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Bass Pro Shops Racing: Martin Truex Jr. Darlington Southern 500 Advance

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Official Release
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Martin Truex Jr.
Darlington Southern 500 Advance
No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry TRD for Joe Gibbs Racing

Event Overview

● Event: Cook Out Southern 500 (Round 27 of 36)|
● Time/Date: 6 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Sept. 3
● Location: Darlington (S.C.) Raceway
● Layout: 1.33-mile egg-shaped oval
● Laps/Miles: 367 laps/501.32 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 115 laps / Stage 2: 115 laps / Final Stage: 137 laps
● TV/Radio: USA Network / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Martin Truex Jr., and the No. 19 team for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) set the tone for the season right out of the gate by winning the 150-lap feature in the non-points Clash at the Coliseum on Feb. 5 in Los Angeles. Truex won his heat race, then went on to lead the final 25 laps of the feature en route to a victory that gave him and the team much-needed momentum heading into the 2023 season. While the team was knocking on the door over the first 10 points-paying races, the breakthrough win finally came at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway on May 1, and Truex has added two more points-paying victories and four overall this season – June 11 at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway and July 17 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon.

● Playoff Time: Truex sealed up the regular-season championship last weekend at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. The regular-season champion is awarded 15 playoff points, so Truex will start the 10-race playoff with 36 playoff points he can take through to each round. Truex and William Byron sit atop the initial playoff standings with 2,036 points, 11 ahead of third-place Denny Hamlin.

● 34 and Counting: Truex’s win at New Hampshire was the 34th of his Cup Series career, putting him in a tie with 2004 Cup Series champion Kurt Busch for 25th on the all-time win list in NASCAR’s top series.

● Truex has two wins, four top-five finishes, 10 top-10s and has led a total of 914 laps in 22 career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Darlington. Truex’s average Darlington finish is 13.2.

● Truex notched his most recent Darlington win in May 2021, when he dominated the race and led 248 laps en route to his second victory at the 1.366-mile, egg-shaped oval.

● Quite an Honor: For Sunday night’s Labor Day-weekend Southern 500, Truex and the No. 19 team will host special guests from Bass Pro Shops. The name of Jeanne Allen, a 45-year employee of Bass Pro Shops, will appear on Truex’s Bass Pro Shops Camry. As transportation manager at Bass Pro Shops, Allen has done it all during her tenure with the company. She’s managed many big projects, including getting merchandise to customers, and delivering significant historical artifacts to many stores and museums across the country. The No. 19 Bass Pro Shops team is honored to have Allen and her husband Roger join them Sunday at Darlington Raceway.

● While he doesn’t like to play favorites, Truex certainly excels at tracks with worn-out surfaces, where driver skill is key to managing the tires and the racecar over the course of a long race. At four such tracks, Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, Darlington, and Homestead-Miami Speedway, Truex has six career wins, 23 top-five finishes and 45 top-10s. He’s also led 2,433 laps at three of this year’s 10 playoff tracks. So it should be no surprise that Truex is looking forward to Sunday night’s race at Darlington and the following playoff race at Kansas, along with Homestead-Miami, site of the third-to-last race of the season and the next-to-last race of the Round of 8.

● So far this season, Truex has scored three points-paying wins, nine top-five finishes, 15 top-10s and has led an impressive 832 laps through 26 races. To put the laps-led number in perspective, Truex led just 572 during the entire 36-race season in 2022.

Martin Truex Jr., Driver of the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry TRD

What’s the challenge of 500 miles at Darlington as opposed to other racetracks, and even the 400-mile race there?

“The challenge is that it’s a long race, a lot of pit stops and a lot of chances for things to go wrong. Track position is obviously really important. To go through 13 sets of tires or whatever it is, and track position, what it means there and to keep track position, it’s tough to stay up front and be consistently really strong. It’s tough to do there, and we hope we can do that on Sunday night with our Bass Pro Shops Camry TRD.”

How do you think the first round of the playoffs set up for you and your team?

“Obviously a high amount of confidence in Darlington, and Kansas, as well. Bristol has never been my greatest place. It’s been a bit of a challenge, but I feel we are competitive there so we aren’t going to knock ourselves out of the first round there. But you never know what can happen. Bonus points are going to be huge, and hopefully we can just be consistent and execute with what we are capable of. We should be able to go to the third race at Bristol and be in decent shape.”

What is it about Darlington that seems to lean toward the veteran drivers?

“I think it’s both driver and team, it’s a combination. You look at Kevin (Harvick) and Rodney (Childers), they’ve been together a long time. You look at myself, James (Small, crew chief), and Jazzy (Jeff Curtis, race engineer) – we’ve been together and working on things together for a long time, so it’s just part of it. It’s such a tough track and history plays a part in that, and having the confidence in how to drive the place and understand how to drive it with how they set the cars up. It’s just a combination of things that experience plays into. With that being said, this car is a lot different than it used to be and my team has just done a good job of giving me good cars there, and I always have enjoyed that place, it’s fun for me.”

