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Burton Ends 2023 Campaign With 26th-Place Finish At Phoenix

Harrison Burton and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team closed the 2023 Cup Series season with a 26th-place finish in Sunday’s Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway.

Burton started the 312-mile race from 25th place and finished 27th in the first 60-lap Stage, which ran under the green flag from start to finish.

In the second Stage, Burton finished 26th but was lapped by the leaders in the closing laps.

In the third and final segment of the race, Burton spent countless laps in the Free Pass position as the first driver a lap down, but the caution flags didn’t fly in his favor and he ended the race in 26th place, one lap down.

The finish of Sunday’s race saw Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney, a former Wood Brothers driver, outrun his fellow championship contenders to capture his first Cup Series title.

It also was the first Cup title for Blaney’s crew chief Jonathan Hassler, whose first stint as a Cup crew chief was on the No. 21 Ford in 2021. Blaney drove for the Wood Brothers from 2015-2017 and delivered the team its 99th win at Pocono in his final season aboard the No. 21 Ford.

Team Penske, which fields three Cup entries including the No. 12 team of Blaney and Hassler, shares an alliance with the Wood Brothers and the No. 21 team.

“All of us here at Wood Brothers Racing are really happy for Ryan, Jonathan, everyone on the No. 12 team and all their families,” Eddie Wood said. “Every team starts the season hoping to win a championship, but it’s extremely difficult to actually do it.

“To see people we’ve worked with accomplish what they did makes us very proud. They were – and still are – part of our Wood Brothers racing family.”

Wood also congratulated team owner Roger Penske,Team Penske and all the people at Ford Performance for their second-straight title in NASCAR’s elite division.

“It’s a victory for all of us in the Ford camp,” he said.

Burton and the No. 21 team will return to the track on Feb. 4 for the non-points Clash at the Coliseum in Los Angeles. The points-paying, season-opening Daytona 500 gets the green flag on Feb. 18.

About Motorcraft®
Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

About Omnicraft®
Omnicraft is part of the Ford lineup of parts brands: Ford Parts, Motorcraft and Omnicraft. Omnicraft is the exclusive non-Ford/Lincoln parts brand of premium aftermarket parts. With over a century of parts heritage to build upon, Omnicraft provides excellent quality and fit and is a preferred choice of professional automotive technicians. To find out more about Omnicraft, visit www.omnicraftautoparts.com or contact your local Ford or Lincoln Dealership.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

About Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center
Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change and maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator and electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension and steering, wheel alignment, belts and hoses, lamps and bulbs and wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 176,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com.
*See seller for limited-warranty details.

Wood Brothers Racing
Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 99 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glenn’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Harrison Burton in the famous No. 21 racer.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Race Recap: Phoenix Raceway II

Carson Hocevar, No. 42 Sunseeker Resort Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

START: 22ND
FINISH: 19TH
OWNERS POINTS: 32ND

Carson Hocevar’s Post-Race Thoughts: Pretty solid run for you today, you hung inside the top-15 a lot. How would you describe your day?

“I thought it was pretty good. It was a good way to cap off the year, and I don’t want to say graduate, but just know that I can run with a lot of these guys. We’ve had a bit of a dry spell here in this No. 42 car, so it was good to give these guys a good run. The No. 43 car was really fast, they just were kind of hurt on track position obviously there with their call. But I thought the No. 42 car was a top-15 car, I just kind of slid through my box a little bit and cost us a few spots. We just didn’t fire off as good as what we needed probably. I think we had a good long run car, just needed a little more.”

Reflecting on your time with LEGACY M.C., how have they helped prepare you for your full-time run next year? How good of an experience has this been for you?

“It’s been great honestly. I checked all my boxes per se. I’ve had a little bit of everything. I’ve had good performances like today, had days really good, had days really bad, and far in between. You know, it’s been a lot of fun to get to learn this car and some of the characteristics and what it takes to run here on Sunday. Laps are so valuable.”

