Home Blog Page 1227

Jimmie Johnson Taking Creed Along for the Ride in the DAYTONA 500

By
Official Release
-

STATESVILLE, N.C. (February 13, 2024) – LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ today announced a partnership with multi-platinum, GRAMMY® and American Music Award-winning rock band Creed for the 66th running on the ‘Higher’ banks of Daytona. The livery of Jimmie Johnson’s No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE was unveiled earlier this month by Carvana and is a tribute to “The King” Richard Petty’s No. 43 paint scheme that raced the legendary driver raced in 1964 Daytona 500.

Creed will have associate placement on Johnson’s Toyota Camry XSE as they celebrate their forty-city North American tour, called the “Summer of ’99” Tour. Due to fan demand, the band has extended their tour with an additional twenty dates under the “Are You Ready Tour?” banner. Produced by Live Nation, the tour launches on July 17th and will run through December 5th.

“Unless you have lived under a rock, you know every word to every Creed hit,” said Johnson jokingly. “In seriousness, our partnership with Live Nation is very important to us – last year we had Guns’ N Roses on Erik’s (Jones) car and this season another heavy hitter with Creed. The GNR diecast was NASCAR’s second best-seller last season so I’m proud of our relationship with Live Nation and am happy to welcome Creed ‘With Arms Wide Open’ to the Club.”

LEGACY M.C. released artwork with the addition of Creed’s placement today via the Club’s social media accounts.

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Jimmie and his team at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. Having the Creed logo on a car modeled after the legend Richard Petty’s paint scheme is a new career first for us,” adds Creed.

The official 2024 NASCAR season “tour” kicks off this weekend at Daytona International Speedway for the 66th running of the DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18th. Tune in at 2:30 pm ET on FOX, MRN Radio, and SIRIUS XM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90 to see Johnson compete in his 21st DAYTONA 500.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ is a professional auto racing club owned by businessman and entrepreneur Maurice “Maury” J. Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. The Club competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series fielding the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE of John Hunter Nemechek, the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE of Erik Jones, and the No. 84 limited schedule entry for Johnson. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty “The King” serves as Club Ambassador. With a unique title signifying a nod to car clubs of past eras, LEGACY M.C. is an inclusive club for all motorsport enthusiasts to celebrate the past and future legacies of its members, while competing for wins and championships at NASCAR’s elite level. To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ on Facebook, X, Instagram and at www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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

Richard Childress Racing and 3CHI Announce Partnership Extension

By
Official Release
-

Leader in the Science of Natural, Hemp-Based Consumable and Therapeutic Products Returns to RCR for Third Year of Partnership

WELCOME, N.C. (February 13, 2024) – 3CHI, a leader in the science of natural, hemp-based consumable and therapeutic products, will return to Richard Childress Racing to build on their pioneering, industry-leading partnership.

In addition to primary sponsorship on the No. 8 3CHI Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driven by Kyle Busch in the NASCAR Cup Series, 3CHI’s multi-faceted partnership with RCR will include a robust marketing activation, strategic content and communication plan, building on a successful partnership that first began three years ago.

“Our relationship with Richard Childress Racing continues to take 3CHI to higher levels,” said Justin Journay, chief executive officer of 3CHI. “On-track, it’s been fun to see the success of the No. 8 team and Kyle Busch, and off-track it’s been incredibly powerful to showcase the best cannabis company in the world and highlight 3CHI’s vast array of cannabinoid products and science-backed formulations.”

3CHI focuses on bringing technology, innovation, research and development into their industry and has earned thousands of consumer testimonials, pushing the boundaries of what’s conceivable in the cannabinoid world. 3CHI and RCR made history as the first partnership of its kind in sports when they first announced their relationship in 2022.

“Much like RCR, 3CHI has been a pioneer in their industry while focusing on technology and innovation,” said Torrey Galida, president of RCR. “Through their partnership with RCR, 3CHI has been able to highlight their innovative spirit and introduce their products to a new and passionate fan base. We’re proud to continue the relationship in 2024.”

Everything produced by 3CHI follows all federal requirements for full legal compliance. 3CHI’s production and distribution of its products strictly adhere to a policy of safety above all else and sales are for responsible adult use only to consumers aged 21 and older.

For more information and all that is going on at RCR, visit rcrracing.com.

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2024 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

Chili’s Grill & Bar Unveils the Fastest Margarita at Daytona, Challenging Fans to ‘Catch a ‘Rita’ During Race Week

By
Official Release
-

The Chili’s ‘Catch a ‘Rita’ No. 7 Chevrolet celebrates the restaurant’s position as one of the nation’s top destinations for margaritas, just in time for National Margarita Day on Feb. 22

DALLAS – Feb. 13, 2024 – Chili’s® Grill & Bar, in partnership with Spire Motorsports, is shaking things up in Daytona as they unveil the paint scheme for the Chili’s ‘Catch a ‘Rita’ No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, driven by NASCAR racer Corey LaJoie. The car’s interactive paint scheme splashes Chili’s famous Presidente Margarita® on the sides of the car in anticipation of National Margarita Day and features nine QR codes.

Fans on the ground and those watching on TV can “catch” LaJoie and the Chili’s ‘Catch a ‘Rita’ No. 7 Chevy during race week by scanning one of the QR codes on the car or LaJoie’s fire suit for a chance to win a $10 Chili’s gift card or a VIP trip to see LaJoie race in Austin, Texas on March 24.[1]

“I’ve had some really interesting paint schemes in Daytona, but this one takes the cake – or margarita glass – by giving fans a little token of our appreciation for following our battle on the track,” said Corey LaJoie, Spire Motorsports’ Driver of the Chili’s ‘Catch a ‘Rita’ No. 7 Chevy. “Personally, I’ve been a Chili’s fan for years, I mean, isn’t everybody? But collaborating with Chili’s on this project has only given me more appreciation for the way they do business, plus it’s also increased my chips and salsa intake sevenfold. We’ve had a ton of fun together and I’m excited to give fans a taste of that with the wild ads we’ve created.”

The paint scheme, designed by Jon Marshall & Daughters, celebrates Chili’s Presidente Margarita, though that isn’t the only thing the racecar honors. To acknowledge and celebrate the Chili’s General Managers who work tirelessly to ensure everyone feels special when they visit Chili’s, the names of 1,126 Chili’s General Managers are included on the paint scheme of Chili’s ‘Catch a ‘Rita’ No. 7 Chevy.

“Splashing our Chili’s Presidente Margarita on a car at Daytona, just a few days ahead of National Margarita Day, was an obvious choice, but we also knew we couldn’t honor this iconic margarita without acknowledging all the amazing Chiliheads that play a role in making Chili’s a fan-favorite destination for margarita lovers and race fans alike,” said George Felix, Chili’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We’re so pleased to partner with Spire Motorsports as our companies share the same values, and Corey LaJoie is the perfect embodiment of the Chilihead spirit. We can’t wait to see how the fans react and, of course, to see them try to ‘Catch a ‘Rita’ as the No. 7 Chevy whips around the track later this week.”

“It’s always fun when Spire Motorsports can be part of something unique, and we are incredibly grateful that Chili’s has entrusted our team with representing the brand for the first time at the Great American Race,” said Jeff Dickerson, Spire Motorsports co-owner. “As soon as we began speaking with the Chili’s team, we knew that Corey LaJoie would be the perfect fit. Not only is he an amazing, unflappable talent who knows what it takes to compete at this level but completely embraces the fun of the sport and as a result, has developed a great connection with race fans that will truly make this interactive paint scheme on the Chili’s ‘Catch a ‘Rita’ No. 7 Chevy come to life.”

