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Spire Motorsports Iowa Corn 350 Race Advance

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Official Release
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  • The NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) will visit Iowa Speedway for the first time this weekend for the Iowa Corn 350 powered by Ethanol. Spire Motorsports fields the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NCS with Corey LaJoie, Zane Smith and Carson Hocevar, respectively.
  • The Iowa Corn 350 powered by Ethanol from Iowa Speedway will be televised live on USA Network Sunday, June 16, beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The 17th of 36 races on the 2024 NCS schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Countdown to Green pre-race coverage on USA will begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT.

Corey LaJoie – Driver, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Corey LaJoie heads to Iowa Speedway behind the wheel of the No. 7 Gainbridge/Iowa Hawkeyes Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
  • LaJoie will showcase an Iowa Hawkeyes-themed paint scheme in Sunday’s Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol. The No. 7 Gainbridge/Iowa Hawkeyes Chevrolet features black and gold striping with the Iowa Hawkeyes athletics logo on the hood and the athletics website on the rear TV panel.
  • Sunday’s Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol will mark the NASCAR Cup Series inaugural race at Iowa Speedway. While Sunday will mark the first race for NASCAR’s senior circuit at the 7/8-mile race course, it will be LaJoie’s fifth start at the Newton, Iowa oval. The 32-year-old racer started second and took the checkered flag in ARCA Menards Series East (formerly K&N Pro Series East) competition in 2012. He also started third and finished fourth in the 2013 ARCA Menards Series Prairie Meadows 150.
  • Gainbridge Insurance Agency, LLC (“Gainbridge”), a Group 1001 company, is an insurtech which strives to offer products that are simple, intuitive, and backed by smart technology with no complexity or hidden fees. Gainbridge empowers consumers to take control of their financial future with solutions that are accessible to everyone no matter their budget or financial knowledge. Gainbridge’s digital-first distribution model underpins its mission to reach all communities, including those that have been historically underserved by the national financial system.
  • Gainbridge®, a Group 1001 company, is a proud sponsor of Iowa Athletics and earlier this year signed a multi-year partnership with Hawkeye legend Caitlin Clark as a brand ambassador.
  • LaJoie started 17th and finished 11th in last weekend’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway and picked up two positions in the NCS championship point standings. The Concord, N.C., native has led 38 laps in 2024 and is currently 30th in points.
  • Over 252 career NCS starts, LaJoie has earned four top-five and nine top-10 finishes and led 161 laps in NASCAR’s premier division.

Corey LaJoie Quotes
You put together a great run last weekend at Sonoma Raceway so you have to be looking forward to getting back to work, especially at a track like Iowa Speedway, where you’ve had some success in the past.
“After a great weekend out west, I’m looking forward to heading to Iowa with our special Gainbridge/ Hawkeyes-themed Camaro. It’s been 12 years since I’ve won out at Iowa Speedway but it’s always fun to go back to somewhere you’ve got a trophy. A lot of new variables this week but our team is ready for the challenge.”

Zane Smith – Driver, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Zane Smith visits Iowa Speedway this weekend coming off a 16th-place finish in last Sunday’s NCS race at Sonoma Raceway.
  • The Sonoma finish coupled with a 19th-place finish at St. Louis on June 2 mark back-to-back top-20 finishes for the 2022 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion.
  • Smith will make his first NCS start at the 7/8-mile, Newton, Iowa tri-oval on Sunday driving the No. 71 Focused Health Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports.
  • In 2019, Smith recorded two Xfinity Series starts at Iowa Speedway in JR Motorsports’ No. 8 Chevrolet where he led two laps and finished both races in the top 10.
  • Focused Health is a National Health Insurance agency founded by industry veterans with over 60 years combined industry experience. Primarily focused on the government programs space, Focused Health partners with payors and employers to deliver health insurance solutions for individuals and families. For more information visit AtFocusedHealth.com.

Zane Smith Quotes
The last two weekends have been great for you and the No. 71 team. How are you feeling heading to Iowa, knowing some of the success you have had there in the Xfinity car?
“We have shown progress the last two races at St. Louis and Sonoma. We aren’t where we want to be yet, but we are building some momentum that we expect to continue at Iowa Speedway on Sunday. I really liked Iowa when I raced there in Xfinity and even ARCA. I’m excited to be part of the first Cup race there and hope we put on a great show for the fans. Also, super excited to have Focused Health back on board with us this weekend and looking forward to a night race in Iowa.”

