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ARCA Menards Series East at Flat Rock Speedway – Dutch Boy 150 Pre-race Notes & Stats Update

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Official Release
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ARCA Menards Series East

The Race: Dutch Boy 150
The Place: Flat Rock Speedway, Flat Rock, Mich.
The Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024
The Time: 7:30 pm ET
TV: Live, FloRacing
Distance: 150 Laps / 37.5 Miles

  • The Dutch Boy 150 at Flat Rock Speedway is the fourth race of the 2024 ARCA Menards Series East season and the 599th race in East Series history dating to 1987. It is the third and final stand-alone race for the East series this season; the remaining races are all combination races with the ARCA Menards Series.
  • The Dutch Boy 150 is the second ARCA Menards Series East race at Flat Rock; last year’s race, won by William Sawalich, was the first. The ARCA Menards Series raced 56 times at Flat Rock Speedway from 1953 through 2000.
  • Seventeen-year-old Connor Zilisch enters the Dutch Boy 150 with a five-point lead in the ARCA Menards Series East championship standings over William Sawalich. Zilisch has started the season with three top-five finishes, including his first career series win at Dover Motor Speedway in April. Zilisch started the season with an LMP2 class victory in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and backed it up with a class victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring.
  • Reigning series champion William Sawalich returns to Flat Rock Speedway to defend his 2023 race victory fresh off his first win of the 2023 season; Sawalich dominated last Saturday’s Music City 150 at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway to record his first East win of the season. Sawalich won the ARCA Menards Series / ARCA Menards Series West combination race at Phoenix Raceway in March.
  • Gio Ruggiero dropped to third in the ARCA Menards Series East standings after a disappointing 14th-place finish at Nashville after a cut left rear tire sent him into the turn one wall. Ruggiero will look to rebound at the series tightest, smallest track, a track that has a lot of similarities to his home track, Seekonk Speedway. Ruggiero is the 2023 ASA CRA Super Series champion, the 2023 ASA Southern Super Series champion and started the 2024 season with a win in the ARCA Menards Series East opener at Five Flags Speedway.
  • Toni Breidinger will round out the Venturini Motorsports stable in the Dutch Boy 150. Breidinger will be making her first stand-alone East start since Dover in 2023 where she finished seventh. He best career East finish was fifth in the combination race at Iowa Speedway in 2023.
  • Venturini Motorsports founders and co-owners Bill and Cathy Venturini earned their first career ARCA Menards Series victory at Flat Rock Speedway in June 1983. Bill would win 12 races in his career as a driver in the ARCA Menards Series and is the 1987 and 1991 series champion. Cathy Venturini, his crew chief and over-the-wall pit crew member, was also the championship-winning car owner in 1987 and 1991.
  • Zachary Tinkle heads into the Dutch Boy 150 off his best career East finish, fourth, last Saturday night at Nashville. Tinkle drives for 1995 ARCA Menards Series national champion Andy Hillenburg, who won at Flat Rock en route to the title.
  • Sawyer, Michigan native Matt Kemp returns to Fast Track High Performance Racing to make his second career East start. Kemp, who has visited victory lane at Flat Rock in the Midwest Classic Racers dwarf car series, finished 19th in his series debut last year at Iowa Speedway.
  • Reigning ARCA Menards Series West champion Sean Hingorani set the ARCA Menards Series East qualifying record at Flat Rock Speedway in 2023 with a lap at 12.761 seconds/70.527 miles per hour.
  • William Sawalich established the 150-lap ARCA Menards Series East race record at Flat Rock Speedway in 2023, winning the race in 38 minutes, 48 seconds at an average speed of 57.990 miles per hour.
  • Last year’s Dutch Boy 150 was slowed by cautions 3 times for a total of 17 laps.
  • Previous ARCA Menards Series winners at Flat Rock Speedway include Julian “J.H” Petty (2, 1953), Bob Hunter (1957), Bill Lutz (1958), Les Snow (1965), Iggy Katona (1966), Bobby Watson (1969), Andy Hampton (1970), Ramo Stott (1971), Ron Hutcherson (1972, 1974), A. Arnold (1973), Moose Myers (1976, 1978, 1979), Bill Green (1977), Bill Kimmel (1978), Jim Cushman (1979), Marvin Smith (3, 1980; 2, 1981, 1995), Bob Dotter (1981), Lee Raymond (1982, 1983), Bobby Jacks (1982) Bill Venturini (1983; 2, 1984), Ed Hage (1985; 1986; 2, 1987), Bob Keselowski (1988, 1991), Tracy Leslie (1988), Dave Weltmeyer (1989; 2, 1992; 1994, 1996), Grant Adcox (1989), Bobby Bowsher (1990, 1991), Harold Fair (1993), Jeremy Mayfield (1993), Gary Bradberry (1994), Andy Hillenburg (1995), Joe Ruttman (1995), Tim Steele (1996, 1997), Frank Kimmel (1998, 2000), and Bill Baird (1999).
  • From 1954 through 1956, Flat Rock Speedway was promoted by “Big Bill” France, and the cornerstone event in 1954 was a 500-lap main event for NASCAR-style cars. That race was won by Lee Petty. His cousin Julian won twin 250-lap main events that were a part of the ARCA Menards Series calendar the previous year.
  • NASCAR legend Curtis Turner won a NASCAR Convertible Series race at Flat Rock Speedway in July 1956. Turner started eighth and was the only driver to complete all 250 laps; he finished two laps ahead of “Tiger” Tom Pistone. Allen Adkins won a 200-lap main event for the Convertible Series in August 1956 by a whopping 19 laps over second-place finisher Dick Joslin.
  • The 1956 Convertible races included two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Joe Weatherly, who finished fourth in July, nine-time Cup Series winner Bob Welborn, who was third in July and sixth in August, and 1955 ARCA Menards Series West champion Danny Letner. Glen Wood, one of the founding members of the famed Wood Bros. Racing team and a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, also competed in the August race but finished 18th after a right front tire failure. Seven-time USAC Champ Car winner (now the NTT IndyCar Series) winner Jud Larson was also in the July race; he finished 19th in the 23-car field.
  • The Dutch Boy 150 will run straight through with no scheduled breaks; teams will have two tires in their pit stall for emergency use only. All tire changes must be for damaged tires only and have to be approved by ARCA officials.
  • Should the race need to be extended into overtime, there will be unlimited attempts at a two-lap “green-white-checkered” finish. Should the caution be displayed after the white flag, there will be unlimited attempts at a one-lap “green and white together” finish.

