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Bowman to make 300th Cup career start at Dover

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Kirk Schroll for SpeedwayMedia.com.

In his ninth full-time season as a NASCAR Cup Series competitor, Alex Bowman is primed to achieve a milestone start. By taking the green flag in this upcoming weekend’s Cup event at Dover Motor Speedway, the driver of the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will reach career start No. 300 in NASCAR’s premier series. 

A native of Tucson, Arizona, Bowman made his inaugural presence in the Cup Series at the start of the 2014 season. By then, he was coming off his full-time season in the Xfinity Series with RAB Racing and had conducted a Preseason Thunder test with BK Racing at Daytona International Speedway in January, which was enough for him to earn a full-time ride in BKR’s No. 23 Toyota Camry entry. Starting 29th for the 56th running of the Daytona 500 after earning a transfer spot for the main event, Bowman finished 23rd in his Cup debut. He would proceed to earn a season-best 13th-place result at Daytona in July, 11 top-30 results and an average-finishing result of 32.6 throughout the 36-race schedule before ending up in 35th place in the final driver’s standings and in sixth place for the Rookie-of-the-Year battle.  

In 2015, Bowman joined forces with Tommy Baldwin Racing to pilot the team’s No. 7 Chevrolet SS. After not qualifying for the 57th running of the Daytona 500 due to being involved in a multi-car wreck during the second Daytona Duel event and not securing a transfer spot for the main event, he finished 23rd in his first start of the season during the schedule’s following event at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He would proceed to notch a season-best 16th-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway in May, a total of 13 top-30 results and an average-finishing result of 31.6 before settling in 33rd place in the final standings. 

At the start of the 2016 season, Bowman lost his Cup Series ride at Tommy Baldwin Racing to Regan Smith. Then, after making five starts with JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series, he returned to the Cup circuit in July as an interim competitor for the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet SS piloted by two-time Daytona 500 champion Dale Earnhardt Jr., who was absent after suffering concussion-like symptoms.

In his first event in HMS’ No. 88 Chevrolet at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Bowman spent the majority of the event running in the top 10 until a cut left-rear tire with 29 laps remaining sent the Arizona native into the outside wall entering Turn 1 and down to a 26th-place finish when the checkered flag flew. He would proceed to finish 30th, 10th, 14th, 39th, seventh, 36th and 13th, respectively, during his next seven starts while sharing the No. 88 ride with four-time Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon.

At Phoenix Raceway in November, Bowman commenced the weekend by achieving his first Cup career pole position. He led a race-high 194 laps and was in contention for the victory until a late overtime incident, where he sent title contender Matt Kenseth spinning into the outside wall and relegated him to a career-best sixth place in the final running order. Bowman concluded the season by finishing 16th at Homestead-Miami Speedway. 

In 2017, Bowman made a single Cup Series start in the non-points Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona in February as he returned to pilot Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 Chevrolet. During the event, he dodged a final lap incident involving Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski to battle with Kyle Busch on the final lap before being edged by Busch and settling in third place. Five months later, Bowman was announced as Earnhardt Jr.’s successor of the No. 88 HMS entry for the 2018 Cup season after Earnhardt Jr. announced his retirement three months earlier. 

Piloting the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet entry, Bowman commenced the season by winning the pole position for the 60th running of the Daytona 500 and nabbing the fourth consecutive 500 pole in recent seasons for Hendrick Motorsports. Ultimately, he would finish 17th during the 500 after being involved in a late multi-car wreck. Throughout the 26-race regular-season stretch, he notched a season-best third-place finish at Pocono Raceway in July along with a fifth-place result at Bristol Motor Speedway in April and a total of nine top-10 results, which was enough for him to grab the 16th and final berth to the 2018 Cup Series Playoffs based on points.

He also made his first career start in the All-Star Race after winning the first stage over Erik Jones in the All-Star Open, where he would finish 21st during the main event following a late incident. After finishing 19th, 12th and fourth, respectively, throughout the Round of 16, he transferred to the Round of 12. However, he was unable to transfer into the Round of 8 following respective finishes of 28th, 33rd and ninth throughout the Round of 12. For the final four events on the schedule, Bowman finished no higher than 14th before settling in 16th place in the final standings. By then, he had surpassed 100 career starts in NASCAR’s premier series. 

The following season, Bowman began the season by finishing 11th during the 61st running of the Daytona 500 after starting on the front row. He finished no higher than 11th twice during the first nine events on the schedule before notching three consecutive runner-up results at Talladega, Dover Motor Speedway and at Kansas Speedway, respectively. The results were also enough for him to achieve the Fan Vote title and earn the final transfer spot into the All-Star Race at Charlotte in May, where he finished eighth.

Five races later, Bowman scored his first Cup career victory in his 134th series start at Chicagoland Speedway following a late battle with Kyle Larson. Larson overtook Bowman for the lead with eight laps remaining before Bowman reassumed it for good two laps later. The Arizona native also became the 17th different competitor to win while driving for Hendrick Motorsports. He notched the first victory for HMS’ No. 88 entry since Dale Earnhardt Jr. won at Phoenix in 2015. Despite finishing no higher than 10th during the final nine regular-season events, Bowman’s Chicagoland victory guaranteed him a spot in the Playoffs for a second consecutive season.

With respective finishes of sixth, 23rd and second throughout the Round of 16, Bowman was able to grab the final transfer spot into the Round of 12. Amid respective finishes of third, 37th and 11th throughout the Round of 12, however, he was eliminated from title contention. Managing a single top-five result and two top-10 results during the final four events on the schedule, Bowman settled in 12th place in the final standings. By then, he had recorded 200 laps led throughout the season, seven top-five results, 12 top-10 results and a career-best average-finishing result of 14.4. 

After commencing the 2020 Cup season by finishing 24th during the 62nd running of the Daytona 500 despite starting on the front row and ending up in 13th place during the following event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Bowman stormed to the competition by notching his second Cup career win at Auto Club Speedway in March after leading a race-high 110 of 200 laps.

Amid a season mired by the COVID-19 pandemic, he proceeded to secure a strong runner-up result at Darlington Raceway in May along with a total of three top-fives and eight top-10 throughout the 26-race regular-season stretch, which was enough for him to make his third consecutive Playoffs. With four additional top-10 results and by finishing no lower than 16th during the first six Playoff events, Bowman transferred from the Round of 16 to the Round of 8. Despite achieving respective finishes of third, fifth and sixth throughout the Round of 8, he missed the cutline to make the Championship 4 round. Nonetheless, Bowman proceeded to finish 16th during the finale at Phoenix and achieve a career-best sixth-place result in the final standings. He also achieved a career-high 440 laps led, a total of 15 top-10 results and an average-finishing result of 14.7. 

