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Golden Gate Racing Team signs Daystar Television Network as 2010 primary sponsor for NASCAR Camping World West Series

By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations
SAN FRANCISCO - The Golden Gate - Richard Childress Racing Development Team is proud to announce the signing of the Daystar Television Network as their new primary sponsor for the 2010 NASCAR Camping World West Series. With the new partnership comes a brand new color scheme for the GGRT/RCR #21 Chevrolet that will be driven by Blake Koch of West Palm Beach, Florida for the second consecutive season.

"I speak on behalf of the entire Golden Gate – Richard Childress Racing Team when I say how excited we are to have the Daystar Network as our new primary sponsor for the 2010 NASCAR Camping World West Season," said Jim Offenbach, owner of the Golden Gate Racing Team. "Both Richard Childress and myself love the message they bring along with the outreach in these times when we all need some Christian guidance."

The Daystar Television Network is an Emmy award winning faith based network dedicated to spreading the gospel twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week around the globe through all media formats possible. Daystar is the fastest growing and one of two largest faith-based networks in the world today and can be viewed on all major and secondary satellites and cable systems. Daystar programming reaches into 81 million homes in the United States and 670 million homes globally.

“Daystar is pleased to be able to sponsor Blake Koch and the Golden Gate Racing #21 team for 2010," said Marcus Lamb, Founder and CEO of Daystar Television Network. "The outreach the team is doing over the course of the season at race tracks across America will reach people who possibly wouldn’t normally hear the message of Jesus Christ, just like we do here at Daystar every day through television. We look forward to witnessing the teams continued pursuit of excellence in the field, as we here at Daystar continue to deliver excellence in television,”

During the 2009 racing season the Daystar Network joined the Golden Gate Racing Team as an associate sponsor for much of the season where Koch drove to an eighth place finish in the series point standings as a rookie. This year the 24-year-old driver is eager to take his talented team and the Daystar Network to victory lane when their season begins in January.

"When you drive one of these cars I don’t know how you could not be close to God,” are words that Koch lives by every time he climbs behind the wheel. "Every time I climb in the car I pray and I ask God to drive this car through me," said Koch. "Through my hands, my feet and in my heart and I just ask him to put this car where he wants it to be."

As a 24-year-old devoted young adult, Koch knows first hand how important it is for today’s world to have a quality faith based source of entertainment like the Daystar Network. As he enters his sophomore NASCAR season, Koch looks forward to having Daystar as the primary sponsor of the Golden Gate Racing Team.

"The new Daystar Sponsorship is just awesome. I was excited last year to have them as an associate sponsor and having them as the primary sponsor of the Golden Gate Racing Team #21 Chevrolet is huge. They reach so many people and impact so many lives. I am really excited to be a part of that."

Daystar Television Network seeks out every available means of distribution to a world in need of hope. Through its multi cultural contemporary programming Daystar is reaching an entirely new generation of viewers and changing lives daily.

“We feel a calling to spread the gospel in out-of-the-box alternative ways to reach the unsaved right where they are and this is one means to do that,” said James Barnes, Director of Marketing for Daystar Network."

In the coming weeks, the Golden Gate Racing Team will begin to detail their associate sponsors as they prepare for the 2010 series with Koch behind the wheel of their primary car and Pat O'Keefe of Bay Bio Diesel in the secondary car for select events. The team is now preparing for the Toyota All Star Showdown in Irwindale next month which will be followed by their quest towards the 2010 NASCAR Camping World West championship.

Last season was Koch's first year as a NASCAR driver. After a successful career in motocross, the West Palm Beach Native had limited experience in late models and speedway trucks before testing with the Golden Gate Racing Team. After finishing second in a closely watched battle for the Camping World West Sunoco Rookie of the Year title, Koch finished an impressive 8th place in the standings during his maiden season. This year he returns with his sights set on a championship run.

"Blake definitely has the potential to win races this season," added Offenbach. "The Golden Gate Racing Team and Richard Childress Racing has the resources to put the Daystar Network #21 Chevrolet to the front and make this 2010 racing season a success."

To find out more about Golden Gate Racing's new primary sponsor, the Daystar Network and how to view it on your area go to www.Daystar.com.

Richard Childress (left) and Jim Offenbach (right) have announced that Blake Koch of West Palm Beach Florida (center) will return as the primary driver of the Golden Gate Racing Team- RCR #21 Chevrolet for the 2010 NASCAR Camping World Season.
Photo by Pat Brandon.

Golden Gate Racing, RCR sign Koch for 2010 NASCAR West Season
Major sponsorship announcement and new car scheme forthcoming next week

By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations
SAN FRANCISCO – Golden Racing Team owner Jim Offenbach and Richard Childress Driver Development are proud to announce the return of Blake Koch as the primary driver for the Golden Gate Racing Team in the 2010 NASCAR Camping World West Season. This will mark Koch’s second season behind the wheel of the Golden Gate Racing Team – RCR #21 Chevrolet.

“We are pleased at Golden Gate Racing and Richard Childress Racing to have Blake back this year,” said Childress. “Last season there were many bright spots where Blake proved he is up to the challenge of a champion for the 2010 season.”

Koch was introduced to the Golden Gate Racing Team at the conclusion of the season in 2008. It was then he made an impressive drive in the season-ending event aboard the team’s secondary car. Offenbach and the team saw the potential the West Palm Beach Florida native possessed with very little car racing experience and virtually no prior time behind the wheel of a fully equipped NASCAR.

“We have signed Blake back on for the 2010 racing season and feel this will be his break- out year,” said Offenbach. “We will be returning to the tracks that we raced last year and Blake feels he is ready to contend for the Championship.”

During his debut season, Koch bonded extremely well with Offenbach, Childress and the entire Golden Gate Racing Team staff. His close relationship with crew chief Steve Portenga, a former championship driver himself, was one of the key elements to the team’s most recent success. The communication between owner, crew and driver provided multiple strong finishes with very little damage to the team’s equipment.

"I like running up front,” added Offenbach. “With the knowledge that my crew chief Steve Portenga has, along with this entire GGRT/ RCR Development Team and our top notch equipment, I feel we have what it takes to win races next year and run for a championship.”

In 2009, Koch competed in all 13 of the NASCAR Camping World Series events. He finished in the top five on one occasion and had six top ten finishes. He raced for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award in a coveted battle with eventual winner Paulie Harraka. This contest was as closely followed as the series championship throughout the year.

Koch and Offenbach finalized their contract for the 2010 racing season late last week. Now the former motocross rider and late model driver is ready to make his second NASCAR season one of championship contention.

“I am really excited and appreciative to be driving for the Golden Gate Racing Team and Richard Childress Racing again,” said Koch. “It’s comforting to know I have a great shot at winning races with the equipment, knowledge and team members that they provide me with. We got the Rookie year out of the way. Now it’s time to go win races.”

In addition to Koch, the Golden Gate Racing Team is proud to announce that longtime sponsor and team member Pat O’Keefe will be back behind the wheel of the second team car for a number of events. O’Keefe is the owner of Bay Bio Diesel with many years of modified and stock car racing experience.

“We are really pleased that Pat will be back next year,” added Offenbach. “He is very important in making our whole program excel on and off the track.”

In the next week the Golden Gate Racing team will make a major announcement regarding sponsorship for the season to come as well as a new car design. To learn more about that upcoming event follow the team at their official website at www.goldengateracingteam.com.

The Golden Gate Racing Team wishes to thank each of its marketing partners for the 2009 season including Richard Childress Driver Development, GodSpeaks.com, the DayStar Television Network, Bay Bio Diesel, Salt Life Apparel, Spy Sunglasses, Superior Farms, Hill Meat Company of Pendelton, Oregon, NOS Energy Drinks and Sullivan Images Media Specialties.
Watch for further information on the upcoming season on the Golden Gate Racing- Richard Childress Driver Development Racing Team at the official team website at www.goldengateracingteam.com. For further information on the Richard Childress Driver Development Series visit www.rcrracing.com.

