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TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Finishes Strongly on Swedish Snow

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Official Release
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Car 33 (Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin)

Toyota City, Japan, Feb 19, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team has ended a challenging Rally Sweden on a high with Elfyn Evans scoring a strong haul of points towards the championship after setting the pace on the final day and claiming second overall.

It was a strong recovery for Evans after he was forced to run first on the road and plough through deep snow on Friday afternoon. Having been just 1.9 seconds from the eventual winner during mid-day service, the extreme conditions left him 1m50s from the lead at the end of the day.

Having moved up from fifth to third on Saturday morning, Evans then stormed into second place on Sunday’s opening stage. He was fastest in the subsequent second pass of that stage, and finished a close second in the rally-ending Power Stage. That was enough to top the ‘Super Sunday’ classification, giving he and co-driver Scott Martin a total of 24 points from the weekend – more than any other crew.

Both Kalle Rovanperä and Takamoto Katsuta fought for the rally lead before they fell victim to the snowbanks that line the stages. Rovanperä held the early lead until contact with a snow bank in SS4 on Friday caused radiator damage. He restarted on Saturday and targeted manufacturers’ points on Sunday, where he was second-quickest to Evans across the day and fastest by just 0.039s in the Power Stage. The team therefore took the maximum 22 points available on Sunday and remains jointly in the lead of the manufacturer’s’ championship after two rounds.

After an excellent drive through the demanding conditions of Friday, Katsuta was only 0.9s from first place before he got stuck in a snowbank on Saturday morning’s SS10. He too returned to action on Sunday.

Lorenzo Bertelli enjoyed driving an additional fourth GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID on the Swedish stages for the second year in succession through TGR-WRT’s customer programme. Enthusiastic as ever, the Italian reached the finish in 10th place overall.

In its second WRC2 event, the GR Yaris Rally2 proved to be a competitive force with four cars finishing inside the top five of the class and the overall top 10 in the hands of customer teams. Those four cars were engaged in close competition for most of the event, with Sami Pajari ultimately finishing second in WRC2 for Printsport ahead of Georg Linnamäe (RedGrey), Roope Korhonen (Rautio Motorsport) and Mikko Heikkilä (TGS). There was also an outright stage win in the extreme conditions of Friday afternoon in the hands of Linnamäe in SS5.

For more information, visit https://toyotagazooracing.com/wrc/release/2024/rd02-day4/.

MC to Subscribe Shares in TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution in India

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Official Release
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Capital relationship diagram

TOKYO, Feb 19, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) is pleased to announce that it has agreed to subscribe shares (approx. 32%) in TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution Private Limited (TVS VMS) through the private placement. The completion of these transactions is subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authorities.

To gain a downstream foothold in the rapidly growing Indian automotive sector, MC had invested in one of India`s largest independent after-sales services providers, i.e., TVS Automobile Solutions (TASL), in 2019. TASL has a network of roughly 700 service centers and partnerships with 16,000 retailers of wholesale auto parts connecting through digital technology.

This latest investment in TVS VMS, one of the largest multi-brand dealers in India, widens MC’s investment coverage through enhanced downstream service capabilities. This investment is intended to propel MC’s aim to develop comprehensive mobility solutions spanning not only after-sales services and multi-brand sales, but also leasing and other automotive operations by utilizing extensive TVS VMS’ customer base and digital technology.

TVSM Overview

TVSM is one of TVS Group’s most recognizable companies, with a proud history in automobile sales dating back to 1951. In December 2023, TVSM established a new company called TVS VMS where these automotive operations will be spun off within 2024. Having inherited TVSM’s nationwide network built over time, TVS VMS is one of the leading automotive dealers in India. Its 152 dealerships carry construction and material handling equipment, in addition to distribution of commercial and passenger vehicles produced by number of automakers, including Honda, Renault, Ashok Leyland and Mahindra.

TVSM has an established local customer base, and its dealerships have sold more than one million vehicles since 1951 and performed roughly 100,000 regular maintenance services on an annual basis. In recent years, TVSM began focusing on customer convenience with the usage of digital technology and developed TVSOne, an app designed to offer one-stop services for insurance, finance, maintenance and other automotive and equipment needs.

