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Cadillac Racing rises to top of the charts

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Reigning GTP champion sets the pace on first day of the Roar Before the 24

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 19, 2024) – A productive opening day of the Roar Before the 24 for Cadillac Racing was punctuated by the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R recording the best lap time of the two sessions on the 3.56-mile, 12-turn Daytona International Speedway.

Reigning IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) champion Pipo Derani set the pace at 1 minute, 35.217 seconds with 12:30 left in the 90-minute session.

Teammates Jack Aitken and Tom Blomqvist also saw significant seat time in the hybrid racecar.

“It’s getting back into the rhythm,” Derani said “You’ve got to be on your toes. It was a good day, but still you’ve got to keep digging. It’s great to be back. I think the three of us are running fairly similar and want the same thing from the car. We still have our program to go through, and we are ticking those boxes, and hopefully we’ll be as ready as we can for the race week.”

The prelude to the Jan. 27-28 season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona includes three sessions Saturday and a warmup Sunday before the 15-minute GTP qualifying that will set the field for the twice-around-the-clock test.

Ten hybrid GTP racecars are entered in the 62nd edition of the endurance classic.

The No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R driven by Sebastien Bourdais, Renger van der Zande, Scott Dixon and Alex Palou was sixth quick in the second session at 1:36.160 as Palou – the reigning INDYCAR champion – took the lion’s share of the laps. He rejoins the stellar lineup after co-driving for the Chip Ganassi Racing-run team in 2022 at the Rolex 24. The roster features drivers who have combined for 12 INDYCAR championships.

“First time with the GTP and it was a really good day. It was a ton of fun,” Palou said. “I had to learn all of the controls and learn how the car drives with the differences between GTP, DPi and also INDYCAR. We ran a lot of laps and found a few things that can help with the race. We did a long run in the afternoon and also worked on running in traffic. It’s going to be a great weekend.”

Cadillac has won the overall Rolex 24 title four times since the inception of the DPi era. Van der Zande is a two-time winner (2019, 2020) with Cadillac Racing, while third-year teammate Bourdais is also a double winner (2014, 2017). Blomqvist, endurance driver for the championship-winning No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R, has won the Rolex 24 the past two years.

Qualifying Jan. 21 will be streamed on Peacock and IMSA.com beginning at 1:55 p.m. ET.

Cadillac Racing Roar Before The Rolex 24 roster

No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R: Sebastien Bourdais, Renger van der Zande, Scott Dixon, Alex Palou

Van der Zande and Bourdais are in their third season as teammates for the full IMSA Grand Touring Prototype season. They won the IMSA GTP race at Laguna Seca in May 2023 and teamed with six-time INDYCAR champion Dixon to place third in the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona and runner-up in the season-concluding Petit Le Mans. The trio also finished fourth overall in the centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. … Bourdais, van der Zande and Dixon are Cadillac Racing teammates for the Rolex 24 for the third consecutive year. … In 2022, van der Zande and Bourdais co-drove the No. 01 Cadillac DPi-V.R to three victories — at Long Beach, at Belle Isle and at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park — starting from the pole in the former two. … Laguna Seca 2023 was the 19th IMSA victory for van der Zande and 11th for Bourdais. … Bourdais is a four-time INDYCAR champion. … van der Zande is in his 11th season of IMSA competition. … Palou is the reigning and two-time INDYCAR champion. He teamed with the stellar trio in 2022 for the Rolex 24 At Daytona. In total, the lineup represents 12 IndyCar championships.

No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R: Pipo Derani, Jack Aitken, Tom Blomqvist

Derani is reigning and two-time IMSA Driver champion. He teamed with Aitken and Alexander Sims to win the 2023 Michelin IMSA Endurance Championship. … The trio co-drove to victory March 18 in the Twelve Hours of Sebring. The No. 31 Cadillac started from the pole. Also earned pole at Road America. … They also placed 10th in the Hypercar class in the centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans. … Derani is in his sixth season with Action Express and Cadillac Racing. … Derani, who has four overall wins at Sebring, has 12 IMSA wins and eight poles. … Aitken, a Williams F1 reserve driver in 2020-22, moves to full-season driver in 2024. … Blomqvist, the 2022 IMSA DPi Driver champion, won the 2023 and 2022 overall Rolex 24 titles and drove to 2023 pole start. … He will compete in endurance races for the team in addition to a full-time INDYCAR schedule. … Action Express Racing has earned IMSA Team and Driver Championships in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2023 as well as securing the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2023 Endurance Championships titles.

CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: Friday Quotes Package

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Official Release
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Following first official on-track action for Corvette Z06 GT3.R at Roar Before the 24

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 19, 2024) – The full complement of four Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R racecars hit the track together for the first time Friday – the opening day of the annual Roar Before the 24 at Daytona International Speedway.

The three-day Roar is a lead-in to next week’s Rolex 24 At Daytona and the start of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. A pair of Friday sessions and another three Saturday will lead into Sunday’s 15-minute qualifying session for the two classes in the GT categories – GTD (GT Daytona) PRO and GTD.

Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports in GTD PRO and new Corvette team AWA in GTD are running the Z06 GT3.Rs full-time in IMSA with the Rolex 24 serving as the new Corvette’s worldwide competition debut.

Factory driver Nico Varrone was the quickest Z06 GT3.R driver Friday in the AWA No. 17 Corvette at 1:46.925 (119.859 mph) to rank fourth on the day among the 23 cars in GTD. The 2023 GTE Am champion in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Corvette Racing, Varrone also won the Rolex 24 a year ago in the LMP3 class with current teammates Anthony Mantella and Thomas Merrill. They’re joined this year by Charlie Eastwood.

