Home Blog Page 1027

CORVETTE RACING AT SPA: Home Hyperpole for Van Rompuy

By
Official Release
-

No. 81 TF Sport Corvette to start on fourth row in LMGT3 for Six Hours of Spa

STAVELOT, Belgium (May 7, 2024) – Tom Van Rompuy and TF Sport’s No. 81 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R will start on the fourth row of the LMGT3 grid for the Six Hours of Spa Saturday as the team looks to add more FIA World Endurance Championship points to its total.

On his home circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, Van Rompuy led the team’s effort in Friday’s time trials with the eighth-quickest lap in the GT3 Hyperpole session – 2:22.215 (110.169 mph). It marked the second time in three races that the No. 81 Z06 GT3.R advanced to top-10 qualifying this season. The Hyperpole segment was interrupted by a lengthy red flag which took the momentum and life out of the Van Rompuy’s tires for the restart.

As is the case for the full season, Van Rompuy – sixth in the first qualifying session to make Hyperpole – will team with Rui Andrade and Corvette factory driver Charlie Eastwood. They were the highest-finishing TF trio in the previous WEC round at Imola.

ry driver Charlie Eastwood. They were the highest-finishing TF trio in the previous WEC round at Imola.

Hiroshi Koizumi will start 16th Saturday at Spa in the No. 82 Corvette Z06 GT3.R that he drives with Corvette factory driver Daniel Juncadella and Rui Andrade.

The TF Corvettes are coming off seventh- and eighth-place finishes in the previous round at Imola, proof of the deep and competitive field of GT3 cars in the first year of the class in WEC. Pre-event testing paid immediate dividends for the TF Sport team as Juncadella set the fastest time in class not just for the first session but of all three practices combined.

The hope is that the speed of the Corvettes plus TF Sport’s history in WEC at Spa – six consecutive years on the podium in class – will help put at least one of the Z06 GT3.Rs in the top-three by the end of Saturday’s race.

The FIA WEC’s Six Hours of Spa is set for 1 p.m. Central European Time / 7 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday. MotorTrend will air live television coverage from 6:30-8 a.m. and noon-1:30 p.m. ET. Streaming coverage of the race will be available through the FIA WEC app and the MAX app in the U.S. Radio Le Mans will stream audio coverage of the race plus final practice and qualifying.

TF SPORT DRIVER QUOTES

TOM VAN ROMPUY, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I was a little bit disappointed and I think we could have done a little bit better. Qualifying itself was quite OK, but in Hyperpole I prepped my tires to go for a really good push lap right away. I used a small amount of the peak of tire and then the red flag came. So one heat cycle was done and we cooled down. After that I was not able to get the tires in a good window to push for a good quali lap. In that way it’s a bit disappointing. The positive thing is that it is a six-hour race and we starting already in the points. The car is in a good place and the team did a good job on that. I’m looking forward to starting the race and moving up a few places.”

CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Things have been pretty good. We are making massive steps from Qatar to Imola to here, just as a team continuing to learn the Corvette. Throughout testing, we were trying a lot of stuff internally among ourselves. So the timing screen didn’t look amazing, but we knew had the pace in qualifying. Once we had the red flag, we didn’t seem to be able to switch on the tires again in Hyperpole. The gap is a little bigger than we would have liked so we need to look into that. Versus Imola, I think we are stronger than we were there. All going to plan, but we need to get to the front and try to keep with the front of the pack.”

DANIEL JUNCADELLA, NO. 82 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R (after Free Practice 1): “It was a very good start to the weekend for our Corvette. We were testing here a month ago, so that obviously paid its dividends in getting a kick-start ahead of our competition, I believe. The track is still developing. I think there has been some rainy days in the past week, so it was a very dirty track. But balance-wise the car felt good. I’m very happy with how the first session and day went. Obviously it’s still early. I don’t think it means that much to be up front, but I’d rather be up front than at the back and questioning ourselves. So it was very positive. FP2 was pretty decent too. When we are there or thereabouts at the front, it’s always a good sign and gives us confidence. We didn’t have any setbacks. The team worked very well around the car, and my teammates did a good job as well. We’re looking good for the weekend.”

CORVETTE RACING MEDIA INFORMATION

Corvette Racing media information is updated and available ahead of the FIA WEC’s Six Hours of Spa and IMSA’s Motul Course de Monterey. Materials include Corvette Racing event advance and quotes, Corvette Racing stats and figures, Corvette Z06 GT3.R racecar comparisons, Corvette Racing Fast Facts, factory driver biographies and Corvette Racing photography, among other items.
2024 FIA World Endurance Championship Points

LMGT3 Drivers Standings

  1. Aliaksandr Malykhin/Joel Sturm/Klaus Bachler – 54
  2. Augusto Farfus/Darren Leung/Sean Gelael – 37
  3. Alex Riberas/Daniel Mancinelli/Ian James – 37
  4. Ahmad Al Harthy/Maxime Martin/Valentino Rossi – 36
  5. Clement Mateu/Erwan Bastard/Marco Sorensen – 24
  6. Charlie Eastwood/Rui Andrade/Tom Van Rompuy – 7
  7. Daniel Juncadella/Hiroshi Koizumi/Sebastien Baud – 6

LMGT3 Teams Standings

  1. No. 92 Manthey PureRxcing – 54
  2. No. 31 Team WRT – 37
  3. No. 27 Heart of Racing Team – 37
  4. No. 46 Team WRT – 36
  5. No. 777 D’Station Racing – 24
  6. No. 81 TF Sport – 7
  7. No. 82 TF Sport – 6

CORVETTE RACING BY THE NUMBERS: Spa-Francorchamps

  • 3: Previous starts for Corvette Racing-affiliated entries at Spa-Francorchamps. Last year’s runner-up finish in GTE Am was the program’s best result
  • 4: Generations of Corvette ZR1 (C3, C4, C6 and C7). The eighth-generation Corvette ZR1 will be revealed this summer
  • 5: Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs in competition this weekend – Nos. 3 and 4 of Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports and No. 13 of AWA at Laguna Seca, No. 81 and No. 82 of TF Sport at Spa
  • 6: Consecutive podium finishes for TF Sport in the Six Hours of Spa
  • 7: Different drivers to compete for Corvette Racing at Spa since 2021. That number will nearly double to 13 when TF Sport races in WEC this weekend
  • 27: Tracks at which Corvette Racing has won races – Baltimore, Charlotte Motor Speedway, COTA, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park/Mosport, Daytona, Detroit, Houston, Laguna Seca, Le Mans, Lime Rock, Long Beach, Miami, Mid-Ohio, Monza, Portimão, Portland, Road America, Road Atlanta, Sebring, Sonoma, St. Petersburg, Texas, Trois Rivieres, Utah, VIR, Washington DC and Watkins Glen
  • 47: Number of drivers in Corvette Racing entries since 1999 – Bryan Sellers and Scott Smithson being the latest in GT World Challenge America. Rui Andrade, Sebastien Baud, Hiroshi Koizumi and Tom Van Rompuy joined the list at Qatar to open the WEC season
  • 71: Years since Corvette was introduced to the world on Jan. 17, 1953 in New York City. A total of 300 cars were produced that year
  • 127: Victories worldwide for Corvette Racing – 115 in North America, nine at Le Mans and three in the FIA WEC
  • 290: Event starts by Corvette Racing since 1999
  • 376,569.57: Total number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing entries since 1999. To put that in perspective, Corvette Racing is more than halfway to the distance traveled by Apollo 13 – the longest manned spaceflight in history: 622,268 miles

Corvette Racing at Spa

2021

No. 63 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Oliver Gavin – 4th in GTE Pro

2022

No. 64 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy – 4th in GTE Pro

2023

No. 33 Corvette C8.R: Nicky Catsburg/Ben Keating/Nico Varrone – 2nd in GTE Am

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.

RCR Race Preview: Darlington Raceway

By
Official Release
-

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Darlington Raceway… In 143 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Darlington Raceway, Richard Childress Racing has eight wins, all by Dale Earnhardt. Earnhardt claimed the checkered flag in 1986 (spring), both races in 1987, 1989 (fall), another sweep in 1990 plus spring events in 1993 and 1994. RCR drivers have 26 top-five and 48 top-10 finishes at the historic South Carolina speedway.

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at The Lady in Black… Richard Childress Racing is looking to find Victory Lane for the first time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Darlington Raceway. Austin Hill owns the most recent top-five result, a second-place effort in the September 2023 event. The Welcome, N.C. based team has 13 top-five and 30 top-10 finishes.

