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Young’s Motorsports Dover Motor Speedway Xfinity Team Preview

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Official Release
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Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway | BetRivers200

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: 19th
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 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro for the entire 33-race season continuing with Saturday afternoon’s BetRivers200 at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway.

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 10th of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races this season, Texas-based Young’s Building Systems and Randco will partner with the Mooresville, N.C.-based team as the primary partners on the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the 200-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 coverage that goes 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 continuously raises our standard of excellence and works hard to make sure that each and every one of your needs are met.

Leland Honeyman Jr. NASCAR Xfinity Series Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s BetRivers200 will mark Honeyman’s inaugural Xfinity Series start at the 1.0-mile speedway, one of three concrete tracks on the schedule in 2024.

The 10th race of the Xfinity Series season will also mark his track debut at the “Monster Mile.”

Leland Honeyman Jr. NASCAR Xfinity Career Stats: Entering Dover, Honeyman has 17 career NASCAR Xfinity Series races to his credit, earning a career-best fourth-place finish at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway after starting 33rd in the Ag-Pro 300 for Young’s Motorsports in April 2024.

Since 2023, he has carried an average finish of 22.9.

Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway | Ag-Pro 300 Race Recap: In the ninth race of the 2024 Xfinity Series season, Young’s Motorsports and Honeyman searched for another solid finish in the heart of Alabama.

After starting his No. 42 Mezrano Law Firm Chevrolet Camaro 33rd, Honeyman’s steady approach forward would pay off in a big way.

Using patience and working with strong drafting partners, Honeyman found himself inside the top five for a green-white-checkered attempt.

Hoping to pull off an upset, Honeyman contended for the win, but in a chaotic finish, the Xfinity Series rookie settled for fourth at the checkered flag to earn his career-best finish in Xfinity Series competition.

The effort was also a career-best for Young’s Motorsports at one of their best-performing tracks in NASCAR.

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 107th NASCAR Xfinity Series race. In his previous 106 races, he has four top-five and 12 top-10 finishes.

The season’s 10th race will be his sixth tango in the Diamond State as crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series at Dover Motor Speedway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ first NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Dover Motor Speedway.

However, the Mooresville, N.C.-based team has 12 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts at the Monster Mile.

The organization posted a team-best 10th-place finish at the track in the 2015 Lucas Oil 200, with team principal Tyler Young at the wheel.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series History: Since entering the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, the Mooresville, N.C. – based organization has logged nine starts and maintains an average starting position of 27.8 and an average finish of 20.7.

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 Dover Motor Speedway: “After an amazing weekend at Talladega finishing fourth, I am extremely excited and more confident going into Dover this weekend. I know my Young’s Motorsports crew will put together a fast car, and hopefully, we can deliver another satisfying finish!”

Race Information:

The BetRivers 200 (200 laps | 200 miles) is the 10th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice will occur on Fri., April 27, 2024, from 3:05 p.m. to 3:25 p.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 3:35 p.m. The field will take the green flag on Sat., April 28, 2024, shortly after 1:30 p.m., with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

Is Product Placement a Worthwhile Marketing Technique?

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SM
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Photo by Campaign Creators on Unsplash

If you want to gain new customers, you want your brand, product, or service to be exposed to the public. That’s why, your marketing strategies to advertise your wares are vitally important. One technique is product placement in television and films. It’s been shown that product placements substantially persuade viewers. They will have a positive association with your brand. This heightens brand recognition and directly influences consumer buying choices. However, there’s a fine line between being subtle and oversaturation of your brand. This article will explore product placements and determine if it’s a worthwhile marketing technique. 

 Product Placements as a Marketing Strategy

This type of advertising blends smoothly into a television program or movie (when done correctly). This lets brands be introduced to many viewers. The audience feels happy about your brand, without being consciously aware of the product placement within the show. It’s a necessary marketing and advertising method for brands wanting to make a long-lasting impact. 

 What else does this marketing technique do for your brand?

  • Increases viewer involvement with your brand.
  • Your credibility raises.
  • The brand seems more genuine in the eyes of the audience.
  • There is lasting brand recognition. 
  • It’s an efficient and economical choice. 

Another accessible and cost-effective way to advertise your business is using Custom Printed Feather Flags, which can be placed in front of any company or business to garner potential clients’ attention. Check out the types of Custom Flags and accessories available at Flagdom by clicking this link: https://flagdom.com/feather-flags.

Good Examples of Product Placement in Movies

The movie Wayne’s World poked fun at product placement in the film by shamelessly promoting products to the viewers. They included Doritos, Pizza Hut, Reebok, Pepsi, and other products. It was so blatant and in your face. This ridiculous and overt way they included the brands only enhanced the comedy. 

“The name’s Bond, James Bond.” Such an iconic line from an extremely recognizable character. So, it only would be fitting to be allied with a luxury car befitting such a character. The Aston Martin and the James Bond movies have a long-lasting relationship when it comes to product placement. However, the films have also shown off other brands like Jaguar, BMW, Lotus, Ford, and Bentley. These vehicles saw an increase in sales after the release of the movies. 

Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle is all about going to the hamburger chain White Castle. This kind of product placement is quite prominent, but it’s been integrated into the actual storyline of the movie. Where subtlety usually works better for this marketing technique, the opposite applies to this cult hit.  

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a popular eighties movie. It is heavily associated with the Reese’s Pieces candy. It’s even utilized in the movie to propel the story forward. Originally, M&Ms were asked if they wanted to be included in the movie. They turned down the offer. It was then that Reese’s Pieces accepted it instead. After the release of the film, the peanut butter candy increased their sales by seventy to eighty percent. 

 The Negatives of Product Placement 

Having blatant product placement (when not properly integrated) jeopardizes the artistic credibility of the movie orshow it’s featured in. This can be startling to the viewers. It can disrupt people from concentrating on the story. They will be too distracted by the products to pay proper attention to the show. A good example is the movie Madame Web. Numerous audience members felt like the movie was a big Pepsi commercial rather than a film from the Marvel universe. 

