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Erik Jones to Miss Race at Dover Motor Speedway

STATESVILLE, N.C. (April 23, 2024) – Erik Jones, driver of the No. 43 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™, will not compete in this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series event at Dover Motor Speedway. LEGACY M.C.’s reserve driver Corey Heim will substitute for Jones in this weekend’s 400-mile race.

Jones was involved in a multi-car accident on Lap 157 during Sunday afternoon’s GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway and the 27-year-old was checked and released from the track infield care center. He was then transported to UAB University Hospital in Birmingham, Ala., for further evaluation and testing. Jones returned home to North Carolina on Sunday night and met with specialists in the Charlotte area where it was determined that Jones suffered a compression fracture in a lower vertebra.

Although there has been no timeline set for Jones’s return behind the wheel, he will be in attendance in Dover to help call the race with his crew. Heim, 21, a native of Marietta, Ga., currently competes in the NASCAR Truck Series for TRICON Garage and in the Xfinity Series for Sam Hunt Racing.

“Erik’s long-term health is our number one priority,” said Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of LEGACY M.C. “It will be great to see him at the track Sunday and we intend to give him the time it takes to recover properly. I know Corey will do a great job behind the wheel for the CLUB. In the meantime, our thoughts are with Erik and his wife Holly – they have our total support.”

LEGACY M.C. will request a medical waiver for Jones to remain eligible for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.

ABOUT

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ is a professional auto racing club owned by businessman and entrepreneur Maurice “Maury” J. Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. The CLUB competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series fielding the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE of John Hunter Nemechek, the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE of Erik Jones, and the No. 84 limited schedule entry for Johnson. LEGACY M.C. also competes in the Extreme E Series. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty “The King” serves as Club Ambassador. With a unique title signifying a nod to car clubs of past eras, LEGACY M.C. is an inclusive club for all motorsport enthusiasts to celebrate the past and future legacies of its members, while competing for wins and championships at NASCAR’s elite level. To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ on Facebook, X, Instagram and at www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com.

Meyer Shank Racing Carries Long Beach Momentum To Alabama

Pataskala, Ohio (23 April 2024) – The last thing a hot team wants is a break in the schedule, and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar complied as Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) heads to Alabama following a successful weekend where the team earned its first-ever INDYCAR pole and another top-10 finish to start the young season.

Felix Rosenqvist (No. 60 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda) etched himself in MSR lore last Saturday when he paced qualifying at Long Beach, before finishing ninth in the race, marking the first time in its 123 series’ starts that the MSR colors led the field to the green flag.

This week the pairing of Rosenqvist and Tom Blomqvist (No. 66 AutoNation / Arctic Wolf Honda) will trade the narrow streets of Long Beach to the relatively wide-open spaces of Barber Motorsports Park, for Sunday’s Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix (1:00pm ET, NBC, SiriusXM Ch. 218).

Rosenqvist has started his MSR career in style, qualifying on the front row in St. Petersburg, then leading his qualifying session at the exhibition event at The Thermal Club before taking the NTT P1 Award last weekend at Long Beach.

Blomqvist has continued to show improvement in his rookie campaign, again setting a new personal best last week by starting 15th before coming home in 22nd.

The 17-turn Alabama road course has never been an easy one for MSR as the team has yet to start or finish in the top 10 on the 2.3-mile circuit. Simon Pagenaud made up 13 positions to finish 11th in 2022, which matched Jack Harvey’s team best in . Rosenqvist, who is seventh in the 2024 series’ standings, has shown his ability to learn at Barber as he set a new personal mark by finishing ninth there a year ago, the best result in his four previous starts.

Although Blomqvist will be making his first career start at Barber, he is heading into the weekend with a Barber test session under his belt. Barber will be Blomqvist’s fourth new track since making his series debut last year in Toronto.

Sunday’s Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix will air on NBC and Peacock starting at 1 p.m. ET. Saturday’s qualifying will be shown live on Peacock beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET. SiriusXM will also host live IndyCar Radio coverage of both sessions on XM Ch. 218.

Meyer Shank Racing Driver Quotes:

Felix Rosenqvist: “We tested there a couple of weeks ago, which is helpful. It’s good to have that under your belt going into the race weekend where most of the teams haven’t. I still think it’s a track that we pointed out that we want to work on. I feel pretty good about it, I’m not 100% that our package will be as strong as it was here, but I think we have a good baseline to work with. First road course of the season and I’m excited to see how the car is going to feel.”

Tom Blomqvist: “There’s no better way to put a bad weekend behind you then getting thrown into another one. I’m really excited that we can roll straight into Barber. I’ve tested there in IndyCar, so it’s the first track that I’ve come into with some limited INDYCAR experience which I am excited about; although it is a challenging, big commitment track. I actually really enjoyed driving there. Let’s see if we can continue to make those small steps in the right direction.

