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The NASCAR Foundation to Host Second-Annual NASCAR Day Giveathon

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Official Release
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The 37-hour online giving event begins May 14, 2024
Nonprofits are encouraged to register as participants now at NASCARdaygiveathon.org

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 16, 2024) – NASCAR and The NASCAR Foundation, are teaming up to host a 37-hour online giving event to raise funds for nonprofits across the country.

The Giveathon will begin Tuesday, May 14 at 8:00 a.m. ET and go until 9:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 15. Officially known as “the NASCAR Day Giveathon,” the entire giving period will feature a multitude of bonus grants and matching gift donations for nonprofit organizations as well as commemorative prizes/memorabilia for donors. Nonprofit registration is still available until May 1, 2024, at NASCARdaygiveathon.org.

The NASCAR Foundation will work with organizations in the weeks approaching the Giveathon to increase awareness of this national movement across the extensive network of passionate NASCAR fans.

“We are thrilled to bring the NASCAR Day Giveathon back for a second year,” said Nichole Krieger, Vice President and Executive Director of The NASCAR Foundation. “It’s always heartwarming to see what our NASCAR industry can accomplish when we all come together for the greater good. We’re excited to build upon the success of last year’s campaign to make an even greater impact on the communities where we live, work and race.”

Contributions will be accepted online throughout the entire 37-hour window, with donors designating their funds towards their charities of choice from the list of participating organizations. The Giveathon will also feature bonus grants and matching gift donations for nonprofit organizations as well as T-shirts and memorabilia items as incentives for donors.   

  • NASCAR and Kaulig Giving, will randomly award two (2) $500 bonus grants every hour during the 37-hour window to charities who receive at least one $25 donation during that hour. Kaulig Giving is the philanthropic arm of Kaulig Companies and focuses on the wellbeing of children and families through charitable giving, community involvement, and partnerships with like-minded nonprofits.  
  • Matching gift donations are made possible by the generosity of Giveathon sponsors, including NASCAR, Kaulig Giving, Jeep Beach, First Nation Group and Borkan Skahill. Matching donations will be matched up to $500 per gift on May 15 during the following hours.
8:00 AMNASCAR$10,000 Match
9:00 AMKaulig Giving$10,000 Match
10:00 AMJeep Beach$10,000 Match
11:00 AMFirst Nation Group
(veterans/military charities)		$10,000 Match
12:00 PMBorkan Skahill$10,000 Match
1:00 PMNASCAR$15,000 Match
2:00 PMKaulig Giving$15,000 Match
3:00 PMJeep Beach$15,000 Match
4:00 PMFirst Nation Group
(veterans/military charities)		$15,000 Match
7:00 PMKaulig Giving$10,000 Match
8:00 PMNASCAR$10,000 Match
  • Donor incentives include the opportunity to be listed on the bed of the Rev Racing Gainbridge No 2. Chevrolet Silverado driven by Nick Sanchez in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at North Wilkesboro on Saturday, May 18; a commemorative Helmet for first 100 donors who contribute $750 or more; a commemorative coin for the first 300 donors of $50 or more; and a commemorative t-shirt for the first 1,500 donors of $75 or more.

To learn more about the NASCAR Day Giveathon, or to register your nonprofit for the event, please visit NASCARDaygiveathon.org.Nonprofit registration closes Monday, May 1.

About The NASCAR Foundation

The NASCAR Foundation is a leading charity that works to improve the lives of children who need it most in NASCAR racing communities through the Speediatrics Children’s Fund and the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The NASCAR Foundation, designated as a 4-Star Charity by Charity Navigator for its strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency, has contributed more than $46 Million to impact the lives of more than 1.7 million children across the country since 2006.

Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents

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SM
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Photo by Chikinbun

According to a study conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC), there were over 13 million motor vehicle incidents in 2021 alone, almost 42% of which were categorized as rear-end collisions. A rear-end accident, also known as “rear-ending” occurs when a vehicle crashes into the back of the vehicle in front of it. These types of accidents can cause severe injury and even death, depending on a number of factors such as vehicle speed. In this article, we will explore some of the most common causes of rear-end accidents.

Distracted Driving

The most common reason that rear-end accidents occur is distracted driving. Distracted driving describes any activity that diverts your attention from the road while driving. An alarming 3,308 people lost their lives to distracted driving in the year 2022. Distracted driving can include:

  • Texting
  • Fixing your radio or navigation
  • Talking on the phone
  • Eating or drinking  
  • Obnoxious and distracting passengers
  • Tending to your pet
  • Assisting your young child(ren)

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is another common cause of rear-end collisions. If you are driving while fatigued, your ability to make split-second decisions and react is greatly hindered. This impaired judgment makes it very likely that you may collide with the vehicle in front of you. Furthermore, if you are fatigued, you should avoid driving and pull over immediately, as the repercussions can be life-altering for you and others on the road.

