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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.

“I am ready to get back on one of the big tracks,” said Koch. “Phoenix was a big tease for me and I’m looking forward to racing the GodSpeaks.com #21 to the front at Iowa.”

Sunday will be the first time Koch will lay rubber on the asphalt at Iowa Speedway, a .875 asphalt oval. Two weeks ago the West Palm Beach native that is the primary driver for the San Francisco based Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Development Team, drove to an impressive seventh place finish at Phoenix International Raceway. At that time, Phoenix was the longest, fastest track that Koch had ever competed on in his young racing career which includes driving Late Models, Speedway Trucks and Motocross.

Sunday’s event will bring the NASCAR Camping World West Series and the East Series together in one big event. Both events are point races for their respective campaigns and the competition is sure to be fierce as the best drivers that are NASCAR’s stars of tomorrow come together.

“This will be a good test for us and a good test for Blake,” said Jim Offenbach, owner of the Golden Gate Racing Team. “This is where the East versus the West so we have the best of the best all together. We’ve been very impressed with Blake’s progress in the series. He showed very well on his first big track in Phoenix and I’m confident that the GodSpeaks.com #21 will come home with a top ten finish in Iowa.”

As he enters the fifth race of the 13 race season, Koch remains in a heated battle for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award in the Camping World West Series. Currently Koch is tied for the coveted honor with Paulie Harraka of New Jersey, each with 36 points. Jonathan Gomez is one point back with 35 rookie points. Golden Gate Racing Team is currently 9th in the NASCAR Camping World Series overall point standings with one top five finish and two top tens in four starts.

In the NASCAR Camping World Series, points are awarded in the championship standings and additional points are presented for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Title to all eligible drivers that have applied. Such points are awarded in a fashion what awards the top finishing rookie of each event with 10 points, the next highest finishing rookie 9 points and so on. At the conclusion of the season, the best 75 percent of each driver’s finishes are counted to determine the recipient of the title.

“Running for the Rookie of the Year title was one of my foremost goals this year,” said Koch. “To be tied for the lead like this is a blessing for me but I know I have my work cut out for me. I am in a tight battle with two of the best drivers out there and we have a long way to go. Whatever the outcome is, I know it is God’s plan for me.”

During Sunday’s event, Koch will have the opportunity to compete against his fellow Richard Childress Racing Development Series teammate, Austin Dillon. Dillon is the grandson of NASCAR Sprint Cup team owner Richard Childress and has had earlier success in the showdown at Iowa. Last year Dillon won the pole for the event and finished sixth in the feature race. Koch recently raced with Dillon at the Phoenix event as well.

The Long John Silver’s 200 is the only East-West combination event for the NASCAR Camping World Series that awards points. The format for the race includes a starting field of 44 cars, including provisionals. The first 38 cars will qualify through time trials. The remaining six spots will be awarded though the provisional process. The race is 200 laps with a total distance of 175 miles.
Sunday’s event takes place at 4:15 Central Time. The race will be broadcast on National Television on Thusday, May 28 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time on SPEED TV.

Following Sunday’s event, the Golden Gate Racing Team will travel to Douglass County Speedway on June 6 for the Toyota/ BI-MART Firecracker 150 before returning to race in their own backyard on Saturday June 20 in the Bennett Lane Winery 200 at Infinion Raceway in Sonoma.
The Golden Gate Racing Team is grateful for each of its partners for the 2009 NASCAR Camping World West Season including GodSpeaks.com along with Pat O’Keefe’s Bay Bio Diesel, the DayStar Network and the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development Program.

For additional information on the Golden Gate Racing Team and an in depth 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. To learn more about GodSpeaks, log on to www.GodSpeaks.com where you can enter to win a paid trip for two to join Blake Koch and the Golden Gate Racing team for the July 4th NASCAR Camping World Series event at Irwindale Speedway in California.

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.

Shortly after his arrival to the .333 mile Madera Speedway, Koch drove the GodSpeaks.com -Bay BioDiesel-Daystar Network #21 Chevrolet to the fastest lap time in both practice sessions. In the final session of the day, he turned an outstanding 15.482 second lap with an average speed of 77.432 miles per hour.

