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Jeff Hensley joins TRICON Garage as No. 17 crew chief for 2024 Truck Series season

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Kirk Schroll for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Veteran Jeff Hensley will be joining TRICON Garage to serve as the crew chief of the No. 17 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro team piloted by Taylor Gray for the 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season.

The news comes as the 61-year-old Hensley from Ridgeway, Virginia, is coming off a strong season as the crew chief of the No. 23 GMS Racing Chevrolet Silverado RST team piloted by Grant Enfinger. Throughout the season, the duo notched three victories, a pole, nine top-five results, 13 top-10 results, 232 laps led and an average-finishing result of 9.0. They also made the 2023 Truck Series Playoffs and transferred all the way into the Championship 4 round, where they ended up in the runner-up result in the final standings. Ultimately, the finale would serve as Hensley’s final race working at GMS Racing as GMS ceased operations at this season’s conclusion.

Hensley, who was a former Xfinity Series competitor for his family-owned team before transitioning to a career as a crew chief in 1987, has called 463 events as a Truck Series crew chief from 2004 to 2023. During this span, he notched 22 victories with six different competitors, including nine with Enfinger, and ended up with two runner-up results in the final standings, the first with Mike Skinner in 2007 and the second with Enfinger in 2023.

In addition, Hensley has appeared in 427 events as a crew chief in the Xfinity circuit from 1987-2001. During the stretch, he achieved 11 victories and the 1990 series’ championship with Chuck Brown. Following the 2001 season, Hensley, who was working for his family-owned team, worked for Arrington Manufacturers before reassuming his role as a crew chief with a direct focus within the Truck Series.

The 2024 Truck Series season is set to mark Hensley’s first with a Toyota organization since the 2017 season that occurred with ThorSport Racing and Enfinger. It will also mark his first season paired with Taylor Gray, who notched a career-best runner-up finish at Kansas Speedway in September, three top-five results and eight top 10 results while competing in all but three events this past season before settling in 15th place in the 2023 driver’s standings. Having made 33 career starts in the Truck Series for the past three seasons, the 18-year-old Gray from Artesia, New Mexico, is set to mount for his first series’ victory and Playoff bid in 2024 while also making his series’ debut at Daytona International Speedway in February.

With his plans for next season set, Hensley is set to make his first appearance as a crew chief for TRICON Garage and Taylor Gray in the 2024 Craftsman Truck Series’ season-opening Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona. The event is scheduled to occur on February 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

Petty Family to Celebrate 75th Anniversary in Racing in 2024

By
Official Release
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New Logo Unveiled Along with Plans to Celebrate Legacy with Fans

LEVEL CROSS, N.C. (December 4, 2023) – The Petty family will celebrate 75 years of racing in 2024. Off the cusp of NASCAR’s own diamond anniversary in 2023, the Petty family will now highlight their own memories from their first 75 years, which began in 1949.

Lee Petty, the family patriarch, and his wife Elizabeth began their stock car business after Lee learned NASCAR was hosting its first sanctioned race in Charlotte, N.C. Lee finished 17th that summer day and began an enterprise spanning across four generations.

Over the past seven decades, the Petty family helped define the sport. From behind the wheel and under the hood, to the garage and front office, the Petty’s paved the way and gave opportunities to many individuals – drivers, crew chiefs, mechanics, fabricators and more – to hone their skills and go on to become leaders in their respective trades. Their innovation, dedication, philanthropy and passion helped grow NASCAR into a national sport, all while staying true to their small-town roots. Their legacy has left countless memories, stories and tales to share with fans for years to come.

“My father is a walking encyclopedia of NASCAR,” said Kyle Petty. “He was there with my grandfather, grandmother and uncle Maurice at the first NASCAR race in Charlotte in 1949 and our family has been going ever since. There isn’t anything our family hasn’t seen in NASCAR.”

“75 years in the sport is an incredible milestone for our family, especially when it all began as a family business,” said “The King” Richard Petty. “Spending 2024, celebrating the success and contributions to the sport of racing that started with my mom and dad, then my brother Maurice, cousin Dale Inman, then to Kyle, Timmy, Ritchie, Mark, onto Adam and now Thad. We are all looking forward to sharing these stories with the fans.”

Ritchie Petty, son of Maurice, has seen the Petty family evolve in the sport.

“It’s special because it took the whole family to make it all work with such a huge amount of success,” said Ritchie. “Nobody in the family was more important than any other and from my grandfather to my dad and all my cousins, we felt involved in the success and the growth of the Petty family and NASCAR.”

The Petty’s 75th Anniversary in racing includes the debut of a new commemorative logo that will be featured prominently next year at all Petty-related events and at the track on all LEGACY MOTOR CLUB race cars in 2024.

The year-long celebration will also include exclusive digital and social media content never seen before from the Petty family photo and video archives. This unique content will be featured on the @therichardpetty, @pettybrothersracing, @kylepetty, @pettymuseum and @pettysgarage social media accounts as well as a soon-to-launch YouTube channel.

EpiCar Announces Commission-Free First Car Purchase Offer for Dealers

By
Official Release
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EpiCar, a used car marketplace with vehicles from private owners, is excited to announce a special offer for auto dealers. For a limited time, dealers who register on the EpiCar marketplace can make their first vehicle purchase with absolutely no platform commission fee. This offer is designed to welcome new dealers to experience the benefits of EpiCar’s unique auction-style marketplace.

EpiCar’s mission is to help dealers expand their inventory with ease. The company is setting itself apart with a fresh approach of connecting dealers with private car sellers. EpiCar not only provides a reliable source of cars but also ensures that the vehicle selection and purchasing process is familiar and efficient for dealers, resembling auction-style methods like those of Manheim and Adesa.

