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Thad Moffitt and Clean Harbors Continue Petty Family Tradition on Track

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Environmental Leader Serves as Primary Sponsor for Faction46 in Two 2024 Races

 SALISBURY, N.C. (April 10, 2024) — Faction46 has signed its newest partner to its growing NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series program, and it is a familiar one to Thad Moffitt and his Petty family roots. Clean Harbors, North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services, will continue its longstanding relationship with the Petty family and Moffitt with the new relationship with Faction46.

Clean Harbors, utilizing its various brands, will be the primary partner for Moffitt at the Texas Motor Speedway on Friday, April 12 and again on Saturday, August 10 at the Richmond (Va.) Raceway. Both events will be raced under lights and feature the Safety-Kleen colors as the lead brand. Performance Plus Motor Oil and HPC Industrial, additional Clean Harbors companies, will also share space on the truck and be promoted by Moffitt and the team.

Safety-Kleen, NASCAR and Petty have been working together for decades, with Moffitt having been a part of the Clean Harbors family for the past several years. The company helped Moffitt grow during his racing career, leading him to the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series with Faction46 owned by Lane Moore.

“Clean Harbors and Safety-Kleen have been involved with the Petty family and NASCAR for so long that we’re now family,” said Buddy Judy, Director of Motorsports, Clean Harbors. “The baton has been passed to Thad and he is carrying on the tradition for us. We are proud to continue to support his career and the Petty family legacy.”

Moffitt has raced, backed by Clean Harbors, for as long as he can remember, most recently with the company in the ARCA and Trans Am Series. Clean Harbors was also the primary sponsor when Moffitt made his first NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut in 2022.

“I really want to thank Buddy and everyone at Clean Harbors for everything they continue to do for me and now for Faction46,” said Moffitt. “As a new team, we rely on our partners to get better on the track to compete for wins. Clean Harbors, Safety-Kleen and HPC Industrial are important for us to get better. We are working hard to represent them the best we can all season, and especially at Texas and Richmond.”

The addition of Clean Harbors as a primary adds to the list of partners of Faction46 that includes Best Working Wipes, Centramatic, Customers Bank, Joe Jurgielewicz and Son – America’s Tastiest Duck, Induction Innovations and Pristine Auction.

“It’s awesome to see our team continue to attract more partners and watching our partners grow the team,” said owner, Moore. “It is a true partnership and Clean Harbors and Safety-Kleen are staples in NASCAR. They are the leaders in recycling oil and keeping NASCAR a clean, green sport. We are really proud to carry their colors on the truck this year.”

Bayley Currey – Speedycash.com 250 Race Advance

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SpeedyCash.com 250 | Texas Motor Speedway (167 laps / 250.5 miles)
Friday, April 5 | Martinsville, Va. | 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Ch. 90

Team: No. 41 AutoVentive/Precision Vehicle Logistics Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Bayley Currey (Driftwood, Texas) | Crew Chief: Mike Hillman Jr.
Follow the Team: Twitter: @NieceMotorsport | Instagram: @NieceMotorsports | Facebook: /NieceMotorsports | Web: www.niecemotorsports.com
Follow Bayley Currey: Twitter: @BayleyCurrey | Instagram: @bayleycurrey05 | Facebook: /bayleycurrey05 | Web: www.bcurrey.com/

Bayley Currey on Friday’s Race at Texas Motor Speedway: “It’s always fun coming back to Texas,” said Currey. “I really enjoy racing here and have a lot of experience behind the wheel in Xfinity cars and a couple Truck starts too. We’ve shown a lot of speed on the mile-and-a-half tracks so far this season, so I’m excited to get back to another one this week in our AutoVentive/Precision Vehicle Logistics Chevrolet.”

By The Numbers: Friday’s race marks Currey’s third NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start at Texas Motor Speedway. His previous two starts both came in 2018. Currey has one NASCAR Cup Series start at the 1.5-mile track, coming in 2019. In addition, Currey has nine NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the Texas track, with five top-20 finishes.

On the Truck: Currey’s No. 41 Chevrolet Silverado will race with support from AutoVentive and Precision Vehicle Logistics.

Recapping the Last Race: Bayley Currey and the No. 41 Sparco team practiced inside the top-15 on Friday afternoon, before qualifying in the 15th-position. Currey ran a clean race and stayed out of trouble for much of the night. As the laps wound down, Currey’s No. 41 Chevrolet sustained some damage as he tried to avoid an accident in front of him. Currey and the No. 41 team would be credited with a 17th-place finish.

Currey on Last Race at Martinsville Speedway: “The team at Niece brought me a solid truck,” said Currey. “It was hard to pass, but I do think we were a lot faster than other trucks; we just could not get by them. I felt like we made good strategy decisions and were running towards the top-10 there towards the end, and unfortunately got into a little bit of a scuffle on the backstretch and that set us back. I’m really thankful to have Sparco on board with us this week and am looking forward to Texas with the team.”

About Niece Motorsports:
Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2024, Niece Motorsports enters its ninth season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as X @NieceMotorsport.

Media Inquiries: media@niecemotorsports.com www.niecemotorsports.com

About AutoVentive:
AutoVentive is an industry-leading Software as a Service (SaaS) applications developer providing customized solutions to the automotive logistics industry. The company is part of Liberty Hill Equity Partners, LLC, a Cincinnati-based private equity firm.