The Chili’s ‘Catch a ‘Rita’ No. 7 Chevy will also be featured in multiple advertisements featuring LaJoie, one in which he introduces the car’s design, including the Catch-a-Rita challenge, and another which will air during the race broadcast. Catch LaJoie in the new Chili’s ads featuring the Chili’s ‘Catch a ‘Rita’ No.7 Chevy, available HERE.

Fans who don’t ‘catch’ a ‘rita during race week can still visit participating Chili’s on Feb. 22 for National Margarita Day to enjoy specials on premium margaritas including the Tequila Trifecta — featuring three premium tequilas, el Jimador® Silver, 1800® Reposado and Jose Cuervo® Gold, shaken with triple sec and fresh sour for just $5 — and the February Margarita of the Month, the StrawEddy — available for $6 and made with Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, Lunazul Blanco Tequila, strawberry puree and fresh sour. 2

About Chili’s® Grill & Bar
Hi, welcome to Chili’s! We are a leader in the casual dining industry and the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT). We are known for our big mouth burgers, Chicken Crispers®, full-on sizzling fajitas and hand-shaken margaritas. We take our food seriously – but not ourselves – because dining out should feel like a celebration even if there is nothing to celebrate. Our passion is making everyone feel special, and every day, our ChiliHeads make it their job to spread #ChilisLove across our more than 1,600 restaurants in 29 countries and two territories. And Chili’s cares. We host local Give Back Events to support kids, education and hunger and have raised more than $100 million benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through generous Guest donations. Find more information about us at chilis.com, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, like us on Facebook or join us on TikTok.

About Spire Motorsports
Spire Motorsports is a NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race team co-owned by long-time NASCAR industry executives Jeff Dickerson and Thaddeus “T.J.” Puchyr. In 2024, Spire Motorsports will campaign the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Corey LaJoie, Zane Smith and Carson Hocevar, respectively. The team will also field the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados full time in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. An all-star driver lineup will rotate throughout the 2024 season in the No. 7 Chevy. Rajah Caruth will drive the No. 71 entry and Chase Purdy rounds out the team’s fleet of Chevrolets in the No. 77.
Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on May 20, 2023, when Kyle Larson took the checkered flag in the Tyson 250 at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

[1] Giveaway Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and DC, who are at least 21 years old as of date of Entry. Begins 9:00 AM ET on 2/13/24; ends 11:59:59 PM ET on 2/19/24. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. For Official Rules and eligibility, visit chiliscatcharita.com. Sponsor: Brinker International Payroll Company, L.P., 3000 Olympus Blvd., Dallas, TX 75019.
[2] Guests must be 21+ to participate in National Margarita Day promotions

NASCAR 2024 Daytona Speedweeks: An Opportunity for Potential Firsts

By
Andrew Kim
-
Photo by Patrick Sue-Chan for SpeedwayMedia.com.

With this week set to mark the official commencement of the 2024 NASCAR season, the first wave of entry lists across NASCAR’s top three national touring series was revealed on Monday, February 12, as the registered teams and competitors prepare to ignite a new season of competition with a trio of season-opening events at Daytona International Speedway.

Currently, 38 competitors are registered to contend for 36 starting spots for this year’s Craftsman Truck Series season-opening Fresh from Florida 250 which is set to occur at Daytona this Friday, February 16. In addition, 44 competitors are registered for 38 starting spots for this year’s Xfinity Series season-opening United Rentals 300 which will follow suit on Saturday, February 17. Lastly, 42 competitors will contend for 40 starting spots for this year’s 66th running of the Daytona 500 which will occur on Sunday, February 18. For the 500, the entry list includes NY Racing’s No. 44 entry that has yet to have a driver set to compete in the ride throughout Daytona Speedweeks.

With each of the three national touring series entry lists featuring a mixture of new and familiar names, the common theme that all three lists share highlights a bevy of names who will contend for a first-time victory within their respective series either for this upcoming weekend at Daytona International Speedway or ever as the 2024 NASCAR season progresses.

For the Truck Series opener at Daytona, 27 of 38 registered competitors (full-time and part-time) currently have no victories logged within their resumes, which is 71% of the field. In addition, all but three participants have never won a Truck event at Daytona, which is 92% of the field.

Since the Truck Series first raced at Daytona’s 2.5-mile superspeedway venue in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 2000, 20 competitors have won at least once in the series at Daytona. The most recent was Zane Smith, the 2022 Truck Series champion who won the last two scheduled events at Daytona (2022 & 2023). With Smith set to compete in the Cup Series this season for Spire Motorsports and not registered in this year’s Truck list, the honorable mention of the most recent Daytona Truck winner for this season is Ben Rhodes, who won for the first time at Daytona in 2021 and is the reigning series champion. In addition to Rhodes, Grant Enfinger (2020) and Johnny Sauter (2013, 2016 & 2018) are the only other participants for this season who have previously won a Truck event at Daytona. Rhodes and Enfinger are full-time Truck Series competitors while Sauter is currently scheduled to compete in this weekend’s opener at Daytona as part of his part-time campaign with Niece Motorsports.

With Rhodes and Enfinger also set to bid for spots in this year’s Truck Series Playoff field, Corey Heim, a five-time race winner in the series who currently competes for TRICON Garage, headlines a long list of full-time competitors who have yet to win at Daytona for the first time as he also strives for another championship bid after falling short during last year’s Championship 4 battle. Among other notables include Christian Eckes, Ty Majeski and Matt Crafton, all of whom made the Playoffs during the previous season.

The Truck event at Daytona is also known to generate first-time winners, with the first occurrence dating back to 2002 when Robert Pressley won in his first series start. Since then, five other competitors (Michael Waltrip 2011, John King 2012, Tyler Reddick 2015, Kaz Grala 2017 and Austin Hill 2019) have accomplished this feat.

For this season, Toni Breidinger and Nick Sanchez headline a long list of names who have yet to win in the Truck circuit for the first time. Breidinger, who will be pulling double-duty efforts this weekend alongside her full-time campaign in the ARCA Menards Series with Venturini Motorsports, will pilot the No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage as part of a part-time campaign in the series while Sanchez, the reigning Rookie-of-the-Year recipient, returns to pilot the No. 2 Chevrolet Silverado RST for Rev Racing on a full-time basis. Other notables of potential first-time winners include Chase Purdy, Jake Garcia, brothers Tanner and Taylor Gray, Rajah Caruth, Daniel Dye and Dean Thompson, all of whom ended up in the top 20 in last year’s final standings. Corey LaJoie, a full-time Cup Series competitor for Spire Motorsports, is another notable who has yet to win in the Truck Series as he will pilot the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado RST for Spire this Friday at Daytona.

With 38 registered competitors vying for 36 starting spots, however, two will not make the field, which will be determined following the series’ qualifying session that will occur on Friday, February 16, at 3 p.m. ET on FS1.

2024 Fresh from Florida 250 Entry List

For the Xfinity Series’ opener at Daytona, 30 of 44 registered competitors have yet to achieve a victory in the series, which is 68% of the field. In addition, all but three participants have yet to record an Xfinity victory at Daytona, which is 93% of the field.

