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How Hiring Vehicles On Demand Can Give Your Business a Competitive Advantage

Photo by Artem Podrez

With the pandemic came lots of lessons and learning in the business world. If you are a business owner, you saw how the economy could change in an instant. Companies with lots of fixed assets, such as large vehicle fleets, found themselves especially hard hit as different market segments lost substantial revenues, or were forced to close their doors entirely. It became clear that flexibility was an attribute that was critical to business survival. If you had little or no money coming in, it was nearly impossible to pay for your substantial fixed costs.

Fortunately, the pandemic is behind us but the hard-earned lessons have left us knowing we need to be able to change and respond to the market demands. Rather than buying your vehicles, or committing to long-term leases, it is far better to preserve your financial flexibility by hiring the cars, vans, or trucks you need in your fleet. By working with a car hire company, you can quickly respond to new market opportunities by adding vehicles quickly. This flexibility will allow your business to grow revenues without making major capital outlays.

Increase Your Fleet Instantly

As a business owner and key strategist, you are always looking for new opportunities to add to your revenue and profits. When you come across a market niche that is underserved or heating up, you’ll want to be able to take advantage of the opening. 

Often, entering a market requires the addition of vehicles that can be used for providing services to your customers. When you hire vehicles, you’ll be able to increase your fleet without having to make expensive upfront purchases or commit to burdensome long-term leases. Instead, you can easily add vehicles when you need to ramp up, instantly.

Add Vans to Support New Business Opportunities

For many businesses, vans are a central part of their fleets. With their cargo room, they give you numerous options for carrying goods. They are suitable for deliveries, and can also carry inventory that is needed when you are providing mechanical or other services to your customers.

By working with van hire specialists, you can rest easy knowing that when you have to add to your fleet, help is only a phone call away. When market opportunities present themselves, you can simply bolster your available vehicles by hiring the vans you need.

Boost Your Sole Trader Business

If you are self-employed, you know that money for capital expenditures can really be an issue. Unlike a bigger company, it’s likely that you will not have the funds to go out and buy an expensive vehicle. By the same token, banks and financial institutions typically don’t look favorably on loans for single-person businesses.

Sole traders in the logistics, media, or construction industries often turn to vehicle hire to meet their transportation needs. You can hire a van or specialized vehicle for a very affordable cost, without having to make any substantial capital expenditure at all. This gives enterprising individuals the ability to fully serve their customers without cost being a barrier.

How to Bet Online like a Professional

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

Betting and gambling online are often associated with poor financial decisions due to inexperience and poor judgment. Whether it’s greedily chasing the money, failure to manage bankroll, or simply not understanding the games, online betting users are setting themselves up for failure. However, with a bit of research and some time wisely invested in reading this article, you can learn some tips to help you better understand what it takes to successfully and consistently gain money from bets and online gambling.

Research and Analytics

The first step before any financial decision is understanding the viability of an investment through research. When researching online betting, you should investigate the website or app platform you will use.

The best way to do this is by looking up user reviews from a third-party site or forum to see whether it is reputable. If you notice a lot of negative feedback or any significant amount of warning, it is best to steer away. Continue investigating different platforms until you land with a reputable platform that satisfies your wants and needs. We recommend Bet20 as our site as it fits the criteria.

After choosing a reputable site or platform, the next step is to learn how each game or sport is played, and what each betting option does. Learning will involve extensive research in each game or sport, but it is necessary to gain an edge. This process can also vet bad games and options with poor returns. By analyzing odds and payout trends you can see the potential returns (or lack thereof) of the game or option in question.

Managing Bankroll

Managing bankroll is also essential in a successful betting strategy. If you have the notion or want to bet it all on black, do yourself a favor and steer away from this hobby and save it for Vegas. Improper management of bet limits is the quickest way to find yourself without money.

Proper management of bankroll includes hard limits on bets, typically a maximum of 10% of your total amount. An example would be, if you have $200, you will only bet a maximum of $20 on any given bet.

Also, it is important to never bet with essential money. Essential money is money that will pay for food, bills, and shelter. Hoping to win enough to cover multiple month bill payments, with bill payment money is a disaster waiting to happen.

Lately, it is important to never ‘chase’ the money. If you are losing multiple bets in a row, it is best to stop for the day and try again later. Your odds do not get any better just because you lost. Also, know that emotions are not logical, you will make poor decisions while in a rut. Knowing when to quit is a valuable skill that is not only useful when it comes to betting.

Consensus

The difference between a hobbyist and a professional is setting guidelines, researching, and solid expectations for the activity. There are many online betting success stories, and more importantly, disaster stories. Ensure that you do not fall under the latter and utilize the tips within this article. A professional will always bet responsibly and you should as well, have fun!

Wagering with the Perfect Convenience of Apps

Long dead are the days of being required to sift through websites and bookies with poor layouts, infrequent updates, and zero conveniences. Our ever-connected world has its downsides, but the accessibility and fun of online gambling through mobile apps is a fantastic upside.

The upsides of wagering, and betting with mobile include seamless accessibility, real-time updates, security, and more while offering none of the downsides of websites. Continue reading this article to see what awaits you when it comes to wagering on mobile with apps like 20Bet mobile.

Seamless Accessibility

Accessibility of mobile casinos and bookies has never been easier. Using in-built phone authentication, a mobile user will never need to go through the hassle of signing in more than once on any given gambling app. This accessibility will allow you to access real-time updates and games within seconds to fill that void during the dead hours of the day.

Speaking of real-time updates, many mobile apps (such as the one mentioned previously) offer live updates as well as live betting for current sports events and more. You will no longer be tied down to a desktop or physical location to experience the highs of gambling and can distance yourself more easily from making rash emotional decisions.

Variety

The variety of options is also unmatched. While physical bookies and casinos can only offer so many games, the mobile platform (and desktop) does not suffer this downside. There are thousands upon thousands of different casino games to play online, each with their own unique quirks.

