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

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Official Release
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COLE CUSTER | RILEY HERBST

Iowa NASCAR Xfinity Series Advance

NASCAR Xfinity Series Overview

  • Event: Hy-Vee Perks 250 (Round 15 of 33)
  • Date: Saturday, June 15
  • Location: Iowa Speedway in Newton
  • Layout: .875-mile oval
  • Time/TV/Radio: 3:30 p.m. EDT on USA/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Cole Custer Notes of Interest

  • After back-to-back road-course top-10 finishes, Cole Custer is ready for a new challenge on the NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule as the series returns to Iowa Speedway in Newton for the first time since 2019. The driver of the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang Dark Horse showed his speed and resilience in the two road-course races on the West Coast – June 1 at Portland (Ore.) International Raceway and last Saturday at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. At Portland, Custer qualified fourth and ran in the top-five for a majority of the day until problems on pit road dropped him well outside the top-20 in the final stage. Through his savvy driving skills, Custer was able to manueuver his way to his 10th top-10 of the season and the Xfinity Series points lead. At Sonoma, the No. 00 team struggled in qualifying and started the race 12th. He wasted no time climbing his way into the top-10, however. While he would forego bonus points in favor of track position to end the first stage, he finished fifth in the second for six bonus markers. A spin during the final stage put Custer back in the pack once again, but he drove his way up through the field for the second week in a row to secure a ninth-place finish, his 11th top-10 on the season, and kept his lead in the driver standings. He rolls into Iowa with a 12-point lead over second-place Austin Hill. Custer hopes his strong history at Iowa will not only help keep his points lead, but continue to extend it with 12 races to go until the Xfinity Series Playoffs begin Sept. 28 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City.
  • Saturday’s Hy-Vee Perks 250 will mark Custer’s seventh Xfinity Series start at Iowa. Of his six prior starts, the Ladera Ranch, California native finished in the top-10 four times, including a runner-up finish from the pole in June 2019. He finished 1.756 seconds behind race-winner Christopher Bell. In July 2018, Custer led a race-high 104 laps after qualifying second, but again running second to Bell on a restart with nine laps to go, Custer made contact with the wall, but he managed to fight his way to a ninth-place finish. Custer earned finishes of fifth and fourth, respectively, in the July 2017 and June 2018 races. In addition, he has eight starts outside of the Xfinity Series at Iowa – three in the NASCAR Craftsman Trucks Series, one in the ARCA Menards Series, and four in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. He was victorious in his August 2013 K&N Pro Series East start, when he started on the pole, led all 150 laps, and bested second-place Eddie MacDonald by 2.679 seconds. Custer’s best Truck series effort was his runner-up finish in June 2016, when he finished just .431 of a second behind race-winner William Byron. Custer has never finished outside the top-11 in any of his starts outside of the Xfinity Series at Iowa.
  • Short-track racing has been a strong suit for Custer and the No. 00 team of late. With Iowa returning to the Xfinity Series schedule, the series now has five short-track races – tracks less than a mile in length, where Custer has posted three top-fives and five top-10s in six outings. He finished third at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway in March 2022 and eighth this past March, fourth from the pole after leading 109 laps at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway last October, fifth at Richmond (Va.) Raceway in March 2023 and 10th there this past April. Custer has excelled at other tracks where NASCAR’s short-track package is used, including Phoenix Raceway, where he earned the Xfinity Series championship with his victory in the Championship 4 finale last November, and qualified on the pole before finishing 12th in last year’s March race. In the team’s most recent Iowa outing in July 2019, Custer qualified sixth, but an accident ended his day on lap 160 of 250 run that day. But his Stewart-Haas Racing teammate Chase Briscoe captured the win, besting runner-up Bell by 1.069 seconds. It was the organization’s first win at Iowa.

Riley Herbst Notes of Interest

  • In June 2018, a 19-year-old Riley Herbst made his Xfinity Series debut at Iowa Speedway in Newton in head-turning fashion. The Las Vegas native qualified an impressive ninth and finished an equally impressive sixth. Fast forward six years, he is now one of four drivers who have scored a top-10 finish in each of his maiden races in each of NASCAR’s top-three series. Herbst finished eighth at Gateway Raceway near St. Louis in his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on June 23, 2018, the weekend after his first career Xfinity Series race and top-10 at Iowa June 17, 2018. Herbst’s NASCAR Cup Series debut resulted in a ninth-place finish in the February 2023 Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. Now a veteran of 156 Xfinity Series races in the midst of his fifth-fulltime season in the series, the young driver who carried his family name from the deserts of Nevada to the asphalt tracks of NASCAR returns to the site of his first career Xfinity Series start.
  • The Hy-Vee Perks 250 will mark Herbst’s third career start at Iowa in the Xfinity Series. He followed up his strong sixth-place effort in his series debut in June 2018 by qualifying fourth for the second of the two Iowa races on the schedule in July 2019. Still running a limited Xfinity Series schedule, Herbst finished finished 13th. Herbst has an additional three starts outside of the Xfinity Series at Iowa – a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race that netted a 15th-place finish in July 2019, and two in the ARCA Menards Series. Best of his ARCA outings was a 12th-place effort in July 2017. The last time Stewart-Haas Racing and the Xfinity Series competed at Iowa in 2019, Chase Briscoe scored his second career victory behind the wheel of the No. 98 Ford Mustang.
  • Herbst’s sixth-place finish in his Xfinity Series debut on the .875-mile Iowa oval in June 2018 was a sign of things to come. The driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang Dark Horse has come to excel on short tracks throughout his five fulltime seasons in the series. Of his 22 short-track starts – eight at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, seven at Richmond (Va.) Raceway, five at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, and two at Iowa – Herbst has six top-fives, 14 top-10s, and has led 33 laps. His success was evident during the previous two seasons. In the four races at tracks less than a mile in length in 2022, Herbst scored three top-fives and one other top-10, starting with his fifth-place run that April at Richmond. He the finished sixth and third in the spring and fall races at Martinsville, and fifth in the September race at Bristol. In 2023, he added a top-five and another top-10 at those tracks – eighth in the September race at Bristol and fourth in the October race at Martinsville. In this year’s back-to-back race weekends at Richmond (March 30) and Martinsville (April 6), Herbst was running well inside the top-10 before late-race developments took him out of contention at both events.

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

You are one of the few drivers in the Xfinity Series field who has a lot of experience at Iowa with six prior starts there. What does it mean to have that experience, despite some recent repaving at the track?

