Ricky Benton's race team stepping up to the big time

CERRO GORDO, N.C. — Ricky Benton Racing Enterprises, owned by Black's Tire & Auto Service owner Ricky Benton, is attempting to make the leap to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series after eight seasons in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

The team has attracted sponsorship support from Auto Service/Carquest Auto Parts for its entry, the No. 92 Black's Tire Ford Fusion, and hired veteran NASCAR driver David Gilliland to pilot the car.

"After talking with our partners, we felt the time was right to make a move into the Cup Series," Mr. Benton said. "Getting David (Gilliland) back on board was also key. Having a veteran driver with his experience and success on restrictor-plate tracks…gives us a leg up as we try to make the race."

The Cerro Gordo-based team has secured the services of Mike Hester, a veteran NASCAR crew chief, to oversee the team's entry at this year's Daytona 500, scheduled for Feb. 18 at the Daytona International Speedway. Roush Yates Engines is supplying engines.

"I am thankful for Roush Yates, Carquest, Highland Construction and the entire Black's Tire family for going racing with us," Mr. Benton said.

Whiteville, N.C.-based Black's Tire operates 46 retail/commercial locations in North and South Carolina, Carolina Retreads and four BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors Wholesale Centers, servicing more than 200 BTS partner program dealers throughout the Carolinas.

RBR has competed in 79 races over eight years in the Camping World Truck Series on a part-time basis. Mr. Gilliland drove for the team for seven races in 2015. Plans for the RBR's 2018 NCWTS schedule have not been finalized.

"Ricky is a great guy and a real racer," Mr. Gilliland said. "I really appreciate the faith he has put in me to drive his first MENCS attempt. Having worked with (crew chief) Mike (Hester) before, I know he has done everything needed to give us a competitive car to go out and qualify and race well at Daytona."

Mr. Gilliland has made 332 starts in NASCAR Cup racing over 11 seasons, but has yet to score a win. He has three pole positions and four top five finishes.

RBR has had a modicum of success at Daytona, scoring two third- and two sixth-place finishes in six starts in the truck series. Prior to joining the truck series, RBR competed extensively in late models and other series, winning the 1998 NASCAR Winston Racing Series Atlantic Seaboard championship as well as the 2002 USAR Hooters ProCup title.

Ricky and Diane Benton were the Tire Dealer Humanitarian winners in 2015.