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Ed Jones inks three-race Xfinity deal with Sam Hunt Racing in 2024

Photo by Kirk Schroll for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Ed Jones will be joining Sam Hunt Racing to compete in his first three career starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series throughout the 2024 season.

The 29-year-old Jones from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, who has competed under both Emirati and British licenses, will make his first Xfinity start of the season and of his career at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on March 23, where he will pilot a Toyota GR Supra entry for Sam Hunt Racing. He will then return for back-to-back series’ starts at Portland International Raceway and at Sonoma Raceway in early June.

The news comes as Jones spent this past season competing for High Class Racing in the Le Mans Prototype 2 class in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, where he ended up in sixth place in the final standings after finishing in the top 10 in all seven class starts. He also made his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series career start with Young’s Motorsports at Circuit of the Americas last March, where he ended up in 36th place.

“I’m really excited to be joining Sam Hunt Racing and Toyota Racing Development for my Xfinity Series debut and to compete in multiple races this season,” Jones said. “After spending time with Sam’s crew and the Toyota team, I have a lot of confidence in the program. I feel confident that we will be able to achieve some strong results.”

Jones, who grew up competing in karting and achieved the 2005 United Arab Emirates karting title before advancing to InterSteps and Formula Renault, achieved the European F3 Open title in 2013. Three years later, he claimed the Indy Lights championship on the strength of two victories and eight podiums throughout the 18-race schedule while driving for Carlin.

Beginning in 2017, Jones graduated to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, where he first competed with Dale Coyne Racing and achieved his maiden podium result by finishing third during the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A year later, he joined Chip Ganassi Racing, where he recorded two third-place results and eight top-10 results before ending up in a career-best 13th place in the final standings. He would then join Ed Carpenter Racing for the following season, where he competed on all streets and road course events along with making his third career start in the Indianapolis 500. In 13 starts, he recorded a season-best sixth-place finish at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in May.

Jones, who was initially set to compete in the DTM series for the 2020 season before the COVID-19 pandemic restricted his traveling plans, returned to IndyCar competition in 2021, where he joined forces with Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser-Sullivan. After recording three top-10 results and ending up in 19th place in the final standings, he then spent the 2022 season competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship region and in the 24 Hours of Daytona for G-Drive Racing by APR in the Le Mans Prototype 2 class. He also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he achieved a podium result in the form of third place in the Le Mans Prototype 2 class with Jota Sport.

“I’m looking forward to implementing Ed into our program at [Sam Hunt Racing], beginning at [Circuit of the Americas],” Sam Hunt, owner of Sam Hunt Racing, added. “He’s a super smart, mature guy who is hungry to build a career in NASCAR over the next couple of years, and to build it the right way. He’s professional and has raced at very high levels in INDYCAR and Sports cars. We’re excited to tackle the learning curve of competing in stock cars with him, and we know he will only get stronger and stronger with experience.”

Jones is set to become the fourth competitor to compete for Sam Hunt Racing throughout the 2024 Xfinity Series season, a list that includes Jeffrey Earnhardt, Corey Heim and Sage Karam. The remainder of Sam Hunt Racing’s driver lineup throughout this season remains to be determined.

Ed Jones’ first start in the NASCAR Xfinity Series is set to occur at Circuit of the Americas for the Focused Health 250. The event is scheduled to occur on March 23 and air at 5 p.m. ET on FS1.

Toyota Racing – Weekly Preview – 03.06.24

This Week in Motorsports: March 4 – March 10, 2024

· NCS/NXS/ARCA: Phoenix Raceway – March 8-10
· NHRA: Gainesville Raceway – March 8-10

PLANO, Texas (March 6, 2024) – NASCAR stays out west this weekend as the Cup, Xfinity and ARCA Menards Series compete at Phoenix Raceway. NHRA kicks off its 2024 season with the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida.

NASCAR National Series – NCS | NXS

Toyota Cup Series drivers off to solid starts in 2024 … Through three races of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, seven of the eight full-time Toyota Camry XSE drivers are inside the top 16 in the points standings. Leading the charge is Martin Truex Jr., who is third in the standings after his best finish (seventh) of the young season last weekend. Truex is joined by teammates Ty Gibbs (ninth) and Denny Hamlin (tenth), along with fellow Toyota drivers: Tyler Reddick (12th), Bubba Wallace (14th), Erik Jones (15th) and John Hunter Nemechek (16th) in the top 16.

