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Ford Performance Notes and Quotes – Daytona 500 Post-Race Quotes

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Official Release
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Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Daytona 500 | Monday, February 19, 2024

UNOFFICIAL FORD FINISHING RESULTS
9th – Noah Gragson
10th – Chase Briscoe
18th – Chris Buescher
20th – David Ragan
22nd – Austin Cindric
23rd – Ryan Preece
24th – Josh Berry
26th – Justin Haley
30th – Ryan Blaney
32nd – Joey Logano
33rd – Brad Keselowski
35th – Todd Gilliland
36th – Michael McDowell
38th – Kaz Grala
39th – Harrison Burton

AUSTIN CINDRIC, No. 2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang Dark Horse – WHAT DID YOU SEE THAT ROSS DIDN’T? “Me getting wrecked. He didn’t see that. It’s just a really unfortunate end. We had a shot to win the Daytona 500. We were really in great position with the outside lane breaking up and kind of one-on-one with the 24 with the whole pack behind, so you can’t really ask for anything else other than that out of myself and the team. It just sucks a little bit.”

YOU SAID YOU GOT WRECKED. DID YOU FEEL THERE WAS ANYTHING UNFAIR OR IS IT JUST THE NATURE OF RACING ON THE LAST LAP? “I guess. Corey finished fourth, so congrats. He tried to fit a car where there wasn’t a car and just continued to push through my left-rear until I wrecked. I understand trying to shuck me out or put up an opportunity because I was in probably the best spot possible coming to the white, but I’m in the care center and I don’t even know where I finished, so it really sucks but that’s racing.”

YOU DIDN’T HAVE ANY OTHER FORDS TO HELP WITH SO MANY GETTING TAKEN OUT IN THE PREVIOUS WRECK. DID THAT HURT? “Once you get that few laps left in the race it’s gridlock, so you’re pretty much doing your best to push. I mean, my job the whole rest of that race was to push the 24 as best as I could until I could get clear and we got to that point once the outside lane broke apart and had a great opportunity. I don’t know. Yeah, if I had maybe a teammate. Honestly, there are probably 39 other cars that probably would have taken care of that situation maybe a little better, but obviously not.”

JOEY LOGANO, No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “Speedway racing again. It’s a lot of fun until this happens. It was pretty interesting with a lot of pushing and shoving there at the end. Our car was able to take it. Our Mustang was so fast. It could lead a line really well. I kind of thought I had the cars I wanted around me. I had at least one I wanted around me, but just couldn’t make it work.”

YOU LED THE MOST LAPS AND THEN IT LOOKED LIKE YOU WERE IN POSITION UNTIL THE WRECK. “Yep. That’s very much how speedway racing is – boom and bang and crash and all that. It’s part of it. You’re pushing and shoving there at the end. We had the cars that could take it and were doing really well. I had Blaney behind me. I thought, ‘Man, if I could pick one, that’s the one I want. I’m in a great position here’ and just had to find the right opportunity to slip the 1 again because the 6 wasn’t working with us, so I felt if I could keep the 12 with me I’m gonna be in a decent spot, but it just didn’t work out. The car was so fast. The car was the fastest car on the track. I could lead a line. Whenever we weren’t saving fuel she was a rocket ship. It’s just how this game works. The wreck always starts in the front and you hope you’re in front of it. Second place isn’t far enough ahead.”

WITH 10 TO GO DO YOU EXPECT IT TO BE LIKE THAT? “The pushes are stupid the whole time. The whole thing – everybody just gets more and more intense. You know it’s gonna happen. Anyone can see it happening. You just know it. It happens every year. With 10 to go there’s gonna be a caution. You just hope you’re not in it and you can’t ride around. You can’t just sit there and not race because you’ll be too far back and won’t win that way. You just have to be one of the lucky guys right now like the 24, the 48, the 2, the 9 that are still alive to do it. It’s usually the people that start the wreck that stay alive. That’s the frustrating part.”

RYAN BLANEY, No. 12 Menards/Peak Ford Mustang Dark Horse – WHAT DID YOU SEE? “You’re kind of always watching when you’re in there and especially if you’re on top you can kind of watch and see how well their pushes are and it just looked like the 48 kind of got the 24 out of shape and just happened to get the 6 in the right-rear and unfortunately we were in the top lane. It’s an early end to our night, but we were up there in it and just wasn’t our weekend.”

YOU WERE HOLDING YOUR HAND. YOU OK? “Yeah, the wheel got ripped. I usually get my hands off the wheel, but I didn’t think I needed to and then it caught something and spun it weird, but it just tweaked it a little bit. It’s all good.”

WHAT HAPPENED? “I saw a replay and I kind of saw the 48 and 24 shoving hard and it looks like the 48 got out of shape and then the 24 was trying to find him and then by that time he got turned into Brad and then we were just a byproduct of being in the top lane. I couldn’t see a ton, but replay showed just hard pushing and it is what it is.”

YOU GRABBED YOUR WRIST. YOU OK? “It bent it pretty weird. I had my initial wreck and then my wheel grabbed something. I usually let go of the wheel, but I didn’t think I needed to and it just tweaked it a little bit. It’s all good.”

DO YOU ALMOST EXPECT SOMEONE TO GET TURNED GETTING PUSHED WITH 10 LAPS TO GO? “Yeah. I mean, there’s 10 to go in the 500. I didn’t think the 24’s push, from the replay I saw, it didn’t look bad. It looked like he just kind of got squirrely and then when he tried to get back to him he was kind of on the quarter, like a weird side of his bumper, but I can’t believe we didn’t wreck before that. I thought we were all going to because we were all shoving hard and stuff like that. It stinks, but I’m not as bad compared to the other night, so that’s good.”

