Home Blog Page 1209

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Race Recap: Phoenix Raceway

By
Official Release
-

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
No. 42 SAFEWAY / ALBERTSONS TOYOTA CAMRY XSE

START: 19TH
FINISH: 25TH
POINTS: 21ST

John Hunter Nemechek’s Post-Race Thoughts: “I really hate what happened with Joey (Logano) – I got into him. I will call him, Roger (Penske) and Paul (Wolfe) to talk about it. I made a mistake there and I own it. We had a fast Safeway / Albertsons Toyota Camry XSE during practice and didn’t get the same speed during qualifying. We had some handling issues and Ben (Beshore) and the guys worked all day on it, but we ended up a lap down and then just kept fighting from there.”

ERIK JONES
No. 43 FAMILY DOLLAR TOYOTA CAMRY XSE

START: 4TH
FINISH: 31ST
POINTS: 18TH

Erik Jones’ Post-Race Thoughts: “The Family Dollar Toyota Camry was not bad but got back in the pack and kind of flipped around on some strategy and got taken out of it. Just an unfortunate ending.”

ABOUT OUR PARTNERS

ABOUT DOLLAR TREE, INC.: Dollar Tree, a Fortune 200 Company, operated 16,622 stores across 48 states and five Canadian provinces as of October 28, 2023. Stores operate under the brands of Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree Canada. To learn more about the Company, visit www.DollarTree.com.

ABOUT SAFEWAY: In 1915, M.B. Skaggs, an ambitious young man in the small Idaho town of American Falls, purchased a tiny grocery store from his father. M.B.’s business strategy, to give his customers value and to expand by keeping a narrow profit margin, proved spectacularly successful. By 1926 he had opened 428 Skaggs stores in 10 states. M.B. almost doubled the size of his business that year when he merged his company with 322 Safeway (formerly Selig) stores and incorporated as Safeway, Inc. Two years later, M.B. listed Safeway on the New York Stock Exchange. M.B. did not let the difficulties of the Great Depression dilute his pioneering focus on value for customers. In the 1930s, Safeway introduced produce pricing by the pound, added “sell by” dates on perishables to assure freshness, nutritional labeling and even created some of the first parking lots.

M.B. Skagg’s value vision still drives Safeway, though on a dramatically larger scale. Today, Safeway 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 in the areas of hunger relief, education, cancer research and treatment, programs for people with disabilities and veterans outreach.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ is a professional auto racing club owned by businessman and entrepreneur Maurice “Maury” J. Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. The CLUB competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series fielding the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE of John Hunter Nemechek, the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE of Erik Jones, and the No. 84 limited schedule entry for Johnson. LEGACY M.C. also competes in the Extreme-E Series. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty “The King” serves as Club Ambassador. 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. To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ on Facebook, X, Instagram and at www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com.

RCR NCS Race Recap: Phoenix Raceway

By
Official Release
-

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Morgan & Morgan Chevrolet Team Showcase Never-Give-Up Attitude During Challenging Race at Phoenix Raceway

Finish: 32nd
Start: 30th
Points: 32nd

“The streak of bad luck continues for the No. 3 Morgan & Morgan Chevy team. We got in that first wreck. I had just got in the throttle and couldn’t slow up. I got the left-front pretty bad. From there, it was a struggle to make repairs and log laps for the rest of the day. It made for a long race. We’ll go to Bristol Motor Speedway and try to get back on track. We were heading in the right direction after Las Vegas Motor Speedway, so hopefully, Bristol will be good for us.” -Austin Dillon

Kyle Busch Fights Through Tough Day to Post 22nd-Place Finish at Phoenix Raceway in zone Chevrolet

Finish: 22nd
Start: 31st
Points: 11th

“Crew chief Randall Burnett and all the guys on the zone team worked hard this weekend at Phoenix Raceway. They made a ton of changes from the practice session we had on Friday afternoon through the race. We made the car a little better about halfway through the race but we still lacked grip and we needed clean air to make the front end of the car rotate better. We’ll bounce back and be better but we have some work to do.” -Kyle Busch

NASCAR Top-10 Power Rankings: Phoenix

By
Jeffrey Boswell
-
MARCH 10: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Mavis Brakes Plus Toyota, leads the field to the green flag to start the NASCAR Cup Series Shriners Children's 500 at Phoenix Raceway on March 10, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

1. Ryan Blaney: Blaney finished fifth at Phoenix, posting his third consecutive top 5 result of the season.

“I feel good about my performance this year,” Blaney said. “I think I’m well on my way to defending my title as Cup champion. And I think Phoenix Raceway has already defended its title as one of the most boring tracks on the schedule.”

2. Christopher Bell: Bell won Stage 2 and dominated late to take the win in the Shriners Children’s 500.

“We had a slow stop when we pitted at the end of Stage 2,” Bell said. “That cost us track position. But my car was so good, that I was easily able to make up those positions. When I finally took the lead, I knew the only thing that could stop me was a caution. Or, one of those ‘phantom cautions’ that NASCAR sometimes decides to call when one car is dominating and they want a closer finish. You know, all it takes sometimes is a chewing gum wrapper.”

3. Kyle Larson: Larson, fresh off a win at Las Vegas, finished 14th in the Shriners Children’s 500.

“The Cup series will be back in Phoenix in November,” Larson said. “That will be the championship round of the playoffs. And barring a slip-up, of the tongue or otherwise, I plan to be there as a championship driver.”

4. Ross Chastain: Chastain finished sixth in the Shriners Children’s 500.

“That’s three straight top 10 finishes for me,” Chastain said. “For the championship, I consider myself a force to be reckoned with. Most drivers consider me a force that can’t be reasoned with.”

5. Kyle Busch: Busch struggled to a 22nd-place finish at Phoenix.

“We just had a terrible weekend,” Kyle Busch said. “Nothing was working, except for crew members making countless adjustments that did nothing to help my car.”

6. Martin Truex Jr.: Truex led late at Phoenix, but gave up the lead for an off-cycle pit stop and eventually finished seventh.

“Joey Logano was driving the No. 22 Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford,” Truex said. “That was strange because when you see Hunt Brothers Pizza on a car, you expect to see Kevin Harvick in it. When you see Hunt Brothers Pizza on the menu, you expect to see someone in the bathroom.”

7. Daniel Suarez: Suarez came home 13th in the Shriners Children’s 500.

“After the exciting conclusion at Atlanta back on February 25th,” Suarez said, “race finishes have been pretty boring. Whereas at Atlanta, you needed a camera to determine the distance between first and second, in Phoenix, you needed a few football fields.”

