MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 29, 2024) – Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse kick off the West Coast Swing this weekend at the Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway.
Gilliland comes into Vegas after showing a strong performance at the Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway, leading not only the race-high, but a career-high 58 laps. It is the most laps a Front Row Motorsports car has led in 1,304 starts at the Cup level. Gilliland also leads the Cup Series in laps led with 74. Gilliland will be making his fifth start looking to improve on his average finish of 26.5 at the track.
Track activity will begin with practice and qualifying on Saturday, March 2nd at 2:00 p.m. ET. The 400-mile event will take place Sunday, March 3rd at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be televised live on FOX. Fans can also listen in on the action live from Sirius XM and the Performance Racing Network.
No. 38 gener8tor Ford Mustang Dark Horse:
DRIVER TODD GILLILAND:
“Atlanta definitely seems like a missed opportunity, but it’s in the past. I’m confident Ryan (Bergenty) and the team will bring me a fast gener8tor Ford Mustang Dark Horse. We’ve shown that we have the speed, but just have to execute. Vegas in my eyes is the first true race where at Daytona and Atlanta, is just such a gamble with drafting and the usual superspeedway chaos.”
CREW CHIEF RYAN BERGENTY:
“It’s frustrating we weren’t there at the end at Atlanta, but we still came out of the race with some stage points and respect. Todd (Gilliland) wasn’t up front out of coincidence, he controlled the race and showed that he belongs up there. I’m proud of him and this team and I’m confident that we will leave Vegas with a solid result.”
ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS
Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series team from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.
TEAM CHEVY IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES 2024 TEAM PREVIEW
The Drive for a Ninth V6 Era NTT INDYCAR SERIES Manufacturers Championship Starts in St. Petersburg
Chevrolet looks to achieve its ninth NTT INDYCAR SERIES Manufacturers Championship in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era since 2012, starting at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 9-10, 2024.
2024 marks Chevrolet’s 13th consecutive season as a V6 engine supplier in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
The 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule sees new challenges and returning favorites, including the addition of the $1 Million Challenge at The Thermal Club early in the season, as well as the Milwaukee Mile Labor Day weekend. Additionally, Laguna Seca shifts to April, while Nashville will conclude the season in late September on the oval at Nashville Superspeedway.
The Bowtie brand aims to defend and add to 12 Indianapolis 500 victories at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including five in the 2.2-liter V6 twin turbo direct injected era since 2012.
St. Petersburg will be Chevrolet’s 200th V6 era race for since returning to the series in 2012.
Team Chevy looks to add to 111 total wins, 127 earned NTT P1 pole awards (with 132 total pole awards), and 308 podiums in the V6 era since 2012.
Chevrolet achieved five wins, six earned pole awards, 24 podium finishes, and led 1,233 of the 2,258 laps during the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.
DETROIT (February 29, 2024) – Chevrolet enters the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season defending their eighth Manufacturers Cup of the 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era, amassing 111 total wins, seven driver championships, five Indianapolis 500 victories, 127 earned NTT P1 Pole Awards and 308 podium finishes since 2012.
Entering St. Petersburg as the season-opening event for the 2024 season, Chevrolet will take to the track for the 200th time in the V6 era at the upcoming Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in St. Petersburg, Fla.
The 2023 season saw Chevrolet sweeping the ovals in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, including victories at Texas Motor Speedway, the prestigious 107th Indianapolis 500, both events at Iowa Speedway’s doubleheader by Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden. Scott McLaughlin, Newgarden’s teammate at Team Penske, also claimed victory at Barber Motorsports Park for the Bowtie brand. Additionally, Chevrolet drivers and teams finished on the podium 24 times last year, bringing the total podium finishes for the Bowtie brand to 308 in the V6 era since 2012.
Team Chevy drivers and teams also led the NTT INDYCAR SERIES field to the green flag six times in 2023, including earning the NTT P1 Pole Award at Texas (Felix Rosenqvist), Iowa 1 and 2 (Will Power), Nashville (Scott McLaughlin), World Wide Technology Raceway (Scott McLaughlin) and Laguna Seca (Felix Rosenqvist).
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Chevrolet will pace the NTT INDYCAR SERIES field to the green flag this year in 10 events at six tracks starting with the Sonsio Grand Prix on Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Road Course. The Bowtie brand will then pace the historic 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 before heading north for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, then on to Road America. Chevrolet will also pace the doubleheader at Iowa Speedway, World Wide Technology Raceway, and the return doubleheader at Milwaukee Mile.
“Each year, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES grid gets more and more competitive, but our Chevrolet engineers, drivers, and teams worked hard in the off-season in preparation for St. Petersburg and the 2024 season,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President of Performance and Motorsports at Chevrolet. “Kicking off on the streets of St. Petersburg, we’re excited to carry momentum from both the 2023 Manufacturers Award as well as capturing the coveted and prestigious Indianapolis 500 victory and sweeping ovals last season. St. Petersburg has been good to Chevrolet since 2012, and we’re looking forward to potentially notching a ninth victory on the challenging street course.”
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg kicks off with Practice 1 on Friday, March 8 at 2:45 p.m. ET. Practice 2 starts Saturday at 9:35 a.m. ET, with qualifying following at 2 p.m. ET. A final warm-up will rev up race day Sunday at 9:10 a.m. ET. All practice and qualifying will be live on Peacock, INDYCAR Radio, and SiriusXM Channel 160. The 100-lap, 180-mile race on Sunday, July 2 will take the green flag at noon ET live on NBC.
Team Penske
After sweeping all ovals in 2023 and claiming victory at Barber Motorsports Park, Team Penske returns with their powerful lineup of Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, and Will Power at the dawn of a new year. Additionally, their lead strategist, engineer, and crew chief pairings remain unchanged heading into 2024 as they look to continue their strength in the new season.
Last year saw Newgarden, driver of the No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet capture wins on the ovals at Texas, Iowa, and the famed 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500, as well as McLaughlin claiming his fourth career victory at Barber to add a fourth-career victory in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES (St. Petersburg 2022, Mid-Ohio 2022, Portland 2022, Barber 2023).
With the addition of two ovals, Milwaukee Mile and Nashville Superspeedway, to the circuit schedule in 2024, Power returns to Milwaukee after navigating his way to victory in 2014 with Team Penske and Chevrolet. He heads into the new season hungry to return to victory lane.
Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet:
Strategist: Tim Cindric Engineer: Luke Mason Crew Chief: Chad Gordon
Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet:
Strategist: Kyle Moyer Engineer: Ben Bretzman Crew Chief: Matt Jonsson
Will Power, No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet:
Strategist: Ron Ruzewski Engineer: Dave Faustino Crew Chief: Trevor Lacasse
Ed Carpenter Racing
The trio of Ed Carpenter Racing drivers look ahead to 2024 with anticipation, seeing the addition of Christian Rasmussen to the lineup along with RInus VeeKay and team owner/driver Ed Carpenter.
Rasmussen, the 2023 INDY NXT champion, joins the team in the No. 20 Chevrolet, splitting the entry with Carpenter and competing on all road and street courses, as well as a third entry in the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Carpenter will once again take on all ovals this year, while VeeKay continues to compete in the No. 21 Chevrolet with the team full-time.
Shifting to a leadership role within the team, VeeKay continued to gain valuable seat time under his belt in 2023 and has his eyes set on 2024 with anticipation.
Christian Rasmussen, No. 20 Chevrolet (road and street courses, Indianapolis 500):
Strategist: Tim Broyles Engineer: Peter Craik Crew Chief: Jimmie Johnson
Ed Carpenter, No. 20 Chevrolet (ovals):
Strategist: Tim Broyles Engineer: Peter Craik Crew Chief: Jimmie Johnson
Poised for success in 2024, Arrow McLaren solidified their three-car lineup with both Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi continuing in their respective No. 5 and No. 7 Chevrolet seats, as well as the addition of young gun David Malukas in the No. 6 Chevrolet. Despite his anticipation, Malukas will sit out the first few events of the 2024 season recovering from a hand injury sustained in an off-track incident. A replacement for Malukas is to be announced by Arrow McLaren.
Shifting sights towards the month of May, Kyle Larson will join Arrow McLaren in his and Chevrolet’s quest for “the double.” Competing in the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500, his first, as well as NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway to complete the “Hendrick 1100” with HendrickCars.com on board in partnership, the motorsport phenom has already shown promise and prowess behind the open wheel in testing.
With one NTT P1 Pole Award and 10 podium finishes in 2023, O’Ward leading the team with seven, the team looks to victory lane with prospect and expectation.
Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Chevrolet:
Strategist: Nick Snyder Engineer: Will Andersen Crew Chief: Chris Nash
David Malukas, No. 6 Chevrolet:
Strategist: Robert Gue Engineer: Blair Perschbacher Crew Chief: Nick Kaminski
Note: Malukas will not start the season in the No. 6, currently recovering from an off-track incident that resulted in a hand injury.
Alexander Rossi, No. 7 Chevrolet:
Strategist: Ron Ruzewski Engineer: David Faustino Crew Chief: Trevor Lacasse
AJ Foyt Racing
The legendary and historic organization of AJ Foyt Racing sees the return of Santino Ferrucci in the No. 14 Chevrolet to their two-car lineup in 2024, after finishing third at the Indianapolis 500 in 2023 along with their strong qualifying effort for the famed event. Joining Ferrucci in 2024, Sting Ray Robb will pilot the No. 41 Chevrolet entering his second year in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. A Road to Indy ladder graduate, Robb is also the 2020 USF Pro Champion and finished second in the INDY NXT championship in 2022.
Bolstered by a technical alliance with Team Penske, AJ Foyt Racing heads into the upcoming season with renewed energy and determination.
Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 Chevrolet:
Strategist: Larry Foyt Engineer: James Schnabel Crew Chief: Didier Francesia
Sting Ray Robb, No. 41 Chevrolet:
Strategist: Craig Brooks Engineer: Michael Armbrester Crew Chief: Nick Cooper
Juncos Hollinger Racing
With two top-five finishes in 2023, Juncos-Hollinger Racing heads to St. Petersburg with the return of Argentinian Agustin Canapino, competing for his second full season in both open wheel and in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in the No. 78 Chevrolet.
Joining Canapino in Juncos-Hollinger Racing’s two-car lineup, Formula 1 and open wheel ace Romain Grosjean will drive the No. 77 Chevrolet.
Romain Grosjean, No. 77 Chevrolet:
Strategist: Dave O’Neill Engineer: Steven Barker Crew Chief: Adam Farrer
Agustin Canapino, No. 78 Chevrolet:
Strategist: Ricardo Juncos Engineer: Allen McDonald Crew Chief: Michael Witson
2024 Chevrolet by the Numbers:
199: NTT INDYCAR SERIES races as V6 engine supplier since 2012 return to INDYCAR.
111: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012.
127: Earned poles since 2012. Chevrolet holds 132 pole awards in total, with five recorded based on points for weather.
8: Manufacturer Championships since 2012.
7: Driver/entrant champions since 2012.
12: Indianapolis 500 victories by Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
5: Indianapolis 500 wins by Chevrolet since 2012 in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era.
26: Wins by Will Power since 2012 – all with Chevrolet power – most of any driver with the same manufacturer.
9: Wins from the pole by Will Power with Chevrolet power since 2012, most by any driver.
46: Pole starts by Will Power since 2012 in a Chevrolet-powered car, most of any driver.
*Will Power’s career total of 70 poles makes him the all-time pole winner in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
Of Note:
Team Penske Chevrolet driver Will Power is first on the all-time list with 68 poles. Mario Andretti (67) is second, and A.J. Foyt is third (53).
Will Power is fifth on the all-time Indy car victory list with 41 wins.
Two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Josef Newgarden was the first driver to win the $1M PeopleReady Force for Good Challenge grand prize after the first driver to win on an oval, street course, and road course in 2022.
Chevrolet has recorded eight NTT INDYCAR SERIES Manufacturer Championships since returning in 2012.
Chevrolet has recorded 13 NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver championships, including seven since 2012.
Chevrolet recorded 18 wins as V8 engine manufacturer in Indy Racing League from 2002-05.
Chevrolet earned six consecutive CART Manufacturers’ Cup championships from 1988-93.
About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
Warren Zeiders, left, will join Neal McCoy in performing concerts for race fans on NASCAR All-Star Race weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
Platinum-selling recording artist Warren Zeiders will perform a concert prior to the NASCAR All-Star Race on Sunday, May 19 at North Wilkesboro Speedway
As part of All-Star Friday presented by Raymer Oil, Grammy Award-nominated country music star Neal McCoy will perform for fans on May 17, following the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear
Both concerts are free for All-Star Race ticket holders; Fans can buy tickets to NASCAR All-Star Race weekend by visiting www.NorthWilkesboroSpeedway.com
NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. (Feb. 29, 2024) – Race fans attending the NASCAR All-Star Race weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway are in for a double dose of spectacular concert excitement. Platinum-selling country music stars Warren Zeiders and Neal McCoy are set to light up the North Wilkesboro night, with Zeiders performing prior to the NASCAR All-Star Race on Sunday, May 19, and McCoy rocking the stage on May 17 during All-Star Friday presented by Raymer Oil.
Zeiders, one of country music’s most acclaimed rising stars, enters All-Star Weekend riding a wave of momentum. His breakthrough hit “Pretty Little Poison” reached the No. 1 status on Mediabase’s Country Chart and Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart this week, further cementing his place as Nashville’s newest headliner. As the title track of Zeiders’ debut album, “Pretty Little Poison” has earned 300 million-plus global streams, earned RIAA Platinum Certification and debuted on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, where it currently sits in the Top 25.
2023 was a banner year for Zeiders, who released his debut album Pretty Little Poison in August. Zeiders capped the year at No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artist Chart (week of Dec. 2) and currently boasts 1.9 billion-plus career streams. His Pretty Little Poison Fall 2023 tour saw 54 sold-out dates, including a sell-out at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. This month, he shared his Pretty Little Poison (Deluxe) album, released his latest single “Heartbreaker” and kicked off his completely sold-out Pretty Little Poison 2024 North American Headlining Tour. Plus, last week Zeiders announced he will join Jelly Roll as direct support for his entire 38-date The Beautifully Broken Tour, which kicks off on Aug. 27.
Pairing perfectly with Zeiders’ new-school flair is McCoy’s classic country sound, perfected over a career spanning four decades. Along with a Grammy Award nomination in 1998 and nine top-10 singles, McCoy has produced a pair of chart-topping hits: “No Doubt About It,” and “Wink,” from his 1993 album, “No Doubt About It.”
Said McCoy of the opportunity to perform on All-Star Race weekend: “I’m honored to play for all of the NASCAR fans during All-Star Race weekend at the historic North Wilkesboro race track, and I hope your favorite driver wins!”
Both concerts are free for all fans with tickets – adding even more value to the unrivaled excitement that surrounds All-Star Race weekend and NASCAR’s return to North Wilkesboro’s iconic, five-eighths-mile oval.
Three-day All-Star Weekend ticket packages include access to all practice and qualifying sessions: the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear during All-Star Friday presented by Raymer Oil on May 17; a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race along and All-Star Heat races on May 18 and the NASCAR All-Star Open and All-Star Race on May 19. Fans who lock in a five-day ticket package – including the May 14-15 CARS Tour races – by April 1 will receive a free, 1/24-scale Dale Earnhardt Jr. zMAX No. 3 diecast car.
ABOUT WARREN ZEIDERS:
Warren Zeiders was just 22 years old when he signed his first recording contract with Warner Records. After a series of live covers, “Ride The Lightning” caught fire and ignited a community of true believers before he’d ever toured or played outside his hometown of Hershey, PA. Zeiders’ distinctive, high energy country music is powered by a steady supply of youthful grit, honesty, muscle, and then, there’s that voice; a world-weary, lived-in, honeyed growl that belie his young years. Recently relocated to Nashville—the now 24-year-old singer/songwriter delivers outlaw sermons in his unmistakable authenticity. After his original solo acoustic version of “Ride The Lightning” became an instant hit, Zeiders released a string of rockin’ but heartfelt tracks on his own 717 Tapes platform that led People Magazine to surmise, “Warren Zeiders is a wild horse who sings about the truth.”
Following a pair of well-received EPs, Zeiders hit the road for this first-ever tour with all dates selling out in under 72 hours. To date, Warren Zeiders has amassed over 1.4 billion global TikTok views, in excess of 870 million audio streams and well over 39 million video plays on the heels of his recently released debut album 717 Tapes: The Album this past September. Zeiders released his first new tracks of 2023 — “West Texas Weather,” and “Pretty Little Poison” — and performed his first show outside the US in Queensland, Australia at CMC Rocks QLD. Zeiders and his band have just begun a year of non-stop touring including stops at Stagecoach Festival 2023, celebrating his 100th show to date, and Nashville’s CMA Festival, among others.
