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Team Mitsubishi Ralliart’s All-new Triton Finishes in 3rd Place Overall in the Asia Cross Country Rally 2023

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Official Release
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Received the Team Award by All Three Tritons Completed the Rally –

TOKYO, Aug 22, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announces that Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, for which it provides technical support, has won 3rd place overall in the Asia Cross Country Rally 2023 (hereafter, AXCR) held in Thailand and Laos from August 13 to 19. The team competed in the AXCR 2023 with three of the all-new Tritons (T1 cross-country prototypes), covering a total distance of 2033.42 km, including 973.98 km of special stages (SS), and former AXCR champion driver Chayapon Yotha (Thailand) from Team Mitsubishi Ralliart finished in 3rd place overall. Katsuhiko Taguchi (Japan), competing for the first time in AXCR from the Team Mitsubishi Ralliart placed 8th overall, and Rifat Sungkar (Indonesia) placed 32nd overall.

Furthermore, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart won the Team Award, which is awarded to the team that entries with two or more and all finished the rally, and is based on the total time of the top two entries.

*The actual distance has been shortened due to course changes

Highlight videos from the AXCR 2023
https://www.youtube.com/c/MitsubishiMotorsGlobal

As in past years, AXCR 2023 was held during the rainy season, and the ceremonial start was held on August 13 at Walking Street, a famous sightseeing spot in Pattaya, Thailand. From Leg 1 on the 14 to Leg 3 on the 16, participants competed in special stages (SS) in Thailand, and in Leg 4 on the 17, crossed the border to Champasak, Laos for the SS. Leg 5 on 18 took the participants to Paksong, a highland area in Laos. After the SS in Leg 6 on the 19, the participants reached the ceremonial goal at Prasat Wat Phu, a World Heritage site. The rally cars were covered with fine dust as they drove, and the dust made it difficult for the drivers to see what was ahead when they approached the vehicles in front of them. The second half of the rally in Laos was a series of steep courses with large potholes, muddy roads, and river crossings, which were not seen in Thailand, further hampering the drivers’ progress.

Chayapon Yotha on Car 101, who was aiming for his second consecutive AXCR championship, demonstrated the performance of the all-new Triton rally car by setting the 2nd fastest time in SS2 on the second day. With his stable rally performance, Yotha finished the first half in his home country of Thailand in 4th overall position. He continued his solid performance in the second half and moved up to 3rd overall while placing 3rd in the SS4, always maintaining the top positions in the following SSs, leading the all-new Triton rally car to the podium.

It was the first time for Katsuhiko Taguchi of Car 112, who was competing in his first AXCR to challenge a cross-country rally. Despite this being his first time in a cross-country rally, he was able to take advantage of his precise handling and speed and set the top time in SS1 on the first day. However, he was not able to increase his pace due to a rival in trouble blocking his way, and was troubled by the complicated branching jungle roads, and finished his first AXCR challenge at 8th place overall.

Rifat Sungkar in Car 106 lost a lot of time in SS1 on the first day due to cooling system troubles caused by the front grille being covered by tall weeds and was given an 8-hour penalty, which set him back significantly. While he continued to start from the back of the field, where it was difficult to finish at the top due to a large number of front runners, he competed well while recording the fastest time in SS5, and finished 32nd overall.

“The course was a grueling one, with intense heat in the summer with almost no rain despite the rainy season, as well as high-speed driving over some of the toughest road conditions in recent years. Team Mitsubishi Ralliart entered this rally with the all-new Triton, which had undergone a full model change and had evolved in all aspects. Although we had to build rally cars in a short period of time as it was a new model that had just been launched, we were able to demonstrate its performance in many areas and came in 3rd place overall,” said Hiroshi Masuoka, team director of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart. “Unfortunately, we did not win the championship for the second year in a row, but we were able to complete the rally with all three Tritons without losing a single car, using almost the same specifications as mass-produced cars and using parts from production cars, which convinced us that our direction in car manufacturing was on the right track. We were also able to gain technical feedback that we should reflect on production vehicles, as well as issues on how to improve the competitiveness of our rally cars, making this a very meaningful event. Team Mitsubishi Ralliart would like to thank our sponsors for their generous support and our fans around the world for their enthusiastic cheering.”