8. William Byron: Byron finished 18th at Phoenix.

“I was a non-factor at Phoenix,” Byron said. “I wish I could say my No. 24 Chevy was a non-tractor, but I can’t because that is actually what it drove like.”

9. Ty Gibbs: Gibbs finished third at Phoenix and is now eighth in the points standings.

“The Joe Gibbs Racing team was really strong today,” Gibbs said. “I’ve got my grandfather, Joe Gibbs, to thank for that. Honestly, if it wasn’t for my grandfather, I wouldn’t be here.”

10. Chase Elliott: Elliott finished 19th at Phoenix.

“It’s been a while since I saw Victory Lane,” Elliott said. “It’s been a while since any of the regulars at the Dawsonville Pool Hall saw sobriety.”

Preserve Your Jerseys in Style: JerseyTemperedGlass Offers Superior Protection

By
SM
-

For sports enthusiasts and collectors, preserving their cherished jerseys is a matter of both sentiment and pride. With the advent of digital technologies, methods of safeguarding these prized possessions have evolved significantly. JerseyTemperedGlass.com is an innovative platform that offers unique and reliable solutions for jersey preservation. This service not only ensures superior protection of your memorabilia but also elevates their display aesthetics to a new level.

Stylish Preservation: Combining Protection with Aesthetic Appeal

When it comes to preserving jerseys, both protection and display are of utmost importance. JerseyTemperedGlass.com has mastered the art of blending these two aspects perfectly. It offers exquisite tempered glass cases that protect your jerseys from dust, moisture, and other elements while displaying them in a stylish and appealing manner. The cases are designed with a contemporary touch, ensuring they add to the décor of your space and make your jerseys stand out. In essence, with JerseyTemperedGlass.com, you are not just preserving your jerseys; you are creating a visually pleasing showcase that reflects your passion and love for the sport.

Seamless Integration: Enhancing Display While Safeguarding Jerseys

The tempered glass cases offered by JerseyTemperedGlass.com seamlessly integrate with any setting. Whether you plan to display your jerseys in your living room, bedroom, office, or sports bar, these cases can enhance the overall ambiance of the place. They offer clear visibility, ensuring every detail of your jersey is visible yet shielded from potential damage. The installation process of these cases is also straightforward, making it easy for you to set up the display. With JerseyTemperedGlass.com, you can rest assured that your jerseys are kept safe without compromising on their display.

Modern Elegance: Elevating Jersey Storage to a New Standard

JerseyTemperedGlass.com understands that for sports enthusiasts, their jerseys are more than just pieces of fabric. They are tangible symbols of memorable games, favorite players, and cherished moments. Therefore, preserving them should be more than simply placing them in a traditional frame. The tempered glass cases from JerseyTemperedGlass.com provide a modern, elegant way to preserve and display these cherished items. Their sleek design, combined with the high strength and durability of tempered glass, sets a new standard for jersey storage.

Fashionable Defense: Protecting Your Jerseys with Flair

In addition to the superior protection offered by the tempered glass, the cases from JerseyTemperedGlass.com are designed with a fashion-forward mindset. They feature a clean, minimalist design that puts your jersey on full display while also adding a touch of sophistication to your décor. These cases offer an attractive and practical solution for those seeking to protect their jerseys while also making them a central piece of a room’s aesthetic.

Contemporary Solutions: Preserving Jerseys Without Compromising Style

In today’s world, where style and functionality often go hand in hand, JerseyTemperedGlass.com offers a cutting-edge solution for jersey preservation. With its tempered glass cases, you can safeguard your precious memorabilia while still showcasing them in a stylish and sophisticated manner.JerseyTemperedGlass.com delivers on all fronts, providing a solution that caters to the modern-day requirements of sports enthusiasts and collectors. With their superior protection, stylish design, and seamless integration capabilities, these tempered glass cases truly redefine jersey preservation.

In conclusion, JerseyTemperedGlass.com offers a contemporary, fashionable defense for your jerseys that ensures your treasured memorabilia is preserved for future generations to admire.

Elevate Your Home Design with Elegant Glass Partitions

By
SM
-

In the quest for creating a beautiful and distinctive home design, the use of glass partitions has emerged as a popular trend. With their sleek, minimalist lines and light-enhancing properties, these elements offer a transformative potential that every homeowner should explore. By incorporating elegant glass partitions from commercialglasspartitions.com, you can elevate your living space with a touch of modern charm and sophistication.

Open Concept Living: Using Glass Partitions to Create Airy and Spacious Interiors

In recent years, open-concept living has become a fundamental feature of modern interior design. This design approach promotes the use of large, open spaces and minimizes the use of small, enclosed rooms. When incorporated wisely, glass partitions can enhance the open concept living experience. Commercialglasspartitions.com glass partitions serve as subtle dividers, allowing for a clear visual connection between spaces while preserving the essence of openness. They create a sense of spaciousness even in smaller homes, ensuring every square foot is used effectively. Glass partitions also promote the flow of natural light, eliminating the constraints of walls and allowing the interiors to breathe.

Seamless Integration: Blending Glass Partitions with Existing Home Décor and Architecture

One of the significant advantages of glass partitions is their versatility. Whether your home sports a contemporary, traditional, or eclectic design, these elements can be seamlessly integrated into your existing décor and architecture. Glass partitions from commercialglasspartitions.com can be customized to match your specific style preferences and functional requirements. They can be designed to blend with your existing color scheme, furniture, and architectural elements, ensuring a harmonious visual flow throughout your home. With their sleek design and clean lines, glass partitions can amplify the aesthetic appeal of your living space without overshadowing its existing features.

Light-Filled Spaces: Harnessing Natural Sunlight to Brighten Residential Areas

One of the most compelling reasons to consider glass partitions is their ability to harness natural sunlight. Unlike traditional walls that obstruct light flow, glass partitions allow sunlight to pass through, brightening residential areas and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. By using glass partitions from commercialglasspartitions.com, you can create light-filled spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also energy efficient.

The extensive use of natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day, leading to significant energy savings. Also, investing in luxury roller blinds with pelmet can help achieve both energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal in your space, ultimately leading to greater comfort and cost savings over time.

Design Versatility: Adapting Glass Partitions to Suit Various Rooms and Living Arrangements

Another significant benefit of glass partitions is their design versatility. These elements can be adapted to suit a wide range of rooms and living arrangements, from open-plan living rooms and kitchens to bedrooms and home offices. Whether you want to create a quiet study area within a larger room or need to divide a shared children’s bedroom, commercialglasspartitions.com offers a range of glass partitions that are both functional and stylish. Their adaptive nature allows you to modify your living space according to your evolving needs and preferences. Pairing these partitions with lvt flooring can further enhance the space, as it provides a cohesive, modern look while offering durability and easy maintenance across different zones of your home.

