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Layne Riggs Prepares for Truck Series Debut at Daytona

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Official Release
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Daytona Competition Notes

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 15, 2024) – Front Row Motorsports (FRM) will be entering into a new era with Layne Riggs, who will kick off his rookie campaign this Friday at the Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway; a race that FRM is back-to-back winners of.

Joining Riggs, Dylan Cappello will begin his first year as crew chief for the No. 38 Love’s RV Stops Ford F-150 team. Entering his fifth year in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS), Cappello has served as the lead race engineer for Todd Gilliland and Zane Smith. Cappello now looks to call the shots on top of the pit box in hopes of another NCTS Championship.

Track activity will begin with practice on Thursday, February 15th at 5:00p.m. ET.

Qualifying for the event will take place Friday, February 16th at 3:00 p.m. ET. The green flag for the 100-lap race will drop at 7:30 p.m. ET and can be watched live on FS1. Fans can also listen in on the action from Sirius XM and the Motor Racing Network.

No. 38 Love’s RV Stops Ford F-150:

DRIVER LAYNE RIGGS:

“There’s a lot of pressure going into this race, especially with Zane (Smith) winning it two years in a row. But I know our truck will be fast and I have full faith in this 38 group.”

“We have a great group of guys on this team, and under the leadership of Dylan (Cappello), I see no reason why we can’t go out there and be competitive.”

CREW CHIEF DYLAN CAPPELLO:

“Yeah, like Layne said, there’s a lot of pressure, but I’ve been here before. This is what we have worked all off season towards, and now it’s time to just go out there and start the season off with a bang.”

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series team from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Austin Prock eager to add family’s Gainesville Funny Car success at Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals

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Official Release
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 15, 2024) – When Austin Prock stages his 11,000-horsepower Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro Funny Car for John Force Racing during his first official NHRA Funny Car pass during the opening round of qualifying at the 55th Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals on March 7-10, he’ll have lots of Gainesville Raceway memories and thoughts.

After all, his grandfather, Tom Prock, was the Gatornationals Funny Car runner-up at the 1975 event and his father, Jimmy, has won the race four times with Robert Hight, for whom the younger Prock is subbing while Hight addresses some medical concerns. Gainesville Raceway is also the track where Austin made his first pass in any kind of Funny Car, back in 2008 at the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School.

“I’ve always seen the success my dad had there, and, before his, my grandfather, and that place has a special place in my heart,” he said. “It’s also where we lost my good friend Eric Medlen [former John Force driver who died in a testing incident in 2007]. Eric was a great friend of mine, and a mentor to me. He took me under his wing and took care of me and taught me things, like how to paint helmets. It’d be cool to get the job done for that and my family’s legacy.”

Last year, Mike Salinas (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Troy Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won in Gainesville. This year’s race will air on FS1, including the Pep Boys Top Fuel All-Star Callout at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, live coverage on Sunday from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., and continuing finals coverage at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday.

After licensing in a trio of JFR entries in 2018 – driving the cars of team boss Force, his daughter Courtney, and with his dad tuning Hight’s car – and then saddling up in Team Force’s Top Fueler in 2019, Prock had made just two Funny Car runs heading into 2024. It’s also a move reuniting father and son as a tuning and driving tandem, while Austin’s brother, Thomas, serves as their father’s assistant crew chief.

“This whole this whole deal is a thrill, getting to race with my dad and my brother both up in the lounge making the calls and me in the seat,” Prock said. “I mean, this is storybook stuff, the stuff you write up, and it’s actually happening in real life, so it’s really special.

“We all know this car will run,” he added. “This thing flew last year with Robert driving so we’re just getting all the bugs worked out and I gotta keep learning and try not to make any mistakes and give the race car a shot to do what it needs to do. It’s all a learning process.

“I really truly enjoy drag racing and loved running the Top Fuel car, but Funny Car is where I belong. I always dreamed of driving one like my grandpa, and I am having an absolute blast. I’m loving every second of it. I love the challenge of these cars. I love sitting behind the engine. I love the body dropping. And to top it off, I’m doing it with my family.

“I’m so blessed to have John Force in my corner. He loves the sport ad has built his empire off of family racing, and he gets to watch that happen with my family too, under the same roof. He’s given us an outstanding facility to race out of we always have the right parts and money. He just wants to see win lights turn on and have fun. He knows the love that I have for this sport and the love I have for Funny Cars, and I’m glad to have him in my corner.”

The fact that he’s jumping into one of the best Funny Cars on the planet and filling in for three-time world champion Hight is not lost on him. Pressure? You bet.

“Plenty of people have come up and said, ‘Man, you got big shoes to fill,’ but I know you can do it, but I’ve been a Nervous Nellie, up in the middle of the night thinking about it and trying to run through all the scenarios and just trying to manifest doing a good job.

“I’m not going into this race season any different than any other one or any race that I’ve ever gone into, and the team’s not either. We want to go there and run low E.T. every round, and we want to win every race. If you’re competitive and a racer, that’s what you expect. And I believe we can do that. We’re hungry. We want to do good for John Force Racing. We want to do good for Robert Hight. And we want to do good for all of our great partners. We don’t expect any less than that.”

Prock will deal with a host of Funny Car standouts to kick off the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series in Gainesville, including defending world champ and back-to-back race winner Hagan, Ron Capps, Force, Bob Tasca III and J.R. Todd.

Reigning Top Fuel world champ Doug Kalitta looks to keep rolling after winning his first world title to close out 2023, taking on Brittany Force, Steve Torrence, Antron Brown, Justin Ashley, Tony Schumacher and class newcomer Tony Stewart.

Six-time Pro Stock world champ Erica Enders will try to win in Gainesville for the first time, facing off against Greg Anderson, Aaron Stanfield, Matt Hartford and Dallas Glenn. In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Herrera is after a repeat win by knocking off the likes of Matt Smith, Steve Johnson, Hector Arana Jr. and Angie Smith.

The Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout is back to open 2024 as well, pitting eight standouts against each other in a unique, big-money specialty race on Saturday, March 9. Local standout Josh Hart won the Callout last year. Action will also take place in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+ and Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown to open 2024.