Gibbs making hay in 2024 … The beginning of Gibbs’ sophomore campaign has been a strong one, with consecutive top-10s at Atlanta and Sunday in Las Vegas – where he tied his career-best finish of fifth. The 21-year-old is currently ninth in the Cup Series points heading into Phoenix, where he captured the Xfinity Series title in 2022.

Nemechek returns to favorable Phoenix … Once again driving double duty in the Cup Series and Xfinity Series this weekend, Nemechek is back at Phoenix Raceway where he’s garnered success in his young career. The 26-year-old has 12 top-10s in 19 total starts at Phoenix across NASCAR’s three national series. Nemechek comes into the weekend with a ton of momentum after capturing the Xfinity Series win at Las Vegas last Saturday.

Smith leading Supra stable … Chandler Smith is off to a strong start in 2024 with Joe Gibbs Racing. The driver of the No. 81 Toyota GR Supra is one of two drivers who have finished in the top-five in each of the first three Xfinity Series races this year. Smith will make his third start at Phoenix this weekend, where he’s finished in the top-10 both of his previous starts.

Creed looks to continue strong Phoenix runs … Smith’s Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Sheldon Creed, has also had strong performances at Phoenix Raceway. The No. 18 GR Supra driver comes into the weekend with three consecutive top-10s at Phoenix, including top-fives in both races last season. A similar finish for Creed would be momentous as he sits just outside the top five in the Xfinity Series points standings.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA Menards Series + ARCA Menards Series West

Robusto, Ruggiero make ARCA debuts … Toyota Development Drivers, Isabella Robusto and Gio Ruggiero, will both make their highly anticipated ARCA Menards Series debuts this weekend. The ARCA Menards Series is one of several categories the 19-year-old Robusto is competing in this season, along with Late Models and GT4 sports car events. Ruggiero will also continue Late Model competition, along with his quest for an ARCA Menards Series East title this season and starts in several ARCA Menards Series races. The two will be teammates for Venturini Motorsports as Robusto will pilot the No. 55 Toyota Camry and Ruggiero will drive the No. 20 Camry.

NHRA – Top Fuel | Funny Car

Kalitta begins title defense … Four months after his dramatic final round run to claim the 2023 Top Fuel championship, Doug Kalitta returns to competition in 2024 to defend his title. The 59-year-old is already riding momentum heading into the Gatornationals after claiming victory in the inaugural Pro Superstar Shootout in February.

Billy Torrence begins first full-time campaign … Long-time drag racer, Billy Torrence, begins his first full-time season in NHRA Top Fuel at Gainesville this weekend, piloting a second Toyota Top Fuel dragster for Torrence Racing. The 63-year-old Texan has eight career Top Fuel victories and 12 final round appearances.

Thirtieth season for Capps … Twenty twenty-four will be the 30th season of professional racing for GR Supra Funny Car driver, Ron Capps. Over the course of his stellar career, Capps has captured 75 Funny Car victories and has made 145 final round appearances, along with three Funny Car world championships.

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.

NTT INDYCAR SERIES Unveils New Hype Spot To Open Season

‘All American’ Star Michael Evans Behling Voices 2024 Thematic Scene Setter

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, March 6, 2024) – The NTT INDYCAR SERIES offers the most dynamic, competitive and challenging racing in motorsport, and its new promotional video brings all of the action, drama and intrigue to audiences as the new season prepares to launch this weekend.

Narrated by actor and INDYCAR fan Michael Evans Behling, “Any Given Race Day” serves as a thematic scene-setter for the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, focusing on the hyper-unpredictability of race day while showcasing some of the series’ established stars, emerging contenders and fresh-faced newcomers.

SEE: “Any Given Race Day” Video

“Any Given Race Day” will run across digital and social platforms leading into Sunday’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding as part of a multichannel national media campaign.

INDYCAR conceptualized and developed the spot internally and will partner with EchoPoint Media, an Indianapolis agency, as a paid media partner.

Evans Behling is an Indiana native who stars on the long-running hit show “All American,” which begins its sixth season on The CW this spring.

