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Overstock.com Racing: Noah Gragson Sonoma Advance

By
Official Release
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NOAH GRAGSON
Sonoma Advance
No. 10 Overstock.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Event Overview

● Event: Save Mart 350k (Round 16 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, June 9
● Location: Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway
● Layout: 1.99-mile, 10-turn road course
● Laps/Miles: 110 laps/218.9 miles (352.3 kilometers)
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 25 laps / Stage 2: 30 laps / Final Stage: 55 laps
● TV/Radio: FOX / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Noah Gragson has made 54 career NASCAR Cup Series starts, and while four of those starts have come on road courses, none have come at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. Sunday’s Save Mart 350k on the 1.99-mile, 10-turn road course in California’s Wine Country will be his first Cup Series race at Sonoma. Gragson was forced to sit out last year’s Save Mart 350k after suffering from the lingering effects of a crash during the series’ previous race in St. Louis. After being sidelined at Sonoma, Gragson returned to racing the following weekend at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway.

● Despite missing last year’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma, Gragson is still well versed in the twists and turns of the track’s undulating layout. The Las Vegas native has three NASCAR K&N Pro Series West starts at Sonoma. He never finished outside the top-10, improving each year he competed at the track. After finishing seventh in his Sonoma debut in 2015, Gragson finished second in his return to the track in 2016. And in his last K&N West start at Sonoma in 2019, Gragson won, with a roster of Cup Series drivers behind him as Daniel Hemric, Austin Dillon and Cole Custer finished second, third and fourth, respectively.

● The NASCAR K&N Pro Series is now the ARCA Menards Series, and on Friday at Sonoma, Gragson will return to his roots and run the General Tire 200 ARCA Menards Series West race. Gragson will drive the No. 30 Ford for Rette-Jones Racing in the 64-lap race, which goes green at 3:30 p.m. PDT (6:30 p.m. EDT) and can be seen live on FloRacing.com.

● Across the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR K&N Pro Series, Gragson has made a total of 38 road-course starts – four in Cup, 21 in Xfinity, two in Trucks, one in ARCA and 10 in K&N – amassing four wins, 16 top-fives and 27 top-10s with 161 laps led.

● Gragson’s four road-course wins all came in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, and three were earned in a one-week stretch in September 2016. Gragson swept a pair of K&N Series West races at the Utah Motorsports Campus in Tooele, beating Todd Gilliland on Sept. 10 and then besting him again on Sept. 11, when Gragson took the lead from Gilliland on the last lap. Six days and 2,219 miles later, at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, Gragson scored his third straight road-course win, this time in the K&N Series East, where he beat Justin Haley. Gragson’s fourth and most recent road-course win was earned in the 2019 K&N West race at Sonoma.

● Overstock.com adorns Gragson’s No. 10 Ford Mustang Dark Horse at Sonoma. The partnership amplifies the recent relaunch of Overstock.com, home of crazy good deals that offer quality and style for less. Overstock.com is for the savvy shopper who loves the thrill of the hunt and it includes product categories customers know and love, like patio furniture, home furniture and area rugs, while reintroducing jewelry, watches and health-and-beauty products.

Noah Gragson, Driver of the No. 10 Overstock.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse

You’ve got one road-course race under your belt so far this year (March 24 at Circuit of the Americas), and it was one to forget (finished 34th). Does Sonoma allow you to hit the reset button when it comes to road-course racing? If so, what do you want to do differently compared to COTA?

“We were just struggling at COTA. It was a lot of challenges with just the balance of the racecar. We definitely want to run well at Sonoma. It’s definitely one of my favorite road courses, if not my favorite road course. I felt like I used to be pretty good there in the K&N cars, but with it being repaved, it’s kind of a different animal. It’s a lot faster now, so I don’t know if my sim techniques will make speed on a long run. That track was so worn out, I focused on being straight when I hit the gas and really managing the rear tires throughout the run. Now, with it not being that way, you probably can drive the car a little more hung out sideways and create a little more speed there, but definitely going to be a little bit different technique heading into Sonoma. I love that track and I love that area. It’s a beautiful place and it’s always a lot of fun to go there just because it’s so different.”

You weren’t able to compete at Sonoma last year as you recovered from your accident the previous week at St. Louis. That means no NASCAR Cup Series experience there, and your only experience at Sonoma comes in the form of three NASCAR K&N Series West starts, where you won in your last race there (2019). Knowing how different the NextGen car is compared to any other racecar, what will the learning curve be like for you at Sonoma?

“I think learning how to make speed in the NextGen car, combined with the repave, is going to be challenging, but I feel like I know the common technique on how to get around that track. I know every crack and bump around that place and I’ve really studied hard and have a good notebook for that track. I don’t necessarily know how we’re going to run, but if you have a really good car, you’re going to run good, and if you miss it, then it makes for a long weekend. We’re going to try and be on the earlier part of that and have a good car and run good.”

The entire Sonoma layout has been repaved. Does that help you in the fact that even though you’re competing against other drivers who have a lot of experience at Sonoma, it’s kind of a brand new track with the new pavement?