Ford Performance NASCAR – 2024 Dover Advance

DOVER

Saturday, April 27 — NASCAR Xfinity Series, 1:30 p.m. ET (FS1)
Sunday, April 28 — NASCAR Cup Series, 2 p.m. ET (FS1)

Dover Motor Speedway will host its annual NASCAR race this weekend featuring the NASCAR Xfinity and NASCAR Cup Series. The last Ford driver to reach Victory Lane at the Monster Mile was Kevin Harvick, who registered the manufacturer’s 700th all-time Cup Series win in 2020.

ANOTHER FRONT ROW SWEEP

When Michael McDowell won the pole and Austin Cindric qualified second at Talladega, it marked the fourth time this season Ford has swept the front row in NASCAR Cup Series qualifying. The pole was McDowell’s second of the season and second of his career, and was Ford’s fifth pole overall. The four front row sweeps matches Ford’s total from each of the last two seasons.

FORD FRONT ROW SWEEPS

Daytona – Joey Logano and Michael McDowell

Atlanta – Michael McDowell and Joey Logano

Bristol – Ryan Blaney and Josh Berry

Talladega – Michael McDowell and Austin Cindric

BERRY AT DOVER

Josh Berry made his NASCAR Cup Series debut on May 16, 2021 at Dover Motor Speedway after he was tabbed to drive the No. 77 for Spire Motorsports. He filled in for Alex Bowman a year ago in the No. 48 and finished 10th, so this will mark his third start at the Monster Mile with his third different team. In addition to his two Cup starts, Berry was dominant in three NASCAR Xfinity Series races with one win (2022) and two runner-up finishes.

BRISCOE AND CINDRIC LOOK TO ADD DOVER CUP WIN

Chase Briscoe and Austin Cindric are looking to add a NASCAR Cup Series win at Dover to go with their NASCAR Xfinity Series victories. Briscoe won the second race of a weekend doubleheader in 2020 and eventually went on to win nine NXS races that season while Cindric won the only time the series visited the one-mile track in 2021.

RYAN BLANEY: “I feel like Dover is always, at least since I’ve been on the Cup side at Penske, a struggle racetrack for us and for our cars. Whatever we do as a group just doesn’t really suit that place as good, so we’ve been really trying a lot of things to try to figure out, ‘OK, what can we do differently?’ I know our three cars went with a pretty different mindset on each car, each team to try to figure out, ‘Alright, how can we run better at this racetrack and be more competitive,’ and our group just kind of hit it and had a pretty decent day. We were able to run in the top five pretty much the whole day, so hopefully we can take what we learned last year and apply it.”

JOEY LOGANO: “The atmosphere around Dover with the fans and everything is unique because the track itself is scary fast. It’s wicked, wicked fast to get around there. I like where it’s located because when I lived in Connecticut, Dover and Loudon were the two closest racetracks, so you get a good New England crowd in Delaware for that race. Everyone seems to have a good time there and with the casino right next to it, it seems like it’s a fun time for everybody.”

NOAH GRAGSON: “It’s a tough, challenging racetrack. I didn’t get too many laps there last year. Qualifying being rained out was tough to prepare for this year, but I feel like we’ve got a solid plan. Last year, I wrecked 30-40 laps into the race, so that was a challenge, but just being patient. I feel like I’ve been a lot more patient this year in general. Dover is a fun, fast racetrack and really challenging with these Next Gen cars.”

HARVICK RECORDS FORD’S 700TH CUP WIN

Kevin Harvick recorded Ford’s 700th all-time series victory when he won at the Monster Mile in 2020. Harvick dominated the second half of the weekend doubleheader, sweeping all three stages and leading 223-of-311 laps to win for the seventh time in 2020. The victory also clinched the regular season championship for Harvick, who went on to lead the series with nine victories.

ANOTHER FIRST FOR THE KING

Ford won the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Raceway in 1969 when Richard Petty drove to victory lane on July 6. That marked the only year in which The King drove a Ford and was the fourth of nine wins for him that season, and it came in dominating fashion as he led half of the 300 laps, including the final 109. It was a Ford day all-around as the Blue Oval led every lap in the race with Lee Roy Yarbrough (124) and David Pearson (26) combining to lead the ones Petty didn’t, and had nine of the top 11 finishers.

FROM 500 TO 400

In 1997, Ford swept both Dover events, but it’s remembered for historical reasons because when Ricky Rudd won the spring event on June 1, 1997 it marked the speedway’s final 500-mile event. Rudd took advantage of being in the right place at the right time after leader Ernie Irvan was involved in an accident with 29 laps remaining. Rudd took over the lead and held off Mark Martin over the final few laps to lead a Ford sweep of the top four spots. Martin bounced back a few months later by winning the fall event, which marked the inaugural 400-mile race at the track. That started a streak that saw him win three straight fall events at the Monster Mile.