Blake Koch drove the RCR/Golden Gate Racing Team-GodSpeaks.com #21 Chevrolet to 8th place in the 2009 NASCAR Camping World West Series point standings. - Photo by Bill Sullivan

GGRT/RCR wrap up 2009 NASCAR Camping World series in top ten
By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden Gate Racing Team and Richard Childress Driver Development are pleased with their success in the 2009 NASCAR Camping World West championship season. After 13 events, the San Francisco based team owned by area businessman Jim Offenbach ended the year with an eighth place finish in the western series’ point standings and is already gearing up for the 2010 racing season.

The 2009 NASCAR Camping World Campaign berthed a relationship between rookie driver Blake Koch of West Palm Beach Florida and the longtime successful Bay Area Race team. Prior to strapping into the GGRT/RCR GodSpeaks.com #21 Chevrolet, Koch had very little experience behind the wheel of a fully equipped NASCAR stock car. The former motocrosser that had less than two dozen races in a car of any type under his belt proved he was born to race, while entire GGRT crew rallied behind their new wheelman. During the entire season, the team carried a very powerful message in the form of sponsorship throughout the season as one of the first NASCAR teams operating under the sponsorship of a faith based organization.

“This entire season was such a learning curve for me with less than 20 starts in a car period prior to this year,” said Koch. “I thank God for teaming me up with the best crew chief and team in the series. We achieved a lot of our goals but not all of them. We were the fastest in practice a couple of times, we lead laps, but we didn’t get our pole position or win. That’s something that will come in time for sure.”

During the 2009 campaign, Koch started all 13 of the NASCAR Camping World West series events. During those races he scored six top 10 finishes and one top five.Koch finished 8th out of the 73 different drivers who earned points in the chase.

Throughout the year, Koch was among a closely-watched contest for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award with New Jersey’s Paulie Harraka. Koch and Harraka swapped the Sunoco Rookie point lead back and forth throughout the season with Harraka edging Koch for the honor entering the final race of the year.

“I gave it a good run and it was close for most of the year,” said Koch. “I’d like to congratulate Harraka on the Rookie title. He certainly earned it and had a great year. Now it’s time to set my sights on winning races and a championship.”

Entering the final race of the season at All American Speedway in Roseville, California Koch was poised to close the season with potential victory. The team was second in practice and qualified fourth for the Toyota Copart 150. Six laps into the race, Koch was the victim of a spin when defending champion Eric Holmes suffered a brake loss and both competitors spun. Koch recovered to finish 14th in the final race of the year.

“There isn’t too much to say about the final race other than I had a great time with my team and the car was very fast. We were only able to show how fast the car was for a few laps before Holmes lost his brakes and we got together. We still came back pretty strong considering the setback.”

In addition to Koch’s success during the year, longtime team member and GGRT Sponsor Pat O’Keefe of Bay Bio Diesel returned to the driver’s seat of the GGRT secondary car for a road racing event at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma. A former modified racer, O’Keefe has raced a limited number of races for GGRT and his return to the seat was a memorable one with a 18th place finish among the league’s top road racing wheelmen.

“It was a pleasure to have Pat in our second car again,” said Offenbach. “Pat has been a great contributor to this team and we look forward to having him drive in more events in 2010. I can’t thank him and all of our sponsors enough for all of their support.”
The Golden Gate Racing Team is thankful for each of its partners for the 2009 season including their 2009 primary sponsor GodSpeaks.com, the DayStar Television Network, Bay Bio Diesel, Salt Life, Spy Sunglasses, Superior Farms, Hill Meat Company or Pendelton, Oregon, NOS Energy Drinks, and Sullivan Images Media Specialties.
The team is grateful for the support from the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development Program. Due to the strong support of all of their dedicated partners, GGRT is well on their way to a successful finish in the NASCAR Camping World West Series.
For additional information on the Golden Gate- Richard Childress Driver Development Racing Team please visit the official team website at www.goldengateracingteam.com. For further information on the Richard Childress Driver Development Series visit www.rcrracing.com.

Koch and GGRT locked and loaded for NASCAR West finale


Team bound for All American Speedway to race for win and host event bbq
By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations

SAN FRANCISCO – Blake Koch and the Golden Gate Racing Team are eager to return to the track where it all started, the All American Speedway in Roseville for the Toyota /Copart 150 presented by Golden Gate Steel and Stair. The event will be the grand finale of the NASCAR Camping World West Series and the GGRT/Richard Childress Racing Development team is ready to put the GodSpeaks.com #21 Chevrolet to the front of the field.

“I can’t wait to get to All American Speedway,” said Koch. “It’s the only track in the series that I have been to more then once and I know we have a really good package there. We have nothing to lose. We are definitely going for the win.”

Koch, of West Palm Beach Florida, began his relationship with the Golden Gate Racing Team at this event last year when he drove a secondary car to test for a future role with the team. In that event the rookie driver rallied to up into the top five in his NASCAR racing debut until overheating brakes forced him into the pits late in the race. Earlier this season he had his career best finish of fifth place in Roseville.

In the second to last NASCAR Camping World West Series event at Iowa Speedway, Koch drove the GodSpeaks.com #21 to a 20th place finish in an event where the team struggled from the time the green flag dropped in qualifying where they timed in 18th.

“We really struggled at Iowa,” added Koch. “ I just need some more experience on bigger tracks to improve my feedback on how the car is handling. I wasn’t able to give my crew chief, Steve Portenga, to much feedback. It’s a totally different feel on a bigger track and I just need some more time on them.”

Following the Iowa event, Koch is currently eighth in the NASCAR Camping World West Series point standings,. His closest rival for the Sunoco Rookie of the year award, Paulie Harraka is sixth in the standings, just 50 points ahead. Koch has a top five finish to his name and six top ten finishes in the 12-race season. Much like Koch, Portenga is ready to put Iowa behind them and return to Roseville for the only NASCAR event of this type in Northern California.

“We kept working and kept our chins up at Iowa,it was just a disappointing race for everyone,” said Portenga. “We’re looking forward to Roseville. This will be Blake’s third time there. We want to finish the season off on a good note. The team and I have confidence we will have a better finish.”

A former racer himself with many accolades to his name, Portenga knows what it takes for a race team to succeed in the competitive NASCAR Camping World Series. The Golden Gate Racing Team has decades of experience and provides Portenga and Koch with the best of equipment for each and every event.

“I really want to thank the entire Golden Gate organization and the crew from Bay Bio Diesel for all the support they give us,” said Portenga. “They have given us all the tools we have needed to have a successful year in the Camping World Series.”

Practice will begin on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. followed by qualifying at 5:10. Prior to qualifying. Team owner Jim Offenbach and the Golden Gate Racing Team in association with Richard Childress Racing, will host a barbecue dinner for NASCAR Camping World Series West Teams and all the NASCAR Personel in Roseville. The event is slated to begin at 4:30. refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Sacramento Coca Cola Bottling Company and Jack Sellers.
The Golden Gate Racing Team is thankful for each of its partners that have made the 2009 season a great success. Among the long list of supporters is GodSpeaks.com, The DayStar Television Network, Pat O’Keefe of Bay Bio Diesel, Salt Life, NOS Energy Drink and the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development Program. Due to the strong support of all of their dedicated sponsors, GGRT is well on their way to a successful finish in the NASCAR Camping World West Series.
For additional information on the Golden Gate Racing Team please visit the team website at www.goldengateracingteam.com. Blake Koch’s personal web page can be viewed at www.blakekoch.com. For further information on the Richard Childress Driver Development Series visit www.rcrracing.com.

Florida’s Blake Koch has found his true calling as NASCAR driver

By Bill Sullivan

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - As the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series West winds down to just two remaining races on the tour it is clear that Florida's Blake Koch has found his true calling as a professional race car driver. In his rookie season behind the wheel of the GodSpeaks.com #21 Chevrolet fielded by Golden Gate Racing and the Richard Childress Driver Development program, Koch is turning both laps and heads in the series that features the future stars of NASCAR.

