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Palou Fastest as St. Pete Preparation Intensifies at Sebring Test

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. (Monday, Feb. 26, 2024) – Less than two weeks before the start of the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, Alex Palou is starting right where he stopped in 2023 – on top.

Reigning and two-time series champion Palou led the first day of a two-day test Feb. 26 on the short circuit at Sebring International Raceway, turning a top lap of 52.0883 seconds in the No. 10 DHL Honda fielded by Chip Ganassi Racing. Testing was separated into morning and afternoon sessions, with Palou’s best lap coming in the afternoon on the notoriously bumpy, challenging circuit.

“Nowadays, we don’t get as many tests as we would like,” Palou said. “We would always want to have a lot of test days, but honestly, it’s super important when we are only one week and a half out of St. Pete.

“We want to go through a lot of the engineering list that we’ve been thinking about all offseason. We won’t have enough time. But it’s a way to get the rest of the drivers, just all the crew, all the team together and try and get some ideas in person.”

Testing will continue Tuesday at the historic Florida circuit, with all teams continuing to run without the hybrid system that will be introduced later this season. The 2024 season also opens in Florida on Sunday, March 10 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding.

Fifteen drivers turned laps Monday, with all five of the quickest laps occurring in the afternoon. Right behind Palou was Christian Lundgaard of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing with a top lap of 52.1065 in the No. 45 Hy-Vee Honda.

Two-time series champion and reigning Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Josef Newgarden was third at 52.1298 in the No. 2 Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet, followed by Colton Herta at 52.1909 in the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda fielded by Andretti Autosport.

2016 Indianapolis 500 winner Alexander Rossi rounded out the top five at 52.2521 in the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet.

Drivers combined to turn 1,047 laps, with five different teams represented by the top five drivers on the time sheets. Just .5008 of a second separated the top 11 drivers on the day. Less than a second – .9833, to be exact – separated all 15 drivers on track today.

Kyle Kirkwood led the morning session at 52.5618 in the No. 27 AutoNation Honda fielded by Andretti Global. Kirkwood, from Jupiter, Florida, beat that time in the afternoon with a lap of 52.3341.

“This is a big warmup, the first time our car has been on track since Laguna (last September),” Kirkwood said. “Just working through all the gremlins and getting everyone up to speed. That’s what this test is about, getting the rust off and getting ready for St. Pete so we don’t have any of these gremlins and can roll out in practice at St. Pete and just go fast.”

TICKETS ON SALE FOR FAMED 59TH ANNUAL IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALS IN POMONA

By
Official Release
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POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 26, 2024) – Tickets are now on sale for the 59th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, as world champions will be crowned in dramatic fashion at legendary In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip on Nov. 14-17 in Pomona, Calif.

Last year, the championship drama came down to the final pass of the season in Top Fuel in one of the most thrilling endings in NHRA Finals history, and fans can expect another spectacular finish in 2024 to close out the year in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

It’s a race loaded with historic and legacy-making runs over nearly six decades, including the finale in 2023 when Doug Kalitta knocked off Leah Pruett in a winner-take-all final round in Top Fuel, handing Kalitta his elusive first championship. It was a magical moment to close out the season and with an incredible atmosphere always apparent in Pomona, this year’s race will be loaded with intense action and championship celebrations.

For fans that want the ultimate experience at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, the Top Eliminator Club offers the best seats in the house, a premium experience and a number of exclusive benefits at one of the biggest races of the season.

“Last year’s In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals was one of the best races in the event’s history and for it to come down to the wire on the final pass of the season shows this is an event no drag racing fan should miss,” said NHRA Vice President of Track Management & Operations, Kasey Coler. “In-N-Out Burger has helped create a special atmosphere in Pomona and you can just feel the incredible energy and excitement all weekend long. We saw an exhilarating finish last season and it’s going to be another epic celebration for our fans and race fans this year in Pomona.”

Kalitta (Top Fuel), Chad Green (Funny Car), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) won last year’s event, while Kalitta (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all clinched world titles in Pomona. The race will again be broadcast on FS1 to close the season in style.

Kalitta’s championship triumph was a marvelous moment, while Hagan’s fourth world championship came down to the final day as well. His championship was also the first for Tony Stewart Racing, while Enders, the winningest female in motorsports, claimed her sixth world title and fourth in the past five years. Herrera’s record-breaking season was capped off with one more dominant performance in Pomona, as all four drivers will look to end the season in similar fashion in 2024.

Kalitta also earned his seventh victory at the facility, which is the most for any Top Fuel driver in NHRA history. Nobody can top John Force’s 16 Funny Car wins in Pomona, though Green enjoyed a tremendous first to close out last year by picking up his first career NHRA Funny Car win in Pomona.

In Pro Stock, Stanfield won for the second time in Pomona last year, while Greg Anderson has 14 career victories at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. Enders’ sixth championship put her in elite territory, too, tying her with Warren Johnson for the second most in Pro Stock history. Herrera, meanwhile, was dominant in Pomona, finishing off a year that includes a Pro Stock Motorcycle-record 11 wins and 14 No. 1 qualifiers. Current standout Matt Smith’s five wins are tied for the most in PSM history at the legendary facility.

Action at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip will include a pair of qualifying runs on both Friday and Saturday, leading into eliminations, where history will be made and champions will be crowned, with fans getting unparalleled access to see it all go down to end the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

To purchase tickets to the 59th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. Included in the premium experience by purchasing Top Eliminator Club tickets is a members-only hospitality center, complimentary food and beverages, members-only souvenir store, exclusive drivers appearances, a gift bag, a premium view of the staging lanes and much more.

For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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

Aftercare tips for a Newly Replaced Windshield

By
SM
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Cracks or chips on your vehicle’s windshield are ticking time bombs that can bring you and your car into unexpected accidents. In this case, immediate replacements are of the utmost importance. Still, sometimes, even the best replacements can be undone by drivers who flounder in giving good aftercare for their new windshields. 

Installing windshields requires advanced technical proficiency. While windshield replacement technicians are trained in high-quality replacement methods, the driver’s responsible for taking care of their vehicle after installing the new windshields. So when you have a new windshield, take note of these tips to avoid an unplanned trip to the technician. Drivers must remember to follow the prescribed windshield replacement aftercare. Below, we’ve provided seven tips for you to follow after you get your windshield replaced.

Give it Adequate Time to Cure

When installing the windshield on your vehicle, the technician would use adhesives like urethane to create a waterproof seal between the glass and the frame. The duration of the curing process varies depending on the type of adhesive and the environmental conditions, such as humidity and temperature. Usually, technicians recommend 24 hours of waiting time before driving your car to allow the adhesive to cure adequately.

Crack Open the Car Windows 

When internal pressure is high, it usually leads to cracked windshields–a frequent occurrence worsened by hot weather conditions, especially during summertime. With heightened pressure, the adhesive seal can be compromised, resulting in potential leaks that compromise both your safety and your vehicle’s integrity. To lessen this risk, remember to open your windows slightly to release excess pressure and prevent buildup. It’s also advised to avoid prolonged parking in hot environments.

