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JR Motorsports — NXS Indy Road Course Preview

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Official Release
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JR MOTORSPORTS TEAM PREVIEW:
TRACK: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course
RACE: Pennzoil 150 (62 laps / 151.22 miles)
DATE: Saturday, August 12, 2023

Broadcast Information – TV: 5:30 p.m. ET on USA / Radio: 5 p.m. ET on IMS Radio and Sirius XM Ch. 90

Sam Mayer
No. 1 Huck’s Market Chevrolet

  • Sam Mayer heads to Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend where he will make his third NASCAR Xfinity Series start at the 2.439-mile road course.
  • In 14 starts on road courses, Mayer has raced his way to three top fives, nine top 10s and one victory, coming at Road America just two races ago for the first win of his NXS career.
  • Returning partner Huck’s Market will make its second appearance with Mayer at the Indy road course.

Josh Berry
No. 8 JARRETT Chevrolet

  • Fresh off a sixth-place finish in the last road-course outing at Road America, Berry will attack Indianapolis with the goal of adding another top finish this weekend.
  • On road courses in his NXS career, Berry has earned three top-five and eight top-10 results in 12 starts, with the best finish of third last season at Road America. He was 14th last year at IMS, leading five laps.
  • JARRETT returns to the No. 8 for Berry and crew chief Taylor Moyer at IMS. The Orrville, Ohio-based company was on the car last year at IMS as well.

Brandon Jones
No. 9 Menards/Ortho Tomcat Chevrolet

  • Brandon Jones has a victory on a road course in his career. The 26-year-old won at Watkins Glen International during an ARCA Menards Series race last season. He started second and led the most important lap – the last one – to claim the victory.
  • Jones has made three NXS starts on the road course at Indy and holds a best finish of 15th coming at this race last season.
  • Crew chief Jason Burdett has been atop the pit box for three races at the Indianapolis Road Course and has only one finish outside of the top 10.
  • Justin Allgaier
    No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet
  • In three previous NXS starts on the road course of Indianapolis, Justin Allgaier has earned a best finish of third, coming in this event last season.
  • Overall, Allgaier is a three-time winner in road-course competition in the NXS, having gone to Victory Lane at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal in 2012, and at MidOhio Sports Car Course and Road America in 2018 for JRM.
  • Allgaier is a former winner at Indianapolis, having earned the win at the hallowed oval during the 2018 season for JRM.
  • Miguel Paludo is set for his third and final start of the season for JRM behind the wheel of the No. 88 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet.
  • In two previous starts this year, Paludo has recorded a pair of 13th-place finishes at Circuit of the Americas and on the streets of Chicago.
  • Paludo has made one NXS start at the famed road course of Indianapolis, coming last season for JRM.
  • Overall, in eight career starts for JRM in the NXS, Paludo has earned a best finish of seventh, coming on the Daytona International Speedway Road Course in 2021.

Driver Quotes

“It is always fun going back road course racing. We had a really good car at Road America and I was able to get my first win, so I am looking forward to another road course this weekend. Excited to have Huck’s back on the car and hopefully we can put ourselves in a position to be able to contend for a win with them.” – Sam Mayer

“It is always a special feeling getting to race at Indianapolis. Whether it is on the oval or on the road course, this is a race that is circled every year. We had a really strong BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet here last season, and with the speed we’ve had on road courses thus far in 2023, I feel extremely confident that we will have a strong Camaro on Saturday.” – Justin Allgaier

“Indy is another road course where you have to have a car that handles well on different levels. Long straights, tight corners, so you need to be pretty good on all of them to finish well. We had a great race at Road America, and we’ve been solid on them all year long. Glad to have JARRETT back with us at Indy, and we’ll see if we can get a victory on Saturday.” – Josh Berry

“The Indy Road Course is unique and has been pretty hectic in the past.We’ve had a lot of speed on road courses this year and I know Jason (Burdett, crew chief) and this No. 9 team are working hard to make sure this Menards/Tomcat Chevrolet is just as fast this weekend.” – Brandon Jones

“I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of this No. 88 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet in Indy. This is such a special place and I can’t thank Rick (Brandt) and everyone at JR Motorsports enough for this opportunity to run these three events again this year. We just need to go out there and do the best we can to bring home a strong BRANDT one-two finish with our BRANDT teammate Justin (Allgaier.)”– Miguel Paludo

