After a frustrating run at Phoenix where mechanicals forced an early retirement
from the race, David Mayhew and the Golden Gate Racing Team charged back to finish in 3rd place in
race #3 in Kyle Texas. "It was a great race and exciting to see David and the #21
Golden Gate Petroleum Chevy run up front and race with the leaders till the very end." Said
team owner Jimi Offenbach. "After running so well at Roseville and being up front in
the Phoenix race until our night ended early it was gratifying to see David and the car keep up
the momentum we started."
The weekend started well with Mayhew qualifying 3rd place just behind winner Eric
Holmes and runner-up Austin Cameron. Bolstered by the lap times Mayhew had the confidence to
run the car hard and stay at the front of the pack for the entire race. His performance
earned him the "Featherlite Most Improved Driver Award."
Next stop on the tour is Iowa Speedway. Thanks to the strong finish in Texas he is
firmly planted in the top ten - ranked 7th in points.
Mayhew On A Roll Heading Back To Desert Mile By Kevin Green, NASCAR
David Mayhew (No. 21 BayBioDiesel Chevrolet) was in a position to possibly win at Phoenix
International Raceway a year ago, in only his second start in the NASCAR Camping World Series.
That victory eluded him, however, as his car began to fade from the lead with mechanical problems
near the finish of the race.
Mayhew returns to Phoenix this year with a renewed confidence, as the NASCAR Camping World Series
West heads to PIR this week for the Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150 on Thursday, April 10. The
$210,926 race, a companion event at PIR with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the NASCAR
Nationwide Series, will be televised to a national audience live in high definition on HDNet. In
addition, SPEED is to provide an enhanced replay.
“Last year, we were a one-car team with one motor, a borrowed transmission and borrowed
everything pretty much just to get there,” Mayhew recalled of his effort of a year ago by a
family team. He returns to the Valley of the Sun this year as the driver of the Golden Gate Racing
Team entry for car owner Jim Offenbach. “It’s a lot different, going there prepared and
knowing what you’ve got – compared to just showing up and hoping everything works out.
I’m really looking forward to it.”
While last year’s team had good equipment, they did not have all the resources, according to
Mayhew.
“We’ve got guys at the shop working on the cars all the time,” said the 26-year-old
driver from Atascadero, Calif., who recorded two top-five and four top-10 finishes in his seven
career starts last year in the NASCAR Camping World Series. “So, I’m not out trying to
find sponsorship to go run the car, trying to find somebody to get the car there and trying to
find a trailer to put the car in to take it there. Everything’s in place. Before we even get
there, we’re more focused on driving and not worrying about if everything’s going to go
good and if we’re going to make it to the race. This year, we know everything’s going to
get there just fine. We’re going to have a back-up car in the trailer and a back-up motor in
the trailer. It’s a lot more comfortable feeling going to the races in a situation like
this.”
Adding to Mayhew’s confidence this season is his crew chief Steve Portenga, who set the
current record of 129.394 mph at PIR in 2000.
“Steve’s always run well, pretty much everywhere,” Mayhew said. “I’ve got
a pretty good mentor and teacher in Steve, with all his knowledge from the different tracks.
He’s still got the track record at Phoenix and knows how to get around there. Hopefully, we
can put everything together and go win us a race.”
Mayhew is part of a driver development program between the Golden Gate Racing Team and Richard
Childress Racing. While he admits to feeling an extra bit of pressure to do well there, with RCR
in attendance at Phoenix, Mayhew remains philosophical about it.
“Whatever’s going to happen will happen,” he said. “So everybody just needs to
do their best. I believe in Steve and Jim and the team. I think we’ll have good cars all
year.”
After being named to drive the GGRT entry late in the season last year, Mayhew responded with
back-to-back podium finishes in the last two races. He hopes to carry that momentum over into this
season. He started with a runner-up finish in the season opener.
“I think we can continue it,” Mayhew said. “Running in the top three or top five
every race is what it’s going to take. The wins will come with podium finishes. We’ll
concentrate on making all the laps and having the car there at the end of the race. That’s
what it takes.”
Strong Start for Golden Gate RCR Development Team in the Camping World
Series
Golden Gate Racing has spent months preparing for the 2008 season, and Saturday night they proved
that all the hard work was well worth it. David Mayhew took the GGRT #21 car to a well-deserved
second place finish in the season opening at Roseville's All American Speedway. Both practice
sessions saw the Richard Childress Development driver turning the second fastest laps out of the
25 top west coast drivers that competed in the first Grand National event to be held at the track.
In final qualifying Mayhew set third fast time in the finely tuned car and was slated to start in
the third position for the main event.
Having rained the night before, the track was green and it took several laps of precarious racing
for the tires to warm up. During these opening circuits Mayhew took advantage of an opening and
gained the second spot very quickly. When the checkered fell Mayhew's car was nearly side by side
with the winner.
"I can't thank the team enough for this kind of opening night. With everyone focused on the
same goal it made it much easier for me to make a great showing." said Mayhew. "Steve
Portenga and the whole team put so much effort into this car and for that I'm very grateful."
Crew chief Steve Portenga was also happy with the night’s success. “David and the crew
guys did a great job. It's a team effort and they all stepped up to the plate.” Said
Portenga. “I also would like to thank Jim Offenbach for giving the team the tools to do our
job and Richard Childress Racing for their encouragement and support.”
Team owner Jimi Offenbach could hardly have been more proud of a run. "I got a call from
Richard Childress congratulating us on keeping up the momentum of the whole RCR organization. The
one-two-three finish in the Sprint Cup last week was a tough act to follow and we are ecstatic
that our RCR Development Driver, David Mayhew, was able to take home a second place finish for
RCR's entry in the Camping World Grand National West Series." Said Offenbach. “We are so
grateful to all our sponsors. They were instrumental in getting us funding early in the year so we
could be ready for this event. A huge thanks to Pat O’Keefe at Golden Gate Petroleum and Bay
Biodiesel, the folks at King Taco, Hill Meat Company, Corte Madera Tow and all the others.
"It was a fun track, a bit of a challenge since our cars are so big and track is one of the
smaller ones on the tour. But it made for some tight racing." said Mayhew. “I'm really
looking forward to the next race at the Phoenix track. Love that track, lots of room to open up
and let the cars go. I had a great run their last year and I'm pretty confident going into the
race that we can get another top finish in the Bay Biodeisel / Golden Gate Meat Company sponsored
car."
Mayhew Battles to Second Place Finish for Opening Night of the Season.
Roseville, CA - All American Speedway
All the work and all the preparation paid off this weekend as the Golden Gate
Racing Team's driver, David Mayhew, was able to wheel his car to a second place finish.
Golden Gate Racing Team
RCR Development Team Ready for the Season Opener
Golden Gate Racing Team, the only west coast Richard Childress Driver Development team, is more
than ready for the start of the 2008 Camping World NASCAR series. With eight cars, eight motors
and a warehouse of spare parts and pieces, they are probably the most prepared team that will be
taking the track this weekend. The season opener will be held at the historic All American
Speedway in Roseville. This will be the series first appearance at the track in more than 25 years
and it will be the first time GGRT driver David Mayhew has ever raced the track. However, a few
weeks ago the team held a day-long practice and were more than encouraged by the lap times they
were setting.
"All American is a great track - one of my favorite kinds of racing." Said Mayhew.
"I'm pretty sure we can present a top finishing car for the season debut. I know that the
team has worked hard to get all of the cars ready for the year and have been able to hand me a car
that I can get great lap times from right out of the chute." continued the driver from
Atascadero, CA.
"We are going to try to keep up momentum that the RCR drivers in the Sprint Cup and the
Nationwide Series have started. We want to keep all the RCR cars at the top of the points
standings - and that includes in the new Camping World West Series." said team owner Jim
Offenbach. "Richard has really extended his support of our team this season and we are going
to make him glad he has. Add to that the continued support from our great sponsors from last year,
like Golden Gate Petroleum and Bay Bio Diesel, and all the new sponsors that have come on-board,
like King Taco."
Up against some of the top drivers in America, many David has raced with in the past, and some new
faces should make this weekend's race very exciting. With a good qualifying time, and a nice
starting position the team should have a great run. "The pit crews, tech people, support
staff and everyone on the team have really pulled together to get this operation ready for the
challenge ahead." said Steve Portenga, crewchief of the #21 Golden Gate Petroleum/Golden Gate
Meat Company team. We just have to have the bit of luck it takes to make it all come together in a
1st place win.
Roseville - 03-01-08 - Practice or Proving Ground? It wasn't so much practice as proving ground for the Golden Gate Racing Team at Roseville
- David Mayhew was "Wicked Fast" as one commentator quoted. Setting the fastest
lap of the day among the teams that showed up, David Mayhew had to agree with crewchief Steve
Portenga and team owner Jim Offenbach that all the preparation and work had really paid off.
"It's great to be able to step into a fast car before the season even begins."
Said Mayhew. "Steve and the whole crew did a great job getting these cars ready to
go."
New GGRT driver Pat O'Keefe was there in the #31 GGRT car to get it dialed in.
O'Keefe's was really pleased with his car too. The #31 car came directly from the RCR
stable and has been tuned and freshened for the season.
"What a great day." Exclaimed Offenbach as he grilled his famous BBQ'ed
lunch for the team, "Fast laps, no mechcanical troubles, and everyone working hard together -
it really gives a positive momentum going into the new season."
Photos by Pat Brandon
Golden Gate Racing Team Ready for the Green Flag to Drop
February 21, 2008 – San Francisco, CA
In a sport where everything seems to be done at the last moment, when decisions are made in a
split second and nothing seems to be ready till the last minute, there are exceptions. Golden Gate
Racing, the West Coast RCR Driver Development program team, has nearly everything lined up for the
upcoming Camping World Grand National West season.
"In all the years I've been racing, this team is the most prepared for a whole season of
racing that I have ever seen. It's a nice position to be in." Said crewchief Steve Portenga.
