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Brad Perez to Wheel the Weiss / ref-ology / Team Schuler / Apex #14 Ford Mustang for SS-GreenLight Racing at Sonoma

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 22, 2024): SS-GreenLight Racing, with Brad Perez behind the wheel, announce the return of ref-ology + Blast Equality Collab teaming up with Weiss Sand and Clay as the primary sponsor with APEX Coffee Roasters, Team Schuler – Compass Real Estate, Ticket Smarter, Chubby Noodle Restaurant and the Women’s Premier Basketball Association as associate sponsors on the #14 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this weekend for the Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 at Sonoma Raceway Saturday, June 8 .

“I’m very excited to work with Shelley Russi and her team over at ref-ology & Blast Equality Collab non-profit, who I had the pleasure to meet over a year ago at this very event. I’ve been a fan of Bobby Dotter’s program at SS-GreenLight Racing for years and the opportunity to work with Jason Miller and the 14 team is a privilege. I thank them for the opportunity along with my longtime partners at Weiss Sand & Clay and Apex Coffee Roasters for making this possible. Going to the Bay Area is something I look forward to every year, I love the team at Sonoma Raceway and SMI, and I am happy to give it my best effort at one of the most beautiful racetracks in the country,” says Perez.

“We are excited to have Brad join SS-GreenLight Racing for our race at Sonoma. Brad works incredibly hard at every opportunity he gets and constantly overperforms in the equipment he races in! Can’t wait to see what he is able to do behind the wheel of the ref-ology & Weiss #14 at Sonoma,” says Bob Dotter.

“Weiss Sand and Clay is honored to support Brad. As a smaller Texas business, we appreciate who he is and what he brings to the track every day. Brad’s the kind of guy who’ll put everything he has into what he does, and we fully support him,” says Eric Weiss, manager at Weiss.

ref-ology + Blast Equality Collab (BEQ), joined by Team Schuler – Compass Real Estate, Chubby Noodle Restaurant and TicketSmarter, team up with Brad, his partners, alongside SS- GreenLight in recognizing the incredible opportunity that exists for referees to help our youth develop resilience, leadership skills, compassion, and much more through the BEQ Mission while our referees serve the game from the youth to professional levels. The #14 car colors for Sonoma share ref-ology’s 2024 Embodied Referee Jersey worn by Officials serving the Women’s Premier Basketball Association, playing its 3rd Season in 2024 here the San Francisco Bay Area.

“Annually, referees interact with more youth lives than any other demographic in American society, given the positive youth sports explosion.” says Russi. “Most who start officiating- quit. It takes consistency (represented by the color pink) and awareness toward self-mastery (represented by the color purple) to retain referees in the profession. We view Brad, a

consistent competitor, with a high degree of self-awareness, as a true partner to stand up for those who facilitate fairness – including ref-ology’s Embodied Referees.”, say Russi. Blast Equality Collab, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded by Shelley Russi – is a leadership collaboration taught through the lens of diverse sports experiences.

Apex Coffee Roasters is a craft specialty coffee roastery established in 2014 in Waco, Texas. “Each of us at Apex remember a cup of coffee in the past which redefined our perspective of what coffee could be. We started this company with hopes of recreating that experience for as many people as possible,” stated Founder/Owner Brett Jameson. For more on SS-GreenLight Racing, visit SSGreenLight.com, or ‘like’ on Facebook (SS GreenLight Racing) and follow them on X (@SSGLR0708) and Instagram (@ssgreenlightracing). For more on ref-ology + Blast Equality Collab, please follow them on Instagram (@ref.ology), and reach out to Shelley Russi.

For more on Weiss, follow them on Facebook: Weiss Sand & Clay LP, on X (@weiss48), and on Instagram (@ericweiss7).

Follow APEX on Facebook: Apex Coffee Roasters, on X (@apexroasters) and on Instagram @apexcoffeeroasters. For more on Apex visit them apexcoffeeroasters.com and with the promo code BREAD you can get 15% off any coffee order on their site.

Follow Brad on Facebook: Brad Perez Racing, on X (@bradperez) and on Instagram (@uhbrad). For more on Brad visit bradperez.com.

Practice for the Xfinity Series will be shown live on FS1 on Friday July 7 at 4:05PM ET/1:05PM PT with Qualifying Saturday at 3:30PM ET/12:30PM PT.

The Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 (20/45/79 laps) at Sonoma Raceway Saturday, June 8, will take the green flag at 8:00PM ET/5:00PM PT. Catch the race on FS1, PRN Radio, Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90, and the Sirius XM App.

Toyota Racing Weekly Preview – Charlotte Motor Speedway – 05.22.24

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Official Release
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This Week in Motorsports: May 20 – 26, 2024

· NCS/NXS/NCTS/ARCA: Charlotte Motor Speedway – May 24-26

PLANO, Texas (May 22, 2024) – NASCAR is back at Charlotte Motor Speedway this Memorial Day weekend with all three national series, culminating with the Coca-Cola 600 Sunday night. The ARCA Menards Series also takes to the 1.5-mile oval on Friday for the series’ sixth race of 2024.

NASCAR National Series – NCS | NXS | NCTS

Johnson also attempts “The Double” … One NASCAR Cup Series driver is making headlines this month attempting “The Double” in racing both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca Cola 600, but Jimmie Johnson is doing his own version as well. The seven-time Cup Series champion will be part of the broadcast crew for the Indianapolis 500 and then fly to Charlotte to contest the 600-mile race in his LEGACY MOTOR CLUB No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. This will be Johnson’s 39th start on the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval where he has eight wins, 16 top-fives and 22 top-10s.

Toyota seeks another Coke 600 triumph … The Coca-Cola 600 is one of the crown jewels in NASCAR, to which Toyota seeks its seventh victory in the famed race. The last victory for Toyota in the 600 came from Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing in 2022, and the first coming from David Reutimann in 2009.

Hamlin returns to favorable Charlotte Motor Speedway … Along with his 2022 Coke 600 win, Hamlin has found immense success around the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval. The Virginia native has nine top-10s in the last 12 Coca-Cola 600s, along with 17 in the last 22 total races around the 1.5-mile oval.

Thompson makes Xfinity Series debut in triple duty effort … NASCAR Truck Series veteran, Dean Thompson, will make his Xfinity Series debut Saturday in the No. 26 GR Supra with Sam Hunt Racing. Thompson is in his fourth Truck Series season, where he’s made 57 career starts. The California native will be doing triple duty at Charlotte this weekend, also running in the Truck Series race for TRICON Garage and the ARCA Menards Series race for Venturini Motorsports.

