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HendrickCars.com Extends Partnership with Rajah Caruth, Spire Motorsports for Full NCTS Season

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 28, 2024) – HENDRICKCARS.COM has extended its partnership of driver Rajah Caruth and Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) team to include the entire calendar of races on the 2024 schedule.

It was previously announced HENDRICKCARS.COM would serve as Caruth’s primary sponsor for 10 races this year. The 21-year-old Washington D.C. native opened the season with a third-place finish at Daytona International Speedway and backed it up with an eighth-place showing last weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

“Rajah has had a tremendous start to 2024,” said Gary Davis, executive vice president, Hendrick Automotive Group. “When you combine his on-track potential, how he represents himself and HENDRICKCARS.COM, his impressive social media presence, and the incredible fan support he receives, we couldn’t pass on supporting him for the entire season.”

HENDRICKCARS.COM is the online home for everything Hendrick Automotive Group. Visitors can shop thousands of new or pre-owned vehicles, locate centers for service and collision repair, receive a value to sell or trade their car, chat online with customer service, discover career opportunities, learn more about vehicle protection programs, and explore how the company gives back to the community.

“It’s pretty special to have HENDRICKCARS.COM on my chest,” said Caruth. “I think about Phoenix last year when I drove the Xfinity car for Hendrick Motorsports that, within itself, was an incredible moment. Knowing that HENDRICKCARS.COM has extended their relationship with Spire Motorsports and my No. 71 team kind of leaves me speechless. I’m super-grateful because they don’t do that for just anyone. For me to be affiliated with that group and have their support is an honor. I’m excited to get on with the rest of the season. We’ve gotten off to a good start and I think the race in Las Vegas on Friday night is going to show our potential for the rest of the season.”

Caruth is currently fifth in the NCTS championship point standings and heads into Las Vegas Motor Speedway with an impressive 5.5 finishing average to open his 2024 NCTS campaign. Caruth has one prior NCTS start and three NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the 1.5-mile Las Vegas oval and looks to better his venue-best 20th-place effort in Friday night’s 200-miler.

“After a strong start to the season, Rajah Caruth and the No 71 team have a lot of positive momentum heading into Las Vegas,” said Spire Motorsports president Doug Duchardt. “This is great news and we’re really proud HENDRICKCARS.COM has decided to extend its support to fill out the entire season. Rajah is one NASCAR’s brightest young driving talents he’s been very impressive in the first two races of 2024. He has tremendous potential, and we expect to see him racing for wins on a regular basis. We’re confident we’ll see Rajah and the HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet Silverado in Victory Lane before long.”

The Victoria’s Voice 200 from Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be televised live on FS1 Friday, March 1, beginning at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The third of 23 NCTS races on the 2024 schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

About HENDRICKCARS.COM …
HendrickCars.com is the online home for everything Hendrick Automotive Group. Visitors can shop thousands of new or pre-owned vehicles, locate centers for service and collision repair, receive a value to sell or trade their car, chat online with customer service, discover career opportunities, learn more about vehicle protection programs, and explore how the company gives back to the community.

About Hendrick Automotive Group …
Representing 131 franchises and 25 manufacturer nameplates from the Carolinas to California, Hendrick Automotive Group is the largest privately held automotive retail organization in the United States. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company employs more than 10,000 people in its 94 dealership locations, 21 collision centers and four accessories distributor installers in 13 states. For more information, please visit HENDRICKCARS.COM.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports is a NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race team co-owned by long-time NASCAR industry executives Jeff Dickerson and Thaddeus “T.J.” Puchyr. In 2024, Spire Motorsports will campaign the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Corey LaJoie, Zane Smith and Carson Hocevar, respectively. The team will also field the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados full time in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. An all-star driver lineup will rotate throughout the 2024 season in the No. 7 Chevy. Rajah Caruth will drive the No. 71 entry and Chase Purdy rounds out the team’s fleet of Chevrolets in the No. 77.

Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on May 20, 2023, when Kyle Larson took the checkered flag in the Tyson 250 at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

JR Motorsports — NXS Las Vegas Preview

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Official Release
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JR Motorsports Team Preview
TRACK – Las Vegas Motor Speedway (1.5-mile tri-oval)
NXS RACE – The LiUNA! (200 laps / 300 miles)
TUNE IN – FS1, PRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 5 p.m. (EST)

Sam Mayer

No. 1 Club Car Chevrolet

Mayer 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 2

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 0

Laps Led: 0

Avg. Finish: 23.5

Points: 20th

Sam Mayer returns to Las Vegas Motor Speedway coming off an 11th-place finish after a hard-fought battle at Atlanta last Saturday.

In five starts at the 1.5-mile speedway, the Franklin Wis. native has tallied one top-five and three top-10 efforts with his best finish of fifth coming in his most recent start at Vegas in the fall of last year (2023).

Within the young driver’s 23 starts on tracks measuring 1.5 miles in length, Mayer has one win (Homestead 2023), six top fives and 13 top 10s. Mayer’s victory at Homestead last season propelled the JRM driver into the Championship 4 for the first time.

The 20-year-old will carry his third new partner of the season into Las Vegas with Club Car riding on board the No. 1 Chevrolet.

Sam Mayer

“I am eager to get back to the mile-and-a-half tracks as those are truly my favorite to race on. We had a really good run at Las Vegas last fall and then to go to Homestead to get that first win on a mile-and-a-half gave me a lot of confidence heading into these intermediates. I’m happy to have Club Car on board for this weekend and I hope we can have a nice finish for them or even better, get them to Victory Lane.”