Varrone’s best time came in Friday morning’s session.

AWA teammate Matt Bell was ninth in class in the No. 13 Corvette Z06 GT3.R and only 0.157 seconds off the sister car with a lap of 1:47.082 (119.684 mph) in the afternoon session.

In GTD PRO, Alexander Sims was fifth quickest in GTD PRO on Friday for Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports. His best lap of 1:46.971 (119.808 mph) in the No. 3 Oshkosh/Mobil 1 Corvette Z06 GT3.R during the second session put him less than a half-second off the quickest time in class.

Nicky Catsburg was only 0.037 seconds behind his teammate in the No. 4 Oshkosh/Mobil 1 Z06 GT3.R. His best lap was a 1:47.008 (119.776 mph), also from the afternoon.

The Roar Before the 24 continues Saturday with Sunday’s GTD PRO and GTD qualifying for the Rolex 24 scheduled for 1:55 ET p.m. The session will stream live around the world on IMSA.com.

CORVETTE RACING BY PRATT MILLER MOTORSPORTS FRIDAY DRIVER QUOTES

ALEXANDER SIMS, NO. 3 OSHKOSH / MOBIL 1 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “This was a useful day. It’s been pretty smooth running where we’ve been able to make quite a few changes and get a good read on them. For me personally, each time I’ve gotten into the car it’s taken a little bit of time to adjust to the ABS again. But it’s nice to get a couple of runs into that zone. We’re working with the team, working through changes. The base setup feels pretty nice and predictable. It’s not killing the tires, and degradation seems OK at the moment. It drives like a Corvette!”

NICKY CATSBURG, NO. 4 OSHKOSH / MOBIL 1 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “It honestly was a nice day. We started at a certain baseline point and worked our way up to a better feeling car. Honestly, I feel like we still need some additional time, but it already feels like a good starting position. Today was nice. It was kind of nice to get some laps in and get ready for the race. I feel like we now need to work on some of the basics – driver changes, pulling away, stuff like that. But overall I was quite pleased.”

AWA FRIDAY DRIVER QUOTE

NICO VARRONE, NO. 17 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I feel like it was a nice day. First day of the Roar, first official practice. It was really nice to see all the Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs on track all together. In Practice 1, I think I nailed a good lap and that’s why we were near the top. There are still some things we need to work on, and we are working for tomorrow and for sure for the race. Over the lap it was quick, but you never know until it’s race day or at race time. In my opinion, there is a lot to work on. We still need to find traction. That was our biggest issue, and on a long run we were struggling quite a bit. All in all, it was good to get in the car and good to get some feeling back again. I’m looking forward to more practice tomorrow and be ready to keep improving.”

CORVETTE RACING BY THE NUMBERS AT DAYTONA

  • 0.034: As in seconds – the winning margin of victory in Corvette Racing’s 1-2 finish at the 2016 Rolex 24. Up until last year’s LMP2 finish, it was the closest finish in race history
  • 1: Rolex 24 class win for AWA; the team won in LMP3 in 2023. Current team drivers Nico Varrone, Anthony Mantella and Thomas Merrill were part of that lineup
  • 2: Number of the overall winning Corvette C5-R in the 2001 Rolex 24. Ron Fellows, Johnny O’Connell, Chris Kneifel and Franck Freon completed 656 laps for 2335.36 miles in the winning effort
  • 4: Number of Corvette Z06 GT3.R entries for the 2024 Rolex 24 – two from Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports (GTD PRO) and two from AWA (GTD)
  • 4: Rolex 24 wins for Corvette Racing as an entrant: 2001 overall, 2015 GTLM (Antonio Garcia/Jan Magnussen/Ryan Briscoe), 2016 GTLM (Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler) and 2021 GTLM (Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg)
  • 9: Corvette/General Motors factory drivers piloting the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in this year’s race: Antonio Garcia, Alexander Sims, Dani Juncadella, Tommy Milner, Nicky Catsburg, Earl Bamber (Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller) plus Charlie Eastwood, Nico Varrone and Alex Lynn (AWA). Bamber and Lynn also are Cadillac Racing factory drivers in FIA WEC
  • 14: IMSA Manufacturer Championships for Chevrolet and Corvette Racing since 2001
  • 24: Drivers who have driven for Corvette Racing at Daytona – Justin Bell, Ryan Briscoe, Nicky Catsburg, Kelly Collins, Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Marcel Fässler, Ron Fellows, Franck Freon, Antonio Garcia, Oliver Gavin, John Heinricy, Chris Kneifel, Robin Liddell, Jan Magnussen, Tommy Milner, Simon Pagenaud, John Paul Jr., Andy Pilgrim, Mike Rockenfeller, Scott Sharp, Alexander Sims, Marco Sorensen, Nick Tandy and Jordan Taylor
  • 27: Tracks at which Corvette Racing has won races – Baltimore, Charlotte Motor Speedway, COTA, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park/Mosport, Daytona, Detroit, Fuji Speedway, Houston, Laguna Seca, Le Mans, Lime Rock, Long Beach, Miami, Mid-Ohio, Monza, Portland, Road America, Road Atlanta, Sebring, Sonoma, St. Petersburg, Texas, Trois Rivieres, Utah, VIR, Washington DC and Watkins Glen
  • 32: Number of drivers for Corvette Racing since 1999
  • 71: Years since Corvette was introduced to the world on Jan. 17, 1953 in New York City. A total of 300 cars were produced that year
  • 127: Victories worldwide for Corvette Racing – 115 in North America, nine at Le Mans and three in the FIA WEC
  • 284: Event starts by Corvette Racing since 1999
  • 99,600: Total number of racing laps completed by Corvette Racing entries since 1999. Barring any issues, the program will go over the 100,00-lap mark at the Rolex 24 of Daytona
  • 361,990.52: Total number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing entries since 1999. To put that in perspective, Corvette Racing is more than halfway to the distance traveled by Apollo 13 – the longest manned spaceflight in history: 622,268 miles