“It definitely gives you somewhat of a leg up on the competition when you have that notebook already built on a track. Still, this track has changed since the last time we were there. They repaved parts of the track and, like we saw at Sonoma, that can change handling more than anyone could imagine. I think my previous experience will still help us a lot, though. The No. 00 team has been bringing fast cars each and every weekend, so I think between that and my experience there, we’ll be good. There’s a full practice session on Friday to help us figure it out, but I don’t think you can count us out this weekend.”

In the past two seasons, you’ve been strong on short tracks in the Xfinity Series. You haven’t finished outside the top-20 and earned three top-fives and four top-10s in six short-track starts. What are your expectations for the weekend?

“While I have a lot of experience at Iowa, there’s still a good bit of unknowns with the partial repave. What was once a worn-out track will have some spots that are completely new. We’ve been strong on short tracks these past two seasons, so I know Stewart-Haas can perform well at Iowa. We won the last race at the track in 2019 with Chase (Briscoe, driver), so hopefully we can pick up right where we left off. I’ve come close a few times, but we just needed that little bit more. That was a different time with a different group of guys, though. I’m excited to see what my current team and JT (Jonathan Toney, crew chief) can bring me this weekend. Hopefully, we’ll have the speed and be there at the end. Our win is coming.”

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

It’s been five years since you last raced at Iowa in the Xfinity Series. What do you expect this weekend, and how do you think it’s changed since 2019?

“Iowa will kind of be an unknown. A lot of us have raced it in the past and it was a really fun, worn-out racetrack back then. Now, they’ve repaved sections of the track, so we don’t know how it’ll handle compared to then. That could change it a lot. Still, we have an entire practice session on Friday to get our car just right, which is great. These are rare, so we’ll use them to our advantage. This will be the first one on a true short track in a while, as well. I love short-track racing, so I think this will just make our car that much better by qualifying and race time. We’ve had speed on short tracks without a 50-minute practice session, imagine how much better we can be with that extra time. I’m excited to head back to Iowa. I loved this track when it was on the schedule, so when NASCAR added it back this season, I had it circled on the schedule.”

Iowa was the site of your Xfinity Series debut back in 2018. Does it add extra meaning to try to win at these tracks that have a special memory in your career?

“It does. It gives you an extra incentive to want to win at those tracks. You want to win everywhere, but tracks that hold that memory are even more important to a driver. I got a chance to highlight my skill in the Xfinity Series at Iowa back in June 2018 and it’s been a roller-coaster of a career. I’ve seen the highest of highs and lowest of lows, but I’m proud of my journey from that debut. Iowa was where it all started for me, and now to be there all these years later as a winner and as a series regular, it’s great. I want to be able to go back and win there to make another good memory there. I think we’ll have a good chance this weekend.”

RFK Announces #Stage60 Return at Chicago with Joey Hand

By
Official Release
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Experienced Road Course Driver to Pilot No. 60 BuildSubmarines.com Ford July 4 Weekend in Chicago

CONCORD, N.C. (June 12, 2024) – RFK Racing has announced that its #Stage60 program will return for another road course event with sports car driver Joey Hand piloting the No. 60 BuildSubmarines.com Ford at the upcoming Chicago Street Race (July 7, 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC).

Hand – currently a Ford factory driver across multiple disciplines of sports car racing – is a former Champion of the Star Mazda Series, co-winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2011, 12 Hours of Sebring in 2012, and 24 Hours of Le Mans LMGTE Pro Class in 2016.

Hand, a native of California, joined the Ford factory program for the 2016 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and formerly competed in the International V8 Supercars Championship; the same series where fellow #Stage60 driver Cam Waters currently competes.

“Saying I’m excited is an understatement,” Hand said. “To be part of the #Stage60 program is going to be awesome. I’ve gotten close with the RFK team while working with them on the simulator over the past three years and have a ton of respect for what they are doing.

“I love street racing and have done a lot of it in my career so Chicago is right in my wheelhouse. NASCAR is some of the toughest competition I’ve been up against and there’s nothing like some good street fighting to put on a show for the fans.”

The 45-year-old made his NASCAR debut in 2021 for Rick Ware Racing, driving the No. 52 car at the ROVAL at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He went on to drive for RWR in six races in 2022, all on road courses (COTA, Sonoma, Road America, Indianapolis Road Course, Watkins Glen, ROVAL).

BuildSubmarines.com, who partnered with the #Stage60 initiative at Daytona and Sonoma, will again be featured on the No. 60 Ford Mustang with Hand behind the wheel at Chicago. The Windy City event will mark the first time BuildSubmarines.com will be the primary partner on-board an RFK Racing Ford in the Great Lakes region since the engagement between RFK and BlueForge Alliance began in the summer of 2023.

The Great Lakes region – made up of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin – features more than 2,300 suppliers in the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base and serves as a key component towards designing, creating, inspecting and assembling components for the Navy’s undersea platforms.

“BuildSubmarines.com racing through the streets of Chicago puts thousands of skilled trades career opportunities in front of massive in-person and television audiences,” said Kiley Wren, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at BlueForge Alliance. “It represents yet another incredible opportunity for fans to learn about these jobs and the purpose behind them. We are grateful to work alongside RFK Racing, as part of their Stage 60 program, and we thank Joey Hand for getting behind the wheel of the BuildSubmarines.com ‘Car With a Mission’ for this event.”

About RFK Racing
RFK Racing, in its 37th season in 2024, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com, and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

Massey Motor Freight signs multi-year partnership with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB

By
Official Release
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  • Massey Motor Freight to serve as primary sponsor on the No. 42 and No. 43 LEGACY MOTOR CLUB entries for six races; will be featured on the No. 42 as a full-season associate sponsor
  • Massey Motor Freight named the Official Trucking Partner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB

STATESVILLE, N.C. / NACOGDOCHES, Texas (June 12, 2024) – LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (LEGACY M.C.) announced today that Massey Motor Freight, a trusted delivery service that’s dedicated to fast and reliable national road transportation has signed a multi-year, multi-race primary partnership to be featured on the No. 42 and No. 43 NASCAR Cup Series entries beginning with the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on Sunday, June 30. Massey will also serve as a full season associate partner on the No.42 driven by John Hunter Nemechek for each year of partnership. It was also announced that Massey Motor Freight has been named the Official Trucking Partner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, where the team will utilize three of Massey’s tractors to pull the race haulers to each event.

