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Parker Kligerman to make 100th Xfinity career start at Darlington

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

In his third full-time season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Parker Kligerman is primed to achieve a milestone start. By competing in this weekend’s Xfinity event at Darlington Raceway, the driver of the No. 48 Big Machine Racing Chevrolet Camaro will make his 100th career start in the Xfinity circuit. 

A native of Westport, Connecticut, Kligerman made his inaugural presence in the Xfinity Series at Kansas Speedway in October 2009. By then, he was competing on a full-time basis in the ARCA Racing Series for Cunningham Motorsports, where he would achieve nine victories and a runner-up result in the final standings, and was a development competitor for Team Penske. Driving the No. 22 Penske Dodge, Kligerman notched his first career pole position after posting a pole-winning lap at 172.778 mph in 31.254 seconds and would lead the first seven laps before settling in 16th place in the final running order. He returned for the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November, where he piloted the No. 42 Team 42 Racing Dodge to a 25th-place finish. 

In 2010, Kligerman made a total of 12 starts in the Xfinity Series between Team Penske and Team 42, with his first start occurring at Auto Club Speedway in February and finishing 22nd despite failing to qualify for the season opener at Daytona International Speedway. After notching his first career top-10 result at Bristol Motor Speedway in August by finishing ninth, the Connecticut native then notched a season-best eighth-place result at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal during the following event. Ultimately, he recorded a total of six top-15 results between his two part-time rides. He would make a total of four Xfinity starts for Team Penske between 2011 and 2012, where he would notch three top-10 results and finish as high as seventh, which occurred at Chicagoland Speedway in July 2012. 

In 2013, Kligerman, who had scored his first Craftsman Truck Series victory at Talladega in October 2012 while driving for Red Horse Racing, joined Kyle Busch Motorsports to pilot the No. 77 Toyota Camry on a full-time basis. Commencing the season by finishing fifth at Daytona while dodging a harrowing multi-car wreck on the frontstretch, Kligerman would record a total of three top-five results, 13 top-10 results, 45 laps led and an average-finishing result of 14.1 throughout the 33-race schedule before settling in ninth place in the final standings. By then, he notched a career-best third-place result at Road America in June and a fourth-place finish at Auto Club Speedway in March. At Michigan International Speedway in June, Kligerman led 13 laps and was in the position of achieving his first career victory amid a late pit strategy and gamble before pitting for fuel with 14 laps remaining and ending up in 25th place while two laps down. 

With Kyle Busch Motorsports ceasing its Xfinity Series program after the 2013 season, Kligerman would move up to the NASCAR Cup Series to compete for Swan Racing and contend for the 2014 Rookie-of-the-Year title. The driver, however, would be released by Swan Racing after the team sold its operations to Xxxtreme Motorsport following the first eight scheduled events. A year later and after he joined NBC Sports Network as an analyst, he made a single Xfinity start for Obaika Racing at Darlington Raceway, where he finished 21st. Another two years later, he competed at Road America for Precision Performance Motorsports, where he finished 10th. 

In 2022, Kligerman made a total of three starts in the Xfinity Series, with his first start occurring at Circuit of the Americas for Emerling-Gase Motorsports, where he finished 12th. He remained with the team as he competed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course, where he ended up 37th after being eliminated in an early incident. His third and final start of the season occurred at Talladega Superspeedway during the Xfinity Series Playoffs, where he piloted the No. 48 Big Machine Racing Chevrolet Camaro to a sixth-place finish. 

In late October 2022, Big Machine Racing announced that Kligerman will be driving the team’s No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro on a full-time basis for the 2023 Xfinity season. He commenced the season with a 23rd-place finish at Daytona after being involved in a final lap wreck amid an overtime shootout. After finishing 10th, 11th and 15th, respectively, during his next three starts, Kligerman was in contention of achieving his first victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway until he got turned approaching the finish line and wrecked, but managing a fourth-place finish. Kligerman and the No. 48 Big Machine Racing team would proceed to notch six top-five results and 12 top-10 results during the remaining 21 regular-season events, with their best result being a runner-up finish at Road America in late July.

By virtue of the results and the consistency, including a seven-race consecutive streak of top-nine results between July and August and a fourth-place finish during the regular-season finale at Kansas Speedway in September, Kligerman managed to claim the 12th and final berth to the 2023 Xfinity Series Playoffs over Stewart-Haas Racing’s Riley Herbst.

Commencing the 2023 Playoffs with a 31st-place result at Bristol Motor Speedway, Kligerman rallied during the following two events at Texas Motor Speedway and at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course by finishing second and sixth, respectively. The results, however, were enough for the Connecticut native to not transfer into the Round of 8 by four points. Nabbing two top-10 results during the final four events on the schedule, Kligerman settled in a career-best 10th place in the final driver’s standings. By then, he had achieved career-high stats in top fives (8), top 10s (18) and an average-finishing result of 13.2 as a full-time competitor. 

Remaining at Big Machine Racing for the 2024 season, Kligerman has achieved three top-10 results through the first 10 events on the schedule. He is currently ranked in ninth place in the current 2024 driver’s standings and trails the series points lead by 133 points. 

Through 99 previous starts in the Xfinity Series, Kligerman has achieved one pole, 12 top-five results, 41 top-10 results, 107 laps led and an average-finishing result of 14.9 as he continues his pursuit for both his first Xfinity race victory and championship. 

Parker Kligerman is scheduled to make his 100th Xfinity Series career start at Darlington Raceway for the Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 on Saturday, May 11, with the event’s broadcast time to commence at 1 p.m. ET on FS1.  

Christian Eckes to make 100th Truck career start at Darlington

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

In his fourth full-time campaign in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Christian Eckes is poised to achieve a milestone start of his own. By taking the green flag in this weekend’s Buckle Up South Carolina 200 at Darlington Raceway, the driver of the No. 19 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet Silverado RST will reach 100 career starts in the Truck circuit.  

A native of Greenville, New York, Eckes, winner of the 2016 Snowball Derby and Myrtle Beach 400, made his Truck Series debut at Iowa Speedway in June 2018. By then, he was competing on a part-time basis in the ARCA Menards Series for Venturini Motorsports and was coming off his first career victory at Salem Speedway. Driving the No. 46 Toyota Tundra for Kyle Busch Motorsports, Eckes started ninth and finished eighth in his series debut. In the following event at World Wide Technology Raceway, he led 34 laps and won the second stage before ending up in 28th place following a late wreck after he got bumped and turned by Stewart Friesen into the outside wall entering the backstretch. Eckes would return for his third Truck career start at Martinsville Speedway in October, where he finished ninth, before finishing ninth for the third time in his career at Phoenix Raceway in November. 

The following season, Eckes, who contended for the ARCA Menards Series championship for Venturini Motorsports, made a total of eight Truck Series starts in the No. 51 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota entry. His first start occurred during the season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway, where he started on pole position for the first time in his career. Despite leading the first lap, Eckes ended up 22nd after being involved in two late incidents. His next start occurred at World Wide Technology Raceway in June, where he started on pole, led a race-high 57 laps and was contending for the victory until he got turned by Friesen on the final lap and dropped to 14th place in the final running order.

He would then finish fourth, sixth, and 15th during his next three starts at Pocono Raceway, Eldora Speedway and Michigan International Speedway, respectively, before finishing third at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in September and 17th at Martinsville in October, both of which he started on pole position. During the season-finale event at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the New York native started on the front row and led 26 laps before settling in third place on the track and delivering the seventh Truck Series owner’s championship for Kyle Busch Motorsports. By then, Eckes, who had notched three top-five results, four top-10 results and an average-finishing result of 10.8 through eight Truck starts, had also claimed the 2019 ARCA championship. 

Following two strong part-time seasons, Eckes moved up to the Truck Series on a full-time basis in 2020 behind the wheel of the No. 18 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota Tundra, where he contended for the Rookie-of-the-Year title. After commencing the season by finishing no higher than 14th during the first three scheduled events, he notched his first top-five result of the season by finishing third at Atlanta. He then claimed two top-10 results during his next three starts before posting a career-best runner-up result behind team owner Kyle Busch at Texas Motor Speedway in July. Eckes then claimed back-to-back runner results at Kansas Speedway and at Michigan International Speedway, respectively, before posting a single top-five result within the final five regular-season events.