Does it take a driver a long time to get used to how to drive Darlington and get used to its nuances?

“I think it just suits some guys, and others it doesn’t. For me, I feel like it’s about how I like to drive my car and the feel I need for the long run. It’s always going back to for as long as I remember, because I don’t really know what I do differently than everyone else, and I don’t know if my team does, either. It’s just the way that it happens. Even with all the technology today, sometimes you just can’t pinpoint exactly what it is that makes us good there. You can see the SMT and see exactly what a driver is doing, but there’s more to connecting that feel and those inputs than you can imagine. It just suits me, and I really enjoy it. Looking forward to this weekend with our Bass Pro Shops Camry.”

Some drivers say they love Darlington and others say they just can’t get a grasp on it. Is it just tires or much more to be good at Darlington?

“It’s very unique, I love it. It’s really hard on tires and hard to get your car working good. For me, I’ve had a lot of really good runs there and have won a bunch of races and have been really strong in the last four years, so I really enjoy it. I’ve had bad cars there years ago and I can see how that could be just miserable if you don’t have a good car. Fun track and a place I really like.”

How technical of a track is Darlington?

“It’s definitely really technical. It’s a track that is really fast but the two ends of the track are completely different, which makes the crew chiefs scratch their heads. It’s hard to get your car working right on both ends, so you have to compromise. It’s never going to be perfect. It’s never going to be comfortable, but you’ve got to figure out a way to be comfortable with it and that’s what I love about Darlington. You are on the ragged edge so much and the tires wear off the car so bad on the long run that you are just on ice. You are sliding and trying to keep the right rear from dragging against the wall, and you are just sliding everywhere. I just think it’s so much fun. It’s been a great track for me, I think just because I like it so much. Hoping we can have a great run there this weekend with our Bass Pro Shops Camry and pick up where we left off the last two races there with having such a strong car both times.”

No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Martin Truex Jr.

Hometown: Mayetta, New Jersey

Crew Chief: James Small

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

Car Chief: Chris Jones

Hometown: Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Engineer: Nick Burton

Hometown: Arvada, California

Engineer: Jeff Curtis

Hometown: Fairfax Station, Virginia

Spotter: Drew Herring

Hometown: Benson, North Carolina

Road Crew Members

Underneath Mechanic: Ryan Martin

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Virgina

Mechanic: Todd Carmichael

Hometown: Redding, California

Interior/Tire Specialist: Tommy DiBlasi

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Engine Tuner: Gregg Huls

Hometown: Beatrice, Nebraska

Transporter Driver: Kyle Bazzell

Hometown: Fairbury, Illinois

Transporter Driver: Eddie DeGroot

Hometown: Baldwinsville, New York

Over-The-Wall Crew Members

Gas Man: Matt Tyrrell

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Jackman: Kellen Mills

Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

Tire Carrier: CJ Bailey

Hometown: Outer Banks, North Carolina

Front Tire Changer: Lee Cunningham

Hometown: Leaf River, Illinois

Rear Tire Changer: Danny Olszowy
Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky

Habul confirms three-peat attack on Bathurst 12 hour in SunEnergy1 Mercedes-AMG

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Official Release
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US-based Australian GT ace Kenny Habul has confirmed a three-peat attack on the Bathurst 12 Hour at Mt Panorama in February with his SunEnergy1 Mercedes-AMG GT3 team.

Habul has wasted no time confirming his involvement in next year’s race and was the first official entry for the endurance classic when registrations opened.

Habul, who is still recovering from a broken back he received at the Spa 24 hour in June, realised a life-long dream when he won the 2022 Bathurst 12 Hour with Jules Gounon, Luca Stolz and Martin Konrad.

Earlier this year Habul got a matching trophy for his 2022 silverware when he teamed with Gounon and Stolz again to clinch back-to-back wins in one of the most thrilling finishes in the race’s history.

After an impressive early stint on old tyres, Habul and team boss Markus Rohrich managed the team’s strategy from the garage as his teammates kept their entry at the front to beat home the Porsche of Matt Campbell and the fellow Mercedes of Maro Engel – just 1.4 seconds splitting the top three cars after 323 laps and 2006kms of racing.

The SunEnergy1 Mercedes-AMG GT3 team created one of the stories of the year when it won the Pro-Am class of the recent Spa 24 Hour with Habul watching on from a Belgium hospital.

The charismatic Australian ordered a brand new car from his hospital bed after being involved in a high-speed accident in qualifying on the Thursday of the event.

The new car was prepared through the night so fellow Australian Chaz Mostert, Dutchman Nicky Catsburg, Austrian Martin Konrad and replacement driver, German Adam Osieka could drive it to victory on July 1.

“It has been a tough couple of months for me, but now back in the gym every day and making great progress,  signing the entry form for next year’s Bathurst 12 hour brought a smile to my face,” said Habul.

“I will be back in the car sometime this year, so I will definitely be fit and ready to go by February and we are coming to win three in a row.

