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Ford Performance NASCAR – Richmond 2 / Road America Advance

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RICHMOND RACEWAY / ROAD AMERICA NOTES

Sat., July 29 – NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series @ Richmond, 7:30 p.m. ET (FS1)

Sat., July 29 – NASCAR Xfinity Series @ Road America, 3 p.m. ET (NBC)

Sun., July 30 – NASCAR Cup Series @ Richmond, 3 p.m. ET (USA)

The finale of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series regular season highlights this weekend’s action on Saturday night at Richmond Raceway with five Ford drivers still having a chance to make the postseason field. The NASCAR Cup Series will close out the Richmond portion of the weekend on Sunday while the NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers tackle the course at Road America on Saturday.

Joey Logano: “Richmond is probably one of our best tracks. I feel really good about it. It’s a track that, for whatever reason, Paul really has his head wrapped around and gives me a really strong race car. I assume he’s gonna be able to do that again because he’s done that for years, and it’s also a track that fits into my wheelhouse and we can really work together. It’s a track that’s not a hammer track. It’s not one of those new asphalt tracks where you can drive so hard every lap without penalty. You eventually pay a penalty at Richmond, so that makes it kind of fun for me. You go back to the old school style of racing with a lot of tire fall off and it makes you feel like you have a bunch of horsepower, but you actually can’t put the power down, so all of that type of stuff is pretty fun.”

Michael McDowell: “Our short track program has taken a big step in the right direction and at Richmond we obviously had a little bit of strategy that got up there, but we had a top 10 car, so I feel good about going back there. I feel good about what we learned at New Hampshire and some other short track stuff, too. It’s a daytime race starting in the afternoon, so it’s usually slicker and opens up some strategy. That’s been a strength of ours, so we’ll see how it goes.”

Brad Keselowski: “I like any track that we run well at. I’m entirely selfish. We’ve had some really good runs there. We’ve won some races and led a lot of laps and that always makes a track a lot of fun, and then the last two races there we’ve had some competitive runs as well, so I’m excited to go back there and build off it.”

HARVICK GOING FOR REPEAT

Kevin Harvick is the defending winner of this weekend’s Cup Series race at Richmond after posting his second straight series win a year ago. Harvick, who won at Michigan the week before to break a 65-race winless streak, went back to victory lane after leading 55 laps and holding off a late charge from Christopher Bell. The win was Harvick’s 60th Cup victory, one of only 10 drivers in NASCAR history to achieve that.

RICHMOND ONE OF LOGANO’S BEST

It would be easy to look at Joey Logano’s two career wins at Richmond and say it’s got to be one of his best tracks on the circuit, but the statistics provide further proof. In 28 career starts, Logano has 12 top 5 and 17 top 10 finishes, which gives him an average finish of 10.2. That’s his second-best average finish on tracks where he’s run more than five races. The only track where Logano has a better average finish is Las Vegas, where his three wins and 12 top-10 finishes in 20 starts works out to a 9.9 average finish.

HARVICK A CAREER TOP-10 FINISHER AT RICHMOND

Another Ford driver who has experienced consistent success at Richmond is Stewart-Haas Racing driver Kevin Harvick. This weekend will mark his 45th career Cup Series start at the track in which his 9.5 average finish is fourth-best among tracks currently on the circuit in which he has more than five starts. The other three tracks that statistically are Harvick’s best include: Homestead (7.3), Phoenix (8.6), and Indianapolis (8.6).

KESELOWSKI SOLE RICHMOND WINNER IN 2020

Richmond Raceway hosted two NASCAR Cup Series events a year from 1959-2019, but in 2020 the track had only one event due to COVID and Team Penske’s Brad Keselowski took the checkered flag in dominating fashion. Keselowski led 192-of-400 laps in recording his second career Cup win at the Virginia short track, and automatically advanced to the Round of 12. Overall, Ford led 297 laps on the night and had five drivers finish in the top 10, including Joey Logano (3rd), Kevin Harvick (7th), Aric Almirola (8th) and Clint Bowyer (10th).

EDWARDS WINS ELKHART DEBUT

Carl Edwards, who was named to NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list earlier this year, added Road America to his extensive list of circuits where he was victorious. The series made its debut there in 2010, when Edwards led 35 of the 50 laps to reach victory lane. A restart with three laps remaining showcased Edwards’ ability to quickly master the 4.048 mile road course as he skyrocketed to a 4.302-second margin of victory.

A CINCH FOR CINDRIC

Austin Cindric is the most recent Ford winner at Road America from his 2020 championship campaign. After a major weather delay in Stage 1, Cindric powered his Ford Mustang to the front, leading a total of 19 laps for the win. Chase Briscoe also shared the top-three with Cindric, finishing third.

REGULAR SEASON FINALE

Three Ford drivers have clinched spots in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series playoffs with a fourth or even a fifth hoping to punch their ticket on Saturday night at Richmond Raceway. Zane Smith, Ben Rhodes and Ty Majeski are all assured spots in the 10-driver postseason field while Matt Crafton and Hailie Deegan are still in the mix going into the final race of the regular season. Crafton goes into the event with a nine-point advantage over Stewart Friesen, but trails ninth-place Nick Sanchez by 12, so it’s possible he could move up in the standings and open a potential spot for Deegan, who would make the field with a victory.

FORD NASCAR CUP SERIES WINNERS

AT RICHMOND

1957 – Paul Goldsmith

1959 – Tom Pistone and Cotton Owens

1960 – Speedy Thompson (2)

1963 – Ned Jarrett (2)

1965 – Junior Johnson (1)

1968 – David Pearson (1)

1969 – David Pearson (1)

1970 – James Hylton (1)

1979 – Bobby Allison (2)

1980 – Bobby Allison (2)

1981 – Benny Parsons (2)

1984 – Ricky Rudd (1)

1986 – Kyle Petty (1)

1988 – Davey Allison (2)

1990 – Mark Martin (1)

1992 – Bill Elliott (1)

1993 – Davey Allison (1)

1994 – Ernie Irvan (1)

1995 – Rusty Wallace (2)

1996 – Ernie Irvan (2)

1997 – Rusty Wallace and Dale Jarrett

1998 – Jeff Burton (2)

1999 – Dale Jarrett (1)

2001 – Ricky Rudd (2)

2002 – Matt Kenseth (2)

2005 – Kurt Busch (2)

2013 – Carl Edwards (2)

2014 – Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski

2017 – Joey Logano (1)

2020 – Brad Keselowski

2022 – Kevin Harvick (2)

FORD NASCAR XFINITY SERIES WINNERS

AT ROAD AMERICA

2010 – Carl Edwards

2013 – AJ Allmendinger

2020 – Austin Cindric

FORD NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES WINNERS AT RICHMOND

1999 – Greg Biffle

2000 – Rick Carelli

2020 – Grant Enfinger

Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 Speedy Cash Ford Mustang Richmond Raceway Competition Notes

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TEAM AND RACE NOTES

Todd Gilliland is back with Speedy Cash this weekend on the No. 38 Ford Mustang. And fans can still win “Todd Gilliland’s Stuff” in the continued contest courtesy of Speedy Cash.

Items in the prize package will include a Speedy Cash hero card, hat, crew shirt, helmet visor, driving gloves, and one body piece off the No. 38 Speedy Cash Ford Mustang. All items will be autographed by Gilliland.

Fans will be able to enter the contest through July 31 by visiting the link below. A winner will be selected on August 1.

https://www.speedycash.com/frontrow-giveaway/

COMPETITION NOTES

Gilliland will be making his fourth start at the Richmond Raceway in the NASCAR Cup Series. He is coming off his best Cup Series finish at the track, 15th, in April. The team used pit strategy and speed to get the top-15 result.

In the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Gilliland had a best finish of sixth at the track.

CREW CHIEF RYAN BERGENTY

“We’re going back to Richmond to get a top-10 or better. We are just really confident going back there after having a lot of speed in April. Todd drove a good race, but we know we can get more. Our short track program at FRM is a lot better today than what we have had in the past. Everyone has worked hard at it and it is paying off.”

DRIVER TODD GILLILAND

“It is what Ryan said, our short track stuff is better. You just have to be good because you are going to Richmond twice, Phoenix twice, Martinsville a couple of times and it all adds up. I know NASCAR is trying to improve the racing package, but for what we have now, I think our team has done a nice job of finding a lot more speed.

“One of our anchor partners, Speedy Cash, is back with us this weekend. They are finishing their promotion to win my stuff. Just want to thank them for their support and remind fans to enter the contest to win some cool prizes.”

About Front Row Motorsports

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

Michael McDowell and the No. 34 Stage Front Ford Mustang Team Richmond Raceway Competition Notes

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TEAM AND RACE NOTES:

The Stage Front colors are back with Michael McDowell and the No. 34 Ford Mustang this weekend at the Richmond (Va.) Raceway.

This year, Stage Front VIP, has brought fans closer to the action than ever before. They have offered a one-of-a-kind race experience with McDowell and the No. 34 team as they compete for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. The Stage Front VIP experience includes pit box seating, pit road access, a meet-and-greet with McDowell on race day and more.

Fans can go to www.stagefrontvip.com to learn more about the McDowell and FRM VIP experiences. There are limited packages left for this weekend, but more available for events later this season.

With just five races remaining before the playoffs begin, it’s another crucial race for the team.

Track activity will begin Saturday with practice and qualifying at 12:30 p.m. ET. Sunday’s 400-lap race is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET on the USA Network.

COMPETITION NOTES:

Coming off a 19th-place finish at the Pocono Raceway, McDowell and the No. 34 team head back to the Richmond, Virginia short track looking to best their April sixth-place finish. McDowell and team have shown major improvements in their short track program from last year and look to continue their efforts as the playoffs move closer.

McDowell is 16th in championship points with just five weeks to go before the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. He is 17 points above the playoff cut line.

CREW CHIEF TRAVIS PETERSON:

“We just have a totally different attitude towards the short tracks this year. We’ve made a lot of great gains and it has shown. I think we need a little more speed, but I think we can compete in the top-10 again and have a good day. Right now, every lap is important.

DRIVER MICHAEL MCDOWELL:

“It’s coming down to every little thing. It all matters. Every lap, every adjustment, every pit stop. It’s so close and so competitive that you’re just on this fine line each weekend. You have to execute to the best of your ability. We’ve been fortunate to do that a lot this season and we need to do it again.

“It’s great to have Stage Front VIP back with us and meet the people who are making the most of the experience. It’s a cool program and it’s been fun to be a part of.”

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

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

Kevin “Bono” Manion Named Interim Crew Chief for Ty Dillon, Spire Motorsports No. 77 Team

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CONCORD, N.C. (July 25, 2023) – Today, Spire Motorsports announced championship winning crew chief Kevin “Bono” Manion has been named interim crew chief for the team’s No. 77 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with driver Ty Dillon, beginning with Sunday’s Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway.

“We really want that car to get going and, unfortunately, we had to make a change,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “We’ve agonized watching and waiting for the results to mirror the effort Ty (Dillon) and the 77 team puts into their program. Expectations are a funny thing. They’re a blessing and a curse and, for whatever reasons, those expectations aren’t being met. We all know, Kevin Bellicourt included, what happens at this point of the season when we are, where we are, in the overall standings. Kevin has put in a lot of hard work and has been with us from the beginning of our journey, so this decision was difficult and not taken lightly.

“At the end of the day, we are what our results say we are. We need a spark to give this team every opportunity to progress and ultimately succeed. We’re incredibly fortunate to have someone as accomplished as Bono already in-house. That said, we admit, it might not change the trajectory of the season for the No. 77 team. However, doing nothing, although tidier and more comfortable, especially with the relationships involved, clearly is not an option for us anymore and we are keen to see improvement. There is a lot of racing left in 2023 and it’s imperative that we’re raising the bar every week.”

Manion has been a staple atop the pit box since 2002 and boasts wins in NASCAR’s Cup, Xfinity and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Some of his most recognizable accomplishments include back-to-back NASCAR Xfinity Series Championships with Martin Truex Jr., (’04 – ‘05) and NASCAR Cup Series wins including the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and Bank of America 500 with Jamie McMurray. He has collected nine NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series wins with six different drivers including William Byron, Kyle Busch, Daniel Suarez, Tyler Ankrum, Zane Smith and most recently Kyle Larson.

The Boylston, Mass., native is scheduled to handle crew chief responsibilities for Dillon for 14 of the remaining 15 NCS races on the 2023 schedule. Manion is scheduled to miss the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Raceway while he calls the Clean Harbors 175 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at the Milwaukee Mile.

The Cook Out 400 from Richmond Raceway will be televised live on USA Network Sunday, July 30 beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The 22nd of 36 races on the 2023 NCS schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM 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 CRAFTSMAN 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.

Road America Challenge at Plymouth Dirt Track Promises High-Octane Action and NASCAR XFINITY Drivers on July 28th

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ELKHART LAKE, Wis., July 25, 2023 – As the Road America Challenge at the Plymouth Dirt Track fast approaches on July 28th, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exhilarating evening of racing. The event, located just five miles from Road America at Sheboygan County Fair Park, is set to showcase top-tier drivers from various racing disciplines, including NASCAR XFINITY driver and local favorite Josh Bilicki, who will be pulling double duty between NASCAR XFINITY at Road America and MSA 360 Winged Sprints at Plymouth.

Additional 410 Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series challengers who indicated they would be on hand include Knoxville Nationals winner Kraig Kinser of Bloomington, Ind., multi-time All-Star Champion Greg Wilson from Ohio, plus Bill Balog, aka The North Pole Nightmare, will be there, and IRA points leader, Texas teenager Brenham Crouch, to name a few. Crouch leads the IRA points coming into Plymouth over defending IRA series champ Jordan Goldesberry of Springfield, Ill. Other IL IRA challengers include Kyle Schuett from Philo, Ill., Jake Neuman of New Berlin, Ill., Blake Nimee of Oswego, Ill., who mentioned that they will present, as will Josh Schneidermann from Iowa, Jet Mann and Tyler Rankin from Indiana, and Joey Myers from California, plus a vast Wisconsin contingent led by past Plymouth Dirt Track Sprint Car Champs Danny Schlafer and Travis Arenz, past 2-time IRA champ Scotty Neitzel, plus Russ Borland, Kris Spitz, Dave Uttech, Austin Hartmann, Jack Vanderboom, Preston Ruh, Tyler Tischendorf, Scott Conger, and many more.

Located just five miles from Road America at Sheboygan County Fair Park, the 1/3-mile Plymouth Dirt Track will have shuttles to transport fans to-and-from Road America. Adult ticket prices are only $30, and kids 7-11 get in for $11. Fans are encouraged to buy tickets in advance. The pit gates open at 2 p.m., the spectator gates open at 4:30 p.m. Qualifying begins at 6:30 p.m., and racing begins at 7 p.m.The 1/3-mile Plymouth Dirt Track is renowned for its thrilling races and is the perfect venue for this high-stakes showdown.

Advance ticket buyers will not need to stop at the Will Call window to pick up their tickets. They will be able to present a barcode for each ticket they purchase via email or the tickets section of the MyRacePass app. The gate will open to advance ticket buyers before race day ticket buyers, so not only will advance ticket buyers have a seat but the opportunity to pick their seat. Additional event details, including ticket purchase information, is available at this link: https://bit.ly/RAChallenge

The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series, a highly respected regional series, often brings together some of the most talented sprint car teams in the Midwest, along with a few notable NASCAR stars. Over the years, the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series has seen NASCAR Cup icons Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne, and Kyle Larson return to their roots and triumph on the Plymouth track. Chase Briscoe, another NASCAR standout, has also participated in the event in previous years, and more could round out the entry list.

Race enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing a field of 900 horsepower Bumper to Bumper IRA winged outlaws, ensuring an adrenaline-packed experience. Additionally, a formidable lineup of PDTR/MSA 360 winged sprints will create an incredible doubleheader evening for sprint car fans.

Apart from the thrilling races Friday night in Plymouth, the NASCAR XFINITY weekend at Road America will be jam-packed with on-track and off-track action, including the Porsche Carrera Cup, OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Challenge, and GRIDLIFE. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy open karting and Super Moto at the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex, offering something for everyone in the family.

With affordable ticket prices starting at just $30 and free general admission for kids 16 and under accompanied by a paying adult, the NASCAR XFINITY Weekend is the perfect family-friendly event. For those seeking an immersive racing experience, camping on-site at one of Road America’s 1,000+ campsites is a fantastic option.

For more event details and ticket purchase information, please visit www.roadamerica.com or contact 800-365-7223.

About Road America: Established in 1955, Road America is conveniently located between Milwaukee and Green Bay in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The world’s best racers have competed at this legendary four-mile, 14-turn road circuit for over 65 years. Along with over 500 events held seasonally at the 640-acre facility, several major weekends are open to the public, which include the IndyCar Series, the MotoAmerica Series, three vintage racing events, numerous Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) events, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and NASCAR. Road America’s park-like grounds offer amazing viewing opportunities, numerous camping options, fantastic concessions, and high-speed excitement to hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. Fans can also stay and play in cabins conveniently on the grounds and find all sorts of souvenirs, collectibles, and apparel at the 7,500 sq. ft Paddock Shop. Affectionately known by many as America’s National Park of Speed, Road America can accommodate groups of all sizes, including weddings and corporate events in the Tufte Conference Center. In addition to public race weekends, Road America offers various group event programs, including geocaching, disc golf, and off-road adventure tours, karting, and the Road America Motorcycle and Driving Schools. For more information, visit www.roadamerica.com Follow Road America on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube or call 800-365-7223

STENHOUSE JR. SET TO ENGAGE WITH CONSUMERS AT KROGER® RACE-THEMED STORE EVENTS IN UPCOMING RACE MARKETS

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The next store appearances are scheduled for the Friday of Richmond, Michigan and Indianapolis race weekends.

HARRISBURG, N.C. (July 25, 2023) – To express gratitude to valued consumers who are NASCAR enthusiasts, our esteemed Kroger® Racing partners have arranged for a special appearance by their 2023 DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., during Kroger store’s racing-themed parking lot events in three upcoming race markets.

This exciting initiative aims to celebrate our passionate NASCAR fans and foster a deeper connection with the racing community in and around Richmond Raceway, Michigan International Speedway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway each Friday at a Kroger store starting at 3 PM local time.

“It’s special to meet Kroger associates in our race markets and consumers shopping at Kroger thanks to the division managers, store managers and our racing partners, who make it all come together,” said Stenhouse Jr., who will be signing autographs at each event. “The fans really enjoy coming out.”

As a part of the Kroger Racing program, shoppers will receive ample-sized samples from our CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) brands at each of the three stores. Additionally, they will be able to see the No. 47 NASCAR Cup Series show car and check out a convenient mobile “Race to Vaccinate” pharmacy unit that will be offering health screenings and vaccinations provided by Kroger pharmacists.

To keep fans smiling, the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® mobile dental van will be at the Mechanicsville, VA store and the Brownsburg, IN store too. Richmond Raceway kicks off the three store visits, and the Mechanicsville (VA) store will additionally be doing a bagging contest in support of a local food bank called “Feed More.” Also, while at the store, consumers can sign up for Boost, where they can save with free delivery and 2X Fuel Points when they sign up for membership. There’s something for everyone and we look forward to creating a positive impact in the community that resonates far and wide.

Friday Store appearances:

7/31 3 to 4:30 PM Kroger 351 Atlee Road, Mechanicsville, VA
8/4 3 to 4:30 PM Kroger 1100 W Argyle Street, Jackson, MI
8/11 3 to 4:30 PM Kroger 975 N Green Street, Brownsburg, IN

Stay tuned for more store events with Stenhouse Jr. and Kroger Racing. Also, visit https://www.kroger.com/f/racing to “Earn 4X Fuel Points” when you shop participating items, with your shopper’s card, between July 19 – August 1. Purchase online or look for the 4X Fuel Points tags if shopping instore.

RFK Advance | Richmond II

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Richmond II Event Info:
Track Info: Richmond Raceway, ¾-mile D-shape
Date: Sunday, July 30
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Format: 400 laps, 300 miles, Stages: 70-160-170
TV: USA
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 12:35 p.m. ET, Practice (USA, NBC Sports App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 1:20 p.m. ET, Qualifying (USA, NBC Sports App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 3 p.m. ET, Race (USA, NBC Sports App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • Richmond hosts its second race date of 2023 this weekend as the Cup Series continues the push to the 2023 NASCAR Playoffs.
  • Jack Roush has 15 wins all-time at Richmond including five in the NCS.

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

  • Having finished in the top five at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the BuildSubmarines.com car’s debut, the #CarWithAMission is set for its second race. In part, it represents approximately 1,000 Virginia suppliers within the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base. Hundreds of jobs and training opportunities are available in the commonwealth, including at more than 20 trade and technical schools in the Hampton Roads area. NASCAR fans are invited to be a part of the team that creates Navy submarines.
  • Joining BuildSubmarines.com on the car this weekend will be Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding. Its 20,000-plus employees design, build and refuel nuclear submarines among other critical work for the U.S. Navy.

17 Team Info:
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: Fastenal

Keselowski at Richmond
Starts: 27
Wins: 2 (2014, 2020)
Top-10s: 13
Poles: 2 (2014, 2019)

  • Keselowski, a two-time winner at Richmond, makes his 28th Cup start at the ¾-mile track on Sunday. He won the lone race at Richmond in 2020 after leading 192 laps.
  • More recently, Keselowski finished 10th there this spring after starting 24th, and 15th last fall. He’s finished inside the top-15 in every race since the spring of 2015, and in that stretch has led laps in 10 different races. In total he’s led 1178 laps at Richmond in 13 different races, his most of any track on the circuit.
  • Keselowski won back in 2014 after starting on the pole, leading 383 of the 400 laps.
  • His 12.3 average finish holds as one of his best among all tracks with 13 top-10s overall and six finishes inside the top five.
  • He also has two poles – 2014 and 2019 – for an average starting position of 11th, also one of his best marks.
  • Keselowski made 17 Xfinity Series starts from 2006-17 earning four victories and 10 top-10s. He won his last NXS start there in 2017 and also went to victory lane in 2010 once and 2013 twice.

Buescher at Richmond
Starts: 14
Wins: —
Top-10s: 1
Poles: —

  • Buescher makes his 15th start at Richmond on Sunday where he has a 24.1 average finish. But, he’s coming off a career performance in this race last fall where he finished third, by far his career best at Richmond.
  • Last spring he ran 15th as his two best career results at the track have come in two of the last three races.
  • Buescher started seventh this spring, tying his best effort at Richmond to date – having also qualified seventh there back in the 2019 spring race.
  • Buescher made five NXS starts for Jack Roush from 2011-15, earning three top-10s with a best finish of seventh (2014).

RFK Historically at Richmond
Cup Wins: 5 (Mark Martin, 1990; Jeff Burton, 1998; Matt Kenseth, 2002; Kurt Busch, 2005; Carl Edwards, 2013)

  • History in the Commonwealth of Virginia: Overall, RFK has 364 starts at Richmond Raceway, earning a total of 15 wins, 90 top-five and 152 top-10 finishes. RFK Fords have sat on the pole 14 times and led 4,961 laps across NASCAR’s three major touring series.
  • To Xfinity and Beyond: RFK has earned nine victories, 43 top-five finishes, 66 top-10 finishes and an average finish of 11.8 at Richmond in the Xfinity Series. All in all, three different drivers are responsible for the nine victories at the Virginia short track (Edwards, Mark Martin and Jeff Burton).
  • Nine and Counting: RFK’s nine victories at Richmond rank fourth among all tracks the organization has competed on in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, trailing Darlington Raceway (15), Charlotte Motor Speedway (12) and North Carolina Speedway – formerly known as Rockingham – (11).
  • Tale of the Tape: RFK has started 223 NCS races at Richmond with 75 top-10 and 38 top-five finishes along with seven poles. Former drivers Mark Martin (1990), Jeff Burton (1998), Matt Kenseth (2002), Kurt Busch (2005), and Carl Edwards (2013) are responsible for RFK’s five Cup wins, and a Jack Roush Cup Series Ford has led 2,443 laps at the .75-mile track.

RFK Richmond Wins

1990-1 Martin Cup

1993-1 Martin NXS

1993-2 Martin NXS

1997-1 Martin NXS

1998-1 Burton NXS

1998-2 Burton Cup

1999-1 Martin NXS

1999 Biffle Truck

2000-2 Burton NXS

2002-2 Kenseth Cup

2005-1 Edwards NXS

2005-2 Busch Cup

2008-2 Edwards NXS

2009-2 Edwards NXS

2013-2 Edwards Cup

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Pocono: Cautions dominated Sunday’s action at Pocono with 11 total for 44 laps. Keselowski finished 16th, while Buescher earned stage one points and went on to finish 18th.

Points Standings (6: 12th, 17: 13th): Both RFK cars still sit in the playoff picture with now five races remaining in the regular season. Buescher carries an 84-point advantage on the next-closest car without a win (the No. 23), while Keselowski is just ahead with an 11-point advantage to Buescher.

By the Numbers at Richmond

Race      Win       T5           T10         Pole       Laps       Led        AvSt      AvFn     Miles

223         5              38           75           7              86568    2443       17.5        16.8        64926
121         9              43           66           5              28923    2341       12.1        11.8        21692.3
20           1              9              11           2              3743       177         11.7        11.1        2807.3
364         15           90           152         14           119234  4961       15.3        14.9        89425.6

Connor Mosack is ‘On the Road Again’

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24-Year-Old Racer Ready for Fourth Career Start at Road America, but First in the NASCAR Xfinity Series

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 25, 2023) – Connor Mosack just can’t wait to get on the road again.

With a background in road-course racing from 30 career starts in the TA2 division of the Trans Am Series, the 24-year-old racer has had the Henry 180 NASCAR Xfinity Series race Saturday at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, circled on his calendar since before the season began.

Three of those TA2 races have come at Road America, including just three weeks ago when Mosack sampled the newly repaved surface spanning the entire 4.048-mile, 14-turn layout.

“There’s more grip in the low-speed corners, and I feel like you can kind of just hustle through those better. But some of the high-speed corners didn’t seem to have a whole lot more grip, and it seemed like there wasn’t quite as much grip off-line, so you had to be a little more disciplined with your line. Those were really the biggest differences,” Mosack said.

“The track was obviously smoother. There weren’t any bumps, which is nice for the driver, but you also like to have the bumps to be able to familiarize yourself with different parts of the track. I’m looking forward to going back there.”

Mosack heads back to “America’s National Park of Speed” with one of the Xfinity Series’ best teams – Joe Gibbs Racing. In his first Xfinity Series start at the track, Mosack will drive No. 19 Porter Pipe & Supply Toyota GR Supra, the same car he used to qualify fourth during the inaugural Chicago Street Race over the Fourth of July weekend and then competed among the top-five before the race was cut short due to weather.

It was yet another strong road-course outing in the Xfinity Series for Mosack, who finished eighth in just his ninth career Xfinity Series start June 3 at Portland (Ore.) International Raceway.

“Chicago was a place where I feel like I never really used all the speed that I had,” Mosack said. “We were conservative in practice and qualifying and even the first part of the race. We wanted to be there in the top-five and keep the car in one piece so we could race for the win. Unfortunately, we had a carburetor issue that forced us to pit early, and then the race was cut short by weather so we never got the chance to claw our way back. But the speed was there, for sure. To get back on a road course, especially one that I know really well in Road America, with the same car I had at Chicago – that gives us a lot of confidence.”

Mosack’s confidence turning left and right came from Trans Am. He spent two full seasons (2021-2022) in the series’ TA2 class with TeamSLR, never finishing outside of the top-four in the championship standings while scoring two wins and earning five poles.

“I think the most helpful thing I got from Trans Am, aside from laps on road courses, is just that the top guys in that series are really strong and have years of road-racing experience,” Mosack said. “Being around those guys made me a much better racer, and it’s certainly helped this year as I’ve gone up against a lot of really experienced drivers in the Xfinity Series.”

Billed as America’s Road-Racing Series, Trans Am and, particularly, its TA2 division, places drivers in purpose-built, tube-frame racecars with handling characteristics similar to cars in the Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards Series. And with more and more national NASCAR touring series competing on road courses – Road America marks the Xfinity Series’ fifth road-course race of the season – drivers are using TA2 as a platform to sharpen their skills and hone their racecraft.

“The cars do have a different feel to them with the weight and the horsepower differences,” said Mosack about the variations between a TA2 car and an Xfinity Series car. “You can definitely hustle the TA2 car a lot harder, and it’s a little bit more forgiving when you make a mistake. You can attack the brake zones more and you can get off and on the throttle a lot harder. But I’m still able to approach the races the same way because you’re still using the gas and the brake in similar ways, so I feel like being good in the TA2 car definitely helps in the Xfinity car. It all applies.”

That application process begins in earnest on Friday with Xfinity Series practice at 4 p.m. CDT/5 p.m. EDT followed by qualifying at 5 p.m. CDT/6 p.m. EDT. Thanks to Mosack’s familiarity with the track, he already knows where to place his focus, particularly turn 11, better known as The Kink.

“The Kink is one that’s really hard to be consistent through,” said Mosack, referencing the right-hand corner between the Carousel (turns nine and 10) and Canada Corner (turn 12). “It’s a corner you always feel like you can go through faster, but when you try to, you’re on the verge of hitting the wall because it’s so close to the track. So it’s a very high-risk, high-reward corner. A lot of time can be made or lost there, but it’s also one of the easiest places to destroy your car. It’s one of my favorite corners of any track we go to. It’s fun to try to get the most out of it every time.”

The Henry 180 gets underway at 2 p.m. CDT/3 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by NBC and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. It will be the second race for primary sponsor Porter Pipe & Supply, a partnership Mosack brokered. Porter Pipe & Supply is a third-generation, family-owned and operated wholesale supplier of commercial and industrial pipe, valves, fittings, plumbing supplies, HVAC and refrigeration equipment and mechanical products. They made their NASCAR debut with Mosack at Chicago.

“It was awesome having Porter Pipe & Supply at Chicago,” Mosack said. “They brought a lot of their people out. We actually got to go by their headquarters there outside of Chicago and spend a lot of time with their employees. It was a really cool experience. They had their suite right there above pit road and I actually got to spend Sunday with them there for the Cup race. It’s a great group of people, an awesome family, and I’m really excited to have them back. I felt terrible for them that we didn’t get to complete the race at Chicago, so I’m very happy to have them back on the car at Road America.”

Simple, tasty, and low-calorie smoothie ideas you can enjoy guilt-free

By
SM
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Photo by Josh Sorenson

Today’s market offers a wide range of various food options that can help you lose weight and maintain health. Although pre-prepared and bottled juices, smoothies, cereals, protein bars, yogurt products, and salats appear like healthy breakfast or snack, most of them contain added sugar, sodium, calories, and additives that can obstruct your attempt at weight loss or a healthy diet. In the following article Weight loss clinic Chicago experts will share with you a better alternative for heavy meals and processed shakers with beneficial and low-calorie substitution. Our smoothie recipes are easy, tasty, low-calorie, nonetheless loaded with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that will satisfy your daily needs. 

Peanutbutter smoothie

Instead of making bread and peanut butter sandwiches, a better alternative is to make a peanut butter cup. Peanuts will give the number of proteins and healthy fat in your diet which is necessary, while added berries will provide antioxidant benefits. The number of calories is 159.

Ingredients for preparing 4 cups of smoothie:
6 ounces of strawberries
6 ounces of rosebarries
(instead, you can use blueberries or blackberries)
½ cup of fat-reduced Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons of honey
2 tablespoons of peanut butter
¼ teaspoon of salt
2 teaspoons of chopped unsalted dry rusted peanuts
1 cup of ice
Place all ingredients in a blender, and blends it until you have a creamy-jelly texture. Serve in 4 glasses and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.

Strawberry-Basil smoothie

Strawberries are known for their richness in vitamin C, B, and potassium, which have powerful antioxidant properties, while Basil will provide the amount of calcium. The number of calories is 115.

Ingredients for preparing 2 cups:
2 cups of strawberries
½ cup of basil leaves
¾ cup of almond milk
¼ low-fat Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon of honey
Mix all ingredients in the blender and serve in 2 glasses.

Berries, Oats and Ginger

Berries are fruit rich in vitamin C, A, B, and iron which help boost the immune system and fight heart disease. The benefits of oats reflect by reducing blood and cholesterol levels and constipation, while ginger decreases muscles and head pain. 179 calories in total.

¼ of prepared oatmeal
¼ cup of low-fat milk
½ teaspoon of grated ginger
1 cup of blackberries
½ cup of strawberries
1 teaspoon of honey
½ cup of ice

Chocolate and Cherry

At first, this smoothie may appear sugar-loaded, but truly, the smoothie can be delicious with chocolate and light in calories. This smoothie contains only 96 calories.

2 cups of dark cherries
1 tablespoon of unsweetened cacao powder
6 oz. of unsweetened almond milk
2 cups of spinach
Blend all ingredients in the blender and serve in 2 glasses.

Greenery smoothie

Spinach is a vegetable with great beneficial powers. It is filled with calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin C, and magnesium. These characteristics of spinach can help with osteoporosis, boost hydration, fights anemia, improve the immune system, and many other conditions. The number of calories per glass is 162.

one cup of fresh spinach leaves
1 ½ cup of fresh chopped honeydew
⅓ cup of low-fat Greek yogurt

Strawberry and Banana smoothie

While strawberries can prevent high blood pressure, and arthritis and promote heart health, the benefits of adding bananas are supporting digestive and kidney health, exercise recovery and will leave you with the feeling of a fuller stomach. The content of the calories is 119 per glass.

¾ cup of strawberries
½ banana
¾ cup of coconut milk

Extra tips

As the fluid is an important ingredient in conducting smoothie consistency, for liquid we recommend using water, coconut water, low-fat greek yogurt, unsweetened almond, cashew, and coconut milk. Most soy and rice milk contains about 1% of fat. You can also use ice cubes to freshen and cold up the smoothie and keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, as it doesn’t contain any conservancies.

Truck Accident Lawyer: Your Key To Seeking Justice And Compensation

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SM
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Photo by Gabriel Santos on Unsplash

Have you or a loved one been involved in a truck accident? The aftermath of such an incident can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when dealing with injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies. That’s where a truck accident lawyer comes in – they are your key to seeking justice and compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore why hiring a truck accident lawyer is crucial after an accident on the road involving large commercial vehicles. Read on to learn how they can help you navigate the legal system and get the compensation you deserve.

What is a Truck Accident Lawyer?

A truck accident lawyer is a specialized attorney who represents victims of accidents involving commercial trucks. Truck accident lawyers have the experience and knowledge to navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding these types of accidents.

Most truck accident cases are complex, due to the involvement of multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and insurance companies. A truck accident lawyer will work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Reaching out to the best truck accident lawyer in Sacramento, or elsewhere, can help you understand your rights and options and will fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

There are many potential causes of truck accidents, but some are more common than others. Here are a few of the most frequent causes of these accidents: 

1. Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may not get enough rest. This can lead to them falling asleep at the wheel or making other mistakes due to being tired.

2. Distracted driving: Truck drivers can be easily distracted by things like their GPS, radio, or even other vehicles on the road. This can take their attention away from the task of driving and lead to an accident.

3. Speeding: Truck drivers may feel pressure to meet deadlines and may speed in order to do so. This puts other motorists at risk as well as the driver themselves.

4. Poor vehicle maintenance: If a truck is not properly maintained, it can increase the chances of an accident occurring. This could be due to things like bald tires, faulty brakes, or even defective parts.

5. Inclement weather: Bad weather can make driving conditions more difficult and lead to accidents, even for experienced truck drivers.

How to File a Claim After a Truck Accident?

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you may be wondering how to file a claim. The first step is to seek medical attention if you’ve been injured. Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to gather evidence to support your claim. This may include photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and your medical records.

Once you have all of your evidence gathered, you’ll need to contact a Truck Accident Lawyer. They will review your case and help you determine what type of compensation you may be entitled to.

If the trucking company is at fault, their insurance company will likely be responsible for paying out your claim. If you’re involved in a truck accident in Chicago, for example, your truck accident lawyer will be familiar with the local laws and regulations governing these types of claims. This can make a huge difference in how successful your claim is.

Important Considerations When Choosing a Truck Accident Lawyer

-Experience: It is important to choose a truck accident lawyer who has significant experience handling truck accident cases. The lawyer you choose should be familiar with the federal and state laws that apply to truck accidents, as well as the unique challenges that can arise in these cases.

-Knowledge: Your truck accident lawyer should have a thorough understanding of the Trucking Industry Regulations (TIRs) and how they can impact your case. They should also be familiar with the rules and regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and how they relate to your case.

-Resources: Your truck accident lawyer should have access to the necessary resources to effectively investigate and litigate your case. This includes having relationships with experts in the field, such as accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and investigators.

-Commitment: You need a truck accident lawyer who is committed to fighting for your rights and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. The lawyer you choose should be accessible and responsive to your needs, keeping you informed throughout the process.

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