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Top 6 Assault Rifle Skins in CS2

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SM
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In CS2, it’s not just about strategy and tactics; it’s also a chance to show off your style during the fight. Customizing your weapon skins lets you express yourself, especially with assault rifles, which are key in the game. Let’s check out five assault rifle skins in CS2 that really let players show off their preferences.

One way to get all of these assault rifle skins is to just buy an account that has em; U7BUY has CSGO accounts for sale with many of these skins already unlocked!

AK-47 | Vulcan (Field-Tested) 

This classic piece is beloved for a reason. The combination of black and white with touches of blue gives it an elegant appearance. However, what truly stands out is the signs of use in the “Field Tested” state. It brings a sense of charm and history to the design giving off the impression of a CS2 weapon that has been through its share of battles.

M4A4 | Howl (Well-Worn) 

For Counter-Strike 2 players, the Howl skin represents the symbol of prestige. The iconic image of a howling wolf engraved on the weapon is easily recognizable. The “Worn” condition, which shows signs of wear, doesn’t diminish the skin’s impact. In fact, it can enhance its allure making it seem like a CS2 weapon, with a past. However, acquiring this piece of Counter Strike 2 history may require an investment.

M4A1-S | Hyper Beast (Minimal Wear)

If you’re looking for something one of a kind, the Hyper Beast is a choice. Its design is like a work of art filled with colors and playful creatures. In the CSGO “Minimal Wear” condition, the intricate details of the artwork are sharp and flawless. The Hyper Beast CS2 skin has been grafted for those looking to make a statement.

AK-47 | Redline (Minimal Wear) 

A popular pick among fans, the Redline balances style and affordability. Its sleek red and black design with a shine exudes power and precision. With a touch of wear in its “Minimal Wear” condition, it looks battle-appealing to players seeking that charm without breaking the bank.

M4A1-S | Golden Coil (Factory New)

For those with tastes, the Golden Coil offers an option. Its metallic finish forms a coil pattern around the CS2 weapon’s body. In “Factory New” condition, this CSGO skin is pristine and flawless, serving as a CS2 masterpiece on display. The Golden Coil is an option for gamers looking for an attention-grabbing design for their M4A1 S, all without the high price tag of the Howl.

M4A4 | Faded Zebra (Field-Tested)  

For individuals who appreciate a unique CS2 appearance, the Faded Zebra skin presents an approach to camouflage. The faded black and white stripes produce a captivating effect. The “Field Tested” state introduces a hint of usage, giving the zebra pattern a weathered look that enhances its charm. This CS2 skin serves as an icebreaker, bringing a distinct touch to combat scenarios.

Another way of getting these knife CSGO 2 skins is to open cases, but you need to rank up. Perhaps book yourself a CSGO 2 boost to rank up and get those cases?

Drivers and Cars Confirmed for IROC Event at Lime Rock Park, July 19-20

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Official Release
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CHARLOTTE (June 6, 2024) – An impressive lineup of drivers and cars have been confirmed for the first IROC event in more than 20 years. Scheduled for July 19-20 at Lime Rock Park, the IROC event will enhance an already exciting SpeedTour All-Star Race weekend. Featuring both an on-track racing exhibition and static display, the event will reunite original IROC competitors with cars raced in the legendary series.

Mark Martin, a 96-time winner across NASCAR’s top-three series, 13-time IROC race winner and 5-time IROC series champion, will be one of the drivers piloting the historic IROC cars at Lime Rock Park.

“I have always said that the crown jewel of my racing career is what I was able to achieve in IROC,” said Martin. “The event at Lime Rock Park is going to be an exciting opportunity to reminisce about those great times and to reunite with some of the best people in motorsports.”

Joining Martin as other former IROC competitors driving in the event will be Greg Biffle, Geoff Brabham (two-time IROC race winner), Davy Jones, Bobby Labonte (three-time IROC race winner and 2001 IROC Series Champion), Max Papis, Ken Schrader and Danny Sullivan (one IROC race win). In addition to this impressive list of former IROC drivers, the event will include four-time NASCAR Truck Series Champion Ron Hornaday, Grand-Am Sports Car Series and Trans Am Champion Boris Said and 1995 NASCAR Truck Series Champion Mike Skinner.

An equally exciting component of the event at Lime Rock Park will be approximately 20 authentic IROC race cars spanning over 30 years of racing history.

The oldest are a pair of 1974 Chevrolet Camaros—one driven to Victory Lane at Riverside International Raceway by Bobby Allison in 1975, and utilized again in 1976 by AJ Foyt to clinch his second IROC Championship; the other was raced by Foyt in 1975, as he finished second to Bobby Unser by just two feet, in what was the second-closest IROC finish in history.

The newest car is a 2005 Pontiac Firebird raced by four-time Indianapolis 500 Champion Helio Castroneves. In November 2005, Castroneves drove the car to a fourth-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway in his final IROC start.

The event will also reunite several of the original racers with their cars, as former IROC winners return. Fans will instantly recognize the lime green No. 14 Dodge Avenger, which won three times with three drivers from three different disciplines: F1’s Martin Brundle, NASCAR’s Dale Earnhardt Sr., and INDYCAR’s Al Unser Jr. However, it will be the car’s final driver who will get to reunite with it at Lime Rock Park—Mark Martin.

Fans will also recognize the red 1984 Chevrolet Camaro, which is believed to be the most period-correct 1984-era IROC Camaro in existence. Owned by Richard Childress, this car was raced by Dale Earnhardt twice in the 1980s.

Of course, there will be cars that were driven by not only the best names in motorsport, but also those of Hollywood fame. The School Bus Yellow No. 15 1978 Chevrolet Camaro was driven to victory lane by both Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip, as the two NASCAR Hall of Famers were among 31 drivers who turned laps in the car. However, that count doesn’t include actors Paul Newman, Clint Eastwood, James Brolin and Gene Hackman, who enjoyed a private test day in the car at Sonoma Raceway in December 1977.

“We have received such an overwhelmingly positive response from fans since announcing our event at Lime Rock Park and I believe this impressive lineup of legendary drivers and historic IROC cars will just keep that momentum going,” said Ray Evernham, Co-Principal of IROC Holdings. “It will truly be a unique experience for fans to get up close and personal with cars that have been driven by racing royalty. From Fittipaldi to Earnhardt, Foyt to Martin. These cars are truly time capsules that represent racing on a worldly scale. Pair that with being able to shake the hands of some of the legends that drove them and you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience for race fans.”

“We’re thrilled to have IROC join us at the SpeedTour All-Star Race,” said Tony Parella, CEO of Parella Motorsports Holdings. “As a racing fan, there was nothing better than IROC—it brought together all the best drivers from all forms of motorsports. Personally, I’m really excited to witness this all coming together—with so many of the original cars and drivers—it’s going to be great.”

Whether you want to watch IROC, the SpeedTour All-Star Race, or any of the other groups racing at Lime Rock Park, July 19-20, a single ticket will let you see all the action. Single-day and weekend tickets are available at LimeRock.com with advanced-purchase discounts for spectator tickets. Kids 12 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket, and all active-duty military and veterans with a valid military ID will be admitted free of charge. Fans are also invited to purchase their official IROC-branded merchandise ahead of the event at shop.iroc-racing.com.