“In a sense, yes, but no because with the repave, if you hit it, you hit it good and you’re in that elite category for the weekend. If your setup’s off – I mean, we get 50 minutes of practice there, but there’s not a lot of opportunity to throw the kitchen sink at it and wholesale the setup. So with that being said, it’s definitely a challenge being a repave because if you don’t hit it, then you’re kind of off all weekend, where you probably could develop a notebook of what works around that track from years past, but everybody is on an equal playing field, you just want to be on the right side of things.”

When you’re at a newly paved track, how aggressive are you in finding the grip level? Do you try to sneak up on it or are you aggressive from the get-go because track time is so limited?

“I think you have to be aggressive. Luckily, we get a lot of simulator time and we’re able to simulate what the grip’s going to be like. Sometimes you get out there on a repaved track and it’s like, ‘Man, that feels like nothing that we simulated all week,’ but then other times it does. I think with that knowledge and with the repetitions inside the sim, it allows us drivers to get out there and be pretty much balls to the wall from lap one. You will work up to it a little bit, but you’re starting at 90 or 95 percent, you’re not starting at 45 or 50 (percent).”

You and crew chief Drew Blickensderfer have developed a strong rapport. He’s been to Sonoma a lot as a crew chief. Between his experience there and your rapport with him, how much will you lean on Drew to help you turn a fast lap at Sonoma?

“We’ll look at what we think are going to be the most important things. Is it rolling the corner really fast? Is it having a lot of drive on exit, being able to put the power down? How does the car flow through the esses, the ride quality of things? Can you hit the curbs, can you not touch the curbs, will the car get upset if you touch the curbs? Just going over stuff like that. I feel like Sonoma is one of the better road courses for me. I definitely appreciate and am open-minded to his inputs and his opinions, but for that track, personally, I know it like the back of my hand and it’s a good place for me, so I’m excited for it. If he ever sees anything, he always tells me and we have pretty open conversations and there’s nothing personal. If I’m doing something wrong or if he thinks I can do something better, I try and take everything and learn from it and become better.”

How important is qualifying at road courses? Has it become a bit like Formula One where track position is so precious that in order to finish up front, you really need to start up front?

“Absolutely. It’s really hard to pass. Everybody is so close on speed, especially in the Cup Series. With this NextGen car on these road courses, it definitely is somewhat like Formula One, where the winner’s probably going to come from the top-five unless there’s somebody absolutely elite and they messed up their qualifying lap maybe twice and start deeper in the field. But everyone’s so close that it’s really hard to find that advantage, so between strategy and starting up front, that’s where these races are won.”

As a West Coast guy, going to Sonoma and running the K&N Series West there, knowing that the NASCAR Cup Series paddock was right along pit road, did you guys collectively competing in that series look at that as an opportunity to where, “Hey, if I perform well here, it’s a little bit different because Richard Childress is standing on top of his transporter, Dale Earnhardt Jr., is over there, Tony Stewart is over there,” was it something you looked forward to knowing there were those eyeballs there and that success there could mean a little bit more in terms of advancing your career?

“Absolutely. Being in front of those Cup guys and all those Cup teams, they do watch, like we watch now, other races to see how the track is. Especially when you go to a track like that, it’s your biggest weekend when you’re racing in the K&N Series, or now the ARCA West Series. A lot of Cup guys want extra track time at these road courses, so they’ll move down to the lower series, including myself – I’m going to run the ARCA race out there and just get more laps and experience on the racetrack. As a young driver who hasn’t established his name or his presence within the industry, it definitely allows a lot of opportunity to go out there and race against the Cup guys as a 15-, 16-, 17-year-old, and if you can run good against them, it gives you a boatload of confidence on top of you’re probably gaining a little bit of respect and people are learning your name.”

What’s the competition like in the ARCA Menards Series, as you’re now the guy who is dropping into that race at Sonoma?

“It definitely feels different going there, but the preparation level is way higher than it was when I was running fulltime in that series. Even though it’s not our primary focus for the weekend – the Cup car is – it’s to gain experience. That being said, we’re sitting in a simulator, we’ve done probably three or four sessions for that race so far, so we’ll probably run six or seven sessions this year leading up to the Sonoma race. You don’t get that when you’re racing in those lower series. You’re going to school or you’re at the shop and, for myself personally, show up at the racetrack and gain my experience by playing the NASCAR Inside Line video game and turning laps on there and seeing how to create speed. Being in an OEM simulator definitely brings a lot of value on the preparation side and gives you a little bit of a leg up.”