The 2021 Cup season was a breakout season for Bowman, who remained as a Hendrick Motorsports competitor for a fourth consecutive season but was piloting the No. 48 alongside his entry after seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson retired from full-time NASCAR competition. Bowman began the season by notching his second Daytona 500 pole position before finishing 35th during the main event after being eliminated in an early multi-car wreck.

Then after finishing no higher than third and recording three top-10 results during the first eight events on the schedule, he achieved his first victory of the season and the third of his career at Richmond Raceway in April after overtaking Denny Hamlin with 10 laps remaining. With the victory, Bowman achieved the first Cup win for HMS’ No. 48 entry since Jimmie Johnson won at Dover Motor Speedway in 2017. Ironically, Bowman scored his second victory of the season at Dover four races later as he led both 98 laps amid a historic 1-2-3-4 finish for Hendrick Motorsports. Another five races later, Bowman capitalized on a final lap cut tire and incident involving teammate Kyle Larson to score a third Cup victory of the season at Pocono Raceway in June.

After concluding the regular-season stretch with four top-10 results, Bowman finished 26th, 12th and fifth throughout the Round of 16, which was enough for him to transfer into the Round of 12. His title hopes, however, evaporated following respective finishes of 22nd, 38th and 10th during the Round of 12. He proceeded to notch a career-high fourth victory of the season at Martinsville Speedway in October after a late run-in with Denny Hamlin and settle in 14th place in the final standings. In total, Bowman’s 2021 Cup season was a season where he achieved career-high stats in victories (four), top fives (eight) and top 10s (16) with an average-finishing result of 15.1. He had also surpassed 200 Cup career starts.

After starting on the front row for the Daytona 500 for a fifth consecutive season and finishing within the top 25 during the first two events of the 2022 Cup season, Bowman rallied by fending off teammate Larson during an overtime shootout to claim his seventh Cup career win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March. He finished second at Circuit of the Americas in March and notched a total of three top-five results and 10 top-10 results throughout the 26-race regular-season stretch before the Playoffs commenced, with Bowman making his fifth consecutive appearance in the postseason title battle.

With respective finishes of 10th, fourth and 32nd throughout the Round of 16, Bowman managed to race his way into the Round of 12. During the Round of 12 opener at Texas Motor Speedway, however, Bowman was involved in a hard accident just past the halfway mark and suffered concussion-like symptoms that would prevent him from competing in the following five events and eliminate him from title contention. He received medical clearance to compete in the finale at Phoenix, where he finished 34th on the track before settling in 16th place in the final standings.  

This past season, Bowman began the season by claiming his third Daytona 500 pole position and extending his front starting streak in the Great American Race to six consecutive seasons. He finished fifth in the main event after dodging a final lap multi-car wreck. Despite Bowman’s team being hit with two different level penalties during pre-race and post-race inspection issues stemming from Phoenix and Richmond that resulted in the driver losing two crew chiefs, both of whom were also hit with hefty fines,

Bowman recorded two third-place results and a total of four top-10 results during the first 10 events on the schedule. Then in late April, Bowman was involved in a Sprint Car accident in West Burlington, Iowa, and injured his back and was absent for four events, including the All-Star Race. Despite returning at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600 in May, where he finished 12th, Bowman finished no higher than fifth and sixth during the final 13 regular-season events on the schedule and missed the Playoffs for the first time as a full-time Cup competitor. Although his title hopes for the 2023 season evaporated early, he accumulated two additional top-10 results throughout the 10-race Playoff stretch before managing to settle in 20th place in the final standings. 

Bowman, who is currently in his fourth season driving the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, began the 2024 campaign by finishing in the runner-up spot behind teammate William Byron in the 66th running of the Daytona 500. He has since finished in the top eight four times during his previous nine starts, including a recent fifth-place result at Talladega, and is currently ranked in 14th place in the current driver’s standings and trails the regular-season points lead by 107 points. 

Through 299 previous Cup starts, Bowman has achieved seven victories, four poles, 36 top-five results, 84 top-10 results, 1,307 laps led and an average-finishing result of 19.7. 

Alex Bowman is scheduled to make his 300th Cup Series career start at Dover Motor Speedway for the Würth 400 on Sunday, April 28. The event’s broadcast time is set to occur at 2 p.m. ET on FS1. 

Grosjean to make 50th IndyCar career start at Barber Motorsports Park

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Joe Skibinski (IMS Photo).

In his third full-time campaign in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Romain Grosjean is within reach of achieving a milestone start. When he takes the green flag in this weekend’s Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, the driver of the No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Dallara-Chevrolet will make his 50th career start in the IndyCar circuit.  

Grosjean, who was born in Geneva, Switzerland, but competes under the French flag, made his inaugural presence in the IndyCar circuit at Barber Motorsports Park in April 2021. He was coming off a 10-year campaign in Formula One, where he had recorded 10 podium results and 391 points while competing for Lotus and Haas F1 teams, and had survived a harrowing opening lap accident at Bahrain International Circuit during the Bahrain Grand Prix. The incident ended his F1 career and led him to transition to IndyCar competition.

Piloting the No. 51 Dallara-Honda for Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing in a part-time campaign, Grosjean started seventh and finished 10th in his IndyCar debut. After finishing 13th during his second series start at the Streets of St. Petersburg, Grosjean earned the spotlight during his third series start at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course for the GMR Grand Prix in May, where he achieved his maiden pole position and proceeded to lead a race-high 44 laps before settling in a career-best runner-up spot behind Rinus VeeKay.

Grosjean proceeded to finish in the top seven twice during his next five starts before he achieved both his second runner-up result and second podium of the season at Indianapolis during the Big Machine Spiked Coolers Grand Prix in August. Three races later, he achieved his third podium result of the season and the third of his career, at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca after carving his way from starting 13th. He would then make his 13th and final IndyCar start of the year in the season-finale Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach at the Streets of Long Beach, California, where he finished 24th after being involved in a late accident. Making 13 starts in total throughout the 2021 season, Grosjean settled in 15th place in the final driver’s standings with 272 points.

Amid his strong performances throughout the 2021 season, Grosjean was recruited by Andretti Global to pilot the No. 28 Dallara-Honda on a full-time basis for the 2022 IndyCar season, replacing the 2014 Indianapolis 500 champion Ryan Hunter-Reay. He began the season by finishing fifth at the Streets of St. Petersburg in February before claiming his first podium result of the season in the form of a second-place finish at the Streets of Long Beach event two races later. Grosjean finished no higher than seventh during his next four starts before managing a top-five finish in the form of a fourth-place run at Road America in June.

