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Gainbridge, Spire Motorsports Partner with Iowa Athletics for Iowa Corn 350

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Official Release
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Corey LaJoie to steer No. 7 Gainbridge/Iowa Hawkeyes Chevrolet

IOWA CITY, Iowa (June 11, 2024) – Gainbridge®, Spire Motorsports, and the University of Iowa Athletics Department and Learfield’s Hawkeye Sports Properties announced Corey LaJoie will drive a special Iowa Hawkeyes-themed paint scheme in the June 16 NASCAR Cup Series’ Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol at Iowa Speedway. The No. 7 Gainbridge/Iowa Hawkeyes Chevrolet will take the track featuring special black and gold striping with the Iowa Hawkeyes athletics logo on the hood and the athletics website on the rear TV panel.

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. Gainbridge® is also an anchor partner of Spire Motorsports and the primary sponsor of LaJoie’s No. 7 Chevrolet. All Iowa Athletics sponsorship agreements are managed by its multimedia rights holder Hawkeye Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield, the media and technology company powering college athletics.

“The No. 7 is extra special this weekend as we bring together two unique sports properties from our portfolio and give Iowans a home-state car to pull for in the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway,” said Mike Nichols, Chief of Sponsorship and Activation at Group 1001. “From Caitlin Clark to now this, Gainbridge® has stepped up to support Iowa athletics and we hope that all of Iowa will rally around Corey LaJoie and cheer him on to victory lane.”

“The NASCAR event at Iowa Speedway is a marquee event for the state and we’re thankful that Gainbridge® is shining a big spotlight on Learfield and Iowa athletics,” said Gabe Aguirre, Vice President & General Manager, Hawkeye Sports Properties. “We’re all rooting for Corey LaJoie in that No. 7.”

The Iowa Corn 350 powered by Ethanol 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.

About Gainbridge® …
Founded in 2018, Gainbridge® is an insurtech subsidiary of Group 1001 that empowers consumers to take control of their financial future with solutions that are accessible to everyone, no matter their budget or financial knowledge. Its platform provides access to financial products that are simple, intuitive, and backed by smart technology with no complexity or hidden fees. Gainbridge® is headquartered in Zionsville, Indiana. For more information, visit www.gainbridge.io or follow and connect with us on X and LinkedIn.

About Learfield …
Learfield is a diversified and influential media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.

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.

RFK Advance | Iowa

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Official Release
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Iowa Event Info:
Date: Sunday, June 16
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Newton, Iowa
Format: 350 Laps, 306.25 Miles, Stages: 70-140-140
TV: USA
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Friday: 5:35 p.m. ET, Practice (USA, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 1:05 p.m. ET, Qualifying (USA, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 7 p.m. ET, Race (USA, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • Iowa Speedway hosts the NASCAR Cup Series for the first time in its history this weekend as the NCS starts embark on a 350-lap race Sunday night.
  • Despite no Cup races there, both RFK drivers have a leg up at the 7/8-mile track as both have visited victory lane in the Xfinity Series. Brad Keselowski won the first-ever NXS race at Iowa back in 2009 and went on to win three times, while Chris Buescher won with Jack Roush in 2015 at the track, with current crew chief Scott Graves atop the box.
  • Overall RFK has five wins at Iowa, the most recent coming less than a decade ago with Buescher.

6 Team Info:
Crew Chief: Matt McCall
Partner: King’s Hawaiian / Casey’s

17 Team Info:
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: Fastenal

Keselowski at Iowa (Xfinity Series Stats)
Starts: 7
Wins: 3 (2009, 2013, 2014)
Top-10s: 7
Poles: —

  • Keselowski was the first winner in the Xfinity Series at Iowa, taking home the inaugural trophy back in 2009. He led 121 laps and drove the No. 88 for JR Motorsports to victory lane, his first of three NXS trophies at the track.
  • He went on to win again in back-to-back seasons in 2013-14, and finished top-8 in every race he ran there, the last coming in 2016.
  • With the Cup Series’ first visit to the 7/8-mile track, Keselowski is coming off a recent test at Iowa less than a month ago, one of the few drivers now to have turned laps in a Cup car.