Erik Jones, No. 43 Allegiant Allways Rewards Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

START: 7TH
FINISH: 20TH
DRIVER POINTS: 27TH

Erik Jones’ Post-Race Thoughts: “Just an okay day and it just didn’t end up really good. I wish we could have finished it off better, but it was a good season overall. We just have to execute. Thank you to our friends at Chevrolet and Allegiant for everything.”

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:

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

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

Based in Statesville, N.C., LEGACY M.C. operates alongside GMS Racing (GMS), which currently fields three full-time entries in the NASCAR Truck Series. Since the formation of GMS in 2012, Gallagher and Mike Beam, team president, have shared incredible success. GMS Racing captured the 2015 ARCA Racing Series championship, the 2016 and 2020 NASCAR Truck Series championships and the 2019 and 2020 ARCA East championships, accumulating over 65 wins across six national racing circuits.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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

Six Exciting Motorsports Gift Ideas for 2023

As we approach Halloween and the 2023 holiday season, many of us are faced with the perennial question: “What are the best driving experience gifts near me?” Finding the perfect motorsport-related gifts for our loved ones can be a difficult task, but fear not, as there are plenty of exciting options to choose from. In this article, we’ll explore some fantastic motorsports gift ideas that are sure to thrill any enthusiast. From high-octane track day experiences to personalized racing art, these gifts are bound to rev up the excitement for the upcoming holiday season.

High-Octane Track Day Experience

For the ultimate thrill-seeker, a high-octane track day experience is an unforgettable gift. Many local racetracks offer packages that allow motorsports fans to take the wheel of a high-performance sports car or ride shotgun with an experienced race car driver. It’s a chance to experience the rush of speed in a controlled and safe environment, making it a gift that will be remembered for years to come.

Weekend Supercar Rentals

If you’re not near a racetrack that offers track day experiences, renting a luxury vehicle for a weekend is the next best thing. This gift provides not only an exciting driving experience but also a short getaway from the daily grind. It’s the perfect option for those with busy schedules who yearn for a break from the monotony of everyday life.

Tickets to a Live Race

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of witnessing a motorsports event in person. Consider gifting tickets to a live race, whether it’s Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR, or a local motorsports event. Attending a race allows your loved one to feel the roar of the engines and the energy of the crowd, providing a genuine and unforgettable experience.

Immersive Virtual Racing

With the growing popularity of Virtual Reality and E-Sports motorsports, consider gifting accessories and peripherals for an immersive motorsport gaming experience. These setups often include high-quality steering wheels, pedals, and seats that replicate the feeling of being in a real race car. Pair it with a popular racing video game, and you’ll be giving a gift that guarantees hours of entertainment without leaving the house.

Customized Racing Art

While live experiences are exhilarating, a thoughtful and personalized gift can be just as rewarding. Show your thoughtfulness by commissioning custom racing art for the motorsports fan in your life. Websites like Etsy and Fiverr offer talented artists who can create unique pieces, whether it’s a painting of their favorite race car or a portrait of their racing hero. Custom artwork adds a one-of-a-kind touch to their collection that can’t be found anywhere else.

DIY Car Maintenance Kits

For those who enjoy working on their cars, a DIY car maintenance kit can be a practical and considerate gift. These kits typically include high-quality tools, maintenance manuals, and supplies to help keep their vehicles in top condition, ensuring that their passion for motorsports is well-maintained.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these motorsports gift ideas for 2023 cater to a wide range of enthusiasts and budgets. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience or a personalized touch, these gifts are sure to make the upcoming year a memorable one for your loved ones who are passionate about all things motorsports. So, get ready to rev up the excitement and make this holiday season unforgettable with the perfect motorsports gift.

Mastering the Flow: Essential Maintenance Tips for Your Water Systems

Photo by Dominika Roseclay

Are you prepared for the unprecedented increase in demand for clean and safe water? With the global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, it is more important than ever to ensure your water systems are functioning at their best.