Race fans at Gainesville Raceway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies for drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk, which benefits the Darrell Gwynn Foundation in Gainesville, as well as a ring ceremony for the 2023 world champs (Kalitta, Hagan, Enders and Herrera) and a flyover from the U.S. Air Force. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners.

The Nitro Alley Stage is a huge attraction and the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, the NHRA Insider Podcast, Shirley Muldowney Q&A and meet and greets. Marching bands will also entertain the crowd each day, including the University of Florida on Sunday. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs from their favorite drivers and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere of interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features two rounds at 2 and 4:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 8, and the final two qualifying rounds on Saturday, March 9 at 12 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, March 10.

The first round of the Pep Boys Top Fuel All-Star Callout takes place on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET and the semifinals at 2:45 p.m. The finals are slated for 4:25 p.m.

To purchase tickets to the 2024 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. Get your tickets now for the Top Eliminator Club because these will sell out. For more info on NHRA, please 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.

Stewart-Haas Racing: Daytona NXS Advance (Cole Custer | Riley Herbst)

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Official Release
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COLE CUSTER | RILEY HERBST
Daytona NASCAR Xfinity Series Advance
NASCAR Xfinity Series Overview

  • Event: United Rentals 300 (Round 1 of 33)
  • Date: Saturday, Feb. 17
  • Location: Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway
  • Layout: 2.5-mile oval
  • Time/TV/Radio: 5 p.m. EST on FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Cole Custer Notes of Interest

  • The 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Cole Custer is back and ready to defend his title as the 2024 season kicks off Saturday at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway with the United Rentals 300. The driver of the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang returned to the Xfinity Series fulltime at the start of the 2023 season and, while it got off to a slow start, the team picked up speed over the summer to become championship contenders. Custer would earn three victories on the season – June 3 at Portland (Ore.) International Raceway, July 1 at the Chicago Street Course, and the Championship 4 finale Nov. 4 at Phoenix Raceway. They were among his 14 top-five finishes in all. The title was Custer’s first after finishing runner-up in his previous two fulltime seasons in 2018 and 2019. As the reigning champion, Custer has high expectations for himself and hopes to start the season with his first career Daytona victory.
  • Saturday’s race at Daytona’s historic 2.5-mile oval will mark Custer’s 144th career Xfinity Series start and his ninth at the track. He scored career-best finishes in both races there last year – ninth in February and fifth in August. Prior to last year, Custer never finished better than 14th there. In addition to his Xfinity Series starts at Daytona, Custer has five Cup Series starts, one Craftsman Truck Series start, and one ARCA Menards Series start. Best of those was his 10th-place finish in the February 2016 ARCA race.
  • Jonathan Toney returns as the crew chief on the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang this season. Toney is one of the most tenured members of SHR. The native of Newton, North Carolina, joined Haas CNC Racing in December 2003, five years before Tony Stewart partnered with Haas Automation founder Gene Haas to form Stewart-Haas Racing on the underpinnings of Haas CNC Racing. Toney was the lead engineer for Stewart and the No. 14 SHR Cup Series team from 2009 through 2012, helping secure the team co-owner his third championship in 2011 and the first for SHR. He remained an engineer at SHR, assisting the organization across its Cup Series and Xfinity Series programs, spending considerable time with Custer during his previous stint in the Xfinity Series. The 2023 season was Toney’s first as a crew chief, but his history with Custer proved to be strong as the duo picked up multiple wins and the championship in their first season together.
  • Custer didn’t take his foot off the gas during the offseason as he embarked on his own champion’s tour. Since he clinched the title on Nov. 4, the 26-year-old driver has attended Nashville Predators, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Carolina Hurricanes National Hockey League games, and a New Orleans Saints National Football League game to promote the Xfinity Series and his championship. The champion had some exciting news to share during the offseason as well. Custer announced last week that him and his wife Kari are expecting their first child in August 2024. The two celebrated their one-year anniversary on Jan. 6 and currently reside with their dog Honey in Cornelius, North Carolina.

Riley Herbst Notes of Interest

  • Riley Herbst is poised for a breakout season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series as the season kicks off Saturday at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway with the United Rentals 300. While the 2023 season was a roller coaster ride for the No. 98 Monster Energy driver, he ended it on a high note with five consecutive top-fives, scoring the most points scored of any driver in the playoffs’ Round of 8 along the way, and earned his first career Xfinity Series win Oct.14 at his hometown Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Saturday’s 120-lap race marks Herbst’s 143rd career start and his 10th at Daytona. His best finish at the track is fourth, earned in August 2020 and then again in the 2022 season opener. In his three seasons with SHR, Herbst has only finished outside the top-15 twice at Daytona.
  • Herbst has seven starts at Daytona outside of the Xfinity Series – three in the ARCA Menards Series, two in the Craftsman Truck Series, and two in the NASCAR Cup Series. He earned a best finish of seventh in the Truck Series season opener in February 2020. He made his Cup Series debut during last February’s 65th running of the Daytona 500, during which Herbst earned an impressive 10th-place finish to become only the second driver in NASCAR history to record a top-10 in his Cup Series debut in the iconic race. He joined Terry Ryan, who made his debut in the 1976 edition of The Great American Race and finished sixth. Herbst went on to participate in both Cup Series races at Talladega and the August Daytona race, earning a best finish of ninth in the October Talladega race after leading 10 laps, his first laps led in the Cup Series. He’ll hope to add to those numbers once again during Sunday’s 66th running of the Daytona 500 behind the wheel of the No. 15 Monster Energy Zero Sugar Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing.
  • Davin Restivo returns as the crew chief for Herbst and the No. 98 Monster Energy team after taking over the role halfway through the 2023 season. This duo combined to record Herbst’s first career victory on Oct. 14, 2023, at Las Vegas. It was Restivo’s 16th race as the crew chief on the No. 98. Restivo’s career began working on Late Model teams in Liberty, North Carolina. He attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and graduated in 2012 with a degree in mechanical engineering. After graduating, he went on to work with notable drivers such as Ron Hornaday Jr., Kyle Larson, Justin Marks, Ross Chastain, John Hunter Nemechek, Custer, and most recently Aric Almirola as the lead engineer. He earned his first Xfinity Series victory as a crew chief on June 10, 2023, when Almirola captured the checkered flag at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. Two weeks later, he was named crew chief of the No. 98 Ford Mustang.
  • During the offseason, Herbst went back to his family roots when he traded in his stock car for an off-road Trophy Truck for the 55th running of the Baja 1000 just prior to Thanksgiving. The 24-year-old racer from Las Vegas had a lot to be thankful for, having driven the middle leg of the 1,310.94-mile journey down Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Co-driving with his father, Troy Herbst, and Terrible Herbst Motorsports driver James Dean, the team crossed the finish line first in the Trophy Truck Spec class, marking Herbst’s first Baja 1000 victory and his father’s third, to go with his previous wins in 2004 and 2006. The younger Herbst finished third in the 2022 running of the Baja 1000, and ninth in 2021.