After two consecutive events in which he felt he overdrove the car in qualifying, Koch took to the Madera .333 mile track for the third event of the NASCAR Camping World West Series event with great caution. He ended up qualifying in the eighth position with a time of 15.622 seconds.

“My trip to Madera started off great. We were the quickest car in both practices and every change Steve Portenga (Crew Chief) and the guys made just kept making the car better,” said Koch. “Being the fastest car there I really wanted to get my first pole. I think I put too much pressure on myself and was too worried about overdriving the car like I have been during qualifying. I ended up under driving the car and getting eighth”

With a perfectly tuned car for the feature, Koch and Portenga agreed that the best interest for the team would be to be patient and let things unfold a bit in the feature race. Starting on the outside of the fourth row, there would be plenty of time and plenty of opportunities to gain track position. The plan; save the car for the last 50 laps of the race.

“We unloaded at the top of the charts in both practice sessions in Madera and we we’re confident we had a good car,” said Portenga. “We were a little too conservative in qualifying by trying not to overdrive it and instead we came up a little short. All of us are very pleased with Blake’s progress, especially in feedback and car adjustments. We are really working well together as a team.”

At the waving of the green flag for the feature event, Koch began working his way to the front. Shortly after a restart on the 40th lap a setback haunted him for the remainder of the race. Working closely with his spotter, Koch made sure he had enough room to return to the lower line of the track on the 48th lap.

After being cleared for the move, he returned to the faster line of the track where he was struck from behind by Brett Thompson. The collision sent the #21 GodSpeaks.com Chevrolet sliding sideways on the track before collecting the #0 of Paul Pedroncelli, who had nowhere to go and drove directly into the side of Koch and a caution flag was waved. The incident ended the event for Pedroncelli, but Koch was able to continue, however, suffered significant damage from both impacts.

“I was so careful to work with my spotter and Steve made sure I was good and clear,” said Koch. “I got down there and he (Thompson) got into the back of me. It was just like Texas all over again. The other driver had no place to go and the car was pretty banged up but we were able to continue the race.”

Despite the damage, Koch remained in the event and began working his way back towards the front of the field. On lap 112 a minor collision in turn four sent Koch into the grass, stalling the engine. Once restarted, Koch persevered in the caution plagued event, finishing 13th.

“It took awhile for the car to start back up and when it did we were three laps down,” said Koch. “Despite the damage we still had a good car and we passed a bunch of cars but every restart put us back in the field so I had to do it all over again. We ended up finishing 13th. It’s frustrating when you have a good car and can’t take advantage of it. But it’s all in god’s plan for me and I am not questioning it. The team is very positive heading into race at Iowa.”

Following Saturday’s event the battle for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award is heating up in the NASCAR Camping World Series. Currently, Koch is tied for the coveted honor with Paulie Harraka, each with 36 points. Jonathan Gomez is one point back with 35 rookie points. Golden Gate Racing Team is currently 9th in the NASCAR Camping World Series.

Much like Koch, Richard Childress and team owner Jim Offenbach are both very pleased with the success the team has had so far in the season. In Phoenix two weeks ago, it was the largest track Koch had ever raced on and the first time he was faced with live pit stops. The team took home a 7th place finish in that event. Saturday’s race in Madera was the first time they finished out of the top ten in the series and despite the difficulties, only placed three positions off that mark.

“I am very proud of how this team is coming together, we are show progress after each race,” said Offenbach. “These kind of races and results are going to happen. I am very confident that our team is doing all they can to minimize these races by having a top car and always making smart decisions. We will be ready next month.”

The Golden Gate Racing Team is grateful for each of its partners for the 2009 season including GodSpeaks.com, Pat O’Keefe’s Bay Bio Diesel, the DayStar Network and the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development Program.

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. To learn more about GodSpeaks, log on to www.GodSpeaks.com where you can enter to win a paid trip for two to join Blake Koch and the Golden Gate Racing team for the July 4th NASCAR Camping World Series event at Irwindale Speedway in California.

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.