"Blake is fulfilling everything we have set out to accomplish and beyond in the Golden Gate Racing Team-Richard Childress Driver Development program," said Jim Offenbach, team owner of the San Francisco based Golden Gate Racing Team. "He is quickly becoming a very good race car driver. His ability to adapt to tracks he has never even been to and the little amount of actual race experience he had has made this a very exciting year for us. Blake is a pleasure to work with for this entire time."

A former motocrosser who resides in West Palm Beach, Koch competed in just a handful of races aboard speedway tracks and late model prior to being signed by Offenbach and Childress at the beginning of the 2009 racing season. Koch tested with the team at the conclusion of 2008 in the Camping World West finale last October at the All American Speedway in Roseville, California.

Going up against some of the best young NASCAR drivers in the western region, Koch made an impressive debut. He qualified fourth in the event and was destined for a top five run in the race until complications with the car's brakes late in the running caused him to settle for a 22nd place position. The outing was still impressive for Koch as many drivers don't even qualify for an event following several attempts.

Following that cool autumn night in California, the relationship between Koch and the Golden Gate Racing Team was born. He was signed as the team's primary driver shortly thereafter and has been having great success within the tour.

"Blake shows great perseverance and patience," commented Offenbach. "A good driver can come back to the top even when the cards are down. Blake's determination and talent behind the wheel has all the makings for a future champion."

In the 2009 NASCAR Camping World West Series, Koch has started all ten of the events. He has qualified in the top ten a total of seven different times during the year. He has a single top finish to his name that took place at All American Speedway in Roseville, one of the few tracks where Koch has previous experience at. Koch has earned six top ten finishes and has finished in the top 14 in every event in which he has competed in.

One of the most impressive aspects of Koch's debut season has been his performance in the road racing segments of the season. In the three events that have taken place Koch has placed 8th, 12th and 9th. Prior to the season Koch has very little experience in a race car and virtually no experience at road racing.

"At the start of the season when we saw three road courses on the scheduled we were a little concerned," said Steve Portenga, veteran crew chief for the Golden Gate Racing Team. "After we completed them we were wishing there were a few more. Blake has an incredible ability to adapt to his surrounding. He is a good listener and is a very smart driver. It's truly a pleasure having him behind the wheel this year."

Entering the second to last race on the tour next month, Koch is eighth in the championship point standings and is in one of the most intense battles for the annual Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award in the history of the tour where he and fellow competitor Paulie Harraka sit a single digit apart.
In Koch's most recent event at the Colorado International Speedway he made a charge to the front of the field to take the lead for 17laps. He fell out of the lead when the GodSpeaks.com #21 suffered a flat tire, forcing him to make a late pit stop. He rallied back to a 14th place finish despite the set back.

With a little more than a mere dozen total races under his belt, Koch's success is a clear illustration that he is one of the few individuals in life that has found what his true calling is. Much like the great Dale Earnhardt, who also drove for Childress for much of his racing career, Koch is a born talent behind the wheel.

In addition to the success on the track and in the season stats, Koch is also a true ambassador of the sport and his sponsors, something that is a requirement in today's sport and current economic times.

In his rookie season Koch carries the title sponsorship of GodSpeaks.com and his voice in the auto racing industry has brought a great deal of response to the non-profit organization as well as his many associate sponsorships.

"I've always a strong faith in God. After all is it God that has given me the ability and the opportunity to do this," said Koch. "I came into this campaign prepared to represent them well. In these cars we are driving well over 100 miles per hour, how could you now be close to God before doing something like this. I am grateful for the year we have been having and I look forward to the future with all of my sponsors."

While GodSpeaks.com is the title sponsor of Koch and the Golden Gate Racing Team, a number of associate sponsors have completed the package this year for the team. Among the many partners of the team is the DayStar Television Network, Bay Bio Diesel, Salt Life, NOS Energy Drink, and the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development Program.

Koch will return to the track on September 4 when the NASCAR Camping World Series returns to Iowa Speedway. In his previous visit to the famed track Koch drove from the 22nd starting position to ninth.

The series will conclude on September 26 at All American Speedway in Roseville where Koch previously earned fifth place. With strong finishes at both of these facilities earlier this season, Koch is well prepared to close complete this season as the Sunoco Rookie of the Year and set the stage for a championship run in 2010. Blake Koch's personal web page can be viewed at www.blakekoch.com.

A Richard Childress Development NASCAR Team

Blake Koch drove the RCR/Golden Gate Racing Team-GodSpeaks.com #21 Chevrolet into the lead for 17 laps at Colorado International Speedway. A flat tire ended the top run but he rallied back to 14th at the checkered flag.  A Pat Brandon Photo

Flat tire ends 17 lap lead position for Koch at Colorado International
By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations

SAN FRANCISCO – In nearly every event this season Blake Koch and the Richard Childress – Golden Gate Racing Team have taken another step forward in their campaign in the NASCAR Camping World West Series. In the recent Toyota/Napa Auto Parts 150 at Colorado International Speedway such was the case once again.

In his first ever visit to the Colorado facility, Koch adapted extremely well. After earning the second fastest time in practice he qualified third in the field with a time of 16:737 in the GodSpeaks.com #21 Chevrolet. The strong qualifying run positioned him on the inside of the second row for the 150 lap feature race.

While all of his performances have been top notch throughout the season, Saturday’s run was by far Koch’s most impressive of the year so far. On the 82nd lap of the race, Koch went to the outside to pass two of the sport’s most competitive drivers, Paulie Harraka of New Jersey and Eric Holmes, the defending champion from Escalon, for the lead position.

“My crew chief ,Steve Portenga, said I had plenty of room behind me while I was running in the top five and told me I could start searching for a better line to pass the guys in front of me,” said Koch. “They were all working the bottom so after about 20 laps I got the outside working and just went right to the front. It felt really good to be out front, leading was a huge confidence booster for me.”

Once in front, Koch pulled away from the field to lead a total of 17 laps in the event and appeared to be on his way to his first career NASCAR victory before his right front tire began losing air pressure and forced him to relinquish his impressive lead and later make a pit stop on lap 113 of the race.

“The flat tire was unfortunate, but I still had a great time,” said Koch. “Steve walked me all the way through the race and right into the lead. I am guessing that God just wanted to give me a little taste of the lead before he gives me the whole thing.”

After returning to the track, Koch rallied back through the field in the closing laps of the race to finish 14th at the checkered flag. Harraka, Koch’s rival for the 2009 Sunoco Rookie of the Year award claimed the victory and the two drivers enter the final two races with just a single point between them in the coveted contest.

In the 10 events that have taken place, Koch and the Golden Gate Racing Team have a total of six top ten finishes and one top five finish. The GodSpeaks.com #21 is currently 8th in the overall championship point standings, an outstanding performance for a driver who started the season very little NASCAR Racing experience.

“Blake is fulfilling everything we have set out to accomplish and beyond in the Golden Gate Racing Team-Richard Childress Driver Development program,” said Jim Offenbach, team owner of the San Francisco based Golden Gate Racing Team. “He is quickly becoming a very good race car driver. His ability to adapt to tracks he has never even been too and the little amount of actual race experience he had has made this a very exciting year for us.

During the event at Colorado, Superior Farms joined the Golden Gate Racing Team to present an impressive BBQ for the event. Offenbach and the entire team extend their sincere kudos to the Superior Farms for their participation in the event.

The Golden Gate Racing Team is thankful for each of its partners for the 2009 season including GodSpeaks.com, DayStar Television Network as well as Pat O’Keefe of Bay Bio Diesel, Salt Life and the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development Program. Due to the strong support of all of their dedicated sponsors, GGRT is well on their way to a successful finish in the NASCAR Camping World West Series.

The next round of competition for the NASCAR Camping World West Series will be Iowa Speedway on September 4th followed by All American Speedway in Roseville on September 26th.

“I’m going into Iowa to win. It will be tough but I know I can do it. Steve and the entire GGRT/RCR team always give me something good to drive. If I can give them a little more feedback during the race I know we can put the GodSpeaks.com #21 right back out front again.”

Blake Koch’s personal web page can be viewed at www.blakekoch.com. For further information on the Richard Childress Driver Development Series visit www.rcrracing.com.