Corvette Racing at Daytona (wins in bold)

1999

No. 2 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Chris Kneifel/John Paul Jr. – 3rd in GTS

No. 4 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Scott Sharp/John Heinricy – 12th in GTS

2000

No. 3 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Chris Kneifel/Justin Bell – 2nd in GTS

No. 4 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 10th in GTS

2001

No. 2 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Chris Kneifel/Franck Freon – 1st in GTS (overall win)

No. 3 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Dale Earnhardt/Dale Earnhardt Jr. – 2nd in GTS

2014

No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ryan Briscoe – 10th in GTLM

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Robin Liddell – 5th in GTLM

2015

No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ryan Briscoe – 1st in GTLM (Magnussen fastest race lap)

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Simon Pagenaud – 3rd in GTLM (Gavin pole)

2016

No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 2nd in GTLM (Garcia fastest race lap)

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 1st in GTLM (Winner by 0.034 second)

2017

No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 4th in GTLM

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 9th in GTLM

2018

No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 3rd in GTLM (Magnussen pole)

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 4th in GTLM

2019

No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 6th in GTLM

No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 8th in GTLM

2020 (Rolex 24 – January)

No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 4th in GTLM

No. 4 Corvette C8.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 7th in GTLM

2020 (WeatherTech 240 – July)

No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 1st in GTLM

No. 4 Corvette C8.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner – 5th in GTLM

2021

No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 1st in GTLM

No. 4 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy/Alexander Sims – 2nd in GTLM

2022

No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 6th in GTD PRO

No. 4 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy/Marco Sorensen – 10th in GTD PRO

2023

No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Tommy Milner – 2nd in GTD PRO

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in nearly 80 countries with nearly 2.7 million cars and trucks sold in 2021. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Wright Motorsports Ready for IMSA WeatherTech Action as Team Heads to Daytona International Speedway

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Official Release
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (January 19, 2024) – After a brief but busy off-season, the drivers and crew at Wright Motorsports are descending on Daytona International Speedway to kick off the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. This week, January 19 – 21, the No. 120 Porsche 911 GT3 R and its drivers will take part in the Roar Before the 24, the first full-season test of the 2024 WeatherTech season before official sessions get underway in preparation for the Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 27-28. The team has put great preparation into the event, eager to repeat their 2022 GTD class win at the iconic event.

While the co-drover combination of Adam Adelson and Elliott Skeer is nothing new, the pair are set to make their IMSA WeatherTech and Rolex 24 At Daytona debuts this weekend. The pair have previously celebrated success together in the Fanatec GT World Challenge America series, as well as the Michelin Pilot Challenge. In 2023, the duo were leading the season-opening Michelin Pilot Challenge race at Daytona International Speedway when a mechanical issue dashed all hope of victory. The racing craft and speed they demonstrated sets a strong done for the beginning of 2024.

Wright Motorsports veteran and Rolex 24 At Daytona winner Jan Heylen will join as the third driver in the lineup, and the trio will contest all five races in the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup, in addition to April’s Long Beach Grand Prix. A Florida native, Heylen has celebrated victory on the top step of the grueling endurance race once in 2022 with Wright Motorsports and finished in third place both in 2014 and 2015. Heylen has been a longtime member of the team, acting as a coach and driver for many seasons. His experience and leadership will be an important key to the weekend as they enter an exciting new season ahead.

Porsche factory driver Fred Makowiecki completes the team’s stout lineup, also in the hunt for his first Rolex 24 win. The 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans race winner has participated in the race six times, each time racing a Porsche 911. He holds three podium finishes at the event, with his most recent, 2020, resulting in a third place. This season marks his 10th anniversary as a Porsche Motorsport factory driver, bringing to the team extensive experience with the German manufacturer.

On-track test sessions for the Roar Before the 24 begin on Friday, January 19, and go through the afternoon of Sunday, January 21. That afternoon starting at 1:55 PM ET, all entrants will then qualify by class to set the grid for the Rolex 24 at Daytona. A free and live stream for the qualifying session will air globally on IMSA.TV. For fans in the USA, the entire Rolex 24 At Daytona event will stream live on Peacock, or cable subscribers can watch intermittent hours on NBC (1/27 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM, 1/28 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM E) and USA (1/27 2:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET, 10:00 PM – 11:59 PM, and 1/28 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM. IMSA Radio will continue their free and live audio coverage, available on imsaradio.com. for full event information, visit wrightmotorsports.com or imsa.com.

DRIVER QUOTES

Adam Adelson

Coming into 2024, I never thought I’d be participating in my first Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. I’m beyond excited to start this new chapter of my career, and to be able to do it with such incredible talent in Elliott, Jan, Fred, and the whole Wright Motorsports crew makes it all the more special. We’ve been putting in the work in the offseason to make sure we’re coming into this race in top form, and I’m excited to see how all of that hard work will pay off.