The Daystar Television Network is the fastest growing Christian television network in the world. Daystar operates over 50 television stations in major markets across the United States with production facilities in Dallas, Houston, and Denver. Daystar has a potential audience of over 128 million viewers in the U.S. alone, which includes 60 million cable and satellite homes.
“I am so happy that DayStar Television Network, the fastest growing faith based television network in the Wold, has come aboard as an associate sponsor of the Golden Gate Racing Team-Richard Childress Racing GodSpeaks.com Chevrolet,” said Koch. “I enjoy watching the network, they have shows like ‘Check the Sound’ which has today’s faith based artists perform and talk about their faith. They also have ‘DayStar Sports,’ where you can watch professional athletes talk about some of their experiences and testimonies.”

Koch is a 23-year-old West Palm Beach Native with a passion for Christ and definitive need for speed. “When you drive one of these cars I don’t know how you could not be close to God,” he said. As a young adult, Koch knows first hand how important it is for today’s world to have a quality faith based source of entertainment.

“It was hard to find a faith based network that had programs that kept me interested,” he said. “It’s cool to see some artists and athletes on the show that are around my age. I feel so blessed that a network that broadcasts in over 62 million homes in the United States and about 500 million homes worldwide is backing the race car that I am driving.”

Daystar Television Network seeks out every available means of distribution to a world in need of hope. With an extensive blend of interdenominational and multi-cultural programming, Daystar is committed to producing and providing quality television that will reach our viewers, refresh their lives, and renew their hearts. For addition information on the network their website can be viewed at www.daystar.com.

Currently, Koch is 7th in the NASCAR Camping World West Series point standings. The former late model and speedway truck racer is leading the way in contention for the 2009 Sunoco Rookie of the Year title. This title is something he is setting his sights on in his first year behind the wheel of the team fielded by car owner Jim Offenbach and Richard Childress.

The next event in the NASCAR Camping World West Series will be Thursday, April 16th when the tour that features the NASCAR stars of tomorrow competes at Phoenix International Raceway. The event is the Jimmie Johnson Foundation 150 presented by Shamrock Fans and is the third event of the season.

The Golden Gate Racing Team is grateful for each of its partners for the 2009 season including GodSpeaks.com, Bay Bio Diesel, the DayStar Network 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 towards the NASCAR Camping World Championship.

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.

Blake Koch enjoys an interview prior to Saturday’s NASCAR Camping World Toyota/Napa 150 at All American Speedway in Roseville , California Saturday.
Photo courtesy of Pat Brandon

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.

Unlike the 2009 NASCAR Camping World West opener in Texas , Koch arrived at All American Speedway in Roseville Saturday morning and was already familiar with the track. Back in the fall of 2008 the West Palm Beach native made his NASCAR debut when he drove a secondary car for RCR and team owner Jim Offenbach, testing for his future position as Golden Gate’s primary driver.

“It was nice to come to a track I was already familiar with,” said Koch. “I was confident that we would do well as a team at the same track where we started together. I just want to thank the entire GGRT crew for all their hard work and all of my sponsors and especially God.”

As early as practice, it was apparent that Koch, crew Chief Steve Portenga and the GGRT crew were ready to roll. In practice they turned the 6th fastest lap time with a 13.640 at a clocked speed of 87.889 miles per hour. In qualifying Koch turned the 9th fastest lap of the day with a 13.818 at a speed of 86.75 miles per hour. Koch’s qualifying time was just .229 seconds off the new track record garnered by fast qualifier Jason Bowles.

“The car was good in both practices, every change that Steve made to the car was in the right direction,” said Koch. When qualifying came I just over drove the car, settling for ninth place.”

Starting in the ninth position on the tight All American .300 mile oval, Koch used great patience combined with the guidance of Portenga to begin advancing towards the top five at the drop of the green flag. On the 40th lap he was slowed after a mishap when Brett Thompson spun in the second turn. Koch recovered from the delay quickly and maintained the seventh place position for much of the event. He advanced into the top five for good by lap 130 of the 150 lap affair.

After finishing fifth before a sold out crowd, Koch is now seventh in the NASCAR Camping World West Series point standings. He currently leads the field in the chase for the 2009 Sunoco Rookie of the Year title. The next event will bring the team to Phoenix International Raceway on Thursday, April 18th. Golden Gate Racing Team’s season best fifth place run can be viewed on network television this Thursday, April 9 on SPEED TV at 3 p.m. Eastern time. SPEED TV will delay broadcast all events in the 2009 NASCAR Camping World West Series.

