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CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT INDIANAPOLIS: CALLUM ILOTT Media Day Press Conference Transcript

CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
108TH RUNNING OF THE INDIANAPOLIS 500
MEDIA DAY TRANSCRIPT
MAY 23, 2024

CALLUM ILOTT, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, met with the media on Indianapolis 500 Media Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Press Conference Transcript:

THE MODERATOR: Good afternoon. We’ll begin our afternoon sessions here for media day news conferences 2024 with Row 5 for Sunday’s 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. Starting 15th, making his third Indy 500 start, driving the No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, is Callum Ilott there on the far right.

Callum, starting number three. What have you learned in the first couple starts that you’re now applying to this start?

CALLUM ILOTT: Little patience. First year was a good couple of weeks, but ended a bit on the wrong side and a big learning curve when you hit the wall here. Second year was tough from the get-go and managed to finish strongly, so the opposite of the first year. Then yeah, this year has been very, very promising. We’ve had a lot of speed. It was a shame we didn’t get a bit more out of qualifying, but yeah, it’s been a lovely couple of weeks back in the States.

Q. Callum, we don’t necessarily know what the plan is for you in INDYCAR after this start, so how do you approach this?

CALLUM ILOTT: Same as every other race, one step at a time. Yeah, there is no plan after this. So this could be my last event for a while or ever. Yeah, I’m just here to have fun and do the best job I can, and like every driver, win.

Q. What’s the overall experience been to this point? Do you feel like this is a true opportunity for you to showcase what you’re fully capable of?

CALLUM ILOTT: Yeah, no, of course. It’s been great. Arrow McLaren have been awesome and it’s the team I’ve been working with earlier in the year, as well, so it’s been super familiar.

Of course like anything, you have to work hard to improve and get the most out of it. Like I said, we struggled a little bit in qualifying, more than I expected, but the race car is very good, and we’ve been working hard to improve that, and Monday it felt great. Hopefully we can continue that tomorrow and on Sunday.

Q. This could be for any of the three to answer this, but does it feel like there’s a real prohibitive favorite this year heading into the race? People have been fast at different times. Obviously I know the Penske cars were super fast in qualifying. Do you feel like this is a little bit more wide open of a race this year maybe than in the past?

CALLUM ILOTT: There’s a couple really strong cars, but I have to say the number of cars that look impressive this year seems higher than the last two years that I’ve done it, as well. It does look like a very competitive field, and like the others have said, anything can happen. Yeah, I think there’s a lot of guys who are expecting to do well.

Q. For Callum, is there a sense of urgency knowing nothing is promised for you past this? How do you keep that in mind and keep everything in focus?

CALLUM ILOTT: Yeah, there’s no sense of urgency. Like, of course the race is super long, and there’s a lot of strategy to that. I think the people who try to push too early on make some crucial mistakes.

So no, I’m well aware of what is needed in this race to move forward, and I’ve got a very good team around me to help that. So yeah, I’m as relaxed as ever. I’m probably even in a better space of mind than I have been before.

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.

CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT INDIANAPOLIS: ED CARPENTER Media Day Press Conference Transcript

CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
108TH RUNNING OF THE INDIANAPOLIS 500
MEDIA DAY TRANSCRIPT
MAY 23, 2024

ED CARPENTER, driver of the No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet and owner of Ed Carpenter Racing, met with the media on Indianapolis 500 Media Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Press Conference Transcript:

THE MODERATOR: We will begin with Row 6. Starting 17th, he just surpassed with 200 starts last year in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, not that we’re counting, driver of the No. 20, Guy Care Chevrolet for Ed Carpenter Racing, it is the aforementioned Ed Carpenter.

THE MODERATOR: Ed, the Monday practice, what did you get out of that?

ED CARPENTER: I thought it went well. The cadence of the month has definitely been different with more delays than we’ve had in previous years.

I thought it was a good practice. You go from so focused on qualifying to running no downforce to getting back into the rhythm of race running, race downforce, locking in your timings and all those things.

All three of our cars, we’re quite happy with the way they feel in traffic. Just doing everything we can to be prepared for Sunday.

Q. Ed, the delays, from your perspective, how much does that alter and impact the program you have planned?

ED CARPENTER: I was probably a little worried about how the schedule played out for Christian, but in the end he got really comfortable really quickly. Seemingly has really taken to our car and this track.

I’m not really that worried about him at this point. He’s doing a fantastic job. On Monday he was probably our best car of the team, so… He’s fitting in and feeling less like a rookie all the time.

Q. Ed, last year Josef Newgarden mentioned that he was sort of mentally at peace with the idea that he might not win this race. That helped him to relax. Have you ever taken a similar approach?

ED CARPENTER: I think every year’s a little different. There’s been years that I’ve gone into this race feeling like we have the absolute best car and best chance of winning, had it not pan out. There’s been years where I didn’t feel as confident as I wanted to be, and we’ve had really good races.

I try to just take all the experience I have from all my starts and be prepared for whatever comes at us on Sunday. I would say as time goes on, I worry less about where I start and more so just what I have under me. It’s such a long race. There’s so many opportunities to work your way to the front.

