Niece Motorsports displayed determination and skill at the recent event in St. Petersburg, earning several impressive finishes across their truck lineup despite obstacles faced by key drivers. The team’s resilience was clear as they navigated challenging starting positions and mechanical issues, ultimately achieving competitive results that highlighted their strong presence in the race. The competitive outings showcased Niece Motorsports’ ability to recover and advance through the field, underscoring the team’s commitment to improvement and success at this key event.
Ben Maier’s Steady Ascent Yields Career-Best Result
Ben Maier, behind the wheel of the No. 4 DQS Solutions & Staffing / J.F. Electric Chevrolet Silverado RST, overcame a tough start to finish with his personal best result in the series. Forced to begin the 80-lap race in 35th position due to qualifying metrics despite posting the second-fastest practice lap, Maier steadily advanced through the pack. By the end of the race, he secured 11th place, marking a significant improvement for the young driver.
Reflecting on the challenging race, Maier said,
“I learned a lot out there and had so much fun in today’s race. It was great to be competitive and run side-by-side with the front runners, even though we had to start so deep in the field. It was a lot harder of a race than I had been used to running in other series, but Mike Shiplett and all the guys on our No. 4 team brought me such a great truck. I wish we could have gotten a top-10 there at the end, but I’m proud of the effort we had today. Huge thanks to everyone at Niece Motorsports, DQS Solutions & Staffing, J.F. Electric, BOE Marine, and Chevrolet for letting me go out and have fun out there.”
– Ben Maier, Driver
Strong Backstories Behind Key Sponsors and Partners
DQS Solutions & Staffing, a partner of the No. 4 team, stands as one of Michigan’s fastest-growing firms, noted for delivering tailored solutions to complex business needs. Their commitment extends beyond business growth through charitable efforts such as the Foundation for Pops and collaboration with the River Rouge School District. J.F. Electric, another principal sponsor, brings generations of electrical contracting expertise, specializing in diverse sectors ranging from utilities to telecommunications. Headquartered in a rich family legacy, J.F. Electric emphasizes both technical skill and strong client relationships.
BOE Marine, based in Maryland, contributes as a leader in marine electronics retail, serving boaters nationwide with high-quality products and expert assistance. Specializing in navigational and safety equipment, BOE Marine stands out for customer-centered service and a knowledgeable team.
Tyler Reif Battles Through Adversity to Secure Midfield Finish
In a display of grit, Tyler Reif piloted the No. 42 AutoVentive / Precision Vehicle Logistics Chevrolet Silverado RST despite mechanical setbacks during the race. Initially slated to start 18th, Reif was forced to repeatedly drop to the rear of the field because of starter troubles during pace laps. Nevertheless, he continuously pushed forward, showing resilience and skill to ultimately finish 16th among a competitive field.
Reif was taken for medical evaluation after experiencing heat exhaustion but has since been released, readying himself for upcoming races.
On the event’s challenges, Reif shared,
“We overcame so much adversity out there today and I’m super proud of everyone on the No. 42 team for rallying behind me. I hate that we had to drop to the back so many times because we had a ton of speed in our truck today, but I enjoyed the challenge of driving through the field. I feel like we had to have passed the most trucks out there today; from the back into the top-12. After a hot race, I’m thankful to everyone who helped me after the race. I’m feeling a lot better now and look forward to coming back home. We have some time before my next Truck Series race, so I’ll be ready to go once it’s time to hop back behind the wheel. Thank you to everyone who supports us.”
– Tyler Reif, Driver
Insights Into AutoVentive and Precision Vehicle Logistics
AutoVentive, a renowned developer of SaaS applications, specializes in customized automotive logistics technology and is part of the Liberty Hill Equity Partners portfolio. Precision Vehicle Logistics complements this by offering comprehensive finished vehicle logistics services, leveraging industry-leading technology and extensive networks to serve major automakers worldwide. Together, these partners strengthen the operational foundation behind Reif’s truck.
Andrés Pérez de Lara Achieves Season-High Finish Despite Challenges
Driving the No. 44 Zambos Chevrolet Silverado RST, Andrés Pérez de Lara delivered one of the strongest performances for Niece Motorsports, securing a seventh-place finish. Starting 14th, he quickly moved into the top ten and maintained a steady pace, earning points in both stages. His race included overcoming significant body damage incurred during on-track contact, a testament to his focused performance despite adversity.
Pérez de Lara remarked,
“I’m happy with the end result we had today in St. Pete. It was a very challenging race, but we stayed out of trouble and had good speed to run up front there. We have some good momentum on our side now, so we’re going to try and keep it that way and keep improving each week so we can get even better. Thank you to everyone at Niece Motorsports, Team Chevy, Zambos, and Acceptance Insurance for everything they do for our team.”
– Andrés Pérez de Lara, Driver
Background on Zambos and Its Market Reach
Zambos, recognized for their premium plantain chips, is a proud Honduran brand with a strong presence across Central America, the Dominican Republic, and the United States. Established in 1973 as part of Snacks Yummies, the company sources plantains from the Caribbean Coast and has built a reputation for authentic flavors and innovation. The expansion into the U.S. market brings traditional Honduran tastes to a wider audience, reflecting the brand’s growing international success.
Landen Lewis Makes Remarkable Debut with Niece Motorsports
Rookie Landen Lewis commanded attention with a standout showing in the No. 45 J.F. Electric Chevrolet Silverado RST. Despite limited experience with only four starts in the series, Lewis exhibited composure and speed, finishing third in both race stages and securing sixth place overall. His solid performance significantly boosted the team’s position in owner points, promising a bright future as he continues with Niece Motorsports.
Lewis expressed his enthusiasm:
“We had a really solid day here in St. Pete. I’m super excited and thankful to be a part of this No. 45 team at Niece Motorsports. I just want to thank J.F. Electric, the team ownership group, Cody Efaw, Team Chevy, and all my guys here at the track and back at the shop. We ran third in both stages and ended up sixth, so it was a great race for us overall. We’ll keep building on this momentum for the next race I get to drive for them in.”
– Landen Lewis, Driver
Why These Results Matter for Niece Motorsports Going Forward
The collective efforts of the Niece Motorsports drivers and their sponsors at St. Petersburg signal a growing strength in the Truck Series. With Maier and Lewis achieving career milestones, Pérez de Lara pushing through challenges to hit a season-best, and Reif exemplifying perseverance, the team is positioned to build momentum. These performances not only enhance the drivers’ confidence but also improve team standings, setting a foundation for future races. As the Truck Series season progresses, Niece Motorsports’ showcased tenacity and strategic partnerships will likely contribute to continued success and development.
