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Toyota Racing – Weekly Preview – 04.17.24

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Official Release
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This Week in Motorsports: April 15 – 21, 2024

  • NCS/NXS: Talladega Superspeedway – April 19-21
  • ARCA: Talladega Superspeedway – April 19-20
  • ARCA WEST: Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway – April 20

PLANO, Texas (April 17, 2024) – NASCAR goes superspeedway racing this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway with the Cup and Xfinity Series, joined by the ARCA Menards Series. The ARCA Menards West Series also returns to the track this weekend at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway in Bakersfield, California.

NASCAR National Series – NCS | NXS

Six Toyota Camrys inside Top 10 of points … Following a wild weekend in Texas, six of the eight full-time Toyota Camry XSEs find themselves in the top 10 of the NASCAR Cup Series point standings. Martin Truex Jr. continues to be the lead Toyota driver in the standings, currently in second, closely followed by teammate, Denny Hamlin, who sits third. The two are joined by their Joe Gibbs Racing teammates, Ty Gibbs (sixth) and Christopher Bell (10th), along with 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick (eighth) and Bubba Wallace (ninth).

Hamlin seeks another Talladega pole … Throughout his historic career, Hamlin has garnered success at nearly every circuit the NASCAR Cup Series has traveled to, including Talladega Superspeedway. Along with his two career wins (2014 and 2020), the Virginia native has been strong in qualifying at Talladega of late, capturing pole position in four of the last seven races. Another pole this weekend would be the 42nd of Hamlin’s career and his second of 2024.

Reddick rounding into form … Though he was unable to capture victory with a strong No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE last weekend at Texas, Reddick came home fourth and notched his fourth consecutive top-10 finish and sixth in the last seven races. This is the longest streak of top-10s in Reddick’s young career, providing momentum heading into Talladega where hasn’t cracked the top-10 since 2021.

Smith continues to pace Xfinity Series points … Heading to Talladega, Chandler Smith continues to hold serve atop the NASCAR Xfinity Series points standings, with a 19-point cushion. Smith has led the standings going into three of the last four events. He’s joined in the top-10 by teammate, Sheldon Creed, who stayed in the same position after Texas last weekend.

Earnhardt back behind the wheel of the No. 26 … Jeffrey Earnhardt returns to Team Toyota and Sam Hunt Racing this weekend at Talladega where he’ll once again pilot the team’s No. 26 GR Supra. In his lone start of 2024, Earnhardt finished eighth at Atlanta Motor Speedway in February. Saturday marks Earnhardt’s 13th Xfinity Series start at Talladega, where he captured pole position and a second-place finish in 2022.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA Menards Series

Toyota aims for third straight win to start 2024 … Toyota Camrys swept the opening two races of the 2024 season in the ARCA Menards Series and now head to Talladega seeking a third to start the season. Gus Dean began the season with a win at Daytona International Speedway in February and William Sawalich took home the victory at Phoenix Raceway in March. Another Toyota Camry triumph this weekend would also mark the 14th ARCA Menards Series win in a row for the manufacturer, dating back July 2023, as well as Toyota’s seventh win in the last eight races at Talladega.

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.

RTIC Outdoors Partners with JR Motorsports and the No. 1 Chevrolet

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Official Release
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Texas Based Company to be Primary Partner in Four NXS Events for Sam Mayer

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 17, 2024) – JR Motorsports announced today that RTIC Outdoors, the Official Cooler and Drinkware partner of NASCAR, will come on board the No. 1 Chevrolet with driver Sam Mayer for four primary events during the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. RTIC will be the primary partner for races at Darlington Raceway (May 11), Portland International Raceway (June1), Sonoma Raceway (June 8) and Pocono Raceway (July 13).

“We are thrilled to welcome RTIC Outdoors to the JR Motorsports family,” said JRM CEO Kelley Earnhardt Miller. “They are a brand that has definitely had a strong presence around our sport and it is great to have them join us and the No. 1 team with Sam for four races this season. I can’t wait to get this partnership started and see what we can all accomplish together.”

Founded in 2014, RTIC’s mission has been to provide high-quality, affordable products for all. That includes premium Coolers, Drinkware, and Outdoor Gear that are engineered to perform, built to last, and always priced right. In April 2023, RTIC became the Official Cooler and Drinkware sponsor of NASCAR, offering officially licensed NASCAR Drinkware and Coolers at rticoutdoors.com. As part of their commitment to continue providing quality, affordable products directly to consumers, RTIC is now available in Walmart Stores across the nation.

“This partnership with JRM and Sam is very exciting,” said RTIC Outdoors CEO Bill Pond, “Not only do their blue-collar values align with our own, but their history in NASCAR and performance on the track is paralleled by their commitment to a successful partnership.”

Following last weekend’s dramatic victory at Texas Motor Speedway, Mayer has now scored two consecutive finishes inside the top-two and finds himself locked into the NXS Playoffs for the third time in his career.

“I’m really happy to be welcoming RTIC Outdoors to JR Motorsports and to our No. 1 team,” said Mayer. “It’s been great getting to know everyone at RTIC over the last couple of weeks and I can’t wait to get to the track with them in Darlington and see what we can do together.”

Be sure to catch Mayer and the No. 1 RTIC Outdoors Chevrolet at Darlington on Saturday, May 11 at 1:30 p.m. EST on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS:

JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 23rd year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017 and 2018. The company also owns seven titles in regional Late Model divisions with consecutive championships in 2022-23 and a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.

ABOUT RTIC OUTDOORS:

Founded in 2014, RTIC Outdoors is committed to creating high-quality Outdoor Gear at an affordable price. Built for every adventure, from the backcountry to the backyard, RTIC’s Coolers, Drinkware, and Outdoor gear are engineered to perform, built to last for years, and never ever overpriced. As part of their commitment to continue prioritizing the customer, RTIC gear is now available in various Walmart Stores and other retailers across America. To learn more about RTIC, Customization Options, and shop Official NASCAR Drinkware & Coolers visit https://rticoutdoors.com/.

