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Mahindra Tractors Racing: Chase Briscoe Talladega Advance

By
Official Release
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CHASE BRISCOE
Talladega Advance
No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Event Overview

● Event: GEICO 500 (Round 10 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3 p.m. EDT on Sunday, April 21
● Location: Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway
● Layout: 2.66-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 188 laps/500 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 60 laps / Stage 2: 60 laps / Final Stage: 68 laps
● TV/Radio: FOX / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Back-to-back top-10 finishes have vaulted Chase Briscoe from 18th in the NASCAR Cup Series championship point standings to 12th heading into the GEICO 500 Sunday at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. The six-position gain has come via a 10th-place drive April 7 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway and a sixth-place run last Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. That sixth-place finish in the Lone Star State was Briscoe’s fourth top-10 of the year and his best result in the nine races held so far this season. The driver of the No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart-Haas Racing is eyeing another solid points tally despite Talladega being a track where drivers often end up pointed in the wrong direction.

● “The Big One” is as tied to Talladega as “Roll Tide” is to the state of Alabama. The mammoth, 2.66-mile oval puts the nearly 40-car field in a 200 mph freight train that always seems destined for derailment. Briscoe, however, has found a way to stay under the radar and come home with solid results and equally solid points hauls. In six career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Talladega, Briscoe has only one finish outside the top-15. His average finish of 14.8 is fourth-best among full-time Cup Series drivers, trailing only Chase Elliott (13.6), Todd Gilliland (14.0) and Ryan Blaney (14.5). Briscoe’s best Talladega finish is fourth, earned in last year’s GEICO 500.

● Fourth was also Briscoe’s best result in four career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Talladega. In April 2019, Briscoe finished fourth after leading nine laps. It was his only top-10 at Talladega in the Xfinity Series. His other three starts delivered unspectacular, yet safe, results. All were among the top-20, giving Briscoe an average finish of 14.3 in his Xfinity Series career at Talladega.

● Briscoe’s lone NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start at Talladega came in October 2017. He qualified a strong fifth but finished 22nd.

● Briscoe first saw Talladega in April 2016 when he made his debut at the track in the ARCA Menards Series. Briscoe qualified a distant 20th but finished the 74-lap race in third. It was the first of nine top-three finishes Briscoe earned that year on his way to winning the ARCA title by a staggering 535 points.

● For the longest time, Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway was the track most likened to Talladega. While slightly shorter in length than Talladega, the 2.5-mile oval displayed the same characteristics – pack-style racing and calamitous wrecks. But in 2022 Atlanta Motor Speedway entered the chat thanks to a reconfiguration that turned the 1.54-mile oval into a much tighter version of Daytona and Talladega. Drafting and pack racing are now the name of the game at Atlanta, and when the series raced there nearly two months ago, Briscoe found his groove, juking and jiving all the way to the front where he challenged for the lead before getting collected in a late-race accident. Said Briscoe about that Atlanta race on Feb. 25: “We were able to be up front all day and be super aggressive making moves. I thought we were going to be in a really good spot there, but that’s part of it when you’re racing that tight and everybody is going for it at the end. We were just on the unfortunate side of it today. (The racing) was fun. That was the most fun I’ve ever had here, and I think some of that is just our guys did a really good job of bringing a car that we could be aggressive with and make moves. I’m actually looking forward to coming back here. That was a lot of fun. Guys were just making huge moves and big runs, but we were able to not get close to crashing a lot of times, like we would at Daytona or Talladega.”

● Mahindra Ag North America is in its third year as the anchor sponsor for Briscoe and the No. 14 team after extending its partnership with Stewart-Haas during the offseason. The multiyear agreement with the NASCAR team co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart and industrialist Gene Haas continues to feature Mahindra Tractors, a brand of Mahindra Ag North America, on Briscoe’s No. 14 Ford Mustang for the majority of the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. Houston-based Mahindra Ag North America is part of Mahindra Group’s Automotive and Farm Sector, the No. 1 selling farm tractor company in the world, based on volumes across all company brands. Mahindra offers a range of tractor models from 20-75 horsepower, implements, and the ROXOR heavy-duty UTV. Mahindra farm equipment is engineered to be easy to operate by first-time tractor or side-by-side owners and heavy duty to tackle the tough jobs of rural living, farming and ranching. Steel-framed Mahindra Tractors and side-by-sides are ideal for customers who demand performance, reliability and comfort. Mahindra dealers are independent, family-owned businesses located throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Chase Briscoe, Driver of the No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Talladega marks the 10th race of the season and you came into this year as the most tenured Stewart-Haas driver. How has it been so far this year with two new teammates in Josh Berry and Noah Gragson?

“It’s been really good. Honestly, it’s probably been my favorite year at Stewart-Haas. All of my teammates are relatively the same age as me. We’re all kind of the same, where we’re at career-wise, and it’s just been a lot of fun from the camaraderie side and just getting to know them better. I just feel like from a teamwork standpoint, we’re way better than we’ve ever been as far as working together. I would say 10 races in we’re farther ahead from a teamwork standpoint, so hopefully we can continue to grow that.”

Six career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Talladega and only one finish outside of the top-15. That’s some good, solid consistency at a track where all too often you can leave the race early with your car on a hook. What’s allowed you to be so consistent at Talladega?

“I have no idea. There’s nothing really I do there that I feel is special. It’s just one of those things where luck’s on your side or the man upstairs is looking out for you. We’ve been just fortunate to miss the wrecks there and have good days. Hopefully, with where we’re at from a points standpoint – we’re literally back and forth on this cutline all throughout the season, and Talladega is one of those places where you can lose a lot of points really quickly. Hopefully, we can just have one of those solid days. Obviously we’re going there to win the race, but Talladega is one of those places where if you can just come out of it with a top-15, you’re almost happy just because you didn’t bleed a ton of points.”

Was there anything you learned at Daytona earlier this year that you can apply to Talladega?

“I don’t know if you can learn a whole lot from Daytona. But I definitely feel like Atlanta with just how racey we were and how comfortable I felt in the draft and making moves and being extremely aggressive, I’m going to take that same mentality to Talladega. It’s a little bit different because your balance doesn’t make as big of an impact as it would at Atlanta, but I definitely felt like being on the aggressive side was better than being on the patient side. I feel like I learned a little bit there and just felt more comfortable. That was probably the most comfortable I’ve ever felt in one of those speedway-style races, so hopefully that’ll translate to Talladega.”

So Atlanta also figures into that mix to where it might give you an idea of what you could have at Talladega?

“I don’t think it really translates from a car standpoint. Talladega is such an even playing field for everybody – very similar to Daytona – where at Atlanta the balance of your car definitely comes into play. But just from a standpoint of being comfortable making moves and being aggressive, for whatever reason, at Atlanta the moves just felt like slow motion to me, like everything had slowed down. I’ve never had that happen before, so I’m hoping it’ll be the same at Talladega where everything just kind of feels slower and my mind can process things a little easier.”

What’s the atmosphere like at Talladega?

“It’s probably the most unique one in all of NASCAR. You really just have a party where a race just so happens to be. I mean, they’re there to watch the race, right? But they’re really going there to just hang out, camp out and have a good time. Both of Talladega’s races are at that perfect point of the year for camping, like you have the end of the spring and you have the end of the fall, too. It’s just one of those cool racetracks where everybody’s there to have a good time. If you’re having a bad time at Talladega, I don’t know what to tell you.”

How did racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series prepare you for racing in the Cup Series at Talladega?

“Honestly, I don’t think it really prepared me at all. Just the aggressive level of the Cup Series is so different from what you have in the Xfinity Series. The Cup Series, you have 20 guys who are just really, really good plate racers who know how to make moves and manipulate the air. And on the Xfinity side, you’re only racing against two or three of those guys, and if you put them in the Cup field, they’re kind of on the tail end of those top-20 guys. And the cars drive so differently now, too.”

It seems like there’s always a plan to start the race, and oftentimes it’s driven by the manufacturers. But when the race is underway and variables pop up and split decisions need to be made, how are you able to stick to that plan?