By then, Eckes managed to qualify for the 2020 Truck Series Playoffs based on points. His Playoff run, however, came to an early end following respective finishes of 17th, eighth and 18th during the Round of 10. Managing three top-six finishes during the final four-scheduled events, including back-to-back fourth-place runs at Martinsville and Phoenix, Eckes settled in eighth place in the final driver’s standings and in the runner-up spot behind Zane Smith for the rookie title. 

After being released by Kyle Busch Motorsports following the 2020 season, Eckes joined ThorSport Racing and competed on a part-time basis in the 2021 Truck Series season while sharing the No. 98 Toyota Tundra with Grant Enfinger. His first start occurred at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course in February, where he finished 10th. He then finished ninth and fourth, respectively, during his next two events at Las Vegas and Kansas before managing three top-15 results during his next five starts. Then at Las Vegas in September, Eckes capitalized on a four-lap shootout to capture his first Truck Series career victory in his 44th series start and amid a historic 1-2-3-4 finish for ThorSport Racing. Eckes would conclude the 2021 season in sixth place during the season-finale at Phoenix as ThorSport Racing’s No. 98 entry ended up in ninth place in the final owner’s standings. 

Achieving a full-time ride in ThorSport Racing’s No. 98 entry for the 2022 Truck season, Eckes commenced the season on a high note by finishing third at Daytona. He then recorded two top-six results during the following six events on the schedule before posting four consecutive top-five results, including two runner-up finishes, during his next four starts. With three additional top-10 results occurring during the final five regular-season events, Eckes made his second career appearance in the Truck Series Playoffs as a title contender. Following respective finishes of 16th, eighth and 10th throughout the Round of 10, he transferred into the Round of 8. Despite finishing no lower than eighth during the Round of 8, Eckes did not transfer into the Championship 4 round and would conclude the season in eighth place in the final standings. By then, Eckes claimed a career-high stat in top 10s (15) and posted a career-best average-finishing result of 10.9 as a full-time competitor. 

The 2023 season presented another new beginning for Eckes, who departed ThorSport and joined McAnally-Hilgemann Racing to drive the No. 19 Chevrolet Silverado RST on a full-time basis, where he replaced the 2019 ARCA Menards Series West champion, Derek Kraus. After settling in third place during the season-opening event at Daytona followed by a sixth-place finish at Las Vegas amid a wild save while being sideways, the New York native capitalized on an overtime shootout to edge rookie Nick Sanchez on the final lap and at the moment of caution to grab his second Truck Series career victory at Atlanta in March. Amid respective finishes of 30th, 15th, 30th, 15th and 30th during his next five starts, Eckes capitalized on two overtime shootouts to grab his second Truck victory of the season at Darlington Raceway in May. He would then notch four top-seven results, including two top-three results, during his next six events before officially qualifying for the Playoffs.

Commencing the 2023 Playoffs by finishing second at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway followed by a third-place finish at the Milwaukee Mile and winning the Round of 10 finale at Kansas, Eckes raced his way into the Round of 8. Despite achieving a runner-up result during the Round of 8 opener at Bristol Motor Speedway in September, he finished 19th and 20th during the next two Round of 8 events, which were not enough for him to make the Championship 4 round by a mere margin. Despite falling short of contending for his first Truck Series championship, Eckes capped off the 2023 season by scoring a career-high fourth victory of the season at Phoenix, which was enough to settle in a career-high fifth place in the final standings. By then, he achieved a career-high 10 top-five results, three poles, a career-high 351 laps led and an average-finishing result of 11.1. 

This season, Eckes has achieved dominant victories at two short track venues: Bristol in March and Martinsville Speedway in early April. To go along with a total of four top-five results and top-10 finishes in all but one of the first eight events on the 2024 schedule, Eckes is currently ranked in second place in the driver’s standings and trails points leader Corey Heim by seven points. 

Through 99 previous Truck starts, Eckes has achieved seven victories, seven poles, 34 top-five results, 58 top-10 results, 1,119 laps led and an average-finishing result of 11.4 as he continues his pursuit for his first Truck Series championship. 

Christian Eckes is scheduled to make his 100th Craftsman Truck Series career start at Darlington Raceway for the Buckle Up South Carolina 200. The event is set to occur this upcoming Friday, May 10, and air at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1. 

Kyle Busch to make 175th Truck career start at Darlington

By
Andrew Kim
-
Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

The upcoming NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ Buckle Up South Carolina 200 at Darlington Raceway is set to mark Kyle Busch’s fifth and final Truck Series start of the 2024 season, with the driver campaigning in his four previous events behind the wheel of Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado RST. The event is also set to mark a unique milestone start for Busch, who is in his 22nd season with at least one start in the Truck circuit. By competing this weekend at Darington, the two-time Cup Series champion will make his 175th career start in the Truck circuit. 

A native of Las Vegas, Nevada, Busch made his inaugural presence in the Truck Series at Indianapolis Raceway Park in 2001, where he replaced Nathan Haseleu in Roush Racing’s No. 99 Ford midway into the season. By then, the Truck event at Indiana marked Busch’s inaugural presence within NASCAR’s top three national touring series after spending the previous three seasons competing and winning in legends cars and late models in Las Vegas. Starting 23rd in his Truck debut, Busch notched a top-10 result after finishing ninth. He would proceed to finish 17th at Chicago Motor Speedway, 22nd at Richmond Raceway, 33rd at South Boston Speedway, 25th at Texas Motor Speedway and ninth at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, respectively. Then at California Speedway in November, Busch, who was the fastest in practice, was not allowed to compete in the event due to being 16 years of age and not meeting the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement that prohibited individuals under 18 years of age from participating in events sponsored by Marlboro cigarettes. Ultimately, Busch would be replaced by Tim Woods for the main event.  

After being absent from the series in 2002 and 2003 amid NASCAR’s new age restrictions with an imposed minimum age of 18 years for competitors to be granted to compete in NASCAR, Busch, who competed in the American Speed Association and the ARCA Racing Series in 2002 before reigniting his NASCAR career in the Xfinity Series with Hendrick Motorsports the following season, made a single Truck Series start with Morgan-Dollar Motorsports at Indianapolis Raceway Park in 2004. During the event, he finished 11th after starting 16th.  

In 2005, Busch competed in 11 Truck Series events while driving the No. 15 Chevrolet for Billy Ballew Motorsports. In his first series start of the season at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May, he led a race-high 77 laps en route to his first career victory. He would then notch his second consecutive victory during the series’ following event at Dover Motor Speedway before recording three top-five finishes during his next five starts. Busch then grabbed a dramatic final lap victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway in October after restarting ninth during a three-lap shootout to the finish and using four fresh tires amid a pit stop prior to the restart to overtake Jack Sprague on the final lap and final corner to win as a multi-truck wreck ensued entering the frontstretch. Busch would then cap off the 2005 Truck season by finishing third at Texas Motor Speedway and 11th at Phoenix Raceway, respectively. Ultimately, Busch achieved three victories, a pole, seven top-five results, nine top-10 results and 243 laps led during his 11-race Truck schedule. 

Between the 2006 and 2007 seasons, Busch, who competed for Hendrick Motorsports in between the Cup and Xfinity Series, competed in a total of 18 Truck Series, all occurring with Billy Ballew Motorsports. In 2006, he achieved his lone victory of the season at Charlotte in May and finished in the top 10 in the seven events he entered. The following season, where he switched to BBM’s No. 51 entry, he won at Atlanta in October and at Phoenix in November as he also notched four top-five finishes in 11-entered events. Amid the victories, Busch accumulated a total of seven top-five results, 11 top-10 results and 547 laps led during the two-year stint, with Busch standing at six Truck career wins. 

