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TEAM DUQUEINE IS NOW READY FOR THE BIGGEST RACE IN THE WORLD: THE 24 HOURS OF LE MANS

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Official Release
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The French team during free practice 2 test day session secured the third-best time on the leaderboard for the LMP2 category (3:36.354)

Le Mans (France), June 10, 2024 – The countdown has begun for one of the most awaited events of the year for motorsport enthusiasts, the 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 15-16, 2024), now in its 92nd edition. Competing on the Circuit de la Sarthe for Team Duqueine in the LMP2 category will be American John Falb (who replaced Niels Koolen), alongside Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer and Australian James Allen who yesterday, during free practice 2 test day session on Sunday, June 9th, secured the third-best time on the leaderboard for the LMP2 category (3:36.354).

On track, there will be 23 Hypercars, 16 LMP2s, and 23 LMGT3s, all vying for victory starting at 4:00 PM on Saturday, June 15, when the green light signal the start of the prestigious race. There is great determination and enthusiasm in the French team’s box. After a good performance in the 4 Hours of Le Castellet, where car number 30 secured sixth place, the team is preparing to give their best on the Circuit de la Sarthe. They will face not only high-speed curves but also a tough test of endurance and technical skill.

James Allen: “It’s always a great feeling to be back here for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The atmosphere and excitement at Le Pesage always brings a warm welcome to both the drivers and the fans before we get on track for the first time during the test day. Since its such a long circuit, we don’t have time to do a lot of laps even during a full day of testing so maximising the time we do have to get good data and good clean running is essential. Overall I can’t wait to get started for the long week ahead!”.

Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer: “I’m thrilled to finally race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans! This event feels like home to me, and I’ve been dreaming of this opportunity for years. It’s an honor to compete in such a prestigious race, and I’m excited to take on this challenge with this Team”.

John Falb: “Returning to Le Mans is like nothing else. This is a magical place that I truly love, and being with Duqueine makes it even better. Everything is sorted and ready to go, but it’s quiet for now. I can’t wait to get started and get back up to speed. Let’s go!”.

Max Favard (Team Manager): “Going back to Le Mans is always a great pleasure but also a very high challenge. This year we go with high expectations to fight for the top of the category. And we are excited to hit the track”.

Duqueine Team Website

ARCA Menards Series West at Sonoma Raceway: General Tire 200 Post-race Notes

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Official Release
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  • NASCAR Xfinity Series playoff contender Sam Mayer (No. 23 Sigma Performance Services/GMS Fabrication Chevrolet) scored his second career ARCA Menards Series West victory in Friday’s General Tire 200 at Sonoma Raceway. Mayer, who started from the General Tire Pole, led 37 of the race’s 67 laps en route to the victory. Mayer also won from the pole at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in February 2020.
  • ARCA Menards Series West championship points leader Tyler Reif (No. 13 Central Coast Cabinets Ford) finished second, his third top-five finish in four starts in 2024. It’s his best series finish since he finished second at Evergreen Speedway in 2023.
  • Reigning ARCA Menards Series West champion Sean Hingorani (No. 5 Fidelity Capital Toyota) finished third but lost one point to Tyler Reif in the battle for the series championship. Hingorani has finished fifth at Phoenix Raceway, fourth at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway and third at Sonoma, each for a different team owner. He drove for Shigeaki Hattori at Phoenix, Joe Farre’ at Kern, and Jerry Pitts at Sonoma.
  • Portland winner William Sawalich (No. 18 Starkey/SoundGear Toyota) finished fourth after being shoved off the racetrack and losing over a dozen positions on the lap 32 restart. Sawalich, who had led 21 laps to that point recovered to earn his sixth career top-five finish in seven career West starts.
  • Jack Wood (No. 16 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet) finished fifth, his first top-five finish of 2024 and fifth of his career. His most recent top-five finish was a fifth-place result in the 2023 season finale at Phoenix Raceway.
  • Isabella Robusto (No. 55 Yahoo! Toyota) finished sixth, her third top-ten finish in three West starts. She finished sixth in the season opener at Phoenix and third last Friday at Portland International Raceway.
  • Eric Johnson, Jr. (No. 19 Pacific Office Automation Chevrolet) finished seventh, a career-best West finish.
  • Last week’s runner-up Brandon Jones (No. 42 Delta Brands Chevrolet) was hit from behind on the initial start, doing damage to his left rear quarter panel. He made several unscheduled stops for repairs, costing him valuable track position, but he was able to work his way through the field to finish eighth.
  • Kyle Keller (No. 12 Setting the Stage/Battle Born/Argus Construction Chevrolet) finished ninth, his third top-ten finish of 2024.
  • Travis McCullough (No. 21 California Pneumatic Pumps/R&R Truck Toyota) finished tenth, his best career series finish and first career top-ten result.
  • Noah Gragson (No. 30 Rette Jones Racing Ford) and Brian Kamisky (No. 80 SK Construction/Wards Concrete Chevrolet) both led laps but had their runs sidetracked by mechanical issues. Gragson suffered from brake issues that cost him two laps, resulting in a 16th-place finish while Kamisky had driveline issues while battling for a position in the top five, forcing him to retire after 42 laps; he was credited with 21st at the finish.
  • There were six cautions for a total of 21 laps; the average speed was 68.018 miles per hour.
  • The next race for the ARCA Menards Series West is NAPA Auto Parts 150 Presented by the West Coast Stock Car Motorsports Hall of Fame at Irwindale Speedway on Thursday, July 4. The race will be streamed live on FloRacing at 10:00 pm ET/7:00 pm PT.