“We would love to give Mercedes-AMG a three-peat, something that has not been done by a manufacturer at the Bathurst 12-hour since Mazda dominated the race in the early 90s.”

Habul has a passionate affinity with Mt Panorama, so much so that he brought an adjacent property to the world famous track which he uses as his base when he is back in Australia.

He will confirm his final driver line-up and what operation will prepare his car in coming weeks.

Habul is aiming to become just the third driver behind veteran Australian touring car ace John Bowe (1995, 2010, 2014) and Gounon (2020, 2022 and 2023) to win three outright Bathurst 12 hour winner’s trophies.

“To win our first 12-hour a couple of years ago was a dream come true, but to go back-to-back earlier this year in such an amazing finish was something else,” said Habul.

“Mt Panorama is such a magical place and I am proud to call it my home race of the year.

“We have sprayed and drunk the champagne at Bathurst the last couple of years and we have enjoyed the taste of it.”

Bathurst 12 Hour Director, Shane Rudzis, welcomed Habul’s early entry for the 2024 event.

“What Kenny (Habul) and the SunEnergy1 team have achieved the last two years has been nothing short of incredible,” said Rudzis.

“Kenny is such a passionate competitor and continually goes out of his way to do what he can for our event and the sport in general. What he did at this year’s Spa 24 Hour event is proof of that.

“While Kenny’s entry is the first, it certainly won’t be the last and we are expecting one of our strongest fields for many years.”

The 2024 Bathurst 12 Hour will be held from February 16-18. 

Common Car Problems and Diagnostics

By
SM
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Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Killeen, TX, situated in Bell County, is a vibrant city known for its rich history and strong community spirit. Home to the Fort Hood military base, Killeen has a diverse population and a broad range of cultural attractions. The city’s blend of urban amenities and natural beauty makes it a captivating destination. Killeen, TX, offers essential automotive services to address common car problems.

In the fast-paced modern world, automobiles have seamlessly woven into the fabric of daily life, offering unparalleled convenience and mobility. However, the intricate machinery that powers these vehicles can sometimes encounter issues that disrupt your journeys. This is where the significance of automotive service Killeen, TX, comes to the forefront.

From bustling urban streets to serene countryside roads, cars encounter various challenges, often leaving drivers exasperated by the side of the road. These issues span a spectrum, from the ominous glow of the ‘Check Engine light to disconcerting brake squeaks, enigmatic electrical malfunctions, and perplexing transmission quirks.

The complexities of modern automotive systems demand expertise and experience to accurately diagnose and rectify these issues, ensuring that vehicles operate at their best. 

Engine Troubles:

Modern vehicles rely heavily on intricate engines. The ‘Check Engine’ light often causes anxiety, indicating potential problems. This light can be triggered by issues like loose gas caps, faulty sensors, or more intricate matters like malfunctioning catalytic converters. When it appears, using an OBD-II scanner becomes vital. This diagnostic tool reads the car’s error codes, aiding in pinpointing the exact problem. These diagnostic codes provide valuable insights for mechanics, helping them narrow down issues and efficiently resolve them.

Braking Woes:

Brakes are pivotal for road safety. Squeaking or grinding noises while applying brakes might indicate worn brake pads. Similarly, a pulsating brake pedal is a telltale sign of potential issues with the brake rotors. Besides the obvious auditory cues, checking the brake fluid is also critical. Surprisingly, this aspect often gets overlooked, yet it plays a significant role in brake performance. Regular inspection and brake fluid replacement can prevent problems and ensure consistent braking efficiency. When faced with these braking concerns, seeking the expertise of a mechanic becomes a priority. These professionals can comprehensively assess the braking system, diagnose the root cause, and implement the necessary solutions.

Electrical Gremlins:

The advancement of technology in automobiles has brought about a surge in electrical components. These sophisticated systems enhance vehicle functionality but also introduce the possibility of electrical malfunctions. Flickering lights, a dead battery, or issues with power windows and locks are common manifestations of such glitches. These issues often stem from blown fuses, corroded wires, or a problematic alternator. Diagnosing these electrical problems requires a systematic approach. Mechanics must meticulously inspect each component, tracing the source of the issue. This process involves a combination of visual inspection and specialized diagnostic tools designed to analyze electrical circuits and identify faults accurately.

Transmission Challenges:

The transmission system is vital for smooth gear shifts and overall vehicle performance. However, like other car parts, it is susceptible to problems. Symptoms like slipping gears, delayed shifting, or strange noises while changing gears can indicate transmission trouble. These issues could arise from low transmission fluid levels, a malfunctioning torque converter, or a worn-out clutch. Diagnosing transmission problems requires a multi-faceted approach. It begins with assessing the quality and level of the transmission fluid. Also, mechanics must inspect for leaks, as transmission fluid leaks can contribute to various problems. Furthermore, diagnostic tools are employed to retrieve transmission codes, which provide insights into specific issues within the transmission system.