“You stick to the plan because Talladega is one of those places where if you get off the plan, it kind of just ruins your day. Like, you can pit by yourself, but then you’re just hung out to dry. You have to have a plan, but I also I feel like that plan never plays out. You’re constantly calling audibles the whole race because it’s constantly changing. One lap, you might be running 10th, and then you get shuffled and you’re running 28th, and now your plan’s completely different than it was two laps ago. So, you’re constantly calling audibles there. It’s one of those races where the crew chief is super important, and just our communication from an IT standpoint is extremely important when we go to places like that. There are just a lot of variables that go into Talladega.”

No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Chase Briscoe

Hometown: Mitchell, Indiana

Crew Chief: Richard Boswell

Hometown: Friendship, Maryland

Car Chief: J.D. Frey

Hometown: Ferndale, California

Engineer: Mike Cook

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Spotter: Joey Campbell

Hometown: Berlin, Connecticut

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Shayne Pipala

Hometown: Frankfort Square, Illinois

Rear Tire Changer: Dakota Ratcliff

Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee

Tire Carrier: Jon Bernal

Hometown: Holland, Michigan

Jack Man: Dylan Moser

Hometown: Monroe, North Carolina

Fuel Man: Corey Coppola

Hometown: Bluefield, West Virginia

Road Crew Members

Underneath Mechanic: Stephen Gonzalez

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Interior Mechanic: Trevor Adams

Hometown: Plymouth, Wisconsin

Tire Specialist: Keith Eads

Hometown: Arlington, Virginia

Shock Specialist: Brian Holshouser

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Engine Tuner: Jon Phillips

Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri

Transporter Co-Driver: Todd Cable

Hometown: Shelby, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Dale Lackey

Hometown: Taylorsville, North Carolina

Weekend schedule for Talladega

By
Angie Campbell
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The NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 23, 2023 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

The NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards Series head to Talladega Superspeedway this weekend for a full schedule of competition.

There have been six different winners in the first nine races of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season – William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Christopher Bell and Daniel Suarez.

Kyle Busch is the defending Talladega race winner and is looking for his first win this year. If Busch repeats, he will break the streak. Denny Hamlin won in October 2020, followed by Brad Keselowski (April 2021), Bubba Wallace (Oct. 2021), Ross Chastain (April 2022), Chase Elliott (Oct. 2022), Kyle Busch (April 2023), and Ryan Blaney (Oct. 2023).

The Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash continues this weekend. Sam Mayer won the $100,000 bonus at Texas last weekend and will be competing against RSS Racing’s Ryan Sieg, JR Motorsport’s Justin Allgaier and Kaulig Racing’s AJ Allmendinger in the third race of the Dash 4 Cash performance incentive program.

The Craftsman Truck Series is off and will return to competition on May 4th at Kansas Speedway.

All times are Eastern.

Friday, April 19
4 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series Practice
ARCA Race Center

5:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series Qualifying
Single Vehicle/1 Lap/2 Rounds (Impound)
FS1

Saturday, April 20
10:30 a.m.: Cup Series Qualifying
Single Vehicle/1 Lap/2 Rounds (Impound)
FS1/MRN/SiriusXM
Post Cup Series Qualifying – Live on NASCAR Press Pass

12:30 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series General Tire 200
76 Laps, 202.16 miles
FS1/MRN

4 P.M.: Xfinity Series Ag-Pro 300
Stages 25/50/113 Laps = 300.58 Miles
FOX/MRN/SiriusXM
The Purse: $1,479,274
Post Xfinity Race – Live on NASCAR Press Pass

Sunday, April 21
3 P.M.: Cup Series GEICO 500
Stages 60/120/188 Laps = 500.08 Miles
FOX/MRN/SiriusXM
The Purse: $8,234,125
Post Cup Series Race – Live on NASCAR Press Pass

Newgarden to make 200th IndyCar career start at Long Beach

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Joe Skibinski (Penske Entertainment).

With a new season of NTT INDYCAR SERIES competition underway, Josef Newgarden is primed to achieve a milestone start. By competing in this weekend’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on the Streets of Long Beach, California, the reigning Indianapolis 500 champion, two-time IndyCar champion and driver of the No. 2 Team Penske Dallara-Chevrolet will reach career start No. 200 in the IndyCar circuit. 

A native of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Newgarden’s racing career commenced through karts before ascending through the open-wheel ranks including Skip Barber, Formula Ford, GP3 Series and Indy Lights. He claimed the 2011 title and made his inaugural presence in the IndyCar Series at the start of the 2012 season, where Sarah Fisher Hartman signed him. Driving the No. 67 Honda for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing, Newgarden started 19th and finished 11th in his IndyCar debut. He would achieve a front-row starting spot at the Streets of Long Beach and notch a total of five top-15 results and an average-finishing result of 18.2 through 14 starts before settling in 23rd place in the final standings with 200 points.  

The following two seasons, Newgarden remained at Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing and competed in the team’s No. 67 entry in all but one event, where he piloted the No. 21 entry during the 2013 Indianapolis 500. Throughout both seasons, he achieved his maiden podium result in the form of a runner-up finish during the 2013 Grand Prix of Baltimore at the Streets of Baltimore before notching another runner-up result at Iowa Speedway in 2014. After finishing in 14th place in the final driver’s standings with 348 points, he ended up one spot better, 13th, in 2015 with 406 points. 

In 2015, Newgarden, who competed in a Chevrolet for CFH Racing following a merged partnership between Sarah Fisher and Ed Carpenter and finished no higher than seventh during the season’s first three events, captured his maiden IndyCar victory in the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park in April after leading a race-high 46 laps. He finished in the top 10 twice during his next five series’ starts before notching his second career victory in the Honda Indy Toronto at Exhibition Place in June. Managing two runner-up results and his maiden pole position at the Milwaukee Mile throughout the final six events on the schedule, Newgarden climbed his way up to seventh place in the final driver’s standings with 431 points. By then, he had racked up four podium results, including two victories, 345 laps led and an average-finishing result of 10.8. 

The following season, owner Sarah Fisher withdrew from IndyCar and Newgarden’s team was rebranded to Ed Carpenter Racing, with the Tennessee native piloting the No. 21 Chevrolet. Newgarden would achieve a front-row starting spot for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 along with two podiums and six top-10 results through the first nine-scheduled events before notching his first victory of the season at Iowa Speedway in July.

A month before the victory at Iowa, he was involved in a harrowing accident on Lap 42 when Conor Daly, whom Newgarden was battling with, got loose underneath Newgarden entering Turn 4 and shot back across the track as he sent Newgarden pinned against the wall before the latter rolled upside-down and made another head-on contact into the wall after being pushed by Daly’s car. Amid the wild wreck, Newgarden, who survived the wreck, suffered a broken hand and clavicle, but would not miss any events. Managing a runner-up result at Watkins Glen International and three top-10 results during the final five events on the schedule, Newgarden ended up in fourth place in the final standings with 502 points and an average-finishing result of 9.9. 

The 2017 season was a breakthrough year for Newgarden, who departed Ed Carpenter Racing and replaced two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Juan Pablo Montoya to drive the No. 2 Dallara-Chevrolet for Team Penske. After commencing the season by finishing eighth at the Streets of St. Peterburg followed by a third-place run at the Streets of Long Beach, Newgarden captured his first victory as a Penske competitor at Barber Motorsports Park in April after leading the final 14 laps. He would then record two runner-up finishes and five top-10 results during his next eight starts before notching a dominant victory at the Streets of Toronto in July.

After winning for a second consecutive week at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in late July, Newgarden assumed the points lead for the first time in his career. He would retain the points lead following a runner-up result at Pocono Raceway, a dramatic victory at World Wide Technology Raceway in August and an 18th-place finish at Watkins Glen between August and September.

Then during the season-finale event at Sonoma Raceway, which marked his 100th career start in the IndyCar circuit, Newgarden, who led a race-high 41 laps and came into the event with a four-point lead in the standings, finished in second place behind teammate Simon Pagenaud and clinched his maiden IndyCar Series championship by 13 points over Pagenaud and 21 over four-time champion Scott Dixon. As a result, Newgarden became the first American-born competitor to win an IndyCar title since Ryan Hunter-Reay made the last accomplishment in 2012 and he delivered the 15th IndyCar title for car owner Roger Penske. In addition to winning his first IndyCar championship, Newgarden notched a career-high nine podiums, including his four victories, 390 laps led and a career-best average-finishing result of 6.1. 