Catch Saturday’s Action… The Darlington 200 will be televised live Saturday, May 11, beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET on FS1. The race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Watch Sunday’s Show… The Goodyear 400 will be televised live on Sunday, May 12 beginning at 3 p.m. ET on FS1. The race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Boats Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Darlington Raceway… Austin Dillon has made 15 career starts in the NASCAR Cup Series at Darlington Raceway, posting a career-best second-place finish in September 2020 when he missed Victory Lane by a narrow margin over Kevin Harvick. Dillon also had a fourth-place finish in 2017. Dillon has made four appearances at The Lady in Black in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, securing his best finish of fifth in 2012. The 2011 NASCAR Truck Series champion has two starts at the track in the Truck Series, earning his best finish of fifth in August 2010.

Throwing It Back… Dating back to 1998, the long-standing partnership between Bass Pro Shops and RCR began with an associate sponsorship on Dale Earnhardt’s No. 3 Chevrolet. In that year’s NASCAR All-Star Race, Earnhardt drove a special gold Bass Pro Shops design, which served as the inspiration for Dillon’s Camaro that will hit the banks of Darlington Raceway for this weekend’s annual NASCAR Throwback event.

About Bass Pro Shops… Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations, and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops united with Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations, and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers.” Bass Pro Shops has a long relationship with NASCAR, dating back to 1998. For more information, visit http://www.basspro.com/.

Meet Dillon… Dillon is scheduled to appear at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Zone at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, May 12 at 11:45 a.m. ET. Stop by to meet the driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet and get new merchandise to wear on race day.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

400 miles at Darlington Raceway is grueling. How do you stay focused?

“We always have a long, hot race at Darlington Raceway. Keeping hydrated is key leading up to the event, and working out in the gym and running laps on the simulator helps me maintain focus during 400 miles. I am looking forward to racing at Darlington. This is one of my favorite tracks. I have finished second here in the past, so we want to improve on that. We need to qualify well on Saturday because track position is extremely important and a good pit stall can make the difference in the race.”

Do you enjoy racing at Darlington Raceway?

“I enjoy racing at Darlington Raceway. It’s challenging. The track gets slick and wears tires quite a bit. The key to Darlington is trying to race the track and not the competition.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 zone Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Darlington Raceway… Kyle Busch will make his 25th NASCAR Cup Series start at Darlington Raceway on Sunday afternoon. The Las Vegas native scored his first victory at the historic track in 2008, coming in just his fourth start at the egg-shaped speedway. During that win, Busch led a race-high 169 of 367 laps and crossed the finish line over three seconds ahead of second-place Carl Edwards. Entering this weekend’s event, Busch has recorded six top-five and 14 top-10 finishes at Darlington Raceway. He ranks third overall among current drivers in laps led at Darlington (899).

Did You Know? Busch is the youngest NASCAR Cup Series race winner in the 74-year history of Darlington Raceway. Busch was 23 years, 0 months, and 8 days old when he captured the checkered flag at the South Carolina speedway in 2008.

The Points Chase… Entering Sunday’s race at Darlington Raceway, Busch holds the 12th position in the Cup Series driver championship point standings, 17 markers outside the top-10.

Welcome zone™… The latest innovation from ITG Brands, zone is the next generation of nicotine pouches that delivers a superior tobacco-free experience and outperforms competitive products where it matters most. Available in 6mg and 9mg strengths and 7 flavors, zone pouches are made with top shelf ingredients and high-quality materials to provide extra soft comfort, longer-lasting flavor, and immediate nicotine intensity. zone’s pouches are carefully crafted and designed to meet the needs of adult nicotine consumers, providing the best experience from the first pouch to the last. For more information, visit zonepouches.com.

KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

Has the Next Gen car changed how you race at Darlington Raceway?

“I don’t know that it’s really changed the race a whole lot at Darlington Raceway. I think we’ve always kind of had trouble passing there to begin with, because the track is so narrow and it’s really, really tough to pass regardless. The Next Gen car has definitely created more gaps between the cars so it is harder to get to the back of the guy in front of you.”

Do you still have the same approach with keeping the car off the wall and staying out of trouble?

“It’s changed a little bit with the ability of being able to lean up against the wall and be closer to the wall with the body, because the flange fit body allows it to flex in and flex out. But the car is still very brittle with the components to it. You can bend a toe-link pretty easy.”

How challenging is entering pit road off the track between Turns 3 and 4?

“Pit road entry in the middle of Turns 3 and 4 is not really that bad. You just have to know where it’s at. Experience is obviously the best key. You’ve got to maintain that slowing down time up on top of the racetrack and then the turning down. You’re only running between 45 and 50 laps on tires versus years ago when you’d run 60 or so. The tires are old and worn out and they feel bad, but they’re not as bad as they could be.”

Do you enjoy the challenge of racing at Darlington Raceway?

“I do feel like Darlington has its own unique challenges and those challenges are pretty fun. It kind of gives to that old school nature of NASCAR but yet still has its own unique differences between any of the other one-mile or mile-and-a-half racetracks that we go to.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet Camaro SS at Darlington Raceway… Jesse Love will make his inaugural run at Darlington Raceway this weekend during the Darlington 200. The rookie driver’s first-ever laps at the track “Too Tough to Tame” will take place during NASCAR Xfinity Series practice on Friday evening.

Points Check In… Love currently sits in the fourth position in the Xfinity Series driver championship point standings. The rookie is 40 points behind teammate, Austin Hill, who sits in third. The 19-year-old has had a constant hold on the Sunoco Rookie of the Year points standings since the start of the season and sits in the first position, 124 points ahead of second place Shane Van Gisbergen.

Supporting Our First Responders… The No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet will sport their iconic red-and-white design at Darlington Raceway, but there will be a little something extra. As a way to honor those who protect the community, the rear TV Panel will feature “Trusted to Protect First Responders” under the Whelen logo. Whelen products are all proudly manufactured in America and Whelen is committed to protecting first responders with reliable products that keep them and their communities safe.

About Whelen Engineering… Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion to protect the lives of those who protect and serve others. The company mission is to provide industry-defining safety solutions around the world, while creating a community of problem-solvers who are inspired to push boundaries and continue our legacy of delivering ground-breaking innovation. As a global leader in the emergency warning industry, Whelen has been trusted to perform since 1952, when George Whelen III invented the first rotating aviation beacon. Whelen now encompasses two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire with over 750,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and the largest design staff in the industry. Every part of every Whelen product is proudly designed and manufactured in America. We embrace quality as our foundation, we celebrate innovative engineering in every product we produce.

JESSE LOVE QUOTES:

How do you prepare to race at a track you haven’t seen before?

“The simulator helps a lot; I utilize that as a good tool and talk to my crew chief and my spotter. I talk to my teammate, Austin Hill, and my friends who have been there before. I also watch a lot of film.”

Darlington Raceway is one of the toughest tracks on the NASCAR circuit. Is it intimidating for you to go out there without any time on the track?

“At Darlington Raceway you have to use driving techniques that I feel I am pretty good at: running the wall, sliding around, being free and doing a lot with your feet because of the corners and how Turns 1 and 2 are built. I feel it’s not a big disadvantage for me and I’ll be able to fire off pretty well there.”

What would you consider a good day at Darlington Raceway? How will you measure your success there?

“Just having a shot to win the race would be a good day. There’s a lot of things you can’t control, but we need to put ourselves in position to win, get some stage points, have a good qualifying effort and be there at the end with a shot to win. That’s all we can ask for. If we do that, it will be a successful day.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Bennett Transportation and Logistics Chevrolet Camaro SS at Darlington Raceway… Austin Hill has made five career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Darlington Raceway, earning a top-10 result in each event. Last fall while piloting the No. 21 Bennett Transportation and Logistics Chevrolet at the historic South Carolina track, the Winston, Georgia native posted his best finish of second. Hill has also competed in three NASCAR Truck Series races at Darlington, posting a best finish of third in 2020.

Celebrating 50 Years of Trucking… In celebration of the Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR and 50 Years of Trucking for Bennett Family of Companies, Hill and his Bennett Transportation and Logistics team are honoring the companies’ roots with a design that resembles a beloved truck from the 1980’s. The classic blue and white scheme will feature gold keyline accents to commemorate Bennett’s golden anniversary.

About Bennett Family of Companies… McDonough-Ga. based Bennett Family of Companies is a woman-owned, Women’s Enterprise Business Council (WBENC) certified, diversified transportation and logistics company. Through its 14 affiliated operating companies, the Bennett Family of Companies delivers integrated transportation and supply chain management solutions worldwide. Bennett has 4,625 drivers/owner-operators, over 1,000 employees and 600 agents located across the United States. For more information, visit www.bennettig.com.

Meet Hill… On Saturday, May 11 at 10:30 a.m. ET, Hill is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Trailer located in the Fan Zone at Darlington Raceway. Stop by to get your No. 21 gear and have Hill sign the items purchased.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTES:

What makes Darlington Raceway so difficult?