AXCR2023 Auto Category Overall Results
1st Takuma Aoki (Toyota Fortuner) 11:46:22
2nd Tubagus Moerinsyahdi (Toyota Fortuner) 11:50:50
3rd Chayapon Yotha (Mitsubishi Triton) 12:00:40
4th Raz Yehoshua Heymann (Segal Segal) 13:10:40
5th Pittiphon Promchotikul (Toyota Hilux REVO) 13:30:59
6th Mana Pornsiricherd (Toyota Hilux) 13:33:25
–
8th Katsuhiko Taguchi (Mitsubishi Triton) 13:49:31
32nd Rifat Sungkar (Mitsubishi Triton) 30:22:29

[Daily reports on the AXCR2023 special site]
www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/innovation/motorsports/axcr2023/

About Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE:7211) — a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan –, is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has about 30,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities around the world. Mitsubishi Motors has a competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and appeals to ambitious drivers willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation. Since the production of our first vehicle more than a century ago, Mitsubishi Motors has been a leader in electrification–launched the i-MiEV – the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, followed by the Outlander PHEV – the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric SUV in 2013.

For more information on Mitsubishi Motors, please visit the company’s website at www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/

When Is It Time to Replace My Car’s Water Pump?

By
SM
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Car and truck engines get hot quickly, and a water pump is a crucial piece of equipment that helps keep those temperatures in check. It circulates coolant throughout the radiator and engine to absorb excess heat. Without an operating water pump, your car will not work. Here are a few signs it’s time for a water pump replacement for car performance. 

Excessive Mileage or Age

Most modern water pumps last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. This can vary widely depending on the type of driving you do, but it provides a good guideline. To be proactive, it’s a good idea to replace your water pump at 100,000 if you haven’t already. 

Whining Noises

Water pumps are connected to your engine by a belt which provides the power necessary for operation. This belt can wear out over time and must be replaced when it does. You may notice buzzing sounds or whining noises when it begins to stretch and lose grip on the pulleys. This is a good indication that it’s time to replace the belt and water pump. 

Signs of a Coolant Leak

Coolant leaks can indicate a problem with your 2013 Prius water pump. No matter what type of vehicle you drive, if you notice any of these signs of a coolant leak, it could be related to a bad water pump. 

Your Car Overheats

An overheating engine is a sure sign that something is wrong with its cooling system. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge to catch problems before they cause serious damage. If your car overheats, stop driving it immediately. Extreme temperatures and pressure can cause burns if you try to open a radiator while it is overheating, so you should wait until it cools down to locate any leaks.

Coolant Spots Under the Car

Drips or small puddles of coolant in your parking space are a good indicator of a leak. If you always park in exactly the same spot, you may even be able to spot where they are coming from in the engine. 

A Sweet Smell Coming From the Engine

Car coolant has a very sweet smell that is often noticeable when leaking. It may be stronger if it drips onto hot engine components while the car is running.

Corrosion or Residue Near the Water Pump

Many water pumps develop minor gasket or seal leaks. These can let small amounts of coolant seep out onto the water pump’s exterior surfaces and produce a filmy residue. It may also cause corrosion of metal components. If you notice these, it’s a sign that your water pump is on the way out and needs to be replaced.  

Use High-Quality Replacement Parts

Whether you plan to replace a Ford Fusion or Kenworth t680 water pump, it is important to use high-quality replacement parts. This will ensure your new water pump functions seamlessly and keeps your car or truck on the road longer. When you need a new water pump, shop online to get premium aftermarket car parts shipped directly to your home. 

Exploring Green Initiatives in the Logistics Industry

By
SM
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  • Logistics companies can reduce their carbon footprint by optimizing transportation using route optimization technology.
  • Efficient warehousing involves eco-friendly material handling equipment, automation, smart replenishment, and regular maintenance.
  • Sustainable packaging, including biodegradable plastics and recycled materials, helps to minimize packaging waste.
  • Harnessing renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, can significantly lower carbon emissions.
  • Collaboration among logistics companies can lead to consolidated shipments and shared resources, promoting more sustainable practices.

As businesses become more conscious of their environmental impact, they seek ways to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices. The logistics industry, responsible for moving goods and products, plays a vital role in this effort. By embracing green initiatives, logistics companies can reduce their environmental impact, lower costs, and improve efficiency.

This article will explore some of the most-effective environmentally-friendly practices possible within the logistics industry.