About ARCA
The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum in Toledo, Ohio, and acquired by NASCAR in April 2018, is the leading grassroots stock car sanctioning body in the United States. Bridging the gap between NASCAR’s top three national touring series and weekly and regional tour racing all across the country, the organization sanctions over 100 races per year in the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, ASA STARS National Tour, ASA CRA Super Series, ASA Midwest Tour, ASA Southern Super Series plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways. For more information about ARCA visit www.arcaracing.com, or follow ARCA on Facebook (@ARCARacing) and Twitter (@ARCA_Racing).

About Menards
A family-owned and run company started in 1958, Menards is recognized as the retail home center leader of the Midwest with 236 stores in 15 states. Menards is truly a one-stop shop for all of your home improvement needs featuring a full-service lumberyard and everything you need to plan a renovation or build a home, garage, cabin, shed, deck, fence or post frame building. You’ll find a large selection of lumber, roofing, siding, construction blocks, trusses, doors and windows, plus cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting, paint, plumbing supplies and more. To complete the job, Menards has quality hand tools, power tools, fasteners, electrical tools plus storage options and supplies for everyone from the weekend warrior to the pro!

Menards has what you need to complete your outdoor projects and keep your yard in tip-top shape including mowers, trimmers, blowers, pressure washers and more, plus a beautiful garden center stocked with plants, shrubs, trees, landscaping tools, grass seed, fertilizer options, outdoor décor and patio furniture. Menards also has everyday essentials like health & beauty products, housewares, pet and wildlife supplies, automotive items and even groceries. And at Christmas, an Enchanted Forest display area with impressive trees, lighting, decorations, ornaments, inflatables and more.

Menards is known for friendly Customer Service and as the place to “Save Big Money” with low prices every day, and sales too! For more information, please visit Menards.com to learn about our store locations, offerings and services.

Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing Teams Deliver Three-for-Three Run of IMSA Podium Finishes at Mid-Ohio

By
Official Release
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LEXINGTON, Ohio – Bryce Ward and Daniel Morad co-drove to a Michelin Pilot Challenge Grand Sport (GS) class series-best third podium finish of the season Sunday in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Four Hours of Mid-Ohio in the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4. Winward’s hard-earned third-place showing capped a productive weekend for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams with a three-for-three run of podium finishes across two IMSA racing series at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. In VP Racing SportsCar Challenge competition, Josh Green secured second-place class finishes in the No. 78 Thaze Competition Mercedes-AMG GT4 in each of the weekend’s two 45-minute sprints.

The No. 57 team’s finish was its second-consecutive third-place result after another podium showing last month at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Both third-place runs followed a second-place finish in January’s season opener at Daytona International Speedway, which joined Mid-Ohio as this year’s Pilot Challenge four-hour endurance feature races.

At both Daytona and Laguna Seca, Winward’s race-finishing driver Morad staged late-race charges to the checkered flag. Mid-Ohio produced a similar finish to both races, but Sunday’s race was by far Winward’s most challenging run to the podium this season.

After a stellar seventh-place qualifying effort, starting driver Ward kept the No.

57 in contention from the drop of the green flag. Morad took over for the first of two driver swaps in the race with Ward in the race’s first half, but the drivers and Winward team had their focus tested with a pit stop penalty and a stressful fuel-saving run to the finish.

The costly pit drive-through penalty put the No. 57 team down but not out as the drivers and team clawed back into contention despite having to conserve fuel to the checkered flag. Morad masterfully made it to the end, crossing the finish line just over seven seconds behind the race winner.

The Winward No. 57 squad has moved to third in the GS driver and team championship standings after the first four races of the 10-round season. Ward, Morad and the No. 57 entry have 1,010 points to hold third in both the driver and team championships. They trail the second-place team and drivers by just 10 points.

The No. 34 JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4 of Jesse Webb and Michai Stephens joined Winward in battling in the top-10 and the lead pack of contenders all day, leading 11 laps as the race began the final hour. The end result was a seventh-place finish that matched the first-year Pilot Challenge team’s season-best finish in the same position at Sebring.

Thaze Competition carried the flag for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing at Mid-Ohio with a two-car Mercedes-AMG GT4 entry for the second doubleheader round of the season for the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge series.

Josh Green secured runner-up GT4 finishes in both the Saturday and Sunday 45-minute sprints in the No. 78 Thaze Competition Mercedes-AMG GT4. The second-place finishes are the top results to date for Thaze in its select schedule of VP SportsCar and Pilot Challenge races this year.