Since the inception of the Xfinity Series and their first competition in 1982, 38 competitors have won at Daytona at least once. The list of competitors who have won at Daytona includes the season-opening event that spans 300 miles and the second event that occurs in late summer and currently spans 250 miles. This past season, Austin Hill notched his second consecutive Daytona opener win in February while Justin Allgaier edged Sheldon Creed by 0.005 seconds to notch his first victory at Daytona after 26 previous attempts. Hill and Allgaier are full-time competitors in the Xfinity circuit as both are set to campaign for additional bids to make the Playoffs and contend for the series’ championship.

This year, Cole Custer, the reigning Xfinity champion for Stewart-Haas Racing, headlines a bevy of competitors who will be pursuing one of two opportunities to win at Daytona for the first time. Other notables include Sam Mayer, Sammy Smith, Chandler Smith, Jeb Burton, Riley Herbst and Brandon Jones, all of whom finished in the top 15 in the final Xfinity driver’s standings last season.

Like the Truck Series, the pair of Xfinity events at Daytona is known to generate first-time winners, with eight competitors in total achieving the feat. Among the names include Dale Earnhardt (1982), Chad Little (1995), Tony Stewart (2005), James Buescher (2012), Ryan Reed (2015), Michael Annett (2019), Noah Gragson (2020) and Austin Hill (2022), all of whom made the accomplishment during the season-opening 300-mile event in February.

For the 2024 season, Jesse Love, the reigning ARCA Menards Series champion, headlines a bevy of competitors seeking a first Xfinity victory anywhere as he assumes the No. 2 Chevrolet Camaro for Richard Childress Racing for his inaugural full-time campaign in the series. Other notables include Sheldon Creed, Parker Kligerman, Parker Retzlaff, Ryan Sieg, Anthony Alfredo, Josh Williams, Kyle Sieg, Brennan Poole and Ryan Ellis, all of whom settled in the top 25 in the final driver’s standings in 2023.

Other notables who highlight the Xfinity opener’s entry list include Daniel Suarez, Hailie Deegan, Ryan Truex, John Hunter Nemechek, Sage Karam, Jordan Anderson, Frankie Muniz, Natalie Decker and Shane van Gisbergen, all of whom will either contend for either a first Xfinity win at Daytona, in general or combined.

With 44 competitors vying for 38 spots, six will not make the field, which will be determined following the series’ qualifying session that will occur on Saturday, February 17, at 11:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

2024 United Rentals 300 Entry List

Lastly for the Cup Series, 15 of 41 registered competitors have never won in NASCAR’s premier series, which is approximately 37% of the field. This excludes NY Racing’s No. 44 entry that has yet to be filled. In addition, 34 of 41 competitors have yet to win the Great American Race at least once, which is approximately 83% of the field.

During the previous 65 years of Cup Series competition, 42 competitors achieved at least one victory in the Daytona 500. The most recent newcomer added to this prestigious list was Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who capitalized during two overtime shootouts to emerge out in front amid a final lap multi-car wreck to win while driving for JTG-Daugherty Racing.

The competitor who headlines a long list of competitors who have yet to win the Daytona 500 is Martin Truex Jr., who will make his 20th career start in the Great American Race this season while also embarking on his 19th full-time season as a Cup competitor. To date, Truex’s best result in the 500 is second after he was edged by Denny Hamlin by 0.010 seconds in 2016, which marks the closest-recorded finish in the 500’s history. Additional notables include Kyle Busch (19th attempt in 2024), David Ragan (17th attempt), Brad Keselowski (15th attempt), Kyle Larson and AJ Allmendinger (both making 11th attempt), Ryan Blaney (10th attempt), Chris Buescher and Erik Jones (both making ninth attempt), and the trio Alex Bowman, Erik Jones and Corey LaJoie (all making eighth attempt).

Within the list of 42 names who have won the Daytona 500 at least once, a total of nine competitors scored a first Cup career victory in the Great American Race. The most recent to accomplish this feat was Austin Cindric, who made the accomplishment in 2022 during his eighth Cup career start and would proceed to both make the 2022 Playoffs and claim the Rookie-of-the-Year title. Previously, Michael McDowell notched his first Cup career victory in the 500 and his 358th series start after dodging a final lap multi-car wreck. Other notables to claim a first Cup career victory in the Daytona 500 include Tiny Lund (1963), Mario Andretti (1967), Pete Hamilton (1970), Derrike Cope (1990), Sterling Marlin (1994), Michael Waltrip (2001 and Trevor Bayne (2011).

This season, Josh Berry and Ty Gibbs headline a group of registered competitors who strive to strike two goals off their bucket lists including winning for the first time both in the 500 and the Cup Series. Other notables include Corey LaJoie, Noah Gragson, Riley Herbst, Harrison Burton, Daniel Hemric, Kaz Grala, Todd Gilliland, Ryan Preece, John Hunter Nemechek, Anthony Alfredo, Zane Smith, Carson Hocevar and BJ McLeod.

Alfredo, Grala and McLeod will have to contend against David Ragan, Jimmie Johnson and NY Racing’s No. 44 competitor for four vacant spots since they are registered as open-chartered competitors, meaning that two will not make this year’s 500 starting lineup. The Daytona 500 qualifying session will occur on Wednesday, February 14, and air at 8:15 p.m. ET on FS1 followed by a pair of Bluegreen Vacations Duels that will follow suit on Thursday, February 15, and air beginning at 7 p.m. ET on FS1, which will establish the official starting lineup for the 500.

2024 Daytona 500 Entry List

As the countdown to the official start of the 2024 NASCAR season reaches its final days and hours before commencement, a series of new chapters and new beginnings await for many who strive to gain an early advantage and etch their name as a winner in any series’ opener at the World Center of Racing.

The 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season is set to commence at Daytona for the Fresh from Florida 250 on Friday, February 16, at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1 while the 2024 Xfinity Series season will follow suit for the United Rentals 300 on Saturday, February 17, at 5 p.m. ET on FS1. The 2024 Cup Series season will cap off the weekend by hosting the 66th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 18, at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

Interstate Batteries Racing: Christopher Bell Daytona 500 Advance

By
Official Release
-

Christopher Bell
Daytona 500 Advance
No. 20 Interstate Batteries/DeWalt Toyota Camry TRD for Joe Gibbs Racing

Event Overview

Wednesday, Feb. 14: Daytona 500 qualifying (single-lap qualifying to determine pole for the Daytona 500)
● Time/TV/Radio: 8 p.m. ET on FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Thursday, Feb. 15: Bluegreen Vacations Duel (twin 150-mile qualifying races that set the field for the Daytona 500)
● Time/TV/Radio: 7 p.m. ET on FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Sunday, Feb. 18: 66th annual Daytona 500 (first of 36 points-paying NASCAR Cup Series races in 2024)
● Time/TV/Radio: 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Guess Who’s Back: For just the second time since 2007, Interstate Batteries will return as a primary sponsor for the Daytona 500, sharing space with DeWalt. Interstate Batteries’ primary sponsorship at the Daytona 500 started in 1992 with the inception of Joe Gibbs Racing, its first of 16 primary sponsorships at The Great American Race from 1992 through 2007 with drivers Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, and J.J. Yeley.

● National Battery Day: As coincidence would have it, Sunday, Feb. 18 not only marks the 66th running of the Daytona 500, it also happens to be National Battery Day. To celebrate, Interstate and co-primary sponsor DeWalt will be doing a giveaway to fans on their social media platforms. Interstate Batteries would like nothing more than to finish its National Battery Day celebration in victory lane, a place the company landed in just its second appearance in the Daytona 500 back in 1993.