Beard Motorsports: Anthony Alfredo Talladega Advance

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Official Release
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ANTHONY ALFREDO
GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway
No. 62 DUDE Wipes Chevrolet Camaro

Event Overview

● Event: GEICO 500 (Round 10 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday, April 21
● Location: Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway
● Layout: 2.66-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 188 laps/500 miles
● State Lengths: Stage 1: 60 laps / Stage 2: 60 laps / Final Stage: 68 laps
● TV/Radio: FOX / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Bringing it Back. Beard Motorsports make its return engagement to the NASCAR Cup Series garage for Sunday’s GEICO 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. It will be the team’s second start of the 2024 season and 12th overall at the 2.66-mile superspeedway oval. The family-owned Beard Motorsports team made its NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2017. While five different drivers have wheeled the No. 62 Chevrolet since its inaugural season, the team has become a regular during the superspeedway events during the last eight seasons.

● Fast Pasta Round Two. The latest of those five Beard drivers is Anthony Alfredo, who will be back this weekend at Talladega to pilot the No. 62 DUDE Wipes Chevrolet Camaro in Sunday’s GEICO 500. It is Alfredo’s first NASCAR Cup Series start since the Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in February. The Ridgefield, Connecticut, native made the starting field during qualifying with a fast No. 62 Beard Chevrolet. He lined up 40th to start the traditional season-opening race, avoided multiple accidents on the 2.5-mile superspeedway, and finished in 27th place. Alfredo gets his second shot behind the wheel of the No. 62 this weekend at a track that he considers a favorite.

● DUDE … it’s a mindset. Partnering with Beard Motorsports and Alfredo as the primary sponsor for this weekend’s 500-mile race at Talladega is DUDE Wipes. Founded in Chicago by a group of childhood friends, DUDE Wipes are an extra large, flushable wipe developed specifically for adults as an alternative to dry toilet paper. DUDE Wipes has become a popular brand across the NASCAR community and has appeared as a primary sponsor for select NASCAR Cup Series races with Alfredo in previous seasons. The GIECO 500 will be the first Cup Series appearance of the 2024 season for DUDE Wipes.

● Family Matters. The 2024 NASCAR season is Beard Motorsports’ eighth participating in the Cup Series. Linda Beard, along with her children, Amie Beard-Deja and Mark Beard Jr., carry on the pursuit of this passion project that belonged to their late family patriarch, Mark Beard Sr. The No. 62 NASCAR Cup Series team is just one of their family-owned entities. Beard Oil Distributing is the foundation of the Beard family-owned business portfolio and is recognized as a women-owned certified organization through the Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

● This Guy Makes the Team Go ’Round. Alfredo may be the guy behind the wheel and making the No. 62 Beard Chevrolet Camaro go around the track, but crew chief Darren Shaw is the one who mans the ship for the No. 62 Beard Motorsports team. Shaw has led the competition efforts with Mark Beard Sr. for the No. 62 Beard Motorsports team since its inception in 2017. Shaw works hand-in-hand with the Beard family, hiring and managing members of the No. 62 team, negotiating with drivers, collaborating with the engine supplier, preparing the racecars and then running the show during race weekends.

● Powered for Greatness. As it always has, the No. 62 DUDE Wipes Chevrolet Camaro will be powered by an ECR-built engine. Beard Motorsports has leveraged the power of ECR Engines since making its NASCAR debut at the 2017 Daytona 500 and has made the most of the power supplied through the partnership. During its eight seasons of racing, Beard Motorsports has participated in 27 Cup Series events, scoring one top-five finish and five top-10s.

Anthony Alfredo, Driver of the No. 62 DUDE Wipes Chevrolet Camaro:

It’s been a couple of months since Daytona. What has it been like getting ready for Talladega this weekend?

“Talladega is actually one of my favorite racetracks, especially because it is a superspeedway. I love superspeedway racing. It’s just a high-speed chess match and I just really enjoy it. We’ve been close there a couple of times and I certainly believe we can get the job done there this weekend with this No. 62 DUDE Wipes Beard Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro. I’m doing double duty there with the Cup Car and the Xfinity car, so it’s going to be really fun – especially with DUDE Wipes.”

Speaking of DUDE Wipes, can you just talk about what it means to have them on board for this weekend’s race at Talladega?

“DUDE Wipes makes body and face wipes and they are the best. They are not just for ‘dudes.’ Dude is a mentality – they are for all adults. I actually met the DUDE Wipes guys when I first started my career in the national series and they have been nothing but a pleasure to work with. It has been super cool to see it come full circle now, attacking races in the Cup Series together. It started as just a one-race deal in the Xfinity Series and they are now my flagship sponsor. Having DUDE Wipes on the car at Talladega is awesome because it’s one of my favorite races and one I know we can win. There would be nothing sweeter than standing in victory lane with them at such a big race – a notorious racetrack. I’m very thankful for my relationship with them and we have a lot of great things on the horizon in the future.”

What has it been like working with the Beard family and the Beard Motorsports team?

“I have really enjoyed working with the Beard family and just getting to know all of them. Linda, Amie and Mark – they have been great to me and my wife. We had a really great time in Daytona and all the things we did in Florida. Obviously, timing into the Daytona 500 was a huge accomplishment for all of us. And we plan on being just as fast at Talladega, if not even faster. I know we have a car capable of winning, and when I strap into my No. 62 Chevrolet Camaro, that’s where my eyes are focused.”

How much more prepared are you for Talladega now that you have had one race with the No. 62 team and working with crew chief Darren Shaw?

“Any seat time with a team and a different crew chief is a plus. Building chemistry with the team during Daytona and even just leading up to that has been really pivotal. I think it’s going to give us a big advantage going into Talladega just because we kind of already attacked a race together and know where we all are at with our communication. So I expect the weekend to go smoothly and for us to know what we need to do to be in victory lane at the end.”

Daytona and Talladega are considered sister tracks, but they tend to drive differently. Will you explain those differences?