This commission-free offer on the first purchase is EpiCar’s way of inviting dealers to see the value and convenience that the company brings to the table, without any initial financial commitment.

The offer is available immediately to all new dealers signing up on the EpiCar platform. EpiCar provides a user-friendly interface, AI-driven vehicle assessments, and a transparent bidding process, making it easier than ever for dealers to find the right vehicles for their inventory.

To register with EpiCar, please follow the link: Epicar.ai.

All-New Triton Earns Top Rating in 2023 ASEAN NCAP

By
Official Release
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TOKYO, Dec 4, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that the all-new Triton1 one-ton pickup truck has earned a maximum five-star rating2 in the 2023 ASEAN NCAP3, a comprehensive safety performance assessment for new vehicles in the ASEAN region.

Mitsubishi Motors remains committed to its safety philosophy of achieving a mobility society with zero traffic accidents through continued efforts to develop safety technologies and to spread knowledge about traffic safety.

The all-new Triton features the high-rigidity RISE4 body that both absorbs energy and minimizes cabin deformation in the event of a crash, as well as seatbelts and seven SRS airbags5 designed to provide high levels of occupant protection. To ensure preventive safety performance, all models are standard equipped with safety features such as the Active Stability Control that prevents skidding and the Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM) with pedestrian detection.

The all-new Triton is Mitsubishi Motors’ one-ton pickup truck that traces its roots back to the Forte launched in 1978. In the 45 years since, about 5.6 million units have been produced across five generations and sold in approximately 150 countries worldwide, making it one of Mitsubishi Motors’ global strategic vehicles.

A fully redesigned model was launched in July of this year as the sixth-generation Triton and is for sale at Mitsubishi Triton for Sale Sunshine Coast. Developed under the product concept of “Power for Adventure,” the all-new Triton features a complete overhaul of everything from the interior and exterior design to the chassis, ladder frame, and engine. It has gone on sale starting in Thailand, where the production plant is located, and will be released in Japan early next year.

  1. Sold as L200 in some markets
  2. All body types — single cab, club cab, and double cab
  3. New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries
  4. Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution
  5. Equipped depending on body type and trim level
  6. About Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE:7211) —a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan—, is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has about 30,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities around the world. Mitsubishi Motors has a competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and appeals to ambitious drivers willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation. Since the production of our first vehicle more than a century ago, Mitsubishi Motors has been a leader in electrification—launched the i-MiEV –the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, followed by the Outlander PHEV –the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric SUV in 2013.

For more information on Mitsubishi Motors, please visit the company’s website at www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/.

BRODY ROA AND TOMMY DUNKEL’S TURKEY NIGHT GRAND PRIX DID NOT GO AS PLANNED

By
Official Release
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Photo by Kenny Lonngren

(Cypress, CA, December 1, 2023) To say that the Inland Rigging Sprint Car team had a dream season in 2023 is an understatement. Brody Roa won the USAC/CRA championship and Tommy and Christy Dunkel captured the car owner title. Dunkel scored his first-ever sprint car win in a VRA race at Ventura in April. Roa won eight USAC/CRA races and scored another victory in a Southern California Open Comp race at Imperial. Between the two, heading into the Turkey Night Grand Prix, they had 37 starts and rolled the cars back into the trailer all but one time. It was indeed a dream season.

If everything up to Ventura was a dream, the 82nd running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix ended up being a frustrating nightmare for the team. Last week, Tommy Dunkel sat down and reflected on the nightmarish end to the year.

S.D.: The Inland Rigging team came into Turkey Night with high hopes with newly crowned USAC/CRA Champion Brody Roa, and yourself who won at Ventura this season. In addition, you had Eddie Tafoya flying the Inland colors at Ventura where he was fast qualifier in a USAC/CRA race in 2022. You guys were certainly prepared for a big weekend.

Dunkel: We came in swinging for the fences. We thought we had a super good shot between me, Brody, and Eddie Tafoya. We have all had some pretty good success there. We came in there with our heads held high for sure.

S.D.: How did your own night start?

Dunkel: My hot laps were okay. Typical Ventura, super greasy and they threw the green way too soon. I was still okay with it being there were 53 cars or whatever it was (plus 48 midgets). My heat race was good. I started second and fell back one spot but I was on them. I was on first and second showing them a wheel. I was very happy (after) as it was still super one lane on the bottom. I did not want to chance junking my stuff having to physically move people out of the way. When it goes one lane that is what it comes down too. You have to start moving people. We came out of it with a third and it was a fairly stacked heat race.

S.D.: What happened next?

Dunkel: That was heat three. I got back to the pits and got out of my car and got back up there to watch Brody in heat five. That is when disaster struck.

S.D.: At that point, things began to unravel fast with Brody’s crash. What caused it?

Dunkel: The initial start, he had a great start. I think he started 5th and he was up to second. Some people spun behind him on the opening lap. So, of course, they had to rerack them with everybody back to their original spot (for the restart). He was coming into three and I think he expected the car in front of him to stick to the bottom. I wouldn’t say the guy slid up by any means, but he certainly did not hug the bottom like you would if you were running the bottom. Brody just clipped the right rear and that is what sent him for a big ride.

S.D.: It was a scary crash and it was obvious from the time he stopped flipping that he had sustained an injury and he was initially unconscious. What were his injuries?

Dunkel: When he got to the hospital he was very dazed. He was kind of coming and going as far as (knowing) where he was at. He got his bell rung. After some scans, he had a brain bleed. So they monitored him over night. By the morning they had the brain bleed stopped. By mid-morning they were in a position to release him from the hospital. He was very sore and obviously very shaken up but he is home and is well.