Smith seeks another top-10 run … Currently third in the Xfinity Series points standings, Chandler Smith will push for another solid run this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway as he attempts to close the gap to first. The Georgia native has eight top-10s, including two victories, in the 11 Xfinity Series races so far this season and will make his second Xfinity Series start at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Heim closes points gap after win … Following his win at North Wilkesboro last weekend, his second victory in three races and third on the season, Corey Heim is now just four points behind the top spot of the series points standings heading to Charlotte this weekend. The TRICON Garage driver comes to Charlotte Motor Speedway looking to improve upon a second-place finish in his lone start at the 1.5-mile oval last year.

Gray looks to continue Charlotte qualifying success … Tanner Gray enters the weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway with three top-10 starting spots in his four starts there, including sitting on the pole last year. Gray will do double duty this weekend, also running in the ARCA Menards Series race for Joe Gibbs Racing.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA Menards Series

Balcaen the lead Toyota Camry in series points … Heading back on track this weekend in Charlotte, Amber Balcaen looks to close her deficit to the ARCA Menards Series points lead in her second start at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Canadian currently sits third in the points standings after five races, just 13 points behind the second position and 19 points back of the lead.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 34 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 28 electrified options.

Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed to creating innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company’s U.S. operating sites.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Stewart-Haas Racing: Charlotte NXS Advance (Cole Custer | Riley Herbst)

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Official Release
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COLE CUSTER | RILEY HERBST
Charlotte NASCAR Xfinity Series Advance
NASCAR Xfinity Series Overview

  • Event: BetMGM 300 (Round 12 of 33)
  • Date: Saturday, May 25
  • Location: Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway
  • Layout: 1.5-mile oval
  • Time/TV/Radio: 1 p.m. EDT on FOX/PRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Cole Custer Notes of Interest

  • Cole Custer is ready to get back in action after the third off weekend of the season as the NASCAR Xfinity Series takes on its latest intermediate track during Saturday’s BetMGM 300 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway. Joining Custer for the first time at Charlotte is Fanttik, the trailblazing and award-winning brand in the automotive accessories industry. Fanttik made its debut with the Stewart-Haas in the March 3 NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, serving as primary sponsor on Noah Gragson’s No. 10 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Fanttik is following up that appearance by supporting the 2023 Xfinity Series Champion at a track where he’s run well in the past.
  • Saturday’s BetMGM 300 will mark Custer’s seventh Xfinity Series start at the 1.5-mile Charlotte oval. He has excelled at the track, with all but one of his five previous visits resulted in top-10 finishes. Best of those was his runner-up finish to Brad Keselowski in May 2018 after qualifying second and leading 29 laps. In last year’s May’s visit to the Charlotte oval, Custer qualified an impressive fourth and finished third, one of only seven drivers to finish on the lead lap. Custer’s Xfinity Series debut at the track in May 2016 resulted in a fourth-place finish. He then finished seventh and sixth, respectively, in the spring and fall 2017 races. Custer has made four Charlotte starts in the NASCAR Cup Series with a best result of 12th in May 2020, and one in the NASCAR Truck Series that resulted in a 13th-place finish in May 2016.
  • Custer arrives at Charlotte riding a nine-race streak of top-10 finishes, the longest streak in the Xfinity Series this season. It started with his runner-up finish March 2 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The nine consecutive top-10s this season surpassed Chandler Smith’s seven consecutive top-10s that began at the season opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway through the March 30 race at Richmond (Va.) Raceway. While Custer has yet to find victory lane this season, he has earned six top-fives in the first 11 races, has led 222 laps, has yet to record a DNF, and hasn’t finished worse than 16th.
  • Fanttik is a youthful, dynamic brand dedicated to outdoor, household, sports and automotive products that cater to every need for the perfect adventure. In a short span of time, Fanttik has garnered extreme acclaim from enthusiasts, social media influencers, digital media and consumers. It has earned the internationally revered Red Dot Design Award multiple times, along with the prestigious IF Design Award. Fostering the motto, “We explore, we innovate and we make it happen,” Fanttik has brought trailblazing experiences in the automotive arena to the most diverse audience.

Riley Herbst Notes of Interest

  • At just 17 years old in 2016, Riley Herbst packed his things and moved by himself more than 2,200 miles from his hometown of Las Vegas to chase his racing dreams in the heart of NASCAR Country – Charlotte, North Carolina. Fast forward eight years and Herbst is now a NASCAR Xfinity Series winner who is making a name for himself in the series as he continues his chase for a championship. A win in Saturday’s BetMGM 300 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway would set the tone for the remainder of the season and lock him into the 2024 Xfinity Series Playoffs. While his season has seen highs and lows thus far, Herbst has earned two top-10s in the past three races. On April 20 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, the driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang Dark Horse pulled off a late dash to earn a runner-up finish behind race-winner Jesse Love. He followed that up with a 16th-place finish at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway. In the series’ most recent race May 11 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, Herbst put his bad luck behind him at the 1.366-mile, egg-shaped oval and finished seventh, his second straight top-10 at the track. He hopes to keep the momentum rolling as he heads to an intermediate track that is similar to his hometown Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
  • The BetMGM 300 will mark Herbst’s fifth Xfinity Series start on the Charlotte oval. After his 12th-place finishes there in May 2020 and 2021, Herbst was plagued in May 2022 by cut tires in both qualifying and the race, which he finished in 25th. In last year’s rain-delayed May race, he struggled with the handling of his racecar and ultimately finished 14th. Herbst has two starts in the ARCA Menards Series at Charlotte with a best finish of second in May 2018, when he missed going to victory lane by just .293 of a second behind his now fellow Xfinity Series regular Brandon Jones.
  • Herbst has found speed in past Xfinity Series races at Charlotte. He earned his first career pole at the track when the team visited the oval layout in May 2021 after finishing 12th in his first start at the track in the previous May’s race. The latter accomplishment came without the benefit of practice or qualifying due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The May 2021 race weekend was his first at the track with practice and qualifying, and the No. 98 Monster Energy team rolled off the truck with a fast racecar. Herbst topped the speed charts in practice on Friday, then followed it up setting the fastest lap in qualifying on Saturday. he showed similar speed in his past two races at Charlotte prior to some bad luck.
  • Herbst enjoyed success on intermediate tracks in the second-half of last season, highlighted by his first career Xfinity Series victory last October on Charlotte’s sister track of Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Not only did the 25-year-old driver park his Ford Mustang in victory lane, he bested the field by more than 14 seconds. He followed that up with a strong second-place run the next weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where he chased down the leader in the closing laps. He finished just .227 of a second behind race winner Sam Mayer. Currently, Stewart-Haas Racing holds 17 Xfinity Series wins on NASCAR’s intermediate tracks, nine of which have come with the No. 98 team.

Cole Custer, Driver of the No. 00 Fanttik Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Charlotte must feel like another one of the racetracks where you’re due a win. You’ve only finished outside the top-10 once on the 1.5-mile layout and you’ve earned a best finish of second. What more do you need to get the job done and park the No. 00 Fanttik Ford Mustang Dark Horse in victory lane?