Not really stressed about that. Just want to make sure we get a good, clean start, start executing our game plan.

Q. At Indy, what is the biggest challenge you think there will be on race day and how do you plan to overcome them?

ED CARPENTER: The challenge is always the same here: just being your best and having the car be its best for that final stint, final run after whatever the last restart is, whatever it may be.

It’s easy to get caught up in things happening early in the race. The hardest part is just being positioned properly in the end and having the balance where you need it to make a run. That’s always the most challenging part, I think, and the hardest to get right.

Q. Two rookies, neither have done a three-wide start. A lane-and-a-half for turn one. How do you look at navigating the start? Do you lean on Ed?

ED CARPENTER: For sure they should just follow in behind me, let me show them the way (laughter).

KYFFIN SIMPSON: I was thinking the same thing, you guys just fall in behind me. We’ll figure it out.

ED CARPENTER: I’m sure we’ll have some sort of chat. It’s a hard start. Definitely going to be different for these guys. It’s still challenging. Having done this 20 years, there’s a lot more movement than what you see out of a normal start.

Where we’re starting, there’s going to be a big draft with usually a pretty big checkup by the time you get to one. It’s definitely challenging.

It’s important, but really the only important part about it is surviving that first lap and making sure you don’t end your day too early.

Q. What would be, in your opinion, the key to managing that start for rookies?

ED CARPENTER: We all have the responsibility to take care of our own car and to take care of people around us by making good decisions. It’s obvious you’re not going to win the race on the first lap. Whichever one of us wins the start from our row doesn’t mean we’re going to win the day.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you.

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.

CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT INDIANAPOLIS: AGUSTIN CANAPÍNO, CHRISTIAN RASMUSSEN, and STING RAY ROBB Media Day Press Conference Transcript

CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
108TH RUNNING OF THE INDIANAPOLIS 500
MEDIA DAY TRANSCRIPT
MAY 23, 2024

AGUSTIN CANAPINO, driver of the No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet, CHRISTIAN RASMUSSEN, driver of the No. 33 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet, and STING RAY ROBB, driver of the No. 41 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet met with the media on Indianapolis 500 Media Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Press Conference Transcript:

THE MODERATOR: Continuing with Row 8, starting 24th, Indy 500 rookie and last year’s INDY NXT by Firestone champion, driver of the No. 33 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet, Christian Rasmussen. Starting 23rd, returning for a second Indy 500, driver of the No. 41 Goodheart Pray.com Chevrolet for AJ Foyt Racing, Sting Ray Robb. Also joined, starting 22nd from Argentina, driver of the No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet is Agustin Canapino.

Christian, how was your week? Kind of chilling?

CHRISTIAN RASMUSSEN: No, it’s been a good week. Pretty slow from what we’ve been used to, driving all the time. It’s been nice having a few days off.

As you can see, I’ve gotten very sunburnt, enjoying it a little bit too much (smiling). I’m excited to get back into it and get back to practicing for the last practice on Carb Day, then get into the race.

THE MODERATOR: Stingray, two hours tomorrow, how crucial to dial in the car for Sunday.

STING RAY ROBB: Yeah, I hate to say it, but we don’t have enough track time right now. I have no idea what kind of race car we have.

I’m hoping with the lessons we learned on Monday and the lessons we’re going to learn tomorrow, because there’s no rain, despite what others think tomorrow. We’re going to be good. I think the car has a lot of natural speed in it.

I’m excited to see how it shakes out because it’s so competitive this year. Even a little advantage is not going to be the difference maker. It’s so tight. Everyone is here because they deserve to be here, which makes it fun. It’s going to be a fun race.

THE MODERATOR: Agustin you had a sniff towards the front last year. What do you expect to happen? How will it play out on Sunday for you?

AGUSTIN CANAPINO: Hello, everybody.

Big expectation, honestly. Our car is running fast. Unfortunately we had that problem on the last outing in the qualifying when we were in a really good situation to be in the top 12. Anyway, I think the car is fast.

We need to improve our race pace a little bit. The funny part, we are the most rookie row just behind the most experienced row in front of us. It’s fun, that part (smiling).

I think the start of the race will be fun. We’ll see. It’s a long race. The important thing for me is try to maximize our potential for the race.

THE MODERATOR: Questions for Row 8.

Q. (In Portuguese.)

AGUSTIN CANAPINO: The difference is big between one year and another. Coming from a touring car series, the difference is mega. This year I am starting to feel much better. I learned a lot the previous year about the car, the tires, the brakes, the track. Everything is totally new for me.

I think the team is growing a lot. We are improving a lot this year with the team. We are a small team but with big expectations. I’m really happy with our progress. We need more luck, more execution.

We have the pace to be in top 15, top 10 every time, but we need more execution in my side, like a driver, like a team. But it’s a work in progress. The good thing is we are showing a good pace. Every time is better.