● Bell will be making his fifth career start in The Great American Race. His first Daytona 500 came in Feb. 2020, driving for Leavine Family Racing. He started 17th in that race and finished 21st after being involved in an accident during one of multiple overtime periods.

● The Dale and Dale Show: With Interstate’s return to the Daytona 500 for the second year in a row, the 2024 edition of The Great American Race is now 31 years removed from the “Dale and Dale Show.” In the 1993 Daytona 500, Interstate Batteries and JGR driver Jarrett beat the late Dale Earnhardt across the finish line with Jarrett’s father Ned in the CBS broadcast booth calling his son’s run to the checkered flag. It was one of the most memorable moments in Daytona 500 and NASCAR history, an exciting call before a live audience on national television. The win was the first of many for JGR, and the first for sponsor Interstate Batteries just a year after its iconic partnership kicked off in 1992.

● The 2024 season marks Bell’s fifth fulltime season in the NASCAR Cup Series. Bell has eight career Cup Series starts on Daytona’s 2.5-mile oval. Of those eight starts, His best career points-paying finish was a strong third-place run in last year’s Great American Race. Bell is looking to build on the momentum of back-to-back appearances in the Championship 4 of the Cup Series Playoffs with the No. 20 team and two-time championship-winning crew Chief Adam Stevens as they look for their first Daytona 500 win and championship together.

● Outside of the NASCAR Cup Series, Bell has made five career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Daytona. Bell has brought home two top-five finishes and four top-10s in those five Xfinity Series starts.

● To earn a spot in this year’s Daytona 500, drivers must first compete in the Bluegreen Vacations Duel – twin 150-mile qualifying races that set the 40-car field for the Daytona 500. Bell has just four career Duel starts on his resume but has brought home top-five finish in all four qualifying races, with a career-best Duel finish of second last February.

● Before drivers compete in the Duel, they race the clock in single-lap qualifying on Wednesday night. The two fastest cars are locked into the Daytona 500 field while the remaining drivers are split between the two Duel races. Qualifiers in odd-numbered positions are in the first Duel and qualifiers in even-numbered positions are in the second Duel.

Christopher Bell, Driver of the No. 20 Interstate Batteries/DeWalt Toyota Camry TRD

What is your favorite and least favorite parts of the Daytona 500?

“My favorite part of the Daytona 500 is just the big-event feel – it’s a really big race and you can tell that. You have probably the most casual fans that we have over the entire schedule that tune in for the Daytona 500. My least favorite thing is just the style of racing – the restrictor-plate racing is not my favorite. It is what it is. It is the Daytona 500 and it’s the biggest one of the year. It definitely has that big-event feel. We have Interstate and DeWalt along with us this year and we couldn’t be more excited about the race and trying to get those guys to victory lane in our biggest race.”

How much of a help will it be having more Toyotas in the race on Sunday, and in speedway racing in general?

“I think it is always positive to have more cars at speedway races. I think all of us Toyotas are going to do the best we can to help each other, but having two more cars in these races is definitely helpful for us as a whole.”

With no practice before qualifying again this year, how will that change the Duel races, if at all?

“It didn’t change them too much last year. The Duels are the best practice that you can get over the course of the weekend. It is going to be a very valuable test session. If you are good in the Duels, I don’t foresee you doing very much practice between the Duels and the 500, but if you struggle, there are practices in-between to try to work on your car to get it better.”

How much more confident are you and how different do you feel heading to Daytona after the season you had last year?

“I am excited about building off of last year. Daytona is just its own animal, and I don’t really think anything that happened last year will have an effect on what will happen at the Daytona 500. Last year, we were able to finally finish one of these races and finish well, so hoping we can be there at the end and see what happens with our Interstate Batteries/DeWalt Camry.”

Is driver momentum carrying from one season to the next a real thing?

“I think so. Driver confidence is, for sure. There are so many changes throughout the offseason with body design and manufacturers changing their cars, so nobody really knows what we have until we get on the track, and Daytona being a superspeedway is not really indicative of what we are going to see for the rest of the season. The 500 is the ‘Granddaddy of Them All,’ and I’m excited to get the season going and see what we have.”

How do you approach the last laps of the Daytona 500?

“It’s unbelievable. Anyone that has not driven in a Cup Series superspeedway race, I don’t feel like they understand the difference between lap one, even lap 150 to lap 200. The light switch goes off and the intensity just skyrockets, and guys just start pushing and shoving where you are not supposed to be pushing and shoving. The thing I hate about superspeedway racing is you never feel like you are in control in those moments when you are getting pushed around. It changes dramatically in those last couple of laps.”

Do you have a spot that you want to be in those final laps?

“Ultimately, you don’t want another manufacturer behind you because you are going to be left out to dry, but even if it is a teammate, you are not going to just get pushed to the end. The best thing you can hope for in the end is to have a shot. Everyone asks the magic question – would you like to be leading or second going into the last lap? Well both of them are going to have a shot to win, so either one of them is not too bad. You just want to have an opportunity to take the checkered flag and you have to be in the top so many rows to be able to do that.”

No. 20 Interstate Batteries Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Christopher Bell

Hometown: Norman, Oklahoma

Crew Chief: Adam Stevens

Hometown: Portsmouth, Ohio

Car Chief: Chris Sherwood

Hometown: Portsmouth, Virginia

Spotter: Stevie Reeves

Hometown: Speedway, Indiana

Race Engineer: William Hartman

Hometown: Laingsburg, Michigan

Team Engineer: Chris Whitenight

Hometown: Berwick, Pennsylvania

Road Crew Members

Truck Driver: John Maybry

Hometown: Campobello, SC

Mechanic: Wesley Lape Hometown: Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania

Ride and Handling Engineer: Chris Chase

Hometown: Nichole, New York

Truck Driver: Glenn Funderburk

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Mechanic/Tire Specialist: Bryce Bratton

Hometown: Maiden, North Carolina

Over-The-Wall Crew Members

Gas Man: Peyton Moore

Hometown: Buford, Georgia

Jackman: Derrell Edwards

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Tire Carrier: Jake Holmes

Hometown: Westborough, Massachusetts

Front Tire Changer: Blake Houston

Hometown: Enochville, North Carolina

Rear Tire Changer: Mike Hicks

Hometown: China Grove, North Carolina

Patrick O’Donovan and Christine GZ announced as Championship Drivers for Season 4

By
Official Release
-

13 February 2024, London: Extreme E, the pioneering off-road electric series, has announced that Patrick O’Donovan and Christine GZ will remain as its Championship Drivers for 2024. Both drivers are familiar with the role and have extensive experience of the series’ ODYSSEY 21.

O’Donovan, 19 from London, UK, is a rising Rallycross star and became an Extreme E Championship Driver at the first 2023 Island X Prix in Sardinia.

He became the youngest-ever British Rallycross title-winner in 2022, aged just 18-years-old, winning the championship with a 50-point margin. O’Donovan claimed the title once again in 2023.

He is also an FIA RX2e race-winner and most recently scored a podium at the final round of the 2023 World Rallycross Championship in Hong Kong.

Spanish star GZ, 30, born in India, competed for Carl Cox Motorsport last year, securing her first-ever podium finish at the Hydro X Prix in Scotland, marking the team’s maiden top-three result in the process.

Prior to GZ’s two X Prix for Carl Cox Motorsport, she raced for XITE Energy Racing in the championship’s debut season before taking part in four events for Veloce Racing in 2022. GZ recently contested the 2024 Dakar Rally.

GZ previously held the role of Championship Driver at the 2022 Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix, before returning alongside O’Donovan at the 2023 season finale for the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix in Chile.