Spire Motorsports All-Star Race Race Advance

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Official Release
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  • The 2024 NASCAR All-Star Open will mark Spire Motorsports’ fifth attempt to qualify for the NASCAR All-Star Race. Justin Haley earned a bid in the 2020 NASCAR All-Star Race, and finished 14th, by virtue of his win in the 2019 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Corey LaJoie posted the team’s best finish in the NASCAR All-Star Open when he raced to a fourth-place finish in the 2022 edition at Texas Motor Speedway. Last year, in the division’s celebrated return to North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway, former teammate Ty Dillon and LaJoie finished eighth and ninth, respectively. The Mooresville, N.C., team fields the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NCS with LaJoie, and fellow drivers Zane Smith and Carson Hocevar, respectively.
  • Live Coverage of NASCAR’s annual All-Star Race festivities will be televised live on FS1 Sunday, May 19, beginning at 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Both the NASCAR All-Star Open and the NASCAR All-Star Race will broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Corey LaJoie – Driver, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Corey LaJoie heads to North Wilkesboro Speedway behind the wheel of the No. 7 Gainbridge Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
  • Lajoie started 24th and finished 16th last weekend at Darlington Raceway.
  • In his lone NCS starts at North Wilkesboro Speedway, LaJoie started third and finished ninth in last year’s NASCAR All-Star Open.
  • Gainbridge Insurance Agency, LLC (“Gainbridge”), a Group 1001 company, is an insurtech which strives to offer products that are simple, intuitive, and backed by smart technology with no complexity or hidden fees. Gainbridge empowers consumers to take control of their financial future with solutions that are accessible to everyone no matter their budget or financial knowledge. Gainbridge’s digital-first distribution model underpins its mission to reach all communities, including those that have been historically underserved by the national financial system.
  • Sunday’s NASCAR All-Star Open will mark LaJoie’s seventh attempt to race his way into the All-Star Race. His best finish came in 2022 when the event was held at Texas Motor Speedway where he finished fourth.

Corey LaJoie Quotes
There are no points on the line this weekend and you’re looking to race for a big pay at one of NASCAR’s most storied race tracks. What’s your plan to get into the All-Star Race?
“North Wilkesboro is going to be fun. I haven’t made a big push for the fan vote this year because I want to drive my way in there through the All-Star Open and earn our spot. The new asphalt will change how it races and how we approach our set up. No points on the table this weekend, so it’ll be elbows up with our Gainbridge Chevrolet.”

Zane Smith – Driver, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • No. 71 Focused Health Chevrolet driver Zane Smith hopes to race for $1 million Sunday night in the 40th-annual NASCAR All-Star Race held for the second consecutive year at the 0.625-mile North Wilkesboro Speedway.
  • Before the Spire Motorsports’ driver joins the 17-driver All-Star field, Smith must finish first or second in the 100-lap Open race Sunday that precedes the All-Star Race.
  • The All-Star Open will have a caution at lap 50, at which teams must perform a four-tire pit stop. Drivers and teams will choose from three types of Goodyear tires on hand — a baseline “prime” tire, a softer “option” tire, and wet-weather tires should conditions warrant.
  • At the end, three Open drivers will advance to the All-Star Race – the top two race finishers and the Fan Vote Winner.
  • While the rookie driver has never appeared in an All-Star event, he raced at North Wilkesboro last year in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series logging track time he hopes to use this weekend.
  • Cast your Zane Smith All-Star vote at www.nascar.com/fanvote. Vote up to five times per day! Voting ends Sunday, May 20.
  • Smith will carry the No. 71 primary sponsor, Focused Health, for at least 62.5 miles this Sunday at North Wilkesboro. The blue and orange paint scheme represents a health insurance agency that assists consumers and employers in navigating the myriad of health insurance options in the government programs space.
  • Focused Health is a National Health Insurance agency founded by industry veterans with over 60 years combined industry experience. Primarily focused on the government programs space, Focused Health partners with payors and employers to deliver health insurance solutions for individuals and families. For more information visit AtFocusedHealth.com.

Zane Smith Quotes
What do you think about being able to run any tire at North Wilkesboro this weekend and how that combination might work, plus having to race your way in?
“I think it’s awesome! I mean obviously the elephant in the room is that the short tracks have been a struggle and I think anything is great to try to learn and make it better and I think this is the perfect opportunity to do that. There has been some conversation with the softer tire being made from the rain tire rubber and I’ve heard how much faster it is and obviously, the fall off. What we want is tire fall off. So, I’m excited to see how that is but just having options is going to be great. It’s going to be an exciting weekend!”

Carson Hocevar – Driver, No.77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Carson Hocevar will make his NCS debut at North Wilkesboro Speedway in the No. 77 Gainbridge Chevrolet ZL1 in Sunday’s NASCAR All-Star Open. Hocevar has yet to win a race on NASCAR’s senior circuit and will have to either race his way into Sunday night’s 200-lap feature by either finishing first or second in the All-Star Open or by winning the All-Star fan vote.
  • Hocevar started 21st and finished 26th in last Sunday’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.
  • In his lone NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start at North Wilkesboro, Hocevar started second, led 16 laps, and finished fourth in last May’s Tyson 250.
  • Gainbridge Insurance Agency, LLC (“Gainbridge”), a Group 1001 company, is an insurtech which strives to offer products that are simple, intuitive, and backed by smart technology with no complexity or hidden fees. Gainbridge empowers consumers to take control of their financial future with solutions that are accessible to everyone no matter their budget or financial knowledge. Gainbridge’s digital-first distribution model underpins its mission to reach all communities, including those that have been historically underserved by the national financial system.
  • Hocevar’s All-Star Race scheme will feature the NASCAR Day Giveathon Logo as well as the names of the 350 charities that will benefit from participating in the NASCAR Day Giveathon.
  • The Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender is currently 25th in the division’s championship points. Over the course of the season’s first 13 races, Hocevar has notched one top-10 and three top-15 finishes.
  • Hocevar will serve as a driver during Sunday morning’s All-Star Weekend Hot Laps program. All proceeds help Speedway Children’s Charities provide support for critical programs for children facing medical challenges, educational hurdles, and critical needs.
  • Race fans can join Hocevar for a 15-minute Trackside Live Q&A with Kenny Wallace and John Roberts at the Fan Zone stage in the speedway’s midway, Sunday at 12:15 p.m.
  • Fans can also meet Hocevar at the NASCAR Classics merchandise trailer for an autograph on Sunday at 12:45 p.m.
  • Following his visit to the NASCAR Classics merchandise trailer, Hocevar will stop at the Chevrolet activation for a Q&A at 1:30 p.m.
  • Crew Chief Luke Lambert is no rookie to the All-Star races, calling Jeff Burton’s third-place finish in the 2013 Sprint Showdown as well as Noah Gragson’s All-Star berth in 2023.