Indian Automotive Market

India boasts the world’s third-largest market for new automobiles, with sales topping five million vehicles in 2023. While the market is expected to grow at 6-7%, a recent trend in India has been a transition from vehicle ownership to usership, particularly in the corporate segment. In India, where electricity is less expensive than petrol, more drivers are shifting from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE vehicles) to electric vehicles (EVs) in order to enjoy the total cost of ownership advantage that the latter provides. As such, India’s near-term market growth will likely reflect a mix of ownership, usership, ICE vehicles and EVs. Due to these market conditions, it is expected that customer needs for comprehensive mobility solutions that not only include the sales of vehicles but also cover after-sales service, leasing, insurance, and other services would rise in the future.

Transition & Direction of MC’s Automotive Business

MC has been engaged in overseas automotive businesses since the 1950s. Primarily targeting Thailand, Indonesia and other ASEAN markets, its operations cover everything from automobile manufacturing to sales, sales financing and after sales. In the fast-growing Indian market, MC got involved in manufacturing and sales since 2012 (through Isuzu Motors India Private Limited), and will further strengthen its operations together with TVSM led by Mr. Dinesh, currently serving as President of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), though expansion of a customer base and the application of digital technology.

Capital relationship diagram

About Mitsubishi Corporation

Headquarters：3-1 Marunouchi 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Established：1954
Main Business: MC is a global integrated business enterprise that is comprised of Industry DX Group, Next-Generation Energy Business Group and ten Business Groups: Automotive & Mobility, Natural Gas, Industrial Materials, Petroleum & Chemicals, Mineral Resources, Industrial Infrastructure, Food Industry, Consumer Industry, Power Solution and Urban Development.
Representative: Katsuya Nakanishi, President and CEO

About TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution Private Limited

Headquarters：No. 13, By pass Road, Poonamallee, Tiruvallur, Tamilnadu 600056, India
Established：2023
Main Business：TVS VMS is a spin-off of TVS Mobility Private Limited, a representative company of TVS Group. TVS Group was established in 1911 and is currently engaged in diversified businesses such as motorcycle business and logistics.
With 400 in-house digital engineers, TVS Group is now driving the business model transformation through AI/digital utilization.
Representative: Mr. R. Dinesh, Director and President of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for FY 2023-24

Cadillac seeks Le Mans win with three entries

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Official Release
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WEC Hypercar contender to be joined by IMSA GTP cars for second consecutive year

DETROIT (Feb.19, 2024) – Cadillac Racing will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June to challenge for the overall victory with three Cadillac V-Series.R hybrid racecars supported by experienced and championship-winning drivers and teams.

It is the second consecutive year that Cadillac Racing has received three invitations from event organizer Automobile Club de l’Ouest to compete in the classic endurance race. In 2023 — Cadillac Racing’s first year of FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar competition — the No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R earned a podium finish and the No. 3 Cadillac V-Series.R finished fourth at Circuit de la Sarthe. The No. 311 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R placed 10th in class.

“We’re thrilled for Cadillac Racing to return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with three cars competing for the overall win in the Hypercar class,” said John Roth, vice president, global Cadillac. “After scoring our first podium finish at this iconic endurance race in 2023, we look to build on that success and showcase the Cadillac V-Series.R’s technology, innovation and durability, while demonstrating the remarkable capabilities and determination of our race teams.”

Cadillac Racing’s stout roster features drivers who have secured overall and class victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, IndyCar championships and IMSA prototype titles among other motorsport accolades. The 92nd running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is June 15-16.

  • The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R received an automatic entry based on its full-season participation in the WEC. Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn and reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou will be the drivers.
  • The No. 3 Cadillac V-Series.R is a full-season IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship entry in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class, where it races as the No. 01. Sébastien Bourdais, Renger van der Zande and six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon will be the drivers.
  • The No. 311 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R is a full-season IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship entry in the GTP class, where it races as the No. 31. Reigning IMSA GTP champion Pipo Derani and Jack Aitken will be joined by a co-driver to be named in the future. “We were excited to race in the 100th anniversary of Le Mans in 2023. To be on the podium in 2023 with a brand-new car, new team and new rules, was amazing,” said GM sports car racing program manager Laura Wontrop Klauser. “In 2024, we’ll keep pushing forward, use the lessons from 2023 to make us stronger on the program and be ready to go against the best in the world at Le Mans.”