In this guide, we will discuss essential maintenance tips to help you master the flow of your water systems. From routine inspections to proactive repairs, we will cover all the necessary steps to keep your drinking water system running smoothly.

Routine Inspections

Regular inspections are crucial for detecting any potential issues before they become major problems. Here are some tips to help you conduct effective routine inspections:

  • Schedule regular inspections: Make sure to schedule monthly or quarterly inspections, depending on the size and complexity of your water system.
  • Document everything: Take note of the date, time, and location of the inspections. Keep a record of any issues or repairs that were found during the inspection.
  • Check for leaks: Conduct a thorough check for leaks in pipes, valves, and other components. Even small leaks can lead to significant water loss over time. This can also lead to increased water bills and damage to your property.
  • Test water quality: Use a water testing kit to check for any impurities or contaminants in your water. This is especially important if you have a private well as the responsibility of ensuring safe drinking water falls on the homeowner.

Proactive Repairs

Don’t wait until something breaks down before taking action. Here are some proactive repair tips to keep your water systems running at their best:

  • Address issues immediately: As soon as you notice any issues during your routine inspections, take action right away. This could mean fixing a leak or replacing a damaged component.
  • Replace old parts: Over time, pipes and other components can wear out and become less efficient. Make sure to replace any old or damaged parts before they cause bigger problems.
  • Invest in upgrades: Consider investing in upgrades for your water system. Newer technologies and more efficient systems can help save water and energy, leading to cost savings in the long run.

Long Term Maintenance

In addition to routine inspections and proactive repairs, there are some long-term maintenance tasks that you should keep in mind:

  • Drain your water heater: Sediment and mineral buildup can affect the efficiency of your water heater. Make sure to drain it regularly to prevent any issues.
  • Winterize your outdoor faucets: If you live in an area with harsh winters, make sure to properly winterize your outdoor faucets to prevent freezing and damage.
  • Consider a maintenance contract: If you don’t have the time or expertise to conduct regular inspections and maintenance yourself, consider hiring a plumbing company in Salt Lake City that offers maintenance contracts. This way, you can ensure your water systems are being taken care of by professionals.

Seeking Professional Help

While regular maintenance is crucial, there may be times when you need to seek professional help for your water systems. Here are some signs that it’s time to call a plumber:

  • Low water pressure: If you notice a decrease in water pressure, it could indicate a blockage or leak in your pipes.
  • Strange noises: Unusual sounds coming from your pipes or water heater could indicate a problem.
  • Discolored water: If your water is discolored, it could be a sign of rust or other contaminants in your pipes.

Remember, it’s always better to address issues sooner rather than later. Regular maintenance can help prevent major problems and save you time and money in the long run.

In conclusion, mastering the flow of your water systems is essential for ensuring clean and safe water for years to come. By following these maintenance tips and seeking professional help when needed, you can keep your water systems running at their best.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start implementing these tips today and see the difference they can make in the efficiency and longevity of your water systems. So, stay on top of your water system maintenance and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your water systems are functioning at their best.

Title-deciding Bahrain win for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing

Toyota City, Japan, Nov 6, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing brought the curtain down on a thrilling 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season with a one-two victory in the 8 Hours of Bahrain to decide the destination of the drivers’ title.

Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa won the race in their #8 GR010 HYBRID to secure their second successive drivers’ World Championship. Sébastien and Brendon also set a new record of four drivers’ title apiece, while Ryo has now won titles in both his seasons of Hypercar competition so far.

A battling race from Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López in the #7 GR010 HYBRID saw a fine recovery drive following a first-corner incident. They needed victory to challenge for the title but had to settle for second place, earning runners-up spot in the championship. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing confirmed its fifth consecutive World Championship double of manufacturers’ and drivers’ titles for the perfect end to an exciting season of Hypercar competition which featured fierce challenges from Cadillac, Ferrari, Glickenhaus, Peugeot, Porsche and Vanwall.

