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Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Crosses Nine States on 2024 Ride

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Official Release
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NASCAR’s Kyle Petty will lead 150 motorcycles more than 2,100 miles on a week-long trek from South Dakota to North Carolina, ending at Victory Junction to celebrate the camp’s 20th anniversary

CHARLOTTE, N.C., February 27, 2024 – Former NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty is hitting the open road once again to lead the 28th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America – one of the most popular charity rides in the country. From May 4 – 10, 2024, Petty will lead 150 motorcycles across nine states on a seven-day trek, covering more than 2,100 miles in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction – a camp dedicated to providing life-changing camping experiences for children with serious and chronic medical conditions.

Presented by Cox Automotive, the Ride will kick-off in Deadwood, South Dakota, on Saturday, May 4 and will end in Greensboro, North Carolina on Friday, May 10 with a celebratory homecoming at Victory Junction. Cox Automotive is the world’s largest automotive services and technology provider and is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. The company’s brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Manheim, which will host breakfast for the Ride at Manheim Indianapolis on Wednesday, May 8.

“Our team is beyond excited to host Kyle and the riders at Manheim Indianapolis for breakfast during their 28th Anniversary route,” said Chuck Werner, general manager for the Louisville-Indianapolis Market Center. “It means so much for us to be included in this inspiring event and we look forward to helping the Ride send many deserving kids to Victory Junction.”

Petty has a jam-packed route planned for the 2024 Ride’s 250 participants, including 30 new riders. In fact, Petty has coined this adventure “The AmerICON Ride,” to pay homage to the iconic American attractions featured on this year’s Ride. Some of the highlights include visiting Mount Rushmore National Monument, stopping at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, exploring Churchill Downs – home of the Kentucky Derby, touring the legendary National Corvette Museum, visiting Bristol Motor Speedway, and so much more.

Spectators along the 2024 route are encouraged to attend one of the Ride’s seven overnight stops or daily pit stops to greet Petty and the riders, purchase memorabilia and make donations.

28th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Schedule:

  • Day 1, Saturday, May 4 – Deadwood, South Dakota to North Platte, Nebraska
  • Day 2, Sunday, May 5 – North Platte, Nebraska to Omaha, Nebraska
  • Day 3, Monday, May 6 – Omaha, Nebraska to Bettendorf, Iowa
  • Day 4, Tuesday, May 7 – Bettendorf, Iowa to Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Day 5, Wednesday, May 8 – Indianapolis, Indiana to Bowling Green, Kentucky
  • Day 6, Thursday, May 9 – Bowling Green, Kentucky to Bristol, Virginia
  • Day 7, Friday, May 10 – Bristol, Virginia to Greensboro, North Carolina

“This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Victory Junction, so I immediately knew we had to bring the Ride back to camp to celebrate this incredible milestone. After all, the Ride has been there since Victory Junction’s inception, as a founding supporter in 2004, and has remained the largest cumulative donor,” said Petty. “From riding the Black Hills of South Dakota and crossing the mighty Mississippi River to visiting iconic American landmarks, we are going to experience some truly incredible places on this year’s Ride, but none more so than ending back ‘home’ at Victory Junction – where we can see so many deserving kids light up with happiness and experience the magic that lives at camp.”

Victory Junction has served as the Ride’s primary beneficiary since its establishment by Petty and his family in 2004 in honor of his late son, Adam. Since it first began in 1995, the Ride has raised more than $21 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities. As a result, the Ride has helped Victory Junction mobilize resources to provide over 115,000 camp experiences for children of all levels of abilities who are living with complex medical conditions at no cost to their families.

Among the celebrities participating in the 2024 Ride are NASCAR Hall of Famers Richard Petty and Hershel McGriff; former NASCAR drivers Max Papis, David Ragan, Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace; former NFL great and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker; and TV personalities Rick Allen and Rutledge Wood.

The 2024 Ride is made possible by presenting sponsor Cox Automotive, as well as Coca-Cola, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Dodge Law, Racing Electronics, WinCraft Racing, Petty Family Foundation, Headbands of Hope, Piedmont Moving Systems, Wiley X, Prevost, Blue Emu, Goody’s and Kelderman Manufacturing. 

Keep up with Petty and the Ride on social media at the following accounts:

For more information about the Ride or to donate, please visit www.kylepettycharityride.com. 

About Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America

Led by former NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty, the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is an annual cross-country motorcycle trek that raises funds and awareness for Victory Junction. The Ride is one of the most successful and popular charity events in the country. Since its inception in 1995, more than 9,100 riders have logged nearly 12.8 million cumulative motorcycle miles and raised more than $21 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities.

About Victory Junction

Victory Junction is a year-round camping facility for children with serious illnesses and chronic medical conditions. Co-founded by Kyle Petty and his family in honor of his son Adam, Victory Junction provides life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a medically-safe environment, always free of charge. In addition to traditional camp sessions, Victory Junction’s REACH program takes camp experiences to children and their families at hospitals, clinics, and in Ronald McDonald Houses throughout North and South Carolina.

Since opening in 2004, Victory Junction has delivered more than 115,000 camp experiences and has served children from all fifty states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, as well as four countries. Victory Junction is a member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network of Camps founded by Paul Newman, and is accredited by the American Camp Association. To learn more, please visit victoryjunction.org.

About Cox Automotive (www.coxautoinc.com)

Cox Automotive is the world’s largest automotive services and technology provider. Fueled by the largest breadth of first-party data fed by 2.3 billion online interactions a year, Cox Automotive tailors leading solutions for car shoppers, auto manufacturers, dealers, lenders and fleets. The company has 29,000+ employees on five continents and a portfolio of industry-leading brands that include Autotrader®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, vAuto®, Dealertrack®, NextGear Capital™, CentralDispatch® and FleetNet America®. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with $22 billion in annual revenue. Visit coxautoinc.com or connect via @CoxAutomotive on X, CoxAutoInc on Facebook or Cox-Automotive-Inc on LinkedIn.

Hennessey Unleashes 708 Horsepower Supercharged ‘H700’ C8 Corvette Convertible

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Official Release
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  • Hennessey Supercharged ‘H700’ C8 Corvette Stingray HTC delivers 708 bhp and 638 lb-ft of torque
  • Engine upgrade boosts power by 44 percent – torque by 37 percent, comfortably surpassing the output figures of the celebrated Corvette Z06
  • Comprehensive ‘H700’ package includes a supercharger, intercooler, cat-back exhaust, performance engine tune, and transmission calibration
  • Optional active-valve exhaust, 19-inch wheels, and ‘Hennessey C8 Heritage Livery’ available
  • Upgrade applicable to all 2020-2024 Chevrolet C8 Corvette HTC models
  • Offered with an industry-best three-year / 36,000-mile limited warranty

SEALY, Texas, Feb. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has supercharged the widely sought-after Corvette C8 Stingray hard top convertible (HTC), America’s premier mid-engine sports car. The new Hennessey Supercharged ‘H700’ Corvette C8 Stingray, fitted with a muscular belt-driven blower, vaults the standard mid-engine Stingray HTC to exotic levels of power and torque to rival the celebrated Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06.