No. 10 Overstock.com Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Noah Gragson

Hometown: Las Vegas

Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer

Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Car Chief: Jerry Cook

Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

Engineer: James Kimbrough

Hometown: Pensacola, Florida

Spotter: Andy Houston

Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Ryan Mulder

Hometown: Sioux Center, Iowa

Rear Tire Changer: Trevor White

Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Tire Carrier: Tyler Bullard

Hometown: King, North Carolina

Jack Man: Sean Cotten

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Fuel Man: James “Ace” Keener

Hometown: Fortuna, California

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Chris Trickett

Hometown: Grafton, West Virginia

Mechanic: Beau Whitley

Hometown: Carmel, Indiana

Tire Specialist: Jacob Cooksey

Hometown: Westbrookville, New York

Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller

Hometown: Monroe, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Steve Casper

Hometown: Salisbury, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Matt Murphy

Hometown: Augusta, Georgia

Car Crashes & Your Rights: 6 Tips from a Lawyer

By
SM
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Photo by Artyom Kulakov

In life, there can be many ways that a person can get hurt and in a car accident, this is probably as bad as it gets. This kind of situation is rather easy to provoke confusion and shock and that is why the moments that follow a crash are somewhat complicated. However, this could cause issues in society or even within organizations once individuals are uncertain or confused regarding what to do or what is appropriate to discuss. This can result in the injured person’s letter exposing their rights to serious violations by the negligent party or the insurance company. These are the steps that you have to follow to protect your rights in a bid to obtain a favorable decision. 

Hiring a Lawyer

Dealing with the aftermath of a car crash can sometimes be very difficult when it comes to issues to do with compensation, property damage, and insurance. Talented car injury attorneys are capable of helping you take the right course of action when it comes to enforcing your rights and claims. Before going to court, your attorney, like an Atlanta, Georgia car accident lawyer, can explain the available legal procedures, deal with the insurance firms, collect proofs, and establish a robust case. You will have someone by your side to talk you through what the deadlines mean, as well as how you can go about filing the paperwork that is required. A lawyer can contact the other insurance company and minimize the amount of stress you have dealing with legal issues. Rather, you can be focused on your recovery from the disease and injury instead of worrying about your case. You are entitled to have a professional attorney represent you and guard you against the maneuvers of the insurance company belonging to the responsible party and from the difficult issues that are to come.

Control the Environment and Preserve Safety

The time just after a car accident may be described as one word- hectic. As with all activities of this type, safety should be your consideration. Here is what you need to do:

Move to a Safe Location

If possible, drivers should try to park well off the road so that other drivers do not come and add on the damages. This could be the shoulder, a parking lot, or any side street near the main highway

Active Hazard Lights

The high beam should also be switched on to alert other road users of the accident and your presence on the road.

Set Up Warning Signs or Cones

If you have any warning signs or reflective cones, it is wise to place them around the area of the accident so that no one goes near the scene.

Call Emergency Services

Call the emergency center. It is highly recommended that one give proper details of the place where the accident occurred, the number of cars that were involved in the accident, as well as any injuries.

Check on the wounded and call the emergency services for help, provided that no body part of an injured person has been moved, especially the spine in the incident. The decisions made by you in these moments will assist in minimizing further negative outcomes and protecting all the participants.

Exchanging the Necessary Information

Information seeking means going for the driver you believe caused the accident to find out the necessary relevant information to take legal action. This information is useful both for your insurance company to stand for negligence in the matter and for your legal team. The information on the other party that you would like to obtain may include their driver’s license number, address, color of license plates, and insurance status. This is needed so they can contact the other individual and their insurance to discuss who is at fault and what claims to make.

Reporting and Documenting the Incident

Make sure no one is hurt and then collect basic data, and inform the police about the accident. In minor accidents, it is always good to have a documented report, especially if you encounter disagreements after the accident. Ensure that when talking to the police, one should give a factual and precise narrative of the event leading to the crash. Specifically, do not apologize or guess about why something happened. Ask for a copy of the police report, bearing in mind that this document is very useful when seeking compensation.

Medical Attention and Documentation

Whether or not you think you are fine, there is always a need for you to make sure that you visit a doctor after a car accident. Some of the physical or internal injuries may take time before they surface and therefore a doctor should examine and record all physical and any mental trauma that may have been incurred as a result of the accident. Apart from facilitating the treatment of car crash victims, medical records help prove your right to compensate for the costs incurred and the agony in case the incident warrants it. That is why a car crash can occur to anyone; it is a terrible event that changes people’s lives. This paper will contain information about the right strategies to manage the case. Avoiding further accidents, gathering relevant information, and consulting with a professional attorney are the measures that have to be taken right after an accident. 

Notify Your Insurance Company

Informing your insurance company of the accident is another important step to take. Inform them about the details of the incident and give them all the necessary information willingly. Prompt notification is important because oftentimes insurance agreements indicate the time within which you should report the accident. It is important to maintain records regarding your insurance company, such as the names of the representatives whom you have been communicating with, the dates of those particular communication times, and the outlines of the conversations.

Photo by Karl Solano

Car crash consequences require a multi-approach management plan. However, these steps are a crucial aspect of the sustainable recovery plan because people can easily overcome these challenges and start building a new life free from stress and frustration and full of happy moments. 

5 Ways a GPS Tracker Can Save You Money (Insurance, Theft Recovery)

By
SM
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Discover how a GPS tracker can save you money through insurance discounts, efficient theft recovery, and more. Learn five key ways this technology can lower costs and boost your vehicle’s security and efficiency.

1. Lower Insurance Premiums

Insurance companies focus on risk management, and that’s why they value GPS trackers. Many offer discounts for vehicles with these devices, as GPS reduces theft risk and simplifies recovery. This means lower payouts for insurers when theft occurs, allowing them to offer you lower premiums.