About Precision Vehicle Logistics:
Precision Vehicle Logistics is a customer-focused group of professionals committed to service excellence in finished vehicle logistics. Precision offers a unique combination of talented experience, industry-leading software and systems, and a network of partners and resources to deliver customized solutions to the world’s leading automakers.

Matt Mills – Speedycash.com 250 Race Advance

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Official Release
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SpeedyCash.com 250 | Texas Motor Speedway (167 laps / 250.5 miles)
Friday, April 12 | Fort Worth, Texas | 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Ch. 90

Team: No. 42 J.F. Electric/Utilitra Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Matt Mills (New Philadelphia, Ohio) | Crew Chief: Jon Leonard
Follow the Team: Twitter: @NieceMotorsport | Instagram: @NieceMotorsports | Facebook: /NieceMotorsports | Web: www.niecemotorsports.com
Follow Matt Mills: Twitter: @MattMillsRacing | Instagram: @MattMillsRacing | Facebook: /OfficialMattMillsRacing | Web: mattmillsracing.com

Matt Mills on Friday’s Race at Texas Motor Speedway: “This Niece Motorsports group has shown a lot of speed in it’s mile-and-a-half program this season, so I’m looking forward to getting on track in Texas in our J.F. Electric/Utilitra Chevrolet,” said Mills.

By The Numbers: Friday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway will mark Mills’ third NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start at the 1.5-mile track. Mills also has eight NASCAR Xfinity Series starts under his belt at the Texas track.

On the Truck: Mills’ No. 42 Chevrolet Silverado will race with support from longtime partners J.F. Electric and Utilitra.

Recapping the Last Race: Matt Mills and the No. 42 team showed speed in practice, posting the seventh quickest lap. Qualifying left the team with a 25th-place starting spot for Friday night’s race at the track known as the ‘paper clip’. In his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start at the Virginia short track, Mills ran a solid race for much of the night. Unfortunately, Mills was collected in a late race accident that left the No. 42 J.F. Electric/Utilitra Chevrolet with excessive damage. Mills ended the day with a 29th-place finish.

About Niece Motorsports:
Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2024, Niece Motorsports enters its ninth season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as X @NieceMotorsport.

Media Inquiries: media@niecemotorsports.com www.niecemotorsports.com

About J.F. Electric
J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.

About Utilitra:
Utilitra is a woman-owned firm specializing in utility and technology solutions with a diverse team of specialized professionals. Utilitra is committed to solving their client’s unique challenges, whether one expert or a team of experts is needed. By adapting to the needs of their respective industries, Utilitra has built a range of services for their utility and technology partners.

Johnny Sauter – Speedycash.com 250 Race Advance

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Official Release
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SpeedyCash.com 250 | Texas Motor Speedway (167 laps / 250.5 miles)
Friday, April 12 | Fort Worth, Texas | 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Ch. 90

Team: No. 45 Karl Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Johnny Sauter (Necedah, Wisconsin) | Crew Chief: Phil Gould
Follow the Team: Twitter: @NieceMotorsport | Instagram: @NieceMotorsports | Facebook: /NieceMotorsports | Web: www.niecemotorsports.com
Follow Johnny Sauter: Twitter: @JohnnySauter | Instagram: @johnnysauter_13

Johnny Sauter on Friday’s Race at Texas Motor Speedway: “I’m excited to be back with Phil Gould and this Niece Motorsports team,” said Sauter. “We had such a fast truck in Daytona, so I’m looking forward to getting back on track in our Karl Chevrolet Silverado. I really enjoy racing at Texas – we’re going to do everything we can to get this Chevrolet in Victory Lane for Al Niece and the whole Niece Motorsports organization.”

By The Numbers: Friday’s race marks Sauter’s 27th NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start at Texas Motor Speedway. In his previous 26 starts, he has earned five wins, four poles, and 11 top-five finishes. In addition, the Wisconsin native has 17 top-10 finishes and has led 371 laps at the 1.5-mile track. Sauter also has four NASCAR Cup Series starts and eight NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the Texas track.

On the Truck: Sauter’s No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado will race with support from Karl Chevrolet, TXAPA, Easton Sales & Rentals, and MG Machinery.

Recapping the Last Race: Kaden Honeycutt and the No. 45 team showed speed in Friday afternoon’s lone practice session, putting up the 10th quickest lap of the session. Honeycutt qualified 17th in the No. 45 Chevy Accessories Silverado for his third NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start of the season. Although passing at the Virginia short track was tough, Honeycutt worked his way through traffic, earning stage points in both stage one and stage two. Late in the race, Honeycutt was involved in a spin, which left him mired in the pack. Honeycutt worked his way through the field again, ending the night in ninth-place.

Kaden Honeycutt on Last Race at Martinsville Speedway: “Ninth-place tonight in our No. 45 Chevy Accessories Silverado, in a wild, chaotic race. Our truck was great all night scoring stage points in both stages. Then, making our way through the field, I made a mistake on the 43 after I saw it and spun. Thank you, Niece Motorsports, for a fast truck.”

About Niece Motorsports:
Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2024, Niece Motorsports enters its ninth season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as X @NieceMotorsport.