Privacy Solutions: Balancing Openness with Seclusion in Residential Glass Partition Installations

While glass partitions enhance openness, they also effectively provide privacy when needed. By choosing frosted or tinted glass partitions from commercialglasspartitions.com, you can balance openness with a sense of seclusion. These privacy solutions can function as a translucent divider, offering a sense of separation without completely cutting off visual connection. This balance between openness and privacy makes glass partitions a versatile and valuable addition to any residential space.

In conclusion, glass partitions offer an elegant solution to modern home design challenges. Their ability to create airy interiors, blend with existing décor, harness natural light, and adapt to various living arrangements makes them an ideal choice for homeowners looking to elevate their home design. With commercialglasspartitions.com, you can bring your vision of a beautiful, light-filled, and versatile living space to life.

Who Pays for Car Damage in a No-Fault State?

By
SM
-
Photo by Michael Jin on Unsplash

There are numerous concerns to consider in the unfortunate event of a car crash. Ideally, no injuries occurred, but if they did, prioritizing your health is paramount. Following health considerations, attention shifts to the condition of your vehicle. Has it sustained damage, or worse, has the accident rendered it inoperable? Determining responsibility for car damage can also be complex in a no-fault state.

There isn’t a single definitive answer to this issue. It often involves exploring options such as the at-fault driver’s insurance, your coverage, or pursuing legal action. Insurance and traffic regulations vary across the 50 states. Notably, 12 states, including densely populated areas like Florida and New York, operate under no-fault laws. These laws mandate that motorists seek compensation for most injury claims from their own insurance provider.

What is a No-fault State?

In states classified as no-fault, a mandate obligates drivers to carry a specific minimum level of personal injury protection insurance. This is often on top of coverage for bodily harm and liability for property damage. If an accident happens, irrespective of who was at fault, drivers in such states must lodge a claim with their insurance provider to cover their injury expenses. The legal capacity for drivers to seek compensation for medical injuries in no-fault states is restricted. Injured drivers may only be eligible to sue if their injuries are classified as severe.

The criteria for ‘severity’ varies among at-fault states, but it’s generally accepted that you can only launch a lawsuit if your injuries or the accumulated medical bills reach a certain level. Penalties for Hit and Run may also vary depending on the no-fault laws in your state. In states that don’t uphold no-fault regulations, drivers without fault must claim the at-fault driver’s policy.

Who Pays for Automobile Damage in a No-fault State?

In a state where fault is assigned, the driver at fault’s property damage liability insurance covers the expenses for car repairs. Similarly, their bodily injury liability insurance covers the medical costs. However, in a no-fault state, although responsibility is still determined, the key difference lies in who foots the bill for the medical expenses.

It is highly recommended for all drivers to possess Personal Injury Protection Insurance coverage. While this amplifies the total cost of auto insurance considerably, it is a contributing factor making insurance pricier in no-fault states than fault states.

At-Fault Insurance vs No-Fault Car Insurance

The concept of no-fault auto coverage is distinct from at-fault insurance. In areas that enforce the at-fault rule, the driver who instigates the accident handles the expenses of the other party’s injuries and property damage. This is also known as a tort liability insurance system. In these regions, you can submit a claim with the insurer of the liable driver to accommodate your medical costs and injuries.

Claims procedures are generally more drawn out in at-fault and no-fault states. That’s because it’s a requirement for insurance firms to determine culpability after an incident occurs to figure out which driver’s insurance company should be responsible for the financial burden of the other driver’s injuries.

Making Use of the At-Fault Driver’s Car Insurance Policy

The car insurance policy of the driver who caused an accident is crucial in managing the expenses related to vehicle damage. In a no-fault state, the financial responsibility for car damage typically falls on the driver who is at fault.

If this driver carries property damage liability insurance (a requirement under the laws of most states, including no-fault states like Florida), this insurance coverage will provide financial compensation to other parties whose vehicles have been damaged in accidents where the insured driver was found to be at fault.

Endnote

If you’re initiating a claim against the person accountable for your accident or working out details with an insurance company to cover your costs, it’s crucial to have skilled legal assistance that is adept at securing the necessary funds for your predicament.

4 Highway Safety Tips for Your First Colorado Road Trip

By
SM
-
Photo by Dino Reichmuth on Unsplash

Road trips are popular among Americans, specifically after the pandemic boom. When it comes to experiencing the best of the US via the open highways, Colorado emerges as a winner. Straddling the Rocky Mountains, this beautiful state has some of the best stretches of highway. As you cruise along them, you can visit mountain resorts, pioneer towns, and artists’ colonies.

However, Colorado roads are not the safest, and recent statistics show troubling trends. The Colorado Department of Transportation reported 745 traffic fatalities in 2022, the maximum since 1981. The total yearly traffic fatalities have been increasing during the past decade, up 57%. This indicates a reversal from the previous three decades, which showed a decline in deaths.

Undoubtedly, safety should be on top of your mind when embarking on a road trip across Colorado. You need to be extra cautious if this is your first one because you will likely not know the threats out there. Awareness can help you steer clear of the risks and ensure a safe and pleasant ride.

In this article, we will share a few actionable highway safety tips you can rely on. 

Plan Your Route

Before hitting the highway, plan your route carefully. According to Uncover Colorado, the state has some high-risk roads, from congested city streets to treacherous mountain passes. You may even encounter terrifyingly narrow high-elevation alpine drives during your trip. Schofield Pass, Monarch Pass, Million Dollar Highway, and Denver County are the trickiest. 

Unpredictable weather conditions complicate the situation. When planning your route, consider factors such as the terrain, weather, and potential road closures or construction sites along the way. Draw a clear roadmap when traversing the highways for the first time. Also, use GPS navigation apps to stay updated on traffic conditions and find alternative routes if required.

Check Your Vehicle

Vehicle maintenance is another safety tip no one should overlook, regardless of the route and experience levels. Is your car capable of carrying you long distances safely? Can you rely on it to keep you comfortable despite the harsh weather outdoors? Are there chances of a breakdown in the middle of nowhere?

Ensuring the optimal condition of your car with proper maintenance is the best way to have a safe and comfortable journey. Check the tire pressure, brakes, lights, oil level, and windshield wipers before setting off. Carry a spare tire, jack, and necessary tools to address minor repairs. A vehicle inspection before your trip offers added peace of mind.

Watch Out for Negligent Drivers

Colorado road trips can be a lot safer if drivers watch out for negligent ones on the roads and highways. Let us highlight the example of Colorado Springs, a city that witnessed a significant surge in traffic mishaps in 2022. As many as traffic deaths were reported here during the first half of the year. The local police stated that driving under the influence was the main cause driving numbers up.