Steering and Suspension Issues:

The steering and suspension systems are crucial in providing a comfortable and controlled driving experience. Any anomalies in these systems can lead to a bumpy ride, difficulty in steering, and compromised stability. Worn-out shocks, struts, or damaged control arms are common culprits behind such issues. Detecting steering and suspension problems necessitates a comprehensive approach. Mechanics visually inspect the suspension components for signs of wear and damage. Additionally, they conduct test drives to feel for any abnormalities in vehicle handling. Mechanics can accurately diagnose problems and recommend appropriate repairs or replacements by combining visual inspection and practical assessment.

Cooling System Hiccups:

Engines generate substantial heat during operation, underscoring the importance of a well-functioning cooling system. Overheating can occur due to various factors, including coolant leaks, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a faulty radiator fan. Monitoring the temperature gauge on the dashboard and staying vigilant for coolant leaks are crucial steps in detecting potential cooling system problems. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent severe engine damage. When diagnosing cooling system problems, mechanics may perform a cooling system pressure test. This test helps identify hidden leaks and assesses the overall integrity of the cooling system. Mechanics ensure the engine’s optimal performance and longevity by identifying and addressing cooling system hiccups.

Fluid Leaks:

Leaking fluids are a red flag and can indicate various underlying problems. Different colored fluids found beneath the car can provide essential clues about the source of the issue. Brown or black fluid is often associated with engine oil leaks, while green or orange fluids typically signify coolant leaks. Additionally, red or pink fluids are indicative of transmission fluid leaks. Identifying the type of fluid leak is crucial for effective diagnosis and subsequent repairs. Mechanics conduct a thorough inspection to locate the precise source of the leak. After identifying the source, appropriate actions can be recommended based on the extent of damage. Addressing fluid leaks promptly not only prevents further damage but also ensures the safety and longevity of the vehicle.

Conclusion

In the symphony of daily life, automobiles compose an integral melody, enabling us to navigate tasks and experiences. Yet, as these mechanical companions traverse the roads, they encounter their share of hiccups, warranting careful consideration and skilled intervention. This underscores the indispensable role of automotive service in Killeen, TX. From unraveling the mysteries of engine troubles and steering anomalies to deciphering the language of fluid leaks and transmission glitches, the realm of common car problems is vast and intricate. Timely diagnostics and effective solutions ensure smoother rides and prolong the lifespan of these trusty steeds. As the automotive landscape evolves, the role of expert mechanics becomes ever more crucial, guiding these machines through the ebbs and flows of their operational journey. 

Team Penske and Wood Brothers announce crew chief swap for Cindric and Burton, beginning in 2023 Cup Series Playoffs

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Simon Scoggins for SpeedwayMedia.com.

With the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs days away from commencing, Team Penske and Wood Brothers Racing announced a crew chief swap for two of their combined Penske-affiliated entries for the remainder of this season and entering the 2024 season.

Beginning with the Playoff opener next Sunday at Darlington Raceway, Jeremy Bullins, who was the crew chief for Team Penske’s No. 2 Ford Mustang entry piloted by Austin Cindric, will reunite with Wood Brothers Racing and lead the No. 21 team piloted by Harrison Burton. As a result, Brian Wilson, who was atop the pit box of Wood Brothers Racing’s No. 21 team for more than a season, will return to Team Penske and reunite with Cindric to lead the No. 2 team in NASCAR’s premier series.

The move for Bullins, a native of Walnut Cove, North Carolina, to Wood Brothers Racing, reignites a dynamic pairing as Bullins spent the 2015-17 seasons with the championship-winning organization as a Cup crew chief with Ryan Blaney piloting the No. 21 entry. Through 88 events, Bullins led Blaney and the No. 21 team to a late victory at Pocono Raceway in June 2017, which marks the 99th and latest victory for Wood Brothers Racing, and they went on to make the Playoffs and finish in ninth place in the final standings. The driver-crew chief duo also achieved a combined two poles, eight top-five results, 25 top-10 results and 332 laps led before both departed Wood Brothers and moved to Team Penske in 2018.

From 2018 through the first 26 events of the 2023 season, Bullins has achieved eight Cup victories while working with three different competitors (Blaney, Brad Keselowski and Austin Cindric). His latest triumph was winning the 2022 Daytona 500 with Cindric, who proceeded to finish 12th in the final standings and claim the Rookie-of-the-Year title. He also achieved a breakout season with Keselowski in 2020, with the duo achieving four victories and making the Championship 4 round before finishing in the runner-up spot in the final standings. In addition to his success in the Cup Series, Bullins has 21 victories as an Xfinity Series crew chief under his resume and played an instrumental role in leading Penske’s No. 22 entry to back-to-back Xfinity owner’s championships (2013 and 2014).