Media Inquiries: media@niecemotorsports.com www.niecemotorsports.com

About Karl Chevrolet:
Here at Karl Chevrolet, proudly serving Des Moines, Urbandale and Ames, we know that there’s a lot more to buying a car than… well, simply buying a car. Our team is here to guide you through every facet of your automotive experience from helping you shop for the perfect new or used Chevrolet model to helping you keep your ride in tip-top shape with expert auto service and genuine OEM parts. We’re here to help from every angle of the buying and owning process, and we’re eager to help you realize your automotive dreams.

Solid Toyota GR Cup debut for PT Autosport’s Drury

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Official Release
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Under the Precision Racing LA w/ PT Autosport banner, the inaugural Aspiring Driver Shootout winner takes his first steps toward a professional racing career

SONOMA, Calif. (10 April 2024) – Precision Racing LA w/ PT Autosport driver Henry Drury claimed a solid Toyota GR Cup debut last weekend at Sonoma Raceway, scoring top 15 finishes in the pair of races with solid passes and race craft skills.

With weather and surface issues resulting from Sonoma’s recent re-pave eliminating the planned test day, Drury, a 24-year-old English born, Tampa, Fla. resident, had to get his No. 88 Precision Racing LA w/ PT Autosport Toyota GR86 Cup Car up to speed quickly. But at the end of the weekend, he was happy with the progress he made in his first Toyota GR Cup weekend.

​​“It was an intense weekend to say the least!” said Drury. “With the schedule being so condensed we had a lot to learn in an incredibly small window, and we definitely suffered from the lack of practice and experience compared to others. I’d obviously rather have been further up the field, but I’m proud of the battles we had and the progress we made out of such a difficult situation.”

SRO series testing on Wednesday revealed issues with Sonoma’s recent repave, prompting organizers to cancel Thursday testing as they repaved parts of turns 8 and 11. Work continued Friday, with the GR Cup’s first practice backed up to 6:15 p.m. – but Drury put his head and his right foot down, with only 30 minutes to work on setup and get to a qualifying pace. Improving his times with every lap, he set the 11th quickest time – a solid initial performance under difficult circumstances.

Difficult track conditions again greeted the field for qualifying Saturday morning, as Drury headed out on a damp, cold and slick racetrack. Fighting traffic – and a competitor’s sketchy move on his flyer lap – Drury settled for P21 for the afternoon’s race one.

But Drury wouldn’t stay there for long, on the move at the drop of the green flag, making smart, calculated passes through the opening corners to take 15th before a lap two yellow slowed the field. The green flew again on lap 5 and Drury recommenced his press forward, quickly taking 13th. But the battle continued between five cars fighting for position, and Drury found himself shuffled back to 16th midway through the race. But Drury was not going to relent, as he made a switchback move on the inside of turn 7a to take 15th and held the position to the checkered flag.

“That was an absolutely epic race,” said Drury. “So intense compared to what I’ve done before, I never had a moment to breathe. I learned a ton and had some awesome battles, spending the second half of the race under constant pressure. More rubbing and bumping than I’ve ever experienced as well!”

Starting 17th in race two, Drury was determined to retake as many positions as possible, making smart moves and taking P13 mid-race – until he was hit from behind and sent off track. Returning to the race near the back of the pack, he fought back through traffic to take P14 at the checkered flag – which became P12 after post-race penalties.

Though frustrated that he hadn’t finished higher, Drury was pleased with his debut weekend, despite all the obstacles.

“I couldn’t have asked for a crazier induction to my first pro race weekend, “said Drury. “We started off on a really positive note in our practice session, considering that it’s a completely new track to me, but I struggled with confidence and the car in qualifying. We had some awesome battles and I’m proud of where we ended up, but setup struggles and a few mistakes dropped us back further than our pace deserved.

“I’ve been blown away by the work ethic and attention to detail of the Precision Racing LA w/ PT Autosport team and I’m learning faster than ever,” Drury continued. “I’m really happy with how I held my own in the pack and proved that I have what it takes to be here in this series, but we still have a way to go and a lot to learn to catch up to the experience level of some of the drivers here. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity PT Autosport has trusted me with to represent them here in GR Cup and the patience they’ve shown as I learn and build experience. It’s hard to be happy with P15 and P12, but when I step back and think about this being my fifth race weekend ever, I can be proud of my performance and the amount of learning I crammed into such a short weekend. We’ve given ourselves a solid foundation to build on, and I’ll leave no stone unturned in between now and Sebring in pursuit of that top 10 finish. I’m already counting the days!”

Next up for Precision Racing LA w/ PT Autosport will be the doubleheader at Sebring International Raceway, May 3 to 5. The pair of 45-minute races will be broadcast live at www.grcup.com.

About PT Autosport — Discover Unique Talent. Develop Champions.

PT Autosport, based at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ, campaigns rising star Alex Sedgwick (UK) in the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup North America series with JDX Racing, 2022 Aspiring Driver Shootout winner Henry Drury (UK) in the Toyota GR Cup North America series with Precision Racing LA, and 2023 Aspiring Driver Shootout winner Brenna Schubert (USA) in a soon-to-be-announced series for the 2024 season.

PT Autosport is dedicated to providing merit-based motorsport industry opportunities for diverse individuals with high integrity, grit, and coach-ability, achieved through a development program for young aspiring drivers, engineers, mechanics, and other professionals. The first step of this process is applying for the annual Aspiring Driver Shootout, in which aspiring drivers aged 18-23 can compete for a team racing partnership with the team.