ABOUT NEAL MCCOY:
Neal McCoy has released fifteen studio albums. In 1993, Neal McCoy broke through with the back-to-back number 1 singles No Doubt About It and Wink from his platinum-certified album No Doubt About It. His commercial success continued into the late 1990s with two more platinum albums and a gold album, as well as six more Top Ten hits. A seventh Top Ten hit, Billy’s Got His Beer Goggles On, came in 2005 from his self-released That’s Life.
A new studio album, XII, arrived in 2012 Co Produced by Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert. In 2013 he released Pride: A Tribute to Charley Pride, Neal’s longtime friend and mentor. 2015 brought the Big Band Standards CD You Don’t Know Me, while 2017 brought Neal McCoy’s Favorite Hits.
Neal has been on 17 USO Tours around the world and continues to say it’s one of the achievements he’s most proud of. He is also the recipient of multiple Humanitarian awards from The Academy of Country Music, The Country Radio Broadcasters and The Masonic Grand Lodge. In 2016 Neal again made a move to continue his patriotic values by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance “Live” on his Facebook page every morning. He’s reached millions of viewers all over the country and around the world. Neal still maintains a very busy touring schedule all through the year. Make sure to catch a show when he’s near because as Neal says, “No two shows are the same!” Neal also supports his own charity organization: East Texas Angel Network, which is committed to the enhancement of the lives of children of East Texas who are living with terminal or life-threatening diseases. He hosts a yearly golf tournament, auction/dinner & concert over two days in the Fall. The foundation has been going strong since 1995 and to date has raised more than 12 million dollars for approximately 500 East Texas families.
TICKETS AND MORE INFO:
Fans can purchase weekend packages by visiting www.NorthWilkesboroSpeedway.com and obtain the latest news and information surrounding NASCAR All-Star Race week by following along on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway… In 84 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Richard Childress Racing boasts 12 top-five and 28 top-10 finishes. In 2023, Kyle Busch led RCR with a third-place finish in the fall event at the Nevada oval.
Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway… RCR has five wins at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, most recently by Austin Hill in March 2023. Other drivers to win in Xfinity Series competition for the Welcome, N.C., based organization include Kevin Harvick (2004), Jeff Burton (2007), Austin Dillon (2015) and Tyler Reddick (2019). RCR has racked up four poles in the Xfinity Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with drivers Kevin Harvick (2007), Ty Dillon (2014), A. Dillon (2015) and Myatt Snider (2020).
BIG POWER to Start 2024… ECR Engines has enjoyed a strong start to the 2024 NASCAR season. The company powered Daniel Suarez to victory one week ago at Atlanta Motor Speedway. ECR has dominated the start to the Xfinity Series season winning both races, both poles and leading 76.81% of the total possible laps.
Catch the Action on Saturday… The NASCAR Xfinity Series The LiUNA! at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be televised live on Saturday, March 2, beginning at 5 p.m. ET on FS1. The race will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Follow Sunday’s Action at Las Vegas… The NASCAR Cup Series Las Vegas 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be televised live on Sunday, March 4, beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX. The race will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Austin Dillon and the No. 3 BetMGM Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway… In 17 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Austin Dillon has two top-five and three top-10 finishes, including a best performance of fourth in 2020. Dillon has completed 99.6% of all the laps run at the 1.5-mile oval.
Former Winner… Dillon is a two-time winner at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The 2013 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion went to Victory Lane in Xfinity Series competition at the track in March 2015, leading 183 of the scheduled 200 laps. Dillon also has a NASCAR Truck Series win at the track in September 2010.
About BetMGM… BetMGM is a market-leading sports betting and gaming entertainment company, pioneering the online gaming industry. Born out of a partnership between MGM Resorts International and Entain Group, BetMGM has exclusive access to all of MGM’s U.S. land-based and online sports betting, major tournament poker, and online gaming businesses. Utilizing Entain’s U.S.-licensed, state-of-the-art technology, BetMGM offers sports betting and online gaming via market-leading brands, including BetMGM, Borgata Casino, Party Casino, and Party Poker. Founded in 2018, BetMGM is headquartered in New Jersey. Always Bet Responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Meet Dillon… On Saturday, March 2 from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. local time, Dillon and his RCR teammate Kyle Busch are scheduled to participate in an autograph session on behalf of BetMGM at the Mandalay Bay Sportsbook.
AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:
What are your thoughts on Las Vegas Motor Speedway?
“I can’t wait to get to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It’s one of my favorite racetracks. It’s big, fast, bumpy, and it has a lot of lines that you can choose. It’s going to be a great race weekend for everyone coming to check us out. We’re on a mission on the No. 3 team to turn our luck around and Las Vegas is the perfect place to do that.”
How has racing on 1.5-mile tracks with the Next Gen car changed and how do you think it’s improved?
“I think the racing on the 1.5-mile tracks is probably the best racing we have now with this new car. It seems to put on a good show, and you find certain times and tracks that race really competitively. The restarts are really pretty wild.”
Kyle Busch and the No. 8 BetMGM Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway… Kyle Busch made his first NASCAR Cup Series start at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 7, 2004, and since then, he has gone on to achieve much success at his home track. In 2009, Busch won from the pole position, the only driver in track history to accomplish the feat. The Las Vegas native has racked up 12 top-five and 15 top-10 finishes, including five top-five results in the last six Las Vegas races (dating back to 2021). Busch also has secured two pole positions (2008 and 2009) at the 1.5-mile track.
An Impressive Track Record… Busch owns numerous Cup Series records at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.He is the youngest race winner (23 years, 9 months, and 27 days) and owns the most top-five (12) and top-10 finishes (15). He is also tied for most poles (two) among active drivers entering this weekend’s race.
Leading the Points… Busch leads the NASCAR Cup Series driver standings by one point ahead of second-place William Byron. This is the first time the driver of the BetMGM Chevrolet has led the standings since winning the Cup championship at Homestead in 2019 (145 races).
Just how close was the finish in Atlanta? Busch finished third in a thrilling three-wide photo finish battle for the win one week ago at Atlanta Motor Speedway, a scant .007 seconds behind the race winner, marking the closest final margin between first and third in NASCAR Cup Series history.
About BetMGM… BetMGM is a market-leading sports betting and gaming entertainment company, pioneering the online gaming industry. Born out of a partnership between MGM Resorts International and Entain Group, BetMGM has exclusive access to all of MGM’s U.S. land-based and online sports betting, major tournament poker, and online gaming businesses. Utilizing Entain’s U.S.-licensed, state-of-the-art technology, BetMGM offers sports betting and online gaming via market-leading brands, including BetMGM, Borgata Casino, Party Casino, and Party Poker. Founded in 2018, BetMGM is headquartered in New Jersey. Always Bet Responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Meet The Drivers… Busch and teammate Austin Dillon are scheduled to meet with fans at the Mandalay Bay Sportsbook on behalf of BetMGM on Saturday, March 2. The appearance will be from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. local time and is limited to the first 100 fans who receive a wristband.
KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:
What do you see as the role of sports betting in sports?
“It’s huge. I think there’s a huge market for it. I grew up in Las Vegas, obviously, and a lot of betting and gambling happens there. It feels like I’m the natural fit for that. Thanks to BetMGM for being associated with a Vegas cat like me. It’s a huge market. A lot more states are coming up with releasing the regulations and allowing sports betting to happen in their states. I feel like that’s only a good thing for the industry, just having that chance.”
What’s your responsibility as an athlete in all that?
“Well, I mean, obviously, I feel like for us, keeping the integrity of the sport. You’re not going to do anything that hurts the things that you’re supposed to do behind the wheel and also just making sure you deliver the message of safe betting as well.”
What do you remember of your first NASCAR Cup Series win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2009 and what did that victory in front of the home crowd mean to you?
“It was huge and such a cool deal. That to me felt like my Daytona 500. I’ve had some big wins. I’ve won Indy. I’ve won the Southern 500. I’ve won the Coke 600, All-Star Race, all that stuff. But the Vegas win, it was just such a relief and such a monumental win for me because I remember I grew up right down the street watching that place be built.”
Is there less pressure when you go back to Las Vegas Motor Speedway?
“Because I’ve won there, yes, there’s less pressure, but I’ve never backed it up. You still want to win there every time you go, being the hometown. I think I have four or five third-place finishes there in the last six or seven races. We’re right there, we just don’t get it.”
Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet Camaro SS at Las Vegas Motor Speedway… Jesse Love will make his inaugural start at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this Saturday. The 19-year-old has attended races at the 1.5-mile oval in person, but Friday’s practice will mark his first laps on the Nevada surface.
Two for Two… With securing pole positions at both Daytona International Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway, Love is the first driver in NASCAR Xfinity Series history to win consecutive poles in their first two starts in the series.
