Epling Ready for Sunoco American Late Model Series

Sunoco American Late Model Series 2011 racing season finally starts for Sammy Epling

Perry, Michigan (Thursday, May 26th, 2011): A return trip to his home state of Illinois theoretically seemed like the perfect time for Sammy Epling to bring home his first feature win of the 2011 racing season. In addition to the return home, it was also the 2011 season opener, after four different tries, for the Sunoco American Late Model Series.

The weekend began on May 20th at Kankakee Motor Speedway in Kankakee, Illinois and then continued on May 21st at Fairbury American Legion Speedway in Fairbury, Illinois. Epling, who now calls Perry, Michigan home, had both dates circled on his 2011 calendar and not only was looking forward to coming back home for the weekend, but to also jump out to a fast start in the chase for the 2011 Sunoco ALMS title behind the wheel of his potent UMP Late Model.

At Kankakee, Epling transferred into the Feature by finished third in his Qualifier Heat Race. In the Feature, the Perry, Michigan resident worked his way up to sixth before the right rear tire sealed up under a caution. On the restart, Epling fell back to ninth which is where he finished. "The car was good. I was happy to finally get to race where I grew up. It was good to see a lot of friends" He explained.

The next night at Fairbury didn't go according to plan for the SJE Motorsports / Doug Finley Motorsports Team. After spinning out in Qualifying, he started in the back of his Qualifier Heat Race and could only get up to sixth, forcing him to have to run the Last Chance Race. After starting seventh, he worked his way up to third to transfer into the feature.

In the feature, Epling would start 19th and moved up to 13th by the 1/2 way point when a caution came out. "The motor went south during the caution, so we had to ride it out," Epling added. He would be shown 20th in the end. "All In all it really was a good weekend. Lots of good competition, we made both races, and sit sixth in points. Our main goal is to finish at the top and win the series points title and this is a good start." He stated.

Now the Sunoco ALMS plays catch up to its' own 2011 schedule as the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend is on tap with three races in three days beginning at the track where Epling is the defending track champion at; Mt. Pleasant Speedway in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan on Friday, May 27th as the fast 1/3 (0.333) mile semi-banked dirt oval will mark the series first appearance in the Great Lakes State in 2011.

From there, the series travels to the Buckeye State for two consecutive shows as the first one is at the 3/8s (0.375) mile semi-banked dirt oval of Oakshade Raceway on Saturday, May 28th before wrapping up the holiday weekend at the legendary 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked dirt oval of Tony Stewart's Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio on Sunday, May 29th.

"We've got three more nights with the Sunoco ALMS this coming Memorial Day Holiday Weekend. I hope Mother Nature cooperates," He laughed. "I do hope to see everyone out at all three shows. Don't forget, we have t-shirts, pink and white, also hoodies as well so come get your shirts or hoodies, or just stop by and say hi." Epling ended.

Epling's #29 Mastersbilt Chassis sporting a Pontiac GTO nose on his UMP Late Model will carry sponsorship decals from; NorthsideTowing.net as well as SJE Trucking, Imaging Solutions, Shift Shop Transmissions, Mike Childers & Sons Excavating, Lane Automotive, Fusion Sign Company, Jeff Smith Home Improvements, NashCar Trailers, Huffy's Marathon, Hedrick Precision Engines, Dowker Racing Engines, M.P.H. Promotions, SJE Motorsports, and Doug Finley Motorsports.

For more information about Sammy Epling and the entire SJE Motorsports / Doug Finley Motorsports Team and to inquire about additional sponsorship opportunities for the 2011 racing season, log onto the teams' website at: www.sammyepling.com You can also follow the entire 2011 season with Epling by becoming a fan on his Facebook Fan Page. Just go to: www.facebook.com and search "Sammy Epling / SJE Motorsports" then click on "Like" today.