The eighth generation C8 convertible is shipped with a mid-mounted LT2 6.2-liter V8 engine. The naturally aspirated engine delivers 490 bhp and 465 lb-ft of torque in stock configuration. To unleash the untapped potential of the American small-block, Hennessey’s Texas-based team installs a high-performance supercharger engineered to fit in the HTC’s compact engine compartment, an air induction system with an air-to-water intercooler, and an enhanced cat-back exhaust system.

Completed with recalibrated high-performance engine software, the ‘H700’ boasts an explosive 708 bhp and 638 lb-ft torque – a 44 percent increase in horsepower and 37 percent more torque over the factory rating. In terms of engine output, Hennessey’s supercharged ‘H700’ Corvette C8 Stingray bests Chevrolet’s flagship C8 Z06, which delivers a factory rated 670 bhp and 460 lb-ft from its naturally-aspirated 5.5-liter LT6 flat-plane crank V8.

John Hennessey, founder and CEO: “Our supercharged C8 Convertible boosts America’s favorite sports car to extraordinary performance levels. We’ve unleashed the power that Chevrolet left on the table, boosting output by more than 200 bhp. Few cars, especially at this price, can deliver this level of power, acceleration, and engaging open-air driving experience alongside the Corvette’s distinctive V8 roar.”

The Hennessey Supercharged ‘H700’ Corvette C8 Stingray upgrade package includes the supercharger with air-to-water intercooler, high-flow air induction system, upgraded fuel system, cat-back exhaust system, Hennessey engine and transmission calibration, and all necessary gaskets and fluids. Optional upgrades include an active-valve exhaust system, forged 19-inch alloy wheels, and a ‘Hennessey C8 Heritage Livery’. The optional Lightweight Street Wheels are offered with a gloss black, matte gunmetal, or satin silver finish, while the striking vinyl Hennessey Heritage Livery is offered in Blue, White, Black, Silver, or Red. All packages feature ‘Hennessey’ and ‘H700’ badging and a serial numbered plaque.

The Hennessey ‘H700’ Corvette upgrade is available on all 2020-2024 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray Coupes and HTC models. Hennessey’s ‘H700’ package, backed by a comprehensive three-year / 36,000-mile limited warranty, is available from authorized Corvette retailers, or directly from Hennessey at +1 979.885.1300 or HennesseyPerformance.com.

About Hennessey
Based in Sealy, Texas, the Hennessey business comprises Hennessey Special Vehicles, Hennessey Performance (HPE), Tuner School, and the Lonestar Motorsports Park. The company has re-engineered more than 12,000 vehicles for performance enthusiasts worldwide to deliver unparalleled driving thrills. Alongside modifying a diverse range of sports and muscle cars since 1991, the company has also applied its high-performance expertise to trucks and SUVs – and boasts its hypercars – the Venom GT and the Venom F5.

Every Hennessey product is dyno-proven, fully track-tested, street-legal, and warrantied. Customers can choose from road-ready performance-enhanced cars by Hennessey from various brands, including Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, and Jeep, all benefitting from a host of high-performance upgrades.

With its own test track, engineering curriculum for aspiring tuners, more than 100 team members, and capacity to simultaneously work on 40-50 vehicles, Hennessey Performance is one of the world’s leading specialist vehicle engineering companies. HennesseyPerformance.com

About Hennessey Special Vehicles
The Hennessey Special Vehicles team was formed to create the world-record-breaking hypercars, the Hennessey Venom GT (270.49mph in 2014) – still the world’s fastest manual car, and the current world-record-holding ‘fastest convertible’ the Hennessey Venom GT Roadster (265.5mph in 2016).

In 2020, Hennessey Special Vehicles launched the 100% bespoke, twin-turbocharged, 6.6-liter V8 Venom F5 Coupe, which sold out in 2021. An open-top Roadster and track-focused Revolution variant joined the F5 Coupe in 2022 and 2023, boasting the F5’s prodigious 1,817bhp ‘Fury’ engine. In mid-2023, the Texas-based company revealed the Venom F5 Revolution Roadster, which combines visceral open-air motoring with a racing circuit focus. The company is delivering like never before on its mission of ‘making fast cars faster’. HennesseySpecialVehicles.com

Social media
Instagram: HennesseySpecialVehicles / HennesseyPerformance | YouTube: HennesseyPerformanceF5 |
Facebook: @hennesseype | X: @HennesseyPerf

RFK Advance | Las Vegas I

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Official Release
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Las Vegas Event Info:
Date: Sunday, March 3
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Format: 260 Laps, 400 miles, Stages: 80-85-102
TV: FOX
Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 2:05 p.m. ET, Practice (FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 2:50 p.m. ET, Qualifying (FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 3:30 p.m. ET, Race (FOX, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • Las Vegas hosts its annual spring race this weekend as the NASCAR Cup Series embarks on the third points race of the 2024 campaign, and first not on a Superspeedway.
  • Las Vegas is a track where Jack Roush has had a bevy of success, including seven wins in the Cup Series alone, and 16 overall.
  • Brad Keselowski is coming off a strong top five at the track last fall, while Chris Buescher tallied one of his better finishes there in the last outing at LVMS.

6 Team Info:
Crew Chief: Matt McCall
Partner: Solomon Plumbing

17 Team Info:
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: Fastenal

Keselowski at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Starts: 21
Wins: 3 (2014, 2016, 2018)
Top-10s: 13
Poles: 2 (2013, 2017)

  • Keselowski is a three-time winner at LVMS, one of 11 tracks he has multiple wins at on the circuit. Overall he has an 11.5 average finish with 13 top-10s and nine finishes inside the top five in 21 starts. Most recently he finished fourth last fall after leading 38 laps. Last spring he finished 17th after starting seventh – also leading five laps in that race.
  • Keselowski first won in Las Vegas in 2014 after starting from the second position and leading 53 laps. He followed that with wins two years apart in 2016 and 2018.
  • The Michigan native has an average starting position of 12.0 with two poles (2013, 2017). Overall he has nine top-10 qualifying efforts, and is coming off a P7 starting spot last spring.
  • Keselowski also has a win at Vegas in the Xfinity Series (2014) with four overall top-10s in 10 NXS starts. He also made one truck start back in 2005.

