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Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing Teams Secure Four-Straight Race Wins Across Three SRO Motorsports America Series in Competitive Race Weekend at Road America

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ELKHART LAKE, Wisconsin – Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams secured four-straight race wins across three SRO Motorsports America racing series Saturday and Sunday to highlight a competitive run of nine podium finishes in a full weekend of competition on the 4.048-mile Road America race circuit. The commanding performance was anchored by a sweep of all three Saturday races, CrowdStrike Racing by Riley’s lockout of the weekend’s pair of 40-minute GT America powered by AWS sprints, and a Saturday Fanatec GT World Challenge Pro-Am class win with the team’s No. 04 CrowdStrike Racing by Riley Mercedes-AMG GT3 cars.

George Kurtz and Colin Braun co-drove to CrowdStrike’s third-straight Fanatec GT World Challenge Pro-Am win and their fifth of the season on Saturday. The victory was bookended by solo runs by Kurtz in the GT America races for his third race win and first GT America weekend sweep of the season.

Memo Gidley finished second to Kurtz in both GT America races to provisionally retake the GT America championship lead in the No. 101 TKO Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3. They were joined on the Sunday podium by Gidley’s nearest championship challenger Jason Daskalos in the No. 27 CRP Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 who finished third to complete a top-three podium sweep for the Mercedes-AMG GT3.

Adding to the podium lockout, Anthony Bartone crossed the finish line in the No. 427 Bartone Brothers Racing with RealTime Mercedes-AMG GT3 just behind Daskalos to make it a record-matching top-four sweep for Mercedes-AMG GT3 teams in the Sunday GT America race.

In March’s season-opening weekend of competition at Sonoma Raceway, the same quartet of Mercedes-AMG GT3 drivers swept the top four for the first time. Bartone won that race in just his second weekend of professional racing competition and led Kurtz, Gidley and Daskalos across the finish line.

A pair of additional podium players emerged in a wild Sunday GT World Challenge finale. After Braun led every lap of his race-opening stint, Kurtz appeared to be on his way to his fourth win of the weekend only to be taken out by another competitor recovering from a spin inside the final 30 minutes of the race.

Kurtz and the other driver were uninjured in the incident that set off a string of mechanical and other contact issues for the competition in a mad dash to the finish after the late restart.

Jeff Burton stayed on pace and clear of the melee to move to second in the Pro-Am division in his No. 91 DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 he co-drove with Corey Lewis. The runner-up result and top-five overall finish was the best for Burton and Lewis in their first year of competition in the Mercedes-AMG GT3.

Bartone and Adam Christodoulou shook off an early unscheduled pit stop for a loose front wheel nut on the No. 43 Bartone Brothers Racing with RealTime Mercedes-AMG GT3 to charge from last to the Pro-Am podium in the race’s final hour. Fighting to the end, Bartone made the pass for third in Road America’s final turn on the last lap for his first podium finish with Christodoulou in just their second race weekend together.

Saturday’s clean sweep was completed by the No. 34 Conquest Racing/JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4 of co-drivers Michai Stephens and Jesse Webb that scored the first overall Pirelli GT4 America race win of the season for the Mercedes-AMG GT4.

Webb won the pole earlier in qualifying on Saturday and led every lap of his race-opening stint before handing the No. 34 Mercedes-AMG GT4 off to Stephens at the halfway point of the 60-minute sprint. Stephens continued the battle for the lead after the pit stop and pulled off the winning pass with a daring move on the outside of turn one on a restart with 10 minutes to go.

The win was the third Silver-class victory of the season for the No. 34 and delivered an overdue overall triumph to Conquest and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport in the ninth round of this year’s 14-race Pirelli GT4 schedule.

Next up for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams in the SRO Motorsports America is another full weekend of competition at Sebring International Raceway, September 22-24.

George Kurtz, Driver – No. 04 CrowdStrike Racing with Riley Mercedes-AMG GT3: “We’re lucky we got a good result in the first GT America race. We had a good initial start but then the car went into an error mode on the gearshift, and I got passed on the first lap. We were able to get it back, though. When that first yellow flag came out, I thought it was our time to pounce. I had one shot in Turn Five, made it stick and got super lucky. There was so much gravel down there and I don’t know how I kept it on the track. I was happy to get the victory. It was a great move and a great battle with Memo, and he certainly kept me honest in race two. It was a great race with a great start, and we controlled it from pole to finish. I tried to leave a little bit in the tires for the last bit and managed to keep him behind me. I think I managed to work through traffic pretty well. It’s been a great weekend in GT America and Saturday was a great day. The GT World Challenge win credit goes to the Riley team and CrowdStrike. Colin obviously did a great job. We just really focused on keeping our pace to put ourselves in a position to win and we were happy to do it.”

Colin Braun, Driver – No. 04 CrowdStrike Racing with Riley Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Saturday was great. George had a great opening stint. These CrowdStrike by Riley guys had a good pit stop, and it’s great to pick up another win. It was tight there at the end. I don’t know what happened on the pit stop. It seemed like a bit of weird call at the exit. I felt like I was ahead, but we had to drop back and let everybody by, but I’m sure we’ll understand that later. But hats off to everyone today on a great job. It’s nice to pick up another win.”

Anthony Bartone, Driver – No. 43 Bartone Brothers Racing with RealTime Mercedes-AMG GT3: “So, I think we had three of four races where we should have been on the podium but had issue after issue. Even today we had one. We were a minute and a half back from the lead but went from last place to the front. It was a little bit of a Hail Mary on the last corner, but we pulled it off. I really wanted it for RealTime here, it’s very special for them here in Wisconsin. Half the team’s family lives here.”