“Darlington Raceway is a tough place to get around. Tire wear is a big issue there and we always see a good amount of tire fall off. You have to make the decision of how hard you are going to push at the beginning of a run or how much you are willing to fall off at the end of a run. It’s always a game of chess to position yourself around other guys who may have made the same decision as you. How hard are they pushing right now compared to me. You want to stay under the limit of the tire and not overstep the right front or right rear to burn it off too early. I personally love to race on any tracks that have an old, worn-out surface where you see a lot of tire fall off. You see a lot of strategies play out differently. It’s a very unique racetrack that no other racetrack can mimic.”

Would you rather be better in Turns 1 and 2 or Turns 3 and 4?

“In racing, your car is never going to be 100% perfect. Drivers will always complain about something, whether the car is too tight, too loose, or doing something that we don’t like. For me, when I go into Darlington weekend, I focus on how my car is driving in Turns 3 and 4. I hope I can just get through Turns 1 and 2 but be really strong on the other end. Everyone gets through Turns 1 and 2 fairly decent. You can move your line around to make up speed. But in Turns 3 and 4, you have to turn really well and have drive on exit with how tight the overall corner is. When you see guys who win races at Darlington, I feel like they are really strong in Turns 3 and 4.”

Cadillac matches WEC-best qualifying position

By
Official Release
-

No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R to start third at Spa, misses front row by .008 of a second

STAVELOT, Belgium (May 10, 2024) – “Well done everyone,” Alex Lynn exclaimed as he brought the No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R onto pit lane to close out Hyperpole qualifying today for the 6 Hours of Spa.

The third-year Cadillac Racing driver covered the 7.004-kilometer (4.35-mile), 20-turn Spa-Francorchamps road course in 2 minutes, 03.115 seconds to qualify third, matching Cadillac Racing’s highest qualifying position through its 10 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) races over two seasons. The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R started third of 12 Hypercars at Bahrain in 2023.

In a field of 19 Hypercars this year, and with qualifying split into a 15-minute session to determine the top 10 that advance to the 12-minute Hyperpole, the No. 2 Cadillac team was up to the task. Lynn transferred into the top 10 with a best lap of 2:02.981. He nearly secured a front-row starting position, coming up .008 of a second short of the No. 5 Porsche 963. The No. 50 Ferrari earned the pole with a lap of 2:02.600.

It is the second time in three races that the No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R advanced to the Hyperpole session as Lynn qualified seventh at the season-opening 10-hour race in Qatar.

The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R displayed what could be in store in qualifying during the second of three free practices with a best lap of 2:04.311 that was 0.179 of a second off the top session time. The team, with Lynn and Earl Bamber sharing the driving duties, was limited to a Hypercar field-low 23 laps because of a tire puncture.

Cadillac Racing qualified fourth and placed fifth in the six-hour race last year at Spa, and both drivers have competed with success multiple times at the historic venue in the heart of the Ardennes.

Bamber and Lynn drove to 10th place in the most recent WEC race at Imola, advancing two positions from the qualifying position over the six-hour race in mixed track conditions.

The 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, an important race unto itself on the WEC calendar, is also considered a tune-up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. Cadillac Racing will again have three Hypercar entries in France, including Bamber, Lynn and two-time INDYCAR champion Alex Palou in the No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R.

The TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps is scheduled for 1 p.m. Central European Time / 7 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Saturday, May 11. MotorTrend, Max and the FIA WEC app will provide coverage of the race in the U.S. Velocity will telecast the race in Canada and FOX Sports 3 will provide coverage in Mexico. Radio Le Mans will have the flag-to-flag broadcast.

Alex Lynn: “For those that didn’t believe, how’s that? Very happy. I think this crew deserved the good qualifying showing that we put together. Now we’re just determined to get a good race result with this No. 2 Cadillac that the team deserves. Very proud of everyone today and look forward to tomorrow. We worked day and night to improve this car since Imola and we won’t stop until it’s over. And we found a lot of stuff overnight that helped us in these sessions and should help us in the race.”

Sonsio Extends Partnership with IMS, Title Sponsorship of Sonsio Grand Prix

By
Official Release
-
Indianapolis, IN - during the INDYCAR Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Photo by Joe Skibinski | IMS Photo)

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, May 10, 2024) – Sonsio Vehicle Protection, an industry-leading provider of vehicle protection and warranty programs, has renewed its multiyear partnership with Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Sonsio Vehicle Protection will continue as an Official Partner of IMS and the title sponsor of the Sonsio Grand Prix NTT INDYCAR SERIES road course race at the Racing Capital of the World.

“Sonsio shares our commitment to customer service and the fan experience, and we are ready to wave the green flag on the Sonsio Grand Prix,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “We look forward to our continued relationship with Sonsio and partnering together for the Sonsio Grand Prix into the future when the NTT INDYCAR SERIES kicks off the Month of May at IMS.”

Said David Jones, CEO of Sonsio Vehicle Protection: “For over 40 years, Sonsio Vehicle Protection has been committed to ensuring that drivers recognize the dependability of the products we offer through our extensive network of dealers. We not only want consumers to have confidence in Sonsio’s brand, but also in those locations that we partner with to market and service our products. For us, it’s all about fostering partnerships to strengthen that trust. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our continued collaboration with IMS.”

With a comprehensive lineup of vehicle protection plans, Sonsio offers industry-leading programs that cover tire and wheel road hazard protection, appearance protection, parts and labor warranties, mechanical advisory and other critical consumer services. These benefits provide vehicle owners with affordable and valuable coverages to keep their vehicles on the road safely and maximize the resale value by keeping the appearance of their vehicles like-new.

Sonsio Vehicle Protection serves more than 82,000 dealerships, F&I service providers, manufacturers, insurance companies, parts suppliers, retail chains and many independent retailers across all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Importantly, customers recognize Sonsio’s network as the standard for coast-to-coast protection and peace of mind for the services and products sold. To learn more visit www.sonsio.com.

NBC’s live coverage of the Sonsio Grand Prix starts at 3 p.m. ET Saturday, May 11. Live streaming is available via Peacock. Audio coverage is available from the INDYCAR Radio Network on SiriusXM channel 218 and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.

Visit IMS.com to purchase tickets for the Sonsio Grand Prix and for more information on the complete Month of May schedule at IMS.

Corey Heim to Race No. 50 Mobil 1™ Toyota Camry XSE with 23XI Racing at Nashville

By
Official Release
-

21-year-old racing prodigy heads to Nashville to race No. 50 in honor of the Mobil 1 brand and its 50th anniversary

Huntersville, N.C. (May 10, 2024) – 23XI Racing, in collaboration with Mobil 1 and TRD (Toyota Racing Development) USA, announced today that Corey Heim, 21-year-old racing prodigy, will compete in the No. 50 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry XSE in the NASCAR Cup Series event at Nashville Superspeedway on June 30. The No. 50 Camry, a third entry for 23XI, is racing at select Cup Series races this year as part of a larger global celebration for the Mobil 1 brand to commemorate its 50th anniversary. The car returns to the track after competing at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in March with sportscar racing star Kamui Kobayashi behind the wheel.

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity I’ve been given by Mobil 1 to compete with 23XI in Nashville,” said Heim, who is ranked the top Cup Series prospect by FOX Sports. “Through my time with Toyota, I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people, including those from Mobil 1. We have seen this season how strong 23XI’s Camrys have been, which makes me even more excited to get behind the wheel in Nashville. I’m putting in the effort to be prepared for this opportunity and cannot wait to get on-track with the No. 50 Mobil 1 Toyota team in a few weeks.”

In 2023, Heim claimed the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series regular season championship and is currently a seven-time winner in the Series. He will make his first Cup Series start at Nashville where in two previous Truck Series starts, he has one top-five finish. Heim’s consistency has been impressive since joining the Truck Series full-time in 2023, earning top-10 finishes in 27 of his 30 starts in the Safelite Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. The Toyota Development Driver has also delivered in select starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Sam Hunt Racing, including leading the most laps in team history before finishing fourth at Richmond Raceway in March. While the race at COTA featured the motorsports legacy of Mobil 1 with a world-renowned driver in the No. 50, the race in Nashville highlights the Mobil 1 brand’s commitment to continue growing that legacy and being ready for what’s next.

“This year has been off to an incredible start as we continue to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary with strong racing talent like Corey Heim,” explains Rob Shearer, Director of Global Sponsorships and Marketing Services, on behalf of Mobil 1. “He continues to prove himself on track as he grows with his career and proves his commitment to the love of racing. Nashville is such a great market for the brand, and we are proud to partner with 23XI Racing for another event for the No. 50 Toyota. Drivers and racing fans know that quality products can help them and their team get the most out of their engine, and we are proud to add another driver to our motorsports legacy in the NASCAR Cup Series.”