ABOUT IROC:

IROC (International Race of Champions) is a series that held races from 1973 to 2006, which brought together the greatest drivers from all forms of motorsport to race identical cars on historic tracks for an all-star extravaganza. In early 2024, NASCAR Hall of Fame member Ray Evernham and former NASCAR Cup Series team owner and venture capitalist Rob Kauffman founded IROC Holdings LLC and announced they had acquired the rights to the IROC brand. The return of IROC to the track this July marks the first step in revitalizing this iconic brand.

CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT ROAD AMERICA: Team Chevy Race Advance

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Official Release
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CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
XPEL GRAND PRIX AT ROAD AMERICA
ROAD AMERICA
ELKHART LAKE, WISCONSIN
TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE
JUNE 7-9, 2024

TEAM CHEVY RACES TO ROAD AMERICA FOR THE XPEL GRAND PRIX AT ROAD AMERICA

DETROIT (June 6, 2024) – Heading north to the Wisconsin countryside for the seventh round of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, Team Chevy looks to the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America to build on their year so far.

Since 2016, Chevrolet has captured a win on the legendary four-mile, 14-turn road course three times, as well as the NTT P1 Pole Award six times. With 13 podiums and leading 293 laps, the Bowtie brand looks to add to the three wins captured so far in six races of 2024 and 114 overall in the 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 era since 2012.

“The Chevrolet INDYCAR teams are heading into the final leg of an intensive run of races. From the Indianapolis Road Course, to the Indy 500 on the famed oval, to the Streets of Detroit, and now the longest and fastest natural road course we run – Road America. Each presents its own unique set of circumstances for the Chevrolet engineers and our teams, said Rob Buckner, Chevrolet INDYCAR Program Manager. “The track requires optimum engine performance to obtain the speed needed around the four-plus mile course while maintaining the necessary handling needed through the 14 turns. The Wisconsin weather can always add another consideration in the preparation. We are prepared for the challenge and ready for the weekend.”

The 55-lap, 220.55-mile XPEL Grand Prix at Road America kicks off with the first practice on Friday, June 7 at 4 p.m. ET. Saturday sees the second practice at 11:10 a.m. ET and qualifying and the Firestone Fast Six at 3:25 p.m. ET. Race day starts with a warm-up at 12:15 p.m. ET, and the race takes the green flag at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC. All practice and qualifying sessions are broadcast with Peacock, INDYCAR Radio, and SiriusXM Channel 218.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING (Quotes):

Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

“We had a really good attempt last year (at Road America). We didn’t have a great race, but I’ve had fantastic races there in the past. Also, just the track’s layout, it’s one of my favorite road courses. It’s just a lot of fun. It’s a great track. It’s got a lot of high-speed corners, very flow-ey. It’s one of the few tracks that we go to that I think has a little bit of everything. And it also races really well. So I’m a big fan of that.”

“I think if we just have a clean weekend, kind of like we did in Detroit. We actually had a pretty clean weekend there, we didn’t have any issues. We got all our running in and it was rather successful. I think if we do the same thing in Road America we can fight for a top 10 and hopefully a top five.”

Sting Ray Robb, No. 41 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

“We have had really good pace at the last two events and I don’t see that changing for Road America. There’s a lot to love about the track as well. Great passing opportunities and a great circuit make for good racing. It is one of my favorite races on the calendar. The weather is usually amazing and the facility is beautiful.”

“It is a very long track so it is difficult to string a full lap together at times without making a mistake. This allows consistency from lap to lap I feel like, but to get ultimate lap pace over the course of one lap is difficult.”

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

“Since this track was repaved, Road America has become one of my absolute favorite tracks. It’s a track that’s able to show everything that an NTT INDYCAR SERIES car is capable of, and the racing always seems to be great here. I can’t wait to get up there with our Arrow McLaren Chevrolet team.”

Théo Pourchaire, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I can’t wait to race at Road America. It looks like an amazing high-speed track with with a lot of straight line and hard-braking zones. It’s a lot different compared to Detroit, where I thought we had a good weekend. We were almost advanced to the Firestone Fast Six and we fought hard in the race. If we keep pushing like this, I’m sure we’ll get better and better results. I’m focused on this weekend and I can’t wait to give my best for the onsemi Arrow McLaren Chevy team.”

Alexander Rossi, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I’m pretty pumped to be heading to one of my favorite tracks on the calendar to finish off this triple-header stretch. The team has been doing an amazing job lately and I hope I can reward all of the hard work with some trophies this weekend.”

Gavin Ward, Team Principal at Arrow McLaren:

“We roll into this weekend’s race at Road America with some positive momentum after a couple weekends where we executed well across all our cars. Putting together consistent, clean results is how you compete for championships, and with both Pato (O’Ward) and Alexander (Rossi) in the top five in the standings, we enter the summer with a bit of ground to make up but in the fight. Théo (Pourcharie) showed great pace and daring racecraft in Detroit as he continues to quickly get to grips with NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing. We’ve generally had great pace at Road America, and that iconic track and awesome fan base makes this weekend a highlight of the year.”

Christian Rasmussen, No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“I’m excited about the progression we’ve made every weekend. I am ready to carry that into Road America where hopefully we can catch a break and have a good result!”

Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“Road America, my favorite track! It is also the home of Direct Supply, which I am very proud to have on my car! It should be a good weekend; we were strong last year and I have a lot of trust in our road course package. I have always loved Road America, it’s so much fun to drive and has such great racing. I would love to make it back to the podium, especially at my favorite track!”

Chevrolet in Road America

Wins at Road America: 3

2016: Will Power

2018: Josef Newgarden

2022: Josef Newgarden

Earned Pole Awards at Road America: 6

2016: Will Power

2017: Helio Castroneves

2018: Josef Newgarden

2020 (Race 1): Josef Newgarden

2020 (Race 2): Pato O’Ward

2021: Josef Newgarden

Number of Team Chevy Podiums at Road America (V6 era since 2012): 13

Number of laps led by Team Chevy at Road America (V6 era since 2012): 293

2024 CHEVROLET BY THE NUMBERS:

205: NTT INDYCAR Series races as V6 engine supplier since 2012 return to INDYCAR.

114: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR Series since 2012.

130: Earned poles since 2012. Chevrolet holds 135 pole awards in total, with five recorded based on points for weather.

8: Manufacturer Championships since 2012.

7: Driver/entrant champions since 2012.

13: Indianapolis 500 victories by Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

6: Indianapolis 500 wins by Chevrolet since 2012 in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era.

32: Number of times Chevrolet has swept the podium in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012 in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era. In total, a manufacturer has swept the podium 50 times since 2012 in the V6 era.

26: Wins by Will Power since 2012 – all with Chevrolet power – most of any driver with the same manufacturer.

9: Wins from the pole by Will Power with Chevrolet power since 2012, most by any driver.

46: Pole starts by Will Power since 2012 in a Chevrolet-powered car, most of any driver.

*Will Power’s career total of 70 poles makes him the all-time pole winner in INDYCAR.