Buescher at Iowa (Xfinity Series Stats)
Starts: 4
Wins: 1 (2015)
Top-10s: 1
Poles: —

  • Buescher won at Iowa back in 2015 for Jack Roush in the No. 60 in one of his four NXS starts at the track. That season marked his most recent action at the track.
  • He also made four starts in ARCA from 2009-12, earning a pair of top fives.

RFK Historically at Iowa
Wins: 5 (Ricky Stenhouse Jr., 2011 twice, 2012; Trevor Bayne, 2013; Chris Buescher, 2015)

  • Stenhouse Finds First in Iowa: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. picked up his first Xfinity Series win at Iowa back in 2011, sweeping both races as the series at the time competed there in May and August. The next season he won again, as three of his eight career NXS wins all-time came at the 7/8-mile track.
  • Bayne Breaks Through in 2013: Trevor Bayne continued the winning tradition with the No. 6 in victory lane at Iowa, winning the first race of the 2013 campaign at Iowa. It marked his second Xfinity Series win of his career.
  • Buescher Victorius in 2015: Buescher started fourth in the 2015 race, led 94 laps and won in the No. 60 entry for Jack Roush in what was one of his two wins in his Xfinity Championship season.

RFK Iowa Wins

2011 Stenhouse Xfinity
2011 Stenhouse Xfinity
2012 Stenhouse Xfinity
2013 Bayne Xfinity
2015 Buescher Xfinity

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Sonoma: Buescher led the second-most laps of any driver, won stage two and nearly won the race before finishing third, his third-straight top-5 at the track. Keselowski earned stage two points and picked up a P13 finish.

Points Standings (6: 7th, 17: 13th): RFK had one of the best points days of the season last Sunday at Sonoma as both drivers earned stage points and ultimately advanced positions in the standings. Keselowski jumped two spots to seventh as now just a point separates the No. 6, 54 and 20. Buescher advanced one position to 13th, but more importantly increased his gap to 14th by now 24 points.

New England Linebacker Matthew Judon Named Honorary Pace Car Driver for USA TODAY 301

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Official Release
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The four-time Pro Bowler will lead the field to green for New England’s only NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, June 23 at 2:30 p.m. at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

LOUDON, N.H. – On Sunday, June 23, Matthew Judon, linebacker for New England, will get behind the wheel of the official Toyota Camry XSE pace car as he leads 36 of NASCAR’s best to the green flag for the USA TODAY 301 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS).

“Driving the pace car at a NASCAR race is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said 31-year-old Judon. “I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and lead NASCAR’s stars to the green flag at ‘The Magic Mile’ for the USA TODAY 301 NASCAR Cup Series race on June 23.”

Six-foot-three-inch Judon will enter his fourth season with New England this year after being signed as an unrestricted free agent from Baltimore in 2021. The West Bloomfield, Mich. native has earned four Pro Bowl invitations (2019 – 2022), was named to the All-AFC Team for the Professional Football Writers of America (2019, 2021 and 2022), was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week (2017 and 2022) and reached a career-high 15 ½ sacks in 2022 putting him at the top of the list for most New England sacks since 2000.

In 2023, Judon was limited to four games with two starts due to injury. He recorded 13 tackles, four sacks for a loss of 25 yards, nine quarterback hits, five tackles for loss and a safety.

“He’s a leader on the football field, and I can’t wait to see him lead the field of NASCAR’s stars to the green flag at New Hampshire Motor Speedway,” said New Hampshire Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager David McGrath. “We’re proud to put him behind the wheel of the official Toyota Camry XSE pace car and welcome him to ‘The Magic Mile’ on June 23.”

Two-time Super Bowl winner and New England co-captain David Andrews (July 2022), wide receiver and All-Pro punt returner Gunner Olszewski (July 2021), safety Patrick Chung (July 2018), offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels (July 2017), offensive tackle Matt Light (September 2016), linebacker Rob Ninkovich (July 2015) and wide receiver Julian Edelman (July 2014) have all served as pace car drivers, making Judon the eighth member of the professional New England football team to get behind the wheel of the official Toyota Camry XSE pace car for a NCS race at NHMS. Other notable pace car drivers include Boston Bruins forward Chris Wagner (July 2019), Richard Rawlings of Discovery Channel’s “Fast N’ Loud” (September 2017), Dave Matthews Band bassist Stefan Lessard (July 2016), Olympic triathlete Sarah True (September 2015) and Boston Bruins legend Brad Park (September 2014).

