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CHEVROLET NCS AT RICHMOND 1: Kyle Larson Media Availability Quotes

NASCAR CUP SERIES
RICHMOND RACEWAY
TOYOTA OWNERS 400
TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
MARCH 30, 2024

 KYLE LARSON, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1, met with the media in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying session at Richmond Raceway.

Media Availability Quotes:

The fact that Long Beach has even been rumored to maybe being a venue.. do you like the idea of adding street races or road races to the schedule, or do you like the balance that we have now between oval and road courses?

“I don’t know.. I hadn’t really put too much thought into it. It doesn’t matter to me. I don’t really mind it. I think Long Beach would be cool because it’s a nice area. Yeah, I would be OK with it.”

In the Hendrick Motorsports Museum, there’s a big sign that says ‘Race to 300’, and now it says ‘304’ above it. I’m curious.. what would be the next big thing for Hendrick Motorsports or do you have any sense of what the next big sentimental moment would be?

“I don’t know.. probably a championship in the 40th season. I think that would put Hendrick Motorsports at 15 championships, as well, so maybe that would be the one closest to chasing. I didn’t even know 80,000 laps (led) was a thing until leading into Phoenix. I’m sure there are other milestones that I haven’t really heard about yet. I think all of us would love to win a championship in the 40th season.”

As the defending winner of Martinsville Speedway next weekend, when did you guys really feel like you got your skill level to a point where Martinsville was just comfortable and it became repetitive?

“It’s still not (laughs). Honestly, it’s still not comfortable for me. I still don’t really feel I can run like consistent, comfortable laps with a rhythm. Yeah, I won last year, but it’s still not a good track for me. I don’t go there and dominate like I have at a lot of other race tracks. But we happened to win there last year, so that was really neat and something I’ll never forget. It was something that I never thought I would do. I still have a lot of room for improvement there to be a consistent contender.”

With the way all the Hendrick Motorsports cars seem to be running so well right now, does that kind of elevate your game because you know, in addition to Joe Gibbs Racing, most of your competition is going to come from within?

“I don’t know.. I think honestly just try and focus on yourself, and focus on trying to put together the best race possible for you and your team. Yeah, we’re quick every weekend, which is great. But yeah, I think because of that, you’re not really losing too much focus.”

We’ve seen over the years, especially on the dirt side, you just get bombarded by fans, and it seems like you’ve really embraced that. What has gone into your willingness to give a lot of yourself to fans anywhere you go?

“I don’t know.. I think I understand that I’m a draw. I remember being a kid – going into the pit area and wanting autographs from drivers and stuff. They always took the time for me, so I try my best to take my time for every fan that stops by my hauler after the races. Sometimes I’m there for 20 minutes.. sometimes I’m there for two hours signing.

I don’t know.. I just enjoy it. I enjoy feeling like I’m making an impact on the event; the promotion and just the sport, in general. It’s cool. It gets overwhelming during the night sometimes, but I try my best, for sure.”

Now that the sports betting flood gates have opened in a lot of places now. It has the potential for growth for a lot of sports and getting people interested. Have you ever put any thought towards the pros and cons of what that could mean for NASCAR and racing, in general?

“No.. no, I haven’t. I haven’t yet. I don’t gamble on sports, so I think maybe if I gambled on sports, I would have an opinion on it.

Yeah, I don’t do any gambling, but I do think, or I would assume, it would be good for the sport overall, just because you would attract probably a bigger audience.. a new audience that maybe hadn’t paid any attention to NASCAR racing. And a younger, I would think, audience, as well.”

A lot of drivers seem to list Martinsville Speedway as one of their tougher tracks, although it’s the shortest, slowest, etc. Where would you put it on your list of tough places that you have to race at?

“Yeah, I would say it’s up there. It used to be probably the toughest track for me, and still probably is in the top two or three toughest places. Honestly, here at Richmond (Raceway) and Martinsville (Speedway) are probably both up there, which is surprising that I’ve won a couple Cup races here and a Cup race at Martinsville, just because they are so difficult on me. They just don’t really suit my driving style. They don’t suit kind of the style that I learned growing up in sprint cars and stuff. I think everybody assumes with a short-track.. like sprint cars race on short-tracks, so it must translate 100 percent. But the driving style at a sprint car track is more like an intermediate – fast speeds, not a lot of brake. Where at Martinsville and Richmond, you’re like slowing down and trying to hit this mark all the time, which is difficult for me. So yeah, it’s tough.”

Does it surprise you that Bubba Pollard came in here and led practice for his first time out in these cars?

“No, I guess not really. I knew he’d be good and all that. I hadn’t really paid attention (to practice), I had just read a tweet on my way in here that he was quickest, and then I see that he’s like last in qualifying. So I don’t even know.. I’m assuming that car has enough points to make the race, or I hope it does anyways.

I’m just interested to see how his race goes and all that. He’s one of the best short-track racers that I’ve ever heard about. I don’t think I’ve ever raced with him, but the little bit of attention that I’ve paid to pavement late model racing, he seems to be the best. I’m excited to see how he does. Hopefully he can drive from the back to the front and get more opportunities.”

Obviously this time last year, you won the Toyota Owners 400. What is your approach coming into this race this weekend?

“I don’t know. As I’ve mentioned, it’s a tough place for me, so I don’t ever really come here with the highest of expectations.. more so just because of me. Talking to my team and stuff – we won the spring race, but we were really bad in the fall race. So I think we’ve come here with a much different approach for car setup. I’m just excited to get on track in practice and feel if it translates and if we’re really quick or not. And then kind of evaluate from there and set goals for the race. As of right now, I just don’t know what to expect. But I’m excited for the challenge and ready to get going.”

What approach did your team have going into this year versus last year, even though the tracks may have changed?

“I’m not sure. As far as our team, it hasn’t really changed too much since I got there four years ago. We’ve had a couple of guys come and go, but overall, our team has been pretty much the same since I started there. The pit crew, there’s only one guy different. And then on our team, I think there’s two or three guys now that have changed.

Cliff Daniels, my crew chief, and the leader of the team – he does a great job of assembling people and leading our team. I feel like our communication is great within the team, especially during the race. Every team is trying to improve every week. Look at how you did, whether it be good or bad from the race before, and try to improve on it. That’s our goal every week, and sometimes that looks different week-to-week on what needs to be improved. But I feel like our team knows the areas to work on.”

Was there anything in the celebration after the win at Martinsville, or in the days following, that made you realize just how important Martinsville is to Hendrick Motorsports?

“I would say not any more than what I already knew. I understood the significance of Martinsville (Speedway) long before I ever got to Hendrick Motorsports. You could see it when any of their teams won, what that place meant to them. So when I got to come to Hendrick Motorsports, I knew about Martinsville and all that, and I hoped that I would win there some day to add to the legacy there.

I think Cliff (Daniels) and myself, both, probably never expected me to win there, so that made it really good. The first win there is talked about a lot, but the tragedy, I feel like, is not mentioned often.. at least personally to me. But it’s always on everybody’s minds anytime we get ready to go to Martinsville. Yeah, I’m sure all of that makes us want to win there, or have a good run there, even more than other tracks probably.”


About Chevrolet

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

What are the Reasons to Buy Folding Ebikes

Folding e bikes in travel lovers has become a very important thing to try at least once to get experience. Seriously, they are crazy versatile, perfect for all sorts of riders. In fact, they are like the perfect addition to your bike collection, that “N+1” rule, ya know?