JUNIE GOES TO VICTORY LANE

Dover proved to be magical for the late Junie Donlavey, who won the only NASCAR Cup Series race of his career at Dover on May 17, 1981 in the Mason-Dixon 500 when driver Jody Ridley took the checkered flag. Ridley had a good car that day, but it was even more reliable and that proved the difference. Neil Bonnett was the dominant driver as he led 404 of the first 459 laps, but he blew an engine that ended his day. Cale Yarborough appeared to be the main beneficiary as he inherited the lead, but the same fate befell him 20 laps from the finish and sent him to the garage. That left Ridley to assume the top spot and he held on from there to register his first and only Cup win. It also ended up being Donlavey’s only trip to victory lane. The Richmond native made 863 starts and fielded strictly Ford products from 1965-2002 in NASCAR’s top series that featured names like LeeRoy Yarbrough, Fred Lorenzen, Harry Gant, Ricky Rudd, Ken Schrader and Dick Trickle.

DEEGAN MAKING DOVER DEBUT

Hailie Deegan has 10 career NASCAR Xfinity Series and 69 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts, but none of them have taken place at Dover Motor Speedway. That will change this weekend when she tackles the Monster Mile in Saturday’s 200-mile race, which comes after her career-best 12th-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway. That marked Deegan’s third finish of 15th or better and second this season to go with her 15th-place run at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March.

NASCAR CUP SERIES

DOVER WINNERS

1969 – Richard Petty

1978 – Bobby Allison (2)

1980 – Bobby Allison (1)

1981 – Jody Ridley and Neil Bonnett

1985 – Bill Elliott

1986 – Ricky Rudd (2)

1987 – Davey Allison and Ricky Rudd

1988 – Bill Elliott (Sweep)

1990 – Bill Elliott (2)

1994 – Rusty Wallace (Sweep)

1997 – Ricky Rudd and Mark Martin

1998 – Dale Jarrett and Mark Martin

1999 – Mark Martin (2)

2004 – Mark Martin (1)

2005 – Greg Biffle (1)

2006 – Matt Kenseth (1)

2007 – Carl Edwards (2)

2008 – Greg Biffle (2)

2011 – Matt Kenseth (1)

2018 – Kevin Harvick (1)

2020 – Kevin Harvick (2)

FORD’S NASCAR XFINITY SERIES

DOVER WINNERS

1987 – Mark Martin (1)

2001 – Jeff Green (2)

2002 – Greg Biffle (1)

2004 – Greg Biffle (1)

2007 – Carl Edwards (1)

2011 – Carl Edwards (Sweep)

2013 – Joey Logano (Sweep)

2015 – Chris Buescher (1)

2017 – Ryan Blaney (2)

2019 – Cole Custer (2)

2020 – Chase Briscoe (2)

2021 – Austin Cindric

TRICON Adds Brett Moffitt to No. 1 Lineup

2018 Champion Joins TRICON For Multi-Race Slate

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 23, 2024) – TRICON Garage (TRICON) announced today that 2018 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) champion Brett Moffitt has signed with the team to pilot the No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro in multiple events.

The longtime Truck Series standout will make his season debut at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, MO on May 4, and is currently slated to compete alongside veteran signal-caller Seth Smith. Last year, Smith helped make NASCAR history at Kansas Speedway, guiding Toni Breidinger to a top-15 finish – the best debut by a female in NCTS history.

Moffitt brings a lengthy and decorated Truck Series resume with him to TRICON. In 93 career starts, the Grimes, Iowa native has tallied 13 victories, 40 top-fives and 54 top-10s with over 12,500 laps led. Nearly half of those victories have come at speedways between one and two miles in length, including a victory at Kansas in October of 2020.

The 31-year-old’s Toyota Tundra TRD Pro will feature support from Concrete Supply, Destiny Homes, JMT Trucking and Aspen Aire.

“I’ve been eager to get back behind the wheel and I’ve been looking for the right team that can consistently compete for wins. TRICON has shown a lot of speed this year and I’m looking forward to getting in the No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro at Kansas Speedway in a couple of weeks,” said Moffitt. “Thanks to Toyota, TRICON, Concrete Supply, Destiny Homes and all of our partners for giving me the opportunity to get back on track and chase trophies.”

The Heart of America 200 at Kansas Speedway will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 on Saturday, May 4, with radio coverage provided by the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About TRICON Garage

TRICON Garage is Toyota Racing Development’s flagship NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series organization fielding five full-time Toyota Tundra TRD Pros. Under ownership by former NASCAR driver David Gilliland, businessman Johnny Gray and industry veteran Kevin Ray, TRICON is actively involved in three different industries – racing, fabrication and transportation. The team operates out of three buildings totaling 60,000 square feet in Mooresville, North Carolina.

Connor Mosack to Make Select Starts Aboard Spire Motorsports No. 7 Chevy Silverado

Former Kansas ARCA Winner Primed to Hone Intermediate Track Skills

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 23, 2024) – Connor Mosack has been given the nod to join Spire Motorsports’ all-star lineup and handle the driving chores in select NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) races, beginning with the May 4 Heart of America 200 at Kansas Speedway.

Pinnacle Racing Group will be represented on the hood of Mosack’s No. 7 Silverado at the mile-and-a-half Kansas City (Kan.) oval, while Chevrolet Accessories will be showcased on his truck’s upper quarter panels. The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation will appear on the lower-rear quarter panels.

