Salem, IN (December 21, 2011) – 2011 CRA Super Series Champion and Rookie of the Year Derrick Griffin had the thrill of getting to do what many short track racers dream of, taking laps at Daytona International Speedway at Speeds of over 175mph. Griffin was able to participate in this past weekend’s ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards annual December Daytona test prior to its season opening Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 18^th, which is ran prior to the Annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Shootout.

Griffin’s test with ARCA was one of the benefits that ARCA/CRA Super Series participants will receive in the new partnership between ARCA and CRA that was announced in July. As the 2011 CRA Super Series Champion, Griffin was awarded a test day at Daytona through ARCA, with series car owner Andy Hillenburg and a car from his Fast Track High Performance Driving School racing team. In 2012, the ARCA/CRA Super Series Champion and Rookie of the Year will each receive a test date at the December ARCA test at Daytona International Speedway.

"I had a great experience with Andy Hillenburg and his Fast Track Racing School Team," remarked Griffin. "I think I got to run about 40 laps, the car was a school car so we weren’t trying to set the world on fire, I just wanted to get comfortable on a track that big at speeds I had never been at before in a racecar. It took a little getting used to as far as the racecar goes and its characteristics. The biggest things to get used to were the huge radius corners and the steering box instead of a rack. It's different going into the corner knowing you're not supposed to lift. I didn't get to do any drafting on the weekend, but by the time I was done I was really comfortable with the racecar and the racetrack."

Griffin added, "Overall, running laps around Daytona International Speedway was in itself a blessing because of all its history. I am now approved by ARCA to run on the bigger tracks if that opportunity comes up, and I can always say I made laps at Daytona! I really want to thank everyone with ARCA and CRA for giving me this great opportunity and Andy Hillenburg for putting me in one of his racecars!"

Griffin got to run a few laps as part of the Saturday afternoon session. He then got back out for more laps as part of Sunday’s morning session. In all there were six practice sessions during the Friday, Saturday and Sunday test with 79 different drivers’ participating. 2011 ARCA Late Model Gold Cup Champion Dennis Strickland was also awarded a test by ARCA, he got to participate in the Hillenburg car in Saturday morning’s test session.

More information on the ARCA/CRA Super Series is available at www.craracing.net. More information on the ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards is available at www.arcaracing.com.