Live coverage of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding begins at noon ET Sunday, March 10 on NBC, Peacock, Telemundo Deportes en Universo and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

JR Motorsports — NXS Phoenix Preview

JR Motorsports Team Preview
TRACK – Phoenix Raceway (1-mile oval)
NXS RACE – Call 811.com Every Dig. Every time. 200 (200 laps / 200 miles)
TUNE IN – FS1, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 4:30 p.m. (EST)

Sam Mayer
No. 1 Tire Pros Chevrolet
Mayer 2024 NXS Stats
Starts: 3
Wins: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 0
Laps Led: 0
Avg. Finish: 28.3
Points: 24th

Sam Mayer heads back to Phoenix Raceway this weekend after coming off his best finish at the desert oval (fifth) in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship event last fall.

Saturday afternoon’s race in the “Valley of the Sun” will be the young 20-year-old’s sixth start at the 1-mile oval.

In 22 starts on tracks measuring 1-2 miles in length, the Franklin, Wis. native had tallied his first victory on an oval (Homestead-Miami 2023), 13 top-five and 22 career top-10 efforts.

Mayer is rolling in with another fresh paint scheme as he carries the black-and-red colors of returning partner, Tire Pros, their first race of the 2024 season.

Sam Mayer

“Phoenix is a fun track for me to run and I am ready to be those couple spots better for sure. Last week was super-tough not being able to get the laps to show the speed we had but I know this No. 1 team has worked really hard to give me a great race car we will show our strength this week and bounce back to get the momentum on our side.”

Justin Allgaier
No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet
Allgaier 2024 NXS Stats
Starts: 3
Wins: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 2
Laps Led: 18
Avg. Finish: 15.3
Points: 8th

Justin Allgaier has placed third or better in two of the last three events in the “Valley of the Sun,” including a third-place finish in the 2023 season finale.

Overall, in 27 starts in Phoenix, Allgaier has scored two wins, 10 top fives, 18 top 10s and 544 laps led. Allgaier’s 18 top-10s rank first among all tracks he has competed on in the NXS, while his 544 laps led rank second overall, trailing only Bristol Motor Speedway.

Allgaier first visited Victory Lane at the 1-mile oval in this event in 2017 before returning in the fall of 2019.

Five of Allgaier’s 23 career victories have come on tracks 1-mile in length, including the aforementioned two at Phoenix, two at Dover Motor Speedway and one at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Justin Allgaier

“I always enjoy coming back to Phoenix, and this spring race has become such an important race as we look deeper into the season and to what is at stake when we are here in the fall. I know that Jim (Pohlman, crew chief) and everyone on this BRANDT Professional Agriculture team will give me a strong car this weekend that will be capable of running up front and contending for the win. Hopefully we can avoid any trouble out there and be right where we want to be at the checkered flag.”

Sammy Smith
No. 8 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet
Smith 2024 NXS Stats
Starts: 3
Wins: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 2
Laps Led: 6
Avg. Finish: 13.7
Points: 9th

Sammy Smith’s first career NXS win came at Phoenix in this race last year after starting 11th and leading 92 laps.

Of Smith’s three starts in the last two years at Phoenix, he has finished inside the top-10 each time, with an average finish of 6.7.”

Smith has led 113 laps at the “Valley of the Sun” throughout the last two seasons.

On tracks measuring 1-mile or less, Smith has earned one victory, three top-fives and seven top-10 results in just 10 starts.

Sammy Smith

“I am pumped about going back to Phoenix where I secured my first Xfinity Series win last year. There are a lot of good memories there and I’m looking forward to getting back there with my new team and seeing what we can do with the Pilot Flying J Chevrolet.”

Brandon Jones
No. 9 Menards / Franklin-Little Giant Chevrolet
Jones 2024 NXS Stats
Starts: 3
Wins: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 2
Laps Led: 0
Avg. Finish: 10.7
Points: 10th

In 36 starts on tracks measuring 1 mile in length in the NXS, Jones has recorded one win, four top-five and 14 top-10 finishes, while leading the field for 176 laps.

In his last five trips to the 1-mile oval Jones has had one top-five and two top-10’s with an average finish of 10.8

Jones’ lone win at Phoenix came in this race in 2020, where he crossed the finish line more than 3.5 seconds ahead of the second-place car.

Little Giant Pumps will adorn the hood of the No. 9 car this weekend. It will be both its first appearance on the No. 9 car and the first for the company in NASCAR.

Brandon Jones

“I’ve run really well at Phoenix in the past and I know we will have a fast Menards/Little Giant Chevrolet, so hopefully, we can get there this weekend and be competing for the win at the end. We’ve been fast all year, but just don’t have the finishes to show for it. This weekend we are determined to turn that around.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Phoenix Raceway: JR Motorsports has competed at Phoenix Raceway a combined 100 times in the NXS. In those starts at the 1-mile oval, the organization has recorded four wins, 26 top-fives and 53 top-10s. The average finish is 12.9. The most recent trip to Victory Lane at Phoenix was in March 2022 with Noah Gragson.