You always want your brand to come across as honest and trustworthy. You want people to embrace it. However, your brand authenticity will suffer with an abundance of product placement in a movie or show. It will turn the audience off. This impacts the way they view the movie or show as well. 

What makes product placement less persuasive or effective? 

  • Forced or unnatural placement.
  • It doesn’t integrate well with the story. 
  • Viewers won’t be able to connect to the story (especially during emotional episodes or scenes). 
  • Too much of your brand will make it feel like commercial content instead of someone’s artistic vision. 

If your marketing team or content creators make sure the brand is mixed seamlessly into the show, you will reap the benefits. If your brand seems forced or the audience finds it distracting, it will be a negative experience for all involved. The point is you want product placements to be a positive force when it comes to the perception of your brand. 

The Positives of Product Placement

Product placement in movies and television that seem genuine can improve audience engagement. Subtle and natural uses of your brand within the story can make it more real to the audience. 

Movie production companies can experience heightened profit margins, and filming expenses can be less because of product placements. 

The essence of the movie or television show can represent the character and identity of the brand. The audience can feel happy about the story and then associate your brand (through product placement) with those joyous emotions. This is when brand loyalty improves. Since movies and shows can be viewed repeatedly, product placement is classified as a “long-term marketing investment.” This will also boost brand loyalty over a period. 

Using product placement as a marketing tool will open a new way to make profits. It can aid in paying for productions as well as give more opportunities and freedom to moviemakers. Also, the vision and values of the artists involved will not likely be compromised. 

In Conclusion 

Overall, when done right, product placement is an efficient marketing and advertising technique. This is especially true for brands wanting to influence and attain a bigger audience. The result is improving your reach where people will be more aware of your brand. It’s a more current way to promote your brand versus more traditional ways to advertise your product. Remember, increasing sales and having customers have a positive attitude towards your brand is priceless. The bottom line, it’s an effective method to use product placement as a marketing technique. 

Pickup Trucks and Safety: What You Need to Know

By
SM
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Photo by Liam Moore

Pickup trucks have become a symbol of rugged functionality and adventure, weaving into the fabric of automotive culture, especially in the United States. With their robust build and versatile usage, from navigating off-road terrains to towing and hauling heavy loads, pickup trucks are popular among vehicle enthusiasts. 

However, regarding safety, prospective buyers and current owners should be aware of several factors to ensure they make informed decisions. Below, we’ll explore the critical aspects of pickup truck safety, presenting up-to-date data and facts.

Understanding Pickup Truck 4×4 Canopies

One aspect of pickup truck safety that deserves particular attention is the selection and use of 4×4 canopies. These canopies, also known as truck caps or toppers, are not just about enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle; they play a crucial role in safety and functionality. 

A 4×4 canopy can protect cargo from theft and environmental elements while improving the vehicle’s aerodynamics, potentially enhancing fuel efficiency. When choosing a canopy, it’s essential to consider factors such as material strength, locking mechanisms, and compatibility with your truck’s specific make and model. 

Proper installation and maintenance are equally important to ensure that the canopy remains securely attached to the truck bed, avoiding any accidents or injuries caused by a dislodged canopy.

Crash Test Ratings and Safety Features

Crash test ratings are determined by several organizations, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) being among the most recognized in the United States. 

These ratings assess a vehicle’s performance in various crash scenarios, including front, side, and rollover crashes. A higher number of stars from NHTSA or a “Good” rating from IIHS indicates a superior safety performance.

Modern pickup trucks have many safety features to prevent accidents and protect passengers. Some of the key safety features to look out for include:

  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): This encompasses a range of technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These systems can significantly mitigate the risk of collisions by providing timely alerts and, in some cases, taking control of the vehicle to avoid an accident.
  • Airbag Systems: Beyond the standard front airbags, many trucks now include side-impact, curtain, and knee airbags to provide comprehensive protection during a crash.
  • Stability and Traction Control: These systems help maintain control under adverse conditions, reducing the likelihood of rollovers or skidding in slippery conditions.
  • Rearview Cameras and Parking Sensors: Given the size and blind spots associated with pickup trucks, these features are invaluable for safe maneuvering in tight spaces.

Rollover Risks and Stability

While less common than other types of vehicular crashes, rollover accidents are significantly more dangerous and likely to result in fatalities. Due to their design and build, pickup trucks are inherently more prone to rollovers than lower-profile vehicles. 

The higher center of gravity increases the risk during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers and in scenarios involving loss of traction, such as on icy or wet roads.

Manufacturers have made strides in enhancing the stability of pickup trucks through technological advancements. 

Features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) have become standard in many models, aiming to prevent loss of control that could lead to a rollover. Additionally, modern pickups are designed with improved suspension systems and wider stances to lower the centre of gravity and enhance stability.

However, technology alone cannot completely mitigate the risks; driver awareness and behaviour are crucial in preventing rollovers. Understanding the limits of a vehicle’s stability, avoiding excessive speeds, and taking extra caution in adverse weather conditions are critical measures drivers can take to protect themselves and their passengers.

Towing Safety and Payload Management

Towing a trailer, boat, or another vehicle with your pickup truck is not just about hitching up and hitting the road. It requires an understanding of towing safety and payload management to ensure both the driver’s and cargo’s security. 

Whether you’re a seasoned hauler or new to towing, adhering to safety guidelines and understanding your truck’s capabilities are paramount.

First off, it’s crucial to know your truck’s towing capacity. Typically found in the owner’s manual, this information indicates the maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow. Exceeding this limit can lead to serious mechanical failures or loss of control on the road. 

Equally important is understanding the payload capacity, which is the total weight your truck can carry in its cab and bed combined. Overloading your vehicle can affect its handling, braking, and overall performance.

