Ogata will bring support from longtime marketing partner ENEOS, with a goal of accelerating a learning curve that will allow him to compete in additional races for the Mooresville, North Carolina-based team in 2015.
ENEOS is the brand name for products manufactured and sold by JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corp., the largest oil company in Japan.
Ogata, a native of Kanagawa, Japan, began racing more than 27 years ago in his home country of Japan. He recently moved to the United States to advance his dream of competing in NASCAR. This season, he competed in three NASCAR K&N Pro Series East races, as well as short track events in North Carolina.
“I’m very excited about making my NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut at Phoenix,” said Ogata. “Competing at this level is not going to be an easy task, but I feel that I’m surrounded by great people at Win-Tron Racing.
“We haven’t set any expectations for the race,” he added. “We know we’re in the race, but I have a lot to learn. I just want to get familiar with the truck and keep improving with every run we make. If we have a good showing at Phoenix, the doors will open for next season allowing me to continue and expand my horizons.”
Nate Thiesse, co-owner of Win-Tron Racing, said the team is eager to help Ogata accomplish his goals, but more importantly, take the checkered flag in the Lucas Oil 150.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Akinori and ENEOS to the Win-Tron Racing family,” he said. “This is a huge opportunity for him and all of his supporters. Our goal is to have a productive, respectable race and see the checkered flag on Friday night. If we can do that, we’ve succeeded.”
Mark Rette will serve as crew chief.
Unfortunately it will be a struggle for him, I've seen him race at NC Short Tracks the last several years without any improvement whatsoever. He's hit everything but the pace car in most of his races at Hickory Motor Speedway.
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