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Cadillac at Indy: Searching for gold at Brickyard

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Official Release
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Scoring maximum points the goal for Cadillac V-Series.R cars in penultimate race

DETROIT (Sept. 12, 2023) – “Everybody wants to kiss the bricks, right?”

Sebastien Bourdais, co-driver with Renger van der Zande of the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R, is looking forward to earning that reward this weekend when the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship charges into Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks.

The 2-hour, 40-minute race will mark the first time the premier North American sports car racing series competes on the IMS road course since 2014. The event will expand to a six-hour race in 2024.

Bourdais is no stranger to the Brickyard. The four-time CART champion has made 10 INDYCAR starts on the 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course (best finish of fourth in 2014, ’15 and 2018) and nine Indianapolis 500 starts.

He co-drove a Daytona Prototype with Alex Popow to victory in the 2012 NASCAR Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race and co-drove a Chevrolet Corvette DP to 11th place in 2013 on the previous (2.534-mile) circuit configuration.

A decade later, the hybrid Grand Touring Prototype racecar he and van der Zande drove to victory in May at Laguna Seca makes its debut at the iconic racetrack.

“It’s a very different era,” Bourdais said. “Those DP cars back then were a little lighter but not a crazy amount. The biggest difference is the redesign of the track. We used to go backward in Turn 1 and it was a cool track. This one is a whole different challenge. With our cars not having as much downforce, being heavy and having quite a bit of power, we’ll get to Turn 1 and the backstraight quite quickly. But the feel is actually not all that different from back then. There are just a few nuances.”

Bourdais and van der Zande teamed with No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R drivers Pipo Derani and Alexander Sims to work through a testing program in late July at IMS that they hope delivers results. Derani and Sims enter the penultimate race of the season a close second in the GTP Team and Driver Championship standings. They sit atop the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup standings ahead of the 10-hour season finale at Road Atlanta in October.

Bourdais and van der Zande are sixth in the regular-season championship chase, though only 118 points out of the top spot. Cadillac Racing paces the field in both the GTP regular season and endurance Manufacturer Championship points.

“I think we have a solid baseline coming away from the test, so hopefully we can hit the ground running and be strong as we felt we were during the test,” said Bourdais, who recorded the third-quickest lap over the two days of testing. “Conditions could be very different compared to the heat that we had to deal with during the test, but overall looking forward getting there and scoring maximum points. We’re in the (championship) mix and have to stick with it and see what we can do.”

NBC will telecast the race live at 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Sept. 17. Peacock streaming in the U.S. begins at 1 p.m. ET, while viewers outside the U.S. can tune in to IMSA.com. Both Peacock and IMSA.com will stream qualifications at 12:55 p.m. ET Saturday, Sept. 16. IMSA Radio will air on-track sessions at IMSA.com with the race call also on XM 207 and SiriusXM Online 992.

What they’re saying

No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R

Sebastien Bourdais: “I’m looking forward to the Indy road course. As far as the racing community and us in IMSA and Cadillac, it’s one that everybody wants to be a part of. It’s a very different setting as far as the racetrack is concerned compared to most of the other places we go. Very heavy braking, which will open up opportunities for passing. I think it will be extremely challenging in traffic because it’s a track that isn’t easy to manage multi-class racing. Once you hit Turn 4 and then the Esses, you’re kind of stuck. Same thing with (Turns) 7, 8, 9, it’s a one-groove place. You can try to divebomb someone, but that’s until the marbles build up and it will be a lot trickier. It will be a game of patience and a game of aggression. I think it’s easy to make a mistake and end up in the grass in Turn 1 or the last couple of corners. I think we have a solid baseline coming away from the test, so hopefully we can hit the ground running and be strong as we felt we were during the test. Conditions could be very different compared to the heat that we had to deal with during the test, but overall looking forward getting there and scoring maximum points. We’re in the (championship) mix and have to stick with it and see what we can do.”

Renger van der Zande: “Indianapolis is a home race for the team and that brings a great atmosphere to the team for the race weekend. It will be nice to see the families coming to the racetrack. Indianapolis is a track that is not my favorite, but most of favorite tracks are the ones that I have won on. Hopefully, after this weekend I can say this will be one of my favorite tracks.”

No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R

Pipo Derani: “We had a productive test at Indianapolis back in July; learned quite a few things about the car in general and how it performs in extreme heat. I don’t think we’ll see those conditions for the race weekend. It is an important race for the team as we’re right in the mix for the championship. We won the pole at Road America in our last race, though we didn’t have the results we were looking for. Still, the car is fast and we look forward to putting on a great race for the fans as IMSA returns to Indianapolis.”

Alexander Sims: “I’m looking forward to racing at Indianapolis for the first time. The July test was useful – even under hot conditions. Nevertheless, we collected a lot of useful information to understand how the car performs at the track. The track itself is fairly straightforward, so it’s mainly fine-tuning things from a driving point of view. We have two races left and we’re right in the hunt for the championship. It’s a very tight championship at the moment, so it is crucial for us to have two very strong races. That’s going to come about by us doing the basics right and executing well to maximize our performance. The car is fast; the team is operating well and generally I’d say Pipo and I are in a good place for Indianapolis. We were very competitive at the test. The race at Indy will be a challenge with traffic. There are a lot of corner combinations at Indy where you turn left-right, left-right continuously and it’s difficult to get past cars in those sequences of corners without taking sometimes an unnecessary amount of risk or sometimes it’s just not possible to get past. Sometimes it goes for you and sometimes it goes against you. It’s just part of multi-class endurance racing.”