GPS trackers not only provide savings but are also sometimes required for insuring high-risk items. They can help negotiate coverage for items hard to value financially after theft, especially for commercial equipment where asset loss costs can be significant.

2. Faster Theft Recovery

Imagine this: your vehicle gets stolen. With a GPS tracker, recovery chances soar. Police can rapidly track down the vehicle, usually ensuring its quick and safe return. Without a GPS tracker, recovery could take longer, plus you might face extra costs like a deductible or getting a replacement vehicle.

One notable brand, Spy Spot, showcases how a GPS car tracker provides live tracking with reliable service to assist in theft recovery. It’s not just a tool; it’s your partner in faster theft resolution.

3. Improved Driver Behavior

Driver behavior significantly impacts vehicle safety and operating costs. GPS trackers monitor behaviors like speeding, sudden braking, and route efficiency, allowing drivers to pinpoint improvements, saving on fuel, and maintenance, and possibly reducing insurance costs from accidents. Data is crucial. ZenduIT’s platform analyzes driver safety and performance, offering actionable insights for informed, cost-effective decision-making on the road.

4. Reduced Fuel Costs

Fuel is a major ongoing expense for vehicle owners. A GPS tracker can help cut this hefty bill by offering real-time traffic updates and suggesting the most efficient routes, helping you avoid congestion and idling that waste fuel. Brands like Linxio provide GPS trackers designed to make every mile cost-effective and eco-friendly.

5. Better Fleet Management

For businesses with a fleet, GPS trackers are game-changers. They track locations, monitor driving habits, and optimize routes, saving on fuel, maintenance, insurance, and labor costs. It’s an efficiency booster many businesses don’t know they need.

Systems from companies like Spytec GPS scale your business, from a dozen to a thousand vehicles, simplifying operations management.

Conclusion

Investing in a GPS tracker is an investment in more than just finding your way. It’s about finding and keeping your finances secure. With the potential to save on insurance premiums, expedite theft recovery, refine driver behavior, cut your fuel costs, and streamline fleet management, a GPS tracker is a powerful, multifaceted tool that should be at the forefront of your vehicle security and savings strategy.

Kubota VIP Race Day Giveaway at Homestead-Miami Speedway

By
Official Release
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The #1 car meets the #1-selling compact tractor in Kubota’s VIP Race Day Giveaway.

Between now and August 30, fans can enter for a chance to win a trip for two (2) to Miami for a VIP experience at Homestead-Miami Speedway from October 26 to October 28, which includes roundtrip airfare for two, two nights’ hotel accommodations, two tickets to the race, pit road access for Saturday’s practice, a tour of the pits, garage, and hauler, a meet-and-greet with Ross Chastain, and access to watch the race from pit road and a tour of the pit box.

The winner also receives their choice of a second trip for an exclusive tour of Trackhouse Racing’s headquarters in Concord, North Carolina, or a check for $1,000. To enter and for more information, visit www.KubotaRaceVIP.com.

Entry Dates: 6/3/24 – 8/30/24

Prize: The “Grand Prize” consists of a trip for the winner and one (1) guest (21+) to Miami, FL for a VIP stock car race experience from October 26, 2024 – October 28, 2024 (details below) and winner’s choice of either a) a second trip to Trackhouse in Concord, NC (details below) dates TBD based on winner and Trackhouse schedules (approximate value $2,650), or b) a check for $1,000 made out to the winner. Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of the Grand Prize: $6,450 or $4,800, depending on the choice of prize.

Miami Trip (October 26 – 28, 2024): Includes two (2) roundtrip flights, two (2) nights’ hotel accommodations and two (2) tickets to the stock car race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, terms and conditions apply. The prize also includes pit road access for Saturday practice, a tour of pits, garage, and hauler, a short Meet and Greet with professional driver Ross Chastain, subject to availability, and access to watch the race from pit road and a tour of the pit box.

Concord Trip (if selected) (Dates TBD): Includes one (1) night’s hotel accommodations and a tour of Trackhouse Racing.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open only to legal residents of the 50 US/DC, 21 years of age and older. Void where prohibited by law. The sweepstakes starts at or about 8:00 a.m. CT on 6/3/24 and ends at 11:59 p.m. CT on 8/30/24. Subject to Official Rules, including how to enter, prize details, odds, and restrictions, see info.kubotausa.com/vipraceday.

Sponsor: Kubota Tractor Corporation, 1000 Kubota Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051.

NASCAR Top-10 Power Rankings: World Wide Technology Raceway

By
Jeffrey Boswell
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Photo by Simon Scoggins for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Note: The quotes in this column are fictional.

1. Denny Hamlin: Hamlin finished second in the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway.

“What a finish!” Hamlin said. “I can’t believe Ryan Blaney ran out of gas on the final lap. Ryan must be fuming. Actually, I guess he was not fuming.”

2. Christopher Bell: Bell won the first two stages at World Wide Technology Raceway, but an engine issue late in the race ended his victory chances. He faded and eventually finished seventh.

“My car was so good for most of the race,” Bell said, “I thought I was going to coast to the win. My car was so bad later, I had to coast to the finish line.”

3. Brad Keselowski: Keselowski took third in the Enjoy Illinois 300.

“I think we could have won the race,” Keselowski said. “All we needed was just a little luck. You know, the same kind of luck that benefitted Austin Cindric–two faster cars ahead going belly up.”