Did You Know? Continuing to add to his resume, Love is the first driver to win Stage One in each of the first two races in a Xfinity Series season.
Lap Leader… Love has led over 60% of laps competed through the first two Xfinity Series races. The Menlo Park, California native has paced the field for a total of 191 laps – 34 at Daytona International Speedway and 157 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Love is also the first driver of 2024 to surpass 100 laps led across NASCAR’s top-three series.
About Whelen Engineering… Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion to protect the lives of those who protect and serve others. The company mission is to provide industry-defining safety solutions around the world, while creating a community of problem-solvers who are inspired to push boundaries and continue our legacy of delivering ground-breaking innovation. As a global leader in the emergency warning industry, Whelen has been trusted to perform since 1952, when George Whelen III invented the first rotating aviation beacon. Whelen now encompasses two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire with over 750,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and the largest design staff in the industry. Every part of every Whelen product is proudly designed and manufactured in America. We embrace quality as our foundation, we celebrate innovative engineering in every product we produce.
JESSE LOVE QUOTE:
What are your thoughts heading into Las Vegas Motor Speedway and your first mile-and-a-half race in the Xfinity Series?
“I feel like I know more of what to do and what not to do on an intermediate track than I did on a superspeedway. I have confidence heading to Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the fact that I personally have laps at a mile-and-a-half track in an ARCA car and our Whelen Chevrolet should be fast once again. There is a little bit of an unknown in going to a mile-and-a-half for the first time specifically in a Xfinity car, but that’s a more positive than negative unknown. Our No. 2 team has come out of the gate strong and while we wanted the win last week in Atlanta, we can take that strong run and build off of it.”
Austin Hill and the No. 21 Bennett Transportation and Logistics Chevrolet Camaro SS at Las Vegas Motor Speedway… Austin Hill has made five career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, earning one win and three top-10 finishes. In eight NASCAR Truck Series starts at the Nevada speedway, Hill has led a total of 80 laps and captured two wins (fall 2019, fall 2020), four top-five, and six top-10 results.
Undefeated in 2024… With back-to-back wins at Daytona International Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hill remains undefeated in 2024 and holds the lead in the driver championship point standings.
Did You Know? Hill is the fourth driver in Xfinity Series history to win the first two races of season, joining Dale Earnhardt (1986), Chad Little (1995), and Tony Stewart (2008). If Hill is able to capture the checkered flag on Saturday, the 29-year-old will become the first driver in Xfinity Series history to win the first three races of a season.
Defending Race Winner… Hill enters Saturday’s race as the defending Xfinity Series race winner at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Last March, the Winston, Georgia native started from the ninth position and drove forward to claim the Stage 2 victory. Running in second place with 10 laps to go, Hill consistently chased then leader Chandler Smith to make a late-race pass and secure the victory. This marked Hill’s second win in the first three races of the 2023 season.
About Bennett Family of Companies… McDonough-Ga. based Bennett Family of Companies is a woman-owned, Women’s Enterprise Business Council (WBENC) certified, diversified transportation and logistics company. Through its 14 affiliated operating companies, the Bennett Family of Companies delivers integrated transportation and supply chain management solutions worldwide. Bennett has 4,625 drivers/owner-operators, over 1,000 employees and 600 agents located across the United States. For more information, visit www.bennettig.com.
Meet Hill… On Saturday, March 2 at 11:00 a.m. local time, Hill is scheduled to visit the South Point Casino booth in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Fan Zone to sign autographs and greet fans.
Immediately following, on Saturday, March 2 at 11:20 a.m. local time, Hill will sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Trailer located in the Fan Zone at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Stop by to meet the eight-time Xfinity Series winner and purchase new gear.
AUSTIN HILL QUOTE:
Talk about returning to Las Vegas Motor Speedway as the defending race winner.
“I’ve always had good fortune at and have loved going to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I had success there during my Truck Series career and now I’ve won a Xfinity Series race as well. Statistically, I have run well there throughout my career. I expect big things when we hit the track. Our Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet should be capable of running up front and the No. 21 team hopefully will have a shot at the win. These first three races to start this season are our cup of tea. We won all three last season, have two already this year, and our goal is to keep the momentum going.”
AM Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway | The LiUNA NASCAR Xfinity Series Race
Fast Facts No. 15 AM Racing Team: Driver: Hailie Deegan Primary Partner(s): AirBox Manufacturer: Ford Mustang Crew Chief: Joe Williams Jr. Spotter: Michael Fisher Chassis Intel: AMR Chassis No. X-006 Engine: Roush-Yates Engines
Notes of Interest:
Sophomore Journey: On the heels of a successful rookie campaign in the NASCAR Xfinity Series last season with driver Brett Moffitt, AM Racing will embark on its sophomore journey in 2024 with driver Hailie Deegan for the entire 33-race tour, continuing with Saturday afternoon’s The LiUNA NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway.
The Statesville, N.C.-based team plans to expand its footprint in the NASCAR Xfinity Series to also run two cars throughout the season with its No. 25 AM Racing entry.
Future Focused: Last October, AM Racing announced that Hailie Deegan joined the family-owned operation to pilot the team’s No. 15 Ford Mustang in a multiyear agreement.
Deegan, a native of Temecula, Calif. has been a staple in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series for the past three seasons but will embrace her rookie season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series as part of the Ford Performance program.
Deegan grew up racing off-road and on dirt but transitioned to competing on asphalt in 2016 to pursue a career in stock car racing. She began that transition in 2018 in the ARCA Menards Series West (previously NASCAR K&N Pro Series West), She became the first female driver to have won races in the West Series, doing so in the 2018 and 2019 seasons, respectively.
Deegan, 21, arrives on the scene at AM Racing after a stint in 2023 driving for ThorSport Racing.
Giving You Piece of Air: For the second time in 2024, AirBox will serve as the primary marketing partner of Deegan’s No. 15 Ford Mustang in Saturday’s The LiUNA NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway.
In 2017, AirBox was established to focus on building the world’s best air purifiers for indoor occupied spaces. This coincided with people starting to wake up to issues with indoor air quality. With new challenges to air cleanliness, such as COVID-19 and wildfire smoke, people are looking for effective and proven solutions to ensure they receive cleaner air, at last.
Their history in delivering clean air systems gives them an expertise that is unmatched. AirBox uses some of the most effective air filtration technologies that exist with Certified HEPA and Advanced Molecular Adsorption and manufactures products that meet the stringent new ventilation standard, ASHRAE Standard 241.
Today, AirBox filtration systems are used across the country, purifying the air and capturing harmful irritants to create healthier, safer spaces. They’ve become the trusted choice for hospitals, educational centers, offices, warehouses, construction zones, public assembly, sports facilities, and more.
They’re proud to build all products to the highest standards in the USA at their North Carolina production facility. Every day, AirBox is working hard to give the American people the safer learning, working, and living environments they deserve—helping people breathe easy and live better.
Hailie Deegan NASCAR Xfinity Las Vegas Motor Speedway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s The LiUNA NASCAR Xfinity Series Race will mark Deegan’s second Xfinity start at the 1.5-mile speedway.
In her NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Las Vegas, Deegan finished a track-best 13th after starting 20th in the 2022 edition of the Alsco Uniforms 302 for SS-GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt.
Deegan also has four NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Her track-best result occurred during the 2021 Bucked Up 200 when she steered to a 28th-place finish after starting 30th for David Gilliland Racing (now TRICON Garage).
Hailie Deegan NASCAR Xfinity Series Career Stats: In three NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, Deegan has a career-best 13th-place finish after starting 20th for SS-GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway in October 2022.
In addition to three Xfinity Series starts, she has achieved 70 ARCA Menards Series starts, including three wins and 69 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts to her credit.
AM Minute: It was a quiet weekend for the Statesville, N.C.-based team.
The ARCA Menards Series team is gearing up to join AM Racing’s Xfinity Series team for next Friday night’s General Tire 150 on March 8, 2024.
Thanks For Your Support: With the start of the 2024 season just underway, AM Racing and Hailie Deegan would like to thank their associate marketing partners for their support: Flying Circle, Klutch Vodka, Mechanix Wear, Monster Energy Drink, Mobil 1, Viva Tequila Seltzer and WIX Filters.
Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway | RAPTOR King of Tough 250 Race Recap: The second race of the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series kicked off without a hitch on Saturday, Feb. 24.
After a strong 19th place qualifying effort aboard her No. 15 AirBox Ford Mustang, Deegan hovered inside the top-20 for a majority of the race and appeared headed towards her first career top-10 NASCAR Xfinity Series finish, but her Ford Mustang ran out of fuel in the closing laps – leaving the team with a frustrating 27th place finish.