S.D.: Brody left for the hospital in an ambulance. You still had a race and possibly two to go. However, you decided to sit out the rest of the night.

Dunkel: Until we knew Brody was stable and okay, I made the decision to stay out of the car. I kind of felt like my head was not right with my driver being injured. If it was the average deal where he was sitting in the motorhome sore, absolutely I would have gotten back in the car. But we were kind of in the dark about how bad his head injury was. So, I decided to sit out.

S.D.: Brody was out at the hospital and you pulled out. You still had Eddie Tafoya Jr. flying the Inland Rigging flag. Unfortunately, somebody else’s faux pas knocked him out of his heat.

Dunkel: It was super cool to help Eddie. I put a power plant in his car. It was unfortunate that he got upside down on Friday night because of another driver’s mistake. The other (who caused the crash) driver came over to my pit and said, ‘man did you see that? That was a brand new left rear tire.’ I was obviously already shook up from the night. I have Brody in the hospital, me not running the rest of the night, and Tafoya upside down because of this driver. And there he is complaining to me about a tire. I don’t want to say I let him have it, but he knows I was not happy.”

S.D.: You pulled out of the Friday night portion of the show. Why did you decide to continue on Saturday rather than throwing in the towel and coming home?

Dunkel: So, we got the green light that Brody was okay and everything was going to be all right. Brody said, ‘Hey, I am good. You guys go out and hammer down and represent the team.’ We as a team decided to race. I knew I was behind the eight ball because I did not run my qualifier (Friday night) but I figured I was okay. I had passed a lot of cars there before. I knew that is what I had to do again.

S.D.: You had to be relieved that Brody was going to be okay and you decided to race. Everything was fine. That is, it was momentarily fine. What happened next.?

Dunkel: We just finished up having breakfast. I told my son Aiden I would be out there in a second. Let’s get the car unloaded and get ready. I was still in the motor home finishing up my coffee and I just heard a crashing sound and blood-curdling screaming. Everyone had come running. What it was, was the tension cables on the hauler door had snapped and the door fell and crushed my son.

S.D.: That had to be extremely frightening when you realized what had just happened.

Dunkel: There was one guy from Jimmy May’s camp who was out prepping their car. He saw the whole thing and came running to his aid. He could not get the door up by himself. Malyssa Perkins was close by and she helped. Enough guys got over there so we could get the doors up and at least get him out from underneath it. He was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. After some scans and things, it was determined that he had a broken back and a broken sacrum. He spent Saturday to Wednesday afternoon at the Ventura County Hospital.

S.D.: How is your son doing?

Dunkel: He is doing much, much better. He is home. They want to see how well he does at home managing his pain. If it gets to be too much, then we will have to take him back. He is standing and he is kind of shuffling his feet to move ever so slowly. It is very positive progress but he has a long road ahead of him.

S.D.: Needless to say with those two guys injured, you decided to pull out of Saturday’s race. That should have put an end to all of the bad fortune, but that was not the case. What happened next?

Dunkel: Saturday night we had one of our guys from Inland Rigging come up to drive our dually and small trailer home because that is what Aiden drives. He came up. His girlfriend was nice enough to give him a ride. We gave them our bicycles (e-bikes) to ride back to the hotel (very close to the track). They were locked in the truck in a locked camper shell and some thieves broke in and cut the locks and stole our not so cheap e-bikes! It just added insult to injury without a doubt.

S.D.: I take it that is going to be the worst racing weekend you are ever going to have, correct?

Dunkel: Yeah, that is done. That is the worst, it is out of the way and we are moving forward.

S.D.: Upcoming is a busy week for you and the team. You are headed back to Indiana for among other things, the USAC banquet where Brody and you will receive your just rewards for winning the USAC/CRA title.

Dunkel: You know what? It has given us something positive to look forward to. To celebrate the championship with the Roa group. It is a nice feather in our cap as a new team together. What the Roa’s have spent so long doing and perfecting. They earned it. I just feel privileged to have the opportunity with those guys and go get a championship as a car owner. Brody and I have been pretty close for seven or eight years now. We are really looking forward to going there, letting loose a little bit, and getting to celebrate.

S.D.: What is the itinerary for your time in the “Hoosier State?”

Dunkel: We are flying out Wednesday night. DRC Chassis, which is the car we run, is having an open house on Thursday. We are going to attend that. With his chassis,’ I want to say we are at 11 wins combined between Brody and I this year. Joe (Joe Devin who owns DRC) is pretty excited to have us there and we are excited to go. Friday is the banquet, and on Saturday we are going to attend P.R.I.

S.D.: Are you already preparing for next year?

Dunkel: We kind of have some big things in the works. We are planning to do as much CRA as possible. Malyssa Perkins and I are working together to put a new series together for 360 cars. It is going to be called the IRSCS (Inland Rigging Sprint Car Series). We are going to run at a handful of tracks. It is going to be open to 360s and 410s. 410s will just have to run a restrictor. Brody and I are going to focus on that series being that we are heavily involved with it. I am still going to run for CRA Rookie of the Year, but it just kind of depends on how the first half of the season goes. Our plan is to hit as many races as we can in the first half of the season and just kind of see how we are both doing. Brody has a new kid (his second daughter who was born earlier this year) and with running so hard as long as he has, he came and did what he had to do. That was winning the championship (USAC/CRA). I know he is ready to go back to just fun racing and run a light schedule. I am going to put Eddie (Tafoya) in a car for our series (in 2024) and he will run his own car in USAC/CRA. I know he wants to win a championship there.