4. Ty Gibbs: Gibbs finished 11th in the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway.

“Two words I didn’t think could ever be used in conjunction were ‘Enjoy’ and ‘Illinois,'” Gibbs said. “Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to come back to this state, but only if there’s a race here.”

5. Chase Elliott: Elliott finished 13th in the Enjoy Illinois 300.

“If we found out one thing on Sunday at WWTC,” Elliott said, “it’s that Cody Ware can’t drive worth a lick. He caused two accidents in the first 18 laps. It would make total sense if his middle name started with a ‘B,’ as in ‘B-Ware.’ He’s like a human caution flag.”

6. Ryan Blaney: Blaney led on the final lap at World Wide Technology Raceway but ran out of gas on the final lap, allowing Austin Cindric to steal the win in the Enjoy Illinois 300. Blaney finished 24th.

“This is heartbreaking,” Blaney said. “Not only for me but also for the person responsible for calculating fuel mileage. Actually, it’s worse for him. While I’m only out of gas, he’s out of a job.”

7. William Byron: Byron came home 15th at World Wide Technology Raceway as Hendrick Motorsports placed only one car in the top 10.

“My Hendrick teammate Kyle Larson knocked Kyle Busch out of the race,” Byron said. “I thought there might be a confrontation between the two after the race. But I think Busch has learned his lesson after what happened after the All-Star Race. He’s witnessed firsthand what these types of confrontations can result in—-some old man getting punched in the face by a driver.”

8. Kyle Larson: Larson finished 10th in the Enjoy Illinois 300.

“Stewart-Haas Racing is closing up shop at the end of this season,” Larson said. “Much like when their cars are on the track, I doubt anyone will notice when they are gone.”

9. Austin Cindric: Cindric pounced on the final lap when race leader Ryan Blaney ran out of gas to win the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway.

“This puts me right in the Cup championship conversation,” Cindric said. “The first round of the Playoffs will likely take me out of it.”

10. Martin Truex Jr.: Truex suffered a flat left rear tire midday through the Enjoy Illinois 300. He fell two laps down and eventually finished 34th.

“It’s days like this that make me question my future in racing,” Truex said. “To be clear, by ‘days like this’ I don’t mean finishing 34th, but finishing behind the likes of Cody Ware and Corey Lajoie.”

TOP FUEL POINTS LEADER JUSTIN ASHLEY HOPES TO KEEP STREAK ALIVE AT SUPER GRIP NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS

By
Official Release
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BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 3, 2024) – If you’re NHRA Top Fuel points leader Justin Ashley, it would be hard not to love Bristol Dragway. Ashley has won back-to-back races in scenic Thunder Valley, including last year when he swept the weekend in incredible fashion, including the postponed Epping event, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge bonus race and the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

It may be hard to top that at this weekend’s 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, but Ashley will try as he seeks an impressive third straight victory at Bristol Dragway. Only Top Fuel legend Tony Schumacher and Pro Stock’s Mike Edwards have won three straight times in Thunder Valley, meaning Ashley will try to join some rarified air.

He’s enjoyed another banner year thus far in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, entering the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals as the points leader on the strength of two wins in his 11,000-horsepower Scag Power Equipment/Toyota dragster. As expected, the annual trip to Bristol is one Ashley enjoys a great deal.

“It’s one of the more challenging places we race, but it’s been a complete team effort there,” Ashley said. “Our team’s experience tuning and navigating this track has played a big part in it. Last year in Bristol was a weekend I’ll never forget and every time I go to Bristol from now on, it’s going to be something I think about. They absolutely pack the place in Bristol and it’s such a special place to race. With all the sounds that are so unique to that facility, I just have so many fond memories of racing there.”

Ashley (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Steve Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) took home titles last year in picturesque Thunder Valley and this year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations beginning at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday. It is the eighth of 20 races during the 2024 season and the fan-favorite Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge also takes place on Saturday, featuring semifinalists from last weekend’s NHRA New England Nationals.

Ashley won’t be part of the bonus race this year, experiencing a rare first-round defeat on Sunday. He’ll have an immediate chance to bounce back in Bristol, which could be one benefit of a busy June that features four race weekends.

But he’s also facing off against a deep Top Fuel class that includes reigning world champ Doug Kalitta, who won on Sunday in Epping, Antron Brown, Brittany Force, Steve Torrence, Shawn Langdon, Clay Millican and racing legend Tony Stewart, who is making his Bristol Top Fuel debut this weekend. Ashley, though, is eager to put last weekend behind him and see if he can create some more Bristol magic.

“This stretch is going to be critical for us to get into a rhythm,” Ashley said. “You can go from one race to the next and if you won the race before, it’s great. You can carry that momentum into the next one and if you lose, it might even be better because you don’t have to sit on it too long and suffer. You can go right to the next race. But in the summer months when it becomes hot, the tracks can be really challenging, so the people who are going to win are those who can go up and down the track.”

