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Nolan Bower Named to Radford Racing School’s F4 U.S. Scholarship Award School

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Official Release
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Nolan Bower (center) with Ron and Lynda Fellows of MRFKC.

Nomination from Motomaster Ron Fellows Karting Championship Provides Bower with Opportunity to Drive F4 U.S. Car

CHARLOTTE (November 28, 2023) – Scholarship recipients are being announced for the upcoming joint venture between Radford Racing School and the Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.) to help transition young drivers from go-karts to racecars. Nolan Bower is the first driver to be announced to the Radford Racing School F4 U.S. Scholarship Award School through a nomination from the Motomaster Ron Fellows Karting Championship (MRFKC).

“We’re excited to have Nolan join us for this year’s Radford Racing School F4 U.S. Scholarship Award School,” said Scott Goodyear, F4 U.S. Race Director. “The Motomaster Ron Fellows Karting Championship program is known for producing great talents—including our 2023 F4 U.S. champion, Patrick Woods-Toth, who received the nomination from MRFKC for this program last year. Lynda and Ron [Fellows] have spoken very highly of Nolan, and I can’t wait to see him behind the wheel of a racecar.”

“Our 2023 scholarship recipient is Nolan Bower,” said Ron Fellows. “He’s another kart driver from Prime Power Team, as was Patrick Woods-Toth. Nolan has progressively improved each year, culminating with a dominant 2023 season in the ROK Senior class, winning the MRFKC series title along with being crowned Canadian Karting Champion. We are excited to see what Nolan can do in an F4 car at the Radford Racing School.”

A native of Whitby, Ontario, Bower already has 10 years of experience as a competitive karter. Having raced throughout North America and Europe, the 19 year old is a four-time representative of Team Canada at the ROK Cup Superfinals, and won both the MRFKC Championship and the Canadian Nationals this year in the ROK Senior class.

“Winning this scholarship means the world to me,” said Bower. “Between my mother, my father, Trevor Wickens, Tyler Ripani and myself, we’ve all worked so hard to receive this opportunity from Ron Fellows, F4 U.S. Championship and Radford Racing School. I hope to utilize this experience to the fullest and gain the understanding of what it takes to properly transition from go-karts to racecars.”

A “karts to cars” style program, the Radford Racing School F4 U.S. Scholarship Award School is designed to help scholarship winners acclimate to a racecar, while teaching them the basics of handling and car control. Nominated by some of the world’s best karting programs, scholarship recipients travel to Radford’s facility to participate in the program, which utilizes the same combination that last year’s F4 U.S. competitors used on the track—a Ligier JS F4-16 chassis, a Honda 2.0-liter engine and Hankook racing slicks. With ground school, skid control, lead-follow sessions, braking, shifting and handling drills, the program is uniquely designed to account for the fact that participants are some of the top karters in the world. The scholarship includes a two-day school, with some participants—like Bower—adding on a third “lapping” day.

Additional scholarship recipients will be announced in the coming days. The Radford Racing School F4 U.S. Scholarship Award School takes place this Friday and Saturday in Chandler, Ariz.

About Formula Regional Americas Championship & Formula 4 United States Championship, Powered by Honda: The FIA-certified Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.) & Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas) are designed as entry-level open-wheel racing series offering young talent the opportunity to demonstrate their skills on an international platform while keeping affordability and safety as key elements. The Championships align with the global FIA development ladder philosophy of using common components to provide a cost-efficient, reliable and powerful racing structure as drivers ascend through the levels on their way to U.S. or global racing success.

Adrien Tambay to compete for ABT CUPRA XE in Extreme E Season 3 finale

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Official Release
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28 November 2023, London: ABT CUPRA XE have announced Adrien Tambay will debut for the team at the Extreme E Season 3 finale in Chile (2-3 December).

Tambay will partner Klara Andersson at the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix, as the team look to end their 2023 campaign on a high.

The Frenchman has been part of the ABT and CUPRA family for a long time, however his Extreme E debut means venturing into unfamiliar territory: a first event competing on gravel and sand.

Tambay contested a total of 48 DTM races for ABT between 2012 and 2015 and celebrated the title in the ETCR electric touring car championship with CUPRA in 2022.

Ahead of his debut for ABT CUPRA XE, Tambay said: “It is a great honour for me to drive for ABT and CUPRA in Chile. I’m really looking forward to my Extreme E debut. It’s my first foray into the off-road world – so there’s a lot to learn, which makes the challenge even greater. I will do my best to repay the trust placed in me.

“Klara [Andersson] and the whole team have been great in helping me prepare at home, and now it’s on to the track. My goal is to learn quickly and avoid as many of the traps of the series as possible. I like the format of close racing against each other, which I have already done in some ice racing. I can’t wait to experience the Extreme E world now.”