About Chevrolet

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

Kyle Larson Foundation Announces Auction to Benefit Urban Youth Racing School

By
Official Release
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Larson Joins Forces with Team Chevy Drivers at Sonoma Raceway

 MOORESVILLE, N.C. (June 6, 2024) – The Kyle Larson Foundation announced today that in partnership with Chevrolet and Pristine Auction, it will be auctioning off race-worn visors following this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series doubleheader at Sonoma Raceway. There are 26 Team Chevy drivers across the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series who have committed to donating their race shield to the Kyle Larson Foundation as it raises funds for the Philadelphia-based Urban Youth Racing School. Each shield will be autographed by both Kyle Larson and the respective Team Chevy driver.

“Anytime you can use our racing platform to raise money for a great cause is a good thing,” NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson stated. “I appreciate my partners at Pristine Auction, Chevrolet, and all the drivers participating in this program to help support my friends at the Urban Youth Racing School.”

Chevrolet has been a proud supporter of the Urban Youth Racing School for 24 years, with the Kyle Larson Foundation joining as a patron since its 2021 inception. Established in 1998 by Anthony and Michelle Martin, the program is committed to teaching students about STEM through racing and providing a positive environment.

The online auction will begin on Saturday, June 8, at 9 a.m. ET on the Pristine Auction website (prstn.co/klf-visor) and it will run through Wednesday, June 12, at 10 p.m. ET. The starting bid for all visors is $25. Once purchased, the visors will be shipped to winning bidders approximately four weeks after the auction ends, along with a Certificate of Authenticity issued from Pristine Auction.

About the Kyle Larson Foundation

The Kyle Larson Foundation is dedicated to bringing people together and providing support to hands-on charitable organizations that benefit today’s youth, families and communities in need. Learn more at kylelarsonfoundation.org.

 About the Urban Youth Driving School

The mission of UYSA Center of Excellence is to provide urban youth with exposure to an educational initiative that will engage them in STEM in a more holistic way by teaching them how to think critically and independently through preparing them to embrace the depths of all academic subjects for obtaining the skills necessary for successful STEM careers. The Urban Youth Racing School offers a 10-week program for urban students ages 8-18, with the goal to teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics via the magic of motorsports and prepare students for a fast-paced career in the competitive world of professional racing. Learn more at uyrs.com.

Ford Performance Racing School: Chase Briscoe Sonoma Advance

By
Official Release
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CHASE BRISCOE
Sonoma Advance
No. 14 Ford Performance Racing School Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Event Overview

● Event: Save Mart 350k (Round 16 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, June 9
● Location: Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway
● Layout: 1.99-mile, 10-turn road course
● Laps/Miles: 110 laps/218.9 miles (352.3 kilometers)
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 25 laps / Stage 2: 30 laps / Final Stage: 55 laps
● TV/Radio: FOX / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● The Save Mart 350k Sunday at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway is the second of five road-course races on the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. Chase Briscoe, driver of the No. 14 Ford Performance Racing School Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart-Haas Racing, finished 13th in the series’ first road-course race of the year on March 24 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. After Sonoma, the next road-course race is July 7 on the streets of downtown Chicago. The last two road-course races are Sept. 15 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International and Oct. 12 at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval.

● Sunday’s Save Mart 350k will mark Briscoe’s fourth NASCAR Cup Series start at Sonoma. In his maiden Cup race at the 1.99-mile, 10-turn road course in 2021, Briscoe qualified 25th and finished 17th. He improved on that effort in his return to the track in 2022, qualifying 15th and finishing 13th. In Briscoe’s most recent Cup start at Sonoma last year, he qualified 24th and finished 29th.

● Despite a best NASCAR Cup Series result of 13th at Sonoma, Briscoe is a winner in Wine Country. On June 5, 2021 in the ARCA Menards Series West race at Sonoma, Briscoe dominated. Despite starting third, Briscoe took the lead on the opening lap and never relinquished the point, leading all 51 laps to take the victory by a whopping 3.110 seconds over his nearest pursuer, Dylan Lupton.

● Briscoe has 20 career road-course starts in the NASCAR Cup Series, with five top-10 finishes spread across COTA (sixth in 2021), Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin (sixth in 2021), Watkins Glen (ninth in 2021), the Charlotte Roval (ninth in 2022) and the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (sixth in 2023).

● Briscoe has made 11 road-course starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series – the stepping-stone division to the elite NASCAR Cup Series. In fact, it was road-course racing in the Xfinity Series that helped put Briscoe on the map when it came to his burgeoning NASCAR career, as he scored two road-course wins among eight top-10 finishes. At the inaugural race on the Charlotte Roval on Sept. 29, 2018 in what was Briscoe’s 14th career Xfinity Series start, the Mitchell, Indiana-native scored his first Xfinity Series win. Briscoe said afterward that he tapped into his dirt-track experience in wheeling his Ford Mustang to a strong 1.478-second margin of victory over runner-up Justin Marks. “It drove like a dirt track instead of a road course, and it felt like I was in a sprint car. I just tried to make sure the rear tires never spun. I had to give up a little time coming off the corner, but I’d make it back up on the straightaway, and that’s why I was always better at the end of the run.”

● Briscoe’s second Xfinity Series win on a road course came in another inaugural race – the 2020 Brickyard 150 on the road course at Indianapolis. On July 4, 2020, Briscoe started 12th and methodically worked his way to the front, taking the lead on lap 24. He wound up leading five times for a race-high 30 laps to take the victory by 1.717 seconds ahead of second-place Justin Haley. Despite the win happening during COVID restrictions, Briscoe was elated to win at his home track in a car owned by Indiana icon Tony Stewart. “Everybody knows that my hero in racing was Tony Stewart. To get to drive for him and watch him win at the Brickyard, climbing the fence was always his signature thing and I just wanted to do it. Obviously, it’s not the same prestige as winning on the oval, but we still won at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It doesn’t matter if you’re racing on the oval, the road course, the dirt track or even the parking lot, it’s special when you win here. Growing up, coming here all the time, it’s unbelievable to think that I just won here.”

● In three road-course starts in the ARCA Menards Series, Briscoe has two top-fives, with his first coming in 2016 when he finished fourth at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville after starting the 67-lap race in 10th. His other top-five was his 2021 win at Sonoma

● In Briscoe’s lone road-course start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, he started 18th and finished seventh in the 2017 race at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.

● Ford Performance Racing School adorns Briscoe’s No. 14 Ford Mustang Dark Horse this weekend at Sonoma. It is the only school to wear the Ford oval, and Ford is the only full-line vehicle manufacturer to offer product-focused experiential driving programs exclusively to the owners of its complete line of performance vehicles, from cars to trucks to SUVs.

Chase Briscoe, Driver of the No. 14 Ford Performance Racing School Ford Mustang Dark Horse

How would you rate yourself as a road-course driver?

“I feel like I’m above average. I’ve definitely had way more success in the lower series compared to Cup, where I’ve been kind of hit-or-miss. We’d run really, really good, or we were just off. Truthfully, I feel like the NextGen car has definitely hurt me quite a bit on the road-course side. I feel like the old car with just how badly it drove, you were always slipping and sliding around, it didn’t want to stop. I feel like this NextGen car certainly has closed up the gap. The guys who were typically off on road courses are definitely closer because the NextGen car is just easier to drive on the road courses – it stops better, it turns better, it just does everything better. I feel like I’ve been good on road courses from a speed standpoint, just need to find that little bit more to finally seal the deal on a road course.”