Drunk Driving

Another common reason that rear-end accidents occur is drunk driving. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious legal offense and can have severe legal repercussions. Any individual who is driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher is subject to receiving a DUI, which is punishable by law. Driving under the influence is incredibly dangerous and, like driving fatigue, it greatly interferes with your ability to react and make quick judgments.

Adverse Weather Conditions

One last common cause of rear-end accidents is adverse weather conditions. Conditions such as heavy snow, thick fog, or intense rain can greatly reduce a driver’s visibility on the road. When driving in these conditions, it is paramount that you keep an increased distance between you and the car in front of you. Keeping an extra distance will provide you with ample opportunity to react in case the car in front of you loses control or slams on their brakes unexpectedly.

What To Do if You Are in a Rear-End AccidentAs you can see, rear-end accidents can be very serious and can result in a myriad of negative outcomes. If you are in a rear-end collision, the first thing you should do is seek medical assistance and call the police. Then, if you can, you will want to document the accident scene by taking pictures and videos of the aftermath. Afterwards, gather the personal contact information of any individuals involved, as well as any witnesses to the crash. Finally, you should seek legal support from a Kent car accident attorney who can help support your legal claim, gather the necessary paperwork, protect your rights, and ensure that you recover the compensation you might be entitled to. Securing legal assistance from an experienced lawyer will help ease the legal burden, allowing you to focus on your road to recovery.

RFK Advance | Talladega I

By
Official Release
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Talladega Event Info:
Date: Sunday, April 21
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Talladega, Alabama
Format: 188 Laps, 500.8 miles, Stages: 60-60-68
TV: FOX
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 10:30 a.m., Qualifying (FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 3 p.m. ET, Race (FOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • Talladega hosts its first of two race dates this weekend as the Cup Series embarks on its third Superspeedway race of the 2024 season.
  • Chris Buescher carries the team’s best Speedway finish of the season thus far – a ninth-place result back in Atlanta in race No. 2 of 2024.
  • In the Talladega spring race a year ago, both RFK cars finished inside the top five with Buescher coming home third and Keselowski fifth.
  • Overall Jack Roush has eight wins at Talladega including five in the Cup Series.

6 Team Info:
Crew Chief: Matt McCall
Partner: Castrol Edge

  • ‘Month of the Military Child,’ an initiative run through Brad’s Checkered Flag Foundation, continues this weekend in Texas. Katherine Kinard will ride along on the No. 6 on the passenger side name rail as part of the campaign meant to recognize a military child’s name during each race in April.
  • Katherine – daughter of Lt. Col. Jonathan Kinard – was born into the Air Force in 2005 and is now on her sixth duty station and seventh school. She spent five of hear 18-year life overseas and will soon enroll at Mississippi State University to study bioengineering.

17 Team Info:
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: Fastenal

Keselowski at Talladega
Starts: 30
Wins: 6 (2009, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2021)
Top-10s: 14
Poles: —

  • Keselowski enters the weekend as the winningest active driver at Talladega with six wins in the NCS, tied for second all-time with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon.
  • Since 2014 Keselowski has four wins – two each in the spring race (2016, 2021) and two each in the fall race (2014, 2017). He’s coming off a fifth-place finish last spring, and crashed in last fall’s event.
  • Keselowski won his first-ever start at Talladega back in 2009 in the No. 09 car, and again won the spring race three years later in 2012.
  • He has an average starting position of 12.1 with 14 starts inside the top-10.
  • Keselowski also made five Xfinity Series starts at Talladega with one win (2010).

Buescher at Talladega
Starts: 17
Wins: —
Top-10s: 3
Poles: —

  • Buescher makes his 18th Cup start on the high banks of Talladega this weekend where he has three top-10s. He’s coming off his best finish to date at Talladega, a P3 result last spring. He finished sixth twice, first in the 2020 spring race, and again in the 2021 fall event.
  • Buescher has an average starting position of 25.5 with a career-best 10th starting spot in this race a year ago.
  • He also made a pair of NXS starts in the No. 60 with finishes of second (2014) and sixth (2015).

RFK Historically at Talladega
Cup Wins: 5 (Mark Martin, 1995, 1997; Jamie McMurray, 2009; Matt Kenseth, 2012; Ricky Stenhouse Jr., 2017)

