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Star Athletes Share Their Mental Health “Rituals,” Encouraging Fans to Prioritize Their Mental Health

By
Official Release
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11 Professional Sports Leagues and Organizations Join Forces with the “Love, Your Mind” Campaign this Mental Health Awareness Month

NEW YORK (May 30, 2024) – Today, 11 professional sports leagues and organizations teamed up with the national “Love, Your Mind” campaign to announce a comprehensive mental health partnership with the premiere of a series of public service advertisements (PSAs). The series, titled “The Rituals We Share,” features star athletes sharing their “rituals,” or steps they take, to care for their minds on and off the field – encouraging sports fans across the country to prioritize their mental health and explore free resources from LoveYourMindToday.org.

The “Love, Your Mind” campaign from Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the Ad Council is dedicated to encouraging a more open, accepting and proactive society when it comes to mental health. That message is being amplified at the culmination of this Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond through the convening of sports leagues and organizations, including:

  • Major League Baseball (MLB)
  • Major League Soccer (MLS)
  • National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR)
  • National Basketball Association (NBA)
  • National Football League (NFL)
  • National Hockey League (NHL)
  • National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
  • Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)
  • United States Tennis Association (USTA)
  • Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA)
  • World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)

“Our country is facing a pervasive mental health crisis. We can help one another by talking about the rituals we embrace to support our mental health,” said Dr. William A. Smith, chief executive administrator at Huntsman Mental Health Institute. “So many sports fans look up to their favorite athletes, so we’re honored to partner with many of them today to share their mental health rituals and stories to normalize talking about and taking care of our minds.”

“At NASCAR, we constantly witness the impact the human mind can have on physical performance, and we know this intersection of mental health and overall wellness applies to everyone in our community, not just those behind the wheel,” said NASCAR SVP, Chief Marketing Officer and Ad Council Board Member Pete Jung. “We’re excited to team up with the ‘Love, Your Mind’ campaign to encourage open conversations and proactive steps toward mental wellness, and we look forward to leveraging NASCAR platforms to ensure our fans and the entire racing community feel empowered to prioritize their mental well-being.”

Per the Ad Council’s model, the PSAs will run nationwide in time and space donated by media outlets across TV and digital media platforms. The participating sports leagues and organizations will also extend the partnership throughout 2024 and beyond by providing social media amplification, support on their owned media channels, media partnerships and more. To learn more about their ongoing commitment to this partnership and mental health, visit LoveYourMindToday.org/Sports.

“This partnership with the best of sports is truly extraordinary because it offers a unique opportunity to reach millions of dedicated sports fans across the country,” said Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “The sports leagues and organizations we’ve partnered with share our goal of encouraging people everywhere to make their emotional well-being just as much of a priority as their physical health.”

The series of PSAs features beloved athletes sharing the practices and routines that make up their mental health rituals, including:

  • Lexie Brown of the L.A. Sparks
  • Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports
  • Cam Heyward of the Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Zach Hyman of the Edmonton Oilers
  • Madison Keys, professional tennis player
  • Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards
  • Brandon Lowe of the Tampa Bay Rays
  • Liv Morgan and Cody Rhodes of the WWE
  • Tim O’Connell of the PRCA
  • Cari Roccaro of the Chicago Red Stars
  • Zack Steffen of the Colorado Rapids

The series was developed pro bono by creative agency Walton Isaacson and helmed by highly acclaimed director Nina Meredith of the Oscar-winning production company RadicalMedia. It builds on the “Love, Your Mind” platform originally developed by volunteer creative agencies FCB New York and FCB Chicago. The PSAs feature the hit song “Home” from U.K. duo Good Neighbours.

“We wanted to harness the power that sports have on influencing culture and move the dial on how we all perceive mental health,” said Aaron Walton, CEO and founder of Walton Isaacson. “Some routines may seem just for fun, but there’s a deeper lesson here: just as athletes leverage rituals to improve their performance, we can also lean into them to center ourselves and help us love our minds.”

This effort is the latest from Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the Ad Council’s ongoing “Love, Your Mind” campaign, with previous collaborations including Black Players for Change, Stephen A. Smith, Sesame Workshop and the American Farm Bureau. Since launching in October 2023, the “Love, Your Mind” campaign has driven more than 650,000 visits to LoveYourMindToday.org for free mental health resources. Additionally, of those who are aware of at least one of the campaign’s PSAs, 74% agree that taking care of their mental health is a top priority, compared to only 58% of those not aware.

For more information about the “Love, Your Mind” campaign, visit LoveYourMindToday.org or follow the campaign on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok.

About Huntsman Mental Health Institute

Huntsman Mental Health Institute brings together 75 years of patient care, research and education into one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers focused on mental health. Nestled in the campus of University of Utah, Huntsman Mental Health Institute serves the community with 1,600 faculty and staff in 20 locations providing inpatient and outpatient services for youth, teens, and adults as well as a comprehensive crisis care model which includes the nationally recognized SafeUT app and the 988 Crisis hotline for Utah. Our mission is to advance mental health knowledge, hope, and healing for all. Learn more at: www.huntsmanmentalhealthfoundation.org/hmhi/ and join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and LinkedIn.

About The Ad Council

The Ad Council convenes creative storytellers to educate, unite and uplift audiences by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change around the most pressing issues in America. Since the non-profit’s founding, the organization and its partners in advertising, media, marketing and tech have been behind some of the country’s most iconic social impact campaigns – Smokey Bear, A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste, Love Has No Labels, Tear the Paper Ceiling and many more. With a current focus on mental health, gun safety, the opioid epidemic, skill-based hiring and other critical issues, the Ad Council’s national campaigns encompass advertising and media content, ground game and community efforts, trusted messenger and influencer engagement, and employer programs, among other innovative strategies to move the needle on the most important issues of the day.

In November 2022, the Ad Council announced a Mental Health Initiative, uniting brands, marketers, media companies and nonprofits to address the mental health crisis throughout the U.S. at scale. With a founding donation from Huntsman Mental Health Institute, the multi-year initiative aims to change social norms and create a society that is more open, accepting and proactive when it comes to mental health.

To learn more or get involved, visit AdCouncil.org, join the Ad Council’s communities on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X, and view campaign creative on YouTube.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and Snapchat.

Billy Scott to call 300th Cup event as crew chief at Gateway

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Ted Seminara for SpeedwayMedia.com.

In his ninth season as a full-time crew chief in the NASCAR Cup Series, Billy Scott, crew chief for Tyler Reddick and the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota Camry XSE team, is scheduled to achieve a milestone start. By participating in this weekend’s Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway, Scott will call his 300th career event as a crew chief in NASCAR’s premier series.

A native of Land O’Lakes, Florida, and a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, Scott made his inaugural presence as a Cup Series crew chief at the start of the 2014 season, where he worked atop the pit box of the No. 55 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota Camry team piloted by former Xfinity Series champion Brian Vickers. By then, he had spent the previous two seasons as a lead engineer for MWR’s No. 55 team and had previously assumed the role of engineer for both MWR and Robert Yates Racing.