JRM Team Updates

  • JRM at Indianapolis: JR Motorsports has competed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course 13 times in the NXS. In those starts at the 2.439-mile circuit, the organization has recorded four top fives and eight top 10s. Meanwhile, JRM has competed on the historic rectangle-shaped course 25 times in the NXS and recorded two wins, 10 top fives and 15 top 10s before the series made the switch to the road course. Justin Allgaier is the most recent winner after taking the checkered during the 2018 season.
  • Road Course Racing: JR Motorsports has competed on road courses a combined 207 times in the NXS, recording six wins, 53 top fives and 111 top 10s. The most recent win on a road course for the organization came with Sam Mayer earning his first career NXS win at Road America two weeks ago.
  • Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Justin Allgaier, Josh Berry, Brandon Jones, Sam Mayer and Miguel Paludo will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / Legacy MC souvenir rig on Saturday, August 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Landen Lewis Returns to the Truck Series with Roper Racing

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Official Release
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LANDEN LEWIS IS BACK WITH ROPER RACING IN THE #04 CARQUEST CHEVROLET AT L.I.R.P.

Mooresville, NC (August 8th, 2023) – Roper Racing once again is handing over the wheel to ARCA West Series regular, Landen Lewis. Lewis made a run with the team last month at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and was struck with bad weather dampening his NASCAR Truck Series debut. The series rookie survived the run in the rain and as the sun came out found time to learn and progress. “Yes, the weather conditions may have hindered my debut and made things a little difficult,” Lewis said. “However, it was a great learning experience, and I was glad to run inside the top 15 for most of the race. Unfortunately, the results didn’t reflect our good performance. I am looking forward to hopefully having better weather conditions at LIRP and capitalizing on a strong run.” Landen’s crew chief Bruce Cook added, “There’s a lot of hard braking, and steering input at LIRP, as a young driver with Landen’s ability to know how much speed to carry through a corner with brakes and momentum is very good. I feel LIRP is a track Landen and his style should exceed at.” Landen commented, “Yes, I believe the short track runs in the ARCA West car will likely help me in the Truck race at Indy. The truck’s definitely drive differently but I believe the short track racing experience will help.”

A rookie driver yet far from a rookie team. Roper Racing has concreted themselves into the series with success and remains competitive. Putting together a program to work with a young driver like Landen is an amazing feat and what keeps the series and sport growing. “I was 40 years old before I had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of one of these trucks,” said team owner Cory Roper. He continued, “I had to build a career and a few successful companies to give myself and my family this opportunity to be a part of this great sport we all love. I always knew this was the path Roper Racing was going to take, to be able to give young talent the opportunity we as a family just didn’t have. CarQuest came onboard with us about a year after we started in the truck series and they have been a wonderful partner in this dream for me and my family. Landen now has the opportunity because of what he has accomplished in his young career and I’m looking forward to watching him grow and blessed to be able to give him the opportunity. And with Landen’s family owning a CarQuest store and passed down for a couple of generations, just completes the circle.”

The fourth generation driver is humbled and filled with gratitude. “First and foremost, I would like to thank Cory, Craig, and the entire Roper family for giving me this opportunity.” Landen continued, “I also want to thank Bruce Cook for recommending me for this chance to drive for the Roper family. And a special thanks to CARQuest for supporting this opportunity and allowing me to represent their colors.”

Race details:
Date: Friday, Aug 11th, 9:00 PM ET – 6:00 PM PT
Track: Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park
Televised on: FS1

Roper Racing –

For more information about Roper Racing, please visit: www.roperracingteam.com

Landen Lewis –

For more information about Landen Lewis visit: www.LandenLewis.com

Colin Garrett Returns to Xfinity Series

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Official Release
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Mooresville, NC August 9th 2023 – Colin Garrett and SS Green Light Racing unite for the “Pennzoil 150” at Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course Saturday August 12th.

Colin will put his skills to work in the #07 Chevrolet Camaro in his first start in the Xfinity series since 2021, with support from the 11/11 Veterans Project, Heal*Arious, MandatoryFunDay, Ashley Gutermuth, Ref-ology, and Women’s PBA.
Although Colin has been away from the NASCAR scene for some time that hasn’t stopped him from dominating in a different series. Colin has been running in the SRO TC American series with Rooster Hall Racing, where he has captured two wins this year, one being Sonoma and the other being COTA He has not finished outside of the top 4 in the last 8 races, which has lead him to the points lead!

July 29th, 2023 Colin was a special guest at the “Operation Heal*Arious” stand up comedy show in Fayettville NC, where Colin joined Ashley Gutermuth and MandatoryFunday on stage. Now they will be joining him on the stage at Indy!