He ended up in 31st place during his first Indianapolis 500 start in May after being involved in an accident just past the halfway mark. He would then proceed to record two top-10 results during the following eight events on the schedule before finishing in seventh place in the finale at Laguna Seca. With an average-finishing result of 13.7, one spot lower than 12.7 during the 2021 season, Grosjean concluded his sophomore IndyCar season in 13th place in the final standings and with a career-high 328 points. 

Returning for a second IndyCar season with Andretti Global in 2023, Grosjean captured the pole position for the season-opening event at the Streets of St. Petersburg. Despite leading 31 laps, however, he ended up in 18th place in the final running order after being involved in a late accident with Scott McLaughlin, whom he was battling for the victory. After being involved in a second consecutive accident during the following event at Texas Motor Speedway while battling for a top-five spot with two laps remaining, Grosjean rallied by notching back-to-back runner-up results and podiums at Long Beach and Barber Motorsport Park, respectively, the latter of which occurred after he started on the pole position for a third time and led a race-high 57 laps before being outdueled by McLaughlin in the closing laps.

For the remaining 13 events on the schedule, Grosjean would manage to record a single top-10 result, which was a sixth-place run at Nashville Street Circuit in August, as he ended up in 13th place in the final driver’s standings for a second consecutive season, but with 296 points and an average-finishing result of 15.2. 

After not being retained by Andretti following the 2023 season, Grosjean found a new team to call home for the 2024 season in the form of Juncos Hollinger Racing, where he replaced Callum Ilott to drive the No. 77 Dallara-Chevrolet on a full-time basis. Coming off a 24th-place result in the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg followed by an eighth-place run at the Streets of Long Beach, he is currently ranked in 13th place in the driver’s standings and trails the points lead by 57 points. 

Through 49 previous IndyCar starts, Grosjean has achieved three poles, six podiums, and 152 laps led with an average-finishing result of 14.0 as he continues his pursuit for both his first IndyCar race victory and championship. 

Romain Grosjean is scheduled to make his 50th NTT INDYCAR Series career start at Barber Motorsports Park for the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix on Sunday, April 28. The event’s broadcast time is scheduled to commence at 1 p.m. ET on NBC. 

What To Do After a Car Accident in Atlanta?

By
SM
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Busy highways, congested streets, and distracted drivers being unmindful while driving have resulted in most car crashes in Atlanta. Being a metro area, this region is home to over 4.6 million people. Close to 81% of them make use of cars to commute to their workplace and other destinations. An average driver spends roughly 70 hours annually stuck in traffic in Atlanta.

In 2023, Atlanta Police Department officers were allocated to nearly 28,278 car crash scenes. If you calculate it, that is more than three accidents in an hour. Additionally, the Georgia Electronic Accident Reporting System doesn’t reveal the number of car crashes that led to serious injuries or even deaths.

However, information can be obtained from other sources, like the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Crash Data Dashboard. It reveals that 182,521 motor vehicle crashes took place in Atlanta between 2018 and 2022. The crashes took the lives of 387 people and resulted in 69,113 injuries.

The number of motor vehicle crash deaths has gone up in Atlanta in recent years. Between 2018 and 2020, close to 55 people lost their lives because of car crashes. The number increased to 96 in 2021. And in 2022, there were 88 deaths because of car crashes in Atlanta. The figures shared are alarming because it’s all taking place when the world has been introduced to secure road design and advanced automobile safety systems.

Every car crash leaves a person traumatized and injured. The crash victims rarely know how to respond to the situation and do what needs to be done. In this article, we will shed light on what you can do when you encounter a car crash in Atlanta.

Take a Look at Your Injuries

No accident sets you free from bruises and injuries. And some injuries might not be visible immediately after the crash. But if you notice severe cuts and scratches that have caused ample bleeding, it is necessary to ask for medical help. You need to dial 911 and ask for the assistance you need so that you can carry out the other steps required after the crash.

Usually, a car crash results in spinal cord injuries, head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, ligament tears, whiplash, and many more. You need to notice your health changes over time to realize how the accident affected you. You might face severe pain throughout the body that might remain numb in the beginning and become acute as time passes.

Therefore, make sure you seek medical help and get your injuries addressed. The medical team at work will alert you to other injuries and physical discomforts that might take place.

Take Videos and Photos of the Accident Scene

Know that eventually, you have to speak with an Atlanta car accident lawyer to seek compensation for your losses and damages. The lawyers are going to ask for proof, and that’s what you need to gather once you’ve received the required medical help.

You should take pictures and videos of the cars involved in the accident. Also, take images of the damages that have been done to your car. You can also click on pictures of the injuries that you’ve had to face. Take all the images from various angles so that they give a complete idea of the extent of damage that has been done. Make sure that you preserve the images until you’ve received your legal compensation.

Get Insurance and Contact Data

It is necessary to exchange contact and insurance data with the other driver. Make sure that you take their contact details, including phone numbers, and note down the insurance details. You should also make a note of the insurance company, its contact number, and the policy number.

If you see passengers in other cars, obtain their contact information as well. It will be helpful if they decide to offer statements much later.

Connect With a Car Accident Lawyer

Once you have received medical attention and have collected the required data, you need to share it with a lawyer. Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm states that a lawyer plays a key role in letting you know whether you qualify to file a lawsuit. That aside, they will assess your case and its strengths. That way, they know all the evidence that needs to be used to make it compelling, so that obtaining justice and compensation is not a problem.

That aside, the lawyer will also let you know about the probable settlement payout and will let you have a practical expectation about it. Once you receive it, you can use the money to cover all the economic and non-economic damages you’ve faced.

In conclusion, FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System), shared that in 2021, 39,508 fatal crashes in Atlanta resulted in 42,939 deaths. It seems to be the highest number in the last 16 years. Hence, people must exercise caution while driving so that they stay safe. Just in case you do face a car crash, the steps mentioned above are what you should do to put the issue to rest.

Comprehensive Guide to Suspension Repair: Maintaining Stability, Comfort, and Safety

By
SM
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Suspension repair is a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance that ensures optimal stability, comfort, and safety on the road. The suspension system plays a vital role in absorbing shocks and vibrations from the road surface, maintaining tyre contact with the ground, and providing stability during cornering, braking, and acceleration. Over time, wear and tear, as well as damage from road hazards, can compromise the performance and integrity of the suspension components, necessitating repair or replacement. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the importance of suspension repair, common suspension problems, repair procedures, and the benefits of maintaining a well-functioning suspension system.