Carson Hocevar Quotes
What do you think the keys are this weekend with all the different tire options and the unknowns with the repave?
“Qualifying is the biggest thing, being able to be out front early will be huge. Everybody is going to get super close once everyone figures it out, so its’ just the guys who unload really good, really early, will have the edge.”
Would it mean more if you raced your way in this weekend or won the Fan Vote?
“Probably more so to race my way in but if you get in with the fan vote, it shows you still did a lot, and I would be extremely proud of that. I look at this weekend as more of a practice. We still want to work on our race package and we’re still building and still learning. We’re still pretty new, especially me, in that shop. If we get in, I am almost looking at it like a free race to learn and grow which would be huge for everyone involved.”

From the Top of the Box

Ryan Sparks – Crew Chief, No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Ryan Sparks serves in a dual role as both Spire Motorsports competition director and crew chief for driver Corey LaJoie and the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro in the NCS.
  • Sparks, a Winston-Salem, N.C., native, has been paired with LaJoie since 2020.
  • Combined, Sparks and LaJoie have earned four top-five and seven top-10 finishes, including a fourth-place finish in the 2024 Daytona 500.

Stephen Doran – Crew Chief, No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Stephen Doran begins his first full season as a Cup Series crew chief leading Zane Smith and the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet team during the 2024 season.
  • In 2006, Doran got his start in NASCAR at Petty Enterprises.
  • Prior to his arrival at Spire Motorsports, Doran worked at Stewart-Haas Racing as an engineer, most recently on the No. 4 car driven by Kevin Harvick.

Luke Lambert – Crew Chief, No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Luke Lambert is the crew chief for Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 team with 2024 NCS Rookie of the Year candidate Carson Hocevar
  • The 2005 North Carolina State graduate has led the competition efforts for some of the sport’s most notable names including Jeff Burton, Ryan Newman, Elliott Sadler and Chris Buescher.
  • In 2014, Lambert led Newman to a berth in the Championship 4, and ultimately a runner-up finish in the NCS championship point standings.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports is a NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race team co-owned by long-time NASCAR industry executives Jeff Dickerson and Thaddeus “T.J.” Puchyr. In 2024, Spire Motorsports will campaign the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Corey LaJoie, Zane Smith and Carson Hocevar, respectively. The team will also field the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados full time in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. An all-star driver lineup will rotate throughout the 2024 season in the No. 7 Chevy. Rajah Caruth will drive the No. 71 entry and Chase Purdy rounds out the team’s fleet of Chevrolets in the No. 77.

Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on April 12, 2024, when Kyle Busch took the took the checkered flag in the SpeedyCash.com 250 at Texas Motor Speedway.

Which Environmental Conditions Lead to Car Accidents?

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SM
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Photo by Danny Lines on Unsplash

Driving can be dangerous, especially when faced with challenging environmental conditions. Environmental factors such as weather, road conditions, visibility, and hazards can significantly increase the risk of car accidents. Understanding these environmental conditions is essential for drivers to stay safe on the road.

Adverse Weather Conditions

One of the most common environmental factors contributing to car accidents is adverse weather conditions. Rain, snow, ice, fog, and strong winds can all impact driving conditions, making roads slippery, reducing visibility, and affecting vehicle control. According to the Federal Highway Administration, adverse weather contributes to more than 1.5 million car accidents each year in the United States.

Extra caution and preparation will be required if you are driving in adverse weather conditions. Here are some tips for driving safely:

  • Reduce your speed and increase following distance.
  • Use headlights and windshield wipers as needed.
  • Avoid sudden maneuvers and abrupt braking.
  • Be aware of hydroplaning on wet roads.
  • If conditions are severe, consider postponing your trip.

Poor Road Conditions

Poor road conditions such as potholes, uneven pavement, road debris, and construction zones are another common cause of car accidents. These conditions can cause loss of vehicle control, tire blowouts, and collisions with other vehicles or objects. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, deteriorating road conditions cost U.S. drivers billions of dollars annually in vehicle repairs and accidents.

To navigate poor road conditions safely, drivers should:

  • Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
  • Slow down when approaching areas with known road hazards.
  • Avoid sudden maneuvers and erratic driving.
  • Report road hazards to the appropriate authorities.

Reduced Visibility

Reduced visibility due to darkness, glare, or obstructions can significantly increase the risk of car accidents. Poor visibility makes it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles on the road, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

To drive safely in low-visibility conditions, drivers should:

  • Use headlights, fog lights, and hazard lights as needed.
  • Slow down and increase the following distance.
  • Keep windshields and mirrors clean and free of debris.
  • Avoid using high beams in foggy or snowy conditions.
  • Use caution when passing or changing lanes.

Environmental Hazards

Environmental hazards such as wildlife, fallen trees, or flooding can pose a significant threat to drivers. Collisions with wildlife or debris on the road can cause serious accidents and injuries. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, wildlife-related car accidents result in hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries each year.

To avoid accidents when encountering environmental hazards, drivers should:

  • Stay alert and look ahead for potential hazards in the road.
  • Reduce speed and use caution in areas prone to wildlife crossings.
  • Avoid swerving to avoid wildlife or debris on the road.
  • Pull over to a safe location if necessary and report hazards to authorities.