So, let’s break it down. These foldable e bikes offer tons of perks. And I’m going to state a few benefits of the best folding ebike that brought up the curiosity in bike lovers to bring one in their bike collections.

So…here we go!

Easy in Public Transportation:

You know what is cool about folding bikes? They are like the VIP pass for public transport. Seriously, when it is rush hour, and everyone is squashed like sardines, you can roll in with your foldable bike like a boss.

Let’s think about a real situation here – you are cruising through the city, and you need to hop on a train or a bus. Boom! Just fold up your bike and hop on board. No fuss, no muss. It is like having a secret weapon for navigating crowded urban jungles.

Hence, the awesome advantage about folding e bikes is that you can take them anywhere. All you need to do is to tuck it under a seat or in a luggage rack – no sweat. Also, there is no need to worry about finding bike storage or booking a spot on public transport. You are free to go anywhere without any hassle with a foldable bike.

Freely Travel from A to B in Your Town:

You know what is neat about the best folding e bikes? They are like your secret tools for zipping around town in a flash. For example, if you want to travel from point A to point B in your town without waiting for a local train or bus, you can go in your folding e-bike.

And here is the reality! You guys can easily cruise along dedicated bike paths which are away from the crazy traffic. You can zip through shortcuts and skip all those annoying traffic jams with a foldable e-bike. It is like having your own secret path to beat the city chaos. So yeah, foldable e-bikes? A big YES!

Cheaper to Get Around:

Riding your e bike around town saves you cash. Think about it – there is no need to fork out for buses or trains. Plus, a folding bike is your best buddy if you have got a bunch of stops to make. It means you can hop on and off without shelling out extra dough for each trip.

And check this out – no more waiting around for public transport or taxis. You just call the shots on when you wanna go with your trusty folding e bike. In fact, it is all about flexibility. So yeah, think about grabbing your foldable bike next time you are planning your city adventures.

Lesser Risks of Thefts and Stealing Issues:

Let’s talk about bike theft – it is a total headache, right? It is always a risk no matter if you are storing your bike outside or at home. Sure, you can beef up security with fancy locks but still there are no guarantees of theft threats.

But guess what? A best folding e bike is like your personal anti-theft solution. You can keep it indoors and cut the chances of snatching and stealing. At work? You can even find a cozy spot indoors to stash it instead of leaving it vulnerable outside.

And here is a bonus – you are free to bring it inside shops with you when you fold it up. It will give you peace of mind, huh? So yeah, a foldable e bike got your back when it comes to keeping your wheels safe.

CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT INDIANAPOLIS: Team Chevy Hybrid Test Notes & Quotes

Indianapolis, IN - during testing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Photo by Joe Skibinski | IMS Photo)

CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
INDIANAPOLIS HYBRID ROAD COURSE TEST
INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
TEAM CHEVY HYBRID TEST NOTES & QUOTES
MARCH 28-29, 2024

CHEVROLET NTT INDYCAR SERIES TEAMS ED CARPENTER RACING, AJ FOYT RACING, AND JUNCOS HOLLINGER RACING COMPLETE TWO DAYS OF HYBRID TECHNOLOGY TESTING ON THE INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY ROAD COURSE

  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s road course hosted two days of 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected V6 engine with hybrid technology testing, with six drivers and three teams representing Chevrolet, gaining experience and valuable time logged with the new NTT INDYCAR SERIES technology package on board.
  • With 400 laps (975.6 miles) turned during Thursday’s test, Friday saw additional crucial laps and miles made on Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s road course.
  • Representing Chevrolet on track Thursday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course include Ed Carpenter Racing’s Rinus VeeKay, AJ Foyt Racing’s Sting Ray Robb, and Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Romain Grosjean.
  • Friday saw the Bowtie brand represented by Team Chevy drivers Christian Rasmussen of Ed Carpenter Racing, Santino Ferrucci of AJ Foyt Racing, and Agustin Canapino of Juncos Hollinger Racing on track during the second day of hybrid testing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
  • With this two-day test complete, all drivers and teams of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES have now tested the 2.2-liter twin turbo direct-injected V6 engine with hybrid technology.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING (Quotes):

Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

“I love it. For my driving style in particular, it’s a huge help for me, the way you can control it to rotate the car. I’m a very oversteer-happy, rear-end happy kind of driver. My current issue with the car we have now, especially since we’ve put all the weight up top, has been when you come off the brakes and roll into the speed, the weight creates a massive understeer and front wash. I’ve really struggled to obviously adapt. It’s one of my Achilles heels. Having the hybrid system in is so much better, plus it’s really fun because it adds a depth to the driving and being able to think. You have the hybrid system and the overtake system, you have the way you’re regenerating, so many different things that I feel like it’s making it more of a drivers’ car. The series is already so tight between having this car for so long, set ups for every team are pretty good across the board, to add another aspect to where the driver can make a difference is huge.”

Do you feel the additional weight in the car?

“Yes and no. What’s nice about the weight is you can kind of feel it down the straight, because it doesn’t kind of feel like it’s going as quick, which is partially true. Also, today it’s really hard to tell because the air is also really heavy. Is it a fair comparison? Not really. But the weight is not an issue because it’s so low, and for me being so low, I can put the ballast back in the bulkhead of the car, so we can get the weight distribution where we’d like back. For me, I felt the aeroscreen affects way more than I have the hybrid. This is just a lot of fun, so I’m very much enjoying myself out there.”

In terms of restarting the car, how are you faring?

“I haven’t done it yet. I did do the new reverse, which is really freaky. It’s weird just letting the clutch out and then just hitting the car rolling back. It’s quite strange. It takes a lot of the driver error and stalls out of it. Honestly, for the safety side of things, it’s so much better. You won’t have the AMR Safety Team coming out over the wall to get out there, and their chances of getting injured are so much less. For us, to be put in reverse and not stalling, speeding up sessions and avoiding red flags is so much better. I think the way they’ve implemented the hybrid with both manufacturers have done a phenomenal job.

What was the pre-test preparation like?

“Chevy took their time and came to every team and sat us down. They had a full explanation. They got through and answered all our questions. It’s one of those things where they’re very positive about moving this forwrad, and then today, working through all of the systems. How to do the brake, on-throttle, off-throttle, the way that we’re saving and how we can use it throughout the lap. They’ve been incredibly open about it, and it’s been such an easy adaptation as a driver to move into this and be working in it. I’m not fully comfortable with it, but I am very much enjoying it, and I do wish and can’t wait until we have it in the series full time.”

Walk us through a lap and where you would use it, where it’s different than without…

“I’m using it to start the lap. I’m using it coming off of the banking to hold the car stable under the first initial hit; it’s really easy to lock. For all of your corners that are slightly more than 90 degrees where you have entry and stability to a front wash, the way you can transition in and out of the hybrid you can calm the car down. You’re really using it as a balancing tool, and the energy they’re giving you for a lap, it’s a lot of work to be using it every lap, depleting it and reusing it, you’re very busy mentally driving the car, not just physically anymore. So I think the races are now very long, very difficult, adding this step is going to add to driver fatigue and you’re going to have to train extra hard on everything that you do. It just needs to become second nature. Right now, for every team in the paddock, how we have the button layout, the steering wheel isn’t exactly fully adapted yet for the hybrid system, so there’s a little bit more thought process going into it. Where my button is, it’s right on my PLC. I’ve hit the PLC numerous times on my lap to deploy the hybrid on numerous laps. It’s going to become easier once we build the steering wheels around the system, but for testing, its honestly working just great.”

