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Keselowski Finishes 2nd Again in Late-Race Chaos at Talladega

By
Official Release
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Second-Straight Runner-Up Result for No. 6; Buescher Finishes 25th

LINCOLN, Ala. (April 21, 2024) – Talladega Superspeedway delivered yet another chaotic ending Sunday afternoon as Brad Keselowski finished a close second in the Castrol Edge Ford, while Chris Buescher finished 25th in the Fastenal Ford.

The P2 finish marks Keselowski’s second consecutive runner-up result (P2 in Texas a week ago). He’s the first RFK driver since Carl Edwards in 2011 to finish runner-up in consecutive races.

6 Recap
Keselowski – a 6-time winner at Talladega – was in prime position as the laps wound down Sunday afternoon. He had help from fellow Ford teammates and had the position on the bottom lane on the final lap. But, a pair of blocks by the No. 34 – the latter ultimately causing a multi-car crash at the line – allowed the No. 45 to gain the advantage and the victory in the high line.

“The Fords were really working well together,” Keselowski said after the race. “We cleared the Toyotas on the bottom lane and it was pretty clear it was going to come down to the three of us. I backed up, Noah gave me a great push and I went to make a move on Michael and he covered it, and I went back the other way and got another push from Noah and there was nowhere to go when Michael came back down. I hate that for him, he’s a good guy, I hope he’s alright. That’s just kind of the way this stuff goes, but, all in all it was a really solid day for us, for Ford and Castrol. It’s another second. It’s a solid day, but not the win we wanted.”

Surprisingly, the final 26 laps ran uninterrupted as the finish was determined under green-flag conditions, despite double-digit cars crashing. Keselowski led two different times for a lap each.

He earned stage points with a P8 finish in the opening stage as fuel saving dominated the storyline of the 188-lap race. He went on to finish 23rd in stage two and was content with position at the tail of the field until around 30 to go when he jockeyed back into the top five.

The No. 6 was P3 in the race’s final yellow at lap 156 and pitted one final time for fuel in that caution, before restarting fifth with 26 laps remaining. From there, the field held it together until the tri-oval at Talladega before chaos ensued and Keselowski heartbreakingly finished second.

17 Recap
Buescher had a more uneventful afternoon in the Fastenal Ford, but also earned a top-10 stage finish in stage two. He put together a career-best qualifying effort on Saturday, lining up eighth on the grid for Sunday’s race.

Midway through stage two, Buescher drove to the point – one of four times on the day he led – and led the field with five laps remaining in the stage before crossing the stripe seventh.

From there, Buescher never regained the track position needed as the final laps remained calm until the final tri-oval, resulting in the 25th-place result.

Up Next
Dover Motor Speedway hosts race No. 11 for the Cup Series next weekend. Race coverage Sunday is set for 2 p.m. ET on FS1, with radio coverage on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

About RFK Racing
RFK Racing, in its 37th season in 2024, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com, and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

RCR NCS Race Recap: Talladega Superspeedway

By
Official Release
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Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Club/TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet Team Lead Laps and Earn Stage Points at Talladega Superspeedway

Finish: 30th
Start: 5th
Points: 31st

“Great job by RCR and ECR for bringing a fast Chevy to a speedway race. We were able to qualify in the top-five in our Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet, lead laps and earn stage points. I wish our finish could show just how good our car was. We raced within the top-15 most of the day, but man was it frustrating to be out there running half throttle to try and conserve fuel. We tried to avoid the “Big One” by hanging back at the end of the race, but it didn’t work out in our favor. Speedway racing is unpredictable. We’ll regroup and head to the Monster Mile next weekend.” -Austin Dillon

Kyle Busch and the Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet Team Lead Laps and Run Up Front at Talladega Superspeedway before Last Lap Incident

Finish: 27th
Start: 4th
Points: 17th

“We had a fast Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Camaro all weekend. We qualified well on Saturday and that’s a credit to everyone at ECR and RCR. Crew chief Randall Burnett and the guys made good calls to keep us in contention throughout the race on Sunday, and we were able to lead laps and earn stage points. I made a move to try to get to the front at the end because I saw the outside line had momentum. It didn’t work out and then we got caught up in a big pileup on the last lap. It’s really frustrating because if you ride in line you finish where you were, but if you try to race for the win you end up finishing in the back.” -Kyle Busch

The Role of Seat Belts and Airbags in Minimizing Injuries in Car Accidents

By
SM
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In the realm of automotive safety, few inventions have had as profound an impact as seat belts and airbags. These two stalwarts of vehicle and driving safety have saved countless lives and prevented numerous injuries since their introduction. In the case you are in a serious car accident, your selt belt and air bag can reduce the risk of any injuries, but you should still see a doctor and contact a Seattle car accident attorney.

The Importance of Seat Belts

Seat belts are the most basic and fundamental safety feature in any vehicle. Despite their simplicity, their effectiveness in preventing injuries cannot be overstated. When worn correctly, seat belts significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a crash. Here’s how they work:

  1. Restraint and Distribution of Force: Seat belts restrain occupants during sudden deceleration, distributing the force of impact across stronger parts of the body, such as the chest and pelvis. This helps to prevent occupants from striking hard surfaces within the vehicle or being ejected from the vehicle altogether.
  2. Secondary Collision Prevention: In many accidents, occupants are not only at risk from the initial impact but also from secondary collisions within the vehicle. Seat belts keep occupants firmly in place, reducing the likelihood of injuries caused by subsequent impacts.
  3. Occupant Kinematics: Seat belts are designed to work with the body’s natural movement during a crash, allowing controlled deceleration and minimizing the risk of whiplash or other soft tissue injuries.

Evolution of Seat Belt Technology

Over the years, seat belt technology has evolved significantly to enhance safety and comfort:

  1. Three-Point Seat Belts: Introduced by Volvo in 1959, the three-point seat belt secures both the lap and shoulder, providing superior protection compared to earlier lap belts.
  2. Pretensioners: Modern seat belts often include pretensioners, which automatically tighten the belt upon detecting a crash, reducing slack and ensuring occupants are firmly secured before the impact occurs.
  3. Load Limiters: Some seat belts incorporate load limiters, which allow controlled stretching of the belt to reduce the force applied to the occupant’s body during a crash.

The Crucial Role of Airbags

While seat belts form the first line of defense, airbags serve as a crucial secondary safety measure. Airbags are designed to deploy rapidly upon detecting a crash, providing an additional cushioning effect to occupants. Here’s why airbags are essential:

  1. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS): Airbags are part of a vehicle’s Supplemental Restraint System, working in conjunction with seat belts to provide comprehensive protection. They deploy rapidly to cushion occupants against hard surfaces, reducing the risk of head and chest injuries.
  2. Occupant Positioning: Airbags help to maintain proper occupant positioning during a crash, especially in frontal collisions. They prevent occupants from striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield with significant force.
  3. Reduction of Head and Chest Injuries: By distributing the forces of impact over a larger area, airbags help to reduce the risk of head and chest injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal organ damage.