Elliott Skeer

It’s finally here, the 2024 season, and for me to call this year special would be an understatement. It is such an incredible feeling to not only make it into the big show and race in the events I’ve grown up watching every second of, but to do it alongside Adam and with the race team I call family. The Roar will be a great test for us to show how all the work over the offseason has paid off, but it is more about gelling with Jan and Fred, and being as prepared as possible for what lies ahead the week after.

Jan Heylen

I’m really excited to be going back to Daytona with Wright Motorsports, Porsche, and my new teammates Adam, Elliott, and Fred. We have a year under our belt with the new car and feel good about the work we’ve done as a team to develop the car. As always, the team is super well prepared, and I feel confident that we can come away with a good result. I’m excited for Adam and Elliott to be doing their first Daytona with us and I hope they will enjoy it as much as I have over the years. I’m also looking forward to be sharing the car with Fred and working with him over the next two weeks.

Fred Makowiecki

I’m very happy to join Wright Motorsports for this race. The Rolex 24 At Daytona is one of the big endurance races in the world and I never got the chance to get this race win, though I have finished several times on the podium. We have a very strong package and I’m looking forward to fighting on track, and to finally be there in the last hour to fight for the win.

Wright Motorsports
Wright Motorsports is the premier Porsche race engineering facility in Ohio and a multi-series and international racing team known for superb car preparation, expert race strategy, and driver development. Located in Batavia, Ohio, it is owned and directed by John Wright, a certified Porsche factory-trained technician. As a crew chief John Wright has played a key role in winning eight driver and seven team championships in World Challenge, IMSA (ALMS) and the Grand-Am Rolex Series. Wright Motorsports won the team championship in Porsche GT3 Cup USA in 2012, 2013, and 2015, and went on to win the Pirelli World Challenge Overall, Sprint, Team, and Manufacturer’s titles in 2017. In 2020, the team captured the GT World Challenge America Am championship. In 2021, Wright Motorsports had a wildly successful season, capturing nine championships across their five racing efforts.

Kevin Harvick Inc. To Compete for eNASCAR Championship

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Official Release
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Will Field Two iRacing Entries With Veteran Drivers in 2024

Harrisburg, N.C. (January 19, 2024) – Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) announced today it has entered into the world of eSports and will field two entries in the 2024 eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series.

Veteran iRacing drivers Matt Bussa and Jimmy Mullins are the newest addition to KHI’s driver line up.

“This is definitely a new chapter for KHI,” said Kevin Harvick. “My introduction to iRacing really came during Covid, and it turned into something my son Keelan and I could do together. Since then, iRacing has been a great tool to help him hone his skills and get virtual seat time for his up-coming races. We’re excited to welcome Matt and Jimmy into the KHI family.”

Matt Bussa, a native of Naperville, Ill., will pilot KHI’s No. 62 Chevrolet. 2024 will mark Bussa’s 12th-consecutive season at eNASCAR’s highest level. The 29-year-old is one of iRacing’s most experienced and multi-talented drivers. His iRacing career includes over 1,200 poles, 2,200 top-five finishes, 1,200 wins and over 45,000 laps led. Additionally, Bussa has a number of years of experience in iRacingGT3 as well as Rallycross World Championships, and was a Skip Barber Formula scholarship winner via the iRacing Skip Barber Race Series.

“I could not be more excited to join the KHI family for the 2024 eNASCAR season,” said Bussa. “This is the perfect home to grow my career and I look forward to accomplishing great things together on and off the track. Thanks to everyone at KHI for this opportunity.”

Mullis, a consistent figure in the iRacing world for nearly a decade, will drive the No. 29 Chevrolet in pursuit of the 2024 eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series championship. The Midland, N.C. native is one of the top-10 all-time drivers on iRacing ovals, with thousands of victories and thousands of laps led. A four-year win streak came to an end in 2022, but a dramatic victory at the virtual Nashville Superspeedway landed Mullis a spot in the 2023 playoffs where he would finish ninth in the standings.

“I am extremely excited to be a part of the KHI family for 2024,” Mullins said. “I’m grateful to be driving the 29 car in the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series as KHI takes a step into the eNASCAR world. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together both on and off the track. A huge thank you to everyone at KHI for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.”

You can follow KHI’s eNASCAR iRacing journey on Facebook, Instagram and X.

eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series 2024 Schedule

About Kevin Harvick Inc.

Established in 2001 by NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick and his wife DeLana, Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Truck Series and ARCA Series from 2001 through 2011. During that time, KHI earned 10 Xfinity Series wins, 45 Truck Series wins and three Truck Series championships, including two championships with NASCAR Hall of Famer Ron Hornaday, Jr. Following the 2011 season, KHI stepped away from full-time competition until its return in 2023.

Rette Jones Racing Tabs Kyle Steckly for Full 2024 ASA STARS National Tour Slate

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C.: Rette Jones Racing confirmed today the signing of second-generation driver Kyle Steckly for the entire 2024 ASA STARS National Tour schedule beginning at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway on Feb. 13, 2024.

The first of a 10-race schedule also confirms the expansion of Rette Jones Racing’s Motorsports platform, which is expected to include ASA, the ARCA Menards Series, and NASCAR throughout the 2024 season.

Steckly, the son of four-time NASCAR Canada Series champion Scott Steckly, arrives at Rette Jones Racing with healthy and impressive racing credentials, including the 2023 APC United Late Model Series championship.

Moving his racing endeavors to the United States in 2024, Steckly, 18, is ready for his newest endeavor. With the leadership of former ARCA Menards Series championship crew chief Mark Rette at his side, the combo hopes for an impressive rookie season that leads to contending for the championship.