Importance of Suspension Repair

  • Safety: A properly functioning suspension system is essential for safe driving. It helps maintain vehicle stability, handling, and control, especially during emergency maneuvers and adverse road conditions. By addressing suspension issues promptly, drivers can minimize the risk of accidents and collisions.
  • Comfort: The suspension system plays a key role in providing a smooth and comfortable ride for vehicle occupants. Damaged or worn suspension components can lead to excessive vibrations, harshness, and discomfort while driving. Suspension repair helps restore ride comfort and cabin tranquillity.
  • Tyre Wear: Misaligned or worn suspension components can cause uneven tyre wear patterns, reducing tire lifespan and compromising traction and handling. By repairing suspension issues and ensuring proper alignment, drivers can maximize tyre performance and longevity.
  • Handling and Stability: A well-maintained suspension system contributes to confident and predictable vehicle handling. It helps distribute weight evenly, minimizes body roll during cornering, and provides responsive steering and braking. Suspension repair enhances handling and stability, improving overall driving dynamics.

Common Suspension Problems

  • Shock Absorber Wear: Shock absorbers, also known as dampers, play a critical role in controlling vehicle motion and damping vibrations. Worn or leaking shock absorbers can lead to excessive body movement, bouncing, and instability, compromising vehicle safety and ride quality.
  • Spring Fatigue: Coil springs and leaf springs are prone to fatigue and sagging over time, resulting in reduced suspension travel and ride height. This can lead to bottoming out, harsh impacts, and uneven weight distribution, affecting vehicle stability and handling.
  • Ball Joint and Bushing Wear: Ball joints and bushings connect various suspension components, allowing for controlled movement and articulation. Worn or damaged ball joints and bushings can cause looseness, play, and noise in the suspension system, affecting steering precision and alignment stability.
  • Control Arm Damage: Control arms, also known as A-arms, are critical components that support the weight of the vehicle and control its movement. Damage or corrosion to control arms can lead to alignment issues, steering instability, and suspension noise, requiring repair or replacement.
  • Strut and Mount Problems: MacPherson struts combine the shock absorber and coil spring into a single unit, providing structural support and damping capabilities. Issues with struts or mounts, such as leaks, noise, or excessive play, can affect ride quality, handling, and vehicle safety.

Suspension Repair Procedures

  • Diagnostic Inspection: A thorough inspection of the suspension system is conducted to identify worn or damaged components, diagnose the root cause of suspension problems, and determine the appropriate repair solutions. This may include visual inspections, road tests, and measurements of suspension alignment and geometry.
  • Component Replacement: Worn or damaged suspension components, such as shock absorbers, springs, ball joints, bushings, control arms, and struts, are replaced with new or refurbished parts. Quality replacement parts from reputable manufacturers ensure optimal performance and durability.
  • Alignment Adjustment: Following suspension repairs or component replacement, a wheel alignment is performed to ensure proper suspension geometry and wheel alignment settings. This optimizes tyre wear, steering response, and vehicle stability.
  • Bushings and Ball Joint Lubrication: Lubrication of bushings and ball joints helps reduce friction, noise, and wear in the suspension system. Grease fittings or lubrication points are serviced to maintain smooth operation and prolong component lifespan.
  • Stabilizer Bar and Link Replacement: Stabilizer bars, also known as sway bars, and their associated links help control body roll and improve cornering stability. Worn or damaged stabilizer bars and links are replaced to restore handling performance and reduce body sway.

Benefits of Suspension Repair

  • Improved Safety: Addressing suspension issues promptly enhances vehicle stability, handling, and control, reducing the risk of accidents and collisions on the road.
  • Enhanced Comfort: Suspension repair restores ride comfort by minimizing vibrations, harsh impacts, and noise transmitted from the road surface to the vehicle cabin.
  • Longer Tyre Life: Properly aligned and maintained suspension components help maximize tyre performance and longevity, reducing the frequency of tyre replacements and associated costs.
  • Optimized Handling: Suspension repair improves vehicle handling and stability, providing confident and predictable driving dynamics in various road conditions.
  • Preservation of Vehicle Value: Regular suspension maintenance and repair help preserve the resale value and overall condition of the vehicle, ensuring continued performance and reliability over time.

Conclusion

Suspension repair is essential for maintaining the safety, comfort, and performance of your vehicle. By addressing suspension issues promptly and performing regular maintenance, drivers can ensure optimal stability, handling, and ride quality on the road. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of suspension problems or due for routine maintenance, scheduling suspension repair services with a trusted automotive professional is a proactive step toward preserving your vehicle’s integrity and enhancing your driving experience. So why wait? Invest in suspension repair today and enjoy a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable ride for miles to come.

Top Recommendations On How To Make A Wise Decision In Sports Betting

By
SM
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The Secret of Successful Sports Betting. What is Important to Remember?

Sports betting has become as popular as possible in the last couple of years due to internet use. It is pretty easy for people to find a good match to wager with the help of websites like Pin Up Bet, which are available anytime and anywhere. While the allure of potentially winning big is undeniable, successful sports betting requires a well-thought-out strategy and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. For all beginners and even some experienced bettors, exploring the secrets of successful wagering is crucial. A couple of secrets should be kept in mind to achieve better results. 

Understanding the Odds

Right from the start, you should understand how the odds work. It is a mathematical probability of a particular outcome occurring and acts like a foundation upon which the entire betting is built. Understanding how odds are calculated at PinUp Bet can help you make a more informed decision and increase your chances of success. The odds are set in a way that gives big companies an edge, but that does not mean you cannot get an advantage. Just focus on calculating the odds and find the most appealing for your plan.

Bankroll Management

It’s the most well-known recommendation that can be given. This is a practice of allocating betting funds to minimize risk and maximize the chances of long-term profitability. The main principle you need to understand about using websites like Pin Up Sport in Canada is never to bet more than you can afford to lose. This means setting a budget for sports betting activities and sticking to it, regardless of the outcome of any particular bet. Bets should be diversified across several events and even disciplines instead of investing your money in only one kind of sport or a specific team. 

Research and Analysis

Research and analysis are among the most essential things to understand over successfully using the sport bet Pin Up. This involves gathering as much information as possible about the teams, players, and events you are betting on and using that information to make informed predictions about the outcomes.

Among the top things to keep in mind while searching for a great sports event to place a bet on:

  • team and player statistics — scoring averages, win-loss records, and possible injury reports;
  • trends and patterns in the teams and players’ performances; 
  • previous head-to-head matches between specific teams;
  • weather conditions;
  • scheduling;
  • analysis from reliable experts.

All of these aspects help build informed decisions on what bets to make on platforms like Pin-Up Bet online. It also requires a high degree of discipline and emotional control. Betting can be an emotionally charged activity, with the thrill of a potential win and the disappointment of a loss. However, allowing emotions to guide your decision-making can be a recipe for disaster.

