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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.

How to Safely Load and Unload Trailers

By
SM
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Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Loading and unloading trailers are crucial tasks in the moving industry (or even for individuals who are moving items). Ensuring these tasks are performed safely can prevent injuries, protect belongings, and optimize the efficiency of the move. Making use of the proper techniques, equipment, and planning are essential for safe operations.

If you are going to rent or purchase a trailer, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to safely load and unload trailers:

1. Plan Ahead

Before you begin the process of loading or unloading a trailer, you need to come up with a plan. Having a well-thought-out plan can prevent accidents and minimize the risk of damage to goods, and movers in London, Ontario can help.

  • Create a Layout: Plan the layout of the items inside the trailer. Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top to maintain balance and prevent shifting during transport.
  • Organize Items: Group similar items together and pack them accordingly. This organization makes the loading and unloading process more efficient, and if boxes are being unpacked at the destination, it makes this easier too.
  • Check Equipment: Ensure all moving equipment such as dollies, ramps, and straps are in good condition and ready for use.

2. Use Proper Lifting Techniques

Using the correct lifting techniques is the key to avoiding injuries. Here are some tips to ensure safe lifting:

  • Lift with Your Legs, Not Your Back: Bend at your knees and keep your back straight when you are lifting heavy objects. This technique will reduce the strain on your back muscles, limiting the chance of you pulling one of them.
  • Keep Objects Close: Hold objects close to your body to maintain balance and reduce the risk of dropping them.
  • Avoid Twisting: Keep your torso straight and avoid twisting your body while lifting. If you need to turn, pivot with your feet.

3. Secure the Trailer

Before you begin loading or unloading goods, make sure the trailer is stable and secure:

  • Use Wheel Chocks: Place wheel chocks in front of and behind the trailer’s wheels to prevent it from moving.
  • Engage the Brakes: Ensure the trailer’s brakes are engaged if available.
  • Check the Ground: Make sure the ground is level and free of debris to avoid slips and falls. It is best not to load a trailer on a hill if you can avoid it.

4. Load Items Safely

When loading the trailer, follow these steps to ensure safety and efficiency:

  • Use Ramps: Utilize ramps such as from Ramped Up to load heavy items into the trailer. This minimizes the effort required to lift items and reduces the risk of injury.
  • Place Heavy Items First: Load heavier items like appliances and furniture first. Place them against the front wall of the trailer to maintain stability.
  • Distribute Weight Evenly: Ensure the weight is evenly distributed across the trailer to prevent tipping or swaying during transport.
  • Secure Items: Use straps, ropes, and bungee cords to secure items in place. This prevents shifting and damage during transit.

5. Use Moving Equipment

With the right tools or equipment, everything is easier. Having the right equipment can make loading and unloading safer and more efficient:

  • Dollies and Hand Trucks: These tools can help move heavy items with minimal physical strain. Use them to transport boxes, appliances, and furniture.
  • Furniture Sliders: Place sliders under heavy furniture to move them easily across floors without damaging them.
  • Straps and Ropes: Use these to secure items to the walls or floor of the trailer.

6. Unload Items Safely

Unloading requires the same level of care as loading. Follow these steps to ensure safety:

  • Start with Lighter Items: Unload lighter items first to make space for maneuvering heavier items.
  • Use Ramps: Again, use ramps to unload heavy items safely. Ensure the ramp is secure and at a safe angle.
  • Work in Pairs: For heavy or awkward items, have a second person assist to prevent injuries.
  • Take Breaks: Moving is physically demanding. Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue, which can lead to accidents.

7. Safety Gear

Be sure to always wear appropriate safety gear as this can protect you from injuries:

  • Gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
  • Back Support: Consider wearing a back support belt if you’ll be lifting heavy items frequently.
  • Non-Slip Shoes: Wear shoes with non-slip soles to prevent slips and falls.

8. Inspect the Trailer

Before and after loading, inspect the trailer for any potential hazards:

  • Check the Floor: Ensure the trailer floor is strong and free of holes or weak spots.
  • Inspect Straps and Ropes: Make sure all straps and ropes are in good condition and can securely hold items.
  • Look for Debris: Remove any debris or obstacles that could cause trips or falls.

Loading and unloading trailers safely is essential to prevent injuries and ensure a smooth moving process. Ensure that you have a plan and the right tools, equipment, and techniques, as this will help you significantly reduce the risk of accidents and damage.

Implementing these strategies will not only protect you and your belongings but also improve the efficiency of your move. For further assistance, professional moving services can provide expert help with loading, unloading, and transporting your items safely and efficiently.

