Michael Lira – Daytona International Speedway Advance

unnamed-2 Team: No. 6 MOMO Motorsports / Safecraft / ROUX Helmets / Lira Motorsports Ford Mustang

Crew Chief: Josh Williams

ADVANCE NOTES

Daytona Debut

Growing up just minutes from Daytona International Speedway, it has been Michael Lira’s dream to compete at the high banks. For years, he watched his own father race at the track, so from a young age he knew he wanted to do the same. On Saturday, Lira will make his restrictor plate racing debut at Daytona.

Get to Know Michael

Nineteen-year-old Port Orange Florida driver Michael Lira began racing in ARCA competition in 2013, finishing a career-best 7^th at Salem. After 27 starts in four years, he has collected multiple top-ten finishes. He has also tied his career best qualifying effort of 4^th at four different tracks on the ARCA circuit. In addition to his ARCA experience, Michael has competed in the FASCAR Pro Truck Series and the Florida United Pro-Truck Series as well as in Pro-Late Mode and Super Late Model competition. Michael’s racing resume also includes experience behind the wheel in SCCA and IMSA sports car competition – including a start in the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2015.

Michael on Daytona

“It still doesn’t seem real to me that less than a week from now I’ll be taking the green flag at Daytona International Speedway in a stock car. I feel great about our chances coming out of the test, but win or lose, running this race is a dream come true for me,” Lira said. “It would be pretty cool if we could win Daytona with a Floridian driver and crew chief. Josh [Williams] has been great to work with. It’s great to have someone in a leadership role on the team who has current driving experience.”

Follow Michael and Lira Motorsports

Be sure to follow Michael and Lira Motorsports on social media throughout the week; Facebook/MichaelLiraRacingOfficial, /LiraMotorsportsFL; Twitter- @1michaellira, @LiraMotorsports.

Tune-in

The Lucas Oil Complete Engine Treatment 200 Driven by General Tire at Daytona International Speedway will air live on FOX SPORTS 1 Saturday, February 18th at 4:00pm ET. The ARCA Racing Series takes to the track for practice on Thursday from 4:00-6:00 pm ET. Final practice will take place on Friday from 9:30-10:30 am ET. Qualifying will take place on Friday at 3:30 pm ET (Group Qualifying). The Lucas Oil Complete Engine Treatment 200 will consist of 80 laps for 200 miles.

About MOMO Motorsport: MOMO’s product line includes consumer accessories such as steering wheels, gear shift knobs and alloy wheels, through to race equipment such as racing suits and helmets. They bring to the market the finest Italian style, a long tradition of quality, and their racing experience of many years, and technological innovation respectful of the environment. They turn cars from simple tools into a way of life. You can visit them at momo.com.

About Safecraft Safety Equipment: Safecraft is a supplier of safety equipment for motorsports, aviation, and marine industries. They specialize in high quality fire suppression systems that are used in a very wide range of racing. Their extinguishers are used more than any other brand in NASCAR, NHRA, and SCCA. You can visit them at safecraft.com.

About ROUX Helmets: ROUX Helmets was founded by veteran drivers Juan Carlos LeRoux and Toto Lassally in 2014. Their helmets are “cutting-edge” in the motorsports industry with key features like the Release Equipped System. Safety is a number one priority to Roux. They provide helmets, gear bags, and various other essentials for racecar drivers. You can visit them at rouxhelmets.com.

About Lira Motorsports: Lira Motorsports is a multi-car, multi series race team owned by Carlos and Amanda Lira. Lira Motorsports’ racing programs are operated from a 30,000-square foot compound in Port-Orange, Florida, just minutes from Daytona International Speedway. https://liramotorsports.com/

Lira to Make Daytona Debut in Season Opener

PORT ORANGE, FL (January 10, 2017) – Lira Motorsports announces today that driver Michael Lira will test at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for his track debut in the ARCA Racing Series event in February.

