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3 Different Ways To Finance a Caravan

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SM
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Photo by Engin Akyurt

Owning a caravan offers the freedom to explore and the comfort of home wherever you go. However, financing a caravan can be a significant investment, and it’s essential to understand the different options available. This article explores three popular methods of financing a caravan, helping you to make an informed decision that suits your financial situation and lifestyle needs.

Personal Loan

Understanding Personal Loans for Caravan Financing

A personal loan is a popular option for financing a caravan in the UK. It allows you to borrow a fixed amount of money over a set period, typically at a fixed interest rate. This option is ideal for those who prefer a structured repayment plan for financing a caravan in New Zealand.

Pros

Fixed Repayments: Personal loans offer the certainty of fixed monthly payments, making budgeting easier.

Flexible Loan Amounts: Lenders usually offer a range of loan amounts, allowing you to borrow exactly what you need.

Potentially Lower Interest Rates: If you have a good credit score, you may qualify for a personal loan with a lower interest rate compared to other financing options.

Cons

Credit Score Impact: Your credit score significantly influences your eligibility and the interest rate you are offered.

Potential for Higher Overall Cost: Depending on the interest rate and loan term, a personal loan could end up costing more over time compared to other financing methods.

How to Apply

To apply for a personal loan, you’ll typically need to provide proof of income, employment details, and other financial information. It’s advisable to shop around and compare offers from different lenders to find the best rate.

Dealer Finance

Exploring Dealer Finance Options

Dealer finance involves arranging the loan directly through the caravan dealership. This method can be convenient, as it combines the purchase and financing processes into one transaction.

Pros

Convenience: Dealer finance is straightforward and convenient, allowing you to arrange finance and purchase your caravan in one place.

Promotional Offers: Dealerships often have promotional finance offers, such as low-interest rates or deferred payments.

Flexible Terms: Dealer finance can offer flexible repayment terms, tailored to your financial situation.

Cons

Higher Interest Rates: Dealer-arranged finance can sometimes have higher interest rates compared to bank loans or personal loans.

Limited Options: You are limited to the finance products offered by the dealer, which may not always offer the best terms.

How to Choose the Right Dealer Finance

It’s crucial to read the fine print and understand all the terms and conditions before committing to dealer finance. Compare the dealer’s offer with other financing options to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Hire Purchase

The Basics of Hire Purchase for Caravans

Hire purchase is a form of secured loan where you pay for your caravan in instalments, but the caravan remains the property of the lender until the final payment is made.

Pros

Accessible to More Buyers: Hire purchase agreements are often accessible to those with less-than-perfect credit scores.

Fixed Interest Rates: Like personal loans, hire purchase agreements typically have fixed interest rates.

No Large Initial Payment: Unlike some other forms of finance, hire purchase agreements usually don’t require a large deposit.

Cons

Ownership at End of Term: You don’t own the caravan until you’ve made the final payment.

Potentially Higher Total Cost: The total cost over the term of the agreement can be higher than purchasing outright.

Navigating Hire Purchase Agreements

When considering a hire purchase agreement, it’s essential to understand the total cost of the agreement, including any fees and the interest rate. Ensure the monthly payments are within your budget and that you’re comfortable with the terms of the agreement.

Conclusion

Choosing the right finance option for your caravan depends on your personal circumstances, credit score, and financial stability. It’s advisable to research and compare different options, considering both the short-term affordability and the long-term financial implications. 
Remember, the best source of information is always thorough research and comparison of the available options. By understanding the pros and cons of each method, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and allows you to enjoy the freedom and adventure that comes with owning a caravan.

Katie Hettinger Scores First Carolina Pro Late Model Series Win

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Already the Winningest Female Racer in Hickory Motor Speedway History, 16-Year-Old Racer Earns Another Victory at ‘Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars’ and Becomes First Female to Win in Carolina Pro Late Model Series History

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 13, 2023) – Katie Hettinger scored another win this past Saturday at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway and earned another first in a career full of firsts.

When the 16-year-old racer from Dryden, Michigan, crossed the finish line in first place, .453 of a second ahead of runner-up Max Reaves in the Nov. 11 Cook Out 100, Hettinger had her first victory in the Carolina Pro Late Model Series and became the series’ first female winner.

The victory was Hettinger’s record-extending seventh career win at Hickory, the .363-mile oval known as the Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars were she is the winningest female racer in the track’s 73-year history.

“Going into the race I knew I just had to be patient and smart,” said Hettinger, who clocked her fastest lap on the penultimate lap of the 100-lap feature. “I was able to get a good jump on the last restart and then I used all of the track going into (turn) one and all the way into (turn) three to get around a car on my outside. I just had to focus on my laps and hit my marks. My crew was talking me through those last few laps and we were able to bring it home.”

As Hettinger blazes her own racing trail with an eye on the upper divisions of NASCAR, she simultaneously serves as a pioneer, smashing glass ceilings and creating opportunities for others. When it comes to firsts, Hettinger has earned many since she began racing quarter midgets at age 5.

  • Won the 2020 Champion Racing Association (CRA) Junior Late Model Series title to become the first and only female champion in CRA history.
  • In the span of two weeks in September 2021, Hettinger became the youngest female race winner at Hickory when she won the 50-lap Limited Late Model feature Sept. 4 as part of the Bobby Isaac Memorial event. She then became Hickory’s youngest female Late Model race winner on Sept. 18 when she won the track’s 75-lap feature.
  • Hettinger won four more Late Model races at Hickory in 2022 to become the track’s winningest female racer.
  • Kicked off 2023 by winning on night seven of the acclaimed World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway, becoming the first female to win a Pro Late Model feature during the World Series and the first driver from Michigan to win a Pro Late Model race.

“The Carolina Pro Late Model Series is a really good stepping-stone division before running the CARS Tour,” said Hettinger, who ran the full CARS Pro Late Model Tour this year. “It’s a good place to race, whether you’re male or female. I’m there to compete and win races, just like all the other guys.”

In June, fresh off her 16th birthday, Hettinger earned her driver’s license. Four months later, she secured rookie-of-the-year honors on the CARS Pro Late Model Tour by being one of the series’ most consistent drivers. She finished second in the championship standings and her 11 top-10 finishes tied that of series champion, Caden Kvapil.

“This win at Hickory was one I really needed,” Hettinger said. “We had a good, consistent season on the CARS Tour – had a bunch of second-place finishes, were pretty decent in qualifying, led the points for a good bit there during the summer – just couldn’t break through to get that win. But my Anthony Campi Racing team stayed with me all season long, and my guys there always gave me a really good car.

“Saturday was my first time driving a car with my new team and, hopefully, it showed a little preview of how next year will go.”

Hettinger will return to her family-run team, Hettinger Racing, in 2024, where a heavy slate of Pro Late Model and Late Model Stock races, across a variety of racing series, await.

“It’s definitely fun to be working with my dad and all the guys on the team,” Hettinger said. “Jason Stanley is my crew chief and he used to race Limited Late Model, so he’s a really good guy to work with because he knows so much and has a driver’s perspective. I feel like we understand each other really well, and this win at Hickory is proof of that.”

