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NHRA RELEASES NATIONAL EVENT CLASS SCHEDULE FOR 2024 NHRA MISSION FOODS DRAG RACING SERIES SEASON

By
Official Release
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PSM to race at 16 events; Callouts for all four classes; NHRA Pro Mod to debut in Phoenix; full schedule for Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock and Factory X presented by Holley

INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 8, 2023) – The NHRA has released the category schedule for all racing classes that will compete at NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series events during the 2024 season.

The 2024 season opens with the 55th annual NHRA Gatornationals, kicking off what will be the 73rd season of racing in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Top Fuel, Funny Car and, as previously announced last week, Pro Stock will race at all 21 events.

Pro Stock Motorcycle will compete at 16 events during the 2024 campaign, beginning with the category’s traditional opener in Gainesville. Pro Stock Motorcycle will also race at the four-wide race in Charlotte and return to Chicago for the second straight year. After a successful debut 2023, Pro Stock Motorcycle will also return to Seattle, part of a stretch where the two-wheeled category will compete at six straight races beginning in Bristol and finishing in Sonoma. After a one-race break, Pro Stock Motorcycle will then return at Indy, finishing the season at the final seven events.

All four professional categories will also race in all six events in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Callout races for all four classes will return next year as well, with the Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout taking place in Gainesville and the Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout thrilling fans in Indy. The Pro Stock All-Star Callout will again happen in Chicago, with the Pro Stock Motorcycle All-Star Callout taking place for the second straight year in Sonoma. The Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge will return in 2024, taking place at 14 regular-season events.

The NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series will open in Gainesville, the first of 10 events in the 2024 campaign. For the first time in class history, NHRA Pro Mod will race in Phoenix, thrilling fans at the “Duel in the Desert.” From there, they will race in four consecutive races – Chicago, Epping, Bristol and the national event on June 21-23 – to close out its regular season. The four-race “Road to the Championship” playoffs will return in 2024 after a successful debut in 2023, with star drivers like world champion Mike Castellana will compete for a title at stops in Indianapolis, the fall race in Charlotte, St. Louis and the finale at the fall race in Las Vegas.

After an impressive debut in 2023, the new NHRA Factory X presented by Holley category will see action at eight events next season, beginning its first full season in Gainesville. From there, the class will compete at the four-wide races in Las Vegas and Charlotte, Chicago, Norwalk, Indianapolis, St. Louis and the finale at the Texas Motorplex in Dallas.

The fan-favorite Top Fuel Motorcycle class will thrill fans at four races in 2024, including Chicago, the NHRA national event on June 21-23, Brainerd and the fall race at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte.

The Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock class, featuring exciting and powerful 800-plus cubic-inch engines, will compete at six events in 2023, starting at the Four-Wide event in Charlotte. Competitors in the eight-car field will race for a coveted Wally and in addition to an event purse, teams will also race for a world title for the first time in the class, with a champion being crowned at the end of the season. The other five stops for the class are Bristol, the following week, Brainerd, Reading and the fall race in Las Vegas.

In the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, both Top Alcohol Funny Car and Top Alcohol Dragster will compete at 14 national events, with Top Dragster and Top Sportsman racing at 18 races apiece. Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp and Super Gas will be contested at all 21 national events, with Comp taking place at 17 races and Super Street taking part at seven events on the national scene in 2024.

The full category schedule at national events is shown below. To view the 2024 schedule and for more information about NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About Camping World Holdings, Inc.

Camping World Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Lincolnshire, IL, (together with its subsidiaries) is the World’s largest retailer of RVs and related products and services. Our vision is to build a long-term legacy business that makes RVing fun and easy. Our Camping World and Good Sam brands have been serving RV consumers since 1966. We strive to build long-term value for our customers, employees, and shareholders by combining a unique and comprehensive assortment of RV products and services with a national network of RV dealerships, service centers and customer support centers along with the industry’s most extensive online presence and a highly trained and knowledgeable team of employees serving our customers, the RV lifestyle, and the communities in which we operate. We also believe that our Good Sam organization and family of programs and services uniquely enable us to connect with our customers as stewards of the RV enthusiast community and the RV lifestyle. With RV sales and service locations in 43 states, Camping World has grown to become the prime destination for everything RV. For more information, visit www.campingworld.com.