Thomas Biermaier, ABT CEO and Team Principal, said: “We have known and respected Adrien for a long time – from the DTM and as a rookie in Formula E. Now he has expressed the wish to experience his first off-road adventure with us and we would like to fulfill this wish together with CUPRA.”

Rounds 9 and 10 in Chile mark the end of the third Extreme E season. Last year, ABT CUPRA XE experienced a turbulent weekend at the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix. Jutta Kleinschmidt retired due to injury after an incident in Free Practice, and was replaced by then-Championship Driver Andersson. Together with Nasser Al-Attiyah, the Swede starred on her series debut to claim third, ensuring the team have high hopes for their return to the Atacama Desert.

Andersson said: “The race in Chile has a special place in my heart because I made my Extreme E debut there last year. From my point of view it is the best track on the calendar: it is fast, wide, offers different lines, has spectacular jumps and allows good overtakings.

“For all teams this is the last big race of the season – all the more reason to give it our all and achieve a good result. I’m looking forward to the new challenge of working with Adrien at my side. Teaching him everything as quickly as possible and helping him to feel comfortable and fast in the car will be the most important task.”

Tambay’s Extreme E debut, as well as the crowning of the 2023 champions in the five-team decider in Chile, will be live across ITV and STV in the UK, while outside of the UK please visit here for broadcaster details.

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

Landen Lewis Joins KHI Management

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Official Release
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Harrisburg, N.C. (November 28, 2023) – KHI Management (KHIM) announced today the addition of 17-year-old Landen Lewis to its client list, as well as the Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) late model driver line up.

“This is a great opportunity for me,” said Lewis. “Joining KHI Management is the next step I need to further my career and put myself in position to have the best opportunities possible. I’ve been surrounded by great racers and mentors so far with guidance from Ron Hornaday, Candice Hornady, and everyone at Joe Ryan Racecars. Now to add Kevin (Harvick) and the great group at KHI, I know it’s only going to make me a better racer and help me to take the next step to one day be competing on Sunday’s in the NASCAR Cup Series. I’m excited for this opportunity and to be a part of KHI Management.”

A native of Supply, N.C., Lewis began racing go karts at the age of four and quickly began his winning ways. Lewis scored 150-career wins and multiple championships before moving up to a dirt modified in 2018 where he became the youngest winner in Mid-East Dirt Modified history. Continuing to move up the ladder, Lewis joined Joe Ryan Racecars in 2019 to compete in Legend Cars. Behind the wheel of a Legend Car, Lewis has earned 89 wins, five National Championships and multiple state and regional championships.

Making the transition to the NASCAR stage, Lewis made his Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) debut at the age of 15 at Illinois State Fairgrounds. In just his second start in the series, Lewis won at DuQuoin State Fairgrounds after starting from the pole and leading every lap. With a limited schedule during the 2021-2023 seasons, Lewis competed in 24 races among the ARCA National Series, ARCA East Series and ARCA West Series earning three wins, 12 top-five and 18 top-10 finishes. Lewis was part of the 2023 ARCA West Owner’s Championship team for MMI Racing where he piloted eight of the 12 races throughout the season in the No. 17 car.

With age hindering a full season of competition in NASCAR’s top series, Lewis made his Truck Series debut at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on July 8, 2023. He has two starts in the series to date.

“I’ve watched Landen race over the last couple of years, and I am confident he has the ability to do great things given the right opportunity,” Harvick said. “KHIM will do everything we can to help Landen navigate the start to what I believe will be a great career in racing.”

Before joining KHIM, Lewis was a member of the Team Hornaday Development program, run by four-time Truck Series Champion Ron Hornaday Jr. and his daughter Candice.

Lewis will also join KHI’s Late Model Stock program for the 2024 season. Details on schedule and sponsorship will be announced at a later date.

KHIM’s current driver management line up includes Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ryan Preece, Harrison Burton, Todd Gilliland, Josh Berry, Riley Herbst, William Sawalich, Brent Crews and Keelan Harvick.

About KHI Management

KHI Management, LLC (KHIM) is a full-service sports and celebrity-marketing agency representing some of the most successful and high-profile professionals in the sports and broadcasting industries, as well as offering a variety of consulting and marketing services to corporate sponsors. In representing many of the biggest names in NASCAR, UFC, PGA, and bullriding, KHIM consistently maximizes their client’s brand awareness and marketplace value.

Founded by NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick, KHI Management affords clients the opportunity to expose their brands across multiple sports and entertainment platforms via a singular agency with a vast array of services ranging from career management and media relations to licensing and philanthropy.

Prior to founding KHIM, Harvick and his wife, DeLana, co-owned Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI), a three-time championship NASCAR Truck Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series team. Proficiency in managing the day-to-day operations of organizations and drivers at the top levels of NASCAR laid the foundation for a seamless transition to athlete and sponsor management.