Justin Allgaier

No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet

Allgaier 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 2

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 1

Laps Led: 7

Avg. Finish: 18

Points: 11th

Justin Allgaier has been strong in recent years in “Sin City,” finishing no worse than sixth in each of the last five NXS events dating back to the fall of 2021.

Overall, in 19 NXS starts at Las Vegas, Allgaier has scored 10 top fives and 16 top 10s, with an additional 277 laps led.

Four of those 10 top-fives were in the runner-up position for Allgaier, including this event last season.

In his career on tracks between 1 and 2 miles in length, Allgaier has amassed a combined 12 wins, 76 top fives and 144 top 10s in 231 starts in the NXS.

Justin Allgaier

“JRM as a whole has been really strong at Las Vegas over the past couple of years and I see no reason why that won’t continue again this weekend. Jim (Pohlman, crew chief) and everyone on this No. 7 team knows what we need to do to get our BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet up front throughout the day on Saturday. If we just go out and execute like we know we can, I feel extremely confident we will be in contention for the win on Saturday afternoon.”

Sammy Smith

No. 8 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet

Smith 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 2

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 1

Laps Led: 6

Avg. Finish: 16.5

Points: 10th

Sammy Smith only has two starts at Las Vegas thus far in his NXS career, but he has a solid average starting position of 8.5 and has finished 17th in both events.

Smith has scored one top-five and three top 10s over his last four starts on 1.5-mile tracks in the NXS, with a best finish of third coming at Texas last fall.

In 18 career NXS starts on tracks measuring 1-2 miles in length, Smith has scored one win (Phoenix 2023), three top fives and 11 top 10’s.

Through the opening two races of the season, Smith has recorded one top-10, coming this past weekend in Atlanta.

Sammy Smith

“After our first race together at Atlanta, my crew proved once again that we’re here to be competitive. They remained levelheaded even after that late-race caution that pushed us over our fuel window and got me back out in time to charge to a top-10 finish. Our Pilot Flying J Chevrolet has been strong these first two races so I’m eager to get to the intermediates and see what we can do, starting with Las Vegas.”

Brandon Jones

No. 9 Menards / Jeld-Wen Chevrolet

Jones 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 2

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 1

Laps Led: 0

Avg. Finish: 11.5

Points: 13th

Brandon Jones has made 14 NXS starts at Las Vegas and has tallied two top-five and 10 top-10 finishes with a best of third coming during the 2019 and 2021 seasons.

Additionally, Jones has made two starts at Las Vegas in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and scored one top-five and one top-10 finish (fifth in 2015).

On tracks measuring between 1-2 miles in length in the NXS, Jones has four wins, 19 top-five and 59 top-10 finishes in a combined 133 starts.

Jeld-Wen will adorn the hood of the No.9 Chevrolet at Las Vegas this weekend, the third time in a row the company will appear on the hood at the 1.5-mile tri-oval.

Brandon Jones

“This No. 9 team has put some really fast cars on the track and up to this point I don’t think the results show that. We had some setbacks last week in Atlanta and I am hoping we can refocus as a team and put on a good show in Vegas this weekend. With a little luck on our side in ‘Sin City’ we will park our Menards/Jeld-Wen Chevrolet in Victory Lane. After all the hard work this team has put in, they deserve it.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: JR Motorsports has competed at Las Vegas Motor Speedway a combined 76 times in the NXS. In those starts at the 1.5-mile tri-oval, the organization has recorded three wins, including the first for the organization in 2008 with NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, 33 top fives and 51 top 10s. The average finish is 10.6. The most recent trip to Victory Lane at Las Vegas was in Oct. 2022 with Josh Berry.

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Justin Allgaier and Brandon Jones will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / Legacy MC souvenir rig on Friday,

March 1 from 2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. PST.

NXS Las Vegas Autograph Session: JRM drivers Sam Mayer, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith and Brandon Jones will be signing autographs in the Neon Garage on Saturday March 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m (PST)

DEFENDING EVENT WINNER JOSH HART JOINS PEP BOYS NHRA TOP FUEL ALL-STAR CALLOUT FIELD IN GAINESVILLE

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Official Release
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 28, 2024) – Top Fuel standout Josh Hart will have the opportunity to defend his victory in the Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout, which takes place on Saturday, March 9 as part of the 55th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway.

Hart, the defending event winner in the big-money specialty race, moved into the final spot after Leah Pruett opted not to compete in the Callout. A year ago, Hart won out of the No. 8 spot in the Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout, and he’ll try to repeat that effort at his home track to kick off the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

“I have always believed ‘Anything’s Possible’ and this turn of events proves that you have to stay ready because anything can happen,” Hart said. “I am excited to get to mix it up with these other seven drivers. We won from the No. 8 spot last year and we will try and do it again. This R+L Carriers Top Fuel team learned a lot at the end of the season and over the off-season. We will be ready.”

Both Antron Brown and Shawn Langdon will move up one spot to sixth and seventh, respectively, with Hart jumping into the final position in the marquee specialty event. Four-time Top Fuel world champion Steve Torrence is the top seed in the big-money specialty race and has the first pick to call out his opening-round opponent.

Doug Kalitta, Mike Salinas, Brittany Force and Justin Ashley make up the next four positions. If Kalitta isn’t called out, the veteran picks next, going down the line until all four first-round matchups are set. Then, the driver who makes the quickest winning run that round selects their semifinal opponent, locking in the other matchup.

The selections take place at 10 a.m. in the Top Eliminator Club. The first round of the Pep Boys Top Fuel All-Star Callout takes place on Saturday at 1:20 p.m. ET and the semifinals at 2:45 p.m. The finals are slated for 4:25 p.m. A special Callout broadcast will air at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday on FS1.