Heim holds a NASCAR Cup reserve driver position with both 23XI Racing and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and was called into action to substitute for Erik Jones last month. While Heim will be racing the No. 50 Toyota at Nashville, fans can expect to see the No. 50 – a nod to Mobil 1 and its 50-year heritage – competing at three total events this season. Together with 23XI and TRD USA, Mobil 1 will continue to bring fans a season filled with memorable races and experiences to further deepen its commitment and relationship to the sport.

“We are excited for Corey to join the 23XI team in Nashville as he helps us celebrate our partners at Mobil 1 and its 50th anniversary,” shares Steve Lauletta, President of 23XI Racing. “Corey is undoubtedly an up-and-coming star, and we look forward to working with him as he prepares to race at Nashville. Mobil 1 has a history of working with some of the best young talent in racing, and I can’t think of a better person than Corey to drive the No. 50 Toyota at Nashville.”

“Our partnership with Mobil 1 continues to grow as we near two decades of collaboration,” adds Tyler Gibbs, general manager, TRD USA. “We are thrilled this relationship is giving Corey the opportunity to compete for 23XI Racing in Nashville. Throughout his time as a Toyota Development Driver, Corey has continued to grow as a driver in both the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series as he pursues excellence in his race craft with diligent work in the simulator, film study and through his training sessions at the Toyota Performance Center. He has truly earned this opportunity with Mobil 1 and 23XI, and we look forward to watching him compete against the top drivers in the sport.”

About Mobil 1

For 50 years, Mobil 1 has been trusted by drivers to keep their engines running longer. Our products combine the latest technology and innovation to exceed the toughest standards of vehicle manufacturers and tuning shops—so consumers can get the most out of their time behind the wheel, both on the road and on the track. Turn every day into an adventure with Mobil 1, the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand. Learn more at www.mobil1.us or and follow @Mobil1Racing on Instagram and X. Join us. For the love of driving.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM), creator of the Prius hybrid and the Mirai fuel cell vehicle, is committed to building vehicles for the way people live through our Toyota and Lexus brands, and directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America (more than 49,000 in the U.S.).

Over the past 65 years, Toyota has assembled nearly 47 million cars and trucks in North America at the company’s 12 manufacturing plants. By 2025, the company’s 13th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.

Through our more than 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.), Toyota sold more than 2.6 million cars and trucks (more than 2.2 million in the U.S.) in 2023, of which more than one quarter were electrified vehicles (full battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell).

About 23XI Racing

23XI Racing – pronounced twenty-three eleven – was founded by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin in 2020. With rising NASCAR star Bubba Wallace selected to drive the No. 23 Toyota Camry, the team made its NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Wallace made history on October 4, 2021, when he captured his first career Cup Series win, becoming just the second African American to win in the Cup Series, and earning 23XI its first-ever victory. 23XI expanded to a two-car organization in 2022 with Cup Series Champion Kurt Busch driving the No. 45 Toyota Camry. With a win at Kansas Speedway in May of 2022, Busch earned 23XI the team’s first-ever playoff berth. 23XI currently features the lineup of Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 Toyota Camry and Tyler Reddick in the No. 45 Toyota Camry. In 2023, both Wallace and Reddick earned spots in the NASCAR Playoffs. The team operates out of Airspeed, a state-of-the-art facility in Huntersville, N.C. that opened in January of 2024.

AM Racing | Hailie Deegan Darlington Raceway May Xfinity Preview

By
Official Release
-

AM Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Darlington (S.C.) Raceway | Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200

Fast Facts

No. 15 AM Racing Team:
Driver: Hailie Deegan
Primary Partner(s): Airbox
Manufacturer: Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Joe Williams Jr.
Spotter: Michael Fisher
Chassis Intel: AMR Chassis No. X-077
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 Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 at Darlington (S.C.) 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 have won 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.

Giving You Peace of Air: For the ninth time in 2024, AirBox will serve as the primary marketing partner of Deegan’s No. 15 Ford Mustang in Saturday afternoon’s Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 at Darlington (S.C.) 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.

Throwback Alert: Traditionally, the spring NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Darlington Raceway has served as the official “NASCAR Throwback” weekend allowing teams to flaunt their favorite “throwback” paint scheme from all forms of Motorsports.

This year, AM Racing and Deegan have chosen the famed “Wrangler” paint scheme driven by Dale Earnhardt Sr. during the 1982 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Ironically, like Deegan – Earnhardt drove the No. 15 Ford for Bud Moore Engineering during the season, which included one win, seven top-five, and 12 top-10 finishes for the seven-time Cup Series champion.

42 years ago, Earnhardt, the Randleman, N.C. native piloted a blue oval race car for the only season during his storied racing career.

Deegan is in her rookie season aboard the No. 15 Ford Mustang for AM Racing.

Clean Air in ‘The House’: This weekend at Darlington, AM Racing will also promote its partnership with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston provides a “Home-away-from-home” for families of seriously ill or injured children receiving medical treatment in Charleston area hospitals.

Since 1983, RMHC Charleston has served as a beacon of hope and support for families facing the challenges of pediatric illness. RMHC Charleston offers a comforting environment where families can find strength, support, and resources during difficult times.

Recently, Deegan and members of AM Racing visited the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston, where she spent time with families and children battling pediatric illnesses.

Deegan’s partner AirBox also donated 26 state-of-the-art air purifiers to the Ronald McDonald House of Charleston.

Hailie Deegan NASCAR Xfinity Series Darlington (S.C.) Raceway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 will mark Deegan’s inaugural Xfinity Series start at the 1.33-mile speedway, one of the most unique tracks on the Xfinity Series tour.

Deegan, however, does own four prior NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts at the famed South Carolina race track from 2021 – 2023.

Her track-best result occurred twice during the 2021 LiftKits4Less.com 200 and 2023 Buckle Up South Carolina 200, when she steered to a 20th-place finish after starting 10th for David Gilliland Racing (now TRICON Garage) and 26th, respectively, for ThorSport Racing.

Hailie Deegan NASCAR Xfinity Series Career Stats: In 11 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 10 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 30 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.

Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway | BetRivers 200 Race Recap: The 10th race of the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season kicked off in Dover, Del. on Saturday, April 27.

Flying the AirBox colors for the fifth consecutive weekend, Deegan, in her Monster Mile debut, qualified on speed in the 29th position.

Unfortunately, on her charge to the top 20, Deegan was collected in an early race accident that significantly damaged the front end of her No. 15 AirBox Ford Mustang.

Despite the team’s best efforts, the front-end damage proved to be a handling nightmare. However, the rookie driver persevered through the race’s 208 laps to finish 31st at the checkered flag.

From the Pit Box: Industry veteran Joe Williams Jr. is Hailie Deegan’s crew chief.

He will be crew chief for his 142nd NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday and his ninth at Darlington Raceway.

In his previous 141 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, he has collected one win (Auto Club Speedway | February 2022), eight top-five and 30 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 Darlington Raceway: “I am looking forward to Darlington Raceway this weekend. It is a unique track that provides a different element of racing. Momentum is crucial, especially coming out of Turns 2 and Turns 4, where you can keep riding the wall and get that boost of energy.

“Our No. 15 Airbox Ford Mustang throwback looks awesome, and I’m honored to represent the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston. It is a very meaningful charitable foundation, and it encourages us all at AM Racing to have a good race not only for ourselves and our partners but also for the kids!”

Race Information:

The Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 (147 laps | 200.8 miles) is the 11th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice will occur on Fri., May 10, 2024, from 5:05 p.m. to 5:25 p.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 5:35 p.m. The field will take the green flag on Sat., May 11, 2024, shortly after 1:30 p.m., with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Eastern).

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.

Rick Ware Racing: Justin Haley/Kaz Grala Darlington Race Advance

By
Official Release
-

JUSTIN HALEY | KAZ GRALA
Darlington Advance

Event Overview

● Event: Goodyear 400 (Round 13 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 12
● Location: Darlington (S.C.) Raceway
● Layout: 1.366-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 293 laps/400.2 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 90 laps / Stage 2: 95 laps / Final Stage: 108 laps
● TV/Radio: FS1 / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Justin Haley, Driver of the No. 51 NC Fraternal Order of Police/CMPD Tribute Ford Mustang Dark Horse

● Sunday’s Goodyear 400 will mark Justin Haley’s seventh NASCAR Cup Series start at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway. While several of his competitors will honor the grassroots of motorsports with their respective racecar paint schemes, Haley’s will honor four heroes who gave their lives making a difference in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.

● On Monday, April 29, 2024, law enforcement officers from the U.S. Marshals Task Force and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police department (CMPD) were attempting to serve a felony warrant when a suspect opened fire from inside the house. Four heroes were mortally wounded – CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer, NC Department of Adult Corrections Investigators Samuel Poloche and William “Alden” Elliott, and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks, Jr. – while four additional officers were injured.