“I mean, it’s just like this season, we just need that little bit more to find victory lane. We just haven’t put together a perfect race, which needs to happen if we want to get there. I feel like Charlotte has been similar in my career. Our cars have been fast, but stuff happens during the race and I feel like we just can’t recover. I’m excited to get there this weekend, though, with the momentum we’ve been having in the series right now. Charlotte Motor Speedway is getting better and better as the years go on, too, mostly because it’s starting to age. It’s getting to that point where the tires are starting to wear more, and you’re having to move around the track a lot to find speed. You’re slipping and sliding all around. Charlotte can be a lot of fun for a driver, but it can also bite you if you aren’t careful. In my opinion, it’s becoming one of the better mile-and-a-half racetracks on the NASCAR circuit.”

You’re welcoming a new partner to the No. 00 team this weekend with Fanttik on the hood of your Ford. What does it mean to have all of this support from new and old partners after your 2023 Xfinity Series championship?

“As a driver, no matter what point you’re at in your career, it’s always exciting to have new sponsors on your racecar. It means that people want to support you and your career. This season, we’ve been lucky to have quite a few new partners on the No. 00 team, but also to keep a lot that have been with me in the past. These are companies who believe in you and believe that you can go out there and get them wins. With that said, Fanttik was a new partnership for us this year and I’m excited to see them on my Ford at Charlotte. I can’t thank them enough for their support this season. Charlotte has been a great track for me in the past, so hopefully I can get them to victory lane on Saturday.”

Riley Herbst, Driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Charlotte has been a track where you’ve struggled in the past, but you’ve also called it one of your favorite racetracks on the circuit. Your home track of Las Vegas Motor Speedway used to be the same way until you scored your first career victory last October. What do you need this weekend to not only earn your first top-10 finish at Charlotte, but also go for the win?

“I’ll back up what I said last year, Charlotte is one of the most underrated races on the schedule. No one actually realizes how difficult it can be to drive a daytime race at this track – it’s one where you’re slipping and sliding all over it, but you can also find a lot of speed. Just like any other track, it can bite you, but it can also be one of the best races of the year for a driver. We had a lot of speed there when we qualified on the pole in 2021, so I’m hoping we can see that again. There’s been some bad luck, but I think just like with my history at Las Vegas, I can turn it around. You can’t count the No. 98 team out any weekend, so I’m excited to head there and see what we can do.”

You’re heading into a long stretch of summer races without a break in the schedule. From now until the July 20 race at Indianapolis, the team will be on a summer grind with no breaks. How do you stay focused during this long portion of the schedule?

“This summer stretch can be long and tedious. You not only have a lot of weekends without a break, but you’re also going to so many different types of tracks. We’ve got intermediates, short tracks, road courses, and street courses. It really tests a driver because you’re having to prepare for so many different types of races. You can get in your head very easily if you don’t pace yourself. This is where you have to take it one race at a time. If you have a bad race, you just have to keep looking forward because there’s another coming just days later. It can be a challenge, especially when you have multiple races where things don’t go your way. I’m excited for this stretch of races, and hopefully we can get a win at one of these tracks.”

JR Motorsports — NXS Charlotte Preview

By
Official Release
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JR Motorsports Team Preview
TRACK – Charlotte Motor Speedway (1.5 mile quad-oval)
NXS RACE – BetMGM 300 (200 laps / 300 miles)
TUNE IN – FOX, PRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 1:00 p.m. (ET)

Sam Mayer

No. 1 Tire Pros Chevrolet

Mayer 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 11

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 4

Top 10s: 5

Laps Led: 18

Avg. Finish: 18.5

Points: 12th

  • Sam Mayer heads down the road to Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend coming off a thrilling fourth-place finish at Darlington Raceway in the last NASCAR Xfinity Series event.
  • Mayer has two NXS starts in this event at the 1.5-mile quad-oval with his best finish of third coming in the Spring of 2022.
  • In tracks measuring 1.5 miles in length, the Franklin, Wis. native has tallied 18 career starts in which he earned two victories (Texas 2024, Homestead-Miami 2023), seven top-five and 12 top- 10 finishes.
  • Tire Pros is back on board the No. 1 Chevrolet with Sam Mayer for the second time this season.

Sam Mayer

“I am really itching to get back to the track this weekend in Charlotte after another off-weekend. Mile-and-a-half tracks have been super good to us in the past and I know with the speed my guys at the shop have given me the past few weeks, we can make this weekend another great finish. Pumped to have Tire Pros back on board and I am ready to take them to Victory Lane.”

Justin Allgaier

No. 7 Hellmann’s / Round Canopy Parachuting Team D-Day Chevrolet

Allgaier 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 11

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 3

Top 10s: 5

Laps Led: 387

Avg. Finish: 14.8

Points: 5th

  • Justin Allgaier heads to Charlotte this weekend as the most recent winner in the NXS, having scored the win in dominating fashion two weeks ago at Darlington. Allgaier led for 119 out of 147 laps and swept both stages en route to his first victory of the season.
  • Allgaier additionally is the defending winner at the oval in Charlotte, having captured the victory in this event last year after leading a race-high 83 laps.
  • Overall, the JRM driver has scored six top fives and 12 top 10s to accompany last season’s win at the North Carolina quad-oval.
  • This weekend, Allgaier’s familiar Hellmann’s No. 7 will instead once again carry the logo of the Round Canopy Parachuting Team in a scheme that pays tribute to the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy during World War II.

Justin Allgaier

“Racing at Charlotte on Memorial Day weekend is always such a special time, and to have this scheme this year commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day with the Round Canopy Parachuting Team and Hellmann’s, just makes it even more special. We have had a lot of speed here the last couple of years and were fortunate enough to get to Victory Lane here last year. So hopefully we can have that same speed once again this weekend and keep this momentum going. I know that Jim (Pohlman, crew chief) and all the guys on this No. 7 team are ready to go.”

Sammy Smith

No. 8 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet

Smith 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 11

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 6

Laps Led: 50

Avg. Finish: 18

Points: 13th

  • Sammy Smith’s only race at Charlotte took place in 2023 in the NXS, and he brought home a 10th place finish on the 1.5 mile quad-oval.
  • Smith has nine starts on tracks measuring 1.5 miles in length. In those, he has earned one top-five and six top-10 finishes.
  • Currently ranked 13th in the series points, Smith sits just 12 points out of playoff contention.
  • This past weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Smith drove the No. 7 Pilot Flying J in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to a strong fifth-place finish.

Sammy Smith

“I’m excited to get back to the track with my No. 8 JR Motorsports crew. I ran at North Wilkesboro in the Truck Series during our off-week and we were able to get Pilot Flying J a top-five finish. It was a long week at the track with weather so, it made it all worth it to fight back for that strong finish. I’m looking to taking our No. 8 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet even farther this week in Charlotte and get these guys where they belong in Victory Lane.”