In addition to the Heart of America 200, Mosack will also pilot to the No. 7 Silverado later this summer at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24 and Pocono Raceway on July 12. He’ll be back in the seat during the NCTS playoffs when the division returns to Kanas Speedway September 27 and again at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 26.

“I’m really excited to run these handful of races with Spire this year,” said Mosack. “The 7 team has been really strong and the tracks we’re going to are some of my favorites. Thank you to Spire, Chevrolet, and PRG for giving me the opportunity.”

Over the first seven races of the 2024 NCTS campaign, Spire Motorsports No. 7 team has earned one pole, two wins, five top fives and led 268 laps with four different drivers including Corey LaJoie, Kyle Busch, Connor Zilisch and Sammy Smith.

Mosack, 25, is an accomplished and versatile racer who began his career in 2017 in the US Legends Cars ranks and has since made multiple starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NCTS and ARCA Menards Series.

In 2023, Mosack competed in select ARCA Menards Series events and put the competition on notice with a 3.5 average finish over six races, including a win last September at Kansas Speedway. He is a veteran of 24 Xfinity Series races with his best results coming at Watkins Glen International (fifth) and Portland (Ore.) International Raceway (eighth).

He finished 19th at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in his lone NCTS start of 2024 and logged a solid fourth-place finish in ARCA Menards Series competition a week later at Phoenix Raceway.

In additional to his time on the national stage, Mosack has experience racing in the Trans Am TA2 division, on the CARS Tour, and in the Pro and Super Late Model ranks.

“Connor Mosack has proven he has the chops to compete at this level, so we’re eager to see him take the wheel of Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado,” said Spire Motorsports president Doug Duchardt. “Connor has put in the work and has excelled at practically every level. He’s a versatile racer and a proven winner. We think he’s a great addition to our driver lineup.”

The Heart of America 200 from Kansas Speedway will be televised live on FS1 Saturday, May 4 beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The eighth of 23 NCTS races on the 2024 schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
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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.

About Pinnacle Racing Group …
Headquartered in Mooresville, N.C., Pinnacle Racing Group (PRG) is a professional multifaceted motorsports team specializing in providing productive and fulfilling careers for team members, while also being a leader in on-track performance and driver development primarily in the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Series (NAAPWS), zMAX CARS Tour Series and the ARCA Menards Series (AMS).

About the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation …
The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for children battling pediatric brain tumors and other childhood cancers by pairing them with local teams, clubs and community groups. For more information, please log on to Friendsofjaclyn.org.

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

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

DIY Car Maintenance Skills for Better Safety and Fewer Road Accidents

Photo by C Joyful on Unsplash

In the realm of driving, safety is paramount. While safe driving practices are essential, the condition of your vehicle is equally important in preventing accidents. Regular, do-it-yourself (DIY) car maintenance can play a significant role in keeping your car in top-notch condition and ensuring you stay safe on the road. Here are some DIY maintenance skills that can help you reduce the risk of auto accidents and enhance your vehicle’s safety.

Regularly Check and Maintain Tire Pressure

Tires are your vehicle’s only contact with the road. Under-inflated or over-inflated tires can lead to decreased handling, longer stopping distances, and an increased risk of blowouts.

Invest in a reliable tire pressure gauge and check your tires at least once a month. Refer to your car’s manual for recommended pressure levels and adjust accordingly.

Inspect Tire Treads for Wear

Tire treads are critical for traction, especially in adverse weather conditions. Worn treads can result in loss of control and increased stopping distances.

Use the penny test by inserting a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires.

Keep Lights and Signals in Working Order

Your lights and turn signals are essential for visibility and communication with other drivers. Malfunctioning lights can lead to miscommunication and accidents.

Check all lights and replace bulbs promptly if they burn out. Most vehicles allow easy access to light compartments for straightforward bulb changes.

Monitor and Top Up Fluid Levels

Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine and systems. Low levels can lead to overheating, brake failure, or steering issues.

Learn how to check oil, coolant, brake, power steering, and transmission fluid levels. Top up as needed, ensuring you use the correct type of fluid for your vehicle.

Replace Windscreen Wipers for Clear Visibility

Windscreen wipers degrade over time and can leave streaks that impair your vision during precipitation.

Changing wiper blades is typically a simple task that only requires buying the correct size and following the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

Maintain a Clean and Clear Windscreen

A dirty windscreen can scatter light and obscure your view, especially at night or when facing the sun.

Keep your windscreen and other windows clean both inside and out. Ensure your windscreen washer reservoir is filled with a suitable cleaning solution.

Check and Service Brakes Regularly

Brakes are vital for safety; worn brake pads or low brake fluid can increase stopping distance or lead to brake failure.

Learn how to check the thickness of your brake pads and look for signs of uneven wear. Most vehicles allow easy visual inspection without removing the wheel.

Replace Air Filters for Engine Efficiency

A dirty air filter can reduce engine efficiency, leading to decreased acceleration and potential engine damage.

Check and replace your engine’s air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This usually requires minimal tools and effort.

Practice Battery Maintenance

Your car’s battery health is necessary for startup and to keep electrical systems running.