Cole Custer, Driver of the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang

After a tremendous finish to the 2023 season that resulted in your first career championship, how do you approach the new season, which kicks off at Daytona?

“I think for us, we just hope to rebound and be strong competitors after winning the championship. It’s all about how we can follow up last year. We’ve never been in this situation before, so we’re trying to figure out how we can go into this year and really be at that same level we just were. We have to focus on the details and do a lot of things right. It’s going to be intriguing to see how we can follow that up. Going into 2024, we’re trying to figure out how we can win more races and race up front pretty much every weekend. We had a few wins last year, but we didn’t really get hot until the end of the season to win the championship. This year we’re hoping to see that week in and week out. It’s going to take a lot of focus and looking at a lot of details. I’m confident that this No. 00 Haas Automation team can step up and make it happen.”

Superspeedways, especially Daytona, are unpredictable by nature. How do you prepare for a race where it’s difficult to make a solid plan because anything could happen?

“So that’s what is so tough about Daytona and superspeedways. Your plan is always changing. There can be like 15 situations that could happen, and no matter what situation, you have to know what to do when presented with each one. Honestly, you have to take these races lap-by-lap to see what kind of scenario you’re in and then adapt from there. You can’t have a solid plan going into a superspeedway because it’s always going to change and you’re forced to adapt to whatever comes your way.”

Riley Herbst, Driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang

You’re back for your fourth fulltime season at SHR and your fifth in the Xfinity Series. While last year had its ups and downs, you ended on a high note with five straight top-five finishes and your first career Xfinity Series win. Is there some comfort in coming back to the same team with mostly the same group of guys?

“It’s always good to work with the same group of guys from year to year. There’s a lot of time that goes into building those relationships and it helps us grow as a team, which translates over to the racetrack. Davin (Restivo, crew chief) and I were put together halfway through the season last year, so there wasn’t an entire offseason to get to know each other. Now, we’ve had the end of the season and the offseason to work on that relationship. I’ve never been so excited to start a season in my career. That win at Vegas was everything. Then, to end the season on a high note with five straight top-fives and the most points scored of anyone in the Round of 8, when we weren’t even in the playoffs, it meant a lot. It showed everyone that we’re here and we can win. I have high hopes for 2024.”

Not only are you racing in the Xfinity Series, but you’re also making your second start in the Daytona 500, where you earned an impressive 10th-place finish in your Cup Series debut last year. How excited are you to get back behind the wheel of a Cup Series car for the iconic race?

“I’m pumped. It’s every young racer’s dream to not only drive in the NASCAR Cup Series, but specifically the Daytona 500. It’s a pinnacle of this sport. I was lucky. I got to make my first career Cup Series start in The Great American Race, and not only finished it but scored a top-10 finish. It got our season started on such a high note, and it’s a moment that I won’t forget. Now, I get to go back and build on what I learned in my four Cup races last year. I can’t say thank you enough to Rick Ware Racing for the chance to run the Daytona 500 in the No. 15 Ford Mustang again, and Monster Energy for supporting me throughout every step of my career.”

RFK Racing Unveils Exciting Weekly Show on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

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Official Release
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‘Backstretch Banter with RFK Racing,’ – Hosted by SiriusXM Sports Personality Chris Childers – Will Air Weekly on SiriusXM Channel 90

CONCORD, N.C. (Feb. 15, 2024) – In a dynamic collaboration, RFK Racing and SiriusXM have introduced a new weekly show titled ‘Backstretch Banter with RFK Racing.’ This engaging one-hour program, hosted by SiriusXM sports personality Chris Childers, is set to air weekly on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio and will be available to listeners in their cars (channel 90) and on the new SiriusXM app.

Featuring prominent personalities from RFK Racing, including drivers Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher, the show is scheduled to premiere the week of Feb. 19, just ahead of the second race of the season at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Feb. 25.

“We are thrilled to embark on this new venture with the launch of ‘Backstretch Banter with RFK Racing’ on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio,” said RFK Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Kevin D. Woods. “This show is an exciting platform that allows us to connect with fans in a unique and engaging way.

“The opportunity to share our insights, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments with SiriusXM listeners around the country, we are genuinely enthusiastic about. Chris Childers has been a friend to our team for years, and this is a fantastic addition to our content platforms. We look forward to bringing fans closer to the heart of RFK Racing through this dynamic show.”

Host Chris Childers, a distinguished sports talk personality, brings his wealth of experience to the forefront. Having been on the air at SiriusXM since 2005, Childers has primarily covered college football and basketball across various SiriusXM channels. Notably, he co-hosts the weekly college football show ‘Full Ride’ with former NFL and college player/coach Rick Neuheisel on the SiriusXM College Sports Radio channel.

“I’m incredibly excited to be part of ‘Backstretch Banter with RFK Racing’,” said Childers, a long-time motorsports enthusiast and self-proclaimed NASCAR ‘fanatic.’ “It’s an honor to host this new program that will delve not only into the world of RFK Racing, but sports and pop culture in general. We feel it will bring fans closer to the action, personalities, and stories behind the scenes.

“I cannot wait to share it with our listeners every week. Get ready for an engaging ride with ‘Backstretch Banter’!”

In addition to airing weekly on SiriusXM, the show will also be available on RFK’s award-winning social platforms and streaming on other popular media platforms.