As you drive along the highways or on the roads of this city, you must observe other drivers with extra caution. Maintaining a safe distance is the best way to avoid collisions and crashes. At the same time, you should be aware of your rights if the worst happens. A car accident lawyer in Colorado Springs can help you prove the negligence of the guilty driver and claim compensation for your injuries and damages.

Springs Law Group notes that victims deserve justice but the process of claiming compensation is often long and complicated. Proving negligence is perhaps the most complex part of a car accident claim, but an experienced lawyer can help victims do it and get the compensation they deserve.

Commit to Following the Rules and Limits

Besides steering clear of negligent drivers on Colorado roads, you must commit to adhering to the rules and limits. The basics of defensive driving apply everywhere in the US. These include driving cautiously, skipping alcohol, and avoiding distractions like using the phone and engaging in conversations. Also, take enough rest breaks to avoid fatigue and drowsiness. 

When it comes to speed limits, Colorado allows you to go up to 65 mph on four-lane highways included in the interstate system or expressways and 55 mph on others. You can go up to 40 mph on open mountain highways. Maintaining these speed limits will keep you safe and on the right side of the law during your road trip.

In conclusion, a Colorado road trip can be an exhilarating experience for a first-timer because the state offers the most incredible views and routes. However, you should know the risks and stick with the rules to have a safe journey. Follow these safety tips, be well-prepared, and enjoy your trip without worrying about accidents. 

Christopher Bell muscles to first Cup victory of 2024 at Phoenix

By
Andrew Kim
-
AVONDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 10: Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 Rheem Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Shriners Children's 500 at Phoenix Raceway on March 10, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images).

Christopher Bell was not to be denied. His fast No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry XSE entry enabled him to rally from restarting towards the middle of the pack during a late-race restart period to leading the final 41 laps en route to a strong victory in the Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, March 10. 

The 29-year-old Bell from Norman, Oklahoma, led twice for 50 of 312-scheduled laps in an event where he started 13th and spent the first stage period running within the top 15 before his car came to life during the second stage period, which allowed him to carve his way to the front and claim the second stage victory over Toyota teammate Tyler Reddick.  

Despite losing ground for the lead following a slow pit stop prior to the start of the final stage, Bell, who dodged a series of cautions and on-track incidents during the final stage’s start, pitted along with the majority of the front-runners for fresh tires and fuel during a late caution period with less than 98 laps remaining. During the final restart with 92 laps remaining, Bell used the four fresh tires to his advantage and methodically navigated his way back towards the front. Once teammate Martin Truex Jr. pitted for fresh tires and fuel with 41 laps remaining, the lead was all Bell’s as the Oklahoma native maintained a sizeable gap between himself and Chris Buescher and teammate Ty Gibbs for the remainder of the event, which was enough for him to claim his first NASCAR Cup Series victory of the 2024 season. 

With on-track qualifying that determined the starting lineup occurring on Saturday, March 9, Denny Hamlin claimed his first Cup Series pole position of the 2024 season after posting a pole-winning lap at 132.655 mph in 27.138 seconds. Joining him on the front row was teammate Ty Gibbs, who clocked in the second-fastest qualifying lap at 132.227 mph in 27.226 seconds. 

Prior to the event, rookie Josh Berry dropped to the rear of the field due to unapproved adjustments and repairs made to his No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Mustang Dark Horse entry after he spun and hit the wall during his qualifying attempt. 

When the green flag waved and the event commenced, teammates Hamlin and Ty Gibbs dueled for the lead through the frontstretch and entering the first two turns until Gibbs rocketed his No. 54 Monster Energy Toyota Camry XSE into the lead from the outside lane entering the backstretch. As the field fanned out to as large as four lanes, Gibbs proceeded to lead the first lap while Erik Jones battled and overtook Hamlin for the runner-up spot. 

Through the second to fifth lap marks, Gibbs maintained a steady lead that would grow to half a second over Erik Jones and teammate Hamlin while Tyler Reddick and Chase Elliott followed suit in the top five. Behind, William Byron trailed in sixth ahead of Chase Briscoe and rookie Carson Hocevar while Michael McDowell, Martin Truex Jr. and Noah Gragson battled for ninth place in front of Daniel Suarez and Kyle Larson. 

Then approaching the sixth lap, the event’s first caution flew after Derek Kraus spun sideways on the bottom lane through Turn 2 and back across the track entering the backstretch before he was hit by both Austin Dillon and Austin Cindric, the latter of which would retire from further competition. During the event’s first caution period, some including Kyle Busch pitted while the rest led by Ty Gibbs remained on the track. 

When the event restarted under green on Lap 12, Gibbs muscled ahead of the field to retain the lead on the inside lane while Reddick ignited a three-wide battle on Hamlin and Erik Jones for the runner-up spot. Jones would use the outside lane to fend off both Toyota teammates for second place as Elliott and Byron trailed closely in the top six. In addition, Briscoe and Hocevar battled for seventh place along with McDowell while Gibbs stretched his early advantage by nearly half a second over Jones by the Lap 15 mark. 

Through the first 25 scheduled laps, Gibbs was leading by four-tenths of a second over Jones followed by Hamlin, Reddick and Chase Elliott while William Byron, Michael McDowell, Carson Hocevar, Chase Briscoe and Ryan Blaney followed suit in the top 10. Behind, Martin Truex Jr. was in 11th ahead of Noah Gragson, Kyle Larson, Daniel Suarez and Christopher Bell while Brad Keselowski, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, Kyle Busch and John Hunter Nemechek trailed in the top 20. Meanwhile, Josh Berry was mired in 21st ahead of Chris Buescher, Joey Logano, Ryan Preece and Alex Bowman while Todd Gilliland, Corey LaJoie, Harrison Burton, Daniel Hemric and Justin Haley rounded out the top 30. 

Ten laps later, Gibbs stabilized his advantage to seven-tenths of a second over Jones while Hamlin and Reddick trailed by within one-and-a-half seconds. Elliott would trail the top-four competitors by more than two seconds and teammate Byron would trail by more than three seconds as Gibbs maintained the lead by four-tenths of a second over Jones, who was slowly closing in on the leader, by the Lap 40 mark. 

By Lap 50, Gibbs stabilized his advantage to two-tenths of a second over a hard-charging Reddick, who moved into the runner-up spot, followed by Hamlin while Jones fell back to fourth place. In the process, Hendrick Motorsports’ Elliott and Byron remained in fifth and sixth, respectively, as they trailed the lead by more than two seconds while McDowell, Blaney, Briscoe and Truex were running in the top 10 ahead of Larson, Gragson, Hocevar, Suarez and Keselowski. 

