INTERLOCHEN, Mich. -- In an effort to get some much needed track time in preparation for the next Allstar Performance Michigan Dirt Cup Modifieds Tour Presented by Lane Automotive on Saturday, June 16th, Joe Rokos and his entire Joe Rokos Racing Team made the long five hour trip down to Butler Motor Speedway, located northeast of Coldwater in Quincy, Michigan for the tracks weekly UMP Modifieds program.

The long haul from Interlochen, Michigan proved to be worth it for Rokos as the 29-year-old fought hard for a second place finish on a long night at the 3/8s (0.375) mile semi-banked dirt oval only 15 minute north of the Michigan / Indiana state line. After getting rained out the night before at Hartford Motor Speedway, Rokos was ready to go in what would be his only race of the weekend.

The Qualifier Heat Race didn’t go exactly as planned for Rokos who started fourth in his Heat. A shredded right rear tire along-with a bent right front frame rail, and back body damage hindered his efforts, but he fought through all of that to transfer into the A Main with a third place showing. In the Feature, he started 13th and steadily worked his way through the field.

“Got up to the front and had a great late race battle for the lead, but we just came up short by about a half of car length at the line,” Rokos remarked about his Saturday night at Butler. The car was really good! I think we finally found what we were missing in the car. We’re very happy that we got some laps at Butler in anticipation for the dirt cup race.” He added.

Next up for the JRR Team will be two races close to home as starting off at the home track of Cherry Raceway in Fife Lake, Michigan on Friday, June 8th for Operation Home Front / Topless Night / Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club Night at the fast 3/8s (0.375) mile semi-banked dirt oval. On this night, both the UMP Super Late Models and UMP Modifieds will take off the roofs and go for Double Points.

Then on Saturday, June 9th, a return trip to the ¼ (0.250) mile semi-banked dirt oval of Merritt Raceway in Lake City, Michigan is on tap for the team as the track will host School Spirit Night complete with a full show for all weekly division.

For the remainder of the 2012 racing season, Rokos’ white #77 Joe Rokos Racing / Rocket by Ruhlman Racecars entry will have sponsorship support and decals from: Gilboes Lock & Safe as well as Magnum Solvents, Thirlby Automotive, CRM Inc. Powder Coating, Allstar Performance, Westside Beverage, Cooter Thunder, Rokos Construction, Bell Racing Helmets, Ultrashield Race Products, Ron Coyne Tool & Machine, Tim & Pam Tank, and M.P.H. Promotions.

To learn more about Joe Rokos and the Joe Rokos Racing Team and to inquire about additional sponsorship opportunities for the rest of the 2012 season, go to the website at: www.joerokosracing.com You can also e-mail JRR at: hotrodracing77@yahoo.com and don’t forget about the Joe Rokos Racing Facebook Fan Page at: www.facebook.com/joerokos77