Q. (Question about faith.)

STING RAY ROBB: I think the faith has been a big part of how I handle the highs and lows of racing. We’re also aware there are many highs and many lows in racing. Having that foundation of a faith to lean on has allowed me to find my identity in something other than the results because it is very easy in a competitive sport with my competitive nature to kind of get sucked into the number that’s on the screen.

Having my personal identity tied to something that’s firmer and also much more far-reaching, it adds purpose to what I’m doing on the track just as much as I am away from the track.

Q. (Question in Spanish.)

AGUSTIN CANAPINO: The first time you’re here, it’s so fast, so tricky. After some runnings after the days, at least for me, I’m starting to enjoy the situation because is incredible. Is really fun, is really impressive because you have to work in every area little detail. You have a lot of tools to try to go faster and faster and faster. Every little detail in your driver and setup is all about the confidence with the car, with the track. You have to pay attention to the weather conditions.

It’s fantastic. I love it. I love this place. Of course, the difference is it’s impossible to describe because I have to talk hours and hours. In English is difficult for me. I prefer to say only it’s a big difference, but I’m starting to enjoy this year about this place.

Q. Christian, how is your experience as a rookie that already has a lot of focus on you and all these kind of racing lines and everyone talking about the kind of way you are driving on the track?

CHRISTIAN RASMUSSEN: Yeah, I mean, it doesn’t bother me that they’re talking about it. I think for me, practice has been all about getting comfortable, figuring out what you can get away with, what’s over the line, stuff like that.

I think we learned a lot during practices on maybe where the line is and maybe what’s over the line, stuff like that. But then again, I think that’s what practice is all about. I think we made great experiences with that. I think that’s just going to set me up stronger for the race.

Q. Christian, could you picture being here today middle of the season last year? Did you think this was possible?

CHRISTIAN RASMUSSEN: There were definitely points last year where it seemed pretty, pretty far away. Again, last year I tried not to think too much about it and just focus on the job at hand, which was basically winning the next race. That was kind of what last year was all about.

We pushed through and we got through, won the championship, which ultimately got me here. I’m very fortunate to have had great people around me that have been able to fill those buckets up last year where that was a big struggle. I basically owe everything to them.

Q. Sting Ray, talk about being a rookie here and absorbing all the stuff that’s going on. Has it been overwhelming at times? There’s 18 million little pieces of promotional things that happen for this race.

STING RAY ROBB: Yeah, I mean, I definitely have a lot more experience now compared to last year this time. I think last year I overbooked myself in many situations, on the track, off the track. I can kind of relate to Christian about finding out in practice where to cross the line and when not to. If you don’t do that in practice, you do it in the race, it doesn’t end well as I found out last year.

I have a lot more confidence going into the season just with my expectations changing. Kind of talking about the 18 million things you mentioned, there’s more to it than just saying yes to everything here. There’s a lot of opportunities to say yes to, but I think the nos are just as important during the month of May.

For me, it’s been a good month so far in the sense of just how to manage my time better, set my expectations each day, how to manage each day. You can really get caught up in the wrong things too early on in the race, in the month rather, then hurt yourself for the race.

Our focus has been in the right spot this season, I think, with the team and myself.

Q. Agustin, what have you learned about saying no and yes?

AGUSTIN CANAPINO: Yeah, so I think is a big change. Of course, is difficult to explain here. Is a lot of amount of things were new for me the last year because I never run in an open-wheel and I never run in an oval. Everything is completely different.

The good thing is the team improvement, I think. If you look our pace this year, especially on Fast Friday, the car is running really fast this year. At the end of the day our race car is racing. It’s very important to have a quick race car.

I am happy with my improvement and the improvement of the team. We need to improve our execution to get better results.

Q. As the only Argentinian in the race, do you feel any extra pressure?

AGUSTIN CANAPINO: I feel it. Of course with Argentinians, they want to win everything in every sport. It’s not easy with Argentina fans. We are like this, so I’m very happy to be here.

Honestly, the Argentinians haven’t too much opportunities to race this race. For me is a big honor. I am very proud of that. I’m going to do my best.

Q. Christian, have you had an explanation for why the second run was waved off?

CHRISTIAN RASMUSSEN: I don’t think there was any confusion on the second run. There was an issue during the run, which was out of my control, unfortunately. But no confusion. We had the pace to be higher up than where we ended up, but, yeah, no confusion. Just an issue out of our control.

Q. Agustin, how have you felt things have gone for you early this season? Do you feel you’re in a better place?

AGUSTIN CANAPINO: Yeah, definitely, definitely. We are in a much better situation than the last year in both case, in my case and the team case. I think we are showing the pace. Again, we need to improve our execution.

It’s still in progress, but I think we are still in a really good situation to try to achieve more top 10s, to try to achieve other results. I think we can do it. I am with a big confidence about that.

Q. For Sting Ray, what differences have you noticed this year now with Foyt?

STING RAY ROBB: Yeah it’s been very good. I’m very happy to be with AJ Foyt Racing just for one sake of being local. I think there’s a lot of advantages to being close to the track on a month of May. There’s a lot of things that can be done at the shop that get carried over to the racetrack, a lot of prep work that can be done back at the shop.