“To start with, Daytona is more of a handling track than Talladega. Talladega is also a lot wider and not quite as narrow, so I think it gives you more options behind the wheel to form a new lane or make moves without maybe being in as tight of racing situations as you would be at Daytona. I think that’s why we see a lot more comers and goers. It’s pretty hard to manage the lanes when you’re up front because they are coming from all different angles, but that’s what I actually enjoy the most.”

No. 62 Beard Motorsports Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Anthony Alfredo

Hometown: Connecticut

Crew Chief: Darren Shaw

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Car Chief: Travis Owens

Hometown: Nashville

Spotter: Ron Lewis

Hometown: Cleveland, Texas

President: Linda Beard

Hometown: Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Tim Sheets

Hometown: Carmel, Indiana

Rear Tire Changer: David Mayo

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Damien Wermes

Hometown: Huntersville, North Carolina

Jack Man: DeAndre Smith

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Fuel Man: Bobby Grant

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Jack Gagnon

Hometown: Quebec, Canada

Mechanic: Mark Sanders

Hometown: Springfield, Ohio

Tire Technician: Mike Harrold

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Engine Tuner: Jason Watkins

Hometown: Ridgeway, Virginia

Interior Specialist: Nic Hill

Hometown: Fort Myers, Florida

Transporter Driver: Roger Lankford

Hometown: Lexington, North Carolina

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Race Preview | Talladega Superspeedway I

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Official Release
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CLUB ENTRY LIST

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
POINTS STANDING: 20TH

ERIK JONES
POINTS STANDING: 19TH

CLUB NOTES

Bayne’s race previews: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB launched a new social media series with driver optimization leader Trevor Bayne. Bayne previews the keys to the upcoming races for LEGACY M.C. drivers, allowing fans and media members to hear the teams’ objectives for the upcoming weekend. Follow LEGACY M.C.’s social channels for these weekly previews.

A day with the Guard: As an opportunity presented by Talladega Superspeedway, Erik Jones will have the unique opportunity to join the Alabama National Guard for a day of events. Jones and a handful of other drivers will be picked up in a Blackhawk helicopter piloted by the 1st Battalion, 131st Aviation Regiment, and travel to the Clarke Range Complex for a day of activities led by the Alabama National Guard.

Quality seat time: Although a 29th place finish wasn’t the result LEGACY M.C. co-owner and driver Jimmie Johnson along with crew chief Jason Burdett had hoped for. Regardless, they were very happy with the fact Johnson completed a full event in the NextGen car – something he had not been able to do in the four NASCAR Cup Series races he has entered since the 2023 season began. Johnson was able to gain valuable seat time in the No. 84 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE despite a crash in practice and a spin on Lap 50 during the 400-mile event. He will get another chance in just two weeks as Johnson is on tap for competition at Dover Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway, and then Charlotte Motor Speedway in May.

Four-wide thriller at Talladega: Johnson also was the benefactor of one of the closest races in NASCAR history as he won a four-wide thriller on April 17, 2011, edging now NASCAR on FOX broadcaster Clint Bowyer by 0.002 seconds at the finish. The record is tied for the closest finish in history with the 2003 Ricky Craven win over Kurt Busch at Darlington Raceway. Johnson has another win at Talladega in 2006, along with seven top-fives and 13 top-10’s, leading 474 laps throughout his 38 starts.

Family Dollar Gold Star: Family Dollar will honor Lincoln, Ala., store #12608 this weekend as a part of the company’s “Go For G.O.L.D.” (Grand Opening Look Daily) program. The Dollar Tree and Family Dollar primaries will highlight these stores on the deck lid of all three LEGACY M.C. entries throughout the race season. This weekend’s Gold Star is featured on the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE.

Getting it done at ‘Dega: During his rookie year in the NASCAR Cup Series (2020), John Hunter Nemechek found comfort in the high banking of Talladega Superspeedway at both events, earning a pair of eighth-place finishes. So far this season, Nemechek finished sixth at the season-opener DAYTONA 500 and 21st in Atlanta. In the NASCAR Xfinity Series Nemechek has four starts where he qualified in the top-15 for every event and compiled two top-10 finishes. In the Truck Series, Nemechek has seven starts, one pole position, 31 laps led, one top-five, and two top-10 finishes.

JH goes to school: Last week, on behalf of Talladega Superspeedway, Nemechek took an early trip to Birmingham, Ala., on his way to Texas to spend time with 4th and 5th grade classes at Irondale Community School. He spoke with students about the speed of Talladega, safety, STEM-related topics, and all things NASCAR.

Superspeedy: Jones has 14 NASCAR Cup Series starts at the 2.66-mile track of Talladega Superspeedway, resulting in two top-five and seven top-10 finishes. Jones has finished in the top 10 in four of his last five races and has led 80 laps, leading in eight of his last ten races. Jones also has three Xfinity Series starts and two Truck Series starts. During his Xfinity time, Jones had never started outside of the top 10, bringing home one top-five in 2017, where he led five laps. In the Truck Series, Jones holds an average start of 4.5 and an average finish of 5.0; the 2015 Truck Series Champion has led seven laps, earning one top-five and one top-10 finish.

Kenseth to be honored: LEGACY M.C.’s competition advisor Matt Kenseth will be inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 20 at the Marcus Performing Arts Center in downtown Milwaukee. Kenseth, who was part of the 2023 NASCAR Hall of Fame class, will be inducted along with Milwaukee Brewers All-Star and Silver Slugger Award Winner Prince Fielder and 2021 Ryder Cup Captain and Champion Steve Stricker. This is the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame’s 74th Anniversary Induction Ceremony.

CLUB QUOTES

John Hunter Nemechek, Driver of the No. 42 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE:

“Every week it’s been a learning week for me. Each week is a test, learning this car and how to perfect how to drive it. At Talladega, it’s a little hard to go forward and the field bunches up to three by three by three for ten rows. It’s about positioning yourself for that final push to the finish and doing what we did at Daytona, working with our teammates and racing smart.”