A rigorous evaluation process of applicants determines the final competitors for the driver shootout. The winner earns financial support of up to $250,000 ($50,000 guaranteed) to pursue their racing career. The review process also provides the team the chance to identify unique talent for other roles in motorsport, including race engineers, mechanics, and professionals.

PT Autosport is building a community that fosters the development of young talent to find a place where they can make an impact in the motorsport community as a career.

JR Motorsports — NXS Texas Preview

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JR Motorsports Team Preview
TRACK – Texas Motor Speedway (1.5 mile quad-oval)
NXS RACE – Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 (200 laps / 300 miles)
TUNE IN – FS1, PRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 1:30 p.m. (EST)

Sam Mayer

No. 1 Carolina Carports Chevrolet

Mayer 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 7

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 1

Top 10s: 2

Laps Led: 13

Avg. Finish: 22.9

Points: 16th

Sam Mayer heads back to the “Lone Star State” after coming off a hard-fought second-place finish at Martinsville Speedway Saturday night where he amassed his first top-five effort of the season and qualified to be a contender in the Dash4Cash event this weekend.

The young driver will be making his fifth start at Texas Motor Speedway where he has tallied one top-five and two top-10 finishes, with a best of third coming at this event in the Spring of 2022.

In 17 starts on tracks measuring 1.5 miles in length, the Wisconsin native has earned six top-five and 11 top-10 efforts along with one victory, coming at Homestead-Miami Speedway last fall.

Mayer and the No. 1 Chevrolet welcome back Carolina Carports as the primary partner at Texas.

Sam Mayer

“Looking forward to heading to Texas this weekend, especially coming off the momentum we have from Martinsville. We have run really well at Texas in the past and I know these guys are continuing to build fast race cars, so we just need to have a finish to show for that. Hopefully we can gain one more spot on last week’s finish and put this No. 1 Carolina Carports Chevrolet in Victory Lane.”

Justin Allgaier

No. 7 BRANDT – Professional Agriculture / TradeMark Nitrogen Chevrolet

Allgaier 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 7

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 1

Top 10s: 3

Laps Led: 112

Avg. Finish: 14.9

Points: 5th

In 26 starts in the NXS at Texas, Justin Allgaier has scored six top fives and 14 top 10s, with a best finish of second coming in this event in 2021.

Allgaier qualified on the pole and led a race-high 133 laps in the most recent event at Texas last fall before coming home with a fifth-place finish.

Allgaier enters this weekend as one of four drivers competing for the NXS Dash4Cash $100,000 prize.

This weekend also marks the second co-branded scheme for primary partner BRANDT Professional Agriculture as TradeMark Nitrogen comes onboard for Saturday afternoon’s NXS matinee.

Justin Allgaier

“Texas has been a really strong track for us since the repave. We came so close here in the fall of bringing home the win and I know that we will have that same speed again this weekend. Jim (Pohlman, crew chief)and all the guys on this BRANDT Professional Agriculture team are ready to go and we will give it all we have to bring home that Dash4Cash prize and the checkered flag.”

Sammy Smith

No. 8 Pilot Flying J Salted Caramel / Toffee Cold Brew Chevrolet

Smith 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 7

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 5

Laps Led: 48

Avg. Finish: 14.6

Points: 9th

Sammy Smith has earned a best finish of third at Texas, coming in this event last season.

On tracks measuring 1-2 miles in length, Smith has 20 races under his belt with one win, three top-fives, and 13 top-10’s.

Smith’s five top-10 finishes racks tied for third among all NXS competitors through the opening seven events.

The No. 8 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet will be promoting their new Salted Caramel and Toffee Cold Brew flavors at the NXS Texas event.

Sammy Smith

“We got another top-10 finish this past weekend at our first short track race of the year and I really felt like we had a top-five competitive car or better. We’ll keep digging and take our No. 8 Pilot Flying J Salted Caramel Toffee Cold Brew Chevrolet to Texas to try and bring home the checkered flag and cowboy hat.”

Brandon Jones

No. 9 Menards / Atlas Roofing Chevrolet

Jones 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 7

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 3

Laps Led: 1

Avg. Finish: 17

Points: 14th

Over the course of his NXS career Brandon Jones has qualified on the pole nine times. One of which came during the 2022 Spring event at Texas Motor Speedway.

In 15 starts in the “Lone Star State”, Jones has two top-fives, seven top-10s and has led the field for 49 laps.

At tracks measuring 1-2 miles in length in the NXS, Jones has recorded four wins, 19 top-fives and 61 top-10s, while leading the field for a total of 377 laps.

The red Atlas Roofing logo will adorn the hood of the No. 9 Menards Chevrolet this weekend. This is their second appearance of the season, but their first time on the hood at Texas Motor Speedway.

Brandon Jones

“We had the speed last weekend, but we weren’t able to get the finish we wanted. This No. 9 team is working hard to make sure we continue bringing fast cars to the track and I believe we will be able to run up front this weekend and battle for the win.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Texas Motor Speedway: JR Motorsports has competed at Texas Motor Speedway a combined 102 times with the NXS since its first trip there in 2006. In those starts at the 1.5-mile speedway, the organization has recorded two wins, 29 top-fives and 64 top-10s, with an average finish of 11.2.