There’s a lot of good experience there this year. The car has much more natural pace than I had last season here. Obviously last season I had a lot more drama than I wanted starting on the last row. Pretty stressful as a rookie. Not something I would recommend to anyone. Hopefully that’s my last time I have to do that shootout there.

This year being solidly in the field, even though it wasn’t a spot I was super happy with, just without the issues we had during the day, could have been further up, the team is doing a good job.

We should be good come race day.

THE MODERATOR: We’ll cut you guys loose.

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.

CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT INDIANAPOLIS: ROMAIN GROSJEAN Media Day Press Conference Transcript

CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
108TH RUNNING OF THE INDIANAPOLIS 500
MEDIA DAY TRANSCRIPT
MAY 23, 2024

ROMAIN GROSJEAN, driver of the No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet, met with the media on Indianapolis 500 Media Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Press Conference Transcript:

THE MODERATOR: Continuing on with Row 9 with the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500. Starting 26th, making his third Indy 500 start, driver of the No. 77, Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet, Romain Grosjean.

Romain, how has your week gone?

ROMAIN GROSJEAN: Sunny (laughter).

No, I mean, last week was not as good as we wanted in qualifying, but I think Monday we got to a better place with the car. Obviously I wish we were driving a little bit more rather than sitting around. I guess we have a last taste on Friday, then let’s see when we race actually. Let’s see what the weather does for us.

Q. Romain, when you first came to the series, I think you were not real keen on ovals. Where are you now? Why was it so daunting to turn left?

ROMAIN GROSJEAN: I came here after something that was pretty significant in my life and in my family’s and friends’ lives. The first year not doing ovals was a mark of respect to my family because ovals are dangerous. You can put it anywhere you want to put it, when you drive a car 230 miles an hour next to a wall, I have had two impacts here in the last two years. We do as much as we can in motorsports for safety, but they’re dangerous. Definitely on the high end out of that.

Out of respect, I think the first year was the right decision not to do them. As a competitor, I want to do them. I want to be here. I must admit that this week, even though qualifying we didn’t have the speed, which nothing you can do about as a driver, which is very, very annoying, qualifying is all an engineering race. It felt like in traffic the car has came alive over the last couple sessions, and I feel good.

I’m here doing the best we can for Juncos Hollinger Racing and myself. I think I’m very fortunate to be racing the Indy 500, and in a month’s time, I’ll be in Le Mans 24 Hours with Lamborghini in the Hypercar. On the résumé of a driver, that’s pretty bad ass.

Team Chevy high-resolution racing photos are available for editorial use.

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.

CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT INDIANAPOLIS: CONOR DALY Media Day Press Conference Transcript

CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
108TH RUNNING OF THE INDIANAPOLIS 500
MEDIA DAY TRANSCRIPT
MAY 23, 2024

CONOR DALY, driver of the No. 24 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing with Cusick Motorsports Chevrolet, met with the media on Indianapolis 500 Media Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Press Conference Transcript:

THE MODERATOR: Starting 29th, makes his 11th Indianapolis 500 start, driver of the No. 24 Polka Dot Chevrolet with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.

What has your race week been like so far?

CONOR DALY: Great question. It’s been wonderful. Nice and warm, the weather’s beautiful, as I’m sure it will be continuing this weekend.

It’s been fun, a lot going on. Very busy. That must mean something great. A lot of good vibes. Vibes are good.

THE MODERATOR: You feel good going into tomorrow?

CONOR DALY: I do. I asked my engineer. He said we will get in Carb Day. I just want one or two more things to evaluate that we didn’t get to do on Monday because we couldn’t run the second half of the session just out of kind of a precautionary measure.

Yeah, just want a couple more things, couple more things out the car. Honestly, I think we’ve kind of been low-key pretty good and kind of sneaking under the radar, I hope. It feels good. Car’s fast. I mean, certainly one way to go, can’t go much further back, so we’re going to go forward.

Q. Conor, you seem to be just really friendly with everybody here. You have the podcast. You have a relationship with a lot of the drivers. You have experience at the 500. Have you talked to a lot of the first-time drivers this year telling them what to expect?

CONOR DALY: I mean, I don’t think as much this year only because I haven’t been around the paddock at all until this month. That’s obviously a little bit different.

I’m going to be honest with anybody, you know what I mean?

I’ve talked to Kyle a little bit, but not really only about racing. He asked me if I stole his scooter. I don’t know if anyone else is looking at me for advice or anything.

I had a great interview with Nolan Siegel yesterday. It was a tough weekend for him. I’ll talk to anyone. Obviously, I don’t mind. I just like talking about this event. This is the coolest thing in the world we get to do.

Not sharing too much with people is probably the goal. Like, Marcus Armstrong is a guy I’ve talked to a lot. Seeing his face, it’s kind of like, this is crazy what we’re doing. Yeah, man, welcome to the show. This is it, what we’re doing every year. It’s kind of wild. To see their reaction is actually kind of cool.