That challenge continued into the final race of the season, which began on a hot, sunny afternoon in Bahrain. Sébastien led from pole position but the #7 crew’s title chances were derailed a few metres later when Mike was knocked out of second place at the first corner by the #2 Cadillac, dropping him to the back of the field.

He immediately began a stirring fight back, pulling off a series of decisive overtaking manoeuvres to pass the Peugeots and Porsches within opening first 35 minutes to get back into the top five. Meanwhile, Sébastien’s consistent speed at the front saw him build an advantage over the two Ferraris.

As the first pit stops approached at the one-hour mark, Mike made two more stunning overtakes to return to the top three, passing the #50 Ferrari before muscling his way beyond the #38 Hertz Team Jota Porsche into third a few moments later. Sébastien stretched his lead further through the second hour while Mike closed on the second-placed #51 Ferrari, although tyre degradation prevented him finding a way past. Just before the start of hour three, Mike handed the #7 to Kamui, who quickly set a new fastest lap and made the move on the #51 Ferrari for second.

Brendon took the wheel of the #8 and led the race as darkness fell, with Kamui around half a minute behind. Pacy and precise driving through the lapped trafic saw the situation stabilise at the front and, at half distance, José and Ryo began their stints with the GR010 HYBRIDs running comfortably in first and second.

As the race entered its last two hours, the penultimate driver changes saw Mike return to the #7 and Sébastien resume battle in the #8. Kamui and Brendon took over for the final hour of the race. With a 40-second advantage in the lead, Brendon guided the #8 safely through the closing laps while Kamui was under no threat from behind but nevertheless showed the pace of the #7 by setting the fastest lap of the race.

The chequered flag waved for Brendon after 249 laps and he finished 47.516secs ahead of Kamui in the #7. That brought the 2023 season to an end after seven events, 64 hours of racing and six wins for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, including four one-twos, to take the team’s tally to 45 victories since its WEC debut in 2012.

For more information, visit https://toyotagazooracing.com/wec/release/2023/rd07-race/.

TeamSLR: Trans Am Race Report from COTA

Runner-Up Finish Leads the Way for TeamSLR at COTA
Cameron Lawrence Pulls Off Near Victory on His Home Track,

Thad Moffitt Rallies for 10th, Mechanical Issue Thwarts Dillon Machavern’s Bid

Overview:
Date: Nov. 5, 2023
Event: Mission Foods Austin SpeedTour (Round 13 of 13)
Series: Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli
Division: Big Machine Vodka Spiked CoolersTA2 Series
Location: Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas
Layout: 3.426-mile, 20-turn road course
Format: 30 laps or 75 minutes
Weather: Sunny, high-60s
Winner: Thomas Annunziata of Nitro Motorsports

TeamSLR:

● Cameron Lawrence – Started 7th, Finished 2nd (Running, completed 27/27 laps)

● Thad Moffitt – Started 23th, Finished 10th (Running, completed 27/27 laps)

● Dillon Machavern – Started 13th, Finished 46th (Steering, completed 7/27 laps)

Noteworthy:

Today’s second-place finish by Lawrence and third-place finish by Austin Green of Peterson Motorsports gives M1 Racecars 16 podiums this season. M1 Racecars was represented on the podium at 12 of 13 races. Previous podium finishes by M1 Racecars competitors in 2023:

● Sebring, Feb. 26: Rafa Matos (Peterson Racing) first, Green second, Connor Mosack (Team SLR) third after qualifying on the pole and leading 20 of the 27 race laps.

● NOLA, March 11: Matos third.

● Road Atlanta, March 26: Matos third after starting on the pole.

● Lime Rock, May 28: Mike Skeen (Peterson Racing) second.

● Detroit 1, June 3: Matos second.

● Detroit 2, June 4: Moffitt second.

● Mid-Ohio, June 25: Matos first after qualifying on the pole and leading all 45 race laps, Machavern third.

● Road America, July 9: Jade Buford (Big Machine Racing) third.