What do you work on to become a better road-course racer? Obviously, there’s sim, but does your relationship with Ford Performance Racing School also allow you to hone your road-racing techniques?

“There’s a lot that goes into road-course racing, and laps and repetition are probably the biggest keys to that. No matter what road course you’re getting on or what car you’re driving, the techniques and the styles that you run on road courses are super important. It’s been great to have that relationship with Ford Performance Racing School, to get over there and be able to run laps. Almost every single road course we go to, I’ll go to the racing school that week and just do a little bit of a warmup over there, trying to get into the mindset of road-course racing. There’s a lot that goes into road-course racing, especially to be really good at it. Braking is probably the most important thing, trying to be as efficient as you can under braking, and being able to go over to the racing school and just playing around with different types of braking, and being able to be aggressive and trying different things that at the racetrack we don’t get the opportunity to do because we don’t want to mess anything up. Plus, we don’t get a lot of time to practice, so it’s nice to be able to go over there and spend the day and really just try different things.”

You’ve got one road-course race under your belt so far this year – COTA, where you finished 13th. Does Sonoma allow you to hit the reset button when it comes to road-course racing? If so, what do you want to do differently compared to COTA?

“COTA is kind of the complete opposite of what Sonoma is. Sonoma is just a super, super small road course, super tight, super narrow. It’s always been, by far, the slickest. Now that it’s been repaved, it’s probably not going to be as extreme from that standpoint. I don’t know if you can take anything from COTA and apply it to Sonoma, just with how they drive and how they race. I feel like I’m normally a pretty good road-course racer, but every time I got to Sonoma, I feel lost. Definitely feel like that’s the one track on the schedule where I’ve been trying to put the most focus and kind of understand what I need more. Hopefully, the repave will be a nice reset for me.”

The entire Sonoma layout has been repaved. Does that mean more grip, less grip or is it a bit of an unknown?

“Typically, it seems like repaves have more grip until they don’t, and then you just barely get out of the groove and you’re on ice. It’s a challenge every time you go to a repave just trying to figure out where you can get more aggressive and where there is more grip. Definitely seems like the groove at the fresh repaves are pretty gripped up, but as soon as you get out of the groove, it’s ice. Even talking to Josh Berry (teammate) and seeing some of the video from that Goodyear test out there, a lot of guys were spinning out. It’s that same thing, they barely get out of the groove and it’s just so slick.”

When you’re at a newly paved track, how aggressive are you in finding the grip level? Do you try to sneak up on it or are you aggressive from the get-go because track time is so limited?

“With just how limited track time is, you have to be aggressive. In the past when you had a couple of hours of practice, you could sort of sneak up on it. But in today’s day and age in what we do, you have to be aggressive from lap one and you have to trust that the team is doing its job to give you the most efficient and most gripped up car, and you’ve just got to rely on your ability at that point.”

How important is qualifying at road courses? Has it become a bit like Formula One where track position is so precious that in order to finish up front, you really need to start up front?

“The road courses have definitely changed a lot. I definitely miss the days of the old car where it didn’t stop, it didn’t drive well, it had no grip, it was out of control, and it just made it a lot of fun and it definitely seemed like you could pass guys. The new car is just so good on road courses. You can get in the brakes so easily and get in the corners so deep that it’s made passing extremely, extremely hard. It definitely comes down to qualifying. It’s just one of those deals where if you don’t make the final round, you instantly know your Sunday is going to be a challenge. You throw in the aspect of the stages and things like that, and there are just a lot of variables that go into these races, but certainly qualifying is a huge start to your weekend, especially at Sonoma.”

There’s one spot at Sonoma that looks incredibly tight, at least to the TV viewer, and that’s the exit off turn four and down into “The Chute.” Cars go wide off turn four but then they have to funnel back into line to avoid hitting a wall that seems to jut out at the start of “The Chute.” Is that section of the track as tight as it seems on TV?

“I actually feel like the camera angle makes it look tight. It’s tight, don’t get me wrong, but I definitely feel like TV doesn’t do justice to how wide it is. It’s sketchy, for sure, but not as sketchy as TV makes it seem. I definitely think TV makes it look way more aggressive than it really is.”

If a guy is hung on the outside of you as that wall comes up, do you treat it like an exit ramp where you give him room to merge back into traffic, or is it more like, ‘Sorry, dude. You should’ve planned better’?

“It’s one of those deals that just depends on where they’re at relative to your car. If they’re at the tail end of your car, you just act like they’re not even there, but if the tail of their car is just barely at the front of your car and you really don’t have great position on them, you normally have to let them in and yield to them. It’s one of those deals where you’re just trying to set yourself up for the next corner – turn seven, which is super tight, heavy braking. There are only two passing zones at Sonoma and that’s one of them, so you’re really just trying to set yourself up for that corner, and just keep that in mind as you go through The Chute.”

With the speed that you carry down through “The Chute,” what do you need to do to both maintain control and not scrub off speed as you exit turn seven and head through the esses?

“That’s a great question because that’s where I suck the most. I don’t know. I feel like turn seven is my total weak spot. It seems like at Sonoma I can be on par with the best guy, then I get to turn seven and I give it all back and then some. Yeah, turn seven has been a challenge for me. I’m hoping that the repave will finally give me the feel that I’m looking for because I definitely have not done a good job in (turn) seven in my previous starts there.”

What’s OK and what isn’t when you’re racing with someone else as you head into the hairpin in turn 11?

“Turn 11, everybody knows that it’s the passing zone at Sonoma. Turn seven is kind of iffy, but 11 is really the one spot that everybody knows. So as you come through (turn) 10, everybody’s always setting each other up, and you’re trying to set yourself up to get into 11, and you see almost every single wreck at Sonoma is into turn 11 just because we know that’s the only passing zone. As frustrating as it is, I feel like everybody kind of knows that’s where you’ve got to be aggressive if you’re going to pass.”

No. 14 Ford Performance Racing School Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Chase Briscoe

Hometown: Mitchell, Indiana

Crew Chief: Richard Boswell

Hometown: Friendship, Maryland

Car Chief: J.D. Frey

Hometown: Ferndale, California

Engineer: Mike Cook

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Spotter: Joey Campbell

Hometown: Berlin, Connecticut

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Shayne Pipala

Hometown: Frankfort Square, Illinois

Rear Tire Changer: Dakota Ratcliff

Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee

Tire Carrier: Jon Bernal

Hometown: Holland, Michigan

Jack Man: Kapil Fletcher

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fuel Man: Corey Coppola

Hometown: Bluefield, West Virginia

Road Crew Members

Underneath Mechanic: Stephen Gonzalez

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Interior Mechanic: Trevor Adams

Hometown: Plymouth, Wisconsin

Tire Specialist: Keith Eads

Hometown: Arlington, Virginia

Shock Specialist: Brian Holshouser

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Engine Tuner: Jon Phillips

Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri

Transporter Co-Driver: Todd Cable

Hometown: Shelby, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Dale Lackey

Hometown: Taylorsville, North Carolina

NHRA’S STEVE JOHNSON AIMS TO BECOME FIRST PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE RIDER TO REPEAT AT SUPER GRIP NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS

By
Official Release
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BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 6, 2024) – Pro Stock Motorcycle veteran Steve Johnson looks to become the first repeat rider at Bristol Dragway at this weekend’s 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals and turn around his 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season in the process.