In their role of Championship Drivers, O’Donovan and GZ will perform both an advisory role, testing and helping finalise the race courses, and also being on hand as an all-important back-up driver should any of the teams require a replacement during any of the five X Prix weekends.

The opening round of Extreme E’s 2024 season kicks off in KAEC, Saudi Arabia, this weekend (17-18 February). You can watch all the racing action 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

About Extreme E:
Extreme E is a radical off-road racing series, founded by the same team behind Formula E, which showcases electric SUVs and futuristic technologies in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments.

This five-event global voyage utilises its sporting platform for the purpose of promoting electrification, environment and equality. The series’ goal is to highlight the impact of climate change in some of the world’s most endangered environments, promote the adoption of electric vehicles to pave the way for a lower carbon future, and provide a world-first gender-equal motorsport platform.

The first sport to ever be built out of a social purpose, Extreme E aims to minimise environmental impact while maximising awareness, racing in places that have already been damaged or affected by climate change or human interference and taking fans deep into the heart of the most pressing issues facing our planet’s future.

Not only that, but Extreme E is also helping the car industry to develop future-facing technology using racing as a platform for road innovation, which accelerates change ten-fold.

In 2025, Extreme E will transition into Extreme H – the world’s first hydrogen off-road racing series – and will be recognised as an FIA Championship from 2025, as we continue to be a pioneer in motorsport.

Season 4 calendar:

Saudi Arabia
17-18 February 2024
Europe, TBD
13-14 July 2024
Sardinia, Italy
14-15 September 2024
Sardinia, Italy
21-22 September 2024
USA
23-24 November 2024

About PIF
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) is one of the largest and most impactful sovereign wealth funds in the world. Since 2015, when the Board was reconstituted and oversight transferred to the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, the Fund’s board of directors has been chaired by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister, Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund.

PIF plays a leading role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation and diversification, as well as contributing to shaping the future of the global economy. Since 2017, PIF has established over 90 companies. PIF is building a diversified portfolio by entering into attractive and long-term investment opportunities in 13 strategic sectors in Saudi Arabia and globally.

www.pif.gov.sa

About Continental Tires: Founding Partner and Official Tyre Partner
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation.

The tyres business area has 24 production and development locations worldwide. Continental is one of the leading tyre manufacturers with more than 56,000 employees and offers a broad product range for passenger cars, commercial and special-purpose vehicles as well as two-wheelers. Through continuous investment in research and development, Continental makes a major contribution to safe, cost effective and ecologically efficient mobility. The portfolio of the tyres business area includes services for the tyre trade and fleet applications, as well as digital management systems for tyres.

About LuisaViaRoma: Official Fashion Partner
Defined by the Financial Times as “a haven for directional fashion,”LUISAVIAROMA.COM is the top online luxury fashion destination with 5,000,000 visitors per month and worldwide shipping. With each new season, the website presents the collections of more than 600 established designers and young emerging talents.

About ENOWA: Official Green Hydrogen Partner
ENOWA is a world-class energy, water and hydrogen company founded in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. ENOWA produces and delivers clean and sustainable resources for industrial and commercial applications using a customer-centric smart and connected system, designed to be circular and takes advantage of NEOM’s optimal solar and wind energy profile. ENOWA benefits from NEOM’s greenfield site, which has no legacy infrastructure, to advance Energy, Water, and Hydrogen innovation.

ENOWA will act as a catalyst and incubator for developing new, sustainable energy and water businesses while creating a robust economic sector regionally. Through its commitment to renewable energy and efficient water management, ENOWA seeks to become a global reference for industry leaders and setting a benchmark for sustainable economic circular systems around the world.

For more information, please visit: enowa.neom.com

About Vodafone Business: Official Technology Communications Partner
With expertise in connectivity, global scale and the leading IoT platform, Vodafone Business is a leading technology communications company helping organisations succeed in a digital world and keeping society connected. Vodafone’s purpose is to connect for a better future, enabling an inclusive and sustainable digital society, and many of its solutions have sustainability and inclusivity embedded.

Unique in its scale as the largest pan-European and African technology communications company, Vodafone transforms the way we live and work through its innovation, technology, connectivity, platforms, products and services. Vodafone operates mobile and fixed networks in 21 countries, and partners with mobile networks in 52 more. As of 31 December 2021, they had over 300m mobile customers, more than 28m fixed broadband customers and over 22m TV customers.

This collaboration will see Vodafone Business leading innovations and capabilities such as 5G, MPN, IOT and MEC, integrated into Extreme E’s global operations and will include full involvement in the purpose- driven elements of the series, with special prominence on Extreme E’s Legacy Programmes and the Science Laboratory on board the St Helena. Through its IOT solutions, Vodafone Business is helping sustainability efforts, including agriculture, forestation and decarbonisation of energy grids.

Find out more on http://www.Vodafone.com/business and follow Vodafone on its social media channels:

Twitter: @VodafoneGroup
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/vodafone

About EY: Official Sustainability Partner
EY is a global leader in assurance, consulting, strategy, transactions and tax services, and already plays a significant role in working with Extreme E. Originally announcing its collaboration with the championship back in 2020, EY came on board to help Extreme E achieve its commitment to minimising its overall footprint whilst creating a positive legacy.

Whilst Extreme E strives ‘to race without a trace’, the framework provided by EY has helped the series to minimize its environmental impact across each of its remote race locations. Both prior and post-racing impact assessments have supported Extreme E to strategically plan their actions within these areas.

EY and Extreme E will work closely together to promote the five pillars of Extreme E (or “Five Es”) through the adoption of ‘XE Talks’. These informative presentations, facilitated by Extreme E’s Scientific Committee, will shed light on the Five Es, showcasing the joint commitment of EY and Extreme E.

About Kaizen Clean Energy: Official Clean Energy Technology Provider
Kaizen Clean Energy (KCE), a manufacturer of hydrogen generators, is developing integrated solutions for electric vehicle (EV) charging, hydrogen fuelling, and distributed power for the grid and critical assets.

KCE offers its mobile microgrid to customers through an Energy as a Service contract, which eliminates large capital expenses and provides customers with the flexibility to scale with energy needs over time.

Kaizen Clean Energy will support ENOWA – NEOM’s energy, water, and hydrogen subsidiary and Green Hydrogen Power Partner to Extreme E – in delivering a pioneering hydrogen microgrid solution to the championship.

Find out more on: www.kaizencleanenergy.com.

About ALLCOT: Official Environmental Contribution Partner
Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, ALLCOT works together with communities, organizations, and governments worldwide in climate actions, to accelerate the transition to Net Zero. ALLCOT develops Climate action through projects and solutions with triple impact: environmental, social, and economic; using four strategies:

Sustainability strategies: Innovative, comprehensive, and tailored solutions for businesses to reduce and compensate greenhouse gas emissions and measures the socio-economic co-benefits through the SDGs.

Project development and implementation: Implementation of carbon projects in developing countries, rooted in community engagement, environmental stewardship, and economic viability, driven by integrity, equity, and transparency.

Capacity building: Providing individuals and communities with practical skills and knowledge, possible to apply in their daily lives.

Advocacy: Creating systemic change to work closely with policymakers and stakeholders to promote sustainable policies and practices at the local, national, and international levels.

Find out more on: www.allcot.com

AUSTIN WILLIAMS AND EDDIE TAFOYA JR. NAMED TO DRIVE FOR INLAND RIGGING SPRINT CAR TEAM IN 2024

By
Official Release
-
Austin Williams in his own car at Perris Auto Speedway in 2023. Doug Allen Photo.