Avoid High-Pressure Car Washes

High-pressure car washes are effective cleaning options, but the intense pressure used for these cleaning methods can jeopardize the integrity of the adhesive before it fully dries, potentially weakening it. Your windshield may become vulnerable to detachment or cracking upon minimal impact. Certain detergents used in car washes can also be abrasive to the adhesive. Therefore, it’s advisable to refrain from having high-pressure washes for at least 24 hours after a windshield replacement. If cleaning is necessary during this period, opt for a mild detergent and a gentle spray to minimize stress on the windshield.

Clear Out the Windshield

Wet adhesive can stick to anything it comes into contact with, depending on the material. Even if objects don’t stick, they can disrupt the seal between the windshield and the car frame, leading to potential leaks and cracks. During the initial 24-hour period, keeping items away from both sides of the windshield is crucial. Specifically, refrain from placing covers on the outside of the windshield or using sunshades on the interior side. While the items inside may not stick to the adhesive, they could exude pressure on the windshield, hindering the drying process and causing gaps in the seal. 

Be Gentle With the Windshield

During the 24 hours while the adhesive is still drying, it’s important to carefully handle both the windshield and your car, as impacts on the other parts of the vehicle can also impact the windshield. Be gentle when opening and closing doors, and refrain from using windshield wipers for some time following replacement. If using the wipers is unavoidable, limit your driving to approximately 2 hours to minimize potential strain on the newly installed windshield. 

Drive Carefully

It’s crucial to exercise heightened caution while driving to maintain your windshield’s integrity. Avoid routes with potholes and rough terrain, as the vehicle’s jolting movements can induce new cracks on the windshield and potentially dislodge the adhesive if it’s not fully dry. Drive at a moderate speed and avoid sudden brakes to minimize the risk of impacts that could lead to windshield damage.

It should also be noted that some inexperienced technicians can mess up the new windshield installation. So here are some things to check for after your new windshield installation. 

Inspect the Edges

After installing the windshield, inspect it closely to ensure a proper fit.  Loose edges can also lead to the need for early replacement and pose a safety risk in collisions, potentially causing the windshield to break inward or into dangerous shards. 

Check the Thickness and Tint

Some car owners overlook the importance of thickness and tint when replacing windshields. These factors are crucial for both structural integrity and aesthetics. A reputable installer ensures the glass is properly laminated and toughened to withstand pressure. The tint also affects visibility, particularly at night. 

Look for Bubbles and Irregularities

Watch for signs like bubbles, peeled tape, and gaps near the frame, indicating poor installation. Check for aged or dry adhesive along the edges, compromising the windshield’s strength. Bubbles and dried adhesive are clear indicators of subpar installation.

Test The Car Seal

Check the rubber seal holding the glass in place, ensuring a snug fit. This seal is replaced during windshield installation. After the recommended resting period, listen for any wind noises while driving with closed windows, indicating gaps or improper seal application. Refrain from removing the retention tape for at least 24 hours post-installation to allow the glass to be securely set.

Top 5 Best Ways to Manage Truck Drivers and the Fleet

By
SM
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Photo by Naomi McKinney on Unsplash

Running a business can be challenging, to say the least, more so for new startups. And if you have a business where your fleet of truck drivers is being managed well, you’re in trouble. 

Truck drivers are essential workers who can bring your business success and help manage different routes and stops. So, in order to keep your drivers and your fleet online, you’ll need to use an effective fleet management system. 

That’s where we come in – we’re here to provide you with the top 5 ways you can manage truck drivers and fleets. Let’s jump right into it, shall we? 

What is Truck Fleet Management?

A fleet management system is crucial for businesses using a fleet of trucks to deliver their supplies. To maintain a smooth operation and ensure they get faster-increased profits and turnaround times. 

Fleet management specifically focuses on trucks as their main transportation vehicle. Their technologies and practices are aimed at ensuring operational efficiency, boosting productivity and also at cutting costs.  

Other than delivering packages, truck fleet management also includes looking after driver safety, reducing fuel costs, optimizing the best routes, accident prevention and minimizing breakdowns. 

Carrying out successful fleet management solutions can help lead to saving costs and also improved performance. For instance, a leading supply chain management company like UPS uses an AI-powered optimization system to analyze data in real-time. 

It works out the most fuel-efficient routes for UPS’s whole fleet, resulting in enhanced fleet efficiency and reduced emissions. 

Challenges in Truck Fleet Management

Now that you have an idea of what truck fleet management is and how helpful it can be for a growing business, let’s take a look at some of the challenges that come with managing a fleet of trucks. You can also visit truckercfo.com to learn more.  

Manually Managing Routes 

Managing a fleet of trucks manually is a bad idea because it leaves a lot of room for not only inefficiency but errors as well. 

If truck drivers don’t have proper guidance, then chances are they’ll take more time to deliver the goods to the customers. This only leads to more fuel consumption and an increased turnaround time, which will lead you to face some very unhappy customers! 

Driver Safety

We cannot stress how vital driver safety is. In fact, drivers face the most risk when they’re met with breakdowns, accidents or any kind of vehicle issues. But, if you have a fleet management system in place, then your trucks and drivers can both be monitored and given safety guidelines in order to finish a successful delivery. 

What’s more helpful about having a management system is that in the event of a major accident, it can immediately provide assitance to the driver. 

Truck Breakdowns

To make sure deliveries are done correctly and on time, vehicle inspections should be done regularly. Failure to do so can result in drivers facing issues on the road – causing the vehicle to break down and cause an impact on the supply chain of the whole network. 

This is where a fleet management system can have a number of adverse effects. By the help of an appropriate technology that helps fleet managers to overcome any issue thrown towards them. 

Top 5 Ways to Manage Truck Drivers and the Fleet

Now that we have a solid idea about fleet management and what the challenges are, let’s turn our attention to the ways you can manage your truck drivers and the fleet: 

  1.    Documents Have to be Up to Date

Dealing with authorities when your drivers don’t have proper document can be very unpleasant. This can lead to them getting fined, losing their license or worse, the goods and truck getting impounded causing the delivery to stop completely. 

It’s the company’s job to make sure that each and every truck has insurance that are up to date, parking fees, permits and their inspection sheets. The driver has to have a valid license or a renewed one. They also have to carry the appropriate truck weight so that they can have smoother rides on weighing bridges.

If all your documents and requirements are in the right order, then you’ll help save your business a great deal of loss. Plus, the guarantee of a smooth delivery gives the drivers an environment to work and deliver their orders on time and with efficieny. 

  1. The Latest Trucking Software

With the help of trucking softwares, fleet managers can be very accurately locate both the truck and its driver. Thanks to GPS technology, which helps create maps that let the managers follow the progress of the deliveries. 

They can also help by providing flawless communication, timely deliveries and proper routes as well.

  1. Importance of Vehicle Maintenance 

If you want a successful and efficiently running business, then you have to make sure both your drivers and managers are not only keeping a close eye on proper vehicle maintenance, but also their services as well. This is crucial for the safety of the driver and also the lifespan of the truck itself. 

A good maintenance routine of all the vehicles will help save your business some major costs. But a bad routine can lead to accidents, thus making the company lose the delivery, the driver’s life and also the truck. 

  1. Giving Your Drivers Some Proper Motivation

It’s no secret that incentives can really motivate people to work harder, the case is the same when it comes to fleet managers and truck drivers. Incentives can increase productivity and motivate drivers to meet their desired targets and also increase their level of performance. 