“I am so thankful for this opportunity to compete in the 2024 ASA STARS National Tour schedule this year,” said Steckly, a native of Milverton, Ontario, Canada. “With the support of the Rette Jones Racing team, I believe we can have a competitive season and a year with wins and hopefully bring home the championship.

“I know it’s going to be a year of learning – tackling new tracks for the first time in my career, but with the support of my team, our partners, and others, I believe this will be a season to remember.”

Auto Parts Centres (APC) | Canusa will be the primary marketing partner for Steckly’s full ASA STARS season aboard the No. 30 Ford Mustang.

APC Auto Parts Centres | Canusa is a family-owned automotive parts business started in 1981 with over 50 branches stretching across Ontario. APC’s target market is purely trade-based, supplying garages, specialty installers, dealerships, and muffler shops throughout the province.

Auto Parts Centres takes full advantage of the marketing power of motorsports by sponsoring numerous race cars and speedways around the province. APC is the proud title sponsor in the APC Pro Late Model Touring Series that has been recognized as one of Canada’s top series.

“Auto Parts Centres is proud to support the efforts of Rette Jones Racing and Kyle Steckly to compete in what we believe to be one of the most competitive racing series in the world,” offered Corinne Mallough, Marketing Manager APC.

“As a supporter of grassroots racing, we are excited to help showcase the amount of talent the Canadian racing scene really has to offer.”

Steckly added, “I appreciate Luke (Ramsay), Corinne (Mallough) and the entire Auto Parts Centres | Canusa team for continuing my journey and expanding their footprint to partnering with Rette Jones Racing in the United States this season.

“They are such a great ambassador for Motorsports in Canada, and I hope we can continue to build some exposure for them throughout the season, along with some trophies.

“It’s also an honor to represent the Rette Jones Racing brand. Mark (Rette) and Terry (Jones) have built a great identity with strong results and race wins. I am looking forward to driving for them and I cannot thank them enough for the opportunity.”

Mark Rette, team principal of Rette Jones Racing alongside Canadian entrepreneur and former race car driver Terry Jones, believes the team’s expansion to the ASA STARS National Tour will benefit the team’s current and future path.

“It is so awesome to be partnered with Kyle and Auto Parts Centres | Canusa for the full 2024 ASA STARS National Tour schedule,” said Rette. “Kyle comes to Rette Jones Racing with an impressive racing resume and a strong racing family heritage behind him.

“We have high hopes for the year, and with Kye’s talent and the investment our team has made for the ASA STARS National Tour, it will be a season to remember.”

In addition to his 2023 APC United Late Model Series championship, Steckly’s accolades include two APC United Late Model Series wins, the 2023 Grisdale Triple Crown Champion and Gold Rush 123 winner, second-place at Oshweken Speedway with the NASCAR Canada Series on dirt, and winning the pole in the 2023 season finale Pinty’s Fall Brawl at Delaware Speedway in Delaware, Ont.

For more on Kyle Steckly like him on Facebook (Kyle Steckly Racing) and follow him on Instagram (@kyle_steckly) and X | Twitter (@KyleSteckly).

For more on Rette Jones Racing, please visit RetteJonesRacing.com, like them on Facebook (Rette Jones Racing), or follow them on Instagram (@RetteJones30) and X | Twitter (@RetteJones30).

About Auto Parts Centres (APC) | Canusa:

Auto Parts Centres (APC) | Canusa is a family-owned automotive parts business started in 1981 with over 65 branches stretching across Ontario. APC’s target market is purely trade-based, supplying garages, specialty installers, dealerships, and muffler shops throughout the province.

Auto Parts Centres takes full advantage of the marketing power of motorsports by sponsoring numerous race cars and speedways around the province. APC is the proud title sponsor in the APC Pro Late Model Touring Series that has been recognized as one of Canada’s top series.

About Rette Jones Racing:

Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, Rette Jones Racing (RJR) was founded in 2015 with the intent of building a successful racing operation built around the fundamentals of hard work and a never-give-up attitude.

Owned by racers Terry Jones and Mark Rette, RJR plans to field a full-time entry in 2024 in the ASA STARS National Tour Series while also planning to field vehicles in the ARCA Menards Series platform and NASCAR respectively.

Rette Jones Racing also offers technical and setup intel as part of its technical alliance partnership program.

Rackley W.A.R President Willie Allen, a blue-collar executive in a white-collar world

By
Samuel Stubbs
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Willie Allen President & Chief Operating Officer Photo Credit: Rackley W.A.R.

If you’ve ever wondered what the W.A.R. in Rackley W.A.R. racing stands for, I have your answer.

I had the opportunity to speak with Rackley W.A.R. team president Willie Allen recently, and we talked about everything from the feeling of the team winning at Talladega to his expectations for Ty Dillon and the No. 25 team for 2024. But no story is complete without a green flag.

Allen’s start in racing cycles back to where many current drivers begin – On the go-kart track. 

“I started racing go-karts in high school,” Allen says. “My girlfriend’s dad owned a go-kart shop in Central Tennessee. I always wanted to race, but really didn’t know how to do it. So when I started dating her, I realized he had a go-kart shop there. Casey Atwood drove some for him, built motors and whatnot. I started working after school there to earn some money to build a go-kart and went and raced that. My cousins raced at the Nashville Fairgrounds in Trucks. My father-in-law, Keith, he raced a little bit too. So I got involved with them, and that’s how I got started in Nashville.”

Allen’s driving career then took him to the bright lights of the NASCAR Truck Series in 2007. 