The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R placed third in the centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans among its four top-five finishes in its WEC debut season with Bamber, Lynn and Richard Westbrook sharing the driving duties.

“We are all looking forward to Cadillac returning to Le Mans and challenging for the overall victory. It has been decades since an American manufacturer has achieved this and we will be strongly pushing to achieve our goal,” said Bamber, overall winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015 and 2017.

Cadillac claimed every IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTP trophy in 2023. Cadillac won its fourth Manufacturer Championship and fifth IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Manufacturer Championship since entering prototype competition in 2017, while the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R earned driver/team season and IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup titles.

The No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R kicked off 2024 IMSA GTP competition with a pole start and runner-up finish in the 62nd Rolex 24 At Daytona in January. The No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R qualified second. The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R opens FIA WEC Hypercar competition March 2 with the Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 Km.

Second year of global competition

The Cadillac V-Series.R design — codeveloped by Cadillac Design, Cadillac Racing and chassis constructor Dallara — was informed by the Project GTP Hypercar that was unveiled in June 2022. The racecar incorporates distinctive Cadillac design elements, such as vertical lighting and floating blades.

The Cadillac V-Series.R features a purpose-built Cadillac 5.5L DOHC V-8 engine developed by GM’s Performance and Racing Propulsion team based in Pontiac, Michigan.

How to Tell If a Car Air Conditioning Compressor is Bad

By
SM
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Photo by Olav Tvedt on Unsplash

The car AC compressor is essentially the cornerstone of the air conditioning system, ensuring the refrigerant continues to circulate for optimal performance. As a result, the entire air conditioning system will likely be impacted if any issues arise with the compressor. It’s crucial to note that a faulty AC compressor can present potential hazards. Often, a deteriorating compressor will display certain warning signs. Here’s how you can tell if a car air conditioning compressor is bad.

Clutch Issues

The AC compressor features a clutch linked to the engine via a belt and pulley system. The clutch allows the compressor to alternate between active and idle states rather than being in constant operation while the vehicle is in motion. This mechanism reduces wear and tear on the compressor and enhances fuel efficiency, as the engine doesn’t need to power the compressor when cool air isn’t required.

However, complications may arise if the compressor clutch fails. It might get stuck in the “on” state causing the compressor to rotate continuously while driving. Conversely, it could stop working entirely, preventing the compressor from engaging. Both scenarios are unfavorable. The clutch can sometimes be fixed, but replacing it with ARB air compressors and clutch is generally recommended for an optimal solution.

Sounds Emanating from the Engine Area

Various elements could be the source of peculiar noises near the engine. These might include a shrieking belt, a grumbling power steering pump, a deteriorated pulley, or brake pads that need to be replaced. It indicates that an AC service is due if you detect sounds like chatter, whine, squeal, chirp, or rattle originating from the AC compressor during an inspection. 

Occasionally, the noise only starts when you activate the AC switch, whereas some sounds are continuous. The noises from the compressor can either be due to a malfunctioning clutch or a jammed shaft. It’s probable for a failure to occur if the oil in the compressor, utilized for lubrication, gets contaminated (typically with water vapor), is not adequately available, or is not the correct kind.

Clear Signs of Damage on the AC Compressor

Damage to the compressor or its clutch might signal an issue from within. Similarly, corrosion could also be a warning sign. The presence of moisture can harm your vehicle’s AC system, hence external corrosion might suggest internal issues. Oil leaks can cause the compressor to fail. Any signs of damage, whether it’s bending, breaking, corrosion, or leaks, should be inspected to ensure the functionality of your AC system.

Damaged Wire

During home maintenance, you might come across any kind of damaged wiring. This is a significant indicator of a faulty AC compressor. Damaged wiring poses a severe safety risk as it can readily trigger an electrical fire, which is why it’s important to have it checked by professional auto electricians toowoomba.

If an AC unit faces electrical issues, it can cause the compressor to receive either excessive or inadequate voltage. This rapid fluctuation can swiftly deteriorate the compressor, leading to installing a new AC compressor.

Fluid Leaking

A leak in your AC compressor often signifies that the component is experiencing a fault. The AC compressor is equipped with internal bearings designed to prevent fluid leakage. However, these bearings can wear out over time or due to damage, leading to potential leaks. 