About RFK Racing
RFK Racing, entering its 37th season in 2024, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com, and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

Rick Ware Racing: Justin Haley/Riley Herbst Daytona 500 Advance

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Official Release
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JUSTIN HALEY | RILEY HERBST
Duel | Daytona 500
Event Overview

● Thursday, Feb. 15: Bluegreen Vacations Duel (twin 150-mile qualifying races that set the field for the Daytona 500)
● Time/TV/Radio: 7 p.m. ET on FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
● Sunday, Feb. 18: 66th annual Daytona 500 (first of 36 points-paying NASCAR Cup Series races in 2024)
● Time/TV/Radio: 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Justin Haley, Driver of the No. 51 Tree Top / Fraternal Order of Eagles / Jacob Ford Mustang

● Justin Haley, driver of the No. 51 Tree Top / Fraternal Order of Eagles / Jacob Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing (RWR), will make his fourth start in the Great American Race when the NASCAR Cup Series takes the green flag Sunday for the 66th running of the Daytona 500. Haley finished 13th in his first Daytona 500 in February 2020, his best finish in the season-opening points-paying race. He preceded that outing with a victory in the July 2019 Cup Series race at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, which was his first career win in the series in just his third start.

● During Wednesday night’s qualifying session, Haley was 30th quickest to earn a 15th-place starting spot in tonight’s second Bluegreen Vacations Duel. The twin 60-lap, 150-mile races will set the field for Sunday’s Daytona 500.

● Haley is viewed by his competitors as a master at superspeedways. He owns four superspeedway wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series – Daytona in August 2020 and 2021, and Talladega in April and October 2020. In 10 Xfinity Series starts at Daytona, he posted top-20 finishes in all but two races.

● The 2024 season marks a significant change in Haley’s career path. He left Kaulig Racing after five seasons to join RWR, which also marks the first time Haley raced for a manufacturer other than Chevrolet in his NASCAR career. The switch to the Roush Yates-powered Ford Mustangs may just be the advantage Haley needs to revisit victory lane, as the Ford camp has secured the win at Daytona in four of the last six races.

● Haley also began the 2024 season with a new crew chief in Chris Lawson. Lawson was previously paired with Zane Smith in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where the pair earned six wins over two seasons and claimed the 2022 Truck Series championship. Lawson was also atop the pit box for Smith in last year’s Daytona 500, when they earned a 13th-place result.

● Haley and Lawson turned heads in their first outing with RWR during the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum on Feb. 3. The 24-year-old driver qualified 10th for the feature event and ran within the top-10 for the majority of the 151-lap race. Haley was working his way back to the front after the halfway break when a fuel pump issue ended his run 15 laps short of the checkered flag.

● In the effort to find success at Daytona, Haley and longtime partner, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles,are continuing their relationship in 2024. When Haley earned his first Cup Series victory at Daytona in 2019, it was beind the wheel of the No. 77 Fraternal Order of Eagles-branded car with Spire Motorsports. They were also with Haley for his three Truck Series wins in 2018 at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis, Canadian Tire Motosport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, and Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.

● The Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E) is an international non-profit organization uniting fraternally in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice, and equality, to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope. The F.O.E. donates more than $10 million a year to local communities, fundraisers, charities and more. As part of its philosophy, the F.O.E. gives back 100 percent of monies raised in the form of grants. Fundraisers are conducted for eight major charities, including kidney, heart, diabetes, cancer and spinal cord injury funds, a children’s fund, memorial foundation and the Golden Eagle Fund.

● Also riding along on the No. 51 at Daytona are Tree Top and Jacob Construction. Tree Top is a farmer-owned cooperative owned by nearly 1,000 apple and pear growers. The cooperative was founded in 1960 in the heart of Washington’s apple country. Tree Top has led the way in premium-quality juices and apple sauce. With its fruit expertise and trusted sources of fruit, it now produces the widest array of fruit-based products and solutions for consumers and for a majority of the world’s leading food and beverage manufacturers. Tree Top operates seven production facilities near the fruit in Washington, Oregon and California to create healthful fruit products made from simple ingredients to the delight of consumers around the world.

● Jacob is a nationally certified, WBENC, woman owned, multifaceted construction firm with a focus on construction, design-build services, structural concrete and technology.

Riley Herbst, Driver of the No. 15 Monster Energy Zero Sugar Ford Mustang

● Riley Herbst returns to RWR behind the wheel of the No. 15 Monster Energy Zero Sugar Ford Mustang after a 10th-place showing in the 2023 Daytona 500. Herbst started the race 38th and successfully avoided the typical Daytona mayhem in his Cup Series debut to earn his first of two top-10 finishes in four Cup Series starts last season.

● With his 10th-place finish, Herbst became the second driver to earn a top-10 in his Cup Series debut in the Daytona 500. He joined Terry Ryan, who made his debut in the 1976 Daytona 500 and finished sixth.

● During Wednesday night’s qualifying session, Herbst was 12th quickest to earn a sixth-place starting spot in tonight’s second Bluegreen Vacations Duel.

● The Las Vegas native also embarks on his fifth fulltime Xfinity Series season in 2024 and fourth with Stewart-Haas Racing. Herbst earned his first career Xfinity Series victory last year at his hometown Las Vegas Motor Speedway in dominating fashion. Though his first win came at an intermediate track, the 24-year-old Herbst has shown his strength on the wild-card superspeedways. He has two top-fives and four top-10s in nine Xfinity Series starts at Daytona, and one top-five and three top-10s at Talladega. His high mark at each track is a fourth-place finish, earned three times – August 2020 at Daytona, October 2021 at Talladega and February 2022 Daytona.

● Monster Energy Zero Sugar will adorn Herbst’s No. 15 Ford Mustang at Daytona. Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, the company supports the scene and sport. Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports partnerships, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans.

Rick Ware Racing Notes

● Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age six when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. More than a decade later, injuries would force Ware out of the driver seat and into fulltime team ownership. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that fields two fulltime entries in the NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, the NTT INDYCAR Series, Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup, Progressive American Flat Track and FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX).

● In 2023, RWR enjoyed three NHRA Top Fuel wins with driver Clay Millican, two Progressive American Flat Track wins with rider Briar Bauman, and multiple WSX victories with riders Shane McElrath and Joey Savatgy coming off their 2022 WSX championship.