  • Running Clear Across Alabama: RFK has seen its fair share of success at the Alabama track, amassing 285 starts, eight wins, 46 top-fives and 97 top-10s across NASCAR’s three major touring series. Roush machines have also tallied seven poles, including three in cup action, and have led more than 1500 laps.
  • Winning in Greenbow: RFK has won in all three of NASCAR’s major series at Talladega. The team won its first race at Talladega in the NCS event in the spring of 1995. Former RFK driver Mark Martin won for the organization in all three series at the 2.66-mile oval. Most recently, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. piloted his Fifth Third Bank Ford to victory lane four years ago when the NCS rolled through Talladega for the organization’s eighth win at the historic track.
  • Fastest Chicken in the South: Former RFK driver Mark Martin won the fastest Cup race ever recorded on May 10, 1997 at Talladega piloting the No. 6 Ford. Martin, who held off NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt, started from the 18th position and led 47 laps en route to the victory. The race saw 26 lead changes and had an average speed of 188.354 mph.
  • Tale of the Tape: RFK has started 226 NCS races at Talladega with 80 top-10 and 39 top-five finishes along with three poles. Former drivers Mark Martin (1995, 1997), Jamie McMurray (2009), Matt Kenseth (2012) and Stenhouse are responsible for RFK’s combined five Cup wins and overall a Jack Roush Ford has led 1537 laps at the 2.66-mile track.

RFK Talladega Wins

1995-1 Martin Cup
1997-1 Martin Cup
1997 Martin NXS
2006 Martin Truck
2009 Ragan NXS
2009-2 McMurray Cup
2012-2 Kenseth Cup
2017-1 Stenhouse Cup

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Texas: Keselowski earned a P2 finish in Fort Worth after driving into the top-5 late, while Buescher finished 15th – his sixth-straight top-15 result.

Points Standings (17: 13th, 6: 17th): Buescher remains P13 through nine races, while Keselowski jumped one position to 17th.

Cadillac Racing looking to move up one step

By
Official Release
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Runner-up in two races, teams seek to continue strong efforts at Long Beach

DETROIT (April 16, 2024) – After two races totaling 36 hours, the 100-minute IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race in Long Beach, California, will feel like a Saturday stroll on a city beach.

Cadillac Racing will seek its sixth victory in seven races this week on the 1.968-mile, 11-turn temporary street circuit and manufacturer-leading 30th win in IMSA prototype competition since 2017.

A Cadillac DPi won five consecutive races through 2022 (no event in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic), including podium sweeps in ‘22 and ’21, to extend GM’s victory streak to seven in the event. A Chevrolet Corvette DP won the 2015 and ’16 races.

Following runner-up finishes by both the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R and No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R, in addition to front-row qualifying lockouts, in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) races this season, teams and drivers are primed to occupy the top step in Victory Circle.

“It’s a straightforward race with one pit stop and one driver change, but you have to get it right,” said Sebastien Bourdais, who will share time in the seat with Renger van der Zande.

“Hopefully we can keep the strong performance we had in Sebring and particularly in Daytona where we didn’t get the result but were awfully strong.”

Following runner-up finishes by both the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R and No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R, in addition to front-row qualifying lockouts, in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) races this season, teams and drivers are primed to occupy the top step in Victory Circle.

“It’s a straightforward race with one pit stop and one driver change, but you have to get it right,” said Sebastien Bourdais, who will share time in the seat with Renger van der Zande. “Hopefully we can keep the strong performance we had in Sebring and particularly in Daytona where we didn’t get the result but were awfully strong.”

Bourdais and van der Zande won in 2022 and Bourdais – a 2019 Long Beach Walk of Fame inductee – is a four-time winner on the street circuit. They teamed with Scott Dixon to start and finish second March 16 at Sebring International Raceway.

Cadillac has earned three poles and an additional five front row starts at Long Beach since 2017.

The No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R, co-driven by reigning IMSA GTP champion Pipo Derani and Jack Aitken, has earned the pole in both races and started the season with second place in the 24-hour race at Daytona International Speedway. The hybrid Cadillac racecar was running strong in the first half of the 12-hour race at Sebring before an on-track incident forced its retirement.

“As usual, with any street circuit, qualifying is important if you want to have a good chance to win the race because it’s one of the two shortest races we have in the season. You can help yourself a lot by starting up front,” said Derani, who won at Long Beach in 2021.

USA and Peacock will have flag-to-flag action starting at 4:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, April 20. Peacock and IMSA.TV will stream qualifications at 8 p.m. ET, Saturday, April 19. All sessions will be broadcast on IMSA.com and RadioLeMans.com. SiriusXM will also broadcast the race (Sirius 211, XM 206, Web/App 996).

What they’re saying

No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R

Sebastien Bourdais: “Long Beach is a place that’s been very good to me. I’m always happy to go to Long Beach and be part of that historic event. 2022 was really special, probably one of my top performances although it was created a bit by anger and that little miscue in traffic. I definitely put on a fun race to watch. Last year we struggled to bring the medium tire to temperature, got caught out at the first braking zone and unfortunately having to retire on the spot. That was definitely not a high, but we’ve learned a ton of things over the year now with the GTP. It will be a different tire this year; we’ll be on the soft tire this time so if it gets hot it will be quite a bit of tire management. If it’s overcast and on the cooler side it should be fine. Very different equation tire-wise than last year. Looking forward to the challenge. It’s a straightforward race with one pit stop and one driver change, but you have to get it right. Hopefully we can keep the strong performance we had in Sebring and particularly in Daytona where we didn’t get the result but were awfully strong. Hopefully we can close the gap to the leaders of the championship and get ourselves firmly in the fight.”