In Scott’s first season as a crew chief, he led Vickers and the No. 55 team to a pole at Talladega Superspeedway in October, a season-best runner-up result at Daytona International Speedway in July, three top-five results, nine top-10 results, an average-finishing result of 18.6 and a 22nd-place result in the final driver’s standings.

The following season, Scott retained his role as the crew chief for MWR’s No. 55 team that commenced the season with team owner Michael Waltrip competing in the 57th running of the Daytona 500 and Brett Moffitt earning a strong top-10 result at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March. Meanwhile, Vickers was absent for the start of the season due to health issues. Despite returning for the next two scheduled events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and at Phoenix Raceway, respectively, in March, Vickers was sidelined again due to blood clots, a health issue that would ultimately sideline him for the remainder of the season and would result with Moffitt and Waltrip filling in for the next six-scheduled events. By May, David Ragan became the full-time competitor of the No. 55 Toyota Camry as he finished no higher than 13th during his first four starts.

Then in June 2015, MWR swapped the crew chiefs of its two-car entry field with Scott replacing Brian Pattie as crew chief of the No. 15 entry piloted by Clint Bowyer. In his first race paired with Bowyer, Scott led the No. 15 team to a 10th-place run at Michigan International Speedway. The duo then earned a strong third-place finish at Sonoma Raceway followed by another 10th-place run at Daytona in July. With a total of eight top-10 results in 12 races paired together, Scott and Bowyer managed to secure a spot for the 2015 Cup Playoffs based on points.

Their run for the title, however, came to an early end at the start of the Playoffs when NASCAR issued a P4-level penalty and docked Bowyer’s team 25 points due to an illegal discovery made during the inspection process at Chicagoland Speedway in September. In addition, Scott was assessed a three-race suspension and a fine of $75,000. While MWR appealed the penalty, their appeal was denied as Scott was suspended, beginning at Dover Motor Speedway through Kansas Speedway in October. By then, Bowyer was one of four competitors to be eliminated from the Playoffs after finishing 19th, 26th and 14th, respectively, during the Round of 16. Once Scott returned atop the pit box at Talladega Superspeedway, he and Bowyer could only achieve just one additional top-10 result during the final seven scheduled events before capping off the season in 16th place in the final standings.

When Michael Waltrip Racing ceased all operations following the 2015 campaign, Scott joined Stewart-Haas Racing for the 2016 Cup season and was paired with Danica Patrick and the No. 10 Chevrolet SS team. Commencing the season with a 35th-place run during the 58th running of the Daytona 500, the duo recorded an average-finishing result of 22.0 throughout the 36-race schedule, with Patrick’s best on-track result being an 11th-place run at Charlotte Motor Speedway in October, before finishing in 24th place in the final standings. Scott and Patrick would record a single top-10 result of 10th place at Dover throughout the 2017 season along with an average-finishing result of 23.8 before settling in 28th place in the final standings. At the conclusion of the 2017 season, Patrick retired from full-time competition.

A month after the 2017 Cup season concluded, Stewart-Haas Racing shuffled its driver-crew chief pairing for the 2018 season, which included Scott transitioning to the No. 41 Ford Fusion team piloted by the 2004 Cup champion Kurt Busch. The new duo commenced the season with a 26th-place result in the 60th running of the Daytona 500 after Busch was involved in a late multi-car wreck while contending for his second consecutive 500 title. They rallied by recording three poles and 14 top-10 results during the next 23 scheduled events. Then at Bristol Motor Speedway in August, Scott achieved his first career victory as a NASCAR crew chief when Busch held off Kyle Larson in a 13-lap shootout to claim his first win of the season, his sixth at Bristol, his 30th Cup career victory and a spot to the 2018 Cup Series Playoffs.

Despite enduring an up-and-down road throughout the Playoffs, the duo managed to transfer from the Round of 16 to 8. Their Playoff run, however, came to a late end during the Round of 8 after Busch recorded respective finishes of sixth, seventh and 32nd. With a 10th-place finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November to cap off the 2018 season, Scott and Busch finished in seventh place in the final standings and accumulated a total of 22 top-10 results throughout the 36-race campaign.

For the 2019 Cup season, Scott, who remained as the crew chief of SHR’s No. 41 team, was paired with the 2016 Xfinity Series champion Daniel Suarez, who replaced Busch as Busch joined Chip Ganassi Racing. Throughout the 26-race regular-season stretch, Scott and Suarez endured an up-and-down journey that was highlighted with a pole at Kentucky Speedway in July along with nine top-10 results and a bid for a spot in the 2019 Playoffs. Ultimately, they missed the Playoffs by four points as Suarez proceeded to record two additional top-10 results during the 10-race Playoff stretch before finishing in 17th place in the final standings.

Following the 2019 season, Scott, who was released by Stewart-Haas Racing, joined Richard Childress Racing and worked as the team’s head of engineering for the 2020 Cup season. He also served as a crew chief for a single Cup event for Kaulig Racing’s debut in NASCAR’s premier series with Justin Haley for the 62nd running of the Daytona 500. During the event, Haley, who managed to qualify for the event based on speed, settled in 13th place. Scott’s next pair of events as a crew chief occurred during the 2021 Xfinity Series season for Our Motorsports and Austin Dillon, where Dillon finished 37th at Watkins Glen International and sixth at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course, respectively.

In November 2021, Scott was announced as a Cup Series crew chief for 23XI Racing’s newly formed No. 45 Toyota TRD Camry that was set to be piloted by Kurt Busch for the 2022 season, which marked Scott’s return atop the pit box and his reunion with Busch since 2018. After accumulating four top-10 results during the first 12 scheduled events, the reunited duo achieved their first victory of the season when Busch prevailed over another late battle against Kyle Larson to grab a dominant win at Kansas Speedway in May and record the second career victory for 23XI Racing. The victory also gave Busch and the No. 45 team a guaranteed spot to make the Playoffs.

Seven races and three additional top-10 results later, however, Busch was involved in a hard wreck during a qualifying session at Pocono Raceway in July and was forced to sit out while recovering from concussion-like symptoms, a move that would eventually force him to rule out from full-time competition for the remainder of the 2022 season along with the full 2023 schedule. Busch’s absence allowed newcomer Ty Gibbs to pilot the No. 45 entry for the remainder of the 2022 Cup regular-season stretch with Scott remaining atop the pit box. Then in September and at the start of the 2022 Playoffs, Scott moved over to 23XI Racing’s No. 23 entry along with Gibbs while the team’s primary competitor, Bubba Wallace, took over the No. 45 Toyota that was competing for the owners’ title, which made it as high through the Round of 12.

Since being paired with Gibbs for the last 15 events, which started in mid-July, Scott has led the driver and 23XI Racing’s Nos. 23 and 45 entries to a single top-10 result, which occurred at Michigan International Speedway in August, along with a combined seven top-20 results. During the finale at Phoenix Raceway in November, Scott was paired with the 2021 Xfinity champion Daniel Hemric, who filled in for Gibbs as Gibbs missed the event due to the death of his father, Coy. With Hemric finishing in 17th place on the track, 23XI Racing’s No. 23 entry settled in 24th place in the final owner’s standings, 14 spots below the No. 45 entry.