During the 2008 and 2009 seasons, Busch, who switched to Joe Gibbs Racing in the Cup Series but continued to compete in Billy Ballew Motorsports’ No. 51 entry on a part-time basis, made a total of 33 Truck starts. He commenced the 2008 season by finishing in the runner-up spot at Daytona International Speedway in February before notching back-to-back victories at Fontana and Atlanta. He then finished second at Texas in June and recorded five top-10 results during his next eight starts before grabbing his third victory of the season at Bristol Motor Speedway in August. Busch would proceed to finish second twice and no lower than eighth place during his final seven Truck events of the 2008 campaign, in which he competed in 18 of 25 scheduled events.

In 2009, Busch, who competed in 15 events, started the season by finishing second behind at Daytona before winning at Fontana and Atlanta, respectively, for a second consecutive time. After posting two runner-up results during his next five starts, he won in his next five consecutive starts at Bristol, Chicagoland, New Hampshire, Talladega and Texas, respectively, before concluding the season with a runner-up result at Phoenix and a 13th-place run at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Overall, Busch garnered a total of 12 victories, three poles, 21 top-five results, 29 top-10 results and 1,624 laps led, with Busch’s win column increasing to 16. 

In 2010, Busch debuted his own-operated racing team, Kyle Busch Motorsports, into the NASCAR Truck Series after purchasing the remaining assets of Xpress Motorsports and Roush Fenway Racing. Driving the No. 18 KBM Toyota Tundra, Busch’s first Truck event as a driver/owner would be mired with a 22nd-place finish at Daytona after being involved in a multi-truck wreck on the first lap. He would rally by finishing second at Atlanta before securing his first victory both of the season and for KBM at Nashville Superspeedway in April after leading a race-high 131 laps. After finishing 16th at Dover amid a late fuel pump issue, Busch won at Charlotte in May after leading 69 laps before finishing third and second during his next two series starts.

He then notched back-to-back, dominant victories at Bristol and Chicagoland before finishing seventh at Kentucky, winning at New Hampshire and settling in second at Martinsville during his next three respective starts. At Talladega Superspeedway in October, Busch edged Aric Almirola by 0.002 seconds to win amid a last-lap pass before securing a dominant victory at Texas and another runner-up result at Phoenix during his next two-scheduled starts. He then concluded the 2010 season by scoring his eighth victory of the year at Homestead after leading a race-high 57 laps. With a total of eight victories, six poles, 13 top-five results, 14 top-10 results and a career-high 1,076 laps led in 16 scheduled starts, Busch also earned the 2010 Truck Series owner’s championship for his No. 18 KBM team. To this date, the eight victories earned throughout the 2010 season are the most by Busch in a Truck season as they also tallied Busch’s win column to 24. 

The 2011 and 2012 Truck Series seasons generated mixed results for Busch, with the Las Vegas native piloting his No. 18 Toyota to six victories and tallying his wins total to 30 as he also garnered two poles, 11 top-five results and 13 top-10 results in 16 starts. Despite surpassing 100 career starts in the Truck Series, the low point of Busch’s career occurred at Texas in November after he intentionally turned and sent four-time champion Ron Hornaday Jr. head-on into the Turn 3 outside wall at full speed amid a caution period as a retaliatory act from an earlier incident where Hornaday slid up the track and caused Busch to scrape the outside wall while battling for the lead.

The incident not only resulted in Busch being parked by NASCAR for the remainder of the event, but it would carry forth with Busch being suspended from competing in the remaining scheduled events at Texas along with the remaining Truck and Xfinity events of the season. Returning for three Truck events in 2012, Busch finished in the top four in all of his starts but went winless for the first time in his career. The closest he came to winning was during the finale at Homestead, where he led during a two-lap shootout until he was rubbed against the outside wall and edged by a hard-charging Cale Gale at the finish line on the final lap. 

Sporting the No. 51 alongside his KBM entry for the 2013 Truck Series season, Busch commenced the season by finishing in the runner-up spot behind Johnny Sauter at Daytona in February before ending up in 27th place at Kansas Speedway in April after being involved in a late accident. He would then snap a one-year winless drought by collecting his first victory of the season at Charlotte before doubling down with another victory at Dover. After finishing third and second during his next two starts at Kentucky and Michigan, respectively, Busch won in his next two consecutive starts at Bristol in August and at Chicagoland in September.

Despite being involved in a vicious final lap multi-truck wreck at Talladega on the final lap before settling in 10th before ending up in 28th place at Texas amid a late engine failure, a victory by Kyle Busch Motorsports’ newcomer Erik Jones at Phoenix followed by Busch notching a dominant victory in the finale at Homestead was enough for Busch to claim his second Truck Series’ owner’s championship and his first for the No. 51 KBM team in a tie-breaker over ThorSport Racing’s No. 88 entry piloted by Matt Crafton, who won the driver’s championship. With five victories, which tallied his wins total to 35, Busch capped off the 2013 Truck Series season with nine top-10 results in 11 starts and 356 laps led. 

The 2014 Truck Series season was a breakout season for Busch both as a driver and as an owner. As a driver, Busch commenced the season by edging Timothy Peters by 0.016 seconds to claim his first elusive victory at Daytona in the series before proceeding to win seven races, finish in the top 10 in all but one of his 10 starts and lead 747 laps. As an owner, Busch’s Kyle Busch Motorsports team was victorious in 14 of 22 scheduled events, with sophomore competitor Bubba Wallace winning four races and finishing in third place in the final standings while Erik Jones won three races in 12 starts in KBM’s No. 51 Toyota. As a result, Busch and Jones contributed to Busch earning his third Truck Series owner’s championship. 

From 2015 to 2017, Busch made a total of 15 Truck Series starts, all occurring in his Kyle Busch Motorsports equipment. In 2015, Busch, who was sidelined in February after suffering a compound fracture and broke both his right leg and left foot amid an Xfinity Series accident at Daytona before returning to competition in May, made four Truck starts and won two races: Pocono in July and Michigan in August. The following season, he made four series’ starts and won two races for a second consecutive season, this time at Martinsville Speedway in April and at Chicagoland in September.

Making seven starts in 2017, Busch emerged victorious in three events: Kansas and Charlotte in May followed by Bristol in September. With a total of seven Truck victories, Busch also accumulated two poles, 10 top-five results, 11 top-10 results and 807 laps led during the three-year stretch, which tallied Busch’s win column to 49. Amid his success as a Truck Series competitor, Busch was also successful as an owner as he notched his first championship as an owner with Erik Jones in 2015, the owner’s title with rookie William Byron in 2016 and his second championship with Christopher Bell in 2017. 

Scaling to a five-race basis in the Truck Series, Busch commenced the 2018 season with a 21st-place finish at Atlanta in February after leaving pit road amid a late pit stop with the left-rear wheel not properly secured on his entry, which the tire rolled out of Busch’s truck upon exiting pit road and plummeting the Las Vegas native to 21st place in the final running order. He would rally during his next series start at Las Vegas in March by notching his first victory of the season and the 50th of his Truck career after leading 55 laps before finishing in the runner-up spot twice at Kansas and Charlotte, respectively, in May. Then at Pocono in July, Busch withstood a late challenge from teammate Erik Jones to score his 51st Truck Series career win in his 145th series start and tie Ron Hornaday Jr. for the most victories in the series.  

In 2019, Busch won in all five of his Truck Series starts, starting at Atlanta in February as he became the all-time wins leader in the series with career win No. 52 amid a five-lap dash to the finish. He would then win at Las Vegas and Martinsville in March, where he led a combined 284 laps led, before winning at Texas in April after leading 97 laps. Busch then capped off his 2019 Truck season by winning for the eighth time at Charlotte after leading a race-high 102 laps. At the season’s conclusion, Busch would notch his seventh owner’s title for Kyle Busch Motorsports No. 51 team. 

From 2020 to 2022, which marked his final seasons as a Toyota competitor, Busch scored six Truck Series victories while making five starts per season. In 2020, he won for the fourth time in his career at Las Vegas before finishing second at Charlotte in May and 21st at Atlanta in June, respectively. He then won for the third time in his career at Homestead in June after leading a race-high 82 laps before claiming his fifth series victory at Texas after leading a race-high 72 laps and fending off a late challenge from teammate Christian Eckes.

