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DEAD ON TOOLS RENEWS PARTNERSHIP WITH TRICON, TANNER GRAY FOR 2024

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Official Release
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Illinois-Based Company to Serve as Anchor Partner for No. 15

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 13, 2024) — TRICON Garage (TRICON) is pleased to announce that Dead On Tools has renewed its partnership with the team for 2024. The Illinois-based tool and work gear manufacturer will serve as the primary partner for Tanner Gray and the No. 15 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.

As the partnership extends into its third consecutive year, the Dead On Tools branding will adorn the No. 15 entry for 16 of the 23 NASCAR Truck Series events, beginning with the season opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. They will be featured in an associate role in all remaining races.

Dead On Tools is a subsidiary of Pull’R Holding Company LLC and is one of the world’s fastest-growing hardware and storage gear brands. While still carrying its cornerstone precision tools, the brand has focused intently on mastering professional tool belts and other styles of soft-sided accessories.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Tanner and TRICON again in 2024. As a sponsor, you are always in search of a driver who will represent your brand with honor and integrity. Tanner does just that, and so much more,” said Brian Ranallo, director of sales and marketing at Pull’R Holding Company LLC (Dead On Tools).

“Going on our third year, Tanner and everyone at TRICON have truly become like family to us. We cannot wait to get this season underway!”

Tanner Gray will begin his fifth full-time campaign in the Truck Series when the series hits the track at Daytona in February. In 94 career starts, the 24-year-old driver has 10 top-fives and 22 top-10s to his credit. Gray and Crew Chief Jerame Donley will be paired together for another run at the NASCAR playoffs in 2024.

“It’s exciting to have Dead On Tools back on board with us for 2024,” said Gray. “I’m grateful to Tony, Brian, and the entire DOT team for believing in me and sticking with us through the ups and downs. They are more than just a partner; they are like family to us, and as a driver, you can’t ask for anything more.”

The 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season will kick off at Daytona (Fla.) Int’l Speedway on Friday, February 16. The race will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 with radio coverage provided by the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About Dead On Tools

Dead On Tools: A collision of serious tool using professionals and a lifestyle lived out loud. Dead On Tools sets the highest standard for precision tools and work gear products in the industry today, representing innovation and quality that was born from actual users in the trade. Dead On Tools is headquartered in the Midwest and distributes professional tools and work gear products throughout North America. For more information, visit deadontools.com.

About TRICON Garage

TRICON Garage is Toyota Racing Development’s flagship NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series organization fielding five full-time Toyota Tundra TRD Pros. Under ownership by former NASCAR driver David Gilliland, businessman Johnny Gray and industry veteran Kevin Ray, TRICON is actively involved in three different industries – racing, fabrication and transportation. The team operates out of three buildings totaling 60,000 square feet in Mooresville, North Carolina.

Cirkul Returns as Primary Partner for Daniel Hemric in 2024

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Official Release
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LEXINGTON, N.C. (January 13, 2023) – Kaulig Racing announced today that Cirkul, a one-size-fits-all beverage, will expand its partnership with the team and Daniel Hemric, signing on for 19 races for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) season.

Cirkul and Kaulig Racing began their partnership during the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) season, with the innovative water bottle and cartridge company serving as the primary partner on Hemric’s No. 11 Chevrolet for 10 races. It expanded in 2023 with Cirkul once again backing Hemric, this time for 14 races, in the NXS.

“We are really excited to further amplify our partnership with Kaulig Racing,” said Andy Gay, President, and Co-Founder of Cirkul. “We have really enjoyed the last two seasons and love seeing Cirkul bottles in everyone’s hands at the racetrack. We feel that making the jump with Daniel [Hemric] back to the Cup Series is the right move as we continue to grow our brand.”