2023 Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout winner Josh Hart

With Pruett not racing in Gainesville, her husband and team owner Tony Stewart, who is making his NHRA Top Fuel debut at the Gatornationals, is expected to compete in both qualifying sessions on Friday and Saturday leading into Sunday eliminations.

The Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout, which started in 2022 and pits eight standouts against each other in a unique specialty shootout, includes a total purse of $130,000, a special Callout trophy and belt, and plenty of bragging rights. It’s also a field that includes five world champions, with Torrence, Kalitta, the 2023 world champion, Force, Brown and Langdon owning 11 combined world titles.

Last year, Hart, who won the Gatornationals in 2021 in his first career Top Fuel start, beat Austin Prock, Brittany Force and Mike Salinas from the No. 8 position to win the Callout.

Salinas (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Troy Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won the Gatornationals in 2023. 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.

2024 Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout Final Standings

  1. Steve Torrence
  2. Doug Kalitta
  3. Mike Salinas
  4. Brittany Force
  5. Justin Ashley
  6. Antron Brown
  7. Shawn Langdon
  8. Josh Hart

(Note: Torrence will get the first selection for the opening round, followed by the next-highest seeded driver until matchups are set.)

PEP BOYS NHRA TOP FUEL ALL-STAR CALLOUT SCHEDULE (ET):

Friday, March 8:

12:30 PM – Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout autograph session at Pep Boys display

Saturday, March 9

10:00 AM – Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout first-round selections in Top Eliminator Club (Get your TEC Tickets Today!)

12:45 PM – Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout opening ceremonies

1:00 PM – First round for Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout

2:45 PM – Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout for round two. This will be conducted at the top end. The winning driver who makes the quickest run in the first round earns the right to select their semifinal opponent.

4:25 PM – Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout final round

7:00 PM – Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout show airs on FS1

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.

Interstate Batteries Racing: Christopher Bell Las Vegas Advance

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Official Release
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Christopher Bell
Daytona 500 Advance
No. 20 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing

Event Overview

● Event: Las Vegas 400 (Round 3 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 3
● Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
● Layout: 1.5-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 267 laps/400 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 80 laps / Stage 2: 85 laps / Final Stage: 102 laps
● TV/Radio: FOX / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Outrageously Dependable for 33 Years and Counting: Interstate Batteries has 11 primary sponsorships on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule in 2024, a similar number of schemes to last year’s expanded presence among all four JGR Toyota Camry XSEs. Along with another appearance in the Daytona 500 already in the books, Interstate’s colors will have co-primary sponsorships at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway in May, and the Cup Series season finale at Phoenix Raceway. Bell kicked off the Team Interstate effort as a co-primary sponsor at Daytona. Bell and Ty Gibbs will run the majority of the Interstate Batteries’ races with his second of four total Interstate races coming this weekend at Las Vegas, with veteran Denny Hamlin in Interstate colors for two races and Martin Truex Jr., carrying a primary Interstate Batteries sponsorship for one race. Hamlin will drive the No. 11 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry XSE in the March 26 race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, as well as the NASCAR Cup Series’ first-ever race at Iowa Speedway in Newton on June 16. Truex, the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion, will again pilot the No. 19 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry July 23 at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway.

● Double Duty: In addition to piloting his fulltime ride in the No. 20 Interstate Batteries Camry this weekend in Las Vegas, Bell will take a shot racing for Tricon Garage in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on Friday night. Bell is the 2017 Truck Series champion.

● Bell has two top-five finishes and four top-10s and has led a total of 93 laps in eight career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Las Vegas. Bell’s average Las Vegas finish is 17.4.

● The 2024 season marks Bell’s fifth fulltime season in the NASCAR Cup Series. He has eight career Cup Series starts on the 1.5-mile Las Vegas oval. Of those eight starts, his best career points-paying finish was a strong second-place run in last year’s October playoff race there. Bell is looking to build on the momentum of back-to-back appearances in the Championship 4 of the playoffs with the No. 20 team and two-time Cup Series championship-winning crew chief Adam Stevens.

● Outside of the NASCAR Cup Series, Bell has made four career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Las Vegas. He’s brought home three top-five finishes and three top-10s in those four Xfinity Series starts and added one pole, which came in March 2018.

● With his 34th-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway last weekend after being involved in an early race incident, Bell heads to Las Vegas 16th in the standings with 47 points, 30 out of the lead.

Christopher Bell, Driver of the No. 20 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry TRD

What are your expectations for Las Vegas this weekend?

“Las Vegas has a ton of grip, probably the highest level of grip of any track we go to. Last spring, the race at Vegas was completely different than we have seen with this car so far. It had a lot to do with colder ambient temperatures and no sun, and we are expecting some cooler temperatures this weekend, especially on Sunday. Last fall, it was obviously warmer and made the track more slick. Not sure how much rubber we will put down this weekend to widen the track. Vegas is a place where if you are typically faster than the guy in front of you, then you can pass them because you can move around. You can run the top, you can run the bottom, you can create momentum on guys, and the same thing can be said if you are bad – you can’t hold off guys if they are faster than you. We obviously had a great car there last fall and came so close to winning there. Hoping we can put it all together and finally get a win with our Interstate Batteries Camry at a place that’s been good for us.”

What does it mean to be part of the Interstate Batteries program again this season?

“I think I’ve said this a few times before, but driving the Interstate Batteries car is kind of a rite of passage at JGR – it’s like you are officially part of the club. It’s a big deal to everyone at Interstate Batteries and everyone at JGR – they are the team’s founding partner. It’s an honor to be able to drive that car and would be even more special to get a win for those guys. We know we are heading to a place at Las Vegas where we can get them a win. I know Kyle (Busch) has won a lot for them, and Bobby (Labonte) did back years ago. I would love to add my name to that list this weekend.”