Advancements in Airbag Technology

Airbag technology continues to evolve to enhance safety and adapt to various crash scenarios:

  1. Multi-Stage Deployment: Advanced airbag systems feature multi-stage deployment, which allows the airbags to deploy with varying force depending on the severity of the crash and the position of the occupants.
  2. Side-Impact Airbags: In addition to frontal airbags, many vehicles now feature side-impact airbags to protect occupants from lateral collisions.
  3. Curtain Airbags: Curtain airbags deploy from the ceiling to provide protection for occupants in rollover accidents or side-impact collisions, reducing the risk of head injuries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, seat belts and airbags are indispensable components of modern automotive safety systems. Together, they form a formidable defense against the forces of inertia and impact that accompany car accidents. While seat belts serve as the primary means of restraint, airbags provide vital supplementary protection, especially in frontal and side-impact collisions.

As automotive technology continues to advance, we can expect further refinements in seat belt and airbag systems, leading to even greater levels of occupant protection. However, amidst these technological advancements, one thing remains clear: the simple act of buckling up can make all the difference between life and death in a car crash. Seat belts and airbags may be passive safety features, but their role in saving lives is anything but passive. It’s a testament to the power of innovation and human ingenuity in the pursuit of safer roads for all.

Most Popular Sports To Bet On In 2024

By
SM
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What Are the Best Sports to Bet on?

Sports betting is so complex that picking only one option while wagering is difficult. But it is certain that some kinds of sport shine brighter than others among Pin Up bets due to some personal preferences or because of the widespread popularity. To make sure the overall experience is going to be pleasing and exciting. While choosing a specific kind of sport, it is important to take into account a couple of characteristics:

  • Competitive odds;
  • Betting market variety;
  • Overall dynamics of events.

It is time to dive into details on the top picks for Pin Up betting in 2024 for both beginners and experienced gamblers. 

Soccer

No surprise at all to see soccer in the first place because it is one of the reasons why people are interested in making their predictions. This kind of sport is way too popular to ignore. More than one billion people tune in to watch the World Cup every four years, which goes a long way toward explaining why football holds the top spot for Pin Up bets. This massive global following is a key driver, alongside the competitive odds offered by major bookmakers. Prediction platforms like SoccerVista also play a role, as they provide insights and statistics that further fuel the enthusiasm and enhance the betting experience for fans.

Competitive odds offered by big bookmakers are also a good reason for the popularity. Besides, there are a lot of exciting markets to choose from:

  • Team to win;
  • Double chance;
  • First goalscorer;
  • Both teams scored and more.

Such a variety of available options creates an exciting environment for all bettors. 

Horse Racing

This kind of sport has one of the most extended history with betting. People make predictions about horse racing results even while watching these events live in the stadium. Like the Pin Up Bet site, gambling giants create promotions surrounding these competitions. The range of the market is rich because viewers can make a lot of different forecasts with the extensive live coverage of the bookmaker. The sheer number of competitors in a race adds excitement and complexity, reflected in the diverse betting markets. From straightforward «To Win» and «To Place» bets to more intricate options like «Tricast,» horse racing caters to bettors of all skill levels.

Tennis 

It’s a pretty obvious pick because tennis is on par with soccer’s popularity. In Canada, many people are excited to watch traditional tournaments, such as the Wembley Cup. Matches are very long and can take a couple of hours to complete, which makes them very good for segment betting. People try to predict different statistics during the game, such as individual points, match winners, or competition champions. The betting market is rich with options:

  • Handicap betting;
  • First set winner;
  • Total games betting. 

Such a variety of options is another reason to pay attention to these games and engage with the sport on a deeper level. It has an extra dimension needed for a better betting experience. 

Hockey

Hockey is a top pick for any Canadian bettor on ice and field. It electrifies every viewer with a fast-paced action that unfolds during each minute of the event. There are many tournaments to choose from, such as NHL and professional leagues, and there is a rich statistic built throughout the event, making it perfect for betting challenges and opportunities. Perfect choice for anyone searching for a drama that can become a great source of positive emotions. 

There is Something For Everyone

It is essential to point out that choosing a particular sport is a question of personal preferences and familiarity with sports. All mentioned options have a widespread appeal, as well as diverse betting markets and competitive odds. The rewarding experience depends on the expectations of the bettor. However, choosing one of these kinds of sports can elevate overall enjoyment. 

Shielding Your Investment: Why Windshield Repair is Crucial for Vehicle Care

By
SM
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Your automobile isn’t just a way to tour among locations; it embodies an investment demanding steady interest and renovation to uphold its sturdiness and safeguarding. One regularly ignored aspect of car renovation is windshield restoration. While reputedly insignificant, even the smallest crack or chip to your windshield will have properly-sized consequences if left unattended. This piece explores the motives why repairing your windshield is important for protecting your car funding.

Unveiling the Significance of Your Windshield

The windshield is an essential element of your automobile, ensuring protection and structural integrity by shielding you from wind, rain, and particles whilst riding. Additionally, it provides vital resources to the roof in the course of a rollover twist of fate and is critical for the deployment of the passenger-side airbag.

Common causes of windshield harm include rocks kicked up by way of different automobiles, debris falling from motors, and temperature adjustments causing the glass to make bigger and settle. Although minor harm may additionally seem insignificant, it may quickly fortify if unnoticed, jeopardizing your safety and your automobile’s structural integrity.

The Hazards of Neglecting Windshield Damage

Ignoring windshield harm could have serious consequences. A cracked or chipped windshield can impair your visibility whilst the use of it, increasing the danger of accidents. Additionally, minor cracks can quickly unfold, leading to extra harm that can require pricey alternatives.

Operating a vehicle with a broken windshield can deliver prison ramifications. In numerous regions, the usage of a cracked windshield is taken into consideration as a safety threat, doubtlessly resulting in fines or even the revocation of your purpose pressure license.

The Financial Ramifications of Postponing Repairs

Putting off a windshield repair can also cause economic repercussions. While repairing a small chip or crack within reason less expensive, allowing the harm to get worse can cause the want for a whole windshield alternative, that may cost hundreds of greenbacks.

Furthermore, insurance groups can also additionally boost your charges if they agree that you have unnoticed to maintain your car well. By addressing windshield damage properly, you could keep away from these extra expenses and preserve the fee of your automobile. 

The Repair Process Demystified

Windshield restoration is an extraordinarily trustworthy device that can frequently be finished in under an hour. Upon evaluating the damage, a professional technician will determine if restoration is possible or if an alternative is needed. If recuperation is possible, the technician will cautiously ease the damaged location and inject a specialized resin into the crack or chip. The resin is then cured with the use of ultraviolet moderate, bonding the glass together and restoring its electricity.

Key Considerations When Selecting a Repair Service

When deciding on a windshield restoration provider, it’s important to undergo in thoughts several factors. Reputation and experience are vital, so make certain to research the enterprise’s popularity and study opinions from distinctive customers. Additionally, inquire about the first-rate substances and strategies used in the restore method, in addition to any guarantee or guarantee guidelines provided through the enterprise. With this, when it involves service repair for your car check windshield repair in Winnipeg, which allows you to save time, cash, and capability headaches down the road.