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, March 9 from 9:05 a.m. to 9:35 a.m. MST.

TOP FUEL DRIVER AND REALITY TV STAR JORDAN VANDERGRIFF SET TO JOIN NHRA ON FOX TEAM

INDIANAPOLIS (March 6, 2024) – Top Fuel driver and reality television star Jordan Vandergriff will be part of the NHRA on FOX team as a reporter for select events during the upcoming 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

The season opens at this weekend’s 55th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway and Vandergriff will be in attendance, engaging the audience during the FS1 broadcast and on the NHRA social media pages.

Qualifying coverage begins Saturday at 12 p.m. and FS1 coverage kicks off the season that night with a special Pep Boys Top Fuel All-Star Callout broadcast at 7 p.m. ET. Qualifying coverage continues Sunday with a recap show on FS1 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. ET, followed by live eliminations coverage of the first two rounds from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. ET. Final round coverage will conclude on FS1 Sunday night from 9-10:30 p.m. ET with semifinal and final round coverage.

Vandergriff made his Top Fuel debut in 2019, racing at 11 events and advancing to one final round in Dallas. The young standout also participated in a pair of popular television reality shows, and was a star of season 19 of The Bachelorette and season 9 of Bachelor in Paradise.

“This is a great opportunity for me to stay involved in the sport and I’m looking forward to working with NHRA on FOX and NHRA social media teams,” Vandergriff said. “The television side of things has always been a passion of mine, and this is a fantastic chance to learn that side of the sport and be a part of a great team, both on the television and social media side. Hopefully, it can help create some added exposure for our sport and keep me close to the action on the racing side as well.”

Vandergriff has a strong following on social media extending beyond drag racing, with 80 percent of his followers under the age of 34. As a NHRA on FOX reporter, Vandergriff will be in the middle of the action on the starting line and in the pits, delivering unique aspects of the race weekend, while also providing content on NHRA’s standout social media channels.

“Having active racers who can draw on their experience in the car is an important aspect of our broadcast and we’re thrilled to welcome Jordan to our team,” said Steve Reintjes, NHRA Vice President of Broadcasting. “We’ve got a tremendous NHRA on FOX team and it will be great to integrate Jordan into our current group of standout talents. He’s had on-track success and his visibility and following outside the racing universe adds another exciting aspect to having him on the team.”

In Gainesville, Mike Salinas (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Troy Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won the Gatornationals in 2023, while Josh Hart is the defending winner of the Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout. This weekend, fans will also see action in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+ and Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown.

To purchase tickets to the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. Get your tickets now for the Top Eliminator Club before they sell out. For more info on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

For more info on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.


About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

Headquartered in San Dimas, Calif., NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 21 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

SUNNYD® Racing: Josh Berry Phoenix Advance

JOSH BERRY
Phoenix Advance
No. 4 SUNNYD® Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Event Overview

● Event: Shriners Children’s 500k (Round 4 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, March 10
● Location: Phoenix Raceway
● Layout: 1-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 312 laps/312 miles (502 kilometers)
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 60 laps / Stage 2: 125 laps / Final Stage: 127 laps
● TV/Radio: FOX / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Josh Berry takes on the second leg of the West Coast swing Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, where he’ll be bringing back the bright colors of SUNNYD to his No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart-Haas Racing for his second career NASCAR Cup Series start at the desert mile oval. The 33-year-old rookie has five NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Phoenix, which resulted in one top-five finish, three top-10s, an average starting position of 9.6 and an average finishing position of 13.2. He finished outside the top-15 just once in Xfinity Series competition at Phoenix. His lone Cup Series start came last March, when he was subbing for an injured Chase Elliott. He started that race 17th and finished 10th.

● Berry and his fellow Cup Series competitors tackled the first intermediate track on the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule last Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – the site of Berry’s second career Xfinity Series win in 2021. The Tennessee native qualified 26th last weekend after battling record-high winds in the Las Vegas area and got to work making up ground throughout the 400-mile event to finish 20th. He arrives at Phoenix second in the rookie standings, 11 points behind leader Carson Hocevar.