Entering the 2018 season as the reigning champion, Newgarden finished seventh in St. Petersburg before claiming his first victory of the season during the following scheduled event at Phoenix Raceway. Despite winning at Barber Motorsports Park two races later, the Tennessee native would lose the points lead in May and would spend the remainder of the season flirting within the top five in the standings. Ultimately, he would notch his third victory of the season at Road America in June and a total of 13 top-10 results and a career-high four poles throughout the 17-race schedule before settling in fifth place in the final standings with 560 points and an average-finishing result of 7.1. 

Newgarden commenced the 2019 season by winning the season opener at St. Petersburg, where he led 60 laps before notching two podiums and four top-four results during the following five events. He would then win the first of a Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix doubleheader feature at The Raceway on Belle Isle, Michigan, in June before proceeding to win at Texas the following weekend and at Iowa in July. To go along with a total of seven podiums and 14 top-10 results throughout the 17-race schedule, Newgarden, who led the championship standings in all but one event, secured his second IndyCar championship following an eighth-place finish in the season-finale Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and edging teammate Simon Pagenaud for the title by 25 points. With his championship, Newgarden led 490 laps and achieved an average-finishing result of 5.6. 

Throughout the 2020 season which was shortened to 14 events amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Newgarden won four races: Iowa Speedway in July, World Wide Technology Raceway in August, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course and the season-finale event at St. Petersburg in October. Despite finishing in the top 10 in all but two events, notching a career-high average-finishing result of 5.2, leading 455 laps and never dropping below the top five in the standings, Newgarden fell short of winning his third IndyCar title by 16 points over Scott Dixon, who notched his sixth title. 

In 2021, which marked his 10th season as an IndyCar competitor, Newgarden commenced the season with a 23rd-place finish at Barber Motorsports Park after being involved in a multi-car wreck on the opening lap. He would rally by finishing in the runner-up spot three times and accumulate six top-10 results during his next eight starts before achieving his first elusive victory of the season at Mid-Ohio in July, where he led all but seven of 80 scheduled laps. Three races later, he would fend off a hard-charging Pato O’Ward to win at World Wide Technology Raceway in August and draw himself into championship contention. Despite finishing no lower than seventh during the final three events on the schedule, Newgarden, who recorded an average-finishing result of 7.3 and six podiums, including his two season victories, ended up in the runner-up spot in the final driver’s standings for a second consecutive season as he fell short of winning the title by 38 points to Alex Palou. 

Newgarden commenced the 2022 season by rallying from finishing 16th at St. Petersburg to notch back-to-back victories at Texas and the Streets of Long Beach. After finishing no higher than 13th during his next three events, which dropped him from first to fifth in the standings, he rallied by finishing fourth at Belle Isle before scoring his third victory of the season at Road America.

Despite winning the first Iowa Speedway doubleheader feature in July and at World Wide Technology Raceway in August, Newgarden, who dealt with inconsistent results and no additional podiums outside of his victories throughout the season, managed to climb his way up to the runner-up spot in the standings on the strength of five top-eight results during the final five events on the schedule. Despite finishing in the runner-up spot during the finale at Laguna Seca, he settled in the runner-up spot in the final standings for a third consecutive season and missed the title by 16 points over teammate Will Power amid a year where he won a career-high five races, six podiums, three poles, led 527 laps and ended up with an average-finishing result of 8.2.  

This past season, Newgarden rallied from finishing 17th at St. Petersburg before prevailing in a late battle against Pato O’Ward to win at Texas in early April. Then four races later, the Tennessee native triumphed for the first time in the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway after overtaking reigning Indy 500 champion Marcus Ericsson on the final lap amid a one-lap shootout. The Indy 500 victory, which marked Newgarden’s 12th attempt to accomplish the feat, made Newgarden the 75th different competitor to win the event as he became the first American competitor to win the event since Alexander Rossi made the last accomplishment in 2016.

In addition, Newgarden delivered the 19th Indy 500 victory for Roger Penske. Following the Indy 500 victory, he would win both Iowa doubleheader events in July and rack up seven top-10 results during the final 11 events on the schedule. After finishing 21st during the finale at Laguna Seca, however, Newgarden concluded the season in fifth place in the final standings with 479 points. Overall, he notched four victories, five podiums, a career-high 602 laps led and an average-finishing result of 9.5 throughout the 2023 campaign. 

This season, which marks his 13th season in IndyCar competition, Newgarden is coming off a season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg victory after he led a race-high 92 of 100 laps, which marks his 30th career win and third in St. Pete. Despite finishing in eighth place in the non-points $1 Million Challenge at The Thermal Club, the Tennessee veteran leads the IndyCar standings by 13 points over Pato O’Ward as he commences his pursuit for both a second Indy 500 victory and a third IndyCar title. 

Through 199 previous IndyCar starts, Newgarden has achieved two championships, 30 victories, 53 podiums, 18 poles, 4,075 laps led and an average finishing result of 9.6. 

Josef Newgarden is scheduled to make his 200th NTT INDYCAR Series career start in the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach at the Streets of Long Beach, California, on Sunday, April 21. The event’s broadcast is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on USA Network. 

GMG Racing Heads Back to The Beach with A Four-Car Entry for a GT America “Home Game” Doubleheader at the Long Beach Grand Prix This Weekend

By
Official Release
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  • Kyle Washington Set for GT America Powered by AWS Long Beach Debut in His 991.2 Type No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R
  • Brent Holden Returns to Familiar Turf at Long Beach for First Time This Decade in His New No. 44 GMG Racing Mercedes-AMG GT2
  • Longtime GMG Racing Driver CJ Moses Set for 2024 Season and Long Beach Debut in the No. 58 GMG Racing/CrowdStrike/AWS Audi R8 LMS GT2
  • GMG Racing Founder and Principal James Sofronas Seeks Fourth Career Long Beach GT Victory in His No. 14 GMG Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO2

LONG BEACH, California (April 17, 2024) – Fast off of a competitive and encouraging season-opening SRO America race less than two weeks ago at Sonoma Raceway, GMG Racing heads “Back to the Beach” this weekend with another four-car entry set for a “Home Game” doubleheader in a pair of GT America powered by AWS 40-minute sprint races Saturday and Sunday at the Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Although SRO America has not raced there in several years, the return to America’s premier street race continues a long history at Long Beach going back to the days of Pirelli World Challenge and its predecessor GT-based sprint race series since 2006. The Santa Ana, California-based GMG Racing team has been there for nearly all of it and is doing its part now in supporting the overdue return to Long Beach with two entries in the top-tier SRO3 class and a pair of cars in the emerging GT2 category.

Longtime team driver Kyle Washington is set for his fourth-straight appearance with GMG Racing at Long Beach this weekend in his 991.2 Type No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R. Washington competes in the GT America SRO3 division alongside his friend and teammate James Sofronas, the Founder, Principal and a Team Driver at GMG Racing who wheels his No. 14 GMG Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO2.

The GMG Racing contenders in the growing GT2 category include returning team veteran Brent Holden in his new No. 44 GMG Racing Mercedes-AMG GT2 and familiar GMG driver CJ Moses, who makes his 2024 season and career Long Beach Debut in the No. 58 GMG Racing/CrowdStrike/AWS Audi R8 LMS GT2.

“It’s always special racing at Long Beach as it is a home race for us,” Sofronas said. “Our shop is 30 minutes away, and we always bring in a lot of fans, clients and family, so it will be great to have myself, Brent, Kyle and CJ all there. It is the ideal showcase of our team and what we do in front of a loyal, local customer base. We just always enjoy that event, and being able to sleep in my own bed is awesome too!”

GMG Racing secured three podium finishes, two fastest race laps, a pair of pole positions and several in-race performance awards in the season-opening SRO America event weekend at Sonoma Raceway April 6 – 7. Improving on the solid Sonoma haul is the attainable goal at Long Beach where Washington, Holden and Sofronas have a mass of experience on the 1.968-mile street circuit and Moses is more than ready to make his debut.

Washington debuted at Long Beach in 2021 for his first of two races co-driving a Porsche with Sofronas in IMSA GTD competition. Last year Washington ran in the ultra-competitive IMSA Porsche Carrera Cup doubleheader.

“We have a lot of laps at Long Beach,” said Washington, who pilots the only Porsche 911 GT3 car in GT America this weekend. “Last year in Carrera Cup and some IMSA GTD before that. I really like that course, it feels like another track that suits me, and I have big expectations. It’s going to be a great weekend!”