Christian Rasmussen, No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“It was good. It’s obviously very new for us. It’s still nice to have someone (in regard to teammate Rinus VeeKay testing Thursday) to sort out the wrinkles a little bit, but it’s good. I think we gained some valuable data yesterday, and planned some today, then today it’s just continuing learning and doing the best we can.”

What was the pre-test prep like for you?

“We had the sim. We drove it in the sim and trained in there, then just getting into all of the procedural stuff so you know where all the buttons are that you’re going to use. It’s fairly simple. Then, a lot of hands-on stuff for me today, getting to use it, getting to know it a little bit better, see what works, see what doesn’t in terms of driving it and see where you can extract time out of it.”

How is it?

“It’s definitely fun. There’s definitely a little boost where you’re going to use it in a different place than you use the overtake. It’s a good little boost, you can definitely feel it. And then, running around Indianapolis Motor Speedway in an Indy car, is always a good day.”

Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“Pretty bit of a chilly morning, but it’s nice to get started with the hybrid. It’s definitely a lot of new stuff for all of us as a team to digest and run through. Pretty good learning so far. We got more running in than I thought with the cool temperatures, but a good start.”

How different is the hybrid?

“It is fairly similar, there are just a lot more buttons I need to press, and a lot more stuff I need to go through. Usually, I have a clue about knowing what we’re doing, but this is all new so I’m still learning. I hated that I could not give the team much feedback on what we need to do.”

What do you notice about the balance, especially with the weight difference? Especially since you drove this weekend at Thermal compared to now, is that noticeable?

“It’s hard for now, since I haven’t really run my qualifying-ish… I haven’t really tried that hard. Also, we haven’t run the Indianapolis road course tire yet, so I can’t really tell. Of course, with the regeneration, there is some kind of balance shift on braking, but we’re still figuring everything out.”

What are you working on today from an automatic or manual regen or deploy standpoint?

“Making sure we run through everything, and we’ve got a good read on how everything works. Getting a read on what is better and what I prefer too.”

Were you able to get a chance to test out the restart on track?

“Actually, I did a restart out there on pit lane for the first time. It felt the same. The guys were a lot happier, and they were all cheering. It’s basically a toggle I put to the side, and it fires up.”

If you go long in a braking zone like in a practice session, you should be able to restart yourself?

“Yes, I think there’s going to be quite a few less yellows on street courses, that’s for sure.”

What was pre-test prep like?

“I started talking with the team about that yesterday, sort of like a normal prep day, to go over everything, making sure I understand what I am, or they are talking about, when I say change something. It is pretty clear. It’s not like a different kind of math we have to learn. It’s just new. It felt pretty good. My engineer Matt Barnes and I just went over some extra stuff that’s pretty standard to be honest. We’re focusing on hybrid and hybrid only, and making sure tomorrow when Christian (Rasmussen) jumps in the car, he can do a lot more hard running and I get most of the bugs out of the way.”

Sting Ray Robb, No. 41 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

“It’s been good so far. We haven’t got to do the on-track restart yet, but some of the other cars have and it works. So that’s really good to see, because you can go long in a brake zone, stall your car and spin around, and we’ve got a way to restart instead of waiting on a safety crew to get to us. The innovation in the series has been good to see. I think it’s good to have a new hybrid unit going into the car with the help of Honda and Chevy both working together super well. The whole package seems to be doing its job quite well, and I think that’s just a testament to the 20,000+ miles that we’ve put into the car.”

Does it feel remarkably different today than what you were driving Saturday and Sunday in Thermal?

“Yeah, a little bit. I think part of that is the weight. It’s a little bit heavier. So, minimum corner speeds seem like they’re going to be a little bit different now, but the power down seems great coming out of the front straightway here at (Indianapolis Motor Speedway). I’m watching my deltas trickle away some time, which is good. The regeneration on braking, I haven’t felt any huge difference yet so that’s kind of good. I was a little bit worried that it would get to a point where the handling of the car would change. I’m sure that if we’re super aggressive with the regeneration, which we will try, we can see that balance shift in the brake zones, but for now, it seems like its doing its job just fine without having to change the setup.”

When we’ve talked to some at these tests in the past, we’ve discussed auto and manual regeneration. What are you working on today?

“This morning we tried in our install lap to do some manual regen. Still a little bit of work to there on our side, but the automatic regen seems to be the most usable because you’re not moving your hand on the wheel in the middle of the brake zone or corner to hold the button down which is hard on the drivers. It gives us more opportunity and more tools to work with as drivers. I think as we get in to racing, we’ll see some more of that manual regen, especially during caution flags. The auto regen is a map and preset from the team, so it’ll be more up to the driver to utilize those tools in the right scenario.”

How about the deploy options? Are you doing those today?

“It’s pretty standard right now. It’s been pretty cold this morning, so getting up to temp and doing install laps has been the main goal. Minimal deploy so far but seems to be working as intended.”

Do you see this changing the racing at all?

“I think so. I think that it allows different strategies to be applied. It’s a matter of how you regen, how much you regen, and how much you deploy. It’s seems to be similar in the sense of push-to-pass when you’re at lower speeds. When you’re at maximum velocity, it doesn’t have a lot of help. I’m interested to see what it’s like with the push-to-pass. I think with those two complimenting each other, and maybe trying to supplement one or the other to save one or the other during a race might be useful. I think that it could change the racing, but at the same time, everyone has the same package to work with so it will be who uses it the wisest.”

What was pre-test prep like for you and the team?

“We had varying slideshows we went through. It seems like they’ve done a lot of work ahead of time, honestly. I think part of that is letting drivers be drivers and not engineers, which is nice. I’m happy that we’re getting a chance to do this before it’s introduced. I think it would have really been tough initially for the drivers that for the drivers who ran the first half of the 20,000 miles versus the second half like we are now. Honda, Chevy, INDYCAR, all of the above, they’re all working on this package, and so they’re all trying to create the best opportunities for the drivers and the teams to perform and have those tools so there can be different strategies in a race. It seems pretty flawless at the moment, which I’m honestly really excited about. The functionality of the unit is working well.”

Is it going to lengthen the braking zones?

“I think the weight of the car might, but while I was out there today, it’s cold and I was on used tires from Thermal, and I was still braking close to the same spot that I was during the race last year. I will say, in the few laps that I have done here, I’m really excited about our Indy GP car. It felt promising, so that might be a different story separate from the hybrid unit. But I think that the regen could help braking, especially balance on entry, it’s just a matter of if you deploy at the right time and not have that capacity used up on the brake zone. If you use it up on the brake zone, that’s where it will change the balance halfway through. That’s where the issue kind of comes in for the driver where we have to pay attention.”

Agustin Canapino, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

“Honestly, I like it. It’s different. Of course, it was our first time with the system. It’s a totally different system. I like it because I love the technology. It’s impressive because of the way you have free extra power because the extra system gives you the extra power. Of course, it’s difficult to manage, but this is only the beginning. The good thing is it’ll give more interesting races in INDYCAR. I like it. It’s only the beginning, but definitely it’s a really good system, and I want to do many more laps to understand better the way to maximize the system and use more time to not only have more power, but I want to have more balance in the car. You have more power, but you can change the balance in the car. So, it’s wonderful.”

How much did you learn from teammate Romain Grosjean’s feedback?

“This is a good point. Every driver wants something different, I think. Every driver drives totally different than each other. I think this is another interesting part. For example, for me, the way to regen the power is different than Romain (Grosjean) so far. But, again, this is only the beginning. You want to have a better way to deploy and regen the power, for today for example, I prefer to use another way to regen than Romain (Grosjean).”