Buescher at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Starts: 14
Wins: —
Top-10s: 1
Poles: —

  • Buescher makes his 15th Cup start at Las Vegas this weekend, where he carries an average finish of 17.3 with one top-10 (ninth – 2020).
  • Most recently, Buescher finished 11th last fall after starting fifth. He finished 21st in this race a year ago.
  • His best qualifying effort stands as the P5 starting spot last October. Overall he has a 21.8 average starting position.
  • Buescher made two Xfinity Series starts at Las Vegas and recorded a best finish of ninth (2014) in the No. 60 entry for Jack Roush.

RFK Historically at Las Vegas
Cup Wins: 7 (Mark Martin, 1998; Jeff Burton, 1999, 2000; Matt Kenseth, 2003, 2004; Carl Edwards, 2008, 2011)

  • Early JACKpot: RFK hit the Vegas jackpot right off the bat, winning the inaugural Cup event at Las Vegas in 1998. Mark Martin led 82 laps in the victory that served as a banner day for RFK.
  • Inaugural Sweep: RFK placed all five of its Cup entries inside the top 10 of that inaugural Las Vegas Cup race in 1998, including three inside the top five, four inside the top six, one in the winners circle and the runner up (6 – 1st, 99 – 2nd, 26 – 4th, 16 – 6th and 97 – 10th).
  • Continued Success: RFK won the first three Cup races at LVMS from ‘98-’00, with Jeff Burton winning back-to-back events in ’99 and ’00. RFK also took three of the first nine Xfinity Series events at LVMS.
  • Victory Lane at Vegas: In addition to the first three Cup races at LVMS, RFK again found the winners’ circle in 2003 and 2004 at the 1.5-mile track with Matt Kenseth. Carl Edwards took the checkered flag at the 2008 and 2011 events to give RFK seven Cup wins at Las Vegas with four different drivers.
  • Back to Back at Vegas: RFK has won back-to-back Cup races at LVMS on two separate occasions in ’99-’00 and ’03-04’ and once in the Xfinity Series in ‘99 and ‘00.
  • Across the Board at Vegas: All in all, RFK has tallied 16 total NASCAR wins, while turning 40,000+ laps in NASCAR action at LVMS for 61,000+ miles, while leading over 2,700 laps at the track in NASCAR’s top three divisions. At the same time the organization has finished inside the top-10 in nearly 50 percent of its 190 NASCAR starts at LVMS.

RFK Las Vegas Wins

1998 Martin Cup

1999 Burton Cup

2000 Burton Cup

2003 Kenseth Cup

2004 Kenseth Cup

2008 Edwards Cup

2011 Edwards Cup

1999 Martin NXS

2000 Burton NXS

2002 Burton NXS

2005 Martin NXS

2009 Biffle NXS

2012 Stenhouse NXS

1997 Ruttman NGOTS

1999 Biffle NGOTS

2007 Kvapil NGOTS

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Atlanta: Keselowski was in prime position late in Sunday’s race at Atlanta, but was collected in an incident and finished 33rd. Buescher overcame two separate incidents to finish ninth.

Points Standings (17: 15th, 6: 33rd): Buescher gained multiple spots following his top-10 in Atlanta.

CORVETTE RACING AT QATAR: Positive Steps Forward

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Official Release
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TF Sport completes FIA WEC testing ahead of Qatar opener for Z06 GT3.R

LUSAIL, Qatar (Feb. 27, 2024) – TF Sport and Corvette Racing put the wraps on two days of testing Tuesday at Lusail International Circuit ahead of this weekend’s FIA World Endurance Championship opener in Qatar.

The three test sessions served as a dress rehearsal for the debut of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R in the globe-trotting championship, starting with Saturday’s Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 Km.

Daniel Juncadella set the best time for the two-car TF Sport team in the No. 82 Corvette that he will share throughout the season with Hiroshi Koizumi and Sébastien Baud. The Corvette factory driver’s top lap was a 1:54.691 (105.695 mph) effort that put the No. 82 Z06 GT3.R fifth in the new LMGT3 category.

Across the garage, fellow Corvette factory driver Charlie Eastwood set the pace in the No. 81 Corvette Z06 GT3.R with a best lap of 1:55.369 (105.074 mph) to put both TF Sport Corvettes well within a second of the fastest Prologue time in class. Eastwood is teaming with Tom Van Rompuy and Rui Andrade for the full year.

The TF Sport effort is the first customer program in FIA WEC for Corvette Racing, which has four wins in the series to its credit – including last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans – in addition to the 2023 GTE Am Drivers and Teams titles with the Corvette C8.R.

The Corvette Z06 GT3.R is a completely new car from the ground up and is Chevrolet’s first car built to global GT3 regulations. It’s based on the production Corvette Z06 supercar with the two sharing a significant amount of DNA.

The racecar is built on the same production aluminum chassis frame – from Chevrolet’s Bowling Green (Ky.) Assembly plant – as the road-going Z06. Similar carbon-fiber splitters for front downforce, and the surface area from the top of the windshield to the rear of the Z06 remained intact on the Z06 GT3.R. That includes side air ducts behind the doors — directly inspired by Z06 production road car — that help to cool the engine, transaxle and rear brakes.

The similarities carry over to the hand-built 5.5L, flat-plane crankshaft V8 engine in the Z06 GT3.R. Both originate from the Bowling Green factory with the racing version sharing 80 percent of the production content from the Z06, including the crankshaft, connecting rods, cylinder heads, fuel injectors, coils, gaskets and a variety of other sensors.

The Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 Km is scheduled for 11 a.m. Arabian Standard Time / 3 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, March 2. MotorTrend will provide both live television coverage in the U.S. Streaming coverage of the race and Friday’s qualifying will be available on MAX, MotorTrend Plus and the FIA WEC TV app.

CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “We got a lot of laps in. There were just so many unknowns going into this week. We had one test day as a team with the Z06 GT3.R, which went very well at Dubai. But now we are at a brand new track and one that’s very different than Dubai. But from the very first session, we were pleasantly surprised to be in a very good window. From then, we ran through all the drivers, and both Rui and Tom have been building up. There are still so many unknowns. But as a team and car crew, I feel we are looking quite strong.”

DANIEL JUNCADELLA, NO. 82 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Honestly this was very good and very positive. We had three trouble-free sessions with a lot of mileage on our Corvette. It might have been the most mileage of all the LMGT3 cars. That’s really encouraging for everyone here. All three drivers had enough laps and we’re all happy to have gone through the program. I’m very happy with how things feel. Seb was very fast and likes the car a lot. Hiroshi is a very positive surprise. He is very consistent with no mistakes and very few track limits. He is doing it the right way. It’s very good and we will take that into the weekend.”

