MATT BARNDT NAMED ROOKIE OF THE YEAR FOR MAARA SERIES

 (Bethlehem, PA) – Team Full Throttle NASCAR Driver Development Racer Matt Barndt has been named the 2007 MAARA Late Model Series Rookie of the Year.  The 16-year old former Mini Cup Champion had a season best third place finish and impressed series officials with his consistency and progress throughout the season.

“All things considered we really had a good first year,” Matt said.  “We had some good runs at each of the tracks we went to with the series, and we learned a lot in the process that will help us for next year.  We really had a good time running with everyone from MAARA and I want to thank them, my family, my crew, and of course our sponsors because without any of those people I’d be lucky to still be racing Mini Cups.”

 Team Full Throttle founder and Vice President Tom Baker reflected on Matt’s first season in the program.  “Matt did very well considering the circumstances,” Baker said.  “He didn’t have an experienced Crew Chief, and he was stepping up from a Mini Cup car into a highly competitive series at some of the most challenging tracks in the Northeast.  We’re very proud of his accomplishments, and we’re excited about the future with him.  We tested him in a Busch Car a couple of weeks ago, and he left no doubt that after one more year of Late Model racing he’ll be ready for the next step.”

 Galaxy Motors, Junkyard Dog Industries, Roland and Roland, Inc., Sabelt, Ringers Gloves, ISC Racer’s Tape, Butler Built Seats, Auto Meter, National Auto Stores, ARCO Protection Systems, Deichman Walker Chevrolet, Hammerhead Promotions, Impact Racing, Automotive Technicians Alliance, and Team Full Throttle are all marketing partners for Matt.  Matt is a member of the Team Full Throttle NASCAR Driver Development Program and is represented by Driver Development Services, LLC of Charlotte, NC.  For more information about Matt, visit his website at www.mdbmotorsports.com or the Team Full Throttle site at www.goteamfullthrottle.com.