Transportation Optimization

Optimizing transportation is one of the most effective ways to reduce the carbon footprint in logistics. Some advanced countries like Singapore already have sophisticated transportation systems, so logistics companies can focus on better utilizing the existing infrastructure. This means reducing the number of trucks used, increasing the load per truck, and eliminating empty miles. This can be achieved through route optimization technology, which helps determine the most efficient routes, and real-time shipment visibility, preventing drivers from traveling to the wrong destination, resulting in costly emissions.

Efficient Warehousing

Warehouses are known for having a considerable environmental impact, and logistics providers are no exception. However, there are several initiatives that businesses can adopt to operate more efficiently and effectively. Here are some of the practices that logistics companies are using in their warehouses:

Efficient material handling equipment

Most warehouses can operate with more efficient material handling equipment, such as pallet jacks and forklifts. Forklifts that run on more sustainable energy sources, such as electricity and hydrogen fuel cells, are becoming more popular. Some models can even store energy while idling, making them more efficient.

Automated warehouses

Automation is quickly becoming the norm in logistics. By using automated warehouse systems, companies can reduce labor costs, increase process speed and efficiency, and minimize errors. Implementing robots also helps reduce energy consumption from manual activities such as packing and sorting parcels.

Replenishment strategies

Improving inventory replenishment strategies is a must for keeping warehouses running efficiently. Companies can use advanced analytics to optimize stock levels to ensure they have the correct number of products while reducing overall energy costs. Additionally, automation also helps reduce overstocking and understocking of warehouse items.

Scheduled maintenance

Regularly scheduled maintenance is vital to ensuring that all equipment runs efficiently. Logistics companies must set regular maintenance schedules for their machinery. Doing so will help extend the lifetime of their machines, reduce energy costs, and improve overall productivity.

Sustainable Packaging

Another way that logistics companies can contribute towards greener practices is by implementing sustainable packaging solutions. Several sustainable packaging options, such as biodegradable plastics, recycled materials, and even alternative materials, such as mushroom-based packaging, are available today. These sustainable practices can significantly reduce the amount of packaging waste and, in turn, lower the business’s carbon footprint.

Renewable Energy Use

One of the ways logistics companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint is by harnessing renewable energy sources. Solar power, wind energy, and hydroelectric power are viable green energy options. For instance, warehouses can install solar panels on rooftops or open spaces, producing energy for operations. This reduces the need to purchase electricity from traditional sources and can lead to considerable savings for the business.

Collaboration and Cooperation

Finally, logistics companies can significantly reduce their environmental impact by working together and sharing resources. By consolidating shipments, multiple companies can share the same transport and distribution channels, reducing the number of trucks on the road and, in turn, making transportation more efficient and reducing carbon emissions.

Collaborative sustainability initiatives within the logistics industry will enable participants to develop and implement environmentally friendly processes and promote this objective among employees, customers, and stakeholders. Many companies are already taking part in initiatives such as emissions trading schemes and green warehouses. As more businesses join these initiatives, logistics companies will increasingly focus on reducing their environmental impact and adopting sustainable practices.

The logistics industry undoubtedly has a significant role to play in managing climate change issues and reducing their impact on the environment. By implementing strategies such as transportation optimization, efficient warehousing practices, sustainable packaging solutions, and renewable energy usage, logistics companies can play an important role in reducing their environmental impact and helping to protect the planet. Through collaborative efforts and shared knowledge among businesses in the industry, their companies can continue to make progress toward a greener future.

Starting a Moving Company: What to Prioritize

By
SM
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  • Starting a moving company requires securing legal credentials, including a business license, permit, insurance, and DOT number.
  • Essential assets for a moving company include moving and office equipment, vehicles, and storage facilities.
  • Effective marketing strategies combine online presence, traditional advertising, and community engagement.
  • Regular evaluation of performance metrics, industry trends, and customer feedback ensures business growth.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, people are relatively mobile, with about 9% of the population having moved residence within five years. Census data shows that 7.7 million people moved house at least once within five years. This demonstrates the potential customer base for a moving company. It’s important to note that these figures may have changed in the past decade, and moving trends can vary significantly based on economic, social, and personal factors.

Some people are forced to move because of economic concerns, while others may relocate for family or personal reasons. For a moving company to be successful, it needs to consider all these when planning its services and marketing strategies.