Sofronas, a four-time SRO America champion, has three career race wins in GT competition at Long Beach with overall victories in 2009 and 2013 and a class win in 2017 while recording a top-10 overall finish.

Most of the early races for Sofronas at Long Beach were running with or alongside returning team driver Holden, who is back with GMG Racing this year after several seasons earlier this decade in Ferrari Challenge competition. Holden wasted no time getting up to speed at Sonoma where he finished second and turned the fastest GT2 race lap Saturday to earn the pole for Sunday’s race, in which he finished third.

Holden secured his first career podium in SRO America competition with a third-place showing with GMG in a GTA sprint in his seventh appearance at Long Beach in 2016. After his solid return to SRO America with GMG two weeks ago at Sonoma, this weekend marks his first start at Long Beach in this decade. Holden now lives in Park City, Utah, but he is a Southern California native who resided in Newport Beach that last time he raced at Long Beach.

“I’m definitely looking forward to Long Beach,” Holden said. “It’s been a few years since I have raced there but I have some good experience and I don’t believe the track has changed much. Sonoma was my first race with James and GMG Racing in a few years, and we had fun and learned a lot. I reached the podium at Long Beach in the past in an Audi and now we are looking forward to bringing the Mercedes-AMG GT2 there and seeing what we can do.”

Moses missed the Sonoma opener but closed his 2023 season on a high note with a pair of podium showings in the season-ending doubleheader at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last October. A third place GT2 showing in the first race at Indy improved to a second-place finish in the final race of the year on Sunday.

“It will be a fun, friendly rivalry to have two GT2 teammates,” Sofronas said. “I know CJ is anxious for some good competition. I’m happy that he and Brent and can battle between the Audi and the Mercedes-AMG. It should be a good fight. Brent has more experience at Long Beach and been on the podium there, but I know CJ is looking forward to turning some laps on the streets as well. The AWS contingent will be there, so CJ will be busy entertaining partners and clients and friends too in addition to getting it done on the track.”

After practice and qualifying on Friday, the Long Beach weekend’s twin 40-minute races are scheduled to start at 4:45 p.m. PDT on Saturday and 4:20 p.m. PDT on Sunday for what will be the final race of the 49th Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend. Both races and Friday’s qualifying session can be viewed live on SRO’s official YouTube channel GT World at https://www.youtube.com/@GTWorld.

About GMG Racing: Founded in 2001, GMG Racing quickly established itself as North America’s premier performance tuning facility. What began as a small 1,200 sq. ft. shop, maintaining two race cars, has grown into a 30,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art performance tuning, racing and service facility located in Santa Ana, California in Orange County and with a trackside motorsports facility at 28,000 sq. ft. currently being built at The Thermal Club. The staff, attention to detail, and passion are what make GMG the choice of professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. GMG, in its early years, was located directly across the street from Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA). This close proximity allowed GMG to build a strong relationship with the legendary racing brand which has helped us support our customers to the highest level possible. From club racing to Sebring, Daytona and Spa, GMG can take you as far as you want to go. More information can be found at www.gmgracing.com.

Toyota Launches All-New Land Cruiser “250” Series in Japan

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Official Release
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ZX (2.8-liter diesel)

Toyota City, Japan, Apr 18, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced the addition of the “250” series to the Land Cruiser lineup in Japan. Alongside this, it has also released the special edition models ZX “First Edition” and VX “First Edition.” These special models are limited to a total of 8,000 units.

ZX (2.8-liter diesel)The “250” series, the core model of the Land Cruiser lineup

The all-new “250” series was created with the role and mission of supporting people’s lives by offering ease of handling based on strong off-road performance.

The development team set out to return the Land Cruiser Prado, which shifted toward high-end and luxury over time, to the light-duty model that customers have come to expect. Under the keyword “back to the basics,” they defined the development concept as “The Land Cruiser: a vehicle that supports customers’ daily lives and one they can trust.”

The introduction of the “250” series has further clarified the position of the three Land Cruiser models. The vehicle names have also returned to their roots, with all models unified under “Land Cruiser”(1). The Land Cruiser will continue to evolve to meet societal demands while supporting the lives of customers around the world, and remaining a vehicle they can trust.

With the same robust GA-F platform as the “300” series, the “250” series has pursued exceptional off-road performance. It is the first(2) in the Land Cruiser lineup to feature electric power steering (EPS) and Stabilizer with Disconnection Mechanism (SDM). EPS reduces kickback(3) during off-road driving, ensuring ease of handling whether on or off-road, while the SDM enables the front stabilizer state to be locked or unlocked at the touch of a button, delivering driving performance and ride comfort when off-road and handling stability when on-road.

The “250” series is available with two types of powertrains: a 2.8-liter direct injection turbo diesel engine with Direct Shift-8AT and a 2.7-liter gasoline engine with 6 Super ECT, both delivering powerful driving and environmental performance. This power is fully transferred to all four wheels by a full-time 4WD with TORSEN®(4) LSD(5) on the center differential. The electric rear differential lock provides powerful off-road driving performance on rough roads, while the degree of freedom in front and rear driving torque distribution has been expanded to achieve even greater driving stability.

(1) The “70” series wagon models from 1990 were newly marketed as the Land Cruiser Prado; since then, the Land Cruiser lineup has had two vehicle names: Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser Prado
(2) As of April 2024; based on in-house research
(3) A phenomenon in which the vehicle’s tires are forcibly turned due to terrain or obstacles when driving off-road, causing the steering wheel to turn sharply by itself
(4) Registered trademark of JTEKT Corporation
(5) Limited Slip Differential

For more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/40658942.html.

News URL: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/90341/

URL: https://plus.google.com/+toyotaglobal | Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/ToyotaMotorCorporation/ | Twitter : https://twitter.com/TOYOTA_PR/ | Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/user/toyotajpchannel/ | Linkedin : https://linkedin.com/company/toyota

All-New Triton Confirmed as First Double-Cab Pickup Truck to Achieve 2024 Five-Star ANCAP Safety Rating

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Official Release
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TOKYO, Apr 18, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that the all-new Triton(1) one-ton pickup truck has earned a maximum five-star rating(2) in the 2024 ANCAP(3), which evaluates the overall safety performance of new vehicles in Australia and New Zealand, as the first double-cab pickup to receive the highest rating in the current 2023-2025 protocols.

In December 2023, the all-new Triton also achieved a five-star safety rating in the 2023 ASEAN NCAP(4), a comprehensive safety performance assessment for new vehicles in the ASEAN region.

Mitsubishi Motors remains committed to its safety philosophy of achieving a mobility society with zero traffic accidents through continued efforts to develop safety technologies and to spread knowledge about traffic safety.

The all-new Triton adopts the high-rigidity RISE(5) body that both absorbs energy and minimizes cabin deformation in the event of a crash, as well as seatbelts and eight SRS airbags(6) designed to provide high levels of occupant protection. To ensure preventive safety performance, safety features such as Active Stability Control (ASC) that prevents skidding and Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM) with cyclist and pedestrian detection are also standard equipped on all models.

The all-new Triton is Mitsubishi Motors’ one-ton pickup truck that traces its roots back to the Forte launched in 1978. In the 45 years since, about 5.7 million units have been produced over five generations and sold in approximately 150 countries around the world, making it one of Mitsubishi Motors’ global strategic vehicles.

Developed under the product concept of “Power for Adventure,” the all-new Triton features a complete overhaul of everything from the interior and exterior design to the chassis, ladder frame and engine. It was first launched in Thailand – where its production site is located – in July 2023, followed by the Philippines in January, Japan in February, and Australia and New Zealand in March. The all-new Triton will debut sequentially in approximately 100 countries around the world.

(1) Sold as L200 in some markets
(2) Applicable to all 2WD and 4WD double-cab variants
(3) Australasian New Car Assessment Program
(4) New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries
(5) Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution
(6) Equipped depending on body type and trim level

News URL: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/90335/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/MitsubishiMotors.en | Twitter : https://twitter.com/mitsucars?lang=en | Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/user/MitsubishiMotorsAd | Linkedin : https://ph.linkedin.com/company/mitsubishi-motors

What to Expect During Your Auto Glass Repair in Lincoln, CA

By
SM
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Photo on Unsplash

If you need auto glass repair in Lincoln, CA, knowing what to expect during the process is essential. Whether you require a Lincoln windshield or a Lincoln window repair, understanding the steps involved can help you prepare for a smooth and efficient experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the auto glass repair process from start to finish.