Brandon Jones

No. 9 Menards / CharBroil Chevrolet

Jones 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 11

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 4

Laps Led: 20

Avg. Finish: 17.6

Points: 11th

  • Brandon Jones has made 10 starts at Charlotte and has recorded four top-10 finishes, with a best of seventh coming during the 2016 season.
  • In 138 starts on tracks measuring between 1-2 miles in length in the NXS, Jones has recorded four wins, 19 top fives and 62 top 10s, along with seven pole awards.
  • The 27-year-old Georgia native currently sits 11th in the NXS championship point standings, 168 markers behind the leader.
  • Char-Broil will adorn the hood of Jones’ No. 9 Chevrolet this weekend. This will be the first appearance of this brand on the hood at Charlotte.

Brandon Jones

“We had a really fast car last year at Charlotte and this team has been working hard to make sure we have that same speed this weekend. After our top 10 at Darlington, I hope our luck is starting to turn around. I know we have what it takes to put this Menards/Char-Broil Chevrolet in Victory Lane, so I am ready to go out and execute.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Charlotte Motor Speedway: JR Motorsports has competed at Charlotte Motor Speedway a combined 80 times with the NXS since its first trip there in 2006. In those starts at the 1.5-mile quad-oval, the organization has recorded two wins, 19 top-fives and 38 top-10s, with an average finish of 13.9.

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Sam Mayer, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith, Brandon Jones and Carson Kvapil will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / Legacy MC souvenir rig on Saturday, May 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ET.

Easy Steps to Start Playing at Georgia’s Top Online Casinos

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SM
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Photo by rupixen on Unsplash

Starting your journey in the world of online casinos in Georgia can be thrilling but also daunting. This guide simplifies the process, outlining clear, easy-to-follow steps to ensure you can start playing confidently and responsibly. 

By focusing on legality, selection criteria, understanding game rules, and setting a budget, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the excitement of online casinos. The emphasis on these fundamental steps ensures that both novice and experienced players can navigate the complexities of online gambling with greater ease and clarity, making your initial foray into online casinos as seamless as possible.

Verifying Legality and Safety

Before venturing into any online casino, confirming its legality is crucial. Georgia has specific laws regulating online gambling, and ensuring that the platform complies with these regulations is your first step.

  • Check for Licensing: Legitimate online casinos must have a license from a recognized authority such as the Georgia Gambling Commission.
  • Data Protection: Ensure that the casino uses SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial information. A secure website typically starts with “https://” in its URL.

In addition to these checks, it’s advisable to look for sites that have undergone independent audits and have certifications from third-party testing agencies like eCOGRA. These endorsements mean the games are fair, and the casino operates ethically and transparently.

Choosing the Right Casino

Selecting the right platform from among the best online casinos in Georgia is about more than just legality. The quality of your gaming experience can vary significantly from one casino to another based on several factors.

  • Game Variety: Look for casinos offering various games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options. More variety means more fun and opportunities to find your niche.
  • User Experience: A well-designed website and a user-friendly interface are important for enjoyable gameplay. It should be easy to navigate, with games loading quickly across various devices.

Furthermore, consider the casino’s customer support. Efficient, friendly, and 24/7 customer service can greatly enhance your experience, especially when you need quick help or have urgent questions regarding your account or gameplay.

Understanding the Games

Knowing how to play the games you are interested in is as important as choosing the right casino.

  • Learn the Basics: Before wagering real money, familiarize yourself with the game rules. Many casinos offer free versions of games where you can play without financial risk.
  • Game Strategies: While casino games largely rely on luck, understanding strategies can enhance your playing experience and improve your chances of winning.

In addition to these tips, participating in forums and watching tutorials can further deepen your understanding of complex games like poker or blackjack. This active engagement with learning resources can make your gambling experience more enjoyable and potentially more profitable.

Setting Up Your Account

Creating an account is a straightforward process, but it’s important to approach it with care.

  • Registration Process: Typically, you must provide some personal information such as your name, address, email, and a form of identification.
  • Account Verification: Casinos often require you to verify your identity to comply with legal requirements. This process can include submitting documents like a passport or driver’s license.

After completing these steps, it’s also wise to configure security settings such as two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of protection to your account. This prevents unauthorized access and ensures that your winnings and data remain secure.

Managing Your Finances

Responsible gambling is key to a sustainable and enjoyable experience. Setting up and sticking to a budget is crucial.

  • Set a Budget: Before you start playing, decide on how much you can afford to lose. Stick to this budget strictly.
  • Payment Methods: Be sure to choose an online casino that offers players a variety of convenient and secure payment methods. 

Bullet Points on Managing Winnings:

  • Always withdraw winnings to avoid the temptation of betting more than you intended.
  • Keep track of your deposits and withdrawals to maintain control over your finances.

To further manage your financial health while gambling, consider using tools provided by many casinos that allow you to set limits on your deposits, losses, and playing time. These proactive measures help balance enjoyment and financial responsibility, ensuring that gambling remains a fun part of your life without overshadowing other priorities.

Conclusion

Starting to play at an online casino in Georgia involves more than just signing up and placing bets. 

By ensuring the legality and safety of the platform, choosing the right casino, understanding the games, setting up your account correctly, and managing your finances responsibly, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. Remember, gambling should always be fun and never a financial necessity. With the right preparation and mindset, you’re set for a thrilling adventure in Georgia’s top online casinos, equipped with the knowledge and strategies to navigate this exciting world responsibly.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. fined, 2 crew members suspended after All-Star Race altercation

By
Angie Campbell
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Credit: NORTH WILKESBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 17: Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #47 Kroger Health/Icy Hot Chevrolet, drives during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 17, 2024 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

NASCAR announced penalties today following the All-Star Race confrontation between Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kyle Busch at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

The incident stemmed from contact with Kyle Busch at the beginning of the race, knocking him out of contention after only two laps. Stenhouse could not leave the venue because the facility has no tunnel or a pedestrian bridge to exit without walking across the track.

Stranded on the sidelines, a frustrated Stenhouse had plenty of time to think about what had happened and confronted Busch after the race. He ended the conversation by punching Busch in the face igniting a free-for-all between the two teams. Stenhouse’s father was also involved, grabbing Bush, as the fight escalated.

NASCAR announced the following penalties Wednesday.

“When crew members get involved and family members get involved, we’re going to react,” NASCAR Senior Vice President Elton Sawyer said. “That’s exactly what we did.”

Ricky Stenhouse, Jr has been fined $75,000. JTG Daugherty Racing team members suspended for fighting include engine tuner Keith Matthews for four races and mechanic Clint Myrick for eight races (fighting and putting his hands on Busch). Richard Stenhouse (father) has been indefinitely suspended for grabbing Busch.

Busch and his Richard Childress Racing team members did not receive any penalties.

The suspensions and fines can be appealed.