Capps won his second straight Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals last season when he defeated Alexis DeJoria in the finals. He’s looking for his first win of 2024 in a loaded group that includes points leader Austin Prock, John Force, who won Sunday in Epping, Gainesville winner J.R. Todd, reigning champ Matt Hagan and Bob Tasca III.

Enders, the reigning Pro Stock world champ, is after consecutive Bristol wins and also her 50th career national event victory this weekend. To do so, she’ll have to get past the likes of points leader Dallas Glenn, Greg Anderson, who has two wins this season, Jeg Coughlin Jr., Aaron Stanfield and Epping winner Troy Coughlin Jr.

Johnson, a veteran in Pro Stock Motorcycle, claimed his win over Gaige Herrera in 2023. Herrera, who won 11 events last year, went on to win the title in dominant fashion and is undefeated thus far in 2024. Other contenders include six-time champion Matt Smith, former champ LE Tonglet, John Hall, Hector Arana Jr. and Angie Smith.

The Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, featuring some of the top racers in the country, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock. The weekend includes an appearance from the Legends Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars as well. After final qualifying on Saturday, fans will also be treated to a special autograph session and fanfest at the Bristol Dragway Welcome Tent in the midway.

Fans will also be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage all weekend, which features Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at Bristol Dragway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that celebrates each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the Bristol event winners.

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

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:30 and 7 p.m. ET on Friday, June 7, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 8 at 12:30 and 3:15 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 9. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 7 p.m. ET on Friday and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday on FS1, leading into eliminations coverage at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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

Fortify Building Solutions Joins Beard Motorsports, Alfredo at Talladega

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Official Release
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25-Year Old Back Behind the Wheel of the No. 62 Chevrolet in the YellaWood 500

MT. PLEASANT, Michigan (June 3, 2024) – Beard Motorsports announced today that Fortify Building Solutions will be the primary sponsor for the No. 62 Chevrolet and driver Anthony Alfredo for the Oct. 6 NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

Fortify Building Solutions, part of Cornerstone Building Brands, offers North America’s most extensive selection of high-quality metal roofing, wall, and building solutions. Tailored for local builders, contractors, and homeowners, the brand’s 20-plus branch locations supply professionals and homeowners with hometown service and support, backed by a nationwide manufacturing and distribution network.

“We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Beard Motorsports and driver Anthony Alfredo,” said Mike Pegues, General Manager of Retail Direct Sales at Fortify Building Solutions. “We believe Anthony’s dedication and passion on the track mirror our commitment to providing top-quality metal roofing, wall, and building materials to our communities and will bring excitement to our employees and customers.”

The YellaWood 500 will be the first foray into motorsports sponsorship for the Fortify Building Solutions brand, and it will be the fourth race of the 2024 NASCAR season for the family-owned Beard Motorsports team.

“We are very proud to be able to welcome Fortify Building Solutions, not only to Beard Motorsports but to the NASCAR Cup Series,” said Amie Beard, executive vice president of Beard Motorsports. “This sport is something our family is very passionate about and it’s exciting to be able to welcome new partners to NASCAR and share that passion. And Talladega is the perfect place for a new brand to make its debut. We are just so thankful for this new partnership and can’t wait to get to Talladega in October.”

This YellaWood 500 will be Alfredo’s third race with the No. 62 Beard Motorsports team. Alfredo joined Beard Motorsports for this year’s season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, where he finished 27th. He followed that up with a career-best sixth-place finish in the GEICO 500 at Talladega in April.

“I am so excited to have the opportunity to get back behind the wheel of the No. 62 Chevrolet Camaro for Beard Motorsports,” Alfredo said. “I am even more thankful for the support of Fortify Building Solutions for making it possible. This partnership really resonates with me, given my family background in the construction industry. I look forward to building a long-term relationship as strong as their metal building products.”

The No. 62 Fortify Building Solutions Chevrolet paint scheme will be revealed through social channels in the coming weeks.

About Fortify Building Solutions

Fortify Building Solutions is proud to provide builders, contractors and homeowners – across local communities and nationwide – with the broadest selection of metal roofing, wall and building products through our vast manufacturing and distribution network. As part of the Cornerstone Building Brands family, we are dedicated to offering personalized support and service to help our customers through every step of their project.

About Cornerstone Building Brands

Cornerstone Building Brands is the largest manufacturer of exterior building products for residential and low-rise non-residential buildings in North America. Headquartered in Cary, N.C., we serve residential and commercial customers across the new construction and repair and remodel markets. Our market-leading portfolio of products spans vinyl windows, vinyl siding, stone veneer, metal roofing, metal wall systems and metal accessories. Cornerstone Building Brands’ broad, multichannel distribution platform and expansive national footprint includes approximately 18,000 employees at manufacturing, distribution and office locations throughout North America. Corporate stewardship and environmental, social and governance responsibility are embedded in our culture. The company is committed to contributing positively to the communities where people live, work and play. For more information, visit us at www.cornerstonebuildingbrands.com.

AO Racing and Rexy Double Down for Victory in Motor City

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Official Release
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DETROIT, Mich., (June 3, 2024) – Just weeks after the team’s first win in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, AO Racing celebrated their second consecutive win at the Detroit Sports Car Classic. The class victory extends their points lead in the GTD PRO class. Rexy, the No. 77 Porsche 911 GT3 Rawr had a nail-biting race with drivers Sebastian Priaulx and Laurin Heinrich, persevering through contact to win on Corvette and Ford’s home turf.