I remember having the same reaction many years ago now when I was a rookie. I remember having the same — I was like, Marco Andretti, when I was a rookie, I was like, dude, this is kind of nuts. And he was like, yeah, welcome to the game, this what is we do here. Kind of cool.

Q. You have a unique perspective with this being your only INDYCAR race of the year. How do you go about preparing for it from a mental and physical standpoint?

CONOR DALY: I mean, they say go big or go home. I’m literally going big and still going home afterwards. I have no other choice other than to leave it all on the table.

I love this event. It doesn’t really feel as much as if — when I showed up at St. Louis with the Rahal team, it was one practice session, then we’re racing. We’ve had a bit of time to get used to this team. We’ve had some practice sessions, couple days of qualifying, a lot of time to bond and get used to what I want. It’s definitely unique in that sense.

Monday practice, I’m just trying to run race stints because I haven’t done a race length yet this year. Physically you have to get yourself ready and more in tune with that. I wish we had more practice last week ’cause that would have been nice. Still, this event gives you more time than any other event to kind of get in the system again, get your body and mind kind of in tune with what you’re going to need for Sunday.

Q. Everybody talks about how much they love this event. Seems like you might have a greater appreciation for it because you’re from here. How do you go about not taking it for granted?

CONOR DALY: I mean, it never gets old. The butterflies every morning, wanting to stay here, the bus lot. Still that feeling is incredible.

I’ve seen this event, it’s always been the same car for me technically, just different shapes of the car, but I feel like I’ve seen many different eras of this event. I’ve been part of the hundredth running of the Indy 500, coolest thing ever to say. I’ve been here when Alex Rossi won the hundredth, all this cool stuff. It’s been amazing and it never gets old. Something exciting and cool every year.

I want to make history here, too. That would be really awesome. I love it. Never gets old. I just hope I can keep doing this for a long time, maybe as long as my teammate, Ryan. He’s in his 40s, right? Hopefully I got that many years in me, too. That would be pretty cool.

Q. Compared to previous years, what is your level of confidence going into Carb Day and the race this year? How different is it compared to the past seasons?

CONOR DALY: Yeah, honestly, when we did Fast Friday, that was the first time in a week where I was like, Oh, we might have — something’s going on here. The car was definitely difficult to drive.

Usually there is a reason for that happening. What I felt turns out was accurate after we looked at the data that night. Saturday morning we go out, we’re right back in the window. When you’re in Fast Friday and the car is loose, physically sideways in the corner, you’re like, this is probably not great. The next morning when you go out and you can do four laps, cool, we’re back. It was the same all during qualifying day on Saturday.

We actually were behind because of how difficult Fast Friday was. You maybe don’t run it as trim. We hope we fixed the problem, but if we didn’t, we don’t want to make an irresponsible decision.

Thankfully we probably could have run a little bit more trim, more aggressive qualifying day. We obviously know what happened on qualifying day anyway, which prevented us from being a little bit further up.

Other than Fast Friday, we’ve been really confident every day. I’ve honestly been impressed with this Dreyer Reinbold Cusick team. Everyone from Chevrolet has been super helpful for us, as well. As a one-time entrant, it’s tough to show up to the big game here and be right in the gate. We have cars in the Fast 12, two cars that are really fast. That’s really impressive yet again from Dennis and everyone at the team.

I feel great. I feel very confident. I wouldn’t lie to everyone clearly. I’ve been very honest, probably too honest, in my life. We’re pretty stoked about this weekend.

Q. Larson’s scooter, has there not been any driver bus lot pranks at all this month?

CONOR DALY: It’s been quiet in there. I don’t know what’s going on. Maybe we’re all just focused. It’s kind of sad. I sleep better at night, though (smiling).

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.

RFK Announces Partnership with Lumafield as Part of RFK TeK Alliance

Lumafield to Implement Industry-Leading Neptune Industrial X-Ray CT Scanner Technology

CONCORD, N.C. (May 23, 2024) – RFK Racing is excited to announce a new official partnership with Lumafield, which will join the RFK TeK Alliance family of partners. Lumafield will equip RFK Racing with its industry-leading Neptune Industrial X-Ray CT Scanner technology. This advanced technology will enable RFK Racing to gain a deeper understanding of part quality, proactively identifying potential issues and flaws before they impact performance on the racetrack.

Combined with Lumafield’s innovative Voyager software, this system provides RFK Racing’s engineers with unprecedented insight into blind assembly issues, material and manufacturing flaws, and many other aspects previously beyond the reach of existing technologies. Additionally, the introduction of Atlas, an AI co-pilot for engineers, will further enhance the sophistication and accuracy of these insights, marking a new era of innovation in motorsports.

“This partnership represents a monumental leap forward for RFK Racing as we strive to become the technological leaders in motorsports,” said Kevin Kidd, RFK’s Director of Software and Analytics. “Lumafield’s unparalleled products offer capabilities that are second to none, and access to these innovations gives us a significant advantage in the current era of NASCAR racing. We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Lumafield.”

