested,” said DiCarlo, who will still run ARCA. “I’m doing OK considering the situation. I know the competition steps up, but I’m pretty confident.”

Kyle Busch captured the pole with a lap of 41.341 seconds, 174.161 mph.

“It’s all she had man — that was it,” Busch said. “It was wide open. It was a good lap for us. The Miccosukee Toyota Tundra - I was not expecting that.”

Johnny Benson (second) posted his first top-10 start of 2009 and his fourth in six races at ACS.

“It was pretty smooth through (turns) one and two, but (turns) three and four didn’t go the way I wanted it to.” Benson said. “It just got away from me there and slid up the track. All in all, I’m not going to complain.”

Ricky Carmichael posted his second top-10 start in two races this season after timing in third.

“We came here for practice here yesterday, it is such a fast track for me,” Carmichael said. “It is way harder than Daytona. Less banking. You depend so much on grip. All these guys have so much time out here, during qualifying, they go out there and hold it wide open.

They have so much confidence. Whereas, between trying to get the confidence, the tires and everything and trying to learn the track in general, I had a lot to digest. So, just happy to be up here and just want to bring it to the finish tomorrow.”

The Gabi DiCarlo File

This will be Phoenix, AZ native, Gabi DiCarlo’s first start in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The talented young driver will be sponsored by Great Clips, Inc. and will drive for Stringer Motorsports. DiCarlo has been driving for Stringer Motorsports for four years, first in the Hooter’s Pro Cup Series and the last two seasons in the ARCA RE/MAX Series in the No. 90 Great Clips entry.

DiCarlo will utilize race winning Toyota Tundra’s from Germain Racing purchased during the off season by Doug Stringer owner of Stringer Motorsports.

Gabi will run a limited number of CWTS events throughout the season in addition to the Auto Club Speedway including those at Martinsville Speedway, The Milwaukee Mile, Iowa Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Phoenix International Raceway.

DiCarlo Expecting Strong 2009 Season with Crew Chief, Randy Nelson

“Randy came to the team towards the end of last season and there was a huge improvement in the performance of the cars and the crew. I have really been able to connect with Randy because of the fact he has competed in his own cars and in the truck series.

There are times that he knows what is happening in the car before I have a chance to tell him. He has been such a great fit and his leadership ability keeps the team calm even when things are not going as planned.”

DiCarlo on Racing at California

“To make my first start in a NASCAR-sanctioned event is something I have been waiting for, for a long time,” said DiCarlo. “Having the support and encouragement of Doug Stringer and Great Clips through all of the highs and lows over the last several years has made all the difference and has helped me get to this point in my career. I am 100% ready to face the challenges ahead and cannot wait to get started.”