“I started running the Truck Series in ‘07, started doing that and building shocks. While I was racing there in ‘08, I started doing a lot more work with shocks and suspensions. I was also doing some side work with kids, being a crew chief and engineering stuff. I started helping some kids with their driving. I felt I could help kids dial in their braking, throttle trace, steering, brake trace, stuff like that. Somebody wanted to put one of their kids in one of our cars. That idea kind of took off, and that’s how I met Curtis Sutton at Rackley Roofing at the track a few years ago. We were running a car for Brittany Zamora, and she was bringing on Rackley Roofing to sponsor her in the All-American 400, racing our Super Late Model there, and we met Curtis and talked there.”

Both sides agreed to start a truck program while continuing their Late Model venture. 

“It had always been a dream of mine to own a Truck Series team and continue the progression through racing. We formed the team and the rest was history. It’s a dream partnership.”

The team got its first win at Talladega in the fall of 2022 with Matt DiBenedetto, and to say it was a special moment for Allen would be an understatement. 

“It’s unreal. Definitely a dream come true. There’s a lot of people that get into NASCAR. I feel like most of them never win, so to be able to do that is special. It’s not something we take lightly. We put a lot of hard work and effort into the team. For it to come through like that was an exciting and special day. With everything that’s been built over the years, everything Curtis and I have sacrificed. There’s so much sacrifice in racing, as we know. It’s a traveling circus. Everyone works all the time and puts their heart and soul into it. Most of the teams out there have great equipment. It just comes down to the people and how to train and put everyone in place.”

While he enjoyed reflecting on the past, Allen was visibly excited when I mentioned the future of the team, especially their new signing of Ty Dillon. 

“We’re super excited about Ty. The whole deal came about really quick. We got a call from Team Dillon Management who told us about the opportunity. He’s so fired up. I definitely can see the excitement in his eyes. I can see the passion. He’s put a lot of effort in to hit the ground running. I think the Truck Series is going to be a great fit for him. It’s aggressive. He has a lot of experience racing hard. The help and support from RCR is going to be big for us.”

Allen says the team is also getting upgrades in the people and equipment at the shop, thanks to Dillon’s family ties. 

“We’re definitely stepping up our in-house engineering staff. Combining it with their team of engineers and simulation stuff is really exciting. I feel like we’re on an upswing and trending upwards.”

Allen says expectations are the highest they’ve ever been for the team in their short history. 

“I think we can take that next step. We’ve got to execute and keep working hard. The guys on the team are on fire right now trying to do everything they can to make the most of this opportunity and not leaving anything on the table. I’m really excited about the effort everyone is putting forth here at Rackley W.A.R. (Crew Chief) Shane Wilson coming on board is huge. Having his knowledge and expertise, and just knowing the processes is really cool. I’m really excited to see what he brings to the table. Danny Stockman has also been a big hit. His expertise and knowledge of the Truck Series is second to none.”

Allen added that the long-term future of the team is just as exciting as the short-term future. 

“We’re definitely really excited about the development side of Rackley W.A.R. We’re racing Late Models this weekend with Dawson Sutton, Gavin Boschele, and Ross Chastain. It’s really cool to see the eyes we’re attracting here at Rackley W.A.R. So much has changed in the last 10 years as far as driver development. These kids are working their butts off every day and doing every single thing they can to be the best. They’re working with Chevrolet and Lorin Ranier, who is one of the best talent scouts in the world, especially in NASCAR. He helped get Connor Zilsich here. But we have some really cool stuff happening on the Late Model side.”

Allen’s experience on the national stage along with a love for grassroots racing makes him one of the more relatable figures in the ever-changing world of NASCAR ownership. In a world of suits and ties, Allen’s blue-collar attitude toward team ownership may have once seemed redundant but is now bearing fruit in the form of wins and Playoff appearances. 

If you blink, you may miss them, but Rackley W.A.R. is on a collision course with the big dogs of NASCAR.

Your Guide to Motorsports Betting in 2024

By
SM
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Photo by Oleksandr Baiev on Unsplash

In 2024, motorsports betting will continue and offer enthusiasts an exciting way to engage with their favorite racing events. From the thunderous roars of NASCAR to the sleek precision of Formula 1, the world of motorsports presents a plethora of betting opportunities. Using websites like 22Bet, you can partake in the exciting upcoming 2024 race seasons. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the various betting types and events you can wager on in the upcoming NASCAR Cup series and more.

Betting Types

Race Winner

They are predicting the driver who will cross the finish line first. It’s a straightforward yet adrenaline-pumping bet.

Podium Finish

It is betting on a driver to finish within the top three. This allows for a broader range of possibilities, increasing the chances of a successful wager.

Top-10 Finish

It is wagering on a driver to finish in the top 10. It is a popular choice for those seeking more conservative bets with lower risk.

Fastest Lap

They predict the driver who will record the fastest lap during the race. This type of bet adds an extra layer of excitement to the competition and benefits those with the knowledge of each team’s car specializations.

Head-to-Head Bets

It is betting on the performance of one driver compared to another. This can be based on finishing position or other race-related metrics. This is markedly more exciting when betting on sub-leaderboards like the NASCAR playoffs.

Constructor Championship

Primarily focused on Formula 1, this bet involves predicting the team that will accumulate the most points over the season. This applies to NASCAR as well, but this bet isn’t as popular in America.

Racing Scenes to Bet On

NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) provides a thrilling array of events to bet on. From individual events like the Daytona 500 to the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Playoffs, each race offers unique challenges and betting depending on many different circumstances.

Formula 1

The pinnacle of motorsports, Formula 1, attracts a global audience. Events like the Monaco Grand Prix, British Grand Prix, and the season-culminating Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are prime candidates for motorsports betting. Constructor Championship bets are also incredibly rewarding in Formula 1.