Sports bets on mobile are also just as varied. Many apps like the one mentioned offer betting in live events from any sport occurring at this very moment around the globe. Through mobile apps, there are far fewer down periods when compared to local and physical betting locations.

Security

Security on mobile devices is much higher than your standard webpage these days. All apps on Android and iPhone are vetted and assessed before being able to be uploaded onto their respective app stores. These apps must pass specific security tests before being allowed to store your personal data.

It is also worth mentioning that stealing or gaining access to a phone as opposed to a laptop or desktop PC is much more difficult. No need to worry about thieves or children accidentally logging on to an old session and playing with your hard-earned cash.

Apps also offer safety measures in the event of such a breach of privacy occurs, ensuring that you keep what is yours in the event of a disaster.

Bottom Line

Mobile apps are the new go-to when betting online. The convenience factor alone is enough to make the switch or start today. The convenience coupled with the extreme variety and impressive security make for a fun experience with peace of mind. While apps are nothing new, the mobile casino environment is still growing, and more and more improvements will continue to come. Remember to gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose.

The High Stakes of Formula 1 Betting: Exploring the Thrills and Risks of Gambling on Grand Prix Races

Millions of people have traveled from all over the world to see Formula 1 racing since it began. The roar of the engines, the precision driving, and the exhilarating overtake make every Grand Prix a spectacle to behold. For some enthusiasts, the thrill of Formula 1 goes beyond mere spectatorship. They embrace the excitement and risks of Formula 1 betting, where fortunes can be won or lost with the turn of a wheel. We will look into Formula 1 betting’s high stakes and examine the thrills and dangers associated with wagering on Grand Prix races.

The Allure of Formula 1 Betting

The connection between Formula 1 racing and betting is deeply rooted in history. Fans have gone to racetracks since the inception of motorsports to see drivers display their bravery and talent and to place bets on the outcome of races. Today, Formula 1 betting is more popular and accessible than ever before because to the growth of online betting services.

One of the primary reasons Formula 1 betting holds such allure is the thrill of predicting race outcomes. While watching a race is exciting in itself, having a financial stake in the results adds an extra layer of excitement and engagement. Every overtake, pit stop, and strategic maneuver becomes a personal investment, intensifying the racing experience.

Formula 1 betting offers the potential for substantial financial gains. If you can accurately predict the winner, podium finishers, or other race-specific outcomes, the rewards can be significant. It is essential to remember that with high rewards come high risks.

The Risks Involved

Formula 1 is a sport renowned for its unpredictability. Despite meticulous preparation, the outcomes of races can be influenced by various factors, making it a challenging sport to bet on. External variables such as weather conditions, mechanical failures, and human errors can dramatically impact race results. As a result, before placing a wager, gamblers need to take several aspects into account.

The impact of outside forces on racial results must be understood. The track characteristics, team strategies, and driver form can significantly affect the results. Each track has its unique layout and demands different skill sets, which can favor specific drivers or teams. By analyzing past performance on specific tracks, bettors can gain valuable insights into the potential outcomes of upcoming races.

Another risk associated with Formula 1 betting is the danger of emotional betting. It is easy to get carried away by personal biases or allegiances to favorite drivers or teams. Emotional decisions can lead to impulsive and unwise wagers. It is essential to approach betting with a rational mindset, based on thorough research and analysis.

General Tips for Formula 1 Betting:

  • Conduct thorough research: Before placing any bets, gather information on team performance, driver statistics, track characteristics, and historical race data. You’ll be better able to make informed wagers thanks to this, which will raise your chances of winning.
  • Evaluate the odds: Different bookmakers offer varying odds for Formula 1 races. Understanding and comparing these odds can help you maximize your potential returns. Look for the best value bets that offer favorable odds relative to the perceived likelihood of a particular outcome.
  • Manage your bankroll: You need to avoid chasing losses or increasing your bets after a win and set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it. Responsible bankroll management ensures that you don’t jeopardize your financial stability and allows you to enjoy Formula 1 betting as a recreational activity.

Betting Online

In recent years, the popularity of online betting platforms has soared, providing convenient access to Formula 1 betting for fans worldwide. Betting online has many benefits, including a large selection of markets, aggressive odds, and the option to wager on races taking place throughout the world. Online platforms often provide live streaming services, allowing bettors to follow the races in real-time and make informed betting decisions.

Boxing and MMA Odds Explained

Boxing and MMA Odds Explained: Everything You Need to Know! It’s vital to keep in mind that the same principles apply to other sports betting markets, like boxing and mixed martial arts, even though this article’s primary focus is Formula 1 betting. Understanding the odds and betting terminology is crucial to making informed decisions in these sports as well.

In boxing and MMA, odds are typically presented in the form of moneyline odds, indicating the potential profit relative to a $100 wager. Positive odds represent the underdog, indicating the potential profit on a $100 bet, while negative odds represent the favorite, indicating the amount you need to bet to win $100.

To make the most of boxing and MMA betting, it is essential to research fighters’ records, fighting styles, recent performances, and any other relevant factors. Additionally, understanding the different betting markets available, such as method of victory, round betting, and over/under rounds, allows bettors to diversify their wagers and explore different betting strategies.

Conclusion

Formula 1 betting offers an exhilarating avenue for fans to engage with the sport on a deeper level, but it also comes with inherent risks. Exploring the thrills and risks of gambling on Grand Prix races allows enthusiasts to understand the challenges involved and make more informed decisions. By conducting thorough research, evaluating odds, and managing their bankroll wisely, bettors can enhance their Formula 1 betting experience while minimizing potential losses.

The rise of online betting platforms has further expanded the accessibility and excitement of Formula 1 betting. Similarly, understanding the odds and betting strategies can be applied to other sports such as boxing and MMA, broadening the scope for sports enthusiasts.

Remember, when indulging in high-stakes Formula 1 betting or any form of sports betting, caution, knowledge, and a rational mindset are the keys to a thrilling and responsible gambling experience.

