Bobby Santos III Continues Strong Season, Winning Caution-Filled Made in America Whelen 2

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (June 7, 2010) - Third generation driver Bobby Santos III grew up admiring his grandfather Bob Santos' grandfather clock from his 1972 Cardinal Classic win at Martinsville Speedway. Santos III fulfilled his dream of winning his own clock this past weekend at the Made in America Whelen 200. It was a hard-fought win for the 24-year-old, as he eluded 18 cautions throughout the race en route to his third NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour win of 2010.

Despite finishing 29th of 37 cars in Saturday's practice, Santos and the Mystic Missile Racing team remained confident going into qualifying. Santos was able to pick up almost a half-second in qualifying, securing the fifth fastest time with a speed of 98.702 mph and solidifying his confidence for the race.

After the qualifying redraw, the Franklin, Mass., native began Sunday's Made in America Whelen 200 in fourth place. Through the early stages of the race, Santos bobbled between third and fifth place, while avoiding several cautions.

Following the sixth caution on lap 84, Santos came to pit for his only pit-stop of the day. The No. 4 machine took on four tires and fuel, while most teams changed three tires, before returning to the track in the 11th position. Following the restart on lap 92, Santos maneuvered forward, moving back into the top-five on lap 117.

Santos took the lead for the first time on lap 137 but fell to second following the restart on lap 145. Santos moved back to first, when Ron Silk pitted for fuel on lap 175. Santos then battled through lap traffic and avoided two more cautions, taking the checkered flag on lap 204.

Santos was emotional following the race, dedicating the win to his late grandfather Bob Santos.

"I want to thank everybody on the team. I'm just really happy. It means a lot to win here because my grandfather did, so that's pretty cool. I saw my grandfather's clock growing up, so it means so much to get this win. It's for him."

Santos' win at Martinsville Speedway marks his third win of the season and fourth career NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victory. Santos remains in first place in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour standings, 89 points ahead of second place Mike Stefanik.

Santos will return to one of his favorite race tracks, O'Reilly Raceway Park, this Thursday, June 10 to compete in the USAC Sprint Car race. His next NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race will be Saturday, June 26 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.