Finding a Reliable Auto Glass Repair Service in Lincoln, CA

The first step in your auto glass repair journey is to find a trustworthy and experienced service provider. When searching for a company that offers auto glass repair in Lincoln, CA, consider the following factors:

  • Reputation and customer reviews
  • Certifications and industry affiliations
  • Experience and expertise
  • Warranty and guarantee policies

Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Glass Repair Service

  • Research online and read customer reviews
  • Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or local auto shops
  • Verify the company’s licensing and insurance
  • Inquire about their experience with your specific vehicle make and model

Scheduling Your Lincoln Windshield Repair or Window Repair

Once you’ve selected a reputable auto glass repair service in Lincoln, CA, it’s time to schedule your appointment. Most companies offer convenient online booking or phone reservations. When scheduling your Lincoln windshield repair or Lincoln window repair, provide the following information:

  • Vehicle make, model, and year
  • Type of glass damage (e.g., chip, crack, or shatter)
  • Location and size of the damage
  • Preferred date and time for the repair

Preparing for Your Auto Glass Repair Appointment

  • Clear your schedule to ensure you have enough time for the repair
  • Clean out your vehicle, especially the area around the damaged glass
  • Inform the repair technician of any special requirements or concerns

The Auto Glass Repair Process

When you arrive for your auto glass repair in Lincoln, CA, a certified technician will assess the damage and determine the best course of action. Here’s what you can expect during the repair process:

Lincoln Windshield Repair

  1. Cleaning the damaged area
  2. Injecting a special resin into the chip or crack
  3. Curing the resin using UV light
  4. Polishing the repaired area to restore clarity

Lincoln Window Repair

  1. Removing the damaged glass
  2. Cleaning and preparing the window frame
  3. Installing a new glass piece
  4. Sealing and curing the adhesive
  5. Testing the window for proper functionality

Post-Repair Care and Maintenance

After your Lincoln windshield repair or Lincoln window repair, the technician will provide you with post-repair care instructions. These may include:

  • Allowing the adhesive to cure fully before driving or washing your vehicle
  • Avoiding slamming doors or putting stress on the repaired glass
  • Scheduling follow-up appointments if necessary

How long does an auto glass repair take in Lincoln, CA?

The duration of an auto glass repair in Lincoln, CA, depends on the extent of the damage and the type of repair required. A windshield repair can typically be completed in 30 to 60 minutes for minor chips and cracks. However, if the damage is more extensive or a full windshield replacement is necessary, the process may take 1 to 2 hours. The repair time also varies based on the make and model of your vehicle and the technician’s experience.

Is it safe to drive with a cracked windshield in Lincoln, CA?

Driving with a cracked windshield in Lincoln, CA, can be dangerous and is not recommended. Even a small crack can impair your visibility and compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle. In an accident, a damaged windshield may not provide the necessary protection, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, California law requires drivers to maintain their vehicles in a safe condition, which includes repairing or replacing damaged windshields.

Will my insurance cover the cost of auto glass repair in Lincoln, CA?

Many insurance policies offer coverage for auto glass repair in Lincoln, CA, but the specifics depend on your policy and the cause of the damage. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance will likely cover the repair cost, subject to your deductible. However, your collision coverage would apply if the damage is due to a collision. It’s best to contact your insurance provider to discuss your specific situation and determine your coverage options.

Can I repair my own windshield in Lincoln, CA?

While DIY windshield repair kits are available, attempting to repair your windshield in Lincoln, CA, is not advisable. Proper auto glass repair requires specialized tools, materials, and expertise to ensure a safe and lasting repair. Improper techniques or materials can lead to further damage or compromise the integrity of your windshield. It’s always best to entrust your auto glass repair to a certified and experienced professional in Lincoln, CA.

How can I prevent auto glass damage in Lincoln, CA?

To minimize the risk of auto glass damage in Lincoln, CA, consider the following preventive measures:

  • Maintain a safe following distance to reduce the likelihood of rocks or debris hitting your windshield.
  • Avoid parking under trees or where falling objects may strike your vehicle.
  • Address minor chips and cracks promptly to prevent them from spreading.
  • Use a windshield cover during extreme weather conditions, such as hail or severe storms.
  • Be cautious when loading or unloading items near your vehicle to prevent accidental impacts.

By taking these precautions and promptly addressing any auto glass damage, you can help extend the life of your windshield and ensure a safer driving experience in Lincoln, CA.

Conclusion

Understanding what to expect during your auto glass repair in Lincoln, CA, can ensure a positive experience and a properly restored vehicle. Whether you need a Lincoln windshield repair or a Lincoln window repair, choosing a reliable service provider and following their guidance will help you get back on the road safely and confidently.

Can you get finance for a high-performance car in Australia?

By
SM
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Photo by Brandon Atchison on Unsplash

Australia is built on muscle and dust and our love of high-performance cars is part of that rugged, thrill-seeking culture. Though the locally made HSV vs FPV (RIP!) debate is a relic of the past, Aussie petrolheads are casting their eyes overseas for sports-tuned, race spec cars from the United States, Japan, and Europe.

Though we may be car enthusiasts, we also sometimes need the deep pockets to match. So can you obtain finance for a high-performance car in Australia? What do you need to know about importing exotic vehicles? Is it worth the cost, especially when modifications need to be sourced from overseas? What about taxes and duties?

Sourcing the car of your dreams

Let’s say you have your heart set on a certain model – a Lamborghini Huracan, Mitsubishi Lancer EVO, or something high end, slick, and the envy of everyone in the car club. 

If your car is less than 25 years old, it needs to be listed on the Australian Government’s Special Enthusiast Car Register to be eligible to be imported. There are no restrictions on enthusiast vehicles over the age of 25 years.

Importing a car from overseas is a wild and often confusing mix of factors. Buying a Cadillac in Tokyo will add a premium over buying one in New York; a Rolls-Royce Ghost costs US$279,390 in London yet US$455,829 in Sydney. You may think, “Great! I’ll just import it from London and save a bundle!” However, this may not end up being the case.

Delivery, taxes, and fees

Once you have registered with ROVER, you will need to pay an application fee to join the register. You’ll also need to gain approval from the Department, which may impose certain use conditions.

You’ll have to arrange a deep steam clean on the exterior and interior to comply with quarantine rules, as well as removal of air-conditioning gas. You’ll then have to lodge an import declaration, customs duty, GST, Luxury Car Tax, and arrange for modification of the vehicle post-delivery if the department deems it necessary. Costs to physically import a vehicle can range from $3,000 in Asia to $5,000 in Europe for roll-on/roll-off shipping, doubling that amount if you choose a specialised shipping container.

After landfall, you can’t drive it home yet: you’ll have to apply for entry on the Register of Approved Vehicles and apply for State or Territory vehicle registration. 

Financing your high-performance car

If you are looking to finance your high-performance car import, you should talk to an automotive finance broker first, especially if they have specialist enthusiast or personal loans for these circumstances. Of course, you should set a budget and temper your expectations for a loan amount, as there are high risks involved in importing vehicles – as well as currency conversions which can sometimes go the other way. Doing your research and ensuring compliance with the rules and regulations can help you make a smooth and trouble-free transaction, and help you get behind the wheel of a supercar sooner!

5 Memorable NBA Scoring Streaks That Made History

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SM
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Extraordinary scoring streaks have produced some of the most memorable and electrifying moments in the famous history of the NBA. When teams embark on these unbelievable offensive runs, firing on all cylinders for extended periods, fans are treated to spectacular entertainment while unforgettable memories are created.  

These remarkable streaks are powerful testaments to the teams’ and players’ phenomenal abilities, relentless tenacity, and cunning tactics. Players exhibit their virtuoso skills throughout these stunning streaks, often shattering preconceived notions about the limits of possibility in basketball. In NBA lore, these jaw-dropping displays of talent frequently elevate players and teams to legendary status.

Future generations of basketball stars are inspired to replicate the thrill and excitement generated by scoring streaks, which also deeply resonate with viewers. This article will examine five extraordinary NBA scoring streaks that have profoundly impacted basketball history. Though years have passed, these magical runs’ incomparable artistry and spirit endure.