Before setting off, always ensure your towing setup is correctly configured. This means checking that the hitch is properly secured, safety chains are attached, and all lights and signals are functioning in the truck and the trailer. Adjusting your mirrors for optimal visibility and practicing driving with a trailer in a safe area can also greatly improve your towing experience.

Choosing the Right Truck for Safety

Safety is paramount when selecting a vehicle, especially a commercial one. Given the extensive time, a commercial truck spends on the road compared to a personal vehicle, prioritizing safety features becomes even more critical. In this discussion, below is a list of the key considerations for ensuring the selection of a safe truck:

  • Budget
  • Make and Model
  • Airbags
  • Brakes
  • Covers and Mats
  • Storage
  • Weather Adaptations

Conclusion

While pickup trucks epitomize versatility and utility, their safety demands careful consideration. From choosing the right 4×4 canopies to understanding the intricacies of towing safety and payload manage

Reasons to Watch Films Together with Your Spouse

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SM
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Photo by Aneta Pawlik on Unsplash

Movies are a pleasant way to escape the real world. Relationship maintenance is necessary but neither enjoyable nor a way to avoid reality. Imagine being able to perform both simultaneously. After the credits roll on a movie, spend some time discussing the relationships depicted on screen rather than watching the next one or going to bed. You may learn a lot from other couples’ responses to life’s challenges, even if the relationships they portray are different. (You may even congratulate yourself for successfully navigating a relationship obstacle that the actors on television failed at.) You’re invited to an amazing drive-in family movie tour at thewalmartdrivein.com

Boost communication in partnerships.

Whether it’s your child, closest friend, or love partner, viewing movies together might be the perfect way to revive your connection if you’ve noticed a disconnect. Selecting a new film might be beneficial if your taste in the aligns. Not only will you become closer while viewing, but when you talk about what you saw later on, you can experience a fresh sense of unity.

Watching a movie might be enjoyable and stress-relieving. 

Many individuals feel that watching movies may be a stress-relieving and fun activity. An alternative to reducing tension is to watch movies, which may help us forget about our troubles. As mentioned before, there are beneficial emotional effects associated with viewing movies. We may relax and find solace in movies. Reducing our worry makes us feel less anxious, and if we see a good film, it could even encourage us to view the world more optimistically.

There’s a greater chance of cuddling between you. 

Watching frightening movies is a great way to tear down the physical barrier between us and the person next to us since we like to curl up on their arm when we are terrified. Thewalmartdrivein.com provides free tickets for the offered day if you find a location and sign up. Horror films and cuddling go hand in hand. You might not give it much thought, but when we were younger, scary movies were almost always our first choice.

Increases Self-Belief

The best method to strengthen family bonds is to spend the weekend watching movies together. Your kids become more confident and have a better self-image once they realise they come from a close-knit family. Children from close-knit families also interact with their classmates more honestly. 

Encourage introspection on social and cultural issues. 

You could find that seeing movies that tackle challenging subjects makes you think differently. Watching movies may help enlighten and educate, whether you want to start a debate about a different point of view or have a better understanding of a current societal issue. Watching a movie that depicts sociality, politics, economics, psychology, racism, or ethnicity may teach you a lot of new things and make you more aware of topics you may not have known before. Watching movies may teach young children social skills like sharing, problem-solving, and sensitivity.

We may learn more and become more insightful by watching movies. 

Beyond just being entertaining, movies may teach us a lot about individuals; different genres can provide a lot of fresh information. We may learn a lot about national values and cultures. Each person who watches a movie may also have a unique perspective from the outset of the narrative. The storyline or characters in every film will bring us a unique viewpoint that sets it apart from others. Without realizing it, it provides us with knowledge on topics we did not previously know.

Relieves Stress. 

There are other methods to see movies these days besides going to movie theatres. You can relax and enjoy your movie on your home or lawn! One fantastic way to reduce stress in our lives is to watch movies. According to medical studies, stress is an inevitable consequence of an individual’s ongoing internal tension developing. Watching movies is one of the finest methods to release stress that has built up.

Comparing Online vs. Live Casino Games: What’s Best for You?

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SM
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Photo by William Warby

In the dynamic world of casino gaming, players are often faced with a choice between online and live casino games. Each format offers a unique set of experiences, benefits, and drawbacks. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a newcomer, understanding these differences can help you choose the type of gaming that best suits your needs and preferences.

Online Casino Games

Online casino games refer to those that you play on a website or mobile app without real-time interaction with dealers or other players. These games include a wide range of slots, virtual table games like blackjack and roulette, and video poker. They are powered by software that uses a random number generator (RNG) to determine the outcome, ensuring fairness and randomness in the play.

Advantages:

  • Convenience: Play anytime, anywhere, without the need to travel to a casino.
  • Speed: Games move faster since you’re not waiting for dealers to shuffle or deal cards.
  • Variety: Online platforms often have hundreds of different games available.
  • Lower Stakes: Minimum bets are usually lower than at live tables, making them more accessible for budget players.

Disadvantages:

  • Less Social Interaction: Playing alone can feel isolating compared to the lively atmosphere of a live casino.
  • Lack of Transparency: Some players may worry about the fairness of RNG software, despite the rigorous testing these systems undergo.

Live Casino Games

Live dealer games bridge the gap between online and physical casinos by streaming dealers live from a studio or casino floor. You can interact with the dealer and sometimes other players, making it more of a social experience that mimics being in a casino.

Advantages:

  • Immersion: Live games provide a more immersive experience, with real-time interactions that add excitement.
  • Transparency: Seeing cards being dealt and the roulette wheel spun by a human dealer adds a layer of trust for many players.
  • Social Interaction: You can chat with the dealer and other players, making it more interactive and engaging.

Disadvantages:

  • Slower Pace: Live games typically take longer than their purely online counterparts due to the time it takes for dealers to handle cards and interact with players.
  • Higher Minimum Bets: Live games often require higher minimum bets compared to standard online table games.
  • Availability: Depending on the platform, there might be limited availability of seats at live tables.