About NHRA

Headquartered in San Dimas, Calif., NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 21 national events featuring the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown™ and Top Fuel Harley Series. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 120 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Corey Heim penalized following on-track dustups with Carson Hocevar at Phoenix

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

Corey Heim has been issued a behavioral penalty from NASCAR following his on-track actions during the season-finale Craftsman 150 at Phoenix Raceway that occurred last Friday, November 3.

The issue stemming from Heim’s actions at Phoenix occurred with 31 laps remaining after the 21-year-old Heim from Marietta, Georgia, who had overtaken title contender Carson Hocevar a lap earlier, was hit by Hocevar in between Turns 1 and 2 causing Heim to spin and collect Stewart Friesen in the process. While Friesen hit the outside wall and damaged his truck, Heim managed to keep his No. 11 TRICON Garage Toyota Tundra TRD Pro off the wall and proceed without sustaining any significant damage.

Then with four laps remaining, Heim, who had rallied his way up to eighth place, returned the favor after he veered to the right in front of Hocevar, who was gaining ground of him, and sent both into the outside wall entering the backstretch. The incident damaged Hocevar’s truck and eliminated him from further contention, where he ended up 29th, while Heim, who was then hit by a spinning teammate Taylor Gray, managed to finish the finale in 18th place.

Despite denying any actions of retaliation during his post-race interview, NASCAR reviewed and determined that Heim had violated Sections 4.4.B & D, which refers to the Member Code of Conduct from NASCAR’s Rule Book.

As a result, Heim was fined $12,500 and docked 25 points in the driver’s standings. He had initially concluded the 2023 Truck Series season in third place in the final standings by virtue of being the third-highest-finishing title contender on the track. The penalty, however, dropped Heim to fourth place in the final standings behind the new third-place finisher, Hocevar. Ben Rhodes would claim his second series championship by finishing in fifth place on the track, one spot ahead of title contender Grant Enfinger.

The 2023 Truck Series season marked Heim’s first full-time campaign in the series, where he joined TRICON Garage after spending the previous season with Kyle Busch Motorsports and winning two races and the 2022 Rookie-of-the-Year title. Throughout the 2023 season, Heim achieved the regular-season championship, three victories, four poles, 12 top-five results, 19 top-10 results, 611 laps led and an average-finishing result of 6.8 throughout the 23-race schedule.

Heim is slated to return to TRICON Garage and continue to pilot the team’s No. 11 entry for the 2024 Craftsman Truck Series season as he will bid for both another Championship 4 run and the series’ title.

Heim’s 2024 Truck Series season is slated to commence at Daytona International Speedway for the season-opening Fresh from Florida 250, which will occur on February 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

CrowdStrike Racing by APR Targeting IMSA LMP2 Title in 2024

By
Official Release
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  • Preparations well under way for full-season championship challenge
  • CrowdStrike Racing by APR confirms George Kurtz, Colin Braun for IMSA WeatherTech Championship
  • IMSA rounds to prepare team for return trip to Le Mans 24 Hours

AUSTIN, Texas (November 8, 2023) – In its first year of competition, the CrowdStrike Racing by Algarve Pro Racing (APR) team turned in an impressive performance in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s LMP2 class. The program is ready for a successful encore as the the start of the season and the Rolex 24 At Daytona loom on the horizon.

In 2023, CrowdStrike Racing by APR won two races – including the season-ending Petit Le Mans – and finished second in the class championship.

For 2024, George Kurtz will welcome Colin Braun to the CrowdStrike Racing by APR lineup for the full seven-race schedule. The two are long-time teammates, having won the LMP2 Pro-Am class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year – along with James Allen – and recently captured the Fanatec GT World Challenge America Pro-Am title.

The goals for the CrowdStrike Racing by APR IMSA program in 2024 are simple: repeat as winner of the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup and secure a second straight Jim Trueman Award for Kurtz as the series’ leading Bronze-rated driver in LMP2 and a return trip to Le Mans in 2025.

Winning the class championship is the big prize. The chase for that begins at Daytona with the Rolex 24, scheduled for January 27-28.

CrowdStrike Racing by APR will soon begin preparations for the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season, which opens with the above-mentioned Rolex 24 At Daytona at the Daytona International Speedway.

For more information, visit CrowdStrikeRacing.com. Follow #CrowdStrikeRacing on Facebook, X and Instagram for updates.