If refrigerant, the fluid in question, escapes from the car’s AC compressor, it may result in the air conditioning system ceasing to function. More critically, this situation could pose a significant health hazard. When investigating possible issues with your AC compressor, verify that the system still contains its refrigerant.

Endnote

Should you notice any of these red flags, it’s highly recommended to get your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic at the earliest. Addressing issues with malfunctioning car AC compressors promptly is crucial, as their repair costs can be steep.

Exploring the racing career of Richard “The King” Petty and Predictions for The 2024 Penzoil 400 race

By
SM
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Exploring the racing career of Richard “The King” Petty reveals a journey marked by unprecedented achievements and milestones that have left an indelible mark on the world of NASCAR. 

Richard Petty, born on July 2, 1937, in Level Cross, North Carolina, grew up in a family deeply embedded in the racing culture. His father, Lee Petty, was a three-time Cup Series champion and the founder of Petty Enterprises, paving the way for Richard’s illustrious career.

Early Years and Emergence

Petty’s foray into professional racing began in 1958, making an immediate impact by securing the NASCAR Rookie of the Year title in 1959 thanks to his nine top-10 finishes. His first victory came in 1960 at the Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway, setting the stage for a legendary career. 

Petty’s first Daytona 500 win in 1964 catapulted him to the pinnacle of NASCAR, clinching his first Cup championship the same year. However, 1965 saw Petty momentarily step away from NASCAR due to a disagreement over engine regulations, briefly exploring drag racing before making a triumphant return.

Record-Breaking Success

Petty’s dominance in the sport defined the 1970s and 1980s. His unparalleled success included seven Cup Series championships (1964, 1967, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, and 1979) and a record-setting 200 career wins, a testament to his skill, resilience, and dedication. 

Richard Petty’s name became synonymous with victory, as he amassed a record 27 wins in a single season (1967) and clinched the Daytona 500 seven times over his career.

Legacy and Honors

Beyond the racetrack, Petty’s influence extended into team ownership and philanthropy, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the community that supported his career. His contributions to motorsports have been recognized with inductions into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (1989), International Motorsports Hall of Fame (1997), NASCAR Hall of Fame (2010), and Diecast Hall of Fame (2011). 

Additionally, his status as one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers was cemented by being named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998 and again as one of the 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.

Predictions for The 2024 Pennzoil 400 Race

The 2024 Pennzoil 400 race is setting up to be a thrilling contest with several drivers in the spotlight, thanks to their impressive odds and past performances. As North Carolina sports betting platforms gear up for the online launch, fans from the state will soon have the opportunity to place their bets online, adding excitement to the event.

Highlighted Drivers and Their Odds

Kyle Busch, a Las Vegas native, is a strong contender with odds of +600. Despite his only victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) coming back in 2009, Busch’s consistent performance, with 11 top-five finishes in 23 Cup starts at the track, showcases his potential to be a formidable opponent.

Kyle Larson follows closely behind in the betting odds at +700. Larson’s aggressive driving style and recent performances make him a driver to watch.

Ross Chastain and Joey Logano are both pegged at +800. After a breakout season that saw him finishing second in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, Chastain has started the year strong but faces stiff competition. Conversely, Logano has been identified as a prime candidate to win, considering the track’s favorable history for Ford drivers and his own success at LVMS.

Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Elliott are each listed with odds of +1000, indicating a tight race with several viable winners. William Byron, Martin Truex Jr., and Christopher Bell, all with odds of +1200, round out the list of top contenders, showcasing the depth of talent in the field.

With odds of +1500, Tyler Reddick represents a dark horse candidate capable of upsetting the odds.

Focus on Brad Keselowski

Brad Keselowski, with longer odds of +5000, is highlighted as an undervalued commodity based on his Vegas stats. 

Keselowski’s impressive track record at LVMS, including three wins and consistent top-seven finishes in his last 13 starts, suggests that he could outperform expectations, making him an intriguing long-shot bet.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 Pennzoil 400 race is set against the backdrop of Richard Petty’s enduring legacy, offering a blend of historical reverence and contemporary competition. As drivers vie for supremacy on the track, fans, bolstered by the convenience of online betting in North Carolina, will be closely watching, ready to witness the next chapter in NASCAR’s storied history unfold. The event promises a display of high-octane racing and a celebration of the sport’s rich heritage, championed by legends like Richard Petty.