GMS Racing NCTS Race Preview: Pocono Raceway

Race Information

  • Round: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race No. 15 of 23
  • Track Location: Pocono Raceway – Long Pond, Pennsylvania
  • Race Name: CRC Brakleen 150
  • Broadcast: Saturday, July 22nd at 12:00 PM ET live on FS1 (TV), MRN (Radio), and Sirius XM NASCAR Channel 90
  • Team Entrants:

No. 23 | Grant Enfinger & Jeff Hensley – Champion Power Equipment Chevrolet
No. 24 | Rajah Caruth & Chad Walter – Wendell Scott Foundation Chevrolet
No. 43 | Daniel Dye & Blake Bainbridge – Champion Container Corporation Chevrolet

Grant Enfinger, No. 23 Champion Power Equipment Chevrolet Silverado RST

Pocono Raceway Stats

  • NCTS Starts: 6; Best start: 5th; Best finish: 6th (2018); Top 10s: 2
  • ARCA Starts: 8; Wins: 1 (2016); Best start: 2nd; Top 5s: 5; Top 10s: 7; Laps led: 25

2023 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Season Stats

  • Starts: 14; Wins: 2 (Kansas I & Gateway); Best start: 2nd; Stage wins: 1; Top 5s: 5; Top 10s: 7; Laps led: 133; Current points position: 5th
  • About Champion Power Equipment: Since 2003, Champion Power Equipment has earned a reputation for designing and producing the market’s finest power equipment. From our original headquarters in Santa Fe Springs, California, Champion has expanded its North American footprint to include facilities in Jackson, Tennessee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Toronto Canada. Today, Champion’s product line has expanded to include portable generators, home standby generators, inverter generators, engines, winches and log splitters. With over 2.5 million generators sold in North America, Champion is a market leader in the power equipment field. Visit ChampionPowerEquipment.com for more information.
  • About Arlon Graphics: The history of Arlon is rooted in its customer-centric approach. What was founded in 1958 as a manufacturer of flexible materials (producing products like cork, rubber, and foam) has evolved into a global company manufacturing millions of feet of cast films. Today, Arlon Graphics is owned by FHT, a family-owned investment firm. Headquartered in Southern California, Arlon supplies the wide-format graphics industry around the world. For more information, visit Arlon.com/NA_EN.
  • Chassis History/Info: Enfinger and the No. 23 team will compete with GMS Racing chassis no. 346 at Pocono Raceway. Debuting at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2023, Grant has raced this truck on three separate occasions, earning top-10 finishes every time it’s hit the track. Grant drove this Chevrolet at Kansas Speedway in May, where he earned his first win of the season in dominating fashion.
  • Pocono ARCA Winner: Grant Enfinger has visited victory lane once before at Pocono Raceway. In 2016, driving for Bret Holmes Racing, Enfinger would take the No. 23 Chevrolet to the win in the ARCA Menards Series’ General Tire #AnywhereIsPossible 200. On that day, the veteran would lead 17 laps after starting deep in 13th position.
  • Hensley at Pocono: Jeff Hensley has competed in every CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Pocono since the series made its debut at the track back in 2010. The veteran earned one pole position with Miguel Paludo in 2013, and went on to finish second with him that race, which is his best result at the track. In 13 total starts, Hensley has seven top-10 finishes, two of which were top-fives. Hensley’s drivers have led a total of 14 laps at “The Tricky Triangle” with him on top of the pit box.
  • FearTheFinger Playoffs Profile: And then, there were two. Just two races left to run in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series regular season! Grant Enfinger has solidly locked himself into post-season championship contention by winning two NCTS races this season – first at Kansas Speedway and second at World Wide Technology Raceway. At the moment, he and the No. 23 team have captured 11 playoffs points (five for each win and one for a stage win in Gateway), which is fifth-highest out of the series’ drivers. He looks to continue to earn these points to bolster his total entering the playoffs.
  • GE Appearances: Fans attending the CRC Brakleen 150 will have a few opportunities to meet Grant Enfinger throughout the race weekend:

NCTS Autograph Session | Friday, July 21st: Enfinger will sign autographs along with the majority of the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series field in the Pocono Raceway Infield from 11:45 AM to 12:30 PM local time on Friday.
Team Chevy Stage | Saturday, July 22nd: Grant will join teammate Rajah Caruth at the Team Chevy stage in the Pocono Raceway Fan Zone on the morning of race day from 9:30 AM ET to 9:45 AM ET.

  • From The Drivers Seat: Enfinger’s thoughts on returning to Pocono Raceway:

“Pocono is one of the most unique tracks that we have on the schedule with the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, and it’s definitely one of the shortest races of the year. We’ve only got 60 laps to get it done here, so qualifying up front is going to be key with how short the stage lengths are. I like racing here and had a few good runs in the ARCA days, but for some reason it’s been tough on us in the Truck Series. Jeff and the rest of the No. 23 team have been doing a bunch of homework to make some big improvements on where we were last year, and I know the chassis is one of our best that we have in our rotation, so hopefully we can right the ship and put a good run together for everyone that supports us with Champion Power Equipment, Chevrolet, and all the guys back at the shop.”

Rajah Caruth, No. 24 Wendell Scott Foundation Chevrolet Silverado RST

Pocono Raceway Stats

  • Rajah Caruth will make his first CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start at Pocono Raceway on Saturday.
  • NXS Starts: 1; Best start: 32nd; Best finish: 38th (2022)
  • ARCA Starts: 1; Best start: 4th; Best finish: 4th (2022); Top 5s: 1; Top 10s: 1

2023 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Season Stats

  • Starts: 14; Best start: 3rd; Best finish: 6th (Darlington); Top 10s: 1; Current points position: 17th
  • About the Wendell Scott Foundation: Founded in 2011, The Wendell Scott Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization inspired by Wendell Scott, Sr. and provides services such as job-skill training, STEM education opportunities, mentoring, and other supportive services to at-risk, underserved youth between the ages of 8-18 years in Danville, Virginia and surrounding areas.