“This is really exciting for LEGACY M.C.”, said co-owner Jimmie Johnson. “Massey trucks are top of the line, and their mantra of ‘Hustle Hard, Stay Humble’ really aligns with our values at the CLUB. They are passionate about trucking, racing, and their drivers. This is the start of a great partnership.”

“The Massey Motor Freight team is thrilled to announce our partnership with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. The foundation on which Massey Motor Freight was built – integrity, hard work, and teamwork – aligns perfectly with those of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, making this sponsorship an ideal fit for Massey,” said Troy Massey, Owner and Chief Executive Owner. “We anticipate a successful finish to the 2024 season and beyond with the team LEGACY has assembled.”

LEGACY M.C. will also have a presence at the Old Town Rig Down truck show charity event, hosted by the Massey Rose Foundation, helping to support the local community in Nacogdoches, Texas and its surrounding communities. The event takes place on Sept. 13 &14 in Nacogdoches, Texas. To learn more about this event, visit www.masseymotorfreight.com/

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is a professional auto racing club owned by businessman and entrepreneur Maurice “Maury” J. Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. The CLUB competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series fielding the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE of John Hunter Nemechek, the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE of Erik Jones, and the No. 84 limited schedule entry for Johnson.

For more information on Massey Motor Freight, visit www.masseymotorfreight.com. For more information on LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, visit legacymotorclub.com.

ABOUT

ABOUT MASSEY MOTOR FREIGHT: Massey Motor Freight is the premier choice in the transportation and logistics industry. Our team of professional drivers uses the most modern and well-equipped fleet to deliver not only your cargo but also peace of mind. Massey Motor Freight is family-owned, customer-centric, and driver-focused, serving thousands of customers across North America. Whether it’s heavy haul, temperature-controlled, or anything in between, Massey has you covered.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ is a professional auto racing club owned by businessman and entrepreneur Maurice “Maury” J. Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. The CLUB competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series fielding the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE of John Hunter Nemechek, the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE of Erik Jones, and the No. 84 limited schedule entry for Johnson. LEGACY M.C. also competes in the Extreme E Series. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty “The King” serves as CLUB Ambassador. With a unique title signifying a nod to car clubs of past eras, LEGACY M.C. is an inclusive club for all motorsport enthusiasts to celebrate the past and future legacies of its members, while competing for wins and championships at NASCAR’s elite level. To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ on Facebook, X, Instagram and at LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com

Anthony Alfredo to make 100th Xfinity career start at Iowa

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Ron Olds for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Competing in his third consecutive season as a full-time competitor in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Anthony Alfredo is set to achieve a milestone start. By competing in the series’ return at Iowa Speedway this upcoming weekend, the driver of the No. 5 Our Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro will make his 100th career start in the Xfinity circuit.

A native of Ridgefield, Connecticut, Alfredo, a former CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour competitor for JR Motorsports, made his inaugural presence in the Xfinity Series at Auto Club Speedway in February 2020. By then, he had campaigned in the 2018 ARCA Menards Series East season on a full-time basis for MDM Motorsports, where he achieved his first victory at South Boston Speedway and ended up in fifth place in the final driver’s standings, and had made 13 starts in the Craftsman Truck Series for DGR-Crosley in 2019.

Driving the No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Camaro on a part-time basis, Alfredo started 13th and finished an impressive sixth place in his Xfinity debut following a late battle with Justin Haley. He would proceed to finish 14th at Darlington Raceway in May and 10th at Atlanta Motor Speedway in June before notching his first top-five career result in the form of a fourth-place finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway during his fourth series start. Throughout his next 13 starts, the Connecticut native racked five additional top-10 results, all being sixth-place finishes, before he was involved in a late multi-car accident at Kansas Speedway in October that resulted with him flipping over and ending up in 29th place. He would rally during the following weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, which also marked his final Xfinity start of the season, by notching a career-best third place. Overall, Alfredo notched two top-five results and nine top-10 results in 19 starts for RCR as RCR’s No. 21 entry ended up in 11th place in the 2020 Xfinity owner’s standings.

After competing in the Cup Series for Front Row Motorsports in 2021, Alfredo returned to the Xfinity Series in 2022 as he joined forces with Our Motorsports to pilot the No. 23 Chevrolet Camaro. Commencing the season by finishing seventh at Daytona International Speedway in February amid a final lap multi-car wreck, he notched a fifth-place result during the following event at Auto Club Speedway before finishing no higher than 12th during his next six scheduled starts. He would then manage to finish sixth at Talladega Superspeedway in April before finishing no higher than 15th twice during his next four starts. During the series’ inaugural event at Portland International Raceway in June, Alfredo secured his first career pole position after posting a pole-winning lap at 93.229 mph in 76.071 seconds amid a rain-shortened qualifying session. Ultimately, he would end up in 31st place after being involved in a late multi-car wreck during a restart with 13 laps remaining.

Despite recording eight top-20 results during the final 12 regular-season events on the schedule, Alfredo did not make the 2022 Xfinity Playoffs. He would proceed to finish in the top 20 five times in the final seven events on the schedule, including a 10th-place run at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in October, before settling in 15th place in the final driver’s standings. Overall, Alfredo notched a single pole position, a top-five result, four top-10 results, 15 laps led and an average-finishing result of 19.3 during his first full-time Xfinity campaign.

This past season, Alfredo transitioned from Our Motorsports to B.J. McLeod Motorsports as he piloted the No. 78 Chevrolet Camaro on a full-time Xfinity basis. He commenced the season by finishing 24th at Daytona after being involved in a multi-car wreck on the final lap. During his next 23 starts, he racked up a total of nine top-20 results and finished no higher than 13th before recording his first top-10 result of the season at Daytona in August by finishing eighth. After missing the Playoffs for a second consecutive season, Alfredo secured another eighth-place run at Martinsville Speedway in October throughout the seven-race Playoff stretch before settling in 20th place in the final driver’s standings. Despite leading a career-high 24 laps throughout the 2023 season, he ended up with an average-finishing result of 24.1.

Returning to Our Motorsports for this season, Alfredo has logged in five top-10 results and he tied his career-best result in the series by finishing third at Talladega in late April. He is currently ranked in 15th place and trails the top-12 cutline to make the 2024 Xfinity Series Playoffs by 31 points.

Through 99 previous starts in the Xfinity Series, Alfredo has achieved one pole, four top-five results, 20 top-10 results, 60 laps led and an average-finishing result of 19.2 as he continues his pursuit for both his first Xfinity race victory and a Playoff berth.