Adam Christodoulou, Driver – No. 43 Bartone Brothers Racing with RealTime Mercedes-AMG GT3: “What a roller coaster! Started third, managed to stay in third, but I felt the steering start to vibrate, and I thought we had the same issue as yesterday with the suspension, but it was the front left wheel nut that worked its way loose. That forced us into an additional pit stop and I thought the race was over at that point. We were just hoping for a safety car, we got it but hate it was such a huge shunt for George. It shows you how strong the Mercedes-AMG GT3 is, and he got out on his own steam. That caution gave us a bit of a lifeline. It was down to Anthony, and he chipped away and picked them off. From last to podium with 20 minutes to go is pretty surreal!”

Jeff Burton, Driver – No. 91 DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “It’s been a while since I have been on the podium! This car is so good, it’s obvious because there’s a lot of Mercedes-AMG GT3 cars in SRO. We made a quick change when Corey got out of the car, and I think that really helped me. He was talking about some understeer. I had it but not what he had. Other than that, the car ran well. Yeah, I had some luck with the yellow, no doubt, but so glad to be on the podium for the first time this year!”

Corey Lewis, Driver – No. 91 DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “We had a really good start. I followed our teammate Bryan Sellers through and his lead. The opening lap was pretty solid, a little scrappy, but guys are aggressive on the start. It’s tough to pass with the one lane Road America provides with the new surface. We had to make up ground and settle in on pace. The car was a bit of a challenge on handling, but we soldiered through and handed off to Jeff. The yellow really helped us close the gap to everyone. I’m so proud of Jeff. He busted his tail to get through other cars. He made this one happen, so I’m beyond happy. It’s great to be back on the box.”

Memo Gidley, Driver – No. 101 TKO Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3: “The championship is definitely in the back of my mind. We lost some points early on with some technical stuff, which cost us even though we have had a lot of wins this year and been on the podium or near the front in most other races. The TKO Motorsports car has been running very well. Here at Road America, we had a great Mercedes-AMG GT3, but CrowdStrike is very fast, as we see in World Challenge as well, so we were up against like the best car out there. We were close, but George didn’t make enough mistakes to let us get past. It was a good battle. I wanted to go side-by-side with him a few times, but I just couldn’t quite get there.”

Michai Stephens, Driver – No. 34 Conquest Racing/JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4: “It was kind of do-or-die type of moment in Saturday’s race. We had that experience one earlier time this season, so with that in mind, it was either go for it or wish you had. It’s just a credit to the competitors we are racing with, and the fact that we can have moves like that in this series shows the talent of the drivers at large. So, all credit to the other vehicles and drivers out on course with us. It was neat to actually pull it off for the fellas working so hard on our car. The team itself, regardless of what we come across, we like to put one foot in front of the other as always and just pick each other up when times are down.”

Jesse Webb, Driver – No. 34 Conquest Racing/JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4: “Yellows kept bunching up the field on Saturday and I knew the guys behind were thirsty to get in front of me. I was happy to be able to keep them behind, just run the line and run my pace, and we had the beautiful Mercedes-AMG GT4 under us this weekend. A nice, balanced platform. We made one tweak in the second practice, really figured out the car and had a solid car for the race. To get the class win and the overall win is just amazing, you are the top dog of the field. Pole position is one thing but getting an overall win is another.”

Advanced Drainage Systems partners with Caesar Bacarella at Daytona

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C (August 21, 2023): Advanced Drainage Systems is partnering with NASCAR Xfinity Series Owner/Driver Caesar Bacarella and Alpha Prime Racing for their first primary sponsorship next weekend at Daytona International Speedway. Bacarella, a Florida native and owner of Alpha Prime Apparel and Alpha Prime Supplements has turned into a superspeedway specialist for Alpha Prime Racing, with his last event resulting in a career-best 6th place finish at Talladega Superspeedway.

Brian King, EVP of Marketing and Product Management for Advanced Drainage Systems is excited about hitting the high banks in one of their key states for the first time.

“Florida is home to many of our associates and customers, so when we learned about this partnership opportunity, we knew it would be a great fit,” King said. “At ADS, we manage the precious resource of water, and Florida is a critical place for watershed protection, which is why we are committed to communities across this great state. We look forward to attending this event and know Caesar will give it his all on the track.”

Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of innovative stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions that manages the world’s most precious resource: water. ADS and its subsidiary, Infiltrator Water Technologies, provide superior stormwater drainage and onsite septic wastewater products used in a wide variety of markets and applications including commercial, residential, infrastructure and agriculture, while delivering unparalleled customer service. ADS manages the industry’s largest company-owned fleet, an expansive sales team, and a vast manufacturing network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers. The company is one of the largest plastic recycling companies in North America, ensuring over half a billion pounds of plastic is kept out of landfills every year. Founded in 1966, ADS’ water management solutions are designed to last for decades. To learn more, visit the company’s website at www.adspipe.com.

Meyer Shank Racing Prepped For INDYCAR Season’s Final Oval Race Weekend

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

Lundqvist back with MSR as stand in for Simon Pagenaud

Pataskala, Ohio (21 August 2023) – With the end of the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season nearing its end, Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) has shown solid improvements in qualifying and race results over the last month and is hoping to continue that string of results through the next three races of the season.

The final stretch will begin with Sunday’s Bommarito Automotive Group 500 (3:30pm ET, NBC, SXM Ch. 160), to be run on the 1.25-mile World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) near St. Louis.

Sunday’s 260-lap race will be the last oval race of the ’23 season but may be a welcome sight for MSR’s Helio Castroneves. The driver of the No. 06 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda has carded his best results of the year on the circular layouts, qualifying a season-best eighth in Iowa and setting a high-water race-day mark of 10th on the Texas Motor Speedway oval.

As is the case with many tracks on the INDYCAR circuit, the Brazilian has had success on the egg-shaped track formerly known at Gateway. Castroneves won from pole there while leading 96 laps in 2003 and finished third in two other starts. The four-time Indianapolis 500 champion only has four starts on the WWTR oval but has led more than 50 laps in three of those starts.