Seeking Help After a Car Accident Caused By The Environment

If you’ve been involved in a car accident caused by environmental conditions, it’s essential to seek legal help from a Jonesboro car accident lawyer. A car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. They can investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

In the unfortunate event that you find yourself in a car accident caused by environmental conditions, it’s crucial to know what steps to take. First and foremost, ensure that everyone involved in the accident is safe and seek medical attention if necessary. Next, document the scene and exchange information with other parties. Then, reach out to a car accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

Which Weather Conditions Cause The Most Accidents in Phoenix?

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SM
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Photo by Jeffrey Eisen on Unsplash

Phoenix, Arizona is known for its blistering summers, breathtaking desert landscapes, and unique weather patterns. While the city’s climate can be appealing, it also carries a variety of challenges for drivers. Understanding which weather conditions cause the most accidents in Phoenix can help residents and visitors alike take the necessary precautions to stay safe on the road.

Taking a Look at Phoenix Weather

Phoenix has a desert climate characterized by extremely hot summers and mild winters. The city doesn’t have too much humidity, but the temperature often exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. Despite the sheer heat, Phoenix also deals with various seasonal weather conditions that disrupt driving such as heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and fog.

The Impact of Extreme Heat on Driving in Phoenix

The crippling heat of Phoenix summers can impact driving conditions just as much as hail or snow. High temperatures can actually lead to vehicle breakdowns including overheating engines and tire blowouts. Extreme heat can also cause discomfort and fatigue, which can reduce reaction time and decision-making. Other heat-related distractions such as dehydration or discomfort can lead to an increased risk of accidents. The scorching temperatures can also exacerbate road rage incidents as drivers become more irritable. 

Dust Storms and Driving in Phoenix

Haboobs, more commonly known as dust storms, are a common occurrence in Phoenix. Especially during the monsoon season, these storms can come in fast and without warning. They reduce visibility due to the heavy rain and create a ton of water on the road. The dust accumulation can also make the road slippery and obscure lane markings, thus increasing the difficulty of driving. 

Monsoon Season and Heavy Rainfall in Phoenix

June to September is commonly referred to as the “monsoon season”. With monsoons comes heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and flash flooding. Hydroplaning is where vehicles lose traction and slide uncontrollably on wet surfaces. Poor visibility due to heavy rain further complicates driving during monsoons. Ensuring your tires are in good condition and reducing speed during wet conditions can greatly reduce the risk of car accidents.

Frost and Fog in Arizona

While Arizona is more commonly known for crippling heat, colder temperatures are still a possibility for the Grand Canyon State. Frost can make roads slick and becomes a significant problem during the busy hours of early Winter mornings. Fog is also common during the morning and severely reduces visibility on the road. Slow down and maintain a safe following distance to allow for reaction time if anything goes wrong. 

Statistics and Case Studies for Accidents in Phoenix

Recent accident studies show that weather-related accidents in Phoenix often coincide with extreme weather conditions. A significant number of accidents are reported during the monsoon season due to flash flooding and poor visibility. Multi-vehicle collisions are more likely to happen when dust storms are present due to the sudden drop in visibility. Even deadlier than both of those is extreme heat. Car accident attorneys from Phoenix state that fatigue and over-exhaustion are the cause of the majority of accidents in Phoenix. 

Preventative Measures

Phoenix’s roads are heavily impacted by its’ diverse weather conditions, but that doesn’t mean we should do nothing to prepare. To help secure your well-being there are a few steps we can take. Regular vehicle maintenance such as checking tire pressure, engine coolant levels, and brake functionality can greatly reduce the risk of getting into a car accident. Checking the traffic on your route and being updated on weather conditions can also help drivers prepare.

Safe driving techniques such as keeping a safe following distance, reducing speed in poor weather, and using appropriate headlights can also greatly reduce the risk of vehicular accidents in Phoenix, Arizona.

Do Smart Headlights Make Driving Safer

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Photo by Jesper Brouwers on Unsplash

As automotive technology continues to advance, one of the most significant improvements has been in vehicle lighting systems. Smart headlights, equipped with cutting-edge technology, have emerged as a promising feature for enhancing driving safety. 

What Are Smart Headlights

Smart headlights, also known as adaptive headlights, are advanced lighting systems designed to improve visibility and safety while driving. Unlike traditional headlights, smart headlights can adjust their intensity and direction based on the driving conditions and the presence of other vehicles. There are several types of smart headlights, including adaptive headlights, matrix LED headlights and laser headlights. Each type offers unique features aimed at optimizing lighting and reducing glare for oncoming traffic.

How Smart Headlights Work

Smart headlights use advanced technology to enhance driving safety by automatically adjusting the headlight beam’s angle, intensity, and direction based on various driving conditions. Adaptive lighting systems, for instance, change the beam’s angle and intensity according to the vehicle’s speed, steering angle, and road conditions. When driving at high speeds, these headlights project further down the road to provide better long-distance visibility, while at lower speeds, they illuminate a wider area closer to the vehicle to improve short-range visibility.

Another key feature of smart headlights is automatic high-beam control, which employs sensors to detect the headlights of oncoming vehicles and automatically switches between high and low beams. This ensures optimal visibility without blinding other drivers. Additionally, curve-adaptive headlights pivot in the direction of the steering wheel, enhancing visibility around curves and corners by illuminating the road ahead as the vehicle turns.

Matrix LED technology is another significant advancement in smart headlight systems. This technology utilizes multiple individual LEDs that can be turned on or off independently. It allows the system to provide high-beam lighting without blinding other drivers by selectively dimming certain sections of the light beam. This sophisticated control of the light pattern ensures that the road is well-lit while minimizing glare for oncoming traffic and other road users.

The Benefits of Smart Headlights

Smart headlights offer several advantages over traditional lighting systems:

Improved Visibility in Different Driving Conditions

  • Automatically adjust to provide optimal lighting for varying conditions such as weather, road type, and driving speed.

Enhanced Reaction Time for Drivers

  • Better illumination helps drivers detect obstacles and hazards more quickly, giving them more time to react.