Inspect battery terminals for corrosion and clean them with a wire brush. Then, ensure the battery is securely mounted and the connections are tight.

By performing regular DIY maintenance on your vehicle, you not only gain a better understanding of its workings but also help ensure that it remains a safe, reliable mode of transport. These maintenance skills can make a significant impact in reducing the risk of road accidents due to vehicle malfunction. Remember, though, more complex issues and regular services should be handled by professional mechanics to maintain vehicle safety and integrity.

MillerTech Racing: Noah Gragson Dover Advance

NOAH GRAGSON
Dover Advance
No. 10 MillerTech 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

● Noah Gragson’s height is listed at 5 feet, 8 inches, but if he appears 6-feet tall when he walks into Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway this weekend, it’s because the 25-year-old Stewart-Haas Racing driver is coming off his career-best finish in the NASCAR Cup Series. Gragson finished third last Sunday at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, bettering his previous best result of fifth, earned on Aug. 28, 2022 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway while driving for Beard Motorsports. Making Gragson’s third-place run even more impressive is that he did it after starting 36th. Gragson led on five separate occasions at Talladega, highlighting how often he was at the front of the 38-car field.

● Sunday’s Würth 400 at Dover carries added worth for Gragson as the race marks his milestone 50th career NASCAR Cup Series start. Gragson made his Cup Series debut in the 2022 Daytona 500, also for Beard Motorsports.

● Of Gragson’s 49 career NASCAR Cup Series starts, only one has come at Dover. The Las Vegas native competed in last year’s Würth 400, starting 33rd and completing only 43 laps before an accident forced him out of the race.

● When it comes to the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Dover, Gragson is a veteran. In the stepping-stone division to the elite NASCAR Cup Series, Gragson has seven career starts at Dover with five top-10 results and no finishes outside of the top-20. His best effort was a pair of fourth-place drives – Aug. 22, 2020 when Gragson led 27 laps, and April 30, 2022 in his last Xfinity Series start at Dover.

● Gragson has made two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts at Dover. He finished ninth in his first Truck race there on June 2, 2017, and 20th in his second Truck race at the track on May 4, 2018. In that second Truck race, Gragson won the pole with a lap of 22.834 seconds at 157.660 mph and led three times for 60 laps before a crash 12 laps from the finish sent him to the garage.

● Gragson made his Dover debut on Sept. 30, 2016 in the NASCAR K&N Series East. He started an impressive third, but 62 laps into the 126-lap race, Gragson suffered a flat right-front tire and it put him hard into the turn-two wall, leaving him with a 24th-place finish.

● Joining Gragson at Dover is MillerTech, a premium lithium battery company that combines superior quality products with faith-based business values to deliver a unique and beneficial experience for end users. MillerTech’s commitment to integrity, customer focus, quality and community engagement sets it apart as a reliable and trustworthy partner in the lithium battery industry. Choose MillerTech for premium lithium batteries that enhance your bottom line while aligning with your values.

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

Your first start at Dover came back in 2016 in the NASCAR K&N Series East. What was your welcome-to-Dover moment?

“Probably when I blew a right-front (tire) running third and it was a hard hit. That place is fast, it’s fun. The loads on your body are pretty unreal, but at the same time it’s a fun, challenging racetrack.”

You have one NASCAR Cup Series start at Dover and it lasted 43 laps. How difficult is that track in a Cup car, and how difficult is the learning curve?

“It’s a challenging racetrack to run fast laps, but it’s even more challenging when your stuff’s not driving well. Trying to figure it out in the simulator is really key for me. I probably do go deeper into the corner than I think I can just because we were looking at sim and I was driving it in about 165 feet deeper than my teammates, so I was probably overdriving it. Ran a little faster, but they were like tweaking out in the sim over it.”

Dover is another track where your time in the Xfinity Series was fruitful – two top-fives and five top-10s in seven starts. What allowed you to be consistently good at Dover?

“I used to run really well around that place when I first started in K&N, Trucks and Xfinity. I talked to Jimmie (Johnson) a bunch about that place about how to get around there. He obviously found a technique that worked really well for that place. I just drove it as hard as I could when I first went there, and I think I need to get back to that.”

Describe a lap at Dover – specifically, the gumption you need to have to throw the car into the corner and trust it.

“Dover is shaped like Bristol, but the straightaways are elevated and the corners, you drop down off of them like a four-story building. So with that being said, it’s a lot of load on your body. The way the place rubbers up, it’s different. It’s got concrete, so your balance changes a lot throughout a run, which makes it really challenging.”

How physical is a race at Dover?

“It’s pretty physical. You feel like you’ve got somebody standing on your shoulders when you’re in the corner. You’re pretty worn-out afterward.”

Do you feel the seams in the concrete at Dover?

“No, it feels pretty smooth.”

Dover is right there near the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Do you sample some seafood, or are you a Grotto Pizza guy?

“I like Grotto Pizza because Artie Kempner with FOX, his son works there and they do a lot of work with Drive for Autism. I like going up there for the Drive for Autism tournament with Artie Kempner to support that foundation, get to see old friends, make new friends and new memories and raise some money for Drive for Autism.”