Where do you feel you and crew chief Adam Stevens are in terms of the evolution of your relationship?

“I think we are in a really good spot. We continue to get more and more gelled together, and I think we are poised for more great things in 2024 than we had in 2023. I’m looking forward to what we have in store. This will be our first true 1.5-mile weekend and we hope it’s a good one for our entire team, but also for us on the Interstate Batteries No. 20 team.”

What are some of the things Adam has brought to the table that has sharpened you?

“Adam has been able to instill confidence in me by giving me fast racecars and cars that I know are going to handle good enough for me. He’s probably the best leader that I’ve ever driven for. He knows how to manage the highs and lows of a season, and he definitely can bring out the best in me.”

Do you feel like an elder statesman at Joe Gibbs Racing?

“No, I don’t (laughter). I don’t. I have Martin (Truex Jr.) and Denny (Hamlin), who are old and veterans and legends, and then I have Ty (Gibbs), who is younger than me but has been around the JGR family forever. I’m still the new guy on campus.”

No. 20 Interstate Batteries Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Christopher Bell

Hometown: Norman, Oklahoma

Crew Chief: Adam Stevens

Hometown: Portsmouth, Ohio

Car Chief: Chris Sherwood

Hometown: Portsmouth, Virginia

Spotter: Stevie Reeves

Hometown: Speedway, Indiana

Race Engineer: William Hartman

Hometown: Laingsburg, Michigan

Team Engineer: Chris Whitenight

Hometown: Berwick, Pennsylvania

Road Crew Members

Truck Driver: John Maybry

Hometown: Campobello, SC

Mechanic: Wesley Lape Hometown: Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania

Ride and Handling Engineer: Chris Chase

Hometown: Nichole, New York

Truck Driver: Glenn Funderburk

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Mechanic/Tire Specialist: Bryce Bratton

Hometown: Maiden, North Carolina

Over-The-Wall Crew Members

Gas Man: Peyton Moore

Hometown: Buford, Georgia

Jackman: Derrell Edwards

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Tire Carrier: Jake Holmes

Hometown: Westborough, Massachusetts

Front Tire Changer: Blake Houston

Hometown: Enochville, North Carolina

Rear Tire Changer: Mike Hicks

Hometown: China Grove, North Carolina

CALIFORNIA LIGHTNING SPRINT CARS OPEN 30th SEASON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AT IMPERIAL

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Official Release
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Six-time CLS Champion Bobby Michnowicz heads the list of entries at Imperial. CLS Photo.

(Torrance, CA, February 27, 2024) The California Lightning Sprint Car Series will kick off its historic 30th season with a pair of races during the California Mid-Winter Fair at the Imperial Valley Raceway this Friday and Saturday, March 1st and 2nd. Joining the CLS for this week’s exciting races will be the SoCal Lightning Sprints. Racing will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and 6:30 on Saturday. The main event will be 20 laps each night.

Heading the list of entries for this weekend is six-time CLS champion Bobby Michnowicz of Oak Hills, California. He first won the series championship in 2012 and followed that title by winning four in a row in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. He won his sixth championship with a phenomenal season in 2023. In 16 races, the now 60-year-old star posted five wins. However, his most impressive stat was 15 top-four finishes in the 16 races. The only time he finished out of the top four was his only DNF of the year. That came after two straight wins and was followed by two more in a row. In addition to his five victories, the Oak Hills, California star’s ledger for the season included six second-place finishes, one third-place result, and three fourth-place outings.

“You have Bobby Michnowicz, Jeff Dyer, Eric Greco, and Aiden Lange,” CLS President “Rockstar” Jon Robertson said when asked who he thought the heavy hitters would be this year. “Then you have Connor Speir, Cody Nigh, and whoever the Schweitzer’s are bringing to the club. Look at that kid (Brodey Graham) they brought in last year. Dyer’s kid (teenager Seth Dyer) is actually picking up the pace and is going pretty good. The competition is going to be fierce. They are just the tip of the iceberg. Of the 10 cars that show up at every race, any of them are capable of winning on a given night. They are just going to have to string together a bunch of good nights (to win the championship).”

“This is like my ninth or 10th season with the CLS,” Robertson went on. “This is looking to be a pretty spectacular year. All of the old gang is coming back. We have some new teams coming on board, and some other new rookies coming in later in the season as they are eligible (age wise). We should have a pretty good season. We have a lot of really good races and a good schedule starting this weekend. It is one of our better schedules and it is pretty exciting. We have a lot of good stuff going on starting off with this coming weekend at Imperial. We should have quite a few cars down there and it should be a spectacular show.”

In addition to those drivers, two-time CLS champion Brent Sexton (1999 and 2008) will be on hand on Friday night. If the inaugural USCS Sprint Car race at Ventura gets rained out on Saturday, he will be at Imperial both nights. If Ventura does not get rained out, Sexton will be racing there and AJ Bender, who won one of the season openers at Imperial last year, will drive Sexton’s #44.

Beginning at Imperial is nothing new on open-wheel fans. Starting in 1956, the original California Racing Association Sprint Car Series raced during the fair for decades and was known back then as “El Centro.” The races combined with the fair made the events among the most popular stops of the season.

The significance of competing at the famous facility has not been lost on Richardson. Even though the racing is not on the giant half-mile as it was in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, it is still in front of the grandstands and on the same plot of land on the fairgrounds.