Ben Beshore, Crew chief of the No. 42 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE:

“Talladega is just about surviving. As a whole LEGACY M.C. was good at Daytona in race conditions so it’s going to be about being at the right place at the right time and trying to put yourself in a good position late in the race to either miss the big wreck or have track position.”

Erik Jones, Driver of the No. 43 Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE:

Talk about the team’s superspeedway package and how you can find success at Talladega.

“I think our superspeedway stuff has been good; in Daytona, we ended up seventh. We had an opportunity at the end to contend, but the lines didn’t really play out the way we needed, and we weren’t able to challenge for the win in the last few laps. I like superspeedway racing; Talladega has been a really good superspeedway race for us in the last couple of years. For whatever reason, we have been in contention for wins there. We have been really close but also given away some close ones. I would love to close one out there; I feel like I have been in the right place and haven’t done the right things at times or had the right pushes work out. So hopefully, we can seal that deal finally and come home with one.”

Dave Elenz, Crew chief of the No. 43 Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE:

Talk about how the unpredictability of Talladega can change your strategy throughout the race.

“Talladega is challenging from a strategy standpoint. Obviously, there will be a lot of fuel saving going on. You want to maximize your stage points and maximize your finish throughout the day, it is difficult to figure out how to call the race correctly until you know where the cautions are going to lie. Any caution can completely change what you have going on, either putting you in a better or worse situation. So, it is a fun race to call because of that unpredictability that causes you to change your strategy mid-stride. It is a lot of fun to figure out how to get the stage points and get the win.”

PETTY 75TH ANNIVERSARY

The 2024 season marks a significant milestone in the history of the Petty family as they have helped define stock car racing for 75 years. Their commitment to the sport and the people who make it possible – behind the wheel, under the hood, in the back office and beyond – has shaped the growth and success of NASCAR. Their LEGACY lives on with the countless fans, drivers, technicians and team members they touched. Throughout 2024, LEGACY M.C. will celebrate the Petty family and share countless memories with friends and fans at race tracks across the country.

‘Dega debuts: Ritchie Petty, son of Maurice Petty made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Talladega Superspeedway on May 2, 1993. Ritchie drove the No. 53 owned by his father in four races throughout his career, all taking place at either Talladega Superspeedway or Daytona International Speedway. Additionally, Kyle Petty made his first NASCAR Cup Series start driving the No. 42 in the 1979 Talladega 500 where he finished ninth, just five spots behind his father Richard who drove the infamous No. 43 to a fourth-place finish.

The King’s Hat: This week’s rendition of The King’s Hat will be located at the infield fan zone at Talladega Superspeedway. Please visit LEGACY M.C.’s X (formerly Twitter) account for more details.

BROADCAST INFO

TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY
SUNDAY, APRIL 21ST | 3:00 PM ET

ABOUT OUR PARTNERS

ABOUT AdventHealth:With a sacred mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, AdventHealth is a connected system of care for every stage of life and health. More than 90,000 team members across hundreds of care sites including physician practices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health agencies and hospice centers provide individualized, wholistic care. A shared vision, common values, focus on whole-person health and commitment to making communities healthier unify the system’s more than 50 hospital campuses in diverse markets throughout nine states. For more information about AdventHealth, visit www.AdventHealth.com/News

ABOUT DOLLAR TREE, INC.: Dollar Tree, a Fortune 200 Company, operated 16,622 stores across 48 states and five Canadian provinces as of October 28, 2023. Stores operate under the brands of Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree Canada. To learn more about the Company, visit www.DollarTree.com.

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.

AM Racing | Hailie Deegan Talladega Superspeedway April Xfinity Preview

By
Official Release
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AM Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway | Ag-Pro 300

Fast Facts
No. 15 AM Racing Team:
Driver: Hailie Deegan
Primary Partner(s): AirBox
Manufacturer: Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Joe Williams Jr.
Spotter: Michael Fisher
Chassis Intel: AMR Chassis No. X-718
Engine: Roush-Yates Engines

Notes of Interest:

Sophomore Journey: After a successful rookie campaign in the NASCAR Xfinity Series last season with driver Brett Moffitt, AM Racing will embark on its sophomore journey in 2024 with driver Hailie Deegan for the entire 33-race tour, continuing with Saturday afternoon’s Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

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

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

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

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

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

Giving You Piece of Air: For the seventh time in 2024, AirBox will serve as the primary marketing partner of Deegan’s No. 15 Ford Mustang in Saturday afternoon’s Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega Superspeedway.

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

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

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

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

Hailie Deegan NASCAR Xfinity Series Talladega Superspeedway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Ag-Pro 300 will mark Deegan’s Xfinity Series debut at the 2.66-mile superspeedway, the largest oval on the 2024 Xfinity Series schedule.

Deegan, however, does own three NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts at Talladega Superspeedway from 2021 – 2023.

Her track-best result occurred during the 2022 Chevy Silverado 250 when she steered to a sixth-place finish after starting 27th for David Gilliland Racing (now TRICON Garage).

In 2020, the Californian finished seventh in his lone ARCA Menards Series start after starting third also for David Gilliland Racing (now TRICON Garage).

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

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

AM Minute: While the ARCA Menards Series was enjoying another spring off-weekend, the AM Racing Dirt Division was back in action with drivers Christian Rose and Austin Wayne Self at Virginia Motor Speedway.

It was a winning weekend for the Statesville, N.C.-based team with Austin Wayne Self picking up his first UMP Dirt Modified victory of the 2024 season.

AM Racing development driver Rose continued to gain more track time and delivered a solid performance.

The ARCA Menards Series resumes action this weekend at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on Saturday, April 20.

Thanks For Your Support: With 27 percent of the 2024 Xfinity Series season complete, AM Racing and Hailie Deegan would like to thank their associate marketing partners for their support: AirBox, Flying Circle, Klutch Vodka, Mechanix Wear, Monster Energy Drink, Mobil 1, Viva Tequila Seltzer and WIX Filters.

Texas Motor Speedway | Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 Race Recap: The eighth race of the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season kicked off in Fort Worth, Texas on Saturday, April 13.