Bass Pro Shops Racing: Martin Truex Jr. Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Advance

By
Official Release
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Martin Truex Jr.
Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Advance
No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing

Event Overview

● Event: Coca-Cola 600 (Round 14 of 36)
● Time/Date: 6 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 26
● Location: Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway
● Layout: 1.5-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 400 laps/600 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 100 laps / Stage 2: 100 laps / Stage 3: 100 laps / Final Stage: 100 laps
● TV/Radio: FOX / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Where We Stand: The New Jersey native sits second in the driver standings with 456 points, 30 behind leader Kyle Larson. Three of the four Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) entries are currently inside the top-10 in the standings, with Denny Hamlin sitting third and Ty Gibbs seventh as the series heads back to points-paying races this weekend with the annual Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

● As part of #NASCARSalutes and the 600 Miles of Remembrance initiative during the Coca-Cola 600, the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Camry will be honoring First Lieutenant Harold Ring, who lost his life on Feb. 23, 1969, in Vietnam. Ring was assigned to the 7th Battalion, 11th Artillery Regiment (7/11), of the 25th Infantry (“Tropic Lightning”) Division (the 25 ID) in the Vietnam war. On Feb. 23, 1969, his platoon hastily retreated to better cover in a ditch along a road, which they had just crossed. One man was left alone about 20 yards from the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) machine gun nest. It was at that point that the unit’s FO (1st Lieutenant Ring) began working its way toward the lone infantryman and the NVA machinegun nest. He also began calling artillery fire on NVA trenches and bunkers, from which the enemy had opened fire along a broad front. Ring was awarded the Silver Star for valor that day because his actions were instrumental in suppressing NVA fire and allowing the platoon to survive. Bass Pro Shops and Truex are honored to have 1Lt. Ring riding along on the No. 19 at Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 and remember the bravery of 1LT Ring and all those who have served our country this weekend and every day.

● In addition to 1st Lieutentant Ring’s name on the windshield, Bass Pro Shops is honoring 34 additional fallen soldiers, as they will be riding along on the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Camry with its patriot Red, White, and Blue paint scheme in Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600.

● Truex has three wins, eight top-five finishes and 14 top-10s and has led a total of 1,059 laps in 32 career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Charlotte. Truex’s average Charlotte finish is 13.7.

● Truex notched his most recent Coca-Cola 600 win in May 2019, when he led 116 laps en route to his third victory at the 1.5-mile oval. Truex’s other Charlotte wins came in May 2016 and September 2017. The Bass Pro Shops driver’s most memorable of two Coca-Cola 600 wins came in his first win there in 2016, when Truex led a whopping 392 laps, the most miles any driver has ever led a NASCAR Cup Series race to date in one of the most dominating performances of the modern era of NASCAR.

● Looking for 35: Truex’s win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon last July was his most recent Cup Series win, the 34th of his career, tying him with 2004 Cup Series champion Kurt Busch for 25th on the all-time Cup Series win list.

● Ahead at this Stage: Truex has accumulated 63 stage wins since the beginning of the stage era in 2017. He is the only driver with 10 or more stage sweeps, with his latest sweep coming at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn last August. Truex scored his second stage win of the season at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway last month, leading the field across the line at the end of Stage 1.

Martin Truex Jr., Driver of the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE

What is your favorite thing about the Coca-Cola 600?

“My favorite thing about the Coke 600 is how much the track changes and how long the race is. It’s such a big challenge to get prepared for and get through the whole race. We’ve been fortunate to win it a few times. For whatever reason, it’s been a really good race for me and my Bass Pro Shops team the past eight or nine years. I always look forward to the challenge – it’s a grind and I love that. Always honored to not only have a fallen soldier riding along with me, but also for all the work Bass Pro Shops does with the USO and all their great work with our military heroes.”

What is it like winning the Coke 600?

“When you win the 600, you get to go upstairs in the Speedway Club and get the jacket – you get a ring and a jacket – it’s a big deal, it’s not like winning a normal race. Any time you get to do those things, it’s really special and you definitely savor the moment. For me, leading 492 miles or whatever back in 2016, it was a great trip up there after. The most laps and miles led in a NASCAR race, it was an incredible deal to be able to do that.”

What does it mean to you, all the things that are done for the families of fallen service members during the weekend?

“It’s obviously special to honor a fallen service member on all of our windshields with 1LT Ring on our car this weekjend, but also just to meet the family members who get to come to the track. And just to see their excitement and their appreciation for what NASCAR does to put that on and honor the family members. It makes them feel very special, and for us it’s just a huge honor. To do the break during the race is special, too. It’s just part of the whole day to honor those who have made so many sacrifices for our country, and to have the halfway break is very moving.”

Would you say the 2016 Coca-Cola 600 was a day that lined up for you the most perfectly in your career, and are there others that have been that good that maybe not everyone would know like that day?

“Certainly that 2016 Coke 600 was a special day. We started on the pole and led almost every lap, and the only laps we didn’t lead were when we were pitting. Essentially led every lap we were on the track racing. To do that in a 600-mile race, the longest of the year, to do that was as close to perfection as it gets. But, I feel like there were other races that I might have had a better performance by me, just because I know when I make mistakes and do the little things here and there. The Coke 600 that year, it got pretty sketchy a couple of times for as easy as it looked from the outside. I’ve had a couple of Darlington races where I think I had better performances. Last year, we led with 30 to go and had the belt issue and didn’t end up winning, I felt like that was one of my best races ever, even though we didn’t win. There have been a few along the way where I felt like I didn’t make any mistakes and I got everything I could, but certainly that Coke 600 was as dominant as we’ve been as a team.”

No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Martin Truex Jr.

Hometown: Mayetta, New Jersey

Crew Chief: James Small

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

Car Chief: Chris Jones

Hometown: Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Race Engineer: Jaik Halpainy

Hometown: Blockville, New York

Engineer: Jeff Curtis

Hometown: Fairfax Station, Virginia

Spotter: Drew Herring

Hometown: Benson, North Carolina

Road Crew Members

Underneath Mechanic: Ryan Martin

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Virgina

Mechanic: Todd Carmichael

Hometown: Redding, California

Interior/Tire Specialist: Tommy DiBlasi

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Engine Tuner: Beau Morton

Hometown: Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Transporter Driver: Kyle Bazzell

Hometown: Fairbury, Illinois

Transporter Driver: Eddie DeGroot

Hometown: Baldwinsville, New York

Over-The-Wall Crew Members

Gas Man: Matt Tyrrell

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Jackman: Caleb Dirks

Hometown: Riverside, California

Tire Carrier: CJ Bailey

Hometown: Outer Banks, North Carolina

Front Tire Changer: Lee Cunningham

Hometown: Leaf River, Illinois

Rear Tire Changer: Mike Louria

Hometown: Gibraltar, Michigan

Chase Elliott to make 300th Cup career start in Coca-Cola 600

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Chad Wells for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Competing in his ninth full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series, Chase Elliott is poised to achieve a milestone start. By taking the green flag in this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the driver of the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will make his 300th career start in NASCAR’s premier series. 