Colin has always been a supporter of our armed forces and veterans with his 11/11 Veterans Project. 11/11 Veteran Project is a for-purpose company dedicated to increasing access to existing resources that helped veterans, military families, and the disabled live healthy, happy lives. Profit generated go to promote worthy nonprofits and small businesses. We believe that the best way to combat suicide is a holistic approach that helps improve lives financially, mentally, and physically. Colin stated “This is personal for us. The 11/11 team has generations of military service dating back to the Civil War and Revolutionary War.” 11/11 Veterans Project has been very successful, and was also the first to pay for a veteran to receive stem cell treatment (treating MS caused by exposure to chemicals while on Active Duty).

Make sure you dont miss Colin Garrett in action at Indianapolis Motor Speedway! The race will be held at 5:30 pm ET Saturday August 12th on USA Network!

More About Our Partners
Heal*Arious is a program used to improve psychological performance in people and organizations by using the power of therapeutic humor. This program was piloted for 36 weeks at the Ralph H, Johnson VA medical center, where it was used to help more than 6,000 individuals. Including Veterans, Corporate leaders, and professional athletes.

Ashley Gutermuth is a stand up comedian who is the spouse of a United States serviceman. Ashley has been on many shows including SNL, Seinfeld, Police Academy, and Americas Got Talent. Ashley was nominated as the 2023 Armed Forces insurance Air force spouse of the year.

MandatoryFunDay is a service member who has devoted over a decade in uniform. He is very popular on social media for his ability to bring positive light to other members of the armed services and veterans.

Ref-ology is a top notch camp for officiating the sport of basketball. Ref-ology specializes in making individuals the best official they can be. The knowledge,skills and determination is what makes them a nationwide name in the coaching industry.

Daniel Dye – Indianapolis Raceway Park Preview

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Official Release
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Indianapolis Raceway Park Preview
Aug. 11 | 9:00pm ET | FS1 – MRN – SiriusXM

Indianapolis Raceway Park Stats

  • Daniel Dye will make his first NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start at IRP on Friday night.
  • ARCA Starts: 1; Best start: 6th; Best finish: 4th (2022); Top 5s: 1; Top 10s: 1

About Bettenhausen Automotive: Bettenhausen Automotive, a family-owned dealership with over 60 years of commitment to Chicagoland, is known for its welcoming and hassle-free environment. Their non-commissioned staff has helped them become the “One Price” Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT dealership since 1992, emphasizing a unique service level. After completing a significant renovation in spring 2017, they now offer a state-of-the-art showroom, offices, and car service center with more space and five additional service bays. These improvements reflect their mission to provide the most customer-friendly dealership experience in the area. Visit www.BettenhausenAuto.com to explore their latest deals and services.

Gary Bettenhausen Tribute: Daniel will make local Indiana race fans proud by paying homage to legendary USAC competitor, Gary Bettenhausen, with a paint scheme that resembles his 1983 championship-winning Silver Crown car. The legendary driver was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1993 as well as the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1998. Dye will host several members of the Bettenhausen family, who currently own and operate the Chicagoland-based automotive dealership, as honorary guests of the team.

Chassis History/Info: Dye and the No. 43 team will compete with GMS Racing chassis no. 335 at IRP, the same truck that just raced last time out. Used primarily as a short track truck, Dye has raced this chassis at Martinsville Speedway (31st due to a late-race spin), North Wilkesboro Speedway (14th), and Richmond Raceway (21st). This chassis has yet to compete at Indy during its tenure with the organization since the truck was built in 2021.

Bainbridge at IRP: Blake Bainbridge has two starts as a Crew Chief at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. His first start came in the 2005 NASCAR Xfinity Series race where he worked alongside Mike Wallace, who finished 10th in that race. Fifteen years later in 2020, Bainbridge called the shots for Taylor Gray in the ARCA Menards Series, who had a strong run finishing in the fourth position.

Richmond Recap: Though the finishing result wasn’t quite what Dye had been looking for in the previous race at Richmond Raceway, he was able to run a smooth race and bring home the No. 43 Chevy clean, a tough feat at a short track. Daniel qualified in the 18th position and ran inside the top-20 for a long period in the race before he endured a drive-through penalty on the final pit stop of the night. Since the penalty came under green, he lost a lot of ground, but was able to finish in the 21st position.

ARCA Short Track Record: IRP was a track that Dye ran well at last season driving for GMS Racing in the ARCA Menards Series. In his one prior start at this track, he started sixth and finished fourth. Dye typically excelled at short tracks during his ARCA tenure, winning at Berlin in 2021, and posting six top-fives and eight top-10 finishes in 12 total starts at tracks under a mile in length.