#HaleYES You Need to Vote for Justin Haley

By
Official Release
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Haley Announces Candidacy for NASCAR All-Star Race

Click HERE To Watch the Most Awesome Campaign Video Ever

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 23, 2024) – The wall. Inflation. The establishment. All are hot topics this election season, but only one man is doing something about them – Justin Haley, driver of the No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.

With voting for the NASCAR All-Star Race underway, Haley officially announced his candidacy for the May 19 specialty, non-points exhibition race at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway.

The 24-year-old racer from Winamac, Indiana, plans to rip the wall, lower inflation and fight the establishment in the 200-lap race around the .625-mile oval. And once voted in by the fans, Haley promises that puppies will never age, every day will be 70 degrees and sunny, and the jibbitz you put on your Crocs won’t ever fall off.

Is this a Utopia, you ask? No, it’s the NASCAR All-Star Race, but only if you vote in Justin Haley. Click this link and don’t just vote “YES” for Haley, vote #HaleYES!

Vote early and vote often for Haley to ensure a better NASCAR All-Star Race and a better America. Here it from the man himself in this awesome campaign video that makes eagles fly higher, the Statue of Liberty taller and our barbecue the envy of the world.

Justin Haley social:

X: @justin_haley_ | Instagram: @justin.haley | Facebook: JustinHaleyRace

Rick Ware Racing social:

X: @RickWareRacing | Instagram: @RickWareRacing | Threads: @RickWareRacing | Facebook: RickWareRacing

About Rick Ware Racing:

Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age 6 when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. More than a decade later, injuries would force Ware out of the driver seat and into fulltime team ownership. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that fields two fulltime entries in the NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, the NTT INDYCAR Series, Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup, Progressive American Flat Track and FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX).

NASCAR, North Wilkesboro Speedway Announce 2024 NASCAR All-Star Race Format

By
Official Release
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Tire strategy, Qualifying / Pit Crew Challenge, pitting requirements among new format elements; All-Star Fan Vote Opens on NASCAR.com

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 23, 2024) – NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports today announced details for the 2024 NASCAR All-Star Race to be held on Sunday, May 19, for the second consecutive year at the newly paved North Wilkesboro Speedway. While the simplified format will return this season – featuring two heat races to set the All-Star Race starting lineup, a 100-lap All-Star Open, and a 200-lap main event – several new features will debut including a tire strategy element, a new Qualifying / Pit Crew Challenge format and pitting requirements. The spotlight will be on the stars of the sport as they take on these new challenges at the historic .625-mile track in the annual exhibition event for the grand prize of $1 million.

The signature new element in this season’s format centers around tire type and allotment. Potentially, three different tires will be utilized throughout the event weekend— a “prime tire” (the baseline tire assessed in last month’s Goodyear Tire Test at North Wilkesboro Speedway), an “option tire” (slick tires, but made with the same rubber as the wet weather tire, making it a softer tire with more grip and faster wear) and “wet weather” (the wet weather tire only used if the track is wet). The ‘Goodyear Eagle’ lettering will be yellow on the prime tires, red on the option tires, and white on the wet weather tires.

The particulars on the tires:

  • Teams will be allotted nine sets of tires for the event weekend.
  • For practice, qualifying, the heat races, and the Open, teams will be allotted three sets of prime tires and two sets of option tires.
  • For the All-Star Race, teams will have two sets each of primes and options.
  • All four tires on the car must be of the same type at all times.
  • Only the prime tire will be used during both qualifying sessions.
  • For practice, the heat races, and the NASCAR All-Star Open, teams will have the option to start on any type of tire.
  • All teams will start on the option tire for the All-Star Race.

“After a successful return to North Wilkesboro Speedway last season, we are thrilled to bring the action back to one of NASCAR’s most iconic and storied tracks,” said John Probst, NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer. “The spotlight will certainly be on the crew chiefs and drivers as they plan their tire strategy for this special race. In testing, the softer tires were significantly faster — but wore much quicker. Goodyear has been an incredible partner in this All-Star element, and it will be fascinating to watch how crew chiefs and drivers manage this unique challenge.”

The NASCAR All-Star Race will be 200 laps with two All-Star cautions at lap 100, and lap 150. At the lap 100 break, teams must perform a four-tire pit stop, using any tire of their choosing. All laps (caution and green flag) will count, and NASCAR Overtime rules will be in effect.

Saturday’s All-Star Open will give drivers who are not guaranteed a spot in the main event a chance to race their way into the All-Star Race. The 100-lap Open will have an All-Star caution at Lap 50, at which time teams must perform a four-tire pit stop. At the end, three Open drivers will advance to the All-Star Race – the top two race finishers and the Fan Vote Winner. NASCAR All-Star Race Fan Voting is now open on NASCAR.com/fanvote.

“This format will challenge drivers, crew chiefs and pit crews from Friday through Sunday, and strategy will play a huge part in who takes home the $1 million prize,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “The All-Star Race has always been a place for innovation, from its very creation in 1985 to racing under the lights, unique paint schemes and double-file restarts. Now we have an old-school, short track format developed by Dale Jr. plus a new twist on tires courtesy of NASCAR and Goodyear. Kevin Harvick gave great input on stepping up the impact of qualifying. Throw it all together at North Wilkesboro and we’ve got something special for the 40th running of the NASCAR All-Star Race.”

All-Star weekend festivities will begin Friday evening with the All-Star Open qualifying and Pit Crew Challenge. While last season’s qualifying was based solely on the results of the Pit Crew Challenge, this season combines the traditional qualifying effort with the Pit Crew Challenge element. Drivers will take the green flag, run one full lap at speed, and on the second lap proceed to one of two NASCAR designated pit stalls for a four-tire stop with mock fuel delivery. When the pit stop is complete, the cars will exit pit road and race back to the checkered flag. The qualifying time will be the total elapsed time from green flag to checkered flag, and the pole sitter will start on the pole for Heat Race 1 and the All-Star.

The pit crew with the fastest stop during the All-Star qualifying attempt (no penalties) is the winner of the Pit Crew Challenge. Timing lines are established one box behind and one box ahead of the NASCAR designated pit stop boxes. Pit Crew Challenge results will determine pit picking order.

Saturday night will feature two 60-lap heat races that will determine the starting lineup for the All-Star Race among drivers already locked into the field. There will be an All-Star caution at lap 30 of each heat race; teams must perform a four-tire pit stop. The results of Heat 1 will establish the inside row, and the results of Heat 2 will establish the outside row. The action-packed weekend will conclude Sunday night with the All-Star Open and All-Star Race.

