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Revving Up the Tracks: A Closer Look at Ryan Blaney’s Rise in the Racing World

By
SM
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When discussing the highly-promoted “up-and-coming talents” in NASCAR, it is essential to mention Ryan Blaney. At the age of 29, Blaney has made strides in the Cup Series. As a third-generation driver, he has shown improvement across all significant aspects of his racing career. This progress began with a two-race debut 2014 alongside Roger Penske, followed by a partial season with the Wood Brothers in 2015.

Blaney’s Early Evolution 

Blaney, a third-generation racer and the son of former Cup Series driver Dave Blaney and Ohio native embarked on his racing journey in quarter midget racing. He achieved his first victory at the age of 9 and also emerged victorious in Bandolero cars at a young age. 

At 12, Blaney progressed to Legends cars and secured the Lowe’s Motor Speedway Young Lion’s Winter Heat Point Championship. He also triumphed in three divisions of the Carolina Fall Nationals in quarter midgets. 

At 14, Blaney debuted in late model racing at Orange County Speedway. The following year, at 15, he entered the Pro All Stars Series (PASS)-sanctioned South Super Late Model Series, finishing as the runner-up in points and earning the series’ Rookie of the Year award. He also achieved third place in the PASS national points. 

Additionally, he emerged victorious in the Eastern Grand Nationals quarter midget event in Huntsville, Alabama. Continuing his participation in the PASS South Super Late Model Series in 2010, Blaney clinched his first career win at Dillon Motor Speedway. 

He added wins at Greenville-Pickens Speedway and Newport Speedway, resulting in a second consecutive second-place finish in the PASS South championship standings. Blaney also competed in the Champion Racing Association (CRA)-sanctioned Southern Six Pack series and secured the series championship for 2010. In 2011, he returned to the PASS South Super Late Model Series and won two races at Dillon Motor Speedway and Ace Speedway, ultimately securing the series championship. He also debuted in the ARCA Racing Series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, and NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. 

Remarkably, in his only K&N Pro Series West start, Blaney triumphed in the season finale at Phoenix International Raceway, winning by over two seconds. In 2012, Blaney, who received praise from Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick for his driving skills, participated in six races for family-owned DB Racing in the K&N Pro Series East, driving the No. 10 car. He also competed in the PASS Super Late.

Ryan Blaney: A NASCAR journey begins 

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But first, how did Blaney reach the level of recognition he owns today? 

Blaney has made several significant moves in his racing career. He joined Tommy Baldwin Racing for six NASCAR Nationwide Series races, driving the No. 36 SealWrap-sponsored Chevrolet. His debut at Richmond International Raceway was impressive; he qualified in the Top 10 and finished seventh. In 2012, Blaney signed a contract with Team Penske to compete in at least three races in the Nationwide Series season. He started at Iowa Speedway in August. He also participated in selected races in the Camping World Truck Series for Brad Keselowski Racing. 

He won his first career Truck Series at Iowa Speedway in September, becoming the youngest winner in Truck Series history. In 2013, Blaney returned to the Camping World Truck Series, driving for Brad Keselowski Racing and competing for the Rookie of the Year award… Blaney also had opportunities to showcase his talent in the Nationwide Series, substituting for Joey Logano at Iowa Speedway and finishing ninth. In September, he won his first career race in the series at Kentucky Speedway, leading 96 of the race’s 200 laps. Blaney’s success in the Nationwide Series is notable because he was the only race winner in the 2013 season without any Sprint Cup experience.  

Blaney started his Xfinity Series campaign in 2015 at the Boyd Gaming 300 in Las Vegas. In the Cup Series, Blaney made a strong impression as a rookie driving the No. 21 car for the Wood Brothers team. He secured his first Top 10 finish at the GEICO 500 in Talladega, reaching as high as second place before ultimately crossing the finish line in fourth. 

Looking ahead to 2023, Blaney took on the role of spotter for his Cup teammate, Joey Logano, at the Weather Guard Truck Race on Dirt in Bristol. Logano emerged victorious in both his Heat Race and the Main Event. Blaney commenced the 2023 season by securing an impressive eighth-place position at the renowned 2023 Daytona 500 event. Subsequently, he ended his 59-race winless streak by emerging victorious at the highly anticipated 2023 Coca-Cola 600 competition.

The Pitfalls to Avoid in Used Car Financing in Canada: A Buyer’s Guide

By
SM
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When it comes to financing a used car in Canada, there are several pitfalls that buyers should be aware of to avoid potential financial setbacks and disappointments. Understanding these pitfalls can help you navigate the used car financing process with confidence and make informed decisions. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the common pitfalls to avoid in used car financing in Canada, ensuring a smooth and successful car-buying experience.

  1. Ignoring Your Credit Score and Financial Standing:

One of the most significant mistakes buyers make is neglecting to assess their credit score and overall financial standing before seeking used car financing. Your credit score plays a crucial role in determining the interest rates and loan terms you qualify for. Checking your credit report and understanding your financial position can help you negotiate better financing terms and avoid unpleasant surprises during the application process.

  1. Overextending Your Budget:

Setting a realistic budget is vital when financing a used car. Calculate your monthly expenses, income, and savings to determine how much you can comfortably afford for a car loan. Overextending your budget can lead to financial strain and difficulty in making timely payments. Be mindful of additional costs such as insurance, registration fees, and maintenance expenses when determining your budget.

  1. Focusing Solely on Monthly Payments:

While low monthly payments may seem attractive, it’s essential to consider the overall cost of the loan and the interest rate. Some dealerships may offer extended loan terms to reduce monthly payments, but this could result in paying significantly more interest over time. Strike a balance between affordable monthly payments and minimizing the total interest paid over the loan term.

  1. Not Shopping Around for Financing Options:

Failing to explore multiple financing options is another pitfall to avoid. Different lenders, including banks, credit unions, and dealerships, offer varying interest rates and loan terms. Take the time to shop around and compare offers from different sources to find the most favorable financing option that suits your needs and budget.

  1. Skipping the Pre-Purchase Inspection and Vehicle History Report:

Before finalizing the purchase and financing, always conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic. A pre-purchase inspection can uncover any potential issues or hidden problems with the used car. Additionally, request a comprehensive vehicle history report to check for previous accidents, ownership history, and mileage discrepancies.

  1. Falling for High-Interest Financing Offers:

Be cautious of dealerships or lenders offering high-interest financing, especially if you have a good credit score. High-interest financing can lead to paying more for the car over time and may create financial stress. Compare interest rates and terms from different lenders to ensure you secure the most favorable financing option.

  1. Not Reviewing the Sales Agreement Thoroughly:

Before signing any financing agreement, carefully review the sales contract and loan terms. Ensure that all discussed terms and conditions are accurately reflected in the agreement. Clarify any uncertainties and ask questions if something is unclear. Avoid signing any document that you are not fully comfortable with or if there are discrepancies. Avoiding the pitfalls in used car financing is crucial for a successful and financially responsible car purchase in Canada.  Conduct a self-assessment of your credit score and financial standing before seeking financing. Set a realistic budget, considering both monthly payments and total loan costs. Shop around for the best financing options, conduct pre-purchase inspections, and review sales agreements carefully. By being proactive and well-informed, you can steer clear of potential pitfalls and confidently secure financing for your used car purchase in Canada.

If you’re looking for expert assistance in navigating the used car buying process, consider reaching out to DriveAxis, a trusted name in the automotive industry. 

Haley inks multi-year deal with Rick Ware Racing, beginning in 2024

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Ron Olds for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Rick Ware Racing announced that Justin Haley will be joining the organization on a multi-year basis, beginning with the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season.