● Nashville, Aug. 5: Matos third.

● Watkins Glen, Sept. 10: Machavern third.

● Gateway, Sept. 24: Green third.

Cameron Lawrence, Driver No. 8 Averitt Express/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

“I keep getting dragged back into this, it seems like (laughs). It’s usually fun racing. The cars are some of the best cars out there, for sure. Definitely thanks to Mr. Ellis and the Averitt Express guys for making the call for me to be out here. It helps being local, I love racing here at home. Hopefully everything is alright with the Bupps. We miss Jordan, wish he was here. But thanks to the Lagasses and all the guys, they gave me a great car all weekend. It was a good race. Qualifying put us back farther than we wanted to be and then we kind of got stuck there for a long time. We didn’t get lucky with restarts, and then we did, we had a really good restart, and by the time we got to turn 12, we made another move and picked off two or three that lap. Then we went into 15 looking like we were going to pick off one more but then I saw the leaders looking like they were going to take each other out, so I almost closed my eyes and turned left for the apex, and as soon as I got there stood on the gas and can’t believe we didn’t touch anybody or do anything and we drove away with the lead. I feel bad for these guys because I gave it away at the end there, just locked up, chattered the rear tires going into the braking zone. But we ended up walking away with a second-place finish. All in all, great weekend. These guys deserve more, but I think we’re all happy to end the season P2. Excited for the year to be done, now we get to go have a baby and relax for a few months and get back into it. ”

Thad Moffitt, Driver No. 43 Safety-Kleen/Victory Impact Chevrolet Camaro:

“An eventful day at Circuit of the Americas. It started out at turn one on lap one, I got some damage on the front end and knocked the toe out and just kind of hung on for the majority of the race. It ended up working out in our favor because it was a survival race and I feel like we would’ve been right there in the middle of where everything was happening had we not got some damage early. In hindsight, it might have been the best thing for us. A little bit of damage in the beginning hurt our chances of running solid all day, and somehow we ended up coming away with a top-10. Overall, a decent finish to our year. I think 23rd to 10th is not a bad way to end the year. Had a great time with the Lagasses and all these guys this year. I learned a lot. I’ll be back again next year to run some races and I’m looking forward to it.”

Dillon Machavern, Driver No. 17 Heritage Automotive/Unifirst/SLR-M1 Racecars Ford Mustang:

“It was an unfortunate end to the season. The guys did a great job all year, but we were just fighting little pesky things, and I guess today’s race was a culmination of all those small issues. It’s too bad because I think we had a pretty decent car moving forward, but mechanical failures are part of racing. It’s unfortunate for the guys because it’s certainly not for a lack of effort. They put in a lot of work all year to make this thing work. It’s part of the deal, and there are good seasons and not-so-good seasons in racing. Just feel bad we weren’t able to finish it out on a high.”

Next Up:

The 2024 Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers TA2 Series season kicks off with the traditional Sebring SpeedTour at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway the weekend of Feb. 22-25. The complete weekend schedule will be announced at a later date.

About TeamSLR:

TeamSLR (Scott Lagasse Racing) competes fulltime in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s newly renamed Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers TA2 Series in a multifaceted effort that includes dedicated entries in the TA2 division, customer programs, driver coaching and car construction. Its history dates back to 1985 and covers a wide spectrum of motorsports, including NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA, ARCA and ASA. TeamSLR is a family-owned organization run by Scott Lagasse Sr., and Scott Lagasse Jr., The father-and-son duo have combined to win more than 120 races and seven championships across a variety of series and styles of racecars, from paved ovals to road courses to dirt tracks. For more information, please visit us online at www.TeamSLR.com, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

HSR Classic Daytona 24 Concludes With Dominating Victories

Late Drama and a Rare Double Run Group Winner Sunday at Daytona International Speedway

  • Ninth Running of America’s Premier 24-Hour Historic Race Crowns Competitive Group of Repeat and First-Time Race Winners at the “World Center of Racing”
  • Gérard Lopez and Debuting HSR Classic 24 Driver Marcel Fassler Win Both Group A and Group F with Iconic Racing as First Classic 24 Overall Double Run Group Race Winners Since Inaugural Event in 2014

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (November 5, 2023) – Dominating victories, the usual dose of late-race drama and a rare double Run Group winning duo were among the highlights of a competitive ninth running of the Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic Daytona presented by IMSA 24 Hour race Saturday and Sunday at Daytona International Raceway.