”All of us at AO Racing are thrilled for our second IMSA victory with Rexy,” said AO Motorsports Director Gunnar Jeannette. “It was one of the most nerve-wracking finishes I’ve ever been a part of, in dealing with the car damage after contact. Our goals for this weekend were to have a clean race and come away with a top-five result, so to leave with our second victory and increased lead in points is fantastic.”

The tight, 1.654-mile, 9-turn temporary street course on Detroit’s waterfront set the scene for an exciting event. The 100-minute round was the first time the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship entrants competed in the race. With three practice sessions to learn the tight circuit, Priaulx qualified fourth in class. He performed flawlessly to open the race, closing out his stint in third place, behind the No. 4 Corvette and the No. 14 Lexus. After a perfect pit stop by the crew in pit lane, Heinrich took over the driving duties, in what was a caution-filled stint. He and Rexy narrowly survived an incident between the No. 4 and No. 14 cars, resulting in heavy damage to the front splitter as the green dinosaur-liveried Porsche navigated around the two cars to take the lead. Heinrich drove it to the finish line, parking Rexy in victory circle, once again the top finisher in the GTD PRO class.

The win continues the momentum for AO Racing, who will compete in their next IMSA WeatherTech event at Watkins Glen International’s Six Hours of The Glen, June 21 to June 23. Before then, the team’s LMP2 program travels to Le Mans, France, for the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, on Saturday, June 15. Testing begins this week before official practice sessions take place next week. The team will join forces with TF Sport to enter the event with Spike, AO’s purple and orange dragon. For more information, visit aoracing.com.

Driver Quotes

Sebastian Priaulx

What a great day. I kept the car clean on the start for Laurin and he was able to go and execute the result there for us. I’m really proud of the team. Everyone did a great job. It was a bit of luck, but we made our own today. I’m happy to have a car that was able to finish with the damage we had. I’m proud of Laurin and the team.

Laurin Heinrich

I’m really happy to get our second win in a row, back-to-back, in Detroit. It was not an easy race. Seb had a great qualifying and a good opening race stint to put us in that place, and then in the end, a great pit stop and strong out lap kept us going. We got a bit tight in the hairpin. I had nowhere to go and had contact with the Corvette, and from there, I had to nurse the car home with a lot of damage. I had to adapt my driving style a bit because the car didn’t want to go straight. I’m really happy to bring it home.

Championship in Play as Mazda MX-5 Cup Returns to Mid-Ohio

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Official Release
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LEXINGTON, Ohio (June 3, 2024) – The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin never ceases to surprise. Now at the halfway point of the season, the series has yet to have a repeat race winner and the championship point leader has changed with each round. Rounds Seven and Eight at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course could disrupt these trends and put the spotlight on a 2024 championship favorite.

The Mid-Ohio weekend marks the return of Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup to the 2.258-mile natural terrain road course after not being part of the 2023 season schedule. Since then, the track has new pavement and the cars now race on Michelin tires. That could make it a level playing field for those who have not been to the circuit before.

JTR Motorsports Engineering is flying high after the last two rounds of the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Coming into that weekend, JTR had yet to put a driver on the podium. Leaving Laguna Seca, however, the Indiana-based team locked out the top two positions in the points, thanks to wins from Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) and Aaron Jeansonne (No. 24 JTR Motorsports Engineering).

Not only that, but the team’s rookie driver, Nathan Nicholson (No. 56 JTR Motorsports Engineering) captured his first two career podiums and moved up to fifth in the point standings, the highest of the rookie class.

Nipping at JTR’s heels are the drivers of McCumbee McAleer Racing. Jeremy Fletcher (No. 22 McCumbe McAleer Racing) and Nate Cicero (No. 83 McCumbee McAleer Racing), who each took a third-place finish in Monterey. Their teammate Gresham Wagner (No. 5 McCumbee McAleer Racing) has more wins at Mid-Ohio than any other driver entered, with two (2020 and 2022). That could be because it’s his favorite track.

“It’s a really old-school type track,” Wagner said. “To be fair, most of the tracks we go to have their own unique characteristics that make them tricky or require some finesse. It’s the strongest at Mid-Ohio, that element of finesse and precision that it requires. It has a little bit of everything: high-speed back straight, it’s got a tight little arena section, it’s flowing and hilly. It’s a dream track. For cars that race like we do, it’s the perfect little bullring with a few passing opportunities.”

Mid-Ohio will mark the return of Connor Zilisch (No. 72 BSI Racing) who missed Rounds Five and Six due to a scheduling conflict with his ARCA commitments. When the young phenom last raced MX-5 Cup at Mid-Ohio, he was a rookie and had a weekend to forget. He may not be in the championship hunt, but Zilisch is capable of mixing it up at the front of the field and is eager to get his first MX-5 Cup win of the season after missing out on a victory at Sebring by all of .001-seconds.