Why Get a Lifted Truck & How to Buy One in Florida

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SM
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Thinking about getting a new truck? Understanding what it is you’re going to use it for is one of the first things to do to determine which type to get. You can go here to get some more tips on which specific truck to buy for yourself.

During your research of the various types and models, you will come across what is known as a lifted truck. This is a concept that is quite appealing to a lot of people these days, and there is no doubt you’ll become curious about it as well. You won’t, however, decide on whether you should get a lifted truck or not before you figure out the reasons why that could be a good idea.

That is, of course, one of the topics we will cover today, aiming at helping you make that important decision. Additionally, we will talk about the process of buying the right lifted truck for you in Florida, just in case you decide to do it. And, given the benefits that come with it, chances are you will decide to buy this particular type of a vehicle. Let us, however, not get ahead of ourselves.

Why Get a Lifted Truck

So, clearly, the first thing we have to cover is this. What are the benefits of getting a lifted truck and why should you consider doing it at all? As you’ll see, there are certainly quite a few important benefits to take into account when trying to make this decision.

Learn both about the pros and about the cons: https://carlifenation.com/6-pros-and-cons-of-lifted-trucks/

First things first, the bigger tires that these vehicles sport are quite advantageous for off-roading. They can climb over obstacles much more easily, as well as increase ground clearance. So, if you’re planning on taking the vehicle off-road, you should definitely think about getting a lifted one.

It’s not just for off-road adventures, though. A lifted truck will absorb any irregularities on any road more easily, and without sustaining any damage. Not only will it help you not get stuck anywhere, regardless of whether we are talking about off-road adventure or other types of drives you will be taking, but it will also reduce the risk of damage.

If towing is something you’ll be doing frequently, then there is absolutely no doubt you will enjoy having a lifted truck. This is because they generally have a higher towing ability. So, towing heavy loads will basically be a piece of cake for these types of vehicles.

We can’t fail to mention the appearance, can we? These look darn amazing! If you want to have a vehicle that will meet all of your off-road needs while also turning heads wherever you go, then you should definitely consider this type. No doubt that you’ll cause some jealousy in some people when you start sporting your new set of wheels.

How to Buy One in Florida

You’ve heard enough about the benefits and about the reasons for getting this vehicle, haven’t you? So, the next thing you want to do is figure out how to buy the right lifted truck in Florida for yourself. Rushing into making a purchase is not your style, and it definitely shouldn’t be, because you want to make a smart decision. And smart decisions are usually not made in a hurry.

What you want to do, thus, is take your time to carefully research the different dealers that can sell you these specific vehicles. There are certainly going to be plenty of those on the market, and it is your task to research them in more detail, aiming at finding the best solution and thus buying the best lifted truck for yourself. So, focusing on researching the dealers in Florida is your first, and probably your main task.

You can find out about those different dealers by talking to other people that have bought these vehicles in the past. You can also find them online. In any case, visiting their official websites should be your next step, because you need to see what they have to offer. Apart from that, some of the companies you may find could be able to offer custom orders, which is undeniably a great thing, as it means you can get the perfect truck even though it isn’t already pre-made.

Checking out the prices offered by different Florida companies is also a must. Comparing those prices will give you a clear idea of which companies are being fair with their offers and which ones may be taking it a bit overboard. Remember, though, that the quality of the trucks is the main thing to consider and that paying a bit more for the perfect quality is a good thing. So, do consider the prices, but don’t get too hung up on them.

Navigating the Urban Jungle: A Guide to Senior-Friendly City Driving

By
SM
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Photo by Stephen Tafra on Unsplash

Driving through the bustling streets of a city can be quite a challenge, especially as you age. But fear not because, with the right tips and a touch of wisdom, seniors can confidently navigate the urban jungle. This article will share some valuable advice on city driving for older adults, ensuring a safe and stress-free experience. It will also provide insights into choosing the best cars for older drivers to make the journey even more enjoyable.

Stay Informed and Prepared

Before embarking on a city adventure, it’s crucial to be well-informed. Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, road signs, and any recent changes to traffic regulations. It’s also a good idea to keep a map or GPS navigation system handy, as these can help you navigate unfamiliar city streets with ease.

Plan Your Routes Wisely

City driving often involves heavy traffic and congested roads. To avoid unnecessary stress, plan your routes ahead of time. Opt for less crowded roads or consider traveling during off-peak hours when traffic is lighter. If you have appointments or errands to run, try to schedule them during less busy times of the day.

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you is crucial for city driving. The “three-second rule” is a good guideline to follow. Pick a fixed point on the road and ensure you’re at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you. This will give you ample time to react in case of sudden stops or emergencies.