The 24-year-old Haley from Winamac, Indiana will pilot a Ford Mustang for the organization based in Concord, North Carolina, which is also technically aligned with Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing. The news also comes as Haley is currently campaigning in his second full-time season in NASCAR’s premier series for Kaulig Racing, a team that Haley first joined at the start of the 2019 Xfinity Series season and will be departing at this season’s conclusion.

“This is a unique opportunity that I look forward to,” Haley said. “There are many key pieces of this program I believe can help me in taking the next steps in my NASCAR career. I look forward to working with our key partners, and many additional RWR partners to be announced soon. The alliance with RFK Racing is going to be pivotal for the future of our on-track success.”

A former champion of the ARCA Menards Series East division in 2016 and race winner across the Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity Series, Haley made his first three career starts in the Cup Series in 2019, where he drove for Spire Motorsports. During his third and final start of the season at Daytona International Speedway in July 2019, Haley achieved the upset by notching his first career victory in NASCAR’s premier series after retaining the lead when NASCAR made the event official 33 laps shy of its scheduled distance due to precipitation.

After making 33 Cup starts between Kaulig Racing and Spire Motorsports during the 2020-21 seasons, Haley became a full-time Cup competitor for Kaulig in 2022, which marked the team’s first full-time campaign in NASCAR’s premier series. During his first full-time Cup season, the Indiana native recorded three top-five results, four top-10 results, 44 laps led and an average-finishing result of 18.4 before finishing in 22nd place in the final standings. Currently, Haley is coming off a strong runner-up result in the Cup Series’ inaugural Chicago Street Course event. He has also racked up five top-10 results, 23 laps led and an average-finishing result of 18.1 through the first 20-scheduled events, which places him in 21st place in the regular-season standings and 46 points below the top-16 cutline to make the 2023 Cup Series Playoffs.

Through 92 starts in NASCAR’s premier series, Haley has achieved one victory, five top-five results, 12 top-10 results, 72 laps led and an average-finishing result of 21.7.

“This is a great day for our team on many levels,” Rick Ware, owner of Rick Ware Racing who currently fields two full-time entries in the Cup Series, said. “Having someone with Justin’s talent and background become part of our future is a testament to our commitment to growth over the past few years. I have known Justin for a long time, respect all he has achieved in many forms of motorsports and look forward to great success together. His versatility as a driver in multiple series, the continuity we can build around Justin and the respect amongst his peers will pay great dividends for our team. He will be a great teammate for the RWR/RFK Racing alliance.”

Further announcements regarding Haley’s ride number, sponsorships and crew chief along with his replacement at Kaulig Racing have yet to be announced.

With his plans for next season set, Haley’s next scheduled Cup Series start of this season is set to occur at Pocono Raceway this Sunday, July 23. The event’s broadcast time is scheduled to occur at 2:30 p.m. ET on USA Network.

TEAM CHEVY NASCAR RACE ADVANCE: Pocono Raceway

By
Official Release
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TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
Pocono Raceway
Long Pond, Pennsylvania
July 22-23, 2023

TRIPLE AT THE “TRICKY TRIANGLE”

All three NASCAR national series will join together this weekend to take on one of the most unique tracks on the circuit – the 2.5-mile, three-turn Pocono Raceway. The Pennsylvania oval famously known as the “Tricky Triangle” has been a piece of NASCAR’s history for over 50 years with Sunday’s HighPoint.com 400 marking the NASCAR Cup Series’ (NCS) 90th appearance at the circuit. Saturday’s on-track action will feature back-to-back races for two of NASCAR’s top series – kicking off with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ (NCTS) CRC Brakleen 150, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ (NXS) Explore The Pocono Mountains 225.

This weekend is the first time that NASCAR’s three national series will compete at the same track since Nashville Superspeedway one month ago – a tripleheader that saw Chevrolet sweep the weekend’s wins. A feat that only the Bowtie brand has accomplished this season, the manufacturer is heading to Pocono Raceway seeking its fifth NASCAR tripleheader weekend sweep of the season.

A WINNING HISTORY

Chevrolet has a history of success at Pocono Raceway – leading the series with 34 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins at the “Tricky Triangle”. Benny Parsons gave Chevrolet its first win in NASCAR’s premier series at the Pennsylvania venue in 1977. Of those series-leading triumphs includes a streak of six consecutive trips to victory lane – a run that started with NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon’s final NCS win at the track in August 2012. While looking for his ticket to claim a playoff berth, Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott delivered Chevrolet the victory in the series’ most recent appearance at the track one year ago.

Hendrick Motorsports also leads the series in wins at Pocono Raceway with eight different drivers giving the organization a combined 18 victories. Career Chevrolet driver Jeff Gordon contributed to six of those triumphs – a series-leading win record that still stands today.

 FIRST-TIME WINNERS

Chevrolet etched its name in the history books as the inaugural winners in two of NASCAR’s national series at Pocono Raceway. The NASCAR Xfinity Series has a short history at the 2.5-mile Pennsylvania oval – first competing at the track in June 2016 with Kyle Larson driving the Bowtie brand to the victory. Since then, the series has made seven appearances at Pocono Raceway with Noah Gragson driving the No. 9 JR Motorsports Camaro SS to the win one year ago.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series made its debut at the “Tricky Triangle” in July 2010 – a race that saw Elliott Sadler drive a Chevrolet Silverado for team owner Kevin Harvick to the win. Five different drivers have taken Chevrolet to victory lane in the series’ 13 race history at Pocono Raceway – most recently by Team Chevy NCS regular Ross Chastain behind the wheel of a Niece Motorsports Silverado (July 2019).

POCONO MARKS TWO-TO-GO FOR NCTS’ REGULAR SEASON

Only two chances remain for NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers to keep their championship title hopes alive – with four spots remaining to either win or point their way into the 10-driver playoff field. Of the six drivers that have already claimed a playoff berth by virtue of a win, three come from Chevrolet camp including GMS Racing’s Grant Enfinger, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing’s Christian Eckes and Niece Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar – all of which have reached victory lane twice this season. Two more Chevrolet drivers will enter the race weekend above the playoff cutline with Rackley WAR’s Matt DiBenedetto in eighth (+5 points) and Rev Racing’s Nick Sanchez in ninth (+2 points).

 DOUBLING UP

Four of Chevrolet’s NASCAR Cup Series regulars will get double the seat time this weekend with Chase Elliott and Ty Dillon joining the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and Kyle Busch and Ross Chastain taking on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

· Chase Elliott will make his return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series for the first time in nearly two years – taking his turn behind the wheel of the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro SS. This will mark the third start for the team’s No. 17 entry – with Elliott’s teammates William Byron and Kyle Larson both recording podium finishes earlier this season. The 27-year-old Georgia native has a strong resume in the series – collecting five victories and a championship title (2014) with Hendrick Motorsports affiliate team JR Motorsports.

 
· Daniel Suarez will take over the driving duties for the No. 10 Kaulig Racing Camaro SS this weekend to make his second NXS start of the season. Suarez has three career NXS wins on his resume – all off of which came in 2016 en route to the championship title. He will be the ninth different Team Chevy driver to get behind the wheel of Kaulig Racing’s “All-Star” NXS entry this season, joining fellow Team Chevy drivers Kyle Busch, Austin Dillon, Derek Kraus, AJ Allmendinger, Justin Haley, Kyle Larson, Jordan Taylor and car owner Justin Marks. The No. 10 Camaro SS has been no stranger to victory lane this season with Allmendinger and Larson earning a combined three triumphs for the team.

 
· Ty Dillon will return to the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) NXS stable to make his second start of the season behind the wheel of the No. 3 Camaro SS. The 31-year-old North Carolina native has 135 career NXS starts in the RCR entry – collecting 84 top-10 finishes. The No. 3 RCR Camaro SS made its series’ debut at Daytona International Speedway in 2002 and the entry has since seen an elite group of drivers behind the wheel including the Dillon brothers (Ty and Austin), Mike Porter, Jeff Green, Ron Hornaday Jr., Steve Park and Shane Lee.