While plans are already in place for 2024, Hettinger isn’t done with 2023. She will be back in her race-winning No. 71 Chevrolet for the South Carolina 400 this Saturday at Florence Motor Speedway and again on Nov. 26 for the Thanksgiving Classic at Southern National Motorsports Park in Lucama, North Carolina. Both races will host a who’s who of racing talent based off the early entry list for the South Carolina 400, which features NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., and soon-to-be 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year title contender Josh Berry among a host of prominent Late Model champions and race winners.

“It’s a big deal on two fronts,” said Hettinger about the South Carolina 400 and Thanksgiving Classic. “There are guys who have a ton of experience who have obviously accomplished a lot, so you learn a lot just by being on the same track with them. And, of course, guys like Dale bring a ton of media exposure. It’s a good opportunity for short-track drivers to show their skills to a wider audience.”

The South Carolina 400 will be streamed live on FloRacing and sign up is HERE. FloRacing is also available on Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast and Apple TV. Streaming for the Thanksgiving Classic is in the midst of being finalized and once completed details will be available on Southern National’s website and Facebook page.

Cadillac enters ’24 IMSA season with stout lineup

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After sweeping championships, repeat is goal in second year of GTP racecar

DETROIT (Nov. 13, 2023) — Cadillac Racing will seek to successfully defend its IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship titles in 2024 with a successful and savvy driver lineup.

The hybrid No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R and No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R start their second season of Grand Touring Prototype competition at the 62nd Rolex 24 At Daytona in late January. The nine-race schedule includes five endurance rounds and a return to Detroit.

Cadillac swept top honors for the 2023 IMSA season, earning its fourth Manufacturer Championship and fifth IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup title in the prototype classification since 2017.

“Rolex 24 in 2023 for Cadillac Racing was an incredible event,” said Laura Wontrop Klauser, GM sports car racing program manager. “It proved the reliability of our vehicles and how strong they could be. Since then, we’ve been figuring out how to take that solid package and get the most possible performance out of it.

“We are excited to come back to Daytona in January 2024 and see how much of a leap we’ve made over a year in improving the vehicle.”

Continuity and experience highlight the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R entry, with Sebastien Bourdais and Renger van der Zande returning for their third season as teammates. Six-time INDYCAR champion Scott Dixon returns for the Rolex 24 and additional endurance races.

The trio drove to third place in the 2023 season-opening Rolex 24 and closed with a runner-up finish in the Petit Le Mans. Combined, the three drivers have eight overall or class Rolex 24 victories. They also teamed up for a fourth-place overall finish in the centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Bourdais and van der Zande co-drove the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R to victory at Laguna Seca, raising their win total to four over the past two seasons. Van der Zande has 19 IMSA victories, including nine with Cadillac Racing, and Bourdais has 11 IMSA wins.

“We had some success racing the Cadillac V-Series.R across the 2023 IMSA season but we are expecting even more in 2024. We are happy that Sebastien, Renger and Scott will again be in the 01 next year and that we can build on our learnings together,” said Mike O’Gara, director of operations for Chip Ganassi Racing which fields the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R in IMSA and the No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

“We have proven that the car has reliability, as both of our Cadillacs finished every lap of the 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona. We led a lot of laps in many races last year, but not always the ones that counted. We are using the off-season to regroup and hit the reset button, so we can attack 2024 together.”

The IMSA GTP championship-winning No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R enters 2024 with Pipo Derani and Jack Aitken as its full-season drivers and bolstered by 2022 IMSA DPi champion Tom Blomqvist joining for endurance races.

Blomqvist drove to the Rolex 24 overall victory in 2023 and ’22. Derani, the 2023 and 2021 IMSA prototype champion, teamed with Aitken and Alexander Sims to win at Sebring International Raceway en route to securing the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Driver and Team Championship and the IMSA GTP Driver/Team Championship.

“We are expecting the 2024 Rolex 24 to be the most competitive 24-hour race ever run in Daytona,” said Gary Nelson, team manager for Action Express Racing which fields the car. “After a steep learning curve in 2023, all teams now have a year under their belts with the hybrid GTP class. We know everybody is working hard to find small gains. We celebrated our 2023 championship for about one day, then it was back to work for Action Express.

“When they wave the checkered flag after 24 hours of racing in Daytona, we will get our report card. We believe the ‘homework’ we are doing during this off-season will get us a great chance to end up at the head of the class.”

For more than a century, racing has provided a testbed for GM and Cadillac to transfer knowledge and technology between race cars and production vehicles. Cadillac’s V-Series performance portfolio, celebrating its 20th anniversary, seamlessly incorporates learnings from the track to the road.

The Cadillac LMDh platform, featuring the purpose-built 5.5-liter DOHC V8 engine developed by GM’s Performance and Racing propulsion team based in Michigan paired with the LMDh spec hybrid system, made its initial on-track appearance in July 2022.

Cadillac Racing by the numbers

IMSA victories since 2017: 29

Cadillac Manufacturer Championships in all series: 9

IMSA GTP (2023)

IMSA DPi (2021, 2018, 2017)

Pirelli World Challenge GT (2014, 2013, 2012)

SPEED World Challenge GT (2007, 2005)

IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Manufacturer Champion: 2023, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

IMSA GTP/DPi Driver Champion: 2023, 2021, 2018, 2017

IMSA GTP/DPi Team Champion: 2023, 2021, 2018, 2017

IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Driver Champion: 2023, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Team Champion: 2023, 2018, 2017

AO Racing Reveals Full-Season Driver Lineups for Sophomore IMSA WeatherTech Effort

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ST. CHARLES, Ill., (November 13, 2023) – Following an exciting and fun-filled first season in the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, AO Racing has officially confirmed the team will return for another season in the series, expanding to a two-car full-season effort. The newest entry to the program will be the full-season Oreca LMP2 07 driven by PJ Hyett and Paul-Loup Chatin, joined by a GTD Pro class Porsche 911 GT3 R, driven by Sebastian Priaulx and Laurin Heinrich.

Eager for more competition against his fellow bronze drivers, Team Principal PJ Hyett moves to the LMP2 class, racing an Oreca LMP2 07 with 2021 Rolex 24 At Daytona winner and 2023 IMSA WeatherTech champion Paul-Loup Chatin. The 32-year-old Frenchman will race alongside Hyett in the seven-race championship, five of which will be endurance events.

“I am really excited to join AO Racing for the 2024 IMSA season and I’d like to thank PJ & Gunnar for their trust,” said Chatin. “I am impressed by the professionalism and performance the team has achieved in such a short time. It is a great pride for me to support them in this turning point towards LMP2. The challenge is huge, but I know that AO Racing has the right people to make it possible. I’m really looking forward to being at the Roar to start this new season.”

The 2024 season will mark Priaulx’s second season racing the AO Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R. The 22-year-old British driver drove a strong season with co-driver and team principal PJ Hyett, racing Rexy, the Porsche 911 GT3 Rawr. The young Brit will move up to the Pro class, ready to build on the team’s first season of progress.

“I’m really excited to be joining AO Racing again for next year,” said Priaulx. “Going off of what I learned this year, this is going to be great. It’s lovely to play on the same team that I was on this year and keep building on that. Stepping up to GTD Pro is a good step and we can definitely win some big races. Having Laurin as a teammate is great as well. I’m very excited for the start of the year. This is a big opportunity to go out there and fight for some massive victories. I’m excited.”

This year, Priaulx will be joined by 2022 Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland champion and Porsche-selected driver Laurin Heinrich as the pair steps up to the GTD Pro class. Also 22 years of age, the young German brings with him strong promise as he steps into his first season in the IMSA WeatherTech championship.