The Dos and Don’ts After a Wrongful Repossession: Essential Advice

By
SM
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Photo by Jonas Jaeken on Unsplash

Wrongful repossession can be a frustrating and stressful experience for anyone. It can lead to significant financial losses and even damage to credit scores. If you have recently experienced a wrongful repossession, it’s essential to know what to do next.

The dos and don’ts after a wrongful repossession can vary depending on the situation. However, some essential advice can help you navigate the process and protect your rights. This article will provide you with some crucial information to help you make informed decisions and take the necessary steps to recover from a wrongful repossession.

Understanding Wrongful Repossession

When a lender or creditor repossesses a borrower’s property without following the proper legal procedures, it is considered wrongful repossession. This can happen in various situations, such as when the borrower is behind on payments or has defaulted on a loan. Understanding what constitutes wrongful repossession and the legal rights and protections available to borrowers is crucial in protecting oneself from such actions.

What Constitutes Wrongful Repossession?

Wrongful repossession occurs when a lender or creditor repossesses a borrower’s property without following the proper legal procedures. This can include situations where the borrower has not defaulted on the loan or has not received proper notice of the repossession. It can also occur when the lender or creditor uses force or intimidation to take possession of the property.

Legal Rights and Protections

If a borrower’s property has been wrongfully repossessed, they have legal rights and protections available to them. These may include the right to sue the lender or creditor for damages, the right to have the property returned, or the right to have the repossession removed from their credit report.

Strategic Response to Wrongful Repossession

If you have experienced a wrongful repossession, it is important to take appropriate action to protect your interests. Here are some dos and don’ts to consider when responding to a wrongful repossession.

Immediate Actions to Take

  • Do not confront the repossession agent. It is important to remain calm and avoid any confrontations with the repossession agent.
  • Document the repossession. Take photographs of the vehicle and any damage that occurred during the repossession process. Keep a record of any personal property that was inside the vehicle at the time of the repossession.
  • Contact the lender. Reach out to the lender as soon as possible to inform them of the wrongful repossession.
  • Consult with an attorney. Consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in consumer protection law.

Long-Term Considerations

  • Review your credit report. Check your credit report to ensure that the repossession has not been reported as a voluntary surrender.
  • Consider filing a lawsuit. If the lender refuses to return the vehicle or compensate you for any damages that occurred during the repossession, consider filing a lawsuit.
  • Be cautious when purchasing a new vehicle. If you need to purchase a new vehicle, be cautious when entering into a new financing agreement.

By taking these steps, you can protect your interests and seek appropriate compensation for any damages that occurred during the wrongful repossession.

NASCAR postpones 2024 Daytona 500 to Monday due to rain

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Patrick Sue-Chan for SpeedwayMedia.com.

The 2024 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway has been postponed until Monday, February 19, at 4 p.m. ET on FOX due to inclement weather that prevented the season-opening event from occurring on Sunday, Feb. 18.

The announcement comes as the amount of rainfall within the Daytona International Speedway circuit that has increased since the start of this weekend, particularly on Saturday, continues to precipitate with no sight of relief until Monday. The weather had already impacted this year’s Daytona Speedweeks events as the 2024 ARCA Menards Series’ opener at Daytona occurred on Friday night instead of Saturday while the Cup Series’ final practice session scheduled for Saturday was canceled, both due to rain.

With the announcement, this will mark the first time since the 2012 season that the Daytona 500 event will commence on a Monday. Previously, the 2020 and 2021 Daytona 500s started on a Sunday but finished on Monday due to rain.

In addition, the Cup Series’ Daytona 500 will be part of a historic doubleheader feature on Monday that will include the Xfinity Series’ season-opening event at Daytona for the United Rentals 300 which was also postponed to Monday, both coinciding on the same day for the first time. The Xfinity opener will occur first at 11 a.m. ET on FS1 before the Daytona 500.

When the event commences on Monday, Joey Logano, a two-time Cup Series champion and the 2015 Daytona 500 champion, will lead the field to the green flag from pole position after he posted a pole-winning lap at 171.947 mph in 49.465 seconds during Wednesday night’s single-car qualifying session. Joining him on the front row will be Michael McDowell, the 2021 Daytona 500 champion who posted the second-best qualifying lap at 181.686 mph in 49.536 seconds.