Green’s strongest showing was in Sunday’s race when he took the lead at the start and led the majority of the race before crossing the finish line a close 0.491 seconds behind the race winner.

Green raced alongside Thaze teammate Eddie Killeen who continued to show progress early in his career with eighth-place Bronze division finishes in the No. 37 Thaze Competition Mercedes-AMG GT4 in both weekend races.

Next up for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams in the Pilot Challenge series is a return to the series’ standard two-hour race format at Watkins Glen International, June 20 – 22.

The VP SportsCar Challenge is next in action at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, July 12 – 14.

Bryce Ward, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4: “Daniel did a fantastic job of saving fuel. We knew we had to hit a number, and we were really lucky that positions four through 10 were fighting it out and slowing themselves down. The last two laps they suddenly broke free and were taking a second-and-a-half per lap out of us. If they had gotten through a little earlier, we wouldn’t have made it. It feels like a win because we made a little mistake, leaving stuff unattended in pit lane, and you can’t make those mistakes if you want to win in IMSA, because it’s so competitive. It was unfortunate that we had a drive-through penalty. If we hadn’t had that, we would have been in really, really good shape. So, it really does feel like a win after that, and a really good job by the team after that setback. Obviously, the Mercedes-AMG platform is just fantastic. We truly love it. We’ve been running it for many years now, and every year we still learn a little bit about it. We were really quick on the weekend, and it showed. We did a test the week before and learned a few things, so when we came here, we were really prepared. That’s what you’ve got to be in IMSA.”

Daniel Morad, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4: “It was difficult because we had to hit a pretty extreme fuel number to make it. Thank goodness this track is pretty efficient to roll around and still get a decent lap time. The car was hooked up today. Winward gave us a fantastic Mercedes-AMG GT4, the best car in the field, the best car to drive, and hopefully it’s as good at Watkins Glen as it was today.”

Michai Stephens, Driver – No. 34 JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4: “The Mercedes-AMG GT4 platform is such a privilege to drive because it’s very consistent. It communicates very well, so we had a platform that was able to go the distance and take some bumps and bruises. Maybe not looking show quality at the end, but certainly still had some grunt. It was neat that we were able to show a little bit of pace over the duration of the race, but then we came to executing on strategies. We certainly had some high moments and some lows, but as a unit we come to face these trials and tribulations as a family. I think that further showed in today’s affairs. You have to love IMSA for giving us four hours to live and to learn from, and we hope to be able to take yet again these lessons learned forward.”

Josh Green, Driver – No. 78 Thaze Competition Mercedes-AMG GT4: “A huge thank you to Thaze Competition and everyone at Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. The Mercedes-AMG GT4 was hooked up Sunday, and Saturday as well. I got the lead early on Sunday, which was awesome, and was really proud of how we managed traffic. My spotter was super on top of it, and I was able to hold second place off for a very long time. I was super comfortable, just getting good exits, making no mistakes, and I was quite happy with our performance. I feel like I would have been able to hold him back there for the whole race, but unfortunately a lapped car decided to park us a little early in an apex. Then I was side-by-side with the second-place guy where he was just able to take off. We’re going to have it for them in Canada, and I’m really proud of the team and Mercedes-AMG.”

NASCAR Top-10 Power Rankings: Sonoma

By
Jeffrey Boswell
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JUNE 09: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 Valvoline Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on June 09, 2024 in Sonoma, California. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

1. Kyle Larson: Larson powered by Martin Truex Jr. and Chris Buescher for the lead on Lap 102 at Sonoma and cruised to the win in the Toyota/Save Mart 350, earning his third win of the season.

“I was born in Elk Grove, California,” Larson said, “so it feels good to win in my home state. Sonoma is wine country, so I bet a lot of my fans raised a glass in my honor. I raised one in my opponents’ honor because they were ‘toast.'”

2. Chase Elliott: Elliott finished fourth at Sonoma, posting his sixth top-five this season.

“I’m sure we haven’t heard the last of the Ross Chastain-Kyle Busch incident,” Elliott said. “Chastain and Busch are two of NASCAR’s biggest personalities. They’re unlike any other driver. They’re also unliked by any other driver.”

3. Denny Hamlin: Hamlin’s day ended early at Sonoma when his engine blew on Lap 2. He finished last in the 38-car field.

“I’m not used to saying this,” Hamlin said, “but ‘I just beat your favorite driver (to our respective hauler for the post-race shower.)'”

4. Christopher Bell: Bell started 15th and finished ninth in the Toyota/Save Mart 350.

“I was the only Joe Gibbs Racing driver in the top 10,” Bell said. “In fact, Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs finished last and next to last, respectively. Joe Gibbs is outraged that Denny’s engine blew so early. As far as his grandson Ty’s plight, well, he’s just ‘relatively’ upset.”

5. Brad Keselowski: Keselowski finished 13th at Sonoma.

“The race featured two Australian Supercar drivers,” Keselowski said, “Will Brown and Cam Waters. Those guys finished 31st and 35th, respectively, which is well ‘down under’ where they’d have to finish for me to view them as threats.”