Anthony Alfredo is scheduled to make his 100th Xfinity Series career start at Iowa Speedway for the HyVee Perks 250. The event’s broadcast coverage is scheduled to occur on Saturday, June 15, and air at 3:30 p.m. ET on USA Network.

Design Your Engagement Ring: A Guide to Creating the Perfect Symbol of Love

By
SM
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Photo by Jackie Tsang on Unsplash

When it comes to proposing, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every couple is unique, and their love story is just as special. That’s why you need to design your own engagement ring. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a custom engagement ring that reflects your partner’s style, personality, and preferences.

Why Design Your Engagement Ring?

Designing your engagement ring offers several benefits:

  • Personalization: A custom-made ring allows you to incorporate your partner’s personal style, preferences, and even inside jokes or special memories.
  • Unique: A one-of-a-kind design ensures that your ring is unlike any other, making it a truly special symbol of your love.
  • Quality: Working with a skilled jeweler or designer guarantees high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
  • Emotional Connection: Designing your ring can be a romantic and emotional experience, allowing you to pour your heart and soul into the creation of the perfect symbol of love.

Understanding the Elements of an Engagement Ring

Before embarking on the journey of designing your engagement ring, it’s essential to understand the key elements that make up a ring:

  1. Center Stone: The center stone is the focal point of the ring and typically the most significant investment. Common options include diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Factors to consider when choosing a center stone include cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
  2. Setting: The setting refers to how the center stone is placed and held in the ring. Popular setting styles include prong, bezel, pave, channel, and halo settings. Each setting style offers a unique aesthetic and level of security for the center stone.
  3. Metal: The metal of the ring band plays a significant role in its overall appearance and durability. Common metals used in engagement rings include platinum, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and palladium. Each metal has its characteristics in terms of color, durability, and price.
  4. Accent Stones: Accent stones are additional gemstones that are often used to enhance the beauty of the ring. They can be placed around the center stone, along the band, or in other decorative elements. Popular choices for accent stones include diamonds, sapphires, and other colored gemstones.

Step 1: Choose Your Partner’s Style

Before you start designing your ring, it’s essential to understand your partner’s style and preferences. Consider the following:

  1. Metal: Does your partner prefer gold, silver, or platinum? Are they more traditional or do they like trying new things?
  2. Setting: Does your partner like classic prong settings or something more modern like a bezel or tension setting?
  3. Gemstone: Is your partner drawn to traditional diamonds or do they prefer alternative gemstones like sapphires, rubies, or emeralds?
  4. Design: Does your partner have a favorite design style, such as vintage, minimalist, or ornate?

Step 2: Determine Your Budget

It’s crucial to set a realistic budget for your custom engagement ring. Consider the following factors:

  • Gemstone: The cost of the gemstone will vary depending on its size, quality, and type.
  • Metal: The type of metal used will impact the overall cost of the ring.
  • Design: The complexity of the design will also affect the final price.
  • Jeweler: The expertise and reputation of the jeweler or designer will also impact the cost.

Step 3: Select Your Gemstone

Choosing the perfect gemstone is a crucial part of designing your engagement ring. Consider the following:

  • Diamond: Diamonds are a classic choice for engagement rings, but they’re not the only option. Consider alternative gemstones like sapphires, rubies, or emeralds.
  • Size: The size of the gemstone will impact the overall look and feel of the ring.
  • Quality: The quality of the gemstone will affect its brilliance and durability.
  • Certification: Look for gemstones that are certified by reputable organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI).

Step 4: Design Your Ring

With your partner’s style, budget, and gemstone selected, it’s time to design your ring! Consider the following:

  • Shape: Choose a shape that fits your partner’s style and preferences.
  • Setting: Select a setting that complements the gemstone and metal.
  • Metal: Decide on the metal type and color that suits your partner’s taste.
  • Details: Add any additional details such as engravings, filigree, or intricate designs.

Step 5: Work with a Jeweler or Designer

Once you have a design in mind, it’s time to work with a jeweler or designer to bring your vision to life! Consider the following:

  • Experience: Look for jewelers or designers with extensive experience in custom design.
  • Communication: Ensure that you can communicate effectively with your jeweler or designer to convey your vision.
  • Portfolio: Review their portfolio to see examples of previous custom designs.
  • Reviews: Check online reviews to get an idea of their reputation and customer satisfaction.

Step 6: Finalize Your Design

After working with your jeweler or designer, it’s time to finalize your design! Make sure to:

  • Review and Revise: Review your design carefully and make any necessary revisions.
  • Get a Quote: Confirm the price and timeline for completing the ring.
  • Schedule Production: Schedule a production date for your ring.
  • Pick Up Your Ring: Once complete, pick up your custom engagement ring and get ready to propose!

Tips for Designing Your Engagement Ring

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when designing your engagement ring:

  • Take Your Time: Don’t rush through the design process – take your time to ensure that every detail is perfect.
  • Be Open-Minded: Be willing to try new ideas and be open to suggestions from your jeweler or designer.
  • Communicate Clearly: Communicate clearly with your jeweler or designer throughout the process – don’t assume they’ll automatically know what you want.
  • Keep an Open Mind About Budgets: Be prepared to adjust your budget if necessary – remember that quality is often more important than quantity.

Conclusion

Designing your engagement ring is a unique and meaningful way to ask the question. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a custom ring that reflects your partner’s style, personality, and preferences. Remember to take your time, be open-minded, and communicate clearly with your jeweler or designer throughout the process. With patience and dedication, you’ll create a symbol of love that will be cherished for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when designing their engagement ring?

A: Common mistakes include not considering their partner’s style, not setting a realistic budget, and not communicating clearly with their jeweler or designer.

Q: What are some popular gemstones for engagement rings?

A: Popular gemstones for engagement rings include diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and tanzanites.

Q: How long does it take to design and produce a custom engagement ring?

A: The time it takes to design and produce a custom engagement ring can vary depending on the complexity of the design and the workload of the jeweler or designer.

Q: Can I make changes to my design after it’s been produced?

A: Yes – most jewelers or designers will allow you to make changes to your design after it’s been produced.

Q: What should I look for when selecting a jeweler or designer?

A: Look for jewelers or designers with extensive experience in custom design, good communication skills, and a strong portfolio of previous work.

Q: How much does it cost to design and produce a custom engagement ring?