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Sam Mayer, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith and Brandon Jones will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / Legacy MC souvenir rig on Saturday, April 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. CT.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Race Preview | Texas Motor Speedway I

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CLUB ENTRY LIST

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
POINT STANDINGS: 19th

ERIK JONES
POINT STANDINGS: 20th

JIMMIE JOHNSON

CLUB NOTES

The Boss at Texas: LEGACY M.C. co-owner Jimmie Johnson holds several records at Texas Motor Speedway, including the most wins at the track (seven), most runner-up finishes (five), first among top-five finishes (16) and has led 1,152 laps.

Epic battle: One of the best memories of Johnson’s seven wins at Texas was his first win and the hard-fought battle with LEGACY M.C’s competition advisor Matt Kenseth. The 2007 event saw Kenseth and Johnson door-to-door battle down to the stripe.

Last time at Texas: The last time Johnson raced at Texas Motor Speedway was in INDYCAR in 2022. He started 18th, spun out on Lap 2, then made his way back through the entire field, to narrowly miss a top-five finish in the closing laps. Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Scott Dixon, overtook Johnson who ended up finishing sixth.

Nemechek knows Texas, X 2: Last time at Texas Motor Speedway, John Hunter Nemechek made the winning pass in his ROMCO Toyota Camry Xfinity Series ride with seven laps remaining in the event to claim his seventh victory of the 2023 season. He led 38 of 200 laps, and won by 1.005-seconds – for his second win at the 1.5-mile Texas track.

Front Row JH: Nemechek has led in his last three attempts at Texas Motor Speedway in the Xfinity Series, totaling 86 laps. Two of the three races resulted in a trip to Victory Lane in 2021 and 2023. Nemechek has only finished outside of the top-10 once at Fort Worth.

SWAU: AdventHealth will host a series of educational panels for Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) students in Keene, Texas, located just outside Dallas. These panels will focus on various professions in the world of racing, including a separate panel on driver backgrounds. Ahead of this weekend’s race at Texas Motor Speedway, AdventHealth will host LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s VP of Race Operations, Joey Cohen, for a brief panel. The second panel, hosted by David Weis, CEO of AdventHealth Daytona Beach, will include LEGACY M.C. drivers Jimmie Johnson and Erik Jones.

Family Dollar Gold Star: Primary partner Family Dollar will honor store #1907 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.

Last Run: During the 2023 race in the Lone Star State, Jones and the No. 43 put together a strong day. The team qualified 12th and steadily moved up the scoring pylon, earning a second-place finish in stage two while running most of the race in the top five. Unfortunately, Jones was collected in a wreck with just 12 laps to go after an issue on pit road set him back a handful of spots on the restart. Jones, slated for a top-five finish, was credited with finishing 30th.

Triple Duty: On November 8th, 2015, Jones became the youngest driver to complete triple duty at Texas Motor Speedway. Jones kicked off the race weekend, winning the truck series race on Friday after starting in fifth position and leading for 117 laps. On Saturday, Jones competed in the Xfinity Series race, starting third and finishing fourth. To cap off a weekend full of racing, Jones qualified sixth and finished 12th in his second career NASCAR Cup Series race. Jones raced a total of 1,021.5 miles that weekend.

Quality Numbers: Jones has strung together a handful of solid races at Texas Motor Speedway, leading laps in seven of his last nine races. Jones has led 116 laps, all following the reconfiguration in 2017. In his most recent attempt at the 1.5-mile oval, Jones qualified 12th while running most of the race in the top five. With just over 20 laps to go, Jones was collected in a wreck on the front stretch and credited with a 30th-place result.

Xfinity: Jones put on a show in the Xfinity Series at Texas Motor Speedway, collecting three wins in six attempts. Jones led 368 laps, including two starts from the pole in 2015 and 2017, while never finishing outside the top five. Jones holds an average start of 1.8 and an average finish of 2.2.

Spring has Sprung: The Jones family took advantage of the warmer weather late last week and began tilling their home garden. This will supply the Jones family (including Oscar and Biscuit) with plenty of garden-fresh vegetables through the spring and summer.

Q&A: Jones will join competitor Tyler Reddick for a Q&A on Sunday at the NASCAR Fan Zone stage from 11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

CLUB QUOTES

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

“We’ve had some great runs at Texas over the years in the Xfinity Series. I’m excited to have ROMCO back on the car this weekend so I hope that we can give them a good showing. Ever since the repave I have been fast there – the track really just suits my driving style. The Next Gen car is different and I am still learning it but Erik was fast there last year and Jimmie is going to be with us this weekend so we have some great notes.”

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

“We had one race in Vegas on the mile-and-a-half tracks but had an issue on pit road. Our speed was ok, we left Vegas knowing we had to work on our short run and traffic but once we get that dialed in we should be ok. John Hunter is really good at Texas with multiple wins in two different series so we should have a good day.”

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

What is it about Texas that fits your driving style so well?

“Texas has always been a good track for me, even before the reconfiguration in 2017. We were able to win there in the Xfinity Series and have carried that success to the Cup Series after the reconfiguration. I feel like the reconfiguration has changed it, but for me, it seems like a lot of the things that you could do on the old track still somewhat apply to the new track. I just have a good feel; I feel comfortable there, and I feel like I have had good cars that have given me the opportunity to run well there, run up front, and be fast. We had a really strong car in the fall, I am hoping we can have similar speed at Texas this weekend.”