CrowdStrike by APR Team Quotes

George Kurtz, CrowdStrike by APR Driver: “After the success of our first season together, the expectations are high for CrowdStrike Racing by APR in the IMSA LMP2 championship. It will be good to enter the new season with the experience and knowledge of having worked with the team in IMSA and at Le Mans. I’m excited about Colin joining the team. His experience with prototypes, and our history and success together make him a natural fit. I can’t wait to get the season started at Daytona.”

Colin Braun, CrowdStrike by APR Driver: “I can’t wait to get going with CrowdStrike Racing by APR in 2024 and make a run at the LMP2 championship alongside George. The dedication and professionalism of CrowdStrike Racing is unmatched and I’m honored to share a seat with George, who did such a fantastic job in 2023. It sure looks like LMP2 is going to be stacked with tough competitors, but we are ready for the challenge. IMSA racing is really special, and I look forward to another season!”

Stewart Cox, Team Principal, Algarve Pro Racing: “As a team, we’re pleased with how CrowdStrike Racing by APR’s 2023 campaign went, but we’re already pushing on with the intention for next season being to win the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship LMP2 titles. We missed out on this year’s by only a few points and we know exactly why, so we will come back with a slightly amended approach that all the math and data says will put us in the best possible position to win the overall championship, and also defend the Michelin Endurance Cup.”

About CrowdStrike

CrowdStrike (Nasdaq: CRWD), a global cybersecurity leader, has redefined modern security with the world’s most advanced cloud-native platform for protecting critical areas of enterprise risk — endpoints and cloud workloads, identity and data.

Powered by the CrowdStrike Security Cloud and world-class AI, the CrowdStrike Falcon® platform leverages real-time indicators of attack, threat intelligence, evolving adversary tradecraft and enriched telemetry from across the enterprise to deliver hyper-accurate detections, automated protection and remediation, elite threat hunting and prioritized observability of vulnerabilities. Purpose-built in the cloud with a single lightweight-agent architecture, the Falcon platform delivers rapid and scalable deployment, superior protection and performance, reduced complexity and immediate time-to-value.

CrowdStrike: We stop breaches.
Learn more: https://www.crowdstrike.com/
Follow us: Blog | X | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
Start a free trial today: https://www.crowdstrike.com/free-trial-guide/

Honda Develops World’s First Honda E-Clutch for Motorcycles

By
Official Release
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Honda E-Clutch

Honda Motor Co., Ltd has developed the world’s first(1) Honda E-Clutch system for motorcycles that enables smooth starting and gear shifting without the need for the rider to operate the clutch lever(2), by automatically controlling the clutch of the multi-gear manual motorcycle transmission.

The Honda E-Clutch is electronic control technology that realizes natural and smooth riding through instantaneous, fine-tuned clutch control without the rider needing to operate the clutch lever, for optimum performance in situations where the driving force changes, such as starting, stopping, and shifting gears.To meet a wide range of rider demands, the clutch can be operated manually like a normal manual transmission motorcycle by gripping the clutch lever, even when the clutch is being controlled electronically.

As Honda E-Clutch is a lightweight and compact system, it can be installed without major changes to existing engine layouts. Honda plans to apply Honda E-Clutch to its FUN motorcycle models over time.

Honda will continue to develop new technologies that improve the quality of the riding experience and provide motorcycles that meet the tastes of a wide range of riders who seek the joy of riding.

System Overview

The Honda E-Clutch electronically controls the power transmission mechanism similar to a conventional manual single clutch or manual transmission mechanism, combining engine-coordinated control (ignition timing, fuel injection, etc.) and clutch-coordinated control according to vehicle conditions (vehicle / engine speed, throttle position, gear position, shift pedal load detection, etc.), to respond to the rider’s inputs. In addition, manual clutch operation by using the clutch lever and the motorized clutch control are independent, enabling the rider to intervene manually, realizing both manual operation and clutch control by motor.

The system can be turned on or off. When the system is on, clutch operation is controlled automatically by default, and the rider can temporarily switch to manual clutch operation by using the clutch lever. When the system is off, the rider must operate the clutch with the clutch lever at all times (starting, shifting gears, and stopping).