You mentioned the sim. Do you think this is something you can go to the sim and be able to decide, this is the best way to do that?

“Yes, definitely. It’s funny because the first (thing) I said to Ricardo (Juncos), we need to develop this in the sim, because this we could manage that and work on that in the sim. You need to do a really good job to simulate everything. The behavior of the battery is different, between the volts and everything, it’s very complicated. But definitely the sim is now with the hybrid system, is a really powerful tool.”

Romain Grosjean, No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

“It was a very fresh morning. We didn’t do much. We just had to wait for the temperature to rise. The car went out and we did a couple of runs just covering the basics.”

Why is it so important to have this test?

“It’s a complex system. It’s going to take a lot from what we could see this morning. There’s a lot of options available and it’s up for us to find out. Yes, it’s very early in testing compared to the knowledge of some of the others, but we’ll try to do our best.”

How different is it in the cockpit for you as a driver?

“It’s quite different. There are a lot of buttons to push. Again, it’s the beginning.”

Do you feel you catch yourself, or the team is in these one day, or couple days, trying to make up for that massive ground you guys have? What’s the thought process now that you have the hybrid unit?

“The thought process is to understand the system, and to understand to run it, and understand what it does in the car. It’s very heavy and (located) in the back of the car, so the setup is going to have to change a lot. We’ll try to do our best, and Chevy has been helping us on all of the project.”

Is it going to require more thinking from the drivers’ standpoint during a race?

“I don’t know yet. I can see a potential situation where it (could), but it’s up to us to stay on top of it, but yes, there will be more thinking in watching the dash.”

What do you think it does for the racing? Will there be more yellows? Will this affect the strategy?

“I guess you can argue that there will be less yellows because you can restart your car. The rest, I don’t know yet if it’s going to change a lot of the racing.”

About Chevrolet

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

Logan Bearden Set for NASCAR Xfinity Series Debut with SS-GreenLight Racing at Richmond Raceway

RICHMOND, Va.: SS-GreenLight Racing confirmed today that Austin, Texas native Logan Beaden will make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut in Saturday afternoon’s ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway.

Bearden will pilot the No. 14 Bearden Automotive | Parker Electric Chevrolet Camaro in the 250-lap race to gain experience and increase his NASCAR Xfinity Series presence throughout the 2024 season.

The avid Late Model competitor joins SS-GreenLight Racing with some NASCAR experience to his resume, including two NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts last season at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) and Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, respectively.

“I appreciate this opportunity to make my debut this weekend at Richmond with SS-GreenLight Racing,” said Bearden. “Without the support of my team, my longtime partners Bearden Automotive, Parker Electric, Bobby Dotter and Snow Belt MGMT, none of this would be possible.”

Bearden said his goals for his Xfinity Series debut are simple.

“I’m just looking to see the green and checkered flags,” he said. “Of course, I am motivated to have a positive debut in the series and gain the respect of my competitors, but I’m also equally focused on doing a good job for Bobby and the entire SS-GreenLight Racing team.

“It’s important for me to have a clean and respectful race and bring home a finish so I can continue to build my resume and prepare for what may lie ahead.”

SS-GreenLight Racing team owner Bobby Dotter added, “Logan has shown a lot of promise in the Truck Series, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do at Richmond.”

Outside of racing, Bearden remains an employee of AM Racing, where he works as a mechanic at the team’s Statesville, N.C.-based shop, assisting the team’s ARCA Menards Series and Xfinity Series programs, respectively.

In addition to NASCAR competition, Bearden will also compete in select late-model races throughout the country aboard his family-owned No. 66 Bearden Automotive team.

For more on Logan Bearden, please visit LoganBearden.com, like his Facebook page (Logan Bearden Racing) or follow him on Twitter | X @LoganBearden66.

The ToyotaCare 250 (250 laps | 187.5 miles) is the sixth of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice will occur on Fri., March 30, 2024, from 8:35 a.m. to 8:55 a.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 9:05 a.m. The field will take the green flag later, shortly after 1:30 p.m., with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

Nordic Logistics set to make 2024 season debut with Jeremy Clements Racing

Photo Credit: Jeremy Clements Racing

Spartanburg, SC – Nordic Logistics is all set to expand its partnership with Jeremy Clements Racing. Becoming the primary sponsor on the #51 Team Chevy at America’s Premier Short Track, Richmond Raceway this weekend. This will be the first of three races where Nordic Logistics, located in Rochester, NY, will be the main sponsor for JCR.

Nordic is also scheduled to be the principal partner at Dover and Watkins Glen later in the year. Additionally, High Speed Auto and BG Crane Services Inc. will be associate sponsors for the first time in 2024. The ToyotaCare 250 is scheduled for Saturday, March 30th on the 0.75-mile D-shaped short track oval in downtown Richmond, VA.

“I’m ready to get to short-track racing this weekend. We had a really good Top 15 run going last year until we had an alternator issue that ruined our day. So definitely looking forward to some redemption and taking the Nordic #51 to the front Saturday afternoon!” Clements said.

The Chevy Camaro SS #51 will also display logos of its generous associate sponsors, including Spartan Waste, Workforce OHSS, Elite Towing, Whitetail Smokeless, Matman Designs, Carolina Driveline, ZMAX Race Products, E3 Spark Plugs, and Dynamic Paintware.

RACE PREVIEW Track: Richmond Raceway
Date: Saturday, March 30th, 2024
Broadcast Information: TV: 1:30 pm EST on FS1

FAST FACTS
Best Start 7th – 2022
Best Finish 8th – 2018
25th career start at Richmond

ABOUT NORDIC LOGISTICS:

Nordic Logistics, LLC is a transportation and logistics company based in Rochester, NY. We specialize in the transporting and warehousing of perishable and non-perishable products and service all 48 states with both company-owned assets and independent contractors. Our current operating fleet consists of 25 tractors and 60 trailers, with a mixture of both refrigerated and dry van trailers.

Our company prides itself on timely and temperature-sensitive service. Not only do we love driving trucks, but we also consider it a great privilege to deliver goods to everyone.

RCR Race Preview: Richmond Raceway

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Richmond Raceway… In 188 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Richmond Raceway, Richard Childress Racing has scored nine wins, led by Dale Earnhardt’s five victories (1985 – spring, both races in 1987, 1990 – fall, and 1991 – spring). Kevin Harvick won three times (2006 – fall, 2011 – fall, and 2013 – spring), while Clint Bowyer scored his first short track victory in the NASCAR Cup Series at Richmond (2008 – spring). The team owns 39 top-five and 76 top-10 finishes in NASCAR Cup Series competition at Richmond.

NASCAR Xfinity Series Stats at Richmond Raceway… RCR has seven victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Richmond Raceway led by Kevin Harvick’s five victories. RCR has racked up 32 top-five and 60 top-10 finishes at Richmond entering Saturday afternoon’s race.

Catch Saturday’s Action… The Richmond 250 at Richmond Raceway will be televised live on Saturday, March 30 at 1:30 p.m. ET on FS1 and will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Follow Sunday’s Action in Richmond… The Richmond 400 will be televised live on Sunday, March 31 beginning at 7 p.m. ET on FOX and will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Richmond Raceway… In 19 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Richmond Raceway, Dillon’s best finish is fourth (Fall 2020). His six top-10 finishes at the track include a pair of consecutive sixth-place finishes (April 2019 and September 2018). In his most recent appearance at the track in July 2023, Dillon finished ninth after starting 17th. He has 10 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Richmond Raceway, acquiring two top-five finishes, seven top-10 finishes, and one pole award.