The Pro Stock Motorcycle class is back in action at this weekend’s race in Thunder Valley and Johnson is the reigning Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals winner. After struggling at the first three races of the season, Johnson is seeking his first NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series win of the season on his Suzuki.

But he has plenty of strong Bristol vibes as one of only three PSM winners at the legendary facility. The only two other winners at Bristol are Angelle Sampey and Jerry Savoie since the class came to Thunder Valley in 2021.

“It’s a very challenging race track for us,” Johnson said. “Where my team has been this last year and where I think we should be, it’s been exciting. The data doesn’t lie. There’s a bunch of calculations between there and you come up with gear ratios, you come up with jetting, you come up with timing, and hopefully you bring a rider, and you go throw down on the track then you come back and modify that.

“Ultimately, it is a challenge because we had very little data from that track, and it’s been really hot and it’s been super cold. It’s going to be really challenging to get down that track and especially to try to out run everybody there.”

Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Enders (Pro Stock) and Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) took home titles last year in picturesque Thunder Valley and this year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations beginning at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday. It is the eighth of 20 races during the 2024 season and the fan-favorite Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge also takes place on Saturday, featuring semifinalists from last weekend’s NHRA New England Nationals.

Last year, Johnson handed Gaige Herrera his first runner-up finish of the season when Herrera went red in the final round. That made Johnson one of only four Pro Stock Motorcycle winners in 2023: Johnson, Hector Arana Jr., multiple-time champ Matt Smith and Herrera. With a quarterfinal finish to his credit this season, Johnson is excited to get to Bristol.

“I love what I do,” Johnson said. “I hope everyone has that fire because it takes that kind of passion to do what you do.”

Johnson and the rest of the class will have to contend with Herrera, who is undefeated thus far in 2024. He’s also won eight consecutive races – tied for the most in PSM history – and 31 straight rounds. A win in Bristol would tie Herrera, the 2023 world champ, with Bob Glidden for the most wins in a row (9) and the most consecutive round wins (35).

In the Pro Stock ranks, reigning champion Erica Enders has been hanging on in the thick of the points battle. She collected a race win in Gainesville and was runner-up last weekend in Epping. With three No. 1 qualifiers so far and two Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge wins, she is second in points and hopes the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals will to be her race to reclaim the points lead from Dallas Glenn.

Ashley has back-to-back wins from Bristol Dragway. He currently leads the Top Fuel points and will be seeking his third race win of the season. If he wants to get three wins from Bristol, he’ll be up against reigning champ Doug Kalitta, who won last weekend in Epping, two-time 2024 winner Shawn Langdon and multi-time champs Steve Torrence and Antron Brown.

Capps won his second straight Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals last season when he defeated Alexis DeJoria in the finals. He’s looking for his first win of 2024 in a loaded group that includes points leader Austin Prock, John Force, who won Sunday in Epping, Gainesville winner J.R. Todd, reigning champ Matt Hagan and Bob Tasca III.

The Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, featuring some of the top racers in the country, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock. The weekend includes an appearance from the Legends Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars as well. After final qualifying on Saturday, fans will also be treated to a special autograph session and fanfest at the Bristol Dragway Welcome Tent in the midway.

Fans will also be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage all weekend, which features Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at Bristol Dragway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that celebrates each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the Bristol event winners.

As always, fans also get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Bristol. They can see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. Fans can also visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food, and fun for the entire family.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:45 and 7 p.m. ET on Friday, June 7, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 8 at 12:30 and 3:15 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 9. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 7 p.m. ET on Friday and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday on FS1, leading into eliminations coverage at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

Headquartered in San Dimas, Calif., NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Weekend schedule for Sonoma Raceway

By
Angie Campbell
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Credit: SONOMA, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 11: Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on June 11, 2023 in Sonoma, California. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

This weekend the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series travel to Sonoma Raceway. Martin Truex Jr. is the defending Cup Series race winner at the 1.99-mile track and leads all active drivers with four wins (2023, 2019, 2018, 2013) at Sonoma.

Denny Hamlin is the most recent Cup Series pole winner with a lap of 92.178 mph in 77.719 seconds last June.

This will be the second time the Xfinity Series has competed on the 1.99-mile course. Last year’s race winner, Aric Almirola, and pole winner, Kyle Larson, are not entered in this weekend’s event.

The Craftsman Truck Series is off and returns to completion on June 28 at Nashville Superspeedway.

All times are Eastern.

Friday, June 7
1:40 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series West Practice (All Entries) ARCA Race Center
3:10 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series West Qualifying (Timed, Impound) ARCA Race Center
4:05 p.m.: Xfinity Series Practice – All Entries (Tape delayed: 5 p.m.) F1
5:05 p.m.: Cup Series Practice – All Entries (Tape delayed: 8:30 p.m.) FS1/PRN/SiriusXM
6:30 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series West General Tire 200 – 64 Laps, 127.36 Miles FloRacing

Saturday, June 8
3:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series Qualifying (Impound, Group A & B, Multi-Vehicle, 2 Rounds) FS2
6 p.m.: Cup Series Qualifying (Impound, Group A & B, Multi-Vehicle, 2 Rounds) FS2/PRN/SiriusXM
Post-NCS Qualifying Press Pass
8 p.m.: Xfinity Series Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250
Stages 20/45/79 Laps = 156.95 Miles – FS1/PRN/SiriusXM
Purse: $1,747,861
Post-Xfinity Race – Press Pass

Sunday, June 9
3:30 p.m.: Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350
Stages 25/55/110 Laps = 218.9 Miles FOX/PRN/SiriusXM
Purse: $8,426,274
Post-Cup Series: Press Pass

TeamSLR Riding Momentum to Pittsburgh

By
Official Release
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Barry Boes Joined by Returning M1Racecars Chevy Driver Carson Kvapil
On Heels of Team’s Solid Runner-Up Performance at Lime Rock

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (June 6, 2024) – Coming off the team’s solid second-place finish Memorial Day weekend at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut, a pair of TeamSLR M1Racecars drivers are champing at the bit to hit the track for Sunday’s Pitt Race SpeedTour, the Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series’ first-ever appearance at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex.

Leading the way for TeamSLR this weekend is Barry Boes, the two-time Pro-Am Challenge-class winner this season in his No. 27 Accio Data/SLR-M1 Racecars Ford Mustang. He’ll be joined by recently turned 21-year-old Carson Kvapil, the Team Chevrolet development driver who’ll make his third career TA2 start this weekend after debuting in the series with TeamSLR in back-to-back races last year at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington and Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

Boes and Kvapil arrive at the track known as Pitt Race buoyed by the stout weekend performance at Lime Rock by 18-year-old Evan Slater in the No. 17 Cube 3/Franklin Road Apparel/Paul Racing/Tom Haas Foundation/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro. In his first race with TeamSLR and first since last August at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International, the young veteran of 24 TA2 Series starts qualified on the front row and defended his position throughout the 68-lap race around the lightning-fast 1.48-mile, seven-turn Lime Rock circuit. He was beaten to the checkered flag only by polesitter Rafa Matos, the two-time series champion, by a 1.056-second margin.