Returning as the crew chief of 23XI Racing’s No. 45 entry piloted by two-time Xfinity champion Tyler Reddick for the 2023 Cup season, Scott navigated the driver and team to two top-five through the first five-schedule events before they achieved their first victory of the season at Circuit of the Americas in March. Reddick led a race-high 41 laps and muscled away from the field during a two-lap shootout. Scott and Reddick then proceeded to record eight top-10 results in 19 regular-season events, minus Darlington Raceway in May after Scott was ejected due to Reddick’s car failing pre-race inspection twice two days before race day and before entering the Playoffs alongside teammate Bubba Wallace and the No. 23 23XI Racing team.

Coming off a runner-up result in the Playoff opener at Darlington in September, Scott achieved his second Cup victory of the season after Reddick went from fifth to first during an overtime shootout to win and grab an automatic berth into the Round of 12. After transferring into the Round of 8 despite achieving only a single top-10 result in their next four races, the duo was eliminated from title contention after ending up eighth, third and 26th, respectively, throughout the Round of 8. Despite finishing in 22nd place during the finale at Phoenix, Scott and Reddick concluded their first campaign together in sixth place in the final driver’s standings, with the points result being the current best for both the driver and crew chief.

Through the first 14 events of the 2024 Cup Series season, Scott has navigated Reddick and the No. 45 23XI Racing team to a single victory, which occurred at Talladega Superspeedway in April after Reddick dodged a final-lap multi-car wreck to overtake Brad Keselowski through the frontstretch to win for the first time at Talladega. To go along with seven additional top-10 results, including a fourth-place run during last Monday’s rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Scott and Reddick are currently ranked in sixth place in the 2024 regular-season standings and are guaranteed a spot to make the 2024 Cup Series Playoffs.

Through 299 previous Cup events, Scott has achieved five victories, 10 poles, 34 top-five results, 85 top-10 results and 1,864 laps led while working with 12 different competitors.

Billy Scott is scheduled to call his 300th Cup Series event as a crew chief at World Wide Technology Raceway for the Enjoy Illinois 300 on Sunday, June 2. The event’s broadcast time is set to commence at 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

Young’s Motorsports Gateway | Portland Truck | Xfinity Team Preview

By
Official Release
-

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series
World Wide Technology (Ill.) Raceway at Gateway | Toyota 200

Fast Facts
No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Team:
Driver: Mason Massey
Primary Partner(s): BRUNT Workwear | Anderson Power Services
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 Saturday afternoon’s Toyota 200 at World Wide Technology (Ill.) Raceway at Gateway.

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 43 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 12th of 23 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races this season, BRUNT Workwear returns to serve as the primary marketing partner on the No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado RST for the 160-lap race on Saturday.

BRUNT is a brand here to redefine everyday work gear for blue-collar workers and everyday guys that have never had the convenience, pricing, or quality available to them from traditional brands.

Founded by Eric Girouard, BRUNT aims to support the American workers through their work day by delivering the tools you wear to get the job done.

Longtime Massey supporter Anderson Power Systems will also serve as an associate partner for the series’ lone trip to The Prairie State.

Anderson Power Services specializes in supplying, installing, repairing, and replacing residential and commercial generators all throughout Georgia, Florida, Alabama and South Carolina.

Mason Massey Truck Series World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Toyota 200 will mark Massey’s first Truck Series start at the iconic 1.25-mile Illinois oval.

The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series is crossing the halfway point of its 2024 season with a stop in the Midwest. There, they will join the NASCAR Cup Series for their lone trip to World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway this year.

During his short Truck Series career, Massey’s average finish is 21.2 in 12 speedway races with tracks measuring one to two miles in length.

Mason Massey Truck Series Career Stats: Entering Gateway, Massey has 25 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 23.8.

Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway | North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Race Recap: In the 11th race of the 2024 Truck Series season, Young’s Motorsports and Massey searched for another solid finish at the famed Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

In the lone Truck Series start at the 1.5-mile speedway, Massey was able to hustle forward from his 29th place qualifying effort. While wrestling with the handling of his No. 02 Young’s Building System’s Chevrolet Silverado RST, the constant adjustments from the crew chief allowed the truck to come to life when it counted most.

In the third and final stage, Massey was able to conservatively climb the leaderboard and utilized a late-race restart to his advantage – climbing to 18th at the checkered flag.

The finish allowed Massey to maintain a spot inside the top 25 in the championship standings in 23rd with 12 races remaining.

In 2024, Massey has delivered two top-15, five top-20s, seven top-21 finishes and eight top-22 efforts, 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 World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ 21st NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series start at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.

The organization posted a team-best 11th-place finish at the track on June 23, 2018, with Xfinity Series winner Austin Hill at the wheel in the 2018 Villa Lighting Delivers the Eaton 200.

Since 2014, the Mooresville, N.C.-based Young’s Motorsports team has had an average starting position of 22.3 and an average finish of 19.8 in 20 World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway 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 488 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 World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway: “We’re pretty excited about going to Gateway this weekend. I’ve never been there, but it looks like a fun, challenging race track.

“There are a lot of unique qualities about the race track, like shifting and both corners being different from each other. We have Brunt Workwear back on the truck this weekend, so hopefully, we can give them a solid day!”

Race Information:

The Toyota 200 (160 laps | 200 miles) is the 12th of 23 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races on the 2024 schedule. The two-day show begins with practice on Friday, May 31 from 5:05 p.m. to 5:25 p.m. Qualifying kicks off immediately following practice at 5:35 p.m. The 32-truck field will take the green flag on Saturday, June 1, shortly after 12:30 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Central).

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR Xfinity Series

Portland International Raceway | Pacific Office Automation 147

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: 21st

2024 Owner Points Position: 23rd

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 Pacific Office Automation 147 at Portland International 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.

All-Aboard!: For the 13th of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes back 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 75-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 Portland International Raceway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Pacific Office Automation 147 will mark Honeyman’s second Xfinity Series start at the 1.967-mile road course, nestled just outside Portland, Oregon.

In his previous Portland effort, Honeyman finished a track-best 28th after starting 22nd in the 2023 edition of the Pacific Office Automation 147 for Alpha Prime Racing.

This weekend’s second Xfinity Series road course of the season will mark Honeyman’s fifth career road course start.

Leland Honeyman Jr. NASCAR Xfinity Career Stats: Entering Portland, Honeyman has 20 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 23.2.

Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway | BetMGM 300 Race Recap: In the 12th race of the 2024 Xfinity Series season, Young’s Motorsports and Honeyman searched for another solid finish in the team’s backyard at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Qualifying on time in the 25th position on Friday afternoon, Honeyman battled inside the top 25 for the majority of the 200-lap race. Continuing to adjust his No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet throughout the race, the team was able to fight through a green flag pit stop cycle and a late race reset in Stage 3 to earn a respirable 23rd 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 110th NASCAR Xfinity Series race. In his previous 109 races, he has four top-five and 12 top-10 finishes.