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series’ season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway for the 66th annual running of the Daytona 500 is scheduled for Monday, February 19. It will air at 4 p.m. ET on FOX.

RXR top nail-biting Round 2 Qualifying at the Extreme E Desert X Prix

By
Official Release
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FEBRUARY 18: Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky (SWE) / Johan Kristoffersson (SWE), Rosberg X Racing Gray Leadbetter, (USA) / Travis Pastrana (USA), LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (LEGACY M.C.) Molly Taylor (AUS) / Kevin Hansen (SWE), Veloce Racing during the Saudi Arabia on February 18, 2024. (Photo by Sam Bagnall / LAT Images)

18 February 2024, London: Defending champions and Round 1 winners Rosberg X Racing (RXR) continue their dominant run, coming out on top in Qualifying in the second round Season 4 the Desert X Prix in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Nico Rosberg’s outfit continued where they left off yesterday, with Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinksy and Johan Kristoffersson winning both of their Qualifying Heats to top the standings as they did in the opening round, securing a spot in the Round 2 Grand Final.

ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team (ASXE), who ended Round 1 with a DNF in the Grand Final, enter the top four once more. The Spanish outfit took honours in Qualifying 1 Heat 2, and third place in their next qualifying Heat was enough to see the team through.

While Andretti Altawkilat just missed out on the Heat win in the first qualifying session behind ASXE, Catie Munnings and Timmy Hansen executed the perfect comeback in Qualifying 2 to win their first Qualfiying Heat of Season 4. This sees the team through to the Grand Final following a Redemption Race win in Round 1.

After a nail-biting Qualifying 2, E.ON Veloce Racing and NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team finished level on points, but a quicker time in the Continental Traction Challenge sees Kevin Hansen and Molly Taylor through to Grand Final where they’ll look to top third-place in Round 1 for E.ON Veloce Racing.

Round 1 runners-up NEOM McLaren XE, along with the three remaining teams, will fight it out in the Redemption Race for valuable championship points.

Qualifying 1 – Heat 1

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB WITH JIMMIE JOHNSON’s (LEGACY M.C.) Travis Pastrana snatched the lead at the start of Heat 1, ahead of yesterday’s top-three teams – RXR, E.ON Veloce Racing, and NEOM McLaren.

The off-road racing legend continued to extend his advantage, taking a lead of seven seconds into the Switch Zone. Disaster struck for the all-new American outfit, though, as the team was awarded a 17-second penalty for a Switch Zone infringement.

LEGACY M.C.’s Gray Leadbetter still maintained track position as the teams exited the Switch Zone. After a valiant defensive effort, the 19-year-old was passed by RXR’s Kristoffersson heading into the final lap, and dropped back to third on track as Hansen moved E.ON Veloce Racing up to second.

Leadbetter managed to keep ahead of NEOM McLaren XE’s Mattias Ekström as the teams crossed the finish line at the end of the Heat, but the Round 1 runners-up moved ahead of LEGACY M.C. following the latter’s time-penalty.

Qualifying 1 – Heat 2

ASXE’s Fraser McConnell made the best start in Heat 2, leading the pack after the first turn as SUN Minimeal Team’s Timo Scheider and Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E’s Hansen battled for second, with JBXE’s Dania Akeel close behind.

The pair fought hard throughout the opening two laps, making contact as they jockeyed for position, but it was Hansen who eventually came out on top to move Andretti Altawkilat into second place. Following the driver change, Catie Munnings was right on Laia Sanz’s tail throughout the last two laps, but the Briton could not get past and the Spaniard claimed the all-important Heat 2 victory for ASXE.

Klara Andersson brought home the SUN Minimeal Team ODYSSEY 21 in third place, with Andreas Bakkerud rounding out the order for JBXE in fourth.

Qualifying 2 – Heat 1

Another strong start from Ekström saw the NEOM McLaren XE car undercut the rest of the pack, and a quick deployment of the ENOWA Hyperdrive after Turn 1 saw the Swede leading the pack into Turn 2. Close behind E.ON Veloce Racing’s Hansen kept Andretti Altawkilat’s Munnings and JBXE’s Bakkerud in his mirrors as he set off in pursuit of Ekström.