Being rewarded for doing good work will help maintain better communication and keep costs low on maintenance and fuel. 

  1. Proper Communication and Information Access

A strong communication and efficient delivery software can do wonders for your company. In order to do that, managers should make the habit of registering the number of drivers with the trucks they’re assigned to. 

This should also include the delivery route as well. Since drivers are always on the move, they’re forced to face constantly changing routes and tougher challenges. This is why proper communication and monitoring across different routes are so vital. 

Without a proper communication system and information access, managers and drivers cannot report route changes, delivery delays, and challenges on time. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, we’d like to say that managing a business is hard, but managing a whole fleet of truck drivers is harder. You have to be on top of everything to make sure all the deliveries are being done on time and that your customers are also happy with the service you provide. 

And in order to keep your business thriving and your customers happy, you have to face up to the challenges and meet them head-on. And having a fleet management system can help you deal with that immensely. 

So, if you have a system that works for you and your truck drivers, let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to drive safely!

Elevate Your Vehicle’s Look with Top-Quality Wheel and Tyre Packages

By
SM
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Wheel and Tyre Packages refer to the combination of vehicle tyres and wheels sold together. These sets typically offer an aesthetic and functional upgrade to a car. The package ensures that the wheels and tyres complement each other for optimal efficiency and performance, and are compatible with the specific make and model of your vehicle.

The upgrade of a vehicle’s wheels and tyres is crucial for optimising its performance and safety. This ensures better road grip, smoother ride, and superior handling during adverse weather conditions. Upgraded tyres with the help of wheel & tyre packages Australia also provide increased fuel efficiency and overall longevity of the vehicle. It’s an essential investment towards maintaining a reliable automobile.

Factors to Consider when Buying Wheel & Tyre Packages Online

Understanding the specifications of your vehicle is crucial for both maintenance and safe operation. This entails knowing engine size, fuel efficiency, tyre size, weight capacity, and more. Additionally, it informs your decision during repairs or upgrades, ensuring you acquire suitable parts and services to maintain optimal performance.

Selecting tyres based on seasonal needs is crucial for enhancing vehicle performance and safety, which is why services like Tyred and Exhausted Aylesbury are essential for local drivers. Winter tyres are designed with special tread patterns that provide improved grip in icy conditions. Alternatively, summer tyres resist heat, ensuring better road adherence. All-season tyres balance between these two, offering moderate climate adaptability, and reinforcing the importance of seasonal tyre selection.

Understanding the types of wheels is essential, as each possesses unique features. Some wheels, like alloy wheels, prioritize aesthetics and weight reduction. Steel wheels are sturdy and economical. Magnesium wheels, often used in racing, provide high performance and shock absorption. Understanding these differences can optimize wheel selection for various applications.

Brand selection is crucial for consumers as it directly influences their satisfaction and loyalty. Choosing a well-established brand often guarantees high-quality products, reliable customer service, and robust after-sales support. It also often reflects one’s tastes and lifestyle choices, contributing to self-expression and personal satisfaction.

Where to find the Best Deals on Wheel & Tyre Packages Online

Wheel and tyre packages are comprehensive sets that include both wheels and tyres suited for a specific type of vehicle, offering a perfectly matched combination. These packages provide vehicle owners an opportunity to upgrade to high-performance tyres or achieve a custom look. Although notably beneficial for their time-saving convenience, these packages can also ensure that your wheels and tyres are perfectly balanced, compatible and meet safety standards. They often come at a reduced cost as compared to buying wheels and tyres separately, providing a cost-effective option to enhance the performance and aesthetics of one’s vehicle.

Always research the online seller before purchasing or by searching for a tyre shop near me. Check their customer reviews, ratings, and reputation. Reliable sellers often provide clear provisions for refunds and returns. Confirm their physical address and contacts for after-sales inquiries. Evaluate their payment methods; secure methods like credit cards or PayPal imply trustworthiness. Always ensure there’s a secure connection before making payments.

Comparison shopping on various online platforms is a savvy way to secure the best deals. Websites like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart offer a broad range of products, with prices often fluctuating. By cross-checking these platforms, consumers can assess product quality, vendor reliability, and prices, optimizing their purchasing decisions.

Steps to Upgrade Your Vehicle with New Wheel & Tyre Packages

To remove existing wheels and tyres, start by safely jacking up the vehicle using the vehicle’s specific jack points. Loosen and remove the lug nuts with a lug wrench. Pull the wheel and tyre straight toward you, off the lug bolts. Make sure to place the removed wheels out of the way to avoid accidents.

The installation of new wheel and tyre packages is a crucial process to ensure a smooth, safe drive. It involves the removal of old wheels and tyres, inspection of brake systems, and mounting of new tyres on the wheels. The newly installed tyres are then balanced and inflated to the correct pressure to optimize vehicle performance.

Proper alignment and rotation of new tyres is essential for vehicle safety and efficiency. Misalignment could lead to uneven tyre wear, poor handling, decreased fuel efficiency, and a reduced tyre lifespan. Regular rotation distributes wear evenly, prolonging tyre life, improving performance and ensuring a smoother, safer drive.

Routine checking and maintenance after installation are crucial for the longevity and proper functioning of equipment. It helps identify early signs of malfunction, preventing potential costly breakdowns and ensuring operational efficiency. Regular maintenance enhances safety, improves system performance, saves on replacement costs, and extends the equipment’s lifespan.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Vehicle’s Wheels and tyres

Improved vehicle performance is a crucial aspect of the automotive industry. Enhancing engine efficiency, handling, fuel consumption, and overall power are all part of this process. These improvements not only make vehicles faster and more reliable, but they also contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution, thus benefiting both consumers and the environment.

Enhanced vehicle safety incorporates advanced technologies to protect drivers and passengers. Features like collision alerts, autonomous emergency braking, and electronic stability control intervene to prevent accidents. Furthermore, lane departure warnings and backup cameras improve visibility, while blind spot detection ensures safer lane changes, reducing road fatalities.

Vehicle aesthetics have significantly improved over the years. The auto industry has introduced innovative designs, colour patterns, and advanced customization options, enhancing vehicle appearance visibly. Custom trims, sleek body lines, LED lighting, and polished interiors now contribute to an impressive and sophisticated look, demonstrating a great leap in vehicle aesthetics.

Increasing a vehicle’s resale value is essential for any car owner. This can be achieved by regular maintenance, avoiding unnecessary damage, keeping its mileage low, and retaining all maintenance records. Proper care can enhance both its performance and attractiveness, attracting potential buyers and resulting in a higher resale value.

Conclusion

Wheel and tyre packages prove to be a convenient and cost-effective method for vehicle owners to enhance the performance and aesthetic appeal of their cars. They often come balanced and mounted, saving consumers time and effort. In conclusion, wheel and tyre packages offer an attractive solution for those looking to upgrade or replace their existing car wheels and tyres.

Securing the best deals on wheel and tyre packages can significantly cut your maintenance costs. It not only saves money but also ensures optimum vehicle performance. Reliable, high-quality wheels and tyres promote road safety, better fuel efficiency, and a smooth ride. Thus, highlighting the importance of meticulously seeking out the best packages for your wheels and tyres.