Boes also appeared on his way to a solid finish at Lime Rock, having qualified a season-best seventh overall and best among Pro-Am Challenge competitors for the fourth race in a row. But on the second restart of the race, he was knocked off the track by another competitor who later was assessed an avoidable contact penalty. Boes finished the race but wasn’t able to fight his way back into the top-10 with his damaged racecar. He finished 16th and, for the first time since starting the season with back-to-back Pro-Am Challenge victories at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, finds himself second in the class point standings, trailing new Pro-Am leader Keith Prociuk by nine markers. Ironically enough, Boes and his then-teammate Misha Goikhberg ventured to Pitt Race for a hugely productive test day last summer, not even knowing at the time the track would be on the 2024 TA2 Series schedule. That experience has Boes confident he and his M1 Racecars equipment will hit the ground running this weekend.

Kvapil hopes to pick up where he left off with TeamSLR last year. The son of 2003 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Travis Kvapil certainly didn’t look like a young driver with zero road-racing experience when he qualified second and finished fifth at Mid-Ohio, then followed it up by qualifying third at Road America and moving up to second on the opening lap of the race before getting punted off track and sustaining damage beyond repair. Kvapil got a head start learning the 2.75-mile, 19-turn Pitt Race circuit when he joined TeamSLR for a test day last month and was impressed with the layout and the facility. He also brings his share of momentum into the weekend, having enjoyed success in numerous other racing disciplines already this year, including top-five finishes in two of his three NASCAR Xfinity Series races with JR Motorsports – second at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway and fourth at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway – and top-three finishes in both his starts for Pinnacle Racing Group in the ARCA Menards Series – second at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway and third at Dover. Kvapil also has a pair of wins in six races on the zMAX CARS Tour in the Late Model Stock class.

Slater was the fourth young driver to make his TA2 debut in TeamSLR M1 Racecars equipment this season in the interests of developing his road-racing craft, including a pair of 16-year-olds – Gavan Boschele and Julian DaCosta. Boschele drove the No. 28 SLR-M1 Racecars entry to finishes of 15th at Sebring, eighth at Road Atlanta and seventh at NOLA, while DaCosta’s TA2 debut resulted in a 10th-place finish from the ninth starting position at NOLA. In last month’s race at World Wide Technology Raceway outside St. Louis, 18-year-old Jake Finch, a two-time ARCA winner, drove the No. 17 Phoenix Construction/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro in his TA2 debut and was vying for a solid top-10 finish before a tire barrier bounced into the path of his racecar during a late-race incident that he otherwise would have avoided.

Riding along with this weekend’s TeamSLR drivers and their M1 Racecars, as it will all season long, is Nashville, Tennessee-based Franklin Road Apparel Company, which has been a longtime team supporter.

M1 Racecars was represented on the podium at 12 of the 13 TA2 rounds in 2023, highlighted by a pair of victories by Matos for Peterson Racing. Team SLR’s Dillon Machavern and Thad Moffitt both scored podium finishes, as did TeamSLR driver Connor Mosack at the season-opening event at Sebring, when he qualified on the pole and led the first 19 laps of the race before finishing third. At this year’s Sebring season opener, Austin Green of the two-car Peterson Racing contingent was the top-finishing M1 Racecars entry with his fifth-place result.

This weekend’s Pitt Race SpeedTour kicks off with TA2 test sessions at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. EDT Friday, followed by Saturday’s official TA2 practice at 9 a.m. and qualifying at 1:50 p.m. Race time Sunday is 9:35 a.m. and the 36-lap, 75-minute event will be televised live by series partner MAVTV, augmented by live-streaming video on the Trans Am and SpeedTour channels on YouTube. MAVTV will air a 60-minute race show at 8 p.m. EDT on Thursday, June 13.

Barry Boes, Driver, No. 27 Accio Data/SLR-M1 Racecars Ford Mustang:

Your thoughts as you head to Pitt Race for Sunday’s first-ever TA2 race there?

“I’ve never raced at Pittsburgh, but I tested there last year for a day with Misha (Goikhberg). We were only there for a day, but we had the whole track to ourselves and we ran a lot of laps. We brought two cars, we wanted to test different configurations, different setups, we swapped back and forth between cars and did all kinds of stuff. We were there not even knowing we’d be back racing there in Trans Am. Misha’s coach just thought it would be a really great track to put a Trans Am car through the kinds of paces we needed to put them through, and I have to agree, it was. I’m ready to get back into the groove there this weekend. I’ve said the last few races that this was going to be my turnaround race and it wasn’t. But I feel like this has to be my turnaround race.”

Based on your test day, describe the characteristics of the track and what you expect this weekend.

“The track definitely has sections like a lot of the tracks we go to – there are on-camber turns, off-camber turns, some really long esses. A lot of the tracks we’ve run recently have been more point-and-shoot tracks. This track is a whole lot more part-throttle, manage the balance of the car, finesse-type work. It’s a departure from really what everyone in the series has been racing on recently. Some of it flows a little like Mid-Ohio, where you have a lot of things linked together and you have to keep the car working all the time. Rubber makes a huge difference, so where everyone’s driving is going to have an impact on where we go. We found that out on the test day. When we got there, the track had no rubber on it, but as you watched the video through the day, you could see where our lines were growing rubber on the track and it was a second and a half or two seconds faster at the end of the day than it was at the beginning of the day just because of the rubber Misha and I were putting down.”

Carson Kvapil, Driver, No. 28 Team Chevrolet/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

You’re back in a TeamSLR M1 Racecars Chevrolet for the first time this season after driving back-to-back races with the team last year at Mid-Ohio and Road America. What made you decide on this weekend’s race?

“Really, the biggest thing for me is to try and get more road-course experience at any place, and I’m just trying to get as much experience at different tracks as I can. Pittsburgh just seemed to work out schedule-wise, and I think it could work out in our favor that no one else has ever been there before. I’m just excited for the weekend. The two races we did last year were a great run-up to this and I’m really excited to work with those guys. It’s really a fun program to be a part of and I just can’t wait to be back at the track with them.”

What have you been doing to prepare for this first-ever TA2 race at Pitt Race?

“We were actually able to do a test there, and that was a big gain, as you would expect. There are things that we learned that we can take to the race this weekend. We got a number of runs in and it was enough for me to learn the track and enough for Scott (Lagasse Jr.) to tune on the car a little bit. I would say it reminds me of Road America. It seems like you have to hustle it there. The pavement isn’t old but it almost seems old, and you can move around a little bit. I thought it was a blast, the place has a lot of corners. There is a good bit of elevation change, there are a lot of deep corners that you drop down into or drive up a hill. I really enjoyed it.”

You’ve had a good measure of success this year in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, ARCA Menards Series, and the CARS Tour. Is there anything you gleaned from your road-racing experience with TeamSLR last year that might have helped you in those other series?