As was the case in Nashville and two weeks ago on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, Castroneves will partner with rookie Linus Lundqvist, as the Swedish driver stands in for the injured Simon Pagenaud for the third consecutive race.

Lundqvist (No. 60 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda) will be making his first-ever INDYCAR oval start, but he has visited WWTR on three occasions during his two years in the INDY NXT by Firestone series, winning the pole in 2022.

Sunday’s 260-lap race will air on NBC starting at 3:30 pm ET. Qualifying takes place on Saturday, August 26, beginning at 2 pm ET with live coverage on Peacock. SiriusXM will also host live race coverage on XM Ch. 160.

Meyer Shank Racing Driver Quotes:

Helio Castroneves:

“I’m definitely very excited to get back to another oval, they are definitely tracks that I love, especially WWTR. The team has been really picking up the pace these last few races and the No. 06 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda has been great to drive, so I’m confident that we can keep that going this weekend. So far, we’ve had some good results on ovals, so here’s to finishing out the final oval of the season with a good result.”

Linus Lundqvist:

“I’m extremely happy to be joining MSR again in St. Louis this weekend. The last few weekends in Nashville and at Indy have been the time of my life and I can’t wait to continue to work with this team. We’ve been through some challenging race formats – Nashville a street course, Indy a road course, and now St. Louis, an oval. I will be learning once again. I know that it is going to be tough and tricky, but I know the team is going to give me a good car to have a solid result like we had at Indy. I’m also very much looking forward to working with Helio as a teammate. Working with him on an oval is something that every driver would want to do and I’m just going to learn from it as much as I can this weekend.”

Jr III Racing Continues for VP SportsCar Challenge Championship

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Chris Green | ChrisGreenPhoto.com

Danville, Va (21 August 2023) – Jr III (“Junior – Three”) Racing will take on the next round of the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge (VPRC) at VIRginia International Raceway August 25 – 27, for the penultimate round of the VPRC championship ahead of the season finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in October.

Jr III Racing will enter the No. 3 Wing S2 Cyber Ligier JS P320 for the double header weekend with Bijoy Garg behind the wheel. Garg currently leads the VPRC LMP3 Championship point standings by ten points over Dan Goldburg.

Garg has competed with the Jr III Racing team since January in VPRC scoring four wins at Sebring International Raceway and Lime Rock Park, Garg has an additional three podium finishes.

Garg recently made his IMSA WeatherTech debut at Road America with the team, continuing to show pace and poise through the event ahead of an unfortunate mid-race incident that led to an early end to the weekend.

VIR will mark another new race track for the young California driver, but that doesn’t phase Garg after competing at five unseen tracks already this season and going on to win two races and three more podiums at three of those tracks. However, Garg was able to get a few test sessions at VIR in weeks leading up to the race.

“We are excited to get Bijoy back in the No. 3 Ligier this weekend,” said Billy Glavin, owner of Jr III Racing. “We had the chance to take Bijoy testing at VIR last week and we believe it will give him a bit of an advantage compared to the tracks he has not seen yet. It’s been awesome to watch him grow as a driver and I’m excited to see him continue to chase after the championship.”

The Charlotte-based squad will roll just two hours up the road to VIR on Thursday before the practice starts on Friday morning. The VIR double header weekend will see races Saturday afternoon at 12:25pm ET and Sunday morning at 8:55am ET, both races will be streamed live on the Peacock App.

Mazda MX-5 Cup Star Power Comes to VIR

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ALTON, Va. (Aug. 21, 2023) – Mazda has a well-established history of helping talent connect with opportunity, and the field for Rounds 11 and 12 of the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires demonstrates the results of that support, as six previous winners of the MX-5 Cup Shootout are set to do battle at the fabled VIRginia International Raceway this weekend.

That list includes Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering), who leads the point standings as he looks to make a successful defense of the 2022 Mazda MX-5 Cup championship that earned him $250,000.

A double podium weekend at Road America helped Thomas jump two spots to move to the top of the championship roster. Thomas is looking to make history, as there has never been a repeat MX-5 Cup Series champion.

Thomas skipped over his own teammate, Aaron Jeansonne (No. 24 JTR Motorsports Engineering), to take the point lead. Jeansonne had a disappointing weekend at Road America, finishing 15th in Race One and failing to finish Race Two because of damage from contact. There is plenty of time to make up for it, however, as Jeansonne is only 30 points behind Thomas in the points with four races yet to go in the 2023 season.

Another driver on an upward trajectory in the points is Robert Noaker (No. 13 Robert Noaker Racing). After a slow start to the season, Noaker has been finishing consistently in the top five as he has clawed his way up to fifth in the standings with four races to go.

Gresham Wagner (No. 5 Spark Performance) made his return to the top spot on the podium at Road America. He followed up his Round Nine win with a runner-up performance in Round 10. Currently fifth in the point standings, Wagner is realistic about his shot at a second MX-5 Cup Championship with four races to go but racing at his home track this weekend gives him the confidence to admit anything is possible.

“I’m not too concerned with the championship at this point,” Wagner said. “I have had too much bad luck earlier in the season to concern myself with that, whatever happens, happens. Last year I had a really strong comeback at the end of the year, and then lost my chance at the championship with a mechanical at the finale. So, no matter what, I don’t think it’s worth stressing over or driving any different. I just showed up to Road America solely to win, and that’s what happened—not because I was worried about the points. Of course, I’d love to end the year as strong as possible, but I know I’ll be strong at VIR—it’s my home track and I’ve always had success there, so I am just going to keep trying to win races and let the points sort themselves out.”