TOP FUEL POINTS LEADER STEVE TORRENCE GEARS UP FOR INCREDIBLE FINISH AT IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALS

By
Official Release
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POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2023) – A points lead that has changed hands five times in the past six races signals just how tight the racing has been in Top Fuel during the end of the regular season and the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

Steve Torrence went back into the lead in Las Vegas and heading into this weekend’s 58th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals – the final race of the season in the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season – at legendary In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, he hopes to stay there for just one more race.

Torrence has been impressively consistent all season in his 11,000-horsepower Capco Contractors/Toyota dragster, never straying far from the lead. He’s never been lower than third in points this season, but Doug Kalitta and Leah Pruett are close behind. Kalitta trails by just 15 points and Pruett is 34 points back, as an epic final weekend awaits. Looking for his fifth world championship – and fifth in six years – the talented Texan is fired up for what could be an incredible finish in Pomona.

“This car is probably the best race car that I’ve ever driven,” Torrence said. “I think we’ve finally gotten to the point where it’s the best mouse trap we’ve ever had. It’s the fastest, it’s the most consistent, it’s by far the quickest race car I’ve ever driven. (In Las Vegas), we had the best race car, not the best driver. It’s a lot as a driver, not so much given the scenario of trying to win a champion but just going up there and getting in your own head. I’m more excited right now than I was at any point this whole season. I’m looking forward to going to Pomona. We’ve got two great competitors biting at our heels, but I have experience.”

Austin Prock (Top Fuel), Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Angie Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) won last year’s event, while Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) claimed world championships. The race will be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday as the season closes in style. Since 1984, the NHRA Finals has been where champions are crowned and this closes out the 21-race season and six-event playoffs.

A Pomona victory would ensure a championship for Torrence and his team and, remarkably, if that happens it would be just the second win this season for the veteran. It’s another nod to his consistency, as Torrence has advanced to the semifinals or better 13 times in 2023 and been to the finals six times.

But Torrence knows his work is cut out for him trying to keep Kalitta and Pruett – both seeking their first world title – at bay. Mike Salinas and Justin Ashley also remain in contention in the loaded field, which means the eventual champion may have to be close to perfect on championship Sunday.

“It’s going right down to the wire,” Torrence said. “But it’s all about who executes the best this week. It doesn’t matter what’s happened the rest of the year. It’s about who can get it done in this one race.

“I’m looking forward to it. I’m just having fun and it’s pretty cool to be in this position again with the competition and the level of competition that we’ve seen this year.”

It’s a remarkably tight field in Funny Car, with Matt Hagan leading Bob Tasca III by 15 points and Robert Hight by only 17 points heading into the must-see finale that could come down to the final pass of the season.

In Pro Stock, Enders is closing in on a sixth world title and her fourth in five years. She holds a 114-point lead over Greg Anderson and could clinch a championship with a strong qualifying performance in Pomona.

Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Gaige Herrera has enjoyed a historic season will have a chance to earn his first world championship in qualifying to start the weekend.

It all adds up to a historic weekend that no fan should miss. If that isn’t enough, champions will also be crowned in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as action in the Jr. Dragster Shootout, the “Walking Tall” P.T. Cruiser Wheelstander driven by “NitroMike” and autograph sessions, including one with legend Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and Capps.

Race fans at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners and 2023 world champs.

Fans are also invited to the Nitro Alley Stage all weekend, as the entertainment hub hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, influencer interviews and much more. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet and can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more.

NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 12 and 3 p.m. PT on Friday, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday at 12 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. PT on Sunday. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, leading into eliminations at 4 p.m. ET.

To purchase tickets to the 58th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. Fans can get closer to the action with a Top Eliminator Club experience, offering the best seats in the house and a premium experience, as well as a members-only hospitality center, complimentary food and beverage, driver appearances, a premium view and more.

About Camping World Holdings, Inc.

Camping World Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Lincolnshire, IL, (together with its subsidiaries) is the World’s largest retailer of RVs and related products and services. Our vision is to build a long-term legacy business that makes RVing fun and easy. Our Camping World and Good Sam brands have been serving RV consumers since 1966. We strive to build long-term value for our customers, employees, and shareholders by combining a unique and comprehensive assortment of RV products and services with a national network of RV dealerships, service centers and customer support centers along with the industry’s most extensive online presence and a highly trained and knowledgeable team of employees serving our customers, the RV lifestyle, and the communities in which we operate. We also believe that our Good Sam organization and family of programs and services uniquely enable us to connect with our customers as stewards of the RV enthusiast community and the RV lifestyle. With RV sales and service locations in 43 states, Camping World has grown to become the prime destination for everything RV. For more information, visit www.campingworld.com.

