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Kaulig Racing – Weekly Preview | Charlotte Motor Speedway

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Official Release
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Race Notes

Charlotte Motor Speedway
Coca-Cola 600
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Sunday, May 26 at 6:00PM EDT
FOX | PRN | SiriusXM
Team Notes

  • Kaulig Racing has made four Coca-Cola 600 starts and earned two top-15 finishes in 2023.
  • So far in the 2024 NCS season, Kaulig Racing has earned four top 10s, 10 top-20 finishes and led 34 laps.

SHANE van GISBERGEN

“The Cup car at Charlotte is going to be another massive challenge for me, but I’m looking forward to the opportunity! I’m excited to run the 600, one of the crown jewels of NASCAR. We have 400 laps to learn and hopefully come home with a straight car and good finish on Sunday night.” – Shane van Gisbergen on Charlotte Motor Speedway

No. 16 WeatherTech Camaro ZL1

  • Shane van Gisbergen will make his fifth-career Cup series start this weekend driving the No. 16 WeatherTech Camaro.
  • This weekend, the No. 16 will honor Master Sergeant Thomas Donald Maholic. Sergeant Maholic was part of the United States Army 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group based at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Master Sergeant Maholic lost his life in Afghanistan on June 24, 2016.
  • The No. 16 Chevrolet is a collaboration between Trackhouse Racing and Kaulig Racing.
  • Van Gisbergen’s start at Charlotte will be the third of eight scheduled Cup Series starts in 2024 for the three-time Supercars Champion
  • Van Gisbergen has led laps in three of his four career NASCAR Cup Series starts.

DANIEL HEMRIC

“Every time I get a chance to race at my home track where I grew up and made so many memories throughout my younger days of racing is super special. There was a time I didn’t know if I’d ever run another Coke 600, so I’m not taking it for granted. The way that race goes from late day to night, the track transition, and the multiple grooves you have to run, just makes for one of the most fun endurance races of the year.” – Daniel Hemric on Charlotte Motor Speedway

No. 31 Cirkul Camaro ZL1

  • Daniel Hemric has made one Coca-Cola 600 start, where he led a total of seven laps at his home track.
  • This weekend, the No. 31 will honor Captain David “Seth” Mitchell. Caption Mitchell was part of the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and I Marine Expeditionary Force in the United States Marine Corps. Captain Mitchell lost his life in Afghanistan on October 26, 2009.
  • So far in the 2024 season, Hemric has earned two top 10s, five top-20 finishes and has led 14 laps.

 
Race Details

Charlotte Motor Speedway
BetMGM 300
NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS)
Saturday, May 25 at 1:00PM EDT
FOX | PRN | SiriusXM
Team Notes

  • Kaulig Racing has made 18 NXS starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The team has earned two top fives, five top-10 finishes and led 70 laps.
  • So far in the 2024 NXS season, the team has earned two top fives, seven top-10 finishes and led 63 laps.

JOSH WILLIAMS

“Charlotte’s a fun track. It’s super rough and has only gotten rougher over the years. It’s got multiple grooves, and I’m pretty excited to get back there.” – Josh Williams on Charlotte Motor Speedway

No. 11 Alloy Employer Services Chevrolet Camaro

  • Josh Williams has made six starts in the NXS at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
  • Williams’ best finish at the track was 14th, which he achieved in the NXS’ lone race on the oval in 2020.

AJ ALLMENDINGER

“Always good to be racing at home. I feel like we haven’t had good results at Charlotte, but we’ve actually had pretty good speed there so I’m looking forward to going back there. Our mile-and-a-half program on the Xfinity side has been probably our best so it’ll be fun to go back there and hopefully have a good run.” – AJ Allmendinger on Charlotte Motor Speedway

No. 16 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet Camaro

  • AJ Allmendinger has made three NXS starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway and has led two laps.
  • So far in the 2024 season, Allmendinger has earned one top five, five top-10 finishes and led 31 laps. Allmendinger currently sits seventh in the NXS driver standings.

SHANE van GISBERGEN

“It’s going to be a lot of fun being able to race at home here in Charlotte this weekend. I’m starting to get a little more comfortable on mile-and-a-half ovals and I’m looking forward to trying to figure out Charlotte this weekend. We have a pretty cool paint scheme and I appreciate Focused Health coming on board this with us.” – Shane van Gisbergen on Charlotte Motor Speedway

No. 97 Focused Health Chevrolet Camaro

  • Shane van Gisbergen and his No. 97 Focused Health team have a home race this weekend as the Xfinity series heads to Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway for their annual Memorial Day Weekend stop.
  • This weekend in Charlotte, the Focused Health livery will make its second appearance on the three-time Supercars champions Chevrolet. The paint scheme pays tribute to the US Air Force in which Focused Health CEO Shawn Holt is a retired Veteran. Focused Health is a national health insurance agency formed by long-time industry veterans Shawn Holt and Larry Cassar. Focused Health assists consumers and employers in navigating the myriad of health insurance options in the government programs space.
  • In his last start on a 1.5-mile oval at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth back in April, Van Gisbergen started 33rd and finished 18th.
  • Two weeks ago, at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, Van Gisbergen started 17th and finished 15th in his debut at the track “Too Tough to Tame”.
  • Van Gisbergen and his No. 97 team currently sit 15th in the driver standings heading into the weekend in Charlotte.

About Kaulig Racing

Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time, multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has earned 23 NXS wins, made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started, and won two regular-season championships. In 2021, the team competed in select NCS events, before expanding to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 and adding a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. Since its first NCS start in 2021, the team has earned two wins. Kaulig Racing is currently fielding two full-time entries in the NCS and continues to field three full-time NXS entries, with a part-time fourth entry at select events. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

Kurtz Takes Key Race Victories for CrowdStrike at COTA

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Official Release
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· George Kurtz earns three wins in last four GT America races
· Pair of podium finishes in GT World Challenge America for Kurtz, Colin Braun 
· Kevin Boehm, Kenton Koch win GT4 America three-hour race, take Silver class points lead 

AUSTIN, Texas (May 22, 2024) – CrowdStrike Racing enjoyed a weekend of multiple successes  at SRO Motorsports America at Circuit of The Americas. In front of a record crowd in Austin, CrowdStrike Racing drivers and teams climbed the podium in each of the five events they contested.