Reduction of Glare for Oncoming Traffic

  • Automatically dim high beams when detecting oncoming vehicles, reducing glare and improving safety for all drivers.

Better Illumination Around Curves and Corners

  • Adaptive and curve-adaptive systems ensure that the road ahead is well-lit, even when navigating turns.

Impact on Car Accident Prevention

Visibility is a critical factor in driving safety. Poor lighting conditions can significantly increase the risk of accidents, especially at night or in adverse weather conditions. Smart headlights address this issue by providing better illumination, which helps drivers see potential hazards sooner and react appropriately. Research has shown that vehicles equipped with smart headlight systems experience fewer accidents compared to those with traditional headlights. 

For instance, a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that adaptive headlights can reduce property damage liability claims by up to 10%. Real-world examples further support these findings, with many drivers reporting fewer near-misses and collisions when using vehicles equipped with smart headlights. 

Comparison with Traditional Headlights

When compared to traditional headlights, smart headlights offer several clear advantages. Traditional headlights provide a fixed beam of light that does not adapt to changing driving conditions, which can limit visibility and increase the risk of accidents. In contrast, smart headlights dynamically adjust their beam patterns and intensity, ensuring that the driver always has the best possible view of the road. 

While smart headlights can be more expensive due to their advanced technology, the safety benefits they provide often justify the higher cost. Additionally, as the technology becomes more widespread, the cost is expected to decrease, making smart headlights more accessible to a broader range of consumers.

Practical Considerations for Consumers

For consumers considering vehicles with smart headlights, there are several practical considerations. When choosing a vehicle, look for models that offer advanced lighting systems as part of their safety features. It’s also worth considering the possibility of upgrading existing vehicles with aftermarket smart headlight systems. Various manufacturers offer different options, so research and compare the available features to find the best fit for your needs. Additionally, consulting with a Springfield car accident lawyer can provide insights into the legal and safety benefits of smart headlight technology, especially in areas where regulations and standards are continually evolving.

In conclusion, smart headlights represent a significant advancement in automotive safety. By providing better illumination and reducing glare, they enhance visibility and help prevent accidents. While there are some challenges and limitations, the benefits of smart headlights make them a valuable addition to modern vehicles. As technology continues to evolve, smart headlights are likely to become an increasingly common feature, contributing to safer driving conditions for all.

CrowdStrike Announces Driver Lineup for Centenary Edition of 24 Hours of Spa

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Official Release
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· Kurtz, Braun, Catsburg, James to seek Pro-Am victory in No. 04 CrowdStrike by Riley Mercedes-AMG GT3
· CrowdStrike’s second year as title sponsor of SRO Motorsports’ premier race
· CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa sees return of international CXO events, additional activations 

AUSTIN, Texas (May 15, 2024) – CrowdStrike by Riley has confirmed the four drivers that it hopes will pilot their way to a class victory in June’s CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa – the historic race’s centenary event.

CrowdStrike Racing’s George Kurtz and Colin Braun – teammates in CrowdStrike by Riley’s Fanatec GT World Challenge America entry – will race alongside Nicky Catsburg and Ian James behind the wheel of the No. 04 CrowdStrike Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the Pro-Am category.

With nine car manufacturers, at least 70 teams and over 200 drivers, the lineup in the world’s biggest GT3 race is certain to produce a formidable field. A year ago, the CrowdStrike by Riley team enjoyed a remarkable run and led the Pro-Am class during its Spa debut with Kurtz, Braun and James making up three-quarters of the lineup. In 2022, Kurtz was on the team that earned a Bronze Cup victory in a Mercedes-AMG GT3.

The addition of Catsburg, twice a winner of the 24 Hours of Spa, is a significant one, as he was part of the 2023 Pro-Am winning lineup in a Mercedes-AMG. He also is teaming with 2023 Le Mans winners Kurtz and Braun at the 2024 French race. 

The CrowdStrike Riley effort also will benefit from the logistical and operational support of SPS automotive during this year’s Spa 24 Hours.

The historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit was the site of a ground-breaking announcement last year as SRO Motorsports confirmed CrowdStrike as the race title sponsor in a multi-year commercial agreement.

The news further entrenched CrowdStrike’s position as a leading brand in the motorsports industry. The company is the official internet and cloud security provider for SRO Motorsports’ global race championships. It regularly hosts premium experiential programs for CrowdStrike customers at SRO events, including its CXO summits. 

An initiative developed by CrowdStrike, a CXO Summit is an invitation-only networking event around significant motorsports races where CrowdStrike executives have an opportunity to visit with VIP guests and to discuss trends and opportunities for cyber protection in a business-to-business environment.

CrowdStrike VIPs also will have the chance to enjoy top-level trackside hospitality, meet-and-greet sessions with the CrowdStrike by Riley team, a pre-event parade in the nearby town of Spa-Francorchamps and honorary roles in pre- and post-race festivities.

The 2024 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa is scheduled for June 26-30 with full race and qualifying coverage available on SRO Motorsports’ official YouTube channel.

CrowdStrike by Riley Driver Quotes on CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa

George Kurtz: “It is always a tremendous honor to race at Spa. I’m excited to have the chance to do it again with great teammates in Colin, Ian and Nicky, plus a great team in CrowdStrike by Riley. With this being the centenary Spa 24 Hours and having CrowdStrike as the title sponsor, the race takes on that much more significance. I’m confident that our team and our Mercedes-AMG GT3 will have us in contention throughout all 24 hours.”

Colin Braun: “I’m very excited to get back to Spa with the CrowdStrike by Riley team. There’s something really special about driving the Mercedes-AMG GT3 around a track like Spa, especially since the competition is so intense. Returning with George and Ian brings a lot of continuity to the program, and they were both super-fast last year. Nicky’s resume speaks for itself, I know it will be a lot of fun to work with him. I believe we have all the pieces to win this race, we just need to execute and have a bit of luck on our side!”