The HSR Classic Daytona features seven different Run Groups – A through G – competing in succession for a full 24 hours on the legendary Daytona 3.56-mile road course. Each Run Group – with C and D sharing the track while competing for respective group honors – ran four times Saturday and Sunday and it all added up to 24 straight hours of historic and vintage sports car competition with the winners of each Run Group presented with HSR Classic 24 edition B.R.M. Chronographes luxury watches.

This year’s big winners were Iconic Racing and team co-drivers Gérard Lopez and former professional sports car racing World Endurance Champion Marcel Fassler who secured the overall victories in both Run Group A and Run Group F. Lopez and Fassler, making his HSR debut, put in a pair of competitive and controlled runs, leading all four race segments in both Run Groups to give Lopez his first HSR Classic Daytona Group A triumph since 2017.

Lopez co-drove to a Run Group D victory in last year’s Classic 24 but was thwarted by mechanical issues in return visits in Group A in 2019 and 2022. Both victories this weekend, however, appeared to be trouble free. He and Fassler crossed the line in the Iconic Racing 1969 No. 60 Lola T70 Mk III with a comfortable Group A margin of victory despite a competitive group of challengers that included former “HSR Classics” winner Toni Seiler in the 1969 No. 17 Lola T165 and the power duo of Adrian Newey and Jim Farley in Newey’s 1965 No. 5 Ford GT40 Mk I. Seiler crossed the finish line in second while Newey, the Chief Technical Officer of Red Bull Racing Formula 1, and Farley, the CEO of Ford Motor Company, co-drove to a third-place Group A showing.

Mirroring Run Group A’s winning drive, Lopez and Fassler turned in an equally stellar performance in the team’s debut in Run Group F, which is home to modern Prototype machines retired from active competition. Iconic ran a former JDC Motorsports 2019 No. 5 Cadillac DPi that Lopez and Fassler wheeled to another clean and controlled win, finishing on the same lap but securely ahead of the similar Matador Motorsports 2017 No. 02 Cadillac DPi of Pierce Marshall and Eric Foss.

Lopez, Fassler and Iconic are the first team to score a Classic 24 Run Group overall double victory since Paul Reisman and his son John Reisman accomplished the feat with Hudson Historics in the inaugural Classic Daytona race in 2014. The Reismans drove a Lola B2K/40 to the first Run Group D win and backed it up with a 2014 Run Group F win – which is now Run Group G – in a quick Porsche Boxster.

John Reisman and Hudson are still active competitors in HSR competition today but, unfortunately, fell victim for the second-straight year to some of the late drama that always seems to appear in the closing stages of every Classic 24.

Co-driving with two-time IMSA Prototype Champion Eric Curran, Reisman swept the first three segments in Run Group E in his 2014 No. 33 Corvette Daytona Prototype only to have the car retire halfway through the finale with gearbox failure. The 2010 No. 95 BMW Z4/GTD of Robby Foley and Vin Barletta stepped up for the win just as the co-drivers and the Turner Motorsports team did in last year’s Classic 24 when the No. 33 suffered an overheating engine and dropped from winning contention in the race’s closing stages.