Be Cautious at Intersections

mobile medical alert

Intersections can be particularly challenging for drivers of all ages. Pay extra attention when approaching intersections, and remember to yield the right of way when necessary. Look out for pedestrians and cyclists, and double-check for oncoming traffic before making a turn.

Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. To stay safe on city roads, avoid distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or fiddling with the radio while driving. Keep your focus on the road, and if you need to make a call or adjust your settings, pull over to a safe spot.

Watch for Pedestrians

City streets are often teeming with pedestrians, so be on the lookout for people crossing the road. Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and be patient with those who may need a little extra time to cross safely.

Use Turn Signals and Mirrors

Proper use of turn signals and side mirrors is essential for city driving. Signaling your intentions helps other drivers anticipate your actions, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Be sure to check your mirrors regularly to stay aware of your surroundings.

Be Mindful of Parking

Trying to find parking in a very busy city can be a challenge. Look for designated parking areas and follow parking regulations to avoid fines. If parallel parking is a concern, consider practicing in less crowded areas until you feel comfortable.

Consider Adaptive Driver Assistance Systems

Modern cars often come equipped with advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. These systems can be a boon for senior drivers, providing an extra layer of safety and convenience.

Best Cars for Senior Drivers

Choosing the right car can significantly impact a senior’s city driving experience. Here are some general factors to consider when selecting a senior-friendly vehicle:

  • Look for cars that offer comfortable seating and easy access. Vehicles with higher seat positions and wide door openings are the best cars for senior drivers. Consider cars with power-adjustable seats and steering wheels for added convenience.
  • Safety should be a top priority. Opt for cars equipped with advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies can provide an extra layer of protection on city streets.
  • Good visibility is essential for city driving. Choose a car with large windows and minimal blind spots. Some vehicles even have 360-degree camera systems to aid in parking and navigating tight spaces.
  • City driving often requires quick maneuvering and parking in tight spots. Smaller vehicles or cars with excellent turning radii can be easier to handle in urban environments.
  • Choose a car from a reputable manufacturer known for its reliability and durability. Read reviews and consult with trusted sources to ensure you select a vehicle that will serve you well for years to come.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, city driving as a senior can be a breeze with the right knowledge and preparation. Stay informed, plan your routes wisely, and prioritize safety on the road. When choosing a vehicle, consider models with senior-friendly features to enhance your driving experience. With these tips and insights, you can confidently navigate the urban jungle and enjoy your time on the road.

Top Online Marketing Trends Transforming the Automotive Industry

By
SM
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Image by Pexels from Pixabay

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the evolving landscape of online marketing. 

This article explores key trends revolutionizing how automotive companies connect with consumers in the digital realm. 

From interactive virtual experiences to personalized marketing tactics, these online trends are not just reshaping automotive marketing strategies but are also enhancing customer engagement and streamlining the car buying process. 

As we navigate through these innovative trends, we’ll see how they are making a pivotal impact, offering new ways for automotive brands to interact with their audience and elevate their market presence in this digitally driven era.

Bonus Tip: If you own an automotive store and want to promote it online, learning and investing in digital marketing can be a game-changer. Fortunately, with the widespread accessibility of the internet finding a good digital marketing course has become very easy, regardless of where you live. For example, if you own an automotive shop in Kolkata and want to learn digital marketing, all you have to do is search for the best digital marketing courses in kolkata on Google to find courses that are not only near you but also tailored to your specific needs.

The Rise of Digital Showrooms and Virtual Reality

Virtual reality and digital showrooms are revolutionizing the automotive shopping experience, providing immersive ways for customers to explore and interact with vehicles.

  • Virtual Showroom Experiences: Customers can virtually explore and customize cars in detailed digital showrooms, enhancing the buying experience without stepping into a physical dealership.
  • Virtual Reality Test Drives: VR technology offers realistic test-driving experiences, allowing customers to get a feel of the car from anywhere, broadening the reach and appeal of car models.

Digital showrooms and VR test drives are transforming the car-buying journey, offering immersive, convenient experiences that attract modern consumers. These technologies not only enhance customer engagement but also provide a novel way for automotive brands to showcase their vehicles.

Personalization through Data Analytics

Data analytics enables automotive companies to tailor their marketing efforts, delivering personalized experiences to consumers.

  • Customized Marketing Messages: Utilizing data analytics, automotive companies can create personalized marketing messages that resonate with individual consumer preferences, enhancing the effectiveness of their campaigns.
  • Predictive Analytics for Consumer Behavior: By analyzing consumer data, automotive brands can anticipate market trends and consumer needs, allowing for more targeted and impactful marketing strategies.

Personalized marketing through data analytics is transforming how automotive companies interact with consumers, offering tailored experiences that resonate and drive engagement. This approach not only improves customer satisfaction but also positions automotive brands as responsive and consumer-centric.