Fun Fact… Dillon’s career-first NASCAR Xfinity Series start came at Richmond Raceway in 2008 driving the No. 21 Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma Chevrolet for RCR with crew chief Shane Wilson calling the shots. Dillon, who finished 26th in the race, went on to earn an Xfinity Series championship for RCR in 2012.

BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) Team Up with Dillon… Dillon and the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing team will be supported by BREZTRI AEROSPHERE®, an AstraZeneca product, at Richmond Raceway. This partnership is about more than just racing. You can learn more about Austin Dillon and his family’s personal connection to the brand at Breztri.com. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and Biopharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:

What are your expectations for Richmond Raceway this weekend?

“I am looking forward to racing at Richmond Raceway with my No. 3 team under the lights. Richmond Raceway is one of the top short tracks in the country. It is a fast, fun track, and it can also be challenging for drivers to keep up with track conditions throughout the night as the rubber lays down and temperatures drop. It’s a track that we’ve been consistently good at over the years. Last summer we finished ninth. It is very difficult to keep the car balanced the entire time. In the beginning, I disliked Richmond Raceway for a long time, but as time passed, I have grown to enjoy racing there and have come to appreciate it.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Rebel Bourbon Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Richmond Raceway… Kyle Busch enters this weekend’s race with six NASCAR Cup Series victories at Richmond Raceway in 36 previous starts – the most by any active driver – and is tied for third on the all-time win list at the track. The driver of the Rebel Bourbon Chevrolet leads all active drivers at Richmond in several statistical categories: top-five finishes (19), top-10s (28), most lead lap finishes (35) and average finish (7.08). Busch has 11 top-10 finishes in the last 12 races at the Virginia short track. The Las Vegas, Nev., native has also enjoyed much success at Richmond Raceway in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, claiming six wins in 23 starts.

The Points Chase… Busch enters Richmond fresh off a ninth-place finish one week ago at Circuit of the Americas. He used his second top-10 finish of the season to jump up three positions in the NASCAR Cup Series driver standings, moving into 13th-place, just 21 points outside the top-10.

All But One… Busch has been running at the finish in all 36 previous Cup Series races at Richmond. In fact, he has completed all but one lap in those events, completing 14,428 of a possible 14,429 laps. Those completed laps equal 10,821 miles.

Welcome Rebel Bourbon… Bardstown, Kentucky-based Rebel Bourbon will make their debut as a primary sponsor in NASCAR this weekend at Richmond Raceway with Richard Childress Racing on the No. 8 Chevrolet driven by Kyle Busch. Rebel is the official bourbon of Richard Childress Racing and the award-winning bourbon will be Busch’s primary sponsor on multiple races during the 2024 and 2025 NASCAR Cup Series seasons.

About Rebel® Bourbon… Distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky, by Lux Row Distillers Master Distiller John Rempe, Rebel Bourbon features a wheated mash bill that is true to its original recipe dating back to 1849. Known for its smoother, sweeter flavor, highlighted by delicious caramel and vanilla flavor notes, Rebel celebrates the “Rebel spirit in all of us” – especially those who embrace freedom, defiance and a little attitude. In 2023, Rebel Bourbon 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was awarded a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Double Platinum ASCOT award. The brand’s Rebel 100 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was awarded gold medals at the 2023 SIP and ASCOT awards.

About Luxco®… Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco® is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP® Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers®, home of Ezra Brooks®, Rebel®, Blood Oath®, David Nicholson® and Daviess County®; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery®, maker of Yellowstone® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case® Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch® Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor®, Exotico® and Dos Primos®; and Ross & Squibb® Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Remus® Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union® Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Penelope® Bourbon, Everclear® Grain Alcohol, Pearl® Vodka, Saint Brendan’s® Irish Cream, The Quiet Man™ Irish Whiskey, Green Hat® Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

You have completed all but one lap in 36 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Richmond Raceway (14,428 of a possible 14,429 laps). How do you view that accomplishment?

“Well, it makes me mad that I missed out on that one lap. I see that accomplishment as a pretty cool stat that probably not a lot of drivers have at different racetracks. It makes sense considering that Richmond is probably one of my better statistical tracks on the circuit.”

Last July you qualified third and finished second at Richmond Raceway, one of your better performances on a short track. Did you find something setup-wise in that race that will help you run well this coming weekend?

“We qualified second and finished third and felt like we had some good ideas going into that race and they seemed to pay off and work well for us. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for some of the other short tracks we went to last year. We still have a lot of work to do.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet Camaro SS at Richmond Raceway… Jesse Love will make his inaugural NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Richmond Raceway this Saturday. The 19-year-old has never seen the .750-mile D-shaped oval in person and Saturday’s practice session will mark his first lap on the surface.

Strong Start for the Rookie… Love has come out of the newcomer gate strong, notching two top-10 finishes at Phoenix Raceway and Circuit of The Americas and showcasing a dominate performance at Atlanta Motor Speedway before running out of fuel on the final restart. Love has completed 99.9% of the laps competed (743 of 744) and led the field for a total of 191 laps.

ROTY Leader… With five races complete, Love continues to extend his lead in the Sunoco Rookie of the Year point standings. The Menlo Park, California native currently holds a 58-point lead over second-place Shane van Gisbergen.

About Whelen Engineering… Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion to protect the lives of those who protect and serve others. The company mission is to provide industry-defining safety solutions around the world, while creating a community of problem-solvers who are inspired to push boundaries and continue our legacy of delivering ground-breaking innovation. As a global leader in the emergency warning industry, Whelen has been trusted to perform since 1952, when George Whelen III invented the first rotating aviation beacon. Whelen now encompasses two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire with over 750,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and the largest design staff in the industry. Every part of every Whelen product is proudly designed and manufactured in America. We embrace quality as our foundation, we celebrate innovative engineering in every product we produce.

JESSE LOVE QUOTE:

What are your thoughts heading into your first race at Richmond Raceway?

“Simulator has been good, and I have it relatively figured out for never racing there yet. It seems like a weird short track that requires discipline, which is one of my strong suits. When I’m locked in, I can be very disciplined, and it’s one of the hardest things that I’ve worked on this year – to stay in control and be disciplined behind the wheel. I have a good mindset of that going into the weekend. We made big gains on the handling in the simulator and having Stockman (crew chief) here has helped. He’s really good at making the front-end work, which is something that is needed for Richmond, so hopefully that will translate on the track for both me and Austin (Hill).”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet Camaro SS at Richmond Raceway… Austin Hill has two career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Richmond Raceway, earning a best finish of ninth place in 2023. In addition, Hill has competed in two NASCAR Truck Series events, notching one pole (2020) and two top-10 results (2020 – 2021), and three ARCA Menards Series East races, posting one win (2015) and three top-10 finishes (2013 – 2015) at the Virginia short track.

Top-Five Streak Rolls On… Hill is the only Xfinity Series driver who has finished inside the top-five in each of the opening five races. The 29-year-old won at both Daytona International Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway, secured a pair of fourth-place results at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Phoenix Raceway, and finished in the runner up position last week at Circuit of The Americas.

Points Leader Again… With a second-place result at Circuit of The Americas, Hill returned to the lead in the Xfinity Series driver championship point standings. The Winston, Ga. native has a nine-point lead over second-place Chandler Smith.