Carson Hocevar – Driver, No.77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Carson Hocevar will make his first NCS start at Iowa Speedway on Sunday driving the No. 77 Premier Security Solutions Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports.
  • Hocevar started 13th and finished 17th in last Sunday’s NCS race at Sonoma Raceway.
  • Premier Security is a long-time supporter of Hocevar’s career. The Flint, Mich.-headquartered organization has been prominently featured alongside Hocevar dating to his time racing short tracks in the pavement late model ranks.
  • From the famous bricks of Saginaw Street in Flint, Mich., to industrial, residential, and commercial sites across North America, Premier Security Solutions has built an unmatched standard of security. Today, Premier has taken steps to advance technology and utilize new tools to combat theft and become an anti-crime organization. Premier’s Global Security Operations Center is a state-of-the-art facility, working around the clock to protect assets, corporations, schools, and families.
  • Premier deploys more than 1,000 guards around the country and protects homes, families, executive-level leaders, and major corporations. Premier’s team of retired law enforcement professionals protects more than 50 school buildings and high net-worth families, delivering an unparalleled level of service. Premier prides itself on a standard of service ensuring its customers receive the protection and peace of mind they deserve.
  • The Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender is currently 22nd in the division’s championship points. Over the course of the season’s first 16 races, Hocevar has notched two top-10s and four top-15 finishes.
  • Hocevar started seventh and finished fourth in his only prior visit to Iowa Speedway in the 2019 ARCA Menards Series Fans with Benefits 150.
  • Over the course of Hocevar’s NCS career, he has raced at a short track five times and boasts a best short-track finish of 11th in last September’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
  • Hocevar visits his home track in Marne, Mich., Wednesday night for the Money in the Bank 150 at Berlin Raceway. He scored back-to-back victories at the annual summer late-model classic in 2020 and 2021.

Carson Hocevar Quotes
As the NASCAR Cup Series ventures to a new track this weekend, what challenges do you anticipate the teams facing?
“I think a big challenge that everyone is talking about right now is the repave that’s half done. It’s the first time I’ve ever been to a repave where they only paved part of the corner, so I’m interested to see how that turns out and how the Premier Security Solutions Chevrolet feels in practice on Friday. A question I keep asking myself is if we’re going to even try the top or do we have to be on the concrete? Are we going to be sliding all the way until we get to the new concrete? Practice is going to be critical so we can try a few new things.”

With Iowa selling out for both days this weekend, what kind of atmosphere do you expect?
“I think it’s going to be popular and that makes me excited. I only ran one ARCA race there, but I’ve watched trucks and Xfinity in the past and they always seem to sell out quickly or at least have a pretty big crowd. I think it’s going to be really exciting for everybody there, not only the fans but also the teams. Iowa has been wanting a Cup race for a long time, so I think everybody’s going to be really excited to be there and experience the newness of it all.
From the Top of the Box

Ryan Sparks – Crew Chief, No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Ryan Sparks serves in a dual role as both Spire Motorsports competition director and crew chief for driver Corey LaJoie and the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro in the NCS.
  • Sparks, a Winston-Salem, N.C., native, has been paired with LaJoie since 2020.
  • Combined, Sparks and LaJoie have earned four top-five and seven top-10 finishes, including a fourth-place finish in the 2024 Daytona 500.

Stephen Doran – Crew Chief, No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Stephen Doran begins his first full season as a Cup Series crew chief leading Zane Smith and the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet team during the 2024 season.
  • In 2006, Doran got his start in NASCAR at Petty Enterprises.
  • Prior to his arrival at Spire Motorsports, Doran worked at Stewart-Haas Racing as an engineer, most recently on the No. 4 car driven by Kevin Harvick.