From the Driver’s Seat: Does having a strong finish at this track last year give you an extra boost of confidence heading back to IRP?

“We were pretty fast last year at IRP in the ARCA race. The GMS guys brought us a really fast car, but it was a tricky place to figure out. As the race went on, I figured out how to pass other drivers as we had to kind of come up through the field from where we started. So I’m looking forward to getting back there knowing what I know now. It’s going to be cool to go there with Bettenhausen Automotive and have them on our truck with that cool sprint car throwback paint scheme. Hopefully we can have a good run; the trucks are a bit different than the ARCA cars, so they’ll probably turn a little bit better than how we were last year. Just got to be ready for that and make sure we can finish it off with a good result. Our speed has been building over the last couple of months, but we have to make sure that we can put it all together and finish the race where we run. It’s all going to be about building on it little by little, and continuing to improve on how we unload.”

About Race to Stop Suicide

Race to Stop Suicide, a non-profit organization co-founded by Daniel and Randy Dye, is passionately dedicated to creating awareness, removing stigma, and normalizing the conversation surrounding suicide. By providing entry-level education on identifying symptoms and knowing how to check up on loved ones, they aim to empower individuals to make a difference. The organization also ensures that people have convenient access to crucial resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and 988. To learn more about Race to Stop Suicide and join their vital cause, please visit their website at www.racetostopsuicide.com.

SOLID CHICAGO SHOWING HAS PARDUS READY FOR INDY

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Official Release
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What: Pennzoil 150
When: Saturday, Aug. 12, 5:30 p.m. Eastern
Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course (13 turns, 2.534 miles)
Driver: Preston Pardus, New Smyrna Beach, Fla.
Car: No. 50 Chinchor Electric Chevrolet
Crew chief: Dan Pardus
Distance: Stages of 20, 20 and 22 laps (62 laps = 151.22 miles)
Broadcast info: TV – USA; Radio – IMS Radio Network/Sirius XM Ch. 90

INDIANAPOLIS – Optimistic is the way to describe Preston Pardus’ outlook heading into the famed ‘Brickyard’ on Saturday for the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Pennzoil 150.

That’s because a 12th-place run on the streets of downtown Chicago was the best finish in nearly a dozen Xfinity starts for the three-time SCCA Spec Miata national champion. Couple that with the fact that the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was the scene of his first Xfinity top 10 and the presence of a new engine under the hood, and it’s easy to understand why Pardus is eager about his impending outing.

“We definitely needed a good run,” he said of the July 1 Chicago event. “It’s been awhile since we had a good run like that. It was nice for our confidence that we can still run semi-decent. That’s always a good thing. We can build off that, notebook-wise.”

Pardus qualified 13th for a rain-shortened The Loop 121 in Chicago. The 12th-place finish was his best since an 11th at Road America almost exactly one year earlier.

“We had quite a bit of pace in practice and qualifying. We were fast when we unloaded, and that’s really important when you’re going to a new track like Chicago. Even in the race we were really good, and just focused on keeping the car good and straight in the wet and dry conditions we were dealing with.”

In the Brickyard, Pardus returns to a storied facility where he has experienced success and disappointment.

Indy was the venue for two of Pardus’ three SCCA crowns, in 2017 and in 2021 in Spec Miata action.

In 2020, in only his third Xfinity start, Pardus navigated his way to a 10th-place showing at Indy. The following year, he qualified 10th – at the time, a career best – but crashed on the second lap after hitting a curb and doing damage to the undercarriage of the car. Last year, he finished on the lead lap despite brake issues.

Saturday’s 62-lap race on the 13-turn, 2.534-mile course will mark Pardus’ fourth Xfinity start of the season. He competed in his family-owned car at Circuit of The Americas in March, and in early June in a car fielded by series veteran Bobby Dotter at Portland.

“We really don’t have to change the car much from Chicago for Indy,” Pardus said of the No. 50 Chinchor Electric Chevrolet. “The only thing we really changed for Chicago was some suspension stuff to be able to get over the bumpy streets they have there. We’ve just dialed it back a bit to a more traditional road-course set-up.”

Pardus’ 2023 Indianapolis assignment begins Saturday morning with a 30-minute practice session. Qualifying ensues immediately afterward at 10:05 a.m. Eastern, and the race is slated for a 5:30 p.m. start.