About NHRA

Headquartered in San Dimas, Calif., NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 21 national events featuring the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown™ and Top Fuel Harley Series. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 120 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

GOVX NAMED OFFICIAL PARTNER OF NHRA WITH MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT

By
Official Release
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INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 7, 2023) – NHRA officials announced today that GOVX, which offers exclusive discounts for current and former military, first responders and law enforcement, has been named an “Official Partner of NHRA” as part of an exciting new multi-year agreement that focuses on a shared goal of honoring those who serve the United States and local communities.

The partnership will begin during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, which opens March 7-10 with the 55th annual NHRA Gatornationals at historic Gainesville Raceway.

As part of the partnership, GOVX will provide discount tickets to NHRA events for current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, law enforcement, firefighting, first responders and government agencies.

“An American motorsports institution, the explosive action of NHRA events never fails to leave an impact on fans from all walks of life,” said Alan Cole, GOVX CEO. “American service members are especially passionate about the NHRA, so it’s a huge privilege to announce our official partnership with the largest auto racing organization in the world. The GOVX member community and the NHRA are a perfect match.”

Founded in 2011, GOVX works with more than 1,000 trusted brands to provide unbeatable deals to those who serve our country and communities. The GOVX community has also raised more than $1 million for nonprofits that make a difference every day in the lives of military veterans, first responders and their families. The NHRA will offer ticket discounts to the more than 7.5 million GOVX members, showcasing its incredible 330-mph, 11,000-horsepower action to this deserving community.

“We’re extremely excited to team up with GOVX. They’ve done a terrific job serving those who have served our country and this partnership gives our military service members a great opportunity to attend NHRA races across the country,” said Brad Gerber, NHRA vice president and chief development officer. “The NHRA, our race teams and partners have always been passionate about honoring our service members and by working closely with the GOVX member community, it is an ideal way to continue that tradition.”

For more information on GOVX, please visit www.GOVX.com. For more information on the NHRA, including the 2024 schedule, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About GOVX

GOVX was founded in 2011 with a mission to serve those who serve our country and communities – military service members, first responders, law enforcement officers, emergency medical professionals, educators, and other government service personnel. With a customizable suite of solutions, GOVX provides leading brands who share in our mission with a unique opportunity to support this deserving audience. Through our flagship ecommerce site, GOVX.com, brands can authentically reach a growing community of 7.5M+ members with their own storefront. More than 1K trusted brands currently have a storefront on GOVX.com, offering unbeatable deals to those who serve. With our verification app, GOVX ID, brands can easily enable service member discounts within the checkout flow of their own sites. More than 3K brands currently utilize our GOVX ID technology to honor service members. By leveraging GOVX marketing services solutions, brands can effectively amplify their products or services within our engaged and exclusive community and reinforce their support for Americans who make a difference. In addition to providing unmatched value to those who serve, GOVX also donates a portion of every order to non-profits who serve the military and first responder community. To-date we have donated more than $1M through our GOVX Gives Back initiative. For more information, visit www.GOVX.com.

About NHRA

Headquartered in San Dimas, Calif., NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 21 national events featuring the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown™ and Top Fuel Harley Series. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 120 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

What to Look for When Choosing the Right Car

By
SM
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Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash

It’s no secret that buying a car is a big decision – and sometimes a pricey one at that. You might think the process of car shopping and financing is overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. To make sure you choose the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle, it helps to go in with an organized plan. To maximize your savings and get the best deal for you, there are some things in particular that you should look out for before making any decisions.

Look for a car dealer with a good reputation 

Finding the right car dealer can make all the difference when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle. You want to choose a dealer that has a good reputation and positive customer reviews. This will ensure that you are getting reliable service and quality vehicles. Whether you are looking for a Suzuki car dealer or any other model, take the time to read online reviews, ask friends and family for recommendations, and visit different dealerships to get a feel for their customer service and overall atmosphere. A good car dealer will make the buying process much smoother and more enjoyable.

