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Choosing Your First Car: A Guide to the Best Vehicles for New Drivers

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Photo by Brock Wegner on Unsplash

Embarking on the journey to find your first car is an exhilarating experience that marks a significant milestone in your life. As a new driver, the decision-making process involves navigating through various considerations to ensure you select the perfect vehicle. 

In this guide, we will delve into key aspects such as budget considerations, safety features, types of vehicles, fuel efficiency, insurance costs, technology, and reliability, and provide a curated list of recommended car models for new drivers.

Budget Considerations

Setting a realistic budget is the foundation of your car-buying journey. It’s not just about the purchase price; you need to consider the entire cost of ownership. This includes insurance, maintenance, and unexpected expenses. While it’s tempting to aim for the flashiest car, keeping your budget manageable is essential to avoid financial strain. Financing options, such as loans or leases, should be explored to understand their implications on your overall budget.

Safety Features

Safety should be a top priority when selecting your first car. Look for vehicles equipped with advanced safety features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, stability control, and collision avoidance systems. Consider models with high crash test ratings and a reputation for reliability. Brands that consistently prioritize safety include Volvo, Subaru, and Honda. Investing in a safe and reliable car provides peace of mind for both new drivers and their families.

Size and Type of Vehicle

Understanding your personal needs and preferences is crucial when determining the size and type of vehicle that suits you best. If you’re frequently navigating urban environments, a compact car might be ideal for easy maneuverability and parking. On the other hand, if you anticipate more passengers or cargo, an SUV or hatchback could be a better fit. Consider factors like fuel efficiency and the overall driving experience when selecting the size and type of your first car.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency not only saves you money but also contributes to a more environmentally conscious choice. Evaluate the fuel economy ratings of different models to make an informed decision. Consider alternative fuel options, such as hybrid or electric vehicles, which not only reduce your carbon footprint but also offer potential long-term savings on fuel costs.

Insurance Costs

Navigating the world of car insurance can be daunting for new drivers. It’s essential to understand the insurance requirements for your region and how they factor into your overall budget. Factors such as age, driving history, and the type of car can influence insurance premiums. Research and compare insurance providers to find the best coverage that aligns with your needs and is affordable. Search for the best car insurance for new drivers, ensuring comprehensive coverage without breaking the bank.

Technology and Connectivity

Modern cars come equipped with an array of advanced technologies designed to enhance the driving experience. From advanced safety features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking to infotainment systems with smartphone integration, technology plays a significant role in today’s vehicles. Consider your preferences regarding technology and connectivity when choosing your first car, as these features can greatly contribute to your overall satisfaction on the road.

Reliability and Maintenance

Ensuring the reliability of your first car is essential to avoid unexpected breakdowns and repairs. Research reliability ratings from trusted sources and consider the manufacturer’s reputation for building durable vehicles. Understand the maintenance costs and schedules associated with different models, as regular upkeep is crucial for the longevity of your vehicle. Following recommended maintenance guidelines will not only keep your car running smoothly but also contribute to its resale value in the future.

Test Driving and Final Selection

Test driving is the hands-on experience that allows you to assess how a car feels on the road. Make a checklist for your test drive, including factors like comfort, visibility, and handling. Take your time during this process, as it is your opportunity to ensure the vehicle aligns with your preferences and needs. Consider factors such as interior space, driving dynamics, and ease of use for controls. Once you’ve completed your test drives, carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option before making your final decision.

Recommended Car Models for New Drivers

In light of the overwhelming number of options in the automotive market, here are a few recommended car models suitable for new drivers:

Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is an exceptional choice for new drivers due to its compact size, easy maneuverability, and practicality, making it well-suited for urban environments. Renowned for excellent safety ratings and reliability, the Civic ensures a sense of security for both drivers and passengers. 

It offers a diverse range of fuel-efficient options, contributing to sustainability and potential long-term savings on fuel costs. Boasting user-friendly features, including intuitive infotainment systems and comprehensive safety features, the Civic prioritizes the well-being of occupants.

Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla proves to be an excellent option for new drivers, celebrated for its long-lasting reliability and durability. Offering user-friendly features, intuitive controls, and a comfortable design, the Corolla simplifies the driving experience. Safety takes center stage with advanced features like pre-collision systems and lane departure warnings, ensuring a secure driving environment. 

Its impressive fuel efficiency strikes a perfect balance between performance and economy, making it an ideal and cost-effective choice for those embarking on their driving journey.

Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta stands out as an affordable and spirited choice for new drivers, excelling in urban environments with its compact design and nimble handling. Its affordability doesn’t compromise on quality, providing a reliable vehicle that remains budget-friendly. The Fiesta’s fuel efficiency contributes to cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. 

Beyond its economic appeal, the Fiesta boasts a stylish design, a comfortable interior, and essential safety features, ensuring an enjoyable and secure driving experience. 

Subaru Impreza

For new drivers seeking a well-rounded and secure driving experience, the Subaru Impreza proves to be an ideal choice. Boasting all-wheel-drive capability, it ensures enhanced safety, especially in diverse weather conditions. The spacious interior provides versatility for daily commuting and road trips, while advanced safety features contribute to a secure driving environment.

Combining fuel efficiency, reliability, and a comfortable ride, the Subaru Impreza stands out as a practical and ideal option for those embarking on their driving journey.

Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is an attractive option for new drivers, featuring a solid build and stylish design. Its compact size is perfect for urban driving, and its balanced performance ensures a comfortable experience. Equipped with advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance, the Golf prioritizes safety for new drivers. 

The user-friendly interior, intuitive infotainment system, and connectivity options enhance the driving experience. With an efficient engine, the Golf strikes a balance between performance and economy, making it a well-rounded choice for those seeking both style and practicality in their first car.