This season, Bullins and Cindric have only achieved three top-10 results and an average-finishing result of 21.1 through 26 scheduled events. Their best on-track results of this season thus far were three sixth-place runs at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Circuit of the Americas in March along with the inaugural Chicago Street Course in July. Currently situated in 22nd place in the standings, they did not make the 2023 Cup Series Playoffs a year after making it.

For Wilson, the transition to Team Penske’s No. 2 team reunites the Detroit, Michigan, native back with the three-time Cup Series championship-winning organization to which he first joined in 2004 and was a race engineer during Penske’s first Xfinity Series championship in 2010 and first Cup Series championship in 2012, both achieved by former Penske competitor Brad Keselowski.

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Wilson called over 160 Xfinity events as a crew chief and achieved 23 victories from 2016-21, 13 of which were made by Austin Cindric and with whom Wilson will also reunite. During this span, he led Team Penske’s No. 22 entry to three Xfinity owner’s championships (2017, 2020, and 2021) and guided Cindric to the 2020 Xfinity Series driver’s championship. He also called his first four Cup events as a crew chief for Keselowski and the No. 2 entry in 2017 before being named a full-time Cup crew chief for Harrison Burton and the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing team in 2022, who ended up 27th in the final standings.

This season, Wilson and Burton have only achieved two top-10 results and an average-finishing result of 23.8 through 26 scheduled events. Their best on-track result of this season thus far was a sixth-place run at Darlington in May. Currently situated in 30th place in the standings, they too did not make the Playoffs for a second consecutive season.

With Bullins now paired with Burton and Wilson reunited with Cindric, the new driver-crew chief duo sets their sights on concluding the 2023 season on a strong note, beginning in this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series Playoff opener at Darlington Raceway for the Cook Out Southern 500. The event is scheduled to occur on Sunday, September 3, at 6 p.m. ET on USA Network.

Blomqvist to Race Final Two INDYCAR Races at Portland and Laguna with Meyer Shank Racing

By
Official Release
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#06: Helio Castroneves, Meyer Shank Racing Honda

Pataskala, Ohio (28 August 2023) – With the end of the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES in sight, Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) is eager to head to the second of three straight races to close out the season on a high note.

Tom Blomqvist will be rejoining the MSR INDYCAR squad for the final two races of the season, starting off with the Bitnile.com Grand Prix of Portland on September 3rd (3:00pm ET, NBC, SiriusXM Ch. 160). Blomqvist will fill in for Simon Pagenaud who continues to recover from an accident at Mid-Ohio earlier this year. Pagenaud has not been medically cleared by the INDYCAR medical team to run the final two races at Portland and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Blomqvist (No. 60 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda) will once again join MSR ace and recently announced minority partner of the team, Helio Castroneves in the No. 06 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda for the series’ west coast swing.

Castroneves will be making his seventh start on the short 1.964-mile road course. His early career at the Portland facility saw strong qualifying efforts with the Brazilian racer qualifying on the front row in 1999 (2nd) and 2000 (pole). His start from the pole in 2000 resulted in his best finish at the circuit, crossing the checkers seventh. Castroneves will be aiming to improve on his most recent Portland results with MSR after finishing 23rd and 17th the last two seasons.

Blomqvist – who was recently announced as the first full-season MSR INDYCAR driver for 2024 – made his INDYCAR debut earlier this year in Toronto. The 2022 MSR IMSA DPi Champion is hoping to get a full race distance under his belt this time around after a first lap incident in Toronto took him out of the race.

The inaugural outing was a challenging one for Blomqvist, taking on one of the most difficult street courses on the INDYCAR calendar and with no prior practice or simulator work to prepare for his debut. This time around Blomqvist will have the opportunity to clock in some time on the sim as the Brit aims to come into the weekend with a new set of eyes and confidence behind the wheel.

The Bitnile.com Grand Prix at Portland is set for Sunday, September 3rd with live NBC coverage beginning at 3:00pm ET. SiriusXM will also host live IndyCar Radio coverage on XM Ch. 160.

Meyer Shank Racing Driver Quotes:

Tom Blomqvist:

“Obviously the circumstances are quite tricky with Simon’s recovery and the whole situation surrounding the 60 car – I know the whole team and myself included are thinking about him as he recovers. I’ve got to thank Jim (Meyer) and Mike (Shank) for getting me in the car and looking ahead now to next season having been confirmed to drive with MSR next year. It’s a good thing to be getting these races under my belt before the season and working in preparation for my full program in 2024. I got a brief test in Toronto under very challenging circumstances – without any real preparation whatsoever.

Now I’ve got a little bit more understanding and knowledge and I’m hoping it’s going to be easier this time. I’m going to have the opportunity to get into the simulator and I know a little bit more of what to expect in terms of the way the weekend runs. I don’t know Portland at all and I know everyone has been racing flat-out in the summer. It’s still going to be an absolutely huge challenge. The series is so, so competitive and I am still new to these cars. I’m not putting any pressure on myself and I’m just going to go out there and do my best. Hopefully I can do Mike and Jim proud and make progress with every session. Hopefully after these next two events I can be happy and put in some strong performances and go into winter break with more knowledge on the series and be able to build on this.”