Making a surprise appearance at VIR this weekend is the driver Wagner beat out for the 2021 MX-5 Cup Championship: Michael Carter (No. 19 Saito Motorsports Group). The Georgia-native’s last MX-5 Cup race was Road America in 2022.

Additionally, Connor Zilisch (No. 72 Hixon Motor Sports) makes his return to MX-5 Cup after a brief hiatus. The 2022 MX-5 Cup Rookie of the Year is thrilled to be back now that there are no further clashes in his racing schedule.

“Of course, I missed the MX-5 Cup,” Zilisch said. “The people, my team, and obviously the racing is my absolute favorite and I wish I could’ve been there at every race, but unfortunately there are only 52 weekends in a year! I can’t wait to be back!”

Zilisch was a winner at VIR last year en route to his Rookie of the Year crown.

“VIR is one of my favorite tracks in the country, lots of elevation, different kinds of corners, and it raced really well last year, so I’m excited to hopefully have some more good races this year,” Zilisch added. “Knowing how fast we were there last year; I’ve definitely got some confidence going into the weekend.

“When I’m not racing for a championship, the only approach there is, is to go out and win races! I know I’m totally capable and my team always believes in me. We have had a lot of momentum the last nine months in the series and I’m positive I’ll be able to get right back into the seat and compete at the front again!”

With Carter and Zilisch added to the entry list, Rounds 11 and 12 will contain the previous six MX-5 Cup Shootout winners (Nate Cicero, Zilisch, Jeansonne, Thomas, Carter, Selin Rollan).

Reigning Shootout winner Cicero (No. 83 McCumbee McAleer Racing) retook the lead in the MX-5 Cup Rookie Championship after two solid races at Road America, while his nearest rival, Thomas Annunziata (No. 10 Hixon Motor Sports) had a dismal weekend that included a DNF. Annunziata and Cicero have been trading the top rookie spot all season and keeping everyone guessing on who will take home the $80,000 Rookie of the Year prize from Mazda.

Of course, one doesn’t need a full season in MX-5 Cup to make some prize money, the likes of Carter and Zilisch can still bank some cash via race results. Drivers can take home as much as $16,000 in a MX-5 Cup doubleheader weekend. And that can add up quickly, especially for the championship-winner who will add a further $250,000 to the bank account at the season end thanks to Mazda’s expanded support for the championship.

Saturday’s Mazda MX-5 Cup race at VIR is slated for 1:30pm ET. Sunday’s race will go green at 10:25am ET. Both will be streamed live on RACER.com.

About: The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires is the signature spec series for Mazda Motorsports. The series has been operated by Andersen Promotions since 2017 and is currently sanctioned by IMSA. Mazda-powered grassroots champions can earn Mazda scholarships for this pro-level series. The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup awards more than $1 million in prizes and scholarships.

Find out more at http://www.mx-5cup.com.

CHEVROLET NCS AT WATKINS GLEN: Race Win Recap

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Official Release
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NASCAR CUP SERIES
WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL
GO BOWLING AT THE GLEN
TEAM CHEVY WIN RECAP & TRANSCRIPT
AUGUST 20, 2023

Byron Takes Chevrolet to Fifth-Straight NASCAR Cup Series Win at Watkins Glen
Team Chevy Sweeps NASCAR Doubleheader at The Glen

· In dominating fashion, William Byron and the No. 24 Valvoline Camaro ZL1 team recorded their series-leading fifth NASCAR Cup Series win of the 2023 season.

· The win – Byron’s first road course win in NASCAR’s top series – is Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports’ fifth consecutive NCS win at Watkins Glen International.

· Chevrolet now sits at 22 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins at Watkins Glen International, and its 13th win in the series this season – both of which are manufacturer-leading feats.

· Chevrolet has made its way to victory lane in 17 of the past 22 NASCAR Cup Series road course events – dating back to Chase Elliott’s victory at Watkins Glen International in August 2019.

· The winningest manufacturer in NASCAR Cup Series history, Chevrolet now sits at 846 all-time wins in NASCAR’s premier series.

· For the second consecutive year, Chevrolet has swept the NASCAR Cup Series / NASCAR Xfinity Series doubleheader at Watkins Glen International, with JR Motorsports’ Sam Mayer taking the Bowtie brand to victory lane in yesterday’s NXS race at the New York road course.

 TOP TEAM CHEVY UNOFFICIAL TOP-10 RESULTS:
POS. DRIVER

1st William Byron, No. 24 Valvoline Camaro ZL1
4th AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Celsius Camaro ZL1

TOP-FIVE UNOFFICIAL RESULTS:
POS. DRIVER

  1. William Byron (Chevrolet)
  2. Denny Hamlin (Toyota)
  3. Christopher Bell (Toyota)
  4. AJ Allmendinger (Chevrolet)
  5. Ty Gibbs (Toyota)

The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series regular season concludes at Daytona International Speedway with the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday, August 26, at 3 p.m. ET. Live coverage can be found on NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (Aug. 20, 2023) – William Byron accomplished yet another milestone feat in an already career season by earning his first career NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) road course win at Watkins Glen International – Chevrolet’s fifth-consecutive trip to victory lane in NASCAR’s premier series at the 2.45-mile New York circuit.

A notably dominate day for the No. 24 Valvoline Camaro ZL1 team started after a second-place qualifying effort gave Byron a front-row starting spot for the 90-lap event. Running in the top-three through Stage One, strategy from atop the box saw crew chief Rudy Fugle opting for stage points before bringing Byron to pit road at the end of the green-flag pit cycle in the opening laps of Stage Two. Taking the lead for the first time at lap 21, the 25-year-old Charlotte native went on to record his eighth stage win of the season and paced the field for a race-high 66 laps en route to the triumph. Byron’s series-leading, and career-best, fifth victory of the season also delivered Chevrolet its 13th trip to victory lane in NASCAR’s premier series with now 25 points-paying races in the books.