Jim Offenbach pictured with a member of the Superior Farms crew during the recent event at Colorado International Speedway. The Golden Gate Racing Team appreciated Superior Farms’ participation in the event. Pat Brandon Photo.

Richard Childress (left) joins team owner Jim Offenbach on the toolbox earlier this season to watch Blake Koch make his road racing debut. The team just completed their third and final road race of the 2009 NASCAR Camping World West Series and now returns to the short tracks to complete the season.

Pat Brandon Photo

Koch and GGRT wrap road course swing, now ready for the final trio
By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations

SAN FRANCISCO – When Jim Offenbach and his Richard Childress Racing Development- Golden Gate Racing Team looked at the 2009 NASCAR Camping World West Series schedule they had one concern; the campaign that features the future stars of NASCAR had three road course events on its tour. Their new driver, Blake Koch of Florida, had virtually no road course experience at that time. Now that those events are complete the team would be just fine with a few more.

“We were a little concerned when we saw the schedule,” said Steve Portenga, Crew Chief for the San Francisco team that fields the #21 GodSpeaks.com Chevrolet driven by Koch. “Now that we have completed all of them we are starting to wish we had a few more. We did very well and finished strong in each of them.”

The most recent NASCAR Camping World West event brought the team to Tooele, Utah for the Miller Motorsports Park 125. Much like they approached their first road course of the year in Sonoma back in June, Koch and the entire Golden Gate team went into the event looking for a strong finish to maintain their top status in the current series point standings. Once again, the team succeeded their own expectations.

In qualifying, Koch clocked the 10th fastest lap of the day with a 118:689 second lap to put the GodSpeaks.com Chevrolet on the outside of the fifth row for the start of the event. Maintaining focus, using patience and relying on some of his previous motocross experience kept Koch in contention for the entire event in which he claimed an impressive 9th place finish when the checkered flag flew.

“Blake did an outstanding job in this race, much like he has done all year,” added Portenga. “There is no doubt in my mind that his motocross experienced helped him a lot. As a new driver coming into the road courses is very difficult and there is little room for error. Knowing where to set himself up entering the turns definitely helped him. We’re kind of sad the road courses are all over for the year. We were just starting improve in the areas we needed improvement in these deals.”

Although the former motocross star and late model racer that hails from West Palm Beach Florida is hungry for his first NASCAR Camping World victory, Koch was extremely pleased with his success in Utah. After just his third road course event of his young career, he credited the entire team for helping him work his way into the top ten.

“I had a great time in Utah,” said Koch. “We overcame some struggles in practice and ended up being a top five car at the end of the race. We had a tired go down late and that forced us to settle for ninth but I am really happy. Steve and the whole team have been so supportive of me and they have helped me in these new situations. It’s nice to have that teamwork helping me out there.”

During Koch’s most recent event, a new voice was guiding him along the way. Routinely, Portenga acts as Koch’s spotter from the top of tool box at each event. On this particular day, Koch was taking advice not only from Portenga but Offenbach as well, who jumped in and took the role of one of the most important duties on the team.

“Jimi did great job spotting for me,” added Koch. “He and Steve were perfect together. He speaks very well over the radio. The two of them actually got a few laughs out of me during the race with their comments and that can ease the tension out there a bit. It was great.”

Now that the road racing has been completed for the tour, it’s back to more familiar ground for Koch and the GodSpeaks.com crew. Three events remain on the NASCAR Camping World West Tour, each of them short tracks where Koch has a great deal of experience.

“We’re ready to get down to business in these last three events,” said Portenga. “They are all short tracks and that is one area that Blake does extremely well in, we all do. I’d be happy if we had another road course coming up I think we’d do great there as well.”

As he prepares for the upcoming Toyota-NAPA Auto Parts 150 at Colorado International Speedway on August 15th, Koch is now seventh in the current NCWS point standings. The team has one top five finish so far in the season and six top tens out of the 10 races that have taken place. They remain in a tight battle for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award with fellow competitor Paulie Harraka of New Jersey.

“We are really having a good battle for the Rookie of the Year and that is great, it’s good for the fans,” said Koch. “I am really enjoying meeting all the fans who are showing their support for the GodSpeaks.com Chevrolet.”

The Golden Gate Racing Team is thankful for each of its partners for the 2009 season including GodSpeaks.com, DayStar Television Network as well as Pat O’Keefe of Bay Bio Diesel, Salt Life and the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development Program. Due to the strong support of all of their dedicated sponsors, GGRT is well on their way to a successful finish in the NASCAR Camping World West Series.

Blake Koch’s personal web page can be viewed at www.blakekoch.com. For further information on the Richard Childress Driver Development Series visit www.rcrracing.com.

Total teamwork; driver Blake Koch (left) and Golden Gate Racing Team crew chief Steve Portenga are ready for the third roadcourse in the NASCAR Camping World West Series next weekend.
Pat Brandon Photo

After 12th in Portland, Koch & GGRT ready for next roadcourse
By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations

SAN FRANCISCO – Despite some mechanical problems early in the race, Florida’s Blake Koch drove the Golden Gate Racing Team- Richard Childress Development #21 GodSpeaks.com Chevrolet to an 12th place finish at Portland International Speedway last week in the Bi-Mart 125. After their second solid run on a road course this season, the San Francisco based team is ready to roll for the third and final road course of the season, August 1, at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele Utah.

“Blake has really made improvement with each race,” said Steve Portenga, Crew Chief for the GodSpeaks.com Chevrolet. “We had a minor mechanical problem during the race but Blake did good to keep the car on the lead lap. We are coming up on our third roadcourse, hopefully the third time is the charm.”

Prior to this season, Koch had very little experience in NASCAR Competition and had never raced on a road course. In Sonoma he made his right hand turning debut with a 12th place finish respectively. After finishing 12th in the most recent event Koch and the entire team are confident heading into Utah next week.

“Portland was awesome, there were so many fans that showed up and everyone did a great job promoting the event,” said Koch. “We noticed a broken sway bar early in the race and every time a caution came out we pitted and tried to fix it. The crew did a great job all day with the numerous pit stops. Our main goal for the race was just to stay on the lead lap. I had a great time on the road course and I’m ready for the next one.”

In Portland, Koch was the third fastest driver in practice and qualified 11th on the 1.967 road course. In the event, Koch fell back in the field following the discovery of broken sway bar after the green flag and being forced to make multiple pit stops. It was patience and great pit strategy that allowed the team to rally back to finish just out of the top ten for the second time this season.

Following Portland, Koch is currently seventh in the NASCAR Camping World West Series point standings. He is in a tight contest for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title with fellow driver Paulie Harraka of New Jersey. In nine NASCAR Camping World West Series starts this season Koch has one top five finish and five top ten finishes.

The Golden Gate Racing Team is grateful for each of its partners for the 2009 season including GodSpeaks.com, DayStar Television Network as well as Pat O’Keefe of Bay Bio Diesel and the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development Program. Due to the strong support of all of their dedicated sponsors, GGRT is well on their way to a successful campaign in the NASCAR Camping World West Series.
For additional information on the Golden Gate Racing Team please visit the team website at www.goldengateracingteam.com. Blake Koch’s personal web page can be viewed at www.blakekoch.com. For further information on the Richard Childress Driver Development Series visit www.rcrracing.com.

Koch and Golden Gate Racing team bring Godspeaks.com Chevrolet to fifth top ten finish of the year at Irwindale

By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations
IRWINDALE, CA – The San Francisco based Golden Gate Racing-Richard Childress Development team celebrated Independence Day holiday in grand fashion this past weekend with its fifth top ten finish of the year in the King Taco 200 at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, California. West Palm Beach native Blake Koch muscled the GodSpeaks.com #21 Chevrolet to eighth place in the event.

“I had a great time at Irwindale,” said Koch. “I would have liked to have had a better finish but I felt like we worked good together as a team. Once I get better at knowing what the car is doing we will be able to adjust accordingly to get that extra tenth of a second that I am missing.”