“Not directly, but at the same time, it’s just a different discipline. There’s nothing I can directly say that transfers over, but I’m sure there is, I’m sure there’s a bunch of little things that I’m just not thinking of. The braking’s different, how you approach a corner, it’s all completely different from circle track. I feel like whenever I jump back in a Late Model and go drive a circle track, obviously I drive that car how it needs to be driven, but I also take those (road-racing) tendencies and try to apply them in some ways, and it’s probably ways that I honestly don’t even know, things that I’m doing that I don’t even know I’m doing. ”

About TeamSLR:

TeamSLR (Scott Lagasse Racing) competes fulltime in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s newly renamed Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series in a multifaceted effort that includes dedicated entries in the TA2 division, customer programs, driver coaching and car construction. Its history dates back to 1985 and covers a wide spectrum of motorsports, including NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA, ARCA and ASA. TeamSLR is a family-owned organization run by Scott Lagasse Sr., and Scott Lagasse Jr., The father-and-son duo have combined to win more than 120 races and seven championships across a variety of series and styles of racecars, from paved ovals to road courses to dirt tracks. For more information, please visit us online at www.TeamSLR.com, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

GMG Racing Brings Three IMSA Porsche Carrera Cup Entries North of The Border to Montreal for F1 Weekend Doubleheader

By
Official Release
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  • Kyle Washington Looks for More Masters Class Carrera Cup Podiums in the No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
  • Ofir Levy Ready to Build On Competitive Miami Debut in Montreal in the No. 3 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup in Pro-Am
  • James Sofronas Seeks a Return to Carrera Cup Pro-Am Victory Lane in the No. 14 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada (May 5, 2024) – GMG Racing brings a season-high three entries to this weekend’s IMSA Porsche Carrera Cup North America doubleheader as one of the main support events for the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Notre Dame Island in the heart of Montreal. Saturday’s opening 40-minute race is scheduled to start at 5:55 p.m. EDT with Sunday’s final sprint set to go green at 9:40 a.m. EDT.

Canadian native Kyle Washington competes in the Carrera Cup Masters Class in the No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. He is joined by his Pro-Am division teammates Ofir Levy in the No. 3 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and GMG Racing Driver, Founder and Team Principal James Sofronas in the No. 14 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.

“Montreal is going to be an unbelievable event,” Sofronas said. “The city is spectacular, the track is phenomenal and you can’t do better than running alongside Formula 1. I know Kyle will have some home-country fans, business associates and clients there. Now, with Ofir joining the team, it will be the first time the three of us are driving together. Kyle came close to joining me and Ofir at last month’s Carrera Cup races at the F1 Grand Prix of Miami, but he was a reluctant late scratch and focused that weekend on GT World Challenge in Sebring when we couldn’t make both races work after a late schedule change. Ofir had a great Carrera Cup series debut in Miami and will improve even more in Montreal, and I am just looking to get on the podium in Canada after a victory to open the year in March at Sebring. I am looking forward to an amazing race and an even more amazing experience.”

In his most recent Carrera Cup race, Washington secured a third-place Masters Class finish in the second and final sprint of the series opening weekend in March at Sebring. He is set for his third and fourth series races of the year in Montreal as a proud participant in the first IMSA Carrera Cup events run in his home country of Canada.

“Missing Miami was tough but being able to race at home in Canada a month later is definitely a plus,” Washington said. “I have been a spectator in Montreal many times. So to say I’m excited to race here for the first time is an understatement! Plus, Montreal is just such a wild town on the Canadian Grand Prix Formula 1 weekend.”

Washington competes in GMG Racing Porsches in several series and brings some recent podium momentum from those championships to Montreal as well. In his most recent races last month, Washington scored a season-best GT America powered by AWS runner-up finish at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) one week after his first race win of the year with a Masters Class Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West triumph at Utah Motorsports Campus.

Washington also experienced the thrill of hitting the podium on an F1 weekend when he scored a third-place class finish in a 2023 Carrera Cup race at Miami.

This year’s Miami Grand Prix Carrera Cup highlight for GMG was debuting driver Levy’s solid seventh-place Pro-Am finish in Sunday’s final sprint that set the stage for that day’s Formula 1 race. In his first career Carrera Cup race weekend, Levy finished both hard-fought sprints on the temporary and tight Miami circuit, avoiding the contact incidents and poor decisions that sidelined numerous competitors both days. Even with some battle scars of his own on his Porsche, Levy pressed on in the Sunday Miami race’s limited green flag runs to set some of his fastest laps of the weekend. The seventh-place result came not only in Levy’s Carrera Cup debut but also in his first race with GMG Racing.

“Montreal is a tight track, so Miami was good training for that, but rain looks like it is going to be a factor,” Levy said. “Still, it is a new track for me and most drivers, so we will all be learning regardless in the dry or wet. My goal is to keep the car in one piece and have some fun.”

Sofronas is GMG’s only driver who raced in both of the year’s opening weekends at Sebring and Miami. His highlight of the young season was a class victory in the very first race of the year at Sebring. Picking up where he left off after a sweep of 2023’s year-end Carrera Cup doubleheader at Circuit of The Americas, Sofronas secured his third-straight Pro-Am class victory in his No. 14 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup in his first start at Sebring in six years.

Like Washington and Levy, Sofronas makes his first career race starts in Montreal this weekend. He does have a flash of experience driving on the track in the wet, however, and that could prove useful with double-digit percentage chances of rain predicted for the Montreal area all weekend.

“I have a career total of two laps on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve,” Sofronas said. “I was coaching our good friend and teammate Brent Holden in Ferrari Challenge well over 10 years ago. On my out-lap, it started to drizzle and then the skies opened up and they red flagged the session. We were all on slicks and everybody had to slowly tiptoe in. Some cars crashed doing just 20 mph, but I managed to bring it in. I have basically a lap and a half at 20 mph in torrential rain, and it was all I could do to save the car from going off. The track was just flooded! So, I really have no experience on the track other than survival, and that was a good 12 years ago.”

Following morning and afternoon practice sessions on Friday, qualifying takes place Saturday morning to set the field for that afternoon’s first race at 5:55 p.m. EDT. Sunday’s final round closes out the Carrera Cup Montreal weekend at 9:40 a.m. EDT.

Both Montreal weekend Carrera Cup races can be viewed at IMSA.TV and PorscheCarreraCup.us and on NBC’s Peacock streaming app before archiving on the Porsche Motorsport North America YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@PorscheMotorsportNorthAmerica.

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.

AM Racing | Hailie Deegan Sonoma Raceway Xfinity Series Race Preview

By
Official Release
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AM Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway | Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250

Fast Facts
No. 15 AM Racing Team:
Driver: Hailie Deegan
Primary Partner(s): Viva Tequila Seltzer
Manufacturer: Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Matt Lucas
Spotter: Michael Fisher
Chassis Intel: AMR Chassis No. X-929
Engine: Roush-Yates Engines

Notes of Interest:

Sophomore Journey: After a successful rookie campaign in the NASCAR Xfinity Series last season with driver Brett Moffitt, AM Racing will embark on its sophomore journey in 2024 with driver Hailie Deegan for the entire 33-race tour, continuing with Saturday afternoon’s Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway.