“We’ve had a great car all weekend and just tried to execute a good race,” said Byron. “Road courses haven’t been our strength as a group, but we’ve been working really hard at it. I’m really thankful for the whole group. I feel like this sets up well for the playoffs.”

Byron wasn’t the only Team Chevy driver to visit victory lane at “The Glen” this weekend. In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, it was JR Motorsports’ Sam Mayer (No. 1 Camaro SS) that overcame an eventful overtime finish to collect his second career win in the series. The pair of victories marked the second consecutive season that Chevrolet swept the NASCAR doubleheader race weekend at the New York circuit.

The NCS’ regular season will come to a close next weekend at Daytona International Speedway with Saturday’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 officially setting the 16-driver playoff field that will contend for the coveted championship title. Live coverage of the 400-mile race can be found on NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

 
WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 VALVOLINE CAMARO ZL1 – Race Win Press Conference Transcript

THE MODERATOR: We are joined by our race winner William Byron.

Q. You’ve won at pretty much all types of races now, but how important was it to win on a road course?

WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, I hadn’t really thought about that, but it is cool, we have a variety of racetracks that we’ve won races on, so that’s neat for our team.

I think road courses this year have been really tough for us. I think we started the year strong at COTA, had top-2 speed. Reddick was the car to beat, but we were a close second there.

I felt like we could build on that for the rest of the year, and I got excited for the road courses, and then we just went through a slump there with Sonoma and Chicago where it was just really tough for us and we struggled.

We started the turn the corner in Indy last week. We had a lot of speed coming from the back. Just had good grip in our car. Felt like I could push the car to make lap time, and I felt optimistic coming here that we could run well. But Rudy kind of kept talking me down. He’s like, we just need to get a solid top 10.

I think I really just felt optimistic that we could run well. As soon as we got out there in practice and the way the car felt through some of the corners that are really important here, I just felt really good about what we had.

Yeah, just really proud of the team. It’s cool to get that first road course win. It’s taken a lot of effort. A big thanks to Max and everything that we’ve kind of put into it. It’s nice to see it pay off.

Q. First off, if I’d have asked you at the beginning of the season if you were going to rack up five wins before we ever got to Daytona for the cutoff of the regular season, what would your comment have been?

WILLIAM BYRON: It would be pretty awesome. But yeah, I think we knew that we could do that. We knew we were capable. It’s just last year was tough with the new car.

We hit the ground running, and we had some good results early. Even back to testing, we were really fast in testing.

Then it seemed like the car evolved, and we struggled to kind of adapt and evolve with it a little bit through the summer and in the fall we showed up with a lot of speed again.

I think in the fall last year saw a lot of potential. It was really us and the 11 throughout the Playoffs in terms of average finish and running position. I think the start of this year, started to roll really smooth, and then we just kind of got into a rhythm.

Q. Out there earlier today, you’re dominating, you’re ahead of everybody by a couple seconds, but what’s going through your mind to get this win, and once you crossed — hell of a burnout there on the frontstretch a couple of times, I believe. What were you thinking and what was the emotions like for you?

WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, I mean, I was just, no caution, just playing for no caution. I think everyone in the lead always has that mindset.

You’re trying to prepare if there is one, so you’re trying to manage the tires. You’re thinking about what do I need in terms of adjustment, if we have to pit.

So you’re just thinking about all those factors, and I think for us, we just tried to manage all those things, and really kind of the last five laps just tried to kind of manage the gap and take care of the brakes, take care of the shifting, make sure I was smooth on upshifts, downshifts and all that stuff pays off.

Q. It was a track position race, so did you feel like once you passed Denny that it was your race to lose, and was there any moment in there where you felt like you made a mistake that might lost you?

WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, it was. I think this place is becoming more and more track position over the last couple years. It’s just really fast-paced, and the setups keep getting better. We keep evolving.

Yeah, so I think it’s tough to — guys don’t make a lot of mistakes, but when I was able to get Denny there, up through the esses, I felt good about that, and then I felt like it was all going to come down to how close could I stay to McDowell for the pit cycle. I didn’t want to burn through the tires too much, and so I felt like I was keeping a good gap to him, and we just — just really thankful. Rudy did a great job on the strategy there going into Stage 2, to stay out one lap later, have a clean lap with clean air. Our car was really fast, so once we put ourselves in clean air, gave us a little bit of a buffer and we took the lead on that sequence.

Just really good execution by the whole team for that, and yeah, I knew we had a great car in practice. We were really fast.

Q. Looking ahead to Daytona now, obviously Chase and Alex are both on the outside looking in. How does Hendrick Motorsports approach that going into Saturday night’s race?

WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, I mean, just try to help those guys as much as we can. Superspeedways is really the place that we can help the most. All the — I got a few questions about it. All the other tracks it’s tough to help, unless you’re just really equal and battling it out.

But superspeedways is a chance — everyone is really close there. Hopefully we can push those guys when we need to. I intend on being aggressive there and just making sure all my belts are tight and make sure we’re ready to go.

Q. You kind of talked about yesterday, the ups and downs that you’ve had in the past. Is this win kind of a good momentum boost or more of a hey, we’re still here type victory to kind of put that aside?

WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, we’ve had a tough four races I would say. But we’ve had speed at I think three of the four. Indy comes to mind, Michigan and Pocono. Then the other ones we didn’t quite have the speed or we had issues during the race.

Yeah, it’s just part of the ebbs and flows of the season, I think, that you want to be on kill for 38, but it’s really hard to just be good every single week.

I think it naturally was kind of a little bit of a reset for us and try to get ready for the Playoffs.

Q. I asked Jeff this, as well, when he was in there, but obviously the 24 has had a lot of success

here at Watkins Glen, so how neat is it to bring the 24 back to Victory Lane here?

WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, it’s cool, I spent a lot of time watching summer races here with that flames car and how good he was here at the Glen. Him and Tony Stewart basically all the time.

Yeah, it’s great to carry on that legacy with the car, and we’ll share a couple of memories over it.

Q. William, do you think back-to-back road courses played a big part in today’s victory?

WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, I think the momentum from last week was really big. I think Steve Letarte talked about it. We had a really good run from the back.

It kind of went unnoticed because we finished 14th and there were no cautions, and we didn’t show much of anything there.

But we just were passing people and working our way through the field, and just felt really good about our car.

I think that momentum carried to this weekend and gave us some confidence.

Q. What’s it like working with Max Papis?

WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, we’ve worked together forever, so we’ve developed a friendship, and I think that over years and years, we talk about racing, and we probably do less of the day-to-day stuff now than we used to maybe in the Xfinity or at the beginning of the Cup days.

But we still keep in touch and talk all the time.

Q. I asked you yesterday if you just needed some momentum and you said that the difference last year is you guys just weren’t putting your races together. Rudy came in here a little while ago and he said that when looking at the Playoffs that you guys are really confident, really looking forward to the Playoffs. He loves the 10 races. Why does this year feel different? Obviously take the wins aside, but why the confidence booster? Why is Rudy saying you guys are so looking forward to the Playoffs?

WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, I mean, I think he’s — out of all the crew chiefs I’ve worked with in my life, I think he really values — I think Chad was similar in his days with Jimmie, like we really focus on those 10 races and focus on what that looks like and build our setups around that.

I think we do kind of lose sight maybe in July and August of kind of what is still at play there, but I think that yeah, we’re focused on those races. I feel good about our notebook for those tracks but there’s also a lot of really good cars. The 11 has been fast, the 19 has been really fast, the 5 has been really good.

We’ve just got to keep building, but I think the tracks suit us well, and I think he knows those tracks really well.

I feel like we’ll have good race cars there.

Q. Is the beard a good look, and how long do you plan to keep it through the Playoffs?

WILLIAM BYRON: Well, it’s been here for a while. It’s been here since last fall. I just started kind of figuring it out and how to maintain it.

But yeah, I like it. It’s whatever. It’s what I feel good in. Most important thing, my girlfriend likes it, so I feel like that’s the most important thing.

Yeah, I think it’s here to stay for sure, and everyone has talked about the playoff beards, and I’m a big hockey guy, so got to keep it.

Q. William, let’s say that Chase and Alex don’t make it into the Playoffs after next week. How does that affect Hendrick Motorsports as a whole, as an organization, and does it even matter to you when you’re going for a championship?

WILLIAM BYRON: Yeah, I mean, we’d love for those guys to make it in. It means a lot to have all four cars in the Playoffs, but I think for us, we are focused on the 24 team when we’re racing and when we’re preparing.

But yeah, we try to — we all lean on each other a lot for setups and advice and kind of owe a lot to each team for — everyone has their strengths and different racetracks that everyone is really strong at, and try to do the best we can leaning on each team.

 
STAGE ONE:

· William Byron and the No. 24 Valvoline Camaro ZL1 team posted their 17th top-10 qualifying effort of the season at Watkins Glen International – taking a front row starting spot for the NASCAR Cup Series’ Go Bowling at The Glen.

· Byron settled his Camaro ZL1 into the third position on the race’s opening lap. Quickly making a pass for second, Byron started closing the gap to the race leader to only a half-second margin at the halfway point of the stage.

· The first round of pit stops got underway with four laps to go in Stage One. Pit strategy among the lead pack saw teams opting to stay out for stage points, with Byron leading Team Chevy to the conclusion of Stage One from the second position.

· Four drivers from three different Chevrolet teams collected points in Stage One:

2nd William Byron, No. 24 Valvoline Camaro ZL1

5th AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Celsius Camaro ZL1

6th Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL1

9th Kyle Busch, No. 8 Mark III Camaro ZL1

STAGE TWO:

· With no stage breaks on road courses, the race continued under green-flag conditions for the 20-lap Stage Two. Maintaining a steady pace in the second position, crew chief Rudy Fugle called Byron down pit road on lap 22 for the team’s first pit stop of the day – taking four tires, fuel and an air pressure adjustment on the No. 24 Valvoline Camaro ZL1.

· When then-race leader McDowell was faced with a penalty on pit road, Byron rejoined the field to takeover the top position as the leaderboard cycled through at the conclusion of green-flag pit stops.

· Leading his first-ever laps in NASCAR’s top series at Watkins Glen International, Byron continued to manage the lead with a nearly one-second gap over second place as the laps wound down in Stage Two. With three-laps to go in the stage, Byron reported that he was fighting the left rear of his Camaro ZL1 during the long run.

· The race continued caution-free with Byron leading the field to the end of Stage Two at lap 40 – collecting his series-leading eighth stage win of the season.

· Byron led Team Chevy to six top-10 finishes in Stage Two:

1st William Byron, No. 24 Valvoline Camaro ZL1

4th Kyle Larson, No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Camaro ZL1

5th AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Celsius Camaro ZL1

7th Chase Elliott, No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Camaro ZL1

8th Kyle Busch, No. 8 Mark III Camaro ZL1

10th Austin Dillon, No. 3 Okuma Camaro ZL1

FINAL STAGE / POST-RACE NOTES:

· Continuing to pace the field in his No. 24 Valvoline Camaro ZL1, Byron is told the lead pack is struggling in traffic, giving the Team Chevy driver the opportunity to build and manage the gap back to second place.

· Pulling away to a 3.9-second lead with 40 laps remaining, Byron reported that he settled into a steady pace to cool off his tires. The Team Chevy driver also reported to his team that he was happy with the handling of his Camaro ZL1, just fighting slightly tight conditions in turn seven.