“The emphasis on tire strategy and returning to an old-school qualifying approach are both great moves to give the entire weekend more impact,” said Harvick, who will call his first NASCAR All-Star Race for FOX Sports. “Being able to walk away from qualifying with both a Pit Crew Challenge champion and a locked-in pole winner elevates the event for both the fans and the teams.”

Drivers eligible for the NASCAR All-Star Race include those who’ve won a points event in either 2023 or 2024, drivers who’ve won a NASCAR All-Star Race and compete fulltime, and drivers who’ve won a NASCAR Cup Series championship and compete fulltime.

Drivers who have already clinched an All-Star Race spot include: AJ Allmendinger, Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Chris Buescher, Kyle Busch, William Byron, Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Michael McDowell, Tyler Reddick, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Daniel Suárez, Martin Truex Jr., and Shane van Gisbergen.

The NASCAR All-Star Race will air live on FS1, MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 19.

NASCAR All-Star Race Week ticket packages as well as single day tickets for all May 14 – 19 events are on sale now. Tuesday and Wednesday feature the zMAX CARS Tour with The Reverend 100 Pro Late Model race Tuesday night and the Window World 125 Late Model Stock race Wednesday evening. All-Star Friday presented by Raymer Oil includes NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series practice sessions, the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear and a Neal McCoy concert. Saturday features NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series qualifying and the Wright Brand 250 race, Trackside Live with Kenny Wallace, John Roberts and Jose Castillo plus two NASCAR Cup Series All-Star heat races. Sunday’s schedule includes pre-race concerts by Warren Zeiders and Tim Dugger, the NASCAR All-Star Open and the NASCAR All-Star Race. Tickets can be purchased online at www.northwilkesborospeedway.com.

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

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

Josh Berry Dover Media Availability

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Official Release
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Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Dover Media Advance | Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Josh Berry, driver of the No. 4 Overstock Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart-Haas Racing, has had his share of success at Dover Motor Speedway with one NASCAR Xfinity Series win and a pair of runner-up finishes. In addition, he ran 10th in the Cup Series race last year at the Monster Mile.

JOSH BERRY, No. 4 Overstock Ford Mustang – YOU’VE HAD GOOD LUCK AT DOVER WITH SOME DIFFERENT TEAMS. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS HEADING THERE THIS WEEKEND? “I’m excited to get to Dover. It’s been a really good track for us on the Xfinity side of things the last couple of years. Obviously, with Junior Motorsports they have really strong cars there, too, so that’s definitely helped. We’ve had some great results on the Xfinity side with a win in ‘22. I had a really solid race there last year in the 48 finishing 10th, so I think that’s a little bit more of a confidence boost for us going there. I felt like that was a good race for me and that opportunity. I really kind of started to feel more comfortable throughout that opportunity with the 48 and just getting more adjusted to the car, so we feel good about where we’re at. We’ve been running better than we’ve been finishing. The data showed that for us, so we just have to keep plugging along and the results will come.”

DO YOU THINK FORD NOT WINNING YET IS A PRODUCT OF PLAYING CATCH-UP WITH THE DESIGN OR IS IT JUST BAD RACING LUCK? “It’s hard to say. I don’t really necessarily want to blame luck. A lot of times in this stuff you make your own luck. I think, at least for me on the 4 team side of things, I can’t speak for those other guys, I feel like when we’ve had our car driving like we want, we’ve had speed. We saw that at the short tracks, even at Texas. We had an accident, but we were knocking on the door of getting up into the top 10, so, for us, it’s just a combination of everything, I think. We had some races where we didn’t run quite like we wanted and we’ve had some races where we’ve been really fast and had a miserable day on pit road, so it’s a combination of everything. The reality of it is it’s just hard to win at this level. I don’t think, for me, I’m not necessarily panicked. I think that we’re gonna continue to get better on the 4 team. I’m gonna continue to get more comfortable with Rodney and this group and I feel like if we keep doing the right things we’ll keep running better. Everyone at Ford is working really hard too on the aero side of things and on the engine side of things. There are a lot of things that go into it that we know are areas we can improve on and you keep doing that. They just won the championship in all three divisions and everyone is waving the white flag and panicking, so I think we’ll be fine. It’s just gonna take a little time.”

THREE DIFFERENT TEAMS IN THE CUP SERIES AT DOVER IN THREE DIFFERENT SITUATIONS GOING INTO IT. CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE DIFFERENT MINDSETS FOR YOU GOING INTO THOSE RACES? “Each one is different. I think obviously my first Cup start being with Spire. They were pretty much like, ‘Don’t wreck the car. We’re not really here to race. We’re just gonna ride around and do the best we can.’ But it was still fun to get to run a Cup Series race. I was part-time in the Xfinity Series like that and it was a great experience for me to come and get to do. Last year in the 48, that was a lot of fun. I think we’d come off a really strong Xfinity race. We ran second the day before, so to get a top 10 in the Cup race was a lot of fun. I think it was a great opportunity for me to work with those guys and learn and run a race and be competitive and get a solid finish. I think with all that now I feel more excited to go back and work with Rodney and these guys. They’ve had some strong cars and good cars at Dover, even in the Next Gen era. I think sometimes we forget that we’re in a totally different car than what those guys have had over the years. They had good cars there last year and had an issue with a tire that put them behind, so we’ve seen at these tracks that we kind of have circled that we know I’m a little more comfortable at and they have good cars at, we’ve been able to circle those and we’ve had strong runs at nearly every one of them, so hopefully we can do the same thing this weekend.”

YOU’VE BEEN ALL CUP THIS YEAR. NO XFINITY. HOW HAS THAT BEEN FOCUSING JUST ON ONE SERIES? “I think it’s helped with the Cup car for sure. I felt like last year even though usually there were several races that we had good results, there was still adaptation from the Xfinity car to the Next Gen car and how it drove differently and how it felt, especially coming off a race like that in the Xfinity race where you’re running 200 laps in a car that’s much different. I think just being able to focus on the Cup car has been a little bit of a weight off my shoulders and just making sure that I understand how to continue to evolve and learn and how to adapt to that. I don’t know if the results will be any different, but it’s a little bit easier from bouncing back and forth between the cars. You just visually look at the cars and they’re so incredibly different that it makes it continually hard to jump back and forth like that, especially when you’re trying to learn on the fly.”