Purdue University in Indianapolis Joins Stewart-Haas Racing for Verizon 200 at the Brickyard NASCAR Cup Series Race

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Official Release
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Purdue Returns to Indianapolis Motor Speedway to Showcase New Urban Campus as Primary Partner for Driver Ryan Preece and No. 41 Ford Mustang

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Aug. 9, 2023) – Speeding toward the official launch of its first comprehensive urban campus in 2024, Purdue University has partnered with Stewart-Haas Racing and driver Ryan Preece for the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard NASCAR Cup Series race Aug. 13 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The iconic Boilermaker gold and black will adorn Preece’s No. 41 Ford Mustang, with Purdue University in Indianapolis serving as the primary sponsor of Preece for the 82-lap race around the 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course.

The partnership is a natural extension of Purdue’s long-standing role with Indianapolis Motor Speedway – a more than century-long relationship that began in 1919 with the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band’s first performance at the Indianapolis 500.

The racing connection is a fitting one, as Purdue University boasts one of the country’s most unique and innovative motorsports engineering curriculums, with Purdue University in Indianapolis having the only ABET-accredited undergraduate motorsports engineering program in the United States. Between the campuses in Indianapolis and West Lafayette, Purdue University has propelled students and graduates to exciting motorsports careers at the highest levels of racing, including NASCAR, INDYCAR and IMSA, as well as with manufacturers, most notably Dallara, a prominent racecar builder, and Cummins, a global power technology leader.

“Purdue University’s persistent pursuit of innovation aligns well with the objectives of Stewart-Haas Racing, making this weekend’s partnership an ideal opportunity to showcase Purdue University in Indianapolis and the world-class engineering, computer science and technology degrees we will offer there from the start,” said R. Ethan Braden, executive vice president and chief marketing and communications officer for Purdue University and Purdue Global. “We look forward to serving as the primary sponsor and cheering on Ryan Preece as he goes full throttle this weekend at Indy. The iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway is just a few miles away from the Purdue University in Indianapolis campus and multiple downtown locations, including our space at High Alpha in the burgeoning Bottleworks District, where weʼll bring the full force of Purdue to our stateʼs capital city.”

Preece was hand-picked by NASCAR legend and Indiana native Tony Stewart to drive the No. 41 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing. Preece is a proven winner, with victories across multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series. In June at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway, Preece won his first ARCA Menards Series race in dominating fashion, winning the pole and leading a race-high 50 laps en route to the victory.

“It’s an honor to represent Purdue University in Indianapolis this weekend at the Brickyard,” said Preece, who first made a name for himself on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, winning the championship in 2013. “Indy is filled with history and prestige, and competing there is truly special. To have the gold-and-black colors of the Boilermakers on my car just adds to that prestige, as I’ve come to understand Purdue’s own history at Indianapolis.

“I’m impressed by the program Purdue University has for students looking to make a career in motorsports. Creative, hard-working people can thrive in racing. Knowledge is power, and the more you know, the better you are. To be able to showcase Purdue’s comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis makes me proud.”

Purdue’s partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing complements the university’s existing motorsport portfolio, which includes the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), a six-race series co-founded by Stewart in 2021. Purdue University in Indianapolis is the primary sponsor of the car shared by INDYCAR legends Tony Kanaan and Helio Castroneves. Preece recently joined SRX for the series’ second race in July at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway, which serves as Preece’s hometown track as he hails from Berlin, Connecticut.

Purdue University has achieved excellence at scale, with agriculture, graduate engineering and invention counts all among the top four in the United States and across major American research universities, as it ranks first in undergrad STEM enrollment. Now, with ambitious plans for its new Indianapolis campus, Purdue University in Indianapolis will create new knowledge and establish a strong pipeline of Boilermaker talent to the capital city and beyond.

About Purdue University in Indianapolis:

Purdue University in Indianapolis is a new, fully integrated extension of the West Lafayette flagship campus, expanding the academic rigor and accessible excellence that Purdue is known for to Indiana’s industrial and technological center. As the only public top-10 university, most trusted university, and most innovative university in the state of Indiana, Purdue is focused and committed to strengthening their presence in the capital city. Purdue in Indianapolis will reimagine a collaborative platform that connects students, faculty and local businesses to promote breakthrough discoveries and create a new and direct talent pipeline. Realignment of the existing IUPUI partnership is expected to be completed by the start of the fall semester in 2024. Learn more about Purdue’s latest giant leap at purdue.edu/campuses/indianapolis.