Upgrading your vehicle’s wheels and tyres significantly improves its performance and safety. Enhanced tyres offer better traction and a smooth drive in various road conditions. Upgraded wheels can provide superior handling, braking efficiency and fuel economy. Furthermore, they can enhance your vehicle’s aesthetic appeal, boosting its resale value.

NASCAR 2024: Las Vegas Entry List Preview for triple-header feature

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by David Myers for SpeewayMedia.com.

With the first two events of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule highlighted with two dramatic finishes on two restrictor-plate circuits in the rearview mirror, the teams and competitors venture off for a two-race West Coast swing between the states of Nevada and Arizona to commence the month of March.

It all begins at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada, a city spotlighted with recent major sporting events and triumphs, from both the Vegas Golden Knights and the Las Vegas Aces achieving recent championships in the NHL and WNBA, respectively, to Formula 1 hosting its inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix through the Vegas Strip last November and Super Bowl LVIII occurring in the city’s Allegiant Stadium between the San Francisco 49ers and the eventual champions Kansas City Chiefs two weeks ago.

This upcoming weekend is set to mark the first of two scheduled visits this season in Sin City for both the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity divisions while the Craftsman Truck Series division will make its lone, annual visit to Vegas’s 1.5-mile speedway venue before entering a one-week break period.

The main attraction for this weekend’s triple-header feature is the Cup Series’ Pennzoil 400 which will occur this upcoming Sunday, March 3, and cap off the triple-header feature.

With 37 participants entered for Sunday’s main event, which will ensure all entered competitors make the main event, the competitor who headlines the entry list is Daniel Suarez, who is coming off a dramatic three-wide photo finish against Cup Series champions Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where he nipped Blaney at the finish line by 0.003 seconds, that snapped Suarez’s one-year winless drought and register his second Cup career victory. Despite registering only two top-10 results in 13 Cup career starts at Vegas, the Monterrey, Mexico, native strives to extend his early momentum that could land him and Trackhouse Racing in Victory Lane for a second consecutive weekend.

William Byron, the 2024 Daytona 500 champion, and teammate Kyle Larson, the 2021 Cup Series champion, also headline the entry list as both Hendrick Motorsports’ competitors each won a Cup Vegas event a year ago (Byron in March and Larson in October). With HMS’ competitors winning four of the last six Cup events at Vegas, all four Hendrick competitors, including Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott, strive to extend the team’s strong early start into their 40th anniversary of NASCAR competition.

Currently, Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion and a native of Las Vegas, leads this year’s Cup Series regular-season standings following his third-place run at Atlanta. Busch, who achieved his first and only Cup victory to date at Vegas in 2009, strives to strike gold in front of his home crowd come Sunday’s main event while his competition that includes Byron, Austin Cindric, Bubba Wallace, Ryan Blaney, Elliott, Suarez, Ross Chastain, Alex Bowman, Martin Truex Jr., Larson and Corey LaJoie strive to spoil Busch’s homecoming.

A notable newcomer to this weekend’s Cup entry list is Derek Kraus, who will make his first select Cup Series starts this season in Kaulig Racing’s No. 16 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entry. The 22-year-old Kraus from Stratford, Connecticut, graduates to a part-time Cup Series campaign for the first time after spending this past season as a part-time Xfinity Series competitor for Kaulig Racing while also serving as a simulator competitor for both Kaulig and Legacy Motor Club. He is also the 2019 ARCA Menards Series West champion who competed in three full-time Craftsman Truck Series seasons (2020-22).

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Another newcomer featured for Sunday’s event is JJ Yeley, who will return to pilot the No 44 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for NY Racing for his first official Cup start of the 2024 season two weeks after he fell short of qualifying for this year’s 66th running of the Daytona 500.

2024 Pennzoil 400 Entry List

A day before the Cup Series action, the Xfinity Series will host The LiUNA! which will feature 38 participants contesting from 38 starting spots.

The competitor who headlines the entry list is Austin Hill, who is two-for-two in this year’s Xfinity schedule following recent superspeedway victories at Daytona and Atlanta. With the Winston, Georgia, native having won the spring Xfinity Vegas event a year ago, Hill will attempt to become the first competitor to commence a new season of Xfinity Series competition by winning the first three events on a schedule.

Another competitor who headlines the list is Riley Herbst, a 25-year-old Las Vegas native who scored his first Xfinity career victory at his home track last October and is currently ranked in third place in this year’s Xfinity regular-season standings as he strives for back-to-back victories at home.

Both Hill and Herbst are not the only Xfinity regulars off to a strong start to the 2024 season. Sheldon Creed, Chandler Smith and Parker Retzlaff, all of whom have finished in the top five in the first two events of this season, strive to extend their early momentum and potentially land their first victory of the season. In addition, rookie Jesse Love, who is also last year’s ARCA Menards Series champion from Menlo Park, California, strives for redemption after leading a race-high 157 laps a week ago at Atlanta, only to run out of fuel during an overtime shootout and settling in 12th place in the final running order. The list also includes AJ Allmendinger, who won at Vegas in 2021, and rookie Shane van Gisbergen, who recorded his first top-three result by finishing third last weekend at Atlanta as he will make his first career start at Vegas.

Notably, Aric Almirola will make his first Xfinity Series start of the 2024 season as part of a part-time campaign with Joe Gibbs Racing. He was initially scheduled to share the No. 20 JGR Toyota Supra entry with John Hunter Nemechek throughout this season. Instead, Almirola will pilot the No. 19 Supra this weekend, an entry that had been piloted by Ryan Truex for the first two events on the 2024 calendar, while Nemechek returns to pilot the No. 20 entry for his third of 10 scheduled starts.

Photo by Tim Jarrold for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Corey Heim, a full-time Truck Series competitor for TRICON Garage and a Toyota Racing Development competitor, will also be featured in Saturday’s Xfinity event as he will make his first of select Xfinity starts in the No. 26 Toyota Supra for Sam Hunt Racing.

Currently, the No. 32 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet Camaro entry is entered for Saturday’s event, though a driver has yet to be named. In addition, the No. 36 DGM Racing Chevrolet entry, which initially entered without a listed driver, is listed to be withdrawn from the event.

2024 The LiUNA! Entry List

This weekend’s triple-header feature at Las Vegas will commence with the Truck Series’ Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 which will occur this upcoming Friday, March 1, and feature 32 competitors entered for the event.

Ironically, the competitor who headlines the entry list is Kyle Busch, who is set to make his second of five-scheduled series starts in the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado RST for Spire Motorsports at his home track to go alongside his full-time Cup Series role with Richard Childress Racing. Busch motored his way to his first Truck victory of the 2024 season with Spire Motorsports at Atlanta last weekend and has won four of the last six spring Truck events at Vegas.

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Busch is not the only Cup Series competitor entered for this weekend’s Truck Series event at Las Vegas as he will compete alongside former Truck champions Christopher Bell and Zane Smith. Smith, the 2022 Truck Series champion and a 2024 Cup Series rookie, will pilot the No. 91 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet Silverado RST for his first of four-scheduled starts in the series while Bell, the 2017 series champion, will pilot the No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage.