Proactive Measures for Windshield Protection

While a few windshield damage is unavoidable, there are steps you could take to decrease the danger. Safe driving practices, along with retaining a steady following distance and fending off using in the back of vans carrying free debris, can assist reduce the chance of harm. Additionally, parking in a garage or shaded area can assist shield your windshield from temperature-associated harm.

Regular automobile inspections are also critical for identifying potential issues early. By catching and repairing minor harm properly, you can save it from worsening and keep away from pricey protection or replacements.

Conclusion

In the end, windshield restoration is an important trouble of automobile protection that should not be stated. By addressing minor damage properly away and proactively shielding your windshield, you could maintain the liberty and safety of your automobile for future years.

Become a Pro at Choosing the Perfect Vehicle Wrap for Your Needs with Wrap It Right

By
SM
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Photo by Dillon Kydd on Unsplash

In the modern, unexpectedly converting, and fiercely aggressive business landscape, corporations are constantly in search of imaginative methods to distinguish themselves and grasp the eye of capacity clients. One rather powerful technique that has gained good-sized traction in recent times is the adoption of vehicle wraps. These eye-catching advertisements transform ordinary vehicles into mobile billboards, turning your message to a huge target audience wherever the car is going. However, no longer all automobile wraps are created identically. To ensure the most effect and return on investment, it’s important to select the right vinyl wrap for your unique wishes.

Understanding Your Goals

Before delving into the area of car wraps, it’s vital to carve out a clear roadmap for your marketing and marketing targets. Are you trying to grow emblem recognition, promote specific products or services, or sincerely make a declaration? Understanding your particular goals will enable you to customize your vehicle wrap layout and message to efficaciously attain and resonate with your target audience.

Varieties of Vehicle Wraps

A type of car wrap alternatives are available, consisting of full wraps, partial wraps, and photograph spot placements. Full wraps cover the entire floor of the car, presenting maximum exposure to your message. Partial wraps cover best a portion of the car, at the same time as spot photos are smaller decals positioned strategically on the vehicle. Consider your finances and the size of your automobile while determining which sort of wrap is nice for you.

Material Matters

When thinking about car wraps, vinyl emerges as the pinnacle choice for its sturdiness and adaptableness. Vinyl wraps are climate-resistant and may resist the factors, making them best for outdoor advertising and marketing. Other materials, which include magnets or decals, can be lots less long-lasting and prone to damage. While vinyl covers may also have a higher prematurely price, they provide lengthy-time period value and a higher go-back on investment.

Design and Creativity

The design of your automobile wrap performs an important role in its effectiveness. A fascinating design will take hold of the eye of passersby and leave an enduring effect. Work with a skilled dressmaker or design agency to create a custom wrap that displays your logo identification and communicates your message. Consider factors consisting of color, imagery, and typography to make certain your wrap sticks out from the gang.

Color and Finish Options

Vinyl covers come in quite a few hues and finishes, which include matte, gloss, and satin. The choice of color and finish may have a considerable effect on the visibility and logo image of your wrap. Bright, formidable hues are more likely to draw interest, whilst matte finishes can provide your wrap a sleek, expert appearance. Consider your brand’s aesthetic and audience whilst selecting the proper shade and end for your wrap.

Quality Installation

Even the maximum nicely-designed car wrap will fail to make an effect if it isn’t established successfully. Professional setup is critical to make certain that your wrap is applied easily and securely, without any bubbles or wrinkles. Attempting to install a vinyl wrap yourself or hiring an inexperienced installer can bring about highly-priced errors and a subpar result. Invest in a good setup provider to ensure your wrap seems its great and lasts as long as possible.

Budget Considerations

When budgeting for a car wrap, don’t forget the lengthy-term fee it’ll offer for your business. While vinyl covers may additionally have a better advance cost than different advertising strategies, they offer a better go-back on funding in phrases of visibility and sturdiness. Compare charges from multiple companies and recollect factors consisting of design first-class, cloth durability, and installation understanding whilst making your decision.

Maintenance and Longevity

Proper upkeep is fundamental to extending the life of your vinyl wrap and retaining its look. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water will assist put off dirt and dirt and keep your wrap searching clean. Avoid the usage of harsh chemical compounds or abrasive substances, as these can harm the vinyl and reason untimely put on and tear. Inspect your wrap often for any symptoms of harm or lifting, and cope with any issues right away to prevent similar damage.

Conclusion

In the end, choosing the excellent vinyl wrap you desire requires cautious attention to your advertising dreams, price range, and layout alternatives. By knowing the distinct kinds of wraps available, deciding on exquisite materials, and making an investment in expert setup, you may create an automobile wrap that effectively promotes your enterprise and leaves a lasting impression on ability clients. With proper maintenance and care, your vinyl wrap will hold to power results for future years.

NASCAR Top-10 Power Rankings: Talladega

By
Jeffrey Boswell
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Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 Jordan Brand Toyota, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

William Byron: Byron finished seventh in the Geico 500, making up several places during a chaotic finish that saw Tyler Reddick snatch the win from Michael McDowell and Brad Keselowski.

“I guess you could say Reddick crashed the Ford party,” Byron said. “Or, better yet, you could say Ford crashed the Ford party.”

2. Chase Elliott: Elliott finished 15th at Talladega.

“My car featured the familiar NAPA paint scheme,” Elliott said. “But there was still a small Hooter’s decal on the car. You had to look closely to see, which seems awfully ironic for Hooter’s.”

3. Tyler Reddick: Reddick stole the win coming to the line at Talladega as leader Michael McDowell’s attempt to block Brad Keselowski erupted into a multi-car pileup. Reddick squeezed through for the win.

“And co-car owner Michael Jordan was there to see it,” Reddick said. “Things looked pretty bleak when the Toyotas had their incident on Lap 156. At that point, I said, ‘What are the odds?’ Luckily, MJ knew the odds, because he keeps up with that stuff, and he decided it was a good time to lay a bet that I would win. I have to thank MJ for putting his faith in me and his money on me.”

4. Martin Truex Jr.: Truex led 16 laps and finished 11th in the Geico 500.

“I think everyone knew the ‘Big One’ was coming,” Truex said. “There’s a lot of NASCAR fans that also thought the ‘Big One’ was coming, only in the form of ‘The Rapture’ brought on by the total solar eclipse on April 8th. Only one of the ‘Big Ones’ actually happened.”

5. Brad Keselowski: Keselowski and fellow Ford driver Michael McDowell made contact while battling for the win heading to the checkered flag at Talladega. McDowell, the leader, spun and finished 31st, while Keselowski, running second, managed to keep control and maintain his position as Tyler Reddick swooped by for the win.

“What I wouldn’t give to be in Tyler Reddick’s shoes,” Keselowski said. “And I’m guessing it’s a pair of Air Jordans.”

6. Denny Hamlin: Hamlin was knocked out of the race in a Lap 156 incident when Bubba Wallace and Erik Jones made contact and collected Hamlin and John Hunter Nemechek. Hamlin finished 37th.

“We had a pretty nice Toyota train going up until that point,” Hamlin said. “And the sad thing is, we were all ‘on track’ for nice finishes.”