“After a few guest appearances in the US the last two years I’m over the moon to join AO Racing for the 2024 IMSA GTD Pro season full-time,” said Heinrich. “This program has always been a dream of mine and achieving that already now in my young career together with AO Racing makes it even more special. After my GT3 debut season in 2023 I could learn a lot, so now I feel more than ready to take up this challenge together with Sebastian Priaulx.”

The livery reveals, endurance lineups, and 2024 partners will be announced at a later date. The 2024 season will begin with the Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 27-28.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ Announces Ben Beshore as No. 42 Crew Chief

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Official Release
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STATESVILLE, N.C. (November 13, 2023) — LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ today named Ben Beshore as the crew chief for John Hunter Nemechek, who recently signed on to drive the Club’s No. 42 Toyota NASCAR Cup Series entry in 2024.

Beshore, 42, has proven success in every series he has worked within. The York, Pa., native began his career in NASCAR shortly after earning an engineering degree from Virginia Tech. He joined Roush Fenway Racing, (now RFK), in 2007 as a race engineer. He moved over to Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) in 2014, to become the race engineer for NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch until 2018. In 2019, Beshore moved to the JGR Xfinity Series team where he worked with multiple drivers as the crew chief for the No. 18 series entry and then the No. 20 Toyota with driver Harrison Burton.

In 2021, Beshore was promoted to the NASCAR Cup Series to work as the crew chief for Kyle Busch. The duo won their first race of the season for JGR – the exhibition Busch Clash at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. His success with Busch includes three series wins, 23 top-five, and 39 top-10 finishes in 71 races. In 2023, Beshore became the Xfinity Series crew chief for the young John Hunter Nemechek at JGR.

“I’m excited to join LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and continue working with John Hunter in the Cup Series – we had so much success last season. I’m looking forward to helping build this program into a perennial contender that can compete at the highest level possible each and every week.”

Nemechek agrees his chemistry with Beshore will continue to breed future success.

“The partnership between driver and crew chief requires a type of chemistry that is hard to find,” said Nemechek. “As a driver, if you’re lucky enough to find a crew chief that you mesh with as well as Ben and I do, you do everything possible to stick together. I look forward to building on our competitive partnership and fighting for more wins and championships.”

If anyone knows how important chemistry is with a crew chief, its Jimmie Johnson.

“The driver-crew chief relationship is something I know well and it’s such an important part of the performance foundation,” said Johnson. “We are so thankful to see Ben join the Club. His experience with John Hunter and Toyota will help us with the transition and his on-track experience will elevate us in so many ways. I have learned that Ben is a highly focused person and that he believes in the future potential of an organization that is going through a lot of change. He’s a great fit.”

Beshore’s role within the organization is effective immediately.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is a professional auto racing club owned by businessman and entrepreneur Maurice J. Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (NCS) Jimmie Johnson. The club competes full-time in the NCS fielding the Nos. 42 and 43 Toyota Camry entries, respectively, along with the No. 84 part-time entry for Johnson in 2023. Richard Petty “The King” serves as team ambassador.

In 2021, Gallagher acquired Richard Petty Motorsports and renamed the team to Petty GMS. With the addition of Johnson to the ownership structure in 2023, the organization rebranded to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (LEGACY M.C.). With a unique title signifying a nod to car clubs of past eras, LEGACY M.C. is an inclusive club for all motorsport enthusiasts to celebrate the past and future legacies of its members, while competing for wins and championships at NASCAR’s elite level.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow LEGACY MOTOR CLUB on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and at www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com.

POCONO RACEWAY PIVOTS TO 2024: TICKET OFFERS ANNOUNCED, MORE ENHANCEMENTS TO FAN EXPERIENCE

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Paddock Pass+ ticket holders enjoyed a prime view of the Victory Lane celebrations during the July race weekend at Pocono Raceway. Photo credit: Pocono Raceway.
  • Paddock Plus area to undergo second wave of upgrades and new features.
  • 100 more reserved camping spots added as a result of continued fan demand.
  • Great ticket and camping offers, including three-day bundles, money-saving four packs, and a free camping option, now available for July 12-14 event featuring the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.

LONG POND, Pa. (November 13, 2023) – Pocono Raceway is not resting on its laurels after coming off its sold-out 2023 NASCAR Cup Series race and recently being named the “2023 Event of the Year” by the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association for its record-setting race weekend.

The “Tricky Triangle” has initiated several fan enhancements for Paddock Plus and reserved camping in anticipation of its July 12-14 NASCAR weekend featuring the Cup Series, Xfinity Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series as well as some convenient ticket and camping offers to launch the 2024 season.

“Being named the ‘Event of the Year’ is a tribute to our great fans who pack this place and bring the unbelievable energy,” Pocono Raceway President Ben May said. “Our team is inspired and already has been busy pushing to make 2024 even better. We are going to continue to elevate the fan experience and craft ticket and camping packages that are convenient and cost effective.

“We are launching a three-race bundle starting at under $40 per day and our free camping package will return for 2024. Our fans and partners drive this sport and our desire to live the ‘More. Better. Easier.’ promise we made for this year remains in place for 2024.”

Paddock Plus enjoyed a successful debut this year and moves into the second phase of the project with a number of upgrades and additions. Paddock Plus, located directly behind the pits and across from the start/finish line, already features an elevated infield viewing area and prime access to Victory Lane activities as well as Paddock Pass+ ticket holders having pre-race access to the frontstretch and driver introductions. This phase of the project will focus on increasing the overall seating in the area, creating additional shade areas and adding more character to the footprint.

Campers also will have an enhancement coming their way as a result of Pocono Raceway selling out its entire inventory of reserved camping during this year’s race weekend. The venue will add 100 more reserved camping spots for the 2024 event as well as provide more convenience and structure overall for the camping experience.

Pocono Raceway is coming off its most successful NASCAR race weekend in more than a decade. The “Tricky Triangle” sold out its main frontstretch grandstand as well as all premium seating and suites at the Cup race for its largest race-day crowd since 2010.

The result has been increased demand with its recently concluded annual ticket renewal campaign up 20 percent in year-over-year sales. Fans can be part of the award-winning Pocono Raceway experience by taking advantage of three great offers right now. For more information on free camping, a three-day bundle and a money-saving four pack, please visit www.poconoraceway.com/offer.

The three-day race weekend will feature a NASCAR race each day, beginning with the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series on Friday, July 12, at 5:30 p.m. ET. The Xfinity Series will compete Saturday, July 13, at 3 p.m. and the day also will include Cup Series practice and qualifying sessions. The weekend concludes with the marquee Cup Series race on Sunday, July, 14, at 2:30 p.m.

About Pocono Raceway

Pocono Raceway, also known as ‘The Tricky Triangle,’ is family-owned and situated in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. In business for over 50 years, the Raceway hosts multiple, national motorsports events including the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series events each year. The facility’s calendar also consists of over 200 events including Tough Mudder and a wide range of car clubs and racing schools. Pocono Raceway is recognized as the world’s first, privately-owned solar-powered sports facility. Their 25-acre, three-megawatt solar farm provides the energy needs of the Raceway, as well as, adds electricity to the local power grid. Each member of our raceway staff is committed to creating exciting experiences and lifelong memories. For more information, please visit www.poconoraceway.com.