George Kurtz led the way with a victory in GT America Powered by AWS and two podium finishes in Fanatec GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS. 

In GT America Powered by AWS, Kurtz scored a victory in Sunday’s second race of the weekend to go along with a third-place finish Saturday – despite a broken suspension on the final lap – in the No. 04 CrowdStrike Mercedes-AMG GT3. Starting from pole position on Sunday – after setting the CrowdStrike Fastest Lap on Saturday – Kurtz controlled the race despite three full-course yellow periods, including a final one with nine minutes left that ended the race behind the safety car.

Kurtz now has three victories in the last four races starting with his sweep at Sebring International Raceway earlier this month. After Sunday’s result, he is third in the Drivers championship standings.

In the premier Fanatec GT World Challenge America series, Kurtz and Colin Braun recorded a pair of third-place finishes. The driver duo shared the CrowdStrike by Riley Mercedes-AMG GT3 during the 90-minute races.

The results put Kurtz and Braun in second place in the Pro-Am Drivers Championship heading into SRO America’s summer break.

Boehm and Koch made the most of a unique three-hour endurance race in Pirelli GT4 America to capture their first victory of the season in the No. 97 CrowdStrike BMW M4 GT4. The duo dominated the race following a stellar opening stint as Boehm went from 12th at the start to the overall lead in the first 23 minutes.

From that point, Koch and Boehm controlled the race and held increasing leads that culminated with a 34-second margin of victory and an overall win. The result was doubly sweet as the Boehm/Koch pairing moved into the lead of Silver class Drivers championship.

The weekend’s results came in front of a large group of CrowdStrike VIPs and guests. As is tradition in Austin – site of the company’s headquarters – CrowdStrike held the latest in its series of CXO summits ahead of the track action Saturday. 

CrowdStrike’s CXO summits allow VIP guests to learn how to secure their businesses from cyberattacks and stop breaches. CXO guest experiences also included activities such as tour of Circuit of The Americas in addition to meet-and-greet sessions with CrowdStrike Racing teams and drivers, premium trackside hospitality and ceremonial positions such as giving the start-engine command and honorary starter, plus awarding trophies during multiple post-race ceremonies.

CrowdStrike Racing’s next event in SRO Motorsports America competition takes place July 19-21 at Virginia International Raceway. In June, Kurtz and Braun will contest the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.

CrowdStrike Racing Post-Event Quotes

George Kurtz, No. 04 CrowdStrike Mercedes-AMG GT3: “This was a positive weekend for the team despite some challenges with the heat and humidity. CrowdStrike by Riley team delivered a prime Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the World Challenge races and of course for me in GT America. We racked up a lot of points this weekend in front of a great group of fans and a lot of CrowdStrike supporters, which made the victory even sweeter. The success of this past weekend is a great way to head into the summer break.”

Colin Braun, No. 04 CrowdStrike Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Our CrowdStrike by Riley Mercedes-AMG GT3 team sure worked hard this weekend. We had to dig and scrap for each result. The competition is really tight so we’re pretty happy to come away with two podium finishes on the GTWC side and a win for GK in GTA plus another podium. George did great during his stints and as always, the CrowdStrike/Riley team executed a fantastic weekend, we knew this was going to be a tougher track for us. We have a bit of time to prepare and test before VIR, and I’m looking forward to getting back on track with this team at Spa next month!”

Kevin Boehm, No. 97 CrowdStrike BMW M4 GT4: “The CrowdStrike BMW was good, but a lot of my start was being in the right place at the right time. This track is really unique because it has a lot of track-out, so I tried to put the car in a place where I had an out if something went wrong, so I was on the outside for everything. That gave me a chance to fight multiple cars at once, so it gave us big gains all at once. I tried to carry that momentum all the way to the front. Honestly, the car was better than we thought. Once I got in the top-three, I thought that’s where I would probably level out. But it was pretty apparent that I had the pace to go to the lead, so it was a matter of making sure that I didn’t hurt the tire to see what we could do.”
 

For more information, visit CrowdStrikeRacing.com. Follow #CrowdStrikeRacing on X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates.

About CrowdStrike Racing

At CrowdStrike, we believe racing and cybersecurity go hand in hand. Whether we’re racing or defending our customers, winning performance is measured in seconds—and a refusal to accept second place. Staying ahead of threats on and off the track takes relentless innovation, extraordinary feats of engineering, and a team equipped with a shared sense of responsibility. 

When every second counts, CrowdStrike’s industry-leading protection doesn’t slow you down. It fuels your momentum.

CrowdStrike is a proud partner of SRO America. 

Learn more at crowdstrikeracing.com. 

About CrowdStrike

CrowdStrike (Nasdaq: CRWD), a global cybersecurity leader, has redefined modern security with the world’s most advanced cloud-native platform for protecting critical areas of enterprise risk — endpoints and cloud workloads, identity and data.

Powered by the CrowdStrike Security Cloud and world-class AI, the CrowdStrike Falcon® platform leverages real-time indicators of attack, threat intelligence, evolving adversary tradecraft and enriched telemetry from across the enterprise to deliver hyper-accurate detections, automated protection and remediation, elite threat hunting and prioritized observability of vulnerabilities. Purpose-built in the cloud with a single lightweight-agent architecture, the Falcon platform delivers rapid and scalable deployment, superior protection and performance, reduced complexity and immediate time-to-value.

CrowdStrike: We stop breaches.

Learn more: https://www.crowdstrike.com/

Follow us: Blog | X | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Start a free trial today: https://www.crowdstrike.com/free-trial-guide/

2024 CrowdStrike, Inc. All rights reserved. CrowdStrike, the falcon logo, CrowdStrike Falcon and CrowdStrike Threat Graph are marks owned by CrowdStrike, Inc. and registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and in other countries. CrowdStrike owns other trademarks and service marks, and may use the brands of third parties to identify their products and services.