In addition to its partnership with Hemric during the 2022 and 2023 NXS seasons, Cirkul acted as the primary partner on Hemric’s No. 16 Camaro ZL1 during the 2022 NCS season at Daytona International Speedway, during which Hemric competed in a limited schedule. Cirkul went on to make two appearances on the team’s No. 31 Camaro ZL1 during the 2023 NCS season.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Cirkul back this year in an even bigger capacity than they have ever been,” said Chris Rice, president of Kaulig Racing. We’ve had the opportunity to connect with our friends at Cirkul on so many different levels, including a friendship with Andy [Gay] and Garrett [Waggoner]. Cirkul has not only bought into our program, but they believe in Daniel Hemric as much as we do.”

Hemric and Cirkul’s partnership will kick off at the Busch Lite Clash at the Coliseum on February 4 on FOX. Hemric will attempt to race his way into the main event in the No. 31 Cirkul Camaro ZL1.

“Having Cirkul alongside me and supporting me in my return to the Cup Series means the world,” said Hemric. “They have played a huge role in getting me where I am today, and it means a lot to me and the rest of our team to have partners who are as passionate as we are to compete at the top level of NASCAR.”

Following the Clash, Hemric and Cirkul will compete in the 66th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway to open the 2024 NCS regular season.
 
About Kaulig Racing™

Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started and has won back-to-back regular-season championships. Before becoming a full-time NCS team, Kaulig Racing made multiple starts in the 2021 NCS season and won in its seventh-ever start with AJ Allmendinger’s victory at “The Brickyard” for the Verizon 200 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The team expanded to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 and added a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. In 2024, the team will once again field two, full-time entries in the NCS and continue to field three, full-time NXS entries. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

About Cirkul

Cirkul, Inc. is a beverage technology company that’s bringing the bottled beverage industry into the 21st century by unlocking e-commerce and personalization with a patented flavor cartridge that reduces the shipping weight and volume of bottled beverages by over 95%, reduces plastics by 84%, and helps consumers drink more water by enabling them to personalize the flavor of their water, sip by sip. Through their cartridge technology, Cirkul offers over 50 unique beverages – all with zero sugar, zero calories, and no artificial flavors or colors. Cirkul is available at DrinkCirkul.com.

Larry Heidler Wins 2024 Parker 400 Limited Race

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Official Release
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Larry Heidler and Amplex Racing are the winners of the 2024 Parker 400 Limited Race, Friday’s segment of the first of three rounds in the inaugural UNLTD Off-Road Racing Series season. Teaming up with Ethan Groom, who drove the final lap, Heidler and the #PO986 Pro UTV Open team completed three laps of a grueling 142-mile course in the Arizona desert in 7:28:27, clearing runner-up Sierra Romo for the class and overall victories by nearly seven minutes. Class 5 winner Keith Waibel completed the overall podium.

Last year’s California 300 front-runners set the early pace for the event, as Barstow polesitter Bruce Binnquist qualified first in Thursday’s time trials and October winner Brayden Baker posted the fastest time through the first lap ahead of Heidler and UTV Pro class leader Austin Johnson. But many of the front-runners would shuffle throughout the event; Johnson wouldn’t complete his second lap, while Baker would fall out on the third while battling with Heidler for the overall lead.

The front-runners who made it to the finish, though, were in the mix all day. Besides Heidler, who spent all race in podium contention, Romo clawed her way from seventh overall at the end of the first lap into the top five on the second, and posted the fastest final lap of the race to settle into second. The UTV Pro battle came down to the evenly matched Christian Sourapas and Michael McFayden, who traded the top spot multiple times before Sourapas eventually secured the win by a minute and 22 seconds. Both racers would still land in the overall top five.

Riley Binnquist was the next class winner in sixth overall, conquering the UTV Pro Stock class by more than 20 minutes over Wes Miller as the final racer to finish in under eight hours. Just outside the overall top 10 were Class 10 winner Lance Webb and UTV Pro NA winner Doug MacLachlan. Open Sportsman winner Wade Porter was the fastest among the two-lap classes, with a time of 4:48:07.675 that was in fact faster than the overall winners through their first two laps.