TOM VAN ROMPUY, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “These test days were quite positive. We have a strong car and a strong package. With traffic management, we have to pay attention to other cars but I think we are strong there too. On tire degradation, I think we have one of the better cars in LMGT3. So yes, I’m very positive as we look ahead to the race weekend.”

RUI ANDRADE, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “The delays left everyone in a little bit of anticipation, but the car feels great. It already felt great in Dubai. The balance is strong, I think. The combination of TF Sport and Pratt Miller is doing a great job at the moment. They gave us a good car right at the start, which is always important so you don’t feel lost from the get-go. We had some solid running yesterday. We had an issue when I accidently set off the fire extinguisher so we lost some laps! It’s a new car for me and these things happen. Today we went through the run plan with no issues and got lots of laps with good feedback on the car. We had some cool running Monday late afternoon into the night and it was very warm this morning. So getting a read on the car in these conditions is really important. In traffic and with the Hypercars, there is a big speed delta so they have to get through the GT traffic as fast as possible, which means we are bullied a little bit. For us, we have to focus on our driving and also focus on our mirrors and rear-view camera. Whoever does that best will be fastest. But I feel good. We are getting better and have a good base. We feel strong but will see where we are on Saturday.”

HIROSHI KOIMUZI, NO. 82 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Monday was a good feeling. Today was a little better feeling. There was more traffic in the last two sessions but I still had a good feeling. The Corvette is a very good car. I am happy with my teammates. Dani is a very fast driver as our No. 1 and Sébastien is fast. I’m very lucky to have them!”

SÉBASTIEN BAUD, NO. 82 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I am very happy. It was my first Prologue, my first with the team, my first weekend with Corvette and my first time at this track. The car is really great. The work between myself, Dani and Hiro was very good. We had no issues and now we can try some different setups and strategies for qualifying and the race. It’s very comfortable in this Z06 GT3.R. The driving is very different than previous cars I have driven. Confidence for the race and qualifying is high because Hiro was very good during his qualifying sim. This is all very good for the race. There is a lot of confidence and consistency in this car, and there are still things we can work on and try. No issues and everything looks fine for the race weekend.”

CHRISTIE BAGNE, CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R PROGRAM MANAGER: “Everyone at TF Sport and Corvette Customer Support should be proud of the efforts during the Prologue. Both Corvettes completed a high number of laps, which led to a lot of productive running on track. The feedback from the drivers is positive. Operationally, things went well as the team continues to learn more about the Z06 GT3.R heading into practice and qualifying. All in all, we all are happy with the last two days.”

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

Palou Fastest as St. Pete Preparation Intensifies at Sebring Test

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Official Release
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Sebring, FL - during the 2024 Test at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida. (Photo by Joe Skibinski | IMS Photo)

SEBRING, Fla. (Monday, Feb. 26, 2024) – Less than two weeks before the start of the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, Alex Palou is starting right where he stopped in 2023 – on top.

Reigning and two-time series champion Palou led the first day of a two-day test Feb. 26 on the short circuit at Sebring International Raceway, turning a top lap of 52.0883 seconds in the No. 10 DHL Honda fielded by Chip Ganassi Racing. Testing was separated into morning and afternoon sessions, with Palou’s best lap coming in the afternoon on the notoriously bumpy, challenging circuit.

“Nowadays, we don’t get as many tests as we would like,” Palou said. “We would always want to have a lot of test days, but honestly, it’s super important when we are only one week and a half out of St. Pete.

“We want to go through a lot of the engineering list that we’ve been thinking about all offseason. We won’t have enough time. But it’s a way to get the rest of the drivers, just all the crew, all the team together and try and get some ideas in person.”

Testing will continue Tuesday at the historic Florida circuit, with all teams continuing to run without the hybrid system that will be introduced later this season. The 2024 season also opens in Florida on Sunday, March 10 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding.

Fifteen drivers turned laps Monday, with all five of the quickest laps occurring in the afternoon. Right behind Palou was Christian Lundgaard of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing with a top lap of 52.1065 in the No. 45 Hy-Vee Honda.

Two-time series champion and reigning Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Josef Newgarden was third at 52.1298 in the No. 2 Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet, followed by Colton Herta at 52.1909 in the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda fielded by Andretti Autosport.

2016 Indianapolis 500 winner Alexander Rossi rounded out the top five at 52.2521 in the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet.

Drivers combined to turn 1,047 laps, with five different teams represented by the top five drivers on the time sheets. Just .5008 of a second separated the top 11 drivers on the day. Less than a second – .9833, to be exact – separated all 15 drivers on track today.

Kyle Kirkwood led the morning session at 52.5618 in the No. 27 AutoNation Honda fielded by Andretti Global. Kirkwood, from Jupiter, Florida, beat that time in the afternoon with a lap of 52.3341.

“This is a big warmup, the first time our car has been on track since Laguna (last September),” Kirkwood said. “Just working through all the gremlins and getting everyone up to speed. That’s what this test is about, getting the rust off and getting ready for St. Pete so we don’t have any of these gremlins and can roll out in practice at St. Pete and just go fast.”

TICKETS ON SALE FOR FAMED 59TH ANNUAL IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALS IN POMONA

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Official Release
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POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 26, 2024) – Tickets are now on sale for the 59th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, as world champions will be crowned in dramatic fashion at legendary In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip on Nov. 14-17 in Pomona, Calif.

Last year, the championship drama came down to the final pass of the season in Top Fuel in one of the most thrilling endings in NHRA Finals history, and fans can expect another spectacular finish in 2024 to close out the year in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

It’s a race loaded with historic and legacy-making runs over nearly six decades, including the finale in 2023 when Doug Kalitta knocked off Leah Pruett in a winner-take-all final round in Top Fuel, handing Kalitta his elusive first championship. It was a magical moment to close out the season and with an incredible atmosphere always apparent in Pomona, this year’s race will be loaded with intense action and championship celebrations.

For fans that want the ultimate experience at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, the Top Eliminator Club offers the best seats in the house, a premium experience and a number of exclusive benefits at one of the biggest races of the season.

“Last year’s In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals was one of the best races in the event’s history and for it to come down to the wire on the final pass of the season shows this is an event no drag racing fan should miss,” said NHRA Vice President of Track Management & Operations, Kasey Coler. “In-N-Out Burger has helped create a special atmosphere in Pomona and you can just feel the incredible energy and excitement all weekend long. We saw an exhilarating finish last season and it’s going to be another epic celebration for our fans and race fans this year in Pomona.”

