Landon Cassill to make Busch Series debut at Gateway

MADISON, Ill. (July 18, 2007) – Landon Cassill is an 18-year-old race car driver living the NASCAR dream. Literally. Saturday night at Gateway International Raceway, Cassill will pilot Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 24 National Guard Chevrolet in his first career NASCAR Busch Series race (8 p.m. ET, ESPN2). After being discovered through the GM Racing Development program in 2006, Cassill was signed by Hendrick Motorsports in December. In February, he graduated early and with honors from his hometown Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and made the move to Charlotte, N.C., with his grandmother, Janet Cassill. Since then, Landon Cassill has become a full-time employee of Hendrick Motorsports and has played a major role in the organization’s development of the Impala SS, Chevrolet’s “Car of Tomorrow” entry in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. In addition to being involved in testing sessions, Cassill has also raced in both the ARCA Series and NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch East Series this season. Aside from driving, Cassill also works with Hendrick Motorsports’ research and development program, drives during practices with the Hendrick pit crews, and participates in a rigorous physical training regimen with the organization’s human performance group. FIVE QUESTIONS WITH LANDON CASSILL: What do you do for fun when you aren’t racing? LC: I play on my racing simulator, a lot of times with other drivers like Brad Coleman (of Joe Gibbs Racing). I played golf in high school, and I still like playing. My grandmother and I go play sometimes. I bought a hammock recently, so I spend a lot of time just lounging around. What’s your greatest racing memory? LC: Passing Eddie Hoffman on the last lap at Lacrosse (Wis.) Speedway to win the ASA race during the 37th Annual Oktoberfest in 2006. That is one that I’ll always remember. Hopefully, I’ll make some more great memories with Hendrick soon. What was your first “Welcome to Hendrick Motorsports” moment? LC: When I walked around the entire Hendrick Motorsports complex the first couple days, it was surprising that more people knew me than I originally thought. That made me feel really welcome, and instead of people asking who I was, they already knew. What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you? LC: I text message constantly throughout the day. It’s addicting. That’s how I keep in touch with everyone, from my family to the people I work with. What’s on your iPod right now? LC: At this point in time, I’m watching the Gateway International Raceway Busch Series race from last year. I figure it may give me a little extra knowledge before I head there this weekend. Music-wise, I’ve been listening to Underoath’s album, “They’re Only Chasing Safety.”