The season’s 13th race will be his first tango in the Rose City as crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

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

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series History: Since entering the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, the Mooresville, N.C. – based organization has logged 12 starts and maintains an average starting position of 27.1 and an average finish of 21.7.

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 Portland International Raceway: “I’m thrilled to be racing at Portland International Raceway this weekend. The track is always a challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The fans here are awesome, and I can’t wait to put on a great show for them.

“I am ready to make some unforgettable memories on this track with my Young’s Motorsports team!”

Race Information:

The Pacific Automation 147 (75 laps | 147.75 miles) is the 13th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice begins on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. – 8:50 a.m. Qualifying immediately follows at 9:05 a.m. The 38-car field will take the green flag later in the day shortly after 1:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. ET) with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Pacific).

Randall Burnett to call 200th Cup event as crew chief at Gateway

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images.

In his sixth full-time season as a crew chief in the NASCAR Cup Series, Randall Burnett, crew chief for Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team, is within reach of achieving a milestone start. By participating in this weekend’s Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway, Burnett will call his 200th event as a crew chief in NASCAR’s premier series.

A native of Fenton, Missouri, Burnett is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in mechanical engineering. He then spent 10 years at Chip Ganassi Racing, working in multiple engineering roles for the organization. During the span, Burnett served as Ganassi’s lead engineer for the No. 1 Chevrolet team piloted by Jamie McMurray, who won the Daytona 500, the Brickyard 400 and the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway during the 2010 Cup Series season. Burnett also previously worked as the team engineer for CGR’s No. 42 Chevrolet team piloted by Juan Pablo Montoya in 2013 and Kyle Larson in 2014 and 2015.

In 2016, Burnett made his debut as a Cup Series crew chief as he joined JTG-Daugherty Racing to lead AJ Allmendinger and the No. 47 Chevrolet team for the upcoming season. Participating in all but one of the 36-race schedule, Burnett and Allmendinger achieved a season-best runner-up result at Martinsville Speedway in April, two top-five results, nine top-10 results, a 17.9 average-finishing result and a 19th-place result in the final driver’s standings. The only event Burnett was unable to attend was Pocono Raceway in June, which he was serving a one-race suspension due to violating NASCAR’s lug nut procedures stemming from the previous event at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May.

Burnett remained as Allmendinger’s crew chief in the early stages of the 2017 Cup season. Despite achieving a third-place result in the season-opening Daytona 500, Burnett was suspended for three races due to three loose lug nuts that were discovered on Allmendinger’s entry following the second event of the schedule at Atlanta Motor Speedway in February. Sitting out for four events, Burnett returned for five additional Cup races with Allmendinger before being replaced by veteran Ernie Cope, who had filled in during Burnett’s suspensions, for the remainder of the season, beginning in May.

Following his demotion as the crew chief for JTG-Daugherty Racing, Burnett joined Richard Childress Racing to serve as a crew chief for the organization’s No. 2 Chevrolet Camaro team in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Between 2017 to 2019, Burnett was an Xfinity Series crew chief for RCR in 89 races. During this span, he achieved six victories, six poles, 35 top-five results and 56 top-10 results, all while working with Austin Dillon, Daniel Hemric, Ben Kennedy, Paul Menard, Matt Tifft and Tyler Reddick. Burnett’s accomplishments as an Xfinity crew chief were guiding Hemric to the 2017 Xfinity Series Championship Round and winning the 2019 Xfinity Series title with Reddick, which marked Burnett’s first title in NASCAR as a crew chief.

A month after winning the 2019 Xfinity Series title, Burnett was named a full-time Cup crew chief for Reddick, who was also promoted to NASCAR’s premier series, and the No. 8 RCR Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE team for the 2020 season. Throughout the season, Burnett and Reddick achieved a season-best runner-up result at Texas Motor Speedway in July, three top-five results, nine top-10 results and a 19th-place result in the final standings, with Reddick ending up as the runner-up finisher to the Rookie-of-the-Year battle behind Cole Custer.

Burnett remained as Reddick’s crew chief for the 2021 Cup season, where they achieved a single pole position at Circuit of the Americas in May along with a total of two runner-up results, three top-five results and 16 top-10 results in 35 events. The duo managed to claim the 16th and final berth in the 2021 Cup Series Playoffs, which marked their first presence in the Playoffs as title contenders, but they were eliminated following the Round of 16 after missing the Round of 12 cutline by two points. Burnett would then be absent from the finale at Phoenix Raceway in November due to COVID protocols as Reddick proceeded to finish in 13th place in the final standings.

For the 2022 season, Burnett and Reddick recorded three top-10 results through the first eight-scheduled events before being one lap away of achieving their first Cup victory at the Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt Course in April, where Reddick was hit and spun by Chase Briscoe on the final lap and final corner as Reddick was then beaten by Kyle Busch by 0.330 seconds to settle in a disappointing runner-up result. Nine races later, redemption came for the duo after Reddick prevailed in a late battle against Chase Elliott to notch his first Cup career victory at Road America in July, which also marked Burnett’s first career win as a crew chief in NASCAR’s premier series.

Another four races later, Burnett and Reddick solidified their spot into the 2022 Cup Playoffs after Reddick navigated his way amid a wild overtime shootout to win for the season time of the season at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. Despite having their Playoff hopes evaporated following respective finishes of third, 35th and 25th throughout the Round of 16, Burnett and Reddick notched their third Cup victory of the season during the Round of 12 opener at Texas Motor Speedway in September. They would then accumulate two top-10 results during the final six events on the schedule before settling in 14th place in the final standings.

This past season, Burnett was paired with two-time Cup champion Kyle Busch, who replaced Reddick in RCR’s No. 8 entry as Reddick transitioned to 23XI Racing. Despite finishing in 19th place during the 65th running of the Daytona 500 amid a final lap multi-car wreck, the new duo quickly navigated their way to Victory Lane at Auto Club Speedway in February as Busch achieved his first win driving for RCR. Burnett and Busch would win at Talladega Superspeedway in April and at World Wide Technology Raceway in June as they would also accumulate a total of 14 top-10 results throughout the 26-race regular-season stretch before securing their spot into the Playoffs. Despite finishing within the top 20 throughout the Round of 16 which enabled them to transfer into the Round of 12, their title hopes came to an end amid respective finishes of 34th, 25th and third throughout the Round of 12. Managing only a single top-five finish in the final four scheduled events, Burnett and Busch concluded their first campaign in 14th place in the final standings.

Through 199 previous Cup events, Burnett has achieved six victories, six poles, 31 top-five results, 72 top-10 results and 957 laps led while working with three different competitors. He and Busch are currently ranked in 14th place in the 2024 regular-season standings on the strengths of two top-five results and five top-10 results through the first 14 scheduled events.