“We are excited to partner with RFK Racing, a team that shares our dedication to speed, performance, and engineering excellence,” said Eduardo Torrealba, Co-Founder and CEO of Lumafield. “Lumafield exists to help engineers do their best work, faster than ever, and we look forward to helping RFK set new standards both on and off the track.”

About RFK Racing
RFK Racing, in its 37th season in 2024, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com, and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

U.S. AIR FORCE GENERAL MINIHAN NAMED GRAND MARSHAL FOR ENJOY ILLINOIS 300

U.S. Air Force General Mike Minihan will provide the start command as Grand Marshal for the upcoming Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Ill. Photo credit: USAF.

USAF General Mike Minihan, Commander at Illinois’ Scott Air Force Base, will give the start command for the NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, June 2.

MADISON, Ill. (May 23, 2024) – U.S. Air Force (USAF) General Mike Minihan, Commander of the Air Mobility Command at Illinois’ Scott Air Force Base, has been named the Grand Marshal for the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, June 2 at World Wide Technology Raceway.

Minihan will serve as the race dignitary who will deliver the command to the drivers to start their engines for the third running of the Enjoy Illinois 300 beginning at 2:30 p.m. CT (TV: FS1, Radio: MRN, SiriusXM).

“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the Air Force as Grand Marshal during the NASCAR Cup Series race,” General Minihan said. “From the roar of the jets to the roar of the engines, both embody the spirit of teamwork, precision and unwavering dedication. It’s an honor to serve during this thrilling display of speed, skill and patriotism.”

Minihan leads the command at Scott Air Force Base that serves as U.S. Transportation Command’s air component, executing the air mobility mission in support of the joint force, allies and partners with a fleet of nearly 1,100 aircraft. The command encompasses Eighteenth Air Force, the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, the 618th Air Operations Center, 17 wings and two groups, which provide rapid global mobility from more than 100 locations worldwide.

Nearly 107,000 active-duty Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Airmen and civilians comprise the air mobility Total Force, providing command and control of inter-theater and intra-theater airlift, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, global air mobility support, and presidential and senior leader air transport in support of national interests.

Minihan has held several joint, combined and Air Force staff assignments, including Deputy Commander for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command prior to his current position.

Minihan, a 35-year USAF veteran, has earned numerous Joint and Air Force decorations including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, three Legions of Merit, six Air Medals, and seven Aerial Achievement Medals. His Joint and Air Force organizational awards recognizing team excellence include the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Republic of Korea Cheonsu Medal and Order of Saint Maurice.

The Enjoy Illinois 300 highlights a NASCAR doubleheader weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway. The Cup Series race will be paired with the Toyota 200 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race scheduled for Saturday, June 1 at 12:30 p.m. On-track action begins Friday, May 31 with practice and qualifying for the Toyota 200. Cup Series practice and qualifying will take place on Saturday. Click HERE for the full weekend schedule. For tickets and more information, please visit www.wwtraceway.com.

Wings Etc. is all systems go to sponsor Jeremy Clements Racing in NASCAR® Xfinity® Series for fourth year

Clements’ friendship with Wings Etc. franchisee fuels winning partnership

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—Wings Etc. is thrilled to power NASCAR® Xfinity® Series driver Jeremy Clements and his #51 Chevy Camaro SS again this year at the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis on July 20, and the Cabo Wabo 250 at Michigan International Speedway on August 17.

This marks the fourth year that #51 has sported the Wings Etc. logo as it takes to the track.

The dynamic partnership sprang from a real-life connection between Spartanburg, S.C., native Clements and Boiling Springs, S.C., franchisee Scott McFalls.

McFalls says Clements and his brother would often dine at his restaurant. One night the pair was there listening to a band; McFalls went up to the front of the packed room to watch, and the Clements brothers offered him a seat. During intermission, talk turned to sponsorship opportunities.

McFalls wasn’t sure that he could participate as a single-store franchisee. “I said, you know, I don’t know that I want to pay X amount of dollars and get this little three-inch sticker put right behind the tire,” McFalls said.

But Clements is as driven off the track as he is behind the wheel. “I said, let’s just talk. I feel like it’s not as bad as you think it is.

“It didn’t take much, to be honest,” Clements said of persuading McFalls. “In the store he’s got pictures of all the baseball teams and all the different people he’s helped. So he loves to help people. He’s a good guy. It made a good-looking race car too, for sure.”

Clements is grateful to have a national brand like the 80-unit Wings Etc. on #51. “It means the world — that’s how I make a living and how that 51 goes fast,” he says. “It’s very special to me. So I want to make it special for them.”

The feeling is mutual. Now the Indianapolis and Michigan race days are a regular celebration at McFalls’ Wings Etc. location. At the start of the season, they even served a custom beer, 51 Racing Fuel, a lager brewed by Spartanburg, South Carolina-based RJ Rockers Brewing Company, before it sold out.

And while the Wings Etc. corporate brand backs Clements at the Indy and Michigan tracks, McFalls also sponsors a third race, this year kicking off the Jeremy Clements Racing Xfinity® Series season at Phoenix Raceway. Without a track nearby to provide an influx of fans at his restaurant on race day, McFalls hosts a watch party for all the hometown fans.