​The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #9 Foundation has established a fundraiser to honor the fallen officers. All donations made will be split equally between the four families of the fallen officers to help with necessary expenses. Haley and his family will match donations made through the end of Sunday’s race.

● Haley’s two best Darlington finishes came in the two most recent May races at the 1.366-mile, egg-shaped oval. In May 2022, he charged to a third-place finish from his 29th starting position. He followed that up in May 2023 with an eighth-place run.

● In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Haley has posted five starts with one top-five and five top-15 finishes from 2021 to 2023.

Kaz Grala, Driver of the No. 15 N29 Capital Partners Ford Mustang Dark Horse

● Kaz Grala will make his first Cup Series start at Darlington in the No. 15 N29 Capital Partners Ford Mustang Dark Horse that is designed to honor the 1969 Bud Moore Ford Mustang Boss 302 driven by Rufus “Parnelli” Jones in the original SCCA Trans Am Series. The Ford Mustang Boss 302 was Ford’s answer to the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 both on the street and on the track, created to compete for the SCCA Trans Am championship. On May 11, 1969, Jones battled through rain, sleet and snow at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn to win the four-hour, 11-minute, 104-lap, 344.24-mile Trans Am season opener. It was the first victory for the Boss 302. Jones collected a second win July 6, 1969, at the 3-mile Donnybrook International Speedway in Minnesota, now known as Brainerd International Raceway.

For the 1969 season, Jones finished first or second in six of the 11 races. The Bud Moore team recorded DNFs in the other five events.

As the 1970 SCCA Trans Am season began, Jones returned in the Bud Moore-engineered Ford Mustang Boss 302 for the 1970 Trans Am season with his sights set on contending for the championship. Meanwhile in California, the Ware family was busy preparing for Johnny Ware’s Trans Am debut. After completing SCCA road-course training, the father of RWR team owner Rick Ware made his first start in the final event of the 1970 season – the Mission Bell 200 at Riverside (Calif.) Raceway. The elder Ware qualified 23rd in a field of 35 cars and finished 15th, seven laps down to race-winner and 1970 SCCA Trans Am champion Jones.

● Grala also spent time in the Trans Am Series on his way to NASCAR’s premier series. In 2022, he competed in the Trans Am Series TA class at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington and Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. He won the pole in his debut at Mid-Ohio and set a track record, then followed that up in the next event at Road America by winning the pole and leading every lap en route to the win.

● In two NASCAR Xfinity Series races at Darlington, Grala has a best finish of ninth, earned in the May 2023 race.

Rick Ware Racing Notes

● The Progressive American Flat Track (AFT) tour is back on track at Ventura (Calif.) Raceway this weekend. Mission SuperTwins rider Briar Bauman is looking for this first podium of the season and sits fourth in the standings three top-five finishes in the first four events. AFT Singles rider and two-time champion Kody Kopp holds a 17-point lead in the title standings thanks to a pair of wins and a pair of runner-up finishes through the first four races.

● Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age six when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. More than a decade later, injuries would force Ware out of the driver seat and into fulltime team ownership. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that fields two fulltime entries in the NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, the LMP3 class of the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup, Progressive American Flat Track and FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX), where RWR won the 2022 SX2 championship with rider Shane McElrath.

Justin Haley, Driver Q&A

Talk about how special your paint scheme for this week is.

“I’m honored to represent the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police and their efforts to honor the fallen heroes of the CMPD and the U.S. Marshals. These men and women put their lives on the line to protect and serve their communities knowing there’s a day when they may not return home. I’m proud to carry them with me at Darlington and to help their families as they move forward through these difficult times.”

There has been steady improvement out of the No. 51 camp. How tough will it be to take that next stop into the top-15 at a track like Darlington?
“I think it’s definitely possible. There has been a lot of progress made and we just keep taking it a little further each week. Darlington is a difficult track in and of itself. The track is so unique and it takes a lot of focus for a driver to drive the car into the corners correctly. It’s just a physically demanding track. Certainly not as much this weekend as when we come back for the Southern 500, but there’s a reason it’s known as being ‘Too Tough To Tame.’ The older surface presents another challenge for teams as the tire fall-off is so quick there, so you really have to take advantage of those first few laps because, after that, it all comes down to just how good the car and driver are. It can be one of the most difficult tracks for us, but also one of the most fun tracks we go to.”

Kaz Grala, Driver Q&A

You’re back in the No. 15 and taking on another track for the first time in the Cup Series. What have you learned in your two Xfinity Series starts there?

“I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is it’s just as tough as you are led to believe. You can have a great day and think you’ve got it figured out, only to show up the next race and have your hands full. Darlington is definitely one of those unique tracks with its two different corners and it can be difficult to navigate. Still, these Cup cars handle so differently from the Xfinity cars. I feel like I’ve done a good job learning and adapting quickly, but at a track like Darlington, I’ll have to get up to speed fast.”

You’ll be running the Parnelli Jones 1969 Trans Am tribute paint scheme. What do you think about the red-and-black livery?
“It’s really exciting to run this paint scheme for my throwback. It’s such an iconic Ford paint scheme and Parnelli Jones was one of those racers who did it all. He dipped his toe in what seemed like every different motorsports series – Trans Am, NASCAR, IndyCar, Sprint and Midget cars, off-road racing. And then he turned around and became a team owner and won the Indy 500. We just celebrated the 60th birthday of the Ford Mustang and now we’ll get to continue the celebration by honoring a car that was created to outperform in the motorsports world. Hopefully we can do it justice.”

The NASCAR All-Star Race 12-Pack Of Memorable Moments

By
Official Release
-
The 1989 NASCAR All-Star Race was a more painful one for Darrell Waltrip (17) than his win in 1985, but Rusty Wallace (27) had plenty of reason to celebrate after Waltrip went spinning and Wallace scored his first and only All-Star victory. (CMS Archives)

NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. (May 9, 2024) – As NASCAR celebrates the milestone 40th running of its popular All-Star Race, one of the single biggest factors in the 39 previous editions of the prestigious event that showcases the best of the best in the NASCAR Cup Series with more than $1 million up for grabs has been surprises.

There has been a plethora of surprise winners, surprise finishes, surprising crashes and surprising moves on the track that truly left us all breathless. We were surprised when the favorite didn’t win just as much as we were surprised when a driver came roaring from the pack to take home the money.

As the 40th NASCAR All-Star Race takes center stage at legendary North Wilkesboro Speedway next weekend, May 17-19 (8 p.m., FS1, MRN Radio), fans can almost certainly expect more of the same. Before we crown the 40th winner of this amazing event that is part drama, part mayhem and part chaos, let’s take a look back at some of the most memorable finishes in All-Star Race history.

Because every one of the 39 previous All-Star Races have had incredible circumstances around their finishes, it’s a herculean task and nearly impossible to rank them in order of most-favorite to least-favorite. So below is a 12-pack of the most memorable All-Star Race finishes in chronological order.

2019, “Advance and Conquer”
Kyle Larson earned the first of his three All-Star Race victories while driving the No. 42 Chevrolet for Chip Ganassi Racing. The California native swept both races that night, the All-Star Open and the All-Star Race, becoming only the first Cup Series driver to win the NASCAR All-Star Race after also claiming the All-Star Open. He’s since added two more All-Star Race victories, at Texas Motor Speedway in 2021 and North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2023.

2009, “Smoke Got Him!”
Tony Stewart scored an emotional first win as a team owner/driver in the NASCAR Cup Series by taking the checkered flag in the thrilling 2009 All-Star Race. In a final 10-lap shootout, Stewart passed rivals Kyle Busch in third and second-place Matt Kenseth in dramatic fashion as TV analyst Larry McReynolds famously shouted “Smoke got him!” and he took the checkered flag and pocketed the $1 million payday. It was the former Cup and IndyCar champion’s first win since leaving Joe Gibbs Racing to become co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing. He joined 1994 winner Geoff Bodine as the All-Star Race’s only driver-owner winners.

2008, “Crashing the Party”
Kasey Kahne thought his night was over after finishing a disappointing 15th at the controls of his Ray Evernham No. 9 Dodge in the All-Star Open in 2008 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. However, his legion of fans came to the rescue and awarded him a starting spot in the prestigious All-Star Race as the Fan Vote Winner. He started last in the All-Star Race, but after making adjustments to the car and coming up aces on a pit road gamble, sent him straight to Victory Lane as the surprise winner. In the strategic pit stop move, Kahne’s team elected to not change tires and it paid off. Runner-up Greg Biffle, who led the most laps and took two tires in the same stop, wasn’t able to get by the big red machine as the checkered flag waved.