Dunkel and Roa want to thank the following sponsors for making the 2023 season possible. Inland Rigging, Dunkel Farms, United Asset Sales, Osborne Speed & Machine, “Biker” Bruce Fischer, ALR Virtual Services, Burris Racing, Caltrol, Jambo Barbeque Pits, Competition Suspension, K-1 Race Gear, Molecule, Rod End Supply, Driven Racing Oil, Baldwin Filters, and NGK Spark Plugs. If you would like to be a marketing partner with the Inland Rigging Racing Team in 2024, please contact Dunkel or Roa the information at the top of this release.

Brody Roa’s 2023 Race Results

January 27 Cocopah Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 1st A Main

January 28 Cocopah Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 1st A Main

February 25 Kern County Raceway Park USAC West Coast Sprint Cars Rained Out

March 3 Central Arizona Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars Rained Out

March 4 Central Arizona Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars Rained Out

March 11 Imperial Valley Raceway SoCal Open Comp 17th A Main

March 18 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 2nd A Main

March 24 Kings Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars Rained Out

March 25 Thunderbowl Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars Rained Out

April 1 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 2nd A Main

April 15 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 5th A Main

April 22 Kings Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 1st A Main

April 29 Kern County Raceway Park USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 1st A Main

May 6 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 1st A Main

May 20 Thunderbowl Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 2nd A Main

May 27 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 15th A Main

June 10 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 1st A Main

June 24 Bakersfield Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 1st A Main

July 15 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 1st A Main

August 12 Santa Maria Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars Canceled

August 19 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars Rained Out

September 7 Devils Bowl Speedway USAC National Sprint Cars 6th A Main

September 8 Texarkana 67 Speedway USAC National Sprint Cars Rained Out

September 9 Texarkana 67 Speedway USAC National Sprint Cars 14th A Main

September 23 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 2nd A Main

October 14 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 6th A Main

October 21 Imperial Valley Raceway SoCal Open Comp 1st A Main

November 3 Cocopah Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 15th A Main

November 4 Cocopah Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 12th A Main

November 11 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 2nd A Main

Tom Dunkel’s 2023 Racing Results

January 12 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals Prelim. Night 12th C Main

March 11 Imperial Valley Raceway SoCal Open Comp 16th A Main

April 1 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 9th B Main

April 8 Ventura Raceway VRA Sprint Cars 1st A Main

May 6 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 11th A Main

May 13 Ventura Raceway USAC West Coast Sprint Cars 11th A Main

June 17 Ventura Raceway USAC West Coast Sprint Cars 19th A Main

June 24 Bakersfield Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 14th A Main

July 8 Ventura Raceway VRA Sprint Cars 2nd A Main

July 15 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 8th A Main

August 19 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars Rained Out

September 2 Ventura Raceway VRA Sprint Cars 2nd A Main

September 16 Ventura Raceway USAC West Coast Sprint Cars 8th A Main

October 7 Kern County Raceway Park USAC West Coast Sprint Cars 19th A Main

October 14 Imperial Valley Raceway So Cal Open Comp DNS

November 11 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 8th B Main

November 25 Ventura Raceway USAC West Coast Sprint Cars

Eddie Tafoya Sr. Racing Results

November 11 Perris Auto Speedway Senior Sprints 1st A Main

HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour Crowns First-Time and Repeat Run Group Winners After Competitive Weekend of Vintage and Historic Endurance Racing at Sebring International Raceway

By
Official Release
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Eighth Edition of Classic Sebring 12 Hour Tribute Event to Sebring’s Rich Motorsports and Aviation History Brings the Curtain Down on 2023 HSR Season Sunday at Sebring

SEBRING, Florida (December 3, 2023) – The Eighth Running of the Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic Sebring 12 Hour came to a competitive and action-packed conclusion Sunday afternoon at Sebring International Raceway where three first-time Classic 12 Hour winners captured Run Group victories and another added a fourth “HSR Classics” victory to his impressive career win total.

A 12 Hours of Sebring tribute race, Saturday featured nine-straight hours of competition on the 3.74-mile road course with competitors in each of the Four Run Groups taking to the track three times in a rotation of one-hour segment races. The final rounds were held in a similar rotation for three hours Sunday afternoon with the quartet of Run Group winners crowned after a symbolic 12 hours of competition on the legendary Sebring airport circuit.

The Group B race was a feel-good family affair from start to finish with Kyle Collins scoring a convincing win in the same GMT Racing 1972 No. 8 Chevron B21 his grandfather John Delane drove to a Classic 12 victory in 2020. The senior Delane happily stepped out of the Chevron in favor of his 24-year-old grandson, but he was in the pits throughout the race coaching his young protege to the victory on the team radio. Mimi Delane, John’s wife and Kyle’s grandmother, also held station pitside throughout the event as did Collins’ mother and father.

Collins crossed the finish line more than two minutes clear of his closest competitor after leading all four of the Group A segments Saturday and Sunday. He turned in what appeared to be a flawless run for his first HSR Classics victory in an unexpected solo drive. Collins was scheduled to co-drive with his brother Tony Delane but ended up pulling the solo effort when the taller Tony was unable to fit comfortably in the compact Chevron.

Run Group B shared the track throughout the Classic 12 with their peer competitors in Run Group A, which was home to the only repeat HSR Classics winner in the race. Fast and familiar HSR competitor Toni Seiler scored his third Classic 12 Run Group win and fourth overall HSR Classics victory in the Waite-N-See Motorsports 1969 No. 17 Lola T165.