 
· Kyle Busch will make his final NCTS start of the season this weekend – getting back behind the wheel of his No. 51 Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) Silverado RST. In three of his four NCTS starts of the season, the Team Chevy driver has finished no worse than second-place, including a win at his hometown track of Las Vegas Motor Speedway (March 2023). Busch has recorded 63 career NCTS wins – claiming the title as the winningest driver in the series’ history.

 
· Ross Chastain will return to the seat of the No. 41 Niece Motorsports Silverado RST this weekend for his seventh NCTS start of the season. The 30-year-old Florida native has powered the team to a pole win (COTA) and two top-five finishes (COTA and Kansas) in the series this season. Chastain has four career NCTS wins to his name – all recorded behind the wheel of a Niece Motorsports Chevrolet-powered machine.

 
 
BOWTIE BULLETS:

· Chevrolet will pace the field in the tripleheader race weekend at Pocono Raceway. The Silverado RST lead the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in Saturday’s CRC Brakleen 150; the Camaro SS 1LE will lead the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Saturday’s Explore The Pocono Mountains 225; and the Camaro ZL1 will lead the NASCAR Cup Series in Sunday’s HighPoint.com 400.

· Chevrolet is the only manufacturer to record a sweep of the weekend’s wins when all three NASCAR national series are in competition on the same weekend. The feat was most recently accomplished at Nashville Superspeedway – marking the manufacturer’s fourth tripleheader sweep of the season.

· NASCAR Cup Series victories by active Chevrolet drivers at Pocono Raceway:

Kyle Busch – four wins (2021, 2019, 2018, 2017)
Chase Elliott – one win (2022)
Alex Bowman – one win (2021)

· In 89 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Pocono Raceway, Chevrolet has recorded 34 victories and 34 poles – both of which are series-best feats.

· Only four drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series are repeat winners this season – three of which come from Team Chevy:

William Byron: series-leading four wins (Las Vegas, Phoenix, Darlington & Atlanta 2)
Kyle Busch: three wins (Auto Club, Talladega, WWTR)
Kyle Larson: two wins (Richmond & Martinsville)

· In 20 points-paying NASCAR Cup Series race this season, Chevrolet continues to lead the series in wins (12), top-fives (48), top-10s (88), stage wins (17) and laps led (2,255).

· Chevrolet leads the series in wins across all three NASCAR national series this season with 12 victories in 20 NASCAR Cup Series races, nine victories in 18 NASCAR Xfinity Series races and eight wins in 14 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races – all with a win percentage of at least 50%.

· With William Byron’s win at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hendrick Motorsports now sits at 297 all-time NASCAR Cup Series victories – all recorded with Chevrolet.

· Chevrolet’s series-leading 12 NASCAR Cup Series wins this season have been recorded by drivers from four different Chevrolet teams: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (JTG Daugherty Racing), Kyle Busch (Richard Childress Racing), William Byron and Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports) and Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen (Trackhouse Racing).

· Chevrolet drivers have recorded 17 of the 40 NASCAR Cup Series stage wins this season: William Byron (seven; series-leading), Ross Chastain (five), Kyle Larson (two), Kyle Busch (two) and Chase Elliott (one).

· Chevrolet continues to sit atop the manufacturer points standings in all three NASCAR national series, leading by 67 points in the NASCAR Cup Series, 45 points in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and 37 points in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

· With Grant Enfinger’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win at World Wide Technology Raceway, GMS Racing is now the winningest Chevrolet organization in NCTS’ history with 44 all-time wins in the series.

· With its 41 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer’s Championships, 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver’s Championships, and 845 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title of winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

 
FOR THE FANS:

· Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Display in the Fan Midway at Pocono Raceway.

· Fans can check out an assortment of Chevrolet vehicles at the Team Chevy Racing Display including: Corvette Stingray Convertible, Camaro ZL1 Coupe, Equinox RS, Blazer RS, Tahoe High Country, Silverado ZR2, Silverado 1500 Crew ZR2 4WD.

· Fans can also view Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Camaro ZL1 show car, as well as a custom military appreciation airbrushed Silverado.

Team Chevy Driver Appearances at the Display:

Friday, July 21

· Andrés Pérez de Lara: 1:45 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Saturday, July 22

· Stefan Parsons: 9 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

· Grant Enfinger & Rajah Caruth: 9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

· Nick Sanchez: 9:45 a.m. – 10 a.m.

· Carson Hocevar & Lawless Alan: 10 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

· AJ Allmendinger: 12:45 p.m. – 1 p.m.

· Daniel Hemric: 2:45 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Sunday, July 23

· Erik Jones: 11 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

· Austin Dillon: 11:30 a.m. – 11: 45 a.m.

· William Byron: 11:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

· BJ McLeod: 12 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation:

· Friday, July 21: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

· Saturday, July 22: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

· Sunday, July 23: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 
TUNE IN:

· NASCAR Cup Series: HighPoint.com 400

Sunday, July 23, at 2:30 p.m. ET

(USA Network, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

· NASCAR Xfinity Series: Pocono 225

Saturday, July 22, at 5:30 p.m. ET

(USA Network, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

· NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: CRC Brakleen 150

Saturday, July 22, at 12 p.m. ET

(FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

 
QUOTABLE QUOTES:
ROSS CHASTAIN, NO. 1 WORLDWIDE EXPRESS CAMARO ZL1

It seems you have a busy week of racing this week, can you talk about that?

“I’m headed to the northeast a little bit early to do some dirt racing on Thursday night at Utica-Rome Speedway in New York. I don’t have a lot of experience on dirt so I just go out there with the mindset to learn something every lap. Then I’ll drive over to Pocono to get in the No. 41 truck for Niece Motorsports to get some extra track time. We had a pretty good car at Pocono last year towards the end of the race so I’m hoping we can get a strong finish for Worldwide Express.”

With the Playoffs coming up here in a few weeks, how do you approach those?

“For me personally, I prepare the same every week whether it’s a regular season or playoff race. Preparation is key for me. It’s not just simulator work, it’s physical fitness, eating correctly, getting the proper amount of rest, all of those things. To really put your best foot forward I feel you need look at it as a whole. Not just put a bunch of extra time and effort into one thing but try to be well-rounded. At some point there’s only so much you can do though. But I want to control what I can control and the rest is just going to happen.”

AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 BREZTRI CAMARO ZL1

What has been the biggest challenge for you at Pocono Raceway?

“Pocono Raceway is very technical. The tunnel turn is my biggest challenge. It’s a high speed turn and over the years it’s gotten rough with the track tunnel underneath it. The bumps going over the tunnel turn are noticeable, and you need your car balanced well through that turn. I love the other end of the track. You have the flat end in turn three and turn a lot through that corner. Going into turn one there’s a lot of banking there, you’re drafting down the front straight so you’re carrying a lot of speed into turn 1 so you have to set yourself up to drive into turn 1 and get to the bottom and drive off to head to the tunnel turn.”

Last year you finished 10th at Pocono Raceway. What are your expectations this weekend?

“I think we should cut last year’s finish in half or try and win. Right now, we’re in a situation where we have to win to make the playoffs. In 2022 we had a good car and my team stayed on top of track conditions. This allowed us to adjust our Chevrolet’s balance to pass cars at the end of the race and finish 10th. At the 2-mile tracks, I feel we made good progress last year. We’ll have to be aggressive on fuel strategy and have a clean day on pit road. I think we have a shot at a win or a top 5 finish.”

Are there any special challenges to track that have three turns and not 4 turns?

“There are three different corners in the tricky triangle, making it difficult to solve. You know you’ll have to give up some on one end to be better at the other. To have a car that handles average in all three turns is key. I think there is one end that is more important than the other when looking at the data. Sometimes it changes when you race. When we thought we would be okay in turn three and actually our most important turn was the first. It’s interesting how those subtle changes happen from race to race.”