No. 10 MillerTech Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Noah Gragson

Hometown: Las Vegas

Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer

Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Car Chief: Jerry Cook

Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

Engineer: James Kimbrough

Hometown: Pensacola, Florida

Spotter: Andy Houston

Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Ryan Mulder

Hometown: Sioux Center, Iowa

Rear Tire Changer: Trevor White

Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Tire Carrier: Tyler Bullard

Hometown: King, North Carolina

Jack Man: Sean Cotten

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Fuel Man: James “Ace” Keener

Hometown: Fortuna, California

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Chris Trickett

Hometown: Grafton, West Virginia

Mechanic: Beau Whitley

Hometown: Carmel, Indiana

Tire Specialist: Jacob Cooksey

Hometown: Westbrookville, New York

Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller

Hometown: Monroe, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Steve Casper

Hometown: Salisbury, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Matt Murphy

Hometown: Augusta, Georgia

Bass Pro Shops Racing: Martin Truex Jr. Dover Advance

Martin Truex Jr.
Dover Advance
No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing

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

● Where We Stand: The New Jersey native heads to Dover second in the driver standings with 344 points, 15 behind leader Kyle Larson. All four Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) entries are currently inside the top-13 in points heading to the 11th race of the season, with Denny Hamlin sixth, Ty Gibbs eighth, and Christopher Bell 13th.

● Up Front: All four JGR Toyota Camry XSE drivers are among the leaders in total laps led this season. Larson’s 531 laps tops the list for the Cup Series, followed by Hamlin (399), Truex (368) and Gibbs (201) in second, third and fourth, respectively. Bell is ninth on the list with 120 laps led.

● Brotherly Love: At a track that sits a little over an hour drive from the City of Brotherly Love – Philadelphia – Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway was just that one year ago for the Truex brothers. On Saturday of last year’s Dover Cup Series and Xfinity Series weekend, Ryan Truex was able to bring home his first-ever Xfinity Series victory. And in Monday’s Cup Series race, Martin Truex Jr., led 68 laps and brought home his fourth Cup Series victory at what the native of Mayetta, New Jersey, considers his home track.

● First of Many: Truex’s first career NASCAR Cup Series victory came at Dover in June 2007. His record there shows it definitely feels like home. Truex has four career Cup Series wins at Dover, making it one of five tracks where he has three or more career wins. The others are Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway, where he also has four wins, and Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, Richmond (Va.) International Raceway, and Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, where he as three wins apiece.

● In addition to his four wins in his 33 career Cup Series outings at Dover, Truex has 10 top-five finishes, 19 top-10s, and he’s led a total of 1,069 laps. His average Dover finish is 11.4.

● With his aforementioned four Dover wins, Truex is now the winningest active driver at Dover, one ahead of former Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch. Truex’s three career poles at Dover ties him with JGR teammate Denny Hamlin for most among active drivers.

● Truex has run particularly well at Dover since joining JGR in 2019. After scoring his first win for the team at Richmond in April of that year, he followed it up two weeks later with a victory at Dover, then made it three wins there with JGR last April. Truex has five top-five finishes at Dover in his seven starts there with JGR.

● Looking for 35: Truex’s win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon last July was his most recent Cup Series win, the 34th of his career, tying him with 2004 Cup Series champion Kurt Busch for 25th on the all-time Cup Series win list.

● Ahead at this Stage: Truex has accumulated 62 stage wins since the beginning of the stage era in 2017. He is the only driver with 10 or more stage sweeps, with his latest sweep coming at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn last August. Truex scored his first stage win of the season at Richmond earlier this season, leading the field across the line at the end of Stage 2.

Martin Truex Jr., Driver of the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE

After winning at Dover last year, what are your expectations heading back there this weekend?

“The whole weekend was pretty special last year. For Ryan (Truex) to finally get that first Xfinity win out of the way was really cool – at our home track and probably one of my favorite tracks was really neat. Look forward at having a shot at doing it again here this weekend with our Bass Pro Shops Camry.”

Dover seems to suit veteran drivers a lot more than some other tracks. Why do you think that is?

“Certainly experience is important there, it’s a difficult place. It’s concrete and is a lot different than what we do most other weeks. It seems to always be a place where you are guessing what the track is going to do on Sunday. I think the veterans probably understand the place more than many because we’ve seen it do different things over the years. We’ve had a good cars and a good team there and have been fortunate to have a lot of good runs at Dover.”

With Dover hosting the race that’s closest to your hometown in New Jersey, do you view Dover as your home track?

“I view Dover as my home track, it’s closest to home. If you could drive across the bay, it would be really close. It’s close to home, for sure. I’ve been going there a long time and it’s a place that means a lot to me, starting early in my Busch Series career, and doing some racing there in my dad’s car, and my first Cup win there, as well. We’ve had a lot of success there, too. It’s a special place for me and I love going there, it feels like home. We have a lot of friends and family who go to that race, as well, and hoping we can get them a win with our Bass Pro Shops Camry.”

When you race at Dover, is it a larger contingent of friends and family than usual who get to attend and watch you race?