Saturday’s event was the eighth round of the 2009 NASCAR Camping World West series. Koch is currently in a tight battle with fellow Rookie competitor Paulie Harraka of New Jersey for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title. Both drivers raced within the top ten once again this weekend to keep that title run alive as they remain tied for the coveted title.

Irwindale Speedway is one of the few tracks on the NASCAR Camping World Campaign in which both Koch and the Golden Racing Team have shared time on since teaming together late in 2008. Saturday’s success illustrated how that track time paid off as Koch was very familiar with the facility on this round.

In qualifying, Koch turned the ninth fastest lap of the day with a 18:922 second lap, traveling around the half mile Toyota Speedway at 95.122 miles per hour. Koch’s lap time was just .208 of a second off that of fast qualifier and series point leader Jason Bowles of Ontario.

Starting on the inside of the fifth row for Saturday’s race, Koch used his previous knowledge of the track and great patience to remain in the top ten throughout the event, keeping Harraka, who started seventh, in his sights the entire 200 laps.

When the checkered flag waved, Koch brought the GodSpeaks.com #21 to eighth in the competitive field. Both Harraka and Koch posses 74 points each in the Sunoco Rookie of the year campaign. The duo has pulled ahead of third place runner Jonathan Gomez who has 43 points.

Points for the Rookie of the year title are awarded for a driver’s success in qualifying and feature races. The campaign is tallied separate from the overall championship chase where Koch is seventh overall. This is Koch’s first year in NASCAR competition after advancing from Late Models, Speedway Trucks and Motocross.

“It’s going to be a tight battle all the way to the end,” said Koch, in reference to the Rookie campaign. “I am confident I will have the lead at the end.”

The next event for Koch and the Golden Gate Racing/RCR team will be July 19 in the Bi-Mart Salute to the Troops 125 at Portland International Raceway. All of the NASCAR Camping World events can be viewed weekly on the SPEED Network every Thursday at 12 p.m. on the West Coast.

The Golden Gate Racing Team is grateful for each of its partners for the 2009 season including GodSpeaks.com, DayStar Television Network as well as Pat O’Keefe of Bay Bio Diesel and the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development Program. Due to the strong support of all of their dedicated sponsors, GGRT is well on their way to a successful conclusion in the NASCAR Camping World West Series.

Blake Koch drove the Golden Gate Racing Team’s GodSpeaks.com #21 to 11th place in Saturday’s Bennett Lane Winery 200 at Sonoma .


Koch and O’Keefe drive to impressive finishes in road course racing debut during Bennett Lane Winery 200 at Infineon

By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations

Photo by Pat Brandon

SONOMA – The Golden Gate Racing Team and Richard Childress Racing Development are proud to announce a weekend of great success in the Bennett Lane Winery 200 at Infineon Raceway.

With two drivers competing in their very first road course events, the checkered flag waved at the end of the day with primary driver Blake Koch placing 11th in the GodSpeaks.com #21 Chevrolet and Pat O’Keefe placing 18th in the Bay BioDiesel #31 Chevrolet. Both drivers charged from deep in the field to earn their respective finishes.

“This is an owners dream, we ran in the top ten for much of the race and without a scratch on the either car,” said team owner Jim Offenbach. “Both cars did well and I am proud of Blake and Pat. Not only was this Blake’s first road course, it was Pat’s first NASCAR Camping World West Road Course event this year and he finished 18th respectively. I’m very proud of this whole team”

Koch qualified 23rd for Saturday’s race and once again illustrated great patience throughout the day to carefully work his way through the twists and turns of the 11-turn road course in the hills of Sonoma. Despite an early misjudged pit stop, Koch became the highest finishing rookie in the race, earning the Sunoco Rookie of the Race award for the second time this season.

“I’m really happy with the way our day turned out, I didn’t know what to expect coming into a road course with no experience at all,” said Koch. “When I started the race I thought we had an ignition problem and came in which was unfortunate. Had I switched over the back up system I think I could have been in the top ten. But I’m very happy with this finish. I have to thank Steve Portenga (crew chief) and God for all of their guidance here.”

A former driver himself, Portenga is known for his great communication with Golden Gate Racing Team’s drivers and crew. Saturday was no exception as he walked Koch through every turn and twist over the radio. In the end he too was impressed with the outcome.

“Our mission was accomplished in Sonoma , we did exactly what we set out to do,” said Portenga. “Blake was very careful, we had a good strong finish and we ended up moving up a spot in the point standings and taking the rookie lead over again. I was happy with both cars, Pat was out there to have a good time and he did just that. He stayed out of trouble and moved up really well. Both cars came back from Infineon intact, I’m happy with the way these guys performed.”

Saturday’s event was one of the few that take place during the year in which the Camping World West Series and the Sprint Cup Series compete on the same weekend. It’s events like this that provide Richard Childress, President of Richard Childress Racing, an opportunity to watch his development drivers, such as Koch, from the top of the pit box and view the team’s progress in person.

“Blake proved he is up to any challenge we throw at him,” said Childress. “I was impressed how he handled this tough road course.”

Following Saturday’s success, Koch and the Godspeaks.com #21 Chevrolet are now eighth in the overall NASCAR Camping World West Series point standings. Seven races are complete in the 13 race campaign. Koch earned the Sunoco Rookie of the race award for the second time this season after becoming the highest finishing rookie driver in Saturday’s race.

For O’Keefe, Saturday was not only his first road course, it marked his first race of the year behind the wheel of Offenbach ’s second car. The Pleasant Hill resident who is the vice president of longtime team sponsor Bay BioDiesel qualified 37th and finished 18th at the end of the day.
“We had a great time,” said O’Keefe, a former successful Jet Ski racer and Grand American Modified driver. “I learned a ton during the race. We are happy with the finish and the car came home in one piece.”
O’Keefe is scheduled to race a limited number of races with Golden Gate throughout the season.
The Golden Gate Racing Team is grateful for each of its partners for the 2009 season including GodSpeaks.com, DayStar Television Network as well as Bio Diesel and the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development Program. Due to the strong support of all of their dedicated sponsors, GGRT is well on their way to a successful campaign in the NASCAR Camping World West Series.
For additional information on the Golden Gate Racing Team please visit the team website at www.goldengateracingteam.com. Blake Koch’s personal web page can be viewed at www.blakekoch.com. For further information on the Richard Childress Driver Development Series visit www.rcrracing.com.

June 19th, 2009
Koch survives road course qualifying debut to make the cut with GGRT teammate O’Keefe for Bennett Lane Winery 200
By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations

SONOMA – Prior to Friday afternoon, Blake Koch of West Palm Beach Florida has never even driven on a road course. When the checkered flag waved on the final group of qualifiers at Infineon Raceway for the NASCAR Camping World West series, Koch accomplished what he set out to do from the moment he arrived in the Wine Country.

The primary driver of the Golden Gate Racing –Richard Childress Racing Development team drove the Godspeaks.com #21 Chevrolet into the starting field of Saturday’s Bennett Lane Winery 200 by Supercuts. Koch will be joined in the line up by teammate Pat O’Keefe who muscled the Bay BioDiesel GGRT/RCR #31 into Saturday’s race after his first time in the driver’s seat this season.

“For my first time on a road course I was pretty happy with the time,” said Koch. “The important thing was, we got faster every time we went out during the day.”

Koch drove the GodSpeaks.com #21 to the 23rd position in qualifying. The former motocrosser who’s four wheeled racing experience includes speedway trucks and late models prior to the NASCAR West series reached a top speed of 88:655 miles per hour around the 11 turn Infineon Raceway to earn a lap time of 80.808 seconds.

O’Keefe is the Vice President of BayBio Diesel, a longtime marketing partner to Golden Gate Racing., The former jet ski and modified racer competes in a limited number of races during the season. Friday was O’Keefe’s first event of 2009, he made the show with a speed of 85.351 seconds and a laptime of 83.936 seconds, earning him 36th in the line up that will include 40 cars Saturday afternoon.