Limited Race results from the 2024 Parker 400 were as follows:

  1. PO986 Larry Heidler, 7:28:27.212
  2. PO292 Sierra Romo, 7:35:07.252
  3. 527 Keith Waibel, 7:42:18.166
  4. P909 Christian Sourapas, 7:47:13.300
  5. P938 Michael McFayden, 7:48:35.649
  6. PS950 Riley Binnquist, 7:55:56.149
  7. PO946 Keith Schulz, 8:01:52.784
  8. P943 Steve Allen, 8:11:07.030
  9. PS970 Wes Miller, 8:16:03.919
  10. 522 Brandin Williams, 8:28:37.569

To follow along with live timing and tracking from the 2024 Parker 400, visit www.unlimitedoffroadracing.com/live.

Details regarding racer registration, sponsorship packages, exhibitor vending, spectator tickets, camping, and parking passes for UNLTD Off-Road Racing are live on Unlimitedoffroadracing.com.

About UNLTD Off-Road Racing
The Unlimited Off-Road Racing league was formed by The Martelli Brothers in 2023 after more than a decade of successful desert off-road race promotion, including The Mint 400, The UTV World Championship and The California 300. The league was formed to promote the sport of desert off-road racing, the off-road industry, and to expand the reach of off-road companies beyond the industry and into the homes of every off-road race fan, globally. Key attributes of the newly formed league include large racer car counts, competitive and challenging race courses, safe and family-friendly spectating areas, multiple days of racing and off-road festivities all located near major cities and markets that positively affect the off-road industry. The Martelli Brothers, owners of the motorsports powerhouse production group Mad Media have made it their mission to grow the league into a four race series that showcases the best off-road racers on the best courses in North America.

About The Parker 400 (theparker400.com)
The Parker 400, is a celebrated titan in off-road racing, known for its demanding Arizona landscape and storied tradition. Hosting over 40,000 fans and more than 300 competing teams from around the globe each January, it’s a highlight of the off-road racing calendar. This historic event, which is part of the Unlimited Off-Road Racing schedule, begins with a captivating vehicle showcase in downtown Parker, setting the stage for two days of high-octane racing over a challenging 400-mile course. The Parker 400 is more than a race; it’s a festival that embodies the off-road spirit, featuring live entertainment and fan activities. With live streaming that reaches over half a million viewers worldwide, the event offers an unparalleled spectacle of endurance and skill, cementing its status as a must-attend event for off-road aficionados. Under the guidance of the Martelli Brothers, the Parker 400 continues to honor the legacy of off-road racing, celebrating the rugged beauty of the Arizona desert and the tenacity of racers who tackle its terrain.
For more info on The Parker 400 go to theparker400.com.

Two Winners Come Together to Create a Colossal Custer Custard Combo

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Official Release
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Andy’s Frozen Custard®, The World’s Finest Frozen Custard, Becomes an Official Sponsor of NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion Cole Custer

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Jan. 12, 2024) – Andy’s Frozen Custard® has partnered with Stewart-Haas Racing and reigning NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Cole Custer to sponsor the No. 00 Ford Mustang in 2024.

The multiyear agreement will feature Andy’s™, the award-winning frozen custard and treat shop, as the primary sponsor for Custer in three Xfinity Series races in 2024 – the Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 April 13 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, the Chicago Street Race July 6 on the streets of downtown Chicago, and the Xfinity Series race Oct. 12 on the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval. When not the primary sponsor, Andy’s will have a yearlong associate presence on the No. 00 Ford Mustang with branding on Custer’s firesuit.

“We’re fortunate to have worked with some of the best companies and drivers in motorsports throughout our 30-plus years of commitment to the sport,” said Andy Kuntz, CEO and owner of Andy’s Frozen Custard. “Stewart-Haas and Custer are no exception and we’re excited about the partnership. Not to mention, with a name like ‘Cole Custer,’ it’s as if we were meant to work together!”