New England’s only NASCAR weekend is June 21-23 at NHMS. On-track action kicks off Friday with practice and qualifying sessions for the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) and Whelen Modified Tour (NWMT) plus SIG SAUER Academy Dirt Duels at The Flat Track. The action continues with NCS qualifying, the SciAps 200 NXS race and Mohegan Sun 100 NWMT race on Doubleheader Saturday and culminates with the NCS taking on “The Magic Mile” Sunday for the USA TODAY 301. Don’t miss all of the exciting off-track action including Trackside Live with Kenny Wallace and John Roberts, The Groove fan hangout, concerts from Dirty Deeds and Draw the Line, family movie night featuring “Guardians of the Galaxy,” driver appearances, a variety of live performances, fireworks and much more.

For a NASCAR weekend schedule, visit NHMS.com/Events/NASCAR-Cup-Series/Schedule/.

Tickets:

Log on to NHMS.com for tickets and more information on the weekend’s lineup of action-packed racing. Tickets for SIG SAUER Academy Dirt Duels start at just $25 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Tickets for Doubleheader Saturday, featuring the SciAps 200 NXS race and the Mohegan Sun 100 NWMT race, start at just $49 for adults while kids 12 and under are free. Sunday’s USA TODAY 301 NCS race tickets start at just $64 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Further details can be found on the NHMS website or by calling 833-4LOUDON.

Follow Us:

Keep track of all of New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s events by following on Facebook (@NHMotorSpeedway), Twitter (@NHMS) and Instagram (@NHMS). Keep up with all the latest information on the speedway website (NHMS.com) and mobile app.

GMG Racing’s Washington and Sofronas Combine for Masters Class Podium and Pro-Am Victory in Montreal Porsche Carrera Cup

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Official Release
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  • Kyle Washington Secures Second Masters Class Carrera Cup Podium Finish of the Season in His No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
  • James Sofronas Adds Carrera Cup Pro-Am Victory in Montreal to Season-Opening Race Win in Sebring in His No. 14 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada (June 10, 2024) – For the second time this season, GMG Racing’s Kyle Washington and James Sofronas combined for a Masters division podium and Pro-Am class victory in IMSA Carrera Cup North America by Yokohama competition in a wet and chaotic 40-minute race Saturday at the Canadian Grand Prix Formula 1 race in Montreal.

Replicating their collective performance in March’s season-opening doubleheader at Sebring International Raceway, Washington finished third in Masters in his No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup while Sofronas scored his second Pro-Am victory of the season in the No. 14 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.

Decisive driving in the race’s only two green-flag laps proved to be key to the twin podium results for both Washington and Sofronas. The race was run in damp conditions throughout, started behind the safety car for one lap, and was green for just laps two and three before a full-course caution was shown for declining track conditions.

That was all the time Sofronas needed to pull off the winning Pro-Am pass just before the yellow flag waved. A red-flag period soon followed for a full-field switch to wet-weather Yokohamas, but after a 20-minute stoppage, attempts to return to green-flag racing conditions under more yellow flag laps were unsuccessful. The time-certain race ended the way it started: behind the safety car.

“I usually try to make a move right away in any sprint race, but it was absolutely necessary on Saturday,” said Sofronas, the Founder and Principal of GMG Racing. “When I saw the yellow right after taking the lead, I was really relieved, but I honestly would have loved to have been able to race in full and flat out green conditions. Montreal is a great race in front of some of the most enthusiastic race fans in the world and we all came a long way to put on a show for them.”

Washington’s green-flag time was spent defending his third-place starting and on-track position, which he capably did for his second career Carrera Cup podium on a Formula 1 race weekend. Washington also finished third in a Carrera Cup sprint supporting last year’s Grand Prix of Miami F1 race.