Nicky Catsburg: “I’m really looking forward to joining CrowdStrike by Riley to fight for victory in our class at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. It is the centenary race, so this is one of the years that you really want to be part of it. I’m hoping to go for another victory after winning the Pro-Am class last year. It will be great to join Ian, George and Colin. I feel like we will have a strong lineup to fight for the victory. The Mercedes-AMG is a car that I have driven at the Spa 24 Hours twice, so I feel like this is a car that is pretty good on this track. I’m looking forward to giving it a good go once again and hopefully fighting for victory.”

Ian James: “I’m excited again to join CrowdStrike by Riley for the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. I enjoyed my experience with the team at last year’s race, and I’m hoping for big things out of our lineup this year. It seems to be a great one but we all know that a lot can happen in 24 hours around the Spa circuit. We are anticipating another large grid and Pro-Am class, so we will need to be on top of things from the very start of practice. I’m looking forward to it already.”

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

About CrowdStrike

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

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

CrowdStrike: We stop breaches.

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

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

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

Kaulig Racing Weekly Preview | North Wilkesboro Speedway

By
Official Release
-

Race Details

North Wilkesboro Speedway
NASCAR All-Star Race
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Sunday, May 19 at 8:00PM EDT
FOX | PRN | SiriusXM
Team Notes

  • Kaulig Racing has competed in one NASCAR All-Star Race in 2022, following AJ Allmendinger’s win at the 2021 Verizon 200 at the Brickyard.
  • While Allmendinger is locked into the main event, Daniel Hemric will attempt to race his way in during the All-Star Open.

AJ ALLMENDINGER

“Really special to be able to go to North Wilkesboro and be locked in the All-Star Race after our victory last year. I don’t know what to expect with the new repave; it was really slick last year in the Cup car, but that will be completely different. More than anything, to be a part of the All-Star Race knowing that we earned it by winning last year means so much to me. Points obviously don’t matter, just a night to go out there and give ourselves a chance to win the race and a million dollars.” – AJ Allmendinger on North Wilkesboro Speedway  

No. 16 LeafFilter / Campers Inn RV Camaro ZL1

  • AJ Allmendinger qualified for the NASCAR All-Star race after winning the 2023 Bank of America ROVAL 400 at the Charlotte ROVAL.
  • Allmendinger has made six starts in the NASCAR All-Star events; this will be his second with Kaulig Racing.
  • Allmendinger finished seventh in the 2022 All-Star race in Kaulig Racing’s No. 16 Camaro ZL1.

DANIEL HEMRIC

“Friday going into practice will be the first time I’ve even seen the track at North Wilkesboro. I’m definitely looking forward to having a chance at racing our way into the main event. Competing in the All-Star race is a huge honor, and I am grateful for the opportunity.” – Daniel Hemric on North Wilkesboro Speedway  

No. 31 Poppy Bank Camaro ZL1

  • Daniel Hemric will make his second appearance in the NASCAR All-Star Open; his first was in 2019.


 
About Kaulig Racing

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

2024 NASCAR All-Star Qualifying & Race Format 101

By
Andrew Kim
-
Photo by Andrew Boyd for SpeedwayMedia.com.

With the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series regular-season stretch reaching its halfway mark upon a wild conclusion of Race No. 13 of 26 at Darlington Raceway, the premier series’ teams and competitors take a one-week break from competing for points and race victories to make the 2024 Cup Series Playoffs.

It does not mean, however, that the teams and competitors will be taking a one-week break from on-track competition as the next event on the schedule is the Cup Series’ return to North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, for the 40th annual running of the All-Star Race that is set to occur this upcoming Sunday, May 19. With the return of the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro for a second consecutive season, so too does the event’s grand prize of $1 million that awaits the race-winning team and competitor following a weekend-long host of on-track activities prior to and during the main event.

Before the battle for the million-dollar prize along with epic-bragging rights begins, however, the teams and competitors will be tested cohesively and against one another live on mainstream media through the event’s two-day qualifying format that would enable them to obtain a starting spot as high as possible over one another and be a step closer to achieving victory…and the million dollar prize.

The 2024 All-Star’s qualifying procedure commences with all competitors set to compete in the All-Star Open to generate two qualifying laps through the sport’s traditional single-vehicle round on Friday, May 17, where the competitor who posts the fastest two-lap average qualifying lap will achieve the pole position for the Open event. The Open event is designated for competitors who are not eligible to compete in the All-Star Race due to not meeting the event’s criteria but equally gives all participants a final path to the main event that will be explained later below (Paragraph 9).

At the conclusion of the All-Star Open qualifying procedure, the All-Star Race qualifying procedure follows suit, where each competitor registered for the main event will perform three qualifying laps individually. Infused within the on-track qualifying procedure for this year’s All-Star event is the return of the Pit Crew Challenge that will occur after each All-Star competitor takes the green flag to commence the qualifying run and cycles once around the North Wilkesboro circuit.

Then during the second qualifying lap run, the competitors will peel off the track to pit road and park their respective entries within one of two designated pit stalls before their respective pit crews perform a four-tire pit service along with a mock fuel delivery to the cars. After the pit stops conclude, the competitors will return to the track and race back to the checkered flag, which will halt the qualifying clock session.

The competitor who generates the highest qualifying time from start to finish, including the pit stops, will be awarded the pole position for both Heat Race No. 1 and the All-Star event. In addition, the pit crew that generates the fastest pit service with no penalties will be named winners of the Pit Crew Challenge. The results of the Pit Crew Challenge will also determine the order selection of pit stall selections. As an additional note, all teams will receive two practice sessions: one for pit road entry and one for a qualifying session and a second standard session, both of which will also occur on Friday, beginning at 4 p.m. ET and air on FS1.

Photo by Andrew Boyd for SpeedwayMedia.com.

The qualifying action continues on Saturday, May 18, following the conclusion of the Craftsman Truck Series’ Wright Brand 250 at North Wilkesboro, where two 60-lap Heat races will occur and determine the full lineup of the All-Star Race for the competitors already guaranteed into the main event. Each Heat event will include a scheduled caution period on Lap 30, where the teams will perform a mandatory four-time pit stop. The results of Heat Race No. 1 will determine the starting lineup of the inside lane while the results of Heat Race No. 2 will determine the lineup of the outside lane.