“It is a racing landmark,” Robertson said of Imperial. “When I first started racing 30-some-odd years ago, that was one of the first tracks I ran at with USAC. It is always a great crowd and the racetrack just keeps getting better. Last year it was fantastic and since then they have done a lot of work on it. I am expecting a really good show with two days of great racing and the fair going on. What is not to like?”

Last March when the CLS visited Imperial Valley to open the season, USAC/CRA Sprint Car star AJ Bender and rising teen star Braden Chiaramonte won the two main events.

The pit gate will open at noon on Friday, driver check-in is 3:00-4:00 p.m., wheel packing will start at 5:00 with hot laps and single-car qualifying to follow. The first race of the night will begin at 7:00. On Saturday, the pit gate and driver check in times will be the same. Wheel packing will be at 4:30 and again will be followed by hot laps and single-car qualifying. The first race will start at 6:30.

One week after the season openers, the CLS stars and cars will travel 317 miles from Imperial for its first of six 2024 races at the famous Bakersfield Speedway.

The CLS would like to thank the following companies for being partners in the 2024 season. Extreme Mufflers, RacingJunk.com and Hoosier Tire.

2024 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule

March 1 Imperial Valley Raceway Mid-Winter Fair

March 2 Imperial Valley Raceway Mid-Winter Fair

March 9 Bakersfield Speedway CLS

April 13 Merced Speedway CSL vs BCRA Civil War #1

April 20 Bakersfield Speedway CLS

May 4 Ventura Raceway CLS

May 18 Bakersfield Speedway CLS

June 8 Ventura Raceway CLS

June 15 Bakersfield Speedway CLS

July 5 Santa Maria Raceway CLS

July 6 Santa Maria Raceway CLS

July 27 Santa Maria Raceway CLS vs BCRA Civil War #2

September 13 Bakersfield Speedway CLS vs BCRA Civil War #3

September 14 Ventura Raceway CLS

September 28 Ventura Raceway CLS

October 5 Merced Speedway CLS vs BCRA Civil War #4 Albright Memorial

October 26 Ventura Raceway CLS

November 15 Placerville Speedway Hangtown 100 – No Points

November 16 Placerville Speedway Hangtown 100 – No Points

November 26 Bakersfield Speedway CLS

To keep up with the CLS online, please visit the website at http://racecls.com/ and follow on the club’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/californialightningsprints.

2023 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Final Point Standings

  1. Bobby Michnowicz, Lomita, CA … 2026
  2. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA … 1883
  3. Aiden Lange, Lakewood, CA … 1509
  4. Jon Robertson, Torrance, CA … 1434
  5. Connor Speir, Fillmore, CA … 1383
  6. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA … 1349
  7. Seth Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA … 1440
  8. Cody Nigh, Camarillo, CA … 959
  9. Pat Kelley, Chino, CA … 927
  10. Brent Sexton, Lakeside, CA … 817

PAST CALIFORNIA LIGHTNING SPRINT CAR CHAMPIONS

1994 Tony Everhart

1995 Gary Sexton

1996 Rob Sczymczak

1997 Jon Rahe

1998 Chris Rahe

1999 Brent Sexton

2000 Greg Bragg

2001 Greg Bragg

2002 Greg Bragg

2003 David Cardey

2004 Keith Janca

2005 Johnny Bates

2006 Donny Gansen

2007 Shane Rossen

2008 Brent Sexton

2009 Stuart Hielschier Sr.

2010 Jarrett Kramer

2011 Tim Brown

2012 Bobby Michnowicz

2013 Stephen Limon

2014 Bobby Michnowicz

2015 Bobby Michnowicz

2016 Bobby Michnowicz

2017 Bobby Michnowicz

2018 Jarrett Kramer

2019 Jarrett Kramer

2021 David Gasper

2022 David Gasper

2023 Bobby Michnowicz

A Two-Vehicle Crash: How Authorities Find Out Who is to Blame

By
SM
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When two vehicles collide on the road, determining who is at fault can be a complex and crucial task. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a severe collision resulting in injuries or fatalities, authorities must swiftly and accurately ascertain responsibility.

According to the NHTSA, the US saw 114 fatal car crashes every day on average between 2020 and 2022. As the number of daily auto accident cases rises, understanding the intricacies of accident investigation is becoming vital for law enforcement and legal proceedings.

Here are some fundamental methods authorities utilize to determine fault in a two-vehicle crash.

Witness Statements and Testimonies

Eyewitness accounts play a pivotal role in reconstructing the sequence of events leading up to a collision. Authorities gather statements from individuals who observed the accident, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and nearby residents.

As reported by WFAA earlier this year, Fort Worth saw a deadly hit-and-run case where the victim later passed away. Police are currently looking for witnesses who were present during the crash. Such testimonies provide valuable insight into the actions of the drivers involved and any contributing factors such as road conditions, weather, or traffic violations. 

Investigators meticulously interview witnesses to corroborate their observations and identify any inconsistencies. Additionally, statements from impartial witnesses carry significant weight in establishing the credibility and accuracy of the accounts provided.

Physical Evidence Analysis

Examining the physical evidence at the crash site is essential for piecing together the dynamics of the collision. Vehicle damage patterns and the final resting positions of the vehicles offer critical clues regarding the speed, direction of travel, and points of impact.

Crash reconstruction specialists employ advanced techniques such as photogrammetry, laser scanning, and computer simulations to recreate the sequence of events with precision. By analyzing the evidence meticulously, authorities can determine factors such as the respective actions of each driver leading up to the crash.

Vehicle Damage Assessment

Assessing the damage sustained by the vehicles involved provides valuable insights into the severity and mechanics of the collision. According to Forbes, authorities examine the extent and location of the damage, looking for patterns that indicate the forces involved.