1. Los Angeles Lakers: 33 Consecutive Wins (1971-1972)

The 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers team produced an extraordinarily dominant season, concluding the regular season with 69 victories against just 13 losses. However, this formidable squad will be best remembered for an astonishing 33-game winning streak, an achievement of sheer brilliance that will likely remain unmatched, looking at the NBA scores today 2022.

As one may anticipate from such a juggernaut team, the 1971-72 Lakers possessed the league’s highest-scoring offense, averaging 121 points per game while surrendering 108.7 points on defense. The legendary Wilt Chamberlain commanded the paint on both ends, averaging over 19 rebounds per contest. 

The genesis of the 33-game winning run traces back to November 5, 1971, when the Lakers halted a two-game skid by grinding out a close 110-106 victory over the Baltimore Bullets. This hard-fought win reignited the team’s spirit. As the new year emerged, the Lakers remained entrenched in their winning ways, unfurling one phenomenal performance after another.

January 9, 1972, proved a pivotal date, as the Lakers extended their streak to an unprecedented 33 consecutive wins by trouncing the Atlanta Hawks 134-90. However, their next contest presented a steep challenge – a taxing road matchup against the formidable Milwaukee Bucks amidst a grueling 6-game road swing. The Lakers understood an immense effort would be required to push the streak to an astonishing 34 straight victories. That night, the Lakers lacked their trademark verve, converting just 35 of 89 field goal attempts. The streak had finally ended, but its legend had just begun.

Every franchise has some fascinating facts from the past that you can uncover by revisiting iconic moments and lesser-known stories. Sports fans interested in history like to use a random NBA team generator and explore achievements, rivalries, and turning points they may not have followed closely before. This approach makes learning about the league’s past feel more interactive and less predictable. It also encourages appreciation for teams and eras beyond personal favorites.

2. Miami Heat: 27 Consecutive Wins (2013)

In 2013, the Miami Heat embarked on an extraordinary journey, forging a 27-game winning streak. This achievement stands as the second longest in NBA history for a single season, falling only shy of the legendary 33-game run by the 1971–72 Lakers. This streak vibrantly illustrated the Heat’s prowess in seizing dramatic victories from the clutches of potential defeat, capturing a brief yet iconic era in NBA histories: the era of the Miami Heat.

Within the streak, the most enduring moments featured LeBron James embarking on a historic six-game stretch of amassing 30+ points while shooting at an exceptional 60% and several nail-biting contests where the Heat edged past opponents in clutch moments.

This memorable chapter in NBA history concluded when the Chicago Bulls, under the guidance of Tom Thibodeau, halted the Heat’s streak. Although the Heat proceeded to clinch the NBA championship, their assertion of being the epitome of greatness in NBA history faced challenges, especially from the Indiana Pacers. Moreover, their victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals was a hard-fought triumph.

3. Golden State Warriors: 24-0 Start (2015-2016)

In the 2015-2016 NBA season, the Golden State Warriors embarked on a remarkable journey as defending champions with something to prove.

Their season began with the absence of head coach Steve Kerr, who was sidelined due to devastating migraines from back surgery. Assistant coach Luke Walton assumed command in his place, and the Warriors responded with a resounding flourish. A remarkable 24-game winning streak was set into motion, propelled by the electric partnership of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Astonishingly, they breached the 100-point mark in every game, carrying the weight of invincible champions.

The streak eventually met its end on December 12, succumbing to the Milwaukee Bucks (108-95), yet it obliterated the NBA record for the most undefeated games to start a season, a distinction previously shared by the Houston Rockets and Washington Capitols at 15-0.

Despite the end of the streak, the Warriors continued their reign. Upon Kerr’s return after 43 games, they stood at the league’s summit with a 39-4 record, placing the iconic 72-win landmark set by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls within reach.

4. Houston Rockets: 22 Consecutive Wins (2007-2008)

In the 2007-08 NBA season, the Houston Rockets achieved an impressive 22-game winning streak, which stood as the pinnacle of consecutive victories in the modern NBA era until the Miami Heat surpassed it with 27 wins in the 2012-13 season. Some even argue that the Rockets’ streak was more remarkable than Miami’s.

Everything they overcame made the Rockets’ 22-game streak so special. The Rockets faced major challenges, unlike the star-studded Miami Heat squad led by LeBron. Their 7-foot-6 All-Star center, Yao Ming, was sidelined with injuries for almost half of the games during the streak. He eventually had season-ending surgery just 12 games into it.

But even with Yao out, the Rockets just kept rolling. They won 10 more games before the streak finally ended on March 18, 2008 – exactly 50 days after it started on January 29. The Rockets dominated even in those last ten games without their star big man. They won by an average of 14.5 points before the incredible run ended with a 94-74 loss against the Boston Celtics. Overcoming the adversity and winning 22 straight without their best player is what made this streak truly remarkable.

5. Milwaukee Bucks: 20 Consecutive Wins (1970-71)

The 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks went on an unbelievable tear, winning a franchise-record 20 straight games. This epic run was powered by basketball legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson, the cornerstones of the Bucks’ dominance that season. The 20-game streak ultimately propelled them to win their first-ever NBA championship – a historic feat for the young franchise.  

For over a month during that storied 1970-71 season, the Milwaukee Bucks appeared unstoppable. They reeled off consecutive victories, commencing with a 111-105 triumph over the San Francisco Warriors on February 6. The Bucks proceeded to steamroll opponents, amassing win after win in dominant fashion. 

It was a truly astounding run of excellence. The Bucks did not taste defeat for 20 straight games, remaining unblemished for over a month. Imagine sustaining such dizzying success for so long. Those 20 consecutive wins were a sight to behold.

The streak finally concluded on March 9 in a thrilling, down-to-the-wire affair against the Chicago Bulls. Though the streak was snapped, those 20 victories exemplified the Bucks at the peak of their powers.

Led by legendary figures Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson, the Bucks displayed pristine basketball through that stretch. It represented some of the finest play in Milwaukee’s history. This 20-game run paved the way for the franchise’s maiden NBA title later that storied season. It was a period of dominance that shall be forever remembered amongst the annals of Bucks lore.

Final Remarks

The NBA team scoring streaks show how good teamwork and determination help achieve big things. They are imprinted into the memory of basketball enthusiasts and are a source of inspiration for teams striving for greatness.

TEAM CHEVY NASCAR RACE ADVANCE: Talladega Superspeedway

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Official Release
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TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE: TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY
Lincoln, Alabama
April 20-21, 2024

DOUBLEHEADER AT ‘DEGA

Coming off yet another tripleheader sweep, Chevrolet’s drivers and teams in the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) will head to Talladega Superspeedway this weekend to embark on their third superspeedway race of the season. The Bowtie brand sits undefeated in superspeedway-style racing this season, with the manufacturer sweeping the wins across all three NASCAR national series at Daytona International Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway in February.

 
CHEVROLET IN THE NASCAR CUP SERIES AT TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY

Sunday’s GEICO 500 will mark the NASCAR Cup Series’ 110th race held at Talladega Superspeedway. Chevrolet holds the title as the winningest manufacturer in series’ history at the 2.66-mile Alabama venue, with Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch taking the Bowtie brand to its 44th all-time NCS victory at the track one year ago.

The Bowtie brand’s first trip to victory lane at Talladega Superspeedway came with Darrell Waltrip and the No. 88 DiGard Racing Chevrolet in May 1977. A big piece of Chevrolet’s winning legacy at the Alabama superspeedway started in April 1999 when Dale Earnhardt, Sr., drove the famed No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet to victory lane – starting an impressive run that saw the manufacturer reel-off 17 wins in 18 races.

Chevrolet has lived up to its winning ways at Talladega Superspeedway during the Next Gen era, with the manufacturer owning wins in three of the four races held at the Alabama superspeedway since the debut of the Next Gen cars at the beginning of the 2022 season. Each victory was earned by a driver from a different Chevrolet organization, including Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain (April 2022), Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott (Oct. 2022) and Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch (April 2023).