KYLE LARSON, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1

Larson on his recent results at Pocono Raceway:

“The No. 5 HendrickCars.com team almost got a win there (at Pocono Raceway) in 2021 and we got a top-five finish there last year. Hopefully, we can get a win there this year.”

CLIFF DANIELS, CREW CHIEF, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1

Daniels on the team’s approach at Pocono:

“We are looking forward to going to Pocono (Raceway). It’s been a pretty good track for us. We had a tough finish there in 2021 when we were on a streak of wins and then it kind of slipped away from us. We certainly know how tricky the track can be – no pun intended there for what its nickname is. It’s usually a challenge there in all three corners, very unique and different. Kyle (Larson) has a knack for unique tracks and can pretty much adapt anywhere. We have just got to give him a good car, make sure we execute a good race and hopefully we will be in good shape.”

KYLE BUSCH, NO. 8 LENOVO CAMARO ZL1

Your first win at Pocono didn’t come until 2017, but then you ripped off three wins in four races. Did something just click for you?

“Around the 2014 timeframe Pocono really started to click and we really started to get our program straightened out and better there for what I like and for what I need to be able to be fast. That was with Dave Rogers and then we went into 2015 with Adam Stevens and kind of evolved on what we were doing and how our setup was and things just clicked. We probably should have won four more races from 2015 all the way through last year. We’ve had some really, really strong runs at Pocono. I’ve come to enjoy the track and be fast there and that always makes things fun.”

Do you think there is one area of the track that’s most important at Pocono?

“Everything is important at Pocono. There’s just so much time there that can be gained because the track is so big that if you mess up in Turn 1 that can be a huge hit all the way down the back straightaway or if you mess up in Turn 3, that can be costly with the length of how long the front straightway is. You definitely want to be good everywhere and make the most of your day.”

How important is it to manage the restarts because cars can go three and four-wide into Turn 1?

“Restarts are tough at Pocono just because it’s so hard for the spotters to see and the cars are pretty equal. Guys pulling out of line and getting runs on you or laying back on the restart zone in order to be able to manipulate it to make a run at you to get alongside of you before getting to Turn 1. That’s always difficult. You’re always trying to play protector and kind of block the guys behind you making those moves. You’ve always got to be looking out front trying to make the moves yourself, but then also looking out back and trying to watch those moves being made on you. You’ve got to stay on top of all that. Restarts are kind of tricky and it doesn’t just relate to down the front straightaway and Turn 1. It’s also off Turn 2 and into Turn 3. I feel like that’s where a lot of action kind of happens, too, because it really narrows up in Turn 2 and the track is really rough over there. You really don’t want to be going through there side-by-side and take a chance to being next to someone.”

CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS CAMARO ZL1

Elliott on what it would mean to be the driver to put the No. 17 NASCAR Xfinity Series entry in victory lane with everything that number means to the Hendrick family:

“I think that’s the big thing. It is special to not only Rick (Hendrick), but Linda (Hendrick) too. Driving for them and knowing how much it means to them to have that car on track would be great. I know they’ve been super close (to winning) and probably should have a couple by now, so hopefully we can start racking them up for them.”

ALAN GUSTAFSON, CREW CHIEF, NO. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS CAMARO ZL1

Gustafson on Elliott racing double duty this weekend and the team’s outlook for Pocono:

“The cars are so different now. I think before the Next Gen, the two series were much closer to be able to take some things setup wise and information wise, and certainly line wise for Chase (Elliott). That said, anytime you’re racing something it is still beneficial. He can certainly learn something and going through the experience is good. I think they’ll have an opportunity to win the race, so I think that’s good. Certainly, a capable bunch and the car has run so well. They just have had tough circumstances, so hopefully he can win. For us on this No. 9 team, we’re focused on trying to get our car dialed in and driving well. We want to have as much pace as we can and execute a good race on Sunday.”

AJ ALLMENDINGER, NO. 16 ACTION INDUSTRIES CAMARO ZL1

“Pocono is definitely one of the most unique, tougher racetracks that we go to with all three corners being completely different. I think this is a track that track position is key, but because of how long the track is, strategy is really important. I’m looking forward to the challenge of it. Our speed at bigger racetracks has been good this year and Pocono is a track that if we get right, we can get some good points at. Hopefully we unload solid and have speed to put together a good race and rebound from last week.”

WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 RAPTORTOUGH.COM CAMARO ZL1

Byron on rebounding at Pocono:

“While we didn’t have our strongest race last weekend at New Hampshire (Motor Speedway), I’m confident in my team that we’ll rebound at Pocono (Raceway). We’ve always had fast cars there not only as a team but as an organization as well. Rudy (Fugle) and I have a win there in trucks and we came close in 2021 to getting two wins in the doubleheader weekend. Heading to a track that we’ve been traditionally really good at helps to bring that momentum back for everyone after a tough weekend. I’m just excited to get on track and put New Hampshire behind us.”

RUDY FUGLE, CREW CHIEF, NO. 24 RAPTORTOUGH.COM CAMARO ZL1

Fugle on what is the most challenging aspect about racing at Pocono:

“I’ve always enjoyed racing at Pocono Raceway and I know William (Byron) has as well. While the track has three different corners with their own characteristics, we traditionally have always thought that you had to ‘give up’ handling in one corner to really get the other two right. I don’t think that’s as much of the case anymore. You can get turns one and three pretty similar in handling – it’s turn two that’s the hardest and what really sets you up for the rest of the lap. The whole track is rough but turn two is the most treacherous, so you have to worry a lot about the ride quality of the car and any bump contact.”

JUSTIN HALEY, NO. 31 LEAFFILTER GUTTER PROTECTION CAMARO ZL1

“I always love going to Pocono. The speed in our cars at the bigger tracks right now is really good, so I’m happy to get on track and keep working toward great finishes. Pocono is a challenging track and so unique it makes it that much more enjoyable to drive.”

NOAH GRAGSON, NO. 42 SUNSEEKER RESORTS CAMARO ZL1

“I really like racing at Pocono. Last year when we won in Xfinity, it was probably the hardest I’ve ever driven. We put on a heck of a show. It was such a good race at the end, that win meant so much to us. I like going up there and am hoping for a good weekend.”

ERIK JONES, NO. 43 U.S. AIR FORCE CAMARO ZL1

“Pocono has been a good track, I have been there just as much, if not more, than any other track that I have been to in my career. I have been racing there since 2013 in ARCA cars and then up through the Truck, Xfinity, now Cup series, and I have enjoyed going every time. I feel like it has been a good track for me, and I feel like I got around there pretty well. Last year I felt like we had a good car there with a lot of speed in it, and I am hoping to have the same this year. I always like going up there, I love the track itself and the racing is fun with the way that it plays out with stages, you can mix it up with taking tires and fuel before the stage or not, taking two or four, and seeing how the fuel plays out at the end of the race is always pretty fun. I am hoping we have a good car with some speed to continue our good runs up at Pocono.”

ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY BEST FRIENDS CAMARO ZL1

Bowman on how his past at Pocono will help him this weekend:

“Having won there (at Pocono Raceway) in 2021 and knowing what it takes to win helps a lot. Blake (Harris, crew chief) and I have been looking at past notes, leaned on our teammates’ notes to try and get the car in a good spot for practice and make adjustments from there. I’ve said it before, but this No. 48 team is really strong and there is no reason we can’t go win any given weekend. We have to keep staying focused on each race and be ready to perform when the time comes. Right now, we are focused on trying to win at Pocono (Raceway).”