The Golden Gate Racing Team is grateful for each of its partners for the 2009 season including GodSpeaks.com, DayStar Television Network as well as Pat O’Keefe of Bay Bio Diesel and the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development Program. Due to the strong support of all of their dedicated sponsors, GGRT is well on their way to a successful campaign in the NASCAR Camping World West Series.

GGRT at Infineon; O’Keefe to join Koch in secondary team car
By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations
SONOMA – The entire Golden Gate Racing Team is geared up for action at the track closest to home this Saturday, June 20 as the Godspeaks.com #21 of Blake Koch will make its first road course appearance of the 2009 NASCAR Camping World West season. The San Francisco based Richard Childress team will field two cars for this event with secondary driver Pat O’Keefe behind the wheel of the GGRT #31 Bay BioDiesel Chevrolet for the Bennett Lane Winery 200 presented by Supercuts.

“Golden Gate Racing and Richard Childress are excited to be bringing both cars to Infineon,” said team owner Jim Offenbach. ”Pat O’Keefe has been a great partner to this team and it’s always a pleasure to get him behind the wheel. Blake and the entire team are looking forward to this.”

O’Keefe is the Vice President of Golden Gate Petroleum and Bay Bio Diesel, a key sponsor to the Golden Gate Racing Team since 2007. In 2004 O’Keefe was the Modified Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Driver at Altamont Raceway when he finished as the runner up to the season championship after advancing from a career in shifter kart racing. In addition to racing cars, O’Keefe has been racing jet skis since the age of 14. the Pleasant Hill resident won the International Jet Sports Boating Association State Novice Championship in 1992 and 1993.

Shortly after his partnership with Golden Gate Racing Team was born, O’ Keefe was encouraged by Offenbach and the team to test drive the #31 GGRT Chevrolet at Altamont . After posting lap times that would have earned him a top spot in the most recent event at the facility he accepted the team’s offer to run the secondary car on a limited schedule in 2008 and 2009. This weekend, O’Keefe will join Koch on the eleven turn Infineon Raceway.
“I’m really excited for this upcoming race,” said O’Keefe. “I look forward to a strong finish along with Blake.”

Saturday’s event is the 7th segment of the 13-race NASCAR Camping World West Campaign. So far Koch has driven the Godspeaks.com Chevrolet to 9th in the series point standings and is tied for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award with Paulie Harraka of New Jersey . As the series stretches past the halfway point, Infineon will be the first of three road course events on the tour. For Koch, it will be the first time he has ever raced on a road course.
“I have absolutely no road course experience in a stock car, sports car or a even a go kart,” said Koch, who’s young career includes late models, speedway trucks and motocross. “I am really praying to God for a natural transition this weekend.”

Throughout the season, Koch has developed a strong relationship with GGRT Crew Chief Steve Portenga. A former driver himself, Portenga has worked closely with Koch to develop his skills behind the wheel. It is this type of teamwork that illustrates what Richard Childress Racing Driver Development program is all about, developing the future stars of NASCAR and Koch is listening week after week.

“I really don’t know what to expect,” said Koch. “All I know is that Golden Gate Racing and Richard Childress provide the best equipment out there. I know that Steve will help me out big time like he has at all the other tracks new to me.”

Koch has adapted to many tracks this season during his tenure with the Golden Gate Racing Team. While most of his new ventures have brought him to tracks much larger than he has raced on before, Infineon is a whole new venue and will throw more than 640 twists and turns his way during the race. Despite the challenge ahead, Koch has faith he will succeed.

“This race is pretty close to home for this team and its sponsors. I would love to get a good finish for them,” said Koch. “I am going to do the best that I can. God has my back. So I am sure we will do just fine.”

Since round six in Roseburg , Oregon just two weeks ago, Portenga has been busy in Golden Gates’ Bakersfield based stable preparing both cars for this upcoming race. The veteran wrench is confident that his driver will adapt well on Saturday and that both cars will be well prepared.

“Blake has been adapting all year long and throwing him on a road course at this stage is going to be good for his learning curve,” said Portenga. “I am confident we will give him a good car. Jim ( Offenbach ) always gives us the right tools to succeed. The key to our success this weekend will be keeping it on the black stuff and not braking anything.”

The Golden Gate Racing Team is grateful for each of its partners for the 2009 season including GodSpeaks.com, DayStar Television Network as well as Pat O’Keefe of Bay Bio Diesel and the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development Program. Due to the strong support of all of their dedicated sponsors, GGRT is well on their way to a successful campaign in the NASCAR Camping World West Series.

Blake Koch’s personal web page can be viewed at www.blakekoch.com. For further information on the Richard Childress Driver Development Series visit www.rcrracing.com.


Jim Offenbach shakes hands with Blake Koch before the race

Koch and Golden Gate Racing team roll a lucky seven at Douglas County’s NAPA 150/BI Mart `50 to earn Sunoco Rookie of the Race Award

June 07, 2009 By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations
ROSEBURG, OR – A trip to the Pacific Northwest garnered a weekend of success for the Golden Gate Racing/Richard Childress Racing Driver Development team in the NASCAR Camping World West Series. The magic number of the race was seven as driver Blake Koch muscled the GodSpeaks.com #21 Chevrolet to seventh positions in practice, qualifying and the 150 lap feature in the NAPA/Bi Mart 150 at Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg, Oregon.

“Blake and the entire Godspeaks.com team did a great job, with as little experience as Blake has and never being at these tracks,” said Jim Offenbach, owner of the Golden Gate Racing Team which fields the GodSpeaks.com #21 in the Richard Childress Racing Development program. “All of us at Golden Gate Racing and RCR are very pleased.”

During practice for Saturday’s event, the sixth segment of the Camping World West campaign, crew chief Steve Portenga and the talented Golden Gate Racing Team crew had the Godspeaks.com #21 dialed to near perfection for Koch. The first year NASCAR driver went out for the warm up session and clocked the seventh fastest lap of the day with a 15:532 second lap on the .375 mile track. Koch’s top speed was 86.917 miles per hour.

In qualifying, the team rolled their second seven of the night as Koch clocked in the seventh position with a lap time of 15:536. Top speed during qualifying was recorded at 86.875 miles per hour. The time placed Koch one position ahead of fellow driver Paulie Harraka, his closest competitor in the Sunoco Rookie of the Year contest.

“The car was great for me, Steve Portenga and the whole crew did a great job,” said Koch. “Steve is doing an incredible job as my crew chief, my spotter and my racing mentor. What a great guy.”

When the green flag flew for the start of the feature race, Koch’s fare luck that graced him during the preliminary program went array when he suffered a spin on the opening lap, but the misfortune didn’t set him back for long.

“We had such a good day going for us I couldn’t believe it,” said Koch. “The first lap I got spun around. But it didn’t do any damage and I was able to recover without losing a lap.”

Koch quickly recovered and fell back into position deep in the field. Just a few laps later the race went under caution after Harraka went off the track in turn 3 with damage and scattered debris on the racing surface. During the seventh lap, Koch pitted under the yellow flag and the crew went to work making the necessary adjustments that would prepare him for the forthcoming rally back to the top ten.

Upon his return to the track Koch began advancing through the field. With 11 laps down he was 13th and used great patience to begin working his way back into the top ten. Driving his way as high as the sixth position, Koch would settle for a seventh position after former champion Mike David passed him on the 128th lap.

Ending the day with his seventh place position, Koch was awarded the Sunoco Rookie of the Race Award and is now tied in the Rookie points with Harraka heading into the seventh round of competition at Infineon Raceway on June 20.

“It was good to make up some ground on the rookie points,” said Koch, who will head to the teams closest race to home for the first of three road course events next week. “This next race is important for us. I give God and my crew all the credit for this comeback from 17th to 7th place.”

In the upcoming event at Infineon, Golden Gate Racing will field two cars; the primary car of Blake Koch will be joined by the second team car, the #31 that will be driven by GGRT Crew member and longtime sponsor, Pat O’Keefe of Bay Bio Diesel. Additional information on this event will be announced in the coming days.

The Golden Gate Racing Team is grateful for each of its partners for the 2009 season including GodSpeaks.com, DayStar Television Network as well as Pat O’Keefe of Bay Bio Diesel and the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development Program. Due to the strong support of all of their dedicated sponsors, GGRT is well on their way to a successful campaign in the NASCAR Camping World West Series.

