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REIGNING DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION RICKY STENHOUSE JR. DEFENDS TURF WITH A BOOST FROM PARTNERS

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Official Release
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HARRISBURG, N.C. (August 22, 2023) – 2023 DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will seek allies to boost him to his fourth superspeedway victory with a fresh look to his No. 47 Camaro at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, August 26. Boost by Kroger Plus will partner with the JTG Daugherty Racing team during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 joining co-primary and longstanding partner Entenmann’s, which is promoting the “Ride with Ricky” sweepstakes currently.

“Thanks to Entenmann’s, which ‘Goes great with people’ we just launched the ‘Ride with Ricky’ sweepstakes, and now we will have a new look on our race car hoods with Boost by Kroger Plus,” said Stenhouse Jr. “It is great to see our partners maximizing their partnership on track and in-store, and we hope to be doing some victory donuts to go along with the donuts on our car at Daytona.”

Boost by Kroger Plus, the membership that brings shoppers exclusive savings on groceries and fuel with free delivery of fresh, affordable food will have prime positioning on Stenhouse Jr.’s hood for the 160-Lap event to help drive awareness.

Customers can join Boost by Kroger Plus free for 30-days or sign up for as little as $7.99 per month. Customers can enjoy exclusive offers, fuel savings and free delivery on purchases of $35 or more.

To make NASCAR’s vast audience of more than 80 million dedicated fans aware of the savings offered through Boost by Kroger Plus, they are teaming up with JTG Daugherty Racing’s very own spotter Tab Boyd, a two-time Daytona 500 winner as eyes in the sky.

“It’s really cool to debut the Boost by Kroger Plus hood at Daytona, especially given our triumph in winning the Daytona 500,” said Boyd. “Boost is a word I use a lot of weekends at superspeedways and some mile-and-a-half tracks like Atlanta Motor Speedway and/or Kansas Speedway down the back straightaway. At a track like Daytona this weekend, we get a boost from another car, which is an extra surge from another car that makes you go faster. A continuous boost is essential for greater speeds to get to the front for success and for spotters.”

“It will be fun to say, ‘here comes the boost’ to Ricky with the No. 47 Boost by Kroger Plus / Entenmann’s Camaro,” continued Boyd. “It is nice to make the in-store / online and on-track connection, where NASCAR consumers can get exclusive savings and the opportunity for free delivery of fresh food when they sign up for Boost by Kroger Plus. I’m looking forward to getting back to Daytona with Ricky and the team and go for another win.”

Prior to competing in the No. 47 Boost by Kroger Plus / Entenmann’s Camaro, Stenhouse Jr. intends to pause for reflection. He will visit Daytona International Speedway’s Museum to view his Champions’ car and participate in the unveiling of his imprinted footprint and handprint concrete block in the Daytona 500 Champions’ Walk of Fame.

“It will be really fun to get back to Daytona,” said Stenhouse Jr. “The last time we were there it was kind of chaotic with all the celebrating, media, and stuff that we did. It will be cool to go back and go to the museum to see our race car for the first time since we won and be at the Daytona 500 Champions’ Walk of Fame reveal. It is always nice to go back to a racetrack where you are trying to defend. Sweeping the races at Daytona would be huge for us.”

To date, this season has brought significant achievements for the single-car team based in Harrisburg, N.C. that has cemented a coveted spot in the 2023 Playoffs.

“I feel good about what we were able to accomplish at the start of the season and winning the Daytona 500,” said Stenhouse Jr. “It is one that we all have circled on our calendar every single year to get the job done when we show up. That was cool to do. It is a tough race to win and one that sticks with you forever.”

Stenhouse Jr. is proud of the team’s accomplishments. To date, they have the Daytona 500 victory, two top-five, 7 top-10 and 14 top-15 finishes in 25 starts this season.

“We punch above our weight with what we have, and I think we take a lot of pride in that,” continued Stenhouse Jr. “We wish probably that we had more things to go to battle with, but I am happy with the tools we have and how we do battle. It has been a fun season. We know where our strengths and weaknesses are. We need to make sure that we continue to make our weaknesses less because we do have strong suits. We work hard and it has been cool to see everybody kind of hold hands and go forward together. We are okay with being under the radar going into the Playoffs. It is completely fine for us.”

For more information about Boost by Kroger Plus visit Kroger.com/pr/boost.

Also, visit racingprizes.com/boost/ for a chance to win a trip for two to a race of choice in 2024.

For additional details on the Entenmann’s “Ride with Ricky” sweepstakes visit ridewithricky.entenmanns.com.

Advantages of Transforming Your Vehicle with Expert Body Repairs

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SM
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Photo by Gustavo Fring

Your vehicle is more than just a means of transportation; it reflects your personality and style. However, scratches and dents can diminish its aesthetic appeal. This is where expert car scratch repair services, such as those offered by Southend Smart Repairs, come to the rescue. In this article, we’ll explore the numerous advantages of transforming your vehicle with expert body repairs.

Restoring Aesthetic Appeal

1. Flawless Finish

One of the primary advantages of expert body repairs is the restoration of your vehicle’s flawless finish. Skilled technicians at Southend Smart Repairs have the expertise to seamlessly repair scratches, dents, and other imperfections, leaving your vehicle looking as good as new.

2. Preserving Value

Maintaining your vehicle’s aesthetic appeal also helps preserve its resale value. A car with a well-maintained exterior is likely to command a higher price when you decide to sell or trade it in.