Munnings kept the leading pair within reach throughout her stint, giving her teammate Hansen just two seconds to overcome as he chased down NEOM McLaren XE’s Gutierréz and E.ON Veloce Racing’s Taylor further upfield, as the Australian jumped ahead of Gutiérrez with a slick driver change in the Switch Zone.

Hansen had to fight hard to make it past Gutierréz, as the Spaniard shut the door on the Andretti Altawkilat driver multiple times throughout the opening lap. Some clever manoeuvering from Hansen soon secured the overtake, though, and the Swede carried that pace in pursuit of Taylor, soon executing the undercut to take first from E.ON Veloce Racing.

NEOM McLaren XE’s Gutierréz, determined to see her team through to another Desert X Prix Grand Final, managed to get ahead of E.ON Veloce Racing’s Taylor with a late move before the finish line. Gutierréz may have stolen second-place in the Heat by 0.4 seconds, but they were unable to steal E.ON Veloce Racing’s spot in the Grand Final. Fourth in the Heat for JBXE means they join NEOM McLaren XE in the Redemption Race.

Qualifying 2 – Heat 2

SUN Minimeal Team’s Andersson was quickest off the line, but it was RXR’s Kristoffersson who took the early lead, using the favoured inside line through the opening corner. The Swede was followed by ASXE’s Sanz, who used the same tactics to get ahead of Andersson and Leadbetter in the LEGACY M.C. car.

Andersson and Leadbetter were side-by-side over the first set of jumps, but it was the young American who secured third place for the opening lap. Up ahead, ASXE’s Sanz kept Kristoffersson in her sights, giving RXR’s Åhlin-Kottulinksy only a five-second advantage ahead of ASXE’s McConnell.

Following the driver change, LEGACY M.C.’s Pastrana entered attack mode, pushing his ODYSSEY 21 to its limit. The car bucked onto two wheels repeatedly as Pastrana hunted down ASXE’s McConnell, and the American was the first of the group to use his ENOWA Hypderdrive to close the gap enough to soon take second-place.

Åhlin-Kottulinsky crossed the line first, completing another dominant Qualifying for Nico Rosberg’s outift. Third place for McConnell proved enough for ASXE to complete the Round 2 Grand Final line-up, while LEGACY M.C. and the SUN Minimeal Team will be battling for a Redemption Race win and the coveted 12 championship points that come with it.

Q1 Heat 1:

  1. Rosberg X Racing 10:48.380mins
  2. E.ON Veloce Racing +1.613s
  3. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team +10.032s
  4. LEGACY MOTOR CLUB IN ASSOCIATION WITH JIMMIE JOHNSON +22.467s (PENALISED)

Q1 Heat 2:

  1. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team 10:59.956mins
  2. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E +1.012s
  3. SUN Minimeal Team +7.805s
  4. JBXE +29.955s

Q2 Heat 1:

  1. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E 10:49.433mins
  2. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team +1.206s
  3. E.ON Veloce Racing +1.652s
  4. JBXE +29.498s

Q2 Heat 2:

  1. Rosberg X Racing 10:59.082mins
  2. LEGACY MOTOR CLUB IN ASSOCATION WITH JIMMIE JOHNSON +4.552s
  3. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team +5.689s
  4. SUN Minimeal Team +9.787s

Qualifying Standings

  1. Rosberg X Racing: 20 points
  2. Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E: 18 points
  3. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 16 points
  4. E.ON Veloce Racing: 14 points
  5. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team: 14 points
  6. LEGACY MOTOR CLUB IN ASSOCIATION WITH JIMMIE JOHNSON: 12 points
  7. SUN Minimeal Team: 10 points
  8. JBXE: 8 points

To learn more about Extreme E, visit – www.Extreme-E.com

NASCAR postpones 2024 Xfinity Series season-opening event at Daytona to Monday

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Patrick Sue-Chan for SpeedwayMedia.com.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway has been postponed to Monday, February 19, at 11 a.m. ET on FS1 due to inclement weather that prevented the 2024 season-opening event from occurring on Saturday, February 17.

The announcement comes as the amount of rainfall within the state of Florida and the Daytona International Speedway circuit, which continues to play a critical factor for the remainder of this year’s Daytona Speedweeks, including Sunday’s 66th annual running of the Daytona 500 for the Cup Series, continues to precipitate with no sight of relief for the remainder of Saturday, but provides some relief throughout Monday.