A dominating drive similar to Reisman’s and Curran’s was turned in by Run Group C winner Lars Erik Nielsen who avoided near disaster in his race’s final segment after leading from Saturday’s first green flag in his immaculate 1990 No. 90 Porsche 962C. Nielsen was well in control halfway through the last round when he felt the right rear tire on the 962 start to go down exiting the high-banked NASCAR Turn 2. Nielsen slowly nursed the stricken Porsche back to the pits, minus some right-rear bodywork, and returned to the race with a fresh tire and the determination to get back to first overall by the finish. Nielsen retook the lead in the segment’s final minutes to claim his first HSR Classics victory.

Sharing the track with Run Group D, Nielsen’s delay in the final segment let D-division front runners Mike Jordan and his son Andrew Jordan remarkably move into the overall combined group lead for a spell. Nielsen retook the top overall spot and the Run Group C crown, but the Jordans capped a great race with second overall and a strong Run Group D victory in their JRT Racing 2003 No. 177 Porsche 996 GT3 Supercup car driven in its prime by Wolf Henzler.

The Group D triumph by the Jordans and JRT continued a recent trend of production-based GT cars stepping up to win overall honors in the division in recent years, and this weekend’s race saw the same thing happen in Run Group B.

In another one of the race’s strong performances, the 1979 No. 35 De Tomaso Pantera, piloted by veteran top-tier sports car driver and Le Man class winner Ralf Kelleners, took control of the class from the very first green flag for a decisive victory that supported the winged, wide-bodied and flame- throwing GT machine’s instant status as a fan and paddock favorite.

Kelleners and company proved they meant business by finishing ahead of all-time HSR Classics race winners Gray Gregory and his 1974 No. 26 Chevron B26 teammates in Saturday’s opening race, setting the stage for a Run Group B battle royale for the next 24 hours.

Car owner Gregory and his co-drivers Randy Buck and Ethan Shippert have combined for a record seven HSR Classics victories over the years and came into this weekend’s 24 hour riding a three-race win streak dating back to last year’s Classic Daytona.

The bid for another race win and a battle with the Pantera was cut short, however, when a rear suspension component on the Chevron failed in the second Group B race Saturday night with Shippert at the wheel. At full speed on NASCAR Turn 4, the Chevron was sent into the wall and then flipped and skidded on its roll bar before coming to a stop. Shippert escaped the incident and the heavily damaged Chevron with only a broken wrist.

Run Group G was typically competitive throughout the Classic 24 but the family team of Louis-Phillipe Montour and Olivier Montour set the leader’s pace throughout the race to seal the victory in their GT Racing No. 45 Volkswagen GTI/TCR. The results show the Montours winning only two of Group G’s four segments, but they tactfully trailed the fourth and final race winner to the line closely in second to seal the victory without any undue risk.

Next up on the HSR calendar is the season-ending HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour, Pistons and Props, and the HSR Sebring Historics at Sebring International Raceway, November 29 – December 3.

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

Toyota Reaches Global Production of 300 Million Cars

Toyota City, Japan, Nov 6, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has reached a cumulative global production total of 300 million cars, Including production numbers for September 2023.

This number was achieved 88 years and two months after Toyota’s very first cars, the Model G1 truck, was produced by the Automotive Production Division of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, Ltd. (later Toyota Industries Corporation) in August 1935. It includes domestic and international production, with 180.52 million cars produced domestically, and 119.6 million produced abroad (as of end September 2023).

The model with the highest total production is the Corolla, with the Corolla series achieving cumulative global production of 53.399 million (as of the end September 2023).

Chairman and Master Driver Akio Toyoda and President Koji Sato offered the following comments about this landmark.

Chairman and Master Driver Akio Toyoda

“Kiichiro Toyoda said, ‘Carmaking is something everyone does together.’ I think this number of 300 million stands as proof of all the hard work, every day, of our colleagues at Toyota, our suppliers and dealers, and all the many other stakeholders, as well as all those who came before us. This history did not just start when they built the first car. The founding members repeatedly tried and failed, continually building prototypes, and their efforts led to the Toyota of today. Toyota has faced danger time and again to this point. Each time, what has saved us are the customers who love Toyota cars. I think the number of cars tells the stories of our customers, and the customers who have chosen Toyota cars to be their partners through their own stories are what allow us to continue making cars to this day. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart. I love cars, too, and we will carry on making cars, one by one and with care, along with all our car-loving colleagues.”