For additional information: Blake Koch’s personal web page can be viewed at www.blakekoch.com. For further information on the Richard Childress Driver Development Series visit www.rcrracing.com

Golden Gate Racing Team aims to rally back to the front in NASCAR Camping World Douglas Speedway event

By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations
June 2, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO - After chasing a series of unfortunate events in round five of the NASCAR Camping World West championship at Iowa Speedway, Blake Koch and the Richard Childress Development Golden Gate Racing Team are ready to bring the GodSpeaks.com #21 Chevrolet to the forefront at the .375 mile Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg, Oregon this Saturday in the Toyota/Bi-Mart 150 presented by Napa Auto Parts.

Entering the June 6 event, Koch and the Golden Gate Racing Team are currently 9th in the NASCAR Camping World West Championship point standings. Koch remains in a tight battle for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title with New Jersey native Paulie Harraka. Currently, Koch sits ninth overall in the west series point standings and in the second position in the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings, trailing Harraka by single digits in that contest.

“I’m ready for Oregon,” said Koch. “I learned a ton in this race. Without the little mistakes that happened, we would have been a top 10 car. When we work out the kinks our team is going to be dangerous”

The fifth round of the series brought GGRT and the GodSpeaks.com #21 Chevrolet Team to the famed Iowa Speedway. The event was the only East-West combination race of the season, bringing the best drivers of both tours together in one barnstormer event. A special appearance brought Nextel Cup star Kyle Bush to the list of entrants to test his skill against the many future stars of NASCAR.

“When I got to Iowa the first thing I wanted to accomplish was getting to know the track, its just under a mile long and is super fast,” said Koch. “Saturday I was sitting 32nd out of 37 cars in practice so I knew I had to pick up a lot of time before Sunday. I got to discuss the track and some things that could get me going faster with my crew chief and we moved up to 21st in practice by Sunday morning.”

While Koch was 21st in the practice times, the GodSpeaks.com Chevrolet was a mere tenth of a second out of the top 15, illustrating the tight competition the East vs. West event would feature later in the day.

In qualifying, Koch posted his quickest time of the weekend, posting a 24.17 second lap. The effort would earn him the 22nd position on the roster and deep in the field for the start of the event.

“I laid down my fastest lap of the weekend,” said Koch. “I was less then a tenth of a second out of the top 15 and ended up 22nd.”

After qualifying, Koch participated in the event autograph session before some 30,000 race fans. Iowa Speedway is one of the most popular venues for the NASCAR Camping World Series as spectators have the opportunity to see the best drivers from both series’.

Following a rain delay, the feature race started and Koch quickly drove up to the 18th position prior to caution that flew during the first 30 laps of the event. In the next green flag run he advanced to the 14th position. Following a pit stop he neared the top ten positions but returned to his pit box for additional fuel, setting him back deep in the field once again.

“It was an unfortunate situation in the pits,” said Koch. “But my crew chief determined we had not fueled the car enough to make the full run and had me come back in. So for the next 100 laps I as trying as hard as I could to make up lost ground.”

Koch rallied back to the top 12 with 10 laps to go in the event. Although a top 12 finish would be an accomplishment considering the climb from the back, Koch gave the GodSpeaks.com #21 one final push that ended with a collision into the wall and a 16TH place finish overall.

“I had caught up to 11th and the team was happy with the way we things were going,” said Koch. “As a racer 11th just wasn’t good enough for me so I went all over for it. I ended up over driving the corner and putting myself into the wall. The car got some damage but I stayed out and passed three of the eight cars that passed me during the incident.”

At the end of the day Koch finished 16th overall in the race and finished 9th in the West campaign. This Saturday he looks to rally back into the lead for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year campaign and give the Golden Gate Racing Team and GodSpeaks.com a top finish.

“Blake learned a lot in this race,” said Jim Offenbach, owner of the Golden Gate Racing Team. “That’s what Golden Gate Racing and the Richard Childress Racing Development program is all about. I’m sure we will run strong when we come back here later in the year with the Camping World Truck Series.”

The Golden Gate Racing Team is grateful for each of its partners for the 2009 season including GodSpeaks.com, DayStar Television Network as well as Pat O’Keefe of Bay Bio Diesel and the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development Program. Due to the strong support of all of their dedicated sponsors, GGRT is well on their way to a successful campaign in the NASCAR Camping World West Series.

Blake Koch’s personal web page can be viewed at www.blakekoch.com. For further information on the Richard Childress Driver Development Series visit www.rcrracing.com.

After a 16th place finish at Iowa Speedway, Blake Koch at the Golden Gate
Racing team are looking for a top finish in Roseburg, OR this Saturday in the
Toyota/Bi Mart 150.


Blake Koch (left), driver of the Golden Gate Racing Team’s GodSpeaks.com #21 will go head to head with drivers of the east, including RCR Development teammate Austin Dillon. (Pat Brandon Photo)

Koch and Golden Gate Racing Team bound for Iowa Speedway

By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations
NEWTON, IA – It’s the second big track on the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series West Tour. The Golden Gate Racing Team is ready. Driver Blake Koch is ready and the GodSpeaks.com #21 Chevrolet is ready for action at Iowa Speedway this Sunday as the drivers of the Camping World Series West go head to head with those of the East Series in the Long John Silvers 200. READ MORE...

Total teamwork is leading to great success for the Golden Gate Racing Team in the NASCAR Camping World West Series where driver Blake Koch is currently tied for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title after three racing in the tour.

Teamwork overcomes adversity; Koch and Golden Gate Racing Team rally to13th in Madera NAPA Auto Parts-Toyota 150
By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations
MADERA, CA – Coming off a strong seventh place finish just one week ago in Phoenix, the San Francisco based Richard Childress Racing Development-Golden Gate Racing Team returned to race close to home Saturday, April 25 in Madera, California for the NAPA Auto Parts-Toyota 150 presented by Exclusive Energy Drink. READ MORE...

The DayStar Television Network has signed on with Blake Koch and the Golden Gate Racing Team for the remainder of the 2009 NASCAR Camping World West Series.

DayStar Network signs with Blake Koch and the Golden Gate Racing GodSpeaks.com #21 NASCAR Camping World team

By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations
April 9, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Richard Childress Racing Development -Golden Gate Racing Team and driver Blake Koch are proud to announce the signing of the DayStar Television Network as a new associate sponsor. The DayStar Television Network will join GodSpeaks.com and Bay Bio Diesel in the sponsorship of the #21 Chevrolet for the remainder of the 2009 NASCAR Camping World West Series.  READ MORE...

Koch and crew bring Golden Gate Racing Godspeaks.com #21 to first top five finish of the season in Toyota/Napa 150

By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations
April 4, 2009 - ROSEVILLE, CA – The San Francisco based Richard Childress Racing Development -Golden Gate Racing Team is celebrating its first top five finish of the 2009 NASCAR Camping World West season after primary driver Blake Koch drove the GodSpeaks.com-Bay Bio Diesel-Daystar Network #21 Chevrolet to fifth place in the Toyota – Napa 150 at All American Speedway in Roseville, California Saturday night. - READ MORE...

Blake Koch and the #21 at Kyle Texas Season Opener

Golden Gate Racing Team and Koch are bound for Roseville for round two of NASCAR Camping World Series

By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Richard Childress Racing Development -Golden Gate Racing Team and primary driver Blake Koch are ready roll into Roseville, California this Saturday for the Toyota-Napa Auto Parts 150 at the All American Speedway in Roseville.  - READ MORE...

Golden Gate Racing Team brings GodSpeaks.com #21 to eleventh place finish in Texas NASCAR Camping World Opener
By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations

March 19th, 2009
KYLE TEXAS – The San Francisco based Richard Childress Racing Development -Golden Gate Racing Team clearly illustrated that they are a top contender in the 2009 NASCAR Camping World West Series following the series opener at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle Texas. Primary driver Blake Koch of West Palm Beach Florida and the entire Golden Gate Racing Team came together to cap the opening weekend as the GodSpeaks.com-Bay Bio Diesel #21 placed well in practice, qualifying and survived an incident plagued feature race to finish one notch out of the top ten.   - READ MORE...