Pros and Cons

When deciding between online and live casino games, consider the following additional factors:

Pros of Online Casino Games

  • Privacy: Playing alone means fewer distractions and the freedom to focus solely on your game.
  • Bonuses: Online casinos often offer generous bonuses and promotions that extend your playing time and potential winnings.

Cons of Online Casino Games

  • Addiction Risk: The accessibility and solitary nature can potentially lead to higher risks of excessive play.
  • Technical Issues: Connectivity problems can disrupt play, which might affect gaming experience and outcomes.

Pros of Live Casino Games

  • Authenticity: The presence of a live dealer enhances the authenticity of the experience, making you feel like you’re in a real casino.
  • Strategy Implementation: Real-time games might allow for more strategic play, as you can observe dealer habits and chat with other players for tips.

Cons of Live Casino Games

  • Limited Game Selection: There might be fewer game variants available in live format compared to the vast library of online games.
  • Dependence on Scheduling: Live games may not always be available 24/7, requiring you to plan your gaming sessions around their schedule.

Personal Preferences

Choosing between online and live casino games ultimately depends on your personal preferences:

  • Do you value convenience and variety, or do you prefer the social aspects and authenticity of a live environment?
  • Are you looking for quick gameplay, or do you enjoy the deliberate pace of a game that mimics the real-life casino experience?
  • Is your focus on low-stakes play for extended periods, or are you comfortable with potentially higher stakes for the added excitement of live interaction?

By considering these aspects, you can better align your choice with your gaming style and what you aim to get out of your casino experience. Whether you lean towards the solitude and variety of online slots or the immersive and transparent nature of live dealer games, both formats have plenty to offer. Making an informed choice ensures that you enjoy your gaming experience to the fullest.

AM Racing | Hailie Deegan Dover Motor Speedway April Xfinity Preview

By
Official Release
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AM Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway | BetRivers200

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-1058
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 BetRivers 200 at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway.

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 eighth time in 2024, AirBox will serve as the primary marketing partner of Deegan’s No. 15 Ford Mustang in Saturday afternoon’s BetRivers 200 at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway.

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 Dover Motor Speedway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s BetRivers 200 will mark Deegan’s Xfinity Series debut at the 1.0-mile speedway, one of three concrete tracks on the schedule in 2024.

The 10th race of the Xfinity Series season will also mark her track debut at the “Monster Mile.”

Hailie Deegan NASCAR Xfinity Series Career Stats: In 10 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, Deegan has a career-best 12th-place finish after starting 31st for AM Racing at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in April 2024.

In addition to her 10 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: AM Racing has a busy weekend ahead. In addition to the NASCAR Xfinity Series, its ARCA Menards Series team is in action at Dover Motor Speedway.

Deegan’s teammate Christian Rose heads to Dover following his second top-five of the 2024 season in last Saturday afternoon’s General Tire 200 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

Rose has a one-point advantage over ARCA veteran Greg Van Alst ahead of their fourth race of 2024.

After competing last week in Indiana, AM Racing’s Dirt Division will compete at Brownstown Bullring and Peoria Speedway this weekend, respectively.

Thanks For Your Support: With 27 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.

Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway | Ag-Pro 300 Race Recap: The ninth race of the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season kicked off in Talladega, Alabama on Saturday, April 20.

Flying the AirBox colors for the fourth consecutive weekend, Deegan had to draft from the back of the field after qualifying her No. 15 AirBox Ford Mustang 31st last Friday afternoon.

Early in the race, Deegan and her AM Racing team stuck to the plane to hang at the rear of the field – hoping to avoid trouble and be around for the end of the race.

The team’s decision paid off, with Deegan in fourth position on a green-white-checkered finish. Unfortunately, Deegan did not receive any drafting help on the last lap, dropping her from fifth to a career-best Xfinity 12th 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 141st NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday and his seventh at Dover Motor Speedway.

In his previous 140 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 Dover Motor Speedway: “Dover is a brand new track for me this weekend, but I’m glad to have the support of everyone on my AM Racing team. I am optimistic after a career-best weekend at Talladega that we can come to Dover this weekend and have another solid performance.

“It is important for us to roll off the hauler and have some speed with our No. 15 AirBox Ford Mustang and then continue to make gains through qualifying and in the race that keeps us on the lead lap.

“Hopefully, we can continue to make positive progress that will help our upward trend heading into May.”

Race Information:

The BetRivers 200 (200 laps | 200 miles) is the 10th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice will occur on Fri., April 27, 2024, from 3:05 p.m. to 3:25 p.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 3:35 p.m. The field will take the green flag on Sat., April 28, 2024, shortly after 1:30 p.m., with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

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.

Morton Buildings Racing: Ryan Preece Dover Advance

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Official Release
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RYAN PREECE
Dover Advance
No. 41 Morton Buildings Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Event Overview

● Event: Würth 400 (Round 11 of 36)
● Time/Date: 2 p.m. EDT on Sunday, April 28
● Location: Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway
● Layout: 1-mile, concrete oval
● Laps/Miles: 400 laps/400 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 120 laps / Stage 2: 130 laps / Final Stage: 150 laps
● TV/Radio: FS1 / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● After securing his third consecutive top-15 of the season, Ryan Preece is set to tame the track affectionately nicknamed the “Monster Mile.” Sunday’s Würth 400 at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway marks the first appearance of the season for Morton Buildings as primary sponsor of Preece’s No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart-Haas Racing. Morton Buildings, the industry-leading company in post-frame manufacturing and construction, previously adorned the hood of Preece’s Ford Mustang during one race in 2023, and for several races in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series when the Connecticut native made select starts during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

● During last weekend’s race on the high banks of Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, Preece and the No. 41 team qualified an impressive 11th, just missing out on the second round of qualifying by .007 of a second. At a racetrack where momentum reigns supreme, Preece went on to earn two stage points and ran up front with his Ford teammates throughout the 500-mile race. Despite getting caught up in a multicar accident coming to the checkered flag, Preece still managed a 14th-place result.