Lira, who has been a part of ARCA Racing competition since 2013, has been looking forward to making his Daytona debut since he was as young as he could remember. He has had experience on the road course at Daytona in IMSA and SCCA, but has never taken to the 2.5-mile, high-banked tri-oval.

The Lira name also has a lot of racing history at the track since Michael’s father and Lira Motorsports team owner, Carlos Lira, spent many of his racing days on the speedway as well.

“I’ve tested here a few times, but every time I get into the track, I get butterflies. Not only is there so much history of racing there, but I was inspired to race by watching my dad race here when I was a kid,” said Lira.

It is a story of inspiration that will come to life on February, 18. However, testing is his first priority.

“I’ve never been a part of a restrictor plate race, so this test session is going to be vital to learning and understanding how the cars react to the air,” said Lira. “Aerodynamics are a huge part of this style of racing, and it takes learning to get used to. I’m excited to get on track on Friday.”

The Daytona Open-Test will take place from 9am until 5pm EST on both Friday and Saturday, January 13-14. Timing and scoring will be available on the ARCA Racing Series website: arcaracing.com.

Michael Lira would like to thank his sponsors, partnerships, and family for making this opportunity happen by allowing his dream to come true.

About Lira Motorsports: Lira Motorsports is a multi-car, multi series race team owned by Carlos and Amanda Lira. Lira Motorsports’ racing programs are operated from a 30,000 square foot compound in Port Orange, Florida, just minutes from Daytona International Speedway.

Stay Social with Lira Motorsports: Facebook.com/LiraMotorsportsFL; Twitter- @LiraMotorsports; Instagram – @LiraMotorsports

MICHAEL LIRA READY TO START 2017 SEASON

PORT ORANGE, FL. (January 5, 2017) – Michael Lira, 19-year-old ARCA Racing Series driver based out of Port Orange, Florida, announces today that he will be behind the wheel of the Lira Motorsports entry during the Zack Donatti Memorial Pro-Late Model event at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna, Florida this coming weekend.

“The guys have put a lot of effort into this car over the off-season. I’m looking forward to having a strong 2017 debut to start the season off on the right foot. I also look forward to a great finish for the work that the team has put into this car,” said Lira.

Lira will be piloting the No. 57 Safecraft/MOMO Motorsport Ford for 125 laps of competitive Pro-Late Model racing this Saturday evening. He will also be welcoming back Traqgear and Roux Helmets aboard for the ride.

“I’m very, very excited to continue our partnerships with MOMO, Safecraft, and Traqgear. They have been incredibly supportive of our efforts for a few seasons now,” Lira said. “It’s so great having partners that make such great products that you can truly believe in. I’m also excited to be running my first race with the new Roux R-1 helmet. I’ve been looking forward to trying this new water-cooled carbon helmet since they announced they were coming out with it.”

Lira’s last race of the 2016 season was in the ARCA Racing Series in September at DuQuoin State Fairgrounds with the help of ARCA championship contender Josh Williams as his crew chief. Williams will be partnered alongside Lira again this weekend for the 125-lap race at New Smyrna Speedway.

“I’m glad to be working with Josh again on the radio. We have worked together really well in the past. He brings to the table not only his expertise of working on the cars, knowing how they work, and how to make them drive better but he also drives himself. He understands the experience, and he can get an idea of what I’m talking about when I say what I’m feeling from inside the car,” Lira said.

The extensive amount of knowledge and racing experiences between Lira and Williams will make this duo a team to beat this weekend.

Since Lira is a native of Port Orange, Florida, he is no stranger to New Smyrna Speedway or its Victory Lane. He has a Pro-Truck championship and multiple Pro-Late Model wins under his belt. He is looking forward to using those experiences to his benefit in what he calls a “landmark event.”

“A lot of those who are running the Redeye 100 will also be running the pro-late event, so there will be a lot of short track talent and people from the Super ranks to compete against. I remain confident that we will be tough to beat because the team worked endlessly on the car, and I’m looking forward to showing their hard work.”