3 Things to Consider Before Buying an Electric Car

By
SM
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Photo by Rathaphon Nanthapreecha

Electric cars— the future of driving. What once was deemed nothing more than a distant idea, hasn’t just come to fruition, but electric vehicles are expected to be the primary form of mobility in the future.  

And while initially, the idea of being able to simply plug in your car as opposed to filling it with gas may seem appealing, there are a few factors to consider. Some people may not realize the limitations that electric cars impose until it’s too late. Before you buy your first electric car, here are some important things to consider.

​Home Setup

One of the appeals of an electric car is the capability of charging at home.  You could conceivably plug your car in, play your piano or even do some gardening all while your car charges which is incredibly convenient.   

However, before you assume that it’s possible, it’s important that you determine whether your home has the correct elements to be able to set up an at-home charging station. You might want to consult with an electrician before you purchase your car to ensure you can charge it at home. 

Otherwise, you may find yourself struggling to find a charging station close enough and convenient enough. One of the most unpleasant aspects of electric car life is having to charge in a location where there’s nowhere to comfortably wait. If there are no restaurants or cafes nearby, you could find yourself sitting on the side of the road potentially for hours, waiting for your battery to top up.

Your Driving Range

Electric cars are not ideal for people who drive for long periods of time. If you have a two-hour commute every day, then an electric car is not the way to go. This is because charging takes a considerable amount of time. Even quick charging stations take as long as 30 minutes, with traditional charging stations more along the line of two hours for a full charge. 

When you compare this kind of time commitment to being able to simply fill up your tank at a gas station and immediately hit the road, you start to realize that an electric car may not be the best choice when it comes to time management. However, if you’re the kind of person who only drives a few miles a day for errands or short distances then an electric vehicle may just be perfect.  In other words, people who work at home, are retired, or work close to home are likely to be the kind of people who will get the most out of their electric car.

Maintenance and Repairs

Although electric cars have been around for a while, they’ve only recently started being produced on a wide scale. The truth is that electric car batteries last less time than a car engine. They need replacement more often and can be a significant expense. Make sure that you take this into consideration when calculating all of your costs.

Unraveling the Truth – Investigating Personal Injuries in Car Accidents

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SM
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Photo by Mike Bird

Car accidents are a harrowing experience, often leaving victims with physical and emotional scars. When personal injuries are involved, unraveling the truth behind the incident becomes crucial. Investigation plays a pivotal role in determining liability, insurance claims, and, most importantly, ensuring justice for the injured parties.

  • The Initial Moments

The aftermath of a car accident can be chaotic. Tires screeching, metal crunching, and the shock of impact can leave everyone involved disoriented. In such moments, safety is prioritized. Ensuring that all parties receive immediate medical attention is paramount. Once safety is confirmed, the process of investigating personal injuries can begin.

  • Gathering Information

To conduct a comprehensive investigation, gathering accurate information is the foundation. This starts with collecting contact information from all parties involved, including witnesses. Eyewitness accounts can provide valuable insights into the events leading up to the accident.

In addition to eyewitness accounts, photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries are crucial. These visual records serve as tangible evidence during insurance claims and legal proceedings.

  • Police Reports

In most car accidents, the police are called to the scene. They will conduct an initial investigation and create an accident report. This report contains essential information, such as statements from involved parties, witnesses, and their assessment of fault. Obtaining a copy of this report is often vital for insurance claims and potential lawsuits.

  • Medical Records

In personal injury cases, obtaining medical records is crucial. It provides a clear picture of the injuries sustained, the treatment received, and the associated costs. Medical records are concrete evidence of the extent of personal injuries and can significantly influence compensation negotiations.

  • Witness Statements

Witnesses can offer impartial accounts of the accident, shedding light on the sequence of events. These statements can corroborate or challenge the versions of those directly involved in the accident, making them valuable assets during an investigation.

  • Expert Opinions

Sometimes, expert opinions are necessary to determine the cause of an accident and the extent of personal injuries. Accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and engineers can provide insights that help establish liability and assess damages accurately. 

  • Legal Counsel

Navigating the complexities of personal injury investigations and negotiations can be daunting. Seeking legal counsel from experienced San Diego car accident lawyers can be immensely beneficial. They can guide you through the process, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation for your injuries. 

When selecting a personal injury lawyer in San Diego, consider experience, specialization, and a proven track record. Research their past cases, client reviews, and credentials. A local attorney familiar with California law and San Diego’s unique circumstances can maximize your chances of a successful outcome in your personal injury case.

Investigating personal injuries in car accidents is a multifaceted process that demands attention to detail, patience, and dedication. Gathering accurate information, including eyewitness accounts, police reports, medical records, and expert opinions, is essential for a successful investigation. With the proper support and guidance from legal experts, victims of car accidents can secure the justice and compensation they deserve. Ultimately, the truth behind these incidents can be uncovered, holding responsible parties accountable and providing closure to those who have suffered personal injuries.

Legal Advice for Handling Car Accident Situations

By
SM
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Photo by Sora Shimazaki

Whether you are a seasoned driver or a novice behind the wheel, understanding your legal rights and responsibilities in the event of a car accident is crucial. This document aims to provide readers with comprehensive and insightful legal advice to handle car accident situations. We will explore key concepts such as post-accident procedures, documenting evidence, communicating with insurance companies, and seeking legal support from Lawkarma. Through this educational endeavor, our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to navigate the aftermath of an accident calmly and confidently, safeguarding your interests while fulfilling your legal obligations.