● Heading into Dover, Preece sits 23rd in the NASCAR Cup Series standings with 162 points, having moved up one spot with his strong showing at Talladega. He’s climbed seven positions in the standings over the last three races and sits just two points behind John Hunter Nemechek.

● Preece has seven previous NASCAR Cup Series starts at Dover with a best result of 17th, which came in his first start with Stewart-Haas last May. He has an additional three starts there in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with a best finish of fourth, earned in October 2018, one of his two top-10s in those three starts.

● Morton Buildings, based in Morton, Illinois, is distinguished by meticulous attention to detail. The company sets itself apart with leading-edge innovations, top-tier warranties and highly skilled field craftsmen, all aimed at exceeding customer expectations. With a construction legacy extending over a century and a clientele exceeding a quarter-million satisfied customers, Morton Buildings takes pride in its 100-percent employee ownership structure. Recognized for its commitment to employee ownership, the company holds the prestigious rank of No. 65 on the National Center for Employee Ownership’s 2022 Employee Ownership 100 list, which showcases the nation’s largest companies predominantly owned by employee stock ownership plans. For additional details, visit www.mortonbuildings.com.

Ryan Preece, Driver of the No. 41 Morton Buildings Ford Mustang Dark Horse

A few weeks ago, you said that April would be an important month for you and the team to build momentum. Results say that things have gone in your favor, but do you feel like you’ve done what you hoped to achieve over the course of the month?

“I would definitely say that, outside of Richmond, we’ve had a decent amount of races throughout the month. We’re going to continue to build on that going into Dover, which I feel pretty good about based on the direction that we’ve headed at places like Martinsville and even Texas. We’re heading in a good direction, and I’m really hopeful that we can continue to work on the speed, as well as qualifying, and running good at Dover and the other tracks coming up.”

You scored your best finish at Dover in the racetrack’s most recent race held last spring. What do you need in the car to keep the momentum rolling and post a strong run this weekend?

“I think it’s just working on the direction that we’ve been heading in. My cars have been getting more and more comfortable. We certainly seem to make the cars better from when the weekends start to end. So, we’re just going to keep making decisions based on the notes that we take and keep making those decisions positive ones, like we’ve been doing in the past few weeks.”

Dover is very close to the Northeast. You’re a Northeast guy. Does that add any extra confidence or motivation into the mix?

“Dover is definitely a track where you get a lot of people from Long Island, Connecticut, and just the Northeast area in general, so it’s a track where I certainly want to run well. I think Dover is a track that suits my driving style somewhat, so I’m definitely excited to get there and, hopefully, we will have a really solid run.”

Are you and the team drawing from experience and data from the tracks you’ve already run this year to apply to your setup at Dover?

“Yes, I think looking at what we had here last year and some of the differences that we’ve seen this year with the new aero package at the short tracks that we’ve been to already helps us understand the right feel for what we’re looking for to be fast. Most drivers in the past were able to go test and find what worked for them and what didn’t. Now, drivers have to go through entire races and those weekends to see what works and what doesn’t for them. I think it’s really about taking what we know from experience to this point and making educated decisions.”

No. 41 Morton Buildings 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

Silver Hare Racing Partners with Connor Zilisch For 2024 NASCAR, ARCA, CARS Tour Events

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Official Release
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Mixed Schedule Includes Four Xfinity and Five Truck Series Races, 12 ARCA Menards Series Races, and Eight zMAX CARS Tour Races

HIGH POINT, N.C. (April 25, 2024) – Connor Zilisch may have graduated from his fulltime role behind the wheel of a Silver Hare Racing Chevrolet Camaro the past two seasons competing in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, but the High Point, North Carolina-based race team remains in lockstep with the 17-year-old driving prodigy this season as he tackles a mixed bag of racing disciplines, including NASCAR’s Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series, the ARCA Menards Series, and the zMAX CARS Tour.

Silver Hare Racing will serve as the primary sponsor on Zilisch’s No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado for two Truck Series events – Aug. 9 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway and Sept. 19 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway – and as an associate sponsor Oct. 4 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and Nov. 1 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. Spire Motorsports will also coordinate a separate entry for Zilich for the Oct. 26 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway with Silver Hare serving as the primary sponsor. In Zilisch’s Truck Series debut last month at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, the native of Mooresville, North Carolina, qualified on the pole with a track-record lap of 2 minutes, 11.98 seconds (93.012 mph) around the 3.4-mile, 20-turn road course, then rallied from deep in the pack for a fourth-place finish in the closing laps.

After Zilisch celebrates his 18th birthday July 22, he will be eligible to compete in the Xfinity Series, where he signed a four-race agreement to drive the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro. Silver Hare Racing will serve as an associate sponsor for those four events – Sept. 14 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International, Sept. 28 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Oct. 26 at Homestead following his run in that day’s Truck Series race, and Nov. 9 at Phoenix Raceway.

Silver Hare Racing will also serve as the primary sponsor for Zilisch’s slate of 12 ARCA Menards Series races and eight CARS Tour events, all in Pinnacle Racing Group (PRG) Chevrolets. The ARCA slate includes the full, eight-race East Series schedule, plus three additional national series events (Aug. 16 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Sept. 13 at Watkins Glen and Sept. 27 at Kansas) and one West Series event (Nov. 8 at Phoenix).