On Sunday, May 19, the All-Star Open will take action that will enable all entered participants an opportunity to grab three final transfer spots into the All-Star Race. Comprised of 100 laps and including an intermission caution period on Lap 50, where all teams must perform a four-tire pit stop, the top two finishers of the Open will automatically transfer into the All-Star Race. In addition, one lucky competitor who garners the most electronic votes by race fans will be named the Fan Vote winner and will be awarded the 20th and final starting spot in the main event.

The Open will then be followed by the highly anticipated All-Star event on the same day. Like the previous season, the 2024 All-Star Race will be comprised of 200 laps and feature an All-Star caution period at the halfway mark on Lap 100, where all teams will perform a mandatory four-tire pit stop. This season, however, generates a twist as a second All-Star caution period will occur on Lap 150 prior to a final leg shootout to the finish. For the duration of the event, all laps under green and caution flag scenarios will count and the overtime rules will also be enforced.

With this year’s All-Star Race also centering its focus on tire options, all entered teams will be given nine sets of tires for the duration of the weekend. Five sets of tires will be prime tires marked with yellow letterings and the remaining four sets will be option tires marked with red letterings. Each team will be given three sets of prime tires and two sets of option tires to use for the practice, qualifying, Heat Races and Open events while the teams competing in the All-Star Race will receive two sets of each tire choice (prime and option). While the practice, Heat Races and Open events will enable the teams the option to start on any tire type, all teams are required to use the prime tires during all qualifying sessions (All-Star and Open) and start on the option tire for the All-Star Race. Lastly, all four tires of each car must include the same type of tire selection.

The 2024 All-Star Race entry list features 17 competitors who are set to compete in the main event based on meeting the event’s eligibility criteria, which include winning at least one points event between the 2023 and 2024 seasons, being a former All-Star Race winner or a former Cup Series champion and are full-time competitors.

These 17 eligible competitors feature AJ Allmendinger, Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Chris Buescher, Kyle Busch, William Byron, Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Michael McDowell, Tyler Reddick, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Daniel Suarez and Martin Truex Jr.

The competitor who headlines this year’s All-Star Race’s entry list is Kyle Larson, the reigning three-time All-Star Race winner who became the first competitor to win the All-Star event on three distinct venues (North Wilkesboro, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway) and tied both Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon for the second-most All-Star wins at three. Larson’s 2024 bid for another million-dollar check will add a unique twist to his schedule this upcoming weekend as he is also set to qualify for this year’s 108 running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Arrow McLaren in preparation for his Memorial Day Double Duty effort that will include flying back to Charlotte Motor Speedway in time to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 on May 26.

Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images.

With Larson qualifying at Indianapolis, Kevin Harvick, the 2014 Cup Series champion and two-time All-Star Race winner, will briefly step out of full-time NASCAR competition and his new role as an analyst for FOX Sports by practicing Larson’s No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entry for the All-Star event. Harvick will also serve as a standby competitor for Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 5 Chevrolet team throughout the weekend in the event Larson does not return on time for Saturday’s Heat events.

For this year’s All-Star Race, Larson is one of six former All-Star winners entered, including Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano. That leaves nearly 65% of the remaining participants for this year’s All-Star Race field who have yet to claim the big million-dollar check for the first time, including last weekend’s Darlington winner Brad Keselowski and last year’s All-Star pole winner Daniel Suarez. All entered competitors, however, have made at least one previous start in the All-Star event.

A notable name who is absent from this list is Shane van Gisbergen, who won the series’ inaugural Chicago Street Course event for his first Cup Series career victory in his debut this past July despite competing as a part-time competitor. van Gisbergen, who currently competes on a full-time basis in this year’s Xfinity Series season and on a part-time basis in the Cup circuit, will not compete in the event due to not having a ride set between a collaborative effort between his two teams: Kaulig Racing and Trackhouse Racing.

The remaining competitors that include Austin Cindric, Austin Dillon, rookie Josh Berry, Corey LaJoie, Noah Gragson, Chase Briscoe, Harrison Burton, Bubba Wallace, Daniel Hemric, Todd Gilliland, Ryan Preece, John Hunter Nemechek, Erik Jones, Alex Bowman, Justin Haley, Ty Gibbs, rookie Zane Smith, rookie Carson Hocevar, Kaz Grala and JJ Yeley will all battle amongst one other to claim the final three transfer spots into the All-Star Race: two through the All-Star Open and one through the Fan Vote.

Last season, Josh Berry, who was competing as a relief competitor for Alex Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports, won the All-Star Open after leading the final 22 laps as he transferred into his first All-Star event. Ty Gibbs, whose No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota pit crew won the 2023 Pit Crew Challenge with a pit time of 13.012 seconds that enabled Gibbs to start on the pole position for the Open, also transferred into the main event after finishing second. In addition, Noah Gragson, who competed last season for Legacy Motor Club and now competes for Stewart-Haas Racing, claimed the final starting spot in the All-Star Race after being named the Fan Vote winner despite finishing seventh in the Open.

Ironically, the trio of Berry, Gibbs and Gragson return to the All-Star Open as they will square off against one another and against 17 names for additional bids to make the All-Star Race. All three, though, are coming off strong runs at Darlington, where Gragson racked up his eighth top-15 result of the 2024 season by finishing 14th while Gibbs and Berry notched second and third-place finishes, respectively.

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Of the 20 entered competitors for this year’s All-Star Open, half have made at least one start in the All-Star Race, among which include Austin Cindric, Austin Dillon, Josh Berry, Noah Gragson, Chase Briscoe, Bubba Wallace, Erik Jones, Alex Bowman, Justin Haley and Ty Gibbs. The remaining half that includes Corey LaJoie, Kaz Grala, Harrison Burton, Daniel Hemric, Todd Gilliland, Ryan Preece, John Hunter Nemechek, Timmy Hill, Zane Smith and Carson Hocevar are all looking to make the starting grid for the All-Star Race for the first time ever.

As of this past Thursday, May 9, the top-10 competitors in the Fan Vote’s poll category in alphabetical order are Berry, Bowman, Briscoe, Gibbs, Gragson, Haley, Hocevar, Jones, LaJoie and Wallace. The 2024 Fan Vote winner will be announced at the conclusion of the All-Star Open.