6. Ryan Blaney: Blaney finished seventh at Sonoma, posting his sixth top 10 of the year.

“The first half of the race was pure chaos,” Blaney said. “Incidentally, the term ‘pure chaos’ is the exact opposite of my father Dave Blaney, a man who’s so laid back he’s prone.”

7. Ty Gibbs: Gibbs smashed the Turn 11 wall on Lap 16, damaging his right front beyond repair and ending his day. He finished 37th.

“I consider myself a pretty good road course racer,” Gibbs said. “So the only thing more damaged than my car is my ego.”

8. Tyler Reddick: Reddick finished eighth in the Toyota/Save Mart 350.

“I led the most laps of any driver,” Reddick said. “And all I have to show for it is a measly top-10 finish, and a lousy t-shirt.”

9. Martin Truex Jr.: Truex ran out of fuel on the final lap with the finish line in sight. Instead of taking the runner-up spot, Truex finished a disappointing 27th.

“If I had to give us a letter grade on the day,” Truex said, “I would give us an ‘E.'”

10. William Byron: Byron had an eventful day at Sonoma, with a number of issues leading to a 30th-place finish.

“It was just one of those days,” Byron said. “I think we’ve all had one of those days, or something similar. Kyle Busch had ‘1’ of those days at Sonoma when he was dumped by Ross Chastain.”

Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series Race Report – Sonoma

By
Official Release
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Save Mart 350 – Sonoma Raceway
Sonoma, CA – June 9, 2024

AUSTIN CINDRIC No. 2 AMERICA’S TIRE FORD MUSTANG

START: 28TH STAGE ONE: 14TH STAGE TWO: 22ND FINISH: 22ND POINTS: 18TH

RACE RUNDOWN: Austin Cindric started 28th and finished 22nd in an eventful 110-lap race at Sonoma Raceway in California. Following a win last week in St. Louis, hopes were high for the Mooresville, NC native heading into the second road course race of 2024. Stage 1 started off with multiple incidents that Cindric managed to avoid and brought the America’s Tire Ford home in the 14th position in Stage 1. Stage 2 would unfortunately see Cindric’s day take a downturn. A high-speed spin on lap 31 at turn one and multi-car incident on lap 40 would see any track position made up immediately lost again. Cindric would finish Stage 2 in the 22nd position. The final stage would see Cindric go for a third and final spin with three laps remaining. The America’s Tire Ford would soldier home for a 22nd-place finish. While certainly not the result the team wanted, Cindric and the No. 2 crew will look to rebound next week at Iowa Speedway – a track where he scored his first Xfinity Series pole in 2018.

CINDRIC’S THOUGHTS: “Definitely wasn’t the day we were expecting and we had to fight through a lot of adversity early on. Track position is so important at these places – especially with how these restarts can unfold – but this No. 2 America’s Tire team didn’t give in. We’ll take what we can from today and start looking ahead to Iowa.”

RYAN BLANEY No. 12 MENARDS/MOEN FORD MUSTANG

START: 3RD STAGE ONE: 2ND STAGE TWO: 30TH FINISH: 7TH POINTS: 12TH

RACE RUNDOWN: Ryan Blaney came away with a seventh-place finish Sunday at Sonoma Raceway, marking his fourth-career top-10 finish at the 1.99-mile road course. After starting third, Blaney raced inside the top-five for the entirety of the opening stage as the 12 team opted to stay out during each of the three cautions in the 25-lap segment, culminating in a second-place finish in Stage 1. Blaney took the green flag at the start of Stage 2 from row one and continued his battle with the No. 45 for the race lead, but three cautions within the first 15 laps of the segment halted any forward momentum. Crew chief Jonathan Hassler eventually brought Blaney to pit road for the first time with four laps to go in the stage while running third as all the leaders pitted within the same two laps in order to stay out during the caution, resulting in a 30th-place result in Stage 2. With few teams opting to hit pit road during the stage break, Hassler called the Menards/Moen Ford to pit road to top off on fuel before the final run of the afternoon while restarting from 29th. Despite battling issues with rear grip on the ensuing run, Blaney worked his way back into the top-10 by lap 70 and was scored third before making his way to pit road under green with 27 laps to go for the final stop of the day. Blaney blended back onto the racing surface in 19th, but eventually made his way into the top-10 with seven laps to go before picking up an additional three spots in the final four laps to secure a seventh-place finish.

BLANEY’S THOUGHTS: “Up and down day for our 12 team, for sure. I think the number of early cautions forced our hand with the strategy and we did a good job adjusting to that to keep us in contention in the final two stages. It’s tough coming back up through the field here but proud of the guys for staying on it all day to come away with a top-10.”