The Foundation’s mission of using educational attainment to end racial disparities in education and health is vital in addressing economic inequality and improving future success in African-American communities. For more information, please visit www.wendellscott.org.

  • Chassis History/Info: Rajah Caruth and the No. 24 team will compete with GMS Racing chassis no. 323 at “The Tricky Triangle”. This Silverado RST debuted one year ago at Pocono driven by teammate, Grant Enfinger, who drove it to a 17th place finish. Caruth has raced this chassis three times this year, giving it a best run of 11th place at Charlotte Motor Speedway back in May.
  • Walter at Pocono: Chad Walter has two CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races under his belt as a Crew Chief, both with GMS Racing in 2020 and 2021. He guided Tyler Ankrum to a ninth place finish in 2020, the best result of the two races. Last year, Walter called his first NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Pocono, but his driver, Jeb Burton, crashed out early on and resulted in a 33rd place finish.
  • NXS New Hampshire Recap: Though the Truck Series was off last weekend, Rajah Caruth competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for Alpha Prime Racing. Driving the No. 44 Circle Chevrolet Camaro, Caruth would qualify in the 27th position but suffered a ruptured oil line which took him out of the race at the completion of stage one resulting in a 37th place finish. The next NXS race for Rajah will come on August 19th at Watkins Glen International.
  • Camp Cultivation Announcement: On Thursday, the team announced that Rajah will pilot a special Camp Cultivation paint scheme at Richmond Raceway. The three-day camp, which is hosted by the Wendell Scott Foundation and New College Institute, will take place this week (July 18th-20th) at the Virginia State University campus. Their hope is to inspire students to explore learn about STEM career opportunities and develop some true college experiences. Read the full press release here.
  • RC Appearances: Fans attending the CRC Brakleen 150 will have a few opportunities to meet Rajah Caruth throughout the race weekend:

NCTS Autograph Session | Friday, July 21st: Caruth will sign autographs along with the majority of the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series field in the Pocono Raceway Infield from 11:45 AM to 12:30 PM local time on Friday.
Team Chevy Stage | Saturday, July 22nd: Rajah will join teammate Grant Enfinger at the Team Chevy stage in the Pocono Raceway Fan Zone on the morning of race day from 9:30 AM ET to 9:45 AM ET.

  • Sunoco Rookie Battle: Rajah spent a lot of time inside the top-10 at Mid-Ohio, but a late-race incident on a restart placed him a lap down in the closing moments of the race. Unfortunately for the No. 24 team, they were trapped one lap off the pace and had to settle for a 29th place finish. The result was the fourth highest of all rookies, and caused Rajah to lose a spot in points. He is now 17th overall and fourth in the rookie standings, nine points behind Daniel Dye in third and 148 behind Nick Sanchez.
  • From The Driver’s Seat: Caruth’s thoughts on racing at Pocono Raceway:

“I’m pretty excited to go to Pocono this weekend with my experience from last year. I was passing for third in the ARCA race before it got cut short due to weather, and unfortunately had an early end to the Xfinity race the following day. I’ve got a lot of laps there from testing and the two races, so I’m feeling pretty good about it. Looking forward to getting back to another big track; I think those types of places give us a good shot at going for the win and locking ourselves into the playoffs. The men and women on our No. 24 truck, along with our partners at The Wendell Scott Foundation and Chevrolet, and Maury Gallagher, Mike Beam, Ron Booth, as well as the guys at GMS Fabrication deserve it. I think we have a good shot this weekend.”

Daniel Dye, No. 43 Champion Container Corporation Chevrolet Silverado RST

Pocono Raceway Stats

  • Daniel Dye will make his first CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start at Pocono Raceway on Saturday.
  • ARCA Starts: 1; Best start: 9th; Best finish: 5th (2022); Top 5s: 1; Top 10s: 1

2023 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Season Stats

  • Starts: 14; Best start: 9th; Best finish: 11th (Gateway); Laps led: 5; Current points position: 16th
  • About Champion Container Corporation: Founded in 1968, Champion Container has evolved into the premier general line packaging container distributor in the Northeast. From our seven strategically based locations we provide packaging container solutions to our valued domestic and international customers.

We serve a diverse customer base in the chemical, flavors and fragrances, paint, cosmetic, food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries. Small, medium, and Fortune 500 companies rely on Champion to deliver quality and service at a competitive price. Our strength, “just in time” shipments, is the value added provided through our own fleet of trucks and significant investment in inventory.

Our knowledgeable sales representatives and customer service associates have the expertise required to provide packaging guidance and solutions for the most unique and demanding projects. Companies rely on us to be their technical source in the ever-changing packaging container landscape. For more information, please visit www.championcontainer.com.

  • Chassis History/Info: Dye and the No. 43 team will compete with GMS Racing chassis no. 330 in the Pocono mountains. Chassis no. 330 has been driven twice before at Pocono, first by Zane Smith in 2021 where it finished 14th, then last season by Jack Wood where it finished 33rd after getting involved in a crash. Daniel has raced with this chassis three times this season, and earned his best finish of 11th at WWT Raceway with it last month. Smith took it to victory lane at Dover Motor Speedway in 2020.
  • Bainbridge at Pocono: Blake Bainbridge has called one Pocono race during his career as a crew chief, where in 2020 he worked with Tanner Gray in the ARCA Menards Series. Gray qualified 10th for that race, but had an early exit due to suspension issues, settling for a 15th place finish.
  • Bull & Boar Barbecue Shop Announcement: Last Friday, the team welcomed a new partner to support Daniel Dye as Daytona Beach-based Bull & Boar Barbecue Shop was named as his primary sponsor at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Located in One Daytona directly across from Daytona International Speedway, Bull & Boar sells grills, smokers, pizza ovens, rubs, sauces, charcoal, pellets, and grilling accessories. The retailer will also be featured on Dye’s No. 43 Chevrolet as an associate sponsor for the remainder of the season. Read the full press release here.
  • Sunoco Rookie Battle: Rebounding from an off-track excursion earlier in the race, Daniel Dye was able to claw his way through the field en route to a top-15 finish. A 14th place result for Dye at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course was the second best result of all NCTS rookies in the field. Daniel surpassed his teammate, Rajah Caruth, and is now third in rookie points (139 back from Sanchez and 61 behind Garcia) heading into Pocono.
  • DD Appearances: Fans attending the CRC Brakleen 150 will have an opportunity to meet Daniel Dye throughout the race weekend:

NCTS Autograph Session | Friday, July 21st: Dye will sign autographs along with the majority of the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series field in the Pocono Raceway Infield from 11:45 AM to 12:30 PM local time on Friday.