2005, “Throwback Victory”
Mark Martin became the oldest All-Star winner in history at age 46 when he turned back the clock a bit to win a fan-favorite 2005 All-Star Race at Charlotte. Driving a throwback color scheme that honored the early 1990s on his No. 6 Ford gave Martin the mojo he needed to run up front and ultimately take the victory. Martin won the first segment, and then worked his way back to the front in the second segment after an inverted start. In the final segment he took advantage of a nine-car melee to move into contention. In the final 19 laps, Martin was able to bump past Elliott Sadler to take the lead. Martin pulled away once he got out front and Sadler finished second.

2002, “Another Rookie Winner”
Ryan Newman managed to have one of the best All-Star nights in history in 2002 as he won the All-Star Open and then started last in the 27-car All-Star field, but managed to hang on and win the $1 million first place prize. Ironically, to take the win he had to hold off the defending winner, Dale Earnhardt Jr. With the win Newman joined Earnhardt Jr. as the only rookies to have ever won the All-Star Race.

2000, “We came here to take all the money”
Dale Earnhardt Inc. teammate Steve Park had just won the All-Star Open and Dale Earnhardt Jr. was determined to do his part to make the evening a race-team affair to remember at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2000. The third-generation star kept the momentum going when he raced to the win in the All-Star Race to capture the $1 million payday. A late pit stop gave the driver of the red No. 8 Chevy all the momentum he needed to make a late-race pass on Dale Jarrett and capture the prestigious victory. He became the first rookie to win the All-Star Race and famously said in Victory Lane as he celebrated with his team owner and father, “We didn’t come here to run third, we came here to take all the money.”

1997, “T-Rex Roars”
Jeff Gordon drove his famed Jurassic Park movie-themed “T-Rex” No. 24 Chevy to a dominating victory in the 1997 NASCAR All-Star Race, winning all three stages. This victory was also controversial, as the “experimental” car was rumored to be illegal due to a questionable suspension setup that basically optimized the car for short-run speed. The car was reportedly signed off on by NASCAR officials prior to the All-Star Race and strutted its stuff throughout the night, putting on quite a show for the fans. Gordon took the lead with nine laps to go and cruised on to the victory. Later the next week NASCAR officials modified its rulebook and made sure that T-Rex was all but extinct.

1996, “Last to First”
Michael Waltrip hadn’t exactly followed in his big brother Darrell’s tire tracks in the NASCAR Cup Series. Through 11 seasons of racing, which was more than 300 starts, he had yet to win a major event or any points-paying race, much less cash a big payday. That all changed at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1996. Waltrip found a way to finish fifth, the last transfer spot, in the All-Star Open qualifying race and advanced into the big-money All-Star Race. Driving the famed No. 21 for the Wood Brothers out of Virginia, Waltrip found his stride under the bright lights of the All-Star Race. The tall, lanky driver found his way into contention and took advantage of contact late in the race between rivals Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Terry Labonte. Waltrip sped through the open gap to claim the lead with nine laps to go. From there he mashed the gas and left the pack behind and made history as the first driver to win the All-Star Race after transferring from the Open. He famously said to his critics who called it an exhibition win after the race, “I smell like champagne. I’ve got confetti on me and I just won one of the biggest races of the year with the Wood Brothers. I swear it feels a whole lot like a win to me.”

1992, “One Hot Night”
For the first time in All-Star Race history the race was held under bright stadium lights at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Davey Allison and Kyle Petty dueled for most of the night, proving they both had the top-contending cars, but the always present “Intimidator” Dale Earnhardt was lurking, and had worked his way into the lead with six laps to go. Petty reeled in Earnhardt and eventually Petty and Earnhardt tangled in turn three while battling for the lead on the final lap, and while the 3-car slid away from the action, Petty and Allison powered side-by-side toward the checkered flag. Sparks were flying as the two made contact at the finish and the crashing race cars sent Allison in one direction and Petty in another. Allison was declared the winner, but he didn’t make it to Victory Lane, unfortunately, as he was rushed to a local hospital where he was treated for a separated collarbone and other minor injuries. That race alone set the tone for the All-Star Race becoming must-watch NASCAR and the hottest ticket in town.

1989, “The Tide Slide”
Then young-gun Rusty Wallace stalked the decorated NASCAR champ Darrell Waltrip for nearly nine laps in the 1989 All-Star Race at Charlotte before making his winning move. The two drivers had the best cars of the night, as each had claimed an earlier segment win. In the final segment, Waltrip appeared to be on his way to victory in the late stages. With 10 laps to go, however, Wallace’s No. 27 Pontiac continued to creep closer to Waltrip’s bumper. With two laps remaining, Wallace got to Waltrip’s rear bumper in turns 3-4 as the white flag waved in the distance. The two cars eventually touched and Waltrip’s famed No. 17 orange Tide Chevy took a slide up the track. While Wallace drove to Victory Lane, the two race teams erupted in a huge fight on pit road. A dejected Waltrip famously said, “I hope he chokes on that $200,000.”

1987, “The Pass in the Grass”
One of the most-discussed All-Star Races in history, the 1987 victory by Dale Earnhardt Sr., still to this day receives more than its share of water-cooler chatter among race fans. At the time the race was famously tagged “The Pass in the Grass”, but as we all know there was no pass. It was a “Save in the Grass”. And a magic one at that. Earnhardt somehow managed to recover after Bill Elliott tagged his rear bumper and sent his blue and yellow No. 3 Chevy off the track onto the grass patch in the trioval of Charlotte Motor Speedway. A determined Earnhardt never lost stride or power and just manhandled the machine back on the track and never lost his position. It was a breath-taking moment and a spectacular save all in one. Earnhardt had been battling with his rival Elliott for most of the race and neither driver was giving an inch. Both were animated in post-race interviews. Said an angry Elliott: “Dale cut down on me and spun himself. Clearly, I was under him. If I’d meant to spin him, I would have spun him. I had the quickest car… he meant to take me out.” Earnhardt had a different view of the event. “(Elliott) came up there and tried to spin me out twice,” Earnhardt said. “I didn’t take it.”

1985, “Explosive Victory”
Darrell Waltrip won the inaugural NASCAR All-Star Race in thrilling fashion at Charlotte Motor Speedway and as soon as the checkered flag waved, controversy ensued. In fact, that one All-Star Race may be the most controversial of them all. Harry Gant led the most laps in the star-studded field of 12 drivers that featured the best of the best from the time period. Gant looked like he was on his way to an easy win but Waltrip had other plans. With two laps to go, Waltrip caught and passed Gant and took the victory. A few moments after the checkered flag waved, Waltrip’s No. 11 Junior-Johnson tuned Chevy erupted in white smoke. The win stood, and the controversy still lingers. Even today there are those who feel like that engine was illegal, but because it exploded just after the race was over there was nothing for NASCAR’s officials to inspect.

Below are the winners of each NASCAR All-Star Race in history:

Year Driver Team Owner Manufacturer Location

1985 Darrell Waltrip Junior Johnson Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

1986 Bill Elliott Melling Racing Ford Atlanta, Ga.

1987 Dale Earnhardt Sr. Richard Childress Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

1988 Terry Labonte Junior Johnson Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

1989 Rusty Wallace Blue Max Racing Pontiac Charlotte, N.C.

1990 Dale Earnhardt Sr. Richard Childress Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

1991 Davey Allison Robert Yates Ford Charlotte, N.C.

1992 Davey Allison Robert Yates Ford Charlotte, N.C.

1993 Dale Earnhardt Sr. Richard Childress Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

1994 Geoff Bodine Geoff Bodine Ford Charlotte, N.C.

1995 Jeff Gordon Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

1996 Michael Waltrip Wood Brothers Ford Charlotte, N.C.

1997 Jeff Gordon Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

1998 Mark Martin Jack Roush Ford Charlotte, N.C.

1999 Terry Labonte Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

2000 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Dale Earnhardt Sr. Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

2001 Jeff Gordon Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

2002 Ryan Newman Penske Racing Ford Charlotte, N.C.

2003 Jimmie Johnson Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

2004 Matt Kenseth Jack Roush Ford Charlotte, N.C.

2005 Mark Martin Jack Roush Ford Charlotte, N.C.

2006 Jimmie Johnson Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

2007 Kevin Harvick Richard Childress Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

2008 Kasey Kahne Ray Evernham Dodge Charlotte, N.C.

2009 Tony Stewart Stewart-Haas Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

2010 Kurt Busch Penske Racing Ford Charlotte, N.C.

2011 Carl Edwards Roush-Fenway Ford Charlotte, N.C.

2012 Jimmie Johnson Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

2013 Jimmie Johnson Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

2014 Jamie McMurray Chip Ganassi Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

2015 Denny Hamlin Joe Gibbs Toyota Charlotte, N.C.

2016 Joey Logano Penske Racing Ford Charlotte, N.C.

2017 Kyle Busch Joe Gibbs Toyota Charlotte, N.C.

2018 Kevin Harvick Stewart-Haas Ford Charlotte, N.C.

2019 Kyle Larson Chip Ganassi Chevrolet Charlotte, N.C.

2020 Chase Elliott Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Bristol, Tenn.

2021 Kyle Larson Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Ft. Worth, Texas

2022 Ryan Blaney Penske Racing Ford Ft. Worth, Texas

2023 Kyle Larson Rick Hendrick Chevrolet North Wilkesboro, N.C.

TICKETS:

Single-day tickets, camping and parking for all NASCAR All-Star Race week events can be purchased online by visiting www.NorthWilkesboroSpeedway.com. Fans shopping for the best value can purchase a five-day, NASCAR All-Star Race week ticket package starting at just $259. The package includes all NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and zMAX CARS Tour races, qualifying and practice sessions, plus Neal McCoy, Tim Dugger and Warren Zeiders concerts and the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear. There is also a three-day NASCAR All-Star weekend ticket package available for $229.