Final Thoughts

The journey of choosing your first car is a momentous step towards independence. Taking the time to carefully consider each aspect, from budget to safety, and exploring recommended models that align with your preferences will ensure you hit the road in a vehicle that suits your needs and style. Remember, finding the best car for new drivers is a personalized journey, and with careful consideration, you’ll not only find a reliable and safe vehicle but also enjoy the freedom that comes with it. Happy driving!

Richard Childress Racing Announces Partnership with Campers Inn RV

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Official Release
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Campers Inn RV to Serve as Multi-Year Associate Sponsor and Official RV Partner of RCR

WELCOME, N.C. (January 22, 2024) – Campers Inn RV, one of the fastest growing RV dealership groups in the nation, has partnered with Richard Childress Racing and will be positioned as a multi-year associate sponsor for the race team.

“Richard Childress Racing shares our values and goals of delivering best-in-class performance and quality,” said Jeff Hirsch, president and CEO of Campers Inn RV. “RCR is synonymous with success in motorsports, and we couldn’t be more pleased to forge a relationship with such an iconic race team. We’re looking forward to a successful partnership both on and off the track.”

As part of the partnership, Campers Inn RV becomes the official RV partner of RCR.

“Campers Inn RV is thrilled to be the official RV partner for RCR,” said Larry Peter, vice president of Southern Operations and Finance for Campers Inn RV. “As we continue to venture into the world of professional racing, RCR’s on-track success speaks for itself! Both organizations take pride in being the best in their respective industries, so teaming up with RCR is an honor. We look forward to a very exciting and successful season in 2024 and for years to come.”

Campers Inn RV is one of the fastest growing RV dealership groups in the nation, with a total of 36 dealerships across 19 states. As the RVer’s trusted resource, it is Campers Inn RV’s goal to enrich the lives of its customers and all RVers, whether they are at home or on the road through five-star service and ensuring every customer is treated with dignity and respect.

“We have gotten to know the leadership team at Campers Inn RV over the last year and they are a great group of people,” said Richard Childress, chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “Everyone at Campers Inn RV is family-oriented and customer-focused. Their business aligns well with the many NASCAR fans who bring their campers to races throughout the country. We’re proud to represent the company and their dealers across the country.”

For more information, please visit rcrracing.com and campersinn.com.

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2024 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

Campers Inn RV is a family-operated RV dealership with a mission: As the Trusted Resource of the Recreation Industry, we enrich the lives of our customers by specializing in products and services that help them find their “AWAY.” Campers Inn RV is the Trusted Resource and preferred dealership for our employees, customers, and partners and is the industry’s innovation leader and positive disruptor. Positioned for global growth, we are the most respected brand in the business, creating value with all of our dealerships, providing career opportunities for our employees, and making our communities better.

Nemechek Brings Longtime Partnerships to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ in 2024

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Official Release
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STATESVILLE, NC (JANUARY 22, 2024) – John Hunter Nemechek will bring longtime personal sponsors Albertsons Companies, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, and ROMCO Equipment to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB for select races throughout the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. Nemechek looks to continue his winning LEGACY with these companies who have all backed the Club’s newest driver of the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE for a large part of his racing career.

“It really means a lot to me to continue our relationship with these great partners as we head into the new season. They have all stuck with me since my days of racing in the Truck Series, and I’ve been able to see their commitment to our program grow over the years, and so now for them be able to enter the Cup Series along with me is a great feeling. I can’t be thankful enough for all their support.” said Nemechek. “We have an extensive group of partners for 2024 and having everybody behind us as I make my return to racing on Sundays gives an added boost of confidence knowing that so many people believe in me. I think we have a great year ahead of us.” Nemechek has demonstrated the ability to keep his partners engaged and satisfied both on and off the track. He has carried multiple partners to victory lane throughout his career.

Albertsons Companies has supported Nemechek since the start of his career in the NASCAR Truck Series in 2015. Brands that are sold through their stores including the likes of Henkel (producers of Persil®, Dial®, all®, and Snuggle®) along with Baja Vida Beef Jerky and others will be represented on the No. 42 this year. Albertsons Companies stores can be found in 35 states as well as the District of Columbia, proudly representing one of the nation’s largest food and drug retailers.

“We are thrilled to join forces with John Hunter Nemechek through the NASCAR Cup Series. This partnership is a perfect blend of speed and cleanliness, much like our trusted brands Persil®, Dial®, all®, and Snuggle®. With John Hunter’s unwavering dedication, paralleling our commitment to excellence, we are ready to ‘clean up’ on the racetrack. This season is not just about speed; it’s about showcasing the cleaning power and quality that Henkel brings to millions of homes.” said Justin Weilenmann, Director of Henkel Consumer Brand Sales for National Grocery.

“Baja Vida Snacks is pleased to continue our partnership with John Hunter Nemechek as he returns to the NASCAR Cup Series. John Hunter and his entire team exemplify the same sense of pride, grit and determination that is also part of the Baja Vida Snack team core values. We strive to drive the same sense of adventure and excitement that is NASCAR into the beef jerky category with bold new flavors such as Street Taco, Salsa Fresca, and Lime & Serrano. We look forward to an exciting 2024 NASCAR season and wish John Hunter and the entire team success.” said Rick Harris, General Manager of Baja Vida Snacks.

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety will celebrate their eighth season as a supporter of Nemechek, having formed their relationship with the driver in 2016. Pye-Barker has led the way in fire protection and safety equipment since 1946, boasting over 75 years of service. Nemechek has carried the Pye-Barker colors to victory lane in both the NASCAR Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series in the past two seasons, but this will be the brand’s first introduction into the Cup Series. The Pye-Barker family of companies offer industry-leading solutions for portable fire extinguishers, restaurant fire suppression, special hazard systems, fire sprinklers, fire & intrusion alarms, access control, CCTV and security.