● The 2024 drag racing season unofficially kicked off last weekend in Bradenton, Florida, during the PRO Superstar Shootout, where Millican promptly set fast time in the first round of qualifying with an elapsed time of 3.688 seconds and a speed of 336.49 mph, and then remained atop the leaderboard by securing the No. 1 qualifying position. Millican advanced all the way to the final round of eliminations, a stout performance that highlighted an expanded role this season by longtime partner Parts Plus on the No. 51 Top Fuel Dragster, and the addition of NHRA veteran Nicky Boninfante as co-crew chief.

● In the first racing event of the 2024 season, Cody Ware scored a podium finish Jan. 20 on the 12-turn, 3.56-mile Daytona road course driving a Ligier JS P320 in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge LMP3 class. The following weekend, Ware and teammate Preston Pardus competed in the twin Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup races at Daytona.

Justin Haley, Driver Q&A

You’ve been really good at Daytona in previous years, and now you’re in the Ford Performance camp. Does that mean extra confidence as the RWR team continues to build its program?

“Yeah, I’ve told a lot of people that I’ve raced against the Fords for a long time. They have the best fuel mileage, the best strategy and the best teamwork and it has pissed me off for so long racing against them, so I’m excited to be in a Ford at Daytona. They qualify so fast – it’s been rare that Fords haven’t been dominant in qualifying at superspeedways, lately. I went through Roush Yates the other day, and what an impressive operation they have built. I’ve never seen an engine shop that looks like that before. They have crushed the other teams on fuel mileage, and now we’ve got an awesome new Ford Mustang Dark Horse, so I’m super excited to go down to Daytona and see what we’ve got.”

What makes you so good at the superspeedways, especially Daytona, where you got your first Cup Series win?

“I don’t know. I think there are a lot of things that impact how well you can be at a superspeedway. The organization and how they work, the driver relationship with the spotter, and things like that. For me, the situation this year is completely different other than me being in the driver’s seat. I think we’ll have to see how it goes, but I don’t really know that there is something you can pinpoint. I enjoy superspeedway racing and I’ve been fortunate to do really well. I feel really confident about what we can accomplish with Chris (Lawson, crew chief) and the work the team has put in, along with Ford. But yeah, I’m not sure what it is.”

A lot of changes happened at RWR over the offseason and that showed with your performance at the Clash in Los Angeles. Was there a different feeling in the shop after the Clash?

“There was definitely a good feeling, but we didn’t waste too much time on that with Daytona coming up. We saw we’re capable of running with some of the bigger teams. A lot has been put into the organization to improve. Some processes have changed back at the shop to make sure we have as much data as possible to prepare the car before we get to the track. If we can unload better, then we can learn more during practice, qualifying, the Duel. The offseason was a reset for RWR and there’s still work to be done, but I think we’re already showing that a change is happening and the effort is paying off.”

Riley Herbst, Driver Q&A

You have four Cup Series starts under your belt, but you’re not one of the guys looking to get that first win out of the way to lock into the Cup Series Playoffs. So, what is the goal for the Daytona 500 for you and the No. 15 Ford Mustang team?

“I think the goal is to just get some guys to trust me and not be the one getting in their way and causing trouble. I felt like that was my goal last year and we accomplished that at Talladega in the fall and in the Daytona 500 last year, so I’m trying to do the same thing again this year. Just learn with each lap and hopefully have some guys trust me, have my teammate at RWR, Justin Haley, and all of our Ford teammates trust me so we can work together and try to make something of it. I’m excited to get there, run every lap and be there at the end to kind of see where the cards fall.”

Will you be able to gain anything from the Xfinity Series race on Saturday to apply to Sunday’s race with the Cup Series guys?

“I think laps in the race pace at Daytona or any superspeedway kind of help me become a better plate racer and helps me understand the moves that are coming laps before they even happen. I remember how eye-opening it was last year when I was racing against all of these great stock car drivers in the Daytona 500. Watching these guys set up passes and make them happen laps before I would even attempt them. I think that’s the coolest thing to experience and the thing that I’m eager to learn more and more about to make myself a better racecar driver.”

Are you able to watch what those other guys are doing and understand how they made something work and why it worked in that moment, or is the success based on the circumstances?

“I think it’s a little bit of both. I think that’s why we always hear drivers saying do your homework. For me, that’s watching hours of film of onboard camera footage and the view from the Goodyear blimp shot. That overhead shot is honestly my favorite camera angle to watch for the superspeedway tracks to see how people create their runs, when the run starts and how they execute their passes.”

Akinori Ogata announces preliminary schedule for 21st year in NASCAR

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, NC, February 15, 2024 – NASCAR driver Akinori Ogata today announced his preliminary schedule for the 2024 race season. Ogata, who moved from his native Japan to Mooresville, NC in 2010 to pursue his racing dreams, will compete in at least four Xfinity Series races with Joey Gase Motorsports.

Ogata will race at Martinsville Speedway on April 6, Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, Daytona International Speedway on August 23 and Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 19. Marketing partners Kyowa-Eidemiller Precision Machining and YKK AP America will continue their relationship with Ogata through 2024.

“I am excited to compete in all of my races, but YKK AP America and Joey Gase gave me an opportunity to race at Daytona in August,” said Ogata. “Daytona is one of my dream tracks.”

Kyowa-Eidemiller Precision Machining (KEPM) is a global supplier of quality precision machined parts. Their diverse equipment capabilities and experienced staff enable them to be your first choice for small to mid-sized machined components competitively priced.

KEPM handles proto-type, low and high volume production projects, and the company is committed to providing “Emergency Capacity”. KEPM is ISO 9001:2015 certified and features integrated manufacturing to produce high precision machined products including specialty and exotic materials.

YKK AP America Inc. is a leading manufacturer of award-winning commercial facade systems and residential windows and doors. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, all building products are manufactured in the company’s world-class production facilities located in Dublin, Ga., Macon, Ga., and Lakeshore, Ontario. Together with its subsidiary brand, Erie Architectural Products (Erie AP), the company serves architects, glazing contractors, homebuilders, and resellers across the country. YKK AP America Inc. is a subsidiary of YKK AP Inc., a global architectural products company based in Tokyo, Japan.

Ogata’s racing career started in motocross in Japan when he was 14 years old. He made his first NASCAR series start in 2003 at Hickory Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model Stock. He earned his first win in the series at Hickory in 2022 and is the only Japanese driver to win a race in NASCAR. Ogata made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in 2014 at Phoenix Raceway, where he also made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut in 2018.