Kalitta (Top Fuel), Chad Green (Funny Car), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) won last year’s event, while Kalitta (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all clinched world titles in Pomona. The race will again be broadcast on FS1 to close the season in style.

Kalitta’s championship triumph was a marvelous moment, while Hagan’s fourth world championship came down to the final day as well. His championship was also the first for Tony Stewart Racing, while Enders, the winningest female in motorsports, claimed her sixth world title and fourth in the past five years. Herrera’s record-breaking season was capped off with one more dominant performance in Pomona, as all four drivers will look to end the season in similar fashion in 2024.

Kalitta also earned his seventh victory at the facility, which is the most for any Top Fuel driver in NHRA history. Nobody can top John Force’s 16 Funny Car wins in Pomona, though Green enjoyed a tremendous first to close out last year by picking up his first career NHRA Funny Car win in Pomona.

In Pro Stock, Stanfield won for the second time in Pomona last year, while Greg Anderson has 14 career victories at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. Enders’ sixth championship put her in elite territory, too, tying her with Warren Johnson for the second most in Pro Stock history. Herrera, meanwhile, was dominant in Pomona, finishing off a year that includes a Pro Stock Motorcycle-record 11 wins and 14 No. 1 qualifiers. Current standout Matt Smith’s five wins are tied for the most in PSM history at the legendary facility.

Action at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip will include a pair of qualifying runs on both Friday and Saturday, leading into eliminations, where history will be made and champions will be crowned, with fans getting unparalleled access to see it all go down to end the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

To purchase tickets to the 59th 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. Included in the premium experience by purchasing Top Eliminator Club tickets is a members-only hospitality center, complimentary food and beverages, members-only souvenir store, exclusive drivers appearances, a gift bag, a premium view of the staging lanes and much more.

For more information about NHRA, 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 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 Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. 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 110 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.

Aftercare tips for a Newly Replaced Windshield

By
SM
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Cracks or chips on your vehicle’s windshield are ticking time bombs that can bring you and your car into unexpected accidents. In this case, immediate replacements are of the utmost importance. Still, sometimes, even the best replacements can be undone by drivers who flounder in giving good aftercare for their new windshields. 

Installing windshields requires advanced technical proficiency. While windshield replacement technicians are trained in high-quality replacement methods, the driver’s responsible for taking care of their vehicle after installing the new windshields. So when you have a new windshield, take note of these tips to avoid an unplanned trip to the technician. Drivers must remember to follow the prescribed windshield replacement aftercare. Below, we’ve provided seven tips for you to follow after you get your windshield replaced.

Give it Adequate Time to Cure

When installing the windshield on your vehicle, the technician would use adhesives like urethane to create a waterproof seal between the glass and the frame. The duration of the curing process varies depending on the type of adhesive and the environmental conditions, such as humidity and temperature. Usually, technicians recommend 24 hours of waiting time before driving your car to allow the adhesive to cure adequately.

Crack Open the Car Windows 

When internal pressure is high, it usually leads to cracked windshields–a frequent occurrence worsened by hot weather conditions, especially during summertime. With heightened pressure, the adhesive seal can be compromised, resulting in potential leaks that compromise both your safety and your vehicle’s integrity. To lessen this risk, remember to open your windows slightly to release excess pressure and prevent buildup. It’s also advised to avoid prolonged parking in hot environments.

Avoid High-Pressure Car Washes

High-pressure car washes are effective cleaning options, but the intense pressure used for these cleaning methods can jeopardize the integrity of the adhesive before it fully dries, potentially weakening it. Your windshield may become vulnerable to detachment or cracking upon minimal impact. Certain detergents used in car washes can also be abrasive to the adhesive. Therefore, it’s advisable to refrain from having high-pressure washes for at least 24 hours after a windshield replacement. If cleaning is necessary during this period, opt for a mild detergent and a gentle spray to minimize stress on the windshield.

Clear Out the Windshield

Wet adhesive can stick to anything it comes into contact with, depending on the material. Even if objects don’t stick, they can disrupt the seal between the windshield and the car frame, leading to potential leaks and cracks. During the initial 24-hour period, keeping items away from both sides of the windshield is crucial. Specifically, refrain from placing covers on the outside of the windshield or using sunshades on the interior side. While the items inside may not stick to the adhesive, they could exude pressure on the windshield, hindering the drying process and causing gaps in the seal. 

Be Gentle With the Windshield

During the 24 hours while the adhesive is still drying, it’s important to carefully handle both the windshield and your car, as impacts on the other parts of the vehicle can also impact the windshield. Be gentle when opening and closing doors, and refrain from using windshield wipers for some time following replacement. If using the wipers is unavoidable, limit your driving to approximately 2 hours to minimize potential strain on the newly installed windshield. 

Drive Carefully

It’s crucial to exercise heightened caution while driving to maintain your windshield’s integrity. Avoid routes with potholes and rough terrain, as the vehicle’s jolting movements can induce new cracks on the windshield and potentially dislodge the adhesive if it’s not fully dry. Drive at a moderate speed and avoid sudden brakes to minimize the risk of impacts that could lead to windshield damage.

It should also be noted that some inexperienced technicians can mess up the new windshield installation. So here are some things to check for after your new windshield installation. 

Inspect the Edges

After installing the windshield, inspect it closely to ensure a proper fit.  Loose edges can also lead to the need for early replacement and pose a safety risk in collisions, potentially causing the windshield to break inward or into dangerous shards. 

Check the Thickness and Tint

Some car owners overlook the importance of thickness and tint when replacing windshields. These factors are crucial for both structural integrity and aesthetics. A reputable installer ensures the glass is properly laminated and toughened to withstand pressure. The tint also affects visibility, particularly at night. 

Look for Bubbles and Irregularities

Watch for signs like bubbles, peeled tape, and gaps near the frame, indicating poor installation. Check for aged or dry adhesive along the edges, compromising the windshield’s strength. Bubbles and dried adhesive are clear indicators of subpar installation.

Test The Car Seal

Check the rubber seal holding the glass in place, ensuring a snug fit. This seal is replaced during windshield installation. After the recommended resting period, listen for any wind noises while driving with closed windows, indicating gaps or improper seal application. Refrain from removing the retention tape for at least 24 hours post-installation to allow the glass to be securely set.

Top 5 Best Ways to Manage Truck Drivers and the Fleet

By
SM
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Photo by Naomi McKinney on Unsplash

Running a business can be challenging, to say the least, more so for new startups. And if you have a business where your fleet of truck drivers is being managed well, you’re in trouble. 

Truck drivers are essential workers who can bring your business success and help manage different routes and stops. So, in order to keep your drivers and your fleet online, you’ll need to use an effective fleet management system. 