Renger van der Zande: “Long Beach is a special one. It has so much of a classic feeling with Formula 1 being there, IndyCar history and great sports car racing. Cadillac has been strong there. If you look at track position, it’s super important. Normally, it’s not easy to overtake on street tracks but Sebastien (Bourdais) has proven that wrong in 2022. He handed me the car in the lead and I was able to win it from there. And we were second the year before. What is very important is the strategy. With cold tires being not easy in this class we need to take that into consideration. I think the team has been on a high level since last year at Petit Le Mans and I think we have a strong package to fight for wins this season. I think you have to take it step by step, focus on the process in each race. I feel very good about it and see what we can do at Long Beach.”

No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R

Pipo Derani: “As usual, with any street circuit, qualifying is important if you want to have a good chance to win the race because it’s one of the two shortest races we have in the season. You can help yourself a lot by starting up front. Hopefully, we can continue our success in qualifying that we’ve had so far this year that will help us in the race. It’s also a race that can flip upside down quickly with yellows, so you need to be on top of your game if you want to maximize your chances. So, hopefully, we can do just that to recover from a difficult race at Sebring and try to do better than we did last year, which was a bit of a risky strategy that did not play out.”

Jack Aitken: “Definitely looking forward to Long Beach. It’s one on the calendar that I picked out at the start of the year as quite a cool challenge. Cadillac being strong there adds to that as well. Being a shorter format race, I’m interested to see if there’s much of a change of the view of traffic and how aggressive people are. With it being a shorter race, it’s about making sure you don’t make any mistakes because time to recover from those is at a premium. I enjoy street circuits, so really looking forward to it.”

Giti Tire is recognized by Walmart as a Giga-Guru

By
SM
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In a recent development, Walmart, known as one of the world’s largest revenue-generating companies, has designated Giti Tire as a “Giga-Guru” in its 2023 Gigaton Survey. This recognition places Giti Tire in the top echelon of Walmart’s suppliers, highlighting its significant contributions towards environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality efforts.

The Gigaton Survey is a part of Walmart’s ambitious Project Gigaton, an initiative aimed at mobilizing its vast network of suppliers towards achieving a collective goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the global value chain by one gigaton — equivalent to one billion metric tons — by the year 2030. Through a detailed questionnaire, Walmart evaluates the sustainability efforts of its suppliers, emphasizing the importance of each contributor’s role in this global environmental campaign.

Giti Tire, a renowned player in the global tire industry, has distinguished itself through its commitment to sustainable practices. The company has established specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to monitor and integrate sustainable operations actively. These efforts have led to significant reductions in its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, underscoring its proactive approach to environmental stewardship.

One of the notable achievements of Giti Tire in its sustainability journey is its ability to prevent the production of more than 80,000 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide equivalents (CO2e). This has been accomplished by implementing innovative recycling strategies and repurposing waste materials generated during its operational processes. Additionally, the company has been actively searching for more sustainable sources of natural rubber, a critical component of its passenger car tires, which further amplifies its commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

Giti Tire has also focused on optimizing the logistics of its supply chain, managing the load and distance of transportation to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. By doing so, the company has managed to reduce its CO2e emissions by approximately 31,000 metric tons, marking a significant step forward in its production line.

In response to the increasing popularity of electric vehicles and the global shift towards more energy-efficient transport solutions, Giti Tire has introduced a line of low rolling resistance tires, such as GSL229 FS and GSL633 FS. These tires, approved by SmartWay, help in reducing energy consumption during travel by minimizing rolling resistance, which enables drivers to use less fuel and emit fewer pollutants.

Giti Tire’s involvement extends beyond its sustainability initiatives into the realm of motorsports. The company has a robust presence in various racing formats and regions, including Asia, Europe, and the US. Particularly noteworthy is its performance in the 2017 24 Hours of Nürburgring Race in Germany, where Giti Tire made a remarkable debut. Following this, the company continued to achieve success, notably securing the top positions in the SP8 class during the Nürburgring races of 2019. Additionally, Giti Tire’s all-female team, known as “Giti’s Angels,” clinched the first place in the final VLN race of the year.

Beyond car racing, Giti Tire has also made significant contributions to truck and drifting competitions. Since 2022, it has been the exclusive tire supplier and sponsor of the British Truck Racing Championship and will continue in this role through 2023. Moreover, Giti Tire provides tires for the Volkswagen Beetle Fun Cup in the UK and supports well-known drifting competitors like Chris Forsberg in Formula D and Nobuhiro Tajima in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Championship.