The largest cheering section of the weekend undoubtably goes to local driver Woody Heimann (No. 82 JTR Motorsports Engineering). The Ohio native is in his fourth season of MX-5 Cup. Living just an hour away, Heimann has been coming to Mid-Ohio since he was a kid and started his racing career here, albeit on two wheels instead of four.

“I’ve raced motorcycles, bicycles and now cars at Mid-Ohio,” Heimann said. “My first time there was 1996 as a spectator and my first time there on two wheels was 2001 at a track day. My first race was spring of 2003, on two-wheels. I’m celebrating 21 years of motorsports at Mid-Ohio!

“Mid-Ohio is a great road course,” he added. “I feel like half the paddock would say it’s their favorite track. It’s a drivers’ course. It’s not a drafting track. The draft doesn’t matter much and if you can wheel the car well, then you’ll do good. Having raced a season (2023) that didn’t go to Mid-Ohio, it makes me appreciate it that much more now that we’re going back.”

Heimann is correct, many drivers on the MX-5 Cup grid list Mid-Ohio as their favorite track.

Will we have our first repeat winner of the season, or will the championship leader double down on his points margin? Will hometown heroes rise to the top and make it to the podium or could a talented rookie get their first-ever win? These questions and more will be answered in MX-5 Cup Rounds Seven and Eight at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Race 1 will go green at 3:25pm ET on Saturday, June 8. Race 2 will take place Sunday, June 9, at 10:25am ET. Both races will be streamed live on RACER.com and IMSA.tv.

About: The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin is the signature spec series for Mazda Motorsports. The series has been operated by Andersen Promotions since 2017 and is currently sanctioned by IMSA. Mazda-powered grassroots champions can earn Mazda scholarships for this pro-level series. The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup awards more than $1 million in prizes and scholarships.

Find out more at http://www.mx-5cup.com.

Cindric ends 85-race victory drought with dramatic win in NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300

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Official Release
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Team Penske’s Austin Cindric celebrates in Victory Lane after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway. Photo credit: World Wide Technology Raceway.
  • Team Penske’s Austin Cindric lands first win since the 2022 Daytona 500 as teammate Ryan Blaney runs out of fuel coming to the white flag at World Wide Technology Raceway.

MADISON, Ill. (June 2, 2024) – Sometimes it takes a little luck to go along with all that horsepower and talent to win in the ultra-competitive NASCAR Cup Series.

Team Penske’ Austin Cindric capitalized on teammate Ryan Blaney running out of fuel heading to the white flag in Sunday’s Enjoy Illinois 300 to snap an 85-race winless streak before a near-sold out crowd at Wide World Technology Raceway.

The victory was Cindric’s first since winning the 2022 season-opening Daytona 500 when he was named the Cup Series Rookie of the Year that year.

Description automatically generated“I’m heartbroken for the 12 team (Blaney),” said Cindric, who only had one top-10 finish (fourth at Atlanta in February) through the first 14 races. “I don’t know what happened to them at the end of the race, but they deserved to win this race. Ryan’s been a hell of a leader on this team. This weekend was a great weekend for everybody involved. That 2 car is in the fight, an eventual 1-2 there. Heartbroken for those guys.

“This is huge for me. This is huge for this team. I’m so glad I was able to get a win with Brian (Wilson) as my crew chief in the Cup Series. You never know when it’s going to happen again, just drive my butt off and hope for the best.”

Blaney (No. 12 Ford) was trying to end a winless streak of his own – 15 races – and it appeared that he was in line to do so as he held a lead over Cindric (No. 2 Ford) as he was approaching the white flag signifying the final lap. But suddenly Blaney began to slow with no fuel remaining, unable to eke out just over a lap on the 1.25-mile short oval, and Cindric pounced.

“Never thought in my mind we were short,” said Blaney, who finished 24th. “It’s one of those things. One lap short. That just stinks. Really happy with our showing today. I don’t know what I got to do to get some luck on our side. I thought we had a great shot to win today. It ended up bad.”

Cindric, who started second and led a career-best 53 laps, was in the right place at the right time to cash in on his teammate’s misfortune and give Team Penske its second win in the three Cup Series races at the venue. Denny Hamlin (No. 11 Toyota) of Joe Gibbs Racing finished second – 3.844 seconds back – and Brad Keselowski (No. 6 Ford) of RFK Racing took third. Rounding out the top five were 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick (No. 45 Toyota) and Team Penske’s Joey Logano (No. 22 Ford), the winner of the inaugural 2022 Cup Series race here.

Throughout the majority of the 240-lap race, it appeared that Joe Gibbs Racing would find its way to Victory Lane as Christopher Bell (No. 20 Toyota) was dominant. Bell won the first two stages, led five times for a race-high 80 laps and was in a side-by-side battle with Blaney for the lead in the final 20 laps. Bell grabbed the lead from Blaney on Lap 221, but lost it on the ensuing lap. It was after that that Bell began to fade dramatically, eventually victimized by a mechanical issue that led to a seventh-place finish.

“It’s everything. It’s absolutely everything,” Cindric said. “Great to win in front of an amazing crowd. This race track does an amazing job putting on events. Just proud to be able to do it. Proud to bring it home for these guys. They deserve it.”

For more information on the NASCAR race weekend, please visit www.wwtraceway.com.

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