“I really enjoyed and had good experience in races with the superspeedway program at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2023 in the Xfinity and Truck Series,” said Ogata. “I can’t wait for my coming race season!”

Ogata is working to add more races to his 2024 race season. Contact his team at akinoriperformance@gmail.com for information on partnership.

For more information on Akinori Ogata, visit his website (https://www.akinoriogata.com/index.html) or follow him on X (@AkinoriOgata) or Instagram (@akinoriogata).

Front Row Motorsports Extends Relationship with Ford Performance

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Official Release
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Begins New Strategic Alliance with Team Penske

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 15, 2024) – In the beginning of its 20th anniversary season, Front Row Motorsports (FRM) has announced a renewed and strengthened relationship with Ford Performance. The renewal coincides with a new technical alliance with the defending NASCAR Cup Series championship team, Team Penske.

Ford has been a part of Front Row Motorsports foundation and successes in the Cup Series dating back to the 2004 season. Memorable moments include FRM’s first win in 2013 with David Ragan at the Talladega Superspeedway, FRM’s first pole with David Gilliland at the Daytona International Speedway in 2014, Michael McDowell’s victory in the 63rd running of the Daytona 500 in 2021, and the most recent win at the Verizon 200 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway by McDowell. Ford has been the manufacturer for all four Cup wins.

Also, in the time with Ford Performance, FRM expanded into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in the 2020 season. The partnership contributed to immediate success on track including the 2022 championship with Zane Smith, and 8 race victories with Smith, Todd Gilliland and Brett Moffitt.

“I am proud to wear the blue oval and be associated with an iconic American brand in Ford,” Bob Jenkins, owner of Front Row Motorsports said. “Our relationship with Ford has continued to build over the past decade and we’re now showing our success over the past several seasons in the Cup and Truck Series, and that is something that I’m very proud of.”

FRM and Ford Performance will not only expand their relationship over a multi-year agreement but increase the partnership to a Tier 1 program. FRM will now collaborate with Team Penske on engineering, aerodynamics, race setup, strategy, pit crew development and other projects. The alliance and additional support will position FRM to be stronger on track for years to come.

Another pivotal role, FRM will work with Ford Performance to develop Layne Riggs in the Truck Series and continue to be an avenue for future development drivers following in the footsteps of Gilliland and Smith in the FRM championship truck.

“A racer’s mindset isn’t suited to be patient. We all want results immediately, but the way Bob Jenkins and Jerry Freeze have built Front Row Motorsports through the years is a model for how it should be done,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “We’ve always been proud of our partnership and can’t wait to see how much higher they can go with this new Team Penske alliance.”

FRM will field two NASCAR Cup Series entries in 2024, including Michael McDowell in the No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse and Todd Gilliland in the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender, Layne Riggs will make his full-season debut in the No. 38 Ford F-150 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this season.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series team from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

ABOUT FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

ABOUT FORD PERFORMANCE

Ford Performance is based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for Ford’s performance vehicle development and major racing operations globally, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO British GT, FIA World Rally Championship, Supercars Championship, World of Outlaws, Ultra4, SCORE-International, FIA Rally-Raid, Formula Drift, NHRA, Rebelle Rally, Thailand Super Series and our latest commitment in Formula 1 with RedBull Ford Powertrains. Ford Performance also maintains a constantly evolving fleet of electric performance demonstrators to showcase the limits of electrification technology. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford’s racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts. For more information regarding Ford racing’s activities, please visit Performance.Ford.com or follow @FordPerformance on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube.

ABOUT TEAM PENSKE

Team Penske is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Cars owned and prepared by Team Penske have produced more than 620 major race wins, over 680 pole positions and 44 championships across open-wheel, stock car and sports car competition. Entering its 58th season in 2024, Team Penske has also earned 19 Indianapolis 500 victories, three Daytona 500 Championships, a Formula 1 win, victories in the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring, along with a win in Australia’s legendary Bathurst 1000 race. In 2024, Team Penske competes in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, NASCAR Cup Series, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship. For more information about Team Penske, please visit www.teampenske.com.

“The King’s Hat” project brings 1992 final ride themed tribute to Petty legacy at AMS

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Official Release
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Legacy Motor Club’s program will see the NASCAR industry recognize 75 years in racing for the Petty Family across the circuit this season.

HAMPTON, Ga. (Feb. 15, 2024) – With a literal tip of the hat, Legacy Motor Club and NASCAR facilities around the country are recognizing the Petty Family’s 75th year in racing this season.

Starting this weekend at Daytona International Speedway and continuing with the following Ambetter Health 400 weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, 28 one-of-a-kind art installations featuring the likeness of Richard Petty’s iconic cowboy hat are being unveiled. The six-foot tall, 1,000-pound fiberglass and concrete statues will become permanent displays at all NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports owned tracks, as well as Indianapolis Motor Speedway, World Wide Technology Raceway, Pocono Raceway, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and the Petty Museum.

Each location will have a uniquely personalized tribute to the Petty family: at AMS “The King’s Hat” will wear the colors of the car Richard Petty piloted in his final NASCAR start at the Georgia speedway in the 1992 season finale.

“It’s always special to be recognized and this does take it to the very top,” said “The King” Richard Petty. “This is really for the fans to enjoy something unique to our family, our history, and our contributions to the tracks and NASCAR. It took a lot of people, time, and effort to make this happen and our family is honored by that.”

The hats are meticulously hand-crafted by TivoliToo, Inc., the same company that designed and built the Charles Schulz Peanuts® character tribute in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn. Brother and sister duo, Randi and Hart Johnson have personally worked with each track to bring the creative vision to life. All one of a kind and thoughtfully designed, the hope is that these special statues will become landmarks for fans to visit and pay tribute to the Petty’s for many years to come.

“My dad’s cowboy hat is iconic and is a part of who Richard Petty is,” said Kyle Petty. “If you see that hat, you know it’s Richard Petty. It’s been his signature look for as long as any race fan can remember. This is a great way to celebrate our family’s heritage and a fun way for fans to honor and learn about our history within the sport. We can’t thank LEGACY M.C., and all the tracks enough for working together to bring this to life.”