Randall Burnett is scheduled to call his 200th Cup Series event as a crew chief at World Wide Technology Raceway for the Enjoy Illinois 300 on Sunday, June 2. The event’s broadcast time is slated to occur at 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

ABEL Motorsports debuts BlueOval SK tribute colors at Detroit

By
Official Release
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SPEEDWAY, Ind. (30 May 2024) – ABEL Motorsports INDY NXT by Firestone championship leading Dallara will carry new colors in this weekend’s Detroit Grand Prix, as the team’s sponsor, ABEL Construction Company, pays homage to one of its largest clients.

The No. 51 Dallara driven by Jacob Abel (Louisville, Ky.) will carry blue and red racing colors this weekend as Bill Abel – ABEL Motorsports team owner and ABEL Construction Company CEO – takes the opportunity to recognize the future of electric cars in the United States and the project that involves the ABEL Construction Company.

The company has signed on for extensive construction and planning for BlueOval SK, where the next-generation electric vehicle battery will be built. When at capacity, 5,000 new jobs are expected to be created at BlueOval SK Battery Park in Glendale, Kentucky.

“This is by far and away the largest project we’ve done,” said Abel. “The work that we do ranges from facilities, maintenance, general construction, process support, and installation of new equipment, automation, all those sorts of thing. So it’s a wide ranging project and we greatly appreciate BlueOval SK’s confidence in us to manage all the different aspects. This weekend’s livery is our way of saying thank you for that confidence.”

“BlueOval SK is proud to have partners like ABEL Construction helping with the BlueOval SK Battery Park project in Glendale, Kentucky,” said BlueOval SK CEO Michael Adams. “We’re leading the shift to electric vehicles in the automotive industry and excited to begin production in 2025.”

Abel and teammate Yuven Sundaramoorthy (Oconomowoc, Wis.) hit the streets of Detroit on Friday.

ABEL Motorsports thanks partners ABEL Construction Company, Advance Ready Mix, Boyd Cat®, S Team Motorsports and OMP for their continued support.

The INDY NXT by Firestone Detroit Grand Prix takes the green flag Sunday, June 2 at 10:20 a.m. ET. The race will be streamed live in the U.S. on Peacock, while international viewers can watch via INDYCARLIVE, with INDYCAR Radio available at indycar.com and on Sirius XM.

About BlueOval SK
BlueOval SK is the joint venture between Ford Motor Company and SK On to produce batteries for future Ford and Lincoln electric vehicles. SK On is a subsidiary of SK Innovation and has deep expertise in battery production. BlueOval SK will operate twin battery manufacturing facilities in Glendale, Kentucky and one battery plant in Stanton, Tennessee starting in 2025. BlueOval SK will electrify the future of mobility with innovative technology.

About Abel Construction Company: ABEL Construction is one of the largest general contractors in Kentucky, holding licenses in thirteen states. The company has offices in Lexington, Kentucky and Indianapolis, Indiana, with the corporate office in Louisville. Their expertise spans many areas, including general contracting, construction management, design-build, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and facilities maintenance.

Abel Construction has helped build some of the region’s most recognizable landmarks. Their projects cover diverse sectors, including automotive, healthcare, post-secondary education, commercial, food/beverage, tech, and industrial/manufacturing. They prioritize client satisfaction, focusing on efficient project delivery regardless of size or cost. The company’s skilled professionals utilize cutting-edge technology and software to ensure successful outcomes. abelconstruct.com/.

About ABEL Motorsports: Team principal Bill Abel began racing motocross in 1972, earning numerous championship titles as he continued the family racing tradition. In 2015, ABEL Motorsports was launched, starting in the USF2000 series and building up the junior open wheel ladder. The team captured the inaugural Formula Regional Americas Championship with driver Kyle Kirkwood in 2018.

ABEL Motorsports currently competes in the INDY NXT by Firestone series, the official development series for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, led by third-generation driver Jacob Abel. The team made its INDYCAR debut in 2023 with driver RC Enerson in the Indianapolis 500. For more information visit the official team website at abelmotorsports.com.

ABEL Motorsports social media

Facebook: ABEL Motorsports
Twitter/X: ABEL Motorsports
Instagram: ABEL Motorsports

PRO STOCK STANDOUT AARON STANFIELD LOOKING FOR WIN AT NHRA NEW ENGLAND NATIONALS

By
Official Release
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EPPING, N.H. (May 30, 2024) – Aaron Stanfield is no stranger to the winner’s circle, but the Pro Stock standout is on the hunt for his first win of the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and also his second career victory at New England Dragway.

Stanfield, driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance/Janac Brothers Racing Pro Stock car, has two final round appearances in his 2024 campaign, including a runner-up two weeks ago in Chicago.

With momentum on his side, he is looking to capitalize this weekend at the 11th annual NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway against a talent-filled Pro Stock category, which returns to Epping after a one-year absence.

“So far this season we have had some decent days at the racetrack, but we have not turned on that last win light of the day,” said Stanfield, who won in Epping in 2021. “Epping has been good to us in the past. It’s a perfect place to get our first win representing the JHG brand. I really enjoy the New England Nationals. It is full of some die-hard racing fans and I am looking forward to eating some of that famous East Coast lobster.”

Last year, Justin Ashley (Top Fuel) and Bob Tasca III (Funny Car) won the New England Nationals, though the race finished in Bristol the following week due to weather. This year’s race will be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 1 and 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, and also includes the return of Pro Stock to the event. It is the seventh of 20 races in 2024, and Stanfield is thrilled to return to Epping, hoping to recreate the memorable weekend he enjoyed in 2021.

With his runner-up finish in Chicago, Stanfield, who has advanced to back-to-back final rounds at the most recent two races in 2024, will also be entered into the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday. He’ll meet up with his Elite Motorsports teammate Jerry Tucker. The other side of the Challenge ladder will see Chicago winner and points leader Dallas Glenn taking on the five-time champ of Greg Anderson.

It’s an extra opportunity to win in front of the huge Epping crowd and Stanfield is eager to put on a show, while also facing off against teammate and defending world champ Erica Enders, who has two wins at New England Dragway, Las Vegas winner Jeg Coughlin Jr., Troy Coughlin Jr., Deric Kramer and Cristian Cuadra.

“This weekend we get to compete in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge,” Stanfield said. “It’s always fun to see the win light come on no matter the race, and it is a blast to have a little extra competition during qualifying to keep the blood flowing.”

Top Fuel points leader Ashley looks to continue his strong 2024 and get a repeat New England Nationals win. Standing in his way is a host of stars, including Shawn Langdon, who has two wins in 2024, reigning champ Doug Kalitta, Antron Brown, Brittany Force, Steve Torrence and Top Fuel newcomer and racing legend Tony Stewart.

New England native and Funny Car veteran Tasca collected his first New England Nationals title last season when he defeated NHRA legend John Force in the final round, which took place in Bristol due to weather. To go back-to-back – and to win for the first time at his home track – he’ll need to get past Funny Car newcomer Austin Prock, Gainesville winner J.R. Todd, former champion Ron Capps, and reigning champ and points leader Matt Hagan, who is the winningest driver at New England Dragway.