The Golden Gate Racing Team is grateful for each of its partners for the 2009 season including GodSpeaks.com, Pat O’Keefe’s Bay Bio Diesel, the DayStar Network and the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development Program.
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. To learn more about GodSpeaks, log on to www.GodSpeaks.com where you can enter to win a paid trip for two to join Blake Koch and the Golden Gate Racing team for the July 4th NASCAR Camping World Series event at Irwindale Speedway in California.

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.

“I am really excited to be going to All American Speedway, it will be really nice to go back to a track I am familiar with,” said Koch, who tested with Jim Offenbach’s GodSpeaks.com-Bay Bio Diesel NASCAR Camping World team in the final race of 2008 there. “I know we have a good car there. I have had some time to think about where I can knock off some time on the track so I am pretty confident we will qualify up front. As far as the race goes, I want to win and I know I have the team behind me to do so.”

Last year, Koch qualified 4th in his NASCAR Camping World Series debut as Offenbach and Childress were eyeing a primary driver for the 2009 campaign. In the feature, he drove as high as fourth place until the brakes overheated in the GodSpeaks.com Chevrolet, forcing him to fade further back in the field to finish 22nd respectively.

Much like Koch is eager to get back on to the track that brought him together with the successful Golden Gate team, Childress and Offenbach alike are confident they will fare well on the .300 mile track. This is one of just two NASCAR Camping World events to come to the Sacramento region and a sold crowd is expected.

“Qualifying will be the key at Roseville and Blake shows he is a good qualifier,” said Childress. “I wish the Golden Gate Racing-RCR, Godspeaks.com, Bay Bio-Diesel team a great run.”

With one event in the history book, Koch and the GodSpeaks.com #21 team are presently ranked 11th in the NASCAR Camping World West Series point standings after a stellar 11th place run in the opener at Thunderhill Speedway in Kyle, Texas last month. Koch is currently the runner up in the chase for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title behind fellow newcomer Jonathan Gomez of Twin Falls, Idaho.

Koch raced into the top five on numerous occasions during the Texas opener. Despite falling victim to several on-track incidents and being spun by another car in the closing laps, Koch rallied back to 11th place on the .375 mile opener. After such an aggressive charge to the front, Offenbach is optimistic about round two this weekend in Roseville.

“Both Richard (Childress) and I will be looking for a good run as Blake has tested and raced at Roseville, said Offenbach. “Look for the #21 to be a contender.”

The Golden Gate Racing Team is grateful for each of its partners for the 2009 season including GodSpeaks.com 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 towards the NASCAR Camping World Championship.

The gates to All American Raceway will open at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Koch and the NASCAR Camping World Series will take to the track beginning at 5 p.m. for qualifying and will return at 8:50 p.m. for the Toyota/Napa Auto Parts 150. Those wishing to attend the race can purchase tickets at (916) 676-0256.

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 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.

“We made leaps and bounds since the Irwindale Showdown back in January,” said Jim Offenbach, owner of the San Francisco based Golden Gate Racing Team. “ Blake is a very quick learner and to go out there after only one practice session and qualify fourth and then run in the top ten most of the night I’m proud to say the GodSpeaks.com-Bay Bio Diesel team had a great debut.”

With rain threatening to dampen the event, NASCAR Camping World officials kept the program moving at a fast pace on the .375 mile oval. Koch only had one opportunity to practice for the event, which was just his third time behind the wheel of a NASCAR Camping World machine.

With the help of crew chief Steve Portenga, a three year veteran of GGRT, Koch made the best of each available moment in the rushed practice session. Before the checkered flag waved Koch was ranked seventh with a fastest lap time of 15.277 seconds, just .258 off the pace of Moses Smith who led the practice session.

“We were really close on set up right out of the hauler,” said Koch. “It was my first time on that track and it took me about four laps to get it down. Steve (Portenga) and I walked the track and talked about the line before the practice session and that really helped.”

Due to threatening weather in the area and a lengthy late model event prior to the running of the Allstate 150, the second practice session was cancelled and Koch went out to qualify an impressive fourth place. Koch’s lap time was 15.444 seconds, just .31 seconds off the pole position.

“I was really happy with the fourth place in qualifying,” said Koch. “But I had to start on the outside for the race and there was no grip out there.”