Ensure Safety First

Prioritizing safety above all else in the aftermath of a car accident is not just a moral duty, but also a legal obligation. The law requires individuals involved in an accident to stop, assess the situation, and provide aid when necessary. It’s your responsibility to check if anyone involved requires emergency medical attention and to call 911 immediately if so. You can always get more information from youraccidentattorneys.com or whomever your attorney is during the events of the incident. Turning a blind eye could lead to serious legal repercussions and exacerbate injuries for the victims. This step also protects you, as it allows for official documentation of the accident scene and injuries – which can be pivotal in any ensuing legal proceedings or insurance claims. In essence, ensuring safety first sets the groundwork for legal compliance and compassionate response in an accident scenario.

Contact Authorities

Report the accident to law enforcement. They can create an official accident report, which can be crucial in legal proceedings. In some jurisdictions, an accident report must be filed within 24 to 48 hours of the incident. Be sure to have a copy of the reports you obtain from the authorities during this process. As much as possible, obtain contact information from witnesses at the scene and document any physical evidence – such as vehicle damage or skid marks – that can be beneficial in resolving insurance claims or other disputes later on. In addition, the police may issue a ticket to any party determined at fault in the accident.

Document the Scene

Take photographs of the accident, capturing the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and the overall scene. These can serve as evidence if needed. If there are any statements made by the parties involved and law enforcement, make sure to document them as well. There may also be other key pieces of evidence such as debris, skid marks, or gouges on the road, which should be noted. Finally, seek medical attention if needed. Obtaining a medical report can further verify your health condition and provide proof of injury in the event of a legal dispute.

Gather Information

Note down the details of any witnesses present. As mentioned earlier, it’s important to ask the authorities for a copy of the accident report. If you’re filing an insurance claim, have your policy number handy and provide all necessary documentation to the insurer. For legal advice, you can visit youraccidentattorneys.com or call an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss the specifics of your case.

Seek Medical Attention

Some injuries are not immediately apparent. It’s recommended to get a medical examination after an accident as injuries might emerge later. Even if you don’t experience any pain or discomfort, obtaining a medical report can help establish the extent of any bodily harm in the event that legal action is taken. Additionally, keep track of all your medical costs and bills related to the accident. Many insurance companies will reimburse those costs should you choose to pursue a claim.

Notify your Insurance Company

Provide them with an honest account of the incident. As mentioned earlier, you should have all the necessary documents at hand for reference. Be aware that in some cases, insurance companies may try to lowball you on your claim or delay payments. To protect yourself and ensure a fair outcome, it’s wise to consult an experienced car accident lawyer before signing any settlement agreement with your insurer.

Consult a Lawyer

If the accident is serious or if it’s unclear who is at fault, it’s wise to consult a car accident attorney to understand your legal rights and options. A lawyer can provide valuable counsel on negotiating with insurance companies, filing a lawsuit, and receiving fair compensation for any damages and losses incurred. Even if you are not actively seeking legal action, understanding the law pertaining to car accidents is essential for your safety and protection.  Even if you think the accident isn’t serious, consulting an attorney is still a good idea. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights and options even in minor accidents. They can also provide insights on how to navigate insurance claims and other disputes with full knowledge of the law.

There are several key steps to take in the aftermath of a car accident. You should prioritize safety first, contact authorities, document the scene, gather pertinent information, seek medical attention, notify your insurance company, and consult a lawyer. By following this advice, you can ensure that you are in compliance with legal obligations while protecting your own interests. With the right knowledge and support from experienced professionals, you can navigate an accident scenario calmly and confidently.

5 SEO Tips for Muffler Shops: Supercharging Your Online Visibility

By
SM
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In today’s digital world, running a muffler shop means boosting your online presence. Did you know 93% of online journeys start at a search engine and 75% of users don’t pass the first page? That’s where SEO steps in. So, ready for some serious online visibility action? Dive into this definitive guide to supercharge your muffler shop’s digital footprint. Let’s rev up your potential!

How SEO Works for Muffler Services

When users type queries into search engines and hit enter, they get a list of web results related to their keywords. Sites appearing at the top are considered more relevant than others. Now, relevance is not only about having a page with the words you searched for. 

Search engines, such as Google, use complicated algorithms to define site relevance. While these algorithms are confidential, years of analysis and practice have provided SEO professionals with useful insights into aspects that help increase visibility.

Crucial Elements of an Effective SEO Strategy

An effective SEO strategy requires consistent effort in various critical areas. Understanding your target audience is one aspect; knowing how they search and the kind of content they are interested in should influence your SEO strategy. 

Also, it is essential that you produce engaging and useful content. Besides this, ensuring your website is easy to navigate and loads quickly on all devices, and securing quality backlinks should also be at the forefront of your efforts.

The SEO checklist for Muffler Shops

Boom! You’ve hit the sweet spot. I bet as a muffler shop mastermind, these concepts seem mind-boggling, right? You’re probably—and rightly—asking, “How can I use these in my business?” 

Fret not! Check out this handy-dandy SEO checklist that breaks down the main areas you need to turbocharge. It’s time to bring your A-game and accelerate your success. Ready… Set… SEO!

