ALMS Champion Scott Tucker Helps California Youth Chase Dream

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Dec 20, 2011, 12:00 ET

HOLLISTER, Calif., Dec. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- There is no substitute for experience, especially against solid competition. That is one thing Dustin Renteria has been getting a lot of in 2011.

With support from five-time national driving champion Scott Tucker and Level 5 Motorsports, the 9-year-old up-and-coming motocross rider from Hollister, California, has not only dominated on local tracks this season, he has also put together some strong finishes at the national level.

Renteria completed his 2011 campaign on a strong note at the Amateur Open of Motocross Nationals in Buckeye, Arizona. He finished in sixth place overall in the 6-9 stock class and in fifth place overall in the 6-9 modified class.

"This was a very solid result for us at the national level," said Dusty Renteria, Dustin's father. "At the local level, Dustin can finish first, second or third all of the time. But, at the nationals, you get a lot of kids that finish first, second or third at their local tracks, too. So, it was tough just to finish in the top 10. I was very proud of Dustin's effort."

The weekend began with Dustin Renteria participating in three events. In the first moto in the 6-9 stock class, Renteria got off to a slow start. He quickly worked his way to sixth place and wound up finishing seventh.

"I could tell that Dustin was a little nervous and was riding a little conservative. But, I was confident that he would improve as the weekend went on," Dusty Renteria said.

In the 6-9 modified class, again Dustin got off to a slow start. But, again, he worked his way up to sixth position, and that's where he finished.

The third event saw Dustin participate in the 6-12 open class. He raced to as high as fourth before suffering a mild crash that ended his race.

Dustin then participated in his second moto in the 6-9 stock class. This time, he got off to a better start and ran solidly in fifth place for the entire race. That's where he finished and, combined with his seventh-place finish on Friday, he finished sixth overall.

In the 6-9 modified class, Renteria made his way as high as fourth place in that day's second race. His bike bobbled a couple of times, and he lost a bit of ground and wound up finishing sixth, leading to the fifth-place overall finish in the class.

Level 5 Motorsports owner / driver Tucker has watched Dustin's career blossom with great interest.

"When we first connected with the Renterias, we knew Dustin had a lot of talent, even at such a young age," Tucker said. "We look now at what he has accomplished in such a short time, and we're very proud of what he has done. He'll continue to improve as he gets more experience. We at Level 5 Motorsports are very proud to be associated with Dustin."

Dusty Renteria is excited about the prospects for the 2012 racing season.

"We will obviously continue to work on improving things so that we can soon win at the national level," Dusty said. "With this being only his second national event, it was another great experience for him as he matures in all facets of his racing. We're looking forward to another great year with the support of Level 5 Motorsports next year."

About Level 5 Motorsports

Level 5 Motorsports has fielded successful entries in GT and Prototype classes in the American Le Mans Series, GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series Presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16, Ferrari Challenge Series and the Sports Car Club of America since 2008. The team has competed throughout North America and Europe, extensively in France and Spain. Team owner and driver Scott Tucker has earned five national championships and has more than 70 podium finishes and 50 victories in his driving career. Level 5 is based in Madison, Wisconsin.

www.Level5Motorsports.com http://www.tucker-racing.com

SOURCE Level 5 Motorsports