California native Kyle Larson earns second Sonoma career win

By
Official Release
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Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 Valvoline Chevrolet, drinks wine 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

By Holly Cain
NASCAR Wire Service

SONOMA, Calif. – The hometown hero Kyle Larson executed as he needed to, making a pass for the lead with eight laps remaining in the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 to claim his second win at the Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway road course and third trophy of the season.

It was a frantic start to the day on the newly-repaved 1.99-mile course through the rolling Northern Californian hills with seven caution flags falling before the 110-lap race’s halfway point – more yellow flags than the previous two Sonoma races had combined.

But the final 51 laps ran caution-free with varying pit stop strategies playing a vital role in track position. The Hendrick Motorsports driver Larson was among the last to make his final stop – coming out on track in eighth position with 20 laps remaining and then moving forward by picking off one car, sometimes two cars at a time.

Larson, who is from Elk Grove, Calif. about an hour from the track, ultimately put his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet out front for good after a dramatic three-way battle with four-time Sonoma winner Martin Truex Jr. and Chris Buescher with eight to go.

After Larson passed them both, Truex kept Larson honest for much of the closing laps only to run out of gas on the final lap. His No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota came to a stop in front of the front-stretch grandstands about 40-yards shy of the checkered flag. And with the other cars zooming by, Truex ultimately inched his car forward to a cheering crowd limping across the finish line in a heartbreaking 27th place.

“I didn’t know what we were doing as far as strategy,” said the 31-year old Larson. “I was just out there banging laps away. … so I was like, these guys have to pit another time maybe but then when they said I had to go race and then pass those guys, I got a bit nervous. I knew I’d be quick from the get-go but thought once the tires came up to temp it would even off too much.

“Thankful we had enough grip. Thankful too, those guys got racing and Martin never got clear really to where I’d be stuck in third.

“Just an awesome, awesome race.”

After making a last lap pass of Buescher and then benefitting from Truex’s situation, Front Row Motorsports driver Michael McDowell came across the line in second place – 4.258-seconds behind Larson.

Buescher’s RFK Racing Ford was third followed by Hendrick’s Chase Elliott and Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain, who had a collision with Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch on the last lap that sent Busch’s No. 8 Chevrolet off-track and dropped him from a top-10 finish to 12th place.

“Proud of everybody,” Buescher said of his 32 laps led and Stage 2 win despite starting the race 26th. “That was a good one to be close and in the hunt. … kind of a tough weekend until today if you had told us we’d gather some playoff and stage points, we’d be happy. Just needed a bit more coming to the finish line.”

Kaulig Racing’s A.J. Allmendinger was sixth followed by Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney and 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick, who won the opening stage and led a race best 35 laps. Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell finished ninth and Front Row Motorsports’ Todd Gilliland claimed 10th-place – the 23-year old driver’s second top-10 finish of the season.

Polesitter Joey Logano finished 21st and the two Australian SuperCar Series drivers making their NASCAR debuts – Will Brown and Cam Waters – finished 31st and 35th, respectively.

It was a significant win for the 2021 series champion Larson, giving him the championship lead by 14 points over his Hendrick teammate Elliott. It comes on the heels of last week’s news that Larson would be granted a Playoff waiver from NASCAR despite missing the Charlotte 600-mile race two weeks ago.

The multi-talented Larson had competed in a rain-delayed Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day weekend with plans to run racing’s celebrated “Double” – the Indy 500 and Charlotte’s Coca-Cola 600. Bad weather, however, ruined those plans. There was a rain-delay in Indianapolis, where Larson finished 18th and by the time he arrived in Charlotte to assume driving duties in that NASCAR race, rain had forced officials to call it early and he never was able to turn a lap.

Larson’s victory Sunday – his 26th career win – was significant for him in the championship standings, but the race was also a big deal for the opposite reasons for Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin, who had held the points lead entering the race. Hamlin’s No. 20 Toyota suffered an engine problem on the second lap of the race and he finished 38th – last – in the field and now drops to third in the championship standings, 26 points behind Larson.

“No [warning], it’s just the gearing is a little weird for the track,” said Hamlin, who snapped a five-race streak of top-five finishes that included a win at Dover, Del. and a runner-up at St. Louis last week.

“It’s a lot of high-end RPM stuff, but the same as everyone else and I’m just not really sure. They’ll look at it and figure it out, but certainly not ideal.”