Luke Lambert – Crew Chief, No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Luke Lambert is the crew chief for Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 team with 2024 NCS Rookie of the Year candidate Carson Hocevar.
  • The 2005 North Carolina State graduate has led the competition efforts for some of the sport’s most notable names including Jeff Burton, Ryan Newman, Elliott Sadler and Chris Buescher.
  • In 2014, Lambert led Newman to a berth in the Championship 4, and ultimately a runner-up finish in the NCS championship point standings.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports is a NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race team co-owned by long-time NASCAR industry executives Jeff Dickerson and Thaddeus “T.J.” Puchyr. In 2024, Spire Motorsports will campaign the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Corey LaJoie, Zane Smith and Carson Hocevar, respectively. The team will also field the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados full time in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. An all-star driver lineup will rotate throughout the 2024 season in the No. 7 Chevy. Rajah Caruth will drive the No. 71 entry and Chase Purdy rounds out the team’s fleet of Chevrolets in the No. 77.

Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on April 12, 2024, when Kyle Busch took the took the checkered flag in the SpeedyCash.com 250 at Texas Motor Speedway.

Long Distance Motorcycle Shipping – DIY Riding Vs Shipping Service

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SM
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Transporting your motorcycle over long distances can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. Whether you’re moving to a new city, attending a far-off rally, or selling your bike to someone miles away, you have two primary options: riding it yourself or hiring a professional shipping service. Both choices have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. 

This guide will help you understand the differences and make the best decision for your situation.

Step 1: Understanding the Options

1. DIY Riding

DIY riding involves getting on your motorcycle and taking it to your destination yourself. This option is favored by those who love the thrill of the open road and the adventure of a long-distance journey. However, it requires thorough preparation and planning.

To embark on a DIY motorcycle ride, you need to ensure your bike is in top condition. This means checking tire pressure, oil levels, and brake functionality. Packing efficiently is crucial; you must balance your need for essentials with the bike’s weight limits. Additionally, planning your route, considering overnight stops, and accounting for weather conditions are all part of the process.

2. Shipping Service

Hiring a professional motorcycle shipping service involves entrusting your bike to experts who will transport it for you. These services range from open transport, where your bike is shipped on an open trailer, to enclosed transport, which offers protection from the elements.

According to a popular motorcycle shipping company All Day Auto Transport, the shipping process generally involves booking the service, preparing your bike for transport, and coordinating pickup and delivery times. Companies typically offer door-to-door service, making it a convenient option. Your motorcycle is loaded onto a truck or trailer and secured for the journey, ensuring it arrives at your destination safely and without added mileage or wear.

Step 2: Comparing Costs

1. DIY Riding Costs

Riding your motorcycle yourself might seem like the cheaper option at first glance, but there are multiple expenses to consider:

  • Fuel: Long-distance trips can consume a significant amount of fuel, which adds up quickly.
  • Accommodation: Depending on the distance, you may need to stay overnight in hotels or motels.
  • Food: Eating out on the road is another expense to account for.
  • Maintenance and Repairs: Long rides can lead to wear and tear on your bike, potentially necessitating repairs or maintenance during the trip.
  • Opportunity Cost: Time spent on the road is time you could be using for other activities or responsibilities.

2. Shipping Service Costs

While hiring a shipping service may have a higher upfront cost, it can be more economical in the long run:

  • Transport Fees: Shipping companies typically charge based on distance, ranging from $2.50 to $5 per mile.
  • Additional Fees: There might be extra costs for insurance, expedited shipping, or special handling.
  • Cost Comparison: When you factor in the hidden costs of DIY riding, shipping might not be as expensive as it initially appears. It also saves you time, which can be invaluable.

Read this article from Angi’s about motorcycle shipping cost. 

Step 3: Safety Considerations

1. DIY Riding Safety

Riding your motorcycle over long distances carries inherent risks:

  • Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, and other road hazards can pose significant dangers.
  • Weather Conditions: Unpredictable weather can make riding difficult and dangerous.
  • Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to fatigue, affecting your concentration and reaction times.
  • Accidents: The risk of accidents increases with the amount of time spent on the road.

To mitigate these risks, equip yourself with the necessary safety gear, including a helmet, gloves, and protective clothing. Plan your route carefully, and take regular breaks to rest and refresh.

2. Shipping Service Safety

Professional shipping services offer a safer alternative for your motorcycle:

  • Expert Handling: Trained professionals handle the loading, securing, and unloading of your bike, minimizing the risk of damage.
  • Insurance Coverage: Most shipping companies provide insurance coverage, offering financial protection in case of any mishaps.
  • Protection from Elements: Enclosed transport options protect your motorcycle from weather and road debris, ensuring it arrives in the same condition it left.