Another notable spot in this weekend’s Truck entry list is Connor Mosack, who will make his first of select series starts in the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST for Niece Motorsports. The 25-year-old Mosack from Charlotte, North Carolina, spent this past season competing in 24 Xfinity events between Sam Hunt Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing. He also achieved his first ARCA Menards Series career victory at Kansas Speedway last September and is currently competing in the 2024 Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series for Silver Hare Racing.

Currently, Tyler Ankrum, who has achieved two top-11 runs in his first two Truck events driving for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, leads the regular-season standings by 10 points over Ty Majeski, who finished in the runner-up spot behind Busch last weekend at Atlanta, and by 12 over Nick Sanchez, who scored his first career victory at Daytona. Corey Heim, Rajah Caruth, Bret Holmes, Matt Crafton, Taylor Gray, Christian Eckes and Daniel Dye trail in the top 10 in the standings, respectively.

2024 Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 Entry List

Following this upcoming weekend’s triple-header weekend at Vegas, the Cup and Xfinity Series teams and competitors will travel southeast to Avondale, Arizona, to compete at Phoenix Raceway alongside the ARCA Menards Series West for their season-opening event between March 8-10, which will conclude the two-week West Coast swing. Meanwhile, the Truck Series will enter its first off-weekend break period before returning to action at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee, on March 16.

The Craftsman Truck Series’ Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is set to air on Friday, March 1, at 9 p.m. ET on FS1 while the Xfinity Series’ The LiUNA! will follow suit and air on Saturday, March 2, at 5 p.m. ET on FS1. The Cup Series’ Pennzoil 400 will conclude this weekend’s triple-header feature by occurring on Sunday, March 3, at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

Mahindra Tractors Racing: Chase Briscoe Las Vegas Advance

By
Official Release
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CHASE BRISCOE
Las Vegas Advance
No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

Event Overview

● Event: Las Vegas 400 (Round 3 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3:30 p.m. EST on Sunday, March 3
● Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
● Layout: 1.5-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 267 laps/400.5 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

● After finishing 10th in the season-opening Daytona 500, Chase Briscoe had momentum rolling into the year’s second race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The Stewart-Haas Racing driver was on the cusp of his second career NASCAR Cup Series win last Sunday at Atlanta, consistently running among the top-five, oftentimes running side-by-side for the lead. But Briscoe’s bid for victory came undone 21 laps short of the finish when a struggling racecar ahead of him bunched up the cars around Briscoe’s No. 14 Ford Mustang, sending Briscoe spinning into the outside retaining wall. After qualifying ninth and running strong throughout the race, Briscoe was left with just a 31st-place finish.

● The Las Vegas 400 this Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will mark Briscoe’s seventh career NASCAR Cup Series start at the 1.5-mile oval. His best finish is a fourth-place drive in October 2022, but the track has proven to be challenging otherwise with Briscoe scoring just one other top-15 result – 14th in September 2021.

● In the City of Lights, Briscoe was lights out at Las Vegas when it came to the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In five career Xfinity Series starts at Las Vegas, Briscoe won twice and had two other finishes of 11th or better. In fact, Briscoe left Las Vegas in the best way possible. In his final two Xfinity Series starts at the track, he won both times by sweeping the slate of races in 2020, leading 253 of the 400 laps available (63.3 percent).

● In his lone NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start at Las Vegas in September 2017, Briscoe was strong and consistent, qualifying third, leading 40 laps, and then finishing third.

● Mahindra Ag North America is in its third year as the anchor sponsor for Briscoe and the No. 14 team after extending its partnership with Stewart-Haas during the offseason. The multiyear agreement with the NASCAR team co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart and industrialist Gene Haas continues to feature Mahindra Tractors, a brand of Mahindra Ag North America, on Briscoe’s No. 14 Ford Mustang for the majority of the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. The red-and-black No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang made its debut in the 2022 Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum and then won in just its fifth race as a primary sponsor when Briscoe drove to victory on March 13, 2022 at Phoenix Raceway. The win secured Mahindra Tractors’ place in the NASCAR Playoffs and earned Briscoe the honor of being the 200th Cup Series winner in NASCAR history. Houston-based Mahindra Ag North America is part of Mahindra Group’s Automotive and Farm Sector, the No. 1 selling farm tractor company in the world, based on volumes across all company brands. Mahindra offers a range of tractor models from 20-75 horsepower, implements, and the ROXOR heavy-duty UTV. Mahindra farm equipment is engineered to be easy to operate by first-time tractor or side-by-side owners and heavy duty to tackle the tough jobs of rural living, farming and ranching. Steel-framed Mahindra Tractors and side-by-sides are ideal for customers who demand performance, reliability and comfort. Mahindra dealers are independent, family-owned businesses located throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Chase Briscoe, Driver of the No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang

Will Las Vegas be the first true test as to where teams stack up in relation to one another?

“For sure. Vegas is going to be where you finally figure out, not only as a manufacturer but certainly as a race team, where you’re going to stack up for the next couple of months and where you’ve got to get better. I would say Vegas is certainly the racetrack where 90 percent of the garage has circled as the one they’re most looking forward to in order to see if what they did in the offseason will come to fruition.”

Do teams already have an idea of where they are in relation to one another, or is it truly an unknown since each of the races we’ve run so far this year have been anomalies – the shortest of short tracks via the Busch Light Clash and two superspeedway races at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway?

“I think this is definitely going to be the first true test to see where you stack up. Daytona, Atlanta and the Clash – they’re such niche racetracks and not really what we do week in and week out. There might be a few small correlations over to Vegas, just how it does down the straightaway in the draft, but 99 percent of what we do at Vegas will come down to how the manufacturer did behind the scenes during the offseason, coming up with the new body and how the teams did applying the new offsets and deltas. I would say Vegas is the one I had circled the whole offseason. I’m just excited for what we have, what we think we have. You never know until you get there, so it’s going to be entertaining, for sure.”

You talk about what you think you have. Is it safe to say you spent a lot of time in the simulator to prepare for Las Vegas?

“Yeah, we spent a ton of time in the simulator. Literally, all the way back in November I was already running the sim stuff for what we have for Vegas. We’ve put a lot of emphasis on Vegas – Vegas and Phoenix, truthfully – just trying to hit the ground running. From the simulator and even from what it says on paper, or when we look at the computer screen when we look at the sim stuff, this Ford Mustang Dark Horse body should be dramatically better than what we had last year. But, like I’ve said, until you go and do the real thing, you don’t know where you’re going to stack up or where the other manufacturers are, either. Hopefully, we can go there and be the best Ford, and hopefully the Fords will be the best among all the manufacturers.”

Have you been able to detect any subtleties in the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse compared to what you actually felt in the car last year at Las Vegas?

“Just in the simulator, it does everything better this year. It gets through the corner better, gets down the straightaway better, and just handles better overall. I know that we started in November with running what we had just ran during the season at Vegas, and when we put the new body on the car, it was nearly two- to three-tenths faster. So it should be way better, but ‘should’ is always the big question mark. Hopefully, everything our tools are telling us will be accurate, and if it is, I think it’s going to be a good season for us.”

You enjoyed a fourth-place run at Las Vegas in October of 2022, but it’s been tough sledding there since. What does it take to have a good day at Las Vegas?