Andy’s and motorsports fans won’t have to wait for the racetrack to get a taste of the excitement. Kuntz and Custer worked together to create a custom Concrete featuring the championship-winning driver’s favorite toppings. Beginning mid-March through raceday in Texas on April 13, the Cole Custer Concrete will feature Andy’s vanilla frozen custard blended with Heath Bar, melted chocolate chip and smooth peanut butter.

“I’m genuinely excited about my new partnership with Andy’s Frozen Custard,” Custer said. “Competing in NASCAR is a privilege and success doesn’t come easily. You have to work hard for it, and when you taste success, you’re ready to celebrate. I’ve got a great partner in Andy’s Frozen Custard who makes the sweet taste of victory even sweeter.”

In addition to the new partnership, Andy’s continues to be the title sponsor for the fourth year in a row of the Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 April 13 at Texas Motor Speedway. The company’s hallmarks, which include a history of consistent quality, constant innovation, speedy service and daily celebrations, have inspired the partnership with motorsports. Andy’s Frozen Custard is the “Official Frozen Treat” of Texas Motor Speedway where fans can enjoy Andy’s on-site through branded kiosks, treat trucks and in suites.

For more details about the partnership visit www.eatandys.com/andysracing and follow along on social at @andysfrozencustard.

About Andy’s Frozen Custard:

Founded in 1986 in Osage Beach, Missouri by Andy’s parents John and Carol Kuntz, Andy’s Frozen Custard has been providing the freshest frozen custard in the business for 37 years, giving ice cream the “cold shoulder” by scooping, mixing and presenting handcrafted frozen custard treats with speed and a smile. Since the beginning, the family has had one dream: to share what makes them happiest with everyone else, and to warm hearts, one scoop of frozen custard at a time. With a focus on product quality, customer service and community involvement, Andy’s has grown into the nation’s largest frozen custard-only business, with more than 2,000 employees and 146 company-owned and franchised stores across 15 states proudly serving the World’s Finest Frozen Custard. Andy’s also offers the ‘Yum Squad Loyalty Club,’ designed to say “thank you” to loyal customers by earning points to redeem towards a free treat for every dollar spent. For more information or for details about franchising opportunities, visit www.eatandys.com.

About Stewart-Haas Racing:

Stewart-Haas Racing is the title-winning NASCAR team co-owned by three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation – the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America. The Kannapolis, North Carolina-based organization has won two NASCAR Cup Series titles, two NASCAR Xfinity Series championships and 100 NASCAR races, including such crown-jewel events as the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and Southern 500. For more information, please visit us online at StewartHaasRacing.com and on social at Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Stefan Parsons to Pilot No. 75 Chevrolet for Henderson Motorsports in 2024

By
Official Release
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Team to run partial schedule beginning with Daytona Season Opener

ABINGDON, Va. (January 12, 2024) – Henderson Motorsports announced today that Stefan Parsons will race a partial schedule aboard the No. 75 Food Country USA Chevrolet Silverado for the 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) campaign. The Abingdon, Va., team will once again be led by veteran crew chief Chris Carrier.

Henderson Motorsports has fielded entries in all three of NASCAR’s National Series and the ARCA Menards Series with victories in both the NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) and NCTS. The team’s most recent NCTS win came with driver Parker Kligerman at Mid Ohio Sports Car Course in July 2022.

“We’re excited to welcome Stefan Parsons, a young talented racer, to our family,” said Don Henderson, co-owner of Henderson Motorsports. “Stefan has done a fantastic job with his previous opportunities, and we’re honored to provide him an opportunity to drive the No. 75 Chevrolet this season. We’re also grateful for our friendship and continued working relationship with Parker Kligerman. Parker has shined during some of our best moments and memories in racing. He has become family to us and we look forward to the opportunity to work with him again in the future.”

Parsons, the son of former NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) star and current NASCAR on FOX broadcaster Phil Parsons and nephew of the late Benny Parsons, has competed in both the NCTS and NXS since 2018.

He made his NCTS debut at Bristol Motor Speedway in August 2018 driving for Premium Motorsports. His NXS debut came at Daytona International Speedway in July 2019 for BJ McLeod Motorsports.