Damage patterns such as crumple zones, paint transfers, and structural deformities help investigators ascertain the angle and velocity of the collision. By correlating the damage patterns with witness statements and physical evidence, authorities can construct a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to the crash.

Traffic Camera Footage and Surveillance Videos

In today’s digital age, traffic cameras and surveillance systems capture vast amounts of footage that can be instrumental in accident investigation. Authorities review footage from intersection cameras, dashcams, security cameras, and nearby businesses to obtain visual documentation of the collision.

Take the following case as an example. Last December in Rogers, Arkansas, KNWA reported that a two-car accident slowed down the traffic on Interstate 49. Thankfully, there were no injuries. Otherwise, the injured would have hired a Rogers car accident attorney to handle the case.

According to Keith Law Group, car accident victims always turn to personal injury lawyers. They do so to secure compensation and justice for their medical bills and other financial and emotional losses. 

In this case, however, since no one was injured, it seems that the parties avoided getting the law involved. Yet, to find out who was actually at fault, it turns out that the police turned to street cameras. 

High-resolution video footage provides a detailed perspective of the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Analyzing the footage frame by frame allows investigators to identify contributing factors such as red-light violations, speeding, or erratic driving behavior.

Data Recorders (Black Boxes)

Many modern vehicles are equipped with data recorders, commonly referred to as “black boxes,” which capture crucial data before, during, and after a crash. These devices record parameters such as vehicle speed, acceleration, braking, steering input, and seatbelt usage.

Following a collision, authorities retrieve the black boxes from the vehicles and analyze the data to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash. Black box data provides objective insights into driver behavior and vehicle dynamics, offering a precise timeline of actions preceding the collision.

Driver Statements and Police Reports

Gathering statements from the drivers involved is a fundamental aspect of accident investigation. Law enforcement officers interview the drivers to obtain their firsthand accounts of the events leading up to the crash, including their actions and recollections.

Additionally, police officers document their observations and findings in detailed accident reports, which serve as official records of the incident. These reports include information such as driver statements, witness testimonies, physical evidence analysis, and preliminary determinations of fault based on the available evidence.

In conclusion, determining fault in a two-vehicle crash requires a comprehensive and methodical approach that integrates various investigative techniques. Authorities take the steps discussed above to reconstruct the sequence of events with accuracy and impartiality. Ultimately, the goal is to establish accountability, promote road safety, and facilitate fair and just outcomes for all parties involved in the collision.

Tipping the Scales – Improving Your Online Gambling Experience

By
SM
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Photo by Firmbee.com on Unsplash

When it comes to online betting and gambling in 2024, the harsh reality some people don’t understand is that the scales are tipped against you. While almost every single gambling game requires a (significant) degree of luck, there are aspects of online gambling that you have control of to maximize your potential.

Promotional Offers

Promotions have long been a cornerstone of online betting, enticing players with bonuses, free bets, and other incentives. In all honesty, the main goal of a promotional offer is to get you in the door and to keep you on their platform or website. Equally, it’s hard to argue that promotions are a bad idea to utilize even though their primary intention may be detrimental.

Using promotional codes is the best way to place multiple bets on games, sports, and more without needing to put anything upfront except for your time. These codes and rewards often give you a significant sum of ‘play money’ to try out their systems and even withdraw should you win.

Promotional codes usually come in the form of sign-up rewards. Still, they can also be given as a loyalty reward to long-standing users or as referral rewards from existing users.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that promotions alone won’t guarantee success. One must complement these promotional offers with a solid strategy to excel in online betting.

Disciplinary Limitations

As with many things, self-discipline is a key asset many don’t use. Regarding online gambling, self-discipline is found in bankroll management, not chasing losses and diversification.

Effective bankroll management is essential for long-term success. Setting clear budgetary limits, avoiding chasing losses, and strategically allocating funds across various bets can help mitigate risk and sustain profitability over time.

Many people often implement good bankroll management during their first few times gambling. An example would be someone who visits the casino with only $100 in their pocket. They understood the risks and knew they’d either lose the $100 or turn it into something more. Typically, repeat users/visitors slowly lose a grasp of how important bankroll management is.

Additionally, staying disciplined amidst the excitement of online betting is vital. It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of the game, leading to impulsive decisions and irrational behavior. By maintaining a calm and rational mindset, you or other players can make more calculated choices and not throw everything on a single bet to try and make it all back.

Diversification

Another aspect to consider is the importance of diversification. While focusing solely on one sport, platform, game, or betting market is tempting, diversifying your portfolio can spread risk and maximize potential returns.

Sometimes, it can be beneficial to bet on something you are only slightly familiar with, as that can lead to less inhibition and stress.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, while promotional codes and rewards boost your online betting endeavors, success ultimately hinges on a combination of multiple gambling elements. Key elements are discipline, familiarity, diversification, and more. By utilizing promotional rewards and adopting a strict disciplinary plan, you or other players can help add weight to your side of the scale. Remember to gamble responsibly; thank you!

Ericsson Climbs to Top Late as Sebring Test Finishes

By
Official Release
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Sebring, FL - during the 2024 Test at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida. (Photo by Joe Skibinski | IMS Photo)

SEBRING, Fla. (Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024) – It appears Marcus Ericsson is settling in nicely at Andretti Global.

2022 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Ericsson led the second day of NTT INDYCAR SERIES testing Feb. 27 at Sebring International Raceway, turning a top lap of 51.9512 seconds in the No. 28 Delaware Life Honda. Ericsson joins Andretti Global this season after racing the last four seasons for Chip Ganassi Racing.