BLAKE HARRIS, CREW CHIEF, NO. 48 ALLY BEST FRIENDS CAMARO ZL1

Harris on the next few races:

“We have six races left in the regular season and Alex (Bowman) has wins at two of them, which is great for us in terms of confidence. Our team is plenty capable of contending every week but having a few tracks where Alex has found success is reassuring. Obviously, we have to take it one race at a time, stay focused on the small tasks and make sure we aren’t complacent on the easy tasks. It takes a team to win a race and our group is firing on all cylinders to punch our ticket into the top 16. Hopefully, we go get it done this Sunday at Pocono (Raceway).

DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 JOCKEY CAMARO ZL1

What are your thoughts going into the next six races with a playoff spot on the line?

“I’m optimistic. We have had good speed at most of the races recently. Sometimes we struggle a little bit with execution, but we are in a good spot right now. We know what we have to do and I’m confident we will do it.”

Is there pressure?

“This isn’t our first time being in this position. It’s fine and it’s part of racing. We can control only what we can control. We can’t control the points situation, we can only control one race at a time. There is always pressure in racing. That’s what makes it fun and why we do it.”

Do you have any races in the next six races circled as one you are most looking forward to?

“The next one. It’s always the next one.”

What are your thoughts on a busy week ahead?

“I like it. I haven’t run SRX yet so it’s going to be a new experience. I haven’t been to Stafford Speedway either. I have heard a lot about it, but this will be my first time. Xfinity is going to be fun as well. The Kaulig Chevrolet is really good and we are going to Pocono with high hopes.”

GRANT ENFINGER, NO. 23 CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT SILVERADO RST

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 SILVERADO RST

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 SILVERADO RST

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.”

KYLE BUSCH, NO. 51 ZARIZ TRANSPORT SILVERADO RST

KBM has been very good at Pocono in recent years. How has your team been able to be so successful there?

“Pocono is a track that we put a lot of emphasis on in our early days. When the Craftsman Truck Series first started going there, we got our butt kicked by KHI the first couple years — really, really bad — and I wasn’t too thrilled about it. So, after that, we put a lot of emphasis on getting better there and focusing on that place. We went and tested there in 2015 when Rudy (Fugle) was the crew chief with Erik Jones, and I was able to go to the test and be there as well and ever since then we’ve been really good. We went back for the race a month later and I was able to bring home the win and I think we’ve won at Pocono every year except one year since then — even had a couple of KBM 1-2 finishes along the way. This will be our first time showing up with Team Chevy, so I’m looking forward to our Silverado’s being fast out there and of course me being behind the wheel of the Zariz Transport Silverado hoping that we can get another win for them to cap off their first year as sponsor in NASCAR on a high note. If we can do that, it’ll be KBM’s 100th — it’s been talked about way too long that we’ve been trying to bring home that monumental win, so hopefully we can knock that out of the way Saturday.”

CHASE PURDY, NO. 4 BAMA BUGGIES SILVERADO RST

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.”

 
Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics

Manufacturers Championships:

Total (1949-2022): 41

First title for Chevrolet: 1958

Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)

Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022

Drivers Championships:

Total (1949-2021): 33

First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)

Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)

Most Recent: Kyle Larson (2021)

Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021

Event Victories:

Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)

2023 STATISTICS:

Wins: 12

Poles: 6

Laps Led: 2,255

Top-five finishes: 48

Top-10 finishes: 88

Stage wins: 17

· Ross Chastain – 5 (Daytona), (Auto Club x2), (Dover), (Darlington)

· William Byron – 7 (Las Vegas x2), (Phoenix), (COTA), (Richmond), (Dover), (Charlotte)

· Kyle Larson – 2 (Phoenix), (Bristol Dirt)

· Chase Elliott – 1 (Talladega)

· Kyle Busch – 2 (WWTR), (Sonoma)

CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:

Total Chevrolet race wins: 845 (1949 to date)

Poles won to date: 740

Laps led to date: 247,799

Top-five finishes to date: 4,269

Top-10 finishes to date: 8,800

Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:

       General Motors: 1,179

       Chevrolet: 845

       Pontiac: 154

       Oldsmobile: 115

       Buick: 65



       Ford: 822                                                           

       Ford: 722

       Mercury: 96

       Lincoln: 4



       Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467

       Dodge: 217

       Plymouth: 191

       Chrysler: 59



       Toyota: 176

 

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Stewart-Haas Racing: Pocono NXS Advance (Cole Custer | Riley Herbst)

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COLE CUSTER | RILEY HERBST
Pocono NASCAR Xfinity Series Advance
NASCAR Xfinity Series Overview

  • Event: Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 (Round 19 of 33)
  • Date: Saturday, July 22
  • Location: Pocono (Pa.) Raceway
  • Layout: 2.5-mile triangle
  • Time/TV/Radio: 5:30 p.m. EDT on USA/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Cole Custer Notes of Interest

  • Cole Custer and the No. 00 Haas Automation team head to Saturday’s Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway hunting for a victory at the track nicknamed “The Tricky Triangle.” With two wins and four pole positions earned already this season, Custer sits fourth in the NASCAR Xfinity Series driver standings with a spot in the 12-driver playoffs locked in with eight races to go until the postseason begins Sept. 15 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. Custer looks to rebound after his top-five bid last Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon was foiled by an accident on the final lap of the race. The 22nd-place result ended his streak of top-10 finishes at 11 in a row, the longest top-10 streak in the Xfinity Series this season. During the 11-race streak, Custer scored both of this season’s wins – June 3 at Portland (Ore.) International Raceway and July 2 at the inaugural Chicago Street Race. He’s hoping to earn his first victory on a track other than a road course this weekend on Pocono’s unique three-cornered, 2.5-mile layout after a strong history at the track.
  • Saturday’s race will mark Custer’s fifth Xfinity Series start at Pocono. In his four prior starts from 2017 to 2019, he never finished outside the top-10. He won there in June 2019 after starting on the pole, leading 58 laps and driving his Ford Mustang to victory lane by a .226-of-a-second margin over Tyler Reddick. Custer also has nine Pocono starts outside of the Xfinity Series – six in the NASCAR Cup Series, one in the NASCAR Truck Series, and two in the NASCAR ARCA Menards Series. His June 2015 ARCA Menards Series start resulted in a victory after starting fifth and leading 18 laps. He finished 4.991 seconds ahead of runner-up Grant Enfinger.
  • Custer will be pulling double duty for the third weekend in a row as he’ll also be behind the wheel of the No. 51 Jacob Companies Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing in Sunday’s High Point 400 Cup Series race. His previous best finish at Pocono in the Cup Series is 16th, earned in the Saturday race of the June 2020 weekend doubleheader. He followed that up to finish 17th in the Sunday race.

Riley Herbst Notes of Interest

  • Like his teammate Custer, Riley Herbst heads to Saturday’s Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 as a previous Pocono winner. In his first race on the 2.5-mile triangle in June 2017, the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang driver scored his first career ARCA Menards Series victory. He led a race-high 45 laps to take the win by 1.735 seconds over runner-up Brandon Jones. It was a prelude of more potent Pocono runs. In Herbst’s return to Pocono two months later for the August ARCA race, he finished second. Back-to-back fifth-place finishes were earned in his two Pocono ARCA races in 2018. And in his last ARCA start at Pocono in May 2019, Herbst finished second after leading a race-high 68 laps. Herbst has never finished outside the top-five in an ARCA race at Pocono.
  • Saturday’s race at the “Tricky Triangle” will mark Herbst’s fourth Xfinity Series start at the track. In his three prior races, he earned a best finish of ninth in his first start at the track in June 2020. In last year’s race, the No. 98 Monster Energy team opted to keep Herbst on track during a caution early in the final stage to put him in the lead. He fought hard to lead four laps on worn tires and gain valuable experience defending the lead from Josh Berry. Ultimately, new tires prevailed, but Herbst was able to hold on for a top-12 finish as the race stayed green all the way to the checkered flag.
  • Only eight races remain before the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs begin Sept. 15 at Bristol, and Herbst is currently defending his spot in the 12-driver playoff field. Heading into the weekend at Pocono, he sits 11th in the driver standings but 12th in the playoff standings. Last weekend at New Hampshire, he extended his buffer over 13th-place Parker Kligerman from six points to 18 after rebounding from an early crash and showing his resilience. A win, of course, would secure Herbst a spot in the playoffs, but he can still point his way in by stringing together solid finishes and scoring stage points through the regular season finale on Sept. 9 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City.