Nick Heidfeld announced as Co-Founder of Formula G, the all-new dual-power motorsport series

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Formula G has announced Nick Heidfeld as a Co-Founder of the ground-breaking motorsports series which will launch in 2024 and is set to shake up the electric racing ladder.

With his appointment working alongside Dilbagh Gill, Formula G’s CEO and other Co-founder, Heidfeld as a highly decorated racing driver who competed at multiple levels of the sport, including Formula-E and Formula 1, brings invaluable experience and knowledge to the new electric racing series.

Nick Heidfeld, Co-Founder of Formula G, said: “When Dilbagh talked to me about this programme I was immediately interested, and I am delighted to be a Co-Founder of Formula G – an electric dual-power racing championship has not been done before.”

After winning German F3 as well as the international F3000 Championship, Heidfeld debuted in Formula One with Prost Grand Prix for the 2000 season and went on to drive for many established teams such as BMW, Sauber, Williams and Lotus Renault. He moved on from Formula One in 2011 with 13 podiums and 259 career points under his belt.

The German racing driver then began to tick a number of iconic racing series off his bucket list including Porsche Supercup, V8 Supercar Championship, World Endurance Championship and the American Le Mans Series, winning Petit Le Mans in the US and the WEC FIA LMP1 Endurance Trophy Championship including class wins at Le Mans.

In 2014, Heidfeld turned his attention to electric racing by becoming one of the original drivers in Formula E’s inaugural season. He started his electric career with Venturi Grand Prix, but later moved to Mahindra Racing alongside fellow Formula G Co-Founder Gill, which would be his home for the rest of his four-season run.

Heidfeld secured eight podium finishes before his exit from his full-time driver position in 2018, but stayed on at Mahindra Racing as a reserve driver before becoming a special advisor at the team until 2021. In his role as special advisor, Heidfeld’s role extended beyond just the racing element and worked across a number of projects within the team.

Formula G is a global all-electric motorsports series that will race as a support series, using the world’s first dual powered race car. Formula G’s inaugural season, commencing in late 2024, will feature independent championships in four regions, each with 10 team franchises.

By using Formula G’s revolutionary open-wheel all-electric race car with the unique technical ability to be raced at reduced power by one driver, and then at full power by a more experienced driver, each race event will see 40 drivers on track, 20 competing in the reduced-power race “F-G2”, and 20 professional drivers competing in the full powered “F-G1 Championship”.

As the only professional motorsports series capable of delivering a completely turnkey “green racing” solution to all existing formats of the sport, running as a support series on the same tracks, and at the same weekends as existing combustion engine, alternative fuel, and all-electric powered racing events, Formula G is poised to bring affordable, accessible, exciting, and competitive green energy open wheel racing to motorsports fans around the world.

Updates regarding development, drivers, teams, and partners will be announced in the coming months. Please visit the Formula G website for more details.

You can follow Formula G on the following social media platforms:

Facebook: Formula G Series
Instagram: @formulagseries
LinkedIn: Formula G Series
TikTok: @formulagseries_
X: @formulagseries
YouTube: @formulagseries

More announcements regarding strategic partnerships and details of the Formula G Championship will be announced soon.

Corvette Racing Expands Factory Driver Lineup for 2024

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Official Release
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Key additions to bolster first year of Corvette Z06 GT3.R program

DETROIT (November 13, 2023) – Ahead of its first season of worldwide GT3 competition, Corvette Racing is expanding its roster of factory drivers that will compete in championships and events around the globe with the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R.

Daniel Juncadella, Earl Bamber, Charlie Eastwood and Nico Varrone will be part of the group that will race Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs in either the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, FIA World Endurance Championship – or in some cases both.

They join existing Corvette factory drivers Antonio Garcia, Tommy Milner, Nicky Catsburg and Alexander Sims, all of whom will contest the full WeatherTech Championship season. The eight collectively will compete as factory drivers for Corvette Racing – the brand that encompasses all factory-supported and customer Z06 GT3.R efforts going forward.

Juncadella and Bamber each will be part of Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports’ two-car effort in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s GT Daytona (GTD) PRO class. Both drivers will race with the factory-backed program in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans. Juncadella will drive with Garcia and Sims while Bamber joins Milner and Catsburg.

In addition, Juncadella will have the distinction of driving the Z06 GT3.R in two championships as he joins TF Sport for its full-season effort in the LM GT3 class of the FIA World Endurance Championship – including the 24 Hours of Le Mans – his first year in the global series.

Bamber will contest IMSA’s endurance rounds in the Z06 GT3.R. Previously a long-time rival to the Corvette Racing program, Bamber already has tested the Z06 GT3.R, adding to a long list of GT3 cars he has driven throughout his career. He also remains under contract for Cadillac Racing’s WEC program in 2024.

In FIA WEC, Eastwood joins the Corvette factory lineup alongside Juncadella as TF Sport’s two professional drivers. It’s a familiar relationship for Eastwood, who has driven for TF Sport in the championship from 2018-20 and the current season.

Varrone, Corvette Racing’s rising star in this year’s FIA WEC, will transition to full-time IMSA duties in his first year as a factory driver. He rejoins AWA – a team with which he won this year’s Rolex 24 At Daytona in the LMP3 class – and will partner with Anthony Mantella in the GTD category.

“As we move into GT3 and customer racing, it is important that we add to our roster of drivers that are available to teams,” said Christie Bagne, Corvette Z06 GT3.R program manager. “We are excited about the wealth of experience in our Corvette factory lineup. Both GM and our teams will benefit from the learnings from each driver.”

Career Highlights

· Daniel Juncadella: 2023 Rolex 24 At Daytona and Petit Le Mans GTD PRO winner; 2022 Spa 24 Hours and Indianapolis Eight Hours winner; 2022 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup champion; 2012 European F3 champion; 2011 Macau Grand Prix winner

· Earl Bamber: 2023 Nürburgring 24 Hours winner; 2022, 2020 Sebring 12 Hours winner; 2020 Spa 24 Hours winner; 2019 IMSA GTLM champion; 2015 and 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours overall winner; 2017 World Endurance Championship LMP1 champion; 2014 and 2016 Bathurst 12 Hours class winner

· Charlie Eastwood: 2023 Asian Le Mans Series LMP2 champion; 2022 European Le Mans Series LMP2 Pro-Am champion; 2020 Le Mans 24 Hours GTE Am winner; 2019 Spa 24 Hours winner; 2019 Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup Pro-Am champion

· Nico Varrone: 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship GTE Am champion; 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours GTE Am winner; 2023 Sebring 1,000 Miles GTE Am winner; 2023 Rolex 24 At Daytona LMP3 winner

Corvette Racing Driver Quotes

DANIEL JUNCADELLA, CORVETTE RACING BY PRATT MILLER MOTORSPORTS (IMSA ENDUROS) / TF SPORT (FIA WEC FULL-TIME): “I’ve been a witness to what it means to be a Corvette driver in the U.S. That’s means a really big fanbase. That’s pretty exciting, to be honest. At every autograph session in IMSA that I’ve been sitting next to the Corvette tent, there is a queue of 100 people waiting to get an autograph from their drivers, and we were just sitting around! That’s very exciting, I have to say, to see the legacy that Corvette Racing has created in the U.S. and to see the amount of awareness about the brand is very exciting. It makes me proud and it feels quite unique to be a Corvette factory driver.”