His time on the bumpy, 1.67-mile circuit at Sebring was the quickest overall in two days of testing this week as every NTT INDYCAR SERIES team prepared for the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding on Sunday, March 10 (noon ET, NBC, Peacock, INDYCAR Radio Network). Ericsson won the St. Petersburg race last year.

“Today is very important, especially when you’re in a new team,” Ericsson said. “It’s been a lot of learning processes, learning the people, learning the car. Everything is new, obviously. We don’t get a lot of tests these days. So, we need to maximize that.

“We just had a really good day. So, that’s positive, and we’re feeling excited about going to St. Pete.”

Two-time series champion Will Power was second quickest at 52.0076 in the No. 12 Verizon Business Team Penske Chevrolet. Like Ericsson, Power turned his top lap in the final 15 minutes of the session.

Pato O’Ward was third with his best afternoon lap of 52.0104 in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. O’Ward showed remarkable consistency today, leading the morning session at 52.0158.

Felix Rosenqvist ended up fourth at 52.0305 in the No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda. Rosenqvist, like fellow Swede Ericsson, has switched teams this season, shifting from Arrow McLaren to Meyer Shank Racing.

Graham Rahal rounded out the top five at 52.0598 in the No. 15 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda.

Each of the top five drivers Tuesday posted times quicker than the best overall lap Monday, 52.0883 by reigning series champion Alex Palou in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Palou ended up sixth on the overall speed chart.

Twelve drivers combined to turn 698 laps Tuesday. A total of 27 drivers tested over the two days at the historic circuit, turning a total of 2,115 laps. Sebring’s rough, bumpy surface consisting of concrete and asphalt is a good simulation of street course tracks like those at St. Petersburg.

“Basically, what you’re looking for is just different types of patches, concrete, asphalt, bumpy,” O’Ward said. “That’s what you get in a street course with the years that go by. Some surfaces get rougher, some of them get redone, so you really don’t know what to expect until you get there, but you expect to get a little bit of everything.”

A driver gaining extra attention today was sports car veteran Colin Braun, who was behind the wheel of the No. 51 Dale Coyne Racing Honda. It was the first test in an INDYCAR SERIES car for Texas native Braun, 35, a three-time IMSA season champion and overall winner of the 2023 Rolex 24 At Daytona with Indianapolis 500 winners Helio Castroneves and Simon Pagenaud and current NTT INDYCAR SERIES rookie Tom Blomqvist.

Braun and Jack Harvey tested this week for DCR, the only team yet to name its driver lineup for this season. Braun ended up .1597 of a second quicker than Harvey, who drove DCR’s No. 18 Honda on Monday. Braun’s best lap was just .9657 of a second off the top overall test time turned by Ericsson, impressive for his first day in an INDYCAR SERIES car.

“My first day in (INDYCAR SERIES machinery), certainly a blast jumping in the deep end,” Braun said. “A lot to learn, but it was great having Jack Harvey here helping out, and these guys did a really good job of walking me down the path and letting me learn step by step. It was fun.

“Made progress all day. It felt like it went pretty smooth on my end. Still a lot to learn, but it’s a great group of guys to learn from and work with. So, a big thank you to Honda and Dale Coyne for giving me a chance here. A lot of fun.”

NASCAR reveals 2024 spring Atlanta penalty report

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

NASCAR released its penalty report following this past weekend’s triple-header feature at Atlanta Motor Speedway which includes two Cup Series teams from the same organization hit with an early points swing.

Stewart-Haas Racing’s Nos. 10 and 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse teams piloted by Noah Gragson and Ryan Preece, respectively, have each been docked 35 driver/owner points as a result of violating Section 14.5.6.1.a. of NASCAR’s Rule Book that highlights the specification compliance of roof rail deflectors.

The news comes after NASCAR confiscated the roof rail deflectors of both Gragson and Preece’s entries following Friday’s pre-race inspection and before the Cup Series’ Ambetter Health 400 on Sunday.

During the event, Preece finished 16th while Gragson, who was involved in a 16-car pileup on the second lap, retired in 36th.

In addition, Joey Logano, a two-time Cup Series champion, was fined $10,000 for a competition infraction that involved failing to meet SFI-approved specifications with his protective gloves, where his left glove was discovered to be modified with webbings between his thumb and index finger, which would provide an aerodynamic advantage by creating drag and deflecting air from coming inside the car.

Logano, who initially posted the second-fastest qualifying speed and was set to start alongside pole-sitter Michael McDowell on the front row, was instead forced to drop to the rear of the field and serve a pass-through penalty at the start of the main event. Despite rallying to lead 27 laps, Logano ended up 28th after getting collected in a multi-car wreck with Chris Buescher and Denny Hamlin prior to the second stage’s conclusion.

In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Seth Chavka, crew chief for Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19 “all-star” Toyota Supra entry that was piloted by Ryan Truex, was fined $5,000 due to a single lug nut discovered to be unsecured on Truex’s entry following the series’ RAPTOR King of Tough 250 at Atlanta on Saturday. During the event, Truex finished ninth after he initially was in contention for the victory during an overtime shootout.

In addition, Jason Miller, crew chief of the No. 14 SS Green Light Racing Chevrolet team piloted by JJ Yeley, was issued a two-race suspension, beginning for the next two upcoming weekends, for violating Section 4.4.D of the Xfinity Series’ Rule Book that highlights NASCAR member code of conduct. Miller was seen engaging in a physical confrontation with Kyle Weatherman following Saturday’s event. Their argument stems from where Weatherman sent Yeley for a spin entering Turn 1 nearing the Lap 60 mark. Yeley ended up 24th while Weatherman finished 17th.

