Dave Gentile Jr. heads to Milwaukee after a great run at Lebanon I-44
Second JEGS/CRA race of the season for Illinois native (Special from Gentile Racing)
June 4, 2014
Joliet, Illinois (June 4, 2014) – Dave Gentile Jr. had a successful run in just his second
appearance at the 3/8-mile I-44 Speedway, finishing second at the Mercy Masters of the
Pro 144, a career high in the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Series. Gentile qualified second in
the 30 car field, and with the invert started fourth. From the drop of the green, Gentile
stayed up front & a consistent contender for a podium position. When the competition
caution came out at lap 100, Gentile sat comfortably in the third position.
Learning from his mistake last year, the #6 crew opted to not take any tires, so as not to
lose any positions. It was a good decision, as the top 20 cars all elected to continue on
their initial sets. A mishap with the leader at the half-way break put Gentile in second
place with 44 laps to go. From the restart, the first & second place cars pulled ahead of
the pack. "We were hunting down first place, but never could make the pass," said
Gentile.
He was, however, commended by fellow driver, and eventual winner, Anderson Bowen, for
racing clean against the 16-year old driver. "I did all I could do to try and get by him. If I
was going to pass him, it was going to be cleanly," Gentile said post-race.
Looking forward, Gentile and crew will be running at the ARCA Fest in the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour JEGS 100 at Milwaukee Mile this weekend. Gentile is excited to race in the talent-filled series again. "I haven't raced at the (Milwaukee) Mile for about 4-5 years, so we look forward to be able to get back up there & see what we can do", said Gentile.
"I really want to thank my crew & sponsors. We're a small operation, and to be able to run with these big budget teams, that's really saying a lot for the support that I have," Gentile finished.
Gentile's Five Star Bodies Chevy SS carries sponsorship from WMC Inc, Midwest Industrial Sales, Adler Roofing and Sheet Metal, Oval Engineering, Accurate Industrial Supply, Sign-a-Rama of Joliet, The Flooring Guys, US Gas, Lincoln Electric, FC Enterprises, Vandoorn Racing Development, Swift Springs, Hedman Hedders, Five Star Bodies, and ILMOR/Phil Harper Motorsports.