Ross Chastain

No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Apr. 24, 2022

Chase Elliott

No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Oct. 2, 2022

Kyle Busch

No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Apr. 23, 2023

SUPERSPEEDWAY STUNNERS

Chevrolet has undeniably been the manufacturer to beat on superspeedway-style tracks during NASCAR’s Next Gen era. Since the debut of the Next Gen car at the beginning of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, Chevrolet has earned a winning percentage of 71.4% on superspeedways with 10 victories in 14 races. The Bowtie brand enters the weekend with back-to-back superspeedway victories in NASCAR’s premier series this season, with wins courtesy of Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron (Daytona International Speedway) and Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suarez (Atlanta Motor Speedway).

NASCAR Next Gen Era – Superspeedway Winners

Daytona (Feb. 20, 2022) – Austin Cindric (Ford)

Atlanta (March 20, 2022) – William Byron (Chevrolet)

Talladega (April 24, 2022) – Ross Chastain (Chevrolet)

Atlanta (July 10, 2022) – Chase Elliott (Chevrolet)

Daytona (Aug. 29, 2022) – Austin Dillon (Chevrolet)

Talladega (Oct. 2, 2022) – Chase Elliott (Chevrolet)

Daytona (Feb. 19, 2023) – Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (Chevrolet)

Atlanta (March 19, 2023) – Joey Logano (Ford)

Talladega (April 23, 2023) – Kyle Busch (Chevrolet)

Atlanta (July 9, 2023) – William Byron (Chevrolet)

Daytona (Aug. 26, 2023) – Chris Buescher (Ford)

Talladega (Oct. 1, 2023) – Ryan Blaney (Ford)

Daytona (Feb. 19, 2024) – William Byron (Chevrolet)

Atlanta (Feb. 25, 2024) – Daniel Suarez (Chevrolet)

Suarez became the seventh different Team Chevy driver to reach victory lane at a superspeedway-style track in NASCAR’s Next Gen era, with his victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway delivering the Next Gen Camaro ZL1 its 10th superspeedway triumph.

Among those victories, Chevrolet earned no worse than four top-10 finishes in each event – including a manufacturer-leading six top-10s on three different occasions (Atlanta – March 2022; Talladega – April 2022; Atlanta – July 2023) and five top-10s twice (Atlanta – July 2022; Daytona – Feb. 2023).

EYEING DOUBLE-DIGIT ‘DEGA STREAK

Chevrolet is on the horizon of a double-digit win streak in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Talladega Superspeedway. Heading into Saturday’s Ag-Pro 300, the Bowtie brand is sitting at nine-straight NXS victories at the 2.66-mile Alabama venue – a streak that started with a victory by Spencer Gallagher and GMS Racing in April 2018. Within the last six years, seven different drivers have carried the Bowtie brand to victory lane in the series at the track – including two of Team Chevy’s current NXS full-time contenders (AJ Allmendinger – Oct. 2022; Jeb Burton – April 2023).

In the series’ 35-race history at Talladega Superspeedway, Chevrolet has earned a winning percentage of 65.7% with 23 all-time victories at the track – more than double its current manufacturer competitors combined.

AJ Allmendinger

No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

Oct. 1, 2022

Jeb Burton

No. 27 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet

Apr. 22, 2023

BY THE NUMBERS:

Since the beginning of the 2021 season, the NXS has contested 17 races on superspeedway-style venues, with the Bowtie brand earning 14 victories within that time span. Eight drivers from six different Chevrolet organizations contributed to those victories, led by Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill with six NXS superspeedway wins – including Daytona International Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway in February to start the 2024 season.

NXS Superspeedway Winners (Since 2021)

Daytona (Feb. 13, 2021) – Austin Cindric (Ford)

Talladega (April 24, 2021) – Jeb Burton

Daytona (Aug. 28, 2021) – Justin Haley

Talladega (Oct. 2, 2021) – Brandon Brown

Daytona (Feb. 19, 2022) – Austin Hill

Atlanta (March 19, 2022) – Ty Gibbs (Toyota)

Talladega (April 23, 2022) – Noah Gragson

Atlanta (July 9, 2022) – Austin Hill

Daytona (Aug. 26, 2022) – Jeremy Clements

Talladega (Oct. 1, 2022) – AJ Allmendinger

Daytona (Feb. 19, 2023) – Austin Hill

Atlanta (March 3, 2023) – Austin Hill

Talladega (April 22, 2023) – Jeb Burton

Atlanta (July 8, 2023) – John H. Nemechek (Toyota)

Daytona (Aug. 25, 2023) – Justin Allgaier

Daytona (Feb. 19, 2024) – Austin Hill

Atlanta (Feb. 24, 2024) – Austin Hill

TRIO OF TRIPLEHEADER TRIUMPHS

Chevrolet tallied yet another tripleheader sweep last weekend with victories at Texas Motor Speedway by three different organizations: Chase Elliott (No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1) in the NASCAR Cup Series; Sam Mayer (No. 1 JR Motorsports Camaro SS) in the NASCAR Xfinity Series; and Kyle Busch (No. 7 Spire Motorsports Silverado RST) in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Already the only manufacturer to accomplish the feat this season, the Texas trio of triumphs marks the Bowtie brand’s third weekend sweep when all three NASCAR national series are contesting on the same weekend.

The victories were celebrated by an overall near dominate performance by Chevrolet drivers at the 1.5-mile Texas oval – with the manufacturer also claiming the pole, sweeping the stages and leading the most laps in all three events.

In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series:

Race Win: Kyle Busch
Pole Win: Nick Sanchez
Stage Sweep: Kyle Busch
Laps Led: Team Chevy Drivers led all 167-laps of the event (Kyle Busch – 112 laps; Christian Eckes – 31 laps; Nick Sanchez – 16 laps; Zane Smith – eight laps)

In the NASCAR Xfinity Series:

Race Win: Sam Mayer
Pole Win: Jesse Love
Stage Sweep: Justin Allgaier
Laps Led: Team Chevy drivers led 154 of 200-laps (Justin Allgaier – 117 laps; Austin Hill – 25 laps; Sam Mayer – fives laps; Parker Kligerman – four laps; Brandon Jones – two laps; Jesse Love – one lap)

In the NASCAR Cup Series:

Race Win: Chase Elliott
Pole Win: Kyle Larson
Stage Sweep: Kyle Larson (Stage One) and Ross Chastain (Stage Two)
Laps Led: Team Chevy drivers led 150 of 276-laps (Kyle Larson – 77 laps; Chase Elliott – 39 laps; Ross Chastain – 33 laps; Austin Hill – one lap).
 
BOWTIE BULLETS:

· With 24 races complete across NASCAR’s three national series this season, Chevrolet has a winning percentage of 66.7% with 16 victories (NASCAR Cup Series – six wins; NASCAR Xfinity Series – four wins; NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – six wins).

· Chevrolet is the only manufacturer to accomplish a tripleheader weekend sweep in the NASCAR national ranks this season, with the Bowtie brand earning its third tripleheader sweep at Texas Motor Speedway last weekend.

· Active Chevrolet drivers with a NASCAR Cup Series win at Talladega Superspeedway:

Kyle Busch – two wins (2023 & 2008)

Chase Elliott – two wins (2022 & 2019)

Ross Chastain – one win (2022)

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – one win (2017)

· In 109 NASCAR Cup Series races at Talladega Superspeedway, Chevrolet has recorded a series-leading 44 victories – including three of the four events since the competition debut of the Next Gen cars (Ross Chastain – April 2022; Chase Elliott – Oct. 2022; and Kyle Busch – April 2023).

· In NASCAR’s Next Gen era, Chevrolet has recorded 10 victories in 14 NASCAR Cup Series superspeedway races – recorded by seven drivers from four different Chevrolet organizations.

· Team Chevy’s William Byron is the only driver to have a double-digit win record in the NASCAR Cup Series’ Next Gen era – with his victory at Martinsville Speedway marking his 11th all-time victory in the Next Gen Camaro ZL1.

· In 81 points-paying races in the Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 43 victories – a winning percentage of 53%.

· Within the first three points-paying races of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series races season, each Chevrolet organization had already recorded at least one top-10 finish.

· With its 42 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Championships, 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver Championships, and 857 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

Manufacturer Points Standings

Chevrolet: 338
Toyota: 322 (-16)
Ford: 297 (-41)

Manufacturer Points Standings

Chevrolet: 295
Toyota: 294 (-1)
Ford: 244 (-51)

Manufacturer Points Standings

Chevrolet: 273
Toyota: 240 (-33)
Ford: 224 (-49)
 
TUNE-IN:

NASCAR Cup Series

GEICO 500

Sunday, April 21, at 3 p.m. ET

(FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

NASCAR Xfinity Series

Ag-Pro 300

Saturday, April 20, at 4 pm. ET

(FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

 
QUOTABLE QUOTES:

ROSS CHASTAIN, NO. 1 JOCKEY OUTDOORS BY LUKE BRYAN CAMARO ZL1

How do you feel heading to Talladega?