In 2023, Giti Tire was appointed as the official tire supplier for the Formula Regional Middle East championship. The company’s involvement in motorsports has not only enhanced its brand visibility but also allowed it to develop high-performance tire solutions like the GitiSportS2 UHP and GitiSynergyH2 HP, which benefit from the technological advancements and experiences gained from motorsports.

Dr. Pang, the Chief Sustainability Officer at Giti Tire, expressed his gratitude for the recognition from Walmart and reiterated the company’s commitment to its sustainability goals. “Giti is honored to receive this award in recognition of our efforts and remains committed as a proactive supplier in Walmart’s Project Gigaton,” he stated. Dr. Pang further emphasized Giti’s dedication to achieving Net Zero by 2050 and a 30% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 2030. He concluded by affirming the company’s ongoing collaboration with its suppliers and customers to minimize environmental impact across the entire tire value chain.

This acknowledgment from Walmart not only cements Giti Tire’s reputation as a leader in sustainable practices within the tire manufacturing industry but also sets a precedent for other companies to follow in contributing to global environmental goals.

Revolutionizing the Future of Transportation with Autonomous Driving

By
SM
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Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash

Our transportation system is grappling with substantial challenges. Cities are often plagued by traffic congestion, leading to delays, frustration, and environmental harm. Human errors continue to be a major cause of accidents, resulting in severe consequences. Moreover, not everyone has the means to drive themselves, restricting their mobility and independence.

Autonomous vehicles (AVs), or self-driving cars, present a potential solution to these issues. With advanced sensor technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and sophisticated software, AVs offer a glimpse into a future where these challenges are effectively addressed, revolutionizing the way we travel.

The Potential of Autonomous Driving

Safety is a top priority in transportation, as human error contributes to over 90% of traffic accidents. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) offer a promising solution, as they are programmed to adhere strictly to traffic laws and react faster than human drivers. Equipped with sensors like LiDAR, radar, and cameras, AVs have a comprehensive view of their surroundings, allowing them to detect obstacles and potential dangers accurately. AI algorithms process this sensory data in real-time, enabling AVs to make safe and efficient driving decisions.

Addressing traffic congestion is another significant challenge in transportation. AVs have the capability to communicate with each other and with infrastructure through vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. This connectivity allows AVs to coordinate traffic flow more effectively. Picture a future where cars adjust their speed and maintain consistent gaps between each other, minimizing unnecessary braking and stop-and-go situations. This enhanced traffic flow can result in reduced congestion, shorter commute times, and a more enjoyable driving experience.

In addition to safety and efficiency improvements, AVs offer increased accessibility. People who are unable to drive due to age, disability, or other reasons can regain their independence with AVs. On-demand transportation services operated by AVs could become readily accessible, enabling individuals to travel independently without relying on others. This enhanced mobility has the potential to greatly improve people’s lives, fostering social inclusion and creating new economic opportunities.

The Challenges for Autonomous Driving

While the potential benefits of autonomous vehicles (AVs) are clear, several challenges must be overcome before widespread adoption can occur. Technological advancements are still ongoing, particularly in refining sensor capabilities, improving AI decision-making, and perfecting vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. Robust cybersecurity measures are also essential to prevent hacking attempts that could compromise the safety and control of AVs.

The regulatory landscape for AVs is still evolving. According to a car accident lawyer in Denver, it is important to have clear and adaptable regulations as they are necessary to ensure the safe operation of these vehicles on our roads. Additionally, legal issues related to accidents and liability in a world with AVs need careful consideration. As the technology progresses, so too must the legal framework governing it.

Public perception of AVs presents another challenge. Safety concerns persist, and worries about job displacement in the transportation sector are valid. Public education campaigns are essential to build trust in AV technology and address these concerns. Open communication and transparency throughout the development and implementation process will be crucial to gaining public acceptance.

The Future of Driving

The timeline for widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles (AVs) is uncertain, but notable progress is underway. Industry experts predict that achieving Level 4 autonomy (high automation in most driving conditions) could be feasible within the next decade. As technology continues to advance and regulations are established, AVs are on track to become a mainstream reality.

The impact of AVs goes beyond individual transportation. A future dominated by self-driving vehicles could bring significant changes to urban planning and infrastructure. With fewer accidents and smoother traffic flow, the demand for wider roads and extensive parking lots may decrease. Cities might shift towards becoming more pedestrian-friendly and prioritize the creation of shared spaces.

The future of transportation with autonomous driving shows great promise. We anticipate safer roads, reduced congestion, and enhanced mobility for all. By tackling the associated challenges and building public trust, we can pave the way for a transportation revolution that benefits society as a whole.

The advancement and acceptance of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology requires collaboration from all of us. Each individual plays a part in shaping this future. We urge you to educate yourself about AVs and their potential effects. Advocate for the responsible development and implementation of this technology by actively engaging with policymakers and industry figures. Through collective effort, we can guarantee that autonomous driving brings about a new era of transportation that is safe, efficient, and accessible to all.