“That’s been a place where, in the Xfinity Series, I was able to have pretty good success. And then in the Cup car in 2022 I was able to run pretty good there. So I feel like I know what I need to get around that racetrack and it’s always been a racetrack that I’ve really enjoyed going to and just feel comfortable at. It was definitely a tough road last year. We just couldn’t ever seem to get the balance of the car quite right. Hopefully, this year we can get back to the winning ways we had in Xfinity and the up-front running we had there in 2022, and if we do that, we’ll obviously be in the mix. So, that’s what we’ve got to go there and do. It’s just a matter of putting all of those things together and, hopefully, all of our tools and everything will lead us down the right direction and we can unload really quick and just put our whole weekend together.”

When your car isn’t right, what do you do behind the wheel to get the best finish possible?

“At Vegas you at least have some options if your car isn’t running good. There are some tracks you go to where it’s really hard to do anything, it’s so one-lane, or one groove is really more dominant than the other. At Vegas, depending on the weather, you can definitely move around and try different things, more so in turns one and two than three and four. In three and four, it seems like the bottom has become the place to be. Vegas is very rough compared to a lot of the tracks we go to, so how you hit the bumps and things like that, you can kind of manipulate your car and manhandle it in certain ways to get it to do what you want it to do, to a certain extent.”

You were lights-out at Las Vegas in the Xfinity Series, winning two races there – swept them in 2020 – and two other finishes of 11th or better. What made those Xfinity Series races so good and productive at Las Vegas?

“Our car was just really good there. I think you’ll continue to see that with Stewart-Haas on the Xfinity side. They’ve always had a really good package at Vegas. Look at Riley (Herbst) getting his first win there last year. Our cars always drove really well there, so it always made my job really easy. It was really good for us to be really good at Vegas, truthfully, in the Xfinity stuff. It always started your season. It was one of the first races, so to be able to go there and win early was always good. And, obviously, it was always in the playoffs where you could set yourself up for a Championship 4 run. For us in 2020, it was important to be good there, just to get ourselves into the playoffs early, but then also to be able to try to go to the Championship 4. It’s the same this year. It has the same amount of significance in the Cup Series. You go there early in the year trying to set the groundwork for the summer, and also you go there in the playoffs to try to set yourself up for a Championship 4 run.”

Talk about the difference between the Xfinity Series and the Cup Series, both in terms of the cars but also in terms of the caliber of talent through the field.

“The cars are definitely different, more so now than ever with the NextGen car. But for sure the biggest thing when it comes to Cup racing and how it differs from Xfinity is the competitive side of things. If you’re driving for one of the top teams in the Xfinity Series, you can have a bad day on pit road or even make mistakes on the racetrack and you’re still going to be able to recover for a top-10 day, or right around there. The number of cars that can win is a lot smaller, where on the Cup side, there are 30 cars that can go win and 20 of those cars are typically pretty close on speed, so you can’t afford to have a little mistake. You’re not going to be able to go to the back of the field and drive back through the field. When you look at the Cup Series, every team is incredibly strong, and then every racecar driver in the field has won at every level that they’ve been at. On the Xfinity side, you don’t have that many guys who are incredible racecar drivers capable of winning any weekend in any series that they go run. I think that’s the one thing that stands out most about the Cup Series – it’s probably the most competitive racing series in the world when it comes to not only the number of teams that can win, but the number of drivers who can win.”

No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Chase Briscoe

Hometown: Mitchell, Indiana

Crew Chief: Richard Boswell

Hometown: Friendship, Maryland

Car Chief: J.D. Frey

Hometown: Ferndale, California

Engineer: Mike Cook

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Spotter: Joey Campbell

Hometown: Berlin, Connecticut

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Shayne Pipala

Hometown: Frankfort Square, Illinois

Rear Tire Changer: Dakota Ratcliff

Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee

Tire Carrier: Jon Bernal

Hometown: Holland, Michigan

Jack Man: Dylan Moser

Hometown: Monroe, North Carolina

Fuel Man: Corey Coppola

Hometown: Bluefield, West Virginia

Road Crew Members

Underneath Mechanic: Stephen Gonzalez

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Interior Mechanic: Trevor Adams

Hometown: Plymouth, Wisconsin

Tire Specialist: Keith Eads

Hometown: Arlington, Virginia

Shock Specialist: Brian Holshouser

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Engine Tuner: Jon Phillips

Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri

Transporter Co-Driver: Todd Cable

Hometown: Shelby, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Dale Lackey

Hometown: Taylorsville, North Carolina

NASCAR Top-10 Power Rankings: Atlanta

By
Jeffrey Boswell
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Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

1. Daniel Suárez: Suarez surged late and edged Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch at the line in a photo finish to win the Ambetter Health 400.

“That may have been the greatest moment of my racing career,” Suarez said, “followed by the most disappointing, because I celebrated by smashing a taco pinata, but it was empty.”

2. Ryan Blaney: Blaney fell short by mere fractions of a second, taking second to Daniel Suarez in a photo finish that decided the Ambetter Health 400.

“Congratulations to Daniel,” Blaney said. “He chose the right line and deserved to win. So, I say, ‘Good job, amigo.’ Next time, though, you will see ‘me go’ faster.”

3. Kyle Busch: Busch finished third in the Ambetter Health 400, coming up just short in a photo finish at the finish line.

“We were so close,” Busch said. “I told myself before the race that we could win this race. And when you tell yourself that, it’s all about believing it. And let me tell you, I’m way better at convincing myself as opposed to a state trooper.”

4. Bubba Wallace: Wallace finished fifth at Atlanta.

“My car sported the ‘MoneyLion’ paint scheme,” Wallace said. “MoneyLion is a personal finance tech company. I hear it’s pretty popular. In other words, there’s ‘great interest’ in MoneyLion.”

5. William Byron: Byron finished 17th in the Ambetter Health 400 and leads the Cup series points standings.

“The race was filled with crashes,” Byron said. “There were only seven cars that weren’t involved in an accident. That’s amazing. What’s more amazing is that Ross Chastain was on that list. Not surprisingly, he took drivers off that list.”

6. Austin Cindric: Cindric led 32 laps and finished fourth at Atlanta.

“You probably heard that Joey Logano had to start at the rear of the field because of a penalty for ‘illegal gloves,'” McDowell said. “That’s a new one on me. I didn’t know there was such a thing as ‘performance-enhancing gloves.’ I’m sure that irritated Joey. Whatever altering he did to his gloves, I can assure you Joey left the middle fingers intact.”

7. Michael McDowell: McDowell started on the pole and won Stage 1 at Atlanta, on his way to an eighth in the Ambetter Health 400.

“I think I’ve proven I can run with the big dogs,” McDowell said. “So don’t sleep on me as a contender for the Cup championship. If you do want to sleep, attend the upcoming race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.”

8. Ross Chastain: Chastain finished seventh at Atlanta.

“There were quite a few big names knocked out of the race in accidents,” Chastain said. “Amazingly, none were my fault. The fewer cars in contention, the better my odds of winning. I call it ‘Attrition by subtraction.'”

9. Martin Truex Jr.: Truex led nine laps and finished 12th in the Ambetter Health 400.

“I guess I’m now NASCAR’s elder statesman,” Truex said. “It makes sense because I’ve been racing for over 20 years. You can call me an ‘old fart’ and I won’t argue, because that’s pretty much what my driver’s seat smells like after all these years.”