Research different car models to find the right one

Choosing the right car can feel like a daunting task, especially with so many different models on the market. But fear not! The key to finding the perfect car to fit your lifestyle is research. Take the time to consider your daily needs and routines. Narrow down your search to include car models that will cater to your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a stylish sedan or a spacious SUV, there is a car out there that is perfect for you, and with a bit of research, you’re sure to find it.

Compare prices and features of the vehicles 

Buying used cars in houston can be an exciting experience, but with so many options available, it can feel overwhelming. One important factor to consider is the price and features of the vehicles you’re interested in. Before deciding, it’s important to research and compare prices and features to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. 

Not only can this save you money in the long run, but it can also ensure that you’re satisfied with your purchase for years to come. Whether you’re interested in a sporty coupe or a practical SUV, taking the time to compare prices and features can help you make an informed decision and find the vehicle that’s right for you.

Test drive the cars before you buy 

There is nothing quite like getting behind the wheel of a car and feeling how it handles on the road. This experience can often be the deciding factor between a car you love and one that just doesn’t quite fit the bill. That’s why it’s so important to test drive any car you are considering purchasing. 

Sure, looking at pictures and reading reviews can give you an idea of what to expect, but nothing compares to actually hitting the pavement yourself. Take your time during the test drive to get a feel for the car’s acceleration, handling, and overall comfort. Trust us, after a good test drive, you’ll be able to make a much more informed decision when it comes time to make a purchase.

Consider fuel efficiency to save money on gas 

We are all looking for ways to save a little extra cash. One way to do so is by considering fuel efficiency when it comes to choosing a vehicle. While a more fuel-efficient car may come with a slightly higher price tag, the long-term savings on gas can make it well worth the investment. Not only will you be able to save money on your daily commute, but you can feel good about making a small impact on the environment as well. When shopping for a new car, be sure to consider the gas mileage and think ahead to the long-term financial benefits.

Think about how safe the car is 

When it comes to cars, safety should always be a top priority. There’s no denying that driving comes with certain risks, but the right safety features can make all the difference. As you consider your next vehicle, take some time to think about how safe the car is and what safety features it offers. 

Does it have advanced airbags that can sense the severity of a collision? Does it come equipped with a rearview camera to help with parking and reversing? What about blind spot monitoring to keep you alert on the highway? These are just a few of the features that can make your driving experience safer and more secure. So as you weigh your options, remember: a little extra attention to safety can go a long way on the road.

Ask about warranties

When it comes to making repairs, we all want to find the most affordable solution. That’s why it’s important to ask about warranties. These guarantees can offer peace of mind and financial protection in case something goes wrong with your purchase. Having a warranty can save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to pay for costly repairs out of pocket. 

Make sure to read the fine print and understand what is covered under the warranty before making your purchase. Investing in a good warranty can make all the difference when it comes to getting the most value out of your products.

Make sure it has enough cargo space and storage

When it comes to selecting a vehicle for transporting your items, cargo space and storage are key factors to consider. You don’t want to have to leave anything behind due to lack of space. Whether you’re moving your belongings to a new apartment or taking a road trip with friends, having ample space to store your items is essential. 

Imagine trying to stuff a coffee table into a car that’s too small or leaving behind your camping gear because you couldn’t fit it all in the trunk. By selecting a vehicle with enough cargo space and storage, you’ll be able to transport all of your items with ease and avoid any unnecessary stress during your journey.

Take a look at customer reviews from previous buyers

It’s important to do your research beforehand. One helpful tool to utilize is customer reviews from previous buyers. These reviews can provide an unbiased opinion on the product you’re considering purchasing. You can often find out details that the product description might not include, such as how long it lasted or if it functioned as advertised. Reading through various reviews can also give you a better sense of the overall quality and reliability of the product. So, before making your next purchase, be sure to take a look at what others have to say through customer reviews.

Photo by why kei on Unsplash

Shopping for a car is a serious investment, so it’s important to do your research and make the most informed decision possible. Good luck on your car search adventure – you won’t regret taking the extra steps for peace of mind and financial security!

The Role of Axles and Differentials in Racing

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SM
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Photo by 𝓢𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓮 𝓦𝓮𝓼𝓽

Now, let’s explore how axles and differentials impact a race car’s performance:

Traction

Traction is the holy grail of racing. Without it, a car cannot effectively transfer power to the ground. Axles and differentials work together to ensure that power is distributed optimally to the wheels, preventing wheel spin and maintaining traction through corners and on straightaways.