Helio Castroneves:
“Portland is a great place and a track that I enjoy very much. I don’t think I have won there, but I was close many times. Hopefully we can go out there and have a better result than we had last year. We’re also excited to have Tom back with us for these last two races. This will be good practice for him to prepare for next year.”

CHRIS BUESCHER WINS AT DAYTONA

By
Official Release
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*Photo courtesy of NASCAR Media & Getty Images

DAYTONA, FL – August 28, 2023 – Chris Buescher won Saturday’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway as Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing finished 1-2 with co-owner/teammate Brad Keselowski finishing second. This race marked the end of the regular NASCAR Cup Series season and set the field for the 2023 playoffs. Six Ford Performance drivers advanced to the playoffs including Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski from RFK Racing, Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney from Team Penske, Kevin Harvick from Stewart-Haas Racing, and Michael McDowell from Front Row Motorsports.

“Congratulations to Jack, Brad, Scott, Chris, and everyone at Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing on the race win at Daytona,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “Chris and Brad raced well together throughout the race to secure the win and are carrying momentum into the playoffs.”

“It’s so awesome. So proud to get Fifth Third Bank in Victory Lane here with this Ford Mustang. What a heck of a push from Brad in those closing laps for that entire restart. We lined up and worked to get connected. We hardly came disconnected those last couple of laps and it was a little squirrely at times, but that’s what we work so hard to execute superspeedway racing for two years now. We’ve been so close. We’ve been within the last five laps of so many of these things to finally get it done here tonight is special,” commented Buescher.

Saturday’s 400-mile race started with seven Ford Performance drivers in the top-10 including Stewart-Haas Racing’s Chase Briscoe and Aric Almirola that started on the front row. Pole-winner Chase Briscoe led a race-high 67 of 163 laps. A large wreck on the last lap of Stage 2 collected 16 cars but Brad Keselowski was able to drive through to take the stage win. Another wreck on lap 156 forced the scheduled 160 lap race into overtime with RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski out front. Brad Keselowski locked bumpers and provided a push to his teammate to secure the win for the #17 team.

A total of five Ford Performance drivers finished in the top 10: RFK Racing teammates Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski in P1 and P2, Stewart-Haas Racing’s Aric Almirola in P3, Team Penske’s Joey Logano in P5, and Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick in P9.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series also raced at Daytona on Friday night. Stewart-Haas Racing’s Cole Custer finished in P5 while RSS Racing’s Ryan Sieg finished in P6.

Both the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series head to Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina this weekend.
35 CHAMPIONSHIPS – 454 WINS – 417 POLES

About Roush Yates Engines
Roush Yates Engines is a leading-edge engine development company based in Mooresville, NC consisting of two state-of-the-art facilities – Roush Yates Engines and Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions, a world class AS9100 Rev D/ISO 13485 certified CNC manufacturing facility. The company’s core business includes designing, building and testing purpose-built race engines.

Ford Performance in partnership with Roush Yates Engines is the exclusive engine builder of the NASCAR FR9 Ford V8 engine and Ford Mustang 5.2L V8 engine, used in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge series.

With an unparalleled culture of winning and steeped in rich racing history, Roush Yates Engines continues to follow the company’s vision to lead performance engine innovation and staying true to the company’s mission, provide race winning engines through demonstrated power and performance.

NASCAR RELEASES THIRD AND FINAL FILM OF 75TH ANNIVERSARY TV CAMPAIGN

By
Official Release
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77 Ventures Creative and NASCAR envision the future of the sport with “Zuri”

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 28, 2023) – NASCAR wraps up its 75th-anniversary celebration with the third and final chapter of its “Always Forward” campaign, bringing a heart-warming conclusion to the film trilogy that explores the sport’s past, present, and future.

Co-created with its long-time agency partner 77 Ventures Creative, “Zuri” is the story of a young girl who is “just” a fan today but has big dreams of becoming a NASCAR superstar of tomorrow. The 30-second spot debuted on TV this past weekend during the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway. Brimming with emotion and excitement, the film captures both the magical feeling of childhood dreams and the high-octane thrill of the racetrack.

With a deep reverence for the sport’s history, the films in the “Always Forward” campaign have remained true to the nostalgic elements fans have come to love. Previous films in the campaign include “Anthem,” which showcases NASCAR’s past and imagines beloved footage with modern coverage as seen through historically accurate cameras of the time. In representing the present, “Roads” includes archival footage and the voiceover of one of NASCAR’s most prominent figures, Dale Earnhardt Jr., as it highlights today’s star drivers’ unique journeys and shared aspirations. In the last ad commemorating NASCAR’s diamond anniversary, “Zuri” encapsulates what fans see now, then hones in on the one fan narrating the film: a little girl imagining herself behind the wheel. The confidence young Zuri exudes in articulating her aspiration as one well within her reach underscores NASCAR’s bright future and wide welcome to anyone with a passion for racing.