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

What makes Texas such a good track for Erik?

“I think Texas is a good track for Erik because it takes discipline to run there, with the corners being as different as they are. Turns three and four have a lot of wide-open throttle and a lot of confidence to get through that corner and then get into one and two. It is definitely more technical, and I think Erik does a good job pairing those two together to really exploit the speed at Texas.”

What have you learned about the track since the reconfiguration in 2017?

“Since we have had the configuration change at Texas, we have really changed the racing there. It has made for unique setups and compromises that you don’t have to make at other intermediate tracks. You get a car that is trimmed out enough to have the speed down the straightaway in three and four, but handle through one and two as well.”

Jimmie Johnson, Driver of the No. 84 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE:

“Texas is a place that has very special memories for me. I am looking forward to seeing how this car handles on the track and just getting back behind the wheel of the AdventHealth Toyota Camry. This is the first of a few race stretch for me as a driver – Texas has always been good to me.”

Jason Burdett, Crew chief of the No. 84 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE:

With Jimmie’s success at Texas, where is your comfort level with him in the NextGen car this weekend?

“I think Jimmie has some confidence going into Texas based on his run at Charlotte last year. He felt like he ran well there and had a good feel on the ovals with this car. Obviously, that was a different track than Texas, and now a new car with Toyota. So, I feel like we will learn a lot this week in the simulator, with him being able to get in there, make some laps, and build some confidence in what we have.”

What are your overall goals for the weekend?

“Our overall goal as a team is to go there and have a car that can drive well for Jimmie so that he has a good comfort level and can go out there, race with everybody, and learn what it is like to race with the NextGen car. Obviously, this year, he has seven more opportunities on ovals after this weekend. Hopefully, we can go out and have a solid day, run all of the laps, show some speed, and build some confidence going into Dover, Kansas, and back to Charlotte. I think we have opportunities this year to keep building on this, where it is not just one race, and see what happens. We can build up for him, and he can continue to grow.”

PETTY 75TH ANNIVERSARY

ABOUT PETTY 75th: 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.

Making History: In April 2000, at 19, Adam Petty made history at Texas Motor Speedway, becoming the first fourth-generation driver to compete in a NASCAR Cup Series event. In his lone Cup Series start, Petty qualified 33rd for the event and was forced to retire 215 laps into the 334-lap event due to engine failure. Petty was credited with finishing 40th.

Petty Fest: Race fans far and wide will have the chance to celebrate their affinity with the Petty family at the 14th Annual PettyFest on April 20th. This historic event celebrates all things Petty and will take place at the Petty Museum in Level Cross, N.C., from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will feature meet and greets with Kyle and Richard Petty, tours of the original Petty homestead, food trucks, vendors, and much more. Meet and greet wristbands are limited to the first 100 guests.

The King’s Hat: This week’s Texas-sized King’s Hat will be at the Speedway Motor Sports experience in the Fan Zone at Texas Motor Speedway.

BROADCAST INFO
TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
SUNDAY, APRIL 14th @ 3:30 PM ET

ABOUT OUR PARTNERS

ABOUT ROMCO EQUIPMENT CO.: Founded in 1961, ROMCO, a Texas-based company and member of the SMT Group of companies since its acquisition in 2022, adopts a segmented industry approach to cater to the diverse needs of the equipment market. Through four specialized divisions, we focus on delivering top-notch solutions for construction, paving, aggregate and power equipment requirements.

ROMCO operates through a network of 17 locations in Texas and Southern New Mexico maintaining our proud history of service and commitment to growth. As a comprehensive full-service distributor, we represent prestigious brands such as Volvo Construction Equipment, Cementech, Atlas Copco, K-Tec Earthmovers, FRD Kent, Genesis, Yanmar, ASV, CK Power, Terramac, HKD Blue, Rockland, Gomaco, Atlas, Mantsinen, Shuttlewagon, Leeboy, Bearcat, Roadwidener, Finn, Sandvik, McLanahan, Phoenix, Keestrack, Noble and Kafka.

Explore our extensive offerings and discover more about our unwavering commitment to excellence at www.romco.com

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 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 AdventHealth.com/news.

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.

NASCAR AND WSC SPORTS ELEVATE FAN EXPERIENCE WITH IN-APP STORIES LAUNCH

By
Official Release
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New vertical video feature in NASCAR Mobile app comes as part of expanded business partnership

New York and Daytona Beach, Fla. – April 10, 2024 – NASCAR, the sanctioning body for the No. 1 motorsport in the United States, is enhancing its NASCAR Mobile app experience by launching today a new In-App Stories product from WSC Sports, the global leader in AI-powered sports video content.

In-App Stories offers NASCAR fans a user-friendly, multi-clip vertical video experience in a format they are familiar with seeing on other social media platforms. Fans can tap into the new experience on race weekends and beyond, as the Stories will provide live in-race highlights for NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races. Additionally, In-App Stories will have a prominent place on the NASCAR Mobile homepage throughout the week, so fans can continue to engage with the best on-track action and additional stories centered around their favorite drivers.