NASCAR Legend Tony Stewart Looks to “Smoke” The Competition in First Top Fuel Start at zMAX Dragway

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Official Release
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NASCAR Hall of Famer and three-time Cup Series champion, Tony Stewart is chasing his first NHRA Top Fuel Wally at zMAX Dragway when the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals return, April 26-28. (NHRA photo)
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee and three-time Cup Series champion, racing legend Tony Stewart joins a talented pool of eager drivers looking for his first trip to victory lane at zMAX Dragway
  • NHRA 4-Wide Nationals returns to zMAX Dragway on April 26-28 for three nights of high-octane family fun; single-day tickets, available at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com, start at just $35 for adults.

CONCORD, NC (April 15, 2024) – NASCAR Hall of Famer and three-time Cup Series champion, Tony Stewart is no stranger to competing – or victory – at Charlotte Motor Speedway. From the road course to the dirt track, Stewart is one of the only drivers in history to have piloted an IndyCar, NASCAR Cup car, winged and non-winged Sprint Car and Top Alcohol dragster. Later this month, he’ll make his Charlotte debut in an 11,000-horsepower NHRA Top Fuel dragster at zMAX Dragway, just across the street from the famed 1.5-mile Charlotte Motor Speedway where he earned wins in the 2003 Bank of America 500 and 2009 NASCAR All-Star Race.

Now a rookie in the NHRA Top Fuel ranks, Stewart has been vocal about the stark differences between drag racing and the other classes of motorsports.

“There are no similarities,” he said. “Drag racing is off on Fantasy Island and Tattoo comes in the white tuxedo and tells the boss the plane is coming. It’s just that different.”

While the 2024 season marks his first full-time season in the class, Stewart and his team are already trending in the right direction. He picked up his first NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series round wins at the Arizona Nationals earlier this month, advancing to the semifinals before falling just short of a win.

After landing in NASCAR Victory Lane at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2003 and 2009, Stewart is excited about the chance to lift a Wally across the street at the zMAX Dragway.

“It would be an honor,” he said. “It’d be really cool to be able to check some boxes off and know that we’re one of the very few drivers in history that have run that many different types of cars (Xfinity, Sprint, IndyCar, Top Fuel) on all those tracks.”

To experience the thrill of victory, he’ll have to hold off a stout field of contenders, including six-time zMAX Dragway winner Antron Brown.

From a standout sprinter in high school to a three-time World Champion NHRA drag racer, Brown knows a thing or two about speed. He recalled the rush of lining up at zMAX for the very first time, and how it felt as though he was unleashing chaos on the Earth.

“You have to be first to leave,” he said. “If you’re not first, you’re definitely last, and you don’t wanna be behind the percussion of the other cars going down the strip – you can’t feel your car, you can’t hear it, you can’t sense it. You’re driving it like you’re blind.”

Brown is at the precipice of achieving his milestone 75th national event win. Given his six previous wins at the zMAX Dragway (including triumphs at the 2014 and 2015 Four-Wide Nationals), it would come as no surprise if he accomplished such a feat during the NHRA’s upcoming return to Concord.

The Funny Car season is off to a blazing start as well, with a talented lineup pulling up to the start line for each event.

Sixteen-time NHRA Funny Car champion and the winningest Funny Car driver of all time, John Force has been a decisive presence at the zMAX Dragway since its inception. Despite the unique challenge the four-wide format presents, Force speaks highly of both the dragway and the Smith family that founded the Bellagio of Drag Strips.

“You gotta love anything that people create that they put their life into, and he [Bruton Smith] did,” said Force, who won the inaugural race at zMAX 15 years ago. “It’s special.”

The 74-year-old raced to his record 156th NHRA victory – and first in two years – in Arizona earlier this month, and he’ll look to keep the victories coming at the nitro-fueled Four-Wide Nationals.

His toughest competition could come from Ron Capps, the owner and driver of his namesake operation Ron Capps Motorsports, and the second-winningest Funny Car driver in NHRA history. A four-time winner at zMAX Dragway (including the 2017 4-Wide Nationals), Capps believes that part of the reason he competes so well in Charlotte is because of the area’s heavy ties to NASCAR.

“It’s such a NASCAR themed town,” he said. “And that tells me that our sport is welcome there for sure. To see our fans come out every year – we love racing at zMAX.”

The 2024 season marks Capps’ 30th year competing in the sport’s professional ranks, and after a rare first-round exit at the 2023 Carolina Nationals, Capps is looking for redemption this year.

TICKETS:

Fans can purchase tickets to the April 26-28 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals online at charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267), with single-day tickets starting at just $35. Every ticket is a pit pass, so come early to see your favorite drivers and their cars up-close before a festival of 44,000 horsepower ignites the excitement!