A native of Dawsonville, Georgia, and the son of the 1988 Cup Series champion Bill Elliott, Chase Elliott made his inaugural presence in the Cup Series at Martinsville Speedway in late March 2015. By then, he was coming off his first full-time campaign in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports, where he achieved the series’ championship, and was campaigning in the series for a second season to defend his title. He had also been named the driver of Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 24 Chevrolet entry for the 2016 Cup season, where he would be replacing four-time Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon as Gordon was set to retire following the 2015 season. Driving the No. 25 Chevrolet SS for Hendrick Motorsports during his Cup debut at Martinsville, Elliott started 27th and finished 38th after making contact with Brett Moffitt just past a Lap 60 restart, which damaged his entry’s front and rear ends along with the power steering. He would make his second start at Richmond Raceway three races later, where he would notch a season-best 16th place. His final three starts of the season occurred at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May, Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July and at Darlington Raceway in September, where he would finish 18th, 18th and 41st, respectively. 

Assuming the steering wheel of the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in 2016, Elliott made early headlines by becoming the youngest pole-sitter of the Daytona 500 at age 20 and notching his first Cup career pole. Despite leading three laps, his bid for his first 500 victory came to an early end after he spun entering the frontstretch on Lap 18 and plowed through the tri-oval grass, which damaged the front end of the No. 24 Chevrolet and resulted with Elliott settling in 37th place. He would rebound during the following event at Atlanta Motor Speedway by achieving his first top-10 career result with an eighth-place finish before collecting two additional top-10 results during his next three starts. Beginning at Texas Motor Speedway in April, Elliott went on a nine-race stretch of finishing no lower than 12th as he accumulated eight top-10 results, a second career pole at Talladega Superspeedway in May, a third-place run at Dover Motor Speedway in May a fourth-place run at Pocono Raceway after leading a race-high 51 laps and a career-best runner-up finish at Michigan International Speedway in June. He also competed in his first All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May by virtue of achieving the Fan Vote title, where he ended up sixth. Despite finishing no higher than 15th twice during his next eight events, Elliott concluded the regular-season stretch by finishing second, 10th and 19th, respectively, in the final three events, which were enough for him to qualify for his first appearance in the Cup Series Playoffs.

During the 2016 Playoff opener at Chicagoland Speedway, Elliott led 75 laps and was in position of achieving his first Cup victory until a late caution period and an overtime shootout relegated Elliott to third place in the final running order. By finishing 13th and third during the following two Playoff events, he was able to transfer from the Round of 16 to 12. With respective finishes of 33rd, 31st and 12th throughout the Round of 12, however, Elliott was eliminated from title contention. Nonetheless, he capped off his rookie Cup campaign by notching four consecutive top-12 results during the final four events of the season before finishing in 10th place in the final standings and locking up the Rookie-of-the-Year title. Despite going winless in his rookie Cup season, Elliott notched his first two career poles, 10 top-five results, 17 top-10 results, 358 laps led and an average-finishing result of 14.6. 

In a similar fashion to his rookie season, Elliott commenced his sophomore Cup season by notching his second consecutive Daytona 500 pole position and placing HMS’ No. 24 entry on the pole for the 500 for a third consecutive season. He would proceed to win the first Daytona Duel event and become the first competitor to win both a Daytona 500 pole and Duel event in the same season since Dale Earnhardt made the last accomplishment in 1996. During the 500, he led 39 laps and was leading in the closing laps until he started to run out of fuel with three laps remaining and drifted back to 14th place in the final running order. He would rally by notching a runner-up result at Michigan in June along with a total of six top-five results and 14 top-10 results throughout the 26-race regular-season stretch, which were enough to make his second consecutive Playoffs based on points.

After finishing in second place during the 2017 Playoff opener at Chicagoland and 11th at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, respectively, Elliott led a race-high 138 laps and was in position of achieving his first victory until he was overtaken by Kyle Busch amid lapped traffic and settling in the runner-up spot, though he managed to transfer from the Round of 16 to 12. After transferring into the Round of 8 amid respective finishes of second, 16th and fourth throughout the Round of 12, Elliott was in another position of winning his first Cup event at Martinsville Speedway in late October as he led 123 laps and fended off Brad Keselowski during a late-race restart with four laps remaining. Then while leading the event with three laps remaining, Elliott was hit and sent spinning into the Turn 3 outside wall by Denny Hamlin, which plummeted Elliott down to 27th place in the final running order and both competitors to exchange harsh words prior to entering pit road. Faced in a “must-win” situation to keep his title hopes alive for the season, he rallied by finishing eighth and second during the final two Round of 8 events, but the results were not enough for him to make the Championship 4 cutline. With a fifth-place finish in the season-finale event at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Elliott ended up in fifth place in the final standings. By then, he earned two additional top-five results from his previous season (12), four additional top-10 results (21), 560 laps led and a new average-finishing result of 12.0. 

The 2018 Cup season marked Elliott’s third consecutive season driving for Hendrick Motorsports, but first piloting his father’s number 9 alongside his entry in the Cup circuit as Hendrick assigned the number 24 to newcomer William Byron. Despite winning the second Daytona Duel event and starting on the second row for the 60th running of the Daytona 500, he ended up in 33rd place after being involved in a multi-car wreck just past the halfway mark. Elliott would proceed to finish in the top 10 three times during his next seven starts before notching his eighth runner-up result of his career behind Kyle Busch at Richmond in April. Then after notching three additional top-five results and six top-10 results during his next 12 starts, Elliott scored his first elusive Cup Series career win in his 99th series start at Watkins Glen International after muscling away with the lead during a restart with 32 laps remaining and having enough fuel to fend off a late challenge from the reigning series’ champion Martin Truex Jr. By then, Elliott became the 16th different competitor to win while driving for Hendrick Motorsports as he also recorded the 250th Cup career victory for HMS.

Nabbing three additional top-nine finishes in the final four regular-season events of the 2018 season while also surpassing 100 career starts in NASCAR’s premier series, Elliott commenced the Playoffs by finishing 36th, fourth and sixth, respectively, throughout the Round of 16, which enabled him to transfer into the Round of 12. Then during the Round of 12 opener at Dover Motor Speedway, he fended off Hamlin during an overtime shootout to score his second Cup career win and automatically race his way into the Round of 8. He would gain extra momentum two races by notching his third career victory at Kansas Speedway. Elliott’s title hopes, however, evaporated after finishing seventh, sixth and 23rd, respectively, throughout the Round of 8 as he proceeded to finish seventh at Homestead and sixth in the final standings. Amid a season where he notched his first three career victories, he matched his accumulated top-10 results from his previous season at 21 and achieved an average-finishing result of 12.3. 