“I couldn’t see how Kyle was doing behind me, but just staying on track in those conditions, let alone defending your position or pulling off a pass, is so difficult,” Sofronas said. “He did a great job, and it is awesome to leave our only appearance in Canada with the podium and victory. The only bummer was not having our friend and teammate Ofir Levy on track with us. He was uninjured in a contact incident in opening practice on Friday, but his car was too damaged to continue on with the weekend. We know he will bounce back, however, and we are already looking ahead to his next race.”

Next up for GMG Racing in single-make Porsche series competition is the Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West event at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, June 21 – 23, where the team is planning to field four Type 992 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup entries.

About GMG Racing: Founded in 2001, GMG Racing quickly established itself as North America’s premier performance tuning facility. What began as a small 1,200 sq. ft. shop, maintaining two race cars, has grown into a 30,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art performance tuning, racing and service facility located in Santa Ana, California in Orange County and with a trackside motorsports facility at 28,000 sq. ft. currently being built at The Thermal Club. The staff, attention to detail, and passion are what make GMG the choice of professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. GMG, in its early years, was located directly across the street from Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA). This close proximity allowed GMG to build a strong relationship with the legendary racing brand which has helped us support our customers to the highest level possible. From club racing to Sebring, Daytona and Spa, GMG can take you as far as you want to go. More information can be found at www.gmgracing.com.

What Is The Toto Major Sites? Why Should People Consider Them?

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SM
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Photo by Sergey Zolkin on Unsplash

Toto Major Sites provide an abundance of chances and experiences for gamers seeking thrills and amusement in the realm of online gambling. Toto Major Sites offer a complete and enjoyable gaming experience that will fascinate and inspire gamers from various backgrounds and interests. Toto Major Sites’ virtual platforms provide a wealth of gaming and betting alternatives for users all over the world. 

Understanding Toto Major Sites

Toto Major Sites are online betting platforms that serve as virtual hubs for enthusiasts seeking excitement and entertainment in the world of online gambling. These sites offer a diverse range of gaming options, including traditional 메이저사이트, sports betting, live dealer games, esports betting, and more. With their user-friendly interfaces, immersive graphics, and seamless gameplay, Toto Major Sites provide an engaging and dynamic gaming experience for players of all skill levels and interests.

Why Consider Toto Major Sites?

There are several compelling reasons why people should consider exploring Toto Major Sites for their online gambling needs. Here are some reasons, such as:

Wide Range of Games

One of the most appealing aspects of Toto Major Sites is the wide range of games they offer. From classic 메이저사이트 like slots, blackjack, and roulette to innovative new titles and niche offerings, Toto Major Sites cater to a diverse array of gaming preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the world of online gambling, you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes and interests on a Toto Major Site.

Convenience and Accessibility

Another key advantage of Toto Major Sites is their convenience and accessibility. With just a few clicks of the mouse or taps on the screen, players can access a world of gaming excitement from the comfort of their own homes or on the go. In addition, there’s no need to travel to a physical casino or adhere to restrictive operating hours – Toto Major Sites are available 24/7, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games whenever and wherever they choose.

Bonuses and Promotions

Toto Major Sites often attract players with enticing bonuses and promotions. These may include:

  • welcome bonuses for new players
  • deposit bonuses
  • free spins on slots
  • Cashback offers
  • loyalty rewards programs

By taking advantage of these bonuses and promotions, players can maximize their gaming experience and potentially increase their chances of winning big.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Talking to Insurance Adjusters After an Auto Accident

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SM
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Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash

Dealing with insurance adjusters after an auto accident can be a tricky process. While they’re responsible for investigating claims and determining the payout, their primary goal is often to minimize the amount the insurance company has to pay. To protect your rights and ensure a fair settlement, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes when communicating with insurance adjusters. Here’s what you need to know.

The Role of Insurance Adjusters

According to the San Diego car accident attorneys at Haffner & Morgan LLP, insurance companies are notorious for taking advantage of personal injury victims.  In fact, their entire business model is built on paying as little as possible in claims. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can help preserve your rights and ensure that you recover the compensation that you need to move forward.

Mistake #1: Admitting Fault

Avoid Speculation

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the accident. Stick to the facts and avoid making statements that could be interpreted as accepting responsibility.