Parsons had a breakout NXS season in 2022 driving the No. 45 Chevrolet part-time for Alpha Prime Racing. Strong runs at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Bristol Motor Speedway caught the attention of race teams across the industry.

“The opportunity to drive the No. 75 Chevrolet for the Henderson family and Food Country USA is truly special,” said Parsons. “The Henderson family has a lot of history in motorsports. They have done it their way and done it successfully. Chris Carrier has done an incredible job building race-winning trucks for many years. I am excited to write my own chapter in the Henderson Motorsports story, beginning at Daytona in February.”

The Fresh from Florida 250 from Daytona International Speedway will be televised live on FS1 on Friday, February 16, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The first of 23 NCTS races on the 2024 schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Food Country USA, owned and operated by the Henderson family will return as an anchor partner. Additional sponsorship details for the 2024 season will be announced at a later date.

For more information about Food Country USA, please visit www.FoodCountryUSAInc.com.

Stefan Parsons joins Henderson Motorsports for 2024 Truck Series campaign

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Stefan Parsons will compete for Henderson Motorsports throughout the 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season.

The news comes as the 25-year-old Parsons from Cornelius, North Carolina, is coming off an 18-race campaign between the NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series divisions, where he competed for five organizations. Throughout the 18-race campaign, he logged in three top-20 results, all occurring in the Xfinity circuit. In the Truck Series, he made two starts for Young’s Motorsports before competing for Rackley W.A.R. in the 2023 finale at Phoenix Raceway.

Parsons, who is the son of former NASCAR competitor Phil Parsons and the nephew of the late NASCAR Hall of Famer Benny Parsons, has made 65 career starts in the Xfinity Series and 11 in the Truck Series to date. His best result is an eighth-place finish achieved at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2022 in the Xfinity circuit with Alpha Prime Racing. His best result in the Truck circuit is a 17th-place run at Bristol in 2018 with Premium Motorsports.

Meanwhile, Henderson Motorsports is coming off a nine-race campaign throughout the 2023 Truck Series season. Parker Kligerman, who won two races with the team (Talladega Superspeedway in 2017 and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in 2022), made eight starts while Sean Hingorani, the 2023 ARCA Menards Series West champion, made his Truck debut during the finale at Phoenix. Kligerman recorded the team’s best result of the season in the form of a ninth-place run at Talladega in October.

With Parsons commencing his 2024 Truck season behind the wheel of Henderson Motorsports’ No. 75 entry at Daytona International Speedway in February, the remainder of his schedule remains to be determined.

Parsons’ 2024 Craftsman Truck Series campaign with Henderson Motorsports is scheduled to commence at Daytona International Speedway for the Fresh From Florida 250. The event is scheduled to occur on February 16 and air at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

SUNNYD® Aligns With Josh Berry

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Official Release
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KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Jan. 12, 2024) – SUNNYD, part of Harvest Hill Beverage Company, is continuing its partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing by sponsoring Josh Berry and the No. 4 NASCAR Cup Series team in 2024.

Known as the most refreshing orange drink in existence, SUNNYD will kick off Berry’s rookie-of-the-year campaign by sponsoring him in the non-points Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum Feb. 4 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and in the 66th annual Daytona 500 Feb. 18 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. Following those two races, each of which will be broadcast live on FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, SUNNYD will return to the No. 4 Ford Mustang as the primary sponsor for multiple races. When not the primary sponsor, SUNNYD will have a yearlong associate presence on the No. 4 Ford Mustang with branding on Berry’s firesuit.

“The 2024 season marks SUNNYD’s ninth consecutive year as a primary sponsor in the NASCAR Cup Series and we’re excited to align with Josh Berry and Stewart-Haas Racing right out of the gate with the Clash and Daytona 500,” said Henk Hartong, Chairman, SUNNYD. “We’re grateful to our fans and customers for their loyal support of SUNNYD and what can be considered the best paint scheme on the track. We look forward to our ongoing partnership with Stewart-Haas and the No. 4 car and splashing SUNNYD on Josh in victory lane.”