When it comes to adversity, Koch and the Golden Gate crew always manage to persevere. From the waving of the green flag, Koch wasted no time in settling into the lower line of the track and maintained the 4th position for the first 30 laps of race. Ten laps later a caution flag flew, forcing a restart that placed Koch on the outside of the track for the second time of the night.

With the restart, Koch used caution and patience to eventually find his way back to the lower line of the track. The process cost him several positions but he rallied back to the 4th position before being spun by a competitor and forced to power his way through traffic once again. With only two laps remaining, Koch had charged back to the sixth position just when additional mayhem broke out and he was struck from behind and sent spinning to draw a caution flag. Despite the incident, Koch ended the event with an 11th place finish.

“With about 15-laps to go it was hard to hang on to the car,” said Koch. “I had gotten really loose due to the fact that I wore it out being on the outside of the racetrack with no grip for at least 75 laps of a 150 lap race. I learned a ton at this race. We had a top five car for sure, we just had some bad breaks throughout the race. Steve (Portenga) gave me a couple of things I need to improve on so I am really going to work hard on those areas.”

With one event down and 12 remaining, Koch and the Golden Gate Racing Team currently maintain the 11th position in the series point standings. The next event will bring the GodSpeaks.com-Bay BioDiesel-Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet to All American Speedway in Roseville on April 4th. Koch made his Camping World Series debut with Golden Gate Racing at Roseville late last year. After the Texas event, Portenga is confident that Koch is ready to return to Roseville.

“In Texas we unloaded fast and Blake took to the track well. The GGRT guys gave him a very good car,” said Portenga. “Blake learned a lot and the team can go to Roseville with their heads high.”

The Golden Gate Racing Team is grateful for each of its partners for the 2009 season including GodSpeaks.com 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 towards the NASCAR Camping World Championship.

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.

“We were very happy with our run at the Showdown,” commented team owned Jim Offenbach. “The event was a great opportunity for Blake and the team to compete against the best drivers from both the east and the west and he did very well considering the rain delays made for very little practice times and the track conditions were a real challenge.”

The Toyota All-Star Showdown is an annual 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.

The 2009 version of this gala event was shadowed by Mother Nature for the entire weekend. After heavy rains on the first day of competition, qualifying was postponed until Saturday afternoon and drivers saw very little practice time late Friday night. On Saturday, inclement weather still managed to haunt the facility with repeated rain delays and damp track conditions prior to qualifying.

Late Saturday afternoon, the skies cleared, track drying efforts were complete and the “Daytona 500 of Short Track Racing” was underway with qualifying. After being 18th quick in practice, Koch was the 50th car out for qualifying on the track that had seen is share of rain and drying efforts throughout the day.

“Right off the bat everyone picked up about four tenths of a second for qualifying,” said Koch. “I went out and tried too hard to pick up a lot of time and ended up messing up on both my laps which put me in the 50 lap open race.”

At Irwindale, the 50-lap open race is a final opportunity for those drivers who did not qualify for the feature race to do so by finishing in the top six positions when the checkered flag waves. In this event the competition is fierce as each driver is well aware that this is their final opportunity to make the money race.

Koch entered the event in the 12th position and quickly advanced to 8th after the opening green flag. During the final circuits of the race Koch advanced into the 7th position and closed within inches of the 6th place final transfer car. When the checkered flag waved Koch and the Golden Gate Team crossed the line just one position out of the transfers into the feature event.

“With just one spot left to make the main and hardly any laps left I tried so hard to make it,” said Koch. “I ended up finishing just one spot out of making the main event..”

Despite being just one position out of the transfer position when time ran out, Offenbach and the entire Golden Gate Racing Team were pleased with their performance in the Toyota Showdown. The team is looking forward to the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series which begins at Thunder Hill Raceway in Kyle Texas on March 14.

“The Showdown was real test run for this team,:” added Offenbach. “We were very happy with Blake’s performance. This was a non-points race and we could have gone in their and torn up the car, a lot of people did just that. I was very happy with Blake’s driving he showed great patience in a weekend where the rain wreaked havoc on the teams. We’re ready for the season and looking at the big picture – The NASCAR Camping World West Championship Series.”