Facts Only

Describe the events of the accident accurately but avoid phrases like “I’m sorry,” “It was my fault,” or “I didn’t see the other car.” These statements can be used against you later.

Mistake #2: Providing Recorded Statements Too Soon

Delaying Until Prepared

Insurance adjusters might ask for a recorded statement soon after the accident. It’s advisable to delay providing any recorded statements until you are fully prepared or have consulted with an attorney.

Seeking Legal Advice

Consider seeking legal advice before giving any recorded statements. An attorney can guide you on what information to share and how to phrase your responses to prevent unintended admissions.

Mistake #3: Accepting the First Settlement Offer

Evaluating the Offer

The first settlement offer from an insurance adjuster is often lower than what you might be entitled to. Carefully evaluate any offers and consider the full extent of your damages before accepting.

Consulting with a Lawyer

Before accepting any settlement, consult with a personal injury lawyer. They can provide a realistic assessment of your claim’s value and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Mistake #4: Offering Excessive Personal Information

Keeping it Relevant

While it’s necessary to provide some personal information, avoid sharing excessive or irrelevant details about your life, medical history, or family. Stick to information directly related to the accident and your injuries.

Guarding Your Privacy

Be mindful of the adjuster’s questions and avoid answering questions that seem unnecessary or intrusive.

Mistake #5: Underestimating or Overestimating Injuries

Accurate Medical Documentation

Provide accurate information about your injuries but avoid downplaying or exaggerating them. Ensure all injuries are properly documented by a healthcare professional.

Seeing a Doctor

Always seek medical attention after an accident, even if you feel fine initially. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time. Medical records serve as crucial evidence for your claim.

Mistake #6: Failing to Keep Detailed Records

Document Everything

Keep detailed records of all communications with the insurance adjuster, including dates, times, and summaries of conversations. This documentation can be invaluable if disputes arise later.

Retaining All Correspondence

Save all written correspondence, emails, and any other documents related to your claim. Having a complete medical record can help you track the progress of your claim and provide evidence if needed.

Mistake #7: Agreeing to Quick Settlements Without Full Evaluation

Full Assessment of Damages

Sometimes, adjusters offer quick settlements to close the case before the full extent of damages or medical costs are known. Avoid agreeing to any settlement before thoroughly evaluating all your damages, including future medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

Long-Term Considerations

Consider the long-term implications of your injuries and the potential need for ongoing medical treatment. Ensure the settlement covers these future costs adequately.

Mistake #8: Signing Documents Without Understanding Them

Legal Review

Do not sign any documents from the insurance adjuster without fully understanding them. Some documents might include clauses that waive your rights to further compensation.

Clarification and Consultation

If you’re unsure about any document, ask for clarification and consult with an attorney before signing. A lawyer can review the documents and ensure that your rights are protected.

Mistake #9: Sharing Information on Social Media

Social Media Privacy

Be cautious about posting details of the accident on social media. Insurance adjusters may scrutinize your social media profiles for information that could contradict your claim.

Adjusting Privacy Settings

Consider adjusting your privacy settings and avoid discussing the accident, your injuries, or your legal strategy online. Even seemingly harmless posts can be taken out of context and used against you.

Conclusion

Navigating interactions with insurance adjusters after an auto accident requires caution and preparation. By avoiding these common mistakes and consulting with a personal injury lawyer, you can protect your rights and increase the likelihood of a fair settlement. Always remember to be truthful, keep detailed records, and seek professional advice to ensure your best interests are represented.

Zane Smith Welcomes First On-Track Action at “The Magic Mile”

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Official Release
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The 2022 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion and 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year candidate looks ahead to his New Hampshire Motor Speedway debut at the USA TODAY 301 on June 23.

LOUDON, N.H. – NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) driver Zane Smith knows all about New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS).

The newly minted 25-year-old (his birthday was Sunday) from Huntington Beach, Calif. Has visited “The Magic Mile” several times – enough to realize how knowledgeable the local motorsports fans are, how treacherous the track can be and how to get the best lobster rolls in New England.