“No question, most of my friends and family come to that race. We’ve got quite the cheering section, which is pretty cool. We are racing so much all over the country that it’s nice to see some familiar faces and get to spend a little bit of time with friends and family. Maybe just a little bit of extra time before the race, but definitely well worth it.”

What do you and your team need to lean on to have a successful race at Dover this weekend?

“Just build on what we learned last year and so far this year, and I think it’s important we qualify well, so hopefully we do that. Generally, when you qualify well there, you get a good pit stall and it sets you up for a smoother day. Staying out front all day long is very important, and track position is very important since it’s hard to pass. It’s a very fast track and you want to keep your track position. Hopefully we can qualify well and it can set us up for a really good day. Corner speeds are so high at Dover that it does become hard to pass. But we’ve also had years where it’s been hard to pass and we’ve driven through the whole field there, like in 2019. You’ve got to get your car dialed in right and, if you can do that, you can do pretty much what you want with it.”

No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Martin Truex Jr.

Hometown: Mayetta, New Jersey

Crew Chief: James Small

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

Car Chief: Chris Jones

Hometown: Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Race Engineer: Jaik Halpainy

Hometown: Blockville, New York

Engineer: Jeff Curtis

Hometown: Fairfax Station, Virginia

Spotter: Drew Herring

Hometown: Benson, North Carolina

Road Crew Members

Underneath Mechanic: Ryan Martin

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Virgina

Mechanic: Todd Carmichael

Hometown: Redding, California

Interior/Tire Specialist: Tommy DiBlasi

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Engine Tuner: Beau Morton

Hometown: Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Transporter Driver: Kyle Bazzell

Hometown: Fairbury, Illinois

Transporter Driver: Eddie DeGroot

Hometown: Baldwinsville, New York

Over-The-Wall Crew Members

Gas Man: Matt Tyrrell

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Jackman: Caleb Dirks

Hometown: Riverside, California

Tire Carrier: CJ Bailey

Hometown: Outer Banks, North Carolina

Front Tire Changer: Lee Cunningham

Hometown: Leaf River, Illinois

Rear Tire Changer: Mike Louria

Hometown: Gibraltar, Michigan

RFK Advance | Dover

Dover Event Info:
Date: Sunday, April 28
Time: 2 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Dover, Delaware
Format: 400 Laps, 400 miles, Stages: 125-125-150
TV: FS1
Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. ET, Practice (FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 11:20 a.m. ET, Qualifying (FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 2 p.m. ET, Race (FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • Dover hosts its lone race date of the season this weekend, a track where Jack Roush has nine wins in the Cup Series alone, third-most of any track on the circuit.
  • Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher have combined for three top-10s in the last two races at Dover with an average finish of 11th in that span, and an average qualifying effort of 7.5 since 2022.
  • Both drivers have also led laps at Dover in the last two years as last season both finished top-10 after starting inside the top five.

6 Team Info:
Crew Chief: Matt McCall
Partner: BuildSubmarines.com

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

Keselowski at Dover
Starts: 25
Wins: 1 (2012)
Top-10s: 11
Poles: 2 (2014, 2016)

  • Keselowski makes his 26th Cup start at Dover this weekend. He has a 12.9 average finish with one win (2012) and 11 top-10 finishes.
  • Keselowski won the 2012 fall race in the No. 2 car, and additionally has two runner-up finishes, both of which came in 2014. Most recently, he finished eighth last season after starting fourth.
  • Keselowski’s average starting position stands at 11.2 with two poles (2014, 2016) and 14 top-10 starting efforts.
  • He also made 12 combined additional starts in the Xfinity and Truck series, earning an Xfinity win in 2009 in the No. 88 with seven overall top-10s in 10 starts.

Buescher at Dover
Starts: 13
Wins: —
Top-10s: 2
Poles: 1 (2022)

  • Buescher makes his 14th Cup start at Dover this weekend, where he’s coming off two-straight top-10 finishes in the last two seasons.
  • In 2023 he qualified fifth and went on to finish ninth, just a season after earning the pole (the first of his career) before finishing eighth.
  • He has an average starting position of 17th with four-straight starts inside the top-10.
  • He also made four Xfinity starts in the No. 60 entry, earning one win (2015) with three top-10s overall.

RFK Historically at Dover
Cup Wins: 9 (Mark Martin, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2004; Greg Biffle, 2005, 2008; Matt Kenseth, 2006, 2011; Carl Edwards, 2007)

  • The Monster Mash: RFK’s nine wins in the NCS at Dover ranks third for the organization trailing only Michigan and Bristol with 14 and 12, respectively. Dover also ranks third in top-fives (52) and third in top-10s (87) for the organization.
  • Get the Broom: RFK swept the NCS and NASCAR Xfinity Series spring races at Dover in 2004 and 2011, and won both the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) and NCS races at the track in 2006.
  • First in the First State: RFK has won in all three major NASCAR series at Dover (9 NCS, 6 NXS and 2 NCTS). RFK won its first race at Dover in the NCS from the pole in the fall of 1997 with former driver Mark Martin.
  • To Xfinity and Beyond: RFK has recorded six victories at the one-mile oval in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with drivers Chris Buescher, Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards. Buescher recorded his victory in June 2015, Biffle earned victories in the spring event in both 2002 and 2004, while Edwards took the checkered flag in the spring of 2007 and swept both races in 2011.
  • Tale of the Tape: RFK has started 224 NCS races at Dover with 87 top-10 and 52 top-five finishes along with seven poles. Former drivers Mark Martin (1997, 1998, 1999, 2004), Greg Biffle (2005, 2008), Matt Kenseth (2006, 2011) and Carl Edwards (2007) are responsible for RFK’s combined nine Cup wins at the 1-mile track. Overall, a Jack Roush Ford has led 3918 laps at Dover.