With the many rain delays, Koch and his new Golden Gate Racing Team colleagues had several hours to get acquainted with his team and discuss their efforts for the upcoming season together. One of the key elements to any successful racing team is communication with each other. Before the 2009 season has even begun, the Golden Gate Racing Team and Blake Koch are well on their way to success.

“I learned a lot while I was there,” said Koch. “With all the rain I got to spend a lot of time with my new team. I really appreciate all of their hard work. I am going into the season opener in March with my head up high and expecting a victory. Next year when we come back to the Showdown I will have 10 times more experience and will be competing for the win.”

The Toyota Showdown at Irwindale was the first televised event since the Golden Gate Racing Team partnered with GodSpeaks.com. The new title sponsor drew great attention at the event at both the track and across the nation as the race was broadcast live on SpeedTV.

“I think it’s great to have a car that talks about God,” commented one spectator. “It’s about time, since there is every kind of sponsor is here.”

In addition to Koch, the Golden Gate Racing Team competed in the company of fellow Richard Childress Development Series driver Austin Dillon of Lewisville, N.C. Dillon drove the Shell sponsored Chevrolet donning the #3, the same number his grandfather, Richard Childress utilized when he raced. Despite being the victim to a multi car collision, Dillon finished 30th in the feature race.

The Golden Gate Racing Team wishes to thank its partners for the 2009 season including the team’s title sponsor GodSpeaks.com as well as Pat O’Keefe of Bay Bio Diesel and the Richard Childress Driver Development Program.

For further information on the Richard Childress Driver Development Series visit www.rcrracing.com.

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.

“I am ready for Texas and so is GGRT,” said Offenbach. “Steven Portenga, our Crew Chief is a proven winner at Texas and has prepared the GodSpeaks.com-Bay-Bio Diesel #21 very well . Steven and the team believe Blake will adapt well to the new challenges and will bring the #21 to a top five finish.”

The 2009 NASCAR Camping World West Series consists of 13 total events at 11 different venues that take competitors to seven different states. The series is compromised of events that take place on short tracks, intermediates, road courses and speedways with a number of races that take place in conjunction with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events.

Following a successful run in the recent Toyota Showdown at Irwindale Speedway, the Golden Gate Racing Team is well prepared for the series opener on March 14th at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle Texas. This will mark the first appearance for Koch on the 3/8 mile track, which mirrors a venue in which he has a great deal of late model experience at. Koch joined the Golden Gate Racing Team and the RCR Driver Development Program after testing with the team in the fall of 2008 during the final event of the NASCAR Camping World Season.

“I am really excited for Texas,” said Koch. I have not been there before but it looks pretty similar to the track here in Florida that I have raced my late model at. Steve (Portenga) and the crew have been working really hard at the shop and we are all excited to get this season started. I hope we will leave Texas leading the point standings. I really want to thank God and my family for making it possible for me to run the full season this year in the GodSpeaks.com #21 for GGRT and RCR.”

In the wake of the troubled economy, NASCAR announced earlier this year that they were enforcing a ban on all pre-event testing. The new policy was created to cut costs for competing teams, but at the same time poses new challenges for drivers like Koch who have had little track time at various facilities. Koch, however, is always ready for such challenges. The native of West Palm Beach has the support of an entire team that holds a great deal of experience and the ability to take advantage of the practice sessions just prior to the race.

“It will be very important the have the #21 GodSpeaks.com, Bay-Bio Diesel well prepared and take full advantage of the two practices to get Blake comfortable,” said Richard Childress, President of RCR. “We are looking for Blake to gain some experience and respect while learning from the top West Camping World Drivers.”

The Golden Gate Racing Team wishes to thank its partners for the 2009 season including the team’s title sponsor GodSpeaks.com as well as Pat O’Keefe of Bay Bio Diesel and the Richard Childress Driver Development Program. In addition to Koch, O’Keefe will be behind the wheel of the secondary GGRT #31 car later in the series as well.

For additional information on the Golden Gate Racing Team and an in depth look at their entire team and sponsors please visit the team website at www.goldengateracingteam.com and watch for additional news leading up to the Texas opener. 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.

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.

According to an official media release from Toyota Speedway at Iwindale, rain caused a near washout of Friday’s track schedule, which was to include practice, qualifying, a NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Super Late Model race and a NASCAR Camping World Series qualifying race.