Meyer Shank Racing Announces Smokey’s Soul Town SiriusXM Livery for Detroit Grand Prix

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Official Release
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The No. 60 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda will feature Smokey’s Soul Town SiriusXM Channel 74 with special race day appearance by Smokey Robinson

Pataskala, Ohio (22 May 2024) – With the Detroit Grand Prix only a week away, Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) is excited to announce another collaboration with SiriusXM with Motown legend Smokey Robinson featured on the No. 60 MSR Honda.

Felix’s Rosenqvist’s No. 60 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda will transform its colors to add a splash of purple and yellow to feature Smokey’s Soul Town SiriusXM Channel 74. In addition to the eye-catching livery, the legendary singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson will be in attendance at the Detroit Grand Prix race weekend as a guest of MSR and SiriusXM.

A Detroit native, Robinson has made his mark on the Detroit music scene having been a influencing factor in the creation of Detroit’s Motown Records. Since the birth of Motown, Robinson has more than 4,000 songs to his credit and has been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame.

“We’re extremely excited to once again do a collaboration with SiriusXM to bring artists out to these races and feature their SiriusXM channels on our cars. Smokey is a Detroit legend and it’s the perfect fit for next weekend’s race in Detroit and we’re really excited to have him out at the track with us.”

Smokey’s Soul Town launched on SiriusXM channel 74 and on the SiriusXM app last November and airs 24/7 for listeners nationwide. Curated by the legendary singer, songwriter and producer himself, the channel plays Classic Soul, R&B and Motown from the 60s and 70s, and features a regular show hosted by Smokey, where he shares stories about the songs, artists, and his own life experiences in relation to the songs being played.

MSR will first compete in the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday with Rosenqvist, Tom Blomqvist (No. 60 AutoNation / Arctic Wolf Honda) and Helio Castroneves (No. 06 Cleveland-Cliffs Honda) all locked into the race before heading straight to Detroit next week for the Detroit Grand Prix on Sunday, June 2nd.

Brad Perez to Wheel the Weiss / ref-ology / Team Schuler / Apex #14 Ford Mustang for SS-GreenLight Racing at Sonoma

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 22, 2024): SS-GreenLight Racing, with Brad Perez behind the wheel, announce the return of ref-ology + Blast Equality Collab teaming up with Weiss Sand and Clay as the primary sponsor with APEX Coffee Roasters, Team Schuler – Compass Real Estate, Ticket Smarter, Chubby Noodle Restaurant and the Women’s Premier Basketball Association as associate sponsors on the #14 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this weekend for the Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 at Sonoma Raceway Saturday, June 8 .

“I’m very excited to work with Shelley Russi and her team over at ref-ology & Blast Equality Collab non-profit, who I had the pleasure to meet over a year ago at this very event. I’ve been a fan of Bobby Dotter’s program at SS-GreenLight Racing for years and the opportunity to work with Jason Miller and the 14 team is a privilege. I thank them for the opportunity along with my longtime partners at Weiss Sand & Clay and Apex Coffee Roasters for making this possible. Going to the Bay Area is something I look forward to every year, I love the team at Sonoma Raceway and SMI, and I am happy to give it my best effort at one of the most beautiful racetracks in the country,” says Perez.

“We are excited to have Brad join SS-GreenLight Racing for our race at Sonoma. Brad works incredibly hard at every opportunity he gets and constantly overperforms in the equipment he races in! Can’t wait to see what he is able to do behind the wheel of the ref-ology & Weiss #14 at Sonoma,” says Bob Dotter.

“Weiss Sand and Clay is honored to support Brad. As a smaller Texas business, we appreciate who he is and what he brings to the track every day. Brad’s the kind of guy who’ll put everything he has into what he does, and we fully support him,” says Eric Weiss, manager at Weiss.

ref-ology + Blast Equality Collab (BEQ), joined by Team Schuler – Compass Real Estate, Chubby Noodle Restaurant and TicketSmarter, team up with Brad, his partners, alongside SS- GreenLight in recognizing the incredible opportunity that exists for referees to help our youth develop resilience, leadership skills, compassion, and much more through the BEQ Mission while our referees serve the game from the youth to professional levels. The #14 car colors for Sonoma share ref-ology’s 2024 Embodied Referee Jersey worn by Officials serving the Women’s Premier Basketball Association, playing its 3rd Season in 2024 here the San Francisco Bay Area.

“Annually, referees interact with more youth lives than any other demographic in American society, given the positive youth sports explosion.” says Russi. “Most who start officiating- quit. It takes consistency (represented by the color pink) and awareness toward self-mastery (represented by the color purple) to retain referees in the profession. We view Brad, a

consistent competitor, with a high degree of self-awareness, as a true partner to stand up for those who facilitate fairness – including ref-ology’s Embodied Referees.”, say Russi. Blast Equality Collab, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded by Shelley Russi – is a leadership collaboration taught through the lens of diverse sports experiences.

Apex Coffee Roasters is a craft specialty coffee roastery established in 2014 in Waco, Texas. “Each of us at Apex remember a cup of coffee in the past which redefined our perspective of what coffee could be. We started this company with hopes of recreating that experience for as many people as possible,” stated Founder/Owner Brett Jameson. For more on SS-GreenLight Racing, visit SSGreenLight.com, or ‘like’ on Facebook (SS GreenLight Racing) and follow them on X (@SSGLR0708) and Instagram (@ssgreenlightracing). For more on ref-ology + Blast Equality Collab, please follow them on Instagram (@ref.ology), and reach out to Shelley Russi.

For more on Weiss, follow them on Facebook: Weiss Sand & Clay LP, on X (@weiss48), and on Instagram (@ericweiss7).

Follow APEX on Facebook: Apex Coffee Roasters, on X (@apexroasters) and on Instagram @apexcoffeeroasters. For more on Apex visit them apexcoffeeroasters.com and with the promo code BREAD you can get 15% off any coffee order on their site.