RCR Development Golden Gate Racing Team is ready for NASCAR Camping World Series opener in Texas next week

By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations
Mar. 02, 2009: SAN FRANCISCO –
The San Francisco based Richard Childress Racing Development -Golden Gate Racing Team is ready to roll into the 2009 NASCAR Camping World West Series season this month. With Florida’s Blake Koch behind the wheel of the GodSpeaks.com-Bay Bio Diesel #21 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, team owner Jim Offenbach and each of the team’s associates are confident and optimistic for the upcoming championship campaign.   - READ MORE...

Golden Gate Racing Team pleased with Toyota Showdown performance; ready for 2009 Camping World Series

By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco based Richard Childress Racing Development -Golden Gate Racing Team is pleased with last week’s performance in the Toyota All Star Showdown at Irwindale. With Florida’s Blake Koch behind the wheel for 2009, it appears the team is well prepared to contend in the upcoming 2009 NASCAR Camping World West Series aboard the GodSpeaks.com #21 Chevrolet.    - READ MORE...

Media Day at RCR Racing

UPDATE:Golden Gate Racing Team under rain delay in Irwindale
January 23, 2009
IRWINDALE, CA – The Richard Childress Racing Driver Development Golden Gate Racing Team will have to wait one more day for driver Blake Koch to take the green flag aboard the GodSpeaks.com, Bay BioDiesel #21 Chevrolet  in the “Daytona 500 of Short Track Racing” as inclement weather conditions have postponed qualifying for the NASCAR Camping World Series Toyota All Star Showdown until Saturday afternoon.    - READ MORE...

Blake Koch and the Golden Gate Racing Team are geared up for upcoming Toyota Showdown at Irwindale
By Bill Sullivan, GGRT Media Relations

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - The San Francisco based Golden Gate Racing Team is locked and loaded in preparation for the upcoming NASCAR Toyota Showdown event in Irwindale later this month. The January 23-24th event will mark the first event of the season for the Richard Childress Development team that recently signed Florida native Blake Koch as its primary driver of the GodSpeaks.com sponsored Chevrolet owned by San Francisco businessman Jim Offenbach.

Blake Koch of West Palm Peach Florida has been named as the new primary driver for the Golden Gate Racing-Richard Childress Racing Development team. Koch will drive the #21 GodSpeaks.com Chevrolet in the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series.

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The Toyota All-Star Showdown is a non-points, all-star race that brings together the top drivers in NASCAR's Development series. The main event, contested in NASCAR Camping World Series Cars, is open to any driver approved to drive on a half-mile or longer tracks in the NASCAR Camping World Series. Considered to be the “Daytona 500 of Short-Track Racing,” this race is a chance for the Camping World Series drivers to showcase their talent in the biggest event of the year. Last year fifty-one drivers attempted to qualify for the forty starting positions and this year the event is slated to be televised live on Speed TV, providing valuable exposure to the rising stars of stock car racing from throughout the country.

With Koch as the new wheelman of the Golden Gate Racing #21 and GodSpeaks.com as their primary sponsor, the Golden Gate Racing Team is eager to hit the track for the event that is known as “The Daytona 500 of short track racing.” This will mark Koch’s second time behind the wheel with GGRT following his debut last fall at All American Speedway.

Following NASCAR’s recent announcement to limit testing opportunities in 2009, Koch and the Golden Gate crew traveled to Irwindale during the final week of December to test for the upcoming event. The new limitations imposed by NASCAR are geared to save money in stressful economic times but at the same time add new challenges to those drivers new to the division that have little experience on certain tracks. With Golden Gate’s experienced staff and Koch’s determination and talent behind the wheel the team appears to be a serious contender for the upcoming showdown.

“The new policy kind of throws an obstacle at us right at the start,” said Steve Portenga, crew chief for GGRT. “With our knowledge of these tracks as a team we should do just fine. Blake listens extremely well and that’s really important to a team..”

While many teams are still building cars and wrapping up sponsorship deals during the holidays, Portenga, Koch and the GGRT crew were hard at work, taking to the Irwindale half mile for what would be their final testing session prior to the event. For both Koch and the team, the day of testing proved successful and worthwhile.

“I would say the test went great at Irwindale,,” said Koch, who raced Late Models and Trucks successfully or two years prior to joining GGRT. “The times weren’t as good as I would have liked them to be, but I believe the car has a few tenths left in it. I spent a lot of the time just trying to learn the track. It was a much different track than I have ever been to. Now that I know the track and had a few days to sit and think about it. I will be able to go back out there and push the car a little more on the edge to pick up the time.”

Offenbach’s Golden Gate Racing Team is known for its great preparation. The entire crew is credited for the team’s success through the years. Their attention to detail and ability to communicate as a team will undoubtedly be the key to their success in the year to come. Koch credited Portenga for his insight following the recent testing.

“Steve and I have talked a little about how the test went, we both feel we will be good for the showdown,” added Koch. “Just a few tweaks to the car and a few tweaks to my driving and we will be right up front. Not only is Steve doing a great job setting up the car, but he is also helping me a ton with my driving.”

Due to commitments with his San Francisco based business, Golden Gate Meat Company, Offenbach was absent from the recent Irwindale testing session. Following his review of Koch’s times and Portenga’s post test reports both Offenbach and Richard Childress are very optimistic about the upcoming event and the season ahead with Koch behind the wheel.

“We’re really happy with the results following the test at Irwindale last week,” said Offenbach. “After reviewing the times I think Blake and the crew are ready to go for the 2009 season. Everyone on this team does their job well and they all work well together and that’s what it takes to win races. The outlook is very positive heading to the showdown with GodSpeaks.com as our new sponsor and our longtime sponsor Pat O’Keefe and Bay Bio Diesel; I have to give a big thanks to them for all of their support.”

The NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown will feature two days of exciting action among some of the nation’s greatest short-track drivers in the NASCAR Camping World Series and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series competition. Both nights of all-star action will be aired live on SPEED, which has broadcast the event for the last five years. Broadcasts will begin at 7 p.m. PT each night. A full day of on-track activity kicks off for the NASCAR Camping World Series on Friday, Jan. 23 with practice and qualifying, leading up to the 250-lap feature race on Saturday, Jan. 24.

During both days watch for Blake Koch behind the wheel of the GodSpeaks.com – Bay Bio Diesel sponsored #21 Chevrolet as he looks for his first victory with the Golden Gate Racing Team. Koch will be joined in the garage and on the track by Austin Dillon of Clemmons, North Carolina. 18-year-old Dillon will represent the Eastern division of the RCR Racing Driver Development Program. Dillon finished second in the 2008 NASCAR Camping World Eastern Series.

“The Showdown is a good opportunity for Blake to showcase his talent with the best of drivers of the series,” said Richard Childress, President and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “But we’re looking ahead at the big picture when the Camping World Series opens in Texas on March 14th. But this event will give Blake more experience with some great drivers from both the East and the West Series.”

Thirteen drivers have already secured a spot in the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown by winning a NASCAR Camping World Series race this past year. In addition, champions of each of NASCAR’s developmental series also earned secured spots in the event.

Other positions in the starting lineup will be determined through time trials, which are slated for 6 p.m. PT on Friday, and limited provisionals for NASCAR Camping World Series regulars. Rounding out Friday’s activity for the NASCAR Camping World Series will be a “Last Chance Open” race at 9:10 p.m. PT that provides drivers one final opportunity to make the final 40-car starting grid for Saturday’s feature race.

Prior to the upcoming race, Koch and members of the Golden Gate Racing Team will travel to North Carolina Monday to attend Media Day in the company of several fellow RCR team drivers. Among the attendees will be Kevin Harvick, Clint Boyer and Jeff Burton to name a few. The event brings NASCAR’s top talent together with members of the media as they tour various facilities including those of RCR, Hendrick Motorsports and more.