LAGASSE, JR. LOOKING TO COMPLETE ROOKIE SEASON

(Photo Credit: Phil Cavali 2009)

            MOORESVILLE, N.C. (July  22, 2009) -- Following the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Iowa Speedway on August 1, Scott Lagasse Jr. will no longer compete in the CJM Racing  No. 11 Toyota and will be looking for a way to complete his Rookie season.

            Lagasse, Jr., currently 12^th in series driver points and a Raybestos Rookie-of-the-Year contender, will compete in this weekend’s event at O’Reilly Raceway Park near Indianapolisand in the following weekend’s race in Iowa. CJM Racing will have Denny Hamlin compete in the No. 11 Toyota beginning at Watkins Glen.

            “I appreciate the confidence and opportunity that Tony & Bryan Mullet of CJM

Racing have given me” said Lagasse, Jr. “It’s certainly disappointing to move aside. The guys and I have put in a lot of time and hard work to find our recent performance gains, but I can understand what an experienced driver like Denny Hamlin can bring to the team.

 “In this industry, we all have to weigh our opportunities and for CJM and their desire to grow their technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing -- it’s a good opportunity for them.

            “We’ve had a few tough breaks and I’ve learned a lot along the way. We’ve been doing well in the point standings and racing for rookie of the year. I hope to find the right opportunity which will allow me to finish what we’ve started.”

             Iowa will also be America’s Incredible Pizza’s last race but no one knows what the future holds 

            “Scotty has done a tremendous job representing us both on and off the track,” said Rick Barsness, Founder and CEO of America’s Incredible Pizza Company. “He is a terrific young man with a sincere desire to win and he shares our family values.  We’re excited about continuing our branding with Scott through new store openings and other promotions.”

            “Everyone in the Incredible Pizza family is first class and I feel fortunate to represent a cutting-edge organization,” said Lagasse, Jr. “I’m fascinated by Rick’s enthusiasm, teamwork concepts and passion for life, and I’m really grateful for Rick and Cheryl Barsness’ support and I look forward to what the future holds.”

            Lagasse, Jr. competed in the final seven races of 2008 with CJM Racing preserving his eligibility to compete for Rookie of the Year.  After 19 races in 2009, Lagasse, Jr. has three top-10 finishes and is fourth in the hotly contested rookie-of- the-year battle.