Also slated in Epping is the special Drag and Drive exhibition event featuring HOT ROD Drag Week competitors in eight-second cars. This special feature marks the first time Drag Week competitors have attended the historic facility in Epping. The selection of cars includes boosted and naturally aspirated engine combinations of varying power levels, from 700 hp to over 2,000 hp. The weekend also includes competition in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+.

Fans will also be invited all weekend long to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at New England Dragway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate 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 of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners.

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

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features two rounds at 5 and 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, May 31 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 1 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, June 2. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, 7 p.m. on Saturday, along with a special Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge episode at 8 p.m. on Saturday, and then eliminations action from 1-2 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA New England Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information about NHRA, 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.

CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT DETROIT: Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix Race Advance

By
Official Release
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CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
CHEVROLET DETROIT GRAND PRIX
STREETS OF DETROIT
DETROIT, MICHIGAN
TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE
MAY 30, 2024

CHEVROLET REVS UP FOR A MOTOR CITY BATTLE ON THE STREETS OF DETROIT

DETROIT (May 30, 2024) – The sixth round of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES 2024 season takes the competitive field to the Streets of Downtown Detroit for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix May 31-June 2.

Located in the shadows of GM World Headquarters at the Renaissance Center, the newly refreshed 1.645-mile, nine-turn temporary street circuit features a unique dual-pit lane and features three full days of activities and excitement on some of Detroit’s most popular and active Downtown areas. Additionally, the track straightaway that runs along Jefferson Avenue is the longest of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES street circuits, with the field reaching speeds of up to 189-plus miles per hour before diving onto Bates Street before heading back onto Atwater Street.

In its second year on the Streets of Detroit, the Bowtie brand has raced to victory lane on nearby Belle Isle eight times during the 2.2-liter twin turbo V6 engine era, additionally capturing eight NTT P1 pole awards, 22 podium finishes, and 556 laps led. In the return to downtown Detroit in 2023, Chevrolet captured one podium finish with Team Penske’s Will Power, along with 18 laps led.

“Racing on the Streets of Detroit is an important weekend for the Chevrolet powered teams in the NTT INDYCAR Series,” said Mark Stielow, Director of Motorsports Competition Programs. “Coming off a successful Month of May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, our Chevrolet engineering group as well as our teams and drivers are facing an entirely different set of challenges coming from the 2.5-mile oval to a short, tight street course with one very long straight. Continuing the dedicated effort by the Chevrolet engineers working with our teams, we will be prepared for the competition in the shadow of the Ren Cen.“

Before the field takes the green flag for the main event on Sunday around the 1.645-mile nine-turn temporary street circuit, the Bowtie brand will pace the field for the second week in a row, leading the pack in the beautiful Arctic White Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray. The first electrified and fastest production Corvette ever, the E-Ray pairs two separate propulsion systems to provide naturally aspirated V-8 power with electrified responsiveness powered by eAWD, making it one like none. A 6.2L V-8 is complemented by the electric motor that channels an additional 160 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque through the front wheels for 655 combined horsepower. Designed for year-round performance, the Corvette E-Ray and its electrified All-Wheel Drive (eAWD) capability is up for any challenge, and the exterior and interior of the Corvette E-Ray will be on full display as the car fulfills responsibilities on and off the track.

Featuring a full line-up of cars, trucks, SUVs, and the Corvette E-Ray, the Team Chevy display will be open all weekend long from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Located in Spirit Plaza, Chevy is ready to rev up fans’ experience at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear.

The 100-lap, 164.5-mile Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix on the Streets of Detroit takes the green flag live on USA Network at 12 p.m. ET. Additional coverage is carried by Peacock, INDYCAR Radio, and SiriusXM Channel 160.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING (Quotes):

Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

Discuss Detroit’s unique features…

“I would say the pit lane, definitely unique. Obviously, most pits are quite technical and challenging as is this one, but I will say that it is very fun to have the dual pit lane. I think it kind of changes your strategy. We want to definitely be on the left side of pit lane this year compared to last year. I think it’s fun to be racing your competitors in pit lane as well under yellow. Overall, I like Detroit because it’s a very pretty track, very scenic. I would say the two best places to pass are down Jefferson Avenue into turn three and into turn eight, coming down towards pit lane down by the water.”

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

“I said this even at the beginning of the year, that May can be a big momentum shift for anyone, and I was betting on that for us. We showed what this team is capable of doing and with slightly different strategy at the end of the race, we would’ve been fighting for the top spots. I see the morale boost on the team, and it is so good. “We were promoted to the front of the field (the first time) via staying out on the race track when everyone jumped to pit lane during a caution. That was a big surprise. When I was sitting there and the only car in front of me was the pace car, I had a slight moment of excitement. Definitely not what we had expected to happen at that point in the race.”

On racing in Detroit…

Personally, I loved Belle Isle. To see that leave the schedule was sad. However, I was surprised to see how good the racing actually was at the new circuit. There are a lot of straights to hard 90-degree corners which means big brake zones, so a lot of passing opportunities. I’m looking forward to rolling off this year with more experience for this event.”

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

“This weekend we’re back on a street course, and it’s a challenging one. It’s a big event for all of us, especially our friends over at Team Chevrolet. We’re going to try and do our best for them and hopefully have a good reason to celebrate at the end of this weekend.”

Théo Pourchaire, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I’m really happy to be back behind the wheel of the No. 6 onsemi Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. It’s great to discover a new track, and I really enjoy racing on street courses. Hopefully we can have a good race and get a great result for Arrow McLaren and Team Chevy.”

Alexander Rossi, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“This is a wild time of the year as we have back-to-back races coming off the biggest month in racing. We’re pushing hard as a group, and I’m proud of the effort that everyone is putting in. I can’t wait to get back on the streets of Detroit and hopefully get a win for the bowtie family.”

Gavin Ward, Team Principal at Arrow McLaren:

“Even though the results from last weekend are still a bit fresh, we have very little time to dwell on those – we have a race to get ready for this Sunday. Detroit presents a great opportunity for us to build on the momentum we’ve created over the last couple weeks, especially considering how competitive we were there last year when we placed two cars in the top five. Pato (O’Ward) and Alexander (Rossi), and frankly everyone here at Arrow McLaren, are excited to get back out on track this weekend to fight for the win we were so close to last weekend, and we’re looking forward to welcoming Théo (Pourchaire) back for the remainder of the season.”

Christian Rasmussen, No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“I can’t wait to get back to Detroit! I think it will be super special, especially as a Team Chevy driver. It was an event I really enjoyed last year running in INDY NXT. I’m looking to build on the momentum we have from the pace we’ve shown in our previous races and the Top 12 result we secured at the Indianapolis 500.”

Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“Detroit is going to be fun! Definitely going to be a tired group of people throughout the whole series, but I think we are going to have a good weekend! It’s another opportunity for us to do well, we have a good street course package. With the track changes that have happened since last year, it should be a good race. And driving around the Chevrolet headquarters is always a plus! I am looking forward to it and going for a great result!”