“NASCAR’s unique style of close, side-by-side racing delivers plenty of highlight-reel moments each week and In-App Stories are an ideal way for us to deliver the type of compelling content fans crave on mobile,” said Wyatt Hicks, Vice President of Digital Media at NASCAR. “We’re eager to continue collaborating with WSC Sports and building deeper connections with NASCAR fans around the world.”

The new integration comes as part of an expanded partnership between NASCAR and WSC Sports, in which NASCAR has been using the WSC Sports platform to quickly ingest and create highlight content from a multitude of video sources. The expansion coincides with NASCAR’s continued brand resurgence and growth the past several years, including increases in unique users, visits and page views inside the NASCAR Mobile app to start 2024.

“We are thrilled to be growing our partnership with NASCAR,” said Aviv Arnon, Chief Business Development Officer at WSC Sports. “Together, WSC Sports and NASCAR have taken initial steps towards giving fans even closer access to racing content and I am certain the path of innovation will continue. For this racing season, fans will be able to connect with their favorite NASCAR drivers on a scale like never before.”

The In-App Stories solution is beneficial for media rights holders like NASCAR in augmenting owned and operated platforms with vertical video content in a seamless, technologically forward way. It allows rights holders to instantly update their website and mobile app to fit fan consumption behaviors driven by other social media platforms. For NASCAR specifically, the In-App Stories SDK paired with WSC Sports’ content automation will allow the league to promote personalized content specific to each driver or what is currently happening in that weekend’s race within dedicated content widgets. In-App Stories bring valuable opportunities for media rights holders to share their content on a more intimate level in a more immersive experience to a global audience while also retaining important user data.

For more information, visit wsc-sports.com and nascar.com.

ABOUT WSC SPORTS:

WSC Sports automates the creation and distribution of highlights for over 450 teams, leagues, federations and broadcast partners across the globe, including the NBA, YouTubeTV, NHL, and Bleacher Report. Utilizing advanced AI technologies, WSC Sports’ proprietary platform analyzes live sports broadcasts, identifies each and every event that occurs in a game, and in real-time creates and publishes customized short-form videos. This enables sports media rights owners to maximize the use of their content, creating new revenue streams and a personalized fan experience on every platform for every type of fan. For more information, visit wsc-sports.com.

ABOUT NASCAR:

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and Snapchat.

NASCAR Driver Chase Briscoe Becomes Brand Ambassador for Fleddermann von Rieste

By
Official Release
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INDIANAPOLIS (April 10, 2024) – Fleddermann von Rieste, an independent Indiana-based watch brand, has partnered with NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Briscoe, with the Mitchell, Indiana-native serving as the first brand ambassador for Fleddermann von Rieste and its growing line of watches.

The partnership with Briscoe includes the launch of a signature watch, designed in collaboration between Fleddermann von Rieste and Briscoe, which is set to launch later in 2024. For more updates regarding product launches and the signature Chase Briscoe watch, please visit vonrieste.com.

“Partnering with Chase was an obvious choice for us,” said Dr. Adam Fleddermann, CEO, Fleddermann von Rieste. “From the early stages of our relationship, it was clear that Chase shares the same Hoosier values and traits that our family and brand values.

“With Chase being our first brand ambassador, we wanted to ensure we got it right on all levels. We believe that with Chase and his family, we’ve found the perfect partner and ambassador for our brand and our family. He is a man of the highest values and integrity, on and off the track, always pursuing a winning path. We’re proud and blessed to welcome Chase Briscoe to the Fleddermann family.”

Briscoe is a third-generation racecar driver who has advanced from winning grassroots dirt track events in his home state of Indiana to competing at the highest level of North American motorsports, the NASCAR Cup Series.

“Being someone who has always been attracted to watches and what they symbolize as not only a tool for keeping time but also a piece of family pride, I was naturally drawn to the Fleddermann von Rieste brand,” Briscoe said. “Their Hoosier heritage and faith-based family approach to business made them a perfect fit for me and the brands I want to represent. The Fleddermann family has already become part of my extended family, and I’m excited to introduce their high-quality products to my fans and the entire racing industry.”

Since he was 13, Briscoe has followed in his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps, racing sprint cars on the rough and tumble bullrings of the Midwest. Briscoe has since expanded his family’s name into NASCAR. After winning the NASCAR Cup Series rookie-of-the-year title in 2021, Briscoe won in just the fourth start of his sophomore season. On March 13, 2022 at Phoenix Raceway, Briscoe took the checkered flag in just his 40th career Cup Series start. The victory secured Briscoe’s place in the NASCAR Playoffs and earned him the honor of being the 200th Cup Series winner in NASCAR history.

“Similar to the same attributes teams put into their cars to win at the top level of our sport, I can respect the incredible attention to detail and overall craftsmanship the Fleddermann von Rieste team puts into every watch they design. The watches they produce are attention-grabbing pieces that you truly want to cherish for generations,” Briscoe said.

“Many don’t realize it, but drivers are constantly on the go, both at home and when we’re traveling to races. A reliable watch, that also looks the part, is important in making sure we stay on time during even the most hectic of race weekends.”

Learn more about Briscoe by visiting vonrieste.com/ambassadors.