(Cypress, CA, February 12, 2024) Inland Rigging Sprint Car team owners Tom and Christy Dunkel are pleased to announce that star sprint car drivers Austin Williams and Eddie Tafoya Jr. will drive for the Menifee, California-based team during the 2024 season. Williams, who ranks seventh on the all-time USAC/CRA victory list with 11 triumphs, has his eyes firmly affixed on the 2024 title in the series. Tafoya, who was the 2018 Perris Auto Speedway Young Guns Sprint Car champion and the 2019 USAC/CRA Rookie of the Year, will run an Inland Rigging car full-time in the new USCS Series. One of his competitors for that crown will be Dunkel who will race in all of the USCS events and run a partial schedule in USAC/CRA.

The shake-up in the team roster came about when 2023 USAC/CRA Series champion Brody Roa vacated the #17R to spend more time with his family. While the split was amicable and they remain great friends, it piqued curiosity on the West Coast with some pit siders speculating that the Dunkels were stepping out of racing. Quite the contrary. Going into the year, six DRC chassis’ and four Shaver engines are in the team’s stable. In addition, the team will also be taking delivery of a new One Way and Kistler engine shortly.

“We are pleased to have these two guys on board for 2024,” Tom Dunkel said. “They are top drivers who can win races and will be contending for the championships. I’d like to thank the Roas for an amazing year racing together. Christy and I wish Brody and family nothing but the best and hopefully we will see him in a #17 car sometime in the future.”

Whispers about the change in the USAC/CRA team surfaced a couple of weeks ago. When some heard there may be some changes, questions began popping up and there was speculation on who may end up in the open USAC/CRA seat. One who heard the whispers was Williams. The driver who is getting married on May 18th decided to look into the situation and made some calls.

“I think Austin kind of caught wind that Brody and I were going our own ways,” Dunkel stated. “He spoke with Malyssa Perkins and she kind of filled him in on what was going on. We exchanged phone numbers and got on a call a few weeks back. I brought him out to the house and showed him what we had equipment-wise. He was impressed by what we had to offer. I know he can go out there and get it done. He made the most sense for us to go chase the CRA championship and run full-time in that deal. I also spoke with a few USAC National guys. Those guys have full-blown schedules. We will probably do something with some National drivers at a few select races.”

In his career, Williams has sat in some very nice equipment. In his early days racing in USAC/CRA, he was teammates with his Hall of Fame father Rip Williams, his older brother Cody and his younger sibling Logan on the Jack and Sharon Jory-owned sprint car team. When Jack passed away, Williams ended up steering the famous Moose Racing #92 owned by Tom and Lauri Sertich. When they decided to move to Indiana, the driver known as “The Big Game Hunter” ended up racing one of the Jory-owned cars that his father then owned.

When the elder Williams ended up owning the three cars from the Jory stable, the deal was his kids could drive them if they could pay all the bills. Austin, who lives in Corona, California, found out that can be expensive. Make that, very expensive.

“These last two years have really humbled me (running his own operation),” the friendly driver said. “I used to race for Jack Jory and I had the best of the best. Anything I wanted, pretty much we got. Then racing for Tom and Lauri Sertich, they were really good car owners and gave me everything I asked for. Now, this opportunity is going back to the time when I could actually race the racecar, get as many wins as I can and not have to worry about what I am doing the next race if I crash this car.”

“I was planning on racing as many races as I could (in his own car this year) with the little money that I had,” Williams continued. “I had a good sponsor drop out on me, which really hurt my program. I still had other sponsors. Pacific Highway Rentals and Forefront Construction Services are still on board. I think I am going to be bringing them over to the Inland Rigging team.”

Williams is excited to get into the Inland Rigging cars and he believes the transition will be a smooth one as he has been running DRCs with Shaver engines. That is the same combo he will step into in the Dunkel-owned machines.

Finishing third last season in USAC/CRA points meant he ran near the front. That is not far behind where Roa ran for Inland Rigging most of last year as he won eight of the 18 main events in the series and his overall 40.9 win percentage was the best in the nation amongst 410 wingless drivers.

The affable driver is chomping at the bit for the February 24th season opener at Perris Auto Speedway. He believes the transition to the new car will be very smooth. The only thing he will have to get used to is a different shock package.

“Honestly, I do not think there will be a period of adjustment,” Williams enthused. “The only thing that will be different from my #2 car to the #17A car is the shock program. They currently have CSI shocks and I have always had Matt Hummel’s FK Shocks. We will see how that transition goes. I am sure it will be fine.”

“I got engaged (last year), and I am getting married this year. I got the ride in the best sprint car this side of the Mississippi or even farther,” Williams boasted. “I am very excited.”

Dunkel and the Tafoya family are anything but strangers. In 2015 and 2016 he competed in the USAC West Coast Series and the VRA Sprint Cars against Eddie Tafoya Sr. They stayed in touch and last year the relationship grew tighter as Dunkel accompanied them on some of their sojourns for Eddie Jr. to race with the USAC National Sprint Cars. He was very impressed with the rising young star and the way he carried himself. That led Dunkel to offer him a full-time ride in the USCS.

“When Eddie Jr. started racing, him and I got to know each other,” Dunkel said. “Last year we went back east with them a few times. I just kind of helped out. Got to know Jr. a little more. He is a solid kid and his parents are great. When the opportunity came up to run him at Turkey Night last year it was kind of a no-brainer. With his experience back east, I thought it was a good fit. We did not have a lot of luck in that race. Nevertheless, it was a great weekend with him.”

The sprint car portion of Turkey Night features 360 sprint cars. While at Ventura, the conversation came up about teaming up for some 360 stuff this season. Then the West Coast Series (USAC West Coast Sprint Cars) folded up. Subsequently, the new USCS series was born and inherited USAC West Coast Series tracks.

“Eddie made the most sense,” Dunkel comfortably stated. “We are really looking forward to running him this year. He is extremely good with equipment. That comes from running for your family. You do not want to cost mom and dad any more than you have to. He is very methodical and he likes to set up his own car. On top of everything, the Tafoya’s are just a great family. Julie (Eddie’s mom) runs Specialty Fasteners and is super cool. She is hard on drivers, though. She cuts Jr. no slack. Me too! I have come off the track feeling pretty proud of what I did and she says, ‘Ah, better luck next time.’”

Tafoya, who is based in Chino Hills, California will also chase the USAC/CRA title in his family-owned #51T, is eager to get started with the 2024 season. When he rolls onto the track at Ventura for the USCS inaugural race it will only be his third time racing a 360 sprint car. Last season he got taken out by another car at the Turkey Night Grand Prix. Before that, he had one other 360 start. Besides that it has been all 410s including a restricted 410 he drove to the Perris Auto Speedway Young Guns title in 2018.

“I ran one 360 maybe three years ago and it was not a full night as we had engine issues,” Tafoya said. “So Turkey Night (last year) was my first full night in a 360. Besides that, just 410s.”

“I think we should be able to jump right into it,” the personable driver said on what he expects in the 360. “It should all transition pretty well. Most of the tracks we are going to run at are smaller and intend to slick off. I won’t have to worry as much about getting myself out of trouble on the cushion or things like that. In the 410 I have to be easy on the pedal sometimes. I have to make sure when I am in the 360 I do not do that.”