“John Hunter’s character, drive and determination are values that resonate with the entire Pye-Barker team,” said Pye-Barker CEO, Bart Proctor. “We’ve been following John Hunter for a long time, and we are proud to be able to support him and the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB.”

Texas-based ROMCO Equipment Company, has supported Nemechek since 2015 and have been serving the region’s heavy equipment needs for over 60 years. Their dealers specialize in products used in construction, paving, aggregate, and power equipment.

“We are honored to share the NASCAR Cup Series race experience with John Hunter in Texas with our customers and manufacturers. ROMCO is successful through our valued employees’ hard work, professionalism and dedication to the team while maintaining a family atmosphere. John Hunter exemplifies this approach on and off the track and we are proud to support him again in 2024,” said Steve Passmore, ROMCO President.

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off for Nemechek and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the running of The Clash on Sunday, Feb. 4th followed by the 66th running of the DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18th. For more information and news throughout the season, visit www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com.

ABOUT ALBERTSONS COMPANIES: In 1939, Joe Albertson, a former Safeway district manager, took $5,000 he saved and $7,500 he borrowed from his wife’s Aunt Bertie, and partnered with L.S. Skaggs to open his first Albertsons store on 16th and State Streets in Boise, Idaho. Joe knew the keys of running a really great store, and it was all about working hard for the customers: give them the products they want, at a fair price, with lots of tender, loving care. Joe was innovative, too. He had one of the first in-store magazine racks in the country along with a scratch bakery and fresh ice cream made in-store. He worked hard, seven days a week, on his vision to build his company, and through his inspiring work ethic and tireless determination to run the best store, the first store thrived. Just two years later, he had opened two other stores in neighboring communities and grew the fledgling company’s sales to over $1 million by the end of 1941.

Today, Albertsons operates as a banner of Albertsons Companies, one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States. With both a strong local presence and national scale, the company operates stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 20 well-known banners. Albertsons Companies is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2017 alone, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the company gave nearly $300 million in food and financial support. These efforts helped millions of people inthe areas of hunger relief, education, cancer research and treatment, programs for people with disabilities and veterans outreach.

ABOUT PYE-BARKER FIRE & SAFETY: The U.S. leader in fully integrated fire and life safety systems, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety provides complete fire protection and security systems for businesses nationwide. With nearly 200 locations, Pye-Barker is the dominant force in the industry and ranks No. 954 on Inc’s 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America list and No. 9 on the SDM 100 list of top security providers.

ABOUT ROMCO EQUIPMENT CO.: Founded in 1961, ROMCO, a Texas-based company and member of the SMT Group of companies since its acquisition in 2022, adopts a segmented industry approach to cater to the diverse needs of the equipment market. Through four specialized divisions, we focus on delivering top-notch solutions for construction, paving, aggregate and power equipment requirements.

ROMCO operates through a network of 17 locations in Texas and Southern New Mexico maintaining our proud history of service and commitment to growth. As a comprehensive full-service distributor, we represent prestigious brands such as Volvo Construction Equipment, Cementech, Atlas Copco, K-Tec Earthmovers, FRD Kent, Genesis, Yanmar, ASV, CK Power, Terramac, HKD Blue, Rockland, Gomaco, Atlas, Mantsinen, Shuttlewagon, Leeboy, Bearcat, Roadwidener, Finn, Sandvik, McLanahan, Phoenix, Keestrack, Noble and Kafka. Explore our extensive offerings and discover more about our unwavering commitment to excellence at www.romco.com.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ is a professional auto racing club owned by businessman and entrepreneur Maurice J. Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (NCS) Jimmie Johnson. The club competes full-time in the NCS fielding the Nos. 42 and 43 Toyota Camry XSE entries, respectively, along with the No. 84 part-time entry for Johnson. Richard Petty “The King” serves as Club Ambassador.

In 2021, Gallagher acquired Richard Petty Motorsports and renamed the team to Petty GMS. With the addition of Johnson to the ownership structure in 2023, the organization rebranded to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ (LEGACY M.C.). With a unique title signifying a nod to car clubs of past eras, LEGACY M.C. is an inclusive club for all motorsport enthusiasts to celebrate the past and future legacies of its members, while competing for wins and championships at NASCAR’s elite level.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow LEGACY MOTOR CLUB on Facebook, X, and Instagram and at www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com.

Magnus Racing Regroups from Roar, Celebrates Another Season with Flex Box

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Official Release
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The Roar Before the 24 is complete and we’ve officially entered into race week for the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the first race of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. We had a productive time at the Roar Before the 24 with several days of on-track testing. Sadly, an engine issue hampered our qualifying run, despite John Potter and the car running as high as seventh in one of the earlier practices. The loss of power resulting from the engine troubles was an unwelcome blow, but the good news is we have 24 hours to race our way up to the front.

We at Magnus Racing are proud to officially confirm that Flex-Box, our longtime sponsor, will once again grace the livery of our Aston Martin Vantage GT3. The Flex-Box orange will again be on the blue livery, with a familiar look for our sports car racing fans. An international leader in the shipping container industry, Flex-Box first joined Magnus Racing in 2011 at the Twelve Hours of Sebring, and since then, we’ve been able to create some fun memories with them over the years.

We’re still eager to finish on the top step of this weekend’s Rolex 24 At Daytona together after coming so close over the last few years. With John Potter, Andy Lally, Spencer Pumpelly, and Nicki Thiim driving, we’ve got a great shot!