KANSAS IS NEXT WEEK AND ONE OF THE FAVORITE SPOTS FOR DRIVERS AND FANS. WHAT MAKES KANSAS SO FUN TO DRIVE? “I think the biggest thing, from my side of things especially, that was another race that I had experienced last year in the 48. I think Kansas just races really well with the Next Gen. I think just having the different lane options – top, middle, bottom, against the fence, the restarts are crazy – I think it just puts on a really good race there and Kansas is unique. It’s kind of to the point where it’s starting to age and wear the tires a little bit, so there’s that side of things. You’ve got to be conscious of how you’re pushing the tires and sliding the tires, which is more fun as a driver just to know you have to pay a little bit more attention to that, so I just think all of those things together it just puts on a good show as a mile-and-a-half. It’s one I’ve been looking forward to going back to. Like I said before, I think this is a race I ran much better than I finished last year, so I’m excited to go back and experience that again with my new team and build off of our intermediates earlier this year.”

THE FOLLOWING WEEK IS DARLINGTON AND YOU’RE THROWING BACK TO ONE OF RODNEY’S CARS. WHO HAD THAT IDEA AND WHAT WILL THAT MEAN TO YOU? “Honestly, it was a culmination of a lot of people at Stewart-Haas Racing and also our partner, Harrison’s, that jumped on board and helped make all that happen. Being that grassroots is the theme for that week, I think it created some opportunity for us to feel a little bit more at home with the whole throwback idea and what we do with those. I definitely was not interested in throwing back to myself. I definitely wanted to do somebody else and just opened the opportunity with Rodney and Rodney’s career racing late models before becoming a crew chief and then everybody buying into that, Harrison’s buying into that, helping make the car and the branding – changing up their branding to help adapt to that. It just made it all make sense and it’s a cool deal. Rodney was really exciting. We surprised him a couple weeks ago with the unveil and he was super excited for that. It’s just a cool thing. It gives us an opportunity to give back just a little bit to a lot of the people that do a lot for us and it’s more than just throwing decals on a car to sell diecasts or something like that. For us, this one really has a lot of meaning, especially for Rodney and thinking back to his career and growing up and learning racing. It’ll be fun. I know it’ll be cool for him to have his family there I’m sure and watch the car go around the track.”

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT THAT THEY’RE DOING GRASSROOTS RACING AS THE THEME AT DARLINGTON? “I think it’s really cool. More than anything, I hope as many people participate as they can. It’s hard sometimes with that idea. We all have so many sponsors that are so incredibly important to our programs and they’re gonna have to buy in and change up their branding and everything to make this all happen, so sometimes it’s not as easy as it looks from the outside to make all this happen, but, overall, it’s always cool to me to people paying attention to that grassroots level. There are so many great tracks around Darlington and the South Carolina area, the North Carolina area that put on a lot of great racing, so anything we can do to shine a little light on that and help that side of things is a plus in my eyes.”

LOOKING TO THE ALL-STAR RACE. DO YOU HAVE ANY VIEWS ON WHAT TIRES SHOULD BE USED AND WHAT DO YOU THINK COULD WORK THERE TIRE-WISE? “Hopefully, they take a stab at it and literally swing for the fences a little bit with the All-Star Race. I think that would be a great opportunity to learn something. I’ve heard some rumors flying around a little bit about trying some different compounds. I think those are all great ideas. I think they need to swing for it. They need to get on the other side of it and see if they can learn anything and see if it makes a difference or not. I think those are all things that we definitely need to do. We need to do it sooner rather than later. I think they need to get aggressive with it. I think the All-Star Race is gonna be a good opportunity to do that. On the same thing, it’s gonna be tricky with it being a repave. I go back to my years of short track racing and when they repaved a short track around here it always took a while to run in and there be multiple grooves and we always struggled with tires blistering and things like that, so it’s gonna be a challenge for sure. It’s gonna definitely be a unique situation, but I think it’s something they’re gonna have to do to try to help the product for the race. I think they have some ideas and we’ve tried to give them more ideas and we’ll just have to see where they take it and what they come up with.”

EVEN IF THERE’S A CHANGE IN TIRES WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO SEE AND HOW DOES IT CARRY OVER TO SOME OTHER TRACK? HOW MUCH CAN YOU LEARN ON A REPAVE LIKE THAT? “I think the reality is this. It’s gonna be single lane. I would really be surprised if we had more than one groove, and it seems like, and that’s just because that’s the nature of a repave. The more you run on the asphalt the better it gets and how it seems to widen out. It usually takes time with those to get run in, and it seems like the short tracks that are single lane is the biggest problem, so I think that this is gonna be a way to learn because we pretty much know before we get there that there’s not gonna be two or three lanes at North Wilkesboro. It’s gonna be a short track. Whatever the groove ends up being, whether it’s right around the bottom, middle, whatever, it’s kind of gonna be the preferred groove, so I think going there and knowing that, whether it’s softening the tires or giving us different compounds or whatever they decide to do to help make that look better is gonna be an opportunity to learn. I fear that even if they go soft on the tires that you’re gonna find more of an issue with heat versus wear. That’s where I think you would be concerned about would be the tires blistering or something like that and not really wearing. It has to be better than what we’ve had at Martinsville and some of those places where we really struggled with the passing. They just have to get aggressive with it and see what happens.”

THE FACT YOU’VE GOT THE CARS TOUR RUNNING THAT WEEK AT NORTH WILKESBORO WILL THAT HELP WIDEN THE GROOVE FASTER ONCE YOU GUYS GET THERE? “I think that will definitely help. I think the more racing they have on it the better that will be and the more the track will be run in and hopefully take rubber and grip up a little bit. The biggest thing we see a lot, even thinking back to the short track stuff, is when they repave these places they’re just slick. They’re really slick outside the groove and the pavement is so grippy that all of the dust and dirt and everything just sticks to the asphalt in a way, so it just makes it hard to get outside the groove, to lay down rubber, to clean the track up to get it fast enough that we can race side-by-side, but to answer your question, the more cars that are out there running, I think the better it will be and the more it will help. Hopefully, we can get it going pretty good by the All-Star Race itself, but at the same time it wouldn’t surprise me if it takes a year or two for it to really come into its own.”

John Hall Renews Support of Doug Herbert’s B.R.A.K.E.S. Pro-Active Teen Driving Program For 2024 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Competition

By
Official Release
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Hall To Donate Bike Signage to Help Promote Life-Saving Program, Which Has Taught More Than 130,000 Teenagers and Their Parents

Hamden, CT (April 23, 2024) – NHRA racer John Hall today announced plans to renew his support for Doug Herbert’s national pro-active teen defensive driving program B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe), donating signage on his Buell Pro Stock motorcycle for the 2024 racing season.

Competing with the Matt Smith Racing team, Hall will run with B.R.A.K.E.S. logos adorning his bike, racing suit and helmet. The decision, Hall says, aligns with his deep passion for the life-saving program established by Herbert, a multi-time Top Fuel champion.