However, starting a moving company will require a lot of preparations regarding the nitty gritty details. Here are a few steps to prioritize for the venture:

Securing Legal Requirements

Securing the necessary legal requirements is the first and most crucial step in establishing a moving company. Operating without the proper credentials not only jeopardizes the legitimacy and reputation of the business but may also lead to substantial penalties or legal action.

For instance, in most locations, moving companies must obtain a business license and permit that grants them the authority to operate within a specific area. They may also need to comply with zoning laws, primarily if the business operates from a home office.

Another essential requirement is insurance. Given the nature of the moving business, sufficient insurance coverage is important to protect the company and its clients’ property. This includes liability insurance for damages during the move and workers’ compensation insurance for employee-related injuries.

Lastly, moving companies should adhere to the regulations set by oversight bodies, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in the United States. These entities often require businesses to have a unique Department of Transportation (DOT) number, which serves as an identifier for safety and compliance checks.

Getting Essential Assets

After securing all the legal requirements, the next step is to acquire the essential assets necessary for your moving company’s operation. These assets are the backbone of your business, enabling you to carry out moving services effectively and efficiently. Here, we discuss four critical assets that every moving company must secure:

Moving Vehicles

The essence of a moving company lies in the ability to transport goods from one place to another. Therefore, having reliable moving vehicles is essential. Depending on the scale of your business, you may need different types of cars, ranging from pick-up trucks for small-scale moves to larger moving trucks for bigger jobs. However, a wing van might be more appropriate for large-scale operations. The vehicle provides a durable and efficient way to transport items safely.

Moving Equipment

Next on the list is moving equipment. This might include dollies, furniture pads, cargo straps, and packing materials. High-quality equipment ensures the items’ safety, making the job easier and quicker for your staff.

Office Equipment and Software

Even though most of a moving company’s work happens on the road, it’s crucial not to neglect the administrative side. This means investing in office equipment like computers, printers, phones, and industry-specific software that can streamline operations, such as scheduling, billing, and inventory management. It can also be worth creating a staff newsletter, as you’ll likely have staff in different geographical locations at one time and this provides an excellent way to communicate ideas and new policies. It can also be a nice way to include employee-of-the-month spots or incentive schemes.

Warehouse or Storage Facilities

Lastly, a moving company may need to invest in warehouse or storage facilities. This becomes particularly important for long-distance moves or when clients require temporary storage before settling into their new homes. A secure warehouse allows your business to offer more comprehensive services, thereby increasing your company’s attractiveness to potential clients.

Attracting Clients

After securing the legal requirements and essential assets, the next priority is devising effective marketing strategies to attract clients. In the increasingly digital age, the power of online marketing cannot be overstated. A thoughtfully designed website that offers easy access to information about your services, pricing, and contact details is crucial. Leveraging social media platforms can also help increase your visibility and reach a wider audience. Regularly posting content related to moving tips, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes footage can build trust and strengthen your brand image.

Moreover, traditional marketing methods such as print advertising, direct mail, and networking should not be overlooked. Participating in local community events or joining business associations can help establish a solid local presence. Remember, word-of-mouth is a potent marketing tool in the moving industry. Delivering exceptional customer service can turn your clients into advocates for your business, effectively attracting more customers.

However, it is essential to remember that marketing strategies should not be static; they must evolve based on performance metrics, customer feedback, and market trends. Regularly evaluating and tweaking your marketing plan is crucial to ensure its effectiveness and your business’s success.

Final Thoughts

Starting a moving company requires comprehensive planning and hard work. It is essential to prioritize the legal requirements, secure crucial assets, and devise effective marketing strategies to attract clients. Keeping up with industry trends and regularly evaluating performance metrics can help you build an efficient business in the long run. By taking the proper steps today, your business can be well on its way to success tomorrow.

Duelly Powers Kyle Weatherman’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Journey

By
Official Release
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GAFFNEY, S.C. – Kyle Weatherman and the JD Motorsports team will be dueling in a big way in Friday’s Wawa 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway. Today, the world of online challenges and adventures reaches new heights as Duelly, the Only LIVE- VOTING Challenge site, announces its official launch by sponsoring Kyle Weatherman’s No. 4 JD Motorsports Chevrolet in the upcoming Wawa 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway in Friday night’s race, one of the closing events of Xfinity’s regular season.