KEEP TRACK:

Stay on pace with what’s happening at Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on X and Instagram or becoming a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

Meyer Shank Racing Eager To Get Back to Work at Acura GP of Long Beach

By
Official Release
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#66: Tom Blomqvist, Meyer Shank Racing Honda

Pataskala, Ohio (15 April 2024) – After a strong start to the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, Meyer Shank Racing is back in action on the streets of Long Beach after nearly a month between points-paying races.

Felix Rosenqvist started the season in St. Petersburg by earning the team’s first front-row starting spot since 2021 with a track-record setting run, and followed that with a podium at the exhibition race at Thermal. The team is also coming off of the the IMS Open Test which was reduced to one day of on track action due to weather in preparation for next month’s Indianapolis 500.

Now, MSR heads to Southern California for Sunday’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, which is the longest-running street course event on the series’ calendar (Sunday, 3:00pm ET, USA, SiriusXM Ch. 218).

Rosenqvist, who finished seventh in the season opener, will look to maintain the strong qualifying form he has shown in the No. 60 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda after earning front row starts in both St. Pete and Thermal. A repeat performance this week would give the Ohio-based team consecutive front-row starts in points-paying events for the first time since 2020.

Rosenqvist isn’t alone in showing qualifying speed for MSR this year as rookie Tom Blomqvist (No. 66 AutoNation / Arctic Wolf Honda) earned the first top-20 start of his young career in St. Pete on his way to a career-best 17th-place finish. This weekend’s event at Long Beach will be the first venue where Blomqvist has previous experience at, having competed at the 1.968-mile street course in 2022 and 2023 in IMSA competition with MSR.

MSR heads to the iconic event with eight previous INDYCAR Long Beach starts under its belt, including a solid 2021 effort where both its drivers (Jack Harvey and Helio Castroneves) led laps in the race, marking the first time that both MSR pilots paced the field in the same event. Rosenqvist also has a solid history with the race, finishing on the lead lap in each of his four starts, scoring a pair of top-10 results with a best result of seventh coming a year ago.

Sunday’s 85-lap Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will air on USA Network and Peacock starting at 3 p.m. ET. Saturday’s qualifying will be shown live on Peacock beginning at 2:25 p.m. ET. SiriusXM will also host live IndyCar Radio coverage of both sessions on XM Ch. 218.

Meyer Shank Racing Driver Quotes:

Felix Rosenqvist: “The whole team has done really well to kick off the season strongly, and now we’re finally back to a points scoring round and I feel like we are way more prepared than we were a month ago. We trust that we have a good package for Long Beach and have every chance to continue our strong form there.”

Tom Blomqvist: “I’m actually really excited for this one, it’s a track that I know really well from my years in IMSA. Every outing I’ve had in the INDYCAR I am slowly starting to become more comfortable in it. I’m pumped. I feel so much better going into Long Beach compared to how I felt going into St. Pete. Felix has also been doing incredibly well and we’re starting to prove that we have a competitive package. I’m excited and ready to go and feeling a lot more confident and eager to see how we get on.”

Second Straight Top-10 for TeamSLR Rookie at NOLA

By
Official Release
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Gavan Boschele Finishes Seventh, Julian DaCosta 11th in TA2 Debut;
Cut Tire on First Lap, Mechanical Issue End Barry Boes’ Pro-Am Win Streak

Overview:
Date: April 14, 2024
Event: NOLA SpeedTour (Round 3 of 12)
Series: Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli
Division: Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series
Location: Nola Motorsports Park in Avondale, Louisiana
Layout: 2.75-mile, 16-turn road course
Format: 37 laps or 75 minutes
Weather: Partly cloudy, upper-70s
Winner: Rafa Matos of Nitro Motorsports

TeamSLR:

● Gavan Boschele – Started 13th, Finished 7th (Running, completed 37/37 laps)
● Julian DaCosta – Started 9th, Finished 11th (Running, completed 37/37 laps)
● Barry Boes – Started 12th, Finished 18th (Steering, completed 6/37 laps

Gavan Boschele, Driver No. 28 SLR-M1 Racecars Entry:

“It was alright. At the start, everybody was just not being smart and started wrecking each other, so I kind of laid back. I ended up getting (Connor) Mosack on the last lap there, which was pretty good. It wasn’t a bad weekend, just need to work on getting a little bit faster. I can’t thank these TeamSLR guys enough for the opportunity, and we’ll go full steam ahead to the next one.”

Julian DaCosta, Driver No. 17 SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

“The race today didn’t go completely as planned, but we kept the car in one piece, finished the race, and I think it’s still a really good showing for us, being our first TA2 race. I think TeamSLR did a great job putting the car together for this weekend and keeping it fast and keeping everything together. It’s unfortunate what happened in the beginning of the race, but I think moving forward we’ll be doing better and we can learn from it. I’m not sure what happened on that first lap, we just ended up getting shoved off the track. We had some really good practice pace during the weekend, we were aiming for a top-10, top-five range. I think it was do-able. Like I said, it was unfortunate, but we can learn from it.”