Flying the AirBox colors for the third consecutive weekend, Deegan continued to progress from practice to qualifying and made the 200-lap race on speed with her 20th-place qualifying result.

Early in the race, Deegan steadily moved forward and marched inside the top 15, but as the race pressed on, she struggled with grip on the race track, which left her hovering between 18th and 22nd.

In the closing laps of the race, Deegan was an innocent victim in a late-race accident that caused some minor damage to the left front of her No. 15 AM Racing Ford Mustang.

The team repaired the car and sent Deegan back into competition. Despite the damage affecting the handling of her race car, she maintained a steady pace for a lead lap 23rd place finish at the checkered flag.

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

He will be crew chief for his 140th NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday and his eighth at Talladega Superspeedway.

In his previous 139 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, he has collected one win (Auto Club Speedway | February 2022), eight top-five and 30 top-10 finishes.

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

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

Hailie Deegan Quoteboard:

On Talladega Superspeedway: “Talladega has always been the best of the two superspeedway races from me. I’m optimistic and looking forward to Saturday afternoon’s race with our No. 15 AirBox Ford Mustang.

“The team had great pace during the race last year and was able to lead a bunch of laps and contend for a strong finish before being collected in the Big One.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to keep our nose clean, build our superspeedway program together, and contend for our first top-10 finish of the season.”

Race Information:

The Ag-Pro 300 (113 laps | 202 miles) is the ninth of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Qualifying will occur on Friday, April 19, 2024, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The field will take the green flag on Saturday, April 20, 2024, shortly after 3:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. ET), with live coverage on FOX, the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (CT).

About AM Racing:

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

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

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

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

From Desktop to Mobile: The Evolution of Casino Online Games

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SM
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Photo by Sergey Zolkin on Unsplash

Explore the dynamic shift in casino online gaming from desktop to mobile platforms. Delve into the evolution of game development, the seamless transition impacting user experiences, and the future trends shaping the industry.

Discover how this transition has revolutionized the way players engage with their favorite casino games, offering unparalleled freedom and flexibility in their gaming experiences.

Join us on a journey through the changing landscape of online casino gaming, from the convenience of desktop to the innovation of mobile.

Early Days of Desktop Gaming

During the nascent stages of online casino gaming, desktop platforms served as the primary medium for players to engage with virtual casinos. The freedom to access a plethora of games from the comfort of one’s home revolutionized the gambling industry.

Players could enjoy a wide array of Malaysia online slot machines, table games, and live dealer options with just a few clicks. The convenience of desktop gaming allowed enthusiasts to explore different strategies and gaming styles without any constraints.

This era marked the beginning of a shift towards digital entertainment, paving the way for the immersive and engaging experiences that modern online casinos offer today. Despite the limitations of early technology, desktop gaming laid a solid foundation for the evolution of online casino games.

Transition to Mobile Platforms

The shift to mobile platforms has significantly transformed the landscape of online casino gaming, revolutionizing accessibility and player engagement. With the transition to mobile platforms, players now have the freedom to enjoy their favorite casino games anytime, anywhere, directly from their smartphones or tablets.

This shift has enabled players to break free from the constraints of traditional desktop gaming and experience the thrill of online casinos on the go. Mobile platforms have also introduced new levels of convenience, allowing players to seamlessly switch between devices without losing their progress.

The transition to mobile has not only expanded the reach of online casinos but has also enhanced the overall gaming experience, catering to the desires of players seeking flexibility and freedom.

Impact on Game Development

One significant aspect of game development in the transition to mobile platforms is the increased focus on optimizing user interfaces for smaller screens. Developers are challenged to create intuitive and visually appealing interfaces that enhance the gaming experience on mobile devices. 

This shift has led to the adoption of responsive design principles, ensuring that games adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes and orientations.

Additionally, game developers are incorporating touch controls and gestures to make gameplay more interactive and user-friendly on mobile platforms. 

The impact on game development extends to the optimization of graphics and performance to ensure smooth gameplay even on devices with lower processing power.

User Experience Considerations

Incorporating user experience considerations is essential in ensuring the success of casino online games on mobile platforms.

The shift to mobile gaming has brought about a need for seamless and intuitive gameplay that caters to the preferences of modern users. Factors such as responsive design, easy navigation, and optimized performance play a crucial role in enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Mobile users value convenience and efficiency, making it imperative for developers to prioritize simplicity and functionality in their designs. Implementing features like touch-friendly controls, clear visuals, and smooth animations can significantly impact user engagement and retention.

Future Trends and Innovations

Amid the ever-evolving landscape of casino online games, a myriad of future trends and innovations are poised to reshape the industry.

One prominent trend is the increasing integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies into online casino games, offering players a more immersive and interactive gaming experience.

Additionally, the rise of blockchain technology is revolutionizing the way online casinos handle transactions, ensuring greater security and transparency for players.

Personalized gaming experiences tailored to individual preferences through artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are also on the horizon, enhancing player engagement and satisfaction.

As the industry continues to push boundaries, these innovations are set to redefine the online casino gaming experience, providing players with unparalleled freedom and excitement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the evolution of casino online games from desktop to mobile platforms has significantly impacted game development and user experience.

The transition has brought about changes in how games are designed and played, with a focus on providing a seamless and engaging experience for players.

As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see further innovations and trends in the world of mobile casino gaming.

Wright Motorsports Rides into Grand Prix of Long Beach

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Official Release
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LONG BEACH, Cali., (April 16, 2024) – After a promising third-place finish in March’s Twelve Hours of Sebring, the Wright Motorsports No. 120 Porsche 911 GT3 R team is running full speed into this weekend’s Grand Prix of Long Beach. The downtown streets of the southern California city will come alive with Saturday’s 100-minute sprint race, the third race of the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Though in their rookie season in the IMSA WeatherTech series, Adam Adelson and Elliott Skeer have had a strong debut in the green and yellow Wright Motorsports Porsche. They finished seventh at Daytona International Speedway co-driving with Jan Heylen and Fred Makowiecki, then celebrated a podium finish, again with Heylen, at the grueling Twelve Hours of Sebring. Their clean racing and the team’s consistent execution from the pit box puts the program in third place in the championship point standings heading into Long Beach.