Cornering

When a race car enters a corner at high speed, the inside wheels cover a shorter distance than the outside wheels. The differential allows them to rotate at different speeds, which is essential for maintaining stability and control during turns. The type of differential used can significantly affect a car’s ability to corner effectively.

Acceleration

Racing is all about speed, and acceleration is a key component of that. High-performance axles help ensure that power from the engine is efficiently transmitted to the wheels, maximizing acceleration. The differential’s role in distributing power also plays a crucial part in how quickly a car can leave the starting line and gain speed.

Durability

The extreme stresses and forces experienced during racing demand components that can withstand the punishment. Racing axles are engineered to be not only strong but also durable, ensuring they can endure the demands of high-speed racing without failure.

Adjustability

For professional race teams, the ability to fine-tune a car’s behavior is vital. Different types of differentials allow for adjustments in how power is delivered to the wheels. This adjustability can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Conclusion

While axles and differentials may not be as glamorous as a roaring engine or slick aerodynamics, they are the unsung heroes of performance racing. Without them, a race car’s power would be lost to wheel spin, corners would be a constant struggle, and acceleration would be far from optimal. In the world of racing, where every fraction of a second matters, these seemingly simple components play a pivotal role in securing victory on the track. So, next time you marvel at the speed and precision of a race car, remember that behind the scenes, axles and differentials are working tirelessly to make it all possible.

North Wilkesboro Speedway Repaved Ahead of 2024 NASCAR All-Star Race Week

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Official Release
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Crews repave the front stretch at North Wilkesboro Speedway as the Speedway Motorsports facility prepared for the 2024 NASCAR All-Star Race at the iconic short track. (Speedway Motorsports photo)
  • Media were invited to the speedway Tuesday to view the first repave at the legendary North Wilkesboro Speedway since 1981
  • The resurfacing process, which included milling, sealing and replacing the existing surface with 2,000 tons of a specially designed asphalt mixture, came in preparation for NASCAR’s return for the 2024 All-Star Race week

NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. (Nov. 7, 2023) – As the 2023 NASCAR season came to a close in Phoenix last weekend, crews were already hard at work preparing for an action-packed week of racing at the famed North Wilkesboro Speedway for next year’s NASCAR All-Star Race, including resurfacing the 42-year-old track surface.

North Wilkesboro Speedway, which welcomed NASCAR racing back to the North Carolina foothills for the first time since 1996 when it hosted the 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race in May, hadn’t been repaved since 1981. The resurfacing process included milling approximately two inches of the old track, repairing failing spots, sealing and adding a specially designed asphalt mixture in the same configuration as the original track, including the 13 degrees of banking in the corners.

“There’s not a racetrack that I’m aware of other than North Wilkesboro Speedway that ran on a 40-year-old surface,” said Steve Swift, senior vice president of operations and development for Speedway Motorsports. “That’s a tribute to the asphalt that they used back in the 80s. That was a really good product. There’s not many new tracks that have been placed since the 90s that will last 30 years.

“We were really deferential to try to maintain the character that was here before. Naturally the old track was a unique creature. The patch materials that we had to use kind of changed the racing for the All-Star Race, just because of where we had to patch it. The product created so much grip, so it’s going to be pretty exciting to see how it goes back to where it was pre-patching, where they were racing two-wide and three-wide. Now the track has got the same grip all the way across.”

Similar to the process used at the Atlanta Motor Speedway repave, Swift said Speedway Motorsports used a special mix that is expected to age faster than traditional asphalt, creating a more “worn-in” surface more quickly. A more worn surface traditionally leads to better racing, according to Swift. At Atlanta Motor Speedway, the track saw an eight to 10 percent falloff in grip in the first year after the repave.

Carl Rose & Sons Asphalt, the original paving contractor for North Wilkesboro Speedway, supplied nearly 2,000 tons of specialty asphalt for the project, while North Carolina-based Delta Contracting managed the milling process. Summers Taylor, a contractor from nearby Johnson City, Tenn., used a process called echelon paving to lay a seamless surface across the roughly 50-foot-wide track.

