NEWTON, Iowa – With another solid finish in the books last weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, Austin Wayne Self and his Niece Motorsports team are determined to keep their momentum charging forward heading into Saturday night’s M&M’s 200 presented by Casey’s General Store at Iowa Speedway.
Showcasing the speed and authority in his No. 22 Go Texan | AM Technical Solutions Chevrolet Silverado at Texas, Self saw a plausible top-10 finish diminish after another truck got loose while racing Self, cutting down a tire and sending the veteran NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver to pit road.
Having to play-catchup from there, Self returned to the track to solider onto a 17th-place finish. Still annoyed with the Texas result, short track racing returns at the opportune time for the Austin, Texas driver.
“Even though we didn’t get the finish we wanted at Texas, I’m really proud of this Niece Motorsports team,” said Self. “We’re riding the strength of our performances, and not necessarily our finishes lately, because we’ve had speed in our trucks – just have encountered some bad luck.
“Now, it’s time for that luck to change this weekend at Iowa.”
Self will make his third start at the 0.875-mile short track this weekend. Last season in his second start of the year for Niece Motorsports, Self qualified 17th, but finished 23rd. In his Iowa Truck Series debut in 2016, he qualified 22nd, but raced to a competitive 16th-place finish.
While a 16th-place result was satisfactory for Self and his team two years ago, anything less than a top-10 performance this weekend would be disappointing.
“I really feel that we have the trucks capable of running inside the top-10,” noted Self. “Cody (Efaw, crew chief) and myself have raised our communication up a notch and I think everyone’s been able to see that over the past couple of races.
“We had the opportunity to work together during the Iowa race last year. While the finish wasn’t what we hoped, I think we have a good balance of what to expect this week. The benefit of working together last year is that Cody knows what I need in our No. 22 Go Texan | AM Technical Solutions Chevrolet Silverado to go fast.
“Even though the weather will change the setup in our truck throughout the day, we just need to stay balanced and focused, and I think qualifying and the race will fall into our hands. I can’t wait to get to Iowa.”
In addition to two NCWTS races at Iowa, the 22-year-old Self has two ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards starts at Iowa Speedway, with a best finish of sixth after starting ninth during the 2015 season.
After eight races, Self sits 14th in the series’ standings. He carries an average finish of 18.8 entering Iowa.
Like last year, the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Go Texan program and AM Technical Solutions will also support Self in his 49th career start.
GO TEXAN represents Texas agri-business on state, national and international levels by building recognition with the GO TEXAN mark.
Along with its signature mark in the shape of Texas, GO TEXAN celebrates, promotes and supports the business savvy and plainspoken grit Texas agriculture is known throughout the world.
Don’t mess with Texas, CForce Bottling Company, Flying Circle and Kreuz Market will serve as associate partners in the eighth race of the year.
In 48 NCWTS races, the 2015 ARCA Racing Series rookie of the year has one top-five (second at Daytona 2017) and three top-10 finishes. The Texan maintains an average finish of 18.9 during his three years of competition.
For more on Austin Wayne Self, like his Facebook page (Austin Wayne Self) or follow him on Twitter @AustinWSelf.
For additional information on CForce premium artesian water, please visit cforce.com.
For more on Flying Circle, please visit flyingcirclegear.com, like them on Facebook (FlyingCircleGear) and follow them on Instagram (@flyingcirclegear) and Twitter (@flyingcircle_). Also connect with Flying Circle on Pinterest and YouTube.
For more on Niece Motorsports, please visit niecemotorsports.com.
The M&M’s 200 presented by Casey’s General Store (200 laps | 175 miles) is the ninth of 23 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races on the 2018 schedule. Practice begins on Sat., June 16 from 8:35 a.m. – 9:25 a.m. A final practice session is set for 10:05 a.m. – 10:55 p.m. Qualifying is set for later in the day beginning at 3:30 p.m. The 32-truck field will take the green flag shortly after 6:00 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Satellite Radio, Channel 90). All times are local (Central).
About GO TEXAN:
GO TEXAN represents Texas agri-business on state, national and international levels by building recognition with the GO TEXAN mark.
Along with its signature mark in the shape of Texas, GO TEXAN celebrates, promotes and supports the business savvy and plainspoken grit Texas agriculture is known throughout the world.
Whether it’s grown, sewn or served on a plate, more than 26 million Texans shop, travel and dine out in full support of Texas business and agriculture.
About AM Technical Solutions:
AM Technical Solutions (AMTS) is a leading construction management, project management and facility solutions firm for high-tech markets.
AMTS provides diverse integrated solutions across a facilities life cycle to include new cleanroom construction, integrated construction management, total quality programs, capital asset solutions and cleanroom certification and testing.
About Niece Motorsports:
Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2018, Niece Motorsports enters its second full season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, fielding two full-time teams with Austin Wayne Self and Justin Fontaine.
Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 30 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability.
The company provides water and fuel / lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry.
Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.
CONTACT: [email protected] | niecemotorsports.com.