Step 4: Convenience and Time Efficiency

1. Convenience of DIY Riding

DIY riding offers a sense of freedom and adventure. You can set your own pace, explore new routes, and enjoy the ride. However, it also comes with challenges:

  • Planning and Logistics: Mapping out the route, finding accommodations, and planning for fuel stops require time and effort.
  • Physical Demands: Long rides can be physically exhausting, especially if you’re not accustomed to long hours on a bike.
  • Unexpected Delays: Mechanical issues, bad weather, or other unforeseen events can disrupt your journey.

2. Convenience of Shipping Service

Shipping your motorcycle can be a more convenient option:

  • Time-Saving: You save the time and energy you would have spent on the road, which can be especially beneficial if you have a tight schedule.
  • Hassle-Free: Shipping companies handle the logistics, from pickup to delivery, making the process stress-free.
  • Professional Coordination: Companies often offer flexible scheduling and door-to-door service, adding to the convenience.

Step 5: Wear and Tear on the Motorcycle

1. Impact of DIY Riding

Long-distance riding can take a toll on your motorcycle:

  • Mechanical Wear: Continuous riding increases the likelihood of mechanical issues.
  • Tire Wear: Long trips can lead to faster tire wear, requiring replacements sooner than expected.
  • Maintenance Needs: Preand post-trip maintenance can be time-consuming and costly.

2. Impact of Shipping Service

Shipping your motorcycle minimizes wear and tear:

  • Minimal Usage: Your bike is transported without adding mileage, preserving its condition.
  • Professional Handling: Shipping companies use secure methods to prevent damage during transit.
  • Pre-Shipping Inspection: Ensure your bike is inspected and prepared for shipping to avoid any issues.

Step 6: Insurance and Liability

1. DIY Riding Insurance

When riding your motorcycle long distances, your personal insurance coverage plays a crucial role:

  • Coverage Check: Before embarking on your trip, review your insurance policy to ensure it covers long-distance travel and any potential incidents on the road.
  • Additional Coverage: Consider purchasing additional coverage or a travel insurance policy to protect against accidents, theft, or damage.
  • Claim Process: Be aware of the process for filing a claim if something goes wrong during your trip. Document any incidents thoroughly with photos and detailed notes.

2. Shipping Service Insurance

Shipping services often provide comprehensive insurance coverage:

  • Included Coverage: Most reputable shipping companies include basic insurance coverage in their shipping fees. This typically covers damage that occurs during transport.
  • Supplemental Insurance: For added peace of mind, you can purchase additional insurance to cover the full value of your motorcycle.
  • Claim Procedures: Understand the shipping company’s claim process. Ensure you document the condition of your bike before shipping and immediately report any damages upon delivery.

Step 7: Making Your Decision

1. Factors to Consider

When deciding between DIY riding and shipping your motorcycle, consider the following factors:

  • Distance and Route: For shorter distances, DIY riding might be more feasible. For cross-country trips, shipping could be more practical.
  • Personal Preferences: Do you enjoy long rides and the adventure that comes with them, or do you prefer convenience and saving time?
  • Budget Constraints: Compare the total costs of each option, including hidden expenses for DIY riding.
  • Time Availability: Consider your schedule and whether you have the time to dedicate to a long-distance ride.
  • Condition of Your Motorcycle: Older bikes or those not designed for long distances might be better off shipped to avoid wear and tear.

2. Checklist for Decision-Making

Use this checklist to help you decide:

  1. Assess the distance of your journey.
  2. Calculate the total cost of DIY riding (fuel, accommodation, food, maintenance).
  3. Get quotes from multiple shipping companies.
  4. Check your personal insurance coverage.
  5. Evaluate the condition of your motorcycle.
  6. Consider your schedule and time constraints.
  7. Think about your comfort level with long-distance riding.

Conclusion

Transporting your motorcycle over long distances requires careful consideration of your options. DIY riding offers the thrill of the open road and a sense of adventure but comes with potential risks, costs, and wear on your bike. 