This partnership marks Duelly’s dynamic entry into the world of NASCAR, and it’s set to redefine the racing experience. After months of hard work, dedication, and boundless creativity, Ed Pizzo and his team are excited to unveil Duelly, the Only LIVE VOTING Challenge site in the world that’s set to revolutionize the way users experience fun, innovation, and adventure online by being Part of the Action, not sitting on the sideline.

Duelly Founder, Ed Pizzo, invites everyone to “Buckle up Buttercup!” as they embark on this thrilling journey at the legendary Daytona International Speedway. This collaboration with Kyle Weatherman and JD Motorsports perfectly coincides with the launch of Duelly, the world’s first virtual colosseum. Duelly is where true competition, camaraderie, and talent converge under one roof.

At Duelly it’s as simple as users choosing a challenge on the platform, taking their shot, filming their best effort, and uploading it for judgment. Winners are decided and it’s not just about bragging rights—they can compete for prizes too. What sets Duelly apart is the unique Live-Voting feature, making user engagement more important than ever. With Duelly, there are no participation trophies; it’s all about hard work and winning. Users have more power than a mere thumbs up or down; it is THEIR VOTE that chooses the winners… and the losers.

“We’re very excited to have the folks at Duelly join us at Daytona,” said team owner Johnny Davis. “They bring an innovative and exciting competition platform to our race team, and the partnership couldn’t be more perfect. We’re looking forward to seeing what Kyle and the No. 4 team can do at what has been one of our best tracks.”

“Really excited to have Duelly on the car for Daytona this weekend; the orange, black, and white will look great under the lights on the high banks of Daytona. This is going to be the next big app, and I’m excited to be at the start of the journey with everyone at the Duelly Team!” stated driver Kyle Weatherman.

Stay tuned for the exciting unveiling of the special Duelly race car at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

The JD Motorsports team is coming off one of its best weekends of the season. Weatherman finished 13th last week at Watkins Glen International, leading two laps on the way to scoring his best run of the year. Teammate Brennan Poole was 12th.

Garrett Smithley will drive JD Motorsports’ No. 6 car at Daytona as he and Weatherman seek to continue the team’s late-season success.

“Start your Engines….and DUEL THAT!”

Join the team and follow us on social media:

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Visit us at www.duelly.com to start your adventure today!

No. 93 HARRISON CONTRACTING COMPANY ACURA NSX GT3 EVO22 EARNS PODIUM FINISH AT ROAD AMERICA

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Official Release
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(Deland, Fla.) August 21, 2023 — Ashton Harrison and Mario Farnbacher continued their pursuit in the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS championship as the Racers Edge Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing Andretti Autosport (WTRAndretti) team headed to Road America for Rounds 9 and 10 at the newly repaved road course in Wisconsin. Coming off their Road America finishes, the No. 93 Harrison Contracting Company Acura NSX GT3 Evo22 duo sits second in PRO Championship battle with two events left in the season.

As the green flag flew for the first race of the doubleheader weekend, Ashton Harrison was determined to gain ground in the No. 93 Harrison Contracting Company Acura NSX GT3 Evo22. Harrison continued to show pace moving forward in the field before handing the driver’s seat over to Mario Farnbacher. From there, Farnbacher was able to challenge for positions with class competitors on track to earn the third spot on the PRO class podium in Race 1.

Following Saturday’s podium result, Farnbacher started with control of the red Acura machine and the mission remained the same in Sunday’s Race 2 – capitalize on the maximum championship points possible. Farnbacher held steady behind the wheel despite some minor contact with competitors on track. Once Harrison took reins of the No. 93 Rely on RED Acura, it was all about navigating her way to the front of the field. Harrison was poised for another podium, possibly even a win, before a spin with a competitor on the late restart in the final minutes of Race 2 slid the No. 93 a few positions down the grid, ultimately tallying a fourth-place result in the Pro class for the duo.

The Racers Edge Motorsports WTRAndretti team will take nearly a month off before heading to the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS’ penultimate weekend at Sebring International Raceway on September 23-24, 2023, for Rounds 11 and 12 of the championship.