RFK Dover Wins

1997-2 Martin Cup
1998-2 Martin Cup
1999-2 Martin Cup
2000-1 Busch Truck
2002-1 Biffle NXS
2004-1 Martin Cup
2004-1 Biffle NXS
2005-1 Biffle Cup
2006-1 Kenseth Cup
2006-1 Martin Truck
2007-2 Edwards Cup
2007-1 Edwards NXS
2008-2 Biffle Cup
2011-1 Kenseth Cup
2011-1 Edwards NXS
2011-2 Edwards NXS
2015-1 Buescher NXS

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Talladega: Keselowski finished second for the second-straight week in a heartbreaker on the final lap. Buescher finished 25th.

Points Standings (6: 14th, 17: 16th): Keselowski is up three spots to sole possession of 14th, while Buescher is tied with the No. 22 for 15th. Overall, just 12 points separate positions 11-16.

Why Regular Maintenance is Crucial for the Longevity of Your Vehicles

Photo by Pixabay

Owning a car, or any other vehicle for that matter is certainly a great thing because it simplifies life in many ways. But just like with most things that you have in your possession (particularly the pricey ones), it comes with specific responsibilities.

You cannot expect just to purchase an automobile at some point and to have that as the only expense as far as this is concerned. That’s not how things work. If you want your auto to run normally and to serve you for many years to come, then you need to maintain it on a regular basis.

This is a fact that every vehicle owner must be familiar with. If you’re still unsure whether it is truly essential or not, then maybe these facts below that we put together today will convince you that it is.

It Impacts Safety

Even though there’s no doubt that driving any type of vehicle can be very exciting, there’s no need to remind you that it can be risky too, especially if you haven’t done everything that’s in your power to ensure that your car is one hundred percent safe.

So ask yourself, do you really want to put yourself at risk, or anyone else who is in the automobile with you? If your answer is (hopefully) no, then it’s time to have your regular maintenance.

Even if you have a first-class vehicle, don’t forget that these things are not omnipotent and that over time, some things can go wrong. That’s why it’s crucial to have regular maintenance to see if there are some parts that need to be replaced or repaired.

One of those things is your tires. If you replace them on time, you will improve traction, drastically decrease the risk of road crashes, and most importantly, ensure maximum safety. These days, you can stumble upon a lot of places with a vast car tire range intended for all sorts of vehicles. So be sure to browse the web and buy some if necessary.

Aside from your tires, you could also experience issues with windshield wipers, braking systems, and many other components that you haven’t even noticed. These problems must never be overlooked, neglected, or postponed, otherwise, you may seriously jeopardize your safety, and the safety of your passengers.

Your Automobile Will Be With You Longer

There are so many things that you can do that are related to maintenance that can positively impact the longevity of your auto, such as fluid flushes, oil changes, parts replacements, etc. Some of these things can be done even by a regular car owner and not a professional.

Longevity is beneficial in so many ways. For starters, a vehicle that is regularly maintained won’t require as many repairs as the one that’s been neglected for quite some time. This means that you’ll save a bunch of cash in the long run.

On the flip side, the longer you have your car (this refers to any other vehicle as well), the longer you can go without needing to obtain a brand-new one. And there’s no need to remind you that new vehicles are far from cheap.

You will either need to set aside a substantial amount of money for it or opt for a down payment or maybe monthly payments. That’s why if you have a car that’s in a solid condition and being taken care of, you won’t need to stress over these things.

And Then There’s Increased Vehicle Performance

No car engine is ever going to be able to properly run if the automobile isn’t regularly maintained. If you drive it for a longer period of time, and you haven’t changed the oil, performed regular tune-ups and many other important things, then you will soon notice a decline in performance which is completely expected.

Don’t forget that you are not the only one who relies on your vehicle. It relies on your care as well. That’s exactly why it’s essential to maintain your vehicle on a regular basis because you can never predict if something will happen that’s going to negatively affect the performance of your engine. 

And if you continuously postpone this, then you’ll be dealing with repairs and replacements that are far too expensive.

A Peace Of Mind

Having a peace of mind is invaluable. And you’ll have it knowing that you did everything that was necessary to make sure that everything is fine with your vehicle.

There are so many benefits to regular maintenance, and even though today we enumerated just a couple of them, we honestly hope that they showed you how important it is and that it must be always prioritized.