CALGARY, AB – Cameron Hayley will return to his home track in the upcoming Montana 200 on July 21. Last year the Late Model rookie sensation overcame significant setbacks during the race and managed a top five finish in the prestigious event. The Montana 200 is a big show that draws cars from Alberta, BC, Montana, Idaho and Washington States and showcases the Northwest’s best talent, young and old. 2011 brought close to 50 cars to Montana to compete for a shot at the title and this year the promoters are looking to eclipse that number.
The Cabinets by Hayley #24 Super Late Model Racing Team has been racing down south in 2012 under the tutelage of long time racing great, Bill McNally. McNally’s Racing Team spotted the young Canadian talent early in 2011 and wasted no time in offering him a full time ride for 2012 in the NASCAR K&N Pro West Division.
Halfway through the season, Hayley is holding a tight lead in the 2012 rookie of the year standings and is also being touted as one of the “Next Nine” drivers to keep your eye on. The “Next Nine” are NASCAR’s rising stars and these young drivers are expected to compete for jobs in NASCAR’s premier Sprint Cup Division in only a few short years.
The Cabinets by Hayley team will be returning to its roots for the Montana show and the team is eager to be back to familiar territory. “Cameron has been learning new tracks, racing new drivers, and learning the business of NASCAR and motor racing so far this year,” a team spokesman said. “He’s been exposed to press conferences, grand openings in addition he was invited to a reception at the Toyota Racing Development shop in California where he was introduced to the very best drivers in NASCAR.
When asked why he likes Montana Raceway Park so much, Hayley pauses to reflect before answering. “Even though it’s five hours away from my home, I consider it my home track. The fans there have always been extremely warm and supportive going back to my days in the Baby Grand; referring to the many wins that he experienced when driving the Scaled Late Model cars. They know I’m a good driver and they have always supported me,” said Hayley, who likes the track too. “It’s very technical and we’ve always been able to work the top groove. My experience in the K&N Series has taught me even more about racing the top groove and I’m hopeful that we can make the car stick and race our way into the show. Plus, I love way the way the car drops into the corners and take a set, it’s just the coolest feeling!”
Hayley, still two weeks shy from his 16th birthday, and his driver’s license, will turn 16 on the 21st. “It would be pretty cool to bring home the win on my birthday but the first order of business is making the show,” he said. Hayley, while fast in 2011, barely made the show after several mechanical problems during qualifying and the heat races but returns with a lot more racing under his belt in the big heavy Super Late models.
With the first half of 2012 now in the rear view mirror, Cameron is excited about returning to his home track, in his car, and in front of his biggest supporters. “The Super Late model is lighter and more nimble than the cars I’ve been racing this season and I’m looking forward to taking advantage of what I’ve learned in the NASCAR K&N Series this year,” said the young star with an excited look of determination on his face.
For more information on Cameron Hayley Motorsports and our race partners, please visit www.cameronhayley.com. Cameron is also on Facebook at Cameronhayleymotorsports and you can follow him on Twitter at CameronHayley24.
From Cameron Hayley Motorsports
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