No. 93 Harrison Contracting Company Acura NSX GT3 Evo22 DRIVER QUOTES:

Ashton Harrison:
“Sunday was a disappointing finish for the Racers Edge Motorsports with WTRAndretti team. The Harrison Contracting Acura NSX and the crew got us in the mix for an overall win on the restart from the full course caution. I felt really happy with my performance all weekend. It’s unfortunate that we were spun in the last four laps of the race and in a position to gain championship points, which is our goal right now. So now we will put our head down and push forward for Sebring, which is a track Mario and I have success at. We walk away from Road America with a podium and still in the fight for the overall championship lead and we will keep pushing forward.”

Mario Farnbacher:
“At Road America, qualifying was very difficult as the other cars had a stronger package than we did. Having said that, I think the first race was a good comeback for us to finish in third. Ashton had an amazing start, and an amazing stint from her gave a us a good position for a podium. I basically had to drive to the end. I had two awesome fights with the Porsches. In today’s race, in the beginning the start was good, but obviously, unfortunately, there’s only one line through the corner here with the new asphalt, so I got pushed wide and lost ground, but I made a little comeback. It took very promising until the safety car and got unlucky when the other car hit us and spun us around. It was disappointing championship wise, because we clearly had the upper hand to the leading car in the championship. That’s the reason why it’s disappointing that we lost ground again that we gained yesterday. The championship fight is not over. We still have two rounds to go, and we will see from there what we can do.”

About Harrison Contracting
Harrison Contracting Company, Inc. (HCC) is a commercial painting and facility maintenance contracting company headquartered in Villa Rica, GA with divisional offices in Florida and Texas. HCC provides repainting/reimaging and facility maintenance services nationwide, and new construction painting across the southeastern US. At HCC, red is more than the company color, its culture. RED stands for Reliable, Experienced, and Diligent, and is the cornerstone for all we do. We are more than just your painter; we are your partner.

About the HPD Driver Academy Program
The Honda Performance Development (HPD) Driver Academy Program was developed to enable qualified racers to accelerate their racing career via ‘on-track’ and ‘off-track’ training from experienced Acura/Honda professional drivers, HPD-supported teams, and HPD personnel. The program includes sessions in the championship winning Acura NSX GT3 Evo or Honda Civic Type R TCR teaching the special knowledge and various skills required for professional sports car racing. The program is available by application-only and is limited to eight students per year.

About Honda Performance Development
Honda Performance Development, Inc., (HPD) has a rich heritage creating, manufacturing, and supporting Honda Racing and Acura Motorsports customers since 1993 from pinnacle racing in INDYCAR and IMSA to commercial racing programs. HPD is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and leads all of Honda and Acura’s high-performance racing programs in North America, specializing in the design and development of race engines, chassis and performance parts, as well as technical and race support.

Flying Lizard Motorsports Captures Victory and Four Podiums at Road America

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Official Release
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ELKHART LAKE, Wis., (August 21, 2023) – Campaigning four race cars in two series, Flying Lizard Motorsports produced another successful race weekend in the Pirelli GT4 America and GT America powered by AWS. With drivers Jason Bell, Elias Sabo, Andy Lee, and Andy Wilzoch, the team earned one victory and an additional four podiums across the four races held last weekend at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

“I don’t know how we could have had a much better weekend,” said Program Manager Darren Law. “We had multiple cars on the podium in every race every day. Pole, a win, second, third and we also retook the driver points lead in the GT America GT4 class. I am so proud of this team and the drivers. We are firing on all cylinders at the right time of the season. Anything can happen but with just two more race weekends left we are in a good position.”

GT America Race One

After setting an impressive last lap in the qualifying session, Elias Sabo secured a pole position for the No. 8 Aston Martin Vantage, while teammate Jason Bell started his No. 2 Aston Martin from fifth position. Bell had an impressive start to the race, jumping from fifth to second place in the opening laps. From there, he put heavy pressure on his teammate in an effort to fight for the lead. The pair drove nose-to-tail for the entirety of the 40-minute race earning Flying Lizard the team’s second double-podium of the race season.