Barry Boes, Driver No. 27 Accio Data/SLR-M1 Racecars Ford Mustang:

“I was really hoping to be on the podium a third time, at the top, but it wasn’t going to be this race. Came into turn one and we were four or five cars wide, fairly slow and under control. And then I got hit from behind in the right rear. At the same time my teammate outside of me was getting a little bit loose, so after I got hit in the right rear, then we tapped – Julian and I tapped. And then as we were coming into turn three, I hit the brakes, the car just didn’t slow down like it should have and I realized something wasn’t right. I limped it around, turns out we had a flat tire. Got back on the track, the car handling was a little bit off but I was making decent lap times. Then I hit a curb and the power steering completely went out.”

Next Up:

Round four of the 2024 Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series takes TeamSLR to World Wide Technology Raceway on the outskirts of St. Louis for the WWTR SpeedTour May 10-11. The two-day weekend kicks off with a pair of 30-minute TA2 test sessions Friday, May 10, at 8 and 10:20 a.m. CDT. A pair of official TA2 practice sessions are set for 1:40 and 4:20 p.m. to conclude Friday’s activities. TA2 qualifying takes place at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 11, with the 63-lap, 75-minute race around the 1.6-mile, eight-turn road course set for 1:05 p.m. Series partner MAVTV will provide live television coverage augmented via live video stream on the Trans Am channel on YouTube.

About TeamSLR:

TeamSLR (Scott Lagasse Racing) competes fulltime in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s newly renamed Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series in a multifaceted effort that includes dedicated entries in the TA2 division, customer programs, driver coaching and car construction. Its history dates back to 1985 and covers a wide spectrum of motorsports, including NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA, ARCA and ASA. TeamSLR is a family-owned organization run by Scott Lagasse Sr., and Scott Lagasse Jr., The father-and-son duo have combined to win more than 120 races and seven championships across a variety of series and styles of racecars, from paved ovals to road courses to dirt tracks. For more information, please visit us online at www.TeamSLR.com, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

WOMEN IN MOTORSPORTS NORTH AMERICA ANNOUNCES SECOND YEAR OF CONTINGENCY FUND PROGRAM OPEN TO 21+ WOMEN NASCAR DRIVERS

By
Official Release
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The 2023 "Accelerate Her" winners, pictured with WIMNA's Cindy Sisson and Lyn St. James include: (L to R) Julie Jorgenson, Taylor Goldman and Jennifer Hall

20 Drivers have registered thus far for the highly successful “Accelerate Her” program that expands racing opportunities for women drivers through significant financial assistance

April 15, 2024 – Phoenix, AZ … Coming off the record-setting payouts of the 2023 racing season, Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) is excited to once again offer $200,000 in contingency money supporting women pursuing racing careers in NASCAR-sanctioned racing series. The program utilizes a points system for women drivers 21 years and older with monetary rewards based on race results throughout the 2024 racing season.

In 2024, the points system will continue rewarding women drivers based on merit and race results throughout the season. The system incorporates several factors, including the different lengths of races, the size of the fields, the level of competition, and the cost of competing in NASCAR-sanctioned races. Eligible participants in the program will accumulate points during the 2024 season, commencing January 1, 2024. The program is designed to celebrate their success within the sport and to help fuel opportunities for even more women pursuing careers in NASCAR. At the end of the year, the top three-point earners will be rewarded $125,000, $50,000, and $25,000, respectively, based on their best 14 races. In 2023, these awards were won respectively by Julie Jorgenson of Lakeville, Minnesota, Taylor Goldman of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, and Jennifer Hall of Tucson, Arizona.

“Working to reward women racers competing in the many NASCAR-sanctioned series is thrilling. And it is so gratifying to have these 20 women registered thus far competing for prizes at the end of this year like Julie, Taylor, and Jennifer collected at our Women with Drive Summit driven by Mobil 1 last November in Phoenix,” said Cindy Sisson, WIMNA’s Executive Director. “I can’t wait to see who will be handed the big checks in Indianapolis come December at our 2024 Women with Drive Summit – Driven by Mobil 1.”.

Details on the 2024 CONTINGENCY FUND PROGRAM, including participating women drivers as of press time, can be found on the WIMNA website at www.womeninmotorsportsna.com/AH.

About Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA)

Women in Motorsports North America is a community of professional women and men devoted to enabling opportunities for women across all motorsport disciplines. Founded as a 501c3 in April 2022, WIMNA is quickly establishing its positive impact on motorsports, supporting and creating resources that enable women drivers, technicians, engineers, operations staff, business-related, media, and more to thrive in the industry. Best known for its Women with Drive Summit, held this year on December 9 – 11 in Indianapolis, WIMNA also provides resources, mentorship, coaching, career connections, and more. For more information, visit www.womeninmotorsportsna.com and follow WIMNA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.

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