About Stewart-Haas Racing:

Stewart-Haas Racing is the title-winning NASCAR team co-owned by three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation – the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America. The Kannapolis, North Carolina-based organization has won two NASCAR Cup Series titles, one NASCAR Xfinity Series championship and nearly 100 NASCAR races, including such crown-jewel events as the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and Southern 500. For more information, please visit us online at StewartHaasRacing.com and on social at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Toyota Racing – Weekly Preview – 08.09.23

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Official Release
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his Week in Motorsports: August 7-13, 2023

· NCS/NXS: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course – August 12-13
· NCTS/ARCA: Indianapolis Raceway Park – August 11
· NHRA: Heartland Motorsports Park – August 13

PLANO, Texas (August 9, 2023) – It’s a busy motorsports weekend with four races in Indianapolis, and NHRA will compete at Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka as they close into their regular season finale next month.

NASCAR National Series – NCS | NXS | NCTS

Kobayashi debuts… Kamui Kobayashi will make his NASCAR debut this weekend in a third entry for 23XI Racing. Kobayashi, a Formula 1 veteran, has been a part of the Toyota family for over a decade. He is currently a driver and team principal for the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team in the World Endurance Championship (WEC).

Truex looks to close in on regular season title… Martin Truex Jr. expanded his NASCAR Cup Series points lead with two stage wins and a runner-up finish in Michigan on Monday. Truex leads by nearly a full race with three races remaining in the regular season. The former Cup champion is looking for his first top-10 on the Indianapolis road course. His best finish, 15th, came in the track debut in 2021.

Gibbs plans to expand advantage to the Playoff cutline… Ty Gibbs continued his strong performance in Michigan with an 11th-place finish on Monday afternoon. With the finish, Gibbs moved into the Playoff field by three points heading into Indianapolis. Gibbs finished 17th in his track debut in the Cup Series last season, while earning a top-10 finish – after starting on the front row – in the Xfinity Series event.

Nemechek looks to expand lead… John Hunter Nemechek took back the NASCAR Xfinity Series points lead with his fifth win of the season at Michigan International Speedway. With the win, Nemechek is tied atop the point standings with five races to go in the regular season. Nemechek is making his first start in the NASCAR Xfinity Series on the Indianapolis Road Course.

Grala continues to be strong on the road courses… Kaz Grala has been impressive at the two most recent road courses. Grala drove to a top-10 finish on the Chicago Street course to start July and closed it with a season-best qualifying run and seventh-place finish at Road America. Six of Grala’s last 10 top-10 finishes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series have occurred on the road courses.

Heim looks to continue incredible consistency… Corey Heim’s first full Truck Series season has been nothing short of impressive. The Toyota development driver scored the regular season title on the strength of 13 top-10 finishes in 15 starts, as he won the championship by over 50 points – despite competing in one less race than his competitors. Heim goes in as the top seed and has a Truck Series start at Indianapolis Raceway Park where he finished in fifth place last season.

Sawalich double-duty… William Sawalich has been impressive in his limited Truck Series starts as he has earned top-10 finishes in two of the three events he’s competed in – including a 10th-place run at Richmond Raceway. Sawalich will compete in double-duty on Friday in Indianapolis, competing in the ARCA Menards Series event for Joe Gibbs Racing before getting behind the wheel of the No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA

Love desires to add another victory to his tally… Jesse Love continues to impress as the California-native earned his sixth victory in 11 races this season to expand his points lead to over 80 points with nine races to go in the regular season. Love competed at Indianapolis Raceway Park last season and finished sixth.

NHRA – Top Fuel | Funny Car

Ashley, Torrence battle for points lead… Justin Ashley and Steve Torrence continue to battle for the points lead. With Ashley’s series leading fifth Top Fuel win of the season at Sonoma Raceway, Ashley took back the points lead over Seattle winner Torrence by 32 points. Both drivers had strong runs at Topeka last season with Ashley earning a semi-final finish, while Torrence drove to a final round appearance – coming up just short to his Team Toyota teammate Antron Brown.

Todd continues to improve… After another victory in his self-described ‘favorite track’ – Sonoma Raceway, former Funny Car world champion J.R. Todd continues to move up the Funny Car point standings ladder. Todd has five semi-final appearances or better in the last six races, including in the last four events. He moved up to eighth in the point standings after his victory but sits just over 100 points out of third.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 24 electrified options.

Elevate Your Event with Premier Valet Parking Services

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SM
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Photo by Soscenic Photography

Planning and hosting a party or event requires overseeing a lot of moving pieces, and dealing with parking logistics can quickly become a headache. Trusting this responsibility to the right valet parking service can make a world of difference. These are some of the benefits of employing a valet service to elevate your event and ensure a seamless arrival and departure experience for you and your guests.