We have further fun news coming later in the week, with the reveal of this year’s team theme for the big race. Stay Tuned!

RISI COMPETIZIONE KICKS OFF 2024 SEASON AT ROAR AS TEAM READIES FOR 62ND ANNUAL ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA

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Official Release
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Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3 No. 62:
James Calado (GBR)
Alessandro Pier Guidi (ITA)
Davide Rigon (ITA)
Daniel Serra (BRA)

Daytona Beach, Florida (January 22, 2024) … The fan favorite Risi Competizione Ferrari team returned to Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., this past weekend for the Roar Before the 24, the precursor to the 62nd Annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 27-28.

The Houston, Texas-based Ferrari team has the same Ferrari Competizioni GT factory GT drivers at the wheel as it has had for four of the past five years. The 2023 overall winners of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Italian Alessandro Pier Guidi and Brit James Calado, are joined by Ferrari factory teammates Italian Davide Rigon and Brazilian Daniel Serra as the Risi team will again pursue the 2024 IMSA Michelin Endurance Championship in the GTD Pro class.

Serra was tasked with qualifying the Ferrari 296 GT3 Prancing Horse for the twice-around-the-clock endurance race and clocked a time of 1:44.831, fast enough for fifth in class for the team’s grid position. Nine of the 13 GTD Pro class cars were within a second of each other in qualifying, promising a very competitive field. A total of 59 cars are entered for this 62nd running of Daytona’s famous 24-hour race at the 3.56-mile speedway road course.

Daytona qualifying driver for Risi Competizione, Brazilian Daniel Serra

“It was a qualifying affected by traffic, because the potential of the car was greater and I am convinced that we would have had a chance to fight for pole,” said Daniel Serra about his qualifying run. “Unfortunately, I didn’t have a possibility to put all the sectors together and this will result in us starting fifth.”

Last year this foursome of drivers had their work cut out for them with a brand-new Ferrari 296 GT3 race car and 61-car field. Unfortunately, the 24-hour race became just a 12-hour race as the Risi team had to make a rare early withdrawal after suffering unrepairable floorboard damage caused by an earlier race incident. However, in 2022, the No. 62 Risi Competizione team with the same four drivers led much of the race and finished just off the top step, in second place in the final year of the Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020.

Last June Calado and Pier Guidi helped make history in the new Ferrari 499P as victors of the Centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Rigon and Serra return to the No. 62 Risi Competizione team for the third year in pursuit of the GTD Pro IMSA Michelin Endurance Championship (IMEC), which they won in 2022. There will be a total of five IMEC races this year including after Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, 6 Hours of Watkins Glen, 6 Hours of Indianapolis and Petit Le Mans 10-hour enduro.

Rick Mayer, Risi Competizione Race Engineer:

“The Roar went pretty well. All the drivers are happy with the car. We are going into race week with very little setup work to do. We need to focus more on race items like driver changes, wheel change practice, test fitting spares, etc. Driver seat inserts are typically an issue, but we have that sorted. Our pace seems pretty good. If Daniel had been able to put a single lap together in qualifying, I think we’d have been closer to pole. But it’s a long race and I think we have a very competitive car; starting position isn’t that important for a 24-hour race.”

James Calado, driver No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3:

“I am happy to be back with Risi and racing in GT again to start the year. I’m looking forward to the race and so far the car feels good.”

Alessandro Pier Guidi, driver No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3:

“It’s very nice to be here again with Risi. I think we are really well prepared this year for the race and, I think, for the rest of the championship. I can’t wait until next week to start the race and see where we can go. I hope we have a good opportunity this year and I hope we can do well for the team, the guys and for Giuseppe (Risi).”

Davide Rigon, driver No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3:

“It’s always so nice to be back with Risi. We have a brand-new car and of course we have much more experience this year with the (Ferrari) 296, one more whole year of experience over last year’s Rolex 24. So, I feel a bit more ready this year honestly. The Roar went well and we’re pretty happy with the setup. The qualifying might not have been the best position, but we will work to be even better for the race weekend. All is good and we’ll keep preparing for the race.”

Daniel Serra, qualifying driver No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3:

“It’s great to be back with Risi and start the season at Daytona, one of my favorite races of the year.”

Sponsors for the 2024 season for Risi Competizione for the Rolex 24 include Pennzoil, OMP Racing and the Ferrari of Ontario and Ferrari of Toronto dealerships.

Check IMSA.com for television broadcast schedule times on NBC, USA and full streaming on Peacock.

IMSA Radio will have live coverage throughout the weekend on imsa.com, RadioLeMans.com and SiriusXM Radio. See imsa.com for live timing and scoring.

For more information and social media, please see www.risicompetizione.com and follow us on Facebook/RisiCompetizione and Twitter @RisiComp and on Instagram/RisiComp.

Deep Talent Pool for Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Season Opener at Daytona

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Official Release
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Large field of promising rookies, returning champions, and experienced veterans likely to once again put on a show on the high banks

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 22, 2024) – It’s the start of a new era for Mazda’s signature spec racing series; the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin era. The series welcomes new partners, a new name and a new logo to kick off the 2024 season, but the entry list is filled with familiar faces.

The 2023 championship protagonists have returned, including teammates Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) and Aaron Jeansonne (No. 24 JTR Motorsports Engineering). Despite scoring his first two Mazda MX-5 Cup race wins, Jeansonne came up 360 points short of the title last year. Instead it was Thomas who became the first-ever repeat series champion.

Thomas isn’t just a driver, he’s a team owner. He’ll have to find time to balance his on-track duties while ensuring his JTR customers are well taken care of.