7. Alex Bowman: Bowman finished fifth at Talladega, posting his fourth top-5 finish of the season.

“Officials at Talladega decided to remove the long-standing scoring pylon,” Bowman said. “Who knows why they did it? I would guess because doing so offers some kind of financial benefit for those greedy sons of guns. I guess they’re going to look out for No. 1 even if the fans can’t.”

8. Kyle Larson: Larson had to start from pit road and serve a drive-through penalty but bounced back to finish 21st in the Geico 500.

“I’ve come back from worse,” Larson said. “Much worse, actually.”

9. Ryan Blaney: Blaney’s fortunes at Talladega took a hit when he was penalized for speeding in pit lane on Lap 112. He eventually got the lap back but saw a good finish disappear when he was one of several cars stricken in the final lap chaos. He finished 20th.

“New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara was at Talladega at the NASCAR Classics hauler,” Blaney said. “Kamara likes to see cars go fast. While you might say ‘Give it some gas,’ Kamara, given his history in the city of Las Vegas, would likely say ‘Punch it.'”

10. Ross Chastain: Chastain finished 13th at Talladega.

“I actually led six laps on Sunday,” Chastain said. “And Shane van Gisbergen led three. I know it was him because his car had a picture of Wendy’s french fries on it. When he wasn’t leading the race, he was playing ‘ketchup.'”

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

Reddick dodges final lap carnage for wild Cup victory at Talladega

By
Andrew Kim
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TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - APRIL 21: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 Jordan Brand Toyota, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 21, 2024 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images).

With drafting help from two Toyota teammates as team owner Michael Jordan watched atop the pit box, Tyler Reddick rose to the occasion and raced his way to a wild overwhelming NASCAR Cup Series victory in the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, April 21, amid a final lap accident that knocked pole-sitter Michael McDowell out of race-winning contention.

The two-time Xfinity Series champion from Corning, California, led five times for 13 of 188 scheduled laps. Reddick started 18th and kept his No. 45 Jordan Brand Toyota Camry XSE intact while working closely with his Toyota teammates amid the draft and the three-wide packed action towards the front.

Despite losing four of his Toyota teammates, including team owner Denny Hamlin and 23XI Racing teammate Bubba Wallace, to a multi-car wreck with 33 laps remaining amid a late cycle of green flag pit stops Reddick cycled into the lead during the caution period. Drafting support from Martin Truex Jr. and Ty Gibbs kept him in contention for a 27-lap dash to the finish as he squared off against Ford competitors Michael McDowell and Brad Keselowski.

Then, on the final lap, Reddick, who led the penultimate lap by a hair over McDowell initially lost ground to McDowell and Keselowski amid the draft. But with two corners remaining, he capitalized on a swerved move by McDowell entering the frontstretch resulting in McDowell spinning in the middle of the track and igniting a multi-car wreck. Reddick was able to zip by both Keselowski and Noah Gragson to cross the finish line by two-tenths of a second ahead of Keselowski and capture his first Cup Series victory of the 2024 season along with his first at Talladega and of the season for 23XI Racing.

With on-track qualifying that determined the starting lineup on Saturday, April 20, Michael McDowell captured his second Cup Series pole position of the season and his career after posting a pole-winning lap at 182.022 mph in 52.609 seconds. Joining him on the front row was Austin Cindric, who clocked in the second-fastest qualifying lap at 181.739 mph in 52.691 seconds. 

When the green flag waved and the event commenced, Michael McDowell and Austin Cindric battled for the lead in front of two packed lanes through the first two turns before they navigated through the backstretch. With the field behind still running in two tight-packed lanes through the final two turns and back to the tri-oval, McDowell managed to lead the first lap by a hair over Cindric.  

During the next four laps, the field fanned out to three tight-packed lanes as McDowell and Cindric battled and swapped the lead. Amid the battles, Martin Truex Jr. mounted a charge from the outside lane with drafting help from Bubba Wallace and Daniel Hemric while McDowell started to muscle ahead on the inside lane.

Meanwhile, Kyle Larson, who was not allowed to post a qualifying lap on Saturday due to unapproved adjustments involving his roof rails to his No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and was assessed a drive-through penalty on pit road during the opening lap, was mired at the rear of the field and trailing by a distance with no drafting help. 

Over the next five laps, Truex, Hemric and BJ McLeod each led at least a lap while the pack of 37 competitors fanned out to three lanes as they navigated around the superspeedway venue to take advantage of the draft.

Through the first 15 scheduled laps, Chase Briscoe assumed the lead from Hemric on the outside lane amid the tight-packed racing before Justin Haley carved his No. 51 Parts Plus Ford Mustang Dark Horse to the front as he challenged Briscoe for the top spot during the proceeding laps. Despite Briscoe blocking Haley and briefly stalling his momentum through the backstretch by Lap 16, Haley switched to the inside lane and continued to battle Briscoe before he assumed the top spot by Lap 18. Truex, however, would join the battle and lead by the Lap 20 mark. By then, Larson was lapped by the field. 

By Lap 25 and with the field still fanned out to three tight-packed lanes, Truex was ahead with the lead by a hair on the outside lane as Haley was leading the draft on the inside lane and Briscoe was mired as the lead competitor in the middle lane. As Haley, Truex and Briscoe battled against one another for the lead within the draft, Truex continued to muscle ahead and lead the proceeding laps by the Lap 30 mark. 

At the Lap 35 mark, Truex, who led eight of the previous 10 laps, was ahead by a hair over McLeod and Briscoe while he had teammates Ty Gibbs and Denny Hamlin drafting him through the middle lane. McLeod, however, would have Daniel Suarez pushing him on the outside lane as he remained in contention for the lead before Suarez bailed on him by Lap 37, allowing Truex to muscle ahead while Briscoe tried to mount another challenge on the inside lane. McLeod would then receive drafting help from Chase Elliott by Lap 40 to muscle back ahead on the outside lane, with Truex and Briscoe remaining in the middle and inside lanes, respectively.

Then on Lap 40, McLeod went up against the outside wall entering Turn 3, and fell off the pace as the entire field zipped by him. McLeod then pitted as the race remained under green flag conditions. By then, Briscoe had muscled his way back to the lead on the inside lane while Truex fought back on the middle lane. Meanwhile, Elliott was trying to mount a charge from the outside lane and received a push from Ryan Preece through the backstretch to challenge the front-runners for the lead.  

Not long after on Lap 41, Indiana natives Briscoe and Haley peeled off the track to pit under green. Another wave of competitors, mainly Chevrolet competitors led by Suarez and rookie Zane Smith, pitted by Lap 42 before another led by Alfredo and Gragson pitted. During the latest wave, Hamlin, who was trying to slam on the brakes to enter pit road under pit road pace, got loose and ran into the side of John Hunter Nemechek before he spun his No. 11 FedEx Toyota Camry XSE on pit road. The race, however, remained under green as Hamlin proceeded to his pit stall while another wave of competitors led by Elliott and Larson, who was a lap down, pitted. By then, Zane Smith and Suarez were penalized for speeding on pit road.  

On Lap 45, the final wave of competitors led by Shane van Gisbergen pitted under green. Once the pit stops cycled through, Elliott emerged as the new leader ahead of teammate William Byron, Kyle Busch, Cindric and Harrison Burton. During the pit stops, Joey Logano was penalized for speeding on pit road as Briscoe would have to pit for a second time to address a flat tire on his entry. 