Expert Handling of High-Value Vehicles

As a car enthusiast, you understand the value of your collection and the need to handle these vehicles with utmost care. Attendants hired and trained by premier valet services are fully trained in dealing with high-value cars, ensuring that your guests’ prized possessions are parked and retrieved safely. With expert handling, you can rest assured that your vehicles are in capable hands, allowing you to focus on enjoying your event without any worries.

Elevating the Atmosphere

A valet parking service adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your event from the moment your guests arrive. As they pull up to your venue, they are greeted by professional valet attendants, setting the tone of a first-class, well-organized event. This leaves a lasting impression as it sets your event apart from most other parties and events.

Convenience and Time Savings

By entrusting the parking responsibilities to a skilled team, you eliminate the need for guests to search for parking spaces or walk long distances. Valet parking saves time and reduces stress, enhancing the overall experience of your event.

Maximizing Parking Space

Especially in venues with limited parking, a valet service can make the most of the available space. Valets are experts in parking optimization, ensuring that every inch of space is used efficiently and safely. This ensures that your guests’ vehicles are parked in an orderly manner, reducing the risk of dings or scratches.

Personalized and Professional Service

Well-trained, professional valet parking attendants provide personalized attention to each guest. They’re always ready with a warm smile and eagerness to be of service to your guests. Professional valets often assist with carrying belongings and cater to your guests’ individual needs, making everyone feel welcome and valued. 

Safety and Security

With a valet service in charge of parking, you can be confident that your guests’ vehicles are in a secure environment. Reputable valet companies have protocols in place to ensure the safety of parked cars throughout the event, including CCTV cameras and security patrols. This security measure gives both you and your guests peace of mind, allowing everyone to fully immerse themselves in the moment.

Streamlined Departure

How many times have you enjoyed an evening out only to be stuck in a traffic jam trying to leave the venue with everyone else?

At the end of your event, a valet service ensures a safe, smooth and organized departure for your guests by controlling traffic flow. Premier valet parking attendants are also experts at creating efficient, streamlined systems to ensure that your guests receive their cars and are gone in a timely manner. This seamless exit reinforces a positive final impression that your guests leave with, causing them to fondly remember your event.

Ride with Caution: Motorcycle Accident Statistics

By
SM
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Photo by Kelly

With their promise of unbridled freedom and the thrill of the open road, motorcycles have long captivated the imagination of many. Yet, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this mode of transportation comes with its fair share of risks. As motorcycle enthusiasts traverse the highways and byways of the United States, being well-informed about the current trends in motorcycle accident statistics is prudent and could be lifesaving.

Rising Number of Motorcycle Accidents

In recent years, a rather disconcerting trend has emerged in relation to motorcycle accidents across the United States. Data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) underscores the gravity of the situation. In the most recent year for which data is available, approximately 5,014 motorcycle-related fatalities were recorded. This number constitutes 14% of all traffic-related fatalities during that period. In Kentucky, motorcycles accounted for 46% of fatal motor vehicle accidents. Notably, this figure marks a concerning escalation from previous years, raising alarm among riders and safety authorities.

Contributing Factors

A myriad of factors contributes to the prevalence of motorcycle accidents. Foremost among these is the lack of protective barriers that distinguish motorcycles from enclosed vehicles. This inherent vulnerability exposes motorcyclists to greater risks and more severe injuries in case of accidents. Furthermore, factors such as speeding, alcohol impairment, and insufficient training are often found to be common denominators in motorcycle accidents. Addressing these factors through awareness campaigns, education, and law enforcement measures remains paramount to curbing the rising tide of accidents.

Age and Demographics

Beyond the raw numbers, a closer examination of motorcycle accident demographics offers intriguing insights. Recent data from the NHTSA highlights a notable shift in the age distribution of those involved in these accidents. Increasingly, older riders are becoming a larger segment of motorcycle accident statistics. This shift could be attributed to several factors, including the growing popularity of motorcycling among older adults who seek to infuse their lives with adventure or those who opt for motorcycles as fuel-efficient transportation.

Helmet Usage

The role of helmets in mitigating the severity of injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents cannot be overstated. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) notes that helmets are estimated to be around 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries among motorcycle riders, with a slightly higher efficacy of about 41% for passengers. Despite this evidence, helmet usage varies significantly across states, largely due to varying helmet laws. Some states mandate helmets for all riders, while others have less stringent regulations or none at all. Worryingly, recent data from the NHTSA indicates a decline in helmet usage, potentially contributing to the rising seriousness of injuries in motorcycle accidents.