Cole Custer, Driver of the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang

You’ve had a lot of special moments at Pocono, including your first NASCAR Cup Series start, a NASCAR Xfinity Series win in 2019, and an ARCA Menards Series win in 2015. What would it mean to make another memory and park the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang in victory lane this weekend?

“I think Pocono ranks highest on the list for a lot of drivers, just because the track itself is so unique and so difficult to get around. It’s a challenge. The corners are so flat, it’s hard to get your car to work right there. It’s hard as a driver to really be aggressive and really get your lines right. There’s a lot that goes into it when you’re trying to be fast there. A lot of shifting involved, and as a driver you have to be on your game, so it means a lot to win at Pocono. Hopefully we can do that this weekend.”

With Pocono being such an unusual track on the circuit with only three turns, all of which are very different, how do you navigate the track as a driver?

“As a driver, you have to look at it and almost reset yourself going into every single corner. Each turn at Pocono is so different, so how you work the brake and the throttle, are you shifting or are you not shifting, what’s your line in that turn – it’s all unique in each of the three corners. There are so many different things you can do as a driver at Pocono, so you really have to reset and adapt to your car as best as you can. So, it’s definitely a challenge and always makes it exciting.”

Riley Herbst, Driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang

Pocono was the site of your first career ARCA Menards Series victory in 2017. How significant is this track to your racing career?

“It was big for me. To be able to come to Pocono and score the win was big for me. I got a shot to drive, and I drove the car to victory lane. It’s one of those moments that I’ll always think about when I started my NASCAR career. Pocono holds a special place in my heart, so it would mean a lot to be able to go to victory lane there in the NASCAR Xfinity Series as well. It would just make it that much more special – first career Xfinity Series win at the place I got my first career ARCA win.”

You’ve mentioned Pocono being one of your favorite tracks on the circuit, but it’s also a difficult and unique one. Walk us through how you navigate the three turns as a driver.

“Pocono’s a tricky one. Each turn is so different, so you have to approach them with different strategies. We’ll do our best. Turn one is super fast and high-banked. Then, you go through the Long Pond straightaway, and into the Tunnel Turn. That’s just like the Indianapolis big track – super flat, tight radius, and very bumpy. Then you go down the short shoot into a long turn three, which is the most important corner of the track in my opinion. It’s extremely flat and high speed, but you have to come off of it well to get a good run for the longest straightaway in NASCAR. Hopefully, we can successfully tackle each corner and park our No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang in victory lane.”

Platinum Recording Artist Riley Greento Perform Pre-Race Concert for NASCAR Playoff’sBank of America ROVAL™ 400

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CONCORD, N.C. (July 20, 2023) – Multi-platinum Country music superstar Riley Green will rev up America’s Home for Racing with a high-powered pre-race concert before the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, Oct. 8.

“My grandpa would have lost his mind to hear that I’m playing America’s Home for Racing. It’s a real honor. I’m planning to give Charlotte Motor Speedway everything I’ve got and make him proud,” said Green. “Like the song says, I can’t wait to see the ‘Numbers on the Cars’ and the fans in the stands.”

Green is scheduled to perform a 60-minute concert, plucking from his wide range of hits like “There Was This Girl,” “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” and “Georgia Time,” in addition to his Top 40-and-climbing single, “Different ‘Round Here” (featuring Luke Combs). Following the concert, the green flag will fall on the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 for a pivotal NASCAR Playoff showdown.

The pre-race concert, which will take place on the infield of the innovative 2.28-mile ROVAL™, is free for fans with a Sunday Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 ticket. Fans can upgrade to a Track Pass for stage-front access to the concert and driver introductions.

Raised on the sounds of traditional Country, Bluegrass and Southern Gospel music, Green learned the spirit of songwriting and performing at a young age while spending time with his grandfather, Bufford Green, who created the Golden Saw Music Hall in their hometown of Jacksonville, Alabama. Prior to pursuing his passion in Country music, the duck hunting enthusiast who once played quarterback at Jacksonville State University worked with his family, framing houses.

Green burst onto the scene with his 2018 debut album, Different ‘Round Here (BMLG Records), which included the 2X Platinum certified hit “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” and the Platinum-certified single “There Was This Girl.” The 2020 ACM Awards New Male Artist of the Year’ is currently on the road on his own headlining dates in addition to touring across North America on the Luke Combs World Tour with Lainey Wilson. For upcoming tour dates and more, visit RileyGreenMusic.com.

TICKETS: Adult tickets to the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 on Sunday, Oct. 8, start at just $49. Kids 12 and under get in for just $10. Fans can upgrade their race-day experience with a Track Pass, including stage-front access for the Riley Green pre-race concert, driver introductions and more, for just $75. For tickets, upgrades, schedule information, camping and more, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

FOLLOW US: Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on Twitter and Instagram or becoming a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app or online at CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com.

Jeb Burton to Drive Lockheed P-38 Lightning “Pudgy” Tribute Scheme at Pocono Raceway, Thanks to Partner Puryear Tank Lines

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Statesville, N.C. (July 20, 2023) – NASCAR driver Jeb Burton, in partnership with Puryear Tank Lines, will pay homage to the iconic Lockheed P-38 Lightning “Pudgy” in this weekend’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Pocono. The tribute scheme, representing the heritage of Major Thomas McGuire Jr., will be featured on the Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport car.

Major Thomas McGuire Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient and the second-highest-scoring ace of World War II flew the Lockheed P-38 Lightning extensively in the Pacific theater. To honor his legacy, Joint Base McGuire-Dix- Lakehurst, located nearby in Wrightstown, New Jersey, named after him, installed a P-38 with matching colors and markings as the “gate guardian.”

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning “Pudgy” tribute scheme on Jeb Burton’s car represents the five different aircraft flown by Major Thomas McGuire Jr., each bearing the name “Pudgy.” This is symbolized by the ‘V’ marking prominently displayed on the car. Major McGuire tragically lost his life in action on January 7th, 1945, while serving in the Philippines.

In a demonstration of unwavering support for the military community, Puryear Tank Lines, a long-standing partner of NASCAR and committed supporter of the men and women in the U.S. military, proudly sponsors Jeb Burton. Since its establishment in 1959, Puryear has fostered relationships with veteran-owned and operated businesses, exemplifying their dedication to those who have served.

Puryear Tank Lines, owned and operated by former drivers, specializes in bulk tank delivery and prioritizes the needs of their drivers. Their commitment to Safety, Growth, Reliability, and Customer Satisfaction aligns seamlessly with the values of NASCAR. Puryear Racing events offer exclusive access to drivers, highlighting their exceptional care for those in the racing community.

Accompanying the Lockheed P-38 Lightning “Pudgy” tribute scheme, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst will have Airmen present at the race. Additionally, a KC-46 Pegasus aircraft, with the callsign “Pudgy,” will grace the skies above the track, further honoring the legacy of Major McGuire.

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport, co-owned by Jordan Anderson and John Bommarito, represents the #27 and #31 Chevrolet Camaros in NASCAR Xfinity Series. Founded in 2017, the team is driven by a tight-knit group of employees, fans, and sponsors who value integrity and strive for excellence both on and off the track. With the unwavering support of their partners, the team aims to embrace the challenges they face and persist in their pursuit of success.

