MOORESVILLE, N.C., Dec. 17, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In 2014, at 18 years of age Austin Wayne Self began his first full time season in the ARCA Racing Series. Throughout 2014 AWS tallied 13 top 10 finishes and finished the season 6th overall in points. This was an all in season, and Austin's first step into the world of professional full time auto racing in a stock car. Welcome to the big leagues! This was an entirely new chapter for AWS, who approaches racing with a homerun mentality. Austin traded paint for positions, and confidently established himself as a contender.
"Our goal in 2014 was to bring home Rookie of the Year. We did that. At every single race we were a threat to win. With every race we learned, we gained confidence and expanded my knowledge of racing. I learned how to race on diverse tracks and surfaces. I learned how to use the air and aggressively advance in a race while managing my resources. This year was about learning and we did just that. I feel like this year has not only made me a better racer, but also a better person. To add my name to the list of ARCA Rookie of the Year winners is one of the more humbling facets of this award. Knowing I have the opportunity to do what other drivers who have achieved that honor have done, is motivating to me and our entire team. I would like to thank Cunningham Motorsports for giving me the opportunity to race in the 22. I would also like to thank AM Technical Solutions for their continued support and sponsorship over the years. AMTS has allowed me to pursue my passion in racing, and I look forward to racing with AMTS again in 2015." – Austin Wayne Self.
"Scott Brand Products is honored to present Austin Wayne Self with the Scott Rookie of the Year award in the ARCA Series," said Brittany Harvey, Marketing Manager for Scott Brand Home Professional Products. "He and his team's hard work and dedication to their trade made this possible. We hope to see Austin competing for an ARCA championship in 2015 and want to wish he and his team all the best in their future race endeavors."
The ARCA series not only awards the Rookie with the highest finishes, but they must also adhere to a strict code of conduct. Austin Wayne Self clinched the points for Rookie of the Year at the end of the season, though he did not officially receive the award until December 13th in Indianapolis, Indiana at the ARCA Racing Series Awards Banquet. As a driver Self exemplifies the competitive spirit, but more importantly off the track he is the kind of driver who takes the time to acknowledge his fans, and inspire viewers. There were points in the season when during a race, hope was hard to find. The team frequently faced adversity. Austin gave the fans someone to cheer for, he raced from the back of the pack forward, aggressively passing veteran drivers and making his name known as the rookie to watch.
"The SCOTT Rookie of the Year award is one of the most prestigious in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards," said longtime ARCA PR Rep. Don Radebaugh. "Congratulations to Austin Wayne Self who worked hard all season to earn the honor of being ARCA's top rookie in 2014. The award has always been a good indicator of future success in our sport. Considering the exclusive and renowned list of past ARCA Rookies of the Year that Austin is now among – a list that includes Charlie Glotzbach, Benny Parsons, Davey Allison, Bill Venturini, Bobby Gerhart, Frank Kimmel, Alex Bowman, Chris Buescher and so many more – he, deservedly so, should be very proud to be ARCA's SCOTT Rookie of the Year." - Don Radebaugh ARCA
As the primary sponsor of the 22 car in 2014, AM Technical Solutions found great value in their relationship with Austin Wayne Self and have committed to another year as primary sponsor for the 2015 ARCA season. AMTS has stood by Austin's racing career from the get go, they have believed in Austin's potential and knew he had what it takes. Austin created value for AMTS and turned his performance into live TV air time for the AMTS brand.
"We are proud to partner with Austin Wayne Self and his racing program. Austin exceeded our expectations this season in terms of success during his rookie year with multiple Top 10 finishes, which of course got us a lot of great brand exposure and value through the ARCA TV broadcasts. AMTS looks forward to continuing this relationship next season when we know Austin will be working hard again, and competing for a championship."
"The relationship not only provides brand exposure, but it also creates some top-notch executive networking opportunities at some of the nation's largest speedways. It's a differentiator," says Tim Glasson, SVP of Corporate Development for AM Technical Solutions.
Austin Wayne Self will move forward in 2015 and buckle down for the ride of his life as he fights for a championship in the 98 AM Technical Solutions Ford for Mitchell Motorsports. Please see, Austin Wayne Self Signs with Mitchell Motorsports to Create the Youngest Team Owner, Driver Duo in the ARCA Racing Series for more information on Austin's upcoming season with the 2014 Championship team. The skills and lessons learned as a rookie will now be the foundation for his 2015 season run for the championship. Don't miss a piece of the 2015 puzzle! Follow Self on Facebook and Twitter for more race season updates including behind the scenes pictures and videos from the 2014 ARCA Awards Banquet where Self officially received his ROY award!
About Austin Wayne Self Racing
Austin Wayne Self has been racing since he was five years old. He began his racing career in go karts at a local track near his hometown, Austin, TX. During his karting career Self raced across the U.S. competing for regional and national titles. Between the ages of 11 and 14, Self won 11 WKA National Cups, the WKA Grand National Championship, the TAG World Championship and the Rock Island Grand Prix Championship. In 2010 Self won the Florida Winter Tour Championship and finished 3rd in the Super Nationals in Las Vegas (the highest finished ever accomplished by an American driver in that competition). In that same year Self made his first start in a TSRS Late Model. During the 2010 season Self placed 3rd overall and won the Rookie of the Year Award. In 2011 Self signed with Sellers Racing to compete in 27 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series races. Self's performance in the series gave him the ability to move into partial seasons for the K &N Pro East and ARCA Racing Series. In 24 starts in multiple racing series Self achieved ten top 5 finishes and fourteen top 10 finishes. In 2014 Austin Wayne Self signed with Cunningham Motorsports for his first full ARCA season where he finished 6th overall in points and won the most SCOTT Rookie of the Race Challenges than any other Rookie driver.
For more information about AWS Racing please visit our website: www.austinwayneself.com
Photos accompanying this release are available at:
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Kristen Beat Talent and PR Activation Director AWS Racing