Efforts are still being made this evening to permit practice sessions at the track, and a revised schedule for Saturday’s activities will be released as soon as it becomes available. Saturday’s schedule will included the 150-lap Super Late Model, 75-Lap Late Model and the both the NASCAR Camping World Series qualifying and main races.

Already determined, the garage will open for race teams from all three divisions at 7 a.m.

Gates will open for spectators at 2 p.m. Fans who purchased tickets for Friday’s activities may re-use them for Saturday’s activities.

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.

Golden Gate Racing Team and RCR welcome Blake Koch as primary NASCAR Camping World West Series driver


Photo courtesy of Blake Koch and Golden Gate Racing

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The San Francisco based Golden Gate Racing Team is proud to announce Blake Koch as their primary driver for the 2009 racing season in the NASCAR Camping World West Series. A resident of West Palm Beach , Florida , Koch will drive the #21 GodSpeaks.com Chevrolet for the popular Richard Childress Racing Development team owned and operated by San Francisco businessman Jim Offenbach.

"Both Richard Childress and I are extremely excited to bring Blake to our team for the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Championship season,” said Offenbach . “Blake brings a great deal of talent and a great personality to our team. He tested with us at the conclusion of last season and his performance was quite impressive.”

Driving a secondary car for GGRT back on October 25, Koch entered the final 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series event at All American Speedway in Roseville . Already a Pro Truck and Late Model driver that was in just his sophomore season of asphalt racing, Koch made a strong showing in his NASCAR racing debut at the popular Northern California event. After qualifying fourth, he started on the outside of the second row. After settling into the fourth position, a caution flag on the 20th circuit committed him to the outside of the line up where he fell back to 10th place but quickly rallied back to the sixth position until brake loss ended his night with a respectful 22nd place finish.

“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.”

Following his impressive run at Roseville and a handful of testing sessions, Koch was named the new primary driver by Offenbach earlier this month and will replace former driver David Mayhew for the 2009 racing season. While Offenbach sees a promising future with his new driver, Koch is just as excited to be joining what he considers a true championship team and is setting his goals high for the season to come.

“I know these are some pretty big goals but I am setting my sights on the NASCAR Camping World Series West Championship and the Rookie of the Year title,” said Koch. “The Golden Gate Racing Team and Richard Childress have everything in place to pursue a championship. They have the best equipment and the best people behind that equipment. It is an honor to be driving for Jim Offenbach and his crew Chief Steve Portenga. I have all the confidence in the world in this team; they are truly dedicated to winning races.”

Koch had been racing asphalt oval cars for the past two years. Prior to his stint in the Pro Truck and Late Model scene he was successful in motocross for nearly 8 years and was named one of the Nation’s top racers. “My goal is to win races,” said Koch. “And I will do what ever it takes.”

In addition to his talent behind the wheel, Koch is known for his involvement with the movie production industry with the company his father, Mark W. Koch founded in 1992 known as Prelude Pictures. After graduating from college with a degree in business and marketing, Koch joined Prelude Pictures and recently Associate Produced his first film with his father titled “The Perfect Game” which will be released in theaters in the spring of 2009. Prelude pictures has successfully promoted movies such as Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ and well known science fiction flick “Lost in Space.”
“Blake really brings a unique personality to this team,” added Offenbach . “His family history and success in the movie industry is very interesting and it will bring some great color to this team. Richard Childress is just as excited as I am about Blake and the Golden Gate Racing Team in 2009. We’re proud to be a Richard Childress Development team once again and I’m confident we’re going to do very well. At the same time we wish David Mayhew a great future in the sport; he is a very talented driver and will do well.”

While Childress and Offenbach hold great confidence in Koch behind the wheel, Portenga also has a positive outlook on the season to come. Portenga returns as the crew chief of the #21 GodSpeaks.com Chevrolet with a great outlook on the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series.

“All of us are very excited about the year to come for Golden Gate Racing,” said Portenga. “Were heading into the future with a talented driver, a good sponsor and things are looking pretty bright ahead for us. I have a lot of confidence in Blake behind the wheel of the #21 GodSpeaks.com Chevrolet. He knows the importance of marketing himself in this sport. He is young and talented and very eager to showcase that talent.”