One thing is for sure, Tafoya will be on a lot of different tracks in 2024. The only tracks the two series will both be competing on are the rejuvenated Santa Maria Raceway and The Dirt Track at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway. Kern is the only track currently on his schedule that he has not competed on in the past. That is a lot different from 2023 when Tafoya raced in the USAC National Series on many tracks he had never seen before.

“I wouldn’t say I dislike any,” Tafoya commented on the tracks he will be steering the Dunkel’s car at. “To me, they are just a lot different driving styles. I like Ventura. I’ve gone quick time there (with CRA). Santa Maria, I have gone top five. Bakersfield I have been top five. I don’t get to drive them much so I do not have a lot of feedback on them but I definitely think we will be up front. I prefer big tracks and going faster. I like just having some extra room to move around. It seems like I always do good on the small tracks, too. So, I definitely don’t have a problem with them. I like going racing anywhere we can.”

“We have everything in our corner to go and win races,” Tafoya enthusiastically intoned. “Zac (team manager Zac Bozanich) and I have been down there building up cars, getting the trailer ready and all kinds of stuff. We will be ready to come out swinging. It was a no-brainer for me when they asked. Thanks to Tom and Christy, this year big things fell together and we have ourselves a whole other seat.”

Tafoya reckons he has worked on sprint cars every day for the last two months. His new DRC for the USAC/CRA Series arrived last week and he started putting it together last weekend.

A successful season is not just dictated by the drivers. Dunkel and Zac Bozanich, Roa’s past crew chief and a past USAC/CRA mechanic of the year, made a deal for Bozanich to be the Inland Rigging team manager. If that is not enough to scare the foe, Rip Williams will be heavily involved as will Dunkel and his son Aiden. Tafoya and his father will also be occupied with helping maintain the cars. Austin Williams will be hands-on and is bringing his longtime crewmen Paul Dean, Rich Ruston, and Joe Perez.

“I have worked with Zac in the years prior to being around Brody,” Dunkel stated. “With my smaller sponsorship that I did prior, Zac has always been top-notch and has always been a class act. As we rolled into 2023 and really stepped up our game with the Roas, Zac jumped in and took me under his wing. It just made sense towards the end of the year and things were winding down and some things were changing on what I was going to be doing with Brody. Zac and I were able to strike a deal and bring him on board to help us execute our big plans this year.”

“We had our first shop day the day of the CRA banquet,” Dunkel recalled. “Rip was there. That was kind of surreal, to be honest. I am not really a kind of star-struck kind of person but it was kind of neat to work with the “Ripper” in my own shop on my cars. He is the guy I always watched as a kid. To go full circle and be providing a car for his son is pretty bitchin.’”

Dunkel would like to thank the following 2024 season sprint car sponsors. Inland Rigging, Dunkel Farms, Specialty Fasteners, BR Motorsports, King Racing Products, Osborne Speed & Machine, Maverick Transport, and HBC. If you would like to join this championship team for another title run this year, please contact Dunkel using the information at the top of this release.

Tom Dunkel’s 2024 Racing Results

1/11/24 SageNet Center Chili Bowl Midget Nationals 8th C Feature
1/13/24 SageNet Center Chili Bowl Midget Nationals 11th L Feature

Phoenix Water Solutions to Sponsor ASA STARS Race Stages

By
Official Release
-

ASA STARS National Tour Brings Unique Procedure to Short Track Pavement Racing

When the ASA STARS National Tour kicked off in 2023, Pavement Super Late Model Short Track fans witnessed a new twist to the sport. The highly anticipated debut of the new STARS National Tour introduced Stage Racing at the Series opener at Five Flags Speedway back in March.

Stage Racing is a race format procedure that awards championship points to drivers and teams at pre-determined segment breaks in the long-distance races.

“The short track industry has, for the most part, done away with live pit stops, in the interest of safety and cost containment,” stated Joe Balash, Director of Race Operations for the ASA STARS National Tour. “It was clearly the right decision, but it also clearly changed the way these races have played out. Introducing Stage Racing has added an element of strategy back into the teams’ race planning and added excitement for the fans.”

Track Enterprises President and ASA STARS National Tour founder Bob Sargent announced today that Phoenix Water Solutions has agreed to sponsor the stage racing format in 2024, beginning with the Tuesday, February 13 Clyde Hart Memorial 200 from New Smyrna Speedway.

“Thanks to Phoenix Water Solutions for supporting the ASA STARS National Tour, and sponsoring the stage-race bonus in 2024,” Sargent stated. “Stage racing has added excitement and strategy to the STARS race events, with drivers and teams racing for bonus points and a $1,000 bonus award, now courtesy of Phoenix Water Solutions!”

Each of the long-distance ASA STARS National Tour races are broken into three segments.

The 2024 season-opening 100 mile / 200 lap Clyde Hart Memorial 200 will be broken into a pair of 75 lap segments (lap 75 and lap 150), with a final 50 lap shootout to the checkered flag.

Each segment will pay 10 championship points to the stage winner, 9 points to second, 8 to third, and decreasing by 1 point through 10th place. In all, a maximum of 30 “bonus” points will be available to segment winners. Courtesy of Phoenix Water solutions, a $1,000 bonus will be paid to the winner of each the first and second segments at each of the ten ASA STARS National Tour events this season.

Phoenix Water Solutions takes pride in their commitment to revolutionizing water quality. Specializing in bespoke water treatment solutions for customer needs, they harness cutting-edge technologies to deliver sustainable and cost-effective results. As a testament to their dedication, they offer a complimentary water test, allowing individuals and businesses to experience firsthand the transformative impact of Phoenix Water Solutions. Join them in ensuring access to pure, clean water – where excellence flows. For inquiries, contact them at 850-269-7117, or visit their website www.phoenixwatersolutionsus.com to schedule your free water test.

ASA STARS National Tour

Founded by Track Enterprises President Bob Sargent, The ASA STARS National Tour for pavement super-late model stock cars debuted in March 2023 for Super Late Model racing in America.

The ASA STARS National Tour is a ten-race championship series, offering a $100,000 point fund. The tour will visit ten different race tracks in 7 states in 2024, with the season beginning in February during Florida Speedweeks, and concluding in early November at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.

Track Enterprises (TE) is a racing Promotions Company based in Illinois, which owns and operates the ASA STARS National Tour. In additional to the STARS National Tour, Track Enterprises owns and operates Championship Racing Association (CRA) and the ASA Midwest Tour. TE also has a strategic alliance and controlling interest in the ASA Southern Super Series.

How Can E-bikes Jump Start Your Lust for Exercise and Fitness?

By
SM
-

Today, most people like to live in the city suburbs and have a balance between their professional and family lives. That can only happen when they have the best commuting means they can. E-bikes give people the freedom they need to enter the city center without any barriers or obstacles.

On the other hand, they need something to have as bait to keep exercising and have a positive balance for their body type. That happens only when they get on their e-bikes and ride to perfection. Let’s discuss some of the most evident advantages of e-bikes that have placed them in the first ranking of preferences for people to catch up on their lost fitness.

E-bikes Get You Close to Nature

GRUNDIG Bicycle will be your ideal solution if you are looking for the best possible selection of e-bikes. It has been one of the few e-bikes that can give you incentives for quick rides to nature and back to your base. The efficient range of motion could be up to 120 km, which is more than enough to get you to the nearby forests or sea shores.

People who love to ride can easily arrange to get their bikes from work, change their outfit to a more comfortable one, and hit the road to be close to nature. They can use their e-bikes as conventional bikes and step on the pedals to perform some cardio exercise. When they finally reach their destination close to nature, they can either continue their training or stay there to rest and refresh themselves from anything that makes them anxious during their daily lives.