From the Pit Box: Industry veteran Joe Williams Jr. is Hailie Deegan’s crew chief.
He will be crew chief for his 134th NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday and his ninth race at the southeastern Nevada race track.
In his previous 133 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, he has collected one win (Auto Club Speedway | February 2022), eight top-five and 30 top-10 finishes.
Follow on Social Media: For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.
For more on Hailie Deegan, please visit hailiedeegan.com, like her Facebook page (HailieDeegan4), or follow her on Instagram (@hailiedeegan), YouTube and X | Twitter (@hailiedeegan).
Hailie Deegan Quoteboard:
On Las Vegas Motor Speedway: “I am really upbeat about returning to Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. I had a really good showing in my NASCAR Xfinity Series debut in 2022 and I’m confident that my AM Racing team is going to bring me a fast No. 15 AirBox Ford Mustang that is going to give me an opportunity to match or better that finish.
“It’s been a little bit of a rocky start to the season, so I am hoping we can go to Las Vegas this weekend and turn things around on the West Coast.”
Race Information:
The LiUNA NASCAR Xfinity Series Race (200 laps | 300 miles) is the third of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. A twenty-minute practice is slated for Fri., March 1, beginning at 3:35 p.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 4:05 p.m. The field will take the green flag on Saturday, March 2, shortly after 2:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. ET), with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (PT).
About AM Racing:
AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.
Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.
The family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events in its eighth year of competition.
The team has named Hailie Deegan, Christian Rose, and Austin Wayne Self as their primary drivers for the 2024 Xfinity, ARCA Menards Series, and Dirt Modified seasons, respectively.
INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024) – NBC Sports and INDYCAR revealed the schedule for the 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone season, with all 14 races streaming live in the United States on Peacock.
The season for INDYCAR’s official development series starts Sunday, March 10 on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., with coverage beginning at 10 a.m. ET on Peacock. The series then will criss-cross the United States for the next six months, with the season finale Sunday, Sept. 15 at Nashville Superspeedway.
“There is intrigue heading into every new season, and 2024 is no different,” INDY NXT by Firestone Director Levi Jones said. “In 2023, the series doubled the number of different drivers on the podium than in 2022, nearly doubled on-track passing and set qualifying records at four tracks. As INDYCAR’s streaming audience continues to grow, it is gratifying to know Peacock will provide a premier platform for INDY NXT in the U.S. We cannot wait to get started on the Streets of St. Pete next weekend.”
The INDYCAR Live streaming service will continue to provide live coverage globally of practice and qualifying for all 14 INDY NXT by Firestone races. INDYCAR Live also will stream INDY NXT races live around the world, except for the United States. Click here for pricing and more information on INDYCAR Live.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Sunday, March 3, 2024 1.5-Mile Oval 3:30 PM ET Location: Las Vegas, Nevada TV: Fox Event: NASCAR Cup Series race (3 of 36) Radio: SiriusXM, PRN
JACKPOT IN VEGAS: Last October, Kyle Larson won the opening race in the Round of 8 of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs to secure a berth in the Championship 4. The driver of the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 swept the stages at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and led a race-high 133 laps.
21 HITS IN LAS VEGAS: In March of 2021, the Elk Grove, California, native, led 103 laps en route to his first victory for Hendrick Motorsports in just his fourth start for the organization. Larson would record 10 wins – plus the NASCAR All-Star Race – that season en route to capturing Hendrick Motorsports’ record 14th Cup Series championship.
WHAT HAPPENED IN VEGAS: In Larson’s 15 starts at Las Vegas, he has two wins, seven top-five finishes, 11 top-10s, four stage wins and 447 laps led. The 2021 Cup Series champion has finished in the top two in four of his six Las Vegas starts with Hendrick Motorsports and has led 26.10% of the laps raced (421 of 1,613) in that span. Larson’s 421 circuits out front is his second-most at any track since joining the Rick Hendrick-owned organization ahead of the 2021 season. Since the start of the 2022 season, he has led the most laps (223) at the Nevada venue in the Next Gen car.
NOT SO AVERAGE: The driver of the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet has the best average finish of drivers who have competed in at least four events at the 1.5-mile Nevada track. Larson has a 9.87 average finish in his 15 starts – one of only three drivers with a sub-10 average finish.
WEST COAST REPRESENT: Larson has six West Coast wins in the Cup Series, which ranks him tied for third among active drivers and tied for ninth all-time. He has two wins at Las Vegas, two wins at Auto Club Speedway and one win each at Phoenix Raceway and Sonoma Raceway.
CLIFF’S NOTES: No. 5 crew chief Cliff Daniels and Larson have teamed up for 16 wins since Larson joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2021 – the third-best total among active driver and crew chief pairings. Daniels and Larson have teamed up to accomplish those wins in 102 races while the best active combination has posted 19 victories in 175 starts.
YOUR CAR NEEDS: This weekend, Larson will drive the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. From the convenience of home, Hendrick Automotive Group customers can select the category, make, model and vehicle packages that are important to them from the nearly 30,000 new, high-quality pre-owned and certified cars, trucks and SUVs available at HENDRICKCARS.COM. The website also makes it easy for customers to find one of Hendrick Automotive Group’s 93 dealership locations nationwide.
WE’RE HIRING: Hendrick Automotive Group is hiring more than 300 technicians at its dealerships throughout the country. Positions are open for all skill levels and offer tuition and training reimbursement. Interested people can apply at HENDRICKCARS.COM.
9 CHASE ELLIOTT
Age: 28 (Nov. 28, 1995)
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Resides: Dawsonville, Georgia
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: 6th
No. 9 LLumar Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
ATL REWIND: Chase Elliott earned a 15th-place finish in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at his home track of Atlanta Motor Speedway. After starting from the rear of the field due to unapproved adjustments to the No. 9 Hooters Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion overcame multiple incidents to salvage the top-15 result, earning a stage point in the process.
POINTS UPDATE: Through two races in the 2024 Cup Series season, Elliott and the No. 9 team sit sixth in the points standings, just 12 markers behind the leader. The 28-year-old driver has already garnered one playoff point after capturing the first stage win of the year during the DAYTONA 500.
LET’S GO TO VEGAS: Elliott has 13 Cup Series starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with three top-five finishes, five top-10s, three stage wins and 178 laps led. His best finish on the 1.5-mile oval was a runner-up effort in the fall of 2021. Elliott missed last spring’s race at the Las Vegas track due to an injury. The six-time National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver Award winner also has three starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series there, finishing all of them inside the top five.
MILE-AND-A-HALF NUMBERS: Elliott will make his 79th premier series start on a 1.5-mile track this Sunday in Las Vegas. In his previous 78 races, he’s led 1,041 laps. The 2020 Cup Series champion has two career victories on mile-and-a-half ovals, coming at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the spring of 2020 and Kansas Speedway in the fall of 2018. Along with his two wins, Elliott has collected 22 top-five finishes – eight of which are runner-up results – and 38 top-10s on 1.5-milers.
BETTIN’ ON ALAN: This weekend, No. 9 crew chief Alan Gustafson will call his 26th race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in his 20th Cup Series season atop the pit box. In his previous 25 races at the 1.5-mile oval, the Ormond Beach, Florida, native has garnered six top-five finishes, 10 top-10s and 187 laps led. Gustafson has posted two runner-up efforts at the track – the first with Kyle Busch in the crew chief’s first start on the desert oval in 2005 and the second with Elliott in 2021.
LLUMAR RETURNS: LLumar, a trusted brand of automotive window tint and paint protection film manufactured by Eastman Performance Films, LLC, will have its colors carried on the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 this weekend at Las Vegas. It’s the first of two races that the brand is serving as a primary partner during the 2024 season. The red-based scheme will also take to the track at Bristol Motor Speedway in September. Get a look at the 2024 edition of the No. 9 LLumar Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 here.
REUNITED: Later this year, Elliott will reunite with his former crew chief Greg Ives for two Xfinity Series races. The duo won the 2014 Xfinity Series title during Elliott’s rookie season at JR Motorsports, a Hendrick Motorsports affiliate. As announced on Tuesday, the Dawsonville, Georgia, native will be behind the wheel of the No. 17 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet Camaro for Hendrick Motorsports’ Xfinity Series program at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 25, and Darlington Raceway on Saturday, Aug. 31.