With an even stronger commitment from the Golden Gate Meat Company and the Bay Area based
"Golden Gate Petroleum and Biodiesel" company, the team pulled together comprehensive
and more complete program for the 2008 run at the championship. "Rushing things at the 11th
hour is just bad; it creates stress and pressure for everyone, and that can undermine the quality
of a team and their performance." Said team owner Jimi Offenbach who has worked hard to get
everything ready early for the opening of the 2008 season.
It also helps keep things rolling that Richard Childress has pledged extended
support for the team and will continue working closely with long-time friend Jimi Offenbach.
"Myself and everyone here at RCR are excited about the upcoming season. With a good start to
the Sprint Cup and the Nationwide Series seasons, we are anxious to get rolling with our Driver
Development teams, especially Jimi and Golden Gate Racing on the west coast." Said Richard
Childress at Press Day in Welcome NC.
The GGRT team now touts a total of eight cars, eight motors, three drivers and enough parts and
pieces to last well into the long season. The cars all have a strong history in the RCR stalls and
are topnotch machines. Watkin's Engines have been tuning the powerhouses which include three brand
new spec motors and five completely refurbished and freshened spec motors. The cars are assembled,
painted, decaled, polished, shined and ready to hit the track.
"Not many teams can boast such preparedness for a season." Offenbach noted. But, the
team is not complacent, nor ready to wait for anything - and have several practice sessions
scheduled before the season begins. This includes a March 1st date when they will spend a day at
Roseville where Mayhew and O'Keefe and new driver Martinez will put the fleet of cars and
equipment through their paces.
Golden Gate Racing Team now rosters three drivers, David Mayhew in the #21, Pat O'Keefe in the #31
and newcomer Luis Martinez who will be running a number of races as he learns the ropes from the
Mayhew and Portenga. Mayhew is returning this season after picking up the reins halfway through
the 2007 season. He had a fantastic run with GGRT and there was a great connection between him and
the crew, which was evidenced in communication and car setup that translated into a front-running
team. "I'm looking around at the shop, looking at our equipment, listening to the enthusiasm
in everyone's voice and I'm just really geared up and ready for the best season I've ever had.
Golden Gate and RCR has really stepped up the program and from the look of things we have enough
equipment and back-up gear to get us through the whole season, wow." Said Mayhew.
Joining in the excitement is Pat O'Keefe. Pat has taken up the offer to run the #31 car, at least
in a limited season. O'Keefe, who is also the owner of Golden Gate Petroleum and Bay Biodiesel -
the primary sponsors of the Golden Gate Team, is no stranger to racing and has a history or
championship driving to back up his new endeavor. "I'm looking forward to the challenge. It
will be a big plus to be working with such a talented team and one I get along with so well."
Said O'Keefe.
O'Keefe has a record of making a spectacular showing in his rookie seasons. An example was his
first year running an asphalt modified. His rookie year in modifieds was run at Altamont in 2004
when he took the honors of "Rookie of the Year", "Most Improved Driver" and
came in first runner-up in the championship points battle. "Stepping up to the modifieds was
great." I'd run shifter karts for years and the transition to openwheel short track racing
was a blast. I hope I can do as well in my rookie year in the Grand Nationals." Said the 30
year old entrepreneur from Pleasant Hill, California.
Also new to the roster is 18 year old Luis Martinez Jr. This talented young driver is the son of
Luis Martinez, owner of the King Taco Restaurant empire. Luis comes from a strong go kart
background but has recently picked up some experience in larger open-wheel racing last season. He
is scheduled to run at least 4 races in the second car; tentatively Infineon Raceway, Utah's
Miller Motorsports Park and two races at Irwindale. Luis is anxious to try his skills in a tour
car on large road courses. Steve Portenga will be tutoring the youngster on the finer points of
winning a long road course race.
Jim Offenbach, Steven Portenga and David Mayhew traveled back to Welcome, NC for the annual Press
Day and met with Richard Childress at the RCR headquarters and discussed the upcoming season while
posing for photos and giving interviews to the flock of press that gathers at the shop. There they
met with the East Coast Development team of Andy Santerre and their chief driver Austin Dillon.
“It will be beneficial working closely with Andy Santerre, exchanging information and setups.
We have raced together in the past and have a good working relationship." Said Portenga of
his former rival.
For the Golden Gate team the highlight of the week was spending time with Richard Childress and
cementing their mutual commitment to the series and season. "We have a long-standing
relationship with Jimi and the GGRT team and are truly excited about the new season. We are were
thrilled with the performances that David Mayhew turned out last season and are going to be
keeping an eye on him." Quoted Richard Childress.
Golden Gate Race
Team has been involved in motorsports since 1992. Our record includes championship years with
the IMCA Modifieds to the Northern California NORCAL racing circuit, to placing fifth in the
NASCAR Winston West Series, highly successful seasons in the North State Challenge Series and
the highly competitive Davey Hamilton’s Wild West Shootout SRL Series. This season
we embark on the NASCAR Grand National West Series... read more Owner: Jim Offenbach Crew Chief/Manager: Steve Portenga Driver: David Mayhew