Keyword Research

One of the first steps in the SEO process, keyword research involves identifying popular words and phrases people enter into search engines when looking for services like yours. These keywords need to be included naturally within your website’s content to increase its visibility.

Quality Content Creation

Content is king in the world of SEO. Once you have targeted keywords, create relevant, engaging, and informative content around those terms. Your content should resolve a problem, answer a question, or provide information that will benefit your potential customer.

Maintaining Optimal Site Performance

Your website’s performance significantly impacts its ranking on search engine pages. Ensure your website is responsive, has fast loading times, and has a user-friendly interface. Renovate any outdated components and regularly check for issues that might throttle performance. As you optimize your website’s speed and responsiveness, considering expert SEO services can also offer significant advantages. A deeper understanding of search engine algorithms and tailored strategies by professionals at digitalspotlight.com can elevate your site’s visibility and drive more organic traffic. Their approach ensures that your site performs well and aligns perfectly with SEO best practices.

On-Page SEO

On-page SEO deals with optimizing individual pages of your website. Elements like meta tags, title tags, headers, URLs, image alt-texts come under on-page practices. Make sure all these aspects have clear, concise descriptions containing your targeted keywords.

Off-Page SEO

Off-page SEO refers to activities outside your website that affect rankings within search engine results pages. These primarily involve earning backlinks from other reputable sites in your industry. Remember – building high-quality links takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it.

Social Media Integration

Social media channels are powerful tools that can impact your SEO indirectly. By regularly sharing content and engaging with your followers on social media, you may increase traffic to your website and improve search engine rankings.

Mobile Optimization

In this age of mobile technology, it’s vital for your website to be designed for mobile use as well as desktop browsing, which is a key aspect of small business website management. Google considers mobile optimization an important ranking signal; hence, neglecting this aspect can harm your visibility.

Strategic Positioning of Keywords

Strategically positioning keywords in your content is another key SEO tactic to help you achieve higher visibility. Placing them correctly within your headers, titles, and throughout the content helps search engines understand the relevance of your content with specific keywords.

Implementing Local SEO

If you’re a local business like a muffler shop, incorporating local SEO can make a vast difference. Local citations (online mentions) on directories like Google My Business listing and Yelp use your business’s name, address, and phone number, helping you rank higher in near me searches.

Reputation Management

Reviews and online reputation can significantly influence your SEO rankings. Maintaining a positive online image and managing your reputation effectively has a direct impact on how your business is perceived both by search engines and potential customers.

Tracking Your Progress

Finally, tracking your progress is essential for understanding the effectiveness of your SEO strategies. Use tools like Google Analytics to continuously monitor your website’s performance and make necessary adjustments along the way.

Final Thoughts

SEO optimization is not a one-time task – it is a continuous and strategic process. With regular updates in search engine algorithms, staying up-to-date with trends and adapting accordingly is vital. These steps give you an upper hand in the virtual competition war and keep your potential customers only a click away from choosing you over your competitors.

Jr III Racing Set for Battle On The Bricks at IMS

By
Official Release
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Chris Green | ChrisGreenPhoto.com

Siegel to replace Balogh in the No. 30 Airbnb Ligier

Indianapolis, Ind. (11 September 2023) – Jr III (“Junior-Three”) Racing will head to Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) this weekend with two IMSA WeatherTech LMP3 entries for the penultimate round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Jr III Racing’s full time entry of the No. 30 Airbnb Ligier JS P320 currently sits third in championship points standings with Jr III Racing regulars Garett Grist and Ari Balogh.

The No. 30 line up will be updated for the IMS round, with Nolan Siegel rejoining the team as Balogh attends to a family matter.

Siegel raced with the team in 2022 as part of the endurance lineup, and has twelve starts at IMS in open wheel competition in USF 2000, USF PRO 2000 and most recently Indy NXT. The California native’s highest finish at the famed track is second, which he scored in 2022.

“I’m really excited to be back with Jr III,” said Siegel. “We had a lot of good times last year and it’s an amazing group of people. I’m really looking forward to working with everyone again. I’ve done a lot of laps at Indy and it’s always a special experience crossing the yard of bricks. Doing it with Garett and all the guys and girls at Jr III will make it that much better!”

Grist is no stranger to the track, having seven starts under his belt at the historic Indiana track. The Canadian has two fourth place finishes, two fifth place finishes, two sixth place finishes and an eighth place finish at IMS.

“I’m very excited to compete at Indy again,” said Grist. “Indy is such an iconic track from entering through the tunnel to seeing the pagoda, and the bricks. I do think that Indy is a different track than what we are used to in IMSA. I hope that it leads to good racing, especially if we can draft. I’m excited to get back on track and hopefully get back to dominating the speed charts this weekend.”

The No. 30 Airbnb team has scored two second place finishes this season at Watkins Glen International and Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Most recently the team fell victim to a penalty early on at Road America that ultimately landed the No. 30 Ligier just short of the podium with a fourth place finish.

Joining the No. 30 Ligier will be its sister car the No. 29 Wing S2 Cyber Ligier JS P320 piloted by Bijoy Garg and Guilherme de Oliveira.

Garg currently competes with Jr III Racing’s VP Racing SportsCar Challenge (VPRC) series where he currently holds the championship points lead in the LMP3 category. Most recently Garg won back to back races at VIRginia International Raceway in VPRC. Garg made his IMSA WeatherTech debut at Road America in August, but unfortunately an incident left the car undrivable and the team did not finish the race. Garg, who also competes in USF PRO 2000 has eleven starts with a high finish of seventh at IMS.