24 WILLIAM BYRON
Age: 26 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Resides: Charlotte, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: T-2nd
No. 24 Z by HP Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
WINNING WAYS: William Byron’s 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season is off to a career-best start. Following his win in the prestigious DAYTONA 500, Byron rallied to collect a 17th-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway after being collected in an on-track incident. He now sits tied for second in the 2024 Cup Series points standings – the highest he has ever been at this point in the season (his previous best was 17th after two races in 2019). He has 11 Cup Series wins, with 10 coming since the start of 2021 – second to Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson (17).
1.5-MILE MAGIC: Byron is no stranger to success on mile-and-a-half tracks during his Cup Series career. Since the start of 2021 (not counting races on Atlanta after its reprofiling for 2022), he has three wins, two runner-up finishes, nine top-fives and 16 top-10s in 23 races on 1.5-mile tracks. In fact, in 2023, Byron led the series in wins (two, one each at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway) and points collected (303) on that track length. He also has three consecutive top-10 finishes on 1.5-mile tracks, which is the second-longest active streak.
NEXT GEN DUO: Since the introduction of the Next Gen Cup Series car in 2022, Byron and crew chief Rudy Fugle have a series-leading nine wins. The duo leads Hendrick Motorsports teammates driver Kyle Larson (seven wins) and crew chief Cliff Daniels (six wins).
LUCKY IN LAS VEGAS: When the No. 24 Z by HP Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 takes the green flag for Sunday’s race at Las Vegas, it will mark the 26-year-old driver’s 13th Cup Series start at the 1.5-mile speedway. This time, Byron returns as the defending winner from last year’s spring race. In his victory, Byron swept the stages and led a race-high 176 laps en route to the overtime victory ahead of teammates Larson and Alex Bowman. Including his win, the Charlotte, North Carolina, native has two consecutive top-10 finishes at Las Vegas – tied for the second-most currently with Larson. In fact, Byron has led 185 laps at Las Vegas in the Next Gen car which ranks second behind Larson (223).
VIVA LAS RUDY: Returning to Las Vegas for the seventh time with the Cup Series, Fugle is confident heading to a venue that he has had success at before. In his six Cup Series showings, Fugle has one win (coming in this event last spring), two top-five finishes, four top-10s and an average finish of 8.67. The Livonia, New York, native has called the shots for 11 additional national series races at the track with 10 of those coming in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. He has collected one win (March 2019), four top-five finishes, six top-10s, three pole awards and 238 laps led in those Truck Series events. With Byron in the Truck Series in 2016, the duo qualified 10th and raced to a fifth-place finish at the 1.5-mile venue.
Z BY HP IS BACK: On Tuesday, Hendrick Motorsports unveiled Byron’s No. 24 Z by HP Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the 2024 season. Z by HP will be a primary partner for two races this year – this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and then again in the playoffs at Bristol Motor Speedway in September. HP takes pride in providing innovative, high-performance solutions that empower high-performance teams and that is encompassed with their new paint scheme. For a better look at Byron’s No. 24 Z by HP Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, click here.
48 ALEX BOWMAN
Age: 30 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Resides: Concord, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Blake Harris
Standings: T-9th
No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
VEGAS VICTORY: Alex Bowman earned his most recent NASCAR Cup Series victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 6, 2022. During that spring race, Bowman won the first stage and led 16 laps. He was running fourth at the time of the late-race caution and the team utilized a two-tire pit strategy that put him on the front row for the final restart. At the checkered flag, he proved victorious earning his seventh win in the sport’s premier series. The No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 visited victory lane in Bowman’s third start with Ally as his primary sponsor at this track.
LAS VEGAS LOOK BACK: The Tucson, Arizona, native has made 13 Cup Series starts at the intermediate-style Nevada track. In those starts, Bowman has one win, three top-five finishes, four top-10s and has led 23 laps. All but two of those starts in “The Silver State” have been with the 14-time Cup Series championship-winning team, Hendrick Motorsports. This weekend will be Bowman’s sixth start at the track with Ally boasted as his primary partner.
WEST COAST WINS: Bowman has two West Coast wins in the Cup Series with victories at Auto Club Speedway in 2020 and Las Vegas in 2022. These two victories rank him tied with Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron for the seventh-most West Coast wins amongst drivers entered in this weekend’s race.
1.5-MILE LOWDOWN: Bowman’s win at Las Vegas is one of five in the Next Gen era for Hendrick Motorsports on 1.5-mile tracks, which is the most of any team. He is one of 10 drivers to win on a track of that length since the Next Gen car debut in 2022. In Bowman’s career, he has two wins on 1.5-mile tracks with the other being his first Cup Series win at Chicagoland Speedway in 2019.
BEST FRIENDS IS BACK: Together, Ally and Bowman have supported Best Friends Animal Society since 2021. In 2024, both are committed to a combined donation of $4,800 per week to a local Best Friends network partner. In Las Vegas, that beneficiary is Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions. If you’re in the area for the race weekend, be sure to stop by their adoption center to see their fluffy friends up for adoption. All cats and kittens are spayed or neutered, up to date on age-appropriate vaccines and microchipped.
“WIN YOUR WHEELS” SPEEDSTAKES: To celebrate Hendrick Motorsports’ 40th anniversary, a limited line of Hendrick Motorsports 40th Anniversary Edition Chevrolet Camaro street cars will be sold exclusively through select Hendrick Automotive Group Chevrolet dealerships. One lucky fan can win a 40th Anniversary Edition Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE through the Ally “Win Your Wheels fueled by HendrickCars.com” sweepstakes. Enter to win at Ally.com/sweepstakes/nascar or visit the Ally Fan Zone at select tracks, the next being at Phoenix Raceway (March 9-10). The sweepstakes will end Sept. 20, 2024.
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS /
2024
All-Time
Las Vegas
Races
2
1,347
32
Wins
1**
302*
9*
Poles
0
246*
2
Top 5
2**
1,234*
32*
Top 10
2**
2,114*
54**
Laps Led
41
79,798*
2,224*
Stage Wins
1
99
10*
*Most **Most (tie)
FABULOUS 40: In 2024, Hendrick Motorsports is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Among the categories that the Rick Hendrick-owned organization holds the NASCAR Cup Series record for are all-time wins (302), poles (246), laps led (79,798) and championships (14). With its win in the 2024 DAYTONA 500, the organization has now won at least one race in each of the last 39 seasons.
XFINITY SCHEDULE SET: On Tuesday, Hendrick Motorsports announced that it will enter 10 NASCAR Xfinity Series races in the No. 17 Chevrolet Camaro with primary sponsorship from HENDRICKCARS.COM. William Byron (four races), Chase Elliott (two races), Kyle Larson (two races), Alex Bowman (one race) and Boris Said (one race) will compete in the entry. Brandon McSwain, who is the lead engineer on the No. 24 Cup Series team, will be the crew chief for Byron’s four races. 2014 Xfinity Series champion crew chief Greg Ives will handle the remaining six races. The schedule kicks off next weekend with Byron at Phoenix Raceway.
SIGN OF THE FUTURE: In three of the last six instances that Hendrick Motorsports has won the DAYTONA 500, the driver that was victorious in the event went on to win the championship in the same year. Team vice chairman Jeff Gordon accomplished this in 1997 and Jimmie Johnson did it in 2006 and 2013.
FINE NINE: With wins in the last three spring races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Larson’s playoff race victory in October of 2023, Hendrick Motorsports has tallied nine wins at the 1.5-mile track. That mark leads all Cup Series teams. Johnson’s four victories are a team-high, while Larson has two wins. Bowman, Byron and Gordon each have one win. The five drivers to win at the Nevada venue are also the most by one team.
TRIP SWEEP: In last year’s spring race, Byron, Larson and Bowman took the top three spots in the finishing order. The trio combined to lead 241 of the 271 laps in the event. It also marked the fourth time (with 2005, 2007 and the spring race of 2022 being the others) that the team took at least the top-two spots in a race at Las Vegas. This race was also one of three occurrences in its storied history where the team swept the top three spots in an event (the DAYTONA 500 in 1997 and the top-four sweep at Dover Motor Speedway in 2021 are the others).
VIVA LAS VICTORY: In last year’s two races at Las Vegas, Hendrick Motorsports led 69.70% of the laps run (375 of 538). Both race winners (Byron in the spring and Larson in the fall) swept the stages en route to their victories.
STAGE SAVANTS: Over the last eight races at Las Vegas (dating back to 2020), Hendrick Motorsports has earned 10 of the 16 stage wins. Larson has four, Elliott picked up three, Byron tallied two and Bowman notched one. The team’s 10 stage wins at Las Vegas are its most at any track on the schedule.
SETTING THE STAGE: The next stage win for Hendrick Motorsports will be its 100th in the Cup Series. Elliott has the most stage wins at Hendrick Motorsports with 37, followed by Larson (32), Byron (21), Bowman (six) and Johnson (three).