Romain Grosjean, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

“We are happy to be back racing in Motor City. It’s a challenging track and we will try to keep up the good work we have done so far this year on street courses.”

Agustin Canapino, No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

“We arrive to Detroit with good expectations, because we were able to be fast in the latest street courses, and the last year was good for us here. It is a very tricky track, and still new for the series. In 100 laps. you never know.”

CHEVROLET IN DETROIT:

Wins on the Streets of Detroit: 0

Wins at Belle Isle: 8

2014 (Race 1): Will Power

2014 (Race 2): Helio Castroneves

2015 (Race 2): Sebastian Bourdais

2016 (Race 1): Sebastian Bourdais

2016 (Race 2): Will Power

2019 (Race 1): Josef Newgarden

2021 (Race 2): Pato O’Ward

2022: Will Power

Earned Pole Awards on the Streets of Detroit: 0

Earned Pole Awards at Belle Isle: 8

2014 (Race 1): Helio Castroneves

2015 (Race 1): Will Power

2015 (Race 2): Juan Pablo Montoya

2016 (Race 2): Simon Pagenaud

2019 (Race 2): Josef Newgarden

2021 (Race 1): Pato O’Ward

2021 (Race 2): Josef Newgarden

2022: Josef Newgarden

Number of Team Chevy Podiums on the streets of Detroit (V6 era since 2012): 1 (Will Power, second – 2023)

Number of Team Chevy Podiums at Belle Isle (V6 era since 2012): 22

Number of laps led by Team Chevy on the Streets of Detroit (V6 era since 2012): 18/100

Number of laps led by Team Chevy at Belle Isle (V6 era since 2012): 574

2024 CHEVROLET BY THE NUMBERS:

204: 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.

Thad Moffitt and Faction46 Ready to Get Back on Track

By
Official Release
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Induction Innovations to Celebrate 25th Anniversary with Special Scheme

 SALISBURY, N.C. (May 30, 2024) — In what has been a disappointing past two races, Thad Moffitt and the Faction46 team are ready to get back on track. Through no fault of his own, Moffitt and the team were collected in an accident at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and the team did not have the speed they needed at the North Wilkesboro Speedway.

They hope to turn their fortune around this weekend at the World Wide Technology (WWT) Raceway located just outside St. Louis. And in doing so, give Induction Innovations their best results to date. Before Charlotte and North Wilkesboro, Moffitt had rolled off two top-25 finishes including an 18th-place result at the tough Darlington Raceway.

“We had momentum after Kansas and Darlington,” said Moffitt. “We were starting to build that momentum that you need during this five week stretch of races. Then it just ended, and now we need to close this current string of races with a good finish.

“We have made the crew chief change, and we had better speed. We just had a difficult day at North Wilkesboro and the big wreck at Charlotte. So, we are in a little slump that we need to get out of.”

Faciton46 will look to return to a strong finish with Induction Innovations on the No. 46 Chevrolet Silverado this weekend. This will be a home race for the company that is headquartered just outside Chicago, Illinois and will be celebrating their 25th anniversary with a special paint scheme on the No. 46 Silverado.

Induction Innovations tools are designed to solve problems such as removing stuck or corroded parts and adhesives in a faster, safer, and more precise way than using an open flame torch. Tom Gough, Founder and President, developed the first Inductor Series model in 2000 after being inspired to invent the tools after 28 years in collision repair and seeing the many time-consuming processes found in the vehicle and equipment repair industry.

“It’s just great to have the support as I go through my rookie season,” said Moffitt. “We cannot do this without the support of Induction Innovations and I want to thank them for being on the truck this weekend. We owe them a good finish and that is the goal.”

Moffitt is also ready for the challenge of the flat WWT Raceway. He has one top-10 at the track in the ARCA Series in 2019.

“It has been a few years, but I really enjoy WWT Raceway” continued Moffitt. “During the day, it is really slick and these trucks slide around. So, it is all about having grip and good drive in the sweeping turns. It is a really fun track and challenge. I am looking forward to everything this weekend can bring.”

Faction46 and Moffitt will race the 160-lap event this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

About Faction46

Competing in their first season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Faction46 is focused on building speed and maintaining a family atmosphere with driver Thad Moffitt. The new Faction46 team can be found online at www.faction46.com and on social media on Twitter (@TeamFaction46), Instagram (@TeamFaction46), TikTok (@TeamFaction46), and on Facebook and YouTube.

Governor Shapiro and Pocono Raceway Announce Annual NASCAR Cup Series Race Will Be Named “THE GREAT AMERICAN GETAWAY 400 PRESENTED BY VISITPA”

By
Official Release
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Annual NASCAR Cup Series event scheduled for Sunday, July 14, at the famous “Tricky Triangle” will be sponsored by the Commonwealth’s new tourism campaign “Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway” Shapiro Administration makes history with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s initial foray into motorsports.

Long Pond, PA – Today, the Shapiro Administration is breaking new ground in the motorsports industry, serving as the race entitlement sponsor for the annual NASCAR Cup Series event at Pocono Raceway set for Sunday, July 14.

The 160-lap, 400-mile race will be titled “The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA” and provide national and international exposure to the state and its new tourism brand through NASCAR’s wide audience and global broadcast platforms.

According to MarketCast data, NASCAR ranks first among all major U.S. sports in fan loyalty to sponsors, including those who consider trying, consciously support and recommend sponsors.

“NASCAR Cup Series races are some of the biggest and best sporting events in the world, and nobody does it better than Pennsylvania,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Every year, I love coming to ‘The Tricky Triangle’ to watch some of the best drivers and crews in the world navigate those three turns. Here in the Commonwealth, we have it all – from top tier sports and events, award-winning restaurants, incredible hikes and state parks, and the most important historic sites in the country that tell the story of our shared history. This year, Pennsylvania tourism is taking the driver’s seat at the Pocono Raceway.”

“Having the opportunity to shine a light on tourism in Pennsylvania while helping Governor Shapiro, Secretary Siger and the entire DCED team launch a new brand is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our team,” Pocono Raceway President Ben May said. “Sixty percent of our fans and partners travel to Pennsylvania from out of state so being able to showcase the Pocono Mountains and launch ‘The Great American Getaway’ is something you aren’t often afforded the privilege of doing. We can’t wait to show off the Commonwealth and continue driving tourism for this great state of ours.”

The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA will be televised live on the USA Network, along with live radio broadcasts on SiriusXM and MRN, beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET. The race also will be broadcast in more than 29 languages across 195 countries through NASCAR’s international television partners.

Tourism is a key priority within the Governor’s economic development strategy. A new report unveiled by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office in March shows Pennsylvania’s tourism industry generated $76.7 billion in economic impact, supported 486,871 jobs, contributed $4.7 billion in state and local taxes, and welcomed 192.4 million visitors in 2022. Visitor spending – which supports jobs, income, and business sales – generated $9.6 billion in government revenues. Overnight visitor spending increased by $4.8 billion, with more than 66 million trips resulting in $28 billion in spending.