GT America Race Two

Jason Bell led the team’s GT4 charge on a warm Sunday morning as they took the green flag for race two. He and the No. 2 Aston Martin Vantage started from second in class with teammate Elias Sabo and the No. 8 Aston Martin in third place. Up ahead, Andy Wilzoch and the No. 460 Flying Lizard Porsche started from eighth in class, well positioned for another top-ten race performance. Tony Gaples led the GT4 class to green, and in the opening laps, Rob Holland passed the Flying Lizard pair to take second place, and then climbed to first. In lap eight, Bell got a strong run on Gaples to sail by the Camaro in turn five and Sabo followed through, bringing the pair up to second and third place. Bell put up a strong fight to overtake Holland when the leader almost went off course, but the top three maintained their positions to the checkered flag earning the second double-podium finish of the weekend. In the Lizard Porsche, Wilzoch had another strong and clean run, climbing to finish in seventh place. Unofficially, Flying Lizard continues to lead the team championship, and now Jason Bell has advanced to take the points lead in the driver championship standings.

GT4 America Race One

With the No. 8 Aston armed and ready for the 60-minute GT4 America race, Elias Sabo started race one from eighth in class and 18th overall and fought his way through traffic to close out his stint with five overall positions gained before the mandatory pit stop. Andy Lee took over the driving duties and joined the race from sixth in class, after a quick stop from his crew before a full course caution appeared with 28 minutes remaining. The race went back to green, but only four seven turns, ending the race under caution. Lee, able to climb to fourth place, brought home a strong top-five finish, overall a satisfactory end to an eighth-place starting position.

GT4 America Race Two

Due to red flags resulting in competitors not having enough time to complete qualifying for race two, the starting grid for the final race of the weekend was determined by practice times, setting up Andy Lee and the No. 8 Aston Martin to start from seventh overall, and fifth in the Pro-Am class. Motivated to return to the podium, he had a strong opening ten minutes, gaining a position before the first full-course caution came out in the opening laps. The field went back to green with 49 minutes remaining in the 60-minute race, and Lee kept his sights set on the No. 82 BMW of Tyler McQuarrie as he fought for position with the lead pack. He wisely sat back while the four cars ahead engaged in a heated battle for position until the next full-course caution. The No. 8 dove into pit lane before the yellow flag, leap-frogging the No. 82 with a perfectly timed pit stop. With Elias Sabo behind the wheel, the No. 8 moved up to third place, and once the class leaders pitted, assumed the lead. Unfortunately, the BMW had greater top speed, and Elias Sabo slipped to second place as the field went back to green. By the end of the 60-minute race, he finished third, engaging in an exciting run for second place.

Up Next

The penultimate doubleheader of the race weekend will take place at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida, August 25-27. The team had a promising performance at the circuit in 2022, with Sabo and Lee earning a pair of second-place finishes, and Sabo celebrating a solo win.

About Flying Lizard Motorsports

Based out of Sonoma, California, Flying Lizard Motorsports is one of the most iconic sports car teams in motorsports, having celebrated ten driver and team championships, as well as competed internationally at the 24 Hours of Le Mans eight times.

The Lizards burst on the American Le Mans Series scene in 2004, competing in the GT class until 2012. In 2013, the team moved to the GTC class, still competing in legendary events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona. In 2014, the team expanded its program to include running two Audi R8 LMS in the TUDOR Championship, and in 2015, again expanded the program to include two Porsches in Porsche Club racing. Flying Lizard closed out the season with a dominating win at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill with Toyo Tires, a win they repeated in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The 2020 season proved the team’s most successful to date, earning four titles in the GT4 America championship. Flying Lizard Motorsports has proven to be a championship contender no matter the race series or race car. For more information, visit lizardms.com.

About 5.11
With offices around the globe, 5.11 ABR Corp. and its subsidiaries, including 5.11, Inc., work with end users to create purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear designed specifically to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who always have to be ready. 5.11 products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at 5.11 company-owned retail stores.

Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical

5.11 ABR Corp. is a subsidiary of Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI).

5.11, 5.11 Tactical and Always Be Ready are registered trademarks of 5.11, Inc. All rights reserved.

About Apex Motor Club

Apex Motor Club is Arizona’s premier motorsports club located just 35 miles southwest of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and the only private motorsports club located within a major metropolitan area. APEX is the ultimate country club for automotive enthusiasts where car culture, racing and country club lifestyles converge. Enjoy an hour of track time in your latest acquisition, drive off track, into your privately-owned garage and join like- minded enthusiasts in the clubhouse for food, beverages, and activities.

To learn more about the newest racing circuit in the country, visit https://apexmotorclub.com

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

By
Official Release
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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

By
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.”

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