“I think we are in a really good spot going into Indy,” said Garg. “We had a very good test at Indy and I think I drove pretty well at Road America. We were in line for a podium but our race ended early with contact. I think we can do well and that was encouraging as far as our pace and we are looking to get a win this time out. I fortunately do have some seat time at IMS in an open wheel car, so I’m pretty familiar with the track. I think Indy is a bit easier to get up to speed on and I think the multiclass racing will be fun there.”

Oliveira will be making his second IMSA WeatherTech start as well, but he will be making his first laps around the 2.439 mile course on Friday during the first practice session. Oliveira has previously competed in European Le Mans and Asian Le Mans in the LMP3 category. The 18 year old from Portugal made his IMSA WeatherTech debut earlier this season at the Rolex 24 Hours At Daytona in an LMP3. Most recently Oliveira competed at two World Endurance Championship events at Monza and Portimão in a Porsche 911.

“Being in the IMSA paddock is amazing, it’s the ultimate experience as a racing driver,” said Oliveira. “The fans, the environment and the racing culture of people who live in America are just different. After I competed at Daytona, one of my main focuses was getting back to IMSA as soon as possible, and being able to do it with Jr III is really special for me. I have never raced in Indy, but everyone knows how mythic this track is, it hosts one of the biggest races in the world and driving around there must be pure magic. It is one of my favorite tracks to drive on the simulator and I can’t wait to get there in real life.”

The Battle On The Bricks will take the green flag on Sunday September 17th with live coverage on NBC starting at 1:00pm ET.

No. 10 Smithfield/IHOP Ford Racing: Aric Almirola Bristol Advance

By
Official Release
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ARIC ALMIROLA
Bristol Advance
No. 10 Smithfield/IHOP Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

Event Overview

● Event: Bass Pro Shops Night Race (Round 29 of 36)

● Time/Date: 7:30 p.m. EDT on Saturday, Sept. 16

● Location: Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway

● Layout: .533-mile oval

● Laps/Miles: 500 laps / 266.5 miles

● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 85 laps / Stage 2: 85 laps / Final Stage: 130 laps

● TV/Radio: USA / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● History at Bristol: In 25 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Bristol, Almirola has two top-five finishes, four top-10s, one pole, and has led 39 laps. Almirola earned his pole at Bristol last September. He led 36 laps until a steering issue relegated him to a 28th-place finish.

● Driver Standings: Almirola arrives at Bristol 23rd in the driver standings.

● Almirola’s career: In 452 career NASCAR Cup Series starts, Almirola has three wins, 28 top-five finishes, 93 top-10s, five poles, and has led 1,074 laps.

● Last weekend at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Almirola led three laps and ran in and around the top-10. Difficult handling conditions relegated the No. 10 Ford to a 17th-place finish.

● Smithfield has been a sponsor of Almirola’s for the entirety of his fulltime NASCAR Cup Series career – making it one of the longest-lasting partnerships in NASCAR. Smithfield is an American food company with agricultural roots and a global reach. Its 63,000 team members are dedicated to producing “Good food. Responsibly.®” Smithfield is one of the world’s leading vertically integrated protein companies. The company has pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including its industry-leading commitments to become carbon negative in U.S. company-owned operations and reduce GHG emissions 30 percent across its entire U.S. value chain by 2030. Smithfield believes in the power of protein to end food insecurity and has donated hundreds of millions of food servings to local communities.

● IHOP joins Smithfield this weekend as a sponsor on the No. 10 Ford Mustang for the first of three more races this season. Whenever IHOP is featured on the No. 10 Ford Mustang you’ll get a chance to win “PanCoins.” Watch for the three races they’ll be featured in and when the winning driver does a pancake, IHOP loyalty members will receive a free PanCoin, which is redeemable for free pancakes​. Since 1958, IHOP has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. And no matter what menu items they order, there’s one ingredient that’s always constant – a smile. IHOP has seen millions of smiles over the years in its restaurants, and they’re now shared in photos across the company’s social media properties. In fact, smiles are so much a part of IHOP’s culture that it changed its logo to include one.

● Beyond the 10 YouTube Series: In 2023, Almirola is continuing to share his life beyond the No. 10 Ford with season five of his award-winning YouTube series. Fans and media can subscribe on YouTube to see Almirola’s personality on and off the track. Episodes have already featured life as a dad, a husband and an athlete, and the show gives fans a unique perspective on what goes on in the life of a professional NASCAR driver. Fans can also follow Almirola’s social media channels: @Aric_Almirola on Twitter and Instagram, and @AricAlmirola on Facebook.

Aric Almirola, Driver of the No. 10 Smithfield/IHOP Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing:

You won the pole last year and led the first 36 laps. What are your projections for this weekend?

“We always come to Bristol with the expectation to run well. Drew (Blickensderfer, crew chief) and the guys brought an awesome car last year. We weren’t in the playoffs then, either, and had likely the fastest car in the field. We took off in the opening laps until a steering issue ruined the day. Another non-playoff driver went on to win that race I believe, too, so I think the sky is the limit this weekend at Bristol again. We know we can bring fast cars so I don’t see why we can’t put ourselves in position for another win.”

You’re back on the concrete surface. Does that excite you?

