Gonzalez to make debut in Nationwide at Montreal

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. -- When the Nationwide Series rolls into Circuit Gilles Villeneuve this weekend for the NAPA Auto Parts 200, Victor Gonzalez Jr. will make history by becoming the first driver from Puerto Rico to compete in the series.

The Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico native will drive the No. 05 Ford Racing Fusion at the historic 2.710-mile, 14-turn Montreal course for his initial start in the Nationwide Series.

Gonzalez

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 also has 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," stated 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 said. "The NAPA Auto Parts 200 will have a very talented international field of drivers racing with the Nationwide Series regulars in one of the season's 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."

• Tickets: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve