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Shane van Gisbergen to Drive No. 41 Niece Motorsports Truck at IRP

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Official Release
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Will Race Truck Friday and Cup Car Sunday in Indianapolis

Concord, North Carolina – Shane van Gisbergen, the three-time Supercar champion and winner of the July 2 inaugural Chicago Street Race in his lone NASCAR Cup Series start, will drive the No. 41 Worldwide Express Chevrolet for Niece Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) on Friday, Aug. 11.

The 200-lap truck race on IRP’s 0.686-mile track will be the 34-year-old Auckland, New Zealander’s first NASCAR oval experience and it kicks off a busy weekend for van Gisbergen in the Hoosier state. He will return to the Cup Series Sunday, Aug. 13 on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to drive the No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the Trackhouse Racing team’s PROJECT91 program. Van Gisbergen’s Cup series sponsors, Enhance Health and Quad Lock will also carry associate positions on the No. 41 Chevrolet truck.

“The weekend will certainly be a challenge,” said van Gisbergen. “I’ve seen the trucks race on television and know it’s very competitive and that I’ll have a lot to learn on a short track at IRP. I’m used to doing doubleheaders in Supercars, but this will be a little bit different. I’m honored to join Niece Motorsports and thrilled at getting a chance to climb in a truck.”

Van Gisbergen is joining the successful Niece team whose 20-year-old driver Carson Hocevar became the first truck series driver to win three races this season when he won the Worldwide Express 250 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway on July 29. It marked the seventh win for Niece Motorsports.

“We are so excited and so honored to have Shane drive for us at IRP,” said Niece Motorsports General Manager Cody Efaw. “He’s a legend in Australia and New Zealand, but what he did at Chicago has everyone in America talking about his talent. We will help him experience oval racing and I am guessing we will learn a lot from him as well.”

What van Gisbergen did at the inaugural Chicago Street race on July 2 is one of the highlights of the 2023 NASCAR season. Following a pit stop under caution, which came after NASCAR shortened the race from 100 to 75 laps due to looming darkness, van Gisbergen restarted 18th in his No. 91 Chevrolet. He drove to the front and made an overtime pass on a damp track to seal the victory.

He became one of six foreign born drivers to win a Cup Series race and the first driver since Johnny Rutherford in 1963 to win his first Cup Series start. It was just the latest entry in a resume that includes Supercars Championships for Triple Eight Race Engineering in 2016, 2021 and 2022, plus 79 wins and 48 pole positions making him the fourth most successful driver in series history. He also won the Bathurst 1000 in 2020 and 2022.

IRP is a multipurpose auto racing facility that includes the 30,000-seat oval along with a 2.5-mile road course and a drag strip where the NHRA has held its US Nationals since 1961. The track is seven miles from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Van Gisbergen will practice and qualify Friday afternoon at IRP with FS1 televising the truck race at 9 p.m. EDT.

He will practice and qualify at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Saturday and NBC will televise Sunday’s race on the road course at 2:30 p.m. EDT.

About Niece Motorsports:
Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2023, Niece Motorsports enters its eighth season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.

Media Inquiries: media@niecemotorsports.com | www.niecemotorsports.com

About Worldwide Express:
The WWEX group of brands, which comprises Worldwide Express, Unishippers and GlobalTranz, offers full-service logistics expertise to more than 115,000 customers across the country. With access to industry-leading small package, truckload, less-than-truckload and managed transportation solutions, its customers benefit from enhanced visibility and value for their supply chains. The company is the second-largest privately held freight brokerage and largest non-retail UPS Authorized Reseller® in the U.S., with an annual systemwide revenue nearing $5 billion through a network of company-owned, franchise and agent locations. A highly selective carrier portfolio, proprietary technology, unique data assets and business intelligence capabilities provide clients with unmatched options and flexibility to meet their shipping needs. The WWEX Racing initiative was borne of a desire to address the complex but underserved logistic needs of the performance motorsports industry, using the unique combination of capabilities offered by the three brands’ combined 80+ years of insight. To learn more about the WWEX Racing program, visit www.wwexracing.com. For media inquiries, contact racing@wwex.com.

Jimmie Johnson Voted into 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame Class

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Official Release
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 2, 2022) – The time has come to add another accolade to Jimmie Johnson’s storied racing resume as the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion is now an official member of the elite NASCAR Hall of Fame.

The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ was named to the 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame class today and is joined by longtime crew chief Chad Knaus and Donnie Allison. Racing legend Janet Guthrie won the Landmark Award. This was the first year of eligibility for Johnson, as he hasn’t raced full-time in NASCAR since stepping away from Cup Series competition at the conclusion of the 2020 season.

This year’s class was selected by a voting panel that includes 62 representatives from NASCAR, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, manufacturers, track owners, broadcasters, media members, former team owners, and drivers – as well as one ballot from a nationwide fan vote.

Throughout 689 starts, Johnson accumulated 83 wins, 232 top-five, 374 top-10s, 36 pole positions, and led 18,941 laps. Johnson is currently tied for sixth on NASCAR’s all-time Cup victories list (1949-present) with fellow NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough. Johnson and Knaus were practically unstoppable in their prime – as they were the only team in NASCAR history to win five championships in a row (2006-2010).

Additionally, Johnson has four NASCAR All-Star wins, two wins in the Duel 150-mile qualifier races for the Daytona 500, and two wins in the season-opening exhibition race formerly titled the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona. He is a two-time Daytona 500 champion, a four-time Brickyard 400 champion at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the only racecar driver to ever be named the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year (2009). Johnson is a two-time Southern 500 winner at Darlington; 11 wins at Dover; nine wins at Martinsville Speedway; eight wins at Charlotte Motor Speedway and seven wins at Texas Motor Speedway.

At the age of 46, Johnson decided to defy the odds and took his talent to the open-wheel circuit where he raced in the INDYCAR Series for two seasons at Chip Ganassi Racing. Johnson’s best finishes came on the oval tracks where he finished fifth at Iowa Speedway and sixth at Texas Motor Speedway. Johnson was able to fulfill a childhood dream as he competed in the 106th Indianapolis 500.

In 2021 – 2022, Johnson participated in the IMSA Series where he earned two podium finishes. In late 2022, Johnson became a team co-owner at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB along with Maurice “Maury” Gallagher and team ambassador Richard Petty “The King”. In 2023, he competed in the Daytona 500, Circuit of the Americas (COTA), and the Coca-Cola 600. In June, Johnson traveled overseas to participate in the NASCAR Garage 56 program competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France.

Johnson’s transition to team co-owner has been a welcomed resource for young LEGACY MOTOR CLUB drivers Erik Jones and Noah Gragson.

“I think Jimmie’s nomination into the NASCAR Hall of Fame was fairly a no-brainer for everybody,” said Jones, driver of the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. “I am proud to see him go in and proud to have him as part of our group. I am happy for him and his family to see the well-deserved nomination. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to race against him early in my career and now to have him in an ownership position is incredible. Jimmie has revolutionized the sport in so many ways, and I am truly looking forward to seeing his induction.”

“A Jimmie Johnson Darlington win diecast was the first one I ever purchased,” said Gragson, driver of the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. “Growing up I was a fan of his and now that I get to drive for him, it’s a big deal to me. He deserves this recognition as he is such a leader and mentor both on and off the track for me and our team. He truly is one of the nicest guys out there and is so genuine. I’m so happy for him today.”

Johnson has served as a mentor and friend to drivers across the globe throughout his career. All of Johnson’s success in the NASCAR Cup Series happened alongside his friend and crew chief, Chad Knaus.

“Chad is so deserving of going into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. To accomplish this together is so fitting as every special moment in my Cup Series career was shared with Chad. He’s a brother, a friend, and a brilliant crew chief – one of the best ever,” Johnson said after he received the news.

“I drove a Chad Knaus set-up racecar throughout every moment we had and to share this induction with him is incredible,” continued Johnson. “This is such a huge honor, I’m thankful for Ricky Hendrick, Rick Hendrick and the entire Hendrick family, Jeff Gordon, Chad, and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports and in the NASCAR industry who has ever touched a No. 48 car throughout the years. This is as much of a celebration for all of them as it is for me. We did this as a team.”

Johnson’s success and impact on the sport have finally earned him the most prestigious honor one can receive in NASCAR racing. He will officially be enshrined in the NASCAR Hall of Fame during the class of 2024’s induction ceremony on January 19, 2024 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is a professional auto racing club owned by businessman and entrepreneur Maurice J. Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (NCS) Jimmie Johnson. The club competes full-time in the NCS fielding the Nos. 42 and 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for drivers Noah Gragson and Erik Jones, respectively, along with the No. 84 part-time entry for Johnson in 2023. Richard Petty “The King” serves as team ambassador.

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

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

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

NASCAR Announces NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2024, Landmark Award

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Official Release
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2. PRIMARY LOGO - NASCAR Hall of Fame

Johnson, Knaus, Allison Voted Into Hall’s 14th Class

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 2, 2023) – NASCAR announced today the inductees who will comprise the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2024. The three-person group – the 14th since the inception of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010 – consists of Jimmie Johnson, Chad Knaus and Donnie Allison. In addition, Janet Guthrie was named the recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.

Members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel met today in an in-person closed session at the Charlotte Convention Center to debate and vote upon the 15 nominees for the induction class of 2024 and the five nominees for the Landmark Award.

Ten nominees appeared on the Modern Era ballot, which was selected by the traditional Nominating Committee. The same committee selected the five Landmark Award nominees. The Pioneer ballot, which included five nominees whose careers began in 1964 or earlier, was selected by the Honors Committee. Beginning with the Class of 2021, each Hall of Fame class features two inductees from the Modern Era ballot and one from the Pioneer ballot.

The Class of 2024 was determined by votes cast by the Voting Panel, including representatives from NASCAR, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, track owners from major facilities and historic short tracks, media members, manufacturer representatives, competitors (drivers, owners, crew chiefs), recognized industry leaders, a nationwide fan vote conducted through NASCAR.com and the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion (Joey Logano). In all, 57 votes were cast, with two additional Voting Panel members recused from voting as potential nominees for induction (Jeff Burton and Ricky Rudd). The accounting firm of EY presided over the tabulation of the votes.

Johnson received 93% of the Modern Era ballot votes; Knaus received 81%. Harry Gant finished third, followed by Ricky Rudd and Carl Edwards. Donnie Allison received 53% of the Pioneer ballot votes. Banjo Matthews finished second.

Results for the NASCAR.com Fan Vote were: Donnie Allison (Pioneer); Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus (Modern Era).

The two Modern Era inductees came from a group of 10 nominees that included: Neil Bonnett, Tim Brewer, Jeff Burton, Carl Edwards, Harry Gant, Harry Hyde, Jimmie Johnson, Chad Knaus, Larry Phillips and Ricky Rudd.

Nominees for the Pioneer Ballot included: Donnie Allison, Sam Ard, A.J. Foyt, Banjo Matthews and Ralph Moody.

Nominees for the Landmark Award included Janet Guthrie, Alvin Hawkins, Lesa France Kennedy, Dr. Joseph Mattioli and Les Richter.

The Class of 2024 Induction Ceremony is set for Friday, Jan. 19, 2024 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tickets for the Induction Ceremony will be on sale at 10 a.m. ET on nascarhall.com.

Class of 2024 Inductees:

Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson’s seven career NASCAR Cup Series championships famously tie him with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for most in series history; his five consecutive titles are a NASCAR record. Johnson’s on-track accomplishments behind the wheel of a stock car put him on the short list in the “Greatest of All Time” discussion. He has 83 wins at 20 different race tracks, including multiple wins in every NASCAR crown jewel event: two Daytona 500s (2006, ’13), four Brickyard 400s (2006, ’08-09, ’12), four Coca-Cola 600s (2003-05, ’14), two Southern 500’s (2004, ’12) and four All-Star Race wins (2003, ’06, ’12-13). Currently the co-owner of NASCAR team LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, Johnson was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.

Chad Knaus

Leading his father to multiple track championships as a teenager, Chad Knaus was destined to be a successful crew chief at stock car racing’s highest level. His NASCAR start came at Hendrick Motorsports as an assistant in the body shop, learning under Hall of Famer Ray Evernham as part of the “Rainbow Warriors.” His breakthrough came in 2002 when he was paired with rookie driver Jimmie Johnson on a fourth Hendrick team – the start of one of the most productive partnerships in sports history. The pair combined for seven NASCAR Cup Series championships, including a NASCAR-record five in a row. They won 81 races over 19 seasons, including the 2013 Daytona 500, two Southern 500s, four Coca-Cola 600s and four Brickyard 400s. Knaus won his 82nd – and final – race with William Byron in 2020. He trails only Dale Inman and Leonard Wood for all-time wins by a crew chief. Knaus currently serves as Vice President of Competition for Hendrick Motorsports.

Donnie Allison

A member of NASCAR’s famed “Alabama Gang” and an ambassador for the sport for more than 50 years, Donnie Allison had never planned to be a race car driver. But like his brother (and NASCAR Hall of Famer) Bobby, Donnie got his start racing modifieds and worked his way to the top level of stock car racing. After winning the 1967 Cup Series Rookie of the Year, Allison partnered with famed mechanic Banjo Matthews where he experienced his most success. In 1970, Allison won three races for Matthews, including the Coca-Cola 600. But Allison might be best-known for his role in NASCAR’s most famous moment – his 1979 Daytona 500 fight with Cale Yarborough. An intense battle for the win ended with both drivers wrecked, scuffling in the infield. It all happened on the first nationally-televised NASCAR race and made headlines across America. The publicity was instrumental to the growth of NASCAR and remains one of the defining moments in the sport’s history.

Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR:

Janet Guthrie

Janet Guthrie moved on from a successful career as an aerospace engineer in the early 1960s, trading equations for a wheel to become a full-time racer in 1972. A true pioneer in motorsports, Guthrie became the first woman to compete in a NASCAR premier series superspeedway race when she drove to a 15th-place finish in the 1976 World 600. The next year, she piloted cars in the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500, becoming the first female to participate in both events. Guthrie steered her car to a sixth-place finish at Bristol in 1977, one of five career top-10 finishes. Overall, the University of Michigan graduate made 33 premier series starts. Guthrie was a member of the first class inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. Her helmet and firesuit are on display at the Smithsonian Institution.

About NASCAR

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

About the NASCAR Hall of Fame

Conveniently located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, the 150,000-square-foot NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, opened May 11, 2010, and includes artifacts, hands-on exhibits, a 278-person state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, NASCAR Hall of Fame Gear Shop and NASCAR Productions-operated broadcast studio. The venue is open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. seven days a week and has an attached parking garage on Brevard Street. The five-acre site also includes a privately developed 19-story office tower and 102,000-square-foot expansion to the Charlotte Convention Center, highlighted by a 40,000-square-foot ballroom. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. Learn more at nascarhall.com.

Spire Motorsports, Corey LaJoie Agree to Multi-Year Extension

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Official Release
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CONCORD, N.C. (August 2, 2023) – Spire Motorsports has reached a multi-year extension with Corey LaJoie to remain the driver of the team’s No.7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS).

A third-generation racer whose father and grandfather are members of the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame, LaJoie won his way to the NCS ranks through top developmental series like the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (six victories), NASCAR Whelen Modified Series (two wins) and the ARCA Menards Series (three wins). The 31-year-old driver also competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series enroute to his full-time seat in NASCAR’s premier division.

“Corey LaJoie took a chance on Spire Motorsports before we had any tools, any cars, or even a race shop,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “He is part of the fabric of this race team so it’s hard to put into words what his commitment means to T.J. (co-owner T.J. Puchyr) and I. He made a very thoughtful and deliberate decision to return to Spire Motorsports. He had plenty of other opportunities and chose to stay the course. We’re excited that Corey will continue to anchor this team and we’re ready to keep making meaningful progress every time we unload.”

LaJoie, a cornerstone for Spire Motorsports, has been with the team since 2021 and is a veteran of 222 NCS starts. His career best finishes include a fourth- and a fifth-place showing, both coming at Atlanta Motor Speedway. In 22 NCS races this year, LaJoie has scored one top-five, and 11 top-20 finishes.

The Concord, N.C., native is a staple on social media platforms and hosts the podcast “Stacking Pennies.”

“When Jeff, TJ and I sat at the conference table three years ago, with a whiteboard and vision to build a competitive race team, I was excited for the challenge,” explained LaJoie. “Since that meeting, I’ve grown, matured and developed my skills and will continue to improve myself and my extended family at Spire Motorsports for years to come. We will continue stacking pennies and deliver for our great partners on and off the track. We’re even more eager to bring our loyal fans on the journey with us.”

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to action this weekend for the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway. The 23rd of 36 points-paying races on the 2023 NCS schedule will be televised live Sunday, August 6 beginning at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports is a full-time, two-car NASCAR Cup Series race team co-owned by long-time NASCAR industry executives Jeff Dickerson and Thaddeus “T.J.” Puchyr. In 2023, Spire Motorsports will field the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for driver Corey LaJoie and No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Ty Dillon. The team also fields NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series teams in select events.

Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFSTMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on May 20, 2023 when Kyle Larson took the checkered flag in the Tyson 250 at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Konica Minolta Extends IMSA Partnership

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Official Release
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Konica Minolta Business Center Continues to Serve as the Hub of Business in the IMSA Paddock

Ramsey, NJ, Aug. 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) today announced an extension of its Official Partnership with the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). The renewal continues its relationship with IMSA that began in 2015, and confirms the business hub of the paddock will remain known as the Konica Minolta Business Center, which has become a highly recognizable element of the paddock at race events.

“Our partnership with IMSA gets stronger every year, and has grown into so much more than a platform to enhance our brand profile. It’s about the people, celebrating our wins and evolving in our shared vision to make the series more sustainable,” said Michael Mathé, Chief of Operations and Sales Enablement, Konica Minolta. “The track is a place to share our mutual love of racing and enjoy the camaraderie of the experience. As part of this, we have greatly benefitted from having the Konica Minolta Business Center at every track, an ideal atmosphere to connect with current and future partners and explore new B2B sales opportunities.”

The center includes two conference rooms in the 53-foot transporter and additional meeting space that provides Konica Minolta, IMSA, manufacturers, corporate partners, a multitude of race teams and other series stakeholders a place to conduct business at race events.

The prime location in the middle of the action assists Konica Minolta in supporting IMSA partners and stakeholders with business-to-business opportunities. New for 2023, the Konica Minolta Business Center can now run fully “off the grid” thanks to rooftop solar panels and battery storage units installed prior to this season. The system also provides Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) charging for IMSA OEM partners to use for at-track product launches, VIP rides, media events and more.

“Konica Minolta is one of the most visible corporate partners in our sport between its relationship with IMSA and its longtime association with the No. 10 WTRAndretti team,” said John Doonan, President, IMSA. “IMSA’s commitment to showcasing sustainable technologies was a significant contributor to Konica Minolta’s decision to renew its partnership. Looking toward the future, IMSA and Konica Minolta will continue working together to bring more of our sustainability efforts to life.”

Also a longtime partner with the Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport team, Konica Minolta uses the series partnership to expand business development opportunities for the company and its dealers. Konica Minolta will continue hosting VIP Experiences at IMSA events for dealers, customers and business prospects. Konica Minolta guests are immersed in the IMSA experience that provides all-access credentials, behind-the-scenes pit and paddock tours, Hot Lap experiences for high-speed laps around the track in the passenger seat of an IMSA OEM high-performance car alongside a professional driver, and access to the exclusive IMSA WeatherTech Paddock Club VIP hospitality chalet.

About Konica Minolta

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.’s (Konica Minolta) journey started 150 years ago, with a vision to see and do things differently. The company innovates for the good of society and the world. The same purpose that kept it moving then, keeps it moving now. Konica Minolta aims to partner with clients to Give Shape to Ideas by supporting their digital transformation through its expansive Intelligent Connected Workplace portfolio. Its business technology offerings include IT Services, intelligent information management, video security solutions and managed print services, as well as office technology and industrial and commercial print solutions. Through its ongoing work, the company is fortunate to be continuously recognized for its products and services. This includes, but is not limited to being included on CRN’s MSP 500 list numerous times; named a finalist in the IT Software Category by The World Technology Awards; recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys and presented with Keypoint Intelligence’s BLI 2021 A3 Line of The Year and BLI 2021-2023 Most Color Consistent A3 Brand Awards for its bizhub i-Series.

Sustainability also continues to be a key driver for the company. As such, Konica Minolta Inc. has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for nine consecutive years and has spent six years on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list. For more information, please visit Konica Minolta online and follow its accounts on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA):

International Motor Sports Association, LLC (IMSA) was originally founded in 1969 and owns a long and rich history in sports car racing. Today, IMSA is the sanctioning body of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the premier sports car racing series in North America. IMSA also sanctions the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, as well as four one-make series: Ferrari Challenge North America, Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires, Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America and Porsche Carrera Cup North America. IMSA – a company within the NASCAR family – is the exclusive strategic partner in North America with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) which operates the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a part of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The partnership enables selected IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competitors to earn automatic entries into the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. For more information please visit IMSA online or via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Kaulig Racing Weekly Advance | Michigan International Speedway

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Official Release
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FireKeepers Casino 400
Michigan International Speedway
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Sunday, August 6 at 2:30 p.m. EDT on USA

  • Kaulig Racing has made two NCS starts at Michigan International Speedway.
  • So far in the 2023 NCS season, Kaulig Racing has earned two top fives, nine top-10 finishes and led 30 laps.

AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Nutrien Ag Solutions FARMSMART Camaro ZL1

  • AJ Allmendinger has made 21 NCS starts and has led one lap at Michigan International Speedway.
  • The FireKeepers Casino 400 will be Allmendinger’s first NCS start at Michigan since 2018.
  • So far in the 2023 season, Allmendinger has led seven laps and earned a best finish of third, four top 10 and seven top-15 finishes.

“I’m looking forward to going to Michigan; we’ll have a lot of on-throttle time and it’s a racetrack I’m excited to go drive at. Last year, Noah [Gragson] had really good speed in the No. 16 car, and our big racetrack speed has been there this year, so I think it’s a track we can go to and do well at.” – AJ Allmendinger on Michigan International Speedway

Justin Haley, No. 31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Camaro ZL1

  • Justin Haley has made two NCS starts at Michigan International Speedway.
  • So far in the 2023 NCS season, Haley has earned one top five and five top-10 finishes with a best qualifying effort of third.
  • Haley’s best finish of the season came from his runner-up finish in the first-ever race at the Chicago Street Course where he led 23 laps, the most he has led in a single race.
  • After completing the 2023 Coca-Cola 600 and Alsco Uniforms 300, Haley now holds the record for the most NASCAR National Series miles completed in a single day by any driver in NASCAR history.

“I’m looking forward to going back to Michigan. Our No. 31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Camaro ZL1 has had a lot of speed on the larger tracks this year, so hopefully we can break our string of bad finishes and start gaining back momentum.” – Justin Haley on Michigan International Speedway

Cabo Wabo 250
Michigan International Speedway
NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS)
Saturday, August 5 at 3:30 p.m. EDT on NBC

  • Kaulig Racing has made 10 NXS starts at Michigan International Speedway and has earned one win, one top five, six top-10 finishes, and 100 laps led.
  • So far in the 2023 NXS season, Kaulig Racing has earned four wins, 15 top fives, 33 top-10 finishes and five pole awards.

Ross Chastain, No. 10 Jockey Chevrolet Camaro

  • Ross Chastain has made six NXS starts at Michigan International Speedway and will make his 201st NXS start at the two-mile race track with Kaulig Racing.
  • Chastain earned Kaulig Racing its first-ever NXS win at Daytona International Speedway in the 2019 Circle K Firecracker 250. He went on to earn 19 top five and 34 top-10 finishes during his time at Kaulig Racing.

“I’m pumped to be hopping back in a Kaulig Racing Chevy this week at Michigan and have some fun with a team I’ve had success with in the past. I appreciate the opportunity to be racing with old friends and teammates. It’s cool to have Jockey on board supporting me as well, just like they did in Chicago with Justin [Marks]!” – Ross Chastain on Michigan International Speedway

Daniel Hemric, No. 11 Chevy Accessories Chevrolet Camaro

  • Daniel Hemric has made four NXS starts at Michigan International Speedway where he has earned one top five and two top-10 finishes.
  • Hemric currently sits eighth in the NXS standings and has earned four top five and 11 top-10 finishes so far in the 2023 season.

“Michigan is a huge race for everyone on the schedule, especially from the manufacturer’s side. You always want to go there and run well. It is a racetrack that brings out all of your strengths and weaknesses. I feel like it takes execution and minimal mistakes to have a good day at Michigan. We look forward to building off of some things we have done within that style of package this year. I’m looking forward to going there and hopefully giving ourselves a good opportunity.” – Daniel Hemric on Michigan International Speedway

Chandler Smith, No. 16 Quick Tie Products Chevrolet Camaro

  • Chandler Smith will make his first NXS start at Michigan International Speedway in the Cabo Wabo 250.
  • Smith qualified on the pole in his lone NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) start at Michigan in 2020.
  • Smith currently sits seventh in the NXS points standings with one win, five top five and eight top-10 finishes.

“I feel like I’ve got a bit of unfinished business at Michigan, because I had some speed there a few years ago in Trucks but ended up wrecked early. It’s a pretty unique track; I don’t think we go to any other ovals that are two miles long anymore since Fontana is gone. It’s important to keep speed throughout the corner there, because it’s a big momentum track. The straightaways are pretty long, so we’ll be at a high speed on entry, and since it’s so wide in the corners, there’s going to be multiple lanes to choose from each time.” – Chandler Smith on Michigan International Speedway  
 
About Kaulig Racing™

Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started and has won back-to-back regular-season championships. Before becoming a full-time NCS team, Kaulig Racing made multiple starts in the 2021 NCS season and won in its seventh-ever start with AJ Allmendinger’s victory at “The Brickyard” for the Verizon 200 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The team expanded to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 with Justin Haley piloting the No. 31 Camaro ZL1, and an all-star lineup featured in the No. 16 Camaro ZL1. Haley will continue to drive the No. 31 full-time in 2023, alongside AJ Allmendinger, who will drive the No. 16 Camaro ZL1. The team will continue to field three, full-time NXS entries; the No. 10 Chevrolet driven by an all-star lineup, the No. 11 Chevrolet driven by Daniel Hemric, and the No. 16 Chevrolet driven by Chandler Smith. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

Party with Pardi at the Pardi Batch Spirits BBQ Showdown Presented by Pit Boss Competition During NASCAR Playoffs Weekend

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Official Release
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Pardi Batch Spirits named Official Whiskey of Texas Motor Speedway

  • Competition sanctioned by the International Barbeque Cookers Association showcasing competition in brisket, pork spare ribs and chicken
  • $5,000 total payout with cash prizes give for the Top 10 in each category
  • Winners of each category announced on pre-race stage prior to the start of the Sept. 24 Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Cup Series playoff race

FORT WORTH, Texas (Aug. 2, 2023) – Texas Motor Speedway and country singer/songwriter Jon Pardi’s Pardi Batch Spirits have joined forces to bring the intense competition and smoky burnouts the speedway is known for to the GEICO Infield Campground for the Pardi Batch BBQ Showdown presented by Pit Boss Grills during the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Playoffs weekend.

In addition to title sponsorship of the Pardi Batch BBQ Showdown presented by Pit Boss Grills, Pardi Batch Spirits has also been named the Official Whiskey of Texas Motor Speedway.

The Pardi Batch BBQ Showdown presented by Pit Boss Grills will be sanctioned by the International Barbeque Cookers Association. Contestants will compete in three categories – brisket, pork spare ribs and half chicken – with cooking beginning Sept. 22 and judging taking place Sept. 23 at noon (chicken), 1:30 p.m. (spare ribs) and 3 p.m. (brisket).

A $5,000 total payout will go to the top 10 finishers in each BBQ category. The top-five awards will be announced and presented during the pre-race activities for the Sept. 24 NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400. The Pardi Batch BBQ Showdown presented by Pit Boss Grills is sanctioned by International Barbeque Cookers Association contest rules apply and full contest rules are available at www.ibcabbq.org/organization-documents.

The $500 participant package includes a 40’x40’ infield RV spot and BBQ pit area for the weekend, two infield weekend wristbands and a tow vehicle pass.

“Jon Pardi and Pardi Batch Spirits Bourbon & Whiskey are committed to Texas and we are proud to partner with Texas Motor Speedway” said Heath Lollar, National Sales Director of Pardi Batch Spirits.

Jon Pardi is an American country music singer and songwriter. Signed to Capitol Nashville, he has released four studio albums: Write You a Song (2014), California Sunrise (2016), Heartache Medication (2019), and Mr. Saturday Night (2022). Pardi has also charted fourteen singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts, of which five have hit number one on the latter: “Head Over Boots”, “Dirt on My Boots”, “Heartache Medication,” “Last Night Lonely” and “Beer Can’t Fix” with Thomas Rhett. Pardi’s music style is defined by neotraditional country influences. On October 24th, Pardi became the first California native to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

“Last year’s BBQ Showdown presented by Pit Boss Grills was a great success and a great deal of fun for all involved so we’re proud to partner with Jon Pardi and Pardi Batch Spirits to take this year’s competition to a whole new level,” said Texas Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Mark Faber. “The Pardi Batch BBQ Showdown presented by Pardi Batch Spirits & Pit Boss Grills is just one of the events and activities we have scheduled to provide our race fans with a full slate of smoke and sizzle entertainment during our Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Playoffs weekend.

“We’re also very proud to welcome Pardi Batch Spirits as the Official Bourbon & Whiskey of Texas Motor Speedway and we look forward to a successful partnership for years to come.”

Limited availability remains in the GEICO Infield Campground for those interested in being right in the middle of the infield action throughout the weekend. The campground is located inside Texas Motor Speedway’s 1.5-mile oval with easy access to restrooms, showers, Turn 4 dump station and No Limits Grill. Interior spaces (20×40) are available on the infield’s east side from Turn 2 to Turn 3 while paddock spots (20×50) are available in Turns 1 and 4. These paved, gravel and grass surface spots accommodate RVs, 5th wheels, travel trailers and pop-ups.

For more camping information and options or to reserve a spot, please click HERE or call the TMS Ticket Office at 817.215.8500.

The NASCAR Playoffs weekend will be highlighted by the NASCAR Xfinity Series Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 on Saturday, Sept. 23 (2:30 p.m. CT on USA Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90, and PRN), and the NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 on Sunday, Sept. 24 (2:30 p.m. CT on USA Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90, PRN, and 95.9 The Ranch-local).

Texas Motor Speedway’s always-busy events schedule is well under way. Upcoming events in 2023 include: Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Playoffs weekend (Sept. 23-24), Goodguys’ Summit Racing Lone Start Nationals (Sept. 29-Oct. 1), Speedway Children’s Charities Smoke Show (Oct. 11) and Gordy’s Hwy 30 Music Fest (Oct. 19-22). The year wraps up with the family-favorite and speedway tradition Gift of Lights holiday light show.

TICKETS:

For ticket information for the September 23-24 NASCAR Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 weekend, please visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com.

MORE INFO:

Keep track of all of Texas Motor Speedway’s busy schedule by following on Facebook, X and Instagram. Keep up with all the latest news and information on the speedway website and TMS mobile app.

ABOUT TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Texas Motor Speedway is among the largest sports stadiums in the United States and features an array of amenities such as the world’s largest TV that make it one of the premier venues in the world of sports. The 1.5-mile superspeedway located in Fort Worth hosts all three NASCAR national series as well as the NTT IndyCar Series among its various races and specialty events throughout the year. Texas Motor Speedway is owned and operated by Speedway Motorsports, LLC, a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. For more information, please visit texasmotorspeedway.com.

ABOUT PARDI BATCH SPIRITS

Established in 2021 as part of the Buffalo Chip family, Pardi Batch Spirits is inspired by country star Jon Pardi’s music and energetic live performances. Like his hit songs, it all starts with the best ingredients working together in perfect harmony. The perfect notes come together to create 2 masterpieces: Pardi Batch 112 Bourbon and Pardi Batch Tennessee Whiskey. Pardi Batch Spirits are available for purchase online and can be shipped to 47 states by visiting www.bourbonhuntusa.com. For more information about Pardi Batch Spirits and to find it at a location near you, please visit www.pardibatchspirits.com.

ABOUT JON PARDI

Multi-Platinum award-winning singer/songwriter/producer Jon Pardi has refined and defined a country sound that gets people drinking, dancing and drowning their heartaches. His fourth studio album, Mr. Saturday Night, earned Pardi his third consecutive ACM Album of the Year nomination and proved Pardi has “blazed his own trail over the past decade” (Billboard), with Taste of Country noting, his “refusal to chase sets Mr. Saturday Night apart” and Nash News raving, Mr. Saturday Night “proves he might be the most successful at combining the old-school sound with today’s need for hooks.” The album reunited Bart Butler, Ryan Gore and Pardi- the same producing team behind the boards of his critically-acclaimed album, Heartache Medication, and produced the award-winning artist/producers’ fifth #1 single “Last Night Lonely,” as well as his current radio single, “Your Heart Or Mine.” Mr. Saturday Night follow’s Pardi’s album, Heartache Medication, which debuted among the top albums on Billboard’s Country Albums chart and was named in 2019 Rolling Stone’s “Best Album of the Year” and by the Los Angeles Times as one of the (Top 10) “Best Albums of the Year,” as well as his breakthrough Platinum-selling album, California Sunrise, which featured the multi-platinum, chart-topping hits “Dirt On My Boots,” “Head Over Boots,” “Heartache On The Dance Floor” and “Night Shift.” The unrepentant Cali-tonker acclaimed by The New York Times, Cowboys & Indians, Variety, Rolling Stone, NPR and the Los Angeles Times has appeared on Good Morning America, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, TODAY, Late Night with Seth Meyers and The Kelly Clarkson Show and more. Pardi recently announced his 2023 Mr. Saturday Night World Tour, which will kick off in Northern Ireland and across the UK and Europe starting in August, before launching its US run starting in September.

Jr III Racing Heads to Road America for IMSA SportsCar Weekend

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Official Release
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Chris Green | ChrisGreenPhoto.com

Noble replaces Lundqvist in the No. 29 Wing S2 Cyber Ligier

Elkhart Lake, Wisc. (1 August 2023) – Returning to where the team first launched its IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship program, Jr III (“Junior-Three”) Racing will be making its third start in the category this year. Having made the team’s WeatherTech debut at the track in 2021, Road America has a lot of meaning to the Jr III Racing crew, and this year it is extra special as the team debuts a second WeatherTech entry into competition with the No. 29 Wing S2 Cyber Ligier driven by Bijoy Garg and Colin Noble.

Garg who currently drives the No. 3 VP Racing SportsCar Challenge (VPRC) entry for Jr III Racing will be making his WeatherTech debut this weekend. The young Californian has driven to four wins and three additional podiums in VPRC so far this season. Garg will be making his first start in the WeatherTech LMP3 category at Road America, but has eight starts in open wheel competition at the quick Wisconsin track, having scored a fourth place finish in 2022 in USF 2000.

“Road America has always been one of my favorite tracks,” said Garg. “I think we’ve been pretty fast in everything I’ve driven there. I’m really looking forward to the weekend. I feel like I’ve been preparing for this moment all season between competing in VP and Asian Le Mans Series. It should be a pretty exciting race!”

Noble joins Jr III Racing to make his IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship debut. The Scottish driver started racing in go karts moving up the ranks to the Radical European Masters before racing in Formula Renault. In 2021 Noble won the Michelin Le Mans Cup Championship after scoring two wins and three podiums in the LMP3 category. During the 2021 and 2022 seasons Noble competed in the Asian Le Mans Series as well as the Michelin Le Mans Cup. For the 2023 season Noble competes in the Michelin Le Mans Cup LMP3 category scoring a second and third place finish so far this season.

“I am really looking forward to getting started with Jr III Racing this weekend in the WeatherTech Championship at Road America,” said Noble. “The team has been performing well all year and hopefully we can continue that form this weekend!”

Jr III Racing’s full-season drivers Ari Balogh and Garett Grist are on the hunt for their first win in IMSA WeatherTech competition. Over the last two seasons the duo has scored six second place finishes. Last year Balogh and Grist overcame changing weather conditions and multiple caution periods to score a fourth place finish at Road America. This season the No. 30 Airbnb Ligier has led laps at all three LMP3 championship events this season.

“Road America will almost be a completely different race this year,” said Grist. “The track was repaved over the off season, but thankfully we have been able to test there a few times. Last year the race was a bit crazy at Road America. Ari did great his stint keeping the car clean and staying on track as a lot of others were going off and hitting other cars. I struggled a bit during my stint with pace, and I could never get around the guys in front of me. The team had prepared a really good car, as they always do. I’m excited to get back out there this year to see what we can do.”

The IMSA SportsCar Weekend kicks off on Friday August 4th, with the two hour and forty minute race taking place on Sunday at 11:10am ET. Watch the full race live on USA Network with coverage starting at 11:00am ET.

Toyota Racing – Michigan International Speedway – Weekly Preview – 08.02.23

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Official Release
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This Week in Motorsports: July 31-August 6, 2023

· NCS/NXS/ARCA: Michigan International Speedway – August 4-6

PLANO, Texas (August 2, 2023) – Toyota’s teams and drivers take on the Motor City this weekend in Michigan.

NASCAR National Series – NCS | NXS

Hamlin on a strong run.… Denny Hamlin continues to climb the point standings after another strong run at Richmond Raceway on Sunday. The Virginia-native earned a runner-up finish at his home track to move up to second in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, just 39 points out of the lead. Hamlin has two victories at Michigan International Speedway – in 2010 and 2011.

Truex adds to his points lead… Martin Truex Jr. added to his Cup Series points lead on Sunday despite battling through loose conditions. The 2017 Cup Champion holds a 39-point advantage over his teammate, Denny Hamlin, coming into Michigan. Truex is looking for his first Michigan win, but comes into the race this weekend with six consecutive top-10 finishes at the track, including three third-place runs.

Double Duty for Gibbs… Ty Gibbs is back running double duty this weekend. Gibbs will make his second Michigan Cup Series start in the No. 54 Toyota Camry TRD. The Rookie of the Year leader earned his first career Cup Series top-10 finish in this race one season ago. In the Xfinity Series, Gibbs will look to defend his 2022 Xfinity Series win at Michigan in the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra.

Nemechek looks to take back points lead… John Hunter Nemechek sits in second in the point standings, just 14 points out of the Xfinity Series championship lead coming into Michigan this weekend. Nemechek ran at Michigan last season in the Xfinity Series, and has three starts overall with a best finish of eighth in 2019.

Grala looks to continue to build… Kaz Grala earned his second top-10 finish and fourth top-15 in the last five races on Saturday as the Boston-native continues to move up the point standings. Grala cut 30 points off his deficit to the top-15 in the Xfinity Series point standings in Road America. He has two Xfinity Series starts at Michigan, both of which resulted in top-20 finishes.

Mosack back in the 24…The Sam Hunt Racing team goes into Michigan with momentum after Sage Karam delivered a career-best finish of fourth at Road America on Saturday. After three races in the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 entry, Connor Mosack returns to the No. 24 Toyota GR Supra this weekend. Mosack will drive the car in 11 of the final 13 events this season.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA

Love looks to continue to build advantage… Jesse Love looks to continue to build on his points advantage. The 18-year-old won his fifth race in 10 starts this season at Pocono Raceway and now leads the national ARCA standings by 69 points heading into his first career start at Michigan this weekend.

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.

JR Motorsports — NXS Michigan Preview

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Official Release
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JR MOTORSPORTS TEAM PREVIEW:
TRACK: Michigan International Speedway
RACE: Cabo Wabo 250 (125 laps / 250 miles)
DATE: Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023

Broadcast Information – TV: 3:30 p.m. ET on USA / Radio: 3 p.m. ET on MRN and Sirius XM Ch. 90

Sam Mayer
No. 1 Accelerate Professional Talent Solutions Chevrolet

  • Sam Mayer is coming off his first career NASCAR Xfinity Series win at his home track of Road America, in which he locked himself into the 2023 playoffs.
  • The Franklin, Wis. native heads to Michigan International Speedway for his third NXS start on the 2-mile oval.
  • In 15 starts on tracks 2 miles or greater in the NXS, Mayer has earned three top-five and five top-10 finishes, with a best finish of second at Auto Club Speedway earlier this season.
  • Mayer’s performance last weekend shot him up to sixth in the NXS Championship point standings.

Josh Berry
No. 8 LubeZone Chevrolet

  • In just two starts at Michigan, Josh Berry owns finishes of fourth and sixth and has led 27 laps. In 2021, Berry was in contention for the win driving JRM’s No. 1 Chevrolet.
  • On 2-mile tracks in his NXS career, Berry has finished fourth twice, fifth and sixth in his four starts. Combining Michigan and Fontana results, his average finish on such tracks is 4.7, with 30 laps led.
  • LubeZone Truck Lube Center makes its debut on the No. 8 Chevrolet this weekend at Michigan. A top-tier truck service company founded in 2017, the company operates from its headquarters in Bloomington, Minn.

Brandon Jones
No. 9 Menards/Criterion Chevrolet

  • Brandon Jones has made six starts at the 2-mile D-shaped oval of Michigan and has only one finish outside the top 10.
  • Jones holds a best finish of second that came during the 2021 season after starting from the 24th position.
  • Jones’ 8.2 average finish in the “Irish Hills” is tied with Martinsville Speedway for his personal best at active tracks in the NXS.
  • The 26-year-old owns three straight top-six efforts at Michigan (2019, 2021-22) and is coming off consecutive top10 runs at Pocono and Road America.
  • Jones currently sits 14th in the championship point standings, 61 points under the playoff cutline
  • Justin Allgaier
    No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet
  • In 11 career NXS starts in the Irish Hills of Michigan, Justin Allgaier has scored three top fives and seven top 10s, with a best finish of second coming in this event last year.
  • Additionally, Allgaier has placed no worse than ninth at
    Michigan dating back to 2018.
  • By leading 42 laps last weekend at Road America, Allgaier (5,007 laps led) became just the eighth driver in NXS history to have paced the field for more than 5,000 career laps.
  • With six races remaining in the NXS regular season, Allgaier sits third in the playoff grid, just 40 points out of the series lead.

Driver Quotes

“Michigan has been a tough track for me in the past but I am looking forward to getting back up there this weekend especially coming off the thrill of my first career win. Road America was a dream come true and now that we finally got that first one out of the way, I am looking to keep this hot streak going and see what we can do in Michigan.” – Sam Mayer

“Michigan has been a strong place for this BRANDT Professional Agriculture team, and really everyone at JR Motorsports for the last few seasons. We came close to getting the win here last year, and hopefully we can be that one spot better this weekend. We have had some unbelievable speed here lately and I know that Jim (Pohlman, crew chief) and everyone on this No. 7 team will give me just as strong a car again this weekend. Hopefully we can avoid any trouble out there and come away with the win when the checkered flag falls Saturday.” – Justin Allgaier

“There’s something about the 2-mile tracks for me. We seem to run really well on those, and this No. 8 team is hitting its stride. After a good run at Road America, I feel like the momentum is trending toward the positive and I look forward to getting on track at Michigan. I know Taylor(Moyer, crew chief) and this team is working hard to give us a LubeZone Chevrolet capable of going to Victory Lane.” – Josh Berry

“Michigan is always a track that I have run really well at in the past. This No. 9 team has been building fast racecars and we have been able to put races together as of late and it’s starting to show with our results. I’m ready to get to Michigan and hopefully be battling towards the front when it matters.” – Brandon Jones

JRM Team Updates

  • JR Motorsports at Michigan: JR Motorsports has competed in the Irish Hills of Michigan 43 times in the NXS. In those starts at the 2-mile oval, the organization has recorded two wins, 17 top fives and 30 top 10s. Regan Smith is the most recent winner for JRM at Michigan after taking the checkered during the 2013 season.
  • Team Chevy Display: JRM drivers will take the stage at the Team Chevy display located in the MIS Fan Zone on Saturday, Aug. 5. at the following times:
  • Justin Allgaier: 12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Brandon Jones: 12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
  • Josh Berry: 12:45 p.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Sam Mayer: 1 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
  • Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Justin Allgaier, Josh Berry and Brandon Jones will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / Legacy MC souvenir rig on Saturday, Aug. 5 from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sam Mayer will join the group beginning at 1:15 p.m.
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