The Zack Donatti Memorial 125 is a Pro-Late Model race that is run in memorial of late racecar driver Zack Donatti. Donatti was a quarter-midget national champion and New Smyrna Speedway Late-model track champion. His father, Tom Donatti, created the ZDR Racing Foundation and this race in honor of his son.

“This race is definitely special for me,” Lira said. “When Zack first moved up to late models we got his truck from him and he coached me out at Orlando Speedworld. He really taught me some the basics of racing in a full sized car. His dad, Tom, has put a lot into this race to make it a marquee event in the pro late model calendar and I’m so proud that’s happening.”

Lira is very excited about having the opportunity to run this race again this year. He would like to thank Safecraft, MOMO, Traqgear, and Roux Helmets for coming on board this weekend to make this opportunity possible.

Lira to Make ARCA Dirt Debut at DuQuoin

It is announced today that Michael Lira will be making his ARCA Racing Series dirt-track debut in the No. 6 Musselman’s Apple Sauce Ford Fusion in the General Tire Grabber 100 at the mile-dirt DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in DuQuoin, Illinois this Sunday.

Lira is looking forward to being back behind the wheel of an ARCA car, especially with having the talent of Josh Williams in his ear as his crew chief for the event.

“It will be interesting having Josh as the crew chief,” Lira said. “It’s nice to have people working with you that have also raced, that way they understand more of what you’re going through. He has so much knowledge and up-to-date experience in these cars, so I am excited to have him as my crew chief. I’m really honored that Josh and his team wanted me to drive the No. 6 this weekend at DuQuoin.”

Lira has never started a race at either one of the dirt-mile tracks that the ARCA Racing Series has on its schedule. In 2014, he tested an ARCA car for the Kimmel Racing on a dirt track, but that is the extent of his dirt-racing career. Having very little experience on dirt, Lira is up for the challenge that DuQuoin has to offer.

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Ryan Reed finishes 12th in ARCA Racing Series Event at Pocono

LONG POND, Pa. (June 4, 2016) – Ryan Reed finished 12^th on Friday evening in the No. 38 Lilly Diabetes Lira Motorsports Ford Fusion in the ARCA Racing Series season event at Pocono Raceway.

“We just couldn’t find the speed we needed to compete for a win today, but I’m proud of the improvements we made since testing on Tuesday. As always, I’m grateful for the opportunity to get more time on track and can’t thank Jack Roush and Carlos Lira enough for allowing me to pilot this No. 38 Lilly Diabetes Ford.”

Reed started the 80-lap event from the 19^th position on Friday after qualifying was canceled due to weather earlier in the day. The race officially began under caution as mist was in the area, with the race getting to full speed on Lap 2.

Reed had raced his way up to the 13^th position by the first caution on Lap 4. Crew chief Teddy Brown and spotter Mike Herman Jr. instructed their driver to save fuel. As other cars pitted for fuel, Reed was able to restart 11^th on Lap 8. (more…)

Tags: ARCA Racing Series, Ryan Reed

Ryan Reed to Drive Lira Motorsports ARCA Entry at Pocono

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 24, 2016) – NASCAR XFINITY Series regular Ryan Reed will pilot the No. 38 Lira Motorsports Ford Fusion in the upcoming ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards event at Pocono Raceway on June 3^rd.

Reed, who captured two wins for the team in the ARCA Racing Series in 2015, has made two previous starts in the series at Pocono Raceway. With the NASCAR XFINITY Series visiting Pocono Raceway for the first time, Reed hopes the extra time on track will translate to success in Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race.

“I’m excited to team with Lira Motorsports again this season in the ARCA Racing Series after our success last season,” said Reed. “I think the extra seat time will definitely help me prepare for Saturday’s race, but I’m thrilled for the opportunity to compete for a third win for Carlos Lira and the entire Lira Motorsports organization.”