“(Laughs) Fine. There’s a lot of one-time winners at that track and I’m in that group, but a lot more wrecks and hurt feelings leaving there and last fall stings really hard. I made an aggressive move and crashed in Stage 1. I want to be running at the end and then we’ll race it out.”

Bubba Wallace said that once he had the mindset of enjoying superspeedway racing that his performance improved. How do you fall into that group? Do you enjoy racing in close quarters?

“I do. In the Truck Series I was the same way; I was so nervous and just trying to survive and I would ride in the back and then I would go race at the end and then I would get torn up. I finally just decided that when I got to a team that was okay with me crashing…that was the other thing, I drove for teams that didn’t want me to crash because that was their opportunity to make money if you could just finish the race – so when I got to the Xfinity Series and the 10 car, they told me to go win and it doesn’t matter if you crash it or not. I’ve crashed a lot on superspeedways but I also have two superspeedway wins (Xfinity and Cup). Not a great percentage but the two wins do go a long way. Yes, I had a mindset change and I agree with Darrell (Bubba) that it makes the week a lot more enjoyable versus dreading going into it.”

AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 BASS PRO SHOPS CAMARO ZL1

Talk about racing at Talladega Superspeedway. What kind of race do you expect we will see at Talladega Superspeedway?

“You can do certain things throughout that race to put yourself in a better position, but it’s one of those tracks you go into knowing that there’s probably a 75 percent chance that you could be in a wreck. You have to take that 25 percent and make it yours. I have Talladega Superspeedway circled on my calendar. I love racing there and I can’t wait to get on track in the Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Off-Road Chevrolet Camaro. Talladega Superspeedway is a little bit different real estate than Daytona International Speedway. At Daytona, you’re packed in there and it’s hard to get to someone’s inside or outside, and there is less movement in the draft. At Talladega, there’s a lot of movement in the draft, the packs are big and wide, and with the way this package works, there is more two-lane racing around the bottom. It’s going to be interesting to see if we can make that third lane work at some point and move around. You’re kind of holding on at times waiting to see what happens. Everybody is pushing, and you’re hoping you can get through the mess.”

COREY LAJOIE, NO. 7 GAINBRIDGE CAMARO ZL1

You’ve had Talladega circled on your calendar since last October. After a tough stretch of races, you’ve got to be eager to see the green flag on Sunday.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back in the Gainbridge Chevrolet this weekend. We’re looking to keep up the momentum we’ve had on superspeedways, so it’s time to shake that monkey off our backs and put together a solid finish like we all know our team is capable of.”

KYLE BUSCH, NO. 8 CHEDDAR’S SCRATCH KITCHEN CAMARO ZL1

How cool was it to win a fuel mileage race last year at Talladega?

“Winning is always cool. You strive to get to victory lane every single weekend and celebrate with your team and it’s great when you get there. I’ve not been known as a great speedway racer, so it was especially gratifying to score the win at Talladega, my first there since 2008.”

Do you anticipate the same kind of race at Talladega that we saw in the Daytona 500 back in February?

“I do think we will see similar racing as we did in Daytona with guys trying to modulate their fuel consumption as best as they can to minimize their time on pit road and make their next stop as short as possible.”

You won a Talladega last spring and ran well at both Daytona and Atlanta earlier this season. Does that give you any optimism entering Talladega?

“There’s definitely some optimism entering the speedway races with RCR. Both ECR and RCR have been strong at the restrictor plate races for as long as I can remember and it’s nice when we can continue that trend like we have last year and again this year.”

DANIEL HEMRIC, NO. 31 CIRKUL CAMARO ZL1

“Talladega is the place that we all feel like we have equal opportunity. That style of racing has changed, as we learned back in Daytona, especially fuel saving with this car. Our No. 31 Cirkul car was really strong in the first superspeedway race of the year, so I’m excited to get there. I’m also really pumped up to have Cirkul back on the car and hosting them this weekend. Hopefully we can put on good show for them.”

ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1

Bowman on racing at Talladega Superspeedway:

“Things certainly didn’t go as planned last weekend Texas (Motor Speedway), but our team turns to Talladega (Superspeedway) hungry for a strong finish. Our Ally racing team has certainly seen some good finishes this season and we’re ready to get back on track and compete for another (one). At Daytona (Superspeedway) we were really close to a win, and that’s what we want. Our No. 48 team has shown we have what it takes to perform well, we just need all the pieces to come together. You never know what’s going to happen at these superspeedways, but hopefully we can work as a team to come out good at the end of it Sunday.”

BLAKE HARRIS, CREW CHIEF, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1

Harris on racing at Talladega Superspeedway:

“I think the superspeedway races have been kind of solid for us honestly- even last year when things weren’t going so well. As a company, I feel like Hendrick Motorsports is able to run well working together amongst our teammates at drafting tracks. Our No. 48 Ally racing team expects to bring another fast chevy to Talladega (Superspeedway), just like we did at Daytona (International Speedway).

ZANE SMITH, NO. 71 FOCUSED HEALTH CAMARO ZL1

How do you feel after that great run at Texas Motor Speedway?

“I told my team that was the best car we’ve had all year. It’s a bummer that the result doesn’t match the day that we had. It felt great to run and compete in the top five for part of the race and it was just a solid day, in general. Unfortunately, we were on the other side of luck during that late restart. Overall, I’m super proud of my team. That was the boost we needed. I’m looking forward to Talladega.”

CARSON HOCEVAR, NO. 77 ZEIGLER AUTO GROUP CAMARO ZL1

What is the key to a good day at Talladega?

“Of course, the thing is just surviving to the end. I felt like we did a good job with that in Texas and with the Duels at Daytona. Obviously, the Daytona 500 was a different story but I feel like we did everything we possibly could there. I am going try to be a good citizen and help people when I can and, hopefully, people will help me out when they can. We just want to be on the right end of it at the end of the race.”

How do you feel going into this week’s race after your first top-10 finish?

“I feel pretty good. I wish we could take advantage of the metric for qualifying and be able to qualify later, but Talladega is obviously a little different. I am excited to build on that finish and have some positive momentum, especially with Zeigler Auto Group coming on for their first full primary of the year.”

DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 TOOTSIES ORCHID LOUNGE CAMARO ZL1

How would you assess Trackhouse so far?

“We are top five and top-10 on the mile and a half and road courses. The short tracks are where we have the most work to do. I feel like we are just outside the top-10. Hopefully we can close that gap in the next couple of months.”

Are you looking forward to Talladega?

“Honestly, I’m the kind of guy that is looking forward to the next race regardless of where we are racing whether it is on dirt or a superspeedway. I feel like that’s the mentality you have to have. I have learned that if you hate something you will suck at it forever, so you have to change your mindset. In Daytona we ran well, scoring points in every stage including the Duels. I think our Tootsie’s Chevrolet will be just as quick Sunday in Talladega.”

 
Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics

Manufacturers Championships:

Total (1949-2023): 42

First title for Chevrolet: 1958

Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)

Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023

Drivers Championships:

Total (1949-2021): 33

First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)

Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)

Most Recent: Kyle Larson (2021)

Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021

Event Victories:

Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)

2024 STATISTICS:

Wins: 6

Poles: 4

Laps Led: 992

Top-five finishes: 19

Top-10 finishes: 33

Stage wins: 7

· Chase Elliott: 1

· Kyle Larson: 5

· Ross Chastain: 1

CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:

Total Chevrolet race wins: 857 (1949 to date)

Poles won to date: 747

Laps led to date: 250,167

Top-five finishes to date: 4,317

Top-10 finishes to date: 8,894

Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:

       General Motors: 1,191

       Chevrolet: 857

       Pontiac: 154

       Oldsmobile: 115

       Buick: 65



       Ford: 828                                                           

       Ford: 728

       Mercury: 96

       Lincoln: 4



       Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467

       Dodge: 217

       Plymouth: 191

       Chrysler: 59



       Toyota: 183

 

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

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