On the other hand, using a shipping service provides convenience, safety, and peace of mind, albeit at a higher initial cost. By weighing the pros and cons of each method and considering your personal preferences and circumstances, you can make the best decision for your motorcycle transport needs.

Whether you choose to ride your bike yourself or entrust it to professionals, the key is to plan ahead, prepare thoroughly, and choose the option that best fits your situation. Safe travels, and enjoy the journey—whichever path you take.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to ship a motorcycle long distance?

The best way depends on your priorities. If you value convenience and safety, a professional shipping service is ideal. For those who enjoy riding and the adventure, DIY riding could be preferable.

2. How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle long distance?

Costs vary based on distance, shipping method, and additional services. Typically, rates range from $2.50 to $5 per mile. Request quotes from multiple companies for accurate estimates.

3. What should I check before riding my motorcycle long distance?

Ensure your motorcycle is in excellent condition. Check tire pressure, oil levels, brakes, and lights. Pack necessary gear and plan your route, including rest stops and accommodations.

4. Is motorcycle shipping safe?

Yes, professional motorcycle shipping is generally safe. Reputable companies use secure methods to transport your bike and provide insurance coverage for added protection.

5. Can I track my motorcycle during shipping?

Many shipping companies offer tracking services, allowing you to monitor the progress of your motorcycle during transit. Check with your chosen company about their tracking options.

Toyota Racing Weekly Preview 06.12.24

By
Official Release
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This Week in Motorsports: June 10 – 16, 2024

· NCS/NXS/ARCA: Iowa Speedway – June 14-16

PLANO, Texas (June 12, 2024) – This weekend marks the highly-anticipated debut of the NASCAR Cup Series at Iowa Speedway, joined by the Xfinity Series making their first start in the Hawkeye State since 2019. The ARCA Menards Series will also be at the 7/8-mile short oval, hosting their seventh race of the season.

NASCAR National Series – NCS | NXS

Toyota looks to extend short track domination … The short track prowess of the Toyota Camry XSE has been on display so far in 2024, with Toyota drivers winning three of the first four short oval races this season. Christopher Bell won at Phoenix in March, followed by Denny Hamlin claiming victories at Bristol and Richmond. The 7/8-mile Iowa Speedway offers another chance for Toyota drivers to flex their short track muscles.

Bell returns to favorable Iowa … Though the Cup Series debuts at Iowa Speedway this weekend, Bell is no stranger to the short track, nor having success there. The Oklahoma native captured victory twice in Iowa in the Xfinity Series (2018 and 2019), along with two pole positions (2017 and 2019). Another triumph by Bell would be his third of the 2024 season, and he also enters the weekend with three consecutive top-10 finishes, and four in the last five races.

Moffitt comes home … Grimes, Iowa, native, Brett Moffitt, is back at Iowa Speedway, piloting the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) this weekend in the Xfinity Series race. Moffitt has raced at his home track 11 times previously, winning the two most recent Truck Series races there in 2018 and 2019, along with an ARCA triumph in 2011. This will be Moffitt’s first Xfinity Series start of the 2024 season.

Heim back in a GR Supra … Toyota Development Driver, Corey Heim, returns to the Xfinity Series and Sam Hunt Racing this weekend in the No. 26 GR Supra. This is Heim’s seventh Xfinity Series start of the season and his first since Dover. The Georgia native claimed a fourth-place finish at Richmond back in March. He comes into the weekend with momentum after winning the Truck Series race at Gateway two weekends ago.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA Menards Series

Balcaen in thick of ARCA title fight … Canadian, Amber Balcaen, continues to keep herself in the hunt for the ARCA Menards Series championship. The 32-year-old sits in third place, just 33 points back of the championship lead heading to Iowa this weekend. Balcaen will make her second start at Iowa Speedway, where she finished 10th in her debut in 2022.

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.