There were no penalties or fines issued from Saturday’s Craftsman Truck Series’ FR8 208 event at Atlanta.

NASCAR is set to resume to action for its third triple-header feature of the 2024 season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The action commences with the Truck Series’ Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 on Friday, March 1, which will air at 9 p.m. ET on FS1 followed by the Xfinity Series’ The LiUNA! that will occur on Saturday, March 2, at 5 p.m. ET on FS1. The Cup Series’ Pennzoil 400 will conclude the weekend by occurring on Sunday, March 3, at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

Reser’s Fine Foods Racing: Martin Truex Jr. Las Vegas Advance

By
Official Release
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Martin Truex Jr.
Las Vegas Advance
No. 19 Reser’s Fine Foods Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing

Event Overview

● Event: Las Vegas 400 (Round 3 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 3
● Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
● Layout: 1.5-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 267 laps/400 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 80 laps / Stage 2: 85 laps / Final Stage: 102 laps
● TV/Radio: FOX / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Truex has two wins, seven top-five finishes, 15 top-10s and has led a total of 313 laps in 24 career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Las Vegas. Truex’s average Las Vegas finish is a strong 10.0. Truex’s average finish is tied for second among active drivers with Joey Logano. Kyle Busch is the leader among active drivers with a 9.4 average.

● Truex notched his most recent Las Vegas victory in September 2019, when he led 32 laps. It was his second win on the 1.5-mile oval and first at Las Vegas since joining Joe Gibbs Racing.

● After two superspeedway races to start the season, Truex certainly is looking forward to getting to the first downforce track of 2024 in the 1.5-mile oval at Las Vegas – a place that has treated him well over the years. At similar tracks last year, Truex posted five top-10 finishes – at Las Vegas, Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, and Homestead-Miami Speedway.

● Family owned and operated, Reser’s has been a proud sponsor of good times at racetracks, picnics, and barbecues since 1950 with a family of brands that includes Reser’s American Classics, Main St. Bistro, and more. Reser’s operates 14 facilities in the U.S., Mexico and Canada and actively supports the communities it serves. Visit resers.com to learn more.

● With his 12th-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway last weekend, Truex heads to Las Vegas 10th in the standings with 60 points, 17 points out of the lead, as the Cup Series heads to Las Vegas to begin this year’s abbreviated two-race Western Swing. The series heads to Phoenix Raceway next week.

Martin Truex Jr., Driver of the No. 19 Reser’s Fine Foods Toyota Camry XSE

What are you expecting at Las Vegas this weekend with your No. 19 Reser’s Fine Foods Camry XSE?

“I expect it to be a great race out in Vegas. I love going out there and it’s a great racetrack. Vegas is a great track that’s wide and you can run all over. We saw a lot of guys run high there the last couple of years and we’ve also gotten better as a team at being able to get through the bumps and move around. Looking forward to having Reser’s Fine Foods on our car for the first time at Vegas. I’ve won there before and I’m always confident we can go out there and run up front and have a shot to get Reser’s to victory lane.”

Does “Sin City” still live up to its name when you race out there?

“Not really. Honestly, for us on a two-day weekend, it’s all business. I don’t even leave the track when we go there. It’s not like the banquet – that was fun. When we go to racetracks, it’s all business for everyone. It’s just too serious. There is too much on the line and the commitment level and the focus it takes is higher than it has ever been.”

How has the level of parity changed in the Cup Series?

“I think it has changed a lot since I’ve been here. I think the last few years with the NextGen car has been the biggest change, I would say. It has constantly evolved since I’ve come into the sport as far as trying to tighten things up, but the NextGen car just has taken it to a new level. You are talking about everybody having the same parts and pieces – that’s never been a part of this sport. That’s definitely been the game changer.”

Talk about tire strategy at Las Vegas, and how late-race cautions affect your strategy.

“It’s an interesting place, it’s fast and high-speed and has tire falloff but, for whatever reason, it’s a place that has unique asphalt, and when the tires cool off, you can fire off and run one or two fast laps. These days, with these cars, if you can get that clean air and get those two to three car lengths out in front of guys who are on better tires behind you, and guys in between you and the four-tire guys, you have a huge advantage for a few laps. It’s all about what the other guy does. You can be the only guy on two tires and you are a sitting duck, but if you have four to five guys behind you on two tires, you have a bit of a buffer and so it just depends on what goes on around you.”

No. 19 Reser’s Fine Foods Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Martin Truex Jr.

Hometown: Mayetta, New Jersey

Crew Chief: James Small

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

Car Chief: Chris Jones

Hometown: Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Race Engineer: Jaik Halpainy

Hometown: Blockville, New York

Engineer: Jeff Curtis

Hometown: Fairfax Station, Virginia

Spotter: Drew Herring

Hometown: Benson, North Carolina

Road Crew Members

Underneath Mechanic: Ryan Martin

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Virgina

Mechanic: Todd Carmichael

Hometown: Redding, California

Interior/Tire Specialist: Tommy DiBlasi

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Engine Tuner: Beau Morton

Hometown: Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Transporter Driver: Kyle Bazzell

Hometown: Fairbury, Illinois

Transporter Driver: Eddie DeGroot

Hometown: Baldwinsville, New York

Over-The-Wall Crew Members

Gas Man: Matt Tyrrell

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Jackman: Caleb Dirks

Hometown: Riverside, California

Tire Carrier: CJ Bailey

Hometown: Outer Banks, North Carolina

Front Tire Changer: Lee Cunningham

Hometown: Leaf River, Illinois

Rear Tire Changer: Marquill Osborne

Hometown: Cornelius, NC

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