● Crew chief Rodney Childers heads to Phoenix Raceway this weekend with Berry and the No. 4 team for his 35th race as the shot caller in the NASCAR Cup Series with a deep history of success at the desert mile oval. The veteran crew chief has amassed an impressive five wins and 12 top-five finishes (all with retired Stewart-Haas driver Kevin Harvick), 23 top-10s (19 with Harvick, and two each with drivers Mark Martin and David Reutimann), and three pole positions (one with Harvick, two with Martin). Childers and Harvick scored top-10 finishes in all 19 of their starts together at Phoenix, from March 2014 through last November, for an average finish of 4.32 across those starts.

● While Phoenix is not considered a short track, the driving style on the mile oval requires a finesse similar to that of most short tracks the NASCAR Cup Series visits. Berry, a renowned short-track racer during his days driving for Dale Earnhardt Jr., as part of the JR Motorsports Late Model program, amassed an impressive 95 victories in his 262 starts with the team, with 189 top-fives and 219 top-10s. Berry was also the NASCAR Weekly Series champion in 2020, finishing every race but one inside the top-10 that season.

● The No. 4 team brings back the sun for Sunday’s race in the Valley of the Sun. The team will sport the vibrant orange and blue colors of SUNNYD, the most refreshing orange drink in existence, on Berry’s Ford Mustang Dark Horse. SUNNYD debuted with the team at the non-points Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum in Los Angeles and the season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

Josh Berry, Driver of the No. 4 SUNNYD Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Heading to Phoenix – a place where you’ve had success in the Xfinity Series and where your crew chief, Rodney Childers, has had 19-consecutive top-10s – what are the expectations of the No. 4 team knowing there is a wealth of success within the team?

“It’s exciting for starters. It’s one of the tracks we have circled on our calendar to see how we stack up and it’s just a fun race for me. Obviously, Kevin (Harvick) was phenomenal there – I think it was his best track statistically – so it’s going to be hard to match that right off the bat. What it has given me is a lot to study and learn from so, hopefully, I can apply those things when we get there. I feel good about all of those parts and my team’s preparation and progress we have made. We just have to go out there and execute and I don’t see a reason we can’t leave Phoenix with a top-10 under our belt too.”​

You made a NASCAR Cup Series start with Hendrick Motorsports least year at Phoenix and notched a top-10 finish. How was the Cup Series car different than the Xfinity car?
“There’s a number of things that are so different mechanically that they are just so different to drive and learn and I think that is the biggest thing. The competition is so tough in the Cup Series, so it means a lot to go finish in the top-10 when I made that start. It was a big challenge having to jump between the Cup car and the Xfinity car, but getting that finish in Phoenix was a big deal and something we were all proud of.”​

You’re currently second in the rookie of the year standings. Has your goal or mindset shifted after the first three races to climb the ladder and earn more points?

“I think the goal of rookie of the year is still a viable option. I think getting through the first three races was a good test for where we are and I think we saw a lot of potential there to get better. We know where we need to improve and get better in the places we talk about day in and day out to execute. The biggest thing we’re focused on is executing our days and I know that in time, the finishes will improve because this is a strong group. We’re getting better and learning more about each other every day.”​

You’ve got a new rules package at Phoenix – a simplified rear diffuser and a higher rear spoiler – what do you know about it and what are your expectations of how it will change the racing?

“I’m not really sure. I wasn’t a part of any of the testing or data gathering during the off-season to really understand how it will change. I think that from my side of things, I haven’t put too much thought into that in general. I think Phoenix, from a driver’s standpoint, is till going to be Phoenix and it’s going to require the same thoughts and techniques that it would in most all of the cars that will race there. For me, I just want to be the most prepared as I can be and let Rodney and the No. 4 group figure out the rules and build the car.”​

The restarts at Phoenix can get a little crazy – how do you manage your level of aggression and your positioning on the track, especially late in the race?