The downtown streets of the waterfront playground will be transformed into the temporary street circuit with 11 turns in 1.968 miles. Just the GTP and GTD classes will be racing this weekend, though the battle for real estate on the tight surface is expected to be as rigorous as always. The tight concrete walls make for close racing quarters where every corner of every lap counts.

The two practice sessions and 15-minute qualifying session will be squeezed into Friday, before the field of 27 competitors takes the green flag on Saturday, April 20 at 1:35 PM PT. Fans can stream the 100-minute race live in its entirety on Peacock. Fans residing outside the USA can watch on isma.tv.

DRIVER QUOTES

Adam Adelson

I’m beyond excited to participate in the Long Beach race this year! This being my home race makes it super special and exciting for me. I’ll have all the comforts of home while getting to go racing, which is something that seldom happens. I couldn’t be happier with the way things are going this season. I also love to drive street circuits, and the whole team has been firing on all cylinders. I’m optimistic about our ability to bring home a good result this weekend. As always, it’s important to keep our heads down and stay focused as we have been, as that’s how you get the best results.

Elliott Skeer

The Monaco of America! This is certainly a special event for both Adam and me! For me, I attended Long Beach for the first time as a fan in 2008 and have dreamed of racing around the fountain every single year since! To go street fighting only an hour from my hometown which means having family and familiar faces everywhere is going to make it even more special. At the same time, this is a points event and the whole crew at Wright Motorsports is feeling energized and motivated to make this the strongest result we possibly can. In a feeling no different to Sebring, I am checking off a bucket list event. I am working to make it as memorable as possible, which means bringing home the strongest result.

Event Schedule | All Times Pacific

Thursday, April 18

6:00 PM – 10:30 PM Thunder Thursday at the Pike Outlets

Friday, April 19

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM WeatherTech Practice 1

12:50 PM – 2:20 PM WeatherTech Practice 2

5:00 PM – 5:15 PM WeatherTech GTD Qualifying

Saturday, April 20

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM WeatherTech Autograph Session

1:35 PM 3:15 PM IMSA Grand Prix of Long Beach

Wright Motorsports
Wright Motorsports is the premier Porsche race engineering facility in Ohio and a multi-series and international racing team known for superb car preparation, expert race strategy, and driver development. Located in Batavia, Ohio, it is owned and directed by John Wright, a certified Porsche factory-trained technician. As a crew chief John Wright has played a key role in winning eight driver and seven team championships in World Challenge, IMSA (ALMS) and the Grand-Am Rolex Series. Wright Motorsports won the team championship in Porsche GT3 Cup USA in 2012, 2013, and 2015, and went on to win the Pirelli World Challenge Overall, Sprint, Team, and Manufacturer’s titles in 2017. In 2020, the team captured the GT World Challenge America Am championship. In 2021, Wright Motorsports had a wildly successful season, capturing nine championships across their five racing efforts.

Kaulig Racing Weekly Preview | Talladega Superspeedway

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Official Release
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Race Details

Talladega Superspeedway
GEICO 500
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Sunday, April 21 at 3:00PM EDT
FOX | MRN | SiriusXM
Team Notes

  • Kaulig Racing has made 11 NCS starts at Talladega Superspeedway.
  • Daniel Hemric qualified third for the 2022 Geico 500, tying Kaulig Racing’s best qualifying effort.
  • The team has earned two top-10 finishes and led five laps at Talladega.
  • So far in the 2024 season, the team has earned two top 10s, seven top-20 finishes and has led 12 laps.

SHANE van GISBERGEN

 “The Cup car at Talladega is going to be a massive challenge for me, but that’s what I’m here for, to get out of my comfort zone and try new things! It’s really cool to have Wendy’s Hot & Crispy Fries and Frosty on board both of our Chevrolets this weekend. I’m looking forward to a fun and exciting Cup race on Sunday.” – Shane van Gisbergen on Talladega Superspeedway

No. 16 Wendy’s Camaro ZL1

  • Shane van Gisbergen will make his fourth-career Cup series start this weekend driving the No.16 Wendy’s ‘Ride or Fry’ Chevrolet Camaro, which is outfitted with Wendy’s Hot & Crispy Fries.
  • The No. 16 Chevrolet is a collaboration between Trackhouse Racing and Kaulig Racing.
  • Wendy’s® has season-long associate branding on all Trackhouse Chevrolets during the 2024 calendar year, and two Cup Series primary events starting with Van Gisbergen at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on the No. 16 Chevrolet with Kaulig Racing.
  • This marks the first time Van Gisbergen has driven a Cup car at a Superspeedway. This weekend will be the second of eight scheduled Cup Series starts in 2024 for Van Gisbergen.
  • Van Gisbergen has secured one win and one top-10 finish in three-career NCS starts.
  • To kick off one of the best weekends in NASCAR, Wendy’s is giving fans a free any size Fry with any purchase on Friday, April 19 only with the offer in the Wendy’s app, perfect for dipping in a delicious Frosty, or to complement a classic Baconator®!

Offer only available at participating U.S. Wendy’s for a limited time. Offer must be redeemed in the Wendy’s App. App download and account registration required. See offer in the Wendy’s app for further details.

 
DANIEL HEMRIC

 ”Talladega is the place that we all feel like we have equal opportunity. That style of racing has changed, as we learned back in Daytona, especially fuel saving with this car. Our No. 31 Cirkul car was really strong in the first superspeedway race of the year, so I’m excited to get there. I’m also really pumped up to have Cirkul back on the car and hosting them this weekend. Hopefully we can put on good show for them.” – Daniel Hemric on Talladega Superspeedway

No. 31 Cirkul Camaro ZL1

 Race Details

  • Daniel Hemric has made four NCS starts at Talladega Superspeedway.
  • Hemric earned Kaulig Racing its best qualifying effort to date when he qualified third for the 2022 Geico 500.
  • The No. 31 Cirkul Camaro ZL1 will have a new look beginning this weekend at the Geico 500, featuring a variety of Cirkul’s flavor Sips.
  • So far in the 2024 NCS season, Hemric has earned four top-20 finishes, after finishing 20th last week at Texas Motor Speedway.