WEST SUCCESS: Of the last 18 races on the West Coast, nine have resulted in victories for Hendrick Motorsports. Larson has five wins, while Byron scored two and Bowman and Elliott have one each. The team’s 44 wins on the West Coast are the most in the series by 21 over the next highest team.
NEXT GEN NUMBERS: The Concord, North Carolina-based team’s five wins on 1.5-mile tracks in the Next Gen car lead all teams in the Cup Series. Since 2022, Byron and Larson each have two victories on 1.5-milers and are two of the four drivers with multiple victories on that track length. Bowman has one triumph.
GROB SIGNS ON: Hendrick Motorsports and GROB Systems have teamed up for a synergistic partnership to bring precision 5-Axis GROB machines to the campus of the 14-time Cup Series champions. GROB has been a developer and manufacturer of machines and production lines for over 90 years and its North American headquarters are located in Bluffton, Ohio.
QUOTABLE /
Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on his past success at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with Hendrick Motorsports: “It was a close one last fall, but it was cool to hang on to win and earn a place in the Championship 4. Another great moment was getting that first win (at Hendrick Motorsports) with the 5 team (in 2021) – with the paint scheme that honors Ricky (Hendrick). We’ve run well at Las Vegas (Motor Speedway), won stages and races, so it’s definitely a track I look forward to racing at.”
Cliff Daniels, crew chief of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on racing at Las Vegas after two drafting-style tracks to begin the season: “Our team process and execution at Daytona (International Speedway) and Atlanta (Motor Speedway) were good – although the results aren’t there on paper – and going to (Las) Vegas is another good test of that. When we look at the race last October, yeah, we had a good car but there were one or two cars that were better than us that we need to close the gap on – especially on the long runs. The track conditions are going to be different, but we know we have to take a step to get better and hopefully, we have addressed that.”
Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, reflecting on adversity faced due to his injury last year: “It was definitely not fun sitting out and kind of watching the show go on. I had never had any serious injury or serious broken bones before last year and certainly never had surgery before. I had never been through that process before. As you get going and you start physical therapy and all those things, there are parts of it that are tough when you are trying to build strength back in muscles that have been dormant for a month or better. That part was a challenge.”
Alan Gustafson, crew chief of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on heading to Las Vegas: “Las Vegas (Motor Speedway) hasn’t been a great track for us as of late, but our team has been focused on improving our mile-and-half program. This weekend is our first true test to see where we stack up after the offseason. I’ve been really proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish so far through the first two races. The finishes may not reflect that, but we earned a solid amount of points, had fast pit stops and were able to get a stage win. To make it through those back-to-back superspeedway races and sit sixth in points is huge. Hopefully, we can continue that positive trend this weekend.”
William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on the keys to this weekend at Las Vegas: “We hope to be a little bit better this weekend. We always hope that though. We won the first race at Las Vegas (Motor Speedway) last year and then in the second race we had good short run speed but not long run speed. That’s something we’ve been working on this offseason and I think this is a race that the team has had circled to get back to. We want to keep the momentum going that we already have and these next few races coming up are crucial.”
Rudy Fugle, crew chief of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on the importance of this stretch of races to the playoffs: “If you think about it, usually we have a few weeks at the start of the season where the races don’t really apply to the playoffs. This year, though, we’ve raced Atlanta (Motor Speedway) and then we go Las Vegas (Motor Speedway), Phoenix (Raceway) and Bristol (Motor Speedway). That’s four playoff races in a row with all of them being super, super important. We have to be on our game to get as much information as we can to be ready for when the playoffs come.”
Fugle on what he expects for Sunday’s race at Las Vegas: “Right now it looks like it’s going to be pretty cold Sunday in (Las) Vegas, so it’ll be pretty gripped up with a lot of throttle. I think at the beginning of a run you’re going to be able to run wide open. It’s going to lose a ton of grip, though, and you’ll see cars get really, really loose over a run. That’s where you will see those comers and goers. The last race there I think is the perfect example of that. It’s also supposed to be really windy this weekend, so we’ll watch that. It could affect how you break the corners apart since the wind will be blowing one direction on one side and the opposite on the other. That will hurt your handling. It should be exciting to watch though.” Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on his comfort level at Las Vegas: “I’m excited for this weekend at Las Vegas (Motor Speedway). I went to the simulator this morning trying to get dialed in. There are places we are starting to get pretty consistently good at and (Las) Vegas (Motor Speedway) is one of them. We scored a podium finish last spring and then I did crash there last fall, but hopefully, I won’t do that again. It would be awesome to get the No. 48 team and Ally another win there. I look forward to going back and getting back to where we should be running. Getting back to victory lane, winning races, making the playoffs and contending for a championship is really this year’s goal.”
Blake Harris, crew chief of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on his outlook for this weekend at Las Vegas: “We had a couple of really fast cars there last year. Obviously, being a part of Hendrick Motorsports’ 1-2-3 finish in the spring was great. We had a fast car again in the fall and got ourselves in the top 10 before we wrecked. I expect to go back there with speed. It’s a good track historically for Hendrick Motorsports and we hope to kick off our intermediates the right way.”
Late Model Standout to Make First Career Start at Richmond in March
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Feb.29, 2024) – Champion Late Model driver Andrew “Bubba” Pollard will make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut next month with the support of Rheem Manufacturing and JR Motorsports, the team announced today.
The 37-year-old Senoia, Ga., native will drive the No. 88 Rheem Chevrolet for the team owned by NASCAR Hall of Famers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Hendrick, and Kelley Earnhardt Miller in the March 30 NXS race at Richmond Raceway.
Pollard, a perennial contender in the Snowball Derby in Pensacola, Fla. year after year, has gone to Victory Lane in more than 100 Late Model races in his career, including the prestigious All American 400 at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway and most recently at Speedfest for the third time. Next month’s event at Richmond will mark the veteran short track ace’s first attempt in an NXS machine and his first at the racy 0.750-mile oval.
“I’m very excited,” Pollard said of his upcoming start. “I really don’t know what to expect as it’s all very new to us, but I’m very thankful for the opportunity that Rheem and JR Motorsports have given me. I hope we can make the most of it. I’ve never had any laps at Richmond and I haven’t driven an Xfinity car, so it’s all going to be new.”
The future of the sport is one that relies on drivers earning their way to the top levels, and both Rheem and JRM understand the importance of an opportunity like this for one of the top Late Model racers in the nation.
“JR Motorsports has grown so much over the years,” said Earnhardt Miller, CEO of JR Motorsports. “But the core of what we do, from our championship-winning Late Model team to the NASCAR Xfinity Series, is to produce championship drivers and team personnel. Bubba Pollard is a great example of that sort of progression, and we’re proud to support him alongside a great partner in Rheem Manufacturing.”
Rheem Manufacturing, founded in 1925, is currently the only manufacturer in the world that produces heating, cooling, water heating, pool & spa heating and commercial refrigeration products and the largest manufacturer of water heating products in North America.
“Bubba Pollard represents everything that’s good about racing from the sport’s grass roots to the highest levels, said Ed Raniszeski, Rheem motorsports executive. “What’s so admirable about Bubba and others like him is their lifetime investment in quality performance, professional dedication, doing things right, and giving it their best all the time, even when they think no one is watching. That’s why Rheem, the Earnhardt and Miller families as well as many others are thrilled to give Bubba the chance he’s earned and deserves to show others what we have been watching in amazement for years.”
Pollard recognizes the efforts of both Rheem and JRM in bringing new drivers from the grassroots to NASCAR’s top divisions.
“Dale and Kelley and Rheem have a history of giving guys like me opportunities to race at the next level, opportunities that normally wouldn’t happen,” Pollard said. “I have a lot of respect for them for how much they offer to drivers like me. It’s pretty cool to be part of it. You never know what might happen in the future.”
To prepare for his race at Richmond, Pollard will compete in the ARCA Menards Series event at Five Flags Speedway in Florida to get acquainted to a heavier stock car. Following his race at Richmond, Pollard has a full short-track schedule in both Super Late Models, as well as races in the zMAX CARS Tour set for 2024.
Pollard’s NXS debut at Richmond behind the wheel of the No.88 Rheem Chevrolet for JRM is scheduled to go green on Saturday, March 30 at1:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS: JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 23rd year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017 and 2018. The company also owns seven titles in regional Late Model divisions with consecutive championships in2022-23 and a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.