JOEY LOGANO No. 22 AUTOTRADER FORD MUSTANG

START: 1ST STAGE ONE: 30TH STAGE TWO: 9TH FINISH: 21ST POINTS: 16TH

RACE RUNDOWN: After picking up his 31st-career Cup Series pole on Saturday, Joey Logano and the No. 22 Autotrader Ford Mustang led the first 16 laps Sunday at Sonoma but a multi-car incident in Stage 1 marred the rest of the afternoon, resulting in a 21st-place finish. Logano paced the field from the drop of the green flag up until the second caution of the day on lap 16 as the Autotrader Ford was brought to pit road under yellow for a four tire stop before lining up 21st for the ensuing restart. As the field made its way down through the esses, several cars went spinning in front of Logano and the No. 14 slid back across the racing surface, clipping the right rear of the No. 22. Logano made a pair of stops under caution as the 22 team worked to make repairs, culminating in a 30th-place finish in Stage 1. Logano made two more trips to pit road during the stage break to continue working on the right side before lining up to restart for Stage 2. Three cautions in the opening laps of the segment saw Logano jump to 15th in the running order by lap 40 and eventually made his way back inside the top-10 as the green flag pit cycle began in the closing laps of the stage, resulting in a ninth-place finish in Stage 2. Logano began the final stage from ninth after staying out under yellow and was called to pit road early in the run on lap 68 for the final stop of the day before ultimately settling for a 21st-place finish.

LOGANO’S THOUGHTS: “Unfortunate end to our weekend in Sonoma especially with the speed we showed the last two days. Anything can happen on these restarts and it was just wrong place, wrong time for us after trying to flip the strategy on everyone up front. Still proud of the effort from the 22 crew to keep after it all day long despite the early setback there.”

Iowa Speedway hosts its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race next Sunday, June 16. Race coverage begins coverage at 7:00 p.m. ET on USA, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Buescher Nearly Wins, Finishes P3 in Sonoma to Lead RFK

By
Official Release
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Keselowski Finishes 13th, Waters DNF After Promising Start on Road Course

SONOMA, Calif. (June 9, 2024) – Chris Buescher led the second-most laps of any driver Sunday at Sonoma Raceway, won stage two and nearly lasted for the race win, before finishing third in the BuildSubmarines.com Ford.

Brad Keselowski put together a solid day, also with stage points, to finish 13th. Cam Waters unfortunately did not finish in his NASCAR Cup Series debut after being collected in a multi-car incident, despite a strong start.

“It was really good strategy on the day and an awesome finish,” Buescher said after the race. “I wasn’t quite able to hold the lead there and that bums me out, I was trying. I’ve got to be better and ultimately figure out how to make that last a little bit longer, but our team did a really nice job.

“To start where we did and finish right here at the front with our BuildSubmarines.com Ford Mustang, I’m really proud of that. Just another close one at the end of the day.”

The top three finish for Buescher marks the fifth-straight race an RFK car has finished inside the top three, and his best since P2 in Kansas.

6 Recap
Keselowski – carrying the banner for King’s Hawaiian and Despicable Me 4 – had arguably the best rebound of any driver, coming back from a 35th-place starting spot. The opening segments of the race saw eight total cautions in the first two stages alone, as the longest green flag run within the first 41 laps stood at just 13.

The No. 6 pitted twice in the opening stage, setting up a strategy play for later. He finished 27th to end the first stage and fired off 22nd to begin the second. Then, at lap 35, a multi-car incident occurred in turn 11, one that blocked the track and trapped Keselowski in 33rd. He stayed out in the caution break though, setting him up 18th on the ensuing restart.

He restarted 16th for the final restart of the stage at lap 42, then, as the lead cars were forced to pit to end the stage, Keselowski remained on track, regaining track position to ultimately earn stage points and finish sixth.

He and teammate Buescher restarted the third stage sixth and first, respectively, at lap 59 to begin the final run to the checkered. With one more stop needed, Keselowski remained on track for as long as possible, ultimately pitting again for the final time at lap 64 from sixth, before going on to finish 13th.

17 Recap
Buescher and the No. 17 team utilized a similar strategy to the No. 6 to start the race as the BuildSubmarines.com Ford had to rebound from 26th on the grid. He finished the first stage in 28th after pitting just once in the opening run.

The No. 17 rolled 24th to start stage two and worked his way up to 17th just five laps later on a restart. He skated through the incident at lap 35, advancing to 11th. A few laps later he got into the top-10 for the first time all day, restarting 10th with 13 laps remaining in the stage at lap 42.

He was the first car on different strategy, meaning when the lead cars pitted in the closing laps of the stage, Buescher inherited the lead for the final two laps to win the stage, earning a playoff point. He stayed out in the stage break and led the field back to green to begin stage three, ultimately hitting pit road for fuel at lap 68.

He again took the lead at lap 84 after another pit cycle occurred, and this time led for 17 laps before the No. 19 and No. 5 took over. He went on to finish third after the 19 ran out of fuel in the final lap, securing the top three result.

60 Recap
Waters made the most of his Cup debut despite the circumstances and was in line to inherit a top five position until an incident out of his control ultimately severely damaged the No. 60 AUKUS/BuildSubmarines.com Ford.