That’s where we come in – we’re here to provide you with the top 5 ways you can manage truck drivers and fleets. Let’s jump right into it, shall we? 

What is Truck Fleet Management?

A fleet management system is crucial for businesses using a fleet of trucks to deliver their supplies. To maintain a smooth operation and ensure they get faster-increased profits and turnaround times. 

Fleet management specifically focuses on trucks as their main transportation vehicle. Their technologies and practices are aimed at ensuring operational efficiency, boosting productivity and also at cutting costs.  

Other than delivering packages, truck fleet management also includes looking after driver safety, reducing fuel costs, optimizing the best routes, accident prevention and minimizing breakdowns. 

Carrying out successful fleet management solutions can help lead to saving costs and also improved performance. For instance, a leading supply chain management company like UPS uses an AI-powered optimization system to analyze data in real-time. 

It works out the most fuel-efficient routes for UPS’s whole fleet, resulting in enhanced fleet efficiency and reduced emissions. 

Challenges in Truck Fleet Management

Now that you have an idea of what truck fleet management is and how helpful it can be for a growing business, let’s take a look at some of the challenges that come with managing a fleet of trucks. You can also visit truckercfo.com to learn more.  

Manually Managing Routes 

Managing a fleet of trucks manually is a bad idea because it leaves a lot of room for not only inefficiency but errors as well. 

If truck drivers don’t have proper guidance, then chances are they’ll take more time to deliver the goods to the customers. This only leads to more fuel consumption and an increased turnaround time, which will lead you to face some very unhappy customers! 

Driver Safety

We cannot stress how vital driver safety is. In fact, drivers face the most risk when they’re met with breakdowns, accidents or any kind of vehicle issues. But, if you have a fleet management system in place, then your trucks and drivers can both be monitored and given safety guidelines in order to finish a successful delivery. 

What’s more helpful about having a management system is that in the event of a major accident, it can immediately provide assitance to the driver. 

Truck Breakdowns

To make sure deliveries are done correctly and on time, vehicle inspections should be done regularly. Failure to do so can result in drivers facing issues on the road – causing the vehicle to break down and cause an impact on the supply chain of the whole network. 

This is where a fleet management system can have a number of adverse effects. By the help of an appropriate technology that helps fleet managers to overcome any issue thrown towards them. 

Top 5 Ways to Manage Truck Drivers and the Fleet

Now that we have a solid idea about fleet management and what the challenges are, let’s turn our attention to the ways you can manage your truck drivers and the fleet: 

  1.    Documents Have to be Up to Date

Dealing with authorities when your drivers don’t have proper document can be very unpleasant. This can lead to them getting fined, losing their license or worse, the goods and truck getting impounded causing the delivery to stop completely. 

It’s the company’s job to make sure that each and every truck has insurance that are up to date, parking fees, permits and their inspection sheets. The driver has to have a valid license or a renewed one. They also have to carry the appropriate truck weight so that they can have smoother rides on weighing bridges.

If all your documents and requirements are in the right order, then you’ll help save your business a great deal of loss. Plus, the guarantee of a smooth delivery gives the drivers an environment to work and deliver their orders on time and with efficieny. 

  1. The Latest Trucking Software

With the help of trucking softwares, fleet managers can be very accurately locate both the truck and its driver. Thanks to GPS technology, which helps create maps that let the managers follow the progress of the deliveries. 

They can also help by providing flawless communication, timely deliveries and proper routes as well.

  1. Importance of Vehicle Maintenance 

If you want a successful and efficiently running business, then you have to make sure both your drivers and managers are not only keeping a close eye on proper vehicle maintenance, but also their services as well. This is crucial for the safety of the driver and also the lifespan of the truck itself. 

A good maintenance routine of all the vehicles will help save your business some major costs. But a bad routine can lead to accidents, thus making the company lose the delivery, the driver’s life and also the truck. 

  1. Giving Your Drivers Some Proper Motivation

It’s no secret that incentives can really motivate people to work harder, the case is the same when it comes to fleet managers and truck drivers. Incentives can increase productivity and motivate drivers to meet their desired targets and also increase their level of performance. 

Being rewarded for doing good work will help maintain better communication and keep costs low on maintenance and fuel. 

  1. Proper Communication and Information Access

A strong communication and efficient delivery software can do wonders for your company. In order to do that, managers should make the habit of registering the number of drivers with the trucks they’re assigned to. 

This should also include the delivery route as well. Since drivers are always on the move, they’re forced to face constantly changing routes and tougher challenges. This is why proper communication and monitoring across different routes are so vital. 

Without a proper communication system and information access, managers and drivers cannot report route changes, delivery delays, and challenges on time. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, we’d like to say that managing a business is hard, but managing a whole fleet of truck drivers is harder. You have to be on top of everything to make sure all the deliveries are being done on time and that your customers are also happy with the service you provide. 

And in order to keep your business thriving and your customers happy, you have to face up to the challenges and meet them head-on. And having a fleet management system can help you deal with that immensely. 

So, if you have a system that works for you and your truck drivers, let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to drive safely!

Elevate Your Vehicle’s Look with Top-Quality Wheel and Tyre Packages

By
SM
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Wheel and Tyre Packages refer to the combination of vehicle tyres and wheels sold together. These sets typically offer an aesthetic and functional upgrade to a car. The package ensures that the wheels and tyres complement each other for optimal efficiency and performance, and are compatible with the specific make and model of your vehicle.

The upgrade of a vehicle’s wheels and tyres is crucial for optimising its performance and safety. This ensures better road grip, smoother ride, and superior handling during adverse weather conditions. Upgraded tyres with the help of wheel & tyre packages Australia also provide increased fuel efficiency and overall longevity of the vehicle. It’s an essential investment towards maintaining a reliable automobile.

Factors to Consider when Buying Wheel & Tyre Packages Online

Understanding the specifications of your vehicle is crucial for both maintenance and safe operation. This entails knowing engine size, fuel efficiency, tyre size, weight capacity, and more. Additionally, it informs your decision during repairs or upgrades, ensuring you acquire suitable parts and services to maintain optimal performance.

Selecting tyres based on seasonal needs is crucial for enhancing vehicle performance and safety, which is why services like Tyred and Exhausted Aylesbury are essential for local drivers. Winter tyres are designed with special tread patterns that provide improved grip in icy conditions. Alternatively, summer tyres resist heat, ensuring better road adherence. All-season tyres balance between these two, offering moderate climate adaptability, and reinforcing the importance of seasonal tyre selection.

Understanding the types of wheels is essential, as each possesses unique features. Some wheels, like alloy wheels, prioritize aesthetics and weight reduction. Steel wheels are sturdy and economical. Magnesium wheels, often used in racing, provide high performance and shock absorption. Understanding these differences can optimize wheel selection for various applications.