Embracing Mobile-First Strategies

A mobile-first approach is critical for automotive companies to engage the modern, on-the-go consumer effectively.

  • Responsive Website Design: Optimizing automotive websites for mobile devices is essential, as a growing number of consumers use smartphones for car research and shopping.
  • Mobile Apps for Enhanced Customer Service: Automotive brands are developing mobile apps to provide convenient access to services, improving customer experience and loyalty.

Adopting a mobile-first strategy is key for automotive companies to meet the evolving preferences of digital consumers. By ensuring mobile-responsive designs and offering practical mobile apps, automotive brands can enhance customer engagement and service accessibility.

Incorporating SEO in Automotive Marketing

SEO is a cornerstone of online marketing for automotive companies, essential for boosting visibility and attracting potential buyers.

  • Optimizing for Local Searches: Focusing on local SEO helps automotive companies increase their visibility in local search results, crucial for attracting customers to nearby dealerships.
  • Content Optimization for Automotive Topics: Creating SEO-friendly content around automotive topics attracts organic traffic, boosting the online presence of automotive brands.
  • Utilizing Backlinks: It is essential to build a network of quality backlinks for automotive company to enhance its SEO and online authority. Collaboration with automotive blogs and news sites for content exchange is a strategic way to gain valuable backlinks.

Incorporating SEO into automotive marketing strategies is crucial for enhancing online visibility and attracting potential customers. By optimizing for local searches and creating relevant content, automotive companies can significantly improve their digital footprint and connect with a wider audience.

Social Media Marketing and Influencer Partnerships

Social media and influencer marketing are powerful tools for automotive companies to build brand awareness and engage with consumers.

  • Engaging Content on Social Platforms: Sharing captivating content on social media platforms helps automotive brands connect with their audience, building community and brand loyalty.
  • Collaboration with Auto Influencers: Partnering with influencers in the automotive industry extends brand reach and adds authenticity to marketing efforts.

Utilizing social media and influencer partnerships is an effective way for automotive companies to enhance brand awareness and consumer engagement. These platforms offer opportunities to connect with audiences authentically and build a loyal community around the brand.

Leveraging Online Reviews and Customer Feedback

Online reviews and customer feedback are invaluable for automotive companies to build trust and improve services.

  • Showcasing Customer Reviews: Displaying positive online reviews enhances the credibility of automotive brands, leveraging customer satisfaction to attract new buyers.
  • Responding to Feedback: Engaging with customer reviews and feedback demonstrates a brand’s commitment to customer service and continuous improvement.

Online reviews and customer feedback play a vital role in building trust and enhancing the reputation of automotive companies. By actively showcasing and responding to reviews, automotive brands can improve their services and foster a positive brand image.

Innovative Use of Video Content

Video content offers automotive companies a dynamic way to showcase their products and engage with consumers.

  • Showcasing Car Features Through Videos: Videos effectively demonstrate car features and updates, providing an engaging and informative way for consumers to learn about new models.
  • Live Streams for Launch Events: Utilizing live streaming for car launches and events creates excitement and allows consumers to participate in real-time, enhancing engagement.

Incorporating video content into automotive marketing strategies is a powerful way to showcase products and engage consumers. From detailed feature demonstrations to live event streaming, videos provide an immersive and interactive experience for potential buyers.

Email Marketing for Continuous Engagement

Email marketing is a direct and effective way for automotive companies to maintain engagement and nurture customer relationships.

  • Newsletters for Upcoming Models and Offers: Regular newsletters keep customers informed about new models and special offers, enhancing brand loyalty and customer retention.
  • Segmented Email Campaigns: Customizing email content based on customer preferences ensures more effective and targeted communication, improving the relevance and impact of marketing efforts.

Email marketing is a key component of automotive digital marketing, providing a direct channel to communicate with customers and keep them engaged with the brand. Through targeted newsletters and segmented campaigns, automotive companies can maintain continuous engagement and nurture long-term customer relationships.

Conclusion

In the rapidly evolving automotive industry, embracing these top online marketing trends is crucial for staying competitive and connecting with modern consumers. 

From virtual showrooms to personalized email campaigns, these strategies represent the forefront of digital marketing in the automotive sector. 

By adopting these approaches, automotive companies can enhance their online presence, engage more effectively with their audience, and drive sales in the digital marketplace. 

As the industry continues to advance, staying abreast of these trends will be key for automotive brands looking to succeed in the digital era and beyond.

zMAX® Joins CARS Tour as Entitlement Sponsor

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Official Release
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CARS Tour Ownership Group Unveils 2024 schedule; FloRacing Renewed to Livestream all 19 events

Highlights

  • zMAX® announced as new entitlement sponsor for CARS Tour in multi-year agreement.
  • FloRacing to continue as official streaming partner of zMAX CARS Tour; will livestream all 19 races for second consecutive year.
  • Unveiled 2024 zMAX CARS Tour schedule includes 19 events at 13 facilities with Late Model Stock Car and Pro Late Model champions crowned in season finale at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 27, 2023) – Things just keep getting bigger and better for the CARS Tour Late Model Series as it embarks on its 10th season of competition as the Southeast’s premier asphalt late model series.