“It’s not easy, but after doing it for a couple years you learn to have the right mindset,” Thomas said. “You also learn to surround yourself with the right people to take responsibility for things and allow you to concentrate on driving. I’m always one to make sure our customer stuff is taken care of ahead of mine. That goes for the shop and the race track. The priority is always the customer.”

Another former champion, Gresham Wagner (No. 5 McCumbee McAleer Racing), is back for a shot at becoming the series’ second-ever repeat champion. With this goal in mind, Wagner has switched from Spark Performance to McCumbee McAleer Racing. There he’ll join last year’s Rookie of the Year, Nate Cicero (No. 83 McCumbee McAleer Racing), Jeremy Fletcher (No. 22 McCumbee McAleer Racing) and John Jodoin (No. 39 McCumbee McAleer Racing), who is overdue for his first MX-5 Cup podium.

The latest winner of the Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout, Westin Workman (No. 13 BSI Racing) has picked BSI Racing for his rookie season. The pressure is on for Workman to prove he was the right choice for the $110,000 scholarship, but perhaps the change to Michelin tires this year will be an advantage for him and level the playing field across all drivers.

“Starting my MX-5 Cup career at such an iconic place like Daytona is a testament to Mazda Motorsports professionalism and providing us drivers and teams bucket list tracks and events to attend with IMSA,” Workman said. “I have raced at Daytona before but never experienced an event like the Rolex 24 as it is one of the biggest races of the year in the US. The fans and atmosphere give me something to look forward to besides the very tight racing that the MX-5 Cup cars provide. I am ready to take on the challenge with BSI Racing and I’m very fortunate for the continued support and opportunities from Mazda Motorsports throughout my sports car racing journey.”

BSI is not a new team to the paddock, rather it is the bones of Hixon Motor Sports, minus the Hixon name. That’s why it’s no surprise that BSI has eight entries for the season opener, including MX-5 Cup power hitters Connor Zilisch (No. 72 BSI Racing) and Selin Rollan (No. 87 Rollan Racing/BSI Racing).

There are some new teams on the grid, including Rick Ware Racing, which has historically competed in NASCAR, IndyCar, and the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. They’re bringing a pair of talented names with Cody Ware (No. 51 Rick Ware Racing) and Preston Pardus (No. 52 Rick Ware Racing) who both have significant NASCAR experience. Pardus took part in the first MX-5 Cup race at Daytona in 2021 and nearly won, which was no surprise considering his multiple Spec Miata SCAA National Championships.

A two-time winner at Daytona, Tyler Gonzalez (No. 57 Saito Motorsports Group), returns and will be the odds-on favorite for a third win this week.

It’s important to note that since MX-5 Cup started racing at Daytona in 2021, a driver who wins there has gone on to win the championship (Gresham Wagner 2021, Jared Thomas 2022 and 2023).

Winner of the Mazda Women in Motorsport Initiative scholarship, Sally Mott (No. 15 Spark Performance), has chosen to make her full season debut with Spark Performance this year. Mott’s career has been on a rocket ship, going from club racing Spec Miatas to racing in the MX-5 Cup 2023 finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in the span of a year.

Last year’s Mazda Women in Motorsport Initiative scholarship winner Heather Hadley (No. 54 BSI Racing) is back for her sophomore season but has shifted teams from Spark Performance to BSI Racing.

Like last year, Mazda is paying out prize money to the top 10 finishers in each race, plus $2,000 for the highest finishing female. Those checks are steps on a path to the grand prize: $250,000 for the 2024 season champion and $80,000 for the rookie of the year.

The 2024 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup season begins at Daytona International Speedway as part of the Rolex 24 at Daytona event. Race One takes place at 4:15pm ET, Thursday, January 25, while Race Two is slated for 10:15am ET on Friday, January 26. Both races will be streamed live on RACER.com and IMSA.com/tvlive.

About: The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin is the signature spec series for Mazda Motorsports. The series has been operated by Andersen Promotions since 2017 and is currently sanctioned by IMSA. Mazda-powered grassroots champions can earn Mazda scholarships for this pro-level series. The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup awards more than $1 million in prizes and scholarships.

Find out more at http://www.mx-5cup.com.

Sean Creech Motorsport Ready for Rolex 24 in P2 Debut

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Official Release
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IMSA Roar Before the 24 Test 2024

SCM shows solid pace at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 with only Ligier in the field

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (22 January 2024) – Sean Creech Motorsport (SCM) came out of the box strong at last weekend’s Roar Before the Rolex 24, showing consistent improvement with the reintroduced Ligier JS P217 as the team prepares for its IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship LMP2 class debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona (NBC/USA/Peacock, 1:40 p.m. Saturday-Sunday).

With solid pace throughout the weekend, the No. 33 SCM Focal One Ligier JS P217 – helmed by drivers Lance Willsey, João Barbosa, Jonny Edgar, and Nolan Siegel – showed that it has all the ingredients to factor into the race as the team, along with Ligier engineers, writes a brand-new development book for the car. With the team starting on the sixth row of the LMP2 grid in next weekend’s 62nd running of the endurance classic, four-time winner Barbosa feels quite positive about the car’s trajectory.

“It’s been super interesting, working with this car and this team to bring the Ligier back to life,” said Barbosa. “We knew it was going to be a big challenge and we took it head on – and it’s paying off. Looking at all the hard work the crew has put in behind the scenes, to catch up on all these years of non-development, it has been really rewarding to watch the car go. The week has been very successful, and the team is very motivated to continue that progress.”

The Jupiter, Fla.-based team came into the Roar weekend with a checklist of final setup options for the No. 33. Team engineers and drivers worked closely to continue the development arc the reintroduced Ligier chassis has been on through off-season testing.