Preventing Further Damage

1. Rust Prevention

Scratches and dents can expose your vehicle’s metal frame to moisture, leading to rust. Expert repairs not only fix the visible damage but also prevent rust from taking hold and spreading.

2. Structural Integrity

Some damages, even seemingly minor ones, can affect your vehicle’s structural integrity. Expert repairs ensure that your vehicle remains safe and performs as it should.

Cost-Effective Solution

1. Affordability

Expert body repairs are often more cost-effective than you might think. They provide a budget-friendly alternative to full panel replacements or extensive bodywork.

Environmentally Friendly

1. Reducing Waste

By opting for expert body repairs, you contribute to reducing automotive waste. Instead of replacing entire panels or parts, only the damaged area is repaired, minimizing the environmental impact.

Convenient and Quick

1. Minimal Downtime

Car scratch repair services offered by experts like Southend Smart Repairs are known for their efficiency. You can expect minimal downtime, allowing you to get back on the road with your rejuvenated vehicle sooner.

Conclusion

Transforming your vehicle with expert body repairs is not just about restoring its appearance; it’s about preserving its value, preventing further damage, and making an environmentally conscious choice. With the skilled technicians at Southend Smart Repairs, you can enjoy the advantages of flawless finishes, rust prevention, and structural integrity. Plus, it’s a cost-effective and convenient solution that minimizes downtime. So, if your vehicle has suffered from scratches or dents, consider the numerous benefits of expert car scratch repair services for a transformation that goes beyond skin deep.

No. 10 Smithfield Ford Racing: Aric Almirola Daytona Advance

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

Event Overview

● Event: Coke Zero Sugar 400 (Round 26 of 36)

● Time/Date: 7 p.m. EDT on Saturday, Aug. 26

● Location: Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway

● Layout: 2.5-mile oval

● Laps/Miles: 160 laps / 400 miles

● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 40 laps / Stage 2: 40 laps / Final Stage: 80 laps

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

Notes of Interest

● Aric Almirola has led laps in all four superspeedway-style races this year. He led 16 laps in the season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on Feb. 19, 17 laps at Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 19, 11 laps at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on April 23, and 46 laps from the pole at Atlanta on July 9.

● History at Daytona: Almirola scored his first career Cup Series win in the rain-shortened July 2014 race at Daytona, when he led 14 laps. At the 2021 Daytona 500, he won his Duel qualifying race for the first time in his career, and in this year’s Daytona 500, he led 16 laps before getting caught up in an accident during the second of two overtimes, which relegated him to a 21st-place finish. Almirola started on the pole in his first Daytona outing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in July 2007, and he captured an Xfinity Series win there in the No. 98 Biagi-Den Beste Ford Mustang in July 2016. Almirola also has three Daytona starts in the NASCAR Truck Series with a best finish of 12th in the 2010 season opener. He won his second Duel qualifying race at Daytona to kick off the 2023 season.

● Playoffs: Almirola arrives at Daytona 25th in the playoff standings. The 39-year-old veteran is in a must-win situation this weekend if he is to make the 16-driver NASCAR Playoff field.

● Almirola’s career: In 449 career NASCAR Cup Series starts, Almirola has three wins, 28 top-five finishes, 93 top-10s, five poles, and has led 1,068 laps.

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

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

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

Could there be a better track for you to be in a must-win situation?

“I don’t think so. I know a lot of guys look at these superspeedways as a wild-card race, but I always look at it as an incredible opportunity for us. We are always consistent at superspeedways and we have continued to be consistent at them this year. I’ve won at Daytona in the Xfinity and Cup series. We have been so close to winning it many times and we are almost always in a position to win if we don’t get collected early. Daytona is my home track, too, so I love going there with the added bonus of winning not far my hometown.”

Why has superspeedway racing fit your driving style?

“Early in my career, I always had to find a way to perform at the superspeedway races because, at Petty, it was our only realistic chance to win. I paid a lot of attention to the superspeedway races and learned strategies and how to be there in the end. Superspeedway racing is a high-speed chess match and you have to make the right moves early to be there in the end. Then seeing the hard work pay off to win in the Xfinity Series and Cup Series at Daytona, and winning at Talladega here at Stewart-Haas in 2018, gave me a lot of confidence moving forward. I think we have a great opportunity this weekend to catapult our way into the playoffs, and I think this first round could be really good to us with Bristol being the cutoff.”

What will it take to win this weekend?

“Honestly, luck will play a big part in winning this weekend. It starts with bringing a fast race car and making the right moves and executing. Luck doesnt matter if you dont have a car fast enough to run up front, but you have to avoid the inevitable wrecks and be there at the end. In the last five laps you have to have the perfect formula of things going your way to execute and win.”

No. 10 Smithfield Ford Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Aric Almirola

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer

Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Car Chief: Jerry Cook

Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

Lead Engineer: Lee Deese

Hometown: Rockingham, North Carolina

Engineer: James Kimbrough

Hometown: Pensacola, Florida

Spotter: Joel Edmonds

Hometown: Dobson, North Carolina

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Ryan Mulder

Hometown: Sioux Center, Iowa

Rear Tire Changer: Trevor White

Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Tire Carrier: Tyler Bullard

Hometown: King, North Carolina

Jack Man: Sean Cotton

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Fuel Man: James “Ace” Keener

Hometown: Fortuna, California

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Chris Trickett

Hometown: Grafton, West Virginia

Mechanic: Jacob Cooksey

Hometown: Westbrookville, New York

Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller

Hometown: Monroe, New York

Tire Specialist: Russel Simpson

Hometown: Medford, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Steven Casper