BRAD KESELOWSKI, No. 6 Castrol Edge Ford Mustang Dark Horse – WHAT HAPPENED? “I don’t know. I got hit in the back, so I couldn’t really tell you. It’s a shame. I was kind of making a move for the lead with eight laps to go in the Daytona 500 and I’m here talking to you. It’s just one of those deals. We were mixed up in the middle of the soup most of the race. We executed really well in the final stage and put ourselves in position, but that’s just the way Daytona goes.”

IT LOOKED LIKE YOU GOT HOOKED FROM BEHIND. “Yeah, that’s kind of what the replay shows. I don’t exactly know what happened, but it’s unfortunate. We were making the pass for the lead with just eight laps to go and now I’m here talking to you guys. It’s not exactly where I want to be, no offense, but that’s just part of how this deal goes sometimes.”

THE 48 LOOKED LIKE HE WAS PUSHING THE 24. WAS IT OVERAGGRESSIVE? “You guys saw more than I saw. I saw the 1 car and I was making a move on him and I couldn’t tell what happened from there.”

WERE YOU TRYING TO BACK UP TO JOEY TO TRY AND CONTROL THE END OF THE RACE? “Joey, Ryan and I, I thought we were in a good position, but things happen.”

CHRIS BUESCHER, No. 17 Fastenal Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “We had a fast Fastenal Ford Mustang and I am excited about that heading into next week. That is about where my excitement ends on the day. The crash, that sucks, there is no way around that. That definitely ruined our ultimate result. It was a really strange race. One of the most frustrating races I have been a part of in a long time. Tons of fuel saving and it was all about the pit stop, one pit stop for every stage and then some massive blocks by single cars that weren’t up to speed. It is a lot different than the last go around. I didn’t have as much fan as I hoped to but we will be good for next weekend.”

CHASE BRISCOE, No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “Anytime you can finish this race in one piece is nice. It was hard to get track position. It seemed like wherever you kind of fell in after two or three laps of green flag pit stops you just kind of ran there the whole time. That was a weird race. It seems like everytime we run these superspeedways it turns into more and more of a fuel mileage race. I thought we would be okay there at the end and we had to start 12th or 13th on the restart and it was hard to do anything. We were all kind of bottled up. Coming out of here with an eighth place finish and missing the wrecks and not being in a huge points whole is nice. We have to play the same game next week at Atlanta and hopefully we can do it again but a couple of spots better.”

JOSH BERRY, No. 4 SunnyD Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “I feel like I learned a lot and raced well. There were a couple moves I wish I could have back maybe here or there but overall I was pretty happy we could work toward the front and maintain it. I thought the car was really good I just hate we got turned on pit road. That got us behind. We were able to get in the Lucky Dog position but it just didn’t work out there at the end. Overall it was a good night to learn I just hate we didn’t get the finish we deserved.”

NOAH GRAGSON, No. 10 Black Rifle Coffee/Ranger Boats Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “We came down there at the end. We led some laps early but we came down there at the end to fix some damage right before the final restart. We didn’t have a whole lot of area to go but I guess it is better than being wrecked. Overall we will take a top-10. We kind of got pinned on the bottom and didn’t have a lot of room to go and then the race ended. I feel so good being the wheel. This whole Stewart Haas team did a great job, especially getting the backup car going.”

JUSTIN HALEY, No. 51 Treetop Apple Juice/Jacob Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “Our No. 51 team did great working through the adversity that comes with a race at Daytona. It was good to get up front and work with our Ford teammates; that was something I was really looking forward to and it was nice to be able to show early on that we’re capable of being there. We’ve got some things to clean up on pit road, but that’s expected with a new team. I feel good about what we did overall.”

TODD GILLILAND, No. 38 gener8tor Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “I have no clue as far as the wreck. I just got hit in the side and then hit everyone else with the nose and just got stuck down there with a flat tire. My gener8tor Ford Mustang Dark Horse was really good out here. I think we really showed some good speed with all the Fords qualifying in the front row and then my Front Row team really brought me a good car personally. It’s really disappointing. I feel like we honestly could have had a shot with how fast my car was, but that’s how these races go sometimes. You just have to keep putting yourself in position and eventually it will all work out.”

HARRISON BURTON, No. 21 Motorcraft/DEX Imaging Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “I don’t remember exactly who it was on my outside. It just looked like they either got a bad push or got loose and just hit me in the right side and sent me across. The grass was so wet that once I got in the grass I thought I’d be OK, but the car just kept going and going, so really sad that our day is over as quick as it was. We had a really fast DEX Imaging/Motorcraft Ford Mustang. It’s just a bummer. There’s nothing we can do but just move on and try to win next week.”

HAVE YOU SEEN A REPLAY? “I haven’t seen it yet. I felt contact on the right side. I don’t know exactly, I guess it was a Legacy car. I don’t know. It’s frustrating. Once I got in the grass I couldn’t slow down because it was so wet and I just slid and slid and slid and came across the rest of the field. It’s just a bummer. I don’t know what to say or to do different. I don’t even thing I got wide open at that point. I was just saving fuel and that’s it. That’s the nature of these beasts. Sometimes there’s nothing you can do but just move on and try to win next week.”

IS IT EARLY TO BE ON THE CHIP? “I didn’t see what they were doing. I assume they were just pushing coming right off turn four. I’ve seen that movie before off of two and that doesn’t normally go well, so I don’t mind top of three-wide. We should be good enough to do that, but I guess just the pushing end and the placement of the pushing was not ideal, obviously.”

WAS FUEL SAVING STACKING THINGS UP? “Fuel saving definitely stacks up a little bit and the leaders fuel saving puts that third lane into play. I’m OK. The hit was probably harder than it should have been just coming back across the field like that. It’s a pretty helpless feeling, but I’m OK. I felt fine. All good. I’m just over wrecking early that’s for sure.”