The NASCAR Cup Series moves to the Midwest where it will make its Iowa Speedway debut with next Sunday’s Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol (7 p.m. ET, USA Network, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

NASCAR Cup Series Race – Toyota / Save Mart 350
Sonoma Raceway
Sonoma, California
Sunday, June 9, 2024

(5) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 110.
(12) Michael McDowell, Ford, 110.
(26) Chris Buescher, Ford, 110.
(4) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet, 110.
(9) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet, 110.
(11) AJ Allmendinger(i), Chevrolet, 110.
(3) Ryan Blaney, Ford, 110.
(2) Tyler Reddick, Toyota, 110.
(15) Christopher Bell, Toyota, 110.
(14) Todd Gilliland, Ford, 110.
(17) Corey LaJoie, Chevrolet, 110.
(29) Kyle Busch, Chevrolet, 110.
(35) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 110.
(7) Daniel Suarez, Chevrolet, 110.
(8) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet, 110.
(20) Zane Smith #, Chevrolet, 110.
(13) Carson Hocevar #, Chevrolet, 110.
(30) Ryan Preece, Ford, 110.
(38) Erik Jones, Toyota, 110.
(18) Bubba Wallace, Toyota, 110.
(1) Joey Logano, Ford, 110.
(28) Austin Cindric, Ford, 110.
(36) Kaz Grala #, Ford, 110.
(33) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Chevrolet, 110.
(22) Harrison Burton, Ford, 110.
(19) Noah Gragson, Ford, 110.
(21) Martin Truex Jr., Toyota, 110.
(34) Daniel Hemric, Chevrolet, 109.
(37) John Hunter Nemechek, Toyota, 109.
(6) William Byron, Chevrolet, 108.
(24) Will Brown, Chevrolet, 107.
(32) Josh Berry #, Ford, Suspension, 95.
(27) Justin Haley, Ford, Steering, 88.
(23) Chase Briscoe, Ford, Transmission, 73.
(31) Cam Waters, Ford, Accident, 66.
(16) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, DVP, 39.
(10) Ty Gibbs, Toyota, DVP, 16.
(25) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, Engine, 2.

Average Speed of Race Winner: 74.526 mph.

Time of Race: 2 Hrs, 56 Mins, 14 Secs. Margin of Victory: 4.258 Seconds.

Caution Flags: 8 for 22 laps.

Lead Changes: 11 among 9 drivers.

Lap Leaders: J. Logano 1-16;T. Reddick 17-33;R. Blaney 34;T. Reddick 35-52;C. Buescher 53-67;A. Allmendinger(i) 68-70;K. Larson 71-80;C. Elliott 81-83;C. Buescher 84-100;M. Truex Jr. 101;K. Larson 102-110;K. Busch 111.

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led): Tyler Reddick 2 times for 35 laps; Chris Buescher 2 times for 32 laps; Kyle Larson 2 times for 19 laps; Joey Logano 1 time for 16 laps; Chase Elliott 1 time for 3 laps; AJ Allmendinger(i) 1 time for 3 laps; Ryan Blaney 1 time for 1 lap; Martin Truex Jr. 1 time for 1 lap; Kyle Busch 1 time for 1 lap.

Stage #1 Top Ten: 45,12,5,9,48,34,1,99,7,38

Stage #2 Top Ten: 17,41,19,8,16,6,43,38,22,21

Shane van Gisbergen gets second career Xfinity win at Sonoma

By
Official Release
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Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #97 WeatherTech Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 at Sonoma Raceway on June 08, 2024 in Sonoma, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

By Holly Cain
NASCAR Wire Service

SONOMA, Calif. – New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen powered his way to the lead on a restart with 11 laps remaining in Saturday’s Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 on the Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway road course and bolted off to a 1.323-second victory – his second career NASCAR Xfinity Series win coming only a week after his first.

The 35-year old Kiwi – who earned his first career pole position earlier Saturday at the 1.99-mile course and led a race best 32 laps – took the lead from Austin Hill negotiating a tight Turn 7 on a late race restart; his No. 97 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet winning a battle of tough side-by-side action that ultimately cost Hill four positions.

Both drivers acknowledged the close racing – the second time this season they have had contact racing for the late race lead at a road course. At Austin’s Circuit of The America they collided racing for the win on the last lap only to see NASCAR Cup Series regular Kyle Larson bolt by to claim the victory over them both.

“Man, what a race – an adventure up and down and up and down all day,” said Van Gisbergen, who – as he did in Portland – celebrated his win by signing a rugby ball and kicking it into the grandstands.

“But that last restart I was just giving it all I had and two guys going for the same real estate came together.

“It was pretty awesome though, a lot of fun. Hope everyone enjoyed the show. Pretty awesome back-to-back weeks for us.”

Hill, who led 21 laps and finished fifth in the No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, was clearly displeased with the contact between himself and Van Gisbergen, but insisted on taking a sort or racing “high road.”

“I’m gonna leave it to the keyboard warriors on this one, I’ll let them figure out what happened,” said Hill, as he watched the replay on the track’s big video screen. “No matter what comment I say, it’ll be wrong.