Hometown: Salisbury, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Matt Murphy

Hometown: Augusta, Georgia

Local, regional musical talent to complement a great weekend of NTT INDYCAR SERIES action at World Wide Technology Raceway

By
Official Release
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ST. LOUIS, August 22, 2023 — World Wide Technology Raceway’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES Weekend has always been known as one of the most festive events on the schedule. A midway filled with displays and attractions, driver autograph sessions, and great local and regional music acts are set to complement two incredible days of open wheel racing. This year’s lineup of local talent showcases some of the most popular musical acts from the St. Louis area on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday’s Pole Day offers something for everyone, with the inaugural WWTR appearance by pop and punk cover band Shut Up Mark to kick off the party at 11 a.m. Following a momentous day of racing, The Bobby Ford Band will take the stage to play an incredible set of country music.

“This weekend is more than just a race, it’s a great party. Fans are going to love Saturday’s lineup with Shut Up Mark and The Bobby Ford Band,” said Chris Blair, World Wide Technology Raceway’s Executive Vice President and General Manager. “Shut Up Mark covers Blink 182, The Killers, Panic! at the Disco and even some Miley Cyrus. You can’t help but have a good time when they are on stage. The Bobby Ford Band is a great country band that actually plays real country music. After amazing performances at last year’s INDYCAR race and again during the NASCAR weekend in June, they are quickly becoming WWTR’s go-to house band.”

WWTR’s live Sunday performances features the classic summertime grooves of Yacht Rockers and Dirty Muggs, a band best described as having a high-energy show that offers something for everyone.

“The Yacht Rockers are the perfect way to ease your way into a Sunday morning with their covers of Billy Joel, Hall and Oates, Tears for Fears and Toto,” continued Blair. “The party continues with the Dirty Muggs. Lead singers Nikko Smith and Lotty London, along with lead guitar player Dee Dee James, have a well-choreographed show that our fans will love.”

In addition to the live bands, WWTR is featuring a stellar collection of DJs throughout the venue. On Saturday, DJ ISIDRO will be performing on the midway, while DJ Shaggy will play in the infield as part of the Gateway Garage Experience. DJ ISIDORO returns on the midway again on Sunday while DJ Brian Akin takes over in the infield.

On Sunday, St. Louis’ DJ Vincent Lin, a.k.a. DJ Vincent Van Go will perform a set of house, tech house, trap, drum-and-bass, and Psytrance (psychedelic trance) music.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, DJ Flosstradamus will not be performing as originally announced.

WWTR’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline weekend features the OUTFRONT Showdown for INDY NXT on Saturday, along with INDYCAR practice and qualifying, and exhibitions by Vintage Indy Registry. On Saturday night, the racing action moves to Federated Auto Parts I-55 Speedway in Pevely, Missouri, for the IRA Sprint Car Series’ St. Louis Speed Fest Summer Slam.

On Sunday — along with another round of exhibitions by the Vintage Indy Registry — the USAC Silver Crown Series will compete in the 80-lap, 100-mile OUTFRONT 100 prior to the seventh annual Bommarito Automotive Group 500 INDYCAR event.

For INDYCAR tickets and information, please call WWTR at (618) 215-8888 or visit wwtraceway.com. Follow @WWTRaceway on social media.

BOMMARITO AUTOMOTIVE GROUP 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline

NTT INDYCAR SERIES Weekend fan schedule

Saturday, August 26 – INDY NXT; INDYCAR practice and qualifying

7 a.m. – Parking lots open.

7:30 a.m. – Spectator gates open. Paddock and Gateway Garage Experience open.

8 a.m. – Vintage Indy exhibition.

8:55 a.m. – INDY NXT practice.

10 a.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice.

11:45 a.m. – INDY NXT qualifying.

1 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES qualifying.

2:35 p.m. – INDY NXT OUTFRONT Showdown race.

4 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES Group A highline practice.

4:15 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES Group B highline practice.

4:45 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES final practice (all cars, 60 minutes).

7:30 p.m. – Paddock and Gateway Garage Experience closed.

Sunday, August 27 – Bommarito Automotive Group 500 INDYCAR race, USAC Silver Crown Series

7 a.m. – Parking lots open.

7:30 a.m. – Spectator gates open. Paddock and Gateway Garage Experience open.

8 a.m. – USAC Silver Crown Series practice.

9 a.m. – Vintage Indy exhibition.

10:15 a.m. – USAC Silver Crown Series qualifying.

11 a.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver autograph session.

12 p.m. – USAC Silver Crown Series pre-race ceremonies.

12:15 p.m. – USAC Silver Crown Series OUTFRONT 100 (80 laps, 100 miles, 60 minutes).

1:46 p.m. – Law enforcement appreciation laps on track.

1:55 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline driver introductions.

2:19 p.m. – Invocation and national anthem.

2:22 p.m. – Command for drivers to cars.

2:35 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline (260 laps, 325 miles).

5:30 p.m. – Paddock and Gateway Garage Experience closed.

Schedule subject to change.

About World Wide Technology Raceway

World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is the only track in the world to host the premier series of NASCAR, INDYCAR, and NHRA . Located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis and covering more than 700 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1/4-mile drag strip, 1.25-mile superspeedway, 2.0-mile road course, the Gateway Kartplex (a state-of-the-art karting facility), and the adjacent Gateway National Golf Links. WWTR and owner Curtis Francois have been recognized with several awards, including: 2021 Comcast Community Champion of the Year; 2021 Jack Buck Award; 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Track Award; 2018 Innovator Award from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission; 2017 Outstanding Facility of the Year Award from the Race Track Business Conference; and the 2017 Spirit of St. Louis Award from the St. Louis Attractions Association.