The 75 car, as seen throughout the other films from “Always Forward,” takes focus in this film as well, steering through black and white or grainy scenescapes of fans, finally crystallizing in higher resolution and full color when the film’s hero realizes her dreams of becoming a NASCAR racer. Her cherubic and daring voiceover is ever-present, with “Zuri” ending in, “See, today? I’m a fan just like you. But, tomorrow? Tomorrow… Well, you’ll see,” as the little girl’s future self zooms ahead on the racetrack.

As an extension of the campaign, the “Next Gen” 75 car that appears in all three of the “Always Forward” films has made its grand tour around the country, showing up at races, on Wall Street, and at one point being the focal point of a VR installation. At every turn, fans enjoyed the car up close, a personal touch from NASCAR and the team at 77 Ventures Creative as a tribute to the fans who have made the sport what it is today.

“When we came across this idea of the 75 car, it felt very natural for the sport,” says Doug Hanshaw, executive creative director at 77 Ventures Creative. “Numbers have always existed with these cars and are such a big part of the sport, and obviously, 75 is a very important number. So, those were the guardrails. It had to be something fairly simple that would translate well to these different territories,” he elaborates, speaking of the 75 car’s tour of the country.

“NASCAR introduced the innovative new Next Gen car in 2022 to fortify the future of the sport, leaning on decades of learnings along the way, so it was a perfect symbol to carry us through each phase of this campaign,” added Pete Jung, NASCAR senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “Having Zuri behind the wheel of that car to close it out felt like a really powerful way to cement the bridge between the past, present, and future, and reinforce what NASCAR is committed to building from here.”

“Zuri” will air alongside the official NASCAR Playoffs marketing campaign throughout the duration of NASCAR’s 10-week postseason. The NASCAR Playoffs begin this weekend at Darlington Raceway, and fans can tune in to the NASCAR Cup Series Cookout Southern 500 this Sunday, Sept. 3 on USA, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About NASCAR

Celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2023, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Pinty’s Series (Canada), NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 12 countries and more than 30 U.S. states. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

Carson Hocevar to Drive LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s No. 42 in Darlington

By
Official Release
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STATESVILLE, N.C. (August 28, 2023) – LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ today announced NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) standout Carson Hocevar will pilot the No. 42 Sunseeker Resort Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) event at Darlington (S.C) Raceway this weekend.

The 20-year-old Portage, Mich., native is currently ranked fifth in the NCTS championship point standings with nine top-five and ten top-10 finishes to his credit. He has three wins so far in 2023, taking the checkered flag at Texas Motor Speedway, Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway and Richmond (Va.) Raceway. Hocevar has one start in the NASCAR Cup Series for Spire Motorsports at WorldWide Technology Raceway in St. Louis in June of this year.

“This is a great opportunity to get some seat time in the Cup Series and help out the team at LEGACY M.C.,” said Hocevar. “I had the chance earlier this year to race at St. Louis in the Cup Series. I’m looking forward to working with Luke (Lambert) and the No. 42 team, and if anyone knows how to get around Darlington, Erik Jones does, so it will be great to have him as a teammate.”

Hocevar will forgo his previously announced plans to drive the No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Darlington to concentrate on the NCS race with LEGACY M.C.

“Carson is a very talented driver and has a bright future,” said Cal Wells III, CEO of LEGACY M.C. “We are thankful to Chevrolet, Spire Motorsports and Niece Motorsports for making this happen and look forward to seeing what he can do in the No. 42 this weekend.”

The NASCAR Cup Series event at Darlington Raceway takes place on Sunday, Sept. 3. at 6:00 pm ET on NBC, MRN Radio and SIRIUS XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

ABOUT SUNSEEKER RESORT: Opening in 2023, Florida’s newest luxury resort located in Charlotte Harbor is the first resort property of Sunseeker Resorts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Company. Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor occupies over 22 waterfront acres with 785 guest rooms, including 189 Signature Sunsuites™. Set upon the Peace River and Florida Gulf Coast, this premier resort offers 20 original food and beverage concepts; including seven stand-alone restaurants, eleven bars and lounges, two poolside offerings and a 25,000-square-foot multi-dining experience. Additional hotel amenities include a waterfront promenade, two unique rooftop and waterfront pool experiences, 60,000-square-feet of combined convention space, full-service spa and salon, a 7,100-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center with four group exercise studios with specialty instructor lead classes, three retail and market shops, and an 18-hole championship level golf club exclusive to hotel guests only. The resort is conveniently located within a short drive of Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Sarasota, St. Petersburg-Clearwater, and Tampa airports. For more information, visit www.sunseekerresorts.com. Follow us on Instagram: @sunseekerresorts and like us on Facebook: @sunseekerresorts.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:

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

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

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

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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

MBS MOTORSPORTS SHINES AT CIRCUIT ICAR

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Official Release
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Danie Bois driving the #31 MBS Motorsports Chevrolet at Circuit ICAR. Credit: Matthew Murnaghan

(August 28, 2023) MBS Motorsports and driver Daniel Bois demonstrated impressive performance during the NASCAR Pintys Series race held at Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, Quebec on Saturday, August 26th. Starting the race from the 15th position, Bois exhibited remarkable determination and skill, ultimately securing an impressive 8th place finish.