A: The cost of designing and producing a custom engagement ring can vary depending on several factors including the type of gemstone used, the metal type and quality, and the complexity of the design.

By understanding these FAQs and following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a custom engagement ring that reflects your love story in a unique and meaningful way.

The Benefits Of Installing Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

By
SM
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It’s finally summer, and we can all enjoy the warm, cloudless days. However, it’s also the time to install effective air conditioning. We explain the benefits of an energy-efficient HVAC system, which may be the best choice in our current economy. If you already know the benefits, you can contact our HVAC service company.

What Are Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems?

An energy-efficient HVAC system uses advanced technology to reduce energy consumption while maintaining optimal climate conditions. These systems have high-efficiency ratings, such as EER and SEER. Higher ratings mean the system uses less energy to provide the same level of heating or cooling as traditional systems.

Energy-efficient HVAC systems often include features like programmable thermostats and variable-speed motors, which are best installed and maintained by reliable Local HVAC Services. Programmable thermostats allow you to set precise temperatures and create schedules to avoid unnecessary energy use. Variable-speed motors adjust the airflow based on your needs. As a result, the system works according to your specific preferences, reducing energy waste.

The most significant appeal of such systems is that they help users cut electricity expenses. While energy-efficient HVAC is more expensive, you don’t pay as much money in the long run, mainly because the prices increase regularly. Investing in energy-efficient HVAC systems not only reduces monthly utility bills but also minimizes the environmental impact of your home. Over time, the savings can offset the initial higher cost, making it a smart long-term choice for both your finances and comfort. Additionally, to keep these systems running optimally and prevent unexpected breakdowns, AC and heater maintenance can be scheduled with a professional to inspect, clean, and tune up your unit.

In addition to the environmental and financial benefits, upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system can significantly enhance indoor air quality, providing a healthier living environment. For those considering making the switch, it’s crucial to consult with professionals who can guide you through the process and ensure optimal performance. If you’re ready to explore your options and take the next step towards a more sustainable home, don’t hesitate to get in touch with experts who can provide personalized advice and support tailored to your specific needs. This proactive approach not only maximizes the benefits of your investment but also ensures long-term satisfaction and comfort.

Pros Of Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning Systems

Investing in an energy-efficient HVAC system offers several advantages:

  • They use less electricity, which lowers your utility bills. This benefit offsets the unit’s initial cost, which is usually higher.
  • Such HVAC systems provide optimal cooling while using minimal energy. Thus, comfort is not compromised for budgeting reasons.
  • Many energy-efficient units have advanced filtration and humidity control, which help maintain clean and healthy indoor air.
  • Such HVAC systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve valuable resources, which is vital for many concerned about their environmental footprint.

Therefore, you save money and pay less for electricity in the long run, yet you get sufficient cooling/heating during seasons.

How To Choose An Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning System?

An energy-efficient conditioner isn’t a small purchase, so choosing the correct system is important. Here are a few tips on what to consider:

  • Energy-saving setting. This is the most important factor if you want to reduce your energy consumption bill. However, don’t get fooled if someone tells you that a non-efficient system is, in fact, economical. Check out that it has an energy-efficient setting. 
  • High EER and SEER ratings. These are indicators of energy efficiency. EER stands for “energy efficiency rating,” and SEER stands for “seasonal energy efficiency rating.” Higher ratings mean greater efficiency. 
  • The size. Choosing a unit that is too large will cool the air but leave it damp and clammy. A unit that is too small will work overtime to maintain the set temperature, which increases your energy bill. Thus, ensure that the cooling/heating system matches the square feet of your home.
  • Programmable temperature settings. Modern units, even basic ones, come with digital displays. You can set precise temperatures, schedule the unit to turn off when you are out, and turn it back on before you return home. 

You should also consider systems that can be combined with other tools and equipment, like Google Assistant, Alexa, etc. 

The Green Shift: Why Hybrid Cars are the Future of Rideshare

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SM
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In an era where environmental consciousness meets the surge of the gig economy, hybrid cars are emerging as the champions of the rideshare world. The blend of gasoline and electric power reduces the carbon footprint and offers a cost-effective solution for drivers keen on maximizing their earnings while contributing to a greener planet. This shift towards hybrid vehicles in the rideshare sector signifies more than just an evolution in automotive technology; it represents a commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and economic advantage for drivers around the globe.

The Economic Perks of Going Hybrid

One of the most compelling arguments for rideshare drivers to switch to hybrid cars is the undeniable economic benefit. Hybrid vehicles, known for their fuel efficiency, can significantly lower fuel expenses—a major portion of a driver’s operational costs. This efficiency doesn’t just save money at the pump; it also aligns with the growing demand from customers for eco-friendly transportation options. In a competitive market, drivers who offer rides in hybrid vehicles may attract more riders, especially those who prioritize environmental responsibility.

A Ride Towards Sustainability

Choosing a hybrid car is a powerful statement in favor of sustainability. These vehicles produce fewer emissions than their traditional counterparts, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. For rideshare drivers, this isn’t just about personal or immediate benefits. It’s about being part of a global movement towards reducing carbon footprints and combating climate change. By opting for a hybrid, drivers enjoy the perks of efficiency and take on the role of eco-ambassadors on the road.

Enhanced Rider Experience

Hybrid vehicles often use the latest technologies to improve the driving and riding experience. From smoother rides to less engine noise, their features can significantly enhance passenger comfort. This is a key factor in earning high ratings and maintaining a positive reputation among users, which can lead to more rides and higher earnings. The importance of customer satisfaction cannot be overstated in the rideshare industry; choosing a hybrid vehicle is a strategic move for any driver.

The Incentive Landscape

Recognizing the benefits of hybrids in the rideshare ecosystem, there are growing incentives and support mechanisms for drivers who make the switch. The financial landscape is increasingly favoring eco-friendly choices, from tax credits and rebates for purchasing or leasing hybrid vehicles to discounts on insurance and registration fees. Such incentives not only make hybrids more accessible but also lower the overall cost of ownership, making them a smart investment for anyone in the rideshare game.

The Future is Hybrid

The rideshare industry is not far behind as the world leans more towards sustainable living. The transition to hybrid vehicles is not just a trend; it reflects where the global transport system is headed. For rideshare drivers, staying ahead of the curve by adopting hybrid technology means being at the forefront of this shift, ready to meet future demands.