“It’s hard and so much can happen that is out of your control. The biggest thing for me is to study those restarts and see which moves are good and which aren’t. Not every restart is going to be perfect, especially if you’re in the pack, but it’s just important to have the right mentality about making those moves and also keeping your car clean, especially early in the race.”​

No. 4 SUNNYD Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Josh Berry

Hometown: Hendersonville, Tennessee

Crew Chief: Rodney Childers

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Car Chief: Robert “Cheddar” Smith

Hometown: Whitewater, Wisconsin

Engineer: Dax Gerringer

Hometown: Gibsonville, North Carolina

Engineer: Billy Kuebler

Hometown: Saline, Michigan

Spotter: Eddie D’Hondt

Hometown: Levittown, New York

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Daniel Coffey

Hometown: Granite Falls, North Carolina

Rear Tire Changer: Daniel Smith

Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Jeremy Howard

Hometown: Delhart, Texas

Jack Man: Brandon Banks

Hometown: High Point, North Carolina

Fuel Man: Evan Marchal

Hometown: Westfield, Indiana

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Tyler Trosper

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Mechanic: Chris Capaldi

Hometown: Armada, Michigan

Tire Specialist: Zac Lupien

Hometown: Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Engine Tuner: Robert Brandt

Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

Transporter Co-Driver: Jake Zierhoffer

Hometown: Billerica, Massachusetts

Transporter Co-Driver: Stephen Mitchell

Hometown: Woodville, Ohio

Triton and Xforce win iF DESIGN AWARD 2024

TOKYO, Mar 6, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that the all-new Triton(1) – a one-ton pickup truck – and the all-new Xforce compact SUV have won the iF DESIGN AWARD 2024 in the product design discipline(2).

Mitsubishi Motors offers fulfilling mobility lifestyles that awaken the adventurous spirit of drivers and provide excitement for everyone on board. The company is committed to providing customers with reliability and excitement by pursuing its core values of dynamic strength, robustness and authenticity backed by function, and thereby creating design that evolve with the times.

Identifying outstanding design for 70 years, the iF DESIGN AWARD is one of the world’s most prestigious design awards organized by iF International Forum Design GmbH based in Hannover, Germany. For the iF DESIGN AWARD 2024, around 11,000 entries submitted from 72 countries were judged by a jury of 132 international design experts based on five criteria – idea, form, function, differentiation and impact.

“We are truly honored to receive one of the most distinguished design awards in the world for the two all-new models we launched this fiscal year,” said Seiji Watanabe, division general manager of design, Mitsubishi Motors. “I believe each model was recognized for expressing its own character in a unique form – the Triton shows a daring expression, and the Xforce adopts an agile look – while also combining robustness, which is typical of Mitsubishi Motors’ design. This award will become our driving force in introducing the Triton and the Xforce to even more customers.”

All-new Triton

The all-new Triton is a one-ton pickup truck which traces its roots to the Forte introduced in 1978. Since then, about 5.7 million units have been produced over five generations and sold in approximately 150 countries around the world, making it Mitsubishi Motors’ global strategic model.

Based on the Beast Mode design concept, the all-new Triton expresses toughness and strength expected of a pickup truck, while at the same time demonstrating an imposing look with ruggedness and agility. The interior features a robust, horizontally themed instrument panel that allows drivers to easily see changes in the position of the vehicle while driving. The dials and switches can be operated with ease even when wearing gloves, and the steering wheel, grips and door handles are designed with a focus on grip comfort and sturdiness.

iF DESIGN AWARD website https://ifdesign.com/en/winner-ranking/project/mitsubishi-triton/643331
Special website https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/products/triton

All-new Xforce

The all-new Xforce is a compact SUV that provides comfort and practicality including a spacious cabin and versatile storage spaces well-balanced in a maneuverable, compact body size, as well as offering road handling that allows safe, secure ride in various weather or road conditions.

Based on the design concept of Silky & Solid, the upper part of the body expresses an airy silkiness, while the lower part of the body adopts solid and powerful proportions, creating a stylish yet robust, authentic SUV styling. Inside, a sophisticated interior with a cutting-edge feel is created by integrating a 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio and a digital driver display into a large monolithic display panel.

iF DESIGN AWARD website https://ifdesign.com/en/winner-ranking/project/mitsubishi-xforce/643198
Special website https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/products/xforce/

(1) The Triton is sold as the L200 in some markets.
(2) The winners of the iF DESIGN AWARD are selected in nine disciplines which include product design, packaging design, communication design, interior architecture, professional concept, service design, architecture, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI).

About Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE:7211) —a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan—, is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has about 30,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities around the world. Mitsubishi Motors has a competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and appeals to ambitious drivers willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation. Since the production of our first vehicle more than a century ago, Mitsubishi Motors has been a leader in electrification—launched the i-MiEV –the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, followed by the Outlander PHEV –the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric SUV in 2013.For more information on Mitsubishi Motors, please visit the company’s website at https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/

News URL: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/89381/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/MitsubishiMotors.en | Twitter : https://twitter.com/mitsucars?lang=en | Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/user/MitsubishiMotorsAd | Linkedin : https://ph.linkedin.com/company/mitsubishi-motors |

TMC Strengthens Battery Production Capabilities

Toyota accelerates mass production of diverse EV batteries by making PEVE a wholly owned subsidiary

Toyota City, Japan, Mar 6, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has agreed with Panasonic Holdings Corporation (Panasonic HD) to make Primearth EV Energy Co., Ltd. (PEVE) a wholly owned subsidiary in order to strengthen its capabilities in mass-producing automotive batteries. The acquisition is scheduled to take place in late March.

Among Toyota-affiliated companies, currently PEVE, Toyota Industries Corporation, and Prime Planet Energy & Solutions, Inc. (ownership: Toyota 51%, Panasonic HD 49%) mass produce batteries for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), with the latter also making batteries for battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Toyota will continue collaborating with these companies in battery mass production and development.

In addition to HEV batteries, PEVE plans to begin producing batteries for BEVs and PHEVs. The company’s shift into mass-producing a wide variety of electric vehicle batteries will enable Toyota to respond flexibly to growing battery demand, while also helping to further boost mass-production competitiveness.

More competitive batteries will enhance the appeal of Toyota’s electric vehicle offerings and contribute to achieving carbon neutrality through a multi-pathway approach.

News URL: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/89380/

URL: https://plus.google.com/+toyotaglobal | Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/ToyotaMotorCorporation/ | Twitter : https://twitter.com/TOYOTA_PR/ | Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/user/toyotajpchannel/ | Linkedin : https://linkedin.com/company/toyota |

What Are The Different Types of Bearing?

Bearings are mechanical components used to reduce friction between moving parts of machinery, facilitating smooth and efficient operation. Essential in various applications, from automotive to industrial machinery, bearings support rotary or linear movement while handling stress and reducing wear.

https://nyzbearing.com/ is a website that gives more information on bearings and their applications. 

Different Types of Bearings

Bearings are machine elements that allow components to move relative to each other with minimal friction. They are crucial in reducing wear between moving parts and can significantly enhance the efficiency and lifespan of machinery. Bearings come in various types, each designed for specific applications and load types. Here’s an overview of the different types of bearings:

  1. Ball Bearings: The most common type of bearings, ball bearings, use balls to maintain the separation between the bearing races. They can handle both radial and axial loads and are used in a wide range of applications, from electric motors to skateboards.
  2. Roller Bearings: Roller bearings use cylindrical rollers instead of balls, which increases the contact area with the races. This design allows them to carry heavier loads than ball bearings. They are particularly effective for radial loads.
  3. Tapered Roller Bearings: These bearings have tapered rollers arranged so that they converge towards a single point on the bearing axis. This design allows them to efficiently handle combined axial and radial loads. They are commonly used in car hubs and gearboxes.
  4. Needle Roller Bearings: Similar to roller bearings but with slender and long rollers. Needle roller bearings are used in applications where space is limited and high load capacity is required.
  5. Spherical Roller Bearings: These bearings have rollers that are thick in the middle and thinner at the ends; the outer ring has a spherical shape. This design allows for angular misalignment of the shaft. They are used in applications where misalignment might occur, such as in conveyor belt rollers.
  6. Self-aligning Ball Bearings: These bearings have two rows of balls and a common sphered raceway in the outer ring, allowing for angular misalignment. They are suitable for applications where misalignment might arise from errors in mounting or from shaft deflection.
  7. Thrust Bearings: Designed to accommodate axial loads, thrust bearings come in ball and roller types. They are commonly used in automotive, marine, and aerospace applications where the primary load is parallel to the shaft.
  8. Angular Contact Ball Bearings: These bearings are designed so that a contact angle between the races and the balls enables them to support significant axial loads in one direction in addition to radial loads. They are often used in pairs to support loads in both axial directions.
  9. Pillow Block Bearings: These are a type of mounted bearing used to provide load support for a rotating shaft. The bearing is housed in a casting that also includes a mounting mechanism, making them easy to install.
  10. Sleeve Bearings (Bushings): Sleeve bearings are simple in design and involve a sliding motion between the moving surface and the bearing itself. They can be made from various materials, including metal, plastic, and composite materials. They are used in applications where high loads and low speed are present.