When he’s in town, Clements still frequents the Boiling Springs Wings Etc. “I like the wrap for lunch,” he says. “And if I’m gonna go in there for dinner, watch the game or something with the boys, we’re going to drink some ice cold beer and eat some wings. I like spicy!”

Jeremy Clements Racing is a small, family run team carrying on the tradition established by Jeremy’s grandfather, famed NASCAR owner and renowned engine builder Crawford Clements. Jeremy’s uncle, Louis Clements, was a Championship Crew Chief with Rex White. And Jeremy’s dad, Tony Clements, continues to run Clements Automotive, a leader in racing and performance engine building. Jeremy’s sister books the hotels and travel, and his mom cleans the pit crew suits every week.

“We’re all digging away to make it work for 33 weeks out of the year,” Clements says. “It’s a long, grueling season for sure.”
Wings Etc. is happy to back the effort. “We’re very excited to be on board with Jeremy Clements for a fourth year,” says Wings Etc. CEO Rob Hensmann. “Supporting the people in our communities is an important value for Wings Etc., and we love sharing our fans’ enthusiasm for the energy that Jeremy brings to NASCAR Xfinity races.”

“Being a part of the Wings Etc. family is special,” Clements says. “They work their tails off and do a phenomenal job of bringing a fun atmosphere to a great restaurant. I just love them, and they love racing. So it’s a win-win for everybody. It’s way more than just a sponsorship. It’s a friendship.”

Wings cookout raises funds for St. Jude

Fans are invited to join Wings Etc. in the infield of Michigan International Speedway on August 16–17 where, starting around 7 p.m., Wings Etc. leadership will be cooking the brand’s famous award-winning boneless wings. The wings are free; fans can make a donation for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in return. The event continues each evening until the wings are gone.

About Wings Etc. Grill & Pub

Wings Etc. is proud to celebrate 30 years of growth and good times this year. Founded in 1994 by Jim Weaver in northern Indiana, Wings Etc. is a family-friendly grill and pub featuring award-winning jumbo Buffalo wings, 21 signature sauces and rubs, dozens of TVs tuned to sports programming and a casual, non-corporate-y, laid-back vibe that makes people want to just come in and hang out. See wingsetc.com.
With 80 corporate and franchise locations, Wings Etc. has been listed among Entrepreneur magazine’s “Top 500 Franchises” every year since 2021 and was included in the magazine’s “Top Five Best Sports Bars” in 2021. It has been named one of Franchise Business Review’s “Top Food Franchises” every year since 2020 and a “Top 200 Franchise” every year since 2019. Wings Etc. has been included in Franchise Gator’s “Top 100 Franchises” seven times since 2014 and its “Fastest Growing Franchises” seven times since 2016; it was among the “Top Emerging Franchises” in 2023. It has been named a “Top 400 Franchise” by Franchise Times every year since 2021 and a “Top 500 Franchise” by Nation’s Restaurant News every year since 2021. See www.wingsetcfranchise.com.

The Wings Etc. Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to improving children’s lives. See www.wingsetcfoundation.com.
©2024 Wings Etc., Inc. Franchises independently owned and operated.

INDYCAR ButtKicker iRacing Pro Series To Debut in September

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, May 23, 2024) – iRacing, INDYCAR and ButtKicker announced May 23 the creation of the inaugural INDYCAR ButtKicker iRacing Pro Series, set to debut in September.

With a total prize pool of $50,000, the top open-wheel sim racers in the world will compete starting Sept. 19 in a series that features many of the INDYCAR SERIES’ most exciting venues. Each race will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. ET Thursdays via iRacing social channels and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES YouTube channel and website.

“The INDYCAR ButtKicker iRacing Pro Series is the latest exciting development in iRacing’s renewed relationship with INDYCAR,” iRacing President Tony Gardner said. “For years, iRacers have clamored for a top INDYCAR eSports series, and with the support of ButtKicker, we’re putting together an awesome inaugural campaign for 2024. We expect fierce competition as top sim racers go for $50,000 in one of our most exciting series yet!”

The creation of the first INDYCAR-based eSports series for professional sim racers on iRacing comes after a new licensing agreement signed between the two companies earlier this year. The new series joins the iRacing INDY 500, one of iRacing’s most popular special events, as one of the most prominent partnerships between the two brands. It also becomes the latest professional iRacing eSports series to be managed in conjunction with one of the world’s premier racing series, joining efforts with NASCAR, Porsche, the World of Outlaws and more.

“INDYCAR is pleased to join forces with iRacing and ButtKicker for an all-new pro eSports series later this year, INDYCAR Senior Manager of Marketing Ben Hendricks said. “Kicking off just after the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion is crowned on track at Nashville, this new series will bring the excitement of INDYCAR into the virtual world and give our fans a new set of racing heroes to cheer for this fall.”