On the FIA WEC: “I have not been to Le Mans. I did watch a lot of this year’s race. I was already in talks with Corvette so I knew it might be one of my possibilities for next year, and that made me be more interested in the race. This year obviously was a big year for Hypercar and all the brands coming together with the new regulations. It was an interesting year with a lot of stuff – the Centenary, the last year of GTE… I have to say I was a bit worried that Corvette was winning again because I was like, ‘They are winning so much this year that it’s going to make it difficult for me next year being so successful.’ But it did make me realize how good of a brand they are, how good of a team they are and how they turned things around. It was very exciting.”

EARL BAMBER, CORVETTE RACING BY PRATT MILLER MOTORSPORTS: “It’s really exciting to be joining Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports for the long races. I’ve been a part of some big rivalries for many years in IMSA racing. But this organization has won so many races and championships… it’s really impressive. When I did my first test at Road America, you could see why they’ve been so successful. I’ve driven the Z06 GT3.R and I think the package is really good. These guys have built fantastic GTLM cars over the years, and I don’t see why the Corvette GT3 should be any different. It’s a well-balanced car already just in its infancy, so I think they will be a formidable force not just in IMSA but also as this program seeks out to go all around the world. I think it will be one of the benchmark cars into the future.”

CHARLIE EASTWOOD, TF SPORT: “This certainly ranks up there for me, joining such a brand like Corvette and an organization like GM. It’s what so many drivers wish for their whole career. It seems to be an amazing place to be, and you can see that because so many drivers stay for so long. I’m really looking forward to that opportunity to learn from the best in the business and push on together to achieve great things for many years to come.”

(Being back with TF Sport): “It’s really beneficial. Obviously, this is a brand-new car with new regulations going to GT3 from GTE, so knowing all the team and the engineers already I feel like it can give us the upper hand in how quickly we can develop a brand-new car. It’s a short timeframe between receiving the car and only a few days testing before we get to Qatar. We need to make sure that we’re making the most out of the time that we have together. Knowing all the personnel and the engineers, I hope that will put us in a really good place going into the first round at Qatar.”

NICO VARRONE, AWA: “First of all, it’s a big honor to be a factory driver for Corvette. It’s also nice to be back in IMSA next season with everyone at AWA. These are people that I know from this year and doing the endurance races in LMP3. It was a good year. We won Daytona and had great performances throughout the season. It will be a big challenge with the new car, not only for our team but everyone in the entire Corvette program. But this is also a completely new class for AWA. It will be a challenge but we will be prepared to make the most of it and get some wins with the Corvette Z06 GT3.R and have a great season.”

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

GREEN, KALITTA, STANFIELD AND HERRERA CLOSE OUT 2023 WITH WINS AT IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALS

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Official Release
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POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2023) – Chad Green powered to his first career NHRA Funny Car win on Sunday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, defeating Tim Wilkerson in the final round of the 58th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals to close out his 2023 season in style.

Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the 21st race of the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season, and the last of six races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Kalitta’s victory also handed him the championship for the first time in his career.

Green knocked off Wilkerson in his 11,000-horsepower Bond Coat, Inc. Ford Mustang, going 3.916-seconds at 328.54 mph in the championship round. It’s been a true breakout season for Green, who advanced to seven semifinals and two final rounds heading into Pomona. He knocked off Robert Hight in the second round, handing the world championship to Matt Hagan in the process, and then J.R. Todd to reach the final before a great .033 reaction time helped Green to a memorable holeshot victory.

To add to the moment, Green’s son, Hunter, also earned the win on Sunday in Top Alcohol Dragster in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

“It’s just been an amazing weekend,” Green said. “First off, it’s been an amazing season. This has been a dream season for us. I couldn’t be more proud of my guys. They’ve really come a long way in the last few years and they’ve stuck with me. We’ve been trying all year to get this Wally. We’ve been close a few times, but it’s just been an amazing season. I can’t think of a better way that you could top off a season, ending it like this.

“But I just can’t say enough about our season. It’s been so amazing. You could have never drawn it up like this. This season has been a great season, we surprised a lot of people, and to cap it off with a win is awesome.”

Kalitta powered to a Sunday-best run of 3.673-seconds at 334.98 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Mac Tools/Toyota dragster in the winner-take-all final round, driving past Pruett’s run of 3.720 at 326.16 to pick up his third win of the season. After six runner-up finishes in his 26-year career, Kalitta finished the job on Sunday to win a world title for the first time.

On a pressure-packed Sunday, Kalitta knocked off Dan Mercier, Josh Hart and Justin Ashley to set up an incredible final round with Pruett. Kalitta led wire-to-wire, setting off a raucous celebration on the starting line as the veteran had finally achieved the ultimate goal in the sport.

“It’s incredible the way the points thing worked out to come down to that last run,” said Kalitta, who won for the third time this season and 52nd time in his career. “I just stay focused. It was obviously a big round for us and it played out just perfectly.”

Pro Stock’s Aaron Stanfield closed out the regular season with his first win of the year, taking down Matt Hartford in the final round on a holeshot with a run of 6.534 at 209.91 in his Janac Brothers Chevrolet Camaro. It marks the eighth career victory for Stanfield, who use a great .031 reaction time to get past Hartford, who went 6.519 in the championship round.

“We’ve struggled this year, we’ve been waiting for that win to come so to get it here at the last race is just awesome and given everything else that’s going on in my life, it’s perfect timing,” Stanfield said.

“Matt and I, we definitely go at each other. He’s a great competitor and a good friend. It’s cool to race against them and it’s always a god time beating Matt. It’s not very fun when he beats you. I’m personally, my team and myself, we are as focused as ever. We’re here to compete for championships at Elite Motorsports. We’re going to come out swinging in Gainesville. We’re looking forward to it already.”

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Gaige Herrera’s dominant 2023 season ended with a victory, as the incredible world champion set the single-season wins mark in the category after earning his 11th victory of the season. He went 6.721 at 201.46 in his Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki to beat teammate Eddie Krawiec in the final round, denying Krawiec of his 50th win for a fourth straight race and fifth time overall.

“This is very surreal. The whole championship thing, I have to give it up to the whole team, it’s not only my championship, it’s theirs – especially Andrew (Hines, crew chief),” Herrera said. “He works his butt off day and night to make sure my bike, Ed’s bike, all the Vance & Hines bikes are fast. He texted me during the week and he’s like, ‘I’m ready to go to Pomona and just get this thing done. We had an incredible season, and I’m very excited.’ Just to have someone like Andrew Hines text me and say it was one of his best seasons ever, even though he’s not riding the bike, it’s very cool to get that text message from someone like him.

“I can’t put this season into words. I don’t think it’s set in, what’s been accomplished this year, and I think it’s only the beginning. This season, I can’t even put it into words. I didn’t expect it to end like this this weekend.”