About Bennett Family of Companies… McDonough-Ga. based Bennett Family of Companies is a woman-owned, Women’s Enterprise Business Council (WBENC) certified, diversified transportation and logistics company. Through its 14 affiliated operating companies, the Bennett Family of Companies delivers integrated transportation and supply chain management solutions worldwide. Bennett has 4,625 drivers/owner-operators, over 1,000 employees and 600 agents located across the United States. For more information, visit www.bennettig.com.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTE:

You had success at Richmond Raceway early in your career. What is your outlook heading back to a short track and what do you need out a car to run up front this weekend?

“I feel good about going to Richmond Raceway, because I won there in an ARCA Menards Series East car and I’ve had success there in the Truck Series even if the finishes don’t show for it. We always ran well, but something crazy would happen at the end of the race. You want to have a long run car there, not a short run car, because a lot of times Richmond goes green for a while – 75 lap stages and you can go green the entire time. Last year, our No. 21 team was able to improve from our rookie season together, but we still left with work to do in order to compete for the win. Hopefully with the things that we’ve learned in the simulator since then, we can take another step in the right direction.

To have a successful day, we need to have long run speed, manage entry as best as possible, have turn in the middle and then drive off. The drive off is crucial. You need drive off in order to not burn up the right front or right rear and go to the limit of the tire without slipping those right sides. That’s the key to having tire life at the end of a run.”

AM Racing | Hailie Deegan Richmond Raceway Xfinity Preview

AM Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Richmond (Va.) Raceway | ToyotaCare 250

Fast Facts
No. 15 AM Racing Team:
Driver: Hailie Deegan
Primary Partner(s): AirBox
Manufacturer: Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Joe Williams Jr.
Spotter: Michael Fisher
Chassis Intel: AMR Chassis No. X-077
Engine: Roush-Yates Engines

Notes of Interest:

Sophomore Journey: After a successful rookie campaign in the NASCAR Xfinity Series last season with driver Brett Moffitt, AM Racing will embark on its sophomore journey in 2024 with driver Hailie Deegan for the entire 33-race tour, continuing with Saturday afternoon’s ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway.

The Statesville, N.C.-based team plans to expand its footprint in the NASCAR Xfinity Series to also run two cars throughout the season with its No. 25 AM Racing entry.

Future Focused: Last October, AM Racing announced that Hailie Deegan joined the family-owned operation to pilot the team’s No. 15 Ford Mustang in a multiyear agreement.

Deegan, a native of Temecula, Calif. has been a staple in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series for the past three seasons but will embrace her rookie season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series as part of the Ford Performance program.

Deegan grew up racing off-road and on dirt but transitioned to competing on asphalt in 2016 to pursue a career in stock car racing. She began that transition in 2018 in the ARCA Menards Series West (previously NASCAR K&N Pro Series West), She became the first female driver to have won races in the West Series, doing so in the 2018 and 2019 seasons, respectively.

Deegan, 21, arrives at AM Racing after a stint driving for ThorSport Racing in 2023.

Giving You Piece of Air: For the fourth time in 2024, AirBox will serve as the primary marketing partner of Deegan’s No. 15 Ford Mustang in Saturday afternoon’s ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway.

In 2017, AirBox was established to focus on building the world’s best air purifiers for indoor occupied spaces. This coincided with people starting to wake up to issues with indoor air quality. With new challenges to air cleanliness, such as COVID-19 and wildfire smoke, people are looking for effective and proven solutions to ensure they receive cleaner air, at last.

Their history in delivering clean air systems gives them an expertise that is unmatched. AirBox uses some of the most effective air filtration technologies that exist with Certified HEPA and Advanced Molecular Adsorption and manufactures products that meet the stringent new ventilation standard, ASHRAE Standard 241.

Today, AirBox filtration systems are used across the country, purifying the air and capturing harmful irritants to create healthier, safer spaces. They’ve become the trusted choice for hospitals, educational centers, offices, warehouses, construction zones, public assembly, sports facilities, and more.

They’re proud to build all products to the highest standards in the USA at their North Carolina production facility. Every day, AirBox is working hard to give the American people the safer learning, working, and living environments they deserve—helping people breathe easy and live better.

Hailie Deegan NASCAR Xfinity Series Richmond Raceway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s ToyotaCare 250 will mark Deegan’s Xfinity debut at the 0.875-mile short track.

Deegan, however, does own three NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts at the famed short track.

Her track-best result occurred during the 2023 Worldwide Express 250 when she steered to a 15th-place finish after starting 25th for ThorSport Racing.

Hailie Deegan NASCAR Xfinity Series Career Stats: In six NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, Deegan has a career-best 13th-place finish after starting 20th for SS-GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway in October 2022.

In addition to six Xfinity Series starts, she has achieved 70 ARCA Menards Series starts, including three wins and 69 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts to her credit.

AM Minute: It was a relatively quiet weekend for the Statesville, N.C.-based team.

Both the AM Racing Dirt and ARCA Menards Series divisions were off this past weekend and both will continue to sit idle during the Easter holiday.

The ARCA Menards Series is enjoying a short sabbatical before their season resumes action at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on April 20.

Thanks For Your Support: With 18 percent of the 2024 Xfinity Series season complete, AM Racing and Hailie Deegan would like to thank their associate marketing partners for their support: AirBox, Flying Circle, Klutch Vodka, Mechanix Wear, Monster Energy Drink, Mobil 1, Viva Tequila Seltzer and WIX Filters.

Circuit of the Americas | Focused Health 250 Race Recap: The fifth race of the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season kicked off in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, March 23.

Showcasing the Cody Jinks Change the Game colors on her Ford Mustang, Deegan overcame adversity in her first career Xfinity Series road course race.

Throughout the 46-lap race, Deegan battled brake issues, but she made significant on-track improvements during the third and final stage to net a 23rd-place finish at the checkered flag.

From the Pit Box: Industry veteran Joe Williams Jr. is Hailie Deegan’s crew chief.

He will be crew chief for his 137th NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday and his sixth in the Old Dominion.

In his previous 136 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, he has collected one win (Auto Club Speedway | February 2022), eight top-five and 30 top-10 finishes.

Follow on Social Media: For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

For more on Hailie Deegan, please visit hailiedeegan.com, like her Facebook page (HailieDeegan4), or follow her on Instagram (@hailiedeegan), YouTube and X | Twitter (@hailiedeegan).

Hailie Deegan Quoteboard:

On Richmond Raceway: “I am looking forward to getting back on an oval with our No. 15 AirBox Ford Mustang.

After a couple of tough weeks, “I’d certainly like to go to Richmond and give our AM Racing team a boost with a strong finish that we can carry over to Martinsville Speedway next weekend.”

Race Information:

The ToyotaCare 250 (250 laps | 187.5 miles) is the sixth of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice will occur on Fri., March 30, 2024, from 8:35 a.m. to 8:55 a.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 9:05 a.m. The field will take the green flag later, shortly after 1:30 p.m., with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

The family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events in its eighth year of competition.

The team has named Hailie Deegan, Christian Rose, and Austin Wayne Self as their primary drivers for the 2024 Xfinity, ARCA Menards Series, and Dirt Modified seasons, respectively.

Young’s Motorsports Richmond Raceway Xfinity Team Preview

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Richmond (Va.) Raceway | ToyotaCare 250

Fast Facts
No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Team:
Driver: Leland Honeyman Jr.
Primary Partner(s): Young’s Building Systems | Randco Industries Inc.
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro
Crew Chief: Andrew Abbott
2024 Driver Points Position: 18th
2024 Owner Points Position: 21st
Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Notes of Interest:

Movin’ on Up!: In January, Young’s Motorsports announced it would graduate from the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series to the NASCAR Xfinity Series full-time in 2024 with rising star Leland Honeyman Jr. behind the wheel of the team’s No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the entire 33-race season continuing with Saturday afternoon’s ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway.