Safety Initiatives

Numerous safety initiatives have been set in motion in response to the disconcerting surge in motorcycle accidents. These endeavors span a range of interventions, including enhanced rider education and training programs, emphasis on the importance of appropriate safety gear, and advocacy for responsible riding practices. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) stands as one exemplary organization, offering comprehensive rider training courses designed to enhance skills and heighten awareness on the road.

As the allure of the open road beckons and the call of adventure resonates, it is imperative to approach motorcycling with a heightened sense of caution and an unwavering commitment to safety. The escalating number of motorcycle accidents in the United States is an unequivocal reminder that each rider must prioritize safety above all else. This responsibility falls not only on individual riders but also on policymakers who must enact and enforce regulations to safeguard riders and passengers alike.

RFK Advance | Indy RC

By
Official Release
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Indianapolis Event Info:
Track Info: Indianapolis Road Course, 14-turn road course
Date: Sunday, Aug. 13
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Format: 82 laps, 200 miles, Stages: 15-20-47
TV: NBC
Radio: SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 11:35 a.m. ET, Practice (NBC Sports App)
Saturday: 12:35 p.m. ET, Qualifying (NBC Sports App)
Sunday: 2:30 p.m. ET, Race (NBC, NBC Sports App, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • RFK is coming off another dominant effort in Monday’s postponed race in Michigan where Chris Buescher won his second-straight race, and fourth of his career.
  • Buescher is the first RFK driver since 2017 to win multiple races in the same season (Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.)
  • The Michigan win also marked the first set of back-to-back wins for the No. 17 car since Matt Kenseth won Daytona and Fontana in 2009.
  • It also marks the first set of overall, back-to-back wins since 2010 when Carl Edwards finished the season with wins at Phoenix and Homestead.

6 Team Info:
Crew Chief: Matt McCall
Partner: Socios.com

17 Team Info:
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: Castrol Edge

Keselowski at Indy
Starts: 2
Wins: —
Top-10s: —
Poles: —

  • Keselowski makes his third start on the road course at Indy. Most recently he ran 20th a season ago, and finished 24th in its debut (in the Cup Series) in 2021.
  • Keselowski has 40 starts all-time in his Cup career with 11 top-10s and seven finishes inside the top five.
  • On road courses to date this season, Keselowski has finishes of 35th (COTA), 16th (Sonoma) and 24th (Chicago).
  • Keselowski has one road course win in the Xfinity Series – 2013 at Watkins Glen – with 16 starts overall and 13 top-10s.

Buescher at Indy
Starts: 2
Wins: —
Top-10s: 1
Poles: —

  • Coming off back-to-back wins – the first RFK driver to accomplish the feat since Ricky Stenhouse in 2017 – Buescher enters the weekend in Indy with eight-straight top-10s on road courses dating back to the ROVAL last fall.
  • Last season Buescher was arguably one of the fastest cars at Indy, but caught on fire on pit road, then miraculously drove to a P10 finish. The year prior, he finished 12th.
  • Overall on road courses in his Cup career, Buescher has 10 top-10s in 29 starts and now an average finish of 14.3.
  • Since February of 2020, Buescher is the second-best driver statistically on road courses with nine top-10s in 17 starts, and a 10.6 average finish.
  • Buescher made six starts on road courses in the Xfinity Series with one win (2014 Mid-Ohio) and four top-10s.

RFK Historically on Road Courses
Cup Wins: 5 (Mark Martin, 1993-95, Watkins Glen; Mark Martin, 1997, Sonoma; Carl Edwards, 2014, Sonoma)

  • RFK on the Road: As an organization, RFK has made 250 starts on road courses in the Cup Series with five wins, 88 top-10s and 41 finishes inside the top five with a 17.5 average finish.

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Michigan: Buescher again stole the show this past weekend in a rain-postponed Michigan race, leading a race-high 52 laps to earn his second-straight win. Brad Keselowski had one of his best points days of the season, scoring stage finishes of fourth and third, before going on to finish fourth after leading 15 laps.

Points Standings (6: 8th, 17: 11th): Keselowski advanced to eighth in points, now within 15 points of fifth, with three races remaining in the regular season (Indy, Watkins Glen, Daytona). Buescher, one of six drivers with multiple race wins, is up to 11th in the playoff picture.

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