  • From the Driver’s Seat: Dye’s thoughts on racing at Pocono Raceway:

“I’m really looking forward to heading to Pocono this weekend; it’s close to the Champion Container home base and we will have a bunch of their employees that’ll be joining us at the track. Pocono is a place that I’ve raced at before and I enjoy racing at quite a bit, so I’m looking forward to seeing what Blake and the rest of our No. 43 team can bring to the racetrack. We’ll fight hard all day and make good changes and hopefully put on a good show for our partners and give them a run they can be proud of.”

ABOUT GMS RACING:

GMS Racing competes full-time in the NASCAR Truck Series operating the No. 23, No. 24, and No. 43 Chevrolet Silverado RSTs for drivers Grant Enfinger, Rajah Caruth, and Daniel Dye. Since the team was formed in 2012, GMS Racing has won five titles across multiple series, including the 2016 and 2020 NASCAR Truck Series championship, the 2015 ARCA Racing Series championship, as well as the 2019 & 2020 ARCA East championships. GMS has grown to occupy several buildings located in Statesville, N.C. including operations for GMS Fabrication. The GMS Racing campus also houses operations for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, a team that competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series.

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To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow GMS Racing on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Sam Mayer, Embraces Road Course Challenges at Road America as the NASCAR XFINITY Series Takes Center Stage, July 29

ELKHART LAKE, Wis., July 18, 2023 – Road course racing doesn’t float to the top of a favorite list for many young NASCAR drivers, but one young talent is breaking the mold with his exceptional experience and passion behind the wheel. Meet Sam Mayer, a rising star from Franklin, Wisconsin, whose early introduction to road course racing has set him apart from his peers in the world of stock-car racing.

Mayer’s journey into motorsports started at the tender age of 4, when he discovered his passion for racing in a go-kart. From that moment on, his fate was sealed, and he embarked on a remarkable journey, honing his skills at Franklin Karts and Badger Kart Club in Dousman. Road racing quickly became his “bread and butter,” shaping him into the formidable road course expert he is today.

“It’s how I grew up,” Mayer fondly recalls, emphasizing how road course events have always been a confidence builder for him. His love for road racing is unwavering, and he embraces each opportunity to compete on these unique tracks, especially the beloved Road America, cherished by the racing community.

Currently in his second full-time season, driving the No. 1 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, Mayer’s dedication to road course racing has led him to the NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Road America on July 29. Alongside this event, he relishes competing at tracks such as Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, the roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Bristol Motor Speedway.

“Road America is one of the tracks that’s at the top of my list,” Mayer proudly declares.

Despite facing challenges in previous events at Road America, including a chain-reaction incident in 2021 and a 20th-place finish in 2022, Mayer’s unwavering determination fuels his desire to excel at the legendary track. His impressive experience extends beyond NASCAR, having competed in a pair of Trans-Am Series races in a Camaro, securing a remarkable TA2 victory at Road America during the 2021 season.

Preparing for the forthcoming race, Mayer is well aware of the changes that have taken place at Road America. The track underwent a significant resurfacing project in October 2022, including pit lane, fine grading, a new base layer, and a brand-new final surface asphalt layer. The first repaving since 1995 promises a faster and more challenging track, requiring precise car setup and driving finesse.

Mayer anticipates that the track will be exceptionally fast, and he and his crew chief, Taylor Moyer, are leaving no stone unturned in fine-tuning their car setup for the race.

“On the driver’s side, it’s going to be fast,” Mayer confidently expresses. “We’re going to be hauling the mail around that place. It’s going to be tons of fun, and I’m looking forward to seeing what it provides for these XFINITY cars.”

He also recognizes the challenges that await his team. Nevertheless, he trusts in their resources and expertise to ensure they perform exceptionally well from the moment they hit the track.

Even amidst the demanding schedule, Mayer intends to cherish time with family and friends during his visit to Elkhart Lake, where Road America is located.

Mayer’s eyes light up with enthusiasm when asked about his favorite section of the track. “I love the back section around Canada Corner,” he shares. “You take Canada Corner, and you kind of go up the hill through the esses right there.”

For Mayer, stringing together a strong lap at the 14-turn track is challenging. He highlights the importance of precise braking, optimizing braking power, and downforce in the XFINITY cars. Additionally, he emphasizes the need to avoid spinning the tires on the exit, as the track can be notoriously slick.

As Sam Mayer gears up for the NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Road America, fans and fellow racers eagerly await to witness his road-course prowess on display once again.

The NASCAR XFINITY Series weekend will be jammed with on-track and off-track action as the Porsche Carrera Cup, OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Challenge, and GRIDLIFE will also be on the schedule. There will also be open karting and Super Moto at the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex.

Event details, ticket pricing, and camping information can be found at www.roadamerica.com or by calling 800-365-7223. Anyone 16 years old and under is FREE with a paying adult at the gate. Racing runs rain or shine.

Fans will also be able to check out a special Friday night Road America Challenge winged sprint car doubleheader at the Plymouth Dirt Track featuring the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series. 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., and the spectator gates open at 4:30 p.m.

Qualifying begins at 6:30 p.m., and racing begins at 7 p.m.