Seiler previously scored a Classic 12 Run Group win at Sebring in 2018 and followed it up with another Run Group victory the following year at the HSR Classic Daytona 24. Seiler was also an in-race driver addition to the winning Run Group A Lola last year at Sebring, co-driving in the final stage to the win with teammate Marco Fumagalli.

In Run Group C, Pierce Marshall and Eric Foss put in a competitive and controlled drive to their first overall HSR Classics Run Group victory in just their second race in the Matador Motorsports 2017 No. 02 Cadillac DPi. Marshall and Foss prevailed in a race-long battle with Stuart Wiltshire in his No. 10 Acura ARX-05 DPi.

Wiltshire finished first in the second and final Group C segments but the No. 02 Cadillac team built a nearly 40 second cushion in the opening race and added to the gap with a segment three win. Marshall and Foss maintained the lead to finish, not mounting a challenge on the Acura when it was in front but staying close in the No. 10’s mirrors just a few seconds back.

The third and final first-time winner was the unlikely entry of Patrick Womack who co-drove his FedEx 2014 No. 11 Toyota Camry to the Run Group D victory with winning NASCAR star Joe Nemechek. Reminding fans and competitors alike of this past June’s successful Garage 56 NASCAR stock car effort at Le Mans, the NEMCO Motorsports team fitted the Camry with full headlights, taillights and brake lights and Womack and “Front Row Joe” went out and scored the first victory for a Stock Car in the nearly decade-long history of the HSR Classics endurance races.

The top GT finishers in each Run Group were also honored in the Classic 12 Victory Lane. The list of winners includes Clair Schwendeman and Alan Sevadjian in the 1968 No. 137 Duntov Motor Company Corvette Roadster (Run Group A), Ken McKinnon and Mike Bruns in the Predator Performance 1972 No. 01 Porsche 911 RSR (Run Group B), Thomas Gruber and Marco Seefried in the TAG 2016 No. 991 Porsche 991 GT3 (Run Group C) and Russell Wittenberg and Bryan Collyer in the 2012 No. 113 Porsche 997.2 Cup car.

Each overall Run Group winner was presented with a special-edition B.R.M. Chronographes watch commissioned specifically for the HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour. Other presentations included the traditional Best-Plane and Best-Car awards that were presented Sunday just before this year’s lineup of amazing vintage and historic aircraft taxied back to Sebring International Raceway for departure after being on display for two days at the HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour, Pistons and Props, presented by the Alan Jay Automotive Network. Attending pilots and their families select the best team or race car of the event while participating HSR competitors and officials vote on their favorite plane.

This year’s Best-Plane Award went to the debuting 1945 Grumman TMB-3R Avenger flown by Job Savage. The aviators in turn selected the unique 1978 No. 4 Toj SC206 sports racer of Phil Daigrepont as this year’s Best-Car Award winner. Although Daigrepont, a former jockey from Louisiana, suffered four cracked ribs in a Saturday evening contact incident while racing the Toj, he still capably and enthusiastically accepted the Best-Car Award Sunday morning on the pre-race grid.

The 2024 HSR racing calendar begins right back at Sebring International Raceway next March for the sixth-straight year with the season-opening HSR Spring Fling at Sebring, March 8 – 10. The race will be run as an HSR headline weekend event for the first time in several seasons. The Spring Fling sets the stage for the 72nd running of the iconic 12 Hours of Sebring IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race the following weekend.

About HSR: An International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) property, Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) was formed in the mid-1970s with an event at Road Atlanta. There was one goal then and it remains true today: to celebrate the race cars from the past. As a “time machine” of sights and sounds, HSR provides a venue for competitors and spectators alike to share in the wonderful history and excitement created by the cars that competed at race tracks around the world. HSR currently sanctions eight vintage and historic racing events at some of the world’s most renowned race tracks, including Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway, Daytona International Speedway and more. The complete schedule and full event information can be found on HSR’s website at www.HSRRace.com. Look for the HSR Channel on YouTube and follow HSR on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HSRrace/ and on Twitter and Instagram at @HSR_race. A dedicated website for the Classic 24 Hour at Daytona presented by IMSA is available at www.Classic24hour.com.

Rosberg X Racing secure second Extreme E title at Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix in dramatic season finale

By
Official Release
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3 December 2023, Chile: Rosberg X Racing (RXR) secured a dramatic second Extreme E championship at the final round of the 2023 season in Chile.

Nico Rosberg’s outfit took the title, their second in three seasons, in a rollercoaster Grand Final at the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix, crossing the finish line in second place despite a severely damaged ODYSSEY 21.

The race saw nearest rivals ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team (ASXE) retire after Laia Sanz rolled in the closing stages. Their retirement from the Grand Final meant ASXE did not secure enough points for a maiden championship victory.

Winners of the final round of Season 3 were Veloce Racing, with their third victory of 2023 securing a top-three finish in the championship standings. Completing the Round 10 podium positions were Season 2 champions X44 Vida Carbon Racing.

In the Redemption Race, Amanda Sorensen and RJ Anderson ended their first full Extreme E campaign with a race win as No. 99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing recovered from a difficult Round 9 to end the season a higher note.

Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky, RXR, said: “Winning the 2023 Extreme E Championship is a dream come true. It was neck to neck all season with ASXE, but I’m just so happy and speechless right now. We fought so hard last year and narrowly missed the win, so it was stressful when I saw that we had a puncture. But as always, we never give up. Despite the challenges, our team’s spirit never waned. This championship is a powerful reminder that with passion and perseverance, anything is achievable.”

Johan Kristoffersson, RXR, said: “After an intense season, winning the Extreme E Championship for a second time is incredible. ASXE put up an impressive fight this season, and I enjoyed every minute of the battles. I want to dedicate this win to Kyle LeDuc, who sadly passed away recently and who we will miss racing against.”