Zilisch opened his 2024 ARCA campaign the evening of his March 23 Truck Series race at COTA with a fourth-place finish at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida. His next ARCA outing is Friday at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway. Zilisch drove to his first career CARS Tour victory in a PRG Late Model Stock Chevrolet earlier this month at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

“From the very beginning when Maurice and I first met Connor and took him to his first test in a TA2 car at VIR, we clearly recognized the talent and the uniqueness of his ability and his level of maturity even at 15 years old,” said Laura Hull, team manager and co-owner of Silver Hare Racing alongside her husband Maurice. “His personality is infectious. You can’t help but like him and be drawn to him. He drove one of our Silver Hare Racing Camaros fulltime the past two seasons with great success and made us realize he’s a talent that we wanted to continue to support as he climbs his way up the racing ladder. This opportunity with PRG, Spire and JRM just couldn’t come at a better time and we’re proud to work with them, to work with the Zilisches, and just help Connor move forward, which he’s doing at such a rapid pace. All of us at Silver Hare Racing have been proud to work with Connor, and we’ve enjoyed great success together. One of the primary missions of our organization is the development of young driving talent, and Connor’s is a success story that’s only just begun.”

The season started on a high note for Zilisch before racing action even began when Trackhouse Racing signed the Team Chevrolet driver to a multiyear development contract Jan. 11. He then debuted in IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competition by co-driving to the LMP2-class victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona Jan. 27-28 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, becoming the second-youngest driver ever to win the iconic endurance classic. He followed up that feat with the LMP2-class victory March 16 at the 12 Hours of Sebring at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway. Between those milestone victories, Zilisch returned to Silver Hare Racing to drive the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro to a pole-to-checkered-flag victory in the Feb. 24 Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series season opener at Sebring. It was his sixth TA2 victory in 12 races and the third time in four events that he qualified on the pole and led every lap of the race.

“It’s super exciting for me to be able to continue my relationship with Maurice and Laura and everybody at Silver Hair Racing,” said Zilisch, who’s expected to return to Silver Hare to compete in the season’s final two TA2 rounds Oct. 5 at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in Alton, and Nov. 3 at COTA. “Obviously, they gave me my first opportunity in a stock car when I was 15 years old and took a chance on me at a young age, and that meant a lot to me. And then now to continue to support me on my way up through the ranks is even cooler and adds to the story that we’ve been building together. Maurice and Laura are super passionate about their team, and motorsports in general, and it means a lot that they choose to support me and know that they’re willing to invest their time and are willing to help me get to the next level. It takes a lot of people to make it in this sport, and considering all Maurice and Laura have done for me in the past and are continuing to do for my future, I also have the opportunity to help grow the Silver Hair Racing brand. The TA2 program has had a lot of success over the last few years. It’s a first-class organization, and the drivers who are fortunate to be a part of the team really benefit from all they have to offer, and everybody who joins and becomes a part of the team enjoys it. I’ve got to do what I can to support them and give back to them.”

Next up for Silver Hare Racing on the TA2 Series schedule is the WWTR SpeedTour, the season’s fourth of 12 rounds, set for May 10-11 at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis. Drivers Connor Mosack, Boris Said Jr., and Jake Drew will anchor the driver lineup for last year’s race-winning team.

Silver Hare Racing leverages its Trans Am effort to promote its arrive-and-drive program, where aspiring racers and even tenured professionals hone their road-racing skills on some of the most revered tracks in North America. NASCAR Cup Series drivers Daniel Suárez, Christopher Bell, William Byron and Harrison Burton have all wheeled Silver Hare Racing-prepared cars to burnish their road-racing abilities in top-flight equipment.

The team offers six, professionally built and maintained TA2 chassis from Howe Racing for both competition and private testing. Silver Hare Racing has a dedicated, fulltime crew and operates out of a state-of-the-art facility in High Point, North Carolina. At the track, two 53-foot Featherlite transporters serve as the team’s base, each outfitted with a lounge and smart TVs for data and video review, as well as for hospitality.

To further Silver Hare Racing’s driver development capabilities, the team’s race shop in High Point is now equipped with a SHOCKWAVE Simulator, a tool specifically developed for drivers to accelerate racetrack familiarity, improve car control and confidence, and build stamina. SHOCKWAVE has been involved in racing since 1965 and is currently actively participating in NASCAR, ARCA, Trans Am, Late Models, and Sprint cars. Its Trans Am package replicates a Howe Racing TA2 chassis, complete with cockpit controls and sounds.

“With NASCAR having so many more road-course races, it’s our goal for Silver Hare Racing to be the preferred team for drivers to get that road-course experience,” Laura Hull said. “We want to be that important step in the ladder for the young, up-and-coming drivers like Connor. We want people to know we have an arrive-and-drive program, where for people who want to run this track or another, we provide the opportunity to do that and be successful.”

About Silver Hare Racing:

Silver Hare Racing is a fulltime competitor in the TA2 division of the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli. The multicar team has won the TA2 masters class championship three times (2018, 2019 and 2020) with driver and team co-owner Maurice Hull. Under the leadership of Hull’s wife, co-owner and team manager Laura Hull, Silver Hare Racing provides a variety of services that includes private testing and arrive-and-drive programs. The team offers six, professionally built and maintained TA2 chassis from Howe Racing and operates from a state-of-the-art facility in High Point, North Carolina. For more information, please visit SilverHareRacing.com.

RAFA Racing By JDX Brings Porsche Sprint Challenge Lead To Rounds Three and Four at Barber Motorsports Park

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Official Release
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Ian Porter and Caroline Candas Enter the Weekend Top Two in Cayman Pro-Am Points, with Rafael Martinez and Paige Morales Just Behind as the Team Continues to “Race As Family Always” in Front of IndyCar Crowd

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (April 25, 2024) – It’s been a seven-week break between the season opener at Sebring International Raceway and this weekend’s Porsche Sprint Challenge North America rounds at Barber Motorsports Park, but the four-car RAFA Racing Team by JDX has every reason to believe the momentum built in the opener will carry through the hiatus.