Our mission: We are committed to making a difference in our community, while providing first-class entertainment and memories that last a lifetime.

Matt Mills – No. 51 J.F. Electric Silverado Craftsman Trucks Milwaukee Mile Preview

By
Official Release
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Matt Mills: Driver, No. 51 J.F. Electric Chevrolet
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Overview:
Event: Clean Harbors 175, Race 18 of 23, 175 laps – 55/55/65; 177.625 Miles
Location: Milwaukee Mile (1.015-mile oval)
Date/Broadcast: Aug. 27, 2023, at 4 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR 90

Mills’ Best:

Matt Mills and the No. 51 team head to the Milwaukee Mile for Sunday’s Clean Harbors 175. Mills we be looking to build on the momentum of a career-best fifth-place finish in his KBM debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Richmond Raceway in late July. Mills qualified fifth and finished fifth earning his first career top-five finish across 143 national touring series starts.

The 26-year-old driver has made 22 career starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series including seven this season. He produced a career-best starting position of fourth at Michigan International Speedway in 2018 and a career-best fifth-place finish in his KBM debut at Richmond. Most recently, he qualified 17th and finished 23rd driving for Young’s Motorsports in the series’ last stop at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, the Virginia native has made 121 career starts with a best result of 10th coming at Daytona International Speedway in 2019. He also made one NASCAR Cup Series start at Kansas Speedway in 2021.

After the first race of the 2023 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series owner’s playoffs the No. 51 team sits 10th on the playoff grid, eight points below the cutoff line for advancing to the Round of 8 with two races remaining in the Round of 10. Jack Wood will return to the No. 51 Chevrolet Sept. 8 for the final race of the Round of 10 at Kansas Speedway.

The No. 51 team qualified for the owner’s playoffs after finishing seventh in the regular season owner point standings. Across 17 starts in 2023, the team has recorded two wins, one pole, 170 laps led, seven top-five and 10 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 12.2. Owner-driver Kyle Busch recorded both of the 51 team’s victories winning the second race of the season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and most recently collecting his organization’s historic 100th win July 22 at Pocono Raceway.

The No. 51 team has captured the NASCAR Craftsman World Truck Series owner’s championship three times (2013-2014 and 2019) and as an organization KBM has collected a series-record seven owner’s titles.

Veteran crew chief Brian Pattie is calling the shots for the No. 51 team this year in his first season at KBM after spending the last 14 seasons atop the pit box in the NASCAR Cup Series. In the Cup Series, his drivers produced six wins, nine poles, 57 top-five and 131 top-10 finishes across 528 starts. In 2012, he guided Clint Bowyer to three victories and a runner-up finish in the Cup Series championship standings. In 2017, he guided Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to two wins and a berth in the playoffs. The Florida native has also recorded 11 wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and now has two wins as a crew chief in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Sunday will be Pattie’s first time calling a Truck Series race at the Milwaukee Mile. Across two Xfinity Series starts at Milwaukee, his driver’s produced an average finish of 19.0 with a best result of 11th coming with Reed Sorenson in 2005.

J.F. Electric, an electrical contractor that’s in the business of creating connections, will be the primary sponsor adorning Mill’s Silverado Sunday. Mills will also carry associate sponsorship from Utilitra, a women-owned utility and technology solutions provider with a diverse team of specialized professionals, and Thompson Electric, a full-service electrical contracting company.
Matt Mills, Driver Q&A:

Do your expectations for this race change after a top-five finish in your KBM debut at Richmond?

“It certainly gives us some momentum. I really just need to go out there and have another solid weekend. If we can qualify in the single digits again and finish in the single digits, I think that would be a good weekend. It’s been more of a learning curve than I expected. Coming over here, it hasn’t just been show up and go faster, there’s been a lot that I’ve had to learn and things that I’ve had to work on. We will go into Milwaukee with some momentum and try and have another solid day in the J.F. Electric Silverado.”

Having never been to Milwaukee before, how are you preparing for this race?

“I’ve been asking lots of questions from lots of different drivers, spotters, and watching a lot of YouTube videos. Basically, that’s how I approached IRP last weekend since there wasn’t a lot to go off of. It worked out well for us over at Young’s Motorsports. I feel like I have more resources over here at KBM, so hopefully we can go out there and start out with some good speed and fine tune from there.”

As you’ve done your research, is there a track that you’ve been to that you feel will be similar to Milwaukee?

“Yeah, maybe 3 and 4 at Gateway. Honestly, growing up in the north, a lot of our racetracks are flat so hopefully that will play into my wheelhouse. Milwaukee is a little bigger, but I still have a really good feeling about it.”

Matt Mills Career Highlights:

  • Made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Kansas Speedway in 2021.
  • Has recorded one top-10 finish across 121 career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, which came at Daytona International Speedway in July of 2019.
  • Has produced an average finish of 24.7 across 23 career starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Produced a career-best starting position of fourth at Michigan International Speedway in 2018 and a career-best fifth-place finish at Richmond in his KBM debut this season.
  • Kyle Busch’s No. 51 Chevrolet Silverado RST:

KBM-69: The No. 51 J.F. Electric team will unload KBM-69 for Sunday’s race at Milwaukee. It is the same Silverado that Mills qualified fifth and finished fifth win in his KBM debut at Richmond in late July. Across nine starts, KBM-69 has recorded a best result of second twice, both at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with Busch (2021 and 2022).