For those looking to embark on or continue their rideshare journey, embracing hybrid cars is a forward-thinking choice that aligns with personal and environmental values. It’s an opportunity to drive the change towards a more sustainable, efficient, and economically sensible future.

In a marketplace that values innovation and responsibility, the role of service providers becomes crucial. By offering access to a range of hybrid vehicles, tailored support services, and flexible rideshare rental options, these providers are not just facilitating a business model; they’re empowering drivers to make choices that benefit them, their customers, and the planet. Whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned driver, leveraging the services that support your growth and align with your values is key to success in the rideshare industry.

The journey towards a greener rideshare future is paved with opportunity. Hybrid cars are at the heart of this transformation, offering a win-win for drivers, riders, and the environment. As the industry evolves, rideshare drivers’ embrace of hybrid technology will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable, efficient, and prosperous world on the move.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Race Preview | Iowa Speedway

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Official Release
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CLUB ENTRY LIST

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
POINT STANDINGS: 28th

ERIK JONES
POINT STANDINGS: 25th

CLUB NOTES

Happy Birthday, JHN!: On Tuesday, June 11, John Hunter Nemechek celebrates a birthday as the North Carolina native turns 27-years-old!

Newest Member of the CLUB: Bryan Backus, the front-tire changer on the No. 42 LEGACY MOTOR CLUB team, and his wife, Felicia welcomed a new little boy to the family last week. Both mom and baby are doing well.

JHN Double Duty: John Hunter Nemechek is in the middle of his double-duty stint. Including last weekend at Sonoma Raceway, Nemechek will be racing both the NASCAR Xfinity (NXS) and NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) in the next three race weekends in Iowa, Nashville, and Chicago.

Winner, Winner: As John Hunter Nemechek has come up through the NASCAR Truck Series (NTS) and NXS ranks, he has raced at the Iowa Speedway a total of nine starts, five top-10 finishes, one pole, and a victory (in the NTS in 2017).

Beshore at Iowa: Crew chief of the No. 42 entry at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, Ben Beshore has called the shots at Iowa Speedway on two different occasions, both coming in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, earning one top-five.

Veteran in Iowa: Erik Jones has experience in Iowa in the NASCAR Trucks and Xfinity Series’. With four starts in Xfinity, Jones has two pole positions, one win, two top-five, and three top-10 finishes with 154 laps led. In the Truck Series across four starts, Jones has two wins, one pole position, three top-five, and four top-10 finishes and has led 243 laps around the 0.875-mile short track.

Elenz at Iowa: No. 43 crew chief Dave Elenz has ten starts in the Xfinity Series at Iowa. He coached driver William Byron to a win in 2017 and called drivers to three top-five and eight top-10 finishes throughout his racing career. This will be his first start in the NASCAR Cup Series at the track.

Money in the Bank: Jones will go back to Michigan this week to race his Late Model at Berlin Raceway for the Money in the Bank 150. Last year, Jones won the 150-lap feature in emotional fashion and became only the second driver to win both the Battle in Berlin and the Money in the Bank 150 at the storied event venue. Fans can tune in to FloRacing or RacingAmerica.TV on Wed. June 12 beginning at 1 p.m. ET for practice and qualifying. The racing begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information go to BerlinRaceway.com.

Going for G.O.L.D.: Partners Dollar Tree and Family Dollar will honor store #13304 this weekend as a part of the company’s “Go for G.O.L.D.” (Grand Opening Look Daily) program. The Dollar Tree and Family Dollar primaries will highlight these stores on the deck lid of all three LEGACY M.C. entries throughout the race season. Store #13304 is located in Tama, Iowa.

CLUB QUOTES

John Hunter Nemechek, Driver of the No. 42 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE:

“Iowa [Speedway] is a place that I’ve run so well at so many times and the Truck Series and the Xfinity Series really had a shot to win in the GMS Racing car there in 2019 and ran really well. It’s a place that i’ve really loved going to. Not sure what to expect going back with the patches in the corner and different sort. I really like the old Iowa where it’s rough and tires wore out so we’ll just have to see what is on tap when we get there but looking forward to Iowa. They have really great crowds, I love the weather up there — it’s hot, slick racetrack in the middle of some cornfields in Iowa; what gets better than a race track.”

Ben Beshore, Crew chief of the No. 42 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE:

NASCAR Cup Series is heading to Iowa for the first time this weekend. What type of racing do you expect to see with these cars on the track? Is there a similar track on the schedule that will help you going into this weekend?

“The track has paved some patches in the corners which will really change the way the track races. Prior to the patches the fast line was either on the bottom or the very top against the fence. Now I think the patches will have a lot of grip and we’ll be running the bottom primarily. Richmond is probably the closest track in terms of size and banking to Iowa.”

John Hunter Nemechek has raced at Iowa nine times, you have two races under your belt in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, does any of that knowledge transfer over leading into this weekend? With JHN running the Xfinity race on Saturday, is there anything you can learn from that race and apply to Sunday, either from adjustments or strategy standpoint?

“I think a little bit of the knowledge will transfer over but with the partial repave it’s not quite the same track as we raced on a few years ago. With John Hunter running the NXS race I think it will help him get a heads up on the grip level and the line that is the fastest. The track will be changing quite a bit as it gets seasoned in to start practice.”

There are some new patches on the Speedway, do you expect those to play a factor into any of the setup?

“Yes, Iowa used to be fairly old pavement and a little rough in spots. Now that there are some patches in the corners it should be very smooth and have a lot of grip. We have an open practice this weekend so we’ll be ready to try a few different packages to see if we can find some speed.”

Erik Jones, Driver of the No. 43 Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE:

“Iowa is one of my favorite tracks and I’ve had a great career there in Xfinity and Trucks. It’s a neat little track and it’s going to be fun to see the Cup Series on track. It’s a busy week for me as I am racing in Berlin so it’s going to be great to race my Late Model and have some fun, catch up with friends and family, then I’ll take a little road trip over to Iowa.”

Dave Elenz, Crew chief of the No. 43 Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE:

“Erik’s success in Xfinity and Truck will for sure transfer at Iowa to the Cup race even with the new surface. He will still have a feel for what the corner radiuses are and what the bank is for entry so he is familiar with the transitions – it plays into our favor that both of us had success there and will translate over. It’s also where I beat our lead engineer Evan Bensch in the Xfinity Series as a crew chief at Iowa when we won with William Byron – that was a great day.”