Today the CARS Tour ownership group, comprised of motorsports icons Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Justin Marks, announced the addition of zMAX® as the series’ new entitlement sponsor for the upcoming 2024 season and beyond. The group also rolled out the 2024 zMAX CARS Tour schedule and confirmed the renewal of FloRacing as its official streaming partner for all 19 events.

“This year we committed ourselves to helping grow an already-established CARS Tour, and regional asphalt racing as a whole,” said Harvick. “Having the opportunity to bring on a respected brand and partner like zMAX does so much for the health and professionalism of the zMAX CARS Tour.”

Produced in Harrisburg, N.C., zMAX Micro-lubricant® is used in thousands of automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, outdoor equipment, airplanes and firearms to reduce carbon buildup, lubricate vital parts and extend engine life. Used by professionals and every-day car-lovers alike, the zMAX family of products has a prominent presence in a number of motorsports, including NASCAR, NHRA and USAC. zMAX is manufactured by Oil-Chem Research Corporation, a division of motorsports entertainment company Speedway Motorsports.

“A zMAX partnership with the CARS Tour is a grassroots commitment to building future competitors and fans in motorsports,” said Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports. “I’d like to thank Dale, Kevin, Jeff and Justin for this opportunity. We look forward to marketing zMAX from the garage to the grandstands and we’re thrilled to see the CARS Tour returning to North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2024.”

For the second consecutive season, all 19 of the zMAX CARS Tour events will be livestreamed on FloRacing. The video streaming service, which became the official streaming partner of zMAX CARS Tour earlier this year, is a subscription-based company dedicated to growing grassroots motorsports.

“We feel that CARS has truly become the premier short track asphalt tour in America, and we could not be happier to have the series back on FloRacing,” said General Manager of FloRacing, Michael Rigsby. “Dale and the entire team with CARS are committed to growing short track pavement racing, and that’s truly evident by all they’ve done over the last year. 2024 is going to be a big, big year for CARS, and we are beyond thrilled to highlight that.”

In addition, the newly-minted zMAX CARS Tour released its 2024 season schedule, which kicks off at Southern National Motorsports Park (Kenly, N.C.) on Saturday, March 2, with Pro Late Models, the first of its two divisions. The Late Model Stock Car division will begin its season at the same track one week later, on March 9.

“There is a lot to unpack and a lot to be excited about this season – two trips to North Wilkesboro and adding Orange County to the schedule,” said Earnhardt Jr. “It’s going to be tough competition for the drivers and a great show for our fans in the stands, and for those watching on FloRacing. Our partnership with FloRacing has helped tremendously in building exposure and excitement around the zMAX CARS Tour. I’m looking forward to continuing that.”

Highlighting the series schedule are back-to-back PLM and LMSC races at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 14 – 15. The zMAX CARS Tour will return to the .625-mile short track on Oct. 19 for the season finale, where it will crown both its series champions.

2024 zMAX CARS Tour Schedule:

  • Southern National Motorsports Park, Kenly, N.C. (PLM) – March 2
  • Southern National Motorsports Park, Kenly, N.C. (LMSC) – March 9
  • New River All American Speedway, Jacksonville, N.C. (LMSC) – March 23
  • Hickory Motor Speedway, Hickory, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – April 6
  • Orange County Speedway, Rougemont, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – April 20
  • Ace Speedway, Altamahaw, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – Friday, May 3
  • North Wilkesboro Speedway, Wilkesboro, N.C. (PLM) – Tuesday, May 14
  • North Wilkesboro Speedway, Wilkesboro, N.C. (LMSC) – Wednesday, May 15
  • Tri-County Speedway, Granite Falls, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – May 25
  • Langley Speedway, Hampton, Va. (LMSC) – June 1
  • Dominion Raceway, Thornburg, Va. (LMSC) – June 15
  • Caraway Speedway, Sophia, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – Wednesday, July 3
  • Hickory Motor Speedway Throwback, Hickory, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – July 27
  • Ace Speedway, Altamahaw, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – Friday, Aug. 9
  • Wake County Speedway, Raleigh, N.C. (LMSC) – Aug. 24
  • Florence Motor Speedway, Florence, S.C. (LMSC/PLM) – Friday, Aug. 30
  • South Boston Speedway, South Boston, Va. (LMSC/PLM) – Sept. 14
  • Tri-County Motor Speedway, Granite Falls, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – Oct. 12
  • North Wilkesboro Speedway, Wilkesboro, N.C. (PLM) – Friday, Oct. 18
  • North Wilkesboro Speedway, Wilkesboro, N.C. (LMSC) – Oct. 19

All races will take place on Saturdays unless otherwise noted. Schedule subject to change.

