Bryan Ortiz Selected for 2011 Drive for Diversity Program

Puerto Rico driver to race for Revolution Racing

Charlotte, NC (January 26, 2011) … NASCAR announced today that Bryan Ortiz has been selected for the 2011 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Class. The 21-year old Puerto Rican will drive for Revolution Racing of Mooresville, North Carolina in the NASCAR Whelan All-American Series.  Ortiz is the first Puerto Rican ever selected to participate in the program.

Ortiz was one of ten talented diversity drivers selected from one hundred and fifty six entries to compete in either the NASCAR K&N Pro Series or the NASCAR Whelan All-American Series in 2011. Ortiz is scheduled to compete in twenty six late model stock races at three tracks in Virginia, North and South Carolina.  He will also work in the Revolution Racing shop and do regular testing with his team.

“I am really happy for this opportunity with Revolution Racing and the Drive for Diversity program,” Ortiz said. “I know it’s going to be a very big year for my career, and will open doors for a lot of great things. I don’t have much experience with stock cars, so this program will definitely help gain track experience.”

The Drive for Diversity is the industry’s leading developmental program for minority and female drivers and crew members. The program currently supports drivers in two major developmental series of NASCAR. Over thirty hopefuls came from 18 states, Mexico, and Puerto Rico to showcase their talents looking to earn one of the ten positions at Revolution Racing for 2011. The drivers, who ranged in age from 16 to 26, were evaluated for three days in October on multiple skills including on-track performance, marketing and media aptitude, physical fitness, and personality.

“Obviously, it’s going to be hard for me,” Ortiz added. “I’m going to move to Mooresville (NC) and start from scratch, leaving everything in Puerto Rico. But, this opportunity will be the best for my future, and I’m sure many positive things will happen from participating in this program.

Ortiz raced in the Sunoco National Tour this season, driving for Sterling Marlin. The talented Puerto Rican won the Rookie-of-the-Year Award and finished second in the overall point standings. He had a best finish of second at Rockingham Speedway in his first ever visit to the famed track.

“Last year was really special,” Ortiz concluded. “Having the opportunity to compete in the Sunoco tour and participating in the Drive for Diversity Combine were huge steps in my career. I want to thank everyone who has helped and supported me, especially my whole family, friends, and team owners.”

For additional information on Bryan Ortiz, visit www.bryanortizracing.com and Bryan Ortiz Racing on Facebook.