KBM Notes of Interest:

  • KBM’s Truck Series program has never competed in a race at the Milwaukee Mile, but the KBM Super Late Model team recorded three victories at the Wisconsin track. Kyle Busch won the Wisconsin All-Star 100 there in 2008 and also won the Howie Lettow Memorial in 2013. Erik Jones won the Howie Lettow Memorial in 2014.
  • KBM holds the Craftsman Truck Series records for most career wins (100) and most wins in a single season (14 in 2014). KBM owner-driver Kyle Busch picked up his organization’s first-ever win at Nashville Superspeedway in April of 2010 and also picked up its 100th Truck Series victory at Pocono Raceway in July of 2023. In addition to collecting a series-record seven owner’s Championships, the organization has produced two championship-winning drivers: Erik Jones (2015) and Christopher Bell (2017).
  • With 42 victories, the No. 51 is the winningest number in KBM’s Truck Series fleet.

Chase Purdy- No. 4 Bama Buggies Silverado Craftsman Trucks Milwaukee Mile Preview

By
Official Release
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Chase Purdy: Driver, No. 4 Bama Buggies Chevrolet
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Overview:
Event: Clean Harbors 175, Race 18 of 23, 175 laps – 55/55/65; 177.625 Miles
Location: Milwaukee Mile (1.015-mile oval)
Date/Broadcast: Aug. 27, 2023, at 4 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR 90

‘Chase’n Wins:

Chase Purdy and the No. 4 Bama Buggies team head to the Milwaukee Mile for Sunday’s Clean Harbors 175. The race will be the first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at the track since 2009. Matt Crafton is the only driver in Sunday’s field that was a part of the 2009 event. While KBM’s Truck Series program, which debuted in 2010, has never competed in a race at the Milwaukee Mile, the KBM Super Late Model team recorded three victories at the Wisconsin track. Kyle Busch won the Wisconsin All-Star 100 there in 2008 and also won the Howie Lettow Memorial in 2013. Erik Jones won the Howie Lettow Memorial in 2014.

Purdy has never competed in any series at the Milwaukee Mile. He qualified eighth and finished fifth at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, which many would say is the most similar track on the schedule, in the Truck Series earlier this year. He also had success in the K&N East Series at another similar track, New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He captured the pole for the 2017 race at New Hampshire, led seven laps and finished second to current NASCAR Cup Series regular Todd Gilliland.

The Mississippi native is in his third full-time season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and first with KBM. He enters Sunday’s race having totaled two top-five and 12 top-10 finishes across his 69 career Truck Series starts. Purdy entered the 2022 season having never earned a top-five result in Truck Series action but has produced two across 17 races in his first season at KBM, including a career-best runner-up finish at Texas Motor Speedway in April. He has already produced a career-high seven top-10 finishes this season, after posting just two each in 2021 and 2022. He currently ranks 13th in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver point standings.

Purdy finished 16th in the Truck Series final standings in 2022 after competing in 22 of the 23 events. He posted two top-10 finishes and nine laps led, with a season-best finish of seventh coming at Talladega Superspeedway in October.

Jimmy Villeneuve is atop the pit box for Purdy and the No. 4 Chevrolet team this season. Prior to being promoted to crew chief for the 2023 season, Villeneuve had served as a Truck Chief at KBM since the 2017 season and in that role was a part of 18 wins, a driver’s championship with Christopher Bell in 2017 and the 2019 owner’s championship with the No. 51 team. This will be Villeneuve’s first race calling the shots for a race at the Milwaukee Mile.

Bama Buggies, your one-stop shop for all the biggest names in powersports and utility vehicles, will be the primary sponsor on Purdy’s No. 4 Chevrolet Sunday and for the majority of the events on the 2023 schedule. They are Central Alabama’s powersports experts, serving as an authorized dealer of Polaris, Slingshot, and Seadoo.
Chase Purdy, Driver Q&A:

How are you preparing for the Milwaukee Mile?

“I’ve never been to Milwaukee, so I’ve just been watching a bunch of races on YouTube, getting on my iRacing Sim and obviously the Chevy Simulator — just using all the tools and resources so that I can be as best prepared as I can when I show up.”

As you’ve prepared for this race is there anything that you’ve found to be unique about the Milwaukee Mile?

“Yeah, I think it’s cool that it’s kind of a worn out surface. It looks like there are two grooves that you can race each other on, but I think that passing is going to be really difficult. So, it’ll be important to have speed early and qualify up front.

What does it mean to be a part of NASCAR’s return to the Milwaukee Mile?

“It’s just really unique. I watched the old Xfinity races there as a kid growing up, so I’m looking forward to going back there. I remember actually watching Kyle (Busch) race there years ago. So, it’ll be really fun and I’m excited about it. It’s kind of like North Wilkesboro. I don’t think this return has quite as much hype as that place did, but it definitely should.”