· On lap 55, crew chief Rudy Fugle brought Byron down pit road for another set of four tires, fuel and an air pressure adjustment. As Byron rejoined the field, the race’s first caution flew for his Hendrick Motorsports’ teammate Chase Elliott with the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Camaro ZL1 team running out of fuel just short of the team’s scheduled pit stop.

· Those that still needed to complete their scheduled stops came to pit road under the caution, cycling Byron back to the lead with 30 laps to go.

· Taking the green flag for the final restart of the race, Byron regained control of the lead and never looked back – recording his series-leading fifth NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season.

 

About Chevrolet

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

Keselowski Clinches NASCAR Playoffs Berth, Finishes 15th in Watkins Glen

By
Official Release
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No. 6 Team Punches Playoffs Ticket after Repeat Winner in Sunday’s Cup Series Race

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (Aug. 20, 2023) – Brad Keselowski and the No. 6 team clinched their spot in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Sunday afternoon at Watkins Glen, finishing 15th in the BuildSubmarines.com Ford Mustang.

“We’re really excited,” Keselowski said after the race. “A good weekend for us here at Watkins Glen – to get both RFK cars into the NASCAR Playoffs starting here in two weeks. There is a lot of momentum building. I’m happy for everyone at RFK and happy for everyone on the No. 6 car with our BuildSubmarines.com Ford Mustang.

“We’re in a great spot with the best yet to come. We have really strong momentum, and we can’t take that for granted. But, we’re showing a lot of speed and clicking when it counts.”

Sunday’s race was again dominated by mostly green-flag conditions, with just one yellow throughout the 90-lap event, which came on lap 57. That caution created some mid-race drama, with many cars in between a green-flag pit cycle.

That strategy worked in Keselowski’s favor, who began the day from the rear of the field, and was 18th at the end of stage one after long-pitting the opening segment of 20 laps. He was again on pit road at lap 54, with the only yellow flying just a few laps later. That timing gave Keselowski the track position he needed, restarting 18th for the final 30 laps.

Those remaining laps also ran all green as Keselowski drove the BuildSubmarines.com Ford to the 15th position, and remained there as the No. 24 – a repeat winner in this year’s circuit – took the checkered flag. Keselowski and the No. 4 car both clinched spots in the playoffs on points as the top two points-earning drivers yet to win, with one final position up for grabs next weekend.

Up Next

The Cup Series regular season comes to a close next weekend as Daytona International Speedway hosts 400 miles of racing action Saturday night. Race coverage is set for 7 p.m. ET on NBC, with radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Buescher Earns another Top-10, Finishing Seventh in Watkins Glen

By
Official Release
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No. 17 Team Earns 11th Top-10 of 2023 Season

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (Aug. 20, 2023) – Chris Buescher and his No. 17 Fastenal Mustang showed promise throughout the weekend in upstate New York, culminating with a seventh-place finish at Watkins Glen Sunday afternoon.

Firing off 13th on a sunny, hot Sunday, Buescher struggled to find his footing at first, falling to 18th shortly after the drop of the green. The first stage of 20 laps would run completely caution free and Buescher finished 11th after battling back on the race track and staying out while others pitted.

His first stop of the day came on lap 22 for service on the Fastenal Ford, and after he would cycle out to 17th once green flag stops finished. The entirety of stage two was also run under a green flag with Buescher finishing 17th.

His final stop came in timely fashion at lap 54 as the caution flew just a lap later – the only caution of the afternoon – giving the No. 17 solid track position among the varying strategies.

This allowed the 17 machine to cycle to eighth since green flag stops were not complete. After fighting hard on the restart, the final 30 laps ran caution-free with Buescher earning the seventh-place result.

Up Next

The Cup Series regular season comes to a close next weekend as Daytona International Speedway hosts 400 miles of racing action Saturday night. Race coverage is set for 7 p.m. ET on NBC, with radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

The Science of Speed: How Motorsports Technology Translates to Safer Driving

By
SM
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Photo by Rolando Garrido on Unsplash

There’s an undeniable thrill that comes with the roar of engines and the rush of wind as high-performance vehicles tear down the track. Motorsports have captivated the hearts of car enthusiasts for generations, pushing the boundaries of speed and performance. Yet, beyond the excitement lies a realm of technology that not only fuels the passion of racing but also translates into the realm of safer everyday driving. In this article, we delve into the intricate connection between motorsports technology and road safety, uncovering how advancements in racing technology are shaping the vehicles we drive, ultimately leading to safer journeys on the road.

The Cutting-Edge Technology in Motorsports

Motorsports have always been synonymous with innovation. The quest for speed and excellence has driven engineers to push the limits of vehicle design. Aerodynamics, for instance, plays a pivotal role in both speed and safety. Formula 1 cars, with their sleek contours and downforce-enhancing features, have paved the way for more stable and responsive road vehicles. Advanced materials, often first utilized in racing contexts, find their way into production cars, enhancing structural integrity and passenger protection. The marriage of data and performance has given rise to telemetry systems that gather real-time information from the track, allowing engineers to make data-driven decisions that improve both performance and safety.

The Transition to Safer Road Vehicles

The journey from racetrack to road is a path of technology transfer that benefits everyday drivers. Aerodynamic principles honed in motorsports improve not only speed but also fuel efficiency and stability. Crumple zones, which absorb impact energy during collisions, owe their existence to motorsports research. These zones play a pivotal role in reducing the severity of accidents and safeguarding lives. Braking systems, inspired by race car innovations, offer 

enhanced stopping power and shorter braking distances, contributing to accident avoidance.