Follow Brad on Facebook: Brad Perez Racing, on X (@bradperez) and on Instagram (@uhbrad). For more on Brad visit bradperez.com.

Practice for the Xfinity Series will be shown live on FS1 on Friday July 7 at 4:05PM ET/1:05PM PT with Qualifying Saturday at 3:30PM ET/12:30PM PT.

The Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 (20/45/79 laps) at Sonoma Raceway Saturday, June 8, will take the green flag at 8:00PM ET/5:00PM PT. Catch the race on FS1, PRN Radio, Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90, and the Sirius XM App.

Toyota Racing Weekly Preview – Charlotte Motor Speedway – 05.22.24

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Official Release
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This Week in Motorsports: May 20 – 26, 2024

· NCS/NXS/NCTS/ARCA: Charlotte Motor Speedway – May 24-26

PLANO, Texas (May 22, 2024) – NASCAR is back at Charlotte Motor Speedway this Memorial Day weekend with all three national series, culminating with the Coca-Cola 600 Sunday night. The ARCA Menards Series also takes to the 1.5-mile oval on Friday for the series’ sixth race of 2024.

NASCAR National Series – NCS | NXS | NCTS

Johnson also attempts “The Double” … One NASCAR Cup Series driver is making headlines this month attempting “The Double” in racing both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca Cola 600, but Jimmie Johnson is doing his own version as well. The seven-time Cup Series champion will be part of the broadcast crew for the Indianapolis 500 and then fly to Charlotte to contest the 600-mile race in his LEGACY MOTOR CLUB No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. This will be Johnson’s 39th start on the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval where he has eight wins, 16 top-fives and 22 top-10s.

Toyota seeks another Coke 600 triumph … The Coca-Cola 600 is one of the crown jewels in NASCAR, to which Toyota seeks its seventh victory in the famed race. The last victory for Toyota in the 600 came from Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing in 2022, and the first coming from David Reutimann in 2009.

Hamlin returns to favorable Charlotte Motor Speedway … Along with his 2022 Coke 600 win, Hamlin has found immense success around the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval. The Virginia native has nine top-10s in the last 12 Coca-Cola 600s, along with 17 in the last 22 total races around the 1.5-mile oval.

Thompson makes Xfinity Series debut in triple duty effort … NASCAR Truck Series veteran, Dean Thompson, will make his Xfinity Series debut Saturday in the No. 26 GR Supra with Sam Hunt Racing. Thompson is in his fourth Truck Series season, where he’s made 57 career starts. The California native will be doing triple duty at Charlotte this weekend, also running in the Truck Series race for TRICON Garage and the ARCA Menards Series race for Venturini Motorsports.

Smith seeks another top-10 run … Currently third in the Xfinity Series points standings, Chandler Smith will push for another solid run this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway as he attempts to close the gap to first. The Georgia native has eight top-10s, including two victories, in the 11 Xfinity Series races so far this season and will make his second Xfinity Series start at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Heim closes points gap after win … Following his win at North Wilkesboro last weekend, his second victory in three races and third on the season, Corey Heim is now just four points behind the top spot of the series points standings heading to Charlotte this weekend. The TRICON Garage driver comes to Charlotte Motor Speedway looking to improve upon a second-place finish in his lone start at the 1.5-mile oval last year.

Gray looks to continue Charlotte qualifying success … Tanner Gray enters the weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway with three top-10 starting spots in his four starts there, including sitting on the pole last year. Gray will do double duty this weekend, also running in the ARCA Menards Series race for Joe Gibbs Racing.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA Menards Series

Balcaen the lead Toyota Camry in series points … Heading back on track this weekend in Charlotte, Amber Balcaen looks to close her deficit to the ARCA Menards Series points lead in her second start at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Canadian currently sits third in the points standings after five races, just 13 points behind the second position and 19 points back of the lead.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 34 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 28 electrified options.

Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed to creating innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company’s U.S. operating sites.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Stewart-Haas Racing: Charlotte NXS Advance (Cole Custer | Riley Herbst)

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Official Release
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COLE CUSTER | RILEY HERBST
Charlotte NASCAR Xfinity Series Advance
NASCAR Xfinity Series Overview

  • Event: BetMGM 300 (Round 12 of 33)
  • Date: Saturday, May 25
  • Location: Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway
  • Layout: 1.5-mile oval
  • Time/TV/Radio: 1 p.m. EDT on FOX/PRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Cole Custer Notes of Interest

  • Cole Custer is ready to get back in action after the third off weekend of the season as the NASCAR Xfinity Series takes on its latest intermediate track during Saturday’s BetMGM 300 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway. Joining Custer for the first time at Charlotte is Fanttik, the trailblazing and award-winning brand in the automotive accessories industry. Fanttik made its debut with the Stewart-Haas in the March 3 NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, serving as primary sponsor on Noah Gragson’s No. 10 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Fanttik is following up that appearance by supporting the 2023 Xfinity Series Champion at a track where he’s run well in the past.
  • Saturday’s BetMGM 300 will mark Custer’s seventh Xfinity Series start at the 1.5-mile Charlotte oval. He has excelled at the track, with all but one of his five previous visits resulted in top-10 finishes. Best of those was his runner-up finish to Brad Keselowski in May 2018 after qualifying second and leading 29 laps. In last year’s May’s visit to the Charlotte oval, Custer qualified an impressive fourth and finished third, one of only seven drivers to finish on the lead lap. Custer’s Xfinity Series debut at the track in May 2016 resulted in a fourth-place finish. He then finished seventh and sixth, respectively, in the spring and fall 2017 races. Custer has made four Charlotte starts in the NASCAR Cup Series with a best result of 12th in May 2020, and one in the NASCAR Truck Series that resulted in a 13th-place finish in May 2016.
  • Custer arrives at Charlotte riding a nine-race streak of top-10 finishes, the longest streak in the Xfinity Series this season. It started with his runner-up finish March 2 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The nine consecutive top-10s this season surpassed Chandler Smith’s seven consecutive top-10s that began at the season opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway through the March 30 race at Richmond (Va.) Raceway. While Custer has yet to find victory lane this season, he has earned six top-fives in the first 11 races, has led 222 laps, has yet to record a DNF, and hasn’t finished worse than 16th.
  • Fanttik is a youthful, dynamic brand dedicated to outdoor, household, sports and automotive products that cater to every need for the perfect adventure. In a short span of time, Fanttik has garnered extreme acclaim from enthusiasts, social media influencers, digital media and consumers. It has earned the internationally revered Red Dot Design Award multiple times, along with the prestigious IF Design Award. Fostering the motto, “We explore, we innovate and we make it happen,” Fanttik has brought trailblazing experiences in the automotive arena to the most diverse audience.