By Lap 50, Cindric, who assumed the lead from Elliott two laps earlier, was still leading ahead of Elliott, Burton, Byron and Ryan Blaney as the top 30 competitors were separated by a second. As Cindric and Elliott battled for the lead in front of two packed lanes during the proceeding laps, Larson was running in front of teammate Elliott as he was trying to remain on the lead lap following his opening lap penalty. 

Just past the Lap 55 mark, Cindric and Elliott battled for the lead in front of two packed lanes, with Cindric having Harrison Burton drafting him on the outside lane. Elliott was still running behind teammate, Larson, and had teammate Byron drafting him on the inside lane. 

When the first stage period concluded on Lap 60, Cindric edged Elliott by a hair to claim his second Cup stage victory of the 2024 season. Elliott ended up second followed by teammate Byron, Blaney and Kyle Busch while Burton, Christopher Bell, Brad Keselowski, Tyler Reddick and Alex Bowman were scored in the top 10. Meanwhile, Larson, who was lapped by Cindric at the start/finish line, was the recipient of the free pass as he returned to the lead lap category.  

Under the stage break, nearly the entire field led by Cindric pitted while Brad Keselowski and Anthony Alfredo remained on the track. Not long after, the following names that included Hamlin, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Chris Buescher, Keselowski, John Hunter Nemechek, Logano, Corey LaJoie, Truex and Larson would pit again for extra fuel to their respective entries. 

The second stage period started on Lap 66 as Kyle Busch and Ryan Blaney occupied the front row. At the start, Busch briefly muscled ahead exiting the frontstretch until Blaney fought back on the inside lane through the first two turns. As the field started to fan out to three lanes, Blaney received a draft from teammate Cindric and Burton to clear Busch and muscle ahead of the pack through the tri-oval and back to the start/finish line for the following lap.  

Then on Lap 68 and as the field continued to battle through three packed lanes, Shane van Gisbergen mounted a drafting charge to the front followed by Austin Dillon from the outside lane. After clearing both Busch and Blaney, Dillon then bailed on van Gisbergen as he moved his No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in front of teammate Busch’s No. 8 Cheddar’s Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. But van Gisbergen fought back on the outside lane as he picked up Alfredo as his new drafting partner. Alfredo then bailed on van Gisbergen on Lap 70 as he led while van Gisbergen was shoved out of the draft as he and his No. 16 Wendy’s Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 slowly drifted to the rear of the field. Meanwhile, Noah Gragson carved his way into the lead during the following lap as he was pursued by John Hunter Nemechek and while Larson was battling Alfredo for third place.  

Just past the Lap 75 mark, Nemechek assumed the lead in his No. 42 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE on Lap 72, was leading ahead of Alfredo and a bevy of competitors charging strong amid a scattered, three-wide pack. Despite being pressured by Gragson, Alfredo and Corey LaJoie during the proceeding laps, Nemechek would retain the top spot by Lap 80 as 36 of 38 starters were running within two seconds of one another amid the draft. 

Through Lap 85, Nemechek continued to lead ahead of Gragson and LaJoie while Chris Buescher was trying to mount a charge on the outside lane with drafting help from Gilliland. As Alfredo occupied the inside lane amid a three-wide battle within the pack, the top-36 competitors were separated within three seconds while Nemechek remained in front of Gragson with the top spot. 

At the halfway mark on Lap 94 and with the field running tight in three packed lanes, Hamlin overtook Nemechek for the lead while Cody Ware, Buescher, Gragson, Gilliland, Truex, LaJoie, Preece and Larson were scored in the top 10 ahead of Busch, Austin Dillon, van Gisbergen, Wallace, Cindric, Ty Gibbs, Alfredo, Logano, Byron, Bell, Elliott and Hemric. Meanwhile, Briscoe, who pitted by himself under green earlier, trailed the lead pack by 41 seconds. 

Six laps later, Buescher drafted his No. 17 Fastenal Ford Mustang Dark Horse into the lead followed by Ford teammates Gilliland, Preece, Logano and Gragson while van Gisbergen, who led on Lap 98 and battled Buescher during the following lap, was shuffled out of the draft for a second time. Meanwhile, Larson occupied sixth place ahead of LaJoie, Wallace, Austin Dillon and Busch as Briscoe was lapped by the field during the following lap. 

Then on Lap 102, another cycle of green flag pit stops commenced as the first wave, mainly Ford competitors led by Buescher, pitted primarily for fuel. Another wave, mainly Chevrolet competitors led by Austin Dillon and Busch, pitted during the following lap. During the second pit sequence, trouble struck for LaJoie, who spun his No. 7 Gainbridge Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 after running into standing water on the asphalt while exiting pit road. Despite LaJoie’s spin, the race remained under green flag conditions as Logano led a wave of 12 competitors who had yet to pit. Logano and Hamlin would then battle for the top spot by Lap 106. 

On Lap 110, Hamlin was leading ahead of teammate Bell, Logano, Cindric and teammate Truex as the top-12 competitors, all of whom had not yet pitted, continued to run on the track while the next wave of competitors comprising those who pitted led by Byron trailed by 33 seconds. Another lap later, Hamlin led a wave of Toyota competitors to pit road under green while the rest, including, Logano, Cindric, Blaney and Josh Berry remained on the track. During the pit stops, Bell was penalized for speeding on pit road as Logano, Berry, Blaney and Cindric pitted by Lap 112. Upon the completion of the pit stops, Blaney was penalized for speeding on pit road as Logano and Cindric managed to blend back onto the track and regain the pace with the field that enabled them to contend towards the front.  

When the second stage concluded on Lap 120, Logano fended off a late challenge from Larson to capture his first Cup stage victory of the 2024 season. Teammate Cindric edged Larson at the start/finish line to claim second followed by Austin Dillon and Ross Chastain while Reddick, Buescher, Elliott, Ryan Preece and Ty Gibbs were scored in the top 10.  

During the stage break, nearly the entire field led by Logano returned to pit road for service while the rest including Keselowski, LaJoie, Briscoe, van Gisbergen, Truex, Gibbs and Alfredo pitted. Following the pit stops, Logano exited pit road first ahead of Larson, Cindric, Chastain, Dillon, Elliott, Reddick, Busch, Buescher and Bowman. Shortly after, Keselowski would lead the rest of the competitors who pitted during the caution period as Logano cycled back into the lead.

With 62 laps remaining, the final stage period commenced as Logano and Chastain occupied the front row. At the start, Logano and Chastain battled dead even for the lead as Logano had Team Penske teammate Cindric drafting him while Chastain had Chevrolet teammate Kyle Busch drafting him. Chastain then muscled away from Busch before moving in front of Logano and Cindric in the draft by the following lap just before the rest of the field caught back up to the top-four leaders. Shortly after, Chastain and Logano returned to battling dead even for the lead in front of two packed lanes with 60 laps remaining. 