PETTY 75TH ANNIVERSARY

ABOUT PETTY 75th: The 2024 season marks a significant milestone in the history of the Petty family as they have helped define stock car racing for 75 years. Their commitment to the sport and the people who make it possible – behind the wheel, under the hood, in the back office, and beyond – has shaped the growth and success of NASCAR. Their LEGACY lives on with the countless fans, drivers, technicians, and team members they touched. Throughout 2024, LEGACY M.C. will celebrate the Petty family and share countless memories with friends and fans at race tracks across the country.

The King’s Hat: This week’s King’s Hat will be unveiled at Iowa Speedway during race weekend outside of the Newton Club Suites. Be sure to stay tuned to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s social media channels for details of location and time.

Previously in Iowa: Although he hasn’t raced there, Richard Petty waved the green flag for a NASCAR Truck Series event at Iowa Speedway on May 17. 2009 and attended an event for then -track owner, Rusty Wallace.

Crusin’ Through: The 28th Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America made stops in central Iowa along the 2,100 mile-week-long journey from South Dakota to North Carolina in early May. The ride raised money and awareness for Victory Junction, a camp for children with serious and chronic medical issues.

BROADCAST INFO

IOWA SPEEDWAY
SUNDAY, JUNE 16TH @ 7:00 PM ET
ABOUT OUR PARTNERS

ABOUT DOLLAR TREE, INC.: Dollar Tree, a Fortune 200 Company, operated 16,622 stores across 48 states and five Canadian provinces as of October 28, 2023. Stores operate under the brands of Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree Canada. To learn more about the Company, visit www.DollarTree.com.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ is a professional auto racing club owned by businessman and entrepreneur Maurice “Maury” J. Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. The CLUB competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series fielding the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE of John Hunter Nemechek, the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE of Erik Jones, and the No. 84 limited schedule entry for Johnson. LEGACY M.C. also competes in the Extreme E Series. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty “The King” serves as CLUB Ambassador. With a unique title signifying a nod to car clubs of past eras, LEGACY M.C. is an inclusive club for all motorsport enthusiasts to celebrate the past and future legacies of its members, while competing for wins and championships at NASCAR’s elite level. To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ on Facebook, X, Instagram and at www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com.

CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT MILWAUKEE MILE: TEAM CHEVY AT INDYCAR HYBRID POWER UNIT TEST RECAP

By
Official Release
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CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
FULL FIELD HYBRID POWER UNIT TEST
MILWAUKEE MILE
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
TEAM CHEVY TESTING RECAP
JUNE 11, 2024

TEAM CHEVY AT INDYCAR HYBRID POWER UNIT TEST RECAP
TEAM PENSKE SHOWED SPEED AND RELIABILITY

  • Chevrolet had 10 drivers involved in a full-field test of the soon-to-be debuted INDYCAR Hybrid Power Unit at the famed Milwaukee Mile, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Two teams, Juncos Hollinger Racing and Chip Ganassi Racing, were excused with driver conflicts due to Le Mans
  • The four Chevrolet-powered teams and their drivers participated in two sessions that were strictly for the teams to work on car set-up and perfecting the operation of the Hybrid Power Unit – much like any two practice sessions on a race weekend
  • Will Power, No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet, set the pace with 188 laps completed, and a fastest lap time of 22.6001 seconds/161.521 mph
  • Power’s teammates followed with Josef Newgarden in the No. 2 Chevrolet second completing 176 laps with a quick time of 22.7073 seconds/160.759 mph. Scott McLaughlin was third completing 159 laps, turning a 22.742 seconds/160.639 mph in the No. 3 Chevrolet
  • The tWO afternoon sessions were directed by INDYCAR to simulate race conditions including starts, restarts, pit stops, caution periods behind the pace car and green flag laps to see how the Hybrid Power Unit performed in the actual race application
  • Newgarden was the fastest followed by Power and McLaughlin in the final tally
  • In the final session, Newgarden ran 64 flawless laps to lead the simulated race to its conclusion
  • A total of 3,563 combined laps were run today
  • The INDYCAR Hybrid Power Unit is scheduled to debut at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course July 5-7, 2024
  • Next on the schedule for Team Chevy in the NTT INDYCAR Series will be June 21-23, 2024 at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, California.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet:

“For me it was a pretty seamless day. It seemed like an easygoing day for most people.

“The system, certainly from the last time I ran it, it operates pretty seamlessly. Just not having a lot of hiccups with it. We’ve definitely had a lot of miles on it now. It seems to work really well. Pretty robust.

“I think it’s impossible to say we’re not going to have any issues. It’s like any new part, if there’s a new part, there’s always going to be some risk of something still needing to be developed.

“Up to this point, I think we’ve seen the system is fairly robust. It’s ready to drive I think in a race condition. Yeah, I’m excited to see this new chapter for the rest of the year.”

Will Power, No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet:

“You can feel it. It’s probably going to assist in a passing situation if you have a run on somebody I think it will work. I think it will be situational. I think there is an optimal way to use it in a qualifying sim. You will work out the best time to use it. You are probably only going to get one shot at it because you aren’t lifting that much to regen. (regenerate the unit). Since I tested it here in the fall, the system is reliable and we are able to get running in.”

Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I would like to see what we, as a series, can really extract out of it, because where we are now, the difference isn’t big enough. I think it is a work in progress. The more we can use what this hybrid system can bring to the series, I think the better it’s going to be. I think right now we are all working within certain limits we can work in. I think it will be different on road and street courses compared to ovals. You can definitely feel it.”

JOSEF NEWGARDEN PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT

THE MODERATOR: Josef, your thoughts on being back at the Milwaukee Mile today.

JOSEF NEWGARDEN: It’s great to be back. This is a great track, one of the best that I’ve been to. Long time. I guess 2015 was the last time we were here. Really fun to be back. Enjoyed running today.

Different than other short ovals like Iowa. There’s no banking to help you. Had to get used to that, the comfort of not falling into something and trusting the car is going to hold. It can be unnerving. For some of the guys that have never run it, it took a while to get used to it. It’s awesome.

Love this place, love this town. Really pumped we’re coming back here.

THE MODERATOR: Your thoughts on putting the power unit through the paces. Feel pretty good about it so far?

JOSEF NEWGARDEN: For me it was a pretty seamless day. It seemed like an easygoing day for most people.

The system, certainly from the last time I ran it, it operates pretty seamlessly. Just not having a lot of hiccups with it. We’ve definitely had a lot of miles on it now. It seems to work really well. Pretty robust.