Riley Herbst Notes of Interest

  • At just 17 years old in 2016, Riley Herbst packed his things and moved by himself more than 2,200 miles from his hometown of Las Vegas to chase his racing dreams in the heart of NASCAR Country – Charlotte, North Carolina. Fast forward eight years and Herbst is now a NASCAR Xfinity Series winner who is making a name for himself in the series as he continues his chase for a championship. A win in Saturday’s BetMGM 300 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway would set the tone for the remainder of the season and lock him into the 2024 Xfinity Series Playoffs. While his season has seen highs and lows thus far, Herbst has earned two top-10s in the past three races. On April 20 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, the driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang Dark Horse pulled off a late dash to earn a runner-up finish behind race-winner Jesse Love. He followed that up with a 16th-place finish at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway. In the series’ most recent race May 11 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, Herbst put his bad luck behind him at the 1.366-mile, egg-shaped oval and finished seventh, his second straight top-10 at the track. He hopes to keep the momentum rolling as he heads to an intermediate track that is similar to his hometown Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
  • The BetMGM 300 will mark Herbst’s fifth Xfinity Series start on the Charlotte oval. After his 12th-place finishes there in May 2020 and 2021, Herbst was plagued in May 2022 by cut tires in both qualifying and the race, which he finished in 25th. In last year’s rain-delayed May race, he struggled with the handling of his racecar and ultimately finished 14th. Herbst has two starts in the ARCA Menards Series at Charlotte with a best finish of second in May 2018, when he missed going to victory lane by just .293 of a second behind his now fellow Xfinity Series regular Brandon Jones.
  • Herbst has found speed in past Xfinity Series races at Charlotte. He earned his first career pole at the track when the team visited the oval layout in May 2021 after finishing 12th in his first start at the track in the previous May’s race. The latter accomplishment came without the benefit of practice or qualifying due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The May 2021 race weekend was his first at the track with practice and qualifying, and the No. 98 Monster Energy team rolled off the truck with a fast racecar. Herbst topped the speed charts in practice on Friday, then followed it up setting the fastest lap in qualifying on Saturday. he showed similar speed in his past two races at Charlotte prior to some bad luck.
  • Herbst enjoyed success on intermediate tracks in the second-half of last season, highlighted by his first career Xfinity Series victory last October on Charlotte’s sister track of Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Not only did the 25-year-old driver park his Ford Mustang in victory lane, he bested the field by more than 14 seconds. He followed that up with a strong second-place run the next weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where he chased down the leader in the closing laps. He finished just .227 of a second behind race winner Sam Mayer. Currently, Stewart-Haas Racing holds 17 Xfinity Series wins on NASCAR’s intermediate tracks, nine of which have come with the No. 98 team.

Cole Custer, Driver of the No. 00 Fanttik Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Charlotte must feel like another one of the racetracks where you’re due a win. You’ve only finished outside the top-10 once on the 1.5-mile layout and you’ve earned a best finish of second. What more do you need to get the job done and park the No. 00 Fanttik Ford Mustang Dark Horse in victory lane?

“I mean, it’s just like this season, we just need that little bit more to find victory lane. We just haven’t put together a perfect race, which needs to happen if we want to get there. I feel like Charlotte has been similar in my career. Our cars have been fast, but stuff happens during the race and I feel like we just can’t recover. I’m excited to get there this weekend, though, with the momentum we’ve been having in the series right now. Charlotte Motor Speedway is getting better and better as the years go on, too, mostly because it’s starting to age. It’s getting to that point where the tires are starting to wear more, and you’re having to move around the track a lot to find speed. You’re slipping and sliding all around. Charlotte can be a lot of fun for a driver, but it can also bite you if you aren’t careful. In my opinion, it’s becoming one of the better mile-and-a-half racetracks on the NASCAR circuit.”

You’re welcoming a new partner to the No. 00 team this weekend with Fanttik on the hood of your Ford. What does it mean to have all of this support from new and old partners after your 2023 Xfinity Series championship?

“As a driver, no matter what point you’re at in your career, it’s always exciting to have new sponsors on your racecar. It means that people want to support you and your career. This season, we’ve been lucky to have quite a few new partners on the No. 00 team, but also to keep a lot that have been with me in the past. These are companies who believe in you and believe that you can go out there and get them wins. With that said, Fanttik was a new partnership for us this year and I’m excited to see them on my Ford at Charlotte. I can’t thank them enough for their support this season. Charlotte has been a great track for me in the past, so hopefully I can get them to victory lane on Saturday.”

Riley Herbst, Driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Charlotte has been a track where you’ve struggled in the past, but you’ve also called it one of your favorite racetracks on the circuit. Your home track of Las Vegas Motor Speedway used to be the same way until you scored your first career victory last October. What do you need this weekend to not only earn your first top-10 finish at Charlotte, but also go for the win?

“I’ll back up what I said last year, Charlotte is one of the most underrated races on the schedule. No one actually realizes how difficult it can be to drive a daytime race at this track – it’s one where you’re slipping and sliding all over it, but you can also find a lot of speed. Just like any other track, it can bite you, but it can also be one of the best races of the year for a driver. We had a lot of speed there when we qualified on the pole in 2021, so I’m hoping we can see that again. There’s been some bad luck, but I think just like with my history at Las Vegas, I can turn it around. You can’t count the No. 98 team out any weekend, so I’m excited to head there and see what we can do.”