“Like Matt —whose son participated in the B.R.A.K.E.S. program—our kids completed the training and are much better and more confident drivers,” Hall explained.  “We’ve seen the impact that Doug and his team have had and are proud to offer our support in helping spread the word about this life-saving program.”

A 2011 graduate of the Frank Hawley & George Bryce Drag Racing program, Hall begins the 2024 season with an impressive resume of on-track success.  Most notably, Hall took first place in Epping, New Hampshire in 2013.  Later that year, he achieved a place in drag racing history when he won the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.

“We are deeply appreciative of the support that John has provided our program for the past several years,” said Herbert.  “It is truly an honor to have our B.R.A.K.E.S. logos displayed so prominently during the 2024 NHRA Pro Stock season.”

Established in 2008 following a tragic car crash that claimed the lives of Herbert’s sons Jon and James, the GuideStar Platinum-rated 501(c)(3) addresses a leading cause of death among teens – car crashes – helping to improve road safety and prevent other parents from facing the heartbreaking loss of a child.

Through their participation in the pro-active defensive driving program, B.R.A.K.E.S. graduates are 64 percent less likely to get in a crash within their first three years of driving, according to an independent study conducted by Dr. Paul Friday of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

B.R.A.K.E.S. is NOT Driver’s Ed. It is a FREE, hands-on, advanced driver training program taught by professional instructors, including current and former members of law enforcement, professional racers and stunt drivers. B.R.A.K.E.S. maintains a low two-to-one student-to-instructor ratio to maximize educational effectiveness.

Each weekend B.R.A.K.E.S. school includes identical sessions to allow parents and teens to pick one that will fit into their busy schedules. Each session features three hours of training, starting with a classroom presentation followed by extensive training behind the wheel of brand-new vehicles from the Kia lineup.

About B.R.A.K.E.S.

Doug Herbert’s B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) is a GuideStar Platinum-rated 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to prevent injuries and save lives by training and educating teenage drivers and their parents about the importance of safe and responsible driving. B.R.A.K.E.S. was founded in 2008 after Top Fuel drag racer Doug Herbert lost his two young sons, Jon and James, in a tragic car crash. Today, more than 130,000 teens and parents from 50 different states and five countries have participated in the B.R.A.K.E.S. intensive training course.

AFTER HISTORIC FUNNY CAR WIN, BOB TASCA AFTER MORE AT CHARLOTTE’S NHRA 4-WIDE NATIONALS

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Official Release
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CONCORD, N.C. (April 23, 2024) – Bob Tasca III knows all about how difficult it is to win a four-wide drag race, doing so two weeks ago in Las Vegas under the rarest of circumstances in NHRA Funny Car history.

The talented veteran pulled off the first triple holeshot in Funny Car to defeat Matt Hagan, Ron Capps and Austin Prock at the four-wide event in Vegas, winning one of the most thrilling final rounds in four-wide history. Next up is a chance to sweep the four-wide events at this weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte.

Tasca feels right at home at the “Bellagio of Dragstrips,” winning the fall race at the state-of-the-art facility and bringing plenty of momentum into this weekend following his historic win. But Tasca, who is seeking his first Charlotte 4-Wide Nationals victory in his 11,000-horsepower Ford Performance Mustang, knows just how difficult it is to win one of the biggest spectacles in motorsports.

His Vegas win proved that and things definitely won’t get any easier in the loaded Funny Car ranks this weekend at zMAX Dragway.

“It would definitely be nice to sweep (the four-wide races) and we’re definitely going to try,” Tasca said. “Nobody is going to try harder than us. Last week was a big moment and you have rise to the occasion. We’ve got a good car and a great team, but this is tough to do. It’s really hard to win an NHRA race when you’re racing against one car in the finals, but do you know how hard it is to win when you’re racing three people in the finals? It is, by far, the hardest race to win.”

Austin Prock (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Deric Kramer (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) claimed victories in 2023 and this event will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday. It is the fifth of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and Tasca was thrilled to find his groove in Las Vegas.

After an up-and-down start to his campaign, Tasca struck gold in Vegas, qualifying fourth and picking up his first victory of the season. The team had qualified well, taking the second spot twice already this year, but back-to-back losses in Phoenix and Pomona dropped the team to sixth. After the win, Tasca is back to third in a star-studded field that includes Prock, J.R. Todd, John Force, Capps and Hagan. Tasca, though, is determined to compete for a championship a season after staying in the title hunt until the final day of the season. That means nothing comes easy, but it makes for a spectacular show and the triumphs even more special.

“You can see the energy in the sport right now and that’s what it’s all about,” Tasca said. “When the product is that good on the track, it just fosters growth and excitement. I’m thrilled about the state of the sport and Ford is committed to drag racing, and that’s very exciting. We’re four races into a 20-race season, so we’ve got a lot more action we’re going to show fans this season.”

Tasca is also part of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge in Charlotte. It’s the first time the specialty event takes place at zMAX Dragway, bringing competitive racing to Saturday qualifying – four-wide style. Tasca’s quad includes, Prock, Alexis DeJoria and Chad Green, while the other foursome features Capps, Hagan, Todd and Paul Lee.

The two top finishers in each quad will advance and the final Challenge round will feature a quad of racers running for the bonus purse and championship points.

In Top Fuel, the Challenge features Tony Stewart, Justin Ashley, Clay Millican and Antron Brown, with Doug Kalitta, Steve Torrence, Brittany Force and Josh Hart making up the other foursome. The Pro Stock Challenge features Jerry Tucker, Brandon Foster, Glenn and Erica Latino in one group and Enders, J. Coughlin, Anderson and David Cuadra in the other. In PSM, one Challenge quad includes Herrera, John Hall, Johnson and A. Smith, with Marc Ingwersen, M. Smith, Richard Gadson and LE Tonglet making up the other quad.

Each competitor will also try to make it a double-up on Sunday with an event win, ensuring the 4-Wide Nationals are loaded with action the entire weekend.

The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which features some of the sport’s top drivers, as well as the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock and the new Holley EFI Factory X category. The Summit Racing Equipment Jr. Drag Racing League Shootout will also take place in Charlotte. Fans can also look forward to the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Autograph Session at the Mission Foods Display and the Toyota Autograph Display, both of which take place on Saturday morning.

All weekend long, fans are invited to the Nitro Alley Stage at zMAX Dragway. The Nitro Alley Stage will be the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the SealMaster Track Walk. The final experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners of the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals.

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

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m. ET on Friday, April 26 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, April 27 at 12 and 2:15 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 28. Television coverage includes qualifying on FS1 at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday and then eliminations action at 6 p.m. ET to follow.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, please visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 800-455-3267. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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

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