Chase Purdy Career Highlights:

  • Across 69 career Truck Series starts, has produced 20 laps led, two top-five and 12 top-10 finishes. Posted a career-best runner-up finish at Texas Motor Speedway in April of 2023.
  • Finished 16th in Truck Series championship standings in 2022.
  • Finished fourth in the 2018 ARCA Menard’s Series championship standings after recording 84 laps led, 10 top-five and 14 top-10 finishes.
  • Earned the 2017 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East rookie of the year honors and finished fourth in the championship standings after posting four poles, 200 laps led, five top-five and eight top-10 finishes across 14 starts.
  • Won the prestigious Snowflake 100 Pro Late Model race at 5 Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla., in Dec. of 2018.
  • Chase Purdy’s No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado RST:

KBM-56: The No. 4 Bama Buggies team will unload KBM-56 for Sunday’s race at Milwaukee. This chassis has two career victories across 19 starts, most recently with John Hunter Nemechek at Kansas Speedway last September. Nemechek also won with KBM-56 at Pocono Raceway in June of 2021. Purdy has piloted this Silverado three times this year, with a best result of eighth coming at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

KBM Notes of Interest:

  • KBM’s Truck Series program has never competed in a race at The Milwaukee Mile. The KBM Super Late Model team recorded three victories at the Milwaukee Mile. Kyle Busch won the Wisconsin All-Star 100 there in 2008 and also won the Howie Lettow Memorial in 2013. Erik Jones won the Howie Lettow Memorial in 2014.
  • KBM holds the Craftsman Truck Series records for most career wins (100) and most wins in a single season (14 in 2014). KBM owner-driver Kyle Busch picked up his organization’s first-ever win at Nashville Superspeedway in April of 2010 and also picked up its 100th Truck Series victory at Pocono Raceway in July of 2023. In addition to collecting a series-record seven owner’s championships, the organization has produced two championship-winning drivers: Erik Jones (2015) and Christopher Bell (2017).
  • The No. 4 has 18 career victories at KBM and was the number for both of the organization’s driver championships.

Olympic Gold Medalist Bonnie Blair Named Grand Marshal for Clean Harbors 175

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The Return of NASCAR To the Milwaukee Mile is Sunday, Aug. 27

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (Aug. 22, 2023) – Pure speed and skill contributed to Olympic hero Bonnie Blair’s amazing successes representing the United States in speed skating.

This Sunday, Aug. 27, the four-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Wisconsin resident will serve as the Grand Marshal and give the command to start the engines, akin to firing the starter’s pistol in speed skating, to begin the Clean Harbors 175 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at The Milwaukee Mile.

“I’m thrilled and honored to participate in the excitement of having NASCAR back here in Milwaukee for Wisconsin NASCAR fans,” said Blair. “When things go fast on an oval and turn left here at State Fair Park, it seems fitting for me to be involved!”

Blair, a member of the Wisconsin Hall of Fame and U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, is the most decorated female U.S. Winter Olympian of all-time. She is married to four-time Olympic speed skater Dave Cruikshank and lives in the Milwaukee area. Between her philanthropic activities and motivational speaking engagements, you’ll often see Bonnie and Dave training athletes inside the Pettit National Ice Center adjacent to the Milwaukee Mile and the Wisconsin State Fair Park.

“The Pettit National Ice Center is still a big part of my life. My husband and I are working on increasing the number of athletes in our sport with our “DASH” 5013c program that involves young kids all the way up to Olympic hopefuls,” the four-time Olympian said.

Blair sped around the 400-meter oval inside the Pettit, still an official Olympic training facility, in preparation for her final Olympics in 1994, where she skated to Gold in both the 500 meter and 1,000-meter events. Now, sports fans can join her this Sunday to enjoy the pure speed of NASCAR racing on the historic one-mile oval next door.

“Bonnie Blair is iconic,” said Loan Mansy, Clean Harbors’ president of environmental sales and service. “We wanted an iconic sports figure to kick off this iconic race. Bonnie’s been making America proud and representing the best of the Midwest for decades. With our local Milwaukee ties and Safety-Kleen’s long history in the region, including being founded in the city, there are some obvious parallels that made Bonnie the ideal choice as grand marshal to our race.”

Clean Harbors is a top 20 private transportation fleet in the United States. Mansy, who was named a 2023 “Top Woman to Watch” by the Women In Trucking Association’s “Redefining the Road” magazine, will wave the green flag at the start of the race.

In her amazing career, Blair earned gold medals in three straight Olympics, and a total of five gold medals and one bronze medal in 500-meter and 1,000-meter competition in the 1988, 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics. She’s also the 1986 short track skating world champion.

“Bonnie Blair is a true sports hero,” said Mansy.

This Sunday’s Clean Harbors 175 will be a test of pure speed and skill for the drivers racing in the NASCAR Playoffs, led by the leading NASCAR Playoffs driver from Seymour, Wis., Ty Majeski.

Tickets and event information can be found by visiting www.MilwaukeeMileRacing.com.

The Clean Harbors 175 from the Milwaukee Mile will be televised live on FS1 Sunday, August 27 beginning at 4 p.m. EDT. The race will also be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

About Clean Harbors
Clean Harbors (NYSE: CLH) is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies, spanning a number of industries, including chemical, energy and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and India. For more information, visit www.cleanharbors.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About The Milwaukee Mile …
The Milwaukee Mile is a paved, one-mile oval race track, located at Wisconsin State Fair Park with grandstand and bleacher seating for approximately 35,000 spectators. The Milwaukee Mile is the oldest continuously operating speedway in the world, hosting at least one auto race every year since 1903 (except during U.S. involvement in World War II). It operated as a dirt track until it was paved in 1954.
In addition to the asphalt-paved oval, there is a .8-mile asphalt-paved road circuit located in the infield. From 1934 until 1953, the infield was the Milwaukee home of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers.

Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 Boot Barn Ford Mustang Team Daytona International Speedway Competition Notes

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TEAM AND RACE NOTES

Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 team will make their second trip to Daytona Beach, Florida and the Daytona International Speedway this Friday and Saturday. Boot Barn is back to ride along with Gilliland for the regular season finale.

For Gilliland and the Boot Barn team, all chips are in to win on Saturday night to advance Gilliland into the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. It’s a win-and-in situation for Gilliland who has impressed at Daytona in his limited Cup starts at the track.

Track activity will begin with qualifying on Friday at 5:00 p.m. ET. Saturday’s 400-mile race is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET on NBC.

COMPETITION NOTES

Gilliland returns to the track for the second time this year after competing in the Daytona Duels and the Daytona 500. Gilliland led laps in his Daytona Duel before finishing seventh.

In his other Daytona starts, Gilliland has proved he can lead in the draft and be a contender in the end.

CREW CHIEF RYAN BERGENTY

“It’s all or nothing and I love that pressure. I love this scenario and I know we’ve got the guys behind the wheel who can do it. Todd has wheeled it with the best of them at Daytona and that has earned him the respect to be in position to win.”

DRIVER TODD GILLILAND

“I can’t wait to go back to Daytona. It’s one of those tracks that really gets my adrenaline pumping. It can be stressful, but I love it. At these superspeedways, it’s all about surviving. You can’t make any mistakes and you need to know when it’s time to make a move and when to stay back and wait for a better opportunity.

“We haven’t had that luck you need, but we’ve been fast. We’ve been up front, but I need to be there at the end. It’s something we’re going to think about and make sure that we communicate. We want to win and that’s all that matters.

“I love seeing Boot Barn back on the car. They always deliver the coolest paint schemes. Hopefully I can show it off with a solid performance.”

About Front Row Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series team from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frmand Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Matt Tifft: From Setback to Improbable Comeback

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In a resurgence that resonates both with the thrills of racing and the spirit of resilience, former NASCAR Cup Series standout, Matt Tifft, showcased an incredible amount of determination, returning to racing at Marshfield Speedway and Golden Sands Speedway this past weekend in the #36 4PL Solutions LLC Chevrolet.

Tifft, an inspirational figure and co-owner of Live Fast Motorsports, faced an unexpected derailment in 2019 due to a sudden epilepsy diagnosis while racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.

The challenges of such an obstacle might deter many, but for Matt Tifft, they merely set the stage for a grander return. With an unwavering commitment to returning to competition, Matt has redefined what it means to overcome and excel.

“I didn’t know even six months ago if this would ever be a reality (racing again). This journey over the last four years has given me an opportunity for me to learn and understand who I am, what I am capable of, and how I can come back stronger and better than ever.

Having to go through the process of working with my doctors, healing, (both mentally and physically) has been a huge undertaking, but a rewarding one.

When it came to race day, I knew I had prepared physically more than at any point in my career, but the mental obstacle still remained unknown. Checking that box was so huge, and a win within itself.

I have been so overwhelmed with support going into the race weekend by all of my supporters and am so thankful for everyone who reached out.”

This weekend bore testament to his mantra. Earning a pole position in Sunday’s qualifiers and securing Top 5 finishes in races over the weekend, Tifft’s return isn’t just about individual achievement—it’s a narrative of hope, grit, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Stakeholders, fans, and racing enthusiasts are invited to join this monumental chapter of Matt’s journey. Stay abreast of all developments and behind-the-scenes action by following him on his official channels @matt_tifft.

Together, let’s celebrate not just the victories on the track, but the indomitable spirit that drives them.

Ford Performance NASCAR – Daytona 2 / Milwaukee Mile Advance

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DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL / MILWAUKEE MILE NOTES

Friday, August 25 – NASCAR XFINITY Series, 7:30 p.m. ET (USA)

Saturday, August 26 – NASCAR Cup Series, 7:00 p.m. ET (NBC)

Sunday, August 27 – NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, 4:00 p.m. ET (FS1)

The intensity builds as the NASCAR Cup Series regular season concludes and this season’s Playoff line-up is determined at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night. Going into this weekend, Mustang has clinched six Cup spots and holds two Xfinity transfer positions with three races to go in their regular season. For the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, it will mark the return to the Milwaukee Mile, where Ty Majeski will go for his second straight playoff win.

FORD CUP PLAYOFF ROSTER AT SIX

No manufacturer has clinched more Cup playoff positions than Ford, which saw its postseason roster grow to six after Brad Keselowski and Kevin Harvick secured spots following Sunday’s race at Watkins Glen International. Those two join previous race-winners Joey Logano (Atlanta), Ryan Blaney (Charlotte), Chris Buescher (Richmond and Michigan) and Michael McDowell (Indianapolis) with a potential seventh joining them on Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway.

A WIN TO GET IN

A handful of other Ford drivers can get into the Cup playoffs with a win on Saturday night, including Stewart-Haas Racing’s Aric Almirola and Team Penske’s Austin Cindric. Both drivers have won at the “World Center of Racing” with each getting their first Cup Series victory at the speedway. Almirola won while driving for Richard Petty Motorsports in July of 2014 while Cindric captured the Daytona 500 last season in his first race as driver of the famed No. 2 Ford Mustang.

Joey Logano: “We just need to build some momentum, right now. That’s the biggest thing is trying to get ourselves back into the Top-10 in points and gain some momentum – a couple, nice top-fives would be good. We’ll win if we can. Set ourselves up to try and make a run again. To see it (recent Ford success) is good, but we need to be more competitive as the No. 22. We need to get that piece a little bit better. There’s potential there and it shows that it’s possible. We just need to get a little quicker.”