ABOUT zMAX CARS TOUR
Founded in the fall of 2014, the zMAX CARS Tour is the Southeast’s premier asphalt Late Model series. Now under the ownership of motorsports icons Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Justin Marks, the zMAX CARS Tour began as a quality pavement racing series based in the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic region that featured both Late Model Stock Cars and Pro Late Models. Both premier series race on the same night at the same track, and this unique arrangement makes the zMAX CARS Tour the first organization of its kind anywhere in the country. Many of today’s stock car superstars got their start in the zMAX CARS Tour and it is a primary breeding ground for the racing champions of tomorrow.

ABOUT zMAX
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Jak Crawford Closes Rookie F2 Campaign in the points at Yas Marina

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Official Release
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Jak Crawford #9 of Hitech GP performs during round fourteen of the FIA Formula 2 Championship at Yas Marina Circuit, on November 24-26, 2023. // Dutch Photo Agency / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202311240711 // Usage for editorial use only //

ABU DAHBI, United Arab Emerates (27 Nov. 2023) – American Jak Crawford finished up his rookie FIA Formula 2 season with a points-paying 10th-place finish at the Yas Marina Circuit.

After starting deep in the pack, Crawford made a good start but was then slowed by an issue during his pit stop, returning to the fray to then race into a points-paying 10th position on the final lap of the season.

The 18-year-old Texan had impressive early runs in both races of the weekend, which will mark his final events with both the Red Bull Junior Academy and Hitech Pulse-Eight Racing as he looks forward to a new chapter and a return to F2 in 2024.

Crawford’s rookie season saw him score his first F2 victory in the Sprint Race at Spielberg’s Red Bull Ring, along with his first pole at Zandvoort, where he notched a third-place finish in the Feature Race. He ended up with six top-10s in Features and four in Sprints, for a total of 10 top-10 finishes and seven top-10 qualifying results.

“A victory, a pole, five podiums, I’m definitely happy with what I showed,” he said. “Next year will be about improving on that, working on being consistent every weekend. We should be proud of this race. Finishing 10th was a good result, especially after starting 19th, and knowing we could have had more. From the first stint, we were fighting for position.”

Coming off a layoff of two-and-a-half months, Crawford quickly got up to pace at Yas Marina, running 14th in the lone practice session. He was 10th midway through qualifying, only to fall back to place a disappointing 19th in the closing moments of the session.

“It was a long time with no driving, so practice was a matter of getting into the swing of things,” he said. “Then in qualifying, we had an issue with the tire warmup, and was struggling to put a lap together. Overall, we struggled a bit with the warmup and managing the tires. We didn’t have enough pace for top-five, but for sure we should have been in the top 10.”

Gridded 19th for the Sprint, Crawford passed four cars before the safety car came out late on lap one. He gained a place on each of the first two laps after the restart, running in 13th for the remainder of the 23-lap Sprint.

“The Sprint Race was a lot more boring, because everyone was on the same strategy that left overtaking and stuff like that difficult,” he said. “It was all about getting through that first stint and making as many positions as possible.”

He again had a strong start in the 33-lap Feature, and went from 19th to 13th in only two laps. Running 10th on the soft-compound tires, he pitted on lap seven, but fell to 20th after the stop.

“We had a slow pit stop, because the right-rear wheel didn’t attach properly,” Crawford said. “Also I made a mistake on the out lap so we lost a total of about six-seven seconds, and that definitely hurt our race today.”

Slowly working his way through the pack, he was 11th with four laps remaining and moved to a points paying 10th on the final lap.

Crawford is already chomping at the bit to get going for 2024, extending his stay in Abu Dahbi for several days as he prepares for a test with DAMS.

“I have no plans yet for the offseason,” he said. “We have testing for three days here in Abu Dahbi with DAMS. It will be a big change, not having the Red Bull helmet or suit any more, but I think we will be a perfectly fine team. It will be quite a short off-season, because we’ll be back testing again in January. I look forward to relaxing along with preparing for next season.”

DUQUEINE TEAM ALONGSIDE ISOTTA FRASCHINI IN FIA WEC 2024 WITH THE NEW HYPERCAR TIPO 6 LMH – COMPETIZIONE

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Official Release
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Alejandro Garcia and Jean-Karl Vernay the champions chosen for the rebirth of the Milanese automaker

Saint Martin de Valgalgues (France), 27 November 2023 – Duqueine Team, with drivers Alejandro Garcia and Jean-Karl Vernay, will join forces with Isotta Fraschini in FIA WEC 2024, the World Endurance Championship. Type 6 LMH – Competizione: the new Le Mans Hypercar with which the historic Italian carmaker will compete in the premier class starting next year, thanks to its collaboration with French company Duqueine.