As a result of innovative improvements made during the refurbishment ahead of this year’s NASCAR All-Star Race, including a concrete foundation beneath the newly added safer barrier, the barrier was not be removed for the resurfacing project, allowing crews to complete the work in less than two weeks.

Through Speedway Children’s Charities, portions of the previous track surface will be available as a keepsake for fans. Jars of the milled aggregate will be available for sale for $60. For $75, fans can collect a limited-edition, numbered jar. Each jar will come with a certificate of authenticity. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Wilkes County nonprofits through Speedway Children’s Charities. Jars will be pre-sold online, with availability expected in early 2024. For additional information about the keepsake jars, visit www.speedwaycharities.org.

NASCAR’s best will turn their first laps on the all-new surface ahead of the 2024 NASCAR All-Star Race, May 17-19. Tickets for the NASCAR All-Star Race and the companion CARS Tour event are on sale now at www.NorthWilkesboroSpeedway.com. Additional details on the schedule, format and entertainment announcements will come at a later date.

TICKETS:

NASCAR All-Star Race weekend ticket packages for all May 17-19 activities including NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series practice and qualifying sessions; NASCAR All-Star Open; NASCAR All-Star Race and Tyson 250 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race are on sale, as are tickets for back-to-back nights of CARS Tour action, May 14-15. Tickets can be purchased online at www.NorthWilkesboroSpeedway.com.

MORE INFO:

Fans can connect with North Wilkesboro Speedway and get the latest news regarding NASCAR All-Star week and North Wilkesboro Speedway by following on Twitter and Instagram or becoming a Facebook fan.

The Heart of Racing Scores Third in WEC Season Finale

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Official Release
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2023 FIA World Endurance ChampionshipRound 7Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain2nd - 4th November 2023Photo: Michele Scudiero / Drew Gibson Photography

Marks first podium finish in first season of WEC competition

Sakhir, Bahrain (7 November 2023) – The Heart of Racing Team (HOR) closed out the 2023 season with a strong run to a third place finish during the World Endurance Championship (WEC) season finale at Bahrain International Circuit. This weekend’s eight hour race marked the last of the LMGTE era as the championship utilizes a new ruleset for GT machines in 2024.

Ian James, Alex Riberas and Daniel Mancinelli combined to score the team’s best finish in WEC having made just four starts since taking over the Northwest AMR banner ahead of the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in April.

The trio made their first laps around the Sakhir desert circuit on Thursday battling unexpected rain that came through the area. Friday saw the third free practice session before James qualified sixth, his second-best qualifying result since joining the series in April.

James was first behind the wheel on Saturday, completing three stints before handing the Aston Martin to Mancinelli on lap 79. Mancinelli and Riberas each completed just over 30 laps before Mancinelli settled in the driver’s seat for two stints. The Italian worked his way to sit second before an incident in Turn 1 forced him back to fifth. Mancinelli fought back to third place before handing the Aston Martin to Riberas for the final hour of the eight hour race. Riberas crossed the finish line in third.

“Definitely happy with how the season finished with a podium in Bahrain,” said Riberas. “I think it is a very very remarkable achievement for the team, especially considering we joined the championship halfway through and with very short notice. The fact that we were able to score a podium is something that the team can be very proud of. It was a very encouraging performance on Saturday that gives us a lot of hope and shows that the team has a lot of potential going into the future. 2024 is going to be an exciting year and I cannot wait, I wish it was already starting.”

The podium result marks the close of a 2023 season that saw the Heart of Racing team effort hard at work in multiple championships around the globe, The season brought scores of highlights for HOR fans and the team is already well along in building the momentum into what should be a very promising 2024 season.

The Heart of Racing thanks our fans and partners, and is looking forward to announcing full 2024 season plans in the near future.

About The Heart of Racing

The Heart of Racing races to raise funds and awareness for Seattle Children’s Cardiology Research. The team competes internationally with concurrent campaigns in IMSA, SRO, Formula Drift and the 24H SERIES. Last season The Heart of Racing won the IMSA GTD Championship title in the No. 27 Aston Martin Vantage GT3. The Heart of Racing team hosted their first all-female driver shootout in November of 2022, bringing to the team Hannah Grisham and Rianna O’Meara-Hunt for the 2023 SRO GT4 America season. To contribute to The Heart of Racing’s fundraising efforts please visit: https://give.seattlechildrens.org/fundraiser/3642390

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