With 56 laps remaining, the caution returned after Elliott ran into the rear of Haley that sent Haley into Bell’s No. 20 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry XSE as Bell went back up the track and hit the outside wall head-on in Turn 3 while barely dodging Elliott as Briscoe, Blaney and Zane Smith were also involved. During the caution period, a majority of the field led by Logano pitted while the rest led by Alfredo remained on the track. Once Alfredo and others pitted with 50 laps remaining, Berry cycled into the lead.

During the following restart with 49 laps remaining, where teammates Berry and Gragson occupied the front row, Berry and Gragson battled dead even against their Overstock.com-sponsored Ford Mustang Dark Horses for a full lap. The following lap, Hemric ignited a charge from the outside lane as he assumed the lead in his No. 31 Cirkul Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with drafting help from Chastain before McDowell received a push from Austin Dillon to muscle ahead, clear Hemric and return to the lead.  

With 40 laps remaining and with a majority of the field migrating to the outside lane, McDowell was leading ahead of teammate Gilliland, Keselowski, Busch and Cody Ware while Gragson, Chastain, van Gisbergen, Suarez and Larson were running in the top 10 ahead of Bowman, Elliott, Stenhouse, Buescher, Berry, Alfredo, Logano, Hemric, Burton and LaJoie. 

Three laps later, a bevy of Toyota competitors pitted under green, mainly for fuel. As the Toyota competitors managed to blend back onto the track and remain on the lead lap, McDowell retained the lead over Gilliland, Keselowski, Berry, Hemric, Gragson and a bevy of competitors running two by two in a tight pack with 35 laps remaining. 

Then with 33 laps remaining, the caution flew after Bubba Wallace, who was running in a seven-car Toyota line towards the rear of the field upon pitting under green and trying to regain ground of the lead pack, got Erik Jones’ No. 43 Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE loose in Turn 3 that resulted with Jones getting turned and sent head-on into the outside wall as Wallace and John Hunter Nemechek also piled into him before Nemechek came back the track and clipped Hamlin as Hamlin also wrecked against the wall while Reddick, Truex and Gibbs escaped the carnage. 

During the caution period, nearly the entire field led by McDowell returned to pit road for fuel while the rest including Carson Hocevar, Reddick, Truex and Gibbs remained on the track as McDowell exited off of pit road first from the first pit stall. Hocevar would then pit not long after as Reddick cycled into the lead. 

As the event restarted under green with 27 laps remaining, Reddick received a push from Toyota teammate Truex to rocket ahead of McDowell with the lead through the first two turns until McDowell came charging back from the inside lane with drafting help from Keselowski’s No. 6 Castrol Edge Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Reddick and McDowell battled side by side for the lead during the following lap until McDowell muscled ahead and was placed on defense as he fended off both Keselowski and Reddick for the lead in his No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang Dark Horse with 25 laps remaining. 

Down to the final 20 laps of the event, McDowell retained the lead ahead of Keselowski, Reddick, Gragson and Berry while Truex, Gibbs, Chastain, Busch, Suarez and 20 additional competitors running within two seconds of one another trailed in a tight two by two pack. 

During the proceeding laps, the battle for the lead was drawn to a side-by-side battle between McDowell and Reddick as Reddick had Toyota teammates Truex and Gibbs drafting him on the outside lane while McDowell had Ford teammates Keselowski, Gragson and Berry drafting him on the inside lane while also trying to gain control of both lanes with 15 laps remaining. 

With 10 laps remaining, Reddick and McDowell continued to swap against one another for the lead and in front of two stacked lanes, with neither stepping out of the throttle nor giving an inch as they kept their respective manufacturer drafting partners lined up behind them. 

During the proceeding laps and with a majority of the field continuing to run in two tight-packed lanes, McDowell started to muscle ahead from the inside lane as he was placed on defense to keep Keselowski drafting him and to stall Reddick’s momentum from the outside lane. Amid his strong defensive drive, Reddick fought back on the outside lane as he continued to challenge McDowell for the lead while a third drafting line led by van Gisbergen, who was running within the top 15, was trying to mount a charge toward the front. Gibbs and Busch would also move up to the third outside lane as McDowell held a narrow lead over both Keselowski and Reddick with two laps remaining. 

When the white flag waved and the final lap started, Reddick was leading by a hair over McDowell amid the tight two-pack formation. As the field navigated past the lapped competitor of John Hunter Nemechek through the first two turns, McDowell and Reddick continued to battle dead even through the backstretch until Keselowski drafted McDowell clear ahead of Reddick and the field with Noah Gragson trying to follow suit through Turns 3 and 4.  

Then entering the frontstretch, Keselowski made a move to the outside of McDowell, but McDowell blocked Keselowski. As Keselowski crossed over back to the inside lane, McDowell did the same to make a second blocking attempt, but he got sideways after barely driving off the front nose of Keselowski. This resulted in McDowell spinning back across the middle of the track and igniting a vicious multi-car wreck that nearly collected the entire field and resulted in Corey LaJoie sliding across the outside wall on his side while also nearly turning over Josh Berry in the process and just past the finish line before his car tumbled once and came to a rest right-side up. 

Amid the carnage, Reddick, who dropped to fourth entering the frontstretch, surged his No. 45 Jordan Brand Toyota Camry XSE past both Gragson and Keselowski while barely avoiding McDowell’s spinning car through the frontstretch to claim the lead and cross the finish line in first place to score the victory just before the caution flew. 

With the victory, Reddick racked up his sixth career win in the NASCAR Cup Series division, his first at Talladega and his first since winning at Kansas Speedway last September. In addition, Reddick became the sixth winner through the first 10 events on the 2024 Cup Series schedule as he also recorded the fourth victory of the season for the Toyota nameplate and the first of the season for 23XI Racing.

“Man, it’s incredible!” Reddick said on FOX. “Everyone on this No. 45 Jordan Brand Toyota Camry worked really hard today. [Things] Didn‘t really work out in that third stage for us, but we were able to fight and defend our track position. Was [that finish] crazy [fans]?! That was chaos! That’s Talladega for you. I got to give a lot of credit to Ty Gibbs and Martin Truex [Jr.]. It was just us Toyotas left and they pushed me with everything they had. Huge credit to Martin and Ty. Without those pushes, we don‘t win this race.” 

The victory celebration for 23XI Racing, which marks the sixth Cup career win for the organization, was also big as team owner and NBA legend Michael Jordan was also present to celebrate in Victory Lane with Reddick, co-owner Denny Hamlin, former 23XI Racing competitor Kurt Busch and the 23XI team. 

“Denny [Hamlin] keeps saying I was bad luck when I come to the track,” Michael Jordan said in Victory Lane. “Today, we proved him wrong. I think Tyler did a good job. The whole team did a good job. I’m very happy to be here to see it. Everybody tells me when we win, we can have a good celebration, but this is the first time I’ve been here. We’ve been working hard, trying to get ourselves up to where we can compete against the top guys in this sport. We’ve done a heck of a job just to be where we are and for us to win a big race like this, it means so much to me and for the effort the team has done. I’m all in. I love it. It replaces a lot of the competitiveness that I had in basketball.”

With Reddick winning the race, Keselowski ended up in second place for a second consecutive week while Noah Gragson, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Alex Bowman avoided the final lap carnage to finish in the top five. 