The 2024 NASCAR All-Star Race weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway is set to commence with the All-Star Open Qualifying session that will occur this upcoming Friday, May 17, and air at 5:40 p.m. ET on FS1 followed by the All-Star Race’s Qualifying and Pit Crew Challenge sessions that will follow suit and air at 6:20 p.m. ET on FS1. On Saturday, May 18, the two All-Star Race Heat events will occur, with the first heat’s coverage commencing at 5:20 p.m. ET while the second heat event will follow suit at 6:15 p.m. ET, both airing on FS2. Lastly, the All-Star Open will air on Sunday, May 19, at 5:30 p.m. ET on FS1 before the main event, the All-Star Race, will conclude the weekend by occurring at 8 p.m. ET on FS1.

RFK Advance | All-Star Race

By
Official Release
-

North Wilkesboro (All-Star Race) Event Info:
Date: Sunday, May 19
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: North Wilkesboro, N.C.
Format: Heat Races (Two) Saturday; All-Star Race: 200 Laps Sunday
TV: FS1
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Friday: 4:35 p.m. ET, Practice (FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Friday: 6:20 p.m. ET, Qualifying – Pit Crew Challenge (FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 5:20 p.m. ET, Heat Races Begin (FS2, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 8 p.m. ET, Race (FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • The annual All-Star Race returns to the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway for just the second time, as last season NWB hosted NASCAR for the first time since 1996.
  • The pit crew challenge again returns to the format this season, set for Friday night which will determine the starting lineups for Saturday night’s heat races.
  • Each heat race Saturday spans 60 laps, with the results of Heat Race 1 setting the All-Star Race inside row, and the results of Heat Race 2 setting the All-Star Race outside row.

6 Team Info:
Crew Chief: Matt McCall
Partner: NEXLIZET

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

Keselowski in the All-Star Race
Starts: 15
Wins: —
Top-10s: 9
Poles: —

  • Keselowski makes his 16th start in the All-Star Race this weekend. He has three second-place finishes in the exhibition event, first in 2012, then in 2016 and most recently in 2021.
  • A season ago he finished fourth in his heat and went on to finish 19th in the All-Star event.
  • Overall he has nine top-10s, four inside the top five, in the All-Star event.

Buescher in the All-Star Race
Starts: 3
Wins: —
Top-10s: 1
Poles: —

  • Buescher makes his fourth start in the All-Star Race this weekend, and is automatically locked in via his multiple wins in 2023.
  • Last season at North Wilkesboro, Buescher won his heat race and went on to finish 16th.

RFK Historically in the All-Star Race
Wins: 4 (Mark Martin, 1998, 2005; Matt Kenseth, 2004; Carl Edwards, 2011)

  • All-Star Victories: RFK has earned four victories in NASCAR’s All-Star Main Event with drivers Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth and Carl Edwards. Martin, who is a two-time All-Star race winner, first went to Victory Lane in 1998 for RFK before taking the checkered flag again in 2005. Kenseth earned the victory in the 2004 running of the event and Edwards visited the winner’s circle in 2011.

RFK Historically at North Wilkesboro
Cup Wins: 2 (Mark Martin, 1990, 1995)

  • Tale of the Tape: Back in the early days of racing at North Wilkesboro, Jack Roush entered 30 Cup races at the track with two wins – both from Mark Martin – with 14 overall top-10s as four drivers combined competed in Cup for Roush at the historic track.
  • Roush Wins One of the Last: Jack Roush shares a couple of pieces of history at the last time NASCAR competed at North Wilkesboro, as Ted Musgrave put the No. 16 on the pole for the last-ever race there in 1996. A day earlier, Martin won the Truck Series race there.

RFK All-Star Wins

1998 Martin
2004 Kenseth
2005 Martin
2011 Edwards

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Darlington: Keselowski snapped a 110-race winless streak Sunday at Darlington, winning his first race as co-owner/driver at RFK. Buescher led with less than 10 laps remaining, but was wrecked, which ultimately led to Keselowski re-gaining the lead.

Points Standings (6: 11th, 17: 12th): Keselowski locked himself into the playoffs with the win on Sunday. Buescher sits just one spot back though in 12th.

Honda and IBM sign Memorandum of Understanding to Explore Long-term Joint Research and Development of Semiconductor Chip and Software Technologies for Future Software-Defined Vehicles

By
Official Release
-

Agreement outlines intent to research and develop solutions to new challenges related to processing performance, power consumption, and design complexity

TOKYO, Japan / ARMONK, N.Y., U.S.A., May 15, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda) today announced that Honda and IBM have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining their intent to collaborate on the long-term joint research and development of next-generation computing technologies(1) needed to overcome challenges related to processing capability, power consumption, and design complexity for the realization of the software-defined vehicles (SDV) of the future.

The application of intelligence/AI technologies is expected to accelerate widely in 2030 and beyond, creating new opportunities for the development of SDVs. Honda and IBM anticipate that SDVs will dramatically increase the design complexity, processing performance, and corresponding power consumption of semiconductors compared to conventional mobility products. In order to solve anticipated challenges and realize highly-competitive SDVs, it is critical to develop capabilities in the independent research and development of next-generation computing technologies. Based on this understanding, the two companies began considering long-term joint research and development opportunities.

In particular, the MOU outlines areas of potential joint research of specialized semiconductor technologies such as brain-inspired computing(2) and chiplet technologies, with the aim to dramatically improve processing performance while, simultaneously, decreasing power consumption. Hardware and software co-optimization is important to ensure high performance and fast time to market. To achieve such benefits and manage design complexity for future SDVs, the two companies also plan to explore open and flexible software solutions.

Through this collaboration, the two companies would strive to realize SDVs that feature the world’s top-level computing and power saving performance.

(1) Computing technology being developed with an aim to achieve both high processing performance and low power consumption in the 2030s and beyond.
(2) Computer architecture and algorithms that mimic the brain’s structure and function while optimizing for silicon.

News URL: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/90821/

URL: https://plus.google.com/110355594819754396833 | Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/HondaJP | Twitter : https://twitter.com/HondaJP | Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/user/HondaJPPR | Linkedin : https://jp.linkedin.com/company/honda

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