Five practice sessions encompassing 450 minutes of track time meant that the test weekend would be crucial, as the SCM team looked to continue building a database around the Ligier JS P217 – battling 12 teams racing with an Oreca chassis that has seven years of development behind it.

In the second of two practice sessions on Friday, Siegel turned heads up and down pit lane by throwing down a flyer lap of 1:39.927 that put the team on top of the speed chart for the opening 10 minutes. At the end of the session, that time proved to be the second quickest in the LMP2 class.

Saturday’s three practice sessions saw continued refinement of those changes, with multiple changes lessening understeer, adding front grip and traction. Barbosa took the car to P1 early in FP4 with a lap at 1:39.467, finishing the session P5. Night practice ended the day, with all four drivers cycling through to become acclimated to traffic under the lights – including Edgar, preparing for his first 24-hour race by running at night for the first time in his young career. Siegel reset the team’s best time of the weekend, with a solid lap time of 1:39.006.

Meanwhile, Willsey saw double duty on the weekend, competing in the team’s venerable Ligier JS P320 in the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, earning a seventh place in race one and a sixth-place finish in race two – gaining valuable racing track time ahead of the grueling endurance race ahead. Willsey took the green flag Sunday in LMP2 qualifying and put down his fastest lap of the week, a 1:41.496 that places the team P12 on Saturday’s starting grid.

Now the attention focuses completely on the task at hand – making sure the Ligier JS P217 is ready to take the fight to the experienced Oreca teams.

“This is a new car for all of us,” said Willsey. “And it’s radically different than driving the LMP3 car. But the crew has worked hard, along with everyone at Ligier, to pull this all together. We’ve made progress in every session. We came into this with a blank slate, whereas the other teams have four and five years of data. We’re taking big swings at it, but we’re pretty close now. I’m certainly not pleased with my qualifying time, compared to my peers out there, but it’s one of the best laps I’ve turned here. I’ve got a lot more in me, it’s just about getting comfortable with this car and its capabilities. But I think we’re in a very good place.”

“The car has improved a lot since I last drove it (at the IMSA series test in December) and that was really nice to see,” said Edgar, 19. “All four of us had a similar feeling in the direction we wanted to go. We made quite a few changes through the course of the day yesterday and when I jumped back in my car the night session, it felt really good – though it took me a few laps to adapt to driving in dark for the first time! But every time I got in the car, it was better. I think we’re a lot closer than where we were, and we’re quite close to a lot of the others’ times. Some of these teams have years with these cars so I think it’s gone well so far. I’ve never done a 24-hour race so I’m focusing on being ready for long stints in traffic, figuring out where you can pass – I’ll use the experience I’ve gained already this weekend.”

“I don’t think anyone really knew what to expect coming in,” said Siegel, 19. “It’s the first time in many years that this car has seen significant development, so it’s pretty cool to be the only one in the world – and to be showing as well as we have is quite impressive. That is a testament to how hard everyone has worked. We’ve made huge improvements with the car and we’re really in the mix. I think it’s really promising for the race weekend, and I’m excited to see where we stack up.”

“We knew what we had in front of us coming into this weekend,” said team principal Sean Creech. “The crew did an outstanding job preparing this car to tackle all the test time this week and next, and be ready to run flat out for 24 hours. The drivers have adapted to the Ligier really well, so next weekend is all about fine tuning, getting as much drive time for them as we can, and being as ready as we can be. This race takes a good bit of luck as well as skill and strategy, so we’ll be as prepared as we possibly can be.”

SCM thanks partner Focal One for its continued support.

The 62nd Rolex 24 at Daytona takes the green flag Saturday at 1:40 p.m. Eastern. The race will be broadcast live in the U.S. on the NBC, USA Network and Peacock streaming, with the first and last hours on network NBC. International viewers can watch via IMSA.TV, with IMSA Radio also available at IMSA.com.

About SCM

Team leader Sean Creech has competed in a multitude of sports car series from 1990 until the present day, including Group C, IMSA GTP, WSC, Grand-Am, SRO World Challenge, and IMSA. SCM will contest the full WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2023 with João Barbosa and Lance Willsey. http://seancreechmotorsport.com/

About Focal One

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime in the United States. The Focal One® HIFU Prostate treatment offers patients a non-invasive outpatient procedure to target prostate tissue while avoiding the common side effects such as loss of urinary continence and sexual function. The Focal One treatment uses high-performance, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to precisely target and ablate the prostate, allowing patients to quickly return to normal activities. http://www.focalone.com/

Kroger Health Brings Health Screenings and Vaccination Mobile Clinic Called Team Tune-Up to Kroger Stores in Dallas-Fort Worth Market

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Official Release
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DALLAS (January 22, 2024) – It was announced today that the “Team Tune-Up” mobile health clinic brought to you by Kroger Health is coming to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area to offer health screenings and vaccinations in the parking lots of local Kroger stores. “Discover a World of Care,” with pharmacists, dietitians and clinicians as the tour hits the road this week in Texas to provide convenient access to these vital health services.

“At Kroger, we strive to feed the human spirit and help people live healthier lives with everything we do,” said Jeff Loesch, Health and Wellness Leader, Kroger’s Dallas Division. “This fun, community event will not only bring access to health screenings for the community, but also helps shoppers to take control of their health by getting vaccinated for the flu, RSV and COVID-19.”