The NASCAR Cup Series race weekend also is an economic engine for the state with an annual impact of $75 to $100 million.

Last week the Shapiro Administration unveiled Pennsylvania’s new state tourism brand and summer travel marketing campaign to encourage more people to travel across and visit the Commonwealth – Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway.

Pennsylvania is a premier weekend getaway destination within close driving proximity to major hubs along the East Coast, including New York City, Baltimore, and Washington DC. Pennsylvania’s main streets and small towns, world class restaurants and bars, renowned historical sites, thrilling outdoor recreation, and top tier events and sports can be experienced in a single weekend by nearly 72 million people who live within a four-hour drive of thousands of getaways and experiences.

The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA is the featured race of the July 12-14 NASCAR tripleheader weekend at Pocono Raceway. The NASCAR Cup Series weekend annually attracts a strong balance of visitors and Pennsylvania residents, with 60 percent coming from out of state. The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series CRC Brakleen 175 will be held Friday, July 12 (5:30 p.m.), and the NASCAR Xfinity Series Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 on Saturday, July 13 (3 p.m.). Click HERE for the full weekend schedule.

For tickets and more information, please visit www.poconoraceway.com.

About Pocono Raceway

Pocono Raceway, also known as ‘The Tricky Triangle,’ is family-owned and situated in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. In business for over 60 years, the Raceway hosts multiple, national motorsports events including the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series events each year. The facility’s calendar also consists of over 200 events including Elements Music & Arts Festival, Tough Mudder and a wide range of car clubs and racing schools. Pocono Raceway is recognized as the world’s first, privately-owned solar-powered sports facility. Their 25-acre, three-megawatt solar farm provides the energy needs of the Raceway, as well as, adds electricity to the local power grid. Each member of our raceway staff is committed to creating exciting experiences and lifelong memories. For more information, please visit www.poconoraceway.com.

Rick Ware Racing: Justin Haley/Cody Ware St. Louis Advance

By
Official Release
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JUSTIN HALEY | CODY WARE
St. Louis Advance
Event Overview

● Event: Enjoy Illinois 300 (Round 15 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, June 2
● Location: World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois (near St. Louis)
● Layout: 1.25-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 240 laps/300 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 45 laps / Stage 2: 95 laps / Final Stage: 100 laps
● TV/Radio: FS1 / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Justin Haley, Driver of the No. 51 MotoRad Ford Mustang Dark Horse

● Justin Haley, driver of the No. 51 MotoRad Ford Mustang Dark Horse, will make his third NASCAR Cup Series start at World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) in Madison, Illinois, in Sunday’s Enjoy Illinois 300. The Rick Ware Racing (RWR) driver had finishes of 14th and 16th, respectively, when the Cup Series first raced at the track situated just across the Mississippi River from downtown St. Louis in 2022 and 2023.

● The 1.25-mile oval is the site of Haley’s first NASCAR national touring series win. On June 23, 2018, the then-19-year-old made his third NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start at WWTR. He started fourth in the 160-lap race, finished fifth in the first stage and 10th in the second stage. Haley lined up on the front row for a restart on lap 154 and took the lead just as the yellow flag waved before the lap was complete. Haley held onto the lead over the green-white-checkered finish en route to his maiden NASCAR victory. Haley earned two additional wins that year and advanced to the Championship 4 of the Truck Series Playoffs.

● Haley heads back to the outskirts of St. Louis after reuniting with a member of the winning team from 2018. J.R. Norris, No. 51 team car chief, served in the same role with Haley’s No. 24 GMS Racing Truck Series team from 2017 to 2018.

● With his 22nd-place finish in the rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600 last Sunday at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, Haley has four consecutive finishes of 23rd or better. That stretch is highlighted by a ninth-place finish at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway on May 12, his first top-10 of the 2024 season and the best finish for RWR at a non-superspeedway-type track.

Cody Ware, Driver of the No. 15 Jacob Construction Ford Mustang Dark Horse

● Cody Ware returns to the No. 15 Jacob Construction Ford Mustang Dark Horse for RWR to make his second Cup Series start at WWTR. He competed in the series’ inaugural visit to the 1.25-mile track on June 5, 2022. He started 31st and made it through the first two stages of the race before retiring due to power steering issues on lap 167.

● Ware’s first and most recent start of 2024 came at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on April 21. The 28-year-old driver started 34th and steadily worked his way toward the top-20 throughout the event. Ware was on pace to complete the race with a 20th-place finish when the leaders made contact on the final lap and collected several cars in the aftermath, including Ware’s. He crossed the line 24th for his second-best career result at Talladega.

Rick Ware Racing Notes

● The Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series heads to the Northeast this weekend for the New England Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire. NHRA Top Fuel driver Clay Millican is still looking for his first win of the season, though the RWR team has been showing improvement in recent events. In the April 28 event at zMax Dragway in Concord, North Carolina, Millican and the Parts Plus team advanced to the final round of eliminations and finished second to points leader Justin Ashley. Millican is currently seventh in points after six of 21 scheduled events.

● 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, 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

Any time NASCAR goes to WWTR, it seems like the track is packed with fans. Is that something that drivers pay attention to and does it make it a more enjoyable experience?

“When I won the Truck Series race in St. Louis, my first national series win ever, the place was just slammed full. I mean it was packed, standing room only. They love their racing in St. Louis and I appreciate that. When you go to driver intros or when you can hear the crowd from inside the car, it’s pretty special. That is somehow the hottest race all year, every year, and the fans are still out there. So, we do appreciate their support. I feel like it’s one of those races where the track is small enough that you kind of feel the energy and that’s a pretty cool aspect of what we get to do.”

You’ve raced in the surrounding area a good bit between the Truck Series at WWTR, as well as are dirt tracks, and now the Cup Series. Where does the area rank on the list of places the series visits throughout the year?

“I was really excited when the Cup Series got to go back to St. Louis. It’s just a cool racetrack, very different, but it was cool to go to a ‘new’ place that I was familiar with. And St. Louis is one of the better places that we go to as far as hanging out in the city and things like that. I’m a Midwest guy from Indiana. I spent a lot of time racing dirt tracks all around Illinois and Indiana. So yeah, it’s pretty high on the list for me.”

Cody Ware, Driver Q&A

It’s been a few years since you raced at WWTR. What are your expectations and goals for this weekend?

“I think the goal is to run well and get the most out of the weekend. We almost came out of Talladega with a top-20 finish. The RWR teams have had a lot of speed and it’s been great to see the progress being made. I got to experience that first-hand at Talladega and I’ve been looking forward to getting back in the car to see what we can do next.”

Is there anything specific you’ve focused on in your preparation for this race?

“Our preparation for this race has really been like any other. It’s a unique track that you can’t really compare to other tracks that we visit, but I think the team has learned a lot up to this point in the season. We’ve been able to look back on what they’ve learned to come up with a plan for how we’ll approach the weekend, what adjustments may help and where we need to be when practice closes out on Saturday.”

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