IndyCar Series

Featuring iconic races such as the Indianapolis 500, the IndyCar Series presents an exciting platform for betting enthusiasts who want a less structured racing scene.

Tips for Successful Motorsports Betting

Research Drivers and Teams

Stay informed about the form, track record, and recent performances of drivers and teams. A good example is knowing how fast each driver is on a given track for the Fastest Lap bet.

Understand Track Dynamics

Different tracks have unique characteristics that can impact race outcomes. Consider factors like track layout, surface type, and weather conditions.

Follow News and Updates

Stay abreast of any changes in team dynamics, technical developments, or unexpected events that could influence race outcomes. A team could have a new technological advancement that offers key benefits for a given race.

Conclusion

As motorsports betting continues to capture the imagination of fans worldwide, the 2024 season promises to be filled with heart-pounding moments and thrilling races. By understanding the various betting types, staying informed about events, and adopting a strategic approach, enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the excitement of motorsports betting while maximizing their chances of success. Buckle up for an exhilarating journey into the fast lane of racing wagers!

The Benefits of Trustworthy Online Bookmakers

By
SM
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Photo by Aidan Howe on Unsplash

While there are many benefits of the internet, the anonymity that comes with it can be dangerous, especially when it comes to bets and casinos. In the vast sea of the internet, many bookmakers exist solely to steal your information and take your money. Fortunately, there is an extensive list of reputable online bookmakers such as Bet22 that are safe and regulated for you to enjoy.

While many lesser-known bookmaker websites offer too-good-to-be-true deals to get you to sign up and potentially sell or steal your information, it’s imperative to let you know about the benefits, services, and security that trustworthy bookmakers provide.

Benefits

Fair Odds

Trustworthy online bookmakers prioritize transparency and fairness, ensuring that users are presented with accurate odds and competitive payouts. These bookmakers will explicitly state your chances of winning in any given bet, no questions asked.

Promotions

Reputable online bookmakers will often go the extra mile to attract and retain users by offering enticing bonuses and promotions. From welcome bonuses for new users to ongoing promotions for loyal customers, these platforms strive to enhance the overall betting experience.

Market Coverage

Trustworthy bookmakers offer an extensive array of betting markets, covering a wide range of sports, events, and even non-sporting activities. This can include anything from local sports to massive e-sports events.

Services

User Friendliness

Trustworthy online bookmakers invest in creating user-friendly platforms that are easy to navigate. A seamless user interface, intuitive design, and responsive customer support contribute to an overall positive user experience. The key importance here is that there aren’t any hidden aspects of the site that are intentionally being hidden from the user, such as negative reviews.

Live Bets

Trustworthy platforms often provide live betting options that allow users to place bets in real-time as events unfold and often provide a live stream to view and change your bet in real time. If a bookmaker can afford the bandwidth required for live streaming, it is likely trustworthy.

Multiple Payment Options

Recognizing the global nature of their user base, trustworthy bookmakers facilitate convenient and secure payment methods. From credit cards to e-wallets and cryptocurrency options, these platforms ensure that users can deposit and withdraw funds using their preferred payment methods.

Security

Encryption

Trustworthy online bookmakers employ state-of-the-art encryption technologies to safeguard user data and financial transactions. This ensures that sensitive information, such as personal details and payment data, is protected from unauthorized access, even internally.

Compliance with Regulations

Reliable bookmakers adhere to strict regulatory standards, obtaining licenses from reputable authorities and ensuring that it is legal in the user’s country.

Responsible Gambling Measures

Trustworthy bookmakers take the issue of responsible gambling seriously. They implement measures to promote responsible betting behavior, such as setting deposit limits, providing self-exclusion options, and offering resources for those who may be facing gambling-related challenges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the benefits of trustworthy online bookmakers extend beyond mere financial gains. These platforms offer a comprehensive package of benefits, services, and security measures contributing to an enjoyable and secure betting experience. By prioritizing fairness, user-friendly services, and robust security protocols, reputable bookmakers are setting the standard for the online gambling industry, ensuring that users can confidently engage in the excitement of sports betting while being assured of a safe and reliable platform.

Coltman Farms Racing partners with Ricky Thornton Jr. for 2024 Dirt Late Model season

By
Official Release
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Coltman Farms Racing has partnered with Ricky Thornton Jr. for the 2024 dirt late model season.

MAYSVILLE, Georgia (Jan. 18, 2024) — Coltman Farms Racing is expanding its partnership with the No. 1 ranked dirt late model driver in the United States.

Ricky Thornton Jr., who won a remarkable 34 dirt late model races across the country during the 2023 season, will continue to fly the Coltman Farms Racing colors during the 2024 season as he pursues the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championship.

As part of the expanded partnership, Coltman Farms Racing will become a primary partner of Thornton and Coltman Farms Racing logos will appear on both upper quarter panels throughout the 2024 season.

“I’m really excited that Brett Coltman and Coltman Farms Racing are continuing to support us,” Thornton said. “Brett has been an amazing partner to work with and being able to be a small part of what he’s doing for the dirt racing community has been really special. I’m looking forward to what the 2024 season has to offer for both of us.”

Coltman Farms Racing owner Brett Coltman initially partnered with Thornton during the 2023 season. The relationship proved fruitful for both parties as Thornton put together one of the most dominant dirt late model seasons in recent memory.