The following season, he finished in the top five in all five of his scheduled starts while collecting victories at Atlanta in March and at Kansas in May. Then in 2022, Busch finished no lower than seventh during his first four starts before claiming his first victory in his final series start of the season at Sonoma Raceway in June after leading a race-high 45 laps. In total, Busch notched six Truck Series victories, 13 top-five results, 14 top-10 results and 2,016 laps led in 15 starts during the three-year span, which tallied Busch’s win column to 62.  

This past season, Busch, whose KBM team rebranded to Chevrolet after Busch departed from Joe Gibbs Racing to join Richard Childress Racing in the Cup Series, returned for a five-race stint in his own-operated No. 51 Chevrolet Silverado RST. He won in his first series start of the season at Las Vegas in March after leading a race-high 84 laps, which also marked the 99th Truck victory for KBM. Busch would proceed to finish second at Circuit of the Americas, second at Martinsville and seventh at Kansas, respectively, during his next three starts before notching a dramatic final lap victory over former KBM competitor Corey Heim to win in his fifth and final start of the season at Pocono in July. The Pocono victory not only marked Busch’s 64th Truck Series career win, but it would also mark the 100th and final NASCAR victory for KBM. Two months later, Busch announced that KBM would cease operations at the season’s conclusion after the team was purchased by Spire Motorsports.  

In late February, Busch was announced as a driver of the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado RST for Spire Motorsports for five Truck events for the 2024 season. His first start of the season occurred at Atlanta, where he won after he overtook Grant Enfinger with seven laps remaining before fending off Ty Majeski at the finish line. He then competed in the following scheduled events at Las Vegas, where he finished 15th amid a late pit road penalty, and at Bristol in mid-March, where he finished second behind Christian Eckes. During his latest series start at Texas in April, Busch, who briefly lost the lead at the start of a 10-lap shootout, reclaimed it from Eckes two laps later before he fended off a final lap charge from Corey Heim to notch his series-leading 66th career victory and his record-tying sixth at the Lone Star state. 

Through 174 previous starts in the Truck Series, Busch has achieved 66 victories, which makes him the winningest competitor in the series. He has also notched up 23 poles, 118 top-five results, 141 top-10 results, 8,050 laps led and an average-finishing result of 6.4 as he strives to win for the first time in the Truck circuit at Darlington. 

Kyle Busch is scheduled to make his 175th Craftsman Truck Series career start at Darlington Raceway for the Buckle Up South Carolina 200 on Friday, May 10, with the event’s broadcast time to occur at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1. 

United Rentals Racing: Ryan Preece Darlington Advance

By
Official Release
-

RYAN PREECE
Darlington Advance
No. 41 United Rentals Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Event Overview

● Event: Goodyear 400 (Round 13 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 12
● Location: Darlington (S.C.) Raceway
● Layout: 1.366-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 293 laps/400.2 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 90 laps / Stage 2: 95 laps / Final Stage: 108 laps
● TV/Radio: FS1 / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Ryan Preece will be throwing it back to his 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship season when he takes to the 1.366-mile, egg-shaped Darlington (S.C.) Raceway oval for Sunday’s Goodyear 400. Preece’s No. 41 United Rentals Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart-Haas Racing will pay tribute to the No. 16 Modified he drove for owner Eric Sanderson’s Flamingo Motorsports team to four victories and 10 top-five finishes en route to the 2013 series title. Preece first made a name for himself in the Modified Tour, where he has 26 career wins, during his rise to the Cup Series.

● As a tribute to Sanderson and his team, Flamingo Motorsports will appear on the nameplate of Preece’s No. 41 Mustang this weekend. Sanderson, a seasoned car owner and retired competitor, ventured into racing at Preece’s hometown Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway in the early 1970s, when he began as a car owner before taking the wheel in 1972. Sanderson debuted Flamingo Motorsports and the No. 16 car on the Modified Tour in 1995, and remained a staple in the series as a championship contender for more than two decades. Prior to Preece’s championship run in 2013, the team won the title in 2006 with NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Mike Stefanik.

● Sunday’s race marks Preece’s ninth Cup Series start at Darlington, where he first competed in September 2019 for JTG Daugherty Racing. Best among Preece’s previous starts at the racetrack nicknamed “Too Tough to Tame” were a pair of top-15 finishes – 12th for JTG Daugherty in September 2021, and 15th in his No. 41 Stewart-Haas Mustang a year ago this weekend. Preece has one Darlington start apiece in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. In his September 2016 Xfinity Series start, he qualified 22nd and finished 10th in a JD Motorsports entry. His Truck Series appearance came in May 2017, when he started 13th and finished seventh for David Gilliland Racing.

● Joining Preece for Darlington is United Rentals, Inc. (NYSE: URI), the largest equipment rental company in the world. United Rentals has an integrated network of 1,449 rental locations in North America, 13 in Europe, 27 in Australia and 19 in New Zealand. In North America, the company operates in 49 states and every Canadian province. The company’s approximately 24,700 employees serve construction and industrial customers, utilities, municipalities, homeowners and others. The company offers approximately 4,700 classes of equipment for rent with a total original cost of $19.3 billion. United Rentals is a member of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, the Barron’s 400 Index and the Russell 3000 Index®. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. Additional information about United Rentals is available at UnitedRentals.com.

● United Rentals is dedicated to making every lap a lap of honor. Join United Rentals in supporting military veterans and their families through its Turns for Troops program, where United Rentals donates $50 for each lap Preece completes during specific races in 2024. Preece has already raised more than $119,000 through the Turns for Troops program, with a goal of raising an additional $67,000 this season. Funds from the Turns for Troops program go to Operation Homefront.

Ryan Preece, Driver of the No. 41 United Rentals Ford Mustang Dark Horse

How much of an impact did Eric Sanderson and Flamingo Motorsports have on your career?

“Without Eric Sanderson and Flamingo Motorsports, who knows where my racing career would have gone. In 2011, I was without a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour ride, and at the final race, Eric Sanderson asked me to drive the car. When that happened, it was the beginning of a three-year partnership. That was a turning point in my career. It certainly got things moving in the right direction.”

Talk about the paint scheme and what it means to you to run the scheme for the first time on your Cup Series car at Darlington?

“I saw Darlington as a good opportunity to run a paint scheme that is not only very special to me, but also to someone who did a lot for my career. Eric saved my racing career, so when things get underway this weekend, it’ll certainly mean a lot to climb back into a car with that paint scheme.”

You’ve scored top-15 finishes in two of your last three Cup Series races at Darlington. What will it take to have another competitive race on Sunday?

“It will come down to ripping the lip, painting the boards, and letting her eat. Having speed and a well-balanced racecar is what we need to have to be able to do that.”

How is Darlington different from other racetracks on the schedule?

“Darlington is certainly a historic racetrack on our schedule. When you think of NASCAR, Darlington is one of those tracks that immediately comes to mind. It’s a lot of fun to race at, and it’s a place I enjoy going to.”

Darlington provides a unique opportunity to honor the past. Who were your racing heroes growing up, and how did they inspire you as a driver?

“Dave Steele is someone who really impacted me. He won a ton of USAC races, and he was certainly one of the greats in that series. I followed him and a ton of Modified drivers growing up. My father really inspired me, as well. We ran a paint scheme for him at Darlington last year. He sacrificed a lot for me to be able to race.”