After notching a runner-up result at Martinsville Speedway in March and only a single additional top-10 result through nine events to commence the 2019 Cup Series season, Elliott notched his first victory of the season at Talladega Superspeedway after leading a race-high 45 laps and retaining the lead on the final lap prior to a multi-car wreck. He would proceed to finish in the top five four times during his next 11 starts before winning at Watkins Glen for a second consecutive season after leading a race-high 80 laps and fending off another late challenge from Truex. Concluding the regular-season stretch with three top-10 results in four races, Elliott finished fourth and 13th, respectively, during the Playoff’s first two events before claiming his third victory of the season at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course in October while rallying from an early collision into the first turn’s wall, which enabled him to transfer into the Round of 12. Despite transferring into the Round of 12 by a mere margin, he missed the cutline to make the Championship 4 round for a third consecutive season after finishing no higher than 32nd throughout the Round of 8. With a 15th-place finish at Homestead, Elliott settled in 10th place in the final standings. Overall, he notched three victories, 11 top-five results, 15 top-10 results, 601 laps led and an average-finishing result of 15.1. 

The 2020 Cup Series season was a memorable season for Elliott, who rallied from finishing no higher than 17th during the first two events on the schedule by finishing in the top seven during his next three starts. Then after finishing 38th and second during his next two events, he notched his first victory of the season at Charlotte in May. He proceeded to win the All-Star Race at Bristol Motor Speedway in July and accumulate seven top-10 results during his next 14 points-paying events before winning the inaugural Cup event at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course in August. With two additional top-five results during the final three regular-season events, Elliott finished 20th, fifth and seventh, respectively, throughout the Round of 16, which were enough for him to transfer into the Round of 12.

After winning for the third time of the 2020 season and second in a row at the Charlotte Roval in October to transfer into the Round of 8, Elliott then finished sixth and 20th during the Round of 8’s first two events before winning at Martinsville in November and racing his way into the Championship 4 round for the first time in his career. Then during the finale at Phoenix, Elliott, who started at the rear of the field, led a race-high 153 laps and beat title rivals Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin to win both the finale and his first Cup Series championship. By then, Elliott became the 34th different competitor to win a championship in NASCAR’s premier series and the second-youngest champion in the series at age 24. In addition to delivering the 13th Cup championship for Hendrick Motorsports, Chase Elliott and his father Bill joined the Pettys and the Jarretts as the third father-son duo to win a Cup title. Elliott’s championship season occurred as the Georgian achieved career-high stats in victories (five), top fives (15), top 10s (22) and laps led, (1,247), with the driver also securing an average-finishing result of 11.7. 

Entering the 2021 Cup Series season as the reigning champion, Elliott commenced the season by finishing in the runner-up spot during the 63rd running of the Daytona 500. He would accumulate four top-five results and six top-10 results during his next 12 starts until notching his first victory of the season in the inaugural, rain-shortened series’ event at Circuit of the Americas. Proceeding by finishing second in his 200th Cup career start in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte followed by another runner-up result at Sonoma Raceway in June, both behind teammate Kyle Larson, Elliott then finished no higher than 12th during his next three events until notching his second Cup victory of the season at Road America, where he led a race-high 24 laps. Concluding the regular-season stretch with five top-10 results in six events, Elliott notched four top-10 results in nine Playoff events, which were enough for him to transfer from the Round of 16 to the Championship 4 round for a second consecutive season. During the finale, however, Elliott finished in fifth place on the track and in fourth place in the final standings. Despite recording two victories, 15 top-five results, 21 top-10 results and 952 laps led throughout the 2021 season, he notched a career-best average-finishing result of 11.4. 

Elliott commenced the 2022 Cup season by finishing in the top 10 six times through the first 10 events before winning for the first time of the season at Dover in May. Six races later, he would achieve a second Cup victory of the season at Nashville Superspeedway following a four-lap shootout before winning for the first time at his home track at Atlanta Motor Speedway in July after assuming the lead with two laps remaining and fending off a final lap challenge from Corey LaJoie. He would then be awarded a victory at Pocono in late July in an event where he finished third, but was promoted to first place after initial winner Denny Hamlin and initial runner-up finisher Kyle Busch were disqualified for failing the post-race inspection process. Finishing in the top five twice during the final five regular-season events, Elliott secured his fifth victory of the season at Talladega in October and three top-10 results throughout the Playoffs, which were enough for him to transfer from the Round of 16 to the Championship 4 round for a third consecutive season. During the finale at Phoenix, however, Elliott was turned by title rival Ross Chastain during a restart with 113 laps remaining as he hit the inside wall and was unable to regain competitive form as he ended up in 28th place on the track and in fourth place in the final standings for a second consecutive season. Overall, the 2022 Cup season marked Elliott’s second time notching a career-high five victories as he also accumulated a total of 12 top-five results, 20 top-10 results, three poles, 857 laps led and an average-finishing result of 12.5. 

This past season marked Elliott’s difficult seasons to date that commenced with a 38th-place result in the 65th running of the Daytona 500 after being collected in a multi-car wreck just past the halfway mark. Despite finishing in second place during the following scheduled event at Auto Club Speedway, Elliott would then miss the next six events on the schedule after fracturing his tibia following a snowboarding accident in Colorado. Returning at Martinsville in April, he muscled through 500 miles to finish 10th before finishing 12th, 11th, seventh and third, respectively, during his next four starts. Then during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte in May, Elliott was mired with another run-in with Denny Hamlin after Hamlin squeezed Elliott into the outside wall entering the frontstretch, which resulted with Elliott veering dead left and sending Hamlin head-on into the wall as Elliott would be suspended from competing in the following weekend’s event at World Wide Technology Raceway. Finishing fifth in his return to the track at Sonoma but needing a regular-season victory to make the Playoffs, Elliott would finish in the top five four times during his next 10 starts. The closet he came to winning was at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in August, where he finished in the runner-up spot and trailed race winner Michael McDowell by nine-tenths of a second. Despite finishing fourth during the regular-season finale at Daytona in August, Elliott missed the Playoffs for the first time in his career. He would finish in the top 10 five times throughout the Playoffs before settling in 17th place in the final driver’s standings. 

Poised for a redemptive campaign in 2024, Elliott commenced the season by notching only a single top-10 result through the first eight events on the schedule. Then after finishing in the top five during his next two starts, he made a triumphant return to Victory Lane at Texas amid two overtime shootouts and a late battle with Ross Chastain, which snapped a 42-race winless drought and has placed Elliott in contention to make the 2024 Cup Series Playoffs. Following the victory at Texas, Elliott earned two additional top-five results in his last four starts and is currently ranked in fourth place in the 2024 regular-season standings while trailing the points lead by 49 points 

Through 299 previous Cup starts, Elliott has achieved one championship, 19 victories, 12 poles, 98 top-five results, 158 top-10 results, 5,226 laps led and an average-finishing result of 12.9. 