Waters – the Australian native – began the day from 31st and elected to pit early at lap 16 during one of the several cautions to begin the afternoon. With that strategy in play, Waters was able to slowly check off track position throughout the flurry of cautions. He worked his way to 18th by lap 20, and up to 18th to end the first stage.

He fired off 16th to begin stage two, restarted just outside the top-10 at lap 34, and was in line to gain more track position due to strategy, before chaos ensued the next lap. The No. 4 was forced into a host of cars into turn 11 on lap 35, which ultimately created a traffic jam where Waters sustained front-end damage. Despite the damage and not knowing how the car would run, Waters bounced back to finish the second stage in 21st.

However, as the laps ticked away, the right front and steering proved to be too damaged, forcing Waters to retire the car early.

“I had so much fun,” Waters said following his race. “This weekend and the whole experience coming to a road course in a Cup car was sensational. I had so much fun and I can’t thank everyone enough for making that happen. The start of the race, I took it easy the first couple of laps and then I pressed on and tried to pass some cars.

“The car was super fast. It could absolutely make some ground passing cars, which was really good. The cautions fell our way a bit and I guess effectively we were right up there somewhere. It was all looking really good.”

Up Next
Iowa Speedway hosts the NASCAR Cup Series for the first time ever next weekend with a night race on tap. Race coverage next Sunday is set for 7 p.m. ET on USA, with radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

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.

RCR NCS Race Recap: Sonoma Raceway

By
Official Release
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Top-10 Run For Austin Dillon and The No. 3 Get Bioethanol Chevrolet Team Slowed By On-Track Incident at Sonoma Raceway

Finish: 36th
Start: 16th
Points: 31st

“Our RCR team brought a fast Get Bioethanol Chevrolet to Sonoma Raceway today. We had a solid strategy playing out in Stage 2 and we may have been able to outlast the leaders on fuel. We planned to run to the end, come to pit road, take tires and fuel, and restart the final stage inside the top 10. We didn’t get a chance to show what we were capable of. We were racing in the ninth position when we were caught up in the mess. The No. 60 car got me into the No. 23 car going into turn 10, causing us to be three-wide going into Turn 11. The No. 4 and No. 43 cars collided going into Turn 11, and that caused a chain reaction with a few cars. Our team did a great job on pit road trying to repair it, but the damage was too severe, and we had to take it to the garage. We will move on and head to Iowa Speedway next weekend.” -Austin Dillon

Kyle Busch And The zone Chevrolet Team Credited With 12th-Place Finish after Last Lap Spin at Sonoma Raceway

Finish: 12th
Start: 29th
Points: 15th

“Randall Burnett and all the guys on the zone Chevrolet team came up with a great strategy today that put us in position to score a top-five finish. Early in the race I thought I broke something on the right-front but we had a damaged wheel. We lost track position but our strategy kept us in the game. A couple of guys there at the end of the race had better tires than we did but we were going to have a good day. Unfortunately, one of those guys got into us on the last lap and ruined our day. It’s frustrating to not get the finish that we deserved.” -Kyle Busch

Will Brown Makes First Career NASCAR Cup Series Start in the No. 33 MobileX / Shaw and Partners Chevrolet at Sonoma Raceway

Finish: 31st
Start: 24th
Points: N/A

“It was a great experience to make my first NASCAR Cup Series start in the No. 33 MobileX / Shaw and Partners Chevrolet. I really enjoyed the racing and to be honest, it was very similar to our racing back home in SuperCars. It was a disappointing result for sure. I think we were running quite well at the start and able to make up ground. I started to smell an electrical fire inside the car before the end of Stage 1. I wasn’t sure if it was my car and then I started to see fumes behind the dash. I was hoping it would last, but it was obviously something similar to the issue yesterday in qualifying. I shut off everything and unfortunately with the way the race played out, there weren’t any cautions at the end to get our laps back. It’s disappointing but that is racing at the end of the day.” -Will Brown

Kaulig Racing – Race Recap | Toyota / Save Mart 350

By
Official Release
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AJ ALLMENDINGER
No. 16 Cirkul Camaro ZL1

  • AJ Allmendinger qualified 11th for the Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway.
  • When the first caution came on lap three, Allmendinger was running 10th and reported his No. 16 Cirkul Chevy fired off well. After the restart, Allmendinger drove up to eighth place by lap 12, reporting he was starting to feel free laterally. The next caution came out on lap 17 and Allmendinger told crew chief, Travis Mack, his car was better in clear air compared to the cars in front of him. The team came to pit road under caution for four tires, fuel and an air pressure adjustment. Allmendinger restarted in 22nd with seven to go in the opening stage. The No. 16 went on to finish stage one in 15th place.
  • During the stage break, the No. 16 Cirkul Chevy would not re-fire. After falling back to 31st, the team came to pit road for four tires and fuel. Allmendinger restarted in 27th on lap 31. On lap 35, Allmendinger avoided a large wreck in turn 11, gaining 10 spots. The No. 16 restarted in 11th on lap 39. As cars started to make green flag pit stops at the end of stage two, Allmendinger drove up to fifth before the stage end, earning six stage points.
  • The No. 16 stayed out during the stage break and restarted in fifth place. Allmendinger continued to gain positions taking over third before the leaders in front of him came to pit road. Allmendinger took over the lead on lap 68 and maintained the lead until lap 71 when the team came to pit road for a scheduled green-flag pit stop. After exiting pit road, Allmendinger drove up to eighth by lap 77 and by lap 83, the No. 16 was scored in sixth place. After battling hard with the No. 8, Allmendinger reported from fifth place on lap 86 he had used up his rear tires. Allmendinger went on to finish in sixth.