Berry comes to Stewart-Haas from the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he was a five-time race winner. The 33-year-old racer from Hendersonville, Tennessee, earned his spot in the Xfinity Series by dominating Late Model racing across a variety of grassroots series, winning the 2017 CARS Late Model Stock Tour championship and then the 2020 NASCAR Weekly Racing Series championship.

“It’s a privilege to drive the No. 4 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas and to represent an existing partner in SUNNYD, which brings an added sense of pride,” Berry said. “It’s an excellent opportunity and I’m incredibly grateful for it.”

In just 95 career Xfinity Series starts, Berry finished among the top-10 in more than half his races. Those exploits made him the go-to solution for Cup Series teams in need of an interim driver. Berry made 12 Cup Series starts spread across three different teams, with his best effort being an impressive second-place drive on April 2, 2023 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway while subbing for the injured Chase Elliott.

“It’s been very meaningful to get some opportunities in the Cup Series,” Berry said. “I’m proud of how they went, but I’m proud to drive a Cup car that’s got my name on it.”

About Harvest Hill Beverage Company:

Harvest Hill Beverage Company, based in Stamford, Connecticut, is owned by private equity firm Brynwood Partners, and acquired the SUNNYD brand from J.W. Childs in February 2016. Harvest Hill markets some of America’s most beloved beverage brands, including SUNNYD, JUICY JUICE, LITTLE HUG and DAILY’S Cocktails. SUNNYD products are widely distributed through leading retailers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For complete nutrition facts, recipe and activity ideas, and other helpful information, visit SUNNYD.com. For more information on Harvest Hill, please visit www.HarvestHill.com.

About Stewart-Haas Racing:

Stewart-Haas Racing is the title-winning NASCAR team co-owned by three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation – the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America. The Kannapolis, North Carolina-based organization has won two NASCAR Cup Series titles, two NASCAR Xfinity Series championships and 100 NASCAR races, including such crown-jewel events as the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and Southern 500. For more information, please visit us online at StewartHaasRacing.com and on social at Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn.

CELSIUS and Kaulig Racing Continue Partnership for the 2024 Season

By
Official Release
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CELSIUS to serve as primary partner with Kaulig Racing and AJ Allmendinger

 Lexington, N.C. (January 12, 2023) – Kaulig Racing and CELSIUS Essential Energy™ announce their continued partnership for the 2024 NASCAR season.

CELSIUS will remain the Official Energy Drink Partner of Kaulig Racing, as it has since 2021, and will serve as the primary partner in multiple races with AJ Allmendinger across both the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS).

CELSIUS continues to provide Kaulig Racing with Essential Energy™ to fuel the team and its drivers both on and off the track. A disruptor in the rapidly growing performance energy space, CELSIUS is a better-for-you, premium alternative to traditional energy drinks. Made with proven, premium ingredients, 7 Essential Vitamins and zero sugar, CELSIUS was created to help people LIVE FIT, exceed their goals and elevate their everyday lives.

“CELSIUS has always been important to everyone at Kaulig Racing,” said team president, Chris Rice. “We encourage all our employees to take time for their health and fitness, and having a long-time partner that not only encourages the same, but aids our employees in doing so, is awesome. It means a lot to us to continue this partnership as we go into our ninth season with CELSIUS.”

In 2023, Allmendinger earned CELSIUS their first wins as a primary partner in both the NXS at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), and the NCS at the Charlotte ROVAL.

“I’m excited about our continued partnership with CELSIUS,” said Allmendinger. “To see the growth of CELSIUS, even since I joined the team in 2019, has been really special. CELSIUS is the go-to energy drink for my team and I, and it was definitely fun to have it as part of our victory lane celebrations last season. We’re going to have a fun season as this brand continues to grow, and I look forward to representing them on and off the track.”