No. 41 United Rentals Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Ryan Preece

Hometown: Berlin, Connecticut

Crew Chief: Chad Johnston

Hometown: Cayuga, Indiana

Car Chief: Jeremy West

Hometown: Gardena, California

Engineer: Marc Hendricksen

Hometown: Clinton, New Jersey

Engineer: Scott Bingham

Hometown: Lawrenceville, Georgia

Spotter: Tony Raines

Hometown: LaPorte, Indiana

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Devin Lester

Hometown: Bluefield, West Virginia

Rear Tire Changer: Austin Chrismon

Hometown: China Grove, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Chad Emmons

Hometown: Tyler, Texas

Jack Man: Kapil Fletcher

Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Fuel Man: Dwayne Moore

Hometown: Griffin, Georgia

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Joe Zanolini

Hometown: Sybertsville, Pennsylvania

Interior Mechanic: Robert Dalby

Hometown: Anaheim, California

Tire Specialist: Matt Ridgeway

Hometown: Carrollton, Georgia

Engine Tuner: Jimmy Fife

Hometown: Orange County, California

Transporter Co-Driver: David Rodrigues

Hometown: Santa Clarita, California

Transporter Co-Driver: Charlie Schleyer

Hometown: Youngsville, Pennsylvania

Lizard Lamborghinis Resume Season at Laguna Seca

By
Official Release
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SALINAS, Calif., (May 8, 2024) – It has been two months since Flying Lizard Motorsports kicked off the 2024 Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America season at Sebring International Raceway, and this weekend, the season resumes at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. All four Lizard entries will descend on the Monterey, California circuit, eager to pick up where they left off: in victory circle.

“Returning to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is always special for the Flying Lizard team,” said Program Manager Darren Law. “We have had many successful races here and it is a great area to visit. This weekend will bring a few new challenges, the track has been repaved and has quite a bit more grip. The standard setup may need adjustment to compensate for the grip level and the drivers will have to get up to speed with the potential changes in the brake zones and cornering speed. I think this will provide for better racing and hopefully less tire degradation, we can’t wait to get started!”

In the PRO-AM driver championship, Tim Pappas and Jeroen Bleekemolen hold a one-point lead in the championship standings over Blake McDonald and Patrick Liddy following their first and third-place finishes in the season-opening doubleheader. Both drivers have ample experience at the California circuit, having competed on the track many times over the years in several variations of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Slade Stewart and Andy Lee, drivers of “Sparklefarts,” the pink unicorn No. 14 Lamborghini hold one top-five finish to go with their pole position and third-place podium result. Their strong start to the season places them in fourth in the championship standings, with just one point separating them from Nick Persing and former Lizard Nate Stacy. Stewart made his Lamborghini Super Trofeo debut at Laguna Seca in 2022, scoring a win in the LB Cup class.

After a strong showing in the opening Sebring practices, LB Cup entrant Sam Shi was moved up to the Am class, where he currently stands fifth in points. With a pair of top-five finishes and one pole position, he’s starting the season on the right foot in the No. 98 Super Trofeo entry.

Returning drivers Paul Nemschoff and Marc Miller will return to the series to make their 2024 debut after missing the first doubleheader at Sebring International Raceway. Last season, the duo earned a third-place finish at WeatherTech Raceway, setting the pace for what was to be a successful season debut.

The weekend’s activities at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will run in support of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, with a pair of practice sessions on Friday, followed by a pair of qualifying sessions and race one on Saturday. The weekend will conclude with race two on Sunday morning, and both races will air live on imsa.com/tvlive. For full event details, visit imsa.com.

Schedule | All Times Pacific

Friday, May 10

10:25 AM – 10:10 AM Practice 1

3:05 PM – 3:50 PM Practice 2

Saturday, May 11

11:05 AM – 11:20 AM Qualifying 1

11:25 AM – 11:40 AM Qualifying 2

5:40 PM – 6:60 PM Race One (Live on imsa.com/tvlive)

Sunday, May 12

9:40 AM – 10:30 AM Race Two (Live on imsa.com/tvlive)

About Flying Lizard Motorsports

Flying Lizard Motorsports is a premier motorsport team known for its unwavering commitment to excellence and success on the racing circuit. With a rich history spanning over two decades, Flying Lizard Motorsports has earned a formidable reputation as a powerhouse in the world of motorsports, boasting 24 championship titles and a legacy of podium finishes across North America and at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Fueled by passion, expertise, and a relentless drive for perfection, the team continues to push boundaries and set new standards of performance in every competition it enters. Through strategic partnerships and a dedicated team of professionals, Flying Lizard Motorsports remains at the forefront of motorsport innovation, delivering thrilling racing experiences and unforgettable moments for fans worldwide.

Niece Motorsports NCTS Race Advance: Darlington

By
Official Release
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NIECE MOTORSPORTS
NCTS RACE ADVANCE: DARLINGTON RACEWAY
Race: Buckle Up South Carolina 200 (147 laps / 200.8 miles) | Race 9 of 23
Track: Darlington Raceway
Location: Darlington, South Carolina
Date & Time: Friday, May 10th | 7:30 PM ET
Tune-In: FOX Sports 1 | Motor Racing Network (MRN) | Sirius XM Ch. 90

No. 41 AutoVentive / Precision Vehicle Logistics Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Bayley Currey | Crew Chief: Mike Hillman, Jr.
Bayley Currey
@BayleyCurrey
@BayleyCurrey05

  • Currey’s Darlington Stats: Bayley Currey has made a pair of NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts before at Darlington Raceway, featuring a best result of 12th in 2020. Currey has also competed in six Xfinity Series races at the historic South Carolina track, posting a best finish of 19th in 2022. He did not make a start here last year.
  • Hillman’s Darlington Stats: Mike Hillman, Jr. has called seven Truck Series races at Darlington Raceway, including a win in his first start as a crew chief here back in 2010. On that day, Germain Racing’s Todd Bodine led the final 47 laps en route to his 20th-career NCTS victory, and Hillman’s 18th. In total with the trucks, Hillman has two top-fives and three top-10 finishes at this track, and most recently finished 13th last year with Ross Chastain. Hillman has also made two Xfinity Starts, earning one top-10 with Brandon Jones (ninth) in 2016.
  • Hillman hits 400: Friday’s Buckle Up South Carolina 200 will be a milestone for Mike Hillman, Jr. as he makes his 400th-career NCTS start as a crew chief. The two-time Truck Series championship-winning crew chief (both won with Todd Bodine in ’06 and ’10) has garnered a total of 23 race wins in the series (sixth, all-time) with drivers Bodine, Jeb Burton, Kyle Busch, and Rafael Lessard.
  • On the Truck: Currey’s No. 41 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from AutoVentive and Precision Vehicle Logistics.
  • Honoring Charles “Chuck” Efaw: The No. 41 AutoVentive / Precision Vehicle Logistics Chevrolet will feature a unique “throwback” paint scheme as a tribute to Charles “Chuck” Efaw, the late father of Niece Motorsports General Manager, Cody Efaw. This paint scheme is reminiscent of Efaw’s ZERO Dirt Late Model that raced and won several times in the grassroots ranks at Lakeville Speedway and Wayne County Speedway throughout the 1980’s.
  • Recapping Kansas: After starting in the 21st position, Bayley Currey quickly was able to advance through the field in Kansas. Following a 15th place finish at the end of stage one, Currey made up three spots to secure 12th in stage two. Towards the end of the race, it appeared that he was on his way to the first top-10 finish of the season, but ultimately had to settle for 11th.
  • Points Rundown: With Currey’s solid finish at Kansas, the driver of the No. 41 was able to gain one spot in the points standings where he currently resides in 13th position. The battle for the final eligible spot in the NCTS Playoffs has tightened up, with Currey now being shown only 23 points below the cutline.
  • Quoting Currey: Does the excessive tire falloff help overcome the battle for clean air or does that make it more important?

“I think it makes it that much more important. Without the clean air, you’re using mechanical grip more than you’re using aero, so you’re just shredding your tires even more. You have to get that track position early while you have the grip, because once you lose it, it’s pretty much impossible.”

  • Quoting Hillman: Do you think Bayley thrives on these tracks where the grip is low and tire falloff is high?

“I think that places where you have to use the brake pedal a little bit – say the Darlingtons, the Nashvilles, the Homesteads, and places like that – he really thrives at. But I also think that Niece has a really good baseline package when we go to those types of tracks. So with that being said, I’ve been really looking forward to going here this week.”