“Absolutely. The original Bristol is one of my favorite tracks on the circuit. I know the dirt race puts on a good show for the fans, but there is nothing like Saturday-night short-track racing under the lights. You’re beating and banging the entire time and just always on edge. I’ve been looking forward to Bristol all year and our short-track program has been good this year. I hope we’ll have a shot at adding another non-playoff driver win to the scoreboard this weekend.”

No. 10 Smithfield/IHOP Ford Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Aric Almirola

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer

Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Car Chief: Jerry Cook

Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

Lead Engineer: Lee Deese

Hometown: Rockingham, North Carolina

Engineer: James Kimbrough

Hometown: Pensacola, Florida

Spotter: Joel Edmonds

Hometown: Dobson, North Carolina

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Ryan Mulder

Hometown: Sioux Center, Iowa

Rear Tire Changer: Trevor White

Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Tire Carrier: Tyler Bullard

Hometown: King, North Carolina

Jack Man: Sean Cotton

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Fuel Man: James “Ace” Keener

Hometown: Fortuna, California

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Chris Trickett

Hometown: Grafton, West Virginia

Mechanic: Jacob Cooksey

Hometown: Westbrookville, New York

Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller

Hometown: Monroe, New York

Tire Specialist: Russel Simpson

Hometown: Medford, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Steven Casper

Hometown: Salisbury, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Matt Murphy

Hometown: Augusta, Georgia

The White Zone: Chase Elliott has an attitude problem

By
Tucker White
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KANSAS CITY, Kan. - SEPTEMBER 10: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, pits during the NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway on Sept. 10, 2023, in Kansas City, Kansas. Photo: Simon Scoggins/SpeedwayMedia.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: After press time, Chase Elliott told Dave Moody on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Tuesday, that the side-swipe was a heat of the moment incident and that he and Kyle Larson cleared the misunderstanding, during their post-race chat on pit road.

Original column

Chase Elliott stood on pit road and spoke to the media, Sunday, at Kansas Speedway. Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports asked him about side-swiping his teammate, Kyle Larson, coming off pit road.

There was no message? Does he seriously expect us to believe this?

Well according to the beat writers on site, he did.

Considering NASCAR parked him for intentionally wrecking Denny Hamlin back in May, he would act more level-headed.

Nope, Elliott acted like a jackass.

Why lie about it?

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – SEPTEMBER 10: Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, and Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway on Sept. 10, 2023, in Kansas City, Kansas. Photo: Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images

Let’s dissect the incident in question.

As Elliott left pit road, he had Tyler Reddick to his right. Larson pulls out of his box with just enough room to spare. Then Brad Keselowski exits his box, Larson pulls right to avoid him and hits Elliott.

Just drivers going for the same real estate. Pretty innocuous.

Elliott probably didn’t realize Keselowski forced Larson up. So he side-swiped him on the apron.

OK, heat of the moment incident. It happens. If Elliott said his reason was just payback, I wouldn’t be writing this column.

Rather than say that, he lied about it.

For what gain? Who knows. Danielle Trotta and Larry McReynolds on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Monday, threw out that he’s jealous of Larson or that it stems from past run-ins. On the latter, the only ones that come to mind are Fontana and Watkins Glen in 2022. For the former, I don’t know if I can put stock in that, right now. I’m not a psychologist. I type words onto digital paper for a living.

With that said, it doesn’t take Sigmund Freud to know Elliott lied. No driver side-swipes another driver, especially a teammate, unless there’s a reason.

So why lie about it?

If it was a heat of the moment response, then say it. If it’s more deep-seated, then say it.

Don’t piss on our legs, then say it’s raining! Any journalist worth their salt sniffs out a bullshit story.

If you don’t, then expect more scrutiny from us.

And if not to us, then have the decency to tell your damn teammate and bosses at Hendrick Motorsports why you did it and what your problem with Larson is.

If not, don’t act surprised if you have difficulty getting resigned, when your next contract talk occurs.

More importantly, tell your fans why. You know? The people who made you NASCAR’s most popular driver for seven consecutive seasons.

If you don’t, then that tells me you think your fans are brain-dead idiots who’ll slop up any lie you tell.

Regardless, if this is how Elliott carries himself now, then he didn’t learn a damn thing from his suspension. And if he thinks talent shields him from repercussions for being a cancer, then look up Antonio Brown’s tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers (particularly around 2018).

Talent only goes so far, when you’re toxic to everyone around you.

That’s my view, for what it’s worth.

Indianapolis represents history for Sean Creech Motorsport team

By
Official Release
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João Barbosa won the last IMSA race at IMS, while Creech shares a significant race history with one of the winningest junior open wheel teams

JUPITER, Fla. (11 September 2023) – Sean Creech Motorsport (SCM) joins the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in a return to the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway for this weekend’s TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. EDT, NBC).

Drivers Lance Willsey and João Barbosa will pilot the No. 33 SCM Focal One Ligier JS P320 in Sunday’s two hour and 40-minute event, and for Barbosa – and team principal Sean Creech – the weekend represents significant moments in each of their racing history.

Nine years have passed since IMSA last took the checkered flag at IMS. The last man standing on the famed Victory Podium? João Barbosa, who led 92 of 108 laps for the victory alongside teammate Christian Fittipaldi, which helped cement their hold on the series championship title. It is a cherished memory for Barbosa, who first learned the history of IMS when he first came to the U.S. from his native Portugal.