About Fleddermann von Rieste:

Fleddermann von Rieste is an independent Indiana-based watch brand that assembles watches with an American Watchmaker and Clockmaker Institute (AWCI) certified watchmaker and his apprentice in Kokomo, Indiana. Arriving in the 1840s, the Fleddermann family is proud of their longstanding Indiana heritage, with their earliest ancestor arriving in Southeastern Indiana from Rieste, Germany. Appreciative of their Indiana and German roots, the family believes in producing attainable luxury timepieces inspired by their ancestry in Germany, produced with passion and skill in their home state of Indiana. Fleddermann von Rieste offers a growing line of watches ranging in styles and pricing from under $500 to $1,600. All have mechanical or automatic movements and have passed the stringent bench testing of AWCI watchmakers before finding a home on your wrist. When you purchase a Fleddermann von Rieste watch, you’re not only purchasing a watch, but also an extension of your personality as you take another step forward on the journey toward your legacy.

RAFA Racing Team Posts Strong Run, Lessons Learned During SRO GT4 European Series Debut

By
Official Release
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Jem Hepworth and Cameron Lawrence Improved 16 Positions During Sunday’s Race, With Jon Lancaster and Rafael Martinez Battling in Pro-Am

Le Castellet, FRANCE (April 10, 2024) – RAFA Racing Team’s debut in the SRO GT4 European Series powered by RAFA Racing Club last week epitomized the team’s concept of “Race As Family Always,” with all parts of the program pulling together to maximize the weekend and carry lessons and momentum into future rounds. Drivers Jem Hepworth, Jon Lancaster, Cameron Lawrence and Rafael Martinez joined the RAFA Racing crew, including technical advisors from Greystone GT, to overcome adversity and find success during the season-opening doubleheader at Circuit Paul Ricard.

RAFA Racing co-drivers Hepworth and Lawrence ended Sunday’s 60-minute race on a high note, improving from 31st on the grid to 15th overall and 13th in the Silver class. Hepworth began the race in the No. 81 RAFA Racing Club McLaren Artura GT4, making her own move through the field. Hepworth was already 22nd overall when the mandatory pitstop window opened, handing the McLaren to Lawrence for his stint.

Lawrence kept up the momentum for the duo, continuing to push forward in a clean run to the checkered flag. Only one additional McLaren in the field finished in a higher position.

That capped a weekend that began with the team in an unfavorable position. When the No. 81 McLaren was found to have a mechanical issue on Thursday, the entire RAFA Racing Team and technical partners Greystone GT went to work, swapping the engine on what should have been a testing day.

That left teammates Jon Lancaster and Rafael Martinez to gather data in the No. 812 RAFA Racing Club McLaren Artura GT4, while at the same time helping Martinez get up to speed for his championship debut in the Pro-Am class. Though Hepworth and Lawrence had their car repaired and ready to go, the compressed time period left them at a disadvantage for Saturday morning’s qualifying.

Lawrence and Lancaster qualified near each other for Saturday’s race, and Lancaster made up several positions on the track with a recovery when the field bunched up into the first turn and he was forced wide and around the outside, though the stewards later assessed an unfortunate time penalty for exceeding track limits. The No. 81 and the No. 812 McLarens ran close together prior to the mandatory pit stop window, holding as many positions as possible inside the top 20 overall and passing the cars to their respective teammates.

Martinez brought the Pro-Am car home on Saturday in 12th after the delayed time penalty, and he and Lancaster combined to finish in the same position on Sunday. In all, it was an impressive leap into a very competitive class for Martinez’ GT4 European Series debut. Hepworth took contact during her Saturday stint after contact and a spin by the cars in front of her, slowing the progress of the No. 81 car and leaving them 19th in the Silver class.

The RAFA Racing Team returns to GT4 European Series powered by RAFA Racing Club action armed with these new lessons, May 17-19 at Misano. Before that, RAFA Racing Team’s four-car Porsche Sprint Challenge North America program is back in action on domestic turf at Barber Motorsports Park, April 26-28.

RAFA Racing Team Quote Board

Cameron Lawrence, Driver, No. 81 McLaren Artura GT4: “Given the weekend was a challenge and we were constantly working on the car we ended up with a very solid result. Race one was rough from the start and obviously didn’t end how we wanted it. But on Sunday, we ended as the second-highest McLaren after starting so far back, which was a great accomplishment for us and the entire team.”

Jem Hepworth, Driver, No. 81 McLaren Artura GT4: “I had a much happier smile on my face on Sunday. The first stint, obviously starting 32nd, I was a little bit on the back foot and literally chipping away each lap and going forward, forward, forward. After the driver change, it was a mega stint for Cameron. He got it back to the top 15 and we couldn’t be happier. I’m glad the weekend ended on a high and I’m looking forward to having a perfect car next time at Misano.”

Jon Lancaster, Driver, No. 812 McLaren Artura GT4: “Big progress from both Rafa and myself in terms of raceability and pace as the event went on. I think we can feel pretty positive about the gains we made over just 48 hours. It’s been some time since I’ve competed in a field like this, but it was a lot of fun and we were ready for it. Can’t wait to get back to it at Misano.”

Rafael Martinez, Driver, No. McLaren Artura GT4: “We had a tough weekend, and the issues we had with the car were trying to figure out the setup and being new to the track on these cars. We’re going to be better prepared for the second round at Misano in a few weeks. We’ll be back and we’ll battle it out again. I’m proud of the whole team at RAFA Racing for the effort that went into this and can’t wait for the next round.”

About RAFA Racing Club:

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

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