How to Select the Right Bearing

Selecting the right bearing for your application is crucial to ensuring optimal performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to select the appropriate bearing:

  1. Understand the Application Requirements
  • Load Type and Direction: Identify whether the primary loads are radial, axial (thrust), or a combination of both. This determines the type of bearing you’ll need (e.g., deep groove ball bearings for radial loads, thrust bearings for axial loads).
  • Load Magnitude: Consider the weight and forces the bearing will need to support. Heavier loads may require roller bearings, which have higher load capacities than ball bearings.
  • Speed Requirements: High-speed applications may benefit from bearings designed for minimal friction and heat generation, such as precision ball bearings.
  • Precision and Rigidity: For applications requiring high precision and rigidity, such as machine tool spindles, select bearings that offer tight tolerances and support for axial and radial loads.
  1. Consider Environmental Conditions
  • Temperature: Bearings operate in a range of temperatures. High temperatures may require bearings made from materials that can withstand thermal expansion and maintain their properties.
  • Contamination and Moisture: In environments prone to dust, moisture, or corrosive substances, sealed or shielded bearings can protect against contaminants.
  • Vibration and Shock: Applications subject to vibration and shock loads need robust bearings that can maintain performance under such conditions.
  1. Evaluate Bearing Life and Reliability
  • Service Life: Calculate the expected life of the bearing using the application’s load and speed conditions. Bearing manufacturers often provide life calculation formulas or tools.
  • Maintenance and Replacement: Consider the ease of maintenance and replacement. Bearings in hard-to-reach places may benefit from longer-lasting, maintenance-free options.

Conclusion 

Bearings are pivotal in the world of machinery, providing smooth operation and longevity to various applications. From ball bearings to specialty designs like magnetic bearings, understanding the different types and their applications is crucial for optimal performance and durability. Maintenance, technology, and correct selection play significant roles in maximizing the efficiency and lifespan of bearings. For more information on bearings and their applications, visit nyzbearing.com.

3D Printing Revolutionizes The Automotive Industry

The invention of 3D printers has been a game changer for the manufacturing industry. This technology, which has changed the business world, has created a level playing field for all businesses of different scales and sizes. Entrepreneurs, especially in the automotive sector, are taking advantage of this to provide innovative and cost-effective solutions to consumers. Aside from shaping the business ecosystem, additive manufacturing also influences the designs of tomorrow’s cars. Looking around, you will notice the growing number of complex and futuristic car designs. 

This is only possible because of the creative freedom additive manufacturing provides innovators. With this freedom in creativity, additive manufacturing’s influence is set to grow exponentially in the coming years. To understand other aspects of the influential control of 3D printing in the auto sector, continue reading.

Additive Manufacturing Will Continue Influencing These Key Areas

Here are areas in which 3D printing will play a crucial role in the future of the automotive industry.

Logistics Management 

Logistics have always created bottlenecks in the automotive industry. This challenge was extensively felt during the COVID-19 lockdown when major suppliers couldn’t meet growing demands. This disrupted the automobile space due to the lack of in-house production capacity. To achieve future industrial sustainability, the automotive industry must tackle its supply chain problems. To effectively do this, the full adoption of additive manufacturing must be required. Automakers can reduce shipping, tooling, and production costs with additive manufacturing.

Automobile Repair And Maintenance

The growing number of car owners is projected to lead to exponential growth in car maintenance and repairs. If the traditional manufacturing means are not replaced, car maintenance might outpace the cost of buying a car. This can be avoided by implementing 3d printing techniques in the production of car components. With this technique, 3D objects for vintage cars can be produced on demand. Such a production model eliminates the need for a large inventory and promotes business sustainability. When automobile parts are produced using 3d printers, they tend to be accurate, durable, and efficient in their operation.

Material Selection

Materials used in additive manufacturing are usually made from reinforced carbon fiber polymers. These types of polymers are lightweight and, under the right temperature, can be modeled into any shape and size. Using this material in traditional car manufacturing is difficult, expensive, and not always suitable. When lightweight materials are used in 3D production, the car’s efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness improve. 

Optimization In Design And Performance

Additive manufacturing is set to play a crucial role in the design of complex futuristic cars. This is because, using this production technique, car makers can produce realistic objects from their imagination. They also have the freedom to optimize the performance of existing cars effectively by eliminating and introducing various parts. This design and performance optimization also helps create a competitive balance between the car’s weight, strength, speed, and endurance.

Conclusion

The influence of 3D printing in the automobile space will continue to grow with the development of technology. This development will lead to improved car material selection and efficient logistics management.