About Leland: The Phoenix, Ariz. native began honing his racing skills at the tender age of two racing Quads. By four years old, he moved into Trophy Karts and then collected three series championships in off-road racing Trophy Karts.

After an instrumental tenure in Go Karts, he moved into the Bandolero competition in 2015 and was crowned a Bandolero National Champion two years later. From there, he moved into Limited Late Models before graduating to the Carolina Pro Late Model Series division in 2021, where he earned championship-runner-up honors and picked up an astounding victory in the annual Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway Fall Brawl.

Honeyman, 19, returns to the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization, where he ran an impressive ARCA Menards Series East Series campaign, finishing third in the 2022 championship standings.

During the 2023 season, he made eight NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, highlighted by a 21st-place finish at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Road Course.

All-Aboard!: For the sixth of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races this season, Texas-based Young’s Building Systems and Randco. Return to serve as the anchor partners on the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the 250-lap race on Saturday afternoon.

Since 1981, Young’s Building Systems has been providing West Texas with all their metal building needs. This family-owned and operated business has become an industry favorite due to the experience gained and the professional results completed. Young’s Building System is a division of Randco Industries, Inc. We have expanded into a company that has the ability to erect any type of building, from a small single story to a city high-rise.

Our customers have multiple uses for our buildings, including commercial, residential, agricultural, industrial, skid-mounted buildings, and compressor station buildings. We also have a team that specializes in stairs and railings of all shapes and sizes. Young’s Building Systems is fully insured for your peace of mind so we carry workmen’s compensation and general liability that go above and beyond State requirements.

Our company is fully equipped with moving and lifting equipment along with compressors, generators and welding equipment. We have the tools and equipment needed to support large, demanding projects. Our work ethic is based on the principles of quality, promptness, and customer experience.

Young’s Building Systems approaches each job with the mindset. We continuously raise our standard of excellence and work hard to make sure that each and every one of your needs are met.

Leland Honeyman Jr. NASCAR Xfinity Series Richmond Raceway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s ToyotaCare 250 will mark Honeyman’s second career Xfinity Series start at the 0.875-mile short track.

In his second career Xfinity Series race, Honeyman finished 25th after starting 28th in the No. 45 Big Green Egg Chevrolet Camaro for Alpha Prime Racing in the 2023 ToyotaCare 250.

Leland Honeyman Jr. Xfinity Career Stats: Entering Richmond, Honeyman has 13 career NASCAR Xfinity Series races to his credit, earning a career-best 11th place finish at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway after starting 24th in the Call811.com Every Dig. Every Time. 200 for Young’s Motorsports in March 2024.

Since 2023, he has carried an average finish of 23.3.

Circuit of the Americas | Focused Health 250 Race Recap: Honeyman continued to impress during his NASCAR Xfinity Series rookie campaign with Young’s Motorsports in the series’ most recent race at the Circuit of the Americas.

Starting his No. 42 Austin Gamblers Chevrolet from the 34th position, Honeyman was able to march forward throughout the 50-lap race and capitalized on track position despite being involved in a mid-race altercation to capture a solid 20th-place finish at the checkered flag.

Calling the Shots: Guiding Honeyman Jr. as crew chief of the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is longtime crew chief Andrew Abbott.

On Saturday, he will be crew chief in his 103rd NASCAR Xfinity Series race. In his previous 102 races, he has three top-five and 11 top-10 finishes.

The season’s sixth race will be his sixth tango in the Old Dominion as crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series at Richmond Raceway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ first NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Richmond Raceway.

However, the Mooresville, N.C.-based team has 11 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts at America’s Premier Short Track.

The organization posted a Truck Series team-best finish of 15th at the track on September 10, 2020, with former Truck Series winner Tate Fogleman at the wheel in the 2020 ToyotaCare 250.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series History: Since entering the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, the Mooresville, N.C. – based organization has logged five starts and maintains an average starting position of 27.2 and an average finish of 20.0.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Leland Honeyman Jr., please visit LelandHoneymanRacing.com, like him on Facebook (Leland Honeyman Racing) and follow on Instagram (@lelandhoneymanjr) and X |Twitter (@lelandhoneyman3).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Leland Honeyman Jr. Pre-Race Quote:

On Richmond Raceway: “After a great weekend in Circuit of the Americas, I’m excited to step foot in the car again for Richmond. I ran well here last year, so it just makes me even more driven to do even better this year. I know my Young’s Motorsports team has me covered. Now, it’s time to hit the track and continue our strong start to the season!”

Race Information:

The ToyotaCare 250 (250 laps | 187.5 miles) is the sixth of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice will take place on Fri., March 30, 2024, from 8:35 a.m. to 8:55 a.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 9:05 a.m. The field will take the green flag later, shortly after 1:30 p.m., with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

5 Must-Have Truck Bed Accessories for Racing Crews

Photo by Brock Wegner on Unsplash

If you are part of a racing crew, you know that efficiency is key to success. Every second counts, and having a well-organized truck bed can make all the difference. In this article, we will explore the must-have truck bed accessories for racing crews that will help you optimize your workflow and maximize your efficiency. 

From securing and protecting equipment to enhancing accessibility and improving safety, these accessories will revolutionize the way you operate. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can rev up your efficiency with these essential truck bed accessories.

Importance of efficient truck bed organization for racing crews

Efficient truck bed organization is crucial for racing crews for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that your equipment is securely stored and protected during transportation. Racing equipment can be expensive and delicate, so having the right accessories to secure and safeguard them is essential. 

Secondly, a well-organized truck bed allows for easy access to equipment, minimizing the time spent searching for specific tools or items. This not only saves time but also reduces frustration and stress during high-pressure situations. Lastly, efficient truck bed organization maximizes storage space, allowing you to carry more equipment and supplies, ensuring that you are fully prepared for any racing event.

Essential truck bed accessories for racing crews

1. Canvas Truck Toppers, Cargo Nets, and Bed Liners

One of the primary concerns for racing crews is securing and protecting their valuable equipment during transport. Canvas truck toppers are an excellent accessory that provides both protection from the elements and security against theft. These toppers are made from durable materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions while keeping your equipment safe and dry.

Cargo nets are another essential accessory for securing loose items in your truck bed. They prevent equipment from shifting or falling out during transportation, ensuring that nothing gets damaged or lost. Additionally, bed liners are a must-have accessory to protect your truck bed from scratches, dents, and spills. They provide a non-slip surface, preventing equipment from sliding around while in transit.

2. Truck Bed Toolboxes and Storage Systems

Efficient utilization of storage space is crucial for racing crews, as it allows you to carry all the necessary tools and equipment for the race. Truck bed toolboxes are an excellent accessory for organizing smaller items such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and sockets. They keep everything neatly organized and easily accessible, saving you valuable time when you need to find a specific tool.

Storage systems, such as overhead racks and side-mounted compartments, are also great options for maximizing storage space in your truck bed. These systems provide additional storage areas for larger items like spare tires, fuel cans, and even bicycles. By utilizing these storage solutions, you can ensure that everything has its place and is readily available whenever you need it.

3. Tailgate Steps and Ramps

Easy accessibility to your truck bed is essential for racing crews, especially when unloading heavy or bulky equipment. Tailgate steps are a fantastic accessory that allows you to step up into the truck bed with ease. 