Last season a short series of mechanical woes early in the year challenged the Golden Gate Racing Team and crew. Despite the adversities the team rallied to finish 8th in the championship point standings with David Mayhew behind the wheel. Portenga is confident his team will come together for a strong performance in 2009.

“We had some set backs that we could never overcome early last year. Sometimes you dig yourself in a hole and you just can’t manage to climb back out in time. With Blake coming on board and the new sponsorship this is a breath of fresh air for the whole team. The morale in the shop is up for everyone and we are really excited.”

With Childress and Offenbach managing the team, Portenga overseeing the maintence and Koch behind the wheel, there is little room for doubt that the Golden Gate Racing Team is ready for a successful season in the NASCAR Camping World Series. Combine the racing talent with the new title sponsorship of GodSpeaks.com and the team is sure to not only visit victory lane in the year to come but will carry a positive message to the nation during their fast paced journey to victory lane.

GodSpeaks.com is a non denominational advertising campaign best known for their popular billboards that surfaced in 1998 when an anonymous donor contacted an advertising agency with an idea for a local billboard program. The program created a spiritual climate and lured people to consider a daily relationship with a loving and relevant God. Since its beginning with nine billboards, GodSpeaks.com has grown to an incredible level with more than 10,000 billboards in 200 different cities across America.

During the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series, GodSpeaks.com will begin an outreach to a brand new market as they become the title sponsor of Koch and the Golden Gate Racing Team. During the season a new message will be carried on the hood of the #21 Chevrolet and a number of promotional efforts are in the works to promote the website that features details of the GodSpeaks.com campaign and offers visitors a number of resources to change their lives.

“This sponsorship campaign is really exciting for us,” said Offenbach . “The GodSpeaks.com campaign has been very successful and it has caught many peoples attention. We’re looking forward to carrying their message this season and we are proud to have them coming on board as our title sponsor.”
With his background in marketing and a devoted faith, Koch is excited to be part of the team that will carry such important messages to the racing world this season. Not only will the GodSpeaks.com campaign be visible to thousands of fans on the series tour, several events are slated to be televised.

“It’s an honor to be part of this sponsorship,” said Koch. “I have always had a strong faith in God. After all it is God that has given me the ability and the opportunity to do this. GodSpeaks.com is taking their message to the racing world and I’m prepared to promote them and all of my sponsors well.”
Joining GodSpeaks.com in the sponsorship of Golden Gate Racing in 2009 will be Patt O’Keefe, Bay Bio Diesel who will be returning for his third consecutive year as a key sponsor of the team. Bay Bio Diesel is owned by GGRT team member Pat O’Keefe. During the year, O’Keefe will strap behind the wheel of the GGRT #31 secondary car for several select events as he has in previous years.

“I want to personally thank my friend Pat O”Keefe of Bay Bio Diesel for his support with our West Coast Team,” said Richard Childress. “I look forward to watching the #31 in the winner’s circle in 2009.”

After the Christmas holiday, the Golden Gate Racing Team will begin testing at various NASCAR tracks to prepare for the upcoming season which will begin in late January with the NASCAR Toyota All Star Showdown at Irwindale Speedway. Both Koch and Austin Dillon, the 18-year-old grandson of NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, will test at various facilities. Koch will get as much seat time as possible for the West campaign. Dillon will be preparing for competition in the east where he also drives in the RCR Driver Development program. The last minute cram session for testing comes in the wake of NASCAR’s limitations on testing beginning in 2009 due to the struggling economy.

“The new policy kind of throws an obstacle at us right at the start,” explained Portenga. “We want to get Blake familiar with as many facilities as we can prior to the year simply because he has not raced at all of them. I’m confident he will do well. He doesn’t bring any bad habits to the team simply because he has no habits at all yet. 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..”

Golden Gate Racing team will take to the track in Irwindale on January 23rd and 24th for the Toyota All Star Showdown. For additional information on this upcoming event check out the Golden Gate Racing Team official website at www.goldengateracingteam.com Blake Koch’s personal web page will also carry all press releases and results of the team’s success at www.blakekoch.com. For additional information on the GodSpeaks.com program please see their website at www.GodSpeaks.com.