10. Chase Elliott: Elliott started at the rear of the field due to pre-race adjustments and came home 15th in Atlanta.

“I was in an early accident that really damaged my No. 9 Chevy,” Elliott said. “So we had to make quite a few stops and make repairs when we could. And it’s the subtle changes that really matter. And since we’re talking ‘subtlety,’ nothing says ‘subtle’ like the owl’s eyes on my Hooters-sponsored car.”

In the Wake of a Wreck: How a Car Accident Attorney Can Guide You

By
SM
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Photo by Michael Jin on Unsplash

The screech of metal, the jolt of impact, the shattered glass – the aftermath of a car accident can leave you feeling disoriented, shaken, and unsure of what to do next. Beyond the physical injuries, dealing with insurance companies, potential lawsuits, and mounting medical bills can add another layer of stress to an already overwhelming situation.

You’re not alone. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, over 220,000 car accidents occurred in the state in 2022, leaving thousands navigating the complex legal and financial landscape in its wake. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go through this alone. A skilled car accident attorney can be your guiding light in these uncertain times.

Think of your attorney as your champion, someone who understands the legal intricacies and can advocate for your best interests. They’ll help you navigate the following crucial steps:

  • Gathering evidence: From police reports and witness statements to medical records and accident scene photos, your attorney will meticulously collect and preserve evidence that strengthens your case.
  • Communicating with insurance companies: Dealing with insurance adjusters can be frustrating, especially when they try to minimize your claim. Your attorney can handle these interactions, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your losses.
  • Evaluating your claim: Determining the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, requires expertise. Your attorney can accurately assess your claim’s value and fight for the compensation you deserve.
  • Negotiating a settlement: In many cases, reaching a fair settlement outside of court is the most efficient solution. Your attorney’s negotiation skills and legal knowledge can help you secure a favorable outcome without the added stress of litigation.
  • Representing you in court: If necessary, your attorney will represent you in court, presenting your case effectively and ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Remember, an experienced car accident attorney is not just a legal advisor; they’re a source of support and guidance during a challenging time. They can answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide peace of mind knowing you have a competent advocate by your side.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to consider:

  1. Do I need a car accident attorney, even if the accident seems minor? Consulting with an attorney, even for seemingly minor accidents, can be beneficial. They can assess the potential long-term impact of your injuries and advise you on the best course of action.
  2. How much does a car accident attorney cost? Many car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only collect a fee if they win your case. This arrangement eliminates the upfront financial burden for you.
  3. How do I find the right car accident attorney for me? Look for an attorney with experience in handling car accident cases specific to your state. Consider factors like their track record, communication style, and fees before making your decision.

Remember, the sooner you connect with a qualified car accident attorney, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance after an accident – your well-being and future depend on it.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an attorney in your state for specific guidance regarding your individual situation.

Fanttik Racing: Noah Gragson Las Vegas Advance

By
Official Release
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NOAH GRAGSON
Las Vegas Advance
No. 10 Fanttik Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

Event Overview

● Event: Las Vegas 400 (Round 3 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3:30 p.m. EST on Sunday, March 3
● Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
● Layout: 1.5-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 267 laps/400.5 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

● Noah Gragson is a Las Vegas native and the Las Vegas 400 NASCAR Cup Series race this Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway serves as a homecoming for the 25-year-old racer. After beginning his 2024 campaign with a strong ninth-place finish in the season-opening Daytona 500, where he was the highest-finishing Ford driver, Gragson is seeking a rebound at Las Vegas. In the series’ prior race last Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Gragson was caught up in a 16-car accident on just the second lap of the 260-lap contest, leaving him with an undeserved 36th-place finish and dropping the Stewart-Haas Racing pilot from 15th in the championship standings to 27th.

● Gragson’s racing career began on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway campus, specifically at The Bullring located just outside turns one and two of the 1.5-mile oval. The Bullring is a .375-mile asphalt oval that hosts a variety of racing series, from Bandoleros and Legend Cars to Late Models, the NASCAR Southwest Series and the ARCA Menards Series West. It was in Bandoleros – a small, spec-series racecar that puts out 30 horsepower via a Briggs & Stratton 570cc Vanguard engine – where a 13-year-old Gragson made his first laps on his road to the NASCAR Cup Series.

● With only 41 career NASCAR Cup Series starts, Gragson is still relatively new to the Cup Series, but he is not new to NASCAR. Gragson spent 2015 and 2016 in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, known today as the ARCA Menards Series. He then ran the full NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule in 2017 and 2018 before graduating to the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In four fulltime seasons (2019-2022) in the stepping-stone division to the elite Cup Series, Gragson won 13 races and finished among the top-10 in points each year, earning the series’ most popular driver award in his final season. Gragson made it to the Championship 4 twice, finishing third in 2021 and second in 2022 with a series-high eight victories.

● Gragson won twice in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Martinsville (Va.) Speedway in October 2017 and Kansas Speedway in May 2018 – and finished second in the 2018 championship, where he picked up the Truck Series’ most popular driver award. Those Truck Series results were a continuation of the kind of talent Gragson showcased in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series. Gragson raced in this developmental league, regionally split into two divisions – K&N Pro Series East and K&N Pro Series West – for two years (2015-2016), winning six races between the two entities and narrowly missing out on the 2015 West title by a scant seven points, but handily securing the rookie-of-the-year title.

● The Las Vegas 400 will mark Gragson’s third career NASCAR Cup Series start at Las Vegas. Gragson earned a solid 11th-place finish in October 2022 during his Las Vegas Cup Series debut when he drove for Hendrick Motorsports in place of the injured Alex Bowman. In Gragson’s return to Las Vegas last March, he finished 30th driving for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB.

● In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Gragson proved to be a strong bet at Las Vegas. In eight career Xfinity Series starts at the 1.5-mile oval, Gragson never finished worse than sixth. In fact, his sixth-place drive in September 2019 – which came in just his second Xfinity Series start at Las Vegas – was his only finish outside of the top-five. Even though Gragson never won an Xfinity Series race at Las Vegas, he finished second three times (September 2020, March and October 2022). And with two other third-place results, Gragson’s average Xfinity Series finish at Las Vegas is a stout 3.4 with 142 total laps led.

● Gragson has also made three NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts at Las Vegas with a best finish of 12th in March 2018. Gragson led laps in each Truck Series race he competed in at Las Vegas, pacing the field for 12 laps in September 2017, another 12 laps in March 2018, and then 33 laps in September 2018.

● Joining Gragson at Las Vegas is Fanttik, the trailblazing and award-winning brand in the automotive accessories industry. After making its debut at Las Vegas with Gragson, Fanttik will return as a primary sponsor with Gragson’s Stewart-Haas teammate in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Cole Custer. The reigning Xfinity Series champion will wheel the No. 00 Fanttik Ford Mustang in the May 25 Xfinity Series race at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

Noah Gragson, Driver of the No. 10 Fanttik Ford Mustang

What does it mean to race in your hometown of Las Vegas?