“This is fantastic news for the Duqueine Team! Entering the WEC has always been the Team’s objective, and doing so in close collaboration with a manufacturer like Isotta in the premier class, makes the competition all the more motivating. It’s a big challenge, but the whole team has been working for many weeks to get ready for it. I’d like to thank the WEC and Isotta Fraschini for their confidence. Grazie mille and FORZA ISOTTA FRASCHINI DUQUEINE” states Gilles Duqueine, Founder & President of Duqueine Group.

The team of the cutting-edge manufacturer of aviation components and high-perfomance racing cars will take care of sporting activities, while Isotta Fraschini will oversee technical management; together they are preparing to participate the world-renown competition dedicated to cars used in endurance races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. First stop in Qatar.

A precious creation with a wholly Made in Italy design, whose performance meets the highest̀ standards of world circuits. Already confirmed to be driving the fascinating car are two drivers chosen by the French sports team: award-winning champions Alejandro Garcia and Jean-Karl Vernay. The third driver will be announced in the coming days.

“It’s been a full year of work to develop the car and make this happen, and I am so honored and thankful that both sides, Isotta Fraschini and Duqueine, to be a part of the team for the WEC 2024” states Jean-Karl Vernay, “Going back to Le Mans is also magic, and I know it won’t be an easy challenge but we have all the tools to make it great!”

“I’m very happy and privileged to be able to drive for Isotta Fraschini” says Alejandro Garcia, “It’s been a dream of mine to drive for WEC and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, especially in the main category. I’m sure we’ll make good results and work as hard as possible to achieve it. Thanks to all my sponsors and people who supported me in this amazing project, I can’t wait for the first race in Qatar.”

A symbol of technology, elegance, and luxury, in its history Isotta Fraschini Milano has been a coveted and desired automobile. Today, it aims for a revival inspired by its origins based on authenticity, elegance, and high performance. Values that, combined with a great drive for innovation and ESG policies, have also always been shared by the Duqueine team.

Toyota Unveils Camry XSE Race Car for 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Season

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Official Release
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PLANO, Texas (November 27, 2023) – Toyota revealed today a newly-designed NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) Toyota Camry XSE race car that will make its debut in the 2024 NCS season. The Camry XSE Next Gen follows the Toyota Camry TRD Next Gen, which produced 18 victories and 25 poles during the last two seasons of competition.

Toyota, TRD (Toyota Racing Development, U.S.A.) and Calty Design worked together to ensure body styling characteristics replicated the recently unveiled 2025 Toyota Camry XSE as closely as possible. New features of the Toyota Camry race car include a distinctive hammerhead styling on the front facia with an upper grille slot that is tied into the updated slim and wide headlights.

The outside of the larger lower grille area also features C-shaped corner vents, while the hood features new character lines and new hood duct exits. The back facia of the car includes revised quarter panel styling and chamfered bumper corners on the back of the corner panels that blend into the rear bumper. These features, along with updated thinner taillights, give the new Camry race car a more sculpted appearance.

2024 NASCAR Toyota Camry XSE that will be raced in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series

“The 2024 Camry XSE race car will properly highlight Toyota’s attention to detail as has been showcased in the new street version Toyota Camry. We are excited to bring this car to the race track and continue to achieve success with it for years to come,” said Paul Doleshal, group manager of motorsports, TMNA (Toyota Motor North America). “The amount of work put into this car’s production cannot be overstated, and we thank everyone at TRD and Calty Design for their efforts in creating a premier vehicle for our team partners to compete for wins and championships.”

Toyota continues to be the only manufacturer in NASCAR to showcase three nameplates across the three national series – the Camry in the NCS, the GR Supra in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) and the Tundra TRD Pro in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS). Since joining the NCS and NXS in 2007, Toyota has earned 180 NCS wins and three NCS championships along with 201 NXS victories and four NXS titles. And since its entry into the NCTS in 2004, Toyota has claimed 228 wins and nine Truck Series championships.

“The foundation of Toyota’s presence in NASCAR is our commitment to continuous improvement on and off the race track. Our Camry XSE race car reinforces that mantra and accurately reflects the key design attributes of the all-new production Toyota Camry,” said David Wilson, president of TRD. “As we prepare for the 2024 season, we look forward to working closely with our race team partners to optimize the performance of the newly-designed Camry race car so we can continue our legacy of leading laps, winning races and competing for championships with the Camry nameplate.”

With the addition of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, eight Toyota Camry XSE’s will compete on track every weekend, starting with the Clash at the Coliseum exhibition race in Los Angeles, California, in February.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th 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.

Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed $110 million to create innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company’s 14 U.S. operating sites.

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