Grand Final

The Grand Final was action-packed from the start, with ASXE’s Mattias Ekström taking the lead as his team chased down the points needed to steal the championship title from RXR.

Veloce Racing’s Kevin Hansen slotted into second, while RXR’s Johan Kristoffersson tried to push his way through the pack into third place. As the Swede muscled his way towards the inside line, he caught the steep banking of the corner and his RXR ODYSSEY 21 veered off-line on two wheels.

Kristoffersson remarkably got the car back under control, albeit in fifth place, and a mammoth task lay ahead as a subsequent puncture forced the team to pit after just one lap, while closest rivals ASXE lead the race.

Ekström entered the Switch Zone in first place, with Veloce Racing’s Hansen hot on his heels. Behind the frontrunners, the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team’s (NEOM McLaren XE) Tanner Foust fought to slow down his ODYSSEY 21, running into the back of X44 Vida Carbon Racing’s Fraser McConnell as the pair entered the Switch Zone.

The incident resulted in a time penalty for the American, but this proved irrelevant for NEOM McLaren XE’s race as the damage sustained ensured a retirement from the Grand Final.

The collision also hindered X44 Vida Carbon Racing’s progress. Despite being able to continue, Sir Lewis Hamilton’s outfit had to run at a much reduced pace and dropped down the order.

In the battle for the lead, ASXE’s Sanz and Veloce Racing’s Molly Taylor left the Switch Zone almost in unison. It looked like Sanz would maintain the advantage for ASXE, but Taylor got the upper hand by deploying her ENOWA Hyperdrive to snatch first place.

The DNF for NEOM McLaren XE and the damage for X44 Vida Carbon Racing meant that RXR just had to finish the race to take third place and seal the championship, unless Sanz could win back the lead and secure enough points for ASXE’s maiden title. This was to prove difficult, as after leaving the switch zone RXR’s Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky encountered another problem aboard her ODYSSEY 21 as she wrestled to get the car over the finish line.

Entering the closing stages, Sanz and Taylor made contact as the Spaniard tried to retake first place. Sanz was pushing hard, but soon after the ASXE ODYSSEY 21 reached its limit and entered a spin.

As Sanz recovered to remain in second place, the race and championship win looked ever more elusive. ASXE’s fate was sealed when a few corners later Sanz entered a roll, ending her race and the team’s chances of title glory.

Veloce Racing completed an untroubled run to take a third victory this season and end 2023 in the top three in the championship standings – their best-ever Extreme E result. Behind the race winners, both X44 and RXR continued to struggle, as Åhlin-Kottulinsky crawled around the course with her severely damaged car.

Despite crossing the line over four minutes after Veloce Racing, RXR’s second-place was enough to secure a second Extreme E championship win since their title in the 2021 inaugural season. This marked a valiant effort from both Kristoffersson and Åhlin-Kottulinsky, with the latter winning her first-ever Extreme E title.

Even further back, X44 Vida Carbon Racing were able to cross the line to take the third step on the podium and steal fourth place on the championship leaderboard from No. 99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing.

Redemption Race

Quickest off the mark was No. 99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing, having narrowly missed out on the Grand Final based on the team’s Continental Traction Challenge time.

JBXE’s Andreas Bakkerud launched round the outside to slot in behind Anderson, with Timo Scheider running in third for Carl Cox Motorsport ahead of ABT CUPRA XE debutant Adrien Tambay.

Scheider held nothing back as he committed to the inside line, getting past Anderson to take the lead. The American soon regained first place, holding on to a good racing line to muscle his way ahead of the Carl Cox Motorsport driver.

There was more drama to follow, though, as a mechanical failure for the charging Scheider forced the German to pull over, ending Carl Cox Motorsport’s Season 3 campaign with a DNF.

The remaining three teams left the Switch Zone and ABT CUPRA XE’s Klara Andersson set her sights on Tamara Molinaro’s JBXE ODYSSEY 21.

The Swede soon completed the overtake, taking second place behind No. 99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing as Sorensen executed a smooth run for Redemption Race victory.

RESULTS

Grand Final

  1. Veloce Racing 8:31.760mins
  2. Rosberg X Racing +4:19.110mins
  3. X44 Vida Carbon Racing +8:11.502mins
  4. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team DNF
  5. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team DNF

Redemption Race

  1. No. 99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing 8:34.434mins
  2. ABT CUPRA XE +14.909s
  3. JBXE +20.993s
  4. Carl Cox Motorsport DNF

Championship Standings

  1. Rosberg X Racing: 182 points
  2. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team: 171 points
  3. Veloce Racing: 155 points
  4. X44 Vida Carbon Racing: 121 points
  5. No. 99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing: 113 points
  6. ABT CUPRA XE: 81 points
  7. Andretti ALTAWKILAT Extreme E 71 points
  8. NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team: 68 points
  9. Carl Cox Motorsport: 50 points
  10. JBXE: 50 points

To learn more about Extreme E, visit – www.Extreme-E.com

Utilizing AI as a Fleet Management Solution

By
SM
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Photo by Marcin Jozwiak on Unsplash

Like most problems throughout the years, fleet management has evolved and rapidly changed alongside technology. Fleet management is a critical component for businesses that rely on vehicles to deliver goods, provide services, or manage transportation logistics. With the popularization and innovations come about in recent years with artificial intelligence (AI) like ChatGPT, fleet management solutions are quickly adapting to the new technology.