“I was getting some great pushes from Noah Gragson,” Keselowski said. “I thought the Fords were really working well together. We cleared the Toyotas there on the bottom lane and it was pretty clear that it was gonna come down to the three of us [me, McDowell and Gragson]. I backed up, Noah gave me a great push and I went to make a move on Michael [McDowell]. He covered it, went back the other way. I got another push from Noah and just nowhere to go when Michael came back down. I hate that for [McDowell]. He’s a good guy, hope he’s alright. Just kind of the way this stuff goes, right? All in all, really solid day for us, for Ford, for Castrol. Another second. It’s a solid day, but not the win we wanted. Good finishes are important, but we want wins. I could really taste it today, but it just didn’t happen.”

Anthony Alfredo piloted the No. 62 Beard Motorsports entry to a sixth-place result while William Byron, Todd Gilliland, Daniel Hemric and Harrison Burton ended up in the top 10. 

Notably, Truex ended up 11th ahead of Briscoe, Chastain, Preece and Elliott. In addition, LaJoie slid across the finish line on his side in 18th place, Larson ended up 21st in between Blaney and Ty Gibbs and Kyle Busch ended up 27th in between Suarez and Shane van Gisbergen.  

Meanwhile, McDowell, who led a race-high 36 laps from pole position, ended up in 31st place as he was unable to limp his wrecked race car across the finish line to complete the final lap. 

“Yeah, it’s just super unfortunate,” McDowell said in the infield care center. “I just hate it for everybody on this Love’s Travel Stop Ford Mustang and I hate it for Brad [Keselowski] too because we did a good job of keeping those Mustang Dark Horses upfront. He did everything right. He pushed me out, I drugged back to him and I was able to get in front of him that very first time, but when I came back down, [I] just barely, barely wasn’t clear. I hate it that we didn’t make it to the finish line. We had such a fast Mustang today. It’s unfortunate. It’s been a rough few weeks, but it’s last-lap Talladega. Going for it, trying to get a win and just came up short. [I] Hate that I took a lot of guys with me, so [I] apologize to Brad and everybody that got collected in that. [I’ll] Go back and watch [the replay] and see what we could’ve done better.” 

There were 73 lead changes for 23 different leaders. The race featured four cautions for 21 laps. In addition, 30 of 38 starters finished on the lead lap. 

Following the 10th event of the 2024 Cup Series season, Kyle Larson leads the regular-season standings by 15 points over Martin Truex Jr., 22 over Chase Elliott, 24 over William Byron and 43 over Tyler Reddick. 

Results. 

1. Tyler Reddick, 13 laps led 

2. Brad Keselowski, two laps led 

3. Noah Gragson, five laps led 

4. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 

5. Alex Bowman 

6. Anthony Alfredo, four laps led 

7. William Byron 

8. Todd Gilliland 

9. Daniel Hemric, eight laps led 

10. Harrison Burton 

11. Martin Truex Jr., 16 laps led 

12. Chase Briscoe, three laps led 

13. Ross Chastain, six laps led 

14. Ryan Preece 

15. Chase Elliott, five laps led 

16. Josh Berry, three laps led 

17. Carson Hocevar, one lap led 

18. Corey LaJoie 

19. Joey Logano, 22 laps led, Stage 2 winner 

20. Ryan Blaney, one lap led 

21. Kyle Larson 

22. Ty Gibbs, one lap led 

23. Austin Cindric, 16 laps led, Stage 1 winner 

24. Cody Ware 

25. Chris Buescher, six laps led 

26. Daniel Suarez

27. Kyle Busch, five laps lef

28. Shane van Gisbergen, three laps led 

29. Zane Smith 

30. Austin Dillon 

31. Michael McDowell – OUT, Accident, 36 laps led 

32. BJ McLeod, one lap down, five laps led 

33. John Hunter Nemechek, four laps down, 20 laps led 

34. Justin Haley, four laps down, four laps led 

35. Erik Jones – OUT, Accident 

36. Bubba Wallace – OUT, Accident 

37. Denny Hamlin – OUT, Accident, four laps led 

38. Christopher Bell – OUT, Accident 

Next on the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the Würth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway in Dover, Delaware. The event is scheduled to occur next Sunday, April 28, and air at 2 p.m. ET on FS1. 

Scott Dixon: The Drive for 67 Race Victories

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by James Black (Penske Entertainment).

With his first NTT INDYCAR SERIES victory of the 2024 season in the 49th running of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in Long Beach, California, on Sunday, April 21, Scott Dixon is within reasonable distance of achieving another major accomplishment to his racing resume.

Currently sitting at 57 career victories in IndyCar competition, Dixon, who is in second place in the all-time IndyCar wins list, is 10 victories away from tying AJ Foyt for the most series wins at 67.

The six-time champion from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, left little to doubt with his impeccable run during Sunday’s Grand Prix at Long Beach, where he rallied from starting in eighth place by leading twice for a race-high 42 of 85 laps and executing his pit strategies to perfection by having enough fuel to lead the final 34 laps and fend off late challenges from Josef Newgarden and Colton Herta to win the Grand Prix at Long Beach for the second time in his career.

Dixon’s victory also extended the current streak of most consecutive IndyCar seasons with a victory at 20, with the champion left relieved in Victory Lane as he celebrated his first IndyCar victory of the 2024 season and his first since winning the 2023 season-finale event at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca last September.

“That was tough, that was real tough,” Dixon, who was the championship runner-up in 2023, said on USA Network. “Honestly, I didn’t think we were gonna make it. [The team] kept giving me a number and it just wasn’t…I was close, but not enough. Luckily, we were on the safe side there. Huge credit to everybody on the PNC Bank No. 9 [Honda]. Today was really fun driving my Honda. Hopefully, we can keep doing this this year, but it was huge.”

Even as Dixon managed to steer his No. 9 PNC Bank Dallara-Honda smoothly around the 11-turn circuit around the Streets of Long Beach through the final 34 laps on a low tank of fuel with the lead, he was intimated by the reigning Indianapolis 500 Josef Newgarden during the stretch, who went from a three-second deficit with 20 laps remaining to narrow it down by getting as close to Dixon’s rear wing during the proceeding laps.

Dixon then caught a break with nine laps remaining after Newgarden, who nearly got to Dixon’s rear bumper in Turn 11, was hit from behind by a hard-charging Colton Herta. The contact stalled Newgarden’s momentum and allowed both Herta and the reigning IndyCar champion/Dixon’s teammate Alex Palou to overtake Newgarden for second and third, respectively. With his advantage back up to a second, Dixon then had to fend off Herta for the final nine laps through his low tank of fuel, which he was able to as he beat Herta’s Honda entry by nine-tenths of a second across the finish line to claim the checkered flag first.

“Josef [Newgarden] was coming strong and I was kind of unsure how he was gonna be once he got behind us,” Dixon added. “I also knew that he’d be burning the tires off, too. [Team owner] Chip [Ganassi] came on [the radio]. He’s like, ‘Just go for it, man.’ And I was like, ‘I’m gonna try.'”

Dixon’s victory was one that received high praise from team owner Chip Ganassi, whose team Chip Ganassi Racing and Honda notched their first IndyCar points-paying victory of the 2024 season. They previously won the non-points $1 Million Challenge at California’s The Thermal Club in late March with Alex Palou.