By combining their forces, Jeb Burton, Puryear Tank Lines, and Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport aim to create a lasting tribute to the heroic achievements of Major Thomas McGuire Jr. and his Lockheed P-38 Lightning “Pudgy.” This collaboration embodies the spirit of honor, dedication, and perseverance that resonates with fans, sponsors, and the racing community at large.

Please Note- “The appearance of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Maj. Thomas McGuire, or the “Pudgy” nose art do es not constitute endorsement by the United States Air Force or the Department of Defense.”

About Puryear Tank Lines

Puryear Tank Lines, a renowned name in the transportation industry since 1959, prides itself on its commitment to supporting the women and men of the U.S. military. With a strong partnership with NASCAR and a focus on safety and customer satisfaction, Puryear Tank Lines prioritizes the needs of its drivers while delivering bulk tank shipments throughout the country.

About Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito AutoSport is a NASCAR team, owned by owner/driver Jordan Anderson and Bommarito Automotive Group President, John Bommarito. Established in 2017 the organization is fueled by an incredible, close-knit team of employees, fans, and sponsors with a focus on integrity in the pursuit of excellence. Our goal is to embrace the journey we’re on and to never give up – whether on the track, in the pits, or in life. Every single team partner, and fan of ours, is what keeps our race cars running strong and our team performing at the highest level.

JACKSON HEADING WEST IN O’NEIL ELECTRIC DODGE

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Larry Jackson’s #84 in the O’Neil Electric Dodge at the Toronto Indy. Photo Credit: Matthew Manor

(July 20, 2023) Larry Jackson and the #84 O’Neil Electric / E3 Spark Plugs Dodge team have packed up to head west for the next three events on the 2023 NASCAR Pinty’s Series schedule. Jackson will race Saturday night, July 22nd at Edmonton International Raceway in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. Then they’ll follow that up with twin 125-lap races at Sutherland Automotive Speedway in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on Wednesday, July 26th.

It’s been several years since Jackson has made the trip having only run a partial schedule during the previous seasons and the long trip is a challenge for the small team. However, Jackson and the #84 team are eager to get back to Edmonton where they’ve scored two top-ten finishes. In the doubleheader event at Saskatoon, it’s an opportunity to grab some points and move up in the overall standings.

Both events in the west are known for large and enthusiastic crowds that create a rousing atmosphere at the races. Fans will want to get to the track early to join in for the on-track autograph sessions and be part of the excitement.

Race Event Preview
Saturday July 22nd Green Flag 7:30PM MT
Bayer 300
Race six of 14 in 2023
This is the eighth NASCAR Pinty’s Series race Edmonton International Raceway

The Track: 1/4-mile paved oval

Best finish: Seventh in 2014

Race Event Preview
Wednesday July 26th Green Flag 6:05PM & 8:15PM MT
Leland Industries Twin 125’s
Races seven & eight of 14 in 2023
This will be the 17th & 18th NASCAR Pinty’s Series races at Sutherland Automotive Speedway

The Track: 3/8-mile paved oval

Best finish: 13th in 2014

Quote:
“We’ve missed being part of the races out west for a few years and our whole team can’t wait to get there. Edmonton is a really tight, one groove track. If you race smart and stay out of trouble you can have a good finish which we’ve done in the past. Saskatoon is more wide open with side-by-side racing and a lot of fun. We’ve made some improvements to the car, and I think we should be very strong at both tracks”.
-Larry Jackson, Driver #84 O’Neil Electric / E3 Spark Plugs Dodge

TV & Live Streaming
All races will be streamed live on TSN+ and through FloRacing in the United States. The races in Edmonton & Saskatoon will also air on TSN Sunday and RDS2 date and times TBD.

The 2023 NASCAR Pinty’s Series will consist of 14 total races in five provinces on a mixture of oval tracks along with road and street courses.

Race fans can get the latest information about Larry Jackson and the #84 O’Neil Electric team on these social channels.

Twitter: @larryjacksonvrm
Instagram: @larryjackson84

About O’Neil Electric Supply
Serving the electrical and construction industry since 1965, O’Neil Electric Supply is a proud Canadian owned, independent wholesale supplier of premium electrical products in the GTA and across Ontario. O’Neil Electric is also open to the public and supplies all premium brands from major manufacturers, in a complete range of electrical products in lighting, controls, power distribution equipment, conduit, wire, boxes, devices, heating & ventilation, tools and safety equipment and is well known as one of the largest stocking distributors in the GTA.
Learn more about O’Neil Electric Supply http://www.oneilelectric.com/about-us-2-about-us

Another strong Sardinia showing for No. 99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing

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No. 99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing maintained their strong 2023 Extreme E Season, bagging a podium and a fourth place in the searing heat of Sardinia. However, the Island X Prix could have yielded even more for RJ Anderson and Amanda Sorensen, with a penalty denying them a first win of the campaign in Round 5, while they also lost out on a second podium at the very last corner of Round 6.

The American outfit have finished in the top five in every race so far in Season 3, making all Grand Finals across the six Rounds. That consistency has kept Anderson and Sorensen within touching distance of the leading trio, sitting fourth in the standings with 80 points and four Qualifying Heat wins across the campaign.

After taking their first podium of the season at the Hydro X Prix, No. 99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing looked set to go even better as they lead the Round 5 Grand Final in pursuit of their maiden win of the campaign.

With last year’s driver pairing of Kyle LeDuc and Sara Price taking the team’s debut victory on the Italian island in 2022, having come so close to top spot the year before, it seemed fitting that Anderson and Sorensen would do likewise.

However, a 15.7-second penalty for a Switch Zone infringement ensured that despite finishing first on the course the team would have to settle for third place overall. Nevertheless, two podium finishes in a row further highlighted the strong, consistent pace of the American outfit this term.

No. 99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing looked destined to replicate that third-place finish in Round 6. However, searing pace from Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E in the Grand Final meant a last lap shootout between the two teams.

It was Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E’s Catie Munnings who came out on top in that battle, snatching P3 on the very last corner to relegate Sorensen and No. 99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing to fourth.

A strong haul of points from the weekend in Sardinia, though, ensures the American team have strengthened their grip on fourth in the standings and are just 29 points off of leaders ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team with two X Prix remaining.

RJ Anderson, No. 99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing, said: “Overall, a fairly good weekend for the team, with a third and a fourth. I think we had more, with the Round 5 mishap, and then being close to the podium in Round 6.

“I think it’s a good building point for the team, we’ve been in all six Grand Finals, and were in the fight. With time it will come. But the starts are so important, and we didn’t get the best one. It was a dogfight here in Italy, when everyone wants the same line, it’s five cars going for one spot.

“We’re going to keep our heads up and come back strong in the next event.”

Amanda Sorensen, No. 99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing, added: “The weekend was a roller coaster. We learned a lot, the team reacted super well to all the events, and I’m stoked to be part of it because everyone’s role is so important, and everyone is super dialled in. I’m looking forward going to Rounds 7 and 8.

“We’re going for the win, I think that nothing’s going to stop us, and we’re definitely charging hard.”

To learn more about Extreme E, visit – www.Extreme-E.com

About Extreme E:

Now heading into its third season, Extreme E is a radical off-road racing series, founded by the same team behind Formula E, which showcases electric SUVs and futuristic technologies in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments.

This five-event global voyage utilises its sporting platform for the purpose of promoting electrification, environment and equality. The series’ goal is to highlight the impact of climate change in some of the world’s most endangered environments, promote the adoption of electric vehicles to pave the way for a lower carbon future, and provide a world-first gender-equal motorsport platform.

The first sport to ever be built out of a social purpose, Extreme E aims to minimise environmental impact while maximising awareness, racing in places that have already been damaged or affected by climate change or human interference and taking fans deep into the heart of the most pressing issues facing our planet’s future.

Not only that, but Extreme E is also helping the car industry to develop future-facing technology using racing as a platform for road innovation, which accelerates change ten-fold.