Seven laps later, Reddick, who navigated his way around Phoenix’s racing lanes to narrow the gap between himself and Gibbs, drew himself into a side-by-side battle with Gibbs for the lead through the backstretch and the frontstretch. Gibbs would try to fight back from the outside lane, but Reddick used the inside lane to muscle his No. 45 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry XSE ahead with the top spot. 

When the first stage period concluded on Lap 60, Reddick, who capitalized late on his battle with Ty Gibbs, captured his first Cup stage victory of the 2024 season as he also stretched his advantage to six-tenths of a second. Gibbs settled in second followed by Hamlin, Jones and Elliott while Byron, Blaney, McDowell, Briscoe and Truex were scored in the top 10. 

Under the stage break, the lead lap field led by Reddick pitted for service. Following the pit stops, Hamlin emerged as the new race leader after he exited pit road first from the first pit box while Reddick, Byron, Elliott, Gibbs, Blaney, Briscoe, Larson, Keselowski and Jones followed suit in the top 10. Not long after, Larson pitted his No. 5 Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for a second time due to a left-rear tire issue while Hocevar also pitted again for a loose wheel. 

The second stage period started on Lap 69 as Hamlin and Reddick occupied the front row. At the start, Hamlin muscled his No. 11 Mavis Brakes Plus Toyota Camry XSE ahead with the lead as the front-runners dived below the frontstretch dog-leg and fanned out entering the first two turns. With Hamlin leading the race, Reddick maintained the runner-up spot while a three-wide action for third place involving Gibbs, Byron and Elliott ensued in front of Blaney. In the process, Keselowski was in seventh ahead of another three-wide battle involving Truex, Briscoe and Jones while Hamlin was leading just past the Lap 70 mark. 

Through the first 80 scheduled laps, Hamlin extended his advantage to a second over Reddick followed by Elliott, Gibbs and Byron while Blaney, Truex, Keselowski, Bell and Gragson trailed in the top 10 ahead of Erik Jones, Suarez, Briscoe, Bowman and McDowell. Hamlin would stretch his lead to more than two seconds over Reddick by the Lap 90 mark while Elliott, Gibbs and Byron remained in the top five. 

At the Lap 100 mark, Hamlin continued to lead by nearly two seconds over Reddick followed by Elliott, Byron and Gibbs while Truex, Bell, Blaney, Keselowski and Gragson were scored in the top 10. Behind, Erik Jones trailed in 11th followed by Suarez, Briscoe, Bowman and McDowell while Buescher, Wallace, Chastain, Preece and Larson were running in the top 20 ahead of Nemechek, Logano, LaJoie, Kyle Busch and Berry. 

Fifteen laps later, Hamlin stabilized his lead to more than a second over Reddick as Elliott and Byron remained in the top four. Meanwhile, Bell carved his No. 20 Rheem Toyota Camry XSE into fifth place followed by teammate Truex while teammate Ty Gibbs dropped to seventh. 

Shortly after, green flag pit stops commenced as Blaney pitted his No. 12 Advance Auto Parts Ford Mustang Dark Horse along with Chastain and Larson. More names like Byron, Bell, Truex, Keselowski, Bowman, Wallace, Buescher, Preece, Logano, LaJoie, Daniel Hemric, Elliott, Gibbs, Briscoe, Nemechek, rookie Zane Smith, Justin Haley and Reddick would pit during the ensuing laps, starting from Lap 116, before Hamlin pitted from the lead on Lap 119. 

Just past the Lap 120 mark and with nearly the entire field having made a pit stop under green, Todd Gilliland, who has yet to pit, was leading ahead of Kyle Busch, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Hocevar and Kraus, all of whom have yet to pit, while Hamlin, the first competitor who pitted and who nearly made contact with Suarez while trying to enter his pit stall, trailed in sixth place as he also had Reddick closing in on him for position. 

On Lap 133, Reddick, who overtook Hamlin through the first two turns a lap earlier, used the outside lane to rocket past Gilliland for the race lead. Hamlin would quickly follow suit for the runner-up spot as Byron and Bell trailed in the top five within six seconds. By then, Stenhouse and Hocevar remained on the track in sixth and seventh, respectively, while Kyle Busch was scored a lap down after he pitted under green. 

Just past the Lap 145 mark, Reddick stretched his advantage to nearly a second over Hamlin as Gilliland, who led 14 laps, continued to run on the track in third place ahead of Bell, Byron and Truex. Reddick would maintain his lead by eight-tenths of a second over Hamlin while Bell and Byron overtook Gilliland for third and fourth by Lap 150. 

By the halfway mark on Lap 156, Reddick continued to lead within a second over Hamlin while Bell, Byron and Truex trailed in the top five ahead of Gilliland, Blaney, Elliott, Keselowski and Gragson, all of whom were running in the top 10 and trailing the lead by 14 seconds. Reddick would maintain the lead by eight-tenths of a second over Hamlin while Bell trailed in third place by more than a second as Gilliland pitted under green by the Lap 165 mark. 

By Lap 175, Reddick, who was mired in lapped traffic as he was trying to lap Logano, retained the lead by two-tenths of a second over a hard-charging Bell, who nearly overtook Reddick for the lead entering the first two turns, while third-place Hamlin trailed by nearly a second as Byron and Truex trailed from a distance in the top five. Bell would then capitalize on his charge to overtake Reddick for the lead through the first two turns with four laps remaining to the second stage’s conclusion. 

When the second stage period concluded on Lap 185, Bell captured his first Cup stage victory of the 2024 season. Reddick trailed in second followed by Hamlin, Byron and Truex while Blaney, Elliott, Gragson, Keselowski and Chris Buescher were scored in the top 10. By then, 19 of 36 starters were scored on the lead lap while Ryan Preece, who was running 19th, managed to fend off Logano to emerge as the first competitor scored a lap down and receive the free pass.  

During the stage break, the lead lap field led by Bell returned to pit road for service. Following the pit stops, Hamlin benefitted from having the first pit box towards the exit of pit road for a second time as he exited first followed by Reddick, Byron, Elliott, Blaney and Truex. Amid the pit stops, Harrison Burton was penalized for speeding on pit road. 

With 118 laps remaining, the final stage commenced as Hamlin and Reddick occupied the front row. At the start, the front-runners fanned out and dived through the frontstretch dog-leg as Hamlin maintained the lead in front of a side-by-side battle between Reddick and Byron for the runner-up spot. With the field still fanning out across multiple lanes from the backstretch through the frontstretch, Hamlin maintained the lead in front of Reddick and Byron. The caution, however, would return two laps later after Kyle Busch, who was mired in 25th, got loose through Turn 2 and was bumped by Zane Smith into Kaz Grala before Busch spun his No. 8 zone Premium Nicotine Pouches Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 within the middle of the track through the backstretch.  