MORE INFO:
Fans can connect with North Wilkesboro Speedway and get the latest news regarding NASCAR All-Star week and North Wilkesboro Speedway by following on Twitter and Instagram or becoming a Facebook fan.

Young’s Motorsports Darlington Raceway – Truck | Xfinity Team Preview

By
Official Release
-

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series
Darlington (S.C.) Raceway | Buckle Up South Carolina 200

Fast Facts
No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Team:
Driver: Mason Massey
Primary Partner(s): Young’s Building Systems | Randco Industries Inc.
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado RST
2024 Driver Points Position: 23rd
2024 Owner Points Position: 26th
Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

Notes of Interest:

Settled In: In February, Young’s Motorsports announced that Mason Massey will compete full-time in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series this season aboard the team’s flagship, No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado RST, which will continue with Friday night’s Buckle Up South Carolina 200 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.

Massey arrived at Young’s Motorsports after running a limited NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule last season for SS-GreenLight Racing, including a top-10 performance at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

The Douglasville, Ga. native started his 2023 Truck Series season with Reaume Brothers Racing and competed in seven races with a season-high 11th place finish at Texas Motor Speedway, but later shifted his presence to Xfinity for five races throughout the 33-race season.

About Mason: Massey has over 20 years of experience behind the wheel, launching his racing career at age five. Since then, he has garnered over 200 feature wins, 11 championships, and 10 track records across multiple series, including the U.S. Legends Pro National Championship.

Amongst the many Late Model victories to Massey’s credit during his tenure in the Bill Elliott Racing Development Program is the 2012 triumph in the Alabama 200. He eventually graduated to NASCAR in 2019, competing in the Truck Series before advancing to the Xfinity Series in 2020.

After part-time Xfinity stints in 2020 and 2021, respectively, the Georgian captured the attention of many with an impressive sixth-place finish in the spring 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series contest at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway in front of the hometown crowd.

With 40 more NASCAR starts to his resume since his first career NASCAR top-10 effort, Massey has landed with Young’s Motorsports, a longtime fixture in the Truck Series, hoping to impress and land the organization back in Victory Lane this season.

All-Aboard!: For the ninth of 23 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races this season, Young’s Building Systems and Randco Industries Inc. return to serve as the co-primary marketing partners on the No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado RST for the 147-lap race on Friday night.

Since 1981, Young’s Building Systems has been providing West Texas with all their metal building needs. This family-owned and operated business has become an industry favorite due to the experience gained and the professional results completed. Young’s Building System is a division of Randco Industries, Inc. We have expanded into a company that has the ability to erect any type of building, from a small single story to a city high-rise.

Our customers have multiple uses for our buildings, including commercial, residential, agricultural, industrial, skid-mounted buildings and compressor station buildings.

We also have a team that specializes in stairs and railings of all shapes and sizes. Young’s Building Systems is fully insured for your peace of mind, so we carry workmen’s compensation and general liability coverage that goes above and beyond State requirements.

Our company is fully equipped with moving and lifting equipment along with compressors, generators and welding equipment. We have the tools and equipment needed to support large, demanding projects. Our work ethic is based on the principles of quality, promptness, and customer experience.

Young’s Building Systems continuously raises our standard of excellence and works hard to make sure that each and every one of your needs are met.

Mason Massey Truck Series Darlington (S.C.) Raceway Stats: Friday night’s Buckle Up South Carolina 200 will mark Massey’s first Truck Series start at the 1.33-mile South Carolina oval.

However, Massey does own four NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Darlington for B.J. McLeod Motorsports, DGM Racing and Rick Ware Racing, respectively.

In 2021, Massey delivered his Xfinity-track best finish of 18th after starting 26th in the Sport Clips | VFW Help A Hero 200 for Rick Ware Racing.

Mason Massey Truck Series Career Stats: Entering Darlington, Massey has 22 career NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races to his credit. He has earned a career-best 11th-place finish twice, most recently at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway after starting 29th in the Long John Silver’s 200 for Young’s Motorsports.

Massey also finished 11th at Texas Motor Speedway after starting 27th in the 2023 edition of the SpeedyCash.com 250 for Reaume Brothers Racing.

Since 2019, he has carried an average finish of 24.5.

Kansas Speedway | Heartland of America 200 Race Recap: In the eighth race of the 2024 Truck Series season, Young’s Motorsports and Massey searched for another solid finish in the Midwest.

After encountering a mechanical issue late in practice, the Young’s Motorsports team forfeited their qualifying attempt to make the necessary repairs for the race. From his 33rd-place starting position, Massey blasted his way through the field and continuously made gains throughout the 134-lap to find himself contending for a top-20 finish.

Following his final pit stop under green flag conditions, Massey was able to maneuver some of the fastest laps on the track but unfortunately ran out of laps to surge inside the top 20 and settled for 21st at the checkered flag.

In 2024, Massey has delivered one top-15, three top-20s, and five top-21 finishes, highlighted by a career-best outing at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, where he steered the team’s flagship truck to an 11th-place finish.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ 15th NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts at the track dubbed “Too Tough To Tame.”

The organization posted a team-best 10th-place finish at the track on May 12, 2023, with Kaden Honeycutt at the wheel in the 2023 Buckle Up South Carolina 200.

Since 2020, the Mooresville, N.C.-based Young’s Motorsports team has had an average starting position of 27.3 and an average finish of 25.1 in 14 Darlington Raceway starts overall.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series History: Since entering the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series in 2012, the Mooresville, N.C., – based organization has logged 484 starts from 63 drivers, resulting in solid performances that include two victories (Talladega Superspeedway 2019 and 2021), seven top-five finishes and 33 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 23.0 and an average finishing position of 22.0.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Mason Massey, please visit masonmassey.com, like him on Facebook (Mason Massey Racing), and follow him on Instagram (@mason_massey) and X |Twitter (@mason_massey).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Mason Massey Pre-Race Quote:

On Darlington Raceway: “Darlington is one of the coolest, most challenging tracks we go to. I’ve always felt like I get around there pretty well, but racing a truck there will be a new challenge.

“We’ve had a pretty solid few weeks as a team, and we’re hoping to just keep building on this momentum!”

Race Information:

The Buckle Up South Carolina 200 (147 laps | 200.8 miles) is the ninth of 23 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races on the 2024 schedule. The one-day show begins with practice on Friday, May 10, from 3:05 p.m. to 3:25 p.m. Qualifying immediately follows practice, beginning at 3:35 p.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 7:30 p.m., with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Eastern).

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR Xfinity Series

Darlington (S.C.) Raceway | Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200

Fast Facts

No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Leland Honeyman Jr.

Primary Partner(s): Young’s Building Systems | Randco Industries Inc.

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro

Crew Chief: Andrew Abbott

2024 Driver Points Position: 19th

2024 Owner Points Position: 22nd

Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Movin’ on Up!: In January, Young’s Motorsports announced it would graduate from the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series to the NASCAR Xfinity Series full-time in 2024 with rising star Leland Honeyman Jr. behind the wheel of the team’s No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro for the entire 33-race season continuing with Saturday afternoon’s Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.

About Leland: The Phoenix, Ariz. native began honing his racing skills at the tender age of two racing Quads. By four years old, he moved into Trophy Karts and then collected three series championships in off-road racing Trophy Karts.

After an instrumental tenure in Go Karts, he moved into the Bandolero competition in 2015 and was crowned a Bandolero National Champion two years later. From there, he moved into Limited Late Models before graduating to the Carolina Pro Late Model Series division in 2021, where he earned championship-runner-up honors and picked up an astounding victory in the annual Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway Fall Brawl.

Honeyman, 19, returns to the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization, where he ran an impressive ARCA Menards Series East Series campaign, finishing third in the 2022 championship standings.

During the 2023 season, he made eight NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, highlighted by a 21st-place finish at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Road Course.

Throwback Alert: Traditionally, the spring NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Darlington Raceway has served as the official “NASCAR Throwback” weekend allowing teams to flaunt their favorite “throwback” paint scheme from all forms of Motorsports.