The 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins March 7-10 with the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

NHRA AT POMONA 2: Team Chevy Race Recap

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Official Release
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CHEVROLET IN NHRA
2023 IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALS
IN-N-OUT BURGER POMONA DRAGSTRIP
POMONA, CALIFORNIA
TEAM CHEVY RACE RECAP
NOVEMBER 12, 2023

ERICA ENDERS AND ELITE MOTORSPORTS RACE TO THEIR SIXTH NHRA CHAMPIONSHIP WITH CHEVROLET IN POMONA

  • Erica Enders secured her sixth NHRA Pro Stock championship after defeating Fernando Cuadra in Round 1 at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.
  • Enders captured the 19th Pro Stock driver title for Chevrolet.
  • After a successful season in NHRA, Chevrolet secured their 28th Manufacturers Cup since 1966, the seventh consecutive award and ninth in 11 seasons for Team Chevy.
  • Robert Hight was eliminated in Round 2 by Chad Green in a close race, forcing Hight to settle for runner-up once again in the Funny Car championship standings for a second year in a row.
  • Aaron Stanfield captured the 282nd Pro Stock win in NHRA for Chevrolet since 1970 and the 263rd in a Camaro after defeating Matt Hartford in the final round with a winning run of 6.534 ET at 208.91 MPH.
  • Stanfield also earned the 16th Pro Stock Wally trophy this year in 17 races for the Bowtie brand.
  • Chevrolet captured three No. 1 qualifier honors Saturday ahead of Sunday’s In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, including Greg Anderson with KB Titan Racing in Pro Stock, Austin Prock in Top Fuel with John Force Racing, and Robert Hight in Funny Car with John Force Racing.
  • Prock rocketed to his second No. 1 qualifier of the 2023 season, his third of his Top Fuel career, with his monster Q4 pass, running 3.636 ET at 332.92 MPH Saturday evening at Pomona.
  • Hight captured his seventh No. 1 qualifier this season, the 84th of his Funny Car career, on his drive for a fourth NHRA world title, making a strong Q4 3.844 ET at 331.61 MPH pass at Pomona Saturday.
  • In racing to the No. 1 qualifier, Hight surpassed Bob Tasca, III in points to enter race day second in the championship standings, 12 points behind leader Matt Hagan.
  • Anderson raced his way to his 124th career No. 1 Pro Stock qualifying position, his third of 2023, with his Q2 pass of 6.495 ET at 211.30 MPH.
  • Erica Enders, who led Pro Stock Championship points heading into Sunday, qualified No. 3 with her Q2 pass Friday night of 6.500 ET at 210.47 MPH.

POMONA, California (November 12, 2023) – Racing her way further into the record books, Erica Enders, driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling/SCAG Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock machine, secured her sixth NHRA world championship after defeating Fernando Cuadra in Round 1 of final eliminations at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.

While Enders’ season may have kicked off at a slow start, her and her Elite Motorsports team picked up pace after capturing her first of four victories this year in Bristol. Going on to win at Topeka, Dallas, and Las Vegas 2, Enders additionally cemented herself in racing’s history books at the Texas Motorplex by becoming the winningest female in NHRA history and all of motorsports with her 47th win. Now holding 48 total victories in NHRA, 47 in Pro Stock and one in Super Gas, all of Enders’ championships and wins have come from behind the wheel of a Chevrolet.

“On the heels of a career-best season last year, anything is going to be challenging,” reflected Enders. “It took us seven races to figure out our issue and I owe my guys all my credit in the world. The message this year is tenacity and consistency, and digging through all of it prevailing when it matters. I have to thank my guys for that. Richard Freeman is a tremendous leader that gave us all such a great opportunity starting at Elite Motorsports in 2014. The two boys on my car are new to drag racing, and I have Conner and Declan and I’m really proud of them – to give them their first championship at Elite Motorsports. For Chase Freeman, Jake Harrison, Anthony Lum, Tim Freeman, and all the guys in the crew chief lounge, I don’t want to miss anybody. I give them the credit. It’s through God I can do all things, but it takes a team of people that are here, I couldn’t do it without them. As a little girl in a junior dragster, this was my dream, and I’ve not only been able to accomplish it once, but we’ve been able to accomplish it six times. It’s against the world, and today us won.”

“I vividly remember Erica’s first win at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet in 2012,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. Vice President, Performance and Motorsports. “It’s so exciting to see her capture the sixth championship of her career today. She’s a great racer and a record-breaker. Her wins and championships are a result of her skill, hard work, dedication, preparation and teamwork. Congratulations to Erica, Richard Freeman, Elite Motorsports and the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Melling Chevrolet team.”

While Enders’ day was ended early in the semifinals after losing traction early on her run facing Matt Hartford, his run of 6.529 ET at 210.64 took his GETTRX Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock to the NHRA Finals to face Aaron Stanfield in his Janac Brothers Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock. Getting the jump at the start, Stanfield cruised to victory over Hartford with his run of 6.534 ET at 208.91 MPH to Hartford’s 6.519 ET at 210.14 MPH.

“This is a pretty nice gift,” said Stanfield. “Thank you to my wife, she’s ready to pop at home (in reference to his wife about to give birth). It’s very special to get this done at the last race. I’ve got to thank all my guys who work on my hot rod, they give me the best thing they can give me. Janac Brothers, JC3 Energy, Elite Motorsports, Melling – I just can’t do it without these guys. Thank you.”

Qualifying No. 3 heading into Sunday’s In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, Enders only needed to win the first round to lock in her sixth title, whereas second place sitting Greg Anderson, driver of the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock, was in a must-win situation in second if Enders was unable to complete Round 1. Anderson captured his third No. 1 qualifier of the 2023 season Saturday and 124th of his illustrious career, and advanced to the semifinals on Sunday after defeating Mason McGaha in Round 1 and Bo Butner, III in Round 2. Unfortunately for Anderson, his race day was also cut short after red-lighting on the starting line and falling to Aaron Stanfield.

Searching for redemption after finishing runner-up in the championship standings, Robert Hight, driver of the Automobile Club of Southern California/Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car for John Force Racing, was forced to settle for second again this year after being eliminated in stunning fashion by Chad Green in Round 2. Surpassing Bob Tasca, III and entering race day 12 points behind leader Matt Hagan after qualifying No. 1, Hight and his team did the best they could to try and capture a fourth world title.

“I thought I was far enough down the track that we had it made,” Hight said. “Usually, this Auto Club Chevy doesn’t spin the tires that far down. Congratulations to Matt Hagan. Those guys, they’ve won the most races this year. They’ve been on it all year. We’ve kind of been here just at the end. Proud of my Auto Club guys. We’re not going to give up; we’re going to keep digging heading into next year. You always hope that you’re here on Sunday, battling for the championship. That oil down (by Blake Alexander just after Tasca and Hagan lost), man that was the longest 15 minutes I have ever spent in a race car with all the thoughts that go through your head about ‘Can we get this done?’ I’m still proud of my team.”

For teammates Hight and Austin Prock, driver of the Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, they kicked off raced day heading in with both No. 1 qualifiers, with Hight capturing his on a 3.844 ET, 331.61 MPH pass and low-ET of the four qualifying sessions. Prock gained his second No. 1 of the season, his third of his career, after setting pace with his 3.636 ET, 332.92 MPH pass.

For team owner and 16-time champion John Force, driver of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, he faced an early exit to his NHRA Finals race day after falling to Tim Wilkerson in a close race to the finish line running 4.003 ET at 324.20 MPH to Wilkerson’s 3.956 ET at 320.81 MPH.

“Well, we got knocked down in the points a few spots,” said Force. “We did the best we could with this PEAK Chevrolet. Robert Hight did the best he could with the AAA Chevy, we thought we were there, and we didn’t make it. That’s the nature of the beast. If you let that get you down, well then you aren’t ever going to make it. So, just positive thinking. We take a little break here and then get ready for next year.”