  • About AutoVentive: AutoVentive is an industry-leading Software as a Service (SaaS) applications developer providing customized solutions to the automotive logistics industry. The company is part of Liberty Hill Equity Partners, LLC, a Cincinnati-based private equity firm.
  • About Precision Vehicle Logistics: Precision Vehicle Logistics is a customer-focused group of professionals committed to service excellence in finished vehicle logistics. Precision offers a unique combination of talented experience, industry-leading software and systems, and a network of partners and resources to deliver customized solutions to the world’s leading automakers.

No. 42 J.F. Electric / Utilitra Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Matt Mills | Crew Chief: Jon Leonard
Matt Mills Racing
@MattMillsRacing
@MattMillsRacing

  • Mills’ Darlington Stats: Matt Mills will be making his first CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start at Darlington Raceway on Friday night. In eight starts with the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Mills has recorded two top-25 finishes including a best result of 22nd place in September, 2020. Last season, he produced finishes of 27th and 28th in the NXS events held at the 1.366-mile track.
  • Leonard’s Darlington Stats: Jon Leonard has competed in two prior Truck Series races at Darlington with driver, Stewart Friesen. In 2021, he guided Friesen and team to a strong third-place finish after starting fourth in the fall event. Leonard has also made one start in the Southern 500, noting a 24th-place result with Kasey Kahne in 2018.
  • On the Truck: Mills’ No. 42 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from longtime partners J.F. Electric and Utilitra.
  • Recapping Kansas: Matt Mills qualified the best out of the Niece Motorsports camp, starting his No. 42 Chevrolet from 15th. Fighting the handling, Mills slipped to 21st in stage one and 22nd in stage two, but from there, the crew was able to get his truck dialed in with adjustments. During a green flag pitstop, Mills was dealt a speeding penalty which ultimately made him lose a lap. He brought the No. 42 home in 23rd in Kansas.
  • Points Rundown: Mills gained a spot in the championship points standings following his 23rd-place run at Kansas. Entering race nine of the 2024 calendar, the driver from New Philadelphia, OH is 27th in points, only 11 markers behind Stefan Parsons in 26th and 12 behind Spencer Boyd in the top-25.
  • Quoting Mills: How difficult is it to run inches from the wall here in Darlington?

“Darlington will be a new one for me as far as going there in a truck. I’ve got Xfinity starts there, and in those cars, you can be a little bit more aggressive running the wall because the composite body can take more of a beating. So, the truck will be a little more interesting there, I’ll definitely have to watch out for the risk vs. reward for sure.”

  • Quoting Leonard: Do you feel that Darlington is one of the toughest races to prepare for in terms of handling?

“Darlington is tough, mainly because the two ends of the track are so different. Turns 3-4 are much slower, and turns 1-2 is a lot more aggressive where you’ve got to run up near the fence. You have options in turns 3-4, you can either run up by the fence or down at the bottom, and there’s been guys that have had success doing it both ways. Tires fall off a lot there, so it’s as much tire conservation and trying to maintain your balance over a long run. It’s a lot on the driver and it’s a lot on the teams to find that happy balance to get the truck to handle well on both ends.”

  • About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.
  • About Utilitra: Utilitra is a woman-owned firm specializing in utility and technology solutions with a diverse team of specialized professionals. Utilitra is committed to solving their client’s unique challenges, whether one expert or a team of experts is needed. By adapting to the needs of their respective industries, Utilitra has built a range of services for their utility and technology partners.

No. 45 Buckle Up South Carolina Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Ross Chastain | Crew Chief: Phil Gould
Ross Chastain
@RossChastain
@RossChastain

  • Chastain Returns: NASCAR Cup Series star Ross Chastain will step back into the seat of Niece Motorsports’ No. 45 Chevrolet for the next two upcoming races at Darlington Raceway and North Wilkesboro Speedway. This Friday will be Chastain’s second planned start of five this year, coming off a fifth-place finish in his last outing at Circuit of the Americas. In addition to the next two, Chastain will drive the No. 45 in back-to-back events at Pocono Raceway on July 12th and Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on July 19th.
  • Chastain’s Darlington Stats: Chastain has two Truck Series starts under his belt at the track dubbed “Too Tough to Tame”, both of which came driving for Niece Motorsports. His best result in the trucks was a 13th-place effort in last year’s event. Ross has also made nine Cup Series starts at Darlington, posting a pair of top-fives with a personal best of third in 2021. In nine Xfinity Series races, Chastain has one top-five (second in September, 2020) and three top-10 finishes. He also won his first-career Xfinity Series pole here in 2018.
  • Gould’s Darlington Stats: Phil Gould owns three top-five finishes in five Truck Series starts as a crew chief at Darlington Raceway, all of which were delivered by Carson Hocevar. Hocevar finished runner-up in the 2022 event, and was fifth here last year. Gould has also called six Xfinity Series races at this track with a best finish of 11th by drivers Brian Scott and Elliott Sadler in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
  • On the Truck: Chastain’s No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, highlighting their Buckle Up South Carolina ‘Click It – Don’t Risk It’ campaign. His Niece Motorsports entry will carry the same branding as the race entitlement sponsor for the Buckle Up South Carolina 200.
  • Recapping Kansas: Kaden Honeycutt delivered a statement effort which resulted in a career-best run at Kansas Speedway. Despite starting the furthest behind of all his Niece Motorsports teammates in 23rd, he aggressively made up ground early on. By the end of stage one, the No. 45 team had positioned themselves in fifth place, and gained a spot the following run to finish fourth in stage two. Honeycutt would hold onto his track position and bring the Niece Products of Kansas Chevrolet in fourth place at the checkered flag.
  • Mosack Victorious in Kansas: Part-time No. 45 driver Connor Mosack took home his second-career ARCA Menards Series victory over the weekend while driving for his family-owned team, Pinnacle Racing Group. Mosack plans to make his second start for Niece Motorsports in the upcoming race at WWT Raceway on June 1st.
  • Owner Points Outlook: Coming off their best finish of the year in Kansas, the No. 45 team has jumped into the top-10 in owner points. Currently 10th in the standings, the entry is holding onto the final spot in the NCTS owner Playoffs by a mere seven points over ThorSport Racing’s No. 88 team.
  • Quoting Chastain: Of all the tracks on the Truck Series calendar, why did you choose to add Darlington to your schedule?

“Darlington has always been one of my favorite tracks because of how challenging it is on us drivers. I love the tracks that you have to manage all the little details because it feels so rewarding when you hit everything right. Phil Gould and this team have shown a lot of speed at this place over the past few years. Every time I get the chance to drive for Al Niece, I feel confident that we have a shot to contend for the win, but even more so especially at a track where they’ve had recent success at. I’m looking forward to racing there and encouraging everyone to buckle up.”

  • Quoting Gould: With all of Ross’ experience at Darlington, are you able to get more aggressive in terms of the setup for him here?

“Yeah, for sure, and we have a lot of good history there. Working with Carson the past few years, that was one of his best tracks and he was really good there. I feel like a lot of our notes that we made over the years working with him can be translated with Ross driving that will make us just as competitive, if not even more competitive.”

  • About the South Carolina Department of Public Safety:
    The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame.

SCDPS has approximately 1,300 employees serving across the state, providing a wide range of public safety services focused on making South Carolina a safer place to live, work and raise a family.

About Niece Motorsports:
Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2024, Niece Motorsports enters its ninth season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as X @NieceMotorsport.

How To Prevent Car Accidents Caused By Mechanical Failures

By
SM
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Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Car accidents caused by mechanical failures can be devastating and, oftentimes, preventable. While some mechanical failures are unpredictable, many can be avoided with proper maintenance and care. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the common causes of mechanical accidents, what to do if you’re involved in one, who may be liable, and a safety checklist to help prevent such accidents in the future. 

Common Causes Of Mechanical Accidents

  • Worn or Underinflated Tires: Tires with insufficient tread depth or inadequate inflation can lead to loss of traction, blowouts, and loss of control.
  • Faulty Brakes: Brake system failures, such as worn brake pads, malfunctioning calipers, or brake fluid leaks, can impair a driver’s ability to stop or slow down effectively.
  • Steering System Issues: Problems with the steering system, such as loose or worn-out steering components, can result in difficulty maneuvering the vehicle or loss of steering control.
  • Engine Malfunctions: Engine issues, including overheating, stalling, or sudden loss of power, can pose serious safety hazards on the road.
  • Suspension System Problems: Faulty suspension components can affect vehicle stability, handling, and overall ride comfort, increasing the risk of accidents.