KAZ GRALA, No. 36 Ruedebusch Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “I’m not sure. Two cars wrecked it looked like through the tri-oval grass and just rolled right back up into traffic and, unfortunately, there was nowhere that we could go. It’s pretty disappointing to end our day that early. It feels like we didn’t get a chance to race at all today. I’m disappointed that we’ll have to wait another year to go again in the Daytona 500 and that’s hoping I get an opportunity.”

DID YOU SEE HIM COMING UP? “I saw them in the grass, so you’re always thinking that they might come up and hoping they don’t, but at that time we were three-wide in the pack. You’ve got cars on all sides of you, behind you, in front of you, so you’re just filing through and hoping you don’t draw the unlucky straw where they come up in front of you and they did.”

COULD YOU SENSE THE ENERGY CHANGING A LAP BEFORE IT HAPPENED? “Yeah, I mean for sure. As soon as you get three-wide you know that everybody is pushing, but I figured that these guys wouldn’t want to wreck this early. I don’t know. Maybe somebody did.”

Explore Easy & Affordable Car Share Services in Melbourne

By
SM
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Car share services are a type of car rental service wherein individuals rent cars for short periods, often by the hour. They’re economical and convenient for people who require a car for a brief time. Most services operate on a membership basis, providing accessibility across various locations.

Car share services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation by offering convenience, cost-efficiency, and eco-friendliness. They eliminate the need for car ownership, reduce carbon emissions, and aid in alleviating traffic congestion. Car share Melbourne also generates significant employment opportunities globally.

Overview of Car Share Services in Melbourne

Car share services in Melbourne offer a practical, eco-friendly transportation solution. Companies like Flexicar, GoGet, and Popcar provide a network of vehicles for short or long-term use. Users can book online, and then unlock designated cars using a smartphone or membership card, providing affordable, on-demand vehicle access.

Analysis of Affordable Car Share Services in Melbourne

Detailed examination of various affordable car share services

Diverse affordable car share services significantly ease urban commutes, providing economic and environmental benefits. Services like Uber, Lyft and Zipcar, with their budget-friendly pricing, amplify accessibility. They offer diverse options including ride-sharing, short-term car rental or peer-to-peer car sharing, fitting varied transportation demands. Detailed examination reveals nuanced service provision differences.

Pricing comparison of different car share options

Car-sharing services like Uber, Lyft, and Zipcar offer different pricing models—Uber and Lyft charge based on distance and duration, with surge pricing during peak times. Zipcar requires a membership fee, plus hourly rates, but includes gas and insurance. It’s essential to compare these costs before choosing.

The booking process of these affordable car-share services

Affordable car share services offer a simple booking process. Through their websites or mobile apps, users can compare prices, choose from an array of available vehicles, specify pickup and dropoff locations, and set rental durations. Payments are securely processed online, making the entire procedure swift and hassle-free.

Accessibility of Car Share Services in Melbourne

Locations and proximity of car share services in Melbourne

Car share services in Melbourne are conveniently located near public transportation hubs, residential complexes, and popular destinations. Proximity is a key aspect, allowing easy access for residents and businesses. It includes companies like Flexicar, GoGet, and Car Next Door, fostering a convenient and sustainable urban transport culture.

Availability and scheduling options of car share services

Car share services provide flexible availability and scheduling options, offering convenience for users. Operated 24/7, these services allow you to book a ride anytime and anywhere instantly. Reservations or subscriptions also exist for regular commutes. Overall, these options enhance the accessibility and usability of such services.

Diversity of vehicle selections among car share services

Car share services offer a diverse range of vehicle selections to cater to different consumer needs. From compact cars for city driving to larger vehicles for family travel, the options are extensive. Luxury cars, hybrid models, and even trucks are also available, highlighting the inclusivity in vehicle choice.

How to easily use Car Share Services in Melbourne

Step-by-step guide on how to utilize car share services

Sign up for your preferred car share service, then choose a pickup location. Reserve the car either through the website or mobile app. Follow the instructions to unlock the car. When done, return it to the designated area and report the end of service via the platform.

Mobile applications and simplifying the car share experience

Mobile applications have revolutionized the car-sharing experience, simplifying and optimizing the process. They enable real-time tracking, easy booking, and reliable payment methods, eradicating the traditional complexities of car-sharing. This efficiency fosters convenience, enhancing the growth and popularity of this planet-friendly transport alternative.

Facilitate payment processes of car share services

Car share services simplify private transportation by offering a platform where individuals can conveniently rent cars. To facilitate both payment and reservation, many of these services use intuitive apps. These apps include features such as in-app payments, instant receipts, and financial tracking, creating a seamless user experience.

Environment-friendly Impact of Car Share Services

Reduction of carbon emissions by using car share services

Utilizing car share services significantly contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions. Each shared vehicle can replace multiple privately owned cars, thus, decreasing the volume of pollutants. It promotes less frequent driving and encourages greener travel habits, critical in combatting the escalating threats of climate change.

Contribution of car share services towards traffic reduction

Car-sharing services have greatly contributed to traffic reduction. By promoting the use of a single vehicle among multiple users, these services significantly decrease the number of cars on the roads, notably reducing congestion. They also encourage people to adopt more sustainable transport practices, thus helping reduce carbon emissions.

Car share servers and their role in sustainability initiatives

Car share services, like Zipcar and Car2Go, play a significant role in sustainability initiatives. By providing a shared transportation solution, they reduce the demand for individual car ownership, thereby reducing carbon emissions and encouraging more eco-friendly travel habits. Their impacts are instrumental in pushing towards a greener future.

Car share Melbourne FAQs

Which car share is best in Melbourne?

Flexicar car share service is widely considered the best in Melbourne. Renowned for its wide network and affordability, Flexicar offers 24/7 access to cars across the city. It’s flexible, convenient, often cheaper than owning a car and great for reducing carbon emissions.

Does Australia have a car share?

Yes, Australia does have car share services available. Numerous companies such as GoGet, Popcar and Flexicar offer these services. These companies provide flexible, convenient and cost-effective solutions to everyday travel. Users can book cars online or through mobile apps for their desired duration.

Is there car sharing in Victoria?

Yes, car sharing is available in Victoria, Canada. Several car-sharing companies like Modo, Zipcar, and Car2Go operate in the city. These services provide an economical and environmentally friendly transportation option, reducing the need for car ownership while promoting sustainable urban mobility.

Is Popcar in Melbourne?

Popcar, a popular car-sharing service, is available in Melbourne, Australia. Popcar offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to car ownership, providing access to various cars and vans in convenient locations around the city.

AMS ANNOUNCES AMBETTER HEALTH 400 DIGNITARIES

By
Official Release
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March 19, 2023: at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georiga. (HHP/Harold Hinson)

HAMPTON, Ga. (Feb. 19, 2024) — Several special guests and dignitaries will be part of the pre-race festivities to help kick off the racing action at Atlanta’s first NASCAR weekend of 2024.

Ambetter Health 400 (Sunday, Feb. 25) Dignitaries:

Grand Marshal: Legendary NASCAR broadcaster Doug Rice will give the command to start engines for Sunday’s race. The leading voice for the Performance Racing Network will check off a major bucket list item to kick off his farewell tour of the NASCAR circuit in 2024.

Honorary Starter: The NASCAR Cup Series field will take the green flag as it’s waived by honorary starter Eric Izquierdo of Intouch Financial Group.

National Anthem Singer: Two-time Georgia Country Female Artist of the Year Mary Kate Farmer will perform the Star-Spangled Banner before NASCAR’s stars strap in for 400 miles of action Sunday.

Flyover: As Mary Kate Farmer performs the national anthem, a pair of F-22s from the 1st Fighter Wing out of Langley Air Force Base will awe the crowd as they perform a flyover above the speedway.

Pre-race entertainment: A Georgia native schooled on ‘90s-country heroes like Alan Jackson, Jon Langston’s blend of warm vocal buzz drenched in raspy Southern soul and a modern-country sound will be enjoyed by fans during Sunday’s pre-race concert. Before Langston’s performance, DJ EU will be spinning sound and fun atop the pre-race stage.

These special guests will play a major role in a fun-filled weekend of racing and entertainment at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Fan activities begin Thursday with the Pedal Power Party bike ride around the speedway and Speedway Children’s Charities Laps for Charity. On-track competition begins Friday with qualifying for the Fr8 208 and RAPTOR King of Tough 250 as well as Legends and Bandolero racing.

More than 850 miles of racing action are on tap with the Fr8 208 and RAPTOR King of Tough 250 both racing on Saturday, Feb. 24, and the weekend’s action culminating with the Ambetter Health 400 on Sunday, Feb. 25.

Tickets and camping accommodations for the Feb. 23-25 Ambetter Health 400 NASCAR weekend are available at www.AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.

About the Ambetter Health 400 weekend:

Atlanta’s spring NASCAR weekend is headlined by the Ambetter Health 400 on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, with intense, superspeedway pack racing and high stakes with a spot in the NASCAR playoffs on the line.

The race weekend also features the tenth year of Atlanta’s same-day NASCAR doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. The thrills of the Fr8 208 and RAPTOR King of Tough 250 races both happen in one action-packed day that race fans look forward to every year.

More information on the Feb. 23-25, 2024, Ambetter Health 400 weekend and ticket availability can be found online at AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.

Follow Atlanta Motor Speedway:

Keep track of all of Atlanta Motor Speedway’s events by following on Twitter, Instagram, and become a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Atlanta Motor Speedway mobile app.

2024 Sebring Trans Am Season Opener for LTK and Damon Racing Mike Cope Mustang

By
Official Release
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Sebring, FLORIDA – February 19, 2024 – The Trans Am presented by Pirelli Series has picked up a new entitlement, with the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series as the headliner for 2024. Damon Racing and the Mike Cope Enterprises crews are ready to enlist on Round 1 at the signature destination for Trans Am’s season start, Sebring International Raceway, February 22 – 25.

It’s been a long winter off from the race track, especially for those living in the north. The training and progress never stops for the Ironman, Tom Sheehan, and spirits are high with a new season in the midst for the No. 97 LTK Mustang pilot.

“The off-season training and testing are behind us,” stated Tom Sheehan. “I’m excited to get into competition mode!”

The CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Championship schedule for 2024 is composed of twelve events across North America starting all the action off in Sebring, FL and finishing up at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, TX. The Series will add a new stop at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, ON and return to Road Atlanta, NOLA, World Wide Technology Raceway, Lime Rock Park, Pittsburgh International Race Complex, Mid Ohio, Road America, Watkins Glen, and Virginia International Raceway.

First official practice on the 3.74-mile bumpy road course will be coming up this Friday, February 23 at 10:40 a.m. ET for the TA2 class cars at Sebring International Raceway. Qualifications are scheduled for that afternoon and will start at 2:20 p.m. ET with two separate groups respectively.

The race will go green on Saturday, February 24 at 11:15 a.m. and is scheduled for a duration of 27 laps or 75-minutes. It should be a hot weekend, fans stay cool, and come by and say hi!

Watch all live stream event content from the Trans Am Series here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTransAmSeries/streams

The Mike Cope and Damon Racing team have been hard at work, preparing a new car that will also carry a brand-new partner and livery – this is set to be unveiled and announced at Road Atlanta. Stay tuned!

Follow Tom’s social media channels via his Facebook page, Damon Racing, Instagram account (@TomSheehanTA97), and X account (@TomTA2_97). For more information on LTK Insulation Technologies and the line of high-quality products, please visit https://ltkinsulationtechnologies.com.

About LTK Insulation Technologies

Putting LTK insulation jackets and covers to work on your project saves real money and time for your firm.

No matter the application, take charge of protecting your hydronic and process controls and valves with a quality insulation cover. With LTK Insulation Technologies, you can be proactive and save money and headaches with high quality material. Insulating in-line controls in your process facility or central hydronic HVAC system from heat loss and condensation. Cover the range of your challenging conditions with an LTK Pro-Fit or LTK Fast Fit Insulation Jacket.

With LTK Insulation Technologies, your imagination is the only limit. Go LTK today!

For more information on LTK Insulation Technologies please visit the website online: https://ltkinsulationtechnologies.com/

The Role of Technology in Reducing Roadside Emergencies

By
SM
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Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Roadside emergencies are as old as the vehicles themselves. While the number of cars you see around has gone up, the ratio of roadside emergencies has only gone down. You’d think that we’re moving in the right direction. 

Of course, we are, but fewer road incidents, or even zero, would be better. 

So, what’s the current innovation in the automotive industry that’s helping with emergency services and roadside assistance? 

Real-Time Visibility for Faster Emergency Response

At the core of transforming roadside emergency response are technologies like GPS fleet trackers (view details) that provide real-time visibility into vehicle locations. You can reach the vehicle quickly once you know where it is. 

There are now platforms leveraging cellular and satellite connectivity to help rescue professionals quickly and efficiently locate any connected vehicle. Swiftness and efficiency of the rescue operations are the keywords here. 

Understanding the exact incident location is the critical first step in rapidly mobilising assistance. Detailed GPS guidance then enables precise navigation to render aid promptly even in tricky terrain. Without such tracking visibility, precious additional minutes or hours may be lost exploring areas in search of those stranded.

So, at a basic level, GPS-enabled emergency locating enables radically improved response efficiency compared to relying on descriptions over phone calls. But additional layers of rich telemetry and sensor data promise even greater impact.

Sensor Data for Informed Emergency Dispatch

The current modern vehicles are coming with innovative solutions to increase the safety of everyone on the road. You’ve probably heard about fleet tracking solutions outfitted with diverse sensors that can provide detailed snapshots of emergencies to assist dispatch operations. 

Read the features of a current new vehicle and you’ll find similar features. 

Some of these modern vehicles have crash detectors that can automatically trigger emergency alerts including precise coordinates when airbags deploy or other signals indicative of an accident are detected. The driver doesn’t have to do anything in this case. 

On the other hand, telemetry feeds might pick up signs of potential medical emergencies like extended idling with the engine still running. 

With this contextual data, emergency responders get informed early on the scale and specialised resources different roadside incidents might require. As a result, they can dispatch suitable ambulances, repair teams, fire brigades, or heavy tow trucks right away, cutting down total intervention time.

And forklift proximity detection system sensor capabilities continue advancing to enable ever-smarter dynamic dispatch intelligence. The future potential is tremendous, whether leveraging vehicle cameras, vital sign monitoring, maintenance issue detection, or environmental sensors to relay situational insights to emergency coordinators in real-time.

Two-Way Communication for Reassurance

While visibility and sensor alerts enable faster outside emergency response, two-way communication capabilities provide reassurance to stranded motorists during what can be tense wait times. Many modern connected vehicles integrate functionality for occupants to instantly trigger emergency calls or roadside assistance requests via voice commands or in-car buttons. 

What better way is there than to ask the driver involved in the crash about their situation? Two-way communication capability compliments the visibility and sensor alerts. It’s where we say more is better – at least when we’re talking about roadside emergencies tech. 

Additionally, integrating messaging functions into fleet tracking apps gives users and emergency services a secure channel to relay updates. Stranded drivers can confirm details on their status and specifics of required assistance. 

Meanwhile, emergency coordinators can provide estimated arrival times of dispatched help and guide users if any immediate actions like relocation are advisable depending on traffic conditions or other hazards detected. 

This real-time relay of context in both directions eases uncertainty and empowers both parties with lifesaving coordination ability – a feat unimaginable not long ago without advanced mobile technology infrastructure.

Ongoing Innovation Across Automotive Technology

We’re in the age of technology and so that means more innovation in vehicle safety and rescue. So, what’s on the horizon to boost roadside response and safety?

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) is the newest tech in the block, which allows your vehicle to communicate with others on the road to promote safety and efficiency on the road. 

Other safety-promoting communications systems being developed at the same time as V2V is vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I).

With V2I, your vehicle will be able to interact with road infrastructure such as sign posts and act accordingly. For example, your vehicle will soon be able to read a traffic stop sign or traffic lights and act without your input. Imagine your driver assistance tech stopping at the red light and accelerating when it’s clear to go. 

Your vehicle is getting smarter by the day, and that’s good for your safety. Many errors of judgement and impaired thinking have for a long time been the main culprits for car accidents. Smarter cars promise to do most of the decision making for you, without distractions. 

So, as smart cities and intelligent highways mature, they carry the promise of revolutionising emergency response ecosystem-wide. This has wide implications even for the healthcare system and average quality of life in the society. 

One example is integrating public CCTV feeds and sensors from smart infrastructure to give emergency dispatchers access to multiple vantage points of any highway incident beyond onboard vehicle detection capabilities. 

So, while vehicle autonomy promises to address a major root cause of accidents by eliminating human errors, next-generation batteries and powertrains aim to minimise breakdowns themselves.

The Future of Roadside Emergencies Tech is Good

Leveraging the power of technology is fundamentally transforming our capability to assist motorists in roadside emergencies. GPS tracking establishes rapid response foundations while telemetry and sensors enable optimised dynamic dispatch based on detailed incident context. Two-way communication provides stranded travellers essential reassurance while ongoing innovation across smart mobility promises to further enhance proactive accident prevention and emergency response efficiencies ecosystem-wide in the future.

With players like PAJ GPS pushing boundaries around applying cutting-edge GPS, IoT and predictive technology specialised to the automotive sphere, the outlook shines bright for continued innovation in revolutionising assistance for troubled travellers. By embracing these exponential technological advances, we move towards a reality where help is always on hand – no matter where the open road takes you.

The Daytona 500 is more than just a race

By
Samuel Stubbs
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Photo by David Yeazell for SpeedwayMedia.com.

I always smile when one of those ESPN “More than a game” commercials dances across my television screen. The idea that sports mean so much more than the crack of a bat or kick of a ball is not exclusive to me, but you’ll find no bigger proponent of this theory and it all harkens back to a February night in 2014.

The catalyst for this extraordinary moment in my young life is, unfortunately, a sad one. Twelve days before the running of the 2014 Daytona 500, my grandmother passed away. A Proverbs 31 woman through and through, we all grieved, though being just shy of 8 years old at the time, I’m not sure I understood what grief was or exactly how to process it. Regardless of my family’s situation, though, there I was, parked in front of my television on February 23, 2014, ready to kick off the new NASCAR season along with millions of other fans. A diehard Dale Jr. fan, I knew how good he always was at the superspeedways, and I waited with my fellow fans as the race endured an excruciating rain delay.

With school out the next day in observance of Presidents’ Day, my mom graciously allowed me to stay up into the wee hours of the morning to watch Dale Earnhardt Jr. take the checkered flag in front of Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Brad Keselowski and Denny Hamlin.

I think I can confidently say that I am more “into” my faith now than I have ever been, but no spiritual or religious moment for me will ever compare to that special feeling as I watched Dale Jr.’s Chevy, with a piece of trash stuck to the grill, cross the line first. In a time of grief for myself and my family, my favorite driver had brought healing. I could’ve sworn my grandmother was in the passenger seat of Jr.’s car in those final few laps, somehow keeping his temperature gauges from spiking with a piece of plastic stuck to the car, willing him to victory as a seven-year-old kid in Arkansas went absolutely bonkers. If Bill France had a special relationship with The Man Upstairs, he would have allowed my grandmother into the Daytona 500 pew, helping her guide Jr. to Victory Lane. It was the first win for Jr. since I became both a fan of NASCAR and Jr. himself in 2013, making it even more special.

Whenever people ask me why I sit in front of a microphone or document and devote so much time to covering this sport, I always tell them that my goal is to give back, in whatever way possible, to a sport that has given me so much more than I could’ve ever imagined. Entertainment, sure, but it’s also helped me get jobs, meet incredible people, and given me a goal to reach for as I look to college and beyond. Without this insane, wonderful, mess of a sport, I simply wouldn’t be who I am.

On February 19, I will walk through those hallowed Daytona gates as a fan for the first time, nearly a decade after Dale Jr.’s 2014 triumph, and I don’t doubt that my grandmother will be on my shoulder as I walk to my seat, which may as well be a seat in Heaven next to Bill France. If you see me walking through the concourse on Monday, I’ll likely have some tears leaking out of my eyes, which will finally be seeing one of my favorite places in the world in the flesh.

We all have our reasons for watching common men do uncommon things for 38 weeks out of the year, but no matter what yours is, just remember; it’s always more than just a race.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Finishes Strongly on Swedish Snow

By
Official Release
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Car 33 (Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin)

Toyota City, Japan, Feb 19, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team has ended a challenging Rally Sweden on a high with Elfyn Evans scoring a strong haul of points towards the championship after setting the pace on the final day and claiming second overall.

It was a strong recovery for Evans after he was forced to run first on the road and plough through deep snow on Friday afternoon. Having been just 1.9 seconds from the eventual winner during mid-day service, the extreme conditions left him 1m50s from the lead at the end of the day.

Having moved up from fifth to third on Saturday morning, Evans then stormed into second place on Sunday’s opening stage. He was fastest in the subsequent second pass of that stage, and finished a close second in the rally-ending Power Stage. That was enough to top the ‘Super Sunday’ classification, giving he and co-driver Scott Martin a total of 24 points from the weekend – more than any other crew.

Both Kalle Rovanperä and Takamoto Katsuta fought for the rally lead before they fell victim to the snowbanks that line the stages. Rovanperä held the early lead until contact with a snow bank in SS4 on Friday caused radiator damage. He restarted on Saturday and targeted manufacturers’ points on Sunday, where he was second-quickest to Evans across the day and fastest by just 0.039s in the Power Stage. The team therefore took the maximum 22 points available on Sunday and remains jointly in the lead of the manufacturer’s’ championship after two rounds.

After an excellent drive through the demanding conditions of Friday, Katsuta was only 0.9s from first place before he got stuck in a snowbank on Saturday morning’s SS10. He too returned to action on Sunday.

Lorenzo Bertelli enjoyed driving an additional fourth GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID on the Swedish stages for the second year in succession through TGR-WRT’s customer programme. Enthusiastic as ever, the Italian reached the finish in 10th place overall.

In its second WRC2 event, the GR Yaris Rally2 proved to be a competitive force with four cars finishing inside the top five of the class and the overall top 10 in the hands of customer teams. Those four cars were engaged in close competition for most of the event, with Sami Pajari ultimately finishing second in WRC2 for Printsport ahead of Georg Linnamäe (RedGrey), Roope Korhonen (Rautio Motorsport) and Mikko Heikkilä (TGS). There was also an outright stage win in the extreme conditions of Friday afternoon in the hands of Linnamäe in SS5.

For more information, visit https://toyotagazooracing.com/wrc/release/2024/rd02-day4/.

MC to Subscribe Shares in TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution in India

By
Official Release
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Capital relationship diagram

TOKYO, Feb 19, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) is pleased to announce that it has agreed to subscribe shares (approx. 32%) in TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution Private Limited (TVS VMS) through the private placement. The completion of these transactions is subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authorities.

To gain a downstream foothold in the rapidly growing Indian automotive sector, MC had invested in one of India`s largest independent after-sales services providers, i.e., TVS Automobile Solutions (TASL), in 2019. TASL has a network of roughly 700 service centers and partnerships with 16,000 retailers of wholesale auto parts connecting through digital technology.

This latest investment in TVS VMS, one of the largest multi-brand dealers in India, widens MC’s investment coverage through enhanced downstream service capabilities. This investment is intended to propel MC’s aim to develop comprehensive mobility solutions spanning not only after-sales services and multi-brand sales, but also leasing and other automotive operations by utilizing extensive TVS VMS’ customer base and digital technology.

TVSM Overview

TVSM is one of TVS Group’s most recognizable companies, with a proud history in automobile sales dating back to 1951. In December 2023, TVSM established a new company called TVS VMS where these automotive operations will be spun off within 2024. Having inherited TVSM’s nationwide network built over time, TVS VMS is one of the leading automotive dealers in India. Its 152 dealerships carry construction and material handling equipment, in addition to distribution of commercial and passenger vehicles produced by number of automakers, including Honda, Renault, Ashok Leyland and Mahindra.

TVSM has an established local customer base, and its dealerships have sold more than one million vehicles since 1951 and performed roughly 100,000 regular maintenance services on an annual basis. In recent years, TVSM began focusing on customer convenience with the usage of digital technology and developed TVSOne, an app designed to offer one-stop services for insurance, finance, maintenance and other automotive and equipment needs.

Indian Automotive Market

India boasts the world’s third-largest market for new automobiles, with sales topping five million vehicles in 2023. While the market is expected to grow at 6-7%, a recent trend in India has been a transition from vehicle ownership to usership, particularly in the corporate segment. In India, where electricity is less expensive than petrol, more drivers are shifting from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE vehicles) to electric vehicles (EVs) in order to enjoy the total cost of ownership advantage that the latter provides. As such, India’s near-term market growth will likely reflect a mix of ownership, usership, ICE vehicles and EVs. Due to these market conditions, it is expected that customer needs for comprehensive mobility solutions that not only include the sales of vehicles but also cover after-sales service, leasing, insurance, and other services would rise in the future.

Transition & Direction of MC’s Automotive Business

MC has been engaged in overseas automotive businesses since the 1950s. Primarily targeting Thailand, Indonesia and other ASEAN markets, its operations cover everything from automobile manufacturing to sales, sales financing and after sales. In the fast-growing Indian market, MC got involved in manufacturing and sales since 2012 (through Isuzu Motors India Private Limited), and will further strengthen its operations together with TVSM led by Mr. Dinesh, currently serving as President of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), though expansion of a customer base and the application of digital technology.

Capital relationship diagram

About Mitsubishi Corporation

Headquarters：3-1 Marunouchi 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Established：1954
Main Business: MC is a global integrated business enterprise that is comprised of Industry DX Group, Next-Generation Energy Business Group and ten Business Groups: Automotive & Mobility, Natural Gas, Industrial Materials, Petroleum & Chemicals, Mineral Resources, Industrial Infrastructure, Food Industry, Consumer Industry, Power Solution and Urban Development.
Representative: Katsuya Nakanishi, President and CEO

About TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution Private Limited

Headquarters：No. 13, By pass Road, Poonamallee, Tiruvallur, Tamilnadu 600056, India
Established：2023
Main Business：TVS VMS is a spin-off of TVS Mobility Private Limited, a representative company of TVS Group. TVS Group was established in 1911 and is currently engaged in diversified businesses such as motorcycle business and logistics.
With 400 in-house digital engineers, TVS Group is now driving the business model transformation through AI/digital utilization.
Representative: Mr. R. Dinesh, Director and President of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for FY 2023-24

Cadillac seeks Le Mans win with three entries

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Official Release
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WEC Hypercar contender to be joined by IMSA GTP cars for second consecutive year

DETROIT (Feb.19, 2024) – Cadillac Racing will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June to challenge for the overall victory with three Cadillac V-Series.R hybrid racecars supported by experienced and championship-winning drivers and teams.

It is the second consecutive year that Cadillac Racing has received three invitations from event organizer Automobile Club de l’Ouest to compete in the classic endurance race. In 2023 — Cadillac Racing’s first year of FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar competition — the No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R earned a podium finish and the No. 3 Cadillac V-Series.R finished fourth at Circuit de la Sarthe. The No. 311 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R placed 10th in class.

“We’re thrilled for Cadillac Racing to return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with three cars competing for the overall win in the Hypercar class,” said John Roth, vice president, global Cadillac. “After scoring our first podium finish at this iconic endurance race in 2023, we look to build on that success and showcase the Cadillac V-Series.R’s technology, innovation and durability, while demonstrating the remarkable capabilities and determination of our race teams.”

Cadillac Racing’s stout roster features drivers who have secured overall and class victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, IndyCar championships and IMSA prototype titles among other motorsport accolades. The 92nd running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is June 15-16.

  • The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R received an automatic entry based on its full-season participation in the WEC. Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn and reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou will be the drivers.
  • The No. 3 Cadillac V-Series.R is a full-season IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship entry in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class, where it races as the No. 01. Sébastien Bourdais, Renger van der Zande and six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon will be the drivers.
  • The No. 311 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R is a full-season IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship entry in the GTP class, where it races as the No. 31. Reigning IMSA GTP champion Pipo Derani and Jack Aitken will be joined by a co-driver to be named in the future. “We were excited to race in the 100th anniversary of Le Mans in 2023. To be on the podium in 2023 with a brand-new car, new team and new rules, was amazing,” said GM sports car racing program manager Laura Wontrop Klauser. “In 2024, we’ll keep pushing forward, use the lessons from 2023 to make us stronger on the program and be ready to go against the best in the world at Le Mans.”

The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R placed third in the centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans among its four top-five finishes in its WEC debut season with Bamber, Lynn and Richard Westbrook sharing the driving duties.

“We are all looking forward to Cadillac returning to Le Mans and challenging for the overall victory. It has been decades since an American manufacturer has achieved this and we will be strongly pushing to achieve our goal,” said Bamber, overall winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015 and 2017.

Cadillac claimed every IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTP trophy in 2023. Cadillac won its fourth Manufacturer Championship and fifth IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Manufacturer Championship since entering prototype competition in 2017, while the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R earned driver/team season and IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup titles.

The No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R kicked off 2024 IMSA GTP competition with a pole start and runner-up finish in the 62nd Rolex 24 At Daytona in January. The No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R qualified second. The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R opens FIA WEC Hypercar competition March 2 with the Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 Km.

Second year of global competition

The Cadillac V-Series.R design — codeveloped by Cadillac Design, Cadillac Racing and chassis constructor Dallara — was informed by the Project GTP Hypercar that was unveiled in June 2022. The racecar incorporates distinctive Cadillac design elements, such as vertical lighting and floating blades.

The Cadillac V-Series.R features a purpose-built Cadillac 5.5L DOHC V-8 engine developed by GM’s Performance and Racing Propulsion team based in Pontiac, Michigan.

How to Tell If a Car Air Conditioning Compressor is Bad

By
SM
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Photo by Olav Tvedt on Unsplash

The car AC compressor is essentially the cornerstone of the air conditioning system, ensuring the refrigerant continues to circulate for optimal performance. As a result, the entire air conditioning system will likely be impacted if any issues arise with the compressor. It’s crucial to note that a faulty AC compressor can present potential hazards. Often, a deteriorating compressor will display certain warning signs. Here’s how you can tell if a car air conditioning compressor is bad.

Clutch Issues

The AC compressor features a clutch linked to the engine via a belt and pulley system. The clutch allows the compressor to alternate between active and idle states rather than being in constant operation while the vehicle is in motion. This mechanism reduces wear and tear on the compressor and enhances fuel efficiency, as the engine doesn’t need to power the compressor when cool air isn’t required.

However, complications may arise if the compressor clutch fails. It might get stuck in the “on” state causing the compressor to rotate continuously while driving. Conversely, it could stop working entirely, preventing the compressor from engaging. Both scenarios are unfavorable. The clutch can sometimes be fixed, but replacing it with ARB air compressors and clutch is generally recommended for an optimal solution.

Sounds Emanating from the Engine Area

Various elements could be the source of peculiar noises near the engine. These might include a shrieking belt, a grumbling power steering pump, a deteriorated pulley, or brake pads that need to be replaced. It indicates that an AC service is due if you detect sounds like chatter, whine, squeal, chirp, or rattle originating from the AC compressor during an inspection. 

Occasionally, the noise only starts when you activate the AC switch, whereas some sounds are continuous. The noises from the compressor can either be due to a malfunctioning clutch or a jammed shaft. It’s probable for a failure to occur if the oil in the compressor, utilized for lubrication, gets contaminated (typically with water vapor), is not adequately available, or is not the correct kind.

Clear Signs of Damage on the AC Compressor

Damage to the compressor or its clutch might signal an issue from within. Similarly, corrosion could also be a warning sign. The presence of moisture can harm your vehicle’s AC system, hence external corrosion might suggest internal issues. Oil leaks can cause the compressor to fail. Any signs of damage, whether it’s bending, breaking, corrosion, or leaks, should be inspected to ensure the functionality of your AC system.

Damaged Wire

During home maintenance, you might come across any kind of damaged wiring. This is a significant indicator of a faulty AC compressor. Damaged wiring poses a severe safety risk as it can readily trigger an electrical fire, which is why it’s important to have it checked by professional auto electricians toowoomba.

If an AC unit faces electrical issues, it can cause the compressor to receive either excessive or inadequate voltage. This rapid fluctuation can swiftly deteriorate the compressor, leading to installing a new AC compressor.

Fluid Leaking

A leak in your AC compressor often signifies that the component is experiencing a fault. The AC compressor is equipped with internal bearings designed to prevent fluid leakage. However, these bearings can wear out over time or due to damage, leading to potential leaks. 

If refrigerant, the fluid in question, escapes from the car’s AC compressor, it may result in the air conditioning system ceasing to function. More critically, this situation could pose a significant health hazard. When investigating possible issues with your AC compressor, verify that the system still contains its refrigerant.

Endnote

Should you notice any of these red flags, it’s highly recommended to get your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic at the earliest. Addressing issues with malfunctioning car AC compressors promptly is crucial, as their repair costs can be steep.

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