Season 3 Calendar
Saudi Arabia: 11-12 March 2023
Scotland, UK: 13-14 May 2023
Sardinia, Italy: 08-09 July 2023
Amazon or USA: 16-17 September 2023
Chile: 02-03 December 2023

NHRA AT SEATTLE: Team Chevy Race Advance

By
Official Release
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CHEVROLET IN NHRA
2023 FLAV-R-PAC NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS
PACIFIC RACEWAYS
KENT, WASHINGTON
JULY 21-23, 2023

CHEVROLET EYES REPEAT CAPTURE OF THE FLAV-R-PAC NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS WALLY IN SEATTLE

DETROIT (JULY 20, 2023) – Hosting the second stop of NHRA’s Western Swing, the Chevrolet-backed drivers and teams of John Force Racing head next to Pacific Raceways this weekend for the 2023 Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals near Seattle, Wash. While the Pro Stock teams sit idle until the upcoming Menards NHRA Nationals Presented by PetArmor at Heartland Motorsports Park near Topeka, Brittany Force, Austin Prock, John Force, and Robert Hight all have their sights set on the Top Fuel or Funny Car Winner’s Circle, respectively.

The defending winner of 2022’s event in Seattle for Funny Car, Robert Hight, driver of the Cornwell Tools/AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS machine, looks to the weekend with anticipation after exiting Denver’s race day early at the NHRA Mile-High Nationals. Hoping to go back-to-back in the Pacific Northwest, Hight said, “I’m looking forward to racing in Seattle. The Cornwell Tools team didn’t have the best showing in Denver so it’s nice that we get to turn right around and get back at it just a couple of days later. We have some work to do but we’ll just have to take it one run at a time.”

Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, aims to not only repeat her No. 1 qualifier from 2022, but also to see herself and her team in the Winner’s Circle at the end of Sunday. She noted, “Most importantly this weekend, we need to turn out luck around. We struggled a little bit in Denver on race day. We went out early in the first round. So we’ll be looking for some good qualifying runs and going rounds on race day.”

Despite not competing this weekend, Chevrolet stood strong in 2022, capturing two achievements at Pacific Raceways in Pro Stock, with Greg Anderson setting the ladder as No. 1 qualifier and Troy Coughlin, Jr. racing his Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock to the Winner’s Circle last year. The Chevy drivers and teams of Pro Stock will be back in action in Topeka, Aug. 11-13, 2023.

Additionally sitting idle, the FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown Chevrolet teams return for the biggest event of the season soon, the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Sept. 1-4, 2023.

The 2023 Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals from Pacific Raceway near Seattle, Washington airs first with Friday’s qualifying on Saturday, July 22 at 2 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Saturday’s qualifying airs Sunday, July 23 at 1:30 p.m. ET, with Sunday’s Finals following on FOX at 4 p.m. ET. Coverage streaming live throughout the weekend can be found through NHRA.tv, available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

Austin Prock, driver of the Rocky Mountain Twist / Montana Brands Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster for John Force Racing:

“Excited to be back at sea level this week in Seattle. I foresee a great weekend for this Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist team. We have had success there in the past, Pacific Raceways is where I got my first win so I know we can get the job done and the weather conditions look like they will suit us well. It would be amazing to get a win at Frank Tiegs’ race.”

Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster for John Force Racing:

“Seattle is next on the list for the Western Swing and this Flav-R-Pac / Monster Energy team is excited to get there with Flav-R-Pac being the title sponsor of the event. Our boss Frank Tiegs is going to be there along with a bunch of Flav-R-Pac employees and family are going to be there so we’re looking forward to it. I’m getting to go in a little early on Thursday and do some media around Seattle and really get to talk up this race to hopefully get as many fans out to the track as possible. I’m also really looking forward to getting to meet some of the Seattle Storm WNBA players. I’ll be going to their game on Thursday, and they’ll be out at the track on Friday.”

John Force, driver of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car for John Force Racing:

“Flav-R-Pac Northwest Nationals, I’m ready for them. Looking forward to taking care of Frank Tiegs and all his Flav-R-Pac employees. Seattle has always been good to me. Pacific Raceways, tucked into the trees. Love the fans, we’ll be doing a show in Auburn, a FanFest, to say hi and kick off the event. We had a decent performance in Denver but it didn’t go our way on race day. Ready to turn that around and see what happens.”

Robert Hight, driver of the Cornwell Tools/AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car for John Force Racing:

“I’m looking forward to racing in Seattle. The Cornwell Tools team didn’t have the best showing in Denver so it’s nice that we get to turn right around and get back at it just a couple of days later. We have some work to do but we’ll just have to take it one run at a time. We’re looking forward to putting on a good show for the fans in Washington and hopefully get Frank Tiegs (of Flav-R-Pac) another Winner’s Circle celebration at his title race. He’s been a great partner to John Force Racing so it would mean a lot to get the job done for him and his companies.”

TEAM CHEVY BY THE NUMBERS:

1,433: Round wins for John Force (1st all-time).

605: Round wins for Robert Hight; 13th all-time. Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), sits 12th, with 620.

375: Number of wins in Pro Stock since 1970; 255 won in the Chevrolet Camaro body.

165: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for John Force (1st all-time).

157: Number of Chevrolet Racing Funny Car wins since 1967.

79: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for Robert Hight (6th all-time).

77: Number of Chevrolet Racing Funny Car wins with the Camaro body.

47: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for Brittany Force.

27: Number of NHRA championships Chevrolet holds as a manufacturer since entering the first in 1966. No other manufacturer has won it more than Chevrolet.

24: Wins by John Force in a Chevrolet-bodied Funny Car.

18: Number of Pro Stock championships.

20: Chevrolet career Top Fuel wins in NHRA.

16: Number of Chevrolet career wins by Brittany Force.

7: Number of Funny Car driver championships.

2: Number of Top Fuel driver championships.

UPCOMING NHRA MILESTONES:

950: Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) is second all-time with 921 elimination round wins. He could reach 950 round wins with a decent run in the 18-race schedule.

605: Robert Hight achieved 605 Funny Car elimination wins in Chicago to rank 13th on the all-time NHRA list; Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car) sits 12th with 620.

445: By qualifying for his next race, Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) will extend his NHRA record to 445 consecutive race day appearances. His first appearance came in 2002 at Pomona 2, and he holds the longest career qualifying streak in NHRA.

138: Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) ranks third on the NHRA all-time list with 121 No. 1 qualifiers. He will tie Warren Johnson (Pro Stock, 138) for second to John Force (165) on the list.

269: By qualifying for his next race, Robert Hight will extend his NHRA record to 269 consecutive race day appearances. His first appearance came in 2010 at Pomona 2, and he currently sits seventh in career qualifying streaks in NHRA (Doug Kalitta is sixth at 275).

65: Robert Hight moved into the top 10 on the all-time NHRA victory list with his win in Pomona 1 with 63. Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock, retired) is next ninth on list with 65.

46: Erica Enders has 44 career Pro Stock victories (all with Chevrolet, first win coming at Chicago, 2012 and last win at Las Vegas 2, 2022). Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) is the all-time NHRA female leader with 46.

18: Brittany Force (16 Top Fuel career wins) will move past Shirley Muldowney (18 wins) into third on the NHRA all-time victory list for females. Erica Enders (Pro Stock, 44) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle, 46) are ahead.

6: Erica Enders (Pro Stock) could tie Warren Johnson (6 Pro Stock championships) for second on the class list. The same holds for Greg Anderson. Bob Glidden is the leader with 10.

3: Brittany Force (Top Fuel, 2 championships) would tie Shirley Muldowney (Top Fuel) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) for second on the NHRA all-time championship list by females with another title in 2023. Erica Enders (Pro Stock, 5) is the leader.

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 100 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

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