“We had a very quick car and great fuel strategy in 2014,” said Barbosa. “We took advantage of all the opportunities we had. It was great to win at Indy and kiss the bricks – it is one of my best memories. Indy is so special and so historic. When I came to the United States, I saw how important the race was and followed it closely, so it’s great to be able to race here ourselves.”

IMS’s open-wheel history is legendary. The Indianapolis 500 – the largest single day sporting event in the world – is one of the world’s iconic motor races. Less well known is the open-wheel history of both Barbosa and Creech.

Barbosa came to the US from Portugal to contest Formula Atlantic, while Creech spent his time balanced between two worlds – competing in a Formula Ford while also working as a mechanic with Dauer Racing. His expertise with racing cars came to the fore in those early days, with most of his contemporaries racing and working on their cars, and he gained a reputation as a talented technician, understanding every inch of a race car.

In 1992, Creech asked fellow driver Dominic Cape to come work on the car at the SCCA Runoffs, and the team captured the Runoffs victory in the Sports 2000 class. Dominic Cape considers the win to be the first for what would become Cape Motorsports – the winningest team in USF2000 series history (the team returned to the INDY NXT series this season.)

“We were good friends back in the day, racing against each other and cooking out together in the evenings,” said Creech. “He had a Formula Ford, I had a FF2000 and we hung out, working on the cars. I got to know his brother Nicholas and father Reggie as well, so when I got the DB-2, I called Dominic to ask if he wanted to come work on it. It was a good weekend.”

Creech was set to go to Formula Atlantic in 1993 but his transporter – with the car inside – was stolen in January of that year. Creech then turned his attention fully to sports cars, working with legendary names like Dauer, Doran, Busby and Colucci before starting his own team. But he has always kept in touch with the Capes.

“We’ve enjoyed seeing their success over the years,” said Creech. “It will be great to have them out to the Speedway this weekend and compare notes.”

The SCM team tested at Indy in mid-July, experiencing the spectrum of weather conditions over the two days – from cold and wet to hot and humid. Both Creech and Barbosa know that weather and traffic will be the two main factors affecting Sunday’s outcome.

“We learned a great deal at the test in multiple conditions, so we have a lot of good data,” said Creech. “Traffic is going to be the biggest challenge – if it rains, that will come into play even more, because Indy gets very slippery very quickly.”

“I’m looking forward to building on the strong result we had at Road America (where the team earned a pole and a second-place finish),” said Barbosa. “We learned a great deal at the test – the first day was hot, the second had rain, so it was good to see how the LMP3 car reacted to the different conditions. Lance did a great job and we definitely fine-tuned the car. The LMP3 car is so balanced, with the brakes and power and handling. It might not have the downforce of the P2 car but it was fun to drive at Indy. Traffic will be difficult, with so many cars – our speed is close to that of the GTD cars so staying out of trouble will be key.”

SCM thanks partner Focal One for its continued support.

The TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks takes the green flag Sunday at 1:10 p.m. Eastern. The race will be broadcast live in the U.S. on NBC. International viewers can watch via IMSA.tv, with IMSA Radio also available at IMSA.com.

About SCM

Team leader Sean Creech has competed in a multitude of sports car series from 1990 until the present day, including Group C, IMSA GTP, WSC, Grand-Am, SRO World Challenge, and IMSA. SCM will contest the full WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2023 with João Barbosa and Lance Willsey. http://seancreechmotorsport.com/

About Focal One

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime in the United States. The Focal One® HIFU Prostate treatment offers patients a non-invasive outpatient procedure to target prostate tissue while avoiding the common side effects such as loss of urinary continence and sexual function. The Focal One treatment uses high-performance, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to precisely target and ablate the prostate, allowing patients to quickly return to normal activities. http://www.focalone.com/

One-two for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s title protagonists in Greek epic

By
Official Release
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Jonne Halttunen, Kalle Rovanperä

Toyota City, Japan, Sept 11, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team has achieved a one-two finish in another demanding edition of the Acropolis Rally, Kalle Rovanpera scoring his second win in three years in Greece to increase his championship lead while Elfyn Evans secured second place in a final-stage showdown.

Torrential rain in the days leading up to the rally brought a different complexion to the event but made it no less difficult, with drivers encountering a wide variety of conditions in the stages: from thick mud to rough and rocky sections as the weather dried out. Saturday, the longest day of the rally, proved to be especially challenging for drivers, cars and tyres with a number of competitors hitting trouble.

Reigning world champion Rovanpera however managed to avoid issues while also setting a string of fastest times in his GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID to gain a lead of more than two minutes at the end of Saturday. That allowed him to take a safety-first approach to Sunday’s first two stages ahead of the rally-ending Power Stage, where he set the best time by 2.5 seconds to claim five additional bonus points.

The third win and maximum score of the season for Rovanpera and co-driver Jonne Halttunen represents a perfect bounce back from retirement last time out at Rally Finland, and increases Rovanper’s drivers’ championship lead to 33 points ahead of Evans – who has in turn moved 33 points in front of third-placed Thierry Neuville (Hyundai).

Evans and co-driver Scott Martin lost some time on Saturday morning with radiator damage but managed to continue and came into Sunday just five seconds away from second place, which they took with a stage win in the day’s first test, Tarzan. With the second-best time in the Power Stage, Evans held on to beat Dani Sordo (Hyundai) by 4.2s.