Qualifying for the INDYCAR ButtKicker iRacing Pro Series will commence in July and August. More information on the qualifying series and both series schedules will be released in the coming months. For more information on iRacing and for special offers, visit www.iRacing.com.

“We’re thrilled to partner with INDYCAR and iRacing to launch the inaugural INDYCAR ButtKicker iRacing Pro Series,” said Andrew Luden, head of gaming, The Guitammer Company. “INDYCAR is the pinnacle of open-wheel racing with drivers competing across high-speed ovals to technical street circuits all while driving at the limits of performance.

“ButtKicker products provide sim racers with true haptic feedback to push their limits, powered by iRacing’s world-class simulation platform. By partnering with INDYCAR and iRacing, the skill, grit and excitement of sim racing at the highest level will reach more fans than ever and highlight how everyone from pros to new sim racers can ‘Drive Better with ButtKicker.’”

About iRacing

The world leader in the online racing simulation and gaming market, iRacing was founded in 2003 by Dave Kaemmer, co-founder of Papyrus Design Group, and John Henry, principal owner of the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool Football Club and co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing. iRacing has developed dozens of formal partnerships in the motorsport industry to help create the most authentic racing simulation in the world, including with NASCAR, INDYCAR, the FIA, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, and numerous other car manufacturers, tracks, and racing series. Alongside its PC simulation, iRacing owns two additional game studios and produces the official console games of NASCAR (beginning in 2025) and the World of Outlaws, as well as the fantasy off-road racing game ExoCross. Learn more at www.iRacing.com.

About The Guitammaer Company

For over 20 years The Guitammer Company’s’ ButtKicker® brand products have been trusted worldwide to provide innovative and immersive tactile feedback. The award-winning line of ButtKicker brand haptic transducers let users feel low-frequency sound (bass). ButtKicker products’ patented design makes them musically accurate, powerful, and virtually indestructible.ButtKicker products are used PC and Console Gamers, used and endorsed by professional race drivers, and sim racers worldwide. ButtKicker products are also used by entertainment and theater companies in movie theaters and attractions, by world-famous musicians, in home theaters, and more. Feel the immersion – it’s Better with ButtKicker.

Burton, DEX Imaging Team To Honor The Memory Of Navy SEAL Chris Campbell At Charlotte

During the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the NASCAR community through its 600 Miles of Remembrance program once again will honor the memory of those who laid down their lives in service to the United States of America.

Harrison Burton and the No. 21 DEX Imaging team has chosen to honor the memory of Navy SEAL Christopher George Campbell, who died on Aug. 6, 2011, when the Chinook helicopter carrying him and 29 others was shot down by insurgents as it was returning from a mission in Afghanistan.

There were no survivors, and the loss of life was the most ever in a single incident in Naval Special Warfare history.

The DEX Imaging Mustang Dark Horse will have Campbell’s name on the windshield and also will carry a patriotic red, white and blue paint scheme this weekend.

Crew chief Jeremy Bullins said he’s proud of the way the team is honoring Chief Petty Officer Campbell and those who died in service to their country.

“The design group knocked it out of the park this week with our red, white and blue DEX Mustang Dark Horse,” Bullins said. “It’s an honor every year for us to proudly display the name of a service member that gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation.

“It certainly puts things in perspective for us as a race team, and I hope we can have a great race in their honor.”

According to news reports, Campbell grew up in Jacksonville, N.C., and was a 1993 graduate of White Oak High School.

Even at an early age, Campbell was known to have no fear and had an adventurous nature. Few were surprised when he became a Navy SEAL.

Campbell, who was a Special Operations Capability Specialist at the time of his death and had earned numerous medals for his actions, is survived by his wife Angelina and daughter Samantha, along with other relatives. He had told his family that if he died in the line of duty, he wanted them to request donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps wounded service members recover from their service-related injuries.

Campbell was 36 years old at the time of his death. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Practice for the Coca-Cola 600 is set for Saturday at 5 p.m. Eastern Time to be followed by qualifying at 5:50.

FOX Sports 1 will televise practice and qualifying.

Sunday’s 600-mile, 400-lap race is scheduled to get the green flag just after 6 p.m., with TV coverage on FOX.

Stage breaks are planned for Laps 100, 200 and 300.

About DEX Imaging
DEX Imaging is the digital document imaging division of Staples, the world’s largest business solutions provider. DEX sells and services the broadest selection of copiers, printers and data management solutions, such as HP, Konica Minolta, Canon, Kyocera and numerous others.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES:
Reducing Operating Costs
Reducing Paper Consumption
Increasing Productivity

DEX Imaging has been the recipient of virtually every industry award since the company’s inception, including the JD Power & Associates Award for Best Customer Experience, the prestigious ProTech Service award by Konica Minolta, the Diamond Premier Dealer Award by Kyocera, and the Elite DEALER Award by ‘ENX’ magazine. Other accolades include being named ‘Best Place to Work’ by numerous business journals in the markets DEX serves.

Wood Brothers Racing
Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 99 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glenn’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Harrison Burton in the famous No. 21 racer.