JR Motorsports — NXS Iowa Preview

By
Official Release
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TRACK – Iowa Speedway (0.875 mile short-track)
NXS RACE – HyVee Perks 250 (250 laps / 218.75 miles)
TUNE IN – USA, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 3:30 p.m. (ET)

Sam Mayer

No. 1 Roto-Rooter Chevrolet

Mayer 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 14

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 6

Top 10s: 7

Laps Led: 62

Avg. Finish: 17.1

Points: 11th

  • Sam Mayer heads back out to the Midwest to Newton, Iowa for his first NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Iowa Speedway on Saturday.
  • The young driver has two previous ARCA Menards Series starts at the .875-mile short track where he has earned one top-five and one top-10 finish with a best of second coming back in 2020.
  • In 21 starts on tracks of this nature, Mayer has tallied eight top-five and 11 top-10 efforts. His best is second, coming earlier this season in Martinsville after dominating the race.
  • The red-and-plum colors of JR Motorsports partner Roto-Rooter are back this weekend in Iowa to ride on Mayer’s No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro.

Sam Mayer

“Super-pumped to head back to Iowa this weekend. I ran really well here a few years back in an ARCA car and I am excited to have my first Xfinity start here now and see how the track feels after the repave. We have had some great runs on the road courses lately but I am ready to get back to a short track and race to get back to Victory Lane.”

Justin Allgaier

No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture / Precision Build Chevrolet

Allgaier 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 14

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 4

Top 10s: 7

Laps Led: 473

Avg. Finish: 14.6

Points: 4th

  • Justin Allgaier is a previous winner in the cornfields of Iowa, having gone to Victory Lane in June of 2018 after leading for a race-high 182 laps.
  • Overall, Allgaier has scored four top fives and 12 top 10s to accompany the 2018 win in Iowa.
  • In his NXS career on short tracks, the Illinois native has earned a combined six wins, 28 top fives and 46 top 10s in 75 starts. Allgaier’s most recent short-track victory came in the fall of 2023 at Martinsville Speedway.
  • This weekend in Iowa, Allgaier’s No. 7 Chevrolet will feature a co-branded effort between BRANDT Professional Agriculture and Precision Build.

Justin Allgaier

“I’m really looking forward to our return to Iowa this weekend. This has always been one of my favorite tracks and it’s great to be going back there. JRM was always really strong here and I see no reason why we won’t have that same speed again when we unload for practice on Friday. Hopefully we can have a smooth weekend and be fighting for the win on Saturday with our BRANDT Professional Agriculture / Precision Build Chevrolet.”

Sammy Smith

No. 8 TMC Chevrolet

Smith 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 14

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 2

Top 10s: 8

Laps Led: 50

Avg. Finish: 16.9

Points: 12th

  • Sammy Smith heads to his home state this weekend for his first NXS start at the Iowa short-track.
  • Smith has eight starts on tracks less than one mile in length and of those he has tallied two top fives and five top 10’s with an average finish of 10.1.
  • The No. 8 JRM Chevrolet will carry TMC as the primary as the company headquarters are based in nearby Des Moines.

Sammy Smith

“It’s going to be pretty special to be racing at home this weekend. We’re going to have a lot of friends, family and partners here, so hopefully we can go out and have a strong run on Saturday. Not only are we in my backyard, but we’re also in the home of TMC, so we’re definitely looking forward to a good weekend.”

Brandon Jones

No. 9 Menards / PELONIS Chevrolet

Jones 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 14

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 1

Top 10s: 5

Laps Led: 20

Avg. Finish: 19.3

Points: 14th

  • Brandon Jones will return to Iowa this weekend where he made his first NXS debut in 2015. Overall, he has made 10 starts at the .875 mile track earning one top five and three top 10s.
  • In 46 starts at tracks measuring less than one mile in length, Jones has seven top fives and 17 top 10s, including a win at Martinsville in the Spring of 2022.
  • The 27 yr. old GA. native has four previous Craftsman Truck Series starts at Iowa, earning two top-five and two top-10 finishes.
  • PELONIS, a trusted brand in home comfort for over 25 years, will be making their first appearance of the season on the hood of Jones’ No. 9 Chevrolet this weekend.

Brandon Jones

“After two weeks on road courses I am eager to go to Iowa this weekend and be back on an oval. This No. 9 team has been working hard to make sure we unload a fast car on Friday. I have had some luck at short tracks in the past, so I am hoping we can start turning this season around by putting this Menards Chevrolet in Victory Lane.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Iowa Speedway: JR Motorsports has competed at Iowa Speedway a combined 58 times with the NXS since its first trip there in 2009. In those starts at the 0.875-mile short-track, the organization has recorded three wins, 15 top-fives, and 36 top-10s, with an average finish of 11.0.