For Prock’s teammate Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, she and her team looked to cap off the season at a track she grew up at with a win that could set momentum for the offseason and 2024 year. Unfortunately, her day was cut short after she was eliminated in Round 1 after smoking the tires mid-track and competitor Justin Ashley took the win light.

“We finished our season seventh in points here at Pomona today,” said B. Force. “I always try to take away something, learn something from the tough years and looking at this season compared to last season, I realized it is really easy to stay positive and motivated when you’re winning and you’re leading the points like we did all last year. We didn’t do that this year, we struggled all season long. Yet, this Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac team, we carried it start to finish, there was positivity in our pits, we were motivated, and we pushed all the way to the end. We got beat first round today, but we pack up, head home for winter break and we’ll come back stronger next year.”

Enders captured Chevrolet’s second championship this season in NHRA for the Bowtie brand. Aaron Stanfield, driver of the Stanfield Racing Engines Chevrolet COPO Camaro, clinched his third FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown title in Las Vegas two weeks ago during the season finale event at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Finally, through the hard work and dedication of all who represent Chevrolet in Funny Car, Pro Stock, Super Stock, and Stock Eliminator classes, as well as the FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown category this season, the Bowtie brand captured their 28th Manufacturers Cup in NHRA since 1966. The award will be presented at NHRA’s annual banquet Monday, Nov. 13 at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Calif.

The 2024 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series begins March 8-10, 2023, with the NHRA Gatornationals from Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Fla. A broadcast schedule for the 2024 season with NHRA on FOX will be released soon.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

Austin Prock, driver of the Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist Top Fuel dragster for John Force Racing:

“Definitely not the outcome we wanted for the las race of the season but so proud to be a part of this Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist team and what we accomplished this year,” Prock said. “I’m already looking forward to next year. We will come back stronger and smarter to make a run at a championship.”

ERICA ENDERS, driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling/SCAG Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock – NHRA Championship Press Conference Transcript:

YOU’RE A SIX-TIME WORLD CHAMPION, TAKING THE POINTS LEAD IN ST. LOUIS, WINNING IN DALLAS AND VEGAS, AND WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP HERE IN POMONA. FIRST ROUND IN CHICAGO, YOU WERE 14TH IN THE POINTS. THEN YOU STORMED TO YOUR SIXTH TITLE. DOES THIS FEEL REAL?

“No. It doesn’t. I mean, obviously, I dreamt it my entire life, even before drag racing, and of course my entire career. The season started really poorly, and it took until Chicago to figure our problem out, and then the next race was Bristol. We put our JHG/Melling Performance Chevrolet in the winner’s circle there. So that’s kind of where our season turned. It was still a dog fight, obviously. I’m four on the season on the heels of a career-best season. I’m just really thankful for the position we were in, and I talk about my guys all the time. When our backs are against the wall, we perform, we execute, and it makes me so proud to be their driver. It was a crazy year, we ended up on top, we took the long way, but we’re here.”

“It’s all about teamwork, and it makes the dream work. I know that’s not a phrase I coined, but I believe in it. I’m thankful for my guys. They never give up. They don’t complain when we get our teeth kicked in like others do, they put their heads down and get to work. We turned the beacons on by doing it the right way.”

IT SEEMED LIKE BRISTOL WAS THE TURNING POINT, BUT WAS THERE EVER A POINT THIS YEAR WHERE IT’S A LONG SEASON, BUT THAT WE’VE DONE A LOT, WE DOMINATED AND WON OUR FIFTH, THINKING MAYBE THIS YEAR ISN’T YOUR YEAR?

“Well, yeah. I question myself too. It’s easy to get down on yourself and to doubt yourself. I’m thankful I have my sister there and my dad. They believe in me when I don’t, and my team as well. Brittany Force said it in Las Vegas that it’s easy to be positive when you’re winning, and she’s so spot on. It’s when you’re going through the really troublesome times, that you have to dig deep and you have to fight with all of the heart you have. Yeah, I questioned it. I questioned do I still have it. Am I too old? Am I this, am I that? Greg (Anderson) and I joke old guys still hunt. Look at the end of the season again this year. We do still have it, it turns out. As long as the fire is lit underneath me, I’ll dig deep to have it. I promise.”

HOW HARD WAS IT FOR YOU TO GO THROUGH THE PINNACLE OF PRO STOCK, THEN FALL INTO THESE TOUGH TIMES. WAS IT TOUGHER WHEN YOU HADN’T EXPERIENCED IT?

“I think going through those times make you stronger, and they make you a little bit smarter. And a lot tougher. Thick skin wasn’t something I’d had naturally, that’s something I had to acquire. But for seven years, we went winless, and for seven final rounds, we lost before we finally won one in Chicago in 2012. Going through those valleys are what made me better. I never had a car that was going to be parked in the winner’s circle. I had to rise to the occasion. It taught me to be a better driver. When we didn’t qualify, and when we lost round, I’d park it right up on the guardrail while Pro Stock was running, and I’d watch my competitors. I’d see if I could learn something from them. It’s those moments that make you better. On the heels of a career-best season last year, and coming out, we qualified No. 2 in Gainesville and then my car wouldn’t start first round. We got control-alt-deleted and then it wouldn’t even start. From that point, it was like a tailspin for seven or eight races. I mentioned it a minute ago digging deep and finding the issue. It’s definitely a gut check, and it’s not easy to go through.”

EACH OF YOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS SEEMS TO BE HIGHLIGHTED BY ONE DEFINING MOMENT. WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE YOUR MOMENT THIS YEAR?

“I think the words that describe this season are tenacity and going out and executing the best we can, and not giving up. Like you mentioned, every championship has a story just like Doug (Kalitta) and Leah (Pruett) had to go through – final round, winner take all. That is what Jason Line and I did in 2014. (Matt) Hagan and I were talking about it. People don’t understand the internal pressure, and what is happening to your body. You eat an 80-gallon bucket of tums. You’re just trying not to die or throw-up. You don’t know what is going to happen. You are just living on the edge of everything. It goes to show you how much this means to each of us. It’s just another reminder that you don’t give up. I know I keep saying that, but so many times my sister says to me that I am exhausting to be around. You know you can do it. Everybody knows you can do it. Then you say, ‘oh, I can’t cut a light’ then you go up there and post a .007 or whatever. It’s digging yourself out of that ditch, and coming back and knowing that you can get it done and execute. That is what this season was about – tenacity.”

HOW QUICKLY DO YOU AND THE TEAM RESET AND FOCUS ON NEXT SEASON?

“I think as soon as those rigs push the clutch in and roll out of the gate. We know what we have got to do, and we know what our competitors are going to do. We will go back to work. As soon as we get back to the shop on Tuesday, we will be at the shop working. As soon as the rigs get home, I’ve got a new car that Jeg (Coughlin, Jr.) has been driving that I have to figure out. It will be all hands on deck as soon as we get back. Unfortunately, there are no umbrella drinks beach, sand or lawn chairs in my immediate future. But that’s what makes it so fun and so great is these moments that make all of that hard work worth it.”