Brand selection is crucial for consumers as it directly influences their satisfaction and loyalty. Choosing a well-established brand often guarantees high-quality products, reliable customer service, and robust after-sales support. It also often reflects one’s tastes and lifestyle choices, contributing to self-expression and personal satisfaction.

Where to find the Best Deals on Wheel & Tyre Packages Online

Wheel and tyre packages are comprehensive sets that include both wheels and tyres suited for a specific type of vehicle, offering a perfectly matched combination. These packages provide vehicle owners an opportunity to upgrade to high-performance tyres or achieve a custom look. Although notably beneficial for their time-saving convenience, these packages can also ensure that your wheels and tyres are perfectly balanced, compatible and meet safety standards. They often come at a reduced cost as compared to buying wheels and tyres separately, providing a cost-effective option to enhance the performance and aesthetics of one’s vehicle.

Always research the online seller before purchasing or by searching for a tyre shop near me. Check their customer reviews, ratings, and reputation. Reliable sellers often provide clear provisions for refunds and returns. Confirm their physical address and contacts for after-sales inquiries. Evaluate their payment methods; secure methods like credit cards or PayPal imply trustworthiness. Always ensure there’s a secure connection before making payments.

Comparison shopping on various online platforms is a savvy way to secure the best deals. Websites like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart offer a broad range of products, with prices often fluctuating. By cross-checking these platforms, consumers can assess product quality, vendor reliability, and prices, optimizing their purchasing decisions.

Steps to Upgrade Your Vehicle with New Wheel & Tyre Packages

To remove existing wheels and tyres, start by safely jacking up the vehicle using the vehicle’s specific jack points. Loosen and remove the lug nuts with a lug wrench. Pull the wheel and tyre straight toward you, off the lug bolts. Make sure to place the removed wheels out of the way to avoid accidents.

The installation of new wheel and tyre packages is a crucial process to ensure a smooth, safe drive. It involves the removal of old wheels and tyres, inspection of brake systems, and mounting of new tyres on the wheels. The newly installed tyres are then balanced and inflated to the correct pressure to optimize vehicle performance.

Proper alignment and rotation of new tyres is essential for vehicle safety and efficiency. Misalignment could lead to uneven tyre wear, poor handling, decreased fuel efficiency, and a reduced tyre lifespan. Regular rotation distributes wear evenly, prolonging tyre life, improving performance and ensuring a smoother, safer drive.

Routine checking and maintenance after installation are crucial for the longevity and proper functioning of equipment. It helps identify early signs of malfunction, preventing potential costly breakdowns and ensuring operational efficiency. Regular maintenance enhances safety, improves system performance, saves on replacement costs, and extends the equipment’s lifespan.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Vehicle’s Wheels and tyres

Improved vehicle performance is a crucial aspect of the automotive industry. Enhancing engine efficiency, handling, fuel consumption, and overall power are all part of this process. These improvements not only make vehicles faster and more reliable, but they also contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution, thus benefiting both consumers and the environment.

Enhanced vehicle safety incorporates advanced technologies to protect drivers and passengers. Features like collision alerts, autonomous emergency braking, and electronic stability control intervene to prevent accidents. Furthermore, lane departure warnings and backup cameras improve visibility, while blind spot detection ensures safer lane changes, reducing road fatalities.

Vehicle aesthetics have significantly improved over the years. The auto industry has introduced innovative designs, colour patterns, and advanced customization options, enhancing vehicle appearance visibly. Custom trims, sleek body lines, LED lighting, and polished interiors now contribute to an impressive and sophisticated look, demonstrating a great leap in vehicle aesthetics.

Increasing a vehicle’s resale value is essential for any car owner. This can be achieved by regular maintenance, avoiding unnecessary damage, keeping its mileage low, and retaining all maintenance records. Proper care can enhance both its performance and attractiveness, attracting potential buyers and resulting in a higher resale value.

Conclusion

Wheel and tyre packages prove to be a convenient and cost-effective method for vehicle owners to enhance the performance and aesthetic appeal of their cars. They often come balanced and mounted, saving consumers time and effort. In conclusion, wheel and tyre packages offer an attractive solution for those looking to upgrade or replace their existing car wheels and tyres.

Securing the best deals on wheel and tyre packages can significantly cut your maintenance costs. It not only saves money but also ensures optimum vehicle performance. Reliable, high-quality wheels and tyres promote road safety, better fuel efficiency, and a smooth ride. Thus, highlighting the importance of meticulously seeking out the best packages for your wheels and tyres.

Upgrading your vehicle’s wheels and tyres significantly improves its performance and safety. Enhanced tyres offer better traction and a smooth drive in various road conditions. Upgraded wheels can provide superior handling, braking efficiency and fuel economy. Furthermore, they can enhance your vehicle’s aesthetic appeal, boosting its resale value.

NASCAR 2024: Las Vegas Entry List Preview for triple-header feature

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by David Myers for SpeewayMedia.com.

With the first two events of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule highlighted with two dramatic finishes on two restrictor-plate circuits in the rearview mirror, the teams and competitors venture off for a two-race West Coast swing between the states of Nevada and Arizona to commence the month of March.

It all begins at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada, a city spotlighted with recent major sporting events and triumphs, from both the Vegas Golden Knights and the Las Vegas Aces achieving recent championships in the NHL and WNBA, respectively, to Formula 1 hosting its inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix through the Vegas Strip last November and Super Bowl LVIII occurring in the city’s Allegiant Stadium between the San Francisco 49ers and the eventual champions Kansas City Chiefs two weeks ago.

This upcoming weekend is set to mark the first of two scheduled visits this season in Sin City for both the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity divisions while the Craftsman Truck Series division will make its lone, annual visit to Vegas’s 1.5-mile speedway venue before entering a one-week break period.

The main attraction for this weekend’s triple-header feature is the Cup Series’ Pennzoil 400 which will occur this upcoming Sunday, March 3, and cap off the triple-header feature.

With 37 participants entered for Sunday’s main event, which will ensure all entered competitors make the main event, the competitor who headlines the entry list is Daniel Suarez, who is coming off a dramatic three-wide photo finish against Cup Series champions Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where he nipped Blaney at the finish line by 0.003 seconds, that snapped Suarez’s one-year winless drought and register his second Cup career victory. Despite registering only two top-10 results in 13 Cup career starts at Vegas, the Monterrey, Mexico, native strives to extend his early momentum that could land him and Trackhouse Racing in Victory Lane for a second consecutive weekend.

