By Josh Bergeron

josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — With some assistance from local residents, Walser Technology Group could make its NASCAR debut.

The Salisbury-based company is one of three finalists in the Fifth Third Bank “What Drives You?” contest. Other competitors include a Florida-based school bus company and an Indiana dentistry office. Whichever receives the largest number of fan votes in the competition will see its logo on the deck lid of the No. 17 car, which is located at the rear of the vehicle.

The competition also will send winners to a July 1 race in Daytona Beach, Florida, the actual deck lid from the race and a chance to meet driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Brad Walser, president and owner of Walser Technology Group, said the company was nominated for the “What Drives You?” contest by a former employee — Matt Laity — who now works for Rousch Fenway Racing.

The competition, Walser said, looks for small businesses “that help rev up the community they serve.” The competition also calls for businesses with fewer than 100 employees that “never slow down and never stop pushing toward the finish line,” Walser said.

Walser Technology Group is on South Main Street in downtown Salisbury. It has 15 employees and five focus areas for its work — support, security, cloud, strategy and hardware. It is considered a managed service provider.

The company also engages in a number of charitable efforts, Walser said.

“We like to support and be involved in the community that supports us,” he said.

The company sponsors event, and employees volunteer time to local groups. The company also offers special pricing for nonprofit organizations.

The final round of the “What Drives You?” contest started Friday and continues until Thursday.

To vote for Walser Technologies, visit roushfenway.com/53whatdrivesyou/.

For more information about Walser Technology Group, visit wtechgroup.com

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.