“I am honored to be a champion alongside the other champions, but Doug Kalitta – what an example of never-give-up. He’s been the people’s champion for years. We have joked about it at the after-parties and stuff, but he is the world champ today. To stand next to him is pretty significant when you gauge the season he had. And (Matt) Hagan, it is pretty incredible. As a kid I dreamed of these moments – I only wished and hoped I could stand next to people. I used to wait and get autographs from them, and they are heroes of mine. It’s pretty significant. I am humbled. I am very grateful, and I thank the good Lord for the many blessings because everybody wishes to live their dream. As a little girl in third grade who told the class I wanted to be a professional race car driver or a fighter pilot which I am sure they rolled their eyes. But here we are some 30 years later and I get to live it. I’m grateful.”

AARON STANFIELD, driver of the Janac Bros. Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock for Elite Motorsports – In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals Winner Press Conference:

PICKING UP YOUR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON AND EIGHTH OF YOUR CAREER AND FINISHING IN THE TOP-FIVE IN POINTS, WALK US THROUGH YOUR RACE DAY TO GET YOUR FIRST WIN HERE AT POMONA…

“(My wife) told me if you’re going to go, you better win. We’ve struggled a bit this year. We’ve been waiting for that win to come, so to get it here at this last race, it’s awesome. Given everything else that’s going on in my life, it’s perfect timing.”

FOLKS ALWAYS SAY AT POMONA IT MEANS SO MUCH MORE BECAUSE YOU GET TO BASK IN THIS WIN A LOT LONGER. HOW ARE YOU GOING TO ENJOY THIS WIN?

“I’ll be changing diapers, for sure. Just to go into the offseason knowing you and your team did a really good job to win the last race, it definitely makes you hungry to get going again and start racing. We’ll be itching to get back in the driver’s seat and looking forward to Gainesville.”

IS IT HARD FOR YOU TO BALANCE WITH SUCCESS OF FACTORY STOCK, AND THEN THE LOWS OF PRO STOCK – HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT?

“I’d just assume I’d want to win every time I come to the races. Unfortunately, that’s not always what happens. We had a lot of success in the Factory Stock Car, and not as much in the Pro Stock car this year, but we’ve just got to keep digging, keep pushing, and do our best. That’s what we did, and got it done today.”

YOU’VE GOT A HISTORY WITH MATT HARTFORD AND WITH EDDIE, HIS CREW CHIEF. IT LOOKS LIKE YOU GOT A LITTLE TRICKY IN THAT FINAL. CAN YOU ELABORATE?

“I asked him if he had it gassed up and cooled down really good. Matt (Hartford) and I, we definitely go at each other. He’s a great competitor and he’s a good friend. We do a lot of business with Total Seal, so yes, as well as Eddie (Matt’s crew chief), I remember him racing with my dad as a little guy. It’s cool to race against him and it’s always a good time beating Matt. It’s not very fun when he beats you.”

YOU’VE BEEN CONSISTENT THIS SEASON, BUT THE ONLY THING MISSING WAS A WIN. WHAT DOES THIS DO MOMENTUM-WISE INTO NEXT YEAR?

“I’m personally, my team and myself, were as focused as ever here to compete for championships at Elite Motorsports. Congratulations to Erica (Enders). Our team had a great day. I think we’re going to come out swinging in Gainesville. We’re looking forward to it already.”

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE 2024 SEASON?

“Our plans aren’t quite sealed up just yet, but I can say they are building a Factory X car for me to race, so you’ll probably see me out there in a Factory X car next year and possibly Pro Stock, as long as everything goes good. Drag racing is an ever-changing world, and I plan on being here in Pro Stock and Factory X if everything goes right.”

Round 1 Recap:

Top Fuel:

No. 1 Austin Prock defeated No. 16 Ron August, Jr. with his pass of 3.898 ET at 245.76 MPH to August, Jr. facing issues on his run.
No. 9 Brittany Force fell to No. 8 Justin Ashley after smoking the tires mid-track to Ashley’s 3.715 ET at 333.74 MPH.

Funny Car:

No. 1 Robert Hight defeated No. 16 Jeff Diehl with a run of 3.870 ET at 333.41 MPH to Diehl’s 4.035 ET at 304.25 MPH.
No. 2 John Force defeated No. 15 Terry Haddock with his pass of 3.948 ET at 326.56 MPH to Haddock smoking the tires mid-track.

Pro Stock:

No. 1 Greg Anderson defeated No. 16 Mason McGaha with his pass of 6.501 ET at 210.77 MPH to McGaha’s 6.570 ET at 209.88 MPH.
No. 8 Bo Butner, III defeated No. 9 Camrie Caruso with his run of 6.549 ET at 210.31 MPH to Caruso’s 6.541 ET at 210.11 MPH.
No. 4 Troy Coughlin, Jr. defeated No. 13 Fernando Cuadra, Jr. with his run of 5.466 ET at 210.97 MPH to Cuadra Jr.’s 6.546 ET at 210.21 MPH.
No. 5 Aaron Stanfield defeated No. 12 Deric Kramer with his run of 6.514 ET at 210.31 MPH to Kramer’s 6.547 ET at 210.90 MPH.
No. 2 Kyle Koretsky defeated No. 15 Christian Cuadra with is run of 6.530 ET at 210.77 MPH to Cuadra’s 11.337 ET at 76.52 MPH.
No. 7 Matt Hartford defeated No. 10 Dallas Glenn 6.532 ET at 210.90 MPH to Glenn’s 6.549 ET at 209.75 MPH.
No. 3 Erica Enders defeated No. 14 Fernando Cuadra to claim her sixth championship with her pass of 6.502 ET at 210.80 ET to Cuadra facing issues on the run after the start.
No. 6 Jeg Coughlin, Jr. defeated No. 11 Jerry Tucker after Tucker red lights to Coughlin, Jr.’s 6.522 ET at 209.56 MPH.

Round 2:

Top Fuel:

Prock fell to Ashley on his run of 3.774 ET at 319.52 MPH to Ashley’s 3.735 ET at 330.88 MPH pass.

Funny Car:

Hight fell to Chad Green after facing issues on the run to Green’s pass of 3.971 ET at 322.11 MPH.
Force fell to Tim Wilkerson in a close race after his lap of 4.003 ET at 324.20 MPH wasn’t enough for Wilkerson’s 3.956 ET at 320.81 MPH.

Pro Stock:

Hartford defeated Koretsky after Hartford ran a 6.545 ET at 211.30 MPH lap to Koretsky’s 6.550 ET at 209.85 MPH.
Stanfield defeated T. Coughlin, Jr. after making his pass at 6.546 ET at 210.41 MPH to Coughlin, Jr.’s run facing issues on the track.
Enders defeated J. Coughlin, Jr. after running 6.533 ET at 210.14 MPH to J. Coughlin, Jr.’s 6.557 ET at 209.92 MPH.
Anderson defeated Butner, III on his run of 6.521 ET at 210.73 MPH to Butner, III’s 211.00 MPH.

Semifinals:

Pro Stock:

Enders fell to Hartford after smoking the tires early on her run to Hartford’s 6.549 ET at 210.64 MPH.
Anderson fell to Stanfield after Stanfield ran a 6.560 ET at 209.82 MPH pass to Anderson’s 6.506 ET at 210.44 MPH.

Finals:

Pro Stock:

Stanfield defeated Hartford with his lap of 6.534 ET at 208.91 MPH to Hartford’s 6.519 ET at 210.14 MPH.

Team Chevy high-resolution racing photos are available for editorial use.

About Chevrolet

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