Talladega Superspeedway
Ag-Pro 300
NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS)
Saturday, April 20 at 4:00PM EDT
FOX | MRN | SiriusXM
Team Notes

  • Kaulig Racing has made 26 NXS starts at Talladega Superspeedway. The team has led 132 laps and earned four wins, nine top five and 16 top-10 finishes.
  • So far in the 2024 NXS season, Kaulig Racing has earned two top five, seven top-10 finishes and led 61 laps.

JOSH WILLIAMS

 ”Talladega is fun for me. I’ve had some really great finishes there, dating back to my ARCA days. Kaulig Racing has a really great superspeedway program, and all of our cars work really well together. That’ll be important later in the race and at stage finishes.” – Josh Williams on Talladega Superspeedway

No. 11 Alloy Employer Services Chevrolet Camaro

  • Josh Williams has earned one top 10 in 2024.
  • Williams has made nine starts in the NXS at Talladega Superspeedway.
  • He has recorded three top-10 finishes there, the most of any track he has raced at in his NXS career.

AJ ALLMENDINGER

“Talladega is such a tough racetrack. Super speedways have never been my favorite, but I always feel like I am pretty good at them. Compared to Daytona, Talladega is super wide; a lot of four and five wide racing. That makes it even more difficult when it comes to finding the runs. We know how good our super speedway program is. I definitely think we can go there, run up front, make the right moves and put ourselves in position to win the race.” – AJ Allmendinger on Talladega Superspeedway

No. 16 Celsius Chevrolet Camaro

  • AJ Allmendinger has made six NXS starts are Talladega Superspeedway. Allmendinger has led 36 laps and earned one win, three top five and four top-10 finishes.
  • So far in the 2024 season, Allmendinger has earned one top five, four top-10 finishes and led 31 laps. Allmendinger currently sits sixth in driver points.
  • Allmendinger’s fourth place finish at Texas Motor Speedway qualified him as a contender for the Dash 4 Cash this weekend at Talladega Super Speedway.

SHANE van GISBERGEN

“I’m looking forward to getting to Talladega this weekend and making another Superspeedway start. We’re excited to have Wendy’s on board our No. 97 Chevrolet this weekend and our paint scheme showcasing the iconic Wendy’s Frosty and Hot & Crispy Fries! You can always catch me dipping my fries into a Wendy’s Frosty, it’s guaranteed to be a winning combo. The race should be exciting for all the fans on Saturday.” -Shane van Gisbergen on

Talladega Superspeedway
No. 97 Wendy’s Chevrolet Camaro

  • Shane van Gisbergen and his No. 97 Wendy’s® team head to Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway this weekend for their second superspeedway race of the 2024 season.
  • In his last Superspeedway start at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway back in February, Van Gisbergen started fifth and finished 12th.
  • This week at Talladega, Van Gisbergen will sport the Wendy’s Frosty® livery which showcases the iconic Wendy’s Frosty and Hot & Crispy Fries. Wendy’s fans know this iconic duo makes the perfect pair!
  • Last week at Texas Motor Speedway, Van Gisbergen started 33rd and finished 18th in his WWEX Chevrolet.
  • Van Gisbergen and his No. 97 team currently sit 15th in the driver standings heading into the weekend at Talladega.

To kick off one of the best weekends in NASCAR, Wendy’s is giving fans a free any size Fry with any purchase on Friday, April 19 only with the offer in the Wendy’s app, perfect for dipping in a delicious Frosty, or to complement a classic Baconator®!

Offer only available at participating U.S. Wendy’s for a limited time. Offer must be redeemed in the Wendy’s App. App download and account registration required. See offer in the Wendy’s app for further details.
 
About Kaulig Racing

Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time, multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has earned 23 NXS wins, made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started, and won two regular-season championships. In 2021, the team competed in select NCS events, before expanding to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 and adding a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. Since its first NCS start in 2021, the team has earned two wins. Kaulig Racing is currently fielding two full-time entries in the NCS and continues to field three full-time NXS entries, with a part-time fourth entry at select events. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

Bass Pro Shops Racing: Martin Truex Jr. Talladega Advance

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

Event Overview

● Event: GEICO 500 (Round 10 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3 p.m. EDT on Sunday, April 21
● Location: Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway
● Layout: 2.66-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 188 laps/500 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 60 laps / Stage 2: 60 laps / Final Stage: 68 laps
● TV/Radio: FOX / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Where We Stand: The New Jersey native heads to Talladega second in the driver standings with 318 points, 17 behind leader Kyle Larson. All four Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) entries are currently inside the top-10 in points heading to the 10th race of the season, with Denny Hamlin third, Ty Gibbs sixth, and Christopher Bell 10th.

● Up Front: Truex led a race-high 228 laps three weekends ago at Richmond (Va.) Raceway and sits third in laps led in NASCAR’s top series. All four JGR Toyota Camry XSE drivers are among the leaders in total laps led on the season. Larson’s 531 laps tops the list for the Cup Series, followed by Hamlin (395), Truex (352) and Gibbs (200) in second, third and fourth, respectively. Bell is eighth on the list with 12 laps led.

● In his 38 career Cup Series outings at Talladega, Truex has three top-five finishes, nine top-10s, and he’s led a total of 95 laps. His average Talladega finish is 21.3.

● 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

You are aiming to get your first Talladega win. What do you work on leading into Talladega that you might not do other weeks?

“Talladega is a lot different than normal weeks. It’s a lot of strategy and a lot of talk with my teammates and trying to plan to work together to get to the end of that thing. It seems like every time we go back there it’s a little bit different. It’s changed a lot over the years and a lot in the past few. It’s been quite a bit different racing there with this car. Still trying to figure out how to get that first win at Talladega. We’ve been close there before and ran really strong there last year with our Bass Pro Shops Camry, so just looking to build on that and focus on what it’s going to take to try and get our first win there.”