Aric Almirola: “Daytona is certainly our last opportunity, and I feel good about it. I really do. I don’t know why, but I have a great feeling about it. I don’t see any reason why we can’t go to Daytona and win that race. I know there are a lot of things that happen there that are out of our control, but for the things that are in our control, I feel like we’re very capable of going in and winning. When you go to Daytona, you can’t be successful there without having things go your way. I am certain that we’ll have to have luck on our side and things go our way. But, it has been a good place for me over the years. I’ve had a fair amount of success there in Xfinity and Cup cars. We had a lot of speed there in February for the Daytona 500 – we won the Duel and we ran up front of the Daytona 500 all day and got in a crash late in the race. But I feel like we will have a very fast Smithfield Ford Mustang when we get there.”

Ryan Blaney: “I don’t feel like the ride around in the back works very well anymore at Daytona. You just need to go race, establish yourself and be smart at the same time – not throw wild moves on Lap 30 of the thing. You have to prepare for the end. At the same time, you have to compete and go racing. You have to show guys that your car is strong. That’s how you have help at the end of those things. If you’re racing all day, you show that you’re fast and have speed, and you can take and give pushes, guys pay attention to that. Then they’re like, ‘Okay, I’m going to go with you if you make a move at the end of this race.’ It’s because you’ve shown the speed in your car. That’s how I’ve approached these races – be smart, but at the same time, you have to actually race.”

Chris Buescher: “The best part is, we certainly get to go into that one with a little bit of weight off our shoulders. Go race, win that thing – like we always do. But, we don’t need to have it in the back of our mind that we need to finish or try to get some points to make the cut-off. Keeping in mind, I hate when you have to points race but you do get to that point at times. With that said, we’re in a good spot and we can go in there with a lot less worry than in times past. Hopefully, Brad [Keselowski] and I can get our Mustangs to the front like we’ve been able to at all these other superspeedways, and can complete the task – that last one percent of the race, we have to tidy it up.”

Austin Cindric: “What makes speedway racing much more challenging than really, any other handling racetrack, is that it’s based on the decisions and mindset of yourself and your competitors. Those types of things change when you’re pack racing. Those are also things you can’t really prepare for or predict. It’s a very social style of racing. It’s never an opportunity you want to put yourself into, to where you are relying on others. This is an environment that’s much more in our control. It is what it is for everybody else. I’ve had success. We’ve had speed at these styles of racetracks. I’m not afraid to go there and put my name in the hat and say that I can win because I know I can.”

FIREBALL ROBERTS IGNITES FORD FURY

After Tiny Lund was crowned Ford’s first-ever Daytona 500 winner in 1963, Fireball Roberts gave the manufacturer its first season sweep at the speedway in spectacular fashion by driving his 1963 Holman-Moody Ford to a midsummer victory of the Firecracker 400. Roberts bested the likes of teammate Fred Lorenzen and Wood Brothers Racing’s Marvin Panch and a top-five that included the Mercury of Darel Dieringer as well as Ned Jarrett’s Ford. Originally called the Firecracker 250, the race was 100 laps until expanding to the current 400 miles (160 laps) in 1963. The thrilling debut of the elongated version saw 39 lead changes with Roberts beating Lorenzen by only a car length.

BLANEY WINS WILD FINISH

Ryan Blaney endured a chaotic end to the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in 2021 at Daytona as he swiftly escaped a multi-car pile-up exiting the third turn with four laps remaining. Blaney, who was running fifth in the middle row of three-wide competition, moved up the track to evade the spinning cars seen from his windshield and inherited the lead. In overtime, Blaney managed to stay out front, fending off Kevin Harvick and Chris Buescher in the final laps before the race’s eighth caution, subsequently giving Blaney his third win of the season.

CUSTER AND HERBST MAKE LATE-SEASON PUSH

While Daytona is not the regular season finale for the Xfinity Series, the battle for a Top-10 position in the playoffs intensifies. Cole Custer goes into Daytona seeking his third-straight Top-10 finish to improve upon his fourth place standing in the points (775). Riley Herbst holds the bubble spot (610), but notably kicked off his 2023 campaign with a sixth-place performance at Daytona earlier this year.

MOMENTUM BEHIND MAJESKI

Ty Majeski kicked off his playoff campaign with a victory at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park a few weeks ago, and now the Seymour, WI, native and Thorsport Racing driver heads back to his home state at the Milwaukee Mile. Defending series champion Zane Smith also enters Milwaukee with momentum, having posted four top-five finishes in the last five races. Thorsport’s Ben Rhodes and Matt Crafton also continue their playoff run, giving Ford four contenders for this year’s championship.

FORD’S NASCAR CUP SERIES SUMMER RACE WINNERS AT DAYTONA

1963 – Fireball Roberts

1965 – A.J. Foyt

1967 – Cale Yarborough

1969 – LeeRoy Yarbrough

1970 – Donnie Allison

1983 – Buddy Baker

1988 – Bill Elliott

1989 – Davey Allison

1991 – Bill Elliott

1994 – Jimmy Spencer

1997 – John Andretti

1999 – Dale Jarrett

2000 – Jeff Burton

2003 – Greg Biffle

2007 – Jaime McMurray

2011 – David Ragan

2014 – Aric Almirola

2016 – Brad Keselowski

2017 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

2021 – Ryan Blaney

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