Allmendinger will enter the 66th running of the Daytona 500 in the No. 16 CELSIUS Camaro ZL1. The remainder of CELSIUS’ schedule as a primary partner in both the NCS and NXS will be announced at a later date.
 
About Kaulig Racing™

Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started and has won back-to-back regular-season championships. Before becoming a full-time NCS team, Kaulig Racing made multiple starts in the 2021 NCS season and won in its seventh-ever start with AJ Allmendinger’s victory at “The Brickyard” for the Verizon 200 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The team expanded to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 and added a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. In 2024, the team will once again field two, full-time entries in the NCS and continue to field three, full-time NXS entries. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

Greg Van Alst and Team Set to Expand Ahead of ARCA Menards Series Season

By
Official Release
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.: ARCA Menards Series team owner and the defending Daytona ARCA 200 champion driver Greg Van Alst treks to the “World Center of Racing” for this weekend’s preseason testing session armed for another year of competition.

With his primary goal set to defend his Daytona International Speedway race title, Van Alst is utilizing the highly anticipated two-day as an opportunity to showcase the planned expansion of his Anderson, Ind. team’s footprint by debuting a second car.

Midwest racing standout and fellow Martinsville, Ind. native Isaac Johnson has been tapped to drive the No. 34 Ford Mustang as a teammate to Van Alst’s No. 35 Chevrolet SS this weekend.

Van Alst is utilizing the test as a perfect opportunity for his team to test the waters about fielding a second entry throughout the 2024 ARCA Menards Series season.

“I’m glad to be heading back to Daytona this weekend,” said Van Alst, who has completely recovered from a broken back suffered in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway last September.

“There were a lot of options on the table as far as what I could do to kick off the season, but I am all about giving back and creating a platform where the next wave of racers can come to Greg Van Alst Motorsports and be confident about what they will be driving and knowing that they are going to have the same opportunity to contend for wins – just as if I was driving the race car.

“We are so excited to have Isaac testing with us this weekend. He did a great job in his ARCA Menards Series debut at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in August, and I believe he can benefit our team to continue to build our notebook while providing the feedback that can make our decision easy if we decide to come back to Daytona next month and race two cars.

“Good things are happening, and I’m excited about what is ahead.”

For the 23-year-old Johnson, who boasts experience in various racing disciplines, including Go-Karts, Kenyon Midgets, Dirt Late Models and Pavement Late Models – the opportunity to test at Daytona is a dream come true.

“I’m beyond excited for the test this weekend,” said Johnson, who also competed in the Carolina Pro Late Model Series in 2023. “I’ve been to Daytona a couple of times as a spectator, and just the feeling that you get whenever you go underneath that tunnel is unbelievable.

“I just can’t wait to hit the high banks for the first time and experience what that feels like. I’m incredibly focused on learning. Going out there and soaking up as much knowledge as I can.”

Johnson finished 12th in his ARCA Menards Series debut in Indianapolis last summer, exceeding his expectations. However, he is focused on building his racing resume by competing at the largest track of his career, armed with a preseason run that will feature more than 70 drivers from across the world.

“The key for me is having a great learning experience this weekend,” added Johnson. “I’ve never been to a track like this before. Getting comfortable is super important for me. I just want to have a firm understanding of what will happen and what will happen, and I don’t think I could have a better teacher.

“We are still working on opportunities for the race, so a good showing and pairing with Greg certainly helps that cause.”

Van Alst’s No. 35 Chevrolet SS has been repaired following a vicious crash at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway last April. Van Alst believes that his car will still perform just as well, if not better, than it has over the past couple of years.

“The offseason went fast,” added Van Alst. “We were busy putting back our Daytona car, but I am confident in its ability. I know it will still showcase the speed it has shown during the preseason test and the superspeedway races.

“Once we shake out the bugs, we’ll quickly work to make sure Isaac is up to speed and comfortable so we can go out there and draft together. I believe we will learn a lot that will benefit the race in five weeks.”

For Johnson, the Daytona test is more than about turning circles at one of the most legendary race tracks ever; it is the chance to work alongside a fellow Hoosier.