Also, this year Kroger Health is strengthening its bond with NASCAR’s loyal fan base and showcasing the No. 47 Kroger Racing Camaro show car piloted by 2023 DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION Ricky Stenhouse Jr. on all stops. Look for the “Team Tune-Up” mobile health clinic as it comes to town, prioritizing the well-being of our local Kroger community at the following DFW locations:

TeamTune-Up Date/Time Location
Monday, 1/22, 10AM-2PM Kroger, 3305 N. Dallas Parkway, Plano Texas
Tuesday, 1/23, 10AM-2PM Kroger, 500 Marketplace Blvd., Forney, Texas
Wednesday, 1/24, 10AM-2PM Kroger, 1631 SW Wilshire Blvd., Burleson, Texas
Thursday,1/25, 10AM-2PM Kroger, 1653 Basswood Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
Friday, 1/26, 10AM-2PM Kroger, 3400 FM 407 E., Bartonville, Texas

Kroger Health is committed to driving engagement in preventative and interventive care and the “Team Tune-Up” mobile health clinic provides a way to receive vaccines, and learn more about filling prescriptions and ways to save with Kroger Health Savings Club (www.krogerhealthsavings.com).

Stop by and take advantage of the services offered because your health and vitality matters to Team Tune-Up! Also, look for more announcements and store visits in and around race markets during the NASCAR Cup Series season.

VPRC Bronze Cup Sweep for Thienes at ROAR Before the 24

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Official Release
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Photo Courtesy of Brayan Castiblanco

Daytona Beach, Florida (Monday, January 22, 2024) – Forte Racing kicked off the 2024 VP Racing SportsCar Challenge season with back-to-back wins in Bronze Cup. Driver Brian Thienes was quick from the start of the weekend with the 2nd and 3rd fastest times in the first two practices at on the 3.56 mile Daytona International Speedway Road Course.

The veteran American driver followed up with a qualifying time of 1:43.982 Saturday morning for a fourth place starting spot on the grid for Saturday afternoon’s season debut race. Thienes had a great start moving up to third on the grid by the end of the third lap before being passed on lap 15. The No. 77 Thienes Engineering Ligier LMP3 lost another spot on the restart after a late yellow to finish fifth overall, but still holding on for the win in Bronze Cup.

“A really great job by Forte Racing,” Thienes said after Sunday’s race. “They gave me a great race car. Pete Jacobs always gives me such a good setup where I can be competitive. We ran qualifying within a second of the track record and I felt good about the car. My pace wasn’t there on Saturday’s race, but I still managed to finish first in the Bronze Cup and fifth overall.”

Team engineer Peter Jacobs was impressed with Thienes’ early season speed. “Overall, the weekend went pretty well. At the start of the weekend Brian was very competitive running in the top two in the first session. He qualified fourth with a 1:43.982 which is really good. That was a very competitive time for anyone and even more impressive since he’ll be 61 this year.”

Sunday saw a bit more excitement with Thienes getting spun by the number 51 on the first lap as both cars were trying to move into the second-place spot on the track. Thienes dropped all the way to the back of the field, but immediately began working his way forward. He quickly moved through the GSX field and was back into seventh overall before a late race caution. The green flag dropped with one lap to go, and Thienes drove flawlessly to get back on the podium for his second win in Bronze Cup and a fourth-place overall finish.

“With a little advice from Bob Perona this afternoon, I was trying to make a pass for second at the start,” Thienes said. “I got hit by Cody Ware. He got a 10-second penalty; not sure he really deserved that. We were all just trying to fight for the same piece of track. I spun out and ended up dead last, so I had to pass all the GSX cars just to get back behind the tail end of the P3 cars. I obviously lost a lot of track position, but somehow drove the car from dead last to 4th overall.”

Jacobs was amazed with Thienes’ performance. “Race 2, he finished fourth. He didn’t drive quite as well as he did yesterday. Even though he was spun out by the No. 51 car today and fell back to 33rd position he worked his way up to 7th position before the caution. Then after the full-course yellow, he was able to move up to fourth position overall and Bronze Cup number one. He did an excellent job!”

Forte Racing’s VPRC Program Manager David Cozart was pleased with the team’s execution in the season-opener. “The weekend was really good for us,” he said. “We have a few new faces in new positions who performed above expectations. Brian really likes this track. He did fairly well here last year and came out of the box strong. He carried that momentum through the weekend and had two good solid races to get us started for the 2024 season.”

Thienes was appreciative of the team and his loyal supporters. “Thank you everybody on the team; Garrison (Masters), Anders (Cozart) and the rest of the guys. Great spotting by David Cozart. He really helped me through the track. I wasn’t used to him on Saturday, but he really helped a lot in the race on Sunday. It was great having him call the race for me; he did a great job. Thank you Tricia (Thienes) and Natalie (Simpson) for being here for me and following me with my crazy hobby.”

The next stop for the 2024 VP Racing SportsCar Challenge is the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, March 08 to March 10 on the streets of St. Petersburg, FL.

About Forte Racing (Formerly known as US RaceTronics)

Forte Racing is a Los-Angeles based Motorsport team supported by Lamborghini Squadra Corse and competing in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship, the IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge and the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series.

Founded in 2023 and operated by US RaceTronics, the Italian-American team’s GT Daytona title contender is a Lamborghini Huracan EVO2 GT3 driven by Pro driver Loris Spinelli and Misha Goikhberg. The ream finished the 2023 season with four top-five finishes in the last five races of the season and included a 2nd-place finish at Indianapolis and a win at the season-finale Petit LeMans. The team finished an impressive rookie season fifth in the IMSA WeatherTech GTD Championship.

The team line-up for the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech GTD Championship includes the team’s 2023 Petit LeMans winning driver Goikhberg and Spinelli along with NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver Devlin DeFrancesco for the five IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup races.