Advance ticket buyers will not need to stop at the Will Call window to pick up their tickets. They can 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

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

No. 10 Ford Racing: Aric Almirola Pocono Advance

ARIC ALMIROLA
Pocono Advance
No. 10 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

Event Overview

● Event: Highpoint.com 400 (Round 21 of 36)

● Time/Date: 3 p.m. EDT on Sunday, July 23

● Location: Pocono (Pa.) Raceway

● Layout: 2.5-mile triangle

● Laps/Miles: 160 laps/400 miles

● Stage Lengths: Stages 1: 30 laps / Stage 2: 65 laps / Final Stage: 65 laps

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

Notes of Interest

● History at Pocono: Aric Almirola will make his 21st NASCAR Cup Series start at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway this weekend. He has four top-10s, two top-fives and 67 laps led at the 2.5-mile triangle. His best results came during the 2020 doubleheader weekend, when he earned finishes of third and fifth in the Saturday and Sunday races, respectively.

● Almirola has one start at the “Tricky Triangle” in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, which came in June 2016 and resulted in an 11th-place finish. He’s also made one start in the NASCAR Truck Series in July 2010 and earned a fourth-place finish.

● Last weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, Almirola ran inside the top-five and led four laps to bring his laps-led total at the mile oval to 85. He was leading on lap 169 when a loose right-rear wheel came off his racecar and sent him into the turn two wall, ending his day.

● While Almirola is seeking a victory in the NASCAR Cup Series to catapult him into the 2023 NASCAR Playoffs, the 39-year-old veteran raced his way to victory lane June 10 in the Xfinity Series race at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway.

● Driver Points: Almirola arrives at New Hampshire 27th in the driver standings, 340 points out of first.

● Almirola’s career: In 444 career NASCAR Cup Series starts, Almirola has three wins, 28 top-five finishes, 92 top-10s, five poles, and has led 1,068 laps.

● The No. 10 Ford Mustang will sport a new Ford Motor Company livery this weekend at Pocono. Almirola has been a Ford driver for the entirety of his 12-year fulltime Cup Series career. Ford is one of the most successful global racing programs and is the only car manufacturer to win the world’s most prestigious races, including the Daytona 500, the Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Rolex 24 at Daytona, the NHRA’s U.S. Nationals, the Baja 1000, Rally Great Britain, the Bathurst 1,000, and even the Rallycross competition at the X Games. Ford has 722 all-time wins in the NASCAR Cup Series by 88 different drivers, including all three of Almirola’s career victories. Additionally, Ford has won 10 Cup series championships and 17 manufacturer titles.

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

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

What is your best memory of Pocono over the years?

“My best memory of Pocono would be that doubleheader weekend we had in 2020 during the pandemic. I ran really well and led a lot of laps. We finished third in the first race, then we had to invert the field, which put me in the middle of the pack, and we ran really well that next race. It was my best weekend at Pocono. That weekend, I was like, ‘Yes I finally figured out Pocono.’”

What makes the “Tricky Triangle” so tricky?

“It is just the fact that the corners are all so different. You go into turn one and it’s a high-speed and high-banked corner. Then in turn two, it’s really high-speed, flat and quick 90-degree corner, and then turn three is a long, slow, sweeping corner. Trying to hit all of your marks and consistently hit all your corners perfectly is hard to do lap after lap. Then, for the engineers and crew chief, to set the car up for three different corners is such a challenge.”

You had a shot to win last weekend at New Hampshire. Is it encouraging to know your No. 10 team can bring cars capable of winning?

“It’s certainly encouraging, but at the same time so frustrating. We deserve better as a race team. We have had multiple races this year where we had bad luck from the lead. You have to have a short-term memory here in this sport and just move on, but it’s so frustrating knowing we should be locked into the playoffs and contending for more wins. We know what we have to do heading to the next few races. I know we can do it. I just hope this bad luck runs out at some point. It has to.”

No. 10 Ford Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Aric Almirola

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer

Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Car Chief: Jerry Cook

Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

Lead Engineer: Lee Deese

Hometown: Rockingham, North Carolina

Engineer: James Kimbrough

Hometown: Pensacola, Florida

Spotter: Joel Edmonds

Hometown: Dobson, North Carolina

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Ryan Mulder

Hometown: Sioux Center, Iowa

Rear Tire Changer: Trevor White

Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Tire Carrier: Tyler Bullard

Hometown: King, North Carolina

Jack Man: Sean Cotton

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Fuel Man: James “Ace” Keener

Hometown: Fortuna, California

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Chris Trickett

Hometown: Grafton, West Virginia

Mechanic: Jacob Cooksey

Hometown: Westbrookville, New York

Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller

Hometown: Monroe, New York

Tire Specialist: Russel Simpson

Hometown: Medford, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Steven Casper

Hometown: Salisbury, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Matt Murphy

Hometown: Augusta, Georgia

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

Chase Purdy: Driver, No. 4 Bama Buggies Chevrolet

 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Overview:

Event: CRC Brakleen 150, Race 15 of 23, 60 Laps – 15/15/30; 150 Miles

Location: Pocono Raceway (2.5-mile tri-oval)

Date/Broadcast: July 22, 2023, at noon ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR 90

‘Chase’n a Playoff Spot:

Chase Purdy and the No. 4 Bama Buggies team head to Pocono Raceway for Saturday’s CRC Brakleen 150 continuing to battle for a spot in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series playoffs. Purdy enters the 60-lap event 13th in the Truck Series point standings, with just two races remaining in the regular season and 10 drivers qualifying for the playoffs. Over the last five races, Purdy has registered an average finish of 9.6 with three top-10 results. Unfortunately, during that span he has gone from being 40 points below the cutoff line to 49 points below. In the Truck Series’ last stop at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, he came from the 24th starting position to finish 13th.

Across three Truck Series starts at Pocono, Purdy has an average finish of 15.7 with a best result of 11th coming in last year’s race. He also has competed in two ARCA Menards Series races at the Pennsylvania track, producing an average finish of 6.0 with a best result of third coming in the July race in 2018.

