Ortiz, BD Racing with Sterling Marlin Leave Nashville Singing the Blues

Sunoco National Tour rookie a victim of suspension issues twice during the weekend

Nashville, TN (August 30, 2010) … The emotional rollercoaster that a driver and team may experience during a race weekend can be very stressful to say the least. Bryan Ortiz and the BD Racing with Sterling Marlin race team certainly had one of those stressful weekends at the Nashville Superspeedway. The Sunoco National Tour leading rookie experienced suspension problems twice at Nashville which resulted in Ortiz first DNF (did not finish) of the 2010 season.

The Tennessee 100 week started with a bang for the BD racing with Sterling Marlin team when American General Life and Accident Insurance Company agreed to support the Ortiz and the team for this event. Ortiz responded to this great news by posting the fastest time (30.629 seconds) in his #40 AGLA Camaro during the first practice session on Friday. However, the big smiles quickly turned to frowns as Ortiz crashed hard into the outside safer barrier late in practice. Upon review by the crew, it was determined that a suspension problem on the right front caused the accident. Fortunately, Bryan Ortiz was not injured in the hard crash, and the BD Racing with Sterling Marlin team quickly unloaded their backup #40 AGLA Camaro.

“The weekend started very well posting the fastest lap of the weekend in my first couple of practice laps,” Ortiz stated. “Then, all of a sudden, the car shot into the outside wall and was destroyed. I thought it was a tire issue, but the team determined that it was a suspension failure. Then, we had some issues with the new car (backup), but that happens with any new car. Dealing with those issues cost me practice time, so I went to qualify without knowing what I really had under me. Considering everything, I think we did pretty good.”

Ortiz posted a fast lap of 31.098 seconds in qualifying to earn the fourth starting position for the 150-mile race. After the pole winner redrew for starting positions, Ortiz would start the #40 American General Life and Accident Insurance Company Camaro in third position.

In the early stages of the Tennessee 150, Ortiz would maintain his third position in the running order. He reported that his car was a little tight in turns three and four, and the BD Racing with Sterling Marlin crew planned their adjustments for the halfway break at lap 56. At the midpoint of the race, Ortiz was third behind leader Jeff Choquette and second-place Winston Wood.

Early in the second half of the race, Ortiz reported to the crew that he felt a vibration and needed to pit. After a pit stop for tires and adjustments, Ortiz moved from ninth to third in the running order. Then, on lap 92, Ortiz car suddenly veered to the right and slammed into the third turn safer barrier. Unfortunately, Ortiz was the victim of another suspension failure. The hard contact with the outer wall resulted in major damage to the AGLA Camaro that ended his race. Ortiz would finish eighth completing 91 of the 112 laps.

“It sure was a tough weekend for us in Nashville,” Ortiz added. “As usual, my team had a fast race car that was very competitive. I appreciate the support from American General Life and Accident Insurance Company. Unfortunately, we had some problems that kept us from a good finish. However, we’ll go to Michigan next week and rebound with a strong race.”

As Ortiz mentioned, the Sunoco National Tour travels to Springport Motor Speedway for the Michigan 200. This race was postponed by rain from June 5th to September 4th. And, with Bryan Ortiz going back to Springport for the second time, look for the BD Racing with Sterling Marlin driver to charge to the front.

For media or marketing inquiries regarding Sterling Marlin or Bryan Ortiz, please contact David Morse, Performance Sports Partners, (270) 816-2900 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .