Home Blog Page 1290

CHEVROLET NCS AT TEXAS: William Byron Media Availability Quotes

By
Official Release
-

NASCAR CUP SERIES
TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
AUTOTRADER ECHOPARK AUTOMOTIVE 400
TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
SEPTEMBER 23, 2023

WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY CAMARO ZL1, met with the media prior to the NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying session at Texas Motor Speedway. Press Conference Quotes:

You started driving in a car at age 14, several years after a lot of other competitors. As more and more kids are racing at an earlier age, do you think that somebody could be in your position a decade later by not competing until the age 14 on the track? Is there still that path that you were able to do through iRacing?

“I mean, I think you can still do it that way, just because I feel like it’s more of a maturity thing. I don’t think that me starting younger would have yielded the same results. I just feel like me starting when I did, I felt like I understood things. I watched racing for a long time and I had a little bit better idea of what I was looking to do. I feel like starting really young is fine, if that’s what you choose to do. But it’s easy to get burnt out, too. So you don’t want to be burnt out at 14 years old – have raced for so many years, so many weekends, that you don’t have much of a life outside of that. I feel like I’ve learned a lot of things by starting when I did and kind of going from there, and still having the desire and the drive now to do it every weekend.”

Can maturity still overcome laps run?

“Yeah, I think it’s quality of laps. I don’t think just any laps are good. I think I’ve spent plenty of time at go-cart tracks and going to race different things, and I can’t say that all of those laps were valuable to what I do on Sunday’s. I think some of them were. It’s more quality than quantity, I think, and getting yourself in competitive environments where it’s very difficult to compete and win. I think that’s really important because having that false sense of confidence that you’re going to win every race is not real. So you have to put your kid in different situations that he’s going to be challenged – see how they perform and see if they enjoy it. If they enjoy that challenge, that’s usually what it takes. When you get to this level, you’re only going to win maybe 10 to 20 percent of the time. So it’s very difficult – you go a lot of weeks losing.”

The temperature Sunday is supposed to be around 100 degrees. Is there a point where it’s too hot to compete and what precautions are you taking?

“Yeah, I mean it’s certainly going to be really hot. Last year was around 96 degrees.. I was looking at that, for reference. But I do think it’s going to be tough. These cars are really hot. We take a lot of measures to help cooling on our side, with the cool shirts and all those things. So hopefully all of that stuff works well and we can have a smooth day. It’s nice that it’s 100 miles shorter. It’s a bigger race track, so there’s a little bit more airflow and less work in the corners. I feel like if you were at Bristol (Motor Speedway) and it was 100 degrees, you’d have guys really falling out. But here, I think it will be a little bit easier.”

I assume you watched last year’s race – what’s it like to watch and see all those tires blow, and you had your deal with (Denny) Hamlin that created drama for a couple of weeks. What are those feelings when you’re watching it – you’re trying to learn, but there was all this stuff going on?

“Yeah, there was a lot of chaos last year. I think what I looked at is how fast our car was. What inspired me was how good we were last year – how we could pass through the field. We missed out on a couple of stage points here and there, I thought, during the race. Stage Two, just the way that it went at the end there, we probably missed out on two. And then Stage One, as well. I feel like we could have had even more points that day. So that’s kind of what I look at – how do we maximize that day a little bit better if we have the same speed this year, or hopefully a little bit better. I like this race track and I feel like I was able to navigate through traffic. I’m hopeful that tires aren’t an issue this year. They did a tire test here, so I’m trusting all of that stuff. And for us, just hopefully bring similar speed.”

It’s been a great season for your team to this point. Looking back on what you’ve accomplished so far, personally, how does that make you feel to say – I’ve had a dominate season to this point?

“Yeah, I haven’t really reflected on that too much. I thought about that over the last couple of weeks, or really the last week, in general, as we start the next round – trying to enjoy what we’ve accomplished if this doesn’t work for me. I haven’t thought about how good of a season it’s been or anything like that, so definitely not where my mind is. Maybe in November, I might look back and reflect and say it was a great year, but there’s still a lot to accomplish and I feel like we’re just starting to get into the meat of the season. This is an important time of the year and it’s hard to just reflect and look back.”

Getting through this race and looking forward to Talladega Superspeedway and the ROVAL, being the two wild card races, so to speak for the next couple of races – that momentum, those points, are going to help you. But how do you tackle those two races to move onto the next round?

“Yeah, I mean Talladega (Superspeedway) has been hit-or-miss for us in the last couple of years. We’ve had solid finishes. We’ve been good at avoiding crashes with my spotter and we’ve been good at managing our way to the front. I think we can get a little bit better at getting some stage points here and there. So I look at that – try to make better decisions. Definitely a lot of studying that’s going to go into this week to figure out what we need to do a little bit better for Talladega, based on Daytona (International Speedway) and Talladega in the spring. I’m a little nervous about that one.

The (Charlotte) ROVAL, I’m confident in it. I think we’ve always been fast there. It’s always been a good track for me, and just winning Watkins Glen (International), I think we’ve got a good road course feel. We just have to get through Talladega, really.”

With how difficult it is to pass here, typically, what is the importance of getting a good qualifying lap in and the importance of strategy?

“Yeah, it is important, for sure. But last year, I saw a lot of passing. As crazy as that was to see, I thought there was a lot of passing throughout the field last year. I think this Next Gen car yields itself to have some of that. With it being hot out, I think you’re going to move around the track some within those two grooves that we have here. You’re going to be off the throttle and able to pass people. Not a huge deal to start in the teens, I would say, but you definitely don’t want to start in the 20s. And it is a short first stage, so you have to get a lot done quickly. So hopefully we start in the top-10 like we have been and hopefully on the front-row. But if not, your day’s not done.”

I know you said you don’t really want to reflect on some of the accomplishments that you’ve had so far this year, however, you’ve improved every season, statistically. Do you feel like this year is the year that you legitimately can go for the championship? Do you have the expectation and confidence to possibly be able to do that?

“I mean, I definitely think it’s my best chance that I’ve had, so far. I look at being 25 years old – I feel like I have a lot of opportunities at this, so this is a learning experience to see what the pressure is like getting to Phoenix (Raceway). So hopefully we make it past Martinsville (Speedway) this year. We were close last year and hopefully we just get a little bit closer. I feel like each year has been that steady progression, steady learning curve, so I just want to keep that going and try to make that next step.

Yeah, I think it’s a great opportunity. I think our team is probably as good as it’s ever been, so we’re definitely really capable.”

You do have the most wins on the season and it’s your best year, so far. Is there one thing you can point to that’s made the difference between this year and years past?

“I don’t know – I think we just came out of the off-season with a lot of hunger and a lot of drive to be better, and I think we prepared like that throughout the off-season. Rudy (Fugle, crew chief) was working on Christmas Eve, so I think it really never stopped, and I think that started with him and then trickled throughout the team. Myself, I never really took a break. I was racing throughout the off-season, so I think a lot of things were different. We didn’t really settle for what we did last year – having a couple of wins and getting close. I think we went at it full-steam and tried to get better, and it showed once we showed up at Las Vegas (Motor Speedway) for the third race of the year and we were really strong. I think it just continued throughout the year and we just have to keep improving.”

 

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.

Ryan Blaney Texas Media Availability Transcript (9.23.23)

By
Official Release
-

Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 | Saturday, September 23, 2023

Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 12 Menards/Dutch Boy Ford Mustang, spoke with members of the media on Saturday morning at Texas Motor Speedway about his 300th career start and hopes for the first race in the Round of 12.

RYAN BLANEY, No. 12 Menards/Dutch Boy Ford Mustang – YOU ARE MAKING YOUR 300TH START IN THE CUP SERIES, WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU TO MAKE IT THIS FAR IN YOUR CAREER AND WHAT HAS TEAM PENSKE GIVEN TO YOU THAT HAS ENRICHED YOUR CAREER? “It is hard to believe we are at 300 already. It seems like just yesterday we were at Kansas in 2014. It has been a fun ride and I have gotten to drive for a lot of great people, from Penske to the Wood Brothers family and a lot of paths crossed which has been really special. I definitely never would have thought I would be here. I did an interview with someone from NASCAR and they told me how many my dad had and I think that will be a more eye-opening day if I get to have more starts than my dad did. Penske has been … I owe them the world. I walked in their doors in 2012 and we are sitting here today. Like I said, great people and great opportunities and I am very fortunate to get those opportunities. I am lucky that we have found some decent success. It has definitely gone by very quickly, that is for sure.”

THIS IS A TROUBLESOME ROUND FOR SOME BUT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE SAYING THAT YOU SHOULD THRIVE IN THIS PARTICULAR ROUND HERE AND TALLADEGA COMING UP. YOUR THOUGHTS GOING INTO NEXT WEEK AND THE WEEK AFTER WHERE IT COULD BE CHAOTIC? “Yeah it is. I think each round has certain tracks about them that make them unique. This round is definitely the more unique round with three very different race tracks with here and Talladega and then the Roval. I don’t know. I don’t think you can pick a guy that is a favorite at Talladega because you never know what can happen there. We had had good runs at Talladega but you never know what can happen. I think the best thing that we have talked about for that race is to try to control it like we have in the past and get a few of our cars up there and control the front of the pack. Hopefully you can maintain that. We kind of see it is difficult to go from the back to the front now at speedways so you try not to bury yourself. It starts off with a good run here and a race track where we have lacked a little speed on the mile-and-a-half tracks recently. We are coming here with some new stuff that hopefully will play out for us and kick the round off on the right foot. This was a wild race here last year and I don’t think you will see as much tire issues this year but we will see. Just trying to take it one race at a time and hope that we find a little speed here and there, especially if you get to the Round of 8. If you get past this round you really have to perform at those three tracks in the Round of 8 but we gotta get there first.”

WHAT IS THE DYNAMIC AT PENSKE RIGHT NOW. NOBODY WOULD HAVE EXPECTED JOEY (LOGANO) TO BE OUT IN THE FIRST ROUND AND YOU BATTLING TO MAKE IT TO THE NEXT ROUND. HOW HAS THE ORGANIZATION RALLIED AROUND YOU TO CARRY THE TORCH? “It is a shame the 22 group got knocked out last week. Those guys just had an unfortunate situation happen and just barely missed it. I don’t think anyone thought that the defending champs were going to get knocked out early. I think you try to make it as positive as you can in our group and maybe we can try some stuff for next year or try some stuff for these tracks in the Round of 8 if we can get there. I think we do a good job of teamwork at the Penske shop with the crews and drivers working together and looking toward the future. You just try to make the best of situations and hopefully we have a plan to do that.”

WILL YOU KNOW IF THERE WILL BE TIRE ISSUES AFTER THIS SHORT PRACTICE SESSION? “Yeah, I don’t think you will have a good idea after practice because I feel like last year in the race it was more laps on tires. Some kind of heat cycles we saw that last year with guys with low air or aggressive cambers and they would run a little bit and kind of beat the tire up and almost crack them, like they cracked the sidewall and tread of them and when they cool off and heat back up they are damaged and then they had problems. I don’t think in practice you will get a good idea. I know Goodyear came with a new durability tire and hopefully, it plays out. I don’t think we have seen as much tire issues this year as last year, but this is a funky place. The ends being so different and three and four being so rough. If you are low in one and two you will be super low in three and four and you will be hitting the race track and pounding the tire and hitting limiters and stuff like that and it just kind of abuses them. I don’t know if you will have a huge idea after practice but hopefully there is not as many issues as last year and if there is you hope you aren’t the one with the problems.”

YOU MENTIONED IT HAS BEEN A BIT OF A STRUGGLE FOR YOU GUYS ON THE INTERMEDIATE TRACKS, BUT HERE AT TEXAS, IF YOU DON’T HAVE THE SPEED IS THIS THE KIND OF TRACK YOU CAN WIN WITH A GOOD PIT STRATEGY? “You never know how this race plays out. It is a different mileage than years past. We have 400 miles here this weekend and you saw it last year a lot and in the past with a lot of different pit strategies, especially if you get that odd caution like 20 or 15 laps before the end of a stage. I think there are a lot of teams that are out of the playoffs that will flip it to get track position and that puts teams that are in the spot to get stage points that are in the playoffs in a tough spot. What do you chase? Do you chase points and try to rally back or chase a win and try to flip it? I think it depends on who you are racing and you try to judge. It is also what speed you have in your car and if you think you have a winning car that has the speed to win, if so you definitely flip and try to play for that. I think it depends on how cautions fall. You can have all the plans in place but they get thrown out the window really quickly and I feel like teams are really good at improvising and making calls on the fly. You just hope you hit it right. You never know exactly how you will hit it and you try to make the best call you can at the time. If it plays out for you or not, it is just kind of the way things go. You just hope it does play out for you well.”

IS THIS STILL A TRACK OR RACE, ESPECIALLY 400 MILES NOW, WHERE IF YOU QUALIFY 30TH YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RECOVER? “Yeah, if you do qualify back there you would like to have the mindset that you can recover from it. It would be tough for sure, recovering from here, especially a place like this where it isn’t as wide as like Kansas where you have options. A lot of how you qualify today will eliminate or open up a lot of different opportunities for your strategy. It is super important to qualify well here. It just makes your race a lot easier and makes your start of the day way easier.”

IT DEFINITELY FEELS LIKE THIS SEASON THERE ISN’T REALLY A CLEAR-CUT CHAMPIONSHIP FAVORITE. IS THAT A FAIR STATEMENT TO MAKE? “Yeah, a little bit. I feel like there are a couple of teams that you realize they have run probably the best this year. I kind of look at the 24 group, the 5 group and the 19 group. They have probably been the three best drivers and teams this year. They kind of always have speed and the 5 was super impressive in the first round. Their speed was ridiculous and their average finish was like 2.5. They are running really good right now. But yeah, you try not to look at championship favorites. You try to understand the spot you are in and try to run well week in and week out. These cars are so finicky and someone can go on a run for a month and find something. I look at Roush and what they did, RFK, they found something and boom they were running right up front and winning races just like that. You just never know when things can it. it is hard. Your comment of not really having a championship favorite, I look at more the consistency of all year and how people run, but what RFK did, that can happen to anybody. You just hope that you do it at the right time.”

THE FORDS AS A WHOLE HAVE KIND OF STRUGGLED ALL YEAR BUT WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT YOU AND YOUR TEAM THAT YOU ARE STILL AROUND IN THE PLAYOFFS? “I feel like in the beginning of the year with the new nose we had at the Ford camp, it took everyone a while to kind of get used to it and figure out what we needed to do to optimize our aero balance. I feel like we had a good handle on it and we hit it in May at Charlotte and then RFK found the speed they did towards the end of the regular season was really impressive. It shows me that it is out there. You can find it. It is just a matter of getting everything perfect to be able to compete. I feel like our window of success is smaller than others as far as Chevy and Toyota. I feel like they have a bigger box of going into a weekend and maybe they are a little bit off but they are still competitive enough to run top-five and still work on it. I feel like our window has been a little smaller this year to where we have to be a little more perfect than everybody else to be able to compete. We can do it. It is there. You can definitely make it happen. It was a really good job by our group in the first round to not have any huge mistakes to take us out and being resilient. That goes a long way.”

YOU HAVE HAD A COUPLE OF PRETTY HARD LICKS THIS YEAR. CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE RECOVERY AFTER THE WRECK AT DAYTONA, THE WEEK FOLLOWING AND YOUR PROCESS? “Yeah, Nashville and Daytona were a couple of the hardest hits I have had in my career in anything. I would say the Nashville wreck, the recovery from that one was harder than Daytona because it was more kind of mental and head stuff going on. That was a tougher recovery period. Daytona I was just sore. I was super sore until about Friday morning before Darlington. It was nice that we had Sunday off. I never moved on Sunday. I got off the couch to go to the bathroom and that was about it. I tried to recover the best I could. I would much rather have body soreness than the mental fogginess that I had after Nashville. It is unfortunate, those races, but I am lucky I was still able to race the next week. That is the biggest thing. We were able to go to the track the next week and compete and that speaks a lot to what we do at our race shop for diver safety in the car and what NASCAR has done to push the safety forward in this car. Those things happen and they are unfortunate but I think the back end of it is you learn from them and try to be better as a sport. Whether it is the car, what we do at the race shop to try to get me safe. They are unfortunate things but I think positivity comes out of them.”

ONE FORECAST CALLS FOR THE TEMPERATURE TO FEEL LIKE 109 DEGREES HERE AT RACE TIME TOMORROW. AT WHAT POINT IS IT TOO HOT TO COMPETE AND WHAT PRECAUTIONS ARE YOU TAKING? “I don’t know if it is too hot to compete. If you have people passing out I guess. When the temperature is that high, I worry more for people in the grandstands sitting out all day and stuff like that. That concerns me more than me being in the car. As drivers, we understand you are going to have days like this and hot race days and you just know that what you do and you rely on what you do as far as prep work, training and hydration and that stuff is going to work no matter if it is 110 or 50 degrees. I don’t change up what I do and I have never had an issue too much. I think it is tougher for the people watching the race outside in the heat and a little more difficult for them. For me personally, I think it is just part of the job.”

PART OF THE JOB IS A UNIQUE DESCRIPTION. SITTING IN A CAR THAT WILL BE 125 OR 130 DEGREES, WHAT IS THAT LIKE? WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES? “Honestly it is just a day at the office and the heat is turned on or the AC is broken. It is just one of those things. It is one of those things where you don’t think about it when you are racing. When it is green and you are running, you aren’t thinking about how hot it is or whatever. If you have a red flag and you are sitting there baking in an oven, then you are thinking about it. Or pre-race, you think about it being hot outside. But when you get in the car and in the mindset of competing, those things fade away and you focus on the job and just do your best. It is one of those things.”

AM Racing Revving Up for Expected Expansion to Dual Xfinity Series Teams in 2024

By
Official Release
-

STATESVILLE, N.C.: AM Racing announced today their hope to accelerate their presence in the NASCAR Xfinity Series by expanding to two cars next season.

The decision to take this expected step in their “Future Focused” initiative underlines their commitment to building a robust platform within one of NASCAR’s premier national series.

“With our focus on becoming a predominant championship-caliber team, adding a second car to our team’s program is a crucial step in that process,” said team owner Kevin Cywinski.

”We have made great strides in 2023, but the opportunity to add additional resources and expand our footprint for 2024 will strengthen our program for the long term.”

AM Racing, having transitioned from a full-time competitor in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series to the Xfinity Series this season, has already showcased its potential with driver Brett Moffitt.

The team’s inaugural season has seen impressive achievements, including a career-best qualifying effort of fourth at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway and an exceptional fourth-place finish at the Xfinity Series inaugural Chicago Street Course event in July.

Overall, in 27 races this season, Moffit has delivered one top-five, eight top-10s, 15 top-15s, 19 top-20s and an average finish of 16.6.

Reflecting on their accomplishments and looking ahead to their expected dual-team endeavor, Cywinski emphasized the shared vision of the team members and the strengthening infrastructure.

“Housing two competitive NASCAR Xfinity Series teams allows the opportunity to bring additional qualified team members who share the same family-oriented vision and integrity to building and producing two equally fast race cars with one goal: winning,” Cywinski added.

While the first-year Xfinity Series team came up short of making the Playoffs, the team remains focused on leaving its mark in the remaining six races this season.

“We are proud of our successes this season,” sounded AM Racing team president Wade Moore. “Brett has done an outstanding job behind the wheel to try and execute and make the most out of every race weekend. We have not been perfect, but we have worked hard to make consistent strides, and I think our recent performance at Kansas Speedway is an example of what we can produce every week.

“We will continue to work hard over the next six weeks to make sure we not only continue to bring a competitive product to the track but continue to put ourselves in a position for good finishes.”

Additional details regarding AM Racing’s expected expansion will be revealed in due course.

For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

The Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 (200 laps | 300 miles) is the 27th of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2023 schedule. Practice begins on Saturday, September 23, from 9:35 a.m. – 10:05 a.m. Qualifying immediately follows at 10:05 a.m. The 38-car field will take the green flag shortly after 2:30 p.m. (3:30 p.m. ET) with live coverage on the USA Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (CT).

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

The family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events in its seventh year of competition.

The team has named Brett Moffitt and Christian Rose as their primary drivers for the 2023 Xfinity and ARCA Menards Series seasons.

TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY HONORS KEVIN HARVICK WITH HARVICK’S H4PPY HOUR FAN EVENT

By
Official Release
-
  • 2014 NASCAR Cup Series Champion set to make his 39th and final appearance at Texas Motor Speedway in the Sept. 24 Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400

FORT WORTH, Texas (September 22, 2023) – Kevin Harvick will be retiring from NASCAR Cup Series competition at the end of the 2023 season and Texas Motor Speedway officials have been waiting the many months since that announcement to send “Happy” Harvick off with a fitting tribute before his final laps at The Great American Speedway in Sunday’s Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400.

The 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion talked with and answered questions from the hundreds of Harvick fans who came to see their favorite driver in the speedway’s Grand Ballroom.

Harvick was then presented a number of gifts by Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith, Texas Motor Speedway Executive Vice President & General Manager Mark Faber and Texas Motor Speedway Vice President of Events and Speedway Motorsports Director of Events Kenton Nelson. Smith presented him with a key to Texas Motor Speedway, Faber handed in a long-horn steer skull with Harvick’s No. 4 Busch Light paint scheme and Nelson handed him a proclamation signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The event was hosted by PRN’s Brad Gillie.

“Marcus was a big piece of why I came back and drove this year just because of the fact that he explained why it was important to come back and celebrate with the fans,” said Harvick. “It gives everyone kind of an opportunity to go for the last time to the race track.

“Texas has been just a great race track for us through the years and being able to know that every time we used to step foot in here in an Xfinity car, you were expected to win the race. We finally broke that barrier on the Cup side after so many shortfalls. So, it’s fun, especially at a place like this where you’ve been fortunate to have had success.”

Harvick at Texas has earned three NASCAR Cup Series victories, five NASCAR Xfinity Series victories and one NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series victory in 63 total starts. His Cup wins came in consecutive years (2017, 2018, 2019) and three of his five Xfinity wins came in consecutive years (2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2012). His lone Truck Series win came in 2011.

He reached the NASCAR Playoffs in this final season despite not winning a race in the regular season but was eliminated after the first round. He now has seven races remaining to capture a 2023 win after going winless in only four of the previous 22 seasons (2004, 2008, 2009, 2021).

The NASCAR Playoffs weekend will be highlighted by the NASCAR Xfinity Series Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 on Saturday, Sept. 23 (2:30 p.m. CT on USA Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90, and PRN), and the NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 on Sunday, Sept. 24 (2:30 p.m. CT on USA Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90, PRN, and 95.9 The Ranch-local). Country Music stars LOCASH will perform Sunday’s pre-race concert at 12:30 p.m. CT on the Machinery Auctioneers Pre-Race Stage located at the start/finish line.

Texas Motor Speedway’s always-busy events schedule is well under way. Upcoming events in 2023 include: Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Playoffs weekend (Sept. 23-24), Goodguys’ Summit Racing Lone Start Nationals (Sept. 29-Oct. 1), Speedway Children’s Charities Smoke Show (Oct. 11) and Gordy’s Hwy 30 Music Fest (Oct. 19-22). The year wraps up with the family-favorite and speedway tradition Gift of Lights holiday light show.

ABOUT TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Texas Motor Speedway is among the largest sports stadiums in the United States and features an array of amenities such as one of the world’s largest TV’s that make it one of the premier venues in the world of sports. The 1.5-mile superspeedway located in Fort Worth hosts all three NASCAR national series as well as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES among its various races and specialty events throughout the year. Texas Motor Speedway is owned and operated by Speedway Motorsports, LLC, a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. For more information, please visit texasmotorspeedway.com.

TICKETS:

For ticket information for the September 23-24 NASCAR Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 weekend, please visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com.

MORE INFO:

Keep track of all of Texas Motor Speedway’s busy schedule by following on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Keep up with all the latest news and information on the speedway website and TMS mobile app.

Hagan Scorches Track E.T. Record At Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals’ Night of Fire

By
Official Release
-
Funny Car driver Matt Hagan powered his 11,000-horsepower Tony Stewart Racing machine to a track-record 3.825-second pass during Friday’s Night of Fire at the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway to earn the provision No. 1 qualifier heading into the weekend. (CMS/HHP photo)
  • Matt Hagan earned the provisional No. 1 qualifier following Friday night’s opening round of qualifying at zMAX Dragway with a track record-setting 3.825-second pass
  • Top Fuel driver Doug Kalitta backed up his Maple Grove win, joining Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) in earning No. 1 qualifiers
  • Tickets can be purchased at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or fans can call 1-800-455-FANS. Single-day tickets are $40 for adults on Saturday and Sunday and children 12 and under are FREE.

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 22, 2023) – Matt Hagan made the quickest Funny Car run of the year on Friday at zMAX Dragway, taking the provisional No. 1 spot for Tony Stewart Racing at the 15th annual betway NHRA Carolina Nationals.

Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the second of six races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

Hagan powered to an impressive run of 3.825-seconds at 333.49 in his 11,000-horsepower, setting the track E.T. record in the Funny Car category. If it holds on Saturday, the three-time Funny Car world champ would earn his second No. 1 qualifier of the season and 50th in his career.

“That was a great moment right there,” Hagan said. “It’s just a great day and what a lap to lay down there. When they’re on a run like that and they’re digging, they’re a handful and that’s why we love driving these things. I’m so proud of my guys.”

Ron Capps, the defending back-to-back world champ, went 3.885 at 329.02 to go to second and Chad Green went to third after a 3.887 at 327.27. Robert Hight is 15th after suffering a huge explosion on the starting line during his run.

In Top Fuel, Doug Kalitta continued his recent hot streak, following up on last weekend’s 50th career win by going to the No. 1 spot with a standout performance of 3.665 at 331.61. The veteran is aiming for his second No. 1 spot this season and 53rd in his career.

“This car is happy to be on the track,” Kalitta said. “I’m just really happy for all my guys and this whole team. Charlotte is one of the greatest places we run and we’re hungry to keep this momentum going.”

Defending world champion Brittany Force went 3.686 at 332.75, putting her second after the opening qualifying session, and Justin Ashley’s 3.698 at 333.74 gave him the third spot.

For the second straight race, defending Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders enjoyed a strong start, taking the provisional No. 1 with a run of 6.509 at 210.18. Looking for a sixth world championship, Enders is after her third win of the season.

“The whole season started off really crappy for us, as everybody knows, and we just kept our heads down and went to work,” Enders said. “We said it’s not going to matter until the final six and here we are. We’re running really well again so we’re absolutely thankful for that. That’s what I mean but this is a marathon, not a sprint. You have to get to the end of the season and then perform as perfectly as possible in the Countdown.”

Camrie Caruso’s 6.525 puts her second and defending event winner Aaron Stanfield swiped third with a 6.533 at 210.50. Points leader Matt Hartford, who won the last two races, is currently eighth with a 6.548 at 209.43.

Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Gaige Herrera distanced himself from the rest of the field with a run of 6.731 at 200.44. Herrera, who is now second and 17 points behind Matt Smith, is seeking his 10th No. 1 qualifier of the year and first career Countdown to the Championship victory.

“We’re happy with that run and we’re just trying to get redemption back from Reading,” Herrera said. “It put us down a little bit, but it’s another race and we’re just looking forward to two more rounds of qualifying tomorrow and then raceday on Sunday. This is one of my favorite tracks and I’m just happy to be back here.”

Chip Ellis, who advanced to the final round last week, is currently second with a 6.817 at 199.05 and Eddie Krawiec took third thanks to his 6.825 at 197.94. Smith is 17th after one session.

Qualifying continues at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

Fueling Your Bets: The Thrill of NASCAR Betting in the Ocean State

By
SM
-
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

The roar of engines, the tantalizing smell of burnt rubber, and the palpable tension as speed machines hurtle around the track – this is NASCAR. 

In the Ocean State, this excitement takes on another dimension with the enticement of placing a wager on your favorite driver. The world of NASCAR betting in Rhode Island offers not just another way to enjoy the races, but also a sophisticated blend of strategy, knowledge, and luck.

Understanding the Basics of NASCAR Betting

NASCAR, unlike many other sports, offers a unique betting landscape because of the unpredictable nature of racing. From accidents to split-second decisions, a lot can influence the outcome. The savvy bettor knows to approach each race as a unique event, studying the intricacies and variances that come with each competition.

NASCAR Race Winner:

The most straightforward bet, punters select which driver they believe will cross the finish line first. Factors to consider include recent performance, track record, and team dynamics.

NASCAR Prop Bets:

Diving deeper into the nuances of the race, prop bets can offer value, especially for those who meticulously follow the sport and its finer details. Spotting trends or patterns, like a team’s pit strategy or a driver’s overtaking technique, can provide an edge here.

  • Whether a particular driver will finish in the top 5.
  • The number of caution flags during a race.
  • Which car manufacturer will clinch the top spot?

Head-to-Head Bets:

Sometimes, the broader outcome of the race may seem uncertain, but one might have a strong opinion about individual matchups. This type of betting narrows the focus and, for some, increases the chances of a successful bet. It’s not about winning the race, but outperforming the other designated driver.

Understanding the Odds:

Knowing the odds isn’t just about math; it’s about gauging sentiment, public opinion, and sometimes, even emotions. While they offer a guideline, successful bettors often combine these with their research to spot value bets.

  • Positive odds (e.g., +300) mean a potential win of $300 on a $100 bet.
  • Negative odds (e.g., -150) mean you must wager $150 to win $100.

The NASCAR Circuit & Its Nuances

As the season progresses, it’s pivotal to understand that every track tells a different story. From its asphalt composition to its banking angles, seasoned fans know that races can be won or lost based on these attributes alone.

Different Tracks, Different Challenges:

A deeper understanding of track types can sometimes be the difference between a winning and losing bet. Knowing that certain drivers or teams have a history of performing well on specific tracks can guide betting decisions.

Short tracks might favor aggressive drivers.

Superspeedways may give an edge to those with better aerodynamics.

Drivers’ Preferences:

Every driver, whether a rookie or a seasoned veteran, has their strengths and weaknesses. Recognizing these, and how they play into the characteristics of a specific track, is a critical element of NASCAR betting. Historical performance and drivers’ comments can offer insights.

Strategies for NASCAR Betting in Rhode Island

Betting, at its core, requires a blend of research, instinct, and sometimes, a bit of luck. While NASCAR offers the thrill of the unpredictable, arming oneself with a solid strategy can increase the odds of success.

Stay Informed:

In the world of NASCAR, information is gold. Whether it’s a last-minute change in a driver’s lineup or an unexpected turn in the weather, these tidbits can drastically affect the outcome of a race.

  • Regularly following reputable NASCAR news sources is crucial.
  • Engage in forums and discussions to gain a deeper understanding of the current landscape.

Manage Your Bankroll:

Consistent success in betting is often about discipline. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but seasoned bettors know the importance of managing their funds, making informed decisions, and knowing when to sit a race out.

  • Set a budget and stick to it.
  • Avoid chasing losses or getting carried away by a winning streak.

Risks & Rewards in the Ocean State

Rhode Island’s legacy in the racing scene dates back years. This storied history has fostered a deep-rooted culture and passion for NASCAR, which is reflected in the betting scene’s vibrancy and enthusiasm.

Regulation and Legality:

While the thrill of betting is undeniable, ensuring that one’s hard-earned money is placed in safe, regulated channels is paramount. Thankfully, Rhode Island’s commitment to providing a transparent and secure betting environment is evident.

Rhode Island has a robust regulatory framework ensuring fair play and the integrity of the sport.

Engaging with the Community:

Beyond the wagers and odds in Rhode Island sports betting lies a community of passionate fans. Engaging with this community not only enhances the race-watching experience but also offers insights, tips, and sometimes, the latest scoop, which can be invaluable for a bettor.

Join local NASCAR clubs or online communities focused on Rhode Island’s racing scene.

Conclusion

Rhode Island’s NASCAR betting scene offers an unparalleled blend of excitement, strategy, and community engagement. With every turn of the wheel and every bet placed, fans in the Ocean State are part of a tradition that celebrates speed, skill, and the sheer joy of the race. 

By arming oneself with knowledge, discipline, and an understanding of the nuances of the sport, the thrill of NASCAR betting becomes an experience to cherish.

AO Racing Brings F.A.T. International Throwback Livery and Fleet of Iconic Porsches to Rennsport Reunion

By
Official Release
-

ST. CHARLES, Ill. (September 22, 2023) – For Porsche enthusiasts, there stands no event that can compare to Rennsport Reunion: the world’s largest gathering of the German auto manufacturer’s race cars and drivers. Professional sports car racing team AO Racing will be on site at the Rennsport Reunion 7 September 28 to October 1 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The team will bring seven iconic cars to the celebration of Porsche motorsport history, led by a 2017 Porsche RSR, sporting a livery honoring the history F.A.T International and Porsche.

2017 Porsche RSR-17

The only one of the seven cars under the AO Racing banner this weekend to have not raced in period, the 2017 RSR-17 will be a part of the GT Exhibition. The car will be driven by Ferdi Porsche, who will be experiencing Laguna Seca for the first time. His entry will proudly wear the livery of F.A.T. International, a logistics company known for its sponsorship of Porsches from the 1980s to 2000s. Now a cultural brand for enthusiasts and a platform for automotive culture, F.A.T. honors the significant historical and social influence of the automotive industry, fostering a vibrant community and hosting various events around the world.

“I am incredibly honored to be racing the 2017 AO Racing 911 RSR at Rennsport Reunion, an event that makes the whole Porsche family extremely proud,” said Porsche. “Gunnar and the team have been incredible over the last couple of months in making this happen. Exactly this camaraderie is what makes Porsche great.”

“To have Ferdi join us with iconic F.A.T. Branding on our RSR is very special, especially since our 962 raced in the FAT livery at Le Mans,” said AO Racing Team Principal and Driver Gunnar Jeannette. “I can’t wait to see him experience the best Porsche GT car around Laguna Seca.”

1990 Porsche 962-012

One of the last factory Porsche 962 cars to be produced, the 1990 Porsche ran as Joest Racing’s primary car in all nine rounds of the World Sports-Prototype Championship, with a best finish of fourth place at Silverstone, finishing fifth in the championship standings. The car finished seventh overall at the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans, boasting drivers Derek Bell, Hans Stuck, Bob Wollek, Bernd Schneider, Frank Jelinski, and John Winter. It will compete in Group 7: the Stuttgart Cup, with driver Gunnar Jeannette.

1982 ANDIAL Porsche 935L

The 1983 Daytona 24 Hour winning white, blue, and orange “Swap Shop” Porsche was driven by Preston Henn, AJ Foyt, Bob Wollek, Claude Ballot-Lena, Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti, Al Holbert, Derek Bell, Hurley Haywood, and Bill Whittington. It will be competing at the Reunion in Group 4: the Weissach Cup with AO Racing Owner PJ Hyett driving. The car holds special meaning for Team Principal Gunnar Jeannette, whose father, Kevin, was a part of the victory just 40 years before. The livery may look familiar to AO Racing fans, as the team wrapped their Porsche GT3 R in a tribute livery for this year’s Rolex 24 At Daytona.

2007 Porsche RS Spyder

Rodrigo Sales will bring his famous Penske DHL RS Spyder 9R6-702 to the Rennsport Reunion 7. The bright yellow and red 2008 Petit Le Mans winner is well known around the world, especially to North American sports car racing fans as Porsche’s more modern interpretation of the original “giant killer,” the 550 RS Spyder. Driven by Helio Castroneves, Ryan Briscoe, Sascha Massen, and Emmanuel Collard, the car earned four LMP2 class wins, including two overall wins and an additional two LMP2 class in the iconic American Le Mans Series, now the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The car will run this weekend in Group 7: the Stuttgart Cup, driven by Rodrigo Sales and Timp Bernhard.

1985 Porsche 962-HR1

Built by Holbert Racing in 1985, 962-HR1 was the first privately built 962 in Porsche’s history. As a Holbert Racing entry, the car earned 18 podiums across three race seasons, including 10 overall racewins. Earning the Camel GT Championship in 1985, 1986, and 1987, this car is the second winningest 962 in history with legendary drivers Al Holbert, Derek Bell, Al Unser Jr, Chip Robinson. The car will run this weekend in Group 7: the Stuttgart Cup.

2014 Porsche RSR 9901

The 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR has a very unique claim to fame. It became the first and only car GT car in history to win overall at Petit Le Mans in 2015. Driven by Patrick Pilet, Nick Tandy, Richard Lietz, and Michael Christensen, the car not only won the legendary endurance race, but in doing so secured the GTLM championship in the United SportsCar Championship, now the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. With five class wins and seven podiums across three seasons, this car’s unique and impressive history has made it an icon for automotive enthusiasts. This machine will also join in the GT Exhibition activities at the Reunion.

“It’s important to get these three incredibly special cars out on a race track where they can be driven as they were originally intended,” said Sales. “Rennsport Reunion is the perfect pace to drive them as they can be seen and enjoyed by thousands of fellow Porsche enthusiasts and owners. Many thanks to the fantastic team at AO Racing for the great work getting them prepped and ready to run.”

“Rexy” the 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 R (type 992)

If attendees follow the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship this year, then the green Tyrannosaurus-Rex-liveried Porsche known as “Rexy” needs little introduction. The Porsche 911 GT3 R stole the spotlight this year during its debut at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, a debut inspired by the Team Owner PJ Hyett’s son’s passion for dinosaurs, capturing the attention and affection of enthusiasts worldwide. The car campaigned in this year’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, driven by PJ Hyett, Seb Priaulx, Gunnar Jeannette, and Harry Tincknell. Rexy will participate in the GT Exhibition, as well as be on display throughout the event.

The 2023 gathering of Rennsport not only marks the 7th running of the affair, but also held on the 75th Anniversary of Porsche and the 60th Anniversary of the 911, this year’s event is expected to host an incredible showcase of automotive pioneering, ingenuity, and remarkable success of the manufacturer’s machinery through the years. The celebration of Porsche will include displays, autograph sessions, showcases, exhibitions, panels (including one with Kevin Jeannette), film shows, and race events. AO Racing merchandise will be for sale on site at the Styled Aesthetic booth and continued online at aoracing.com. For event information, visit porscherennsportreunion.com.

MATT SMITH LOOKS FOR WIN AT PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE’S 500TH RACE AT BETWAY NHRA CAROLINA NATIONALS

By
Official Release
-

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 22, 2023) – Reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Matt Smith wasn’t at the first race in the class, but the six-time champ will be at the 500th official race for the category, which takes place at this weekend’s 15th annual betway NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway.

Smith also enters the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series event, which is the second in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs, with plenty of momentum, having won back-to-back events and jumping into the points lead for the first time this year on his Denso Auto Parts Suzuki.

Racing at his home track adds another great layer for Smith, who is tied for the most world championships in class history. He’s enjoyed a number of significant milestones in the category along the way and getting the victory at the 500th Pro Stock Motorcycle race this weekend in Charlotte would certainly be another.

“I’ve won No. 498 and 499, so it would be really nice to win the 500th race,” Smith said. “It would add even more to do it at my home track. To say you’ve won the 500th race in class history, that would be a pretty big accomplishment.

“It’s amazing at what has happened in our class over the years, and to see where it started and where it is now, it’s pretty neat and I’m glad to be a part of it. Our class has really accelerated in E.T. and speed the last four years and we all want to continue to make this class as good and as close as possible. That’s what is going to keep our class growing and, ultimately, we’re out there to put on a good show for the fans.”

Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock) claimed victories in 2022 at the fall race at zMAX Dragway. This year’s race will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1 (FS1), including eliminations coverage at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 24. It is the second of six playoff races and not many riders have been better than Smith over the years during crunch time.

He won the U.S. Nationals to end the regular season on a high note and made a big opening statement in the Countdown to the Championship with a victory last weekend at Maple Grove Raceway.

That sent him past Gaige Herrera, who dominated the regular season, and Smith currently leads the six-time event winner in 2023 by 17 points heading into zMAX Dragway. Smith was pleased with the progress the bike made early in the run last weekend and hopes more improvement can be found, especially with the way Herrera has performed in 2023. Of course, Smith will also have to deal with the likes of Hector Arana Jr., Eddie Krawiec, his wife, Angie, and Jianna Evaristo.

“In the finals (at Reading), we made a big change on my bike and it worked out in our favor,” said Smith, who has a pair of wins at zMAX Dragway in his career. “Ultimately, we got our 60-foot time back in the finals. If we can go off that and keep going forward, we’ve got a really good shot of racing against Gaige and making this is a hard-fought battle. But I love these types of challenges and I think our whole class knows what the challenge is. We know who the dominant bike is, but our goal is to win a championship and that’s what we’re going to try to do.”

In Pro Stock, Matt Hartford has also impressed in recent weeks, winning back-to-back races, including the playoff opener, to go into the points lead for the first time in his career in his Total Seal/CIP1 Chevrolet Camaro. He currently has a 30-point advantage on reigning world champion Erica Enders, but also must contend with the likes of Troy Coughlin Jr., Dallas Glenn, who held the points lead for the bulk of the regular season, Aaron Stanfield and Kyle Koretsky.

Hartford, though, is only focused on his job, knowing full well he has a car and a team capable of winning a first world championship.

“We just need to continue to turn on win light after win light,” Hartford said. “If we turn on 20 win lights (the rest of the season), the points don’t matter. We’re not giving up. We have a great car, and we’re going to Charlotte where there will be very different track conditions. I think we have a car that’s great in all conditions, so if I keep doing my job and keep my head on straight, we could walk out of here with a white (championship) hat after five more races.”

Steve Torrence, who has six zMAX Dragway wins in Top Fuel, moved into the points lead with a runner-up finish last week. He’ll try to stay on top taking on the likes of Justin Ashley, who has six wins in 2023, Reading winner Doug Kalitta, Brown, Leah Pruett and defending world champion Brittany Force.

Funny Car’s Robert Hight, who won the spring race in Charlotte, moved into the points lead last weekend with a victory, but it stands at just three points over back-to-back defending world champ Capps. Others to watch include Bob Tasca III, Matt Hagan, John Force, Chad Green and J.R. Todd.

The betway NHRA Carolina Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which includes some of the sport’s top drivers, as well as the new NHRA Factory X presented by Holley class, the ever-exciting Mountain Motor Pro Stock category and a Top Fuel Motorcycle exhibition. Fans can also look forward to special freestyle motocross exhibitions all weekend. The star riders will perform three times a day in the midway, adding another entertaining aspect to the weekend.

On Saturday, fans can brush up on their NHRA knowledge and attend Nitro School to learn more about how the cars operate and reach their thrilling speeds. That takes place at the Nitro Alley Stage all weekend, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits when the Camping World Drag Racing Series competitors are not on the track, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets and much more.

Race fans at zMAX Dragway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the betway NHRA Carolina Nationals event winners.

As always, fans also get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Charlotte. This unique opportunity gives fans a chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. Fans can also visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food, and fun for the entire family.

NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature one round at 6:00 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 22, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 24. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 9:30 a.m. ET on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, and then eliminations on FS1 at 2:00 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the betway NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, please visit www.zmaxdragway.com or call 800-455-FANS (3267). For more information about NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Camping World Holdings, Inc.

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

About NHRA

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

Joe Graf Jr. | RSS Racing Texas Motor Speedway September NASCAR Xfinity Series Race Preview

By
Official Release
-

RSS Racing with Lefcourt Brothers | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Texas Motor Speedway | Andy’s Frozen Custard 300

Fast Facts
No. 38 RSS Racing with Lefcourt Brothers Team:
Driver: Joe Graf Jr.
Primary Partner(s): Tarpon River Brewing’s Honey Love | Lefcourt Brothers Racing
Manufacturer: Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Steve Addington
Spotter: Joe Campbell
Engine: Roush-Yates Engines
Driver Championship Point Standings: 23rd
Team Championship Point Standings: 28th

Notes of Interest:

Settled In: After spending the last three seasons with SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt (2020 – 2022), Joe Graf Jr. moved to RSS Racing during the offseason, where he’ll spend the majority of the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season competing for the Sugar Hill, Ga.-based team.

In addition to RSS Racing, Graf will also compete in a limited NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule, driving the No. 19 Toyota Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing.

Welcome Aboard: Joe Graf Jr. and RSS Racing with Lefcourt Brothers welcome Fort Lauderdale’s Tarpon River Brewing’s Honey Love as the primary partner on the team’s No. 38 Ford Mustang for Saturday afternoon’s Andy’s Frozen Custard 300.

Tarpon River Brewing is nestled between the Tarpon River and the New River, which have served as the lifeline of our local community for generations.

Tarpon River Brewing was born four years ago as a partnership between Julian and Lisa Siegel of the Riverside Market and Adam and Jill Fine, owners of Native Brewing and Fresh Beer.

The brewery will promote its popular Honey Love Imperial Cream Ale at Texas.

Honey Love Imperial Cream Ale is crisp with a lightly sweet finish and aromas of honey. Drinks easy, but beware; this one goes down hard. 9.5% ABV.

Please drink responsibly.

Co-Primary: Lefcourt Brothers Racing will also serve as a co-primary partner of the team’s No. 38 Ford Mustang for Saturday afternoon’s 200-lap contest.

Saturday afternoon’s race will mark the second Xfinity Series race of 2023 that Lefcourt Brothers Racing has been showcased as a primary partner. Earlier this year, they held the title partnership role at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway in April.

Lefcourt Brothers Racing Sponsor Intel: Lefcourt Brothers Racing was created by brothers Jeff and Jonathan Lefcourt to support up-and-coming drivers in the top three tiers of NASCAR. A lifelong fan of motorsports, Jeff has been involved in motorsports for many years as both a driver and a track owner.

After having an ownership stake in SS GreenLight Racing during the 2022 NASCAR season, Jeff wanted to expand his involvement. He and Jonathan decided to combine their love of motorsports with their business expertise to create a platform to help aspiring racers get more seat time and exposure to potential partners.

And thus, Lefcourt Brothers Racing was born.

Thanks For Your Support: With a little more than 81 percent of the 2023 Xfinity Series season complete, Joe Graf Jr. and RSS Racing would like to thank their associate marketing partners: ArmsList.com, AVOID, Bass Reaper Bait Company, Bucked Up Energy Drink, CoverSeal, EAT SLEEP RACE Apparel, fgrACCEL, G-Coin®, GTECHNIQ, JACOB Companies, Lefcourt Brothers Racing, Love Motorsports, Model Electronics and ShopRite for their continued support.

Joe Graf Jr. Xfinity Series Texas Motor Speedway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 will mark Graf’s seventh Xfinity Series start at the famed 1.5-mile speedway.

In his previous six efforts, he has delivered a track-best of 18th during the 2022 Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 after starting 19th for SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt.

Since 2020, Graf has an average Texas finish of 23.5 and has been running at the finish of his six previous starts.

Joe Graf Jr. Xfinity Series Career Speedway Stats: At tracks classified as a speedway, Graf has competed in 58 NASCAR Xfinity Series races with one top-10 finish. He holds an average starting position of 25.4 and an average result of 25.4.

Joe Graf Jr. NASCAR Xfinity Series Career Stats: In 120 career Xfinity Series starts, Graf has earned four top-10 finishes, including a seventh-place outing at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in February 2023. During that tenure, he also holds an average finishing position of 25.6.

He earned a career-best Xfinity Series qualifying effort of fifth in 2020 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway with SS GreenLight Racing.

With Joe Gibbs Racing, he earned his non-superspeedway career-best qualifying effort of 11th at Kansas Speedway in September 2023.

Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway | Food City 300 Race Recap: In the most recent NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, Graf hunted for his third top-10 finish of the season.

On the strength of a top-10 finish at Kansas Speedway, Graf continued to showcase speed on the track but back behind the wheel of the No. 39 Food City | Bucked Up Miami Energy Drink Ford Mustang.

Building on a successful practice session, Graf qualified a track-best 19th but during the race, he was turned by another competitor which cost his several laps on the track and ultimately took him out of contention for a strong finish.

Graf persevered through a relatively calm race to finish 26th.

Sneaker Mania: Along with the adrenaline of the Motorsports competition, Joe Graf Jr. also has a vogue for hype sneakers. In his current collection, he owns and wears at least 90 limited edition sneakers – and his collection continues to grow monthly.

The current estimated value of his collection tops $100,000.

From the Pit Box: Industry veteran Steve Addington is Joe Graf Jr.’s crew chief.

He will be crew chief for his 291st NASCAR Xfinity Series race as crew chief on Saturday afternoon and his ninth at Texas Motor Speedway.

In his previous 290 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, he has collected 11 wins, 10 poles, 68 top-five and 118 top-10 finishes.

Hello From The Other Side: Graf Jr. has three teammates at RSS Racing.

Veteran Ryan Sieg will drive the No. 39 Sci Apps Ford Mustang, while younger brother Kyle Sieg will drive the No. 29 RSS Racing Ford Mustang and CJ McLaughlin returns to steer the No. 28 RSS Racing Ford Mustang.

Ryan Sieg is set to make his 329th career Xfinity Series start overall and 19th at Texas.

Kyle Sieg is poised to make his 45th career Xfinity Series start and first at Texas.

CJ McLaughlin is set to make his 37th career Xfinity Series start and sixth at Texas.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Joe Graf Jr. visit JoeGrafRacing.com, like him on Facebook (Joe Graf Jr.), follow him on TikTok (@JoeGrafJr), X | Twitter (@JoeGrafJr) and Instagram (@joegrafjr).

For more on RSS Racing, please like them on Facebook (RSS283839) and follow them on Instagram (@rss283839) and X | Twitter (@RSS283839).

Joe Graf Jr. Quoteboard:

On Texas Motor Speedway: “I feel good about returning to Texas Motor Speedway this weekend. Overall, it has been a pretty decent track for me, but I really felt like I found my groove there last fall.

“We continue to have speed in our No. 38 RSS Racing with Lefcourt Brothers Racing Ford Mustangs, we just need a little luck in the finishing department. I feel good that we can unload at Texas with speed in our race car and we can continue to tweak on it throughout the day and contend for a solid finish.

“It’s going to be the hottest I can ever remember for a fall race at Texas and I think that will be pivotal for the race because the track should be very slick. That should produce a great race for the fans.”

On The 2023 Season: “The end of the season is on the horizon, and I am working hard between my responsibilities with RSS Racing with Lefcourt Brothers Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing to ensure I can give 100 percent the wheel.

“I want to make the most of these last two months and deliver some strong results.

“I just need to stay focused, communicate with my team, and utilize the knowledge I’ve gained over the past three years to recover and end the season on a high.”

Race Information:

The Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 (200 laps | 300 miles) is the 27th of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2023 schedule. Practice begins on Saturday, September 23, from 9:35 a.m. – 10:05 a.m. Qualifying immediately follows at 10:05 a.m. The 38-car field will take the green flag shortly after 2:30 p.m. (3:30 p.m. ET) with live coverage on the USA Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (CT).

About RSS Racing:

RSS Racing fields multiple entries in the NASCAR Xfinity Series led by mainstay driver Ryan Sieg.

RSS Racing has competed in NASCAR events since 2009 from its headquarters in Sugar Hill, Ga.

NHRA DRAWS BIGGEST COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP AUDIENCE EVER IN NHRA ON FOX ERA TO OPEN PLAYOFFS

By
Official Release
-

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 22, 2023) – The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series enjoyed its most-watched weekend of Countdown to the Championship telecasts in the NHRA on FOX era, as more than 2.1 million viewers tuned in to original airings of last weekend’s 38th annual Pep Boys NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway.

A total of 1.504 million viewers tuned into the NHRA on FOX broadcast of Sunday’s eliminations coverage at Maple Grove Raceway.

The final hour of the broadcast on Sunday also averaged a higher viewership than the final hour of last year’s NFL adjacent broadcast, with viewership increasing eight percent over last year for the full second hour and more than 25 percent for the final quarter-hour.

“These viewership milestones don’t occur without the full support of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series teams and racers, our track partners, which includes the Koretsky family at Maple Grove Raceway, and the hard-working men and women who support the event on-site, including facility staff, the NHRA Safety Safari and the NHRA on FOX production team,” NHRA Vice President of Broadcast Steve Reintjes said.

“I was thrilled to see our strong audience retention throughout the NHRA on FOX Sunday Finals broadcast, as the final hour of coverage significantly out-paced our record-setting show of 2022.”

Qualifying shows on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) from Maple Grove Raceway last weekend were also up more than 100 percent over last year’s broadcasts, giving the NHRA further momentum heading into this weekend’s 15th annual betway NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte.

The final five races of the 2023 season in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series will be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations coverage starting at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 24 from Charlotte. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 9:30 a.m. ET on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.

For more information on NHRA, please visit www.nhra.com.

About Camping World Holdings, Inc.

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

About NHRA

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

1...1,2891,2901,291...6,661Page 1,290 of 6,661