During the following restart with 110 laps remaining, the front-runners dived through the frontstretch dog-leg as Reddick overtook Hamlin for the lead. With the field fanning out through the backstretch, Reddick was leading by nearly half a second over Hamlin followed by Blaney, Byron and Truex as Ross Chastain, who was running in the middle of the pack, scraped the outside wall towards the frontstretch, though the event remained under green flag conditions. 

With 107 laps remaining, the caution returned after Logano, who was scored as the first competitor a lap down, received a huge bump by Nemechek entering Turn 1 that sent his No. 22 Hunt Brother’s Pizza Ford Mustang Dark Horse spinning below the apron before he came back across the track and was hit by Corey LaJoie, with Kraus, Zane Smith and Berry also involved as Logano’s long afternoon came to a late end. 

As the event restarted with 100 laps remaining, the leaders dived through the frontstretch dog-leg as Reddick battled and fended off Hamlin to retain the lead. With Hamlin fighting back during the following lap by drawing even with Reddick, Truex joined the tight three-car battle for the lead while Byron maintained fourth place in front of a three-wide battle involving Gragson, Keselowski and Wallace as Blaney and Bell battled for ninth.  

The caution, however, returned with 98 laps remaining after Hamlin, who was battling Reddick for the lead, got loose underneath Reddick entering Turn 1 as he slid into Reddick and spun sideways from the middle to the bottom lane through Turn 2 while the rest of the field scattered to avoid hitting Hamlin. During the caution period, a majority of the front-runners led by Reddick pitted for fresh tires and fuel while the rest led by Truex remained on the track. 

With the event restarting with 92 laps remaining, the field fanned out and dived through the frontstretch dog-leg as Truex maintained the lead in front of the field. During the following lap, Truex was leading by three-tenths of a second over Preece, Gilliland, Chastain and Buescher while Ty Gibbs, who pitted for two fresh tires and a full tank of fuel, carved his way up to seventh place. Amid the tight battles between those who pitted and those who did not, Wallace, who was getting pinned in between Briscoe and Erik Jones while battling for a top-10 spot, got loose and got Jones’ No. 43 Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE sideways entering Turn 1, which resulted with Jones making contact with the outside wall and plummeting in the leaderboard, though the event remained under green flag conditions. 

Back at the front of the pack, Ty Gibbs continued to use the two fresh tires to his advantage as he carved his way up to third place while Truex continued to lead by two-tenths of a second over Preece with 90 laps remaining. By then, names like Chastain, McDowell, Gilliland, Buescher, Briscoe, Keselowski and Suarez were running in the top 10 while front-runners Reddick, Bell, Blaney, Elliott, Hamlin and Byron were mired in 12th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 18th and 20th, respectively. 

With 75 laps remaining, Truex was leading by two seconds over Preece as Ty Gibbs was trying to close in and overtake Preece for the runner-up spot. Behind, Chastain was running in fourth place ahead of Buescher, Keselowski and McDowell while Bell carved his way up to eighth place with four fresh tires in front of Gilliland and Briscoe. By then, Reddick was mired in 12th while Blaney was in 14th. Meanwhile, Hamlin was in 16th while Wallace was back in 18th.  

Fifteen laps later, Truex, who continued to hold strong on old tires and with questions arising on how much fuel he had to make it to the scheduled distance, was still leading as he stretched his advantage to four seconds over teammate Ty Gibbs, who overtook Preece for the runner-up spot six laps earlier. Behind, Chastain was in fourth while Bell navigated his way into the top five on his four fresh tires. Bell would then overtake both Preece and Chastain to move his strong race car into third place another two laps later as he trailed his teammate by less than six seconds. 

With 50 laps remaining, Truex continued to lead by five seconds over teammate Bell, who overtook teammate Ty Gibbs for the runner-up spot on four fresh tires and with enough fuel for the scheduled distance as he was running faster lap times compared to his Joe Gibbs Racing teammates. Behind, Chastain and Buescher were running in the top five ahead of Preece, Keselowski, McDowell and Gilliland while Reddick was able to navigate his way back into the top 10 as he was in 10th followed by Gilliland, Gragson, Blaney, Suarez and Hamlin.  

Nine laps later, Truex surrendered the lead to pit his No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE under green for fresh tires and a full tank of fuel as he ended up a lap down. This allowed teammate Bell to assume the race lead as he was leading by more than two seconds over teammate Ty Gibbs while Chastain, Buescher and Keselowski were scored in the top five. As Preece pitted under green, Truex would manage to overtake teammate Bell to un-lap himself while the latter stretched his advantage by more than four seconds over teammate Gibbs with 30 laps remaining. By then, Reddick was up to eighth place ahead of Blaney and Gragson while Hamlin was in 11th. 

Down to the final 20 laps of the event, Bell stabilized his advantage to more than four seconds over teammate Gibbs while Buescher, Chastain and Keselowski continued to hold strong in the top five. Behind, Reddick moved his Mobil 1 entry up to seventh behind McDowell, Blaney was in eighth ahead of Briscoe and Gragson, Hamlin was still mired in 11th, Larson was in 14th and Byron was mired in 18th behind Truex.  

Five laps later, Bell stretched his lead slightly to five seconds over teammate Gibbs while third-place Buescher trailed by less than six seconds. Bell would extend his lead by another second to six seconds over Buescher, who overtook Gibbs for the runner-up spot, with 10 laps remaining as Keselowski and Chastain battled fiercely for fourth place. 

Down to the final five laps of the event, Bell maintained the lead by more than six seconds over Buescher and teammate Gibbs while Keselowski and Chastain continued to run in the top five ahead of Blaney and McDowell. Behind, Briscoe, Truex and Reddick battled for eighth while Gragson and Hamlin battled for 11th.  

When the white flag waved and the final lap started, Bell remained as the leader by more than five seconds over Buescher’s No. 17 BuildSubmarines.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse. With the gap between the leader and the runner-up spot large, Bell was able to navigate his way around the Phoenix circuit smoothly for a final time before he returned to the frontstretch and claimed his first checkered flag of the 2024 Cup Series season. 

With the victory, Bell, who became the fourth winner through the first four events of the 2024 Cup season, captured his seventh Cup Series career victory and his first at Phoenix as he extended his winning streak in the Cup circuit to four consecutive seasons. Bell also registered the first Cup victory of the 2024 season for both Joe Gibbs Racing and the Toyota nameplate while also recording the first official victory for Toyota’s Camry XSE stock car. 