A Talladega win would be your first on a superspeedway-style track – Daytona and Atlanta being the others on the current schedule. Is a superspeedway win something you would really like to have on your resume?

“I would like to, it’s something we put a lot of work and effort into. I would say it’s probably not my best style of racing, but I think Atlanta is our best opportunity, currently. We’ve been really strong there. We just need to put it all together and make the right moves. For us, I think that we are always damaged, so if we can ever get to the end of one of those races and are at the front, we would have a chance. If we get that chance again, we need to be able to figure out how to make the right moves. Would love to be there at the end at Talladega this weekend and have a shot to win with our Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE.”

After running Daytona and Atlanta so far this season with the speedway package, what are your expectations for Talladega this weekend?

“I think it will be similar to Daytona. This car, for whatever reason, just likes to be two-wide, there never seems to be a third lane. There’s a lot of two-wide and a lot of track position – hard to make your way up through the field. You never know, though, it all depends on what everyone is wanting to do. How aggressive does everyone want to be, and will we have a chance at a third lane forming? I don’t know.”

Talladega has made some renovations in recent years to its fan amenities. How have you seen the track change in recent years?

“It’s cool because it’s a good fan experience at Talladega and that’s what it’s really all about, giving the fans something to do throughout the weekend when we are not racing. It’s a really cool setup for the fans. It’s cool that the fans can get up close to the cars now more than ever and they can check out what is going on. Always have a lot of great fan energy when we go to Talladega, for sure.”

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

Acclaimed Singer-Rapper T-Pain Joins Headliners for Confluence Music Festival

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Official Release
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MADISON, Ill. — T-Pain joins the expansive lineup of headlining acts for the third annual Confluence Music Festival when the event returns to the St. Louis area June 1-2 as part of NASCAR Cup Series Weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway.

T-Pain, a Grammy Award-winning singer-rapper, is a pioneering figure in contemporary R&B and hip-hop and is renowned for his innovative use of Auto-Tune technology. His chart-topping hits include “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’),” “Bartender,” “Can’t Believe It” and “Low” with Flo Rida. T-Pain performs June 2.

The Confluence Music Festival is a showcase of innovation, talent and live entertainment. The festival attracts fans from across the country in welcoming NASCAR, the premier form of motorsports in the United States, to WWTR. Live performances on the Enterprise Main Stage, Fan Zone Stage, Coors Light Stage and Jim Beam Stage take place before, during and after the daily racing events.

“It’s always our mission to present a lineup that offers something for everyone to enjoy, and this year’s Confluence Music Festival really delivers,” said Kwofe Coleman, executive producer for the festival. Coleman also is president and CEO of The Muny, which assists with production of Confluence Music Festival. “We’re grateful especially to WWT and the Steward family, and to the many individuals and organizations that have committed their support to make this community event a reality for the third year.”

Previously announced 2024 Confluence Music Festival headliners are rapper Ludacris (June 1) and rising country music star Riley Green (June 2). They will be joined by more than 30 national and local acts, including Adam Wainwright, Big & Rich with Gretchen Wilson & Cowboy Troy, Brittney Spencer and Tim Dugger.

Confluence Music Festival acts from across the region also will include Blinded by Stereo, the Bobby Ford Band, Dave Grelle’s Playadors, DJ Mahf, DJ Mo Samba, DJ Nune, Dr. Zhivegas, Fanfare, JC Supercar, Lamar Harris’ Georgia Mae, Malena Smith, Matt Jordan, Red and Black Brass Band, St. Boogie Brass Band and We Are Root Mod. There also will be special performances by BeBe Winans, J Creek Cloggers, the Madison High School Marching Band, Caroline Geringer, TJ Staten, The Muny Teens, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and more.

“WWTR takes great pride in hosting NASCAR and bringing the thrill of motorsports to Illinois and Missouri,” said WWTR Owner and CEO Curtis Francois. “Our goal is to curate a music lineup for the greater St. Louis area that mirrors this excitement, creating the ultimate intersection of music and motorsports.”

Ticketholders for the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 will have access to Confluence Music Festival concerts, plus interactive entertainment displays, a STEM education showcase, car displays and live interviews with St. Louis-area sports legends. Nearly 100,000 fans attended the festival and race in 2023.

Confluence Music Festival upgrade packages include front-of-stage/Fan Zone access. Adult Sunday ticket packages start at just $67.

“The Steward family and World Wide Technology have brought a world-class event to the St. Louis area that continues to energize fans of motorsports and live music,” said Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “The NASCAR Enjoy Illinois 300 and Confluence Music Festival provide a tremendous economic shot in the arm for the region and are a boon for downtown hotels, restaurants and attractions, adding to the momentum building in St. Louis.”

A full Confluence Music Festival entertainment schedule with performance times will be announced.

For tickets and more information, call World Wide Technology Raceway at (618) 215-8888, visit WWTRaceway.com or follow @WWTRaceway on social media.

About World Wide Technology Raceway

World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is the home of NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA racing in St. Louis’ Metro East region. Located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis and covering 700 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1.25-mile superspeedway; 1/4-mile drag strip; 2.0-mile road course; the Gateway Kartplex state-of-the-art karting facility; and the adjacent Gateway National Golf Links. WWTR and Owner & CEO Curtis Francois have been recognized with several awards, including: 2023 St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame induction; 2023 Innovation in Philanthropy Award by the St. Louis Business Journal; 2022 Explore St. Louis Hospitality Hero Recognition; 2022 Best in Show and Best Event & Festival from the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism; 2021 Comcast Community Champion of the Year; 2021 Jack Buck Award; 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Track Award; 2018 Innovator Award from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission; 2017 Outstanding Facility of the Year Award from the Race Track Business Conference; and the 2017 Spirit of St. Louis Award from the St. Louis Attractions Association. Our mission: We are committed to making a difference in our community, while providing first-class entertainment and memories that last a lifetime. 

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