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith and Brandon Jones will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / Legacy MC souvenir rig on Saturday, June 15 from 8:45 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. CT.

Racing to End Alzheimer’s unable to demonstrate potential in drenched Montreal weekend

By
Official Release
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Kvamme places fifth, fourth as weather and cautions plague both races

MONTREAL (9 June 2024) – Mark Kvamme and the Racing to End Alzheimer’s/MDK Motorsports team struggled through a wet and frustrating weekend at the Formula 1 AWS Grand Prix of Canada in Montreal, barely getting the opportunity to show their potential in the fourth IMSA Porsche Carrera Cup North America weekend of the season.

The event got off to a very promising start as Kvamme and the No. 43 Racing to End Alzheimer’s Porsche dominated the class in practice, looking to gain momentum in a bid for a third-consecutive title as Carrera Cup once again was part of the Formula 1 weekend, this time at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

But the event quickly went downhill. Kvamme went to fifth on his first fast lap of qualifying on Saturday morning, but his rear brakes locked up very early in the session. He came to pit lane, only to have the brakes catch fire in the pit box, meaning Kvamme could not rejoin the session.

Unable to post a representative time, Kvamme started at the back of the grid for both of the scheduled 40-minute races – and with heavy rain, lengthy cautions and red flags, and finishes under caution in both races, Kvamme was unable to demonstrate his title-winning form.

Saturday afternoon’s race started under caution and threatening skies. Once green, Kvamme moving up four overall places and one Masters class spot to fifth before caution waved with 30:30 remaining. The field went under a 20-minute red flag to give teams the opportunity to change to rain tires. The field went back on track under caution with 6:35 remaining, but the minutes wound down behind the safety car and the race never went back to green.

Sunday’s race was a bit of déjà vu, starting under yellow followed by four green flag laps, then interrupted by a full-course caution under heavy showers. Kvamme gained six overall positions and was fourth in the Masters class when a heavy impact for a competitor brought out a caution with 20:17 remaining. With extensive damage to a pit lane protective barrier, the race was checkered with about eight minutes still remaining on the clock.

“The weekend started off so well, it was extremely disappointing to see it not end well,” said Kvamme. “We were quickest in practice but early in qualifying my brakes locked up coming into the pit box and caught fire. Because of that, I started in the back – and with so little actual racing, I couldn’t make up any ground. So that’s definitely one to put behind us.”

But as is frequently the case with the Racing to End Alzheimer’s team, the on-track action is only half the story. Founder Phil Frengs was on hand as always, speaking with fans about the organization’s mission to “fund the car and find the cure” for Alzheimer’s.

“As always, we love being part of the Formula 1 weekend and to be in a city as wonderful as Montreal. It’s great being a part of the excitement. We talked to people and added names to the car, and that’s aways a good thing. Canadian race fans are so enthusiastic and welcoming, we love going to these races.”

Next up for Racing to End Alzheimer’s and the Porsche Carrera Cup North America will be the doubleheader in support of the IMSA Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen at Watkins Glen International. The race will be broadcast live in the U.S., on IMSA.tv, the NBC Peacock streaming app and PorscheCarreraCup.us.

About Racing to End Alzheimer’s

In 2013, Phil Frengs’ wife Mimi was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Their experience with the disease led Frengs to a seminal moment: his company, Legistics, had long sponsored a team in IMSA sports car racing and he realized an opportunity to raise money and awareness for the fight against the disease. In 2017, he formed Racing to End Alzheimer’s, giving fans the opportunity to honor loved ones by putting their names on the race car via donation – with Legistics matching each donation. 100% of those donations go to the two organizations the team supports:

The Nantz National Alzheimer’s Center at Houston Methodist Hospital is exploring cutting edge strategies in therapy, care and research to find a cure for these dementias. NNAC was founded by longtime CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz and his family in honor of his father, Jim, Jr., who passed away after a 13-year battle with Alzheimer’s.

The UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program is a nationally-recognized grant-funded program designed to help patients and their families with the complex medical, behavioral and social needs associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

Racing to End Alzheimer’s social media

Facebook: Racing to End Alzheimer’s
Instagram: @racing2endalz

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

By
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

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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.

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