Chase Elliott is scheduled to make his 300th Cup Series career start at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the 65th running of the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 26. The event’s broadcast time is scheduled to occur at 6 p.m. ET on FOX. 

Dive into Savings: The Benefits of Swimming Pool Covers

By
SM
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Photo by Joe Ciciarelli on Unsplash

Swimming pools are a pleasing addition to any home, providing a fresh break at some stage in warm weather. However, preserving a swimming pool may be stressful, with challenges ranging from keeping it smooth to coping with power expenses. While choosing the right pool tiles melbourne residents often prioritize for durability and style helps create a beautiful foundation. One powerful solution for those troubles is the usage of swimming pool covers. Here, we explore the advantages of investing in a pool cover, highlighting how it can decorate your pool experience and provide realistic benefits.

1. Enhanced Safety

One of the primary reasons to invest in a swimming pool cover is protection. Uncovered pools can pose a huge risk for households with young kids or pets to drown. Many pool covers are designed to support a person’s weight, preventing unintentional drownings. Safety covers, in particular, are strong and secure, providing peace of mind by ensuring the pool is inaccessible when not in use.

2. Reduced Maintenance and Cleaning

A pool cover also serves as a filter from some particles, along with leaves, twigs, and bugs that may fall into the pool. You significantly reduce the dust and other contaminants entering your pool and, hence, the work and time needed for cleaning when you build a shade over your pool. Thus, less time is wasted just ‘floating’ over the pool’s surface, and more time is spent ‘involved’ with the water.

3. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Heating a pool can be expensive, especially in cooler climates. Pool covers help retain warmth by reducing evaporation, the primary cause of water loss in swimming pools. Keeping the water temperature extra warm reduces the need for constant heating, leading to huge power savings. Solar pool covers are designed to harness the sun’s energy, heat the water, and reduce heating costs.

4. Water Conservation

Evaporation no longer leads to heat loss but also to tremendous water loss. Using a pool cover can dramatically lessen water evaporation, which is particularly useful in areas with water restrictions or during droughts. By retaining water, pool covers help maintain the pool’s water level, reducing the frequency and cost of refilling.

5. Chemical Savings

The chemical balance is very important, as it serves as a safety measure to ensure the pool water remains clean. Pool covers help reduce the loss of chemical compounds due to evaporation and UV degradation. This leads to more stable water chemistry and reduces the desire to constantly make chemical changes. Therefore, pool proprietors can reduce the amount of money spent on pool chemicals and maintenance time.

6. Extended Pool Season

A pool cover can expand the swimming season for those who stay in areas with wonderful weather. By preserving heat and keeping the water temperature more stable, pool covers allow swimming earlier in the spring and later into the fall. This prolonged usability maximizes the funding for your pool and enhances the general swimming experience.

7. Protection Against Harsh Weather

Pool covers provide a layer of protection against harsh weather conditions, such as storms and strong winds. They prevent particles from entering the pool during these activities, which may otherwise lead to widespread cleaning and potential harm. Covers shield the pool from direct environmental exposure, reducing wear and tear on pool surfaces and equipment.

Conclusion

Investing in a swimming pool cover is a sensible decision for any pool owner. The advantages are well-sized, from enhancing protection and reducing maintenance to holding electricity and water. Protecting your pool with a cover ensures a cleaner, safer, and more price-powerful swimming experience. Whether you opt for a guide, computerized, solar, rectangular, or oval pool cover, the advantages make it a worthwhile addition to your pool renovation. Enjoy the benefit and peace of mind that comes with a properly blanketed pool, and dive right into a season of worry-free swimming.

Moreover, a key advantage of modern pool covers is their ease of use, as some can be operated smoothly with automatic systems. This provides the necessary convenience, which boosts the covers’ everyday applications. The use of an appropriate pool cover will help you convert your pool from a high-maintenance asset into a form of recreation that will last you for many years.

Ultimately, a swimming pool cover is not merely an added material to the pool; it is one of the main conditions for successful and safe pool ownership. There are numerous ways pool covers can benefit the pool; they are simply a positive step towards realizing the pool’s potential and maintaining its lustrous appearance.

Richard Childress Racing Announces Multi-Year Partnership with Marine Toys for Tots®

By
Official Release
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Austin Dillon to Race the No. 3 Toys for Tots Chevrolet at Darlington Raceway in September to Highlight America’s Premier Children’s Christmastime Charity and Year-Round Giving

WELCOME, N.C. (May 21, 2024) – Marine Toys for Tots®, America’s premier children’s Christmastime charity, is partnering with Richard Childress Racing to highlight the charity’s year-round programs to help underprivileged children, both during the Christmas season and beyond. The dynamic, multi-year partnership includes primary race sponsorship of the No. 3 Toys for Tots Chevrolet for select races, kicking off with the NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway this September. The race is scheduled to air live on USA Network beginning at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 1.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Richard Childress Racing and Austin Dillon’s No. 3 Car,” said LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “This collaboration is a powerful way to drive the message of giving and community support across the finish line, reaching millions of NASCAR fans who can help significantly impact disadvantaged children’s lives during the holiday season and beyond.”

Established in 1947, Toys for Tots is the U.S. Marine Corps’ premier community action program and America’s most popular children’s Christmastime charity. Toys for Tots is the combined efforts of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Toys for Tots’ mission is to provide hope and emotional support to economically disadvantaged children through toys, books, and other gifts at Christmastime and throughout the year. Because needs aren’t seasonal, Toys for Tots has evolved into a year-round force for good – ensuring that no child is forgotten any day of the year.

Dillon, a two-time NASCAR Champion and the 2018 Daytona 500 Champion, joins a long list of celebrity ambassadors who have contributed their time and efforts to assist Toys for Tots. Dillon and RCR will help highlight Toys for Tots’ charitable campaigns throughout the year.

“Toys for Tots is an incredible organization, and we could not be more excited to build a relationship with them and the U.S Marine Corps Reserve,” said Torrey Galida, president of Richard Childress Racing. “We are honored to be able to debut the No.3 Toys for Tots Chevrolet and are eager to work closely with Toys for Tots to highlight their Christmastime charitable efforts and year-round commitment to ensuring that no child is forgotten.”

For more information on Toys for Tots and to find a chapter in your community, visit https://www.toysfortots.org/.

Toys for Tots, a 77-year National charitable Program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides year-round joy, comfort, and hope to economically disadvantaged children across the Nation through the gift of a new toy or book. Providing toys, books, and other gifts to disadvantaged children offers recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Since 1947, the Program has evolved and grown exponentially, having delivered hope and the magic of Christmas to over 301 million children in need. Because the need isn’t just at Christmastime, the Marine Toys for Tots Program also provides support year-round to families experiencing challenges and exceptional circumstances, thus fulfilling the hopes and dream of millions of disadvantaged children beyond the holidays. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2024 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

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