The race at Circuit ICAR marked another successful chapter in their journey within the NASCAR Pintys Series. The team that first entered the series last season has endured a few growing pains but has shown they are here to compete with Bois running as high as fifth position during the race.

MBS Motorsports and Daniel Bois continue to impress the racing community with their dedication and achievements, leaving a mark on the NASCAR Pintys Series. As they reflect on their strong showing at Circuit ICAR, a track that they’d never competed on previously, the team looks forward to even greater accomplishments in the future.

Quote:
“We took a lot of big swings with the set up on the car, trying a few different things. We weren’t quite as strong as we’d hoped in practice, but some additional changes by the team made a big difference. Once we got into the race I could battle and race hard with the top teams. Even though this wasn’t our primary road course car, we’re pretty pleased with the results. Big thanks to the entire MBS Motorsports team their efforts”.
-Daniel Bois, Driver #31 MBS Motorsports Chevrolet

Next up:
Daniel Bois and the #31 MBS Motorsports team will race next on the road course at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park near Bowmanville, Ontario on Sunday, September 3rd.

TV & Live Streaming
All races are streamed live on TSN+ in Canada and through FloRacing in the United States. The Evirum 125 will air on TSN Saturday, September 2nd at 2PM ET and on RDS2, Saturday September 23rd at 2PM ET.

The 2023 NASCAR Pinty’s Series will consist of 14 total races in five provinces on a mixture of oval tracks along with road and street courses. MBS Motorsports is running a partial schedule this season.

Race fans are encouraged to follow the progress of MBS Motorsports channels all season long for behind-the-scenes info and updates.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbs.motorsports/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mbs.motorsports

About MBS Motorsports
Owned by Jeff Murphy and Dominic Scrivo with driver Daniel Bois, the team will compete in select events in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series in 2023. Jeff Murphy is an executive with Celestica. Dominic Scrivo is the owner of Sierra Excavating Enterprises. Driver of the #31 Chevrolet Daniel Bois is a high-performance driving instructor.

IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE BY JACKSON IN O’NEIL ELECTRIC DODGE

By
Official Release
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Larry Jackson’s racing the #84 O’Neil Electric Dodge at Circuit ICAR. Photo Credit: Matthew Murnaghan

(August 28, 2023) NASCAR fans were treated to an exhilarating display of skill and strategy at Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, Quebec on Saturday, August 26th, as Larry Jackson participated in his 100th NASCAR Pinty’s Series race. Starting from the 18th position in his #84 O’Neil Electric Dodge, Jackson showcased his driving prowess and determination, ultimately finishing 13th in a race that featured plenty of action.

A key moment in the 55-lap race came when the #84 decided to take advantage of the optional pit stop allowed for fuel. The crew also made additional handling adjustments to the car allowing Jackson to navigate through the final laps of the circuit with a better handling racecar.

Jackson’s determination, combined with the strategic work of his #84 O’Neil Electric team, resulted in a notable climb through the ranks, securing a 13th place finish overall.

Quotes:
“This was the kind of day that we got a little bit better with each session on track. During practice we made some adjustments and were better during qualifying. Then during the race with fuel mileage so close we chose to take on fuel and also make some additional changes to car. The O’Neil Electric Dodge was even better in the closing laps, and we collected a few more spots. It’s been a fun adventure through 100 races, looking forward to many more”.
-Larry Jackson, Driver #84 O’Neil Electric Dodge

TV & Live Streaming
All races are streamed live on TSN+ in Canada and through FloRacing in the United States. The Evirum 125 will air on TSN Saturday, September 2nd at 2PM ET and on RDS2, Saturday September 23rd at 2PM ET.

The 2023 NASCAR Pinty’s Series will consist of 14 total races in five provinces on a mixture of oval tracks along with road and street courses. Up next, Larry Jackson will return to action Sunday, September 3rd at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park near Bowmanville, Ontario.

Race fans can get the latest information about Larry Jackson and the #84 O’Neil Electric team on these social channels.

Twitter: @larryjacksonvrm
Instagram: @larryjackson84

About O’Neil Electric Supply
Serving the electrical and construction industry since 1965, O’Neil Electric Supply is a proud Canadian owned, independent wholesale supplier of premium electrical products in the GTA and across Ontario. O’Neil Electric is also open to the public and supplies all premium brands from major manufacturers, in a complete range of electrical products in lighting, controls, power distribution equipment, conduit, wire, boxes, devices, heating & ventilation, tools and safety equipment and is well known as one of the largest stocking distributors in the GTA.
Learn more about O’Neil Electric Supply http://www.oneilelectric.com/about-us-2-about-us

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