AI when used in fleet management is great for a multitude of optimizations. The key aspects include 24/7 monitoring, streamlining operations, enhancing driver safety, and reducing costs. Using AI, fleet management is about to get significantly cheaper and much more effective.

Real-time Monitoring

While real-time monitoring has already existed in fleet management, a major downside is latency. The time it takes for those responsible for the monitoring to provide adequate feedback to the drivers can be significant. Fortunately, with an AI Powered Dash Camera Solution, the latency between infraction and support is almost nonexistent.

For example, a trained AI can utilize a dash camera to identify potential collision threats, correct distracted drivers, and record logs of harsh braking or acceleration. With AI being at the helm of the monitoring all the previous benefits are also instantly reported to a human representative who can quickly contact the driver to provide support. Overall, AI real-time monitoring is likely the best benefit because providing great assistance to drivers is the best way to improve a fleet.

Route Optimization and Fuel Efficiency

AI algorithms can optimize route planning based on various factors such as traffic patterns, weather conditions, and delivery schedules. By analyzing historical data and current variables, AI can suggest the most efficient routes, reducing fuel consumption and travel time. A lot of services are even integrating AI into their platforms, such as the best fuel card for truckers. It can direct your driver’s routes depending on which fuel stations accept it, so you know that you’re able to make the most of your card. This not only contributes to cost savings but also reduces the environmental impact of the fleet, aligning with sustainability goals.

Inventory Management and Asset Tracking

Another way AI can benefit from fleet management away from the road is by managing inventories. When having access to the company’s RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and GPS locations, AI will be able to precisely track goods and equipment, and alert to any inconsistencies.

Through AI, a company would have more accurate inventory management, lower risk of theft, and increased visibility on the supply chain. All of which can then be reviewed and further optimized based on human suggestion.

Cost Reductions

Using all the above benefits provided by AI also results in major cost reductions. These reductions can be seen in lower insurance premiums, fuel savings, reduced asset loss, and more. Companies that have already implemented AI in their fleet will have always seen a tangible impact on their bottom line. AI is tireless and efficient and is perfect for optimizing a vehicular fleet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the integration of AI into fleet management represents a paradigm shift in how businesses operate and manage their transportation assets. The combination of real-time monitoring, route optimization, and inventory management not only enhances operational efficiency but also leads to substantial cost savings. As technology continues to advance, businesses that embrace AI in their fleet management practices are poised to stay ahead of the competition, providing better services, reducing environmental impact, and securing a more sustainable and profitable future.

A shining example of innovation in the powerful LED Flashlight

By
SM
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With its innovative combination of small size and remarkable brightness, the Marauder Mini’s Powerful LED Flashlight is a shining example of innovation in the portable illumination industry. This compact powerhouse is ready to change your expectations, whether you’re a survivalist, an outdoor enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a dependable light source on the go.

Unparalleled Delight:

The Marauder Mini’s appeal stems from its extraordinary lighting experience. Using cutting-edge LED technology, this tiny torch produces light that not only outshines its little stature but also revolutionizes its class. Imagine yourself deep in the woods, with the Marauder Mini’s bright LED beam shining like a little sun, illuminating the path ahead and giving you the courage to face any obstacle.

Precision and quality are at the heart of the Marauder Mini’s LED technology, which goes beyond mere brightness. Avoiding the harsh artificial colours that typically come with poorer flashlights, the accurately regulated light spectrum keeps the lit environment true to colour. 

Small size, huge effect

Size is important in the portable lighting industry, and the Marauder Mini is aware of this. Its design principle is based on making mobility and potency work hand in hand. Concealed within its tiny and elegant body is a technical wonder that defies the common belief that smaller flashlights are weaker. It becomes a discreet friend who is always prepared to take action.

The Marauder Mini is more than a tool it becomes an extension of your hand thanks to its ergonomic design. You can concentrate on what you’re doing instead of fumbling about in the dark, thanks to the ergonomically designed buttons and grips. No matter the situation—an unexpected power outage, an unplanned camping excursion, or a late-night exploration its small size makes it perfect for everyday carry.

Robust and reliable:

Your trust in a torch should be proportional to its resilience in the face of nature’s worst conditions. Durability is a top priority for the Marauder Mini. Made from sturdy, high-quality materials, it can withstand the wear and tear of an active lifestyle. Thanks to its water-resistant construction, the torch isn’t scared of a little rain. Thanks to its shock-resistant design, you can easily shrug off any unintentional trail bumps or drops.

Reliability and security are also aspects of its durability. However, the Marauder Mini is built to perform flawlessly in any environment. Have faith that it will function without a hitch in any scenario where a dependable light source is not only an amenity but an absolute need, such as during an exhilarating outdoor activity, an unexpected storm, or an emergency.

Flexibility in Use:

Being able to adjust to a wide variety of situations is what really makes the Marauder Mini stand out. It’s not just a light; it’s a multipurpose instrument that meets all of your lighting demands. Thanks to its versatility, the Marauder Mini can fit in anywhere you need it to, whether that’s creating a warm atmosphere at a campground or letting someone know you need help in an emergency.

Suppose you were exploring a cave with little illumination and could control the brightness to save power without sacrificing visibility. Because of its adaptability, the Marauder Mini goes beyond being just a torch and becomes a multi-functional lighting solution that fits your ever-changing lifestyle.

Power that lasts:

When you really need a torch, its quality determines how well it performs. By using efficient and rechargeable batteries, the Marauder Mini solves the typical problems with conventional flashlights. Having extra batteries on hand or being unprepared when the light goes out are things of the past.

Longer battery life and less environmental impact are two benefits of the Marauder Mini’s energy-efficient design. An example of efficiency, the Marauder Mini shines in a world where caring for the environment is critical. 