I think it’s impossible to say we’re not going to have any issues. It’s like any new part, if there’s a new part, there’s always going to be some risk of something still needing to be developed.

Up to this point, I think we’ve seen the system is fairly robust. It’s ready to drive I think in a race condition. Yeah, I’m excited to see this new chapter for the rest of the year.

THE MODERATOR: More questions.

Q. Josef, obviously the last time you guys were here was manufacturer aero kits. Now the universal kit. How different is the less downforce in addition to the deg you anticipated from the tires?

JOSEF NEWGARDEN: It’s very different. Last time we were here in 2015, I think we were pretty much flat in qualifying, if not just the tiniest lift. Were we flat, Will, in 2015? This is a bonus question here. The aero kit in ’15. I think we trimmed, yeah. Not flat today (smiling).

We were pretty of flat, to answer your question. Not flat today, not even close. You’re not braking at all in a qual run. In race conditions you’re lifting, then a little bit of brake towards the end of the tire life. It’s a different ballgame. I’d say it’s closer to Iowa as far as the way the tires degrade and the way it’s going to race. I think that’s the closest you can look at.

Q. So between ride heights, push to passes, the hybrid assist, how many different tools are inside the car that you have to figure out how to use while going 200 miles an hour?

JOSEF NEWGARDEN: It’s more now. You have push to pass. You have the hybrid unit. You have all the map options. You have roll bars, weight jackers. I think that’s about it. Then your gear selects obviously. That’s not going anywhere.

There’s plenty of options in there. I don’t think we need to add any more. We have enough going on. You could add more. I don’t know that you would need to at this point. There’s definitely enough adjustability to drive the car.

Yeah, this will add to it. As we touched on earlier, it’s just another strategic thing that everyone will learn how to manage.

Q. On an oval, isn’t it limited to the handling of your car? You can’t go to 1300 horsepower if the car isn’t going to handle it through the turns. Does that determine when you use it?

JOSEF NEWGARDEN: Yeah, I think it depends on how you set the car up. You’re going to set the car up for how you want to utilize it. If it can’t take it, you’re going to adjust accordingly. Vice versa, maybe you don’t want to adjust accordingly and use it that much. It’s going to factor into the way you run a race weekend, for sure.

Q. We got Laguna next week, week off, Mid-Ohio. How much time are you going to spend studying Mid-Ohio of when to use it, when not to use it?

JOSEF NEWGARDEN: Yeah, I mean, we’ve been studying it. It’s not like it’s getting dropped in our lap right now. That’s what I would say. It’s not like we’re scrambling right now to think about Mid-Ohio. If we had to go to Mid-Ohio tomorrow, it would be okay.

We’ve been working on it. We sort of had our initial feelings about it, strategy or plan. We’re going to keep developing that as we get closer to Mid-Ohio, try to hit the ground running a little bit better than everybody.

I don’t think you’re going to find people that are, like, way out to bed with it. I think everyone will be pretty close. You might see some people with maybe a touch of a better advantage with it, maybe a different tactic that’s helping them.

You’re not going to see anybody, like, light-years ahead because they are using it better. It’s pretty simplified in a lot of respects. It’s kind of like the push to pass. It’s a system that you’re going to determine how you want to use it across the lap. Everybody’s going to come up with their own method. I don’t think you’re going to see people way off on a different planet with it.

THE MODERATOR: Thanks, everyone.

ABOUT CHEVROLET

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heartbeat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com

Power Paces Another Penske 1-2-3 at Milwaukee Test

By
Official Release
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West Allis, WI - Open Test for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES at the Milwuakee Mile at the Wisconsin State Fair Park. (Photo by Chris Jones | IMS Photo)

Twenty Drivers Give Workout to New Hybrid Unit as Debut Nears

MILWAUKEE (Tuesday, June 11, 2024) – It appears Wisconsin is Team Penske’s new playground.

Two days after sweeping the podium at Road America, Team Penske drivers Will Power, Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin were the three fastest drivers, respectively, in an NTT INDYCAR SERIES Open Test at Milwaukee Mile.

Two-time series champion Power led with a lap of 161.521 mph in the No. 12 Chevrolet on the historic 1-mile oval. Two-time reigning Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Newgarden followed at 160.759 in the No. 2 Chevrolet, with McLaughlin third at 160.639 in the No. 3 Chevrolet. Power won the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America presented by AMR last Sunday at Road America, followed by Newgarden and McLaughlin in Team Penske’s first podium sweep in a series event since 2017.

All 20 cars in the all-day test were equipped with the new hybrid unit that will make its competition debut Friday-Sunday, July 5-7 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio presented by the 2025 Civic Hybrid.

“You do feel it’s probably going to assist in passing,” Power said of the hybrid unit. “If you’ve got a run on someone, I think it will work.”

The hybrid units will be used during the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ first return to this track since 2015 during the Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250 doubleheader Aug. 31-Sept. 1. Power is one of two active series drivers with a win at Milwaukee; he won in 2014, while Scott Dixon won in 2009.

“It hasn’t changed much,” Power said of the famed oval. “I think those patches don’t seem to have much grip though in the middle of the corners, which is really good for passing. It’s the same track. It feels exactly like it did.

“I did really well here. It was one of my favorite ovals. I had been looking forward to coming here.”

Colton Herta was fourth in testing today at 160.137 in the No. 26 Honda fielded by Andretti Global with Curb-Agajanian. Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren rounded out the top five at 159.993 in his No. 5 Chevrolet.

David Malukas was eighth at 159.293 in his debut with Meyer Shank Racing in the No. 66 Honda. Malukas missed the first seven races of the season due to a wrist injury suffered in a preseason mountain biking accident. He will make his racing debut with MSR at Mid-Ohio.

Light rain delayed the test for 36 minutes late in the afternoon while teams were in the race simulation portion of the schedule, when the field was divided into two groups. The 20 drivers combined to turn 3,563 incident-free laps on the day. That’s equal to 178 laps per driver, more than half of the 250-lap distance of each of the races over Labor Day weekend.

“This was another important milestone for the INDYCAR hybrid power unit,” INDYCAR President Jay Frye said. “Chevrolet and Honda checked a lot of boxes today, and none of it could happen without the continued partnership and support of our drivers and teams. The anticipation grows, and we cannot wait to see the hybrid era begin at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in a few weeks.”

The next NTT INDYCAR SERIES event is the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey on Sunday, June 23 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Live coverage starts at 6 p.m. ET on the USA Network, Peacock and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

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