ABOUT RHEEM MANUFACTURING:
Founded in 1925,Rheem Manufacturing is a global leader committed to delivering innovative products that save energy and support a more sustainable future. Rheem is the only manufacturer in the world that produces heating, cooling, water heating, pool & spa heating and commercial refrigeration products, and is America’s#1 water-heating brand with products available in more than 80 countries. Paloma Co., Ltd. of Nagoya, Japan, acquired the iconic Rheem brand in 1988, and today the company’s portfolio of premium brands include Rheem®, Ruud®, Friedrich®, Raypak®, Sure Comfort®, WeatherKing®, Eemax®, Richmond®, IBC™,Intergas®, Splendid®, Solahart®, EverHot®, and MHG™, as well as commercial refrigeration brands Russell®, Witt®, ColdZone® and Kramer®, which are part of the Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG®) division.
NASCAR travels to Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend with a full schedule as all series compete on the 1.5-mile track. Hendrick Motorsports driver, William Byron, is the defending Cup Series race winner.
There have, however, been five different winners in the previous five Cup Series races at Las Vegas – Kyle Larson (Oct. 2023), William Byron (March 2023), Joey Logano (Oct. 2022), Alex Bowman (March 2022) and Denny Hamlin in Sept. 2021. The trend has extended to the Xfinity Series and the Craftsman Truck Series. In 33 Xfinity Series races at Las Vegas, there have been 24 different race winners while the Truck Series has seen 25 different winners in 31 races.
All times are Eastern.
Friday, March 1 4:35 p.m.: Truck Series Practice – FS1/SiriusXM 5:05 p.m.: Truck Series Qualifying – FS1/SiriusXM 6:35 p.m.: Xfinity Series Practice – FS1/SiriusXM 7:05 p.m.: Xfinity Series Qualifying – FS1/SiriusXM
9 p.m.: Truck Series Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 Presented by Westgate Resorts – FS1/MRN/SiriusXM Distance: 201 miles (134 Laps) Stages end on Lap 30, Lap 60, Lap 134 The Purse: $736,214 Post Truck Series Race: PressPass
Saturday, March 2 2:05 p.m.: Cup Series Practice – FS1/PRN/SiriusXM 2:50 p.m.: Cup Series Qualifying – FS1/PRN/SiriusXM Post Cup Series Qualifying: PressPass
5 p.m.: Xfinity Series The LiUNA! – FS1/PRN/SiriusXM Distance: 300 miles (200 Laps); Stages end on Lap 45, Lap 90, Lap 200 The Purse: $1,801,278 Post Xfinity Series Race: PressPass
Sunday, March 3 3:30 p.m.: Cup Series Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube – FOX, PRN, SiriusXM Distance: 400.5 miles (267 laps) Stages end on Lap 80, Lap 165, Lap 267 The Purse: $9,386,054 Post Cup Series Race: PressPass
Today marks Leap Day, February 29, where an extra day is included in the calendar every four years and occurs due to Earth taking 365 days and an extra six hours to orbit around the Sun. The gain of an extra day within the 365-day calendar ensures the calendar itself remains aligned with Earth revolving around the Sun.
With Leap Day providing its share of historic events and birthdays throughout human history, the holiday date has also provided a handful of significant moments within NASCAR history.
The first known NASCAR competition to occur on Leap Day dates to February 29, 1976, at North Carolina Motor Speedway, where the Cup Series’ Carolina 500 occurred. During the event, Richard Petty won for the first time of the season after claiming the checkered flag by two laps over runner-up Darrell Waltrip and dodging a late multi-car pileup that resulted in Bobby Allison flipping. The victory was redemption for Petty, who was involved in a wild final lap accident and finish with David Pearson two weeks earlier that resulted in Pearson managing to nurse his damaged No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Mercury across the finish line in first place ahead of Petty, whose car was unable to restart.
The 1976 victory at Rockingham’s North Carolina Motor Speedway would serve as Petty’s 178th of 200 overall Cup victories he would achieve, where he still stands as NASCAR’s “The King” with the most career victories all-time to coincide with his seven championships, which is tied for the most in the Cup Series history alongside Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson. Currently, Petty, who retired from NASCAR competition following the 1992 season, serves as a team ambassador for Legacy Motor Club, a team he formerly owned and is currently owned by Johnson and Maury Gallagher. The team was rebranded from Petty GMS Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports, both names that stood out over the last 14 years.
Sixteen years later (1992), another Leap Day event at North Carolina Motor Speedway occurred. On this occasion, the Xfinity Series hosted the Goodwrench 200. During the event, Ward Burton scored his first Xfinity career win after leading the final 22 laps and beating Mark Martin by nine-tenths of a second. The Rockingham victory would serve as Burton’s first of four total victories he would achieve in his Xfinity career, with his latter three occurring in 1993. To date, Burton has made 161 career starts in the Xfinity Series, with his latest occurring in 2007. The South Boston, Virginia, native has also made a single start in the Craftsman Truck Series, which occurred in 2012 and marks his final national touring series career start, and 375 in the Cup Series, where he has achieved five victories, including the 2002 Daytona 500 and the 2001 Southern 500.
In 2008, there were no NASCAR race day competitions that occurred on Leap Day. Instead, the Cup Series held a qualifying session for the upcoming UAW-Dodge 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. During the qualifying session, hometown hero Kyle Busch, who was making his third career start driving the No. 18 M&M’s Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing, secured his first pole position of the season after posting a pole-winning lap at 182.325 mph in 29.613 seconds. During the main event two days later, Busch, who led twice for 56 laps, ended up in 11th place while Carl Edwards would fend off Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a two-lap dash to win for the ninth time in his career and second in recent weeks.
Today, Edwards, who would proceed to win eight additional events and settle in the runner-up spot behind Jimmie Johnson in the 2008 final standings, is retired with 28 Cup career victories added to his resume after electing to step away from full-time competition following the 2016 season. Earnhardt Jr., who would end up in 12th place in the 2008 standings, also retired following the 2017 season as he stands at 26 Cup career victories, including two Daytona 500 titles. Meanwhile, Busch, who ended up in 10th place in the 2008 standings despite winning a total of eight races, is currently campaigning in his 20th season as a Cup Series competitor and second driving for Richard Childress Racing. He currently has achieved two Cup Series championships (2015 & 2019) and holds 230 victories across NASCAR’s top-three national touring series (65 in Craftsman Truck Series, 102 in Xfinity Series and 63 in Cup Series).
The third and latest NASCAR competition to occur on Leap Day was in 2020 at Auto Club Speedway in the Xfinity Series. During the year’s event, Harrison Burton, Ward Burton’s nephew who was campaigning in his first full-time Xfinity campaign and driving the No. 20 Toyota Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing, scored his first Xfinity victory in his 12th series start after he led twice for 40 laps and managed to retain the top spot during a restart with 19 laps remaining before fending off late challenges from teammate Riley Herbst and Austin Cindric. The Fontana victory would serve as the first of four victories accumulated for Burton throughout the 2020 Xfinity season, with the Huntersville, North Carolina, native securing a spot in the 2020 Xfinity Playoffs. Despite being eliminated from Playoff contention following the Round of 12, Burton, who won twice in the final four-scheduled events, proceeded to finish in eighth place in the final driver’s standings and secured the Rookie-of-the-Year title.
Currently, Burton is campaigning in his third full-time season in the Cup Series for Wood Brothers Racing and as the driver of the No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. He has made 75 starts in NASCAR’s premier series and has racked up a single top-five result and four top-10 results.
Prior to Harrison Burton’s first Xfinity victory, the Cup Series generated a dramatic moment earlier in the day when Clint Bowyer edged seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson by 0.007 seconds to claim what would be his fourth and final Cup career pole position at Fontana. Bowyer’s pole-winning lap, overall, occurred at 179.614 mph in 40.086 seconds. During the main event, Bowyer, who led the first 10 laps, ended up in 23rd place and Johnson settled in seventh place while Johnson’s teammate, Alex Bowman, won for the second time in his career after leading a race-high 110 laps.
Bowyer and Johnson have since retired from full-time NASCAR competition, which occurred following the 2020 season, while Bowman is currently campaigning in his ninth season in the Cup Series and seventh driving for Hendrick Motorsports.
Photo by David Myers for SpeedwayMedia.com.
For this season, there are no NASCAR-sanctioned events that are scheduled to occur on Leap Day, with the Craftsman Truck Series, Xfinity and Cup divisions set to run at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as part of a triple-header weekend between March 1-3. With Leap Day 2028 scheduled to occur on a Tuesday and with race day events primarily occurring on weekends, Leap Day 2032 is scheduled to occur on a Sunday, which leaves the futuristic possibility of another addition to NASCAR competition on Leap Day to be made.