President of Toyota Koji Sato

“I want to offer my heartfelt gratitude to the customers who have chosen Toyota cars, and to those who have built each car with heart and soul, as well as to the suppliers and dealers who have delivered them with care, and to all our other stakeholders. I believe that this number of 300 million units could only have been achieved with the unending effort of colleagues across the company, from part and vehicle planning and design, to production, logistics, sales, and service, along with all those working to support each step. All our colleagues have overcome countless challenges. Recent years alone have seen natural disasters like the Great East Japan Earthquake, and unpredictable events like fires, or the COVID-19 pandemic, and chip shortages. Every time we faced the danger of being unable to make cars, everyone worked together to restore or adapt production. In the future, we will be sure never to forget all those who have supported our carmaking and give our all to making ever-better cars and bringing smiles to customers’ faces.”

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NASCAR Top-10 Power Rankings: Phoenix

Photo by David Myers for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

1. Ryan Blaney: Blaney passed Kyle Larson for second on lap 292 and held the position to claim the championship as Ross Chastain took the win at Phoenix. It is Blaney’s first Cup championship.

“I’d like to dedicate this to my father Dave,” Blaney said. “He raced for so long and never was able to win a championship. Now, he can finally say those words he longed to: ‘I’m the father of a NASCAR Cup championship.”

2. Kyle Larson: Larson was in position to win the championship late, but got loose and gave up second to Ryan Blaney, who went on to win the championship.

“I was looking for championship No. 2,” Larson said. “And ‘No. 2’ is exactly how I feel about losing the championship.”

3. William Byron: Byron started on the pole at Phoenix but didn’t have enough late to capture the championship and finished fourth.

“Being on the pole means I had my choice of pit stalls,” Byron said. “I took the first stall, because, as you and NASCAR inspectors well know, I’m always looking for an edge.”

4. Ross Chastain: Chastain ran strong all day at Phoenix and ran away with the win, his second victory of the year.

“As meaningless wins go,” Chastain said, “this one’s right up there with all of my other Cup wins.”

5. Denny Hamlin: Hamlin finished eighth at Phoenix.

“There’s a fine line,” Hamlin said, “between saying, ‘I can’t wait until next year,’ and ‘Wait until next year.'”

6. Martin Truex Jr.: Truex started second and came home sixth Phoenix.

“I really feel for my Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell,” Truex said. “He had all of the JGR hopes resting on his shoulders. And he disappointed. Or, I guess I should say, ‘He’s disappointed.”

7. Tyler Reddick: Reddick finished 22nd at Phoenix.

“My No. 45 Toyota featured a Star Wars-themed paint scheme,” Reddick said. “It had an Imperial TIE Fighter on it. That being said, I don’t even think NASCAR fans give a flying ‘F’ about Star Wars.”

8. Bubba Wallace: Wallace finished 10th at Phoenix, posting his 10th top-10 finish of the year.

“I wasn’t eligible to win the championship,” Wallace said, “but it was great to have the playoff experience. I’m not sure I quite have what it takes to win a championship just yet, but if I need advice, I’ll ask one of my car owners, probably the one with championships.”

9. Chris Buescher: Buescher won Stage 2 at Phoenix and finished fifth.

“This was Kevin Harvick’s final drive,” Buescher said. “He’s on to the next stage of his life, the one you don’t get playoff points for winning. Kevin didn’t win the race. He probably could have, if someone hadn’t tied a bunch of empty Busch Light cans to his bumper.”

10. Christopher Bell: Bell’s championship hopes ended early at Phoenix, when he hit the wall hard, ending his day on lap 109.

“It was a mechanical issue,” Bell said. “What rhymes with ‘issue?’ ‘Tissue,’ because I’m bawling.”