“I plead the fifth, I’m not going to say anything about it,” he continued. “We’ll just go on to the next one, good hard racing. We were holding off SVG for a while, had that caution and I knew it was going to be tough on the restart and it didn’t work out. But we had a good points day and finished in the top-five. You can’t ask for more than that.”

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Sheldon Creed finished runner-up to Van Gisbergen, the ninth second-place finish for Creed in the series and second of the 2024 season. JR Motorsports’ Sam Mayer was third with Jordan Anderson Racing rookie Austin Green fourth and Hill rounding out the top-five.

It marked the second top-10 finish in three career starts for the 23-year old recent college grad Green and was particularly impressive considering he started 22nd.

It was another young driver, former Xfinity Series champion Ty Gibbs who looked to be among Van Gisbergen’s toughest challengers early in the day. He led 26 laps but a slow second pit stop dropped in the field for the Stage 2 restart and he was among 13 cars collected in an accident in Turn 2 that eliminated several top cars.

The other NASCAR Cup Series regular in the field, John Hunter Nemechek was sixth in a Joe Gibbs Toyota with JR Motorsports Justin Allgaier, JGR’s Chandler Smith, Stewart-Haas Racing’s Cole Custer and Big Machine Racing’s Parker Kligerman rounding out the top-10.

“It was the work we did between weeks to make the car better again,” said Van Gisbergen, who also took the Stage 1 victory; his first career stage win.

“It was awesome racing Ty Gibbs at the start, we were really pushing each other. It’s special to win two road courses in a row and dream about one day winning on an oval.”

Custer’s eighth-place finish was good enough to keep a 12-point championship lead over both Hill and Chandler Smith.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series moves to Iowa Speedway for next Saturday’s HyVee Perks 250 (3:30 p.m. ET, USA Network, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe each won a race at Iowa in the 2019 season – the last time the series visited the .875-mile track.

NASCAR Xfinity Series Race – Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250
Sonoma Raceway
Sonoma, California
Saturday, June 8, 2024
(1) Shane Van Gisbergen #, Chevrolet, 79.
(9) Sheldon Creed, Toyota, 79.
(8) Sam Mayer, Chevrolet, 79.
(22) Austin Green, Chevrolet, 79.
(3) Austin Hill, Chevrolet, 79.
(5) Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet, 79.
(11) Chandler Smith, Toyota, 79.
(7) John Hunter Nemechek(i), Toyota, 79.
(12) Cole Custer, Ford, 79.
(14) Parker Kligerman, Chevrolet, 79.
(13) Parker Retzlaff, Chevrolet, 79.
(6) Jesse Love #, Chevrolet, 79.
(15) Riley Herbst, Ford, 79.
(33) Brennan Poole, Chevrolet, 79.
(17) Ed Jones, Toyota, 79.
(31) Josh Bilicki, Chevrolet, 79.
(4) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 79.
(21) Blaine Perkins, Ford, 79.
(19) Alex Labbe, Chevrolet, 79.
(18) Ryan Sieg, Ford, 79.
(36) Matt DiBenedetto, Ford, 79.
(23) Jeremy Clements, Chevrolet, 79.
(32) Kyle Sieg, Ford, 79.
(30) Brad Perez, Ford, 79.
(24) Preston Pardus, Chevrolet, 79.
(34) Ryan Ellis, Chevrolet, 79.
(38) Garrett Smithley, Chevrolet, 79.
(35) Boris Said, Chevrolet, 79.
(29) Leland Honeyman #, Chevrolet, 78.
(25) Kyle Weatherman, Chevrolet, 78.
(16) Anthony Alfredo, Chevrolet, 77.
(37) Hailie Deegan #, Ford, 72.
(10) Sammy Smith, Chevrolet, 71.
(26) Thomas Annunziata, Chevrolet, Transmission, 63.
(2) Ty Gibbs(i), Toyota, Accident, 50.
(20) Jeb Burton, Chevrolet, Accident, 49.
(28) Josh Williams, Chevrolet, Accident, 49.
(27) Brandon Jones, Chevrolet, Accident, 49.

Average Speed of Race Winner: 71.986 mph.

Time of Race: 2 Hrs, 11 Mins, 2 Secs. Margin of Victory: 1.323 Seconds.

Caution Flags: 4 for 14 laps.

Lead Changes: 3 among 3 drivers.

Lap Leaders: S. Van Gisbergen # 1-21;T. Gibbs(i) 22-47;A. Hill 48-68;S. Van Gisbergen # 69-79.

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led): Shane Van Gisbergen # 2 times for 32 laps; Ty Gibbs(i) 1 time for 26 laps; Austin Hill 1 time for 21 laps.

Stage #1 Top Ten: 97,16,21,48,20,81,8,5,31,98

Stage #2 Top Ten: 19,97,2,18,00,81,20,48,7,31

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