They are usually foldable and can be conveniently stored when not in use. Furthermore, ramps are indispensable for loading and unloading motorcycles, ATVs, or other vehicles. They provide a safe and efficient way to move heavy machinery in and out of your truck bed without causing any damage.

4. Truck Bed Lighting and Bed Extenders

Good visibility and safety are paramount for racing crews, both on and off the track. Truck bed lighting is a must-have accessory that illuminates your truck bed, making it easier to locate and organize your equipment, even in low-light conditions. LED light bars or strip lights are popular choices for providing bright and efficient lighting.

Bed extenders are another valuable accessory that increases the length of your truck bed, allowing you to carry longer items such as race car parts or large toolboxes. By securely extending the bed, you can transport these items without the risk of them hanging over the edge, ensuring both safety and legal compliance.

5. Bike Racks, Tire Racks, and Fuel Can Holders

Every racing crew has specific needs and requirements when it comes to their equipment. Customizing your truck bed with accessories tailored to your racing needs can significantly improve efficiency. Bike racks are an excellent addition for crews that participate in bicycle-based events. They provide a secure and convenient way to transport bicycles, ensuring they arrive at the race in perfect condition.

Tire racks are essential for crews that need to carry multiple sets of tires. These racks keep the tires organized and prevent them from being damaged during transportation. Additionally, fuel can holders are indispensable for crews that require extra fuel during races. These holders keep the fuel cans secure and prevent any spills or leaks that could be hazardous.

Maintenance and Care Tips for Truck Bed Accessories

To ensure that your truck bed accessories remain in optimal condition, regular maintenance and care are necessary. Clean your canvas truck toppers and bed liners regularly to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating. Inspect cargo nets for any signs of wear and tear, and replace them if necessary. Keep your truck bed toolboxes and storage systems clean and organize them regularly to maintain their efficiency. Check the functionality of tailgate steps and ramps to ensure they are in proper working order. Finally, clean and inspect your truck bed lighting regularly to ensure it is functioning correctly.

Finish Line

Efficiency is the name of the game for racing crews, and having the right truck bed accessories can make all the difference. From securing and protecting equipment to maximizing storage space and enhancing accessibility, these accessories are essential for optimizing your workflow and boosting efficiency. By customizing your truck bed with accessories tailored to your racing needs, you can ensure that you are fully prepared for any racing event. So, invest in these must-have truck bed accessories and watch as your efficiency revs up, propelling you towards victory.

Understanding Comparative Fault: How It Affects Your Personal Injury Claim

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Georgia’s unique blend of urban and rural landscapes not only affects the day-to-day lives of its residents but also influences the complexities of personal injury claims within the state. A key aspect that Georgians must contend with is the principle of comparative fault, a legal doctrine that plays a critical role in determining liability and compensation following an accident. This article aims to demystify comparative fault for Georgia residents, offering a comprehensive guide to understanding how this principle impacts personal injury claims in the Peach State. From the bustling intersections of Savannah to the quiet roads of rural counties, understanding comparative fault is essential for anyone facing a personal injury claim in Georgia.

The Basics of Comparative Fault

Comparative fault, also known as comparative negligence, is a legal doctrine used to apportion blame among the parties involved in an accident. Instead of pinning all the responsibility on one party, this principle acknowledges that multiple parties may share fault to varying degrees. The key takeaway here is understanding that the compensation you’re eligible to receive can be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For instance, if you’re found to be 20% at fault in an accident, your compensation could be reduced by that same percentage.

Seeking Expert Legal Guidance

In the complex landscape of personal injury law, having a seasoned expert by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Particularly in states like Georgia, where the intricacies of comparative fault can deeply influence your claim, consulting with the best personal injury lawyer in Georgia isn’t just advisable; it’s a strategic move. These legal professionals can provide the nuanced understanding and strategic planning necessary to navigate the comparative fault waters, ensuring your rights are protected and you’re positioned for the best possible outcome.

Comparative Fault Across Different States

It’s important to recognize that the application of comparative fault can vary significantly from one state to another. Some states follow a “pure” comparative fault system, where you can recover damages no matter your percentage of fault, albeit reduced by your fault percentage. Others adhere to a “modified” comparative fault rule, limiting recovery to those plaintiffs whose fault does not exceed a certain threshold, commonly 50%. Understanding the specific laws in your state is essential for accurately assessing your claim’s viability and potential compensation.

The Impact on Settlement Negotiations

Comparative fault doesn’t just affect the outcome of a trial; it also plays a critical role during settlement negotiations. Insurance companies and opposing counsel often use comparative negligence arguments to reduce the amount they’re willing to offer. Being aware of how your level of fault could be perceived and leveraged against you is crucial in these discussions. A skilled negotiator, familiar with the nuances of comparative fault, can help ensure that your settlement reflects a fair assessment of the accident and your injuries.

Documentation and Evidence: Building Your Case

In any personal injury claim, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff. This means that to counter the comparative fault argument, you’ll need solid evidence and documentation that supports your version of events and demonstrates the other party’s liability. This includes everything from photos of the accident scene and medical records to eyewitness statements and expert testimonies. The more comprehensive your evidence, the stronger your position will be, both in negotiations and, if necessary, at trial.

Proving Negligence in Comparative Fault Cases

To effectively argue your case under a comparative fault system, proving the other party’s negligence is crucial. This involves demonstrating that the defendant owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused your injuries as a result. Crafting a compelling narrative that clearly outlines these elements, while minimizing your own liability, is key to maximizing your potential compensation. Engaging legal expertise to dissect the facts and present them persuasively is often necessary to navigate these complexities successfully.

The Role of Insurance Companies

Insurance companies play a significant role in the dynamics of personal injury claims, especially under comparative fault. They often conduct their own investigations to assess fault and determine settlement offers. Being prepared to deal with insurers—armed with evidence and a strong legal strategy—is essential. Remember, insurance adjusters are looking to minimize payouts. Having an experienced attorney negotiate on your behalf can help protect your interests and ensure a fair evaluation of your claim.

The Importance of Witness Statements and Expert Testimonies

Witness statements and expert testimonies can be pivotal in shifting the balance of fault in your favor. Eyewitness accounts can corroborate your version of events, while experts in accident reconstruction, medical professionals, and others can provide authoritative insights into the causes and effects of the accident. These testimonies not only strengthen your case but can also challenge the opposing party’s attempts to attribute a higher degree of fault to you.

Appealing a Comparative Fault Decision

If you’re unsatisfied with the outcome of your personal injury claim, appealing the decision is a possible next step. This process involves a higher court reviewing the original decision for legal errors, including the application of comparative fault principles. It’s a complex and challenging path that requires thorough preparation and compelling legal arguments to succeed. The guidance of a proficient legal advisor is indispensable in navigating the appellate process.

Preventive Measures and Future Considerations

Understanding comparative fault not only aids in navigating current claims but also in preventing future legal challenges. Being aware of how your actions can be interpreted in terms of fault can guide you in making safer, more informed decisions. Additionally, this knowledge can inform how you approach insurance coverage, ensuring you’re adequately protected against potential liabilities.

Conclusion:

Comparative fault adds a layer of complexity to personal injury claims, influencing everything from liability to compensation amounts. Grasping its nuances is vital for anyone involved in an accident, as it directly impacts the legal strategy and potential outcomes of your case. Engaging with the best personal injury lawyer in Georgia or your respective area ensures you have the expertise needed to navigate these waters, advocate for your rights, and achieve the most favorable resolution. Remember, the journey to compensation in the realm of personal injury law is seldom straightforward, but with the right knowledge and support, you can steer your claim towards a successful conclusion.