“It’s exciting to go back to Vegas. It feels different. For me, it’s always been special and I feel like it’s a different special because it’s home for me. I probably don’t get excited about the things that other people who aren’t from there get excited about just because it’s normal, but I get excited just because I get a ton of support from the hometown crowd and a lot of friends and family come out to the race. I try to go out there a couple of days ahead of time and spend time with my friends and family before it’s time to get to work. And I enjoy the Vegas track, regardless of it being in Vegas, and have always run well there, which is a good thing. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to get to our true test of where we’re at in speed on the kind of track that we’re going to race on the majority of the year.”

Will Las Vegas be the first true test of where teams stack up in relation to one another?

“Yeah, definitely Vegas is our first true test of where we stack up. A majority of the schedule is mile-and-a-halves, short tracks, you’ve got Vegas and Phoenix, those two especially. But Vegas will be our first test as to where we’re at as a company, speed-wise.”

You’ve literally grown up at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway complex, beginning with Bandoleros at the Bullring to today at the 1.5-mile oval. What’s it been like to have so many career moments at your hometown track?

“It’s special. Outside of turns one and two is the Bullring. It’s a three-eighths-mile short track. That’s where I ran my first-ever racecar, a Bandolero, when I was 13 years old. I kind of got a late start, but I always remember pulling into the pits and being at that track where you can see the banking on the big track not far away, just across the street, on the other side of the parking lot. That was always the goal, to get any kind of laps on the big track, whether it be in the NASCAR Experience ride-along cars, I always thought that would be cool to do one day. And then to actually be able to race a real stock car around there with a race team, getting over there in the Truck Series. Cut my teeth in Bandoleros, Legend Cars, Late Models, ran all those things at the Bullring. I had a lot of wins and a lot of good memories there, and to be at the big track now, it’s something I’d always dreamed of when I first started, and now it’s a reality, so it’s very special.”

You’re competing in the NASCAR Cup Series after successfully climbing the NASCAR ladder. What was it like racing in all the different feeder series on the way to your ultimate goal of racing in Cup?

“I love the feeder series up into the top-three series of NASCAR. You’ve got the K&N Series back in the day, and then the ARCA Series, racing Super Late Models, that’s what we grew up doing, Legend Cars, Bandoleros. Every next step was always what I was eyeing. If I’m in Bandoleros, I’m eyeing to get to a Legend Car one day, hopefully. Then you get to a Legend Car and you’re like, ‘Man, I’m good at this,’ and then you start winning in that and you feel good and look at Super Late Models or K&N and start winning in that. I kind of got a late start compared to most guys. I started when I was 13 years old where they start in karts when they’re 4, 5, 6 years old. So having the support from friends and family and my team, and then my own drive, as well, I was always driven to be the best that I could be. Those days, I miss them, they’re fun. Those are the real fun days because you’re just going and racing and having fun with your team.”

What are you most looking forward to this year?

“I’ve yet to be at a lot of the tracks in a Cup car. None of the guys have been at Iowa in a Cup car. Most have not been at Indy on the oval. I’ve never been to Bristol in a Cup car. We’ve won a couple races in an Xfinity car there. It’s a fun racetrack and I’m excited for that. The Brickyard on the oval, I ran one race, finished third in 2019 in the Xfinity race. That’s it. And then Iowa is one of my favorite tracks ever. I absolutely love that place. It’s an incredible racetrack, the way it’s shaped, and it just puts on some good two- and three-wide racing that’s really exciting for the fans. I’m excited for all of them, all the new changes on the schedule, and I’m just grateful to be back.”

What are your long-term career goals?

“I just want to win races. I love winning races. I love that feeling of getting out after a long day behind the wheel, being able to look up at the crowd and they’re all cheering you on. You’re not looking at somebody else getting cheered on – that’s the worst. I like winning races, I want to be a winner in the Cup Series and I want to have multiple wins.”

Your team owner, Tony Stewart, said that you’ve helped bring a new energy to the shop this year. Was Stewart-Haas Racing a place where you immediately felt comfortable?

“It’s been a lot of fun to get to know everyone and every day is something new. There are over 300 employees at Stewart-Haas. It’s a big organization and every day you’re meeting somebody new and getting to know them. I’ve been going to lunch with a lot of the guys and I’ve just been having a lot of quality time with them. It’s a great organization. It’s nice, and we have everything under one roof – pit stop practice, a gym to go work out, our trainer is there – everything that we need, other than the simulator at Ford. I think we have to make an 11-minute drive down to Ford, so it’s not far at all. It’s been really good. I’ve been spending pretty much from 7 a.m. until 4 or 5 at night every day there at the shop, and I’m enjoying my time a lot. I really fit in with the atmosphere. There’s a lot of energy in the air at Stewart-Haas.”

What makes Stewart-Haas feel like home for you?

“It’s a good group of people. It’s great to be wanted and appreciated, and the atmosphere over there, there are just a lot of good people who enjoy coming to work every day. It’s a great work environment. I know when I wake up in the morning, I’m like, ‘Man, I can’t wait to go see everybody at the shop today and go work alongside them and continue to develop these relationships.’ It’s just a place that suits me.”

You’ve driven for Kyle Busch in the Truck Series, Dale Earnhardt Jr., in the Xfinity Series, and now Tony Stewart in the Cup Series. That’s an all-star lineup of NASCAR talent and experience. Does that bring added pressure?

“It’s really just about the desire and the want to succeed. There are a lot of people who are a part of this. No matter who the driver is, there are hundreds of people behind those drivers who allow us to go race, and everybody in those race shops, everybody who supports them from a close relationship standpoint – management, logistics – there’s a lot that goes into it. Yeah, the drivers get all the credit, but I put a lot of pressure on myself at the end of the day to be successful for all those people who work hard to give us the opportunity to go race. For us drivers, it’s a privilege to be able to go out there and race, and I’ve regained my love for this sport, where I might’ve lost appreciation over the past handful of years than what I had as a kid. I’ve rediscovered that love for racing, and I’m just grateful to be back and get to work.”

How do you balance all that you’ve learned in the last seven months with still being yourself?

“There’s a balance to that, obviously, and that’s one of the things that I’ve been working on – just balancing life, and how I balance work life from my time to relax. Everything is about balance, no matter what it is. Being a leader of a race team is about knowing how my words influence others, but it’s also about my body language and just being more self-aware. That’s been a big part of finding myself in this process. It’s not always going be perfect and I’m not perfect, by any means, but I continue to try and learn and grow each and every day to become better than I was yesterday.”

No. 10 Fanttik Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Noah Gragson

Hometown: Las Vegas

Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer

Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Car Chief: Jerry Cook

Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

Engineer: James Kimbrough

Hometown: Pensacola, Florida

Spotter: Andy Houston

Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Ryan Mulder

Hometown: Sioux Center, Iowa

Rear Tire Changer: Trevor White

Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Tire Carrier: Tyler Bullard

Hometown: King, North Carolina

Jack Man: Sean Cotten

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Fuel Man: James “Ace” Keener

Hometown: Fortuna, California

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Chris Trickett

Hometown: Grafton, West Virginia

Mechanic: Beau Whitley

Hometown: Carmel, Indiana

Tire Specialist: Jacob Cooksey

Hometown: Westbrookville, New York

Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller

Hometown: Monroe, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: John Casper

Hometown: Salisbury, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Matt Murphy

Hometown: Augusta, Georgia

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