The Mississippi native entered the 2022 season having never earned a top-five result in Truck Series action but has produced two across 14 races in his first season at Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM), including a career-best runner-up finish at Texas Motor Speedway in April. He has already produced a career-high seven top-10 finishes this season, after posting just two each in 2021 and 2022.

Purdy will be trying to etch his mark in the KBM historical archives this weekend at Pocono as he looks to collect the organization’s 100th NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory. KBM owner-driver Kyle Busch collected KBM’s record-extending 99th career victory with his triumph at Las Vegas Motor Speedway earlier this year leaving his organization one shy of the century mark. Overall, 18 different drivers have won at least one race behind the wheel of a KBM truck, led by Busch’s 47. Four drivers rank second on the list with seven victories: William Byron, Christopher Bell, Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek. Seven of KBM’s wins have come at Pocono. Starting with Busch’s win in 2015, a KBM driver has won seven of the last eight Truck Series events at Pocono, including Chandler Smith last year. The exception was Ross Chastain’s win in 2019.

The 23-year-old driver is in his third full-time season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and first with KBM. He enters Friday’s race having totaled two top-five, 12 top-10 finishes, and 20 laps led across his 66 career Truck Series starts. Purdy finished 16th in the Truck Series final standings in 2022 after competing in 22 of the 23 events. He posted two top-10 finishes and nine laps led, with a season-best finish of seventh coming at Talladega Superspeedway in October.

Jimmy Villeneuve is atop the pit box for Purdy and the No. 4 Chevrolet team this season. Prior to being promoted to crew chief for the 2023 season, Villeneuve had served as a Truck Chief at KBM since the 2017 season and in that role was a part of 18 wins, a driver’s championship with Christopher Bell in 2017 and the 2019 owner’s championship with the No. 51 team. Villeneuve has been on top of the pit box for two races at Pocono with a best result of 11th coming with Todd Bodine in the 2013 event.

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

What is the trickiest part of “The Tricky Triangle?

“I would definitely say the tunnel turn. It’s rough and I think every time that you go through it guys just kind of hold their breath because it’s hard to keep your truck stable — it gets really light through there.”

How does having such short stage lengths affect how the race plays out at Pocono?

“I think it puts a bigger emphasis on qualifying. It’s important to put down a good lap because you don’t want to get behind the eight ball before the race even starts. You don’t want to have to play strategy to get yourself track position and try to contend; you want to be able to contend from the drop of the green flag. In a situation like we are in, we need to go out there and run up front, lead laps and try everything that we can to put ourselves in a position to win the race.”

Chase Purdy Career Highlights:

  • Across 66 career Truck Series starts, has produced 20 laps led, two top-five and 12 top-10 finishes. Posted a career-best runner-up finish at Texas Motor Speedway in April of 2023.
  • Finished 16th in Truck Series championship standings in 2022.
  • Finished fourth in the 2018 ARCA Menard’s Series championship standings after recording 84 laps led, 10 top-five and 14 top-10 finishes.
  • Earned the 2017 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East rookie of the year honors and finished fourth in the championship standings after posting four poles, 200 laps led, five top-five and eight top-10 finishes across 14 starts.
  • Won the prestigious Snowflake 100 Pro Late Model race at 5 Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla., in Dec. of 2018.
  • Chase Purdy’s No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado RST:

KBM-79: The No. 4 Bama Buggies team will unload KBM-79, a brand new Silverado, for Saturday’s race at Pocono Raceway.

KBM Notes of Interest:

  • Across 32 starts at Pocono, KBM drivers have earned seven wins, two poles, 325 laps led, 17 top-five and 25 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 8.8 and an average finish of 8.5.
  • Chandler Smith picked up the organization’s most recent win at Pocono last year. KBM owner-driver Kyle Busch has tallied two wins (2015 and 2018) at the 2.5-mile track while Smith (2022), John Hunter Nemechek (2021), Brandon Jones (2020), Christopher Bell (2017), and William Byron (2016) each have one win.
  • KBM holds the Craftsman Truck Series records for most career wins (99) and most wins in a single season (14 in 2014). With his victory at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway last year, Corey Heim became the 18th different driver to win a Truck Series event for KBM. In addition to collecting a series-record seven owner’s championships, the organization has produced two championship-winning drivers: Erik Jones (2015) and Christopher Bell (2017).
  • The No. 4 has 18 career victories at KBM and was the number for both of the organization’s driver championships.

Michael McDowell and the No. 34 Benebone Ford Mustang Team Pocono Raceway Competition Notes

TEAM AND RACE NOTES:

The NASCAR Cup Series playoff push continues for Michael McDowell and the No. 34 team. This weekend, the race goes to the Pocono Raceway for Sunday’s 160-lap main event.

The team is currently 16th in the playoff standings and two points out of 15th. They are one point ahead of 17th.

Making their NASCAR Cup Series debut on the No. 34 Ford this weekend is Benebone. Benebone is a leading USA-brand of durable chew toys for dogs.

COMPETITION NOTES:

McDowell is coming off his best finish in his NASCAR Cup Series career at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Monday.

He now comes into the Pocono Raceway where he has a streak of finishes of 19th, 17th and sixth the past two years. McDowell also had a finish of eighth in 2020 in the No. 34 Ford Mustang. These recent results have been the best for McDowell at the track in 20 previous starts.

CREW CHIEF TRAVIS PETERSON:

“We’re always confident as a team. I think we have some work to do this weekend at Pocono, but coming out of New Hampshire we’re still in a good position. We’ve seen Michael have good finishes at Pocono so we know we can have a good race.”

DRIVER MICHAEL MCDOWELL:

“We knew we had to come out of New Hampshire with a good run and we did OK. I think we have more confidence at Pocono because of our recent runs. Looking at New Hampshire, Pocono, Richmond and Michigan, this weekend is a race where we want to really perform well and collect as many points as possible. We know we have better tracks after Michigan, but we need to maintain at some of these current races.

“It’s also a good weekend for us with our debut for Benebone. I love that it’s a US-based company of chewable dog toys. The car looks great and we’ll be doing a lot of cool things with Benebone this weekend at the track.”