In summary:

The Marauder Mini’s Powerful LED Flashlight stands out as a shining example of the ever-changing world of small LED flashlights, expertly combining strength, mobility, resilience, adaptability, and runtime. It’s more than simply a tool; it’s a friend who makes life easier and more enjoyable.

AARON WILLISON WINS RECORD BREAKING $50,000 RISKON360! OPEN WHEEL SHOWDOWN IN LAS VEGAS

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Official Release
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (December 2, 2023) – Aaron Willison of Langley, British Columbia, Canada led wire-to-wire for the richest payday in pavement open wheel history, a $50,000 USD or $67,480 Canadian haul, after the 100-lap Riskon360! Open Wheel Showdown for Winged Sprint Cars at the Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Willison was joined by Kingsburg, Calif.’s Kody Swanson and Dave Danzer of Oswego, New York as winners at the richest short track event in the country for the 2023 season.

“We need equipment to go racing and this is going to fund our entire year. I work really hard on my restarts. We work really hard on our motor program. We work really hard on getting the thing to take off. There’s a lot of effort that goes into that stuff behind the scenes. You got to have a well-rounded skillset if you think youre going to hold off the best in the country. This was the greatest race car I’ve ever driven today and it’s been a dream season.”

Willison earned pole for the 100-lap contest after claiming Friday’s fast-dash. The C- and B-Main Events narrowed the 52 Sprint Cars on the grounds to 26 starters for the feature event on the .375-mile oval.

Bryan Gossel spun in turn four for the first caution flag on lap two. The choose cone allowed track-record holder Jason Blonde of Litchfield, Michigan to drive up alongside Willison on the restart. Willison held the top spot however. Willison, Blonde, and Franklin, Mass.’s Bobby Santos III broke free of the large pack of Sprint Cars. Anthony Quintana of Idaho spun in turn four and collected Canadian Jeff Montgomery for the next caution flag, ending both of their evenings on lap seven.

Eighth-starting Ryan Litt of London, Ontario, Canada challenged Santos for third in lapped traffic but couldn’t complete the pass with a three-wide maneuver. A restart allowed him to later gain the track position for third.

Willison led Blonde, Litt, Santos, and Tacoma, Washington’s Evan Margeson into the lap 50 break for fuel and a fresh right rear tire.

When racing resumed, Falcon, Colorado’s Mike Hathaway crashed hard into the front stretch wall in an incident which tangled up Audra Sasselli of Selma, Calif. as well.

Blonde back pedaled significantly on the subsequent restart, drifting back to the eighth position. Litt slowed from the third position while Canadian Richie Larson and Oregon’s Kyle Alberding crashed in the fourth turn for a caution on lap 69. Idaho’s Mike Murgoitio also stopped and had to be retrieved. Spins followed on two successive restarts before track workers had an extended stop to clean fluid from turns three and four.

Willison dominated the final 30 laps of the proceedings for the $50,000 pay day with a 4.882 second advantage at the checkered flag. Santos finished second followed by tenth-starting Davey Hamilton, Jr. Canadian Robbie Price and Idaho’s Bryan Warf rounded out the top-five. Margeson surrendered a top-five finish with just two laps to go due to mechanical issues and was scored tenth. Santos earned $20,000 for second while Hamilton was a $10,000 third.

The all-time winningest USAC Silver Crown driver Kody Swanson of Kingsburg, Calif. charged from tenth on the grid to win the $10,000 to win Riskon360! Open Wheel Showdown for Midgets. Swanson drew the ten inversion with assistance from Indianapolis 500 winner Buddy Rice after setting quick-time over the field of Midgets.

“Yeah I mean it means a lot to me. You asked in terms of my career it certainly does. For me, racing is deeper than just myself. I’m so thankful for this,” Swanson said. “This is the type of drive you drive from Southwick, Mass. for. There’s a lot of people I’m so blessed to have in my life. This is a challenging race track and that’s what makes it so fun to drive. There’s a bunch of a really good cars and drivers that made it special.”

Swanson’s teammate Todd Bertrand of Danielson, CT appeared poised to win the feature. He fended off a challenge from 2023 Little 500 winner Jake Trainor of Medway, Mass. to lead lap 12 in lapped traffic. Swanson worked his way up to second position by lap 21. Trainor drove inside of Swanson on a restart but Swanson held the position. Swanson was running second on lap 31 with an eight tenth deficit to Bertrand. He tracked down Bertrand, then knifed underneath him on the backstretch to lead lap 38.

Bertrand Motorsports wrapped up a one-two finish followed by Trainor, Kody Swanson’s younger brother Tanner, and two-time USAC National Sprint Car champion Justin Grant of Ione, Calif. rounded out the top-five finishers.

In Speed Tour Super Modified action, 2023 Oswego Classic winner Dave Danzer prevailed in a wild 30-lap feature worth $5,000 to win. The Speed Tour had a ten-car inversion which saw fast-time qualifier Danzer and weekend long contender Davey Hamilton start on the fifth-row. Hamilton advanced into the lead by lap 11. A pair of hard crashes on both ends of the track stopped the action, but the drivers involved were uninjured.

Hamilton separated himself from Danzer by a few car lengths before tangling briefly with a lapped car. The contact caused damage that stuck Hamilton’s throttle open, sending him barreling into the turn three wall and onto his side for a caution on lap 24. Danzer inherited the lead and paced the final six circuits for the coveted win followed by Canadian Jim White and Colorado’s Cris Muhler rounding out the podium.

Race fans can learn more about the Open Wheel Showdown at www.OpenWheelShowdown.com or on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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