“We had a really fast Cirkul Chevy. Travis [Mack] did a great job with strategy with everything that happened adversity wise. I thought overall we maximized our day. If everything fell right, we could have and a top-five finish, but we’re happy with the result.” – AJ Allmendinger  

DANIEL HEMRIC
No. 31 Cirkul Camaro ZL1

  • Daniel Hemric qualified 34th for the Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway.
  • The first caution of the day came out after only three laps complete, and Hemric pitted to top off with fuel in the No. 31 Cirkul Camaro ZL1. Restarting 35th, Hemric gained two spots when the second caution fell on lap 17. Another caution fell after the restart, and Hemric found himself sitting in 27th, before restarting 25th with three laps to go in the stage. He went on to finish 29th in the opening stage.
  • Hemric radioed that the No. 31 Chevy lacked grip overall, and crew chief, Trent Owens, made the call to pit for four tires and fuel during the first stage break. He started the second stage from 30th, before an early caution fell on lap 33. Hemric stayed out and avoided mayhem after the restart, before shaking out to 18th. The green flag came back out on lap 39. After avoiding another spin, Hemric restarted 18th with 13 to go in the stage. He went on to finish the second stage in 12th.
  • Hemric stayed out during the stage break and worked his way up to 11th during the first few laps of the final stage. He made his final, scheduled pit stop on lap 69 for tires and fuel, before cycling out to 22nd place. Hemric spun out with 11 laps to go, forcing him to pit for tires, as the field stayed green. He went on to finish 28th.

“We had a good day going for us, until my tires went away there at the end and I spun with about 10 to go. It’s unfortunate to finish the day like this after such a solid run, but I’m proud of the No. 31 Cirkul team for finding a good bit of speed from where we started the weekend in practice.” – Daniel Hemric  

 

About Kaulig Racing

Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time, multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has earned 23 NXS wins, made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started, and won two regular-season championships. In 2021, the team competed in select NCS events, before expanding to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 and adding a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. Since its first NCS start in 2021, the team has earned two wins. Kaulig Racing is currently fielding two full-time entries in the NCS and continues to field three full-time NXS entries, with a part-time fourth entry at select events. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

Essential Tips for Shipping Your Car from the USA to Canada for Work Relocation

By
SM
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Photo by beuwy.com Alexander Pütter on Unsplash

Moving to a new country for work can be both exhilarating and daunting. Shipping a car across international borders is a significant task among the many logistics to manage. Ensuring the vehicle makes it to one’s new home without issues requires careful planning and understanding of the process. This guide aims to ease one’s concerns and provide a comprehensive plan for shipping a car from the USA to Canada.

Here are some essential tips for successfully shipping car to Canada. This column will cover everything from selecting a reliable shipping company to final steps like registration and insurance. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth transition for both you and your car.

Research and Choose a Reliable Shipping Company

Finding a reputable shipping company is the first and most crucial step. Look for companies that specialize in cross-border vehicle transportation, especially those that know how to import japan cars to australia efficiently. Check multiple customer reviews and ratings to gauge their reliability. Ensure the company has experience with customs regulations and documentation for international shipping.

Understand the Costs Involved

Shipping a car across borders involves various costs, including transporting fees, import duties, taxes, and insurance. Request detailed quotes from multiple transporting companies to compare prices. Please consider additional expenses such as customs clearance, vehicle inspection fees, and any modifications that are required to meet Canadian standards.

Prepare the Necessary Documentation

Proper documentation is essential for hassle-free transporting. Gather all necessary paperwork, including your vehicle’s title, bill of sale, and proof of ownership. You must also provide a copy of your passport and work visa. Ensure all documents are appropriate and up-to-date to avoid delays at the border.

Ensure Your Vehicle Meets Canadian Standards

Verify that your vehicle complies with Canadian safety and emission standards. Some modifications may be necessary, such as installing daytime running lights. Contact the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) for specific requirements and guidelines.

Clean and Inspect Your Vehicle

Thoroughly clean your car, both inside and out. A clean automobile is easier to inspect and reduces the risk of pests or contaminants crossing the border. Conduct a detailed inspection, noting any existing damages. Take photographs for your records and to compare the condition upon arrival.

Disable Alarms and Remove Personal Items

Disable any car alarms to prevent them from activating during transit. Remove all personal items from your vehicle, as they are not insured during the transportation. Personal belongings can also add weight, increasing costs and complicating customs inspections.