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.

Ford Performance NASCAR – Pocono Raceway Advance

POCONO RACEWAY NOTES

Saturday, July 22 – NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, 12:00 p.m. ET (FS1)
Saturday, July 22 – NASCAR XFINITY Series, 5:30 p.m. ET (USA)
Sunday, July 23 – NASCAR Cup Series, 2:30 p.m. ET (USA)

Pocono Raceway has been a fixture on the NASCAR schedule since 1974 and this weekend it will host all three of NASCAR’s top touring series, including a doubleheader on Saturday. That’s when the NASCAR Craftsman Truck and NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers will compete with the NASCAR Cup Series stars closing the weekend activity on Sunday.

Ryan Blaney: “I’ve enjoyed it. Obviously, I got my first win there a while back, so it’s always special when you go back to the places where you get your first wins. My family’s not too far from there – where my dad grew up, so there are just a lot of special memories. I made my first quarter-midget start at the dirt track outside of the racetrack. There are a lot of cool things about that, so I look forward to going there. The crowd is usually really great, too. It’s always nice to go back to tracks where you have good memories.”

BLANEY GETS FIRST CUP VICTORY

Ryan Blaney earned his first NASCAR Cup Series victory in 2017 at Pocono Raceway, giving the Wood Brothers their 99th all-time series win. Blaney held off Kevin Harvick over the final seven laps to win the Pocono 400 after overcoming a loose wheel only 19 laps into the event. He found himself in position to win after the caution came out with 19 laps to go. Kyle Busch opted to stay out while all of the other contenders behind him pitted, including Blaney who got four fresh tires and restarted fourth. A major battle between Busch and Blaney resulted, but the newer tires proved to be too much as Blaney eventually got by with nine laps to go. He couldn’t breathe easily, however, as Harvick started to reel him in, but could never pull alongside to challenge.

BUESCHER JOINS FIRST-TIME WINNERS CLUB AT POCONO

Chris Buescher is another Ford driver who posted his first NASCAR Cup Series win at Pocono when he won the rain-shortened Pennsylvania 400 in 2016. Buescher led the final 12 laps and qualified for the playoffs as the scheduled 160-lap race was called after 138 circuits. It represented the second series win and first playoff qualification for Front Row Motorsports, which Buescher drove for in 2016 after the organization entered into an alliance with what was then Roush Fenway Racing.

ELLIOTT SWEEPS IN 1985

Ford reached victory lane at Pocono Raceway in the NASCAR Cup Series for the first time on June 9, 1985 when Bill Elliott beat Harry Gant to win the Van Scoy Diamond Mine 500. Elliott was able to pass Gant with 11 laps remaining, shortly after a restart, to claim Ford’s first win at the facility. Elliott, who also started on the pole, was helped by four cautions over the final 25 laps and won for the sixth time as he led 32 of the 200 circuits. It marked the front end of what would eventually be a season sweep for Elliott at Pocono as he won a few weeks later on July 21.

KULWICKI’S FINAL WIN

When Alan Kulwicki won the Champion Spark Plug 500 on June 14, 1992 it marked the final victory of his NASCAR Hall of Fame career. Kulwicki, who was voted into the Hall in 2019, passed Bill Elliott with 11 laps remaining to cap a day that saw 15 cars drop out before the checkered flag flew, including 11 engine failures. In a precursor to what happened a few months later at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Kulwicki and Elliott battled down the stretch as they exchanged the lead multiple times over the final 25 laps. Kulwicki passed Elliott for the top spot on lap 181, but traffic slowed him down to the point that five laps later the two swapped positions. Mark Martin made it a three-way battle, but Kulwicki ultimately prevailed as he got by both drivers on lap 190 and never looked back. Kulwicki, who won five series races overall, went on to win the championship later that year over fellow Ford drivers Elliott and Davey Allison.

CUSTER COMPLETES LAST LAP PASS IN 2019

While Cole Custer’s personal-best of 11 consecutive Top-10 performances came to a halt at New Hampshire Motor Speedway last week, the results within that streak demonstrated Custer’s impressive mid-season momentum into the playoffs. Custer has compiled two victories, three poles and eight top-five performances since April, and he contested fender-to-fender for the win in the final laps at New Hampshire. Custer has seen success in the final laps, especially in 2019 at Pocono when he passed Tyler Reddick for the lead going into Turn 3 and won in overtime.

BLANEY MULTI-CLASS WINNER

As previously mentioned, Ryan Blaney earned his first Cup Series victory in 2017 at Pocono. He is also the only Ford driver to win in multiple classes at Pocono, as he earned his second career Truck Series victory there in 2013. Blaney overtook the field during a chaotic restart going into Turn 1 with two laps remaining and held on to take the checkered flag.

FORD’S NASCAR CUP SERIES WINNERS

AT POCONO

1985 – Bill Elliott (Sweep)

1988 – Bill Elliott (2)

1989 – Terry Labonte and Bill Elliott

1990 – Geoffrey Bodine (2)

1992 – Alan Kulwicki (1)

1994 – Rusty Wallace and Geoffrey Bodine

1995 – Dale Jarrett (2)

1996 – Rusty Wallace (2)

1997 – Dale Jarrett (2)

1998 – Jeremy Mayfield (1)

2000 – Jeremy Mayfield and Rusty Wallace

2001 – Ricky Rudd (1)

2002 – Dale Jarrett (1)

2005 – Carl Edwards and Kurt Busch

2008 – Carl Edwards (2)

2010 – Greg Biffle (2)

2016 – Chris Buescher (2)

2017 – Ryan Blaney (1)

2020 – Kevin Harvick (1)

FORD’S NASCAR XFINITY SERIES WINNERS

AT POCONO

2017 – Brad Keselowski

2019 – Cole Custer

2020 – Chase Briscoe

2021 – Austin Cindric

FORD’S NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES WINNERS AT POCONO

2013 – Ryan Blaney