The Statesville, N.C.-based team hopes to expand its footprint in the NASCAR Xfinity Series by running two cars throughout the season with its partial No. 25 AM Racing entry.

Future Focused: Last October, AM Racing announced that Hailie Deegan joined the family-owned operation to pilot the team’s No. 15 Ford Mustang in a multiyear agreement.

Deegan, a native of Temecula, Calif. has been a staple in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series for the past three seasons but will embrace her rookie season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series as part of the Ford Performance program.

Deegan grew up racing off-road and on dirt but transitioned to competing on asphalt in 2016 to pursue a career in stock car racing. She began that transition in 2018 in the ARCA Menards Series West (previously NASCAR K&N Pro Series West). She became the first female driver to win races in the West Series, doing so in the 2018 and 2019 seasons, respectively.

Deegan, 22, arrives at AM Racing after a stint driving for ThorSport Racing in 2023.

Welcome Aboard: For the first time this season, AM Racing and Deegan welcome Viva Tequila Seltzer as the primary marketing partner for the team’s No. 15 Ford Mustang for the third road course race of the season.

Sonoma debuts the new partnership between Viva Tequila Seltzer and the family-owned AM Racing team that will include several primary partnerships in Viva’s inaugural Motorsports journey.

Founded in July 2020 by three former college athletes in Boston, Massachusetts, Viva Tequila Seltzer redefines indulgence with its creation of a healthier tequila-based seltzer. Rooted in health and wellness, Viva offers flavors like Huckleberry, Elderberry, Watermelon and Grapefruit.

Each can is just 88 calories, zero carbs, and zero sugar, while being gluten-free, keto-friendly, vegan, paleo, non-GMO, and kosher.

Stemming from a shared passion of athletics, the founders desired a drink that fit their active lifestyles without compromising taste.

The result is a premium product that doesn’t make you sacrifice your diet while being awesomely refreshing.

Come See Me: Hailie Deegan will attend two Viva Tequila Seltzer appearances near Sonoma, Calif. promoting their first race with AM Racing this season in Wine Country.

On Thursday, June 6, Deegan will visit Total Wine & More Santa Rosa (2705 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407) from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT.

The next morning on Friday, June 7, she’ll appear at Broadway Market (20511 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476) from 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. PT.

Giving You Peace of Air: For the 14th time in 2024, AirBox will serve in a major partnership role on

Deegan’s No. 15 Ford Mustang in Saturday afternoon’s Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway.

In 2017, AirBox was established to focus on building the world’s best air purifiers for indoor occupied spaces. This coincided with people starting to wake up to issues with indoor air quality. With new challenges to air cleanliness, such as COVID-19 and wildfire smoke, people are looking for effective and proven solutions to ensure they receive cleaner air, at last.

Their history in delivering clean air systems and services gives them an expertise that is unmatched. AirBox uses some of the most effective air filtration technologies that exist with Certified HEPA and Advanced Molecular Adsorption. Coupled with their Indoor Air Quality Assessment, AirBox is the total solution for all indoor air quality needs, ensuring their customers meet and exceed current and future ventilation standards.

Today, AirBox filtration systems are used across the country, purifying the air and capturing harmful irritants to create healthier, safer spaces. They’ve become the trusted choice for hospitals, educational centers, offices, warehouses, construction zones, public assembly, sports facilities, and more.

They’re proud to build all products to the highest standards in the USA at their North Carolina production facility. Every day, AirBox is working hard to give the American people the safer learning, working, and living environments they deserve—helping people breathe easy and live better.

Hailie Deegan NASCAR Xfinity Series Sonoma Raceway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 will mark Deegan’s inaugural Xfinity Series start at the 1.99-mile road course, nestled in the southern Sonoma Mountains of Sonoma County, California.

Deegan, however, does own two prior ARCA Menards Series West starts at the famed northern California race track from 2018 – 2019, respectively.

Her track-best result occurred in her debut during the 2018 Carneros 200, where she steered to a seventh-place finish after starting third for Bill McAnally Racing.

She returned to the 10-turn road course during the 2019 season, where she netted one of her five career ARCA West poles before finishing eighth at the checkered flag.

Most recently, Deegan competed in the lone NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Sonoma in 2022, where she qualified ninth but finished 32nd during the Door Dash 250 for David Gilliland Racing (now TRICON Garage).

This weekend’s third Xfinity Series road course of the season will also mark Deegan’s third career road course start.

Hailie Deegan NASCAR Xfinity Series Career Stats: In 14 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, Deegan has a career-best 12th-place finish after starting 31st for AM Racing at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in April 2024.

In addition to her 12 Xfinity Series starts, she has achieved 70 ARCA Menards Series starts, including three wins and 69 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts to her credit.

Thanks For Your Support: With 39 percent of the 2024 Xfinity Series season complete, AM Racing and Hailie Deegan would like to thank their marketing partners for their support: AirBox, Flying Circle, Klutch Vodka, Mechanix Wear, Monster Energy Drink, Mobil 1, Viva Tequila Seltzer and WIX Filters.

Portland International Raceway | Pacific Automation 147 Race Recap: The 13th race of the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season kicked off in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, June 1.

Flying the AirBox colors for the eighth consecutive weekend, Deegan started her No. 15 AirBox Ford Mustang from the 38th position.

Despite starting the second Xfinity Series road course race deep in the field, she was quickly able to maneuver forward, but her progress would be short-lived.

Before the end of Stage 1, Deegan experienced issues under the hood of her race car. After losing a lap initially, the AM Racing team diagnosed a spark plug issue. Despite several efforts to combat the issue that prevented additional horsepower to be applied, Deegan would fight through the adversity and finish the race in the 33rd position at the checkered flag.

From the Pit Box: Industry veteran Matt Lucas is Hailie Deegan’s crew chief.

He will be crew chief for his 106th NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday and his first at Sonoma Raceway.

In his previous 105 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, he has collected two wins, 22 top-five and 39 top-10 finishes.

Follow on Social Media: For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

For more on Hailie Deegan, please visit hailiedeegan.com, like her Facebook page (HailieDeegan4), or follow her on Instagram (@hailiedeegan), YouTube and X | Twitter (@hailiedeegan).

Hailie Deegan Quoteboard:

On Sonoma Raceway: “It’s an important weekend for our AM Racing team in the Viva Tequila Seltzer colors. I am hoping that my previous experience at Sonoma both in the ARCA Menards Series West and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will provide some benefit for us this weekend.

“Portland definitely did not go as planned and after our solid finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway a couple of weeks ago, we need that momentum back to carry us to the races on the horizon.”

Race Information:

The Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 (79 laps | 156.95 miles) is the 14th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. An extended practice begins on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 1:05 – 1:55 p.m. Qualifying is set for race day, Saturday, June 8 from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. with the 38-car field set to take the green flag later in the day shortly after 5:00 p.m. (8:00 p.m. ET) with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Performance Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Pacific).

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

The family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events in its eighth year of competition.

The team has named Hailie Deegan, Christian Rose, and Austin Wayne Self as their primary drivers for the 2024 Xfinity, ARCA Menards Series, and Dirt Modified seasons, respectively.

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