The Xfinity Series teams and competitors were able to conduct an on-track qualifying session earlier in the day and host driver introductions before the increase in precipitation halted all on-track activities and delayed the event’s start before the decision being made to postpone the event two days later.

This season will mark the first time the Xfinity Series’ season-opening event at Daytona has been postponed to a Monday since the 2004 season, where Dale Earnhardt Jr. would win during the same season where he notched his first Daytona 500 victory. Further announcements regarding plans for Sunday’s 66th running of the Daytona 500 amid weather concerns remain to be determined.

When the Xfinity Series event at Daytona occurs to commence the 2024 season, Jesse Love, a newcomer to the Xfinity Series, will lead the field to the green flag from pole position after he posted a pole-winning lap at 181.079 mph in 49.702 seconds while piloting the No. 2 Chevrolet Camaro for Richard Childress Racing. Joining him on the front row will be teammate Austin Hill, a two-time series’ Daytona season-opener winner who clocked in the second-best qualifying lap at 181.068 mph in 49.705 seconds.

Stanton Barrett, Dawson Cram, Kyle Sieg, CJ McLaughlin, Caesar Bacarella and Joey Gase were the competitors who did not qualify for the event.

The 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series’ season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway for the United Rentals 300 is scheduled to occur this Monday, February 19, and will begin to air at 11 a.m. ET on FS1.

Wayne Auton: NASCAR’s school principal

By
Tucker White
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ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - SEPTEMBER 7: Wayne Auton, series director for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, speaks to the media as Rockingham Speedway announces the addition of 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Rockingham Speedway on Sept. 7, 2011, in Rockingham, North Carolina. Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images for NASCAR

Wayne Auton called Brad Keselowski to the hauler at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 17, 2006. The night before, Keselowski “just piledrove” Jack Sprague on the cooldown lap of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Ford 200.

“Wayne calls me in the hauler and he says, ‘What happened on the cool down last night?’ ‘Oh, a little disagreement,'” Keselowski said. “I don’t remember his exact words, but I don’t think they were something I’m supposed to say.”

Auton played a tape of Keselowski plowing into Sprague, and the VCR ate the tape. Not being a tech-savvy guy, he tried to stop it, but pressed fast-forward and tape shot out.

“He was just so mad,” he said. “Like, smoke coming out of his ears mad. He just told me, get the hell out of here and don’t ever do that. Don’t do that.”

Keselowski exited the hauler trying not to laugh or snicker, but Auton made his point.

The 2024 NASCAR season marks Auton’s last as a series director. A title he’s held since 2012, as XFINITY Series director, and was the original director of the Truck Series. Much like Mike Helton, Auton is a “no-nonsense” official who’ll — to borrow a line from former Cup Series race director, David Hoots — “Put a stop to all that jimmy-jackin.'”

Of course, he didn’t always yell. After Noah Gragson and Harrison Burton fought in the garage at Kentucky Speedway in 2020, he called both of them to the hauler.

“I was expecting we were gonna get yelled at and be in trouble,” Burton said.

He said, “Just don’t do it again, boys,” and left.

Of course, he had a lighter side. He’s a “stand-up guy” who, much like NASCAR writer, Chris “Skippy” Knight, calls you every holiday and checks that you’re doing well. Plus, he’s a bit of a snarker. One night during Talladega weekend in 2018, Jim Utter, Knight and I ate dinner at a nearby Mellow Mushrooms. Skippy looked to see if any other NASCAR people were there. I pointed him towards Auton in the main dining room (also the MRN crew, but they don’t factor into this part).

Skippy tapped Auton’s shoulder, as we went to our table. A few minutes later, he came over and talked to us. At one point, Utter, tongue-in-cheek, said something to him. I don’t remember exactly what he said, but it was about a penalty Elliott Sadler received during the race*.

Auton laughed and gave Utter a close to the waist middle finger.

*After that, I asked Auton what Sadler did to receive the penalty. He said that a driver could use pit road to avoid a wreck (like he did), but can’t also stop in their box for service (like he did).

Auton’s “firm, but knows when to dial back” approach to officiating earned him the respect of the drivers in the XFINITY Series garage.

“Me and Austin Cindric joke all the time that Wayne is the ‘not in my series guy.’  He’s awesome,” Burton said. “We all love Wayne, but for those few moments I was really scared of Wayne, that’s for sure.”

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