What To Do After A Mechanical Failure Accident?

  1. Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further collisions.
  2. Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and your passengers for injuries and seek medical attention if needed.
  3. Contact Authorities: Call 911 to report the accident and request police assistance, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage.
  4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible mechanical issues.
  5. Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident.
  6. Seek Professional Assistance: Contact a qualified mechanic to assess and repair any mechanical issues with your vehicle and a car accident lawyer to advise you on what legal action to take.

Who Is Liable?

Determining liability in a car accident resulting from a mechanical failure can be a complex process that involves several parties. Firstly, vehicle owners hold a responsibility for ensuring that their vehicles are maintained in safe working condition. Mechanics can be held liable for any negligence or errors in performing repairs or maintenance tasks on the vehicle. Manufacturers may also bear liability if the accident was caused by defective parts or design flaws in the vehicle. Additionally, rental companies are responsible for ensuring that their rental vehicles are properly maintained and safe for operation, making them potentially liable in certain situations.

Safety Checklist To Prevent Mechanical Accidents:

  • Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine inspections and maintenance services for your vehicle, including oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks.
  • Check Tire Pressure and Tread Depth: Monitor tire pressure and ensure proper inflation to prevent blowouts and loss of control. Get tires rotated regularly to balance tread wear.
  • Brake System Checks: Regularly inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake fluid levels to ensure optimal performance.
  • Steering System Inspection: Check for signs of steering system wear or damage, such as loose steering, vibrations, or unusual noises.
  • Engine Health: Pay attention to warning signs of engine problems, such as overheating, unusual noises, or dashboard warning lights.
  • Suspension System Maintenance: Keep suspension components in good condition to ensure vehicle stability, handling, and ride comfort.

By following these preventive measures and staying proactive about vehicle maintenance, drivers can reduce the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failures and promote safer roads for everyone. Remember, a well-maintained vehicle is not only essential for your safety but also for the safety of others on the road.

Explore the YouTube Channel Ranking Checker

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SM
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YouTube is always undergoing new developments that have an impact on how we create and consume videos. Staying ahead of the curve in this dynamic world of shifting trends and emerging writers is no simple feat. To stay ahead of the competition, astute YouTubers employ sophisticated analytics tools such as YouTube channel ranking checker. These tools assist creators make better content and strategies by providing them with a wealth of information on how their channels are rated.

Comprehending the intricacies of these tools may be crucial to your success on YouTube, regardless of your desire for increased views or a closer relationship with your followers. Read and learn more about rank tracker.

Revolutionary Improvements for Channel Ranking in YouTube Analytics 

Since the launch of the website, YouTube’s analytics have significantly improved. Creators were first provided with broad demographic and viewpoint data. However, when YouTube’s algorithm was changed to give more weight to watch length, engagement, and how relevant the video was, the need for more advanced data tools arose. Because of this change, more advanced YouTube channel ranking checkers have been developed, giving you more information about performance measures and viewer behavior. 

With the use of these tools, we are able to comprehend not just the quantity of visitors but also their viewing behaviors. Third-party solutions have also made it possible for content creators to obtain more thorough data. This facilitates the process of adapting material to viewers’ changing tastes. If you want to understand how YouTube functions and remain ahead of the competition in a crowded industry, keep an eye out for the constantly emerging tracking tools. 

Behind YouTube’s Powerful Ranking Algorithm 

YouTube uses information to determine which videos are recommended. People should be drawn in by your video’s tags, title, and description. They also track how long viewers spend on your videos and what actions they do after seeing them, including leaving comments or like them. It takes more than just views to keep viewers engaged and returning for more. Your YouTube videos will receive a lot more views if you are aware of these topics.

Ranking Checkers’ Influence on Channel Management 

By employing a YouTube channel ranking checker, you may alter the rules of the game. With this tool, you can see exactly what’s working and what’s not when it comes to your content’s performance. You may search for the best ranking checker, here is a wonderful tool.

For instance, you may find out if people aren’t watching your videos by using a rank checker. In this manner, you may experiment with various video cuts or styles to maintain viewer attention. These tools primarily assist you in managing YouTube’s intricate metrics, which raises the likelihood that your video will do well. 

Integrate Analytics to Transform Your YouTube Strategy 

Since YouTube is always changing, using sophisticated tools like channel ranking checkers might be useful. With the help of this tool, you may view more information about your content than just the number of views or likes. 

Do they stay for the entire video? Do they remove any parts? What inspires people to write or subscribe? Knowing these things allows you to make specific goals, like increasing your following or improving the quality of your videos, and then modify your material to better achieve these objectives.
Boost Your YouTube Channel with Views4You Rank Tracker

Views4You Rank Tracker is a useful tool for improving your YouTube channel. With this tool, you can monitor the performance of your videos and see what interests your audience. Use it to monitor how your videos are ranked, make informed edits, and increase your viewership. It’s an easy approach to remain ahead of the game and expand your channel. Here are some more advantages: 

  • Detect trends quickly in order to profit from them. 
  • Analyze how well your video SEO tactics are working. 
  • Watch the video performance of a rival. 
  • Make improvements to your videos based on useful information. 
  • Increase audience interest by learning what works. 

What’s Next for Analytical Tools

The development of analytical tools is contributing to the future development of YouTube video strategy. With new capabilities like predictive analytics, which may estimate a video’s popularity and audience interest, these technologies are expected to become even more intelligent. This will assist you in predicting what your audience will want to see next, giving your channel an advantage over competitors. Consider adjusting your content approach according to what you anticipate being popular down the road. If you want to remain ahead of the constantly evolving YouTube platform, this might be quite beneficial. 

Content creators are given additional options to improve their channels with every release of YouTube Analytics. To obtain these insights, which will assist you in determining and forecasting the most popular content for your audience, you need sophisticated YouTube channel ranking checkers. These resources will become even more crucial for creating successful YouTube strategies in the future. 

If you are aware of important indicators like viewer engagement and watch time, you can adjust your plan to better suit the demands of your audience. If you employ them, they will keep you ahead of the game and assist in the growth of your channel. 

Analyze your channel’s performance statistics and make any necessary adjustments to your content plans before they are implemented. Recall that staying ahead requires more than merely watching videos on YouTube. You must lead the way. Get a YouTube channel ranking checker right now to aid in the expansion of your channel. 

FAQs

How can I improve my video content with the aid of a YouTube ranking checker?

By providing you with detailed information on how viewers engage with your videos, a ranking checker may assist you in improving the appeal of your material to your target audience. This might entail editing your videos to a shorter duration, enlarging your calls to action, or concentrating on subjects that your viewers have shown a greater interest in.

Why should I consider utilizing tracking tools from outside of YouTube?

Compared to YouTube’s own tools, third-party monitoring solutions might provide you with more information and be simpler to use. They often include tools for researching rivals, obtaining more precise demographic data, and establishing connections with additional marketing tools. This facilitates the process of selecting wisely what to write.

How frequently should I check my metrics on YouTube? 

Stopping by once a week is sufficient to assess the situation and make any required adjustments. If you’re experimenting with different advertising campaigns or content techniques, you may want to check in more frequently, such as once a day or every few days. 

What Happens If My Car Is Stolen and Found Damaged in FL?

By
SM
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Discovering that one’s car has been stolen is an unsettling experience for any vehicle owner, and when the vehicle is found damaged after the theft, the situation becomes even more complicated. In Florida, as in other states, the procedure that follows such an incident involves various steps and considerations for the car owner. The process entails reporting the theft, dealing with insurance claims, and understanding one’s rights and responsibilities under Florida law.

Upon recovery of a stolen vehicle, the extent of the damage can vary greatly, which directly impacts the actions that need to be taken. If the car is damaged, the owner will typically need to navigate through the intricacies of their auto insurance policy to determine coverage. Insurance companies require timely notification of the theft and recovery, and they will assess the damage to the car to decide how to proceed with repairs or compensation.