What he’ll experience for the first time on Sunday, June 23, however, is actually competing behind the wheel on the 1.058-mile asphalt oval when he makes his NHMS driving debut in the USA TODAY 301 NCS race.

“This one I’ve had circled on the calendar, along with the Chicago Street Course, because I’ve never been there,” Smith said earlier this month. “It’s crazy to make your debut at a track you’ve never been to [in the Cup Series]. I’ve always wanted to race at New Hampshire but never had the opportunity. Timing and other opportunities – it just never aligned.”

While Smith made his NCS debut in 2022 at Gateway, 2024 marks his first full-time season. Driving the No. 71 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, Smith is challenging for the NCS Rookie of the Year crown along with Josh Berry (Stewart-Haas Racing), Kaz Grala (Rick Ware Racing) and Spire Motorsports teammate Carson Hocevar. Through Sonoma, Smith sits third in the rookie standings with a season-high finish of 13th in the Daytona 500 in February.

Smith, the 2022 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion, plans on relying on the wisdom of a few racing friends for tips on how to best tackle “The Magic Mile” before he hits the track for practice, qualifying and the race.

“I’ll definitely reach out to some people just to get some insight,” Smith said. “I know it suits certain driving styles. One that stands out to me is [2021 New Hampshire champion] Aric Almirola. I have a good relationship with him, and New Hampshire has been a great track for him.

“It’s a beautiful racetrack. The fans are awesome. It looks like a really fun racetrack. I’m excited to see how I stack up. The first time I visited New Hampshire, I actually got to hold [Loudon] the lobster. It’s definitely crazy and one of the coolest trophies. It would be awesome to claim him.”

If anyone knows the challenge that Smith faces, it’s Martin Truex Jr., who earned his first New Hampshire NCS victory last season in his 30th start at the track.

“That’s a tough place to go to without having experience,” Truex said. “Be careful getting into the corners – it’s very sketchy. Especially in turn three, with the bumps the way they are, you can lock the brakes up really easy and get in trouble. Take it easy getting into the corner, and focus on getting off the corner.”

No matter his finish, Smith knows he will have some support from the fervent New England fans that welcome all of the racers throughout NASCAR weekend at NHMS.

“In New Hampshire, these are real race fans,” Smith said. “They know what they are watching. They know what strategy adjustments do to a race car. It’s what I can ‘OG’ race fans. Hopefully I’ll see some Zane Smith shirts walking around. Though, when it gets hot, a lot of people are missing their shirts.

“I’m excited to get down there and hopefully visit the Fan Zone and see some people.”

For a NASCAR weekend schedule, visit NHMS.com/Events/NASCAR-Cup-Series/Schedule/.

Tickets:

Log on to NHMS.com for tickets and more information on the weekend’s lineup of action-packed racing. Tickets for SIG SAUER Academy Dirt Duels start at just $25 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Tickets for Doubleheader Saturday, featuring the SciAps 200 NXS race and the Mohegan Sun 100 NWMT race, start at just $49 for adults while kids 12 and under are free. Sunday’s USA TODAY 301 NCS race tickets start at just $64 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Further details can be found on the NHMS website or by calling 833-4LOUDON.

Follow Us:

Keep track of all of New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s events by following on Facebook (@NHMotorSpeedway), Twitter (@NHMS) and Instagram (@NHMS). Keep up with all the latest information on the speedway website (NHMS.com) and mobile app.

About NASCAR Weekend at NHMS

New England’s only NASCAR weekend is June 21-23 at NHMS. On-track action kicks off Friday with practice and qualifying sessions for the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) and Whelen Modified Tour (NWMT) plus SIG SAUER Academy Dirt Duels at The Flat Track. The action continues with NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) qualifying, the SciAps 200 NXS race and Mohegan Sun 100 NWMT race on Doubleheader Saturday and culminates with the NCS taking on “The Magic Mile” Sunday for the USA TODAY 301. Don’t miss all of the exciting off-track action including Trackside Live with Kenny Wallace and John Roberts, The Groove fan hangout, concerts from Dirty Deeds and Draw the Line, family movie night featuring “Guardians of the Galaxy,” driver appearances, a variety of live performances, fireworks and much more.

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

By
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.”

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