Drivers Ian Porter and Caroline Candas went one-two in both races of the opening doubleheader, while Rafael Martinez and Paige Morales found their own successes at Sebring. All four return to action this weekend, April 26-28, in support of the IndyCar Series event at Barber Motorsports Park. The pair of 35-minute sprint races will be run at 12:35 p.m. CDT on Saturday, April 27 and at 3:15 p.m. CDT on Sunday, April 28. Both races can be seen live on the Series YouTube page YouTube.com/@porschesprintchallengena.

The team put the motto of “Race As Family Always” to the test in the opening weekend when they made their U.S. debut as a full-fledged race team. Pulling together with both drivers and crew, the team capitalized on each of its opportunities.

RAFA Racing by JDX currently holds three of the top five positions in the Cayman Pro-Am class standings heading into the second weekend of the year, with Porter leading, followed by Candas and Martinez in fifth. All four drivers recognize the difference between the fast, long layout of Sebring International Raceway and the tight, twisty elevation changes prevalent in the 16-turn, 2.38-mile and the challenges that entails.

But all four also recognize the opportunity that presents for a strong drive, and the opportunity to place the RAFA Racing Club and its community in front of the stars of the IndyCar paddock and the fans in place to see both.

Porter enters the weekend in the No. 86 Grid Finder Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport as the championship leader, having gone two-for-two in his road racing debut. The three-time Call of Duty World Champion is used to pressure packed situations and handled the season-opener flawlessly. Porter was quickest in practice, qualified on pole, and led every lap of both races on his way to a pair of victories.

Right behind him the entire way, however, was Candas. The recently turned 21-year-old French racer made her American professional racing debut at Sebring and chased Porter to the checkered flag in her No. 84 8Twelve Wheels Porsche Cayman, finishing as runner-up each time. With a race under the belt, both she and Porter expect it to get even tighter up front between the two teammates. Like Porter, Candas has proven her ability to handle pressure, winning the RAFA Racing Shootout for up-and-coming female drivers last fall to earn her spot in this championship.

Martinez has been the busiest on the track since the season opener. Since a pair of fifth-place finishes at Sebring in the No. 85 RAFA Racing Club Porsche Cayman, Martinez has been in his SRO GT4 McLaren Arturo for testing and the SRO GT4 European Series Powered by RAFA Racing Club opener, adding four different race tracks, albeit in an entirely different car, to his seat time. And though the two seem to have entirely different characteristics, that should help his overall driving and race craft at Barber Motorsports Park and beyond.

Meanwhile, Morales has taken the RAFA Racing motto of “Race As Family Always” to a new level. In addition to off-track physical training and sim work to prepare for this weekend’s race, Morales attended the season-opener of the SRO GT4 European Series at Circuit Paul Ricard to support her family of teammates and soak in the atmosphere. Morales is making her racing debut this season as well in the highly competitive Porsche Sprint Challenge North America Cayman class, and drove the No. 87 RAFA Racing Club Cayman to a seventh and sixth place class finish at Sebring, the second best Porsche Junior driver (behind Candas) in each race.

All four drivers participated in a pre-season test session at Barber Motorsports Park to gain experience and have been working closely with driver coach Cameron Lawrence on the simulator to gain experience and hit the ground running during Friday’s opening practice. The Porsche Sprint Challenge North America Cayman class field will get just a total of one hour of practice on Friday, April 26, followed by qualifying at 7:45 a.m. CDT on Saturday. Saturday’s race begins at 12:35 p.m. CDT, with Sunday’s race at 3:15 p.m. CDT immediately following the IndyCar Series race.

RAFA Racing by JDX Quote Board

Caroline Candas, Driver, No. 84 Porsche Cayman: “I can’t wait to get back in the car! We did a test at Barber before the start of the season and I felt at ease. I really like the circuit, it’s very fast and very hilly. It’s going to be a big event this week. We’re sharing the meeting with IndyCar, which is great because it puts the series in the spotlight. I’ve got a number of objectives this weekend, but the first is to go for the overall championship lead by continuing my learning curve and gaining as much experience as I can. It promises to be a great weekend, and I can’t wait!”

Rafael Martinez, Driver, No. 85 Porsche Cayman: “It’s been a busy few weeks for me on the track, but I’m looking forward to getting back with this group and doing it all in front of the IndyCar paddock. I was so proud of how this team handled the opening weekend at Sebring, and if we continue to come together like that we’re all going to have a great season. All of us have our individual goals, but no matter the result we want to continue to grow as drivers and get better each weekend.”

Paige Morales, Driver, No. 87 Porsche Cayman: “It feels incredible to finally be back in the driver’s seat. Barber Motorsports Park is a challenging and technical track, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The elevation changes and tight corners make it a true driver’s track, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out in the upcoming races. Being a part of the IndyCar weekend is really cool. The atmosphere and energy are electric, and I’m honored to be racing in front of such a passionate crowd. My goal for the weekend is to push myself to the limit and deliver the best possible results for my team. I’m confident in my abilities and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”

Ian Porter, Driver, No. 86 Porsche Cayman: “It’s been the longest break that we’ll have during the season. We tested at Barber before the season but we haven’t really done any testing in this time frame. It was nice to go into the break with the wins at Sebring, but I’m itching to get back into the car. Going from Sebring to Barber, it’s probably the most drastic change in track layout, elevation, surface, it’s all different. Sebring is a large track, Barber feels small. It’s a track with a lot of short, micro straights but there’s not any time to relax or have a moment to get your bearings right. There’s no time to chill out. We’re going to be racing in front of a lot of people, which is cool. It’s something I’m used to from playing professional video games and I’m curious to see how it stacks up. But either way I probably won’t be looking out into the car much, I’ll be focused on the race track and the cars around me. The goal remains the same as Sebring, to drive as fast as possible, improve myself throughout the weekend, and to win.”