This year, Young’s Motorsports and Honeyman Jr. have chosen the famed “Mellow Yellow” paint scheme driven by Kyle Petty during the 1993 NASCAR Cup Series season for SABCO Racing.

Ironically, Petty, the son of seven-time Cup Series champion Richard Petty, boasted the popular neon green and red colors aboard the No. 42 Pontiac Grand Prix for the 30-race season, which included a win at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway.

Honeyman is in his rookie season aboard the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for Mooresville, N.C.-based Young’s Motorsports.

All-Aboard!: For the 11th of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races this season, Texas-based Young’s Building Systems and Randco will partner with the Mooresville, N.C.-based team as the primary partners on the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the 147-lap race on Saturday afternoon.

Since 1981, Young’s Building Systems has been providing West Texas with all their metal building needs. This family-owned and operated business has become an industry favorite due to the experience gained and the professional results completed. Young’s Building System is a division of Randco Industries, Inc. We have expanded into a company that has the ability to erect any type of building, from a small single story to a city high-rise.

Our customers have multiple uses for our buildings, including commercial, residential, agricultural, industrial, skid-mounted buildings and compressor station buildings.

We also have a team that specializes in stairs and railings of all shapes and sizes. Young’s Building Systems is fully insured for your peace of mind, so we carry workmen’s compensation and general liability coverage that goes above and beyond State requirements.

Our company is fully equipped with moving and lifting equipment along with compressors, generators and welding equipment. We have the tools and equipment needed to support large, demanding projects.

Our work ethic is based on the principles of quality, promptness, and customer experience.

Young’s Building Systems continuously raises our standard of excellence and works hard to make sure that each and every one of your needs are met.

Leland Honeyman Jr. NASCAR Xfinity Series Darlington (S.C.) Raceway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 will mark Honeyman’s inaugural Xfinity Series start at the 1.33-mile speedway, one of the most unique tracks on the Xfinity Series tour.

Leland Honeyman Jr. NASCAR Xfinity Career Stats: Entering Darlington, Honeyman has 18 career NASCAR Xfinity Series races to his credit, earning a career-best fourth-place finish at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway after starting 33rd in the Ag-Pro 300 for Young’s Motorsports in April 2024.

Since 2023, he has carried an average finish of 22.8.

Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway | BetRivers 200 Race Recap: In the 10th race of the 2024 Xfinity Series season, Young’s Motorsports and Honeyman searched for another solid finish at the Monster Mile.

After starting his No. 42 Young’s Building Systems | Randco Industries Inc. from the 28th position, Honeyman utilized patience and good adjustments from crew chief Andrew Abbott to make a steady climb through the field.

With his sights set on a top-20 finish, a chaotic restart in overtime kept Honeyman at bay, but the rookie Xfinity Series driver did capture a respectable 21st-place finish at the checkered flag.

Calling the Shots: Guiding Honeyman Jr. as crew chief of the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is longtime crew chief Andrew Abbott.

On Saturday, he will be crew chief in his 108th NASCAR Xfinity Series race. In his previous 107 races, he has four top-five and 12 top-10 finishes.

The season’s 11th race will be his sixth tango in the Palmetto State as crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series at Darlington Raceway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ first NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Darlington Raceway.

Nevertheless, the Mooresville, N.C.-based team has 14 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts at historical South Carolina race track.

The organization posted a team-best 10th-place finish at the track on May 12, 2023, with Kaden Honeycutt at the wheel in the 2023 Buckle Up South Carolina 200.

Since 2020, the Mooresville, N.C.-based Young’s Motorsports team has had an average starting position of 27.3 and an average finish of 25.1 in 14 Darlington Raceway Truck Series starts overall.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series History: Since entering the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, the Mooresville, N.C. – based organization has logged 10 starts and maintains an average starting position of 27.8 and an average finish of 20.7.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Leland Honeyman Jr., please visit LelandHoneymanRacing.com, like him on Facebook (Leland Honeyman Racing) and follow on Instagram (@lelandhoneymanjr) and X |Twitter (@lelandhoneyman3).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Leland Honeyman Jr. Pre-Race Quote:

On Darlington Raceway: “I’m excited to head to Darlington Raceway after a weekend off. It was not fun being off this past weekend, but I am ready to get back at it at the track called Too Tough To Tame.

“For it being a throwback race, I’m even more excited to be representing Kyle Petty and this special paint scheme with my Young’s Motorsports team.”

Race Information:

The Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 (147 laps | 200.8 miles) is the 11th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice will occur on Fri., May 10, 2024, from 5:05 p.m. to 5:25 p.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 5:35 p.m. The field will take the green flag on Sat., May 11, 2024, shortly after 1:30 p.m., with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Eastern).

Maximize Savings and Efficiency with the ANCEL V6PRO’s Over 20 Service Functions

By
SM
-

Meet the ANCEL V6 PRO+: Redefining Vehicle Diagnostics

If you’ve spent time under the hood, you know the importance of a reliable, versatile diagnostic tool. The ANCEL V6 PRO+ is that tool—a Bluetooth-enabled, bidirectional scan powerhouse packed with over 25 reset and service functions. It’s not just a scanner; it’s your comprehensive sidekick for tackling tough automotive issues with efficiency and precision.

1. Active Testing and Bi-Directional Control: Power at Your Fingertips

The ANCEL V6 PRO+ takes diagnostic control to the next level with its active testing features. This bidirectional scan tool lets you send specific commands directly to your car’s modules, making them perform vital tests like:

Door Lock Tests
Fuel Injector Tests
ABS Motor Pump Cycling
Cooling Fan Activation
Window, Light, Door Lock, and Headlamp Tests

Having the ability to test these components actively saves you time and effort by directly addressing system issues, allowing you to identify problems without guesswork.

2. Key Programming & Immobilizer: Security and Convenience

Need to replace a lost key fob or add a spare? The ANCEL V6 PRO+ auto scan tool comes to the rescue. With its Bluetooth key programming tool, you can add or clone a key with ease, eliminating the need for pricey dealership visits. Supported brands include:

Acura, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda
Subaru, Toyota, VW

Before diving into key programming, confirm your vehicle’s compatibility with customer service. If you face any trouble, simply use the built-in FEEDBACK feature, and a technician will analyze the issue directly.

3. Full System Diagnostics: A Deep Dive into Your Vehicle

From the engine to the airbags, the ANCEL V6 PRO+ delivers comprehensive system scanning:

Engine Diagnostics: Track error codes affecting performance and efficiency.
BMS: Ensure your battery management system is calibrated correctly.
ABS: Monitor your anti-lock braking system for any faults.
SAS: Calibrate the steering angle sensor for accurate wheel alignment.
SRS: Keep an eye on the airbag system and passenger safety features.
Transmission: Identify transmission health issues early.
TPMS: Reset tire pressure monitoring after rotation or replacement.

The V6 PRO+ extends coverage to over 80 car brands across America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and China. No matter your ride, this tool likely has you covered.

4. Effortless Connectivity and Intuitive Touchscreen Navigation

With Bluetooth 5.0, you’ll enjoy a rock-solid connection between the scan tool and your vehicle. The wireless interface keeps diagnostics quick and simple, eliminating tangled cables and complex setup.

The 8.0-inch touchscreen is equipped with Android 10.0, providing a fast, user-friendly platform. Beginners will find it intuitive, while pros will appreciate the speed and power of the processor. You can easily review past scans, manage vehicle reports, and perform diagnostics with precision.

5. Features That Set the V6 PRO+ Apart

– Auto VIN/Auto Scan

Automatic Vehicle Identification Number scanning identifies your car and gives a comprehensive diagnostic report. It’s a time-saver that ensures your car is accurately profiled before performing scans.

– 2-Year Free Software Updates

With two years of complimentary software updates, you’ll always have the latest bug fixes and vehicle compatibility support. Post-subscription, updates are reasonably priced for year-by-year or multi-year options. Even if you skip the renewal, your tool will still function.

– Online Feedback System

Get real-time feedback for technical issues via the in-app feedback tool. Upload detailed files, and ANCEL‘s tech team will offer solutions promptly.

– Extended Battery Life

The V6 PRO+ is equipped with an 8,000 mAh rechargeable battery for extended diagnostic sessions. You’ll spend less time charging and more time troubleshooting.

Final Thoughts: Why the ANCEL V6 PRO+ Should Be in Your Toolkit

When it comes to saving time, money, and hassle in your auto repair journey, the ANCEL V6 PRO+ is the all-in-one solution. Its versatile diagnostic functions, bi-directional testing, and key programming capabilities empower you to solve a wide range of issues quickly and efficiently. With this powerhouse by your side, you’ll be ready for whatever challenge rolls into your garage.

1...1,0261,0271,028...6,685Page 1,027 of 6,685