Tomy Drissi will get behind the wheel of the No. 14 TriStar Motorsports Toyota for a three race deal starting this weekend at Watkins Glen for the Zippo 200. He is also slated to race Mid-Ohio and Road America.
The No. 14 Toyota will carry a livery supporting and bringing exposure to The Arthritis Foundation.
“I’m really looking forward to teaming up with the TriStar Motorsports guys,” said Tomy. “This is one of those small teams with a big heart. I like that. These guys are willing to put in the hours and the work it takes to be competitive in a series like Xfinity and at a track like Watkins Glen. And I’m really hoping we can put on a great show for The Arthritis Foundation.. this one is close to home. My wife, Lacy, was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at 16 months-old. So, it’s important to us.”
“And…” added Tomy with a grin, “I feel a little obligated to ’Smoke,’ since we’re running the number 14… it’s the same number Tony Stewart runs in the Cup series, we wouldn’t want to let him down.”
On a more serious note, The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR XFINTIY Series will gather for a doubleheader weekend at Watkins Glen International. With the recent resurfacing, the track is smooth and fast. Over the years, NASCAR teams have continually improved the overall competitiveness on the road courses and the fans have responded in kind. Even though teams may bring in road course specialists, like Drissi, the full time NASCAR drivers have stepped up to the challenge. Fans can expect hard driving and tough competition in both Series when the action at The Glen gets underway.
“This is hard racing,” noted Drissi. “Setting up these cars to turn left and right is no easy challenge. Tristar Motorsports owner, Marcus Smith, also owns Pro Motor Engines – one of the leading engine builders for all three of NASCAR’s top-tier divisions. I’m confident we’ll have plenty of power… we just need to hit the set up, find the braking points and stay out of trouble. I’m confident we’ll do well.”
TriStar Motorsports was established in 1989 by Mark Smith. In its early years, the team competed in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series.
“We want to welcome Tomy to the TriStar family,” said Mark Smith. “Drissi is a strong competitor and we look forward to him being behind the wheel of the No. 14. His support of the Arthritis Foundation hits close to home for our family as well. Our daughter, Amy, was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of two. Kath and I are proud and honored to have the Arthritis Foundation represented on one of our cars and we thank Tomy for that opportunity.”
Practice gets underway for the Xfinity Series, Thursday at 1PM through 2:25PM with a second practice from 3:30PM to 4:55PM. The teams will have their final practice with a 55 minute session at 10AM on Friday. Coors Light Pole Qualifying is at 4:45PM.
The NASCAR Xfinity Series Zippo 200 at The Glen gets underway Saturday at 2:30PM an is live on USA. The race is 90 laps / 220.5 miles.
Tomy Drissi is an American driver and Trans Am Champion.
His driver experience includes ALMS, Trans-Am, NASCAR and Speed World Challenge.
Born December 9 in Hollywood, California, Tomy owns an advertising firm that produces upcoming film displays for cinemas.
Drissi’s first racing experience in motorsports was street racing on Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills.
Tomy’s professional racing career highlights include:
• 1999 Trans-Am Rookie of the Year,
• 2000 Trans-Am BBS Most Improved Driver,
• 2000 Trans-Am Crew of the Year
• 2000 Trans-Am Long Beach Champion
• 2009 Trans-Am Champion.
• 2010 ALMS (one off race) Prototype LMP1 3rd. at Mid Ohio
• 2011 saw Tomy’s return to the American Le Mans LMPC division. He scored a 2nd at Long Beach, 3rd at Lime Rock, 1st at Mid Ohio,1st at Inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix and second at Road Atlanta -Petit Le Mans.
• 2012, Drissi teamed with Bruno Junqiera for finishing 2nd at Laguna Seca, a win at Mosport (Canadian Tire Motorsports Park), 2nd at Baltimore and second at the season finale, Petit Lemans.
• 2013 NASCAR CUP/Nationwide. Best result at Mid Ohio starting 38th and finishing 19th.
• 2014 IMSA LMPC at Daytona 3rd.
• 2014 NASCAR CUP/Nationwide. Finished 19th at The Glen
• 2015 TUDOR Series. 2nd Place Rolex 24 at Daytona
About the Arthritis Foundation:
The Arthritis Foundation is the Champion of Yes. Leading the fight for the arthritis community, the Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections. The Arthritis Foundation’s goal is to chart a winning course, guiding families in developing personalized plans for living a full life – and making each day another stride towards a cure. The Foundation also publishes Arthritis Today, the award-winning magazine that reaches 4.2 million readers.