You’re heading into a long stretch of summer races without a break in the schedule. From now until the July 20 race at Indianapolis, the team will be on a summer grind with no breaks. How do you stay focused during this long portion of the schedule?

“This summer stretch can be long and tedious. You not only have a lot of weekends without a break, but you’re also going to so many different types of tracks. We’ve got intermediates, short tracks, road courses, and street courses. It really tests a driver because you’re having to prepare for so many different types of races. You can get in your head very easily if you don’t pace yourself. This is where you have to take it one race at a time. If you have a bad race, you just have to keep looking forward because there’s another coming just days later. It can be a challenge, especially when you have multiple races where things don’t go your way. I’m excited for this stretch of races, and hopefully we can get a win at one of these tracks.”

JR Motorsports — NXS Charlotte Preview

By
Official Release
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JR Motorsports Team Preview
TRACK – Charlotte Motor Speedway (1.5 mile quad-oval)
NXS RACE – BetMGM 300 (200 laps / 300 miles)
TUNE IN – FOX, PRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 1:00 p.m. (ET)

Sam Mayer

No. 1 Tire Pros Chevrolet

Mayer 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 11

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 4

Top 10s: 5

Laps Led: 18

Avg. Finish: 18.5

Points: 12th

  • Sam Mayer heads down the road to Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend coming off a thrilling fourth-place finish at Darlington Raceway in the last NASCAR Xfinity Series event.
  • Mayer has two NXS starts in this event at the 1.5-mile quad-oval with his best finish of third coming in the Spring of 2022.
  • In tracks measuring 1.5 miles in length, the Franklin, Wis. native has tallied 18 career starts in which he earned two victories (Texas 2024, Homestead-Miami 2023), seven top-five and 12 top- 10 finishes.
  • Tire Pros is back on board the No. 1 Chevrolet with Sam Mayer for the second time this season.

Sam Mayer

“I am really itching to get back to the track this weekend in Charlotte after another off-weekend. Mile-and-a-half tracks have been super good to us in the past and I know with the speed my guys at the shop have given me the past few weeks, we can make this weekend another great finish. Pumped to have Tire Pros back on board and I am ready to take them to Victory Lane.”

Justin Allgaier

No. 7 Hellmann’s / Round Canopy Parachuting Team D-Day Chevrolet

Allgaier 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 11

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 3

Top 10s: 5

Laps Led: 387

Avg. Finish: 14.8

Points: 5th

  • Justin Allgaier heads to Charlotte this weekend as the most recent winner in the NXS, having scored the win in dominating fashion two weeks ago at Darlington. Allgaier led for 119 out of 147 laps and swept both stages en route to his first victory of the season.
  • Allgaier additionally is the defending winner at the oval in Charlotte, having captured the victory in this event last year after leading a race-high 83 laps.
  • Overall, the JRM driver has scored six top fives and 12 top 10s to accompany last season’s win at the North Carolina quad-oval.
  • This weekend, Allgaier’s familiar Hellmann’s No. 7 will instead once again carry the logo of the Round Canopy Parachuting Team in a scheme that pays tribute to the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy during World War II.

Justin Allgaier

“Racing at Charlotte on Memorial Day weekend is always such a special time, and to have this scheme this year commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day with the Round Canopy Parachuting Team and Hellmann’s, just makes it even more special. We have had a lot of speed here the last couple of years and were fortunate enough to get to Victory Lane here last year. So hopefully we can have that same speed once again this weekend and keep this momentum going. I know that Jim (Pohlman, crew chief) and all the guys on this No. 7 team are ready to go.”

Sammy Smith

No. 8 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet

Smith 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 11

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 6

Laps Led: 50

Avg. Finish: 18

Points: 13th

  • Sammy Smith’s only race at Charlotte took place in 2023 in the NXS, and he brought home a 10th place finish on the 1.5 mile quad-oval.
  • Smith has nine starts on tracks measuring 1.5 miles in length. In those, he has earned one top-five and six top-10 finishes.
  • Currently ranked 13th in the series points, Smith sits just 12 points out of playoff contention.
  • This past weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Smith drove the No. 7 Pilot Flying J in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to a strong fifth-place finish.

Sammy Smith

“I’m excited to get back to the track with my No. 8 JR Motorsports crew. I ran at North Wilkesboro in the Truck Series during our off-week and we were able to get Pilot Flying J a top-five finish. It was a long week at the track with weather so, it made it all worth it to fight back for that strong finish. I’m looking to taking our No. 8 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet even farther this week in Charlotte and get these guys where they belong in Victory Lane.”

Brandon Jones

No. 9 Menards / CharBroil Chevrolet

Jones 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 11

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 4

Laps Led: 20

Avg. Finish: 17.6

Points: 11th

  • Brandon Jones has made 10 starts at Charlotte and has recorded four top-10 finishes, with a best of seventh coming during the 2016 season.
  • In 138 starts on tracks measuring between 1-2 miles in length in the NXS, Jones has recorded four wins, 19 top fives and 62 top 10s, along with seven pole awards.
  • The 27-year-old Georgia native currently sits 11th in the NXS championship point standings, 168 markers behind the leader.
  • Char-Broil will adorn the hood of Jones’ No. 9 Chevrolet this weekend. This will be the first appearance of this brand on the hood at Charlotte.

Brandon Jones

“We had a really fast car last year at Charlotte and this team has been working hard to make sure we have that same speed this weekend. After our top 10 at Darlington, I hope our luck is starting to turn around. I know we have what it takes to put this Menards/Char-Broil Chevrolet in Victory Lane, so I am ready to go out and execute.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Charlotte Motor Speedway: JR Motorsports has competed at Charlotte Motor Speedway a combined 80 times with the NXS since its first trip there in 2006. In those starts at the 1.5-mile quad-oval, the organization has recorded two wins, 19 top-fives and 38 top-10s, with an average finish of 13.9.

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Sam Mayer, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith, Brandon Jones and Carson Kvapil will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / Legacy MC souvenir rig on Saturday, May 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ET.