“I don’t know if it was the most improbable [win for Dixon], but [it was] certainly a hard-fought win,” Ganassi added. “We were managing [the fuel] to the finish. We kept telling [Dixon] the fuel number he had to get, but to stay in front of those guys. He was not getting the fuel number we had to get, so we had to keep making that up. That’s tough to do. It was relief at the end. It was relief more than anything. It was relief more than joy.”

During his victory celebrations, Dixon dedicated the victory to Sir Colin Giltrap, a New Zealand philanthropist and businessman who was involved in the motor vehicle industry and served as a big influence on Dixon.

Herta and Palou made it a Honda podium sweep by finishing second and third behind Dixon while Newgarden, who led 19 laps in his Penske Chevrolet and is coming off a season-opening victory at the Streets of St. Petersburg, ended up in fourth place in his 200th IndyCar career start. Marcus Ericsson, the 2022 Indianapolis 500 champion, came home in fifth place in an event where 18 of 27 starters finished on the lead lap.

With the victory, Dixon trails Newgarden in the current driver’s standings by 12 points with 15 points-paying events remaining on the schedule.

In addition to trailing AJ Foyt for the most IndyCar victories at 67, Dixon also strives to tie Foyt for the most INDYCAR championships at seven in 2024, with Dixon’s sixth and latest title occurring in 2020. He also strives to win his second Indianapolis 500 event since winning his first in 2008, though he has also tallied a total of five Indy 500 poles.

Dixon’s continued quest for 67 victories continues next Sunday, April 28, at Barber Motorsports Park for the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix in Birmingham, Alabama. The event’s broadcast time is set to air at 1 p.m. ET on NBC.

Toyota Racing – NCS Talladega Post-Race Report – 04.21.24

By
Official Release
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REDDICK DELIVERS FIRST SUPERSPEEDWAY WIN FOR TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
Scores Cup Series Victory at Talladega

TALLADEGA, Ala. (April 21, 2024) – Tyler Reddick won the first superspeedway race for the Toyota Camry XSE race car in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway. Reddick led 13 laps, including the final six laps, in the 23XI No. 45 Jordan Brand Toyota Camry en route to his first Cup Series victory at the 2.66-mile Alabama superspeedway.

Martin Truex Jr. (11th) and Ty Gibbs (22nd) worked together with Reddick down the stretch after an incident earlier in the final stage collected the majority of the Camry competitors.

Toyota Post-Race Recap
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Talladega Superspeedway
Race 9 of 36 – 500.8 miles, 188 laps

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS
1st, TYLER REDDICK
2nd, Brad Keselowski*
3rd, Noah Gragson*
4th, Ricky Stenhouse Jr.*
5th, Alex Bowman*
11th, MARTIN TRUEX JR.
22nd, TY GIBBS
33rd, JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
35th, ERIK JONES
36th, BUBBA WALLACE
37th, DENNY HAMLIN
38th, CHRISTOPHER BELL
*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

TYLER REDDICK, No. 45 Jordan Brand Toyota Camry XSE, 23XI Racing

Finishing Position: 1st

What does it mean to get the first superspeedway win for Toyota with this new Camry XSE?

“Man, it’s incredible. Everyone on this 45 Jordan Brand Toyota Camry worked really hard today. Didn’t really work out in that third stage for us, but we were able to fight and defend our track position. Was that crazy, fans? Chaos. That’s Talladega for you.”

Can you take us through the final lap?

“Yeah, just got to give a lot of credit to Ty Gibbs and Martin Truex Jr. It was just us Toyota’s left and they pushed me with everything they had so a huge credit to Martin and Ty. Without those pushes we don’t win this race.”

What were those final laps like out there?

“It was chaos. When you come to Talladega that’s what you expect. That’s for sure. So cool to get my second win here. First in the Cup car. Man, what a day.”

What were you thinking as you had to go to battle by yourself?

“I wasn’t alone. I had Martin Truex Jr. and Ty Gibbs. Man, the Toyota guys – this is what we do. We’re a family. We work together. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t unfortunately like we saw earlier. Man, just appreciate all of the help there at the end.”

MICHAEL JORDAN, 23XI Racing

What does it mean to be here at Talladega for Ty Reddick’s win today?

“Denny (Hamlin) keeps saying I was bad luck when I come to the track and today, we proved him wrong. I mean, look, actually he did a good job of wrecking so we could get upfront. That was actually pretty good. I think Tyler (Reddick) did a good job, unfortunately Bubba (Wallace) couldn’t finish but the whole team did a good job. Look, I’m very happy to be here to see it. Everybody tells me when we win, we have a big celebration, but this is the first time I’ve been here. To my wife and kids and everybody, ‘Yeah, we did it. Sorry I left you home.’”

What does this say about the 23XI team?

“Well, as you know, this is NBA Playoffs right now so this to me is like an NBA Playoff game. I am so ecstatic obviously for the fans who support the sport itself. We’ve been working hard trying to get ourselves to compete with the top guys in the sport. We’ve done a heck of a job just to be where we are. For us to win and to win a big race like this, it means so much to me and for the effort the team has done. Look, I’m all in. I’m all in. I love it. It replaces a lot of the competitiveness that I had in basketball. This is even worse because I have no control. If I was playing basketball, I have total control, but I have no control, so I live vicariously through these guys and all of the team and everybody. I’m very happy for everybody at 23XI.”

ERIK JONES, No. 43 Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB

Finishing Position: 35th

Are you physically okay and what happened on the track?

“Yeah, I’m a little sore but I’ll be alright. I don’t know – the 23 (Bubba Wallace) was pushing us there. Obviously, we were pushing and shoving and trying to make time with our strategy and I got pretty sideways getting into (turn) 3 and tried to gather it up and then ended up really hard into the wall. It’s unfortunate. I hate it for my team and my guys. Obviously, we wanted to have a good run but I’m alright. It’s a good thing. It was a hard hit and at the end of the day I guess if you’re going to be dumb you’ve got to be tough, so we’ll keep rolling.”

BUBBA WALLACE, No. 23 Leidos Toyota Camry XSE, 23XI Racing

Finishing Position: 36th

What took place in the incident from your perspective?

“Just we were all pushing really hard to keep our line going. We had a plan and just didn’t execute it as well as we should. I hate it for our Leidos team. I look forward to running these places and then you just get trapped in somebody else’s mess. I hate it. It doesn’t make us look good at all. But all in all, we’ll just reset and go to Dover. We’ve got a long way to go.”

DENNY HAMLIN, No. 11 FedEx Ultimate Fan Contes Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 37th

Could you have done something different to avoid that wreck?

“I’m not sure. I was in the back of it, so I didn’t see what got the 43 (Erik Jones) turned. Obviously, we were trying to run a good lap time there and I thought we were really good on pace and then we just crashed. I’m really not sure honestly. I didn’t see it.”

CHRISTOPHER BELL, No. 20 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 38th

What happened that took you out of the race early?

“I’ve got no idea. It just saw a replay and it just looked like a stack up in the middle lane and unfortunately, I was in the wrong spot. I was in ride it out mode and got hit.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 26 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

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