The one-two finish for the team represents a turnaround in the team’s fortunes and performance in Greece after a difficult event one year ago. Its maximum score in both the rally and the Power Stage also increases its lead in the manufacturers’ championship to 91 points with three rounds remaining.

On his first appearance since June’s Safari Rally Kenya, Sebastien Ogier was leading the rally on Saturday afternoon until sustaining tyre and suspension damage in the day’s final stage. Forced to retire, he restarted on Sunday morning and finished 10th overall.

Driving a fourth GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID with the support of the TGR WRC Challenge Program, Takamoto Katsuta finished sixth overall – having been close to the Evans-Sordo battle before stopping twice to change wheels in SS11 on Saturday afternoon.

Quotes:

Akio Toyoda (TGR-WRT Chairman)
“First of all, let me start with congratulating Jari-Matti and Juho at Rally Hokkaido as they won the rally this weekend. I am grateful that they showed us their world-level driving on actual competition stages in Japan, not just demonstration runs. His driving fascinated fans and inspired fellow drivers. Jari-Matti and Juho helped Japanese rally get closer to the world-level. I’m truly thankful for them.

Jari-Matti was always smiling behind the wheel. However, he must have had some concerns because his team was fighting in Greece also this weekend. But I was not worried at all. TGR-WRT is a field-oriented team. When I was in Finland last month as an alternative Team Principal, I was able to see the work of team members up close. If something happens, a person who is an expert in the field makes a judgement and the management members support that. TGR-WRT is built to work like that, and because I knew Jari-Matti made that kind of team, I was confident that it would be no problem for him to be in Hokkaido. And as I expected, the team well demonstrated their ability.

Kalle, Jonne, congratulations on your victory after a difficult event in Finland! And Elfyn, Scott, thank you for achieving the one-two finish! Your achievement blew away the anxiousness of the Team Principal. All team members will keep making efforts in each field to be able to smile again in November in Japan. Thank you all for working hard in Greece!”

Kaj Lindstrom (Sporting Director)
“It feels great to have a one-two in the rally and in the Power Stage. It’s been a very tough week here after the conditions changed dramatically during the recce. The crews had to adapt to the changing road conditions, and the team had to adapt as well to make the car perform in those conditions. We were disappointed here in Greece one year ago and knew that there was some work to do. We already saw some results from this work in Mexico earlier this year, and this result here shows how good a job the team has done. Kalle was the smartest guy during the event: he saw where you can push and where you needed to take care. It was a really great performance from Elfyn as well. He faced some problems but didn’t panic, continued and it paid off at the end.”

Kalle Rovanpera (Driver car 69)
“It’s been a nice weekend, for sure. This rally is always so tricky and it was a tough week with all the difficult conditions, starting already in the recce. It was a big challenge, and starting first on the road I was not expecting to finish first, so taking 30 points is amazing. Last year we struggled from start to finish in Greece, and this year even as first car we could at least fight with the others. Big thanks to the team, as the car was super strong. We could fight back quite well on Saturday, still staying out of trouble and trying to take care of the car and the tyres which you always need to do on this type of rally. Then I really went for it on the Power Stage, like we always try to do. Now we need to stay consistent and focus on the next rallies.”

Elfyn Evans (Driver car 33)
“It’s been a pretty up-and-down weekend. If we rewind to Saturday lunchtime, we were very lucky to stay in the rally after the radiator damage. We lost over a minute, so to come back to second place, we have to be happy considering everything. Dani was keeping the pressure on and it was still really tight going into the final stage, so it was good to secure the place in the end and to take some Power Stage points as well. It’s not been a perfect weekend for us in championship terms, as Kalle’s been very strong, so congratulations to him, but we will continue to give it everything. And it’s an incredible result for the team: a credit to everyone for making a leap forward from where we were here last year.”

Sebastien Ogier (Driver car 17)
“It’s not been the rally we wanted on our side but that’s the way it is sometimes. This is the kind of rally where you need to have luck on your side, with the very rough conditions, and unfortunately, we had an accumulation of issues yesterday and had to stop. Today I tried my best in the Power Stage but starting pretty much in the front was not so easy. At the end, the positive is that we had some good performance this weekend. We were not rewarded for it, but at least the team did another great result with a one-two, both in the rally and in the Power Stage, which is really good for both championships.”

PROVISIONAL FINAL CLASSIFICATION, ACROPOLIS RALLY GREECE
1 Kalle Rovanpera/Jonne Halttunen (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID) 3h00m16.7s
2 Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID) +1m31.7s
3 Dani Sordo/Candido Carrera (Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID) +1m35.9s
4 Ott Tanak/Martin Jarveoja (Ford Puma Rally1 HYBRID) +4m28.4s
5 Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID) +6m22.3s
6 Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID) +7m20.9s
7 Andreas Mikkelsen/Torstein Eriksen (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) +9m41.0s
8 Gus Greensmith/Jonas Andersson (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) +9m51.3s
9 Yohan Rossel/Arnaud Dunand (Citroen C3 Rally2) +11m07.0s
10 Sebastien Ogier/Vincent Landais (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID) +11m43.4s

(Results as of 14:20 on Sunday, for the latest results please visit www.wrc.com)

What’s next?
The WRC returns to South America for Rally Chile, which was previously held in 2019. The stages in the forests of the Bio Bio region around the port city of Concepcion are technical but largely fast and smooth.

For more information, visit https://toyotagazooracing.com/wrc/release/2023/rd10-day4/.

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