Easy Steps to Start Playing at Georgia’s Top Online Casinos

By
SM
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Photo by rupixen on Unsplash

Starting your journey in the world of online casinos in Georgia can be thrilling but also daunting. This guide simplifies the process, outlining clear, easy-to-follow steps to ensure you can start playing confidently and responsibly. 

By focusing on legality, selection criteria, understanding game rules, and setting a budget, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the excitement of online casinos. The emphasis on these fundamental steps ensures that both novice and experienced players can navigate the complexities of online gambling with greater ease and clarity, making your initial foray into online casinos as seamless as possible.

Verifying Legality and Safety

Before venturing into any online casino, confirming its legality is crucial. Georgia has specific laws regulating online gambling, and ensuring that the platform complies with these regulations is your first step.

  • Check for Licensing: Legitimate online casinos must have a license from a recognized authority such as the Georgia Gambling Commission.
  • Data Protection: Ensure that the casino uses SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial information. A secure website typically starts with “https://” in its URL.

In addition to these checks, it’s advisable to look for sites that have undergone independent audits and have certifications from third-party testing agencies like eCOGRA. These endorsements mean the games are fair, and the casino operates ethically and transparently.

Choosing the Right Casino

Selecting the right platform from among the best online casinos in Georgia is about more than just legality. The quality of your gaming experience can vary significantly from one casino to another based on several factors.

  • Game Variety: Look for casinos offering various games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options. More variety means more fun and opportunities to find your niche.
  • User Experience: A well-designed website and a user-friendly interface are important for enjoyable gameplay. It should be easy to navigate, with games loading quickly across various devices.

Furthermore, consider the casino’s customer support. Efficient, friendly, and 24/7 customer service can greatly enhance your experience, especially when you need quick help or have urgent questions regarding your account or gameplay.

Understanding the Games

Knowing how to play the games you are interested in is as important as choosing the right casino.

  • Learn the Basics: Before wagering real money, familiarize yourself with the game rules. Many casinos offer free versions of games where you can play without financial risk.
  • Game Strategies: While casino games largely rely on luck, understanding strategies can enhance your playing experience and improve your chances of winning.

In addition to these tips, participating in forums and watching tutorials can further deepen your understanding of complex games like poker or blackjack. This active engagement with learning resources can make your gambling experience more enjoyable and potentially more profitable.

Setting Up Your Account

Creating an account is a straightforward process, but it’s important to approach it with care.

  • Registration Process: Typically, you must provide some personal information such as your name, address, email, and a form of identification.
  • Account Verification: Casinos often require you to verify your identity to comply with legal requirements. This process can include submitting documents like a passport or driver’s license.

After completing these steps, it’s also wise to configure security settings such as two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of protection to your account. This prevents unauthorized access and ensures that your winnings and data remain secure.

Managing Your Finances

Responsible gambling is key to a sustainable and enjoyable experience. Setting up and sticking to a budget is crucial.

  • Set a Budget: Before you start playing, decide on how much you can afford to lose. Stick to this budget strictly.
  • Payment Methods: Be sure to choose an online casino that offers players a variety of convenient and secure payment methods. 

Bullet Points on Managing Winnings:

  • Always withdraw winnings to avoid the temptation of betting more than you intended.
  • Keep track of your deposits and withdrawals to maintain control over your finances.

To further manage your financial health while gambling, consider using tools provided by many casinos that allow you to set limits on your deposits, losses, and playing time. These proactive measures help balance enjoyment and financial responsibility, ensuring that gambling remains a fun part of your life without overshadowing other priorities.

Conclusion

Starting to play at an online casino in Georgia involves more than just signing up and placing bets. 

By ensuring the legality and safety of the platform, choosing the right casino, understanding the games, setting up your account correctly, and managing your finances responsibly, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. Remember, gambling should always be fun and never a financial necessity. With the right preparation and mindset, you’re set for a thrilling adventure in Georgia’s top online casinos, equipped with the knowledge and strategies to navigate this exciting world responsibly.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. fined, 2 crew members suspended after All-Star Race altercation

By
Angie Campbell
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Credit: NORTH WILKESBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 17: Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #47 Kroger Health/Icy Hot Chevrolet, drives during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 17, 2024 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

NASCAR announced penalties today following the All-Star Race confrontation between Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kyle Busch at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

The incident stemmed from contact with Kyle Busch at the beginning of the race, knocking him out of contention after only two laps. Stenhouse could not leave the venue because the facility has no tunnel or a pedestrian bridge to exit without walking across the track.

Stranded on the sidelines, a frustrated Stenhouse had plenty of time to think about what had happened and confronted Busch after the race. He ended the conversation by punching Busch in the face igniting a free-for-all between the two teams. Stenhouse’s father was also involved, grabbing Bush, as the fight escalated.

NASCAR announced the following penalties Wednesday.

“When crew members get involved and family members get involved, we’re going to react,” NASCAR Senior Vice President Elton Sawyer said. “That’s exactly what we did.”

Ricky Stenhouse, Jr has been fined $75,000. JTG Daugherty Racing team members suspended for fighting include engine tuner Keith Matthews for four races and mechanic Clint Myrick for eight races (fighting and putting his hands on Busch). Richard Stenhouse (father) has been indefinitely suspended for grabbing Busch.

Busch and his Richard Childress Racing team members did not receive any penalties.

The suspensions and fines can be appealed.