US RaceTronics (USRT) was founded by Shane Seneviratne in 2005 to compete in the Atlantic Championship, a formula race car series. The team finished 5th in points its first year and continued its success during the succeeding years, ultimately amassing a total of 21 podiums, 7 poles, 5 race wins and finishing 3rd in the 2009 Atlantic Championship. USRT was put on hold after series officials announced the Atlantic Series was put on hiatus.

Seneviratne fully returned to racing in 2015 after receiving an invitation to manage the O’Gara Motorsport entries in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo North American (LBSTNA) Series. The team won the Team Championship, Dealership Championship, Pro Championship and Amateur Championship that season.

The success of 2015 reignited Seneviratne’s passion for racing and he relaunched US RaceTronics to compete in the 2016 LBSTNA Series. The team has won multiple North American and World Championships and expects to add to their success as they enter their eighth season in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North American Series. The team also competed in 2023 with one car each in the IMSA WeatherTech GTD Championship and the IMSA VP Challenge and will be expanding their entries in 2024.

For more information on how to become a driver with US RaceTronics, learn more about the Series, or attend a race, visit www.usracetronics.com.

About O’Gara Motorsport

O’Gara Motorsport was founded in 2014 by owner Tom O’Gara and celebrated winning the 2015 North American Lamborghini Super Trofeo driver and team Championships. The team goal is to achieve victories in the Series as well as showcasing the brands of their sponsors both on and off the track. With a vertically integrated platform that starts at the dealership and accelerates to the top levels of professional sports car racing, everyone at O’Gara is dedicated to providing a comprehensive program for anyone, from the casually curious to the dedicated racer.

About Change Racing

Founded by Lamborghini Charlotte CEO and long time real estate developer, John E. Littlefield, Change Racing is the premier championship winning team. Claiming 18 titles in various classes; Change Racing has competed in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Series since its inception in 2013.

Most recently claiming the 2021 Amateur World Championship in Misano, Italy. Change Racing also claimed all SIX 2020 North American Championships, including the Pro, Pro-Am, Am and LB Cup class championships as well as the Team and Owner championships.

Dakar Rookies Shine for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing

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Official Release
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  • Guy Botterill crowned as leading Rookie for Dakar 2024
  • Saood Variawa completes Dakar Rally at 18 years of age
  • Three TGR crews in overall Top 10

The 2024 edition of the Dakar Rally brought mixed results for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, but while some of the team’s big names found the going particularly tough, it was the two rookie drivers who made their presence count. This underscores TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA)’s commitment to the development of motorsport in South Africa and proves that emerging talents have a clear path from the Junior Academy, through to SupaCup and GTC, and on to rally-raid racing, with the Dakar Rally as the ultimate goal.

This year, the TGR team fielded two rookies, in the form of Guy Botterill and Saood Variawa. Botterill, who competed in the SA National Rally Championship (NRC) for many years, winning multiple championships, was the top-performing rookie at this year’s Dakar, despite limited experience in big dunes. Together with co-driver Brett Cummings, who normally navigates for Henk Lategan, Botterill recorded consistent stage results throughout the event, eventually finishing in 6th place in the overall standings after 12 tough stages of racing in Saudi Arabia.

At the same time, young Saood Variawa became one of the youngest works drivers in the history of the sport, bringing his GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U home in 16th place overall, with Frenchman Francois Cazalet beside him in the car. The pair took a few stages to find their feet on the biggest automotive race on the planet, but once they settled into a rhythm, their pace was undeniable.

Variawa’s background is in track racing, where he has raced a wide variety of formulas despite his young age, most recently vying for the Global Touring Cars (GTC) title in South Africa.

The two rookies were supported by veteran Dakar racer Giniel de Villiers and his co-driver, Dennis Murphy. De Villiers, who has an enviable record in the Dakar Rally, was hampered by navigational issues during the 2024 event, which cost him significant time early in the race. He also struggled with punctures in the rocky stages and ended in 7th place overall. De Villiers was also instrumental in the development and testing of the latest version of the GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U, effectively sharing his experience with the entire team.

In addition to the three South African drivers, TGR also included two international crews for Dakar 2024. While youngster Seth Quintero, from the USA, has a fair amount of Dakar experience, the other new signing, Lucas Moraes, was himself a rookie at Dakar one year ago. His performance in 2023 identified him as an emerging talent in the world of rally-raid racing, and he was an ideal addition to the works team for 2024.

Moraes, from Brazil, was partnered with Spanish co-driver Armand Monleon for Dakar 2024. The pair showed exceptional pace and maturity throughout the event, winning Stage 3 and moving into second place on the penultimate stage before disaster struck. A series of setbacks cost them significant time, dropping them down to 9th place overall.

Finally, Seth Quintero and co-driver Dennis Zenz (Germany) started Dakar 2024 in fine form, showing that the reputation they earned in the T3 category was not in error. But then, they had a hard impact with a rock that damaged the twin-turbo V6 engine in their Toyota Hilux. The team was forced to fit a new engine, which incurred a massive penalty, and dropped the pair out of contention. They continued to compete for good stage results, supporting their teammates with spare parts where needed. In the end, the best they could muster was 42nd overall – a result that belies their pace and potential.

By the time the dust settled over the last of Dakar 2024’s 12 stages, TGR had achieved 6th, 7th and 9th places in the Top 10; while three other Toyota Hilux crews also attained positions in the Top 10.

This brought the Toyota Hilux representation in the Top 10 to 60%, clearly underlining the quality, durability and reliability of the GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U.

Next up for TGRSA will be Round 1 of the SARRC, which is set to take place during April, in the Mpumalanga town of Malalane.

For more information, visit https://toyotagazooracing.com/dakar/release/2024/0120-01/.

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