The Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico native will pilot the No. 05 GDSI / Ford Racing Fusion at the historic 2.710-mile, 14-turn Montreal course for his initial start in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.
Known as a road course ace throughout Puerto Rico, Gonzalez has more than 30 wins to his credit. He has dedicated most of his professional career representing Puerto Rico internationally competing in the CART Toyota Atlantic Championship, Barber Dodge Pro Series, and North American Touring Car Series. He has also driven GTS and Grand Am GT cars as well as Late Model Stock Cars. Gonzalez is the only instructor at the world-renown Skip Barber Racing School to hail from Puerto Rico.
“Ford NA Motorsports is pleased to be a part of this historic occasion as Victor Gonzalez, Jr. becomes the first driver from Puerto Rico to debut in the NASCAR Nationwide Series,” stated Brian Wolfe, Director of Ford North America Motorsports.
"Victor has a very impressive racing background which illustrates his drive and determination. We are very excited to watch him in his Nationwide debut."
Global Dehumidification Solutions, Inc., the leading dehumidification service company for large loss disaster restoration in the United States, Canada, Central America and the Caribbean Islands, joins Ford NA Motorsports as the co-primary sponsor. “We are proud to support Victor as he makes his Nationwide Series debut in Montreal,” said Bryan Dant, President of GDSI. “With our strong customer base in the Caribbean Islands and Canada, our partnership with Victor is a natural fit for GDSI.”
Gonzalez is also a successful businessman, supporting a series of activities dedicated to helping kids through the Racing for Kids Program. Currently, Gonzalez teaches driving techniques to young kids in Puerto Rico who are starting their professional careers in karting.
“I am very grateful for this opportunity to represent my country, Puerto Rico, in the Nationwide Series,” Gonzalez commented. “The NAPA Auto Parts 200 will have a very talented international field of drivers racing with the Nationwide Series regulars in one of the seasons most prestigious events. I have spent my entire career working toward an opportunity to compete in one of the premiere divisions of NASCAR. It’s going to be a dream come true.”
Practice and qualifying for the NAPA Auto Parts 200 will be held on Saturday. This marks the third consecutive year that the NASCAR Nationwide Series has raced on the historic Montreal course.
Contributed by Performance Sports Partners News Bureau