Fans are encouraged to use #PETTY75 when they find this one-of-a-kind piece of history and post photos socially, as “The King’s Hat” is set to become a permanent fixture of each city the NASCAR Cup Series visits in 2024. Fans can go to www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com for the locations of each hat.

During the Ambetter Health 400 weekend, The King’s Hat will be on display in the AMS Fan Zone before moving to the front of the NASCAR grid on Sunday. There fans with a pre-race track pass will not only get a chance to see the hat up close along with the starting field for the Ambetter Health 400, but also have the opportunity to see The King Richard Petty himself.

Tickets and camping accommodations for the Feb. 23-25 Ambetter Health 400 NASCAR weekend are available at www.AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.

About the Ambetter Health 400 weekend:

Atlanta’s spring NASCAR weekend is headlined by the Ambetter Health 400 on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, with intense, superspeedway pack racing and high stakes with a spot in the NASCAR playoffs on the line.

The race weekend also features the tenth year of Atlanta’s same-day NASCAR doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. The thrills of the Fr8 208 and RAPTOR King of Tough 250 races both happen in one action-packed day that race fans look forward to every year.

More information on the Feb. 23-25, 2024, Ambetter Health 400 weekend and ticket availability can be found online at AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.

Follow Atlanta Motor Speedway:

Keep track of all of Atlanta Motor Speedway’s events by following on Twitter, Instagram, and become a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Atlanta Motor Speedway mobile app.

INDYCAR Party in the Park returns to downtown St. Petersburg Thursday, March 7

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Official Release
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Community events fill the 20th Annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding weekend

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Feb. 15, 2024) – INDYCAR Party in the Park will kick off a jam-packed Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding weekend on Thursday, March 7. This free community activity will take place in downtown St. Petersburg at North Straub Park and launch the festivities around the 20th annual running of the marquee race event headlined by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season-opening race.

Open to the public, the third annual INDYCAR Party in the Park will feature special guests, including NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers, music, giveaways, food and drink. Race cars representing all series running on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding weekend schedule will also be on display for fans to view up close. The event will run from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. ET, but fans are encouraged to get downtown early as at least one car from every competing INDYCAR team will parade northbound on Bayshore Dr. starting near The Dali Museum and ending in North Straub Park.

The free party will coincide with another community event, the 5K Run on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Track. Open to both runners and walkers, the 5K will start and end on Bayshore Drive NE, adjacent to North Straub Park, and will join the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding race track at Turn 9 on Central Avenue.

Part of the INDYCAR Party in the Park festivities will include recognizing 5K participants on stage. Registrations for the 5K are currently available online at gpstpete5k.com for $40 in advance or $50 the day of the event, and all proceeds will benefit the Police Athletic League (PAL) of St. Petersburg, supporting its many programs positively impacting local children and teenagers.

“Bringing the fans and local community together downtown for these fantastic events is the perfect way to kick off the 20th annual race weekend in St. Pete. INDYCAR Party in the Park offers fans a unique opportunity to get up close to the race cars and interact with some drivers before they hit the track,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding. “We encourage everyone in the area to take advantage of this free event on Thursday, sign up for the 5K Run on the track, then come join us on the waterfront throughout the weekend including the live Bret Michaels concert on Saturday!”

In addition to the community activities on Thursday, March 7th, the 20th Annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding festivities will feature a loaded schedule of activities both on and off the track. On Friday night (March 8th), Mayor Ken Welch will be joined by past St. Petersburg mayors, community leaders, past St. Pete race winners and fans for “A Grand Prix Evening – Celebrating 20 Years of Champions” event benefiting four local youth charities and programs. Limited tickets are available at gpstpete.com/gpevening. On Saturday night (March 9th), race event attendees with Saturday or weekend admission can access a live concert from legendary rock artist Bret Michaels at the track for no additional cost.

On track, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will headline the action as the premier American open-wheel series opens its season in St. Pete for the 14th time on Sunday, March 10. The racing schedule will also feature the sport’s rising stars as INDY NXT by Firestone, USF Pro 2000 Presented by Continental Tire and USF2000 Presented by Continental Tire speed through the downtown streets. Additionally, the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge will showcase ultra-competitive Le Mans Prototype and Grand Touring 4 race cars in two 45-minute sprint races; the series will race on a street circuit for the very first time in its history.

Visit indycar.com for more information about the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding and the latest news on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Tickets for the race start as low as $25. For complete pricing, schedule and festival information, visit gpstpete.com. Follow the event on social media using @gpstpete and #FirestoneGP for the latest updates. Joining the E-Club also provides insider access to the latest news and offers.

About Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding:

The 20th annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding is a race event held during Florida’s spring break season. Traditionally the site of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season-opening race, St. Pete is a destination city hosting this annual motorsports tradition and offering a festival atmosphere with its downtown location. The temporary circuit is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn configuration using the streets circling Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dali Museum and extending onto the runway at Albert Whitted Airport, and borders the waterfront of Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding is owned and operated by Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC. Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC is owned by Green Savoree Racing Promotions 2, LLC whose other subsidiaries also promote three additional INDYCAR SERIES races, The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Presented by the 2024 Prologue (July 5-7, 2024), Honda Indy Toronto (July 19-21, 2024) and BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland (Aug. 23-25, 2024).

For more information, visit gpstpete.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page @GPSTPETE or follow the event on Twitter @GPSTPETE and Instagram @GPSTPETE using #FirestoneGP.

AM Racing | Christian Rose Daytona International Speedway ARCA Preview

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Official Release
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AM Racing | ARCA Menards Series
Daytona International Speedway | Hard Rock Bet 200

Fast Facts
No. 32 AM Racing Team:
Driver: Christian Rose
Primary Partner(s): Department of West Virginia Tourism | Secure Testing Services
Manufacturer: Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Ryan “Pickle” London
Spotter: Trevor Monn
Chassis Intel: AMR Chassis No. A613
Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

Notes of Interest:

Welcome Back: AM Racing returns to the ARCA Menards Series full-time in 2024 with sophomore Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) driver Christian Rose behind the wheel of the team’s No. 32 Ford Mustang.

The 2024 ARCA Menards Series will mark the first time that AM Racing has competed back-to-back full-time in the NASCAR-owned development series since two-time ARCA Menards Series winner drove for the organization during the 2017 – 2018 seasons respectively.