About RAFA Racing Club:

RAFA Racing, utilizing the motto “Race As Family Always,” is a motorsports club and race team founded by and made for high-performance auto drivers, supporters, and fans of all types. Started by Rafael Martinez, the Club aims to create a space for high-performance car enthusiasts to enjoy like-minded individuals, network and share ideas on and off the track, and bond as one team with a common interest. The RAFA Racing Team made its debut in 2023 with a runner-up finish in the McLaren Trophy Europe Series, and expands that footprint to include Porsche Sprint Challenge North America and SRO GT4 Europe in 2024. The Club’s off-track presence can be felt on social media and beyond, including YouTube, Instagram and Facebook and at RafaRacing.Club.

Rick Ware Racing: Justin Haley/Kaz Grala Dover Race Advance

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Official Release
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JUSTIN HALEY | KAZ GRALA
Dover Advance

Event Overview

● Event: Dover 400 (Round 11 of 36)
● Time/Date: 2 p.m. EDT on Sunday, April 28
● Location: Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway
● Layout: 1-mile, concrete oval
● Laps/Miles: 400 laps/400 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 120 laps / Stage 2: 130 laps / Final Stage: 150 laps
● TV/Radio: FS1 / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Justin Haley, Driver of the No. 51 Walmart Health & Wellness Ford Mustang Dark Horse

● Justin Haley, driver of the No. 51 Walmart Health & Wellness Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing (RWR), makes his third NASCAR Cup Series start at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway on Sunday.

● Haley made his first start at the 1-mile, concrete oval on May 2, 2022. He led 19 laps en route to an 11th-place finish, his best Cup Series result at Dover to date. In that same race, RWR earned its best result at Dover, a 25th-place finish with driver Ryan Preece.

● Outside of the Cup Series, Haley owns one top-five finish and two top-10s over four NASCAR Xfinity starts. He also competed in two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races at Dover with a best finish of third in May 2018.

● On September 20, 2016, Haley arrived at Dover just 200 laps away from claiming his first NASCAR championship. Leading the ARCA Menards Series East standings by 29 points, he needed only to finish 25th or better in the season finale. Until that point, the then-17-year-old had put together an astonishingly consistent season, finishing no worse than ninth in 13 starts. After leading the first 42 laps, Haley captured a fourth-place finish to clinch the championship.

● #HaleYES! On Tuesday, Haley announced his candidacy for the NASCAR All-Star Race Fan Vote in conjunction with the May 19 event at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway. The 24-year-old racer from Winamac, Indiana, promises to rip down the wall, lower inflation and fight the establishment in the 200-lap race around the .625-mile oval. And the fans enable him to prevail, Haley promises that puppies will never age, every day will be 70 degrees and sunny, and the Jibbitz charms you put on your Crocs won’t ever fall off.

Kaz Grala, Driver of the No. 15 N29 Capital Partners Ford Mustang Dark Horse

● Boston native Kaz Grala returns to the No. 15 N29 Capital Partners Ford Mustang Dark Horse to make his first Cup Series start at Dover this weekend.

● In four Xfinity Series starts at Dover, Grala has two top-five finishes, both earned in 2018. Grala also has two Truck Series starts there with a best finish of second in 2017. His current RWR teammate Haley – and GMS Racing teammate at the time – finished eighth in the same 2017 Truck Series race.

● Grala has two ARCA Menards Series East races under his belt at Dover with a runner-up finish in the 2014 season finale.

Rick Ware Racing Notes

● NHRA Top Fuel driver Clay Millican and the Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series look for continued improvement at this weekend’s NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte, North Carolina. In the previous round two weekends ago at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the Parts Plus driver qualified fourth, then scored the victory in the first round of eliminations to advance to the semifinals.

● The Progressive American Flat Track (AFT) tour returns to action with RWR drivers Briar Bauman, Kody Kopp and Shayna Texter-Bauman taking on the half-mile dirt track at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. Following three rounds, Kopp owns two wins and is on his way to claiming a third-straight championship. Texter-Bauman returns to Texas looking to add to her win tally at the track. The 450 rider scored victories at Fort Worth in 2017 and 2019. In the Mission SuperTwins class, Bauman looks for his first podium finish of the year after matching his season’s best result of fourth during the last round in Senoia, Georgia.

● Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age six when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. More than a decade later, injuries would force Ware out of the driver seat and into fulltime team ownership. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that fields two fulltime entries in the NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, the LMP3 class of the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup, Progressive American Flat Track and FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX), where RWR won the 2022 SX2 championship with rider Shane McElrath.

Justin Haley, Driver Q&A

The No. 51 team performed really well at Talladega. Should we expect that to continue this weekend at Dover?

“I’ve always really enjoyed racing at Dover. I feel like I’ve done well there in the past and experience has been a huge help while we work to get things moving in the right direction. We’ve had really good speed and I think we’re showing how much things have changed at RWR, we just need a little bit of luck to get the finishes that match the effort.”

Why is it so tough to find success at Dover?

“I think everything has to go right. You aren’t going to come back from being two laps down and win. It takes a lot of commitment to driving harder into the corners than you may be used to, you’re going to have a pretty big drop in elevation coming off the corner, and if your car isn’t handling great, it’s going to be a really long race. You don’t have to be perfect from the start. The track is going to change a lot as it starts to take rubber, so everyone will have some work to do, but you’ve got to be close and I think we can get close in practice.”

Kaz Grala, Driver Q&A

You’re back in the No. 15 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Dover. Are you looking forward to taking on the Monster Mile?

“Dover has always been a really good track for me. I’ve finished well there in ARCA, Trucks and Xfinity, and I feel like we’re on the right track with the No. 15 team to come out with a good finish. This is a track where you have to do every little thing right, so if we can keep putting the pieces together, it’ll be a good day for RWR.”

What is it about Dover that suits your driving style?

“It’s a tricky track, but you have to be very precise and I feel like that’s where I do my best, but you also need to be able to commit to moving around to make something work. You carry so much speed and, if you’re off by the smallest amount, that’s when things tend to go wrong.”

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