In June 2015, Reed brought home the first win for the Lira Motorsports organization at Chicagoland Speedway in dominating fashion, leading 70 out of 100 laps. The event marked Reed’s first career ARCA Racing Series victory as well, after recording six top-10 finishes in 14 starts during the 2012 season. Reed went on to win later in the season at Kentucky Speedway, recording the organization’s second win. He made a third start at Kansas Speedway where he finished fourth.

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Tags: ARCA Racing Series, Ryan Reed

Lira Scores Top-15 in 2016 Season Debut

Following a 10-month ARCA hiatus, Michael Lira strapped in behind the wheel of the No. 36 MOMO Motorsport/NexGen Fuel/ Ford Performance Ford Fusion for his 2016 season debut in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards during the Menards 200 at Toledo Speedway.

Lira had one of the fastest machines of the weekend. He ran in the top-5 during final practice, and he also qualified in the sixth position. His confidence heading into the race was high. He felt he had a top-3 car for Sunday’s race; however, fate didn’t fall that way.

“We had a little mishap on pit road, but I felt like the guys made really good adjustments on the car all day,” Lira said. “They took it from a 10^th place car to a fifth or third place car just with the great adjustments that they made. That part has me feeling very positive about it. I’m happy with our finish and the gains we made.”

Despite the pit road troubles, Lira was able clinch a 12^th place finish in Toledo.

Coming into the race, Lira was anxious about how the weekend would go considering he hasn’t been in an ARCA since Iowa last July, where he unfortunately couldn’t finish the race due to an on-track incident.

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Lira Bids Farewell to 2015 Bad Luck, Looks Forward to 2016 Season

Lira Motorsports announces that Michael Lira will be behind the wheel of the No. 36 Ford Fusion in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards at Toledo Speedway for the Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care.

Lira, 18-year-old Port Orange, FL native, is excited and thankful to get behind the wheel once again. His last ARCA Racing Series start was at Iowa last July where he was unable to complete the race due to an on-track incident. Following a tough 2015 season, Lira wants to be able to move on and start this season fresh.

“Last year, we were consistently really fast, but had a lot of bad luck. That was the story of my entire season. I hope that I have shook that bad luck monkey off my back.”

While hoping that the bad luck has dissipated, Lira is more than happy to be able to take to the track this weekend in Toledo. Last season, Lira was credited with a 17^th place finish at Toledo, and he hopes to be able to improve on that finish this weekend.

“I am so excited to be here. This is my first start since last season, Lira said. “I’ve had some runs in the late model this year that have been going well, but I’ve also been doing a lot of work from the other side of the driver window. I’ve been working with drivers, coaching them, spotting here and there, and I’ve been helping out with the business. It’s not fun to be out of the car for so long, but I think it’s helped me be a better driver. I hope that the benefits of that show this weekend.”

He will be taking over the No, 36 in place of Brandon Lynn. Lynn will not be running the full season like previously stated, but still plans on competing with the team part-time throughout the season.

“Thank you to Lira Motorsports, NexGen Fuels, Safecraft, MOMO Motorsport, TraqGear, RevMark, and Ford Performance for letting me have this opportunity. I also can’t thank my mom and dad enough.”

About Lira Motorsports: Lira Motorsports is a multi-car, multi series race team owned by Carlos and Amanda Lira. The team competes in the ARCA Racing Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR Whelen All- American Late Model, and IMSA Sportscar events nationwide. Lira Motorsports’ ARCA and NASCAR Truck programs are operated from an 18,000 square foot shop in Mooresville, North Carolina and the late model team operates from a 12,000 square foot facility in Port Orange, Florida, just minutes from Daytona International Speedway.

Stay Social with Lira Motorsports: Facebook.com/LiraMotorsportsFL; Twitter- @LiraMotorsports; Instagram – @LiraMotorsports

Tags: ARCA Racing Series, Michael Lira