Meet Christian Rose: Rose, a former Division 1 baseball player for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore has traded the glove and bat in for a steering wheel and helmet and has set achievable goals for his second full season of stock car competition aboard the team’s flagship No. 32 Ford Mustang.

Rose returns to the Statesville, N.C.-based team on the heels of his inaugural rookie ARCA schedule in 2023, which was highlighted by two top-five, 13 top-10 finishes, and the most laps completed by any ARCA driver last season at 2,550 of 2,624 laps or 97.2% throughout the 20-race season.

His strength of two top-five and five top-10 finishes in the final five races of the season vaulted Rose to third overall in the championship standings behind series champion Jesse Love and Andrés Pérez de Lara.

The 28-year-old also made two starts in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, respectively, with starts at Richmond (Va.) Raceway and the season-finale at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway.

He’s Back Too!: To help steer Christian Rose and the AM Racing team towards a championship in 2024, Ryan “Pickle” London will return to serve as crew chief of the No. 32 Ford Mustang this season.

London, a long-time NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series crew chief returned to AM Racing in early 2023 after spending the 2020 season with the team’s Truck Series program as the truck chief.

London has plenty of experience as a leader in the ARCA Menards Series, including guiding drivers Tom Hessert and Frank Kimmel to poles and leading Grant Enfinger to victories at Berlin (Mich.) Raceway and DuQuoin (Ill.) State Fairgrounds in 2014.

In addition to the two wins as crew chief, the winning NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series crew chief has numerous ARCA top-fives and top-10 efforts to his credit.

Partner Support: The Department of West Virginia Tourism will serve as the primary marketing partner

on Rose’s No. 32 Ford Mustang in Saturday afternoon’s Daytona ARCA 200.

The Department of West Virginia Tourism promotes West Virginia as a leading four-season travel destination and top state to live, work and retire.

Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is one of the most scenic states in the United States and home to thousands of acres of parks and public lands, including America’s newest national park and 45 state parks and forests.

In addition to its majestic mountains and rolling hills, West Virginia is full of rich historic sites, enchanting art galleries, charming towns and an immense sense of belonging found only in its heaven-like landscapes.

Secured Partnership: In addition to the Department of West Virginia Tourism, Secure Testing Services (STS) will serve as a major associate marketing partner for the first of 20 races on the 2024 ARCA Menards Series tour.

Secure Testing Services (STS) is a nationwide leader in on-site drug testing located in Richmond, Virginia, and serves clients across the US.

STS helps organizations save time and money implementing their drug testing programs by providing nationwide on-site testing. By partnering with STS, companies can eliminate costly wait times at labs and have their employees back to work quicker, thus increasing efficiency and providing total cost savings.

As a partner with most major TPAs, they make the process simple. When you want to work with the best, call STS!

Testing, Testing 1.2.3.: In January, Rose and AM Racing kicked off their season by partaking in the annual ARCA Menards Series preseason test at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

The team spent Friday and Saturday focusing on comfort and maneuverability along with speed. Overall, the team registered the 14th quickest lap out of 76 participants at the “World Center of Racing.”

Christian Rose ARCA Daytona International Speedway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Daytona ARCA 200 will mark Rose’s third start at the 2.5-mile superspeedway.

In his previous two efforts, the Martinsburg, WV native has a best track finish of 12th after starting 13th during the 2023 edition of the BRANDT 200 Supporting Florida FFA.

Rose also led two laps during the 80-lap contest under green flag conditions.

Christian Rose Career ARCA National Series Stats: In 28 career ARCA National Series starts, Rose has earned two top-five and 14 top-10 finishes highlighted by a career-best third-place finish achieved at Salem (Ind.) Speedway in September 2023. Additionally, Rose has showcased 19 top-20 finishes overall since 2022.

AM Minute: It’s a busy weekend for AM Racing. In addition to the ARCA Menards Series, both AM Racing’s NASCAR Xfinity Series and Dirt Division teams are in action.

At Daytona, Hailie Deegan will make her AM Racing debut aboard the No. 15 Ford Mustang in Saturday afternoon’s United Rentals 300, immediately following the Daytona ARCA 200.

The AM Racing Dirt Division is continuing a busy month of February competing in various Dirt Late Model shows throughout the Sunshine State with mainstay driver Austin Wayne Self.

Double Duty: In addition to his responsibilities with the No. 32 West Virginia Tourism | Secure Testing Services Ford Mustang, Rose has also been participating in select Pro Late Model events with Racecar Solutions (RCS) during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway.

Thanks For Your Support: With the start of the 2024 season on deck, AM Racing and Christian Rose would like to thank their associate marketing partners for their support: AIRBOX Air Purifier, Flying Circle, Mobil 1, and Whitetail Smokeless.

Follow on Social Media: For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

For more on Christian Rose, please like him on Facebook (Christian Rose Racing), or follow him on Instagram (@christianroseracing) and X | Twitter (@CRoseRacing).

Christian Rose Quoteboard:

On Daytona International Speedway: “I am excited to kick off the 2024 season at Daytona. My AM Racing team has built me a very fast No. 32 Department of West Virginia Tourism | Secure Testing Services Ford Mustang, and I’m upbeat about our chances of starting the year off with a visit to Victory Lane.”

On 2024 Season Outlook: “I am hoping we can pick up right where we left off from the 2023 season at Daytona this weekend. Our team worked hard throughout the season to deliver strong and competitive results. I’m confident we can continue to build on that momentum and compete for a championship in 2024.”

Race Information:

The Hard Rock Bet 200 (80 laps | 200 miles) is the first of 20 races on the 2024 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Practice begins Thurs., Feb. 15, with a fifty-minute session from 4:05 p.m. – 4:55 p.m. Group qualifying is set for Fri., Feb. 16, at 1:30 p.m. The season-opener for the 72nd consecutive ARCA season is set for the following afternoon on Feb. 17 to take the green flag shortly after 1:30 p.m. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (XM channel 391 | online channel 981) handling the radio waves. ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire weekend festivities.

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

The family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events in its eighth year of competition.

The team has named Hailie Deegan, Christian Rose, and Austin Wayne Self as their primary drivers for the 2024 Xfinity, ARCA Menards Series, and Dirt Modified seasons, respectively.

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