“This one feels really good,” Bell said on the frontstretch on FOX. “A credit to my engineers, my crew chief and all the mechanics on this [No. 20 car]. You don’t get cars like that very often as you know. Just super, super proud to be on this No. 20 car. This Rheem Camry was amazing today. I feel like we have [a] capability of running races like this a lot. Hopefully, this [win] is the first of many this year.” 

Buescher, whose previous best result in the Cup Series is ninth during the first three events on this year’s schedule and who is coming off an early accident last weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway due to a loose wheel that resulted in the suspension of two of his crew members, settled in the runner-up spot followed by Ty Gibbs, who led 57 laps and notched a career-best result.  

“[The runner-up finish]’s huge,” Buescher said. “We’ve talked a lot internally. We’ve been able to lead, at any point, on all three races leading up to this. We didn’t quite get there today but certainly, a great finish for our BuildSubs.com Ford Mustang. Really proud of everybody. I know we had a rough go last weekend. This [finish] was good to get everybody back together and prove that we’re in this together. We’re gonna win or lose these things as a team. That was almost a win today.” 

Keselowski came home in fourth place while Blaney edged Chastain to finish fifth. 

Chastain, Truex, McDowell, Briscoe and Reddick finished in the top 10. 

Notably, Hamlin, who led the most laps at 68 along with his 23XI Racing driver Reddick, ended up 11th ahead of Noah Gragson, Larson settled in 14th, Wallace ended up 16th, Byron finished 18th ahead of teammates Elliott and Alex Bowman and Kyle Busch capped off his long afternoon in 22nd. In addition, Carson Hocevar emerged as the highest-finishing rookie candidate in 15th place.  

There were 10 lead changes for six different leaders. The race featured six cautions for 40 laps. In addition, 21 of 36 starters finished on the lead lap. 

Following the fourth event of the 2024 Cup Series season, Ryan Blaney leads the regular-season standings by 10 points over both Kyle Larson and Martin Truex Jr., 17 over William Byron and 21 over both Tyler Reddick and Ty Gibbs. 

Results. 

1. Christopher Bell, 50 laps led, Stage 2 winner 

2. Chris Buescher 

3. Ty Gibbs, 57 laps led 

4. Brad Keselowski 

5. Ryan Blaney 

6. Ross Chastain 

7. Martin Truex Jr., 55 laps led 

8. Michael McDowell 

9. Chase Briscoe 

10. Tyler Reddick, 68 laps led, Stage 1 winner 

11. Denny Hamlin, 68 laps led 

12. Noah Gragson 

13. Daniel Suarez 

14. Kyle Larson 

15. Carson Hocevar 

16. Bubba Wallace 

17. Todd Gilliland, 14 laps led 

18. William Byron 

19. Chase Elliott 

20. Alex Bowman 

21. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 

22. Kyle Busch, one lap down 

23. Ryan Preece, one lap down 

24. Justin Haley, one lap down 

25. John Hunter Nemechek, one lap down 

26. Josh Berry, two laps down 

27. Harrison Burton, two laps down 

28. Daniel Hemric, two laps down 

29. Zane Smith, three laps down 

30. Kaz Grala, three laps down 

31. Erik Jones, seven laps down 

32. Austin Dillon, eight laps down 

33. Corey LaJoie – OUT, Accident 

34. Joey Logano – OUT, Accident 

35. Derek Kraus – OUT, Accident 

36. Austin Cindric – OUT, Accident 

Next on the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the return of the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. The event is scheduled to occur next Sunday, March 17, at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX. 

Toyota Racing – NCS Phoenix Post-Race Report – 03.10.24

By
Official Release
-

CHRISTOPHER BELL CLAIMS DOMINATING VICTORY IN PHOENIX
Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota complete weekend sweep

AVONDALE, Ariz. (March 10, 2024) – Christopher Bell battled back from varying pit strategy to go from 20th to first and claim his first win of the season. Bell, who also won the second stage, led the final 40 laps on his way to a more than five second victory. It was a dominating performance for Toyota, who led 298 of 312 laps. For the first time in Toyota history, five drivers led 50 or more laps – Tyler Reddick (68 laps), Denny Hamlin (68 laps), Ty Gibbs (57 laps), Martin Truex Jr. (55 laps) and Bell. Gibbs had a strong run and finished a career-best third, while Reddick earned his first stage win of the season as well.

For Joe Gibbs Racing, it completed a weekend sweep with William Sawalich claiming the ARCA win on Friday and Chandler Smith winning on Saturday in NASCAR Xfinity Series action.

For Toyota, it was a six-for-six sweep throughout the weekend as the three Phoenix victories went along with a NHRA Top Fuel All-Star win for Antron Brown on Saturday, and a Kalitta Motorsports nitro sweep on Sunday in Gainesville, Fla. with Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel) and J.R. Todd (Funny Car).

Toyota Post-Race Recap
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Phoenix Raceway
Race 4 of 36 – 312 miles, 312 laps

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS
1st, CHRISTOPHER BELL
2nd, Chris Buescher*
3rd, TY GIBBS
4th, Brad Keselowski*
5th, Ryan Blaney*
7th, MARTIN TRUEX, JR.
11th, DENNY HAMLIN
16th, BUBBA WALLACE
25th, JOHN HUNTER NEMECHECK
31st, ERIK JONES
*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

CHRISTOPHER BELL, No. 20 Rheem Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 1st

How does it feel to get the win today in Phoenix?

“Man, this one feels really good. Just a credit to Adam (Stevens, crew chief), William (Hartman, engineer) My engineers and all of my mechanics, everyone on this JGR team. You don’t get cars like that very often as you know. Super, super proud to be on this 20 car. This Rheem Camry was amazing today. I feel like we have capability of running races like this a lot, so hopefully this is the first of many this year.”

How happy were you with your Toyota Camry XSE race car today?

“I could kind of drive it wherever I wanted. That thing was amazing. I know that those race cars don’t come very often. It was really, really nice to capitalize on that when you have a race car that good. We knew after Friday that we had a pretty good piece. Glad that we were able to deliver.

What’s the mindset when you have such a good race car and you have to work your way through the field?

“I don’t know, man. It’s just so tough. You’ve got to keep your head about you. That’s one thing that I really struggle with and I’ve beat myself throughout my career and I’ve got to put that behind me and hopefully that’s a turning point.”

Prior to this race, Toyota led 15 laps in the Next Gen car here at Phoenix, can you describe the effort Toyota has put into dominating this event?