Human-Machine Interface and Safety

Motorsports technology extends beyond the mechanics of the vehicle. Communication between driver and machine is paramount in both racing and road safety. Driver-assistance technologies, derived from the intricate human-machine interaction of motorsports, are becoming integral to modern vehicles. Features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist enhance driver awareness and reduce the risk of accidents. The strides made in autonomous driving, influenced by motorsports innovation, aim to transform road safety by minimizing human error.

Environmental Impact and Efficiency

As the world grapples with environmental concerns, the motorsports industry is taking a proactive stance toward sustainability. The same technology that once aimed solely for speed is now being harnessed to create efficient, eco-friendly solutions. Motorsports technology has played a pivotal role in advancing fuel efficiency and hybrid technologies. Lightweight materials and aerodynamics not only contribute to speed but also aid in reducing emissions and fuel consumption. The push for sustainability in motorsports echoes in the choices made in designing road vehicles, aligning racing prowess with environmental responsibility.

The Role of Lawyers in Truck Accidents

Shifting gears, it’s essential to acknowledge that safety on the road extends beyond technological innovation. The unfortunate reality is that accidents can and do happen, particularly in cases involving large vehicles like trucks. This is where legal support, such as that provided by a lawyer for truck accidents, comes into play. In the aftermath of a truck accident, victims may face complex legal situations, battling for their rights and fair compensation. A knowledgeable and experienced lawyer specializing in truck accidents can provide invaluable guidance, ensuring that victims receive the support they need during a challenging time.

Training and Education Inspired by Motorsports

Motorsports aren’t just about pushing the limits of vehicles; they’re also about refining the skills of drivers who operate them. Professional racers undergo extensive training in areas such as vehicle control, situational awareness, and decision-making under high-stress conditions. These skills translate directly into defensive driving techniques that can help individuals navigate unpredictable road scenarios safely.

Advanced driving courses, inspired by racing techniques, offer enthusiasts the opportunity to improve their driving skills. Participants learn how to handle emergency maneuvers, master skid control, and understand the dynamics of vehicle weight transfer. These courses empower drivers with the ability to make split-second decisions and respond effectively in challenging situations. By adopting these techniques, drivers can enhance their overall safety on the road and reduce their risk of accidents.

The Future of Safer Driving

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the future of road safety holds promising innovations that are influenced by the world of motorsports. One such trend is the emergence of connected vehicles and smart infrastructure. The ability of vehicles to communicate with each other and with roadside infrastructure can revolutionize road safety. Imagine a scenario where cars share real-time data about traffic conditions, road hazards, and weather, allowing drivers to make informed decisions and avoid potential accidents.

Additionally, artificial intelligence and machine learning are poised to play a pivotal role in safer driving. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of data from various sources to predict potential hazards and assist drivers in making safer choices. From adaptive cruise control that adjusts speed based on traffic flow to intelligent collision avoidance systems that can take evasive action, the integration of AI in vehicles holds immense potential for preventing accidents and reducing the severity of collisions.

The convergence of motorsports technology and everyday driving safety is a testament to human ingenuity and the pursuit of excellence. The advancements that elevate racing performance also lead to enhanced road safety, shaping the vehicles we drive and the way we navigate our journeys. As the world evolves, so too does the marriage of speed, innovation, and safety. From aerodynamics to autonomous driving, from fuel efficiency to defensive driving, the realm of motorsports resonates far beyond the track, making our roads safer and our driving experiences richer.

Jennifer Bell is an avid motorsports fan, a defensive driver, and a writer for truck accident lawyers in the Philadelphia area.

The Top Three Motorsports Races You Can’t Miss

By
SM
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Motorsports around the globe annually hold many exciting events and races to keep fans entertained and entranced within their respective series, but there are always specific races within them that are head and shoulders above the rest. These races are not only the ones that attract the most attention and generate the most buzz. These races are where fortunes are made or lost, and legacies are created.

Regardless of your preference for the various race archetypes, races like these cannot be missed regarding the level of entertainment and financial opportunities offered. Whether you plan on seeking financial fortune betting on the races below via sites like Bet22, or just intend to join the social aspect locally or online, you can only benefit from being a motorsports fan by partaking in the annual races below.

NASCAR’s Daytona 500

Traditionally, the largest and most important race occurs at the final of any given motorsport series, however, NASCAR’s Daytona 500 is a major exception. Since 1982, The Daytona 500 has been the first race in the annual NASCAR series which attracts millions of viewers and sets the precedent for the year to come.

Spanning a total of 500 miles (805km), the outcome of this race is commonly regarded as the most prestigious and lucrative. Not only is it prestigious because it is the first, but drivers can also expect a huge chunk of change if they manage to score a spot on the podium. While exact numbers are unknown, drivers can expect at least a pool of at least 20 million within the purse according to NASCAR’s 2020 revelation.

Formula 1’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Since 2015 the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been the final race of the Formula 1 Series and will continue to be until 2030. The race takes place at the Yas Marina Circuit which boasts a length of 3.2 miles (5.2 km) and a total of sixteen corners. With such careful design and high stakes, this final race of the F1 season is always packed with drama and excitement alike.

Unlike the Daytona 500, this race is the final step for Formula 1 and offers double points towards the season for drivers and their teams. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the culmination of the blood, sweat, and tears of the participants, and the race itself is one of the most-watched sports events annually with over 100 million viewers.

NASCAR Cup Series Championship

Much like the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in Formula 1, NASCAR’s final race annually also attracts a ton of buzz and prestige. Since 2020, the NASCAR Cup Series Championship has taken place at Phoenix Raceway in Arizona and will continue to do so until 2024.

Like the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, this final race for the NASCAR series is also packed to the brim with excitement. Along with the standard race positions, fans also get to compete in guessing who will take the first position in the playoffs. While viewership has been down in the past five years for NASCAR, the series finale at Phoenix always delivers an exhilarating experience for fans.

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