William Byron, the 2024 Daytona 500 champion, and teammate Kyle Larson, the 2021 Cup Series champion, also headline the entry list as both Hendrick Motorsports’ competitors each won a Cup Vegas event a year ago (Byron in March and Larson in October). With HMS’ competitors winning four of the last six Cup events at Vegas, all four Hendrick competitors, including Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott, strive to extend the team’s strong early start into their 40th anniversary of NASCAR competition.

Currently, Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion and a native of Las Vegas, leads this year’s Cup Series regular-season standings following his third-place run at Atlanta. Busch, who achieved his first and only Cup victory to date at Vegas in 2009, strives to strike gold in front of his home crowd come Sunday’s main event while his competition that includes Byron, Austin Cindric, Bubba Wallace, Ryan Blaney, Elliott, Suarez, Ross Chastain, Alex Bowman, Martin Truex Jr., Larson and Corey LaJoie strive to spoil Busch’s homecoming.

A notable newcomer to this weekend’s Cup entry list is Derek Kraus, who will make his first select Cup Series starts this season in Kaulig Racing’s No. 16 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entry. The 22-year-old Kraus from Stratford, Connecticut, graduates to a part-time Cup Series campaign for the first time after spending this past season as a part-time Xfinity Series competitor for Kaulig Racing while also serving as a simulator competitor for both Kaulig and Legacy Motor Club. He is also the 2019 ARCA Menards Series West champion who competed in three full-time Craftsman Truck Series seasons (2020-22).

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Another newcomer featured for Sunday’s event is JJ Yeley, who will return to pilot the No 44 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for NY Racing for his first official Cup start of the 2024 season two weeks after he fell short of qualifying for this year’s 66th running of the Daytona 500.

2024 Pennzoil 400 Entry List

A day before the Cup Series action, the Xfinity Series will host The LiUNA! which will feature 38 participants contesting from 38 starting spots.

The competitor who headlines the entry list is Austin Hill, who is two-for-two in this year’s Xfinity schedule following recent superspeedway victories at Daytona and Atlanta. With the Winston, Georgia, native having won the spring Xfinity Vegas event a year ago, Hill will attempt to become the first competitor to commence a new season of Xfinity Series competition by winning the first three events on a schedule.

Another competitor who headlines the list is Riley Herbst, a 25-year-old Las Vegas native who scored his first Xfinity career victory at his home track last October and is currently ranked in third place in this year’s Xfinity regular-season standings as he strives for back-to-back victories at home.

Both Hill and Herbst are not the only Xfinity regulars off to a strong start to the 2024 season. Sheldon Creed, Chandler Smith and Parker Retzlaff, all of whom have finished in the top five in the first two events of this season, strive to extend their early momentum and potentially land their first victory of the season. In addition, rookie Jesse Love, who is also last year’s ARCA Menards Series champion from Menlo Park, California, strives for redemption after leading a race-high 157 laps a week ago at Atlanta, only to run out of fuel during an overtime shootout and settling in 12th place in the final running order. The list also includes AJ Allmendinger, who won at Vegas in 2021, and rookie Shane van Gisbergen, who recorded his first top-three result by finishing third last weekend at Atlanta as he will make his first career start at Vegas.

Notably, Aric Almirola will make his first Xfinity Series start of the 2024 season as part of a part-time campaign with Joe Gibbs Racing. He was initially scheduled to share the No. 20 JGR Toyota Supra entry with John Hunter Nemechek throughout this season. Instead, Almirola will pilot the No. 19 Supra this weekend, an entry that had been piloted by Ryan Truex for the first two events on the 2024 calendar, while Nemechek returns to pilot the No. 20 entry for his third of 10 scheduled starts.

Photo by Tim Jarrold for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Corey Heim, a full-time Truck Series competitor for TRICON Garage and a Toyota Racing Development competitor, will also be featured in Saturday’s Xfinity event as he will make his first of select Xfinity starts in the No. 26 Toyota Supra for Sam Hunt Racing.

Currently, the No. 32 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet Camaro entry is entered for Saturday’s event, though a driver has yet to be named. In addition, the No. 36 DGM Racing Chevrolet entry, which initially entered without a listed driver, is listed to be withdrawn from the event.

2024 The LiUNA! Entry List

This weekend’s triple-header feature at Las Vegas will commence with the Truck Series’ Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 which will occur this upcoming Friday, March 1, and feature 32 competitors entered for the event.

Ironically, the competitor who headlines the entry list is Kyle Busch, who is set to make his second of five-scheduled series starts in the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado RST for Spire Motorsports at his home track to go alongside his full-time Cup Series role with Richard Childress Racing. Busch motored his way to his first Truck victory of the 2024 season with Spire Motorsports at Atlanta last weekend and has won four of the last six spring Truck events at Vegas.

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Busch is not the only Cup Series competitor entered for this weekend’s Truck Series event at Las Vegas as he will compete alongside former Truck champions Christopher Bell and Zane Smith. Smith, the 2022 Truck Series champion and a 2024 Cup Series rookie, will pilot the No. 91 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet Silverado RST for his first of four-scheduled starts in the series while Bell, the 2017 series champion, will pilot the No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage.

Another notable spot in this weekend’s Truck entry list is Connor Mosack, who will make his first of select series starts in the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST for Niece Motorsports. The 25-year-old Mosack from Charlotte, North Carolina, spent this past season competing in 24 Xfinity events between Sam Hunt Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing. He also achieved his first ARCA Menards Series career victory at Kansas Speedway last September and is currently competing in the 2024 Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series for Silver Hare Racing.

Currently, Tyler Ankrum, who has achieved two top-11 runs in his first two Truck events driving for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, leads the regular-season standings by 10 points over Ty Majeski, who finished in the runner-up spot behind Busch last weekend at Atlanta, and by 12 over Nick Sanchez, who scored his first career victory at Daytona. Corey Heim, Rajah Caruth, Bret Holmes, Matt Crafton, Taylor Gray, Christian Eckes and Daniel Dye trail in the top 10 in the standings, respectively.

2024 Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 Entry List

Following this upcoming weekend’s triple-header weekend at Vegas, the Cup and Xfinity Series teams and competitors will travel southeast to Avondale, Arizona, to compete at Phoenix Raceway alongside the ARCA Menards Series West for their season-opening event between March 8-10, which will conclude the two-week West Coast swing. Meanwhile, the Truck Series will enter its first off-weekend break period before returning to action at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee, on March 16.

The Craftsman Truck Series’ Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is set to air on Friday, March 1, at 9 p.m. ET on FS1 while the Xfinity Series’ The LiUNA! will follow suit and air on Saturday, March 2, at 5 p.m. ET on FS1. The Cup Series’ Pennzoil 400 will conclude this weekend’s triple-header feature by occurring on Sunday, March 3, at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

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