“I don’t know. It’s no secret that Phoenix has been a little bit of a struggle for us. After that first year of Next Gen – myself and Adam (Stevens, crew chief) we really sat down and said that Phoenix needs to be a focus point because I didn’t feel very good there the first two races in 2022 and then in 2023 we were a little better each time and today was lights out so today is a great day for the company.”

How important is it to win here in the spring with this being the NASCAR championship track?

“This is an important one. If you’re not good here, you’re never going to be a champion. Just a dream come true. I’m so happy for all of our partners at Rheem, Toyota, TRD, DEWALT, Yahoo!, Mobil 1. This is a big team effort and I’m just the guy who gets to drive this thing.”

TY GIBBS, No. 54 Monster Energy Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 3rd

How was your race today?

“It was a good day for our Monster Energy Toyota Camry. We just need a little bit more. We got in a hole there a little bit on pit road and got back through it. It was a good day and a really good recovery.”

What does it say for Toyota as their drivers dominated today’s race?

“Yeah, I think everybody at JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing) and Toyota with this new car, they just did a great job. We’re happy with it, but we need to get a little bit better to go out here and hopefully go and win. It’s definitely a positive from the last two Phoenix races for me.”

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK, No. 42 Alberton’s Toyota Camry XSE, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB

Finishing Position: 25th

What happened with that on-track incident with Logano?

“I want to apologize to Joey (Logano) and those guys. I’m going to reach out to Joey. I’ll probably reach out to Paul Wolfe and Roger Penske. I guess just misjudged it. I hit the brake pedal pretty hard, and it didn’t really slow down and I got in the back of him. It’s my fault. I made a mistake and I’ve got to learn from it, and own it.”

ERIK JONES, No. 43 Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB

Finishing Position: 31st

How was your race car today?

“The Family Dollar Toyota Camry was not bad but got back in the pack and kind of flipped around on some strategy and got taken out of it. Just an unfortunate ending.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 26 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

NHRA AT GAINESVILLE: Team Chevy Race Report

By
Official Release
-

CHEVROLET IN NHRA
2024 AMALIE MOTOR OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS
GAINESVILLE RACEWAY
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA
TEAM CHEVY RACE REPORT
MARCH 10, 2024

AUSTIN PROCK TAKES HIS CORNWELL TOOLS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS TO THE GATORNATIONALS FINALS IN HIS FIRST NHRA FUNNY CAR RACE

Notes:

  • Austin Prock, in his first NHRA Funny Car event, took his Cornwell Tools Chevy Camaro SS Funny Car to the final round.
  • Prock defeated John Smith in Round 1 with his pass of 4.357 seconds E.T. at 293.92 mph after Smith lost a cylinder at half-track.
  • Defeated team owner and teammate John Force, driver of the PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, in a great side-by-side drag race. Prock posted a run of 3.899-seconds E.T. at 332.43 mph to Force’s 3.913-second E.T 328.46 mph
  • In the semifinal, Prock defeated Chad Green to earn his spot in the final round with his run of 3.871 seconds at 334.40 mph to Green’s 4.053 seconds E.T. at 306.88 mph.
  • Prock fell to JR Todd in the final round after smoking the tires right on the starting line to Todd’s 3.889 seconds E.T 329.10 mph.
  • Austin Prock is first driver in the history of NHRA Funny Car to score the No. 1 qualifier award in their first event.
  • Brittany Force, who went to the finals on Saturday’s CarQuest Top Fuel Callout race, was eliminated in Round 1 when she smoked the tires on the starting line against Billy Torrence.
  • Erica Enders scored her 49th career national win with a final round win over Cristian Quadra with a run of 6.494 seconds E.T at 211.93 mph. Today’s win was her first Wally trophy from the NHRA Gatornationals.
  • Jeff Strickland defeated Jay Storey to win in Stock Eliminator with his Chevrolet COPO Camaro on a 10.543-second E.T. run at 90.68 mph.
  • After four qualifying sessions that opened the event weekend on Friday, Austin Prock, driver of the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, drove to his first No. 1 qualifier of NHRA Funny Car competition. Tuned by his father Jimmy and brother Thomas, Prock earned the top spot on the leaderboard with his Q2 pass of 3.820 seconds E.T. at 334.65 mph.
  • Prock’s strong qualifying run Friday evening of Q2 set the Gainesville Raceway track record, rocketing him to his fourth career NHRA No. 1 qualifier (three previously came in Top Fuel).
  • With her strong run and picking up where she left off last season, Enders took the No. 1 qualifying spot at Gainesville with her Q2 pass of 6.550 seconds E.T. at 207.88 mph. Enders’ No. 1 qualifier in Gainesville is her 35th of her career.

Quotes:

AUSTIN PROCK, DRIVER OF THE CORNWELL TOOLS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS FUNNY CAR:

“There should be nothing to hang our heads about. We all are competitors. It definitely is frustrating not to get the job done. We had an outstanding car all weekend. I mean, we were almost flawless. I’m just really proud of the team. Like I said, we obviously would have liked to get the job done. But everyone did a hell of a job this weekend. This thing was flying. And this place is not easy to drive a Funny Car on. I had my hands full for the weekend and I definitely have some learning to do, but I’m trying to catch on as quick as I can. And hopefully, Pomona will treat us a little bit better.”

“I’m looking forward to Pomona. If we can compete like we did this weekend, we’ll have an honest shot at winning a handful of Wally’s this year, so I’m really proud and can’t wait to get to Pomona.”

JOHN FORCE, DRIVER OF THE PEAK ANTIFREEZE & COOLANT CHEVROLET CAMARO SS FUNNY CAR:

“For a kid being in a dragster for a couple of years, but he’s (Austin Prock) been around his whole life and the pressure. Pressure never bothers him. With Funny Car, he’s picked up on it real quick and made a lot of test runs but we’re very proud of him. Robert is very proud of him and his family. The kid didn’t get the win but he got the job done. He (Prock) took me out so I want to win, of course, and I wanted to do well for PEAK and Chevrolet, but somedays it doesn’t happen. Brittany (Force) has got a whole new program over there with (David) Grubnic and (John) Collins and he’s working out good. I can’t complain. It was a good kickoff for the season.”

Up Next:

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series heads west next to In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip for the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, March 22-24, 2024. Friday’s qualifying airs Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), with Saturday’s qualifying also airing on FS1 Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET. Sunday’s eliminations wrap up the weekend, with finals airing at 7 p.m. ET. All sessions from Pomona, Calif. air with NHRA on FOX on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Coverage streams live throughout the weekend on NHRA.tv, and is available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands. 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.

1...1,2081,2091,210...6,766Page 1,209 of 6,766