You Can Exercise Even When Going to Work

Using the new e-bikes can give people the exercise they always need to feel healthy and secure again. The perfect time to exercise for most people would be during their daily commute from home to work. These bikes are easy to handle and accelerate on busy city streets and can give you the aerobic exercise you need to burn calories, lose weight, and even develop muscle mass.

Getting to work is a chore that anyone has to do, and e-bikes remain the most clever way to stay fit and take advantage of this lost time everyone has daily. Just be sure to do so in a safe way, bike accidents can happen due to no fault of your own. So make sure to wear proper gear and ride safely.

Their e-motor is so efficient that it allows you to move around freely.

Most people believe that e-bikes are not good for city commutes, being afraid that they cannot handle steep hills driving that may require excessive muscle strength and effort. 

However, that is not true. With the use of the new e-bikes, riders can be sure they can engage in the e-motor function mode and let it give the necessary energy for the wheels to move. That will allow people to ride safely to their work and back home, having the perfect combination of training and efficiency.

Using e-bikes Can Make You Find Companions that Like Fitness. 

One of the best goals for people to start being and remain fit would be to find others who have the same dreams and needs as you. E-bikes can find you such companions and let you form teams and groups to ensure that you can go on excursions and short trips with them, having the time of your life.

The use of e-bikes does not add any extra costs to your monthly budget, and you can use the extra fitness you will have to reduce your health bills.

Being on the e-bike itself can make you Balanced and exercise.

Another critical aspect of the use and benefits of e-bikes is the fact they can give you a balance between pleasure, mental health, and exercise. The beneficial effects of riding an e-bike spread among people who feel depressed and can now begin going anywhere they like and get filled with pleasure, self-confidence, and satisfaction.

This balanced way to exercise and have mental health is one of the best benefits that e-bikes can give you. Most people love to have their friends close to them and discuss with them while riding their bikes. It’s something that makes them happy enough and gives them the power to keep up with the hard reality in the cities.

Final Thoughts

As we check on the benefits of e-bikes, we can see that the new models offer many of them to their potential users. These types of bikes are eco-friendly and work on green energy to ensure that all riders add zero carbon imprints to their daily commutes. They are the best solution to meeting new people and breathing fresh air outside the city borders.

Riding an e-bike can get you anywhere you like with a healthy tone, allowing you to exercise more, have fun, and impress others with your skills.

The White Zone: Dealing with mistakes and depression

By
Tucker White
-
INDIANAPOLIS - MAY 13: Tucker White takes a selfie in front of the pagoda at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 13, 2023, in Indianapolis. Photo: Tucker White/SpeedwayMedia.com

Last August, I sank to the lowest point in my life.

My many mistakes as a NASCAR writer, neurodevelopment disorders and ongoing battle with depression drove me to attempt suicide.

Come with me, as I show you what led me to that.

The mistakes

May 29, 2016.

I stood on the frontstretch of Charlotte Motor Speedway several hours after Martin Truex Jr. won the Coca-Cola 600 in dominant fashion. I don’t recall the conversation that led to it, but I told some race fans there was a crossover gate that I either opened or just led them to it.

Either way, that choice at Charlotte haunts me to this day.

But wait, there’s more!

Sept. 4, 2016.

I spazzed out, because I couldn’t find a golf cart and was too lazy to walk. So I threw down my headset in the press box at Darlington Raceway.

That choice haunts me to this day.

Aug. 18, 2017.

I climbed over a row of press box seats, rather than momentarily inconvenience the writers next to me (which would’ve been much simpler to do).

Haunting isn’t strong enough. That’s straight up “What are you thinking? Are you thinking?!”

Even at the age of 21 and 22, no excuse.

But that’s not all!

June 20, 2021.

I walked into an unauthorized area on the spotter’s stand to take photos during the closing laps. This was after NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports, Inc. gave me a second chance in 2020 and 2021.

In a six-year span, I learned nothing. I had an off-ramp, but I failed to learn anything.

And that hurts the most.

Contemplation and depression

I’m supposed to think I have a place amongst writers far more talented than me, and don’t make such stupid mental errors? Amongst writers who parlayed their tremendous writing to make a living from watching NASCAR races?

But that happens when you don’t socialize in high school until you do and your best friend ghosts you, because your introversion meant you developed bad tendencies.

Immature and annoying.

Compounding the matter, I suffer from verbal apraxia and ADHD. I’m no expert on either, but as far as I understand it, it made socializing with other people rather difficult, and careless mistakes frequent.

Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactive disorder, as listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition.

Frankly (and I’m no doctor), I think it’s a sizeable influence on my ongoing battle with depression. I have days where I feel fine. Then I’ll have days where I feel nothing. My energy, zapped. My mind in total molasses. My motor functions, slow.

It’s a miserable hell to experience.

July 31, 2023.

I got an email from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, saying my media credentials request was denied.

I sank to my lowest point.

Aug. 1, 2023.

I grabbed a pistol from my parent’s room, put it in my mouth and slowly squeezed the trigger.

The hammer clicked.

A few seconds later, I opened my eyes and thought, “Wait, nothing happened.” So I popped the magazine.

No bullets.

I broke down in laughter. My stupid dumb ass forgot to reload it, after firing off a few rounds at a tree in my backyard a few hours earlier!

When I caught my breath and lied on my parents’ bed for a few minutes, I thought it over again. Since I couldn’t even do THAT right, I figured I might as well try to make the best of it.

And I’m getting help.

I attend weekly sessions at Autism Breakthrough. Where I work with people who specialize in helping high-function autistic adults like me talk to other people and open up to them.

Anecdotally, I point to one moment where that work helped (but I still have room for improvement).

Room to grow

June 4, 2023.

The Cup Series race concluded minutes earlier. I’m on pit road in the media bullpen. I’ve made it the whole weekend without getting pulled aside by someone at NASCAR IMC (the league’s PR people, who I mean no disrespect to). Now I’m still a little inexperienced on bullpen proceedings and stuff, but I just need to get through the final leg without a misstep, and I’m golden.

We finished up talking to Truex and moved on to the next driver. Lee Spencer (who I thank for scolding me when I’ve stepped out of line on several occasions) walked up and asked if Truex had already come through. I and some other writers told her yes, and she asked about Joey Logano. I told her, no, but he’s coming over, too.

I glanced at Brent Gambill (IMC), as Kyle Busch did his burnout down the frontstretch, and asked (well, shouted, so the engine didn’t drown me out) if he’d bring Logano over because Spencer needed audio from him.

As we walked back to the deadline room, Gambill tapped me and told me for future reference, don’t shout for a driver like I did. He understood I was trying to help Spencer, but Logano’s PR person took it the wrong way. Especially after a race prolonged by rain and stretches of green flag stints.

I face-palmed because I was so close to a weekend with no screwups.

But on a more optimistic note, it showed my sessions at Autism Breakthrough weren’t in vain.

After eight seasons on the beat, all I have to show for it is one NMPA writing contest award plaque (in the columns category). Now, I take great pride in that award. It was the first time I entered one and the two people who bested me were Ryan McGee and Amy Henderson (both of whom I respect).

The irony of it coming after I blew it isn’t lost on me.

I can still do this. I just need to work on myself and get help with communication. Then maybe, just maybe, I can repair my standing with both NASCAR and SMI.

I’ve still got a ways to go, but I’m on the right track.

1...1,2261,2271,228...6,733Page 1,227 of 6,733