Bass Pro Shops Racing: Martin Truex Jr. Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Advance

By
Official Release
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Martin Truex Jr.
Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Advance
No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing

Event Overview

● Event: Coca-Cola 600 (Round 14 of 36)
● Time/Date: 6 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 26
● Location: Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway
● Layout: 1.5-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 400 laps/600 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 100 laps / Stage 2: 100 laps / Stage 3: 100 laps / Final Stage: 100 laps
● TV/Radio: FOX / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Where We Stand: The New Jersey native sits second in the driver standings with 456 points, 30 behind leader Kyle Larson. Three of the four Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) entries are currently inside the top-10 in the standings, with Denny Hamlin sitting third and Ty Gibbs seventh as the series heads back to points-paying races this weekend with the annual Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

● As part of #NASCARSalutes and the 600 Miles of Remembrance initiative during the Coca-Cola 600, the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Camry will be honoring First Lieutenant Harold Ring, who lost his life on Feb. 23, 1969, in Vietnam. Ring was assigned to the 7th Battalion, 11th Artillery Regiment (7/11), of the 25th Infantry (“Tropic Lightning”) Division (the 25 ID) in the Vietnam war. On Feb. 23, 1969, his platoon hastily retreated to better cover in a ditch along a road, which they had just crossed. One man was left alone about 20 yards from the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) machine gun nest. It was at that point that the unit’s FO (1st Lieutenant Ring) began working its way toward the lone infantryman and the NVA machinegun nest. He also began calling artillery fire on NVA trenches and bunkers, from which the enemy had opened fire along a broad front. Ring was awarded the Silver Star for valor that day because his actions were instrumental in suppressing NVA fire and allowing the platoon to survive. Bass Pro Shops and Truex are honored to have 1Lt. Ring riding along on the No. 19 at Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 and remember the bravery of 1LT Ring and all those who have served our country this weekend and every day.

● In addition to 1st Lieutentant Ring’s name on the windshield, Bass Pro Shops is honoring 34 additional fallen soldiers, as they will be riding along on the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Camry with its patriot Red, White, and Blue paint scheme in Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600.

● Truex has three wins, eight top-five finishes and 14 top-10s and has led a total of 1,059 laps in 32 career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Charlotte. Truex’s average Charlotte finish is 13.7.

● Truex notched his most recent Coca-Cola 600 win in May 2019, when he led 116 laps en route to his third victory at the 1.5-mile oval. Truex’s other Charlotte wins came in May 2016 and September 2017. The Bass Pro Shops driver’s most memorable of two Coca-Cola 600 wins came in his first win there in 2016, when Truex led a whopping 392 laps, the most miles any driver has ever led a NASCAR Cup Series race to date in one of the most dominating performances of the modern era of NASCAR.

● Looking for 35: Truex’s win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon last July was his most recent Cup Series win, the 34th of his career, tying him with 2004 Cup Series champion Kurt Busch for 25th on the all-time Cup Series win list.

● Ahead at this Stage: Truex has accumulated 63 stage wins since the beginning of the stage era in 2017. He is the only driver with 10 or more stage sweeps, with his latest sweep coming at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn last August. Truex scored his second stage win of the season at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway last month, leading the field across the line at the end of Stage 1.

Martin Truex Jr., Driver of the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE

What is your favorite thing about the Coca-Cola 600?

“My favorite thing about the Coke 600 is how much the track changes and how long the race is. It’s such a big challenge to get prepared for and get through the whole race. We’ve been fortunate to win it a few times. For whatever reason, it’s been a really good race for me and my Bass Pro Shops team the past eight or nine years. I always look forward to the challenge – it’s a grind and I love that. Always honored to not only have a fallen soldier riding along with me, but also for all the work Bass Pro Shops does with the USO and all their great work with our military heroes.”

What is it like winning the Coke 600?

“When you win the 600, you get to go upstairs in the Speedway Club and get the jacket – you get a ring and a jacket – it’s a big deal, it’s not like winning a normal race. Any time you get to do those things, it’s really special and you definitely savor the moment. For me, leading 492 miles or whatever back in 2016, it was a great trip up there after. The most laps and miles led in a NASCAR race, it was an incredible deal to be able to do that.”

What does it mean to you, all the things that are done for the families of fallen service members during the weekend?

“It’s obviously special to honor a fallen service member on all of our windshields with 1LT Ring on our car this weekjend, but also just to meet the family members who get to come to the track. And just to see their excitement and their appreciation for what NASCAR does to put that on and honor the family members. It makes them feel very special, and for us it’s just a huge honor. To do the break during the race is special, too. It’s just part of the whole day to honor those who have made so many sacrifices for our country, and to have the halfway break is very moving.”

Would you say the 2016 Coca-Cola 600 was a day that lined up for you the most perfectly in your career, and are there others that have been that good that maybe not everyone would know like that day?

“Certainly that 2016 Coke 600 was a special day. We started on the pole and led almost every lap, and the only laps we didn’t lead were when we were pitting. Essentially led every lap we were on the track racing. To do that in a 600-mile race, the longest of the year, to do that was as close to perfection as it gets. But, I feel like there were other races that I might have had a better performance by me, just because I know when I make mistakes and do the little things here and there. The Coke 600 that year, it got pretty sketchy a couple of times for as easy as it looked from the outside. I’ve had a couple of Darlington races where I think I had better performances. Last year, we led with 30 to go and had the belt issue and didn’t end up winning, I felt like that was one of my best races ever, even though we didn’t win. There have been a few along the way where I felt like I didn’t make any mistakes and I got everything I could, but certainly that Coke 600 was as dominant as we’ve been as a team.”

No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Martin Truex Jr.

Hometown: Mayetta, New Jersey

Crew Chief: James Small

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

Car Chief: Chris Jones

Hometown: Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Race Engineer: Jaik Halpainy

Hometown: Blockville, New York

Engineer: Jeff Curtis

Hometown: Fairfax Station, Virginia

Spotter: Drew Herring

Hometown: Benson, North Carolina

Road Crew Members

Underneath Mechanic: Ryan Martin

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Virgina

Mechanic: Todd Carmichael

Hometown: Redding, California

Interior/Tire Specialist: Tommy DiBlasi

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Engine Tuner: Beau Morton

Hometown: Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Transporter Driver: Kyle Bazzell

Hometown: Fairbury, Illinois

Transporter Driver: Eddie DeGroot

Hometown: Baldwinsville, New York

Over-The-Wall Crew Members

Gas Man: Matt Tyrrell

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Jackman: Caleb Dirks

Hometown: Riverside, California

Tire Carrier: CJ Bailey

Hometown: Outer Banks, North Carolina

Front Tire Changer: Lee Cunningham

Hometown: Leaf River, Illinois

Rear Tire Changer: Mike Louria

Hometown: Gibraltar, Michigan

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