Among his victories last season were the Firecracker 100 at Lernerville Speedway, the Knoxville Late Model Nationals at Knoxville Raceway, the Jackson 100 at Brownstown Speedway, the Pittsburgher at Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway, the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte and the Gateway Dirt Nationals inside The Dome at America’s Center.

After what Thornton was able to accomplish in 2023, Coltman is excited to continue his relationship with Thornton as the relationship continues to blossom.

“As exciting as it’s been watching Ricky’s on track performance, getting to know him as a person along with his family has been equally exciting,” said Coltman. “He exemplifies everything that Coltman Farms Racing stands for, most importantly being a truly wonderful ambassador of our race team, race fans and young champions of tomorrow. He’s a true hero in my book.”

About Coltman Farms Racing

Coltman Farms Racing, owned by Brett Coltman, is a Dirt Super Late Model team based in Maysville, Georgia, that fields drivers who are not only champion drivers on the race track, but also heroes and positive role models off the race track. Led by Drivers David McCoy and Ethan Dotson, Coltman Farms Racing competes in Super Late Model events across the United States. The team also sponsors several other drivers and teams, including four-time World of Outlaws Late Model Series champion Brandon Sheppard, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series star Ricky Thornton, Jr., as well as Payton Freeman, Sam Seawright, Carson Ferguson, Benji Hicks, Donald McIntosh, Frankie Barrett, Tucker Anderson and Kody King. Coltman Farms Racing is also involved as a sponsor with several racing series and enjoys strong partnerships with multiple broadcast partners. For more information on Coltman Farms, please visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ColtmanFarmsRacing.

About McCallister Precision Marketing

McCallister Precision Marketing (MPM) focuses on assisting up-and-coming race car drivers with career advancement and promotion. McCallister Precision Marketing helps drivers build confidence in front of and behind the camera, giving them the tools they need to advance to the next level. The company also provides companies with a strategic plan for their sales, marketing and promotional needs. We believe in building positive relationships with our clients so that we may provide them with the most professional, yet personal guidance they need, in order to achieve their racing goals. Our clients include race car drivers, race team owners, companies and racing series’. We also work closely with charities and charity events. For more information on McCallister Precision Marketing, visit www.MarketWithMPM.com.

ARCA Menards Series Road to Daytona Participants Make First Laps at The World Center of Racing

By
Official Release
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 16, 2024) – Seven drivers from within the NASCAR Roots platform took their first laps around The World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway, during the recent Pre-Race Practice for the ARCA Menards Series. The annual two-day event is the prelude to the season-opening 61st annual Daytona ARCA 200.

The seven drivers each drove a car prepared by 1995 ARCA Menards Series champion Andy Hillenburg’s Fast Track High Performance Racing Team.

Chase Burda, representing the ASA CRA Super Series, was the fastest of the seven drivers. His fastest lap, 178.841 miles per hour, was good for 27th overall. A total of 76 drivers made at least one lap over the course of the two days. Justin Bonsignore, who was second in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour standings, was 41st overall with a lap of 176.056 mph. Reigning ARCA Menards Series West champion Sean Hingorani, who represented the ARCA Menards Series East, was 43rd overall with a 175.661 mph lap.

Michael Hinde, representing the ASA Southern Super Series, timed in at 175.586 mph; Jacob Goede, the ten-time Elko Speedway super late model champion representing the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series, was 51st overall at 174.230 mph, Tyler Reif, who finished second in the ARCA Menards Series West standings in 2024, was 61st overall at 170.720 mph. Reif also made several laps in the Bruce Cook-prepared Chevrolet that Marco Andretti drove to the eighth-fastest speed over the course of the two days of track activity.

Bryan Syer-Keske, representing the ASA Midwest Tour, was 63rd overall with a fast lap of 169.911 mph.

“We are thankful for everyone involved with ARCA, NASCAR, Andy and his entire team for welcoming us in with open arms and having us take some laps at Daytona,” Bonsignore said. “Definitely an experience I will never forget climbing those high banks at speed for the first time. We’re still evaluating some opportunities for the upcoming February ARCA event at Daytona and hope to try and put something together to be able to run that race.”

ARCA has invited select champions and rookies of the year of its affiliated short track series to participate in the Road to Daytona for over a decade. Other notable participants include current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship contender and former ARCA Menards Series winner Ty Majeski, former Snowball Derby winner and current road mechanic for the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Travis Braden, and defending Daytona ARCA 200 winner Greg Van Alst. Jake Drew, the 2022 ARCA Menards Series West champion who has moved to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and Johnny VanDoorn, a former ASA CRA Super Series champion who is now a noted super late model chassis builder, are also Road to Daytona alumni. The program is supported by Andy Hillenburg’s Fast Track High Performance Racing Team, Ilmor, General Tire, Sunoco, Eibach, and JRI Shocks.

The 61st annual Daytona ARCA 200 is set for Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 1:30 pm ET. The race will be televised live on FS1 and broadcast on select affiliates of the MRN Radio network nationwide. ARCARacing.com will have live Timing & Scoring throughout all on track activities, including practice on Thursday, February 15 and General Tire Pole Qualifying on Friday, February 16. Follow @ARCA_Racing on X (formerly known as Twitter) for up-to-the-minute updates.

About ARCA 

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum in Toledo, Ohio, and acquired by NASCAR in April 2018, is the leading grassroots stock car sanctioning body in the United States. Bridging the gap between NASCAR’s top three national touring series and weekly racing all across the country, the organization administers more than 100 events annually, including the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways.  For more information about ARCA visit www.arcaracing.com, or follow ARCA on Facebook (@ARCARacing) and Twitter (@ARCA_Racing). 

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