Immediate Steps Following Car Theft in Florida

When a car is stolen in Florida, owners should act swiftly to report the incident to law enforcement and notify their insurance company. These steps are essential for starting the recovery process and potential compensation for damages.

Report the Theft to the Police

The owner must immediately contact the local police department to file a theft report. Essential details to provide include:

  • The vehicle’s make, model, and year
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • License plate number
  • Any identifying features or recent photographs of the car

A timely police report is critical as it initiates the search for the stolen vehicle and is necessary for insurance claims.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Immediately informing the insurance company is equally crucial. The owner should have the following information ready:

  • Policy number
  • Description of the incident
  • Copy of the police report

Insurance providers typically require prompt notification, sometimes within 24 hours of the theft. If the vehicle is found damaged, the insurance company will guide the owner through the process of assessing the damages and making a claim.

If the car owner believes they are entitled to additional compensation, consulting an attorney may reveal more options. An attorney can discuss the possibility of pursuing extra legal avenues for reimbursement depending on the specifics of the policy and the situation.

Dealing With an Insurer After Your Stolen Car Is Found

When an individual’s stolen car is recovered with damage in Florida, there are specific actions they must take to work with their insurance company. These steps are crucial for a timely and fair resolution to the claims process.

Assessing Damage and Filing a Claim

The owner must promptly report the recovery of the vehicle to both the police and their insurance company. They need to provide a detailed list of damages and any personal property lost. This documentation is vital for the claims process. Subsequently, the insurance company will conduct its own assessment of damage to the vehicle. The owner should:

  • Take photographs of the damage.
  • List all items missing or damaged inside the vehicle.
  • Obtain a copy of the police report for the insurance claim.

The next step involves filing a claim with their insurer. To file the claim, the insured will generally need to:

  • Complete a claim form provided by the insurer.
  • Submit the form along with the police report and photographs of the damage.
  • Provide any additional documentation as requested by the insurer.

Understanding Insurance Coverage and Limits

It is important for the policyholder to understand the extent of their coverage. They should carefully review their policy’s declaration page, which outlines coverage types and limits. There are typically two relevant coverages:

  1. Comprehensive Coverage: This covers theft and usually the damage caused by theft.
  2. Collision Coverage: This may cover damage if the thief crashed the vehicle.

The insurance company will determine the amount they will pay based on the policy’s coverage limits and the deductible amount the owner must pay out-of-pocket.

If the coverage limits do not fully cover the damages, or there are disputes about the value of damages, it may be prudent for the vehicle owner to seek advice or discuss additional forms of compensation with an attorney.

Understanding the coverage can be complex, and if there are ambiguities, consulting an attorney can help the policyholder navigate through these issues. An attorney can represent the policyholder’s interest and ensure that insurance benefits are maximized within the policy limits and according to Florida law.

Kaulig Racing – Weekly Preview | Darlington Raceway

By
Official Release
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Race Notes

Darlington Raceway
Goodyear 400
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Sunday, May 12 at 3:00PM EDT
FS1 | MRN | SiriusXM
Team Notes

  • Kaulig Racing has made eight NCS starts at Darlington Raceway, earning one top five and a top-10 finish.
  • So far in the 2024 season, Kaulig Racing has earned four top 10s, 10 top-20 finishes and led 34 laps.

DEREK KRAUS

“I’m looking forward to Darlington this weekend and getting back to the track for the second week-in-a row with Kaulig Racing. I’m thankful to have Project Wyoming on the car again, so hopefully we will have a good showing for them.” – Derek Kraus on Darlington Raceway

No. 16 Project Wyoming Camaro ZL1

Derek Kraus will make his fourth-career NCS start for Kaulig Racing at Darlington Raceway.
In three career starts at Darlington Raceway in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Kraus has earned one top-five finish.
 
DANIEL HEMRIC

“Darlington is such a wildcard for everyone. This track is always evolving so fast, and these NEXTGen cars allow for more versatility, as far as not having to be in one particular lane. There’s a lot of room for opportunity there. I’m also looking forward to having Black’s Tire on our No. 31 Camaro ZL1 and remembering the time I spent alongside Ricky [Benton] during my early racing career.” – Daniel Hemric on Darlington Raceway

No. 31 Black’s Tire Camaro ZL1

Daniel Hemric has made three NCS starts at Darlington Raceway.
So far in the 2024 season, Hemric has earned two top 10s, five top-20 finishes and has led a total of 14 laps.
Hemric’s No. 31 Black’s Tire scheme pays tribute to his grassroots racing days working for Black’s Tire president, Ricky Benton.
 

 
Race Details

Darlington Raceway
Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200
NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS)
Saturday, May 11 at 1:30PM EDT
FS1 | MRN | SiriusXM
Team Notes

  • Kaulig Racing has made 26 NXS starts at Darlington Raceway.
  • Last year, the team earned its first win at Darlington Raceway with Kyle Larson in the No. 10 Chevrolet in the 2023 Shriners Children’s 200.
  • The team has also earned five top fives, 12 top-10 finishes and led 136 laps at Darlington.
  • So far in the 2024 season, Kaulig Racing has led 62 laps, earned two top five and eight top-10 finishes.

JOSH WILLIAMS

“Darlington is one of my favorite tracks to go to. It’s a driver’s track, and you’re racing it just as much as you’re racing others around you.” – Josh Williams on Darlington Raceway

No. 11 Alloy Employer Services Chevrolet Camaro

Williams has made nine starts in the NXS at Darlington Raceway.
His best finish at Darlington was 15th, which he achieved twice (Fall 2020 and 2021).
 
AJ ALLMENDINGER

“Darlington is a racetrack that has never been one of my favorites. In the Xfinity car over the last couple years, I gained a little bit more confidence trying to run the fence there and find what it takes to get around there well. I feel like I have gotten better at it, but I still have a lot to learn. Maybe go talk to Kyle Larson to figure out how to run the fence since he was so good in our race car last year. I think if we get it right, we can go there with a chance to be competitive.” – AJ Allmendinger on Darlington Raceway

No. 16 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet Camaro

  • AJ Allmendinger has made four NXS starts at Darlington Raceway. Allmendinger has led 35 laps, earned one top five and two top-10 finishes and has an average finish of 11.0.
  • So far in the 2024 season, Allmendinger has earned one top five, five top-10 finishes and led 31 laps. Allmendinger currently sits seventh in the NXS driver standings.

SHANE van GISBERGEN

“It’s going to be cool running a throwback scheme for Marcos [Ambrose] in Darlington. He has been someone who has been influential and pushing me to come over here and take every opportunity that I’ve got. He has also helped me with learning the tracks every week and what to expect on race weekends. To run the livery that he drove to victory back in 2012 at Watkins Glen is really cool. I appreciate Quad Lock coming on board and letting us run this special scheme this weekend in Darlington. It’s going to be a lot of fun!” – Shane van Gisbergen on Darlington Raceway

No. 97 Quad Lock Chevrolet Camaro

  • Shane van Gisbergen will run a special Quad Lock throwback paint scheme this weekend at Darlington Raceway for his first visit to the “Lady in Black.”
  • Van Gisbergen’s Chevrolet is a throwback to his good friend Marcos Ambrose’s NCS win at Watkins Glen International in August of 2012, where the two-time Supercars champion outdueled Brad Keselowski in thrilling fashion for the win.
  • Van Gisbergen and Ambrose’s relationship goes back to their Supercars days in Australia. Ambrose has been influential in helping Van Gisbergen with his transition to NASCAR this year.
  • Van Gisbergen and Ambrose are two of six drivers not from the United States to win a NASCAR Cup Series race joining Daniel Suárez (Mexico), Juan Pablo Montoya (Colombia), Earl Ross (Canada) and Mario Andretti (Italy). Ambrose, Montoya, and Suárez own two victories each.
  • Van Gisbergen and his No. 97 team currently sit 15th in the driver standings heading into the weekend.

 

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.

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