“It means a lot to be paired with Greg,” he said. “I’ve always had a ton of respect for him, especially with what he was able to accomplish last year with the win at Daytona. Being a fellow Indiana native, it’s really cool being able to go to the shop every week, hang around the guys, and just sponge as much as I can, leading into the test.

“I hope we can continue growing our relationship into several ARCA starts this year.”

For more on Greg Van Alst and Greg Van Alst Motorsports, please visit GregVanAlst.com, like them on Facebook (Van Alst Motorsports) and follow him on X | Twitter (@GregVanAlst35).

For more on Isaac Johnson, please like him on Facebook (Isaac Johnson Racing), or follow him on Instagram (@isaacjohnsonracing), TikTok (@isaacjohnsonracing) and X | Twitter (@isaac72johnson).

Toyota: Evolved GR Yaris Makes World Premiere

By
Official Release
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The evolved GR Yaris (Japanese market specifications, prototype)

Newly Developed 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission Joins Lineup to Expand Motorsports Base

Toyota City, Japan, Jan 12, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) held the world premiere today of its evolved GR Yaris at Tokyo Auto Salon 2024*1. Sales in Japan of the new GR Yaris are scheduled to start this spring through Toyota vehicle dealers nationwide.

The evolved GR Yaris (Japanese market specifications, prototype)
Main pointsEver-better motorsports-bred cars

TGR has continued to compete in various motorsports following the debut of the GR Yaris. It has been implementing “driver-first car-making” through repeated “breaking and fixing” in extreme environments and reflecting feedback from professional race drivers and evaluation drivers, as well as from Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman and Master Driver Akio Toyoda, a.k.a. Morizo. This time, under the slogan of “Thanks for breaking it” directed at the drivers who pushed the vehicle to its limits, TGR reflected drivers’ opinions not only in the vehicle’s power unit but also in its body, interior, exterior, and elsewhere to comprehensively enhance vehicle performance.

Newly developed 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission joins lineup

Based on Morizo’s desire to provide the fun of driving to as many people as possible and expand the base of motorsports, the 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission has joined the GR Yaris lineup. The new transmission was developed to enable a wide range of drivers to enjoy sporty driving and compete in races using an automatic transmission that would equal manual transmissions.

GR-unique cockpit with visibility and operability refined together with professional drivers

Recognizing that the cockpit plays a key role in delivering high-level driving performance, efforts were made with the help of professional race drivers to achieve an ideal sports car cockpit. In addition to reviewing the driving position, the control panel and display have been tilted 15 degrees toward the driver, with Super Taikyu Series and Japanese Rally Championship race cars serving as a motif, and visibility and operability have been refined, such as by positioning switches for ease of use even when the driver is harnessed to the seat.

As a symbol of TGR car-making, the GR Yaris was born through making ever-better motorsports-bred cars. TGR has continued to compete in various motorsports*2 using the GR Yaris since the model’s launch in September 2020. That is because problems that occur in the extreme environments of rallies and other races provide opportunities to evolve the GR Yaris into an ever-better car. Under the slogan of “Thanks for breaking it” directed at the drivers who pushed the vehicle to its limits, TGR honed the GR Yaris through constant enhancements, thoroughly pursuing the cause of problems by analyzing driving data, reviewing steering feel, and examining what kind of scratches and dirt were on broken parts.

Also, based on Morizo’s desire to provide the fun of driving to as many people as possible and to expand the scope of motorsports, TGR has developed the 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission to enable the utmost enjoyment of a 1.6-liter inline 3-cylinder turbo engine mated to a 4WD drivetrain, which forms the essence of the GR Yaris. The result is a car that is designed so that a wide range of drivers can enjoy sporty driving and competing in motorsports to the fullest.

TGR’s journey of making ever-better motorsports-bred cars is without end. TGR intends to continue competing in races using the GR Yaris and evolving it with input from various drivers.

For more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/40287969.html.

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