Brinson Engineering

Brinson Engineering is a high performance engine tuner, parts manufacturer and race team based in North Wilkesboro, NC. It was founded by American race car driver Matt Brinson. The company currently fields a team in the ARLA Elite Series for driver Trey Ashby.

2012-Current: ARLA Elite Series
In 2012, Brinson Engineering announced their debut in the ARLA Elite Series, fielding the No. 12 Fancy-Ass Pens Kivett driven by 17-year-old rookie Trey Ashby. Ashby and the 12 would run a part-time schedule of 5 races, consisting of Carbondale Raceway, Grand Detour of Southern Illinois, Buffalo Downs, and Iowa Speedway. It would also enter the marquee events at Indianapolis Raceway Park and Rockford Speedway.

Brinson also initially announced intentions to field a second team. Road racing expert and BTCC champion Alexander Leanowens was slated to drive the No. 112 car at select road course events with Fancy-Ass Pens sponsorship. However, plans quickly fell through as news of a U.S. DEA raid on the Leanowens residence in England surfaced on January 21st. The incident sparked worldwide attention due in part to England's disgust in response to federal agents carrying out the search warrant on foreign soil. Brinson was forced to sack the freshly signed driver, later saying that he "regretted the decision to release Leanowens" yet defended his actions as "necessary and just".

A surprise to many, the team immediately proved to be extremely competitive despite a limited operation and schedule. Driver Trey Ashby and the 12 were regular contenders, often battling among the lead teams. A 7th-place finish in the team's ARLA debut at Carbondale and 2nd at Houston was punctuated by blistering qualifying speed. Through the team's first five races, the No. 12 car finished no worse than 14th and only failed to finish once, at the attrition-filled Mini Indy 500.

Three weeks before the season finale at Rockford, Brinson stated his interest in competing in the event and attempted to make the field as a one off. He did not qualify for the race.

In a press conference before the 2012 B.B Wolf's House Special at Memphis, the team announced the extension of Ashby's contract into 2013. Also announced was the development of an in-house chassis, branded under the name "Brintec" with Reppert body molding. Andrea was contracted to build the team's 4 cylinder engines and Rundagrip Tire and Car Care Centers came aboard to replace Fancy Ass Pens as primary sponsor.

2013-Current: Dash Cup
Midway through the 2012 ARLA Elite Series season, Brinson stated that the team would pursue a one-off bid in the European Dash Cup series. The bid was accepted by league officials and Trey Ashby would pilot the #12 Lycoia exclusively in the American events.