Understand the Customs Clearance Process

Upon arrival in Canada, your vehicle will go through customs clearance. Be prepared to present all required documentation and pay any applicable duties and taxes. Cooperate with customs officials and provide any additional information they may request.

Register Your Vehicle in Canada

After clearing customs, you must register your vehicle with the local authorities. Visit a licensing office in your province to complete the registration process. You must provide proof of insurance, a safety inspection certificate, and all import documents.

Obtain Canadian Auto Insurance

Driving in Canada requires valid auto insurance. Contact an insurance provider to obtain coverage that meets Canadian requirements. Compare different policies to find the best coverage options and rates for your needs.

Stay Informed about Import Regulations

Import regulations can change, so it’s essential to stay updated. Regularly check the Canadian government’s official website for any changes in import policies or requirements. Staying informed will help you avoid several unexpected issues during the shipping process.

Shipping a car to Canada for work relocation involves careful planning and attention to detail. By following these essential tips mentioned in this column, you can ensure a problem-free transition for both you and your vehicle. Prepare thoroughly, stay organized, and soon you’ll be efficiently driving your car on Canadian roads.

The Roar of American Glasspack Mufflers: A Look at the Top Manufacturers

By
SM
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For decades, the distinctive growl of glasspack mufflers has been a defining feature of American muscle cars and hot rods. These mufflers, known for their straight-through design and aggressive sound, have carved out a unique niche in the automotive world. In this article, we delve into the world of American glasspack mufflers and highlight some of the most popular manufacturers that continue to set the standard in performance and sound.

What Are Glasspack Mufflers?

Glasspack mufflers, often called “glass packs,” are exhaust mufflers designed to reduce backpressure and enhance engine performance. Their straight-through design features a perforated tube surrounded by fiberglass packing, which absorbs sound waves and produces a deep, resonant exhaust note. This combination increases horsepower, improved fuel efficiency, and the iconic, throaty roar that car enthusiasts love.

Cherry Bomb: Disturbing the Peace Since 1968

Cherry Bomb is a name that stands out regarding glasspack mufflers. Since its inception in 1968, Cherry Bomb has been synonymous with high-performance exhaust systems. Their Cherry Bomb glasspack mufflers are renowned for their distinctive red casing and aggressive sound.

Designed for various vehicles, from classic muscle cars to modern trucks and SUVs, Cherry Bomb continues to be a favorite among car enthusiasts looking for that signature exhaust note.

Flowtech: Performance and Affordability

Flowtech is another prominent player in the glasspack muffler market. Known for its balance of performance and affordability, Flowtech offers a range of glasspack mufflers for classic and contemporary vehicles. Their mufflers are designed to deliver a powerful exhaust note while optimizing engine performance.

Flowtech’s commitment to quality and value has made it popular for automotive enthusiasts seeking reliable, cost-effective exhaust solutions.

Thrush: Classic Sound, Modern Performance

With a legacy dating back to the early days of hot rodding, Thrush has built a reputation for producing high-quality glasspack mufflers that deliver a classic sound with modern performance benefits. Thrush Glasspack mufflers feature a straight-through design that reduces backpressure and enhances exhaust flow, resulting in improved horsepower and a distinctive rumble.

Available in various lengths and diameters, Thrush mufflers are designed to fit a wide range of vehicles, making them a versatile option for any car enthusiast.

Dynomax: Engineering Excellence

Dynomax is known for its engineering excellence and commitment to performance. Their glasspack mufflers use advanced technologies to provide maximum exhaust flow and minimal back pressure. The result is a muffler that sounds great and enhances engine efficiency and power.

Dynomax’s glasspack mufflers are crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance. Their innovative designs make them a top choice for upgrading their vehicle’s exhaust system.

Hooker: Racing Heritage

With a strong racing heritage, Hooker Headers has long been a respected name in the performance exhaust industry. Their glasspack mufflers are engineered to deliver the aggressive sound and high performance that racers and car enthusiasts demand.

Hooker’s attention to detail and use of premium materials ensure that their glasspack mufflers provide optimal exhaust flow and durability. Whether you’re building a street rod or a race car, Hooker’s glasspack mufflers offer the performance and sound to match your needs.

Patriot Exhaust: Custom Solutions

Patriot Exhaust is known for offering custom exhaust solutions that cater to the specific needs of car builders and enthusiasts. Their glasspack mufflers are designed to provide a deep, throaty exhaust note while enhancing engine performance.

Patriot Exhaust allows customization with various sizes and configurations to achieve the desired sound and performance characteristics. Their dedication to quality and innovation makes them popular for those seeking a unique exhaust setup.

The world of American glasspack mufflers is rich with history, innovation, and performance. Manufacturers like Cherry Bomb, Flowtech, Thrush, Dynomax, Hooker, and Patriot Exhaust continue to lead the way, offering high-quality products that deliver the sound and performance car enthusiasts crave. Whether you’re restoring a classic muscle car or enhancing a modern vehicle, these manufacturers provide a range of options to suit your needs. Embrace the roar and power of glasspack mufflers, and let your engine’s authentic voice be heard on the open road.

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