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RCR Race Preview: Bristol Motor Speedway

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Official Release
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Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Bristol Motor Speedway… In 187 NASCAR Cup Series starts on the pavement configuration at Bristol Motor Speedway, RCR has scored nine wins, seven by Dale Earnhardt: both races in 1985 and 1987, plus victories in 1988 (fall), 1994 (spring), and 1999 (spring). Kevin Harvick won the 2005 spring event while Jeff Burton won the spring race in 2008. The Welcome, North Carolina based organization has racked up 35 top-five and 71 top-10 finishes.

25th Anniversary of “Rattle His Cage”… Saturday night’s Cup Series race at the World’s Fastest Half Mile marks the 25th anniversary of one of the most memorable finishes in Bristol Motor Speedway history featuring legendary RCR driver Dale Earnhardt. Earnhardt, who started 26th, won the 1999 night race following a last-lap bump to Terry Labonte. Earnhardt said in Victory Lane that he didn’t mean to spin out Labonte – just to “rattle his cage.” Earnhardt and Labonte swapped the lead seven times over the last 200 laps in one NASCAR’s classic races.

RCR in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Bristol… Richard Childress Racing has nine NASCAR Xfinity Series victories at Bristol Motor Speedway led by Kevin Harvick’s four wins (2000, 2001, 2003, and 2005). Other drivers who have posted wins at the Tennessee short track include Jeff Green (2002), Clint Bowyer (2008), Elliott Sadler (2012), Austin Dillon (2016) and Tyler Reddick (2019). The storied organization has racked up 38 top-five and 64 top-10 finishes at the high banked oval. Austin Hill is the most recent RCR driver to score a top-five result at Bristol Motor Speedway (third in 2022).

Catch the Action… The NASCAR Xfinity Series Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway will be televised live Friday, September 20, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on The CW. The live radio broadcast can be heard on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

The Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway will be televised live on Saturday, September 21 beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on USA Network. The radio broadcast will be live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway… Austin Dillon has made a total of 21 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway, 18 of which have been on the track’s paved configuration. Dillon has three top-10 results at the track in the paved format, including a fourth place finish in the fall of 2016. The 2013 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion has nine NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the half-mile track with a win in 2016. Dillon has also made three NASCAR Truck Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Winner, Winner… Dillon has won at Bristol Motor Speedway on both the paved and dirt configurations. In addition to winning a NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Tennessee track in August 2016 (paved), Dillon was among the first drivers to compete on the track’s dirt surface in 2021. The veteran racer won two features and a heat race in dominating fashion in a 604 Crate Late Model for Corey Hedgecock Racing.

About Bass Pro Shops… Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations, and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops united with Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations, and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers.” Bass Pro Shops has a long relationship with NASCAR, dating back to 1998. For more information, visit http://www.basspro.com/.

The Cowboy Way… Dillon is wearing two proverbial hats this weekend – his racing helmet and his cowboy hat. As the General Manager of the Carolina Cowboys, a professional bull riding team in the PBR Team Series, Dillon has spent much of this week managing his roster of cowboys and promoting the team’s homestand, which takes place at the Greensboro Coliseum this weekend. The Cowboys head into Greensboro on top of the PBR Team Series Standings with 15 wins, four losses, and one tie.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:

What are your thoughts on Bristol Motor Speedway?

“Anything can happen at Bristol Motor Speedway. It’s a high-banked short track and you can get caught up in things fast. The Bass Pro Shops Bristol Night Race is a grind for 500 laps and that’s what fans love to see. You are battling it out all race long and it helps to get your car handling better if you can move around and try different lanes on the Bristol concrete. That has helped drivers make long green flag runs. There’s action all over the track and I’m looking forward to the race..”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway… Kyle Busch will make his 36th NASCAR Cup Series start on the pavement at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend. Busch leads all active drivers in multiple categories: most victories (eight) – 2007 (spring), 2009 (both races), 2010 (fall), 2011 (spring), 2017 (fall), 2018 (spring) and 2019 (spring), most top-five finishes (14) and most laps led (2,598). The driver of the Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet has earned two Cup Series pole positions at the Tennessee short track – 2013 (spring) and 2018 (spring). Busch also claimed a premier series victory on the dirt surface in 2022. The Las Vegas, Nevada native has nine NASCAR Xfinity Series wins and five NASCAR Truck Series victories, marking 23 checkered flags at Bristol Motor Speedway across all three NASCAR national series and surface configurations.

The NASCAR Hat Trick, Twice… Busch made history at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2010, becoming the first driver to win all three NASCAR national series races in the same weekend. Seven years later in 2017, Busch repeated the accomplishment – again at the Last Great Colosseum – when he secured victories in the Truck Series, Xfinity Series, and Cup Series events.

Youngest Bristol Winner… Busch also holds the record for youngest Cup Series winner at Bristol Motor Speedway. He was 21 years, 10 months, and 23 days when he won the 2007 Food City 500, his first victory at the .533-mile oval.

Points Check… Busch currently holds the 20th position in the Cup Series driver championship point standings.

About Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen… Cheddar’s serves American classics and homestyle comfort food in a feel-at-home atmosphere. Guests get a lot, for not a lot with homemade entrees like hand-breaded Chicken Tenders, homemade Chicken Pot Pie and slow-smoked Baby Back Ribs so big, they almost fall off the plate. To kick off a memorable meal, every Guest is welcomed with a warm Honey Butter Croissant on the house. Cheddar’s operates more than 180 restaurants in 27 states and employs more than 15,000 friendly and passionate team members. Cheddar’s is open for lunch and dinner, now featuring new weekday lunch specials, starting at just $8.59. For more information or to locate the nearest restaurant, visit Cheddars.com. Fans can like or follow Cheddar’s on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

The tire at Bristol Motor Speedway will be the same compound used in the spring race. What did you learn from that race that will help you this weekend?

“Tire management. Tire management will be the biggest key to the race this weekend. How much you can preserve the life of your tire with your driving style and the things that you do to not punish the tire will be critical.”

The Cup Series will have one 45-minute practice session at Bristol Motor Speedway. Is that something that you would like to see at more tracks in the future?

“Yes. I do think that having one 45-minute or even a 60-minute session would be great for our series and drivers that need more track time going forward.”

You have said that Bristol Motor Speedway is one of your favorite tracks. What makes that track so challenging?

“I love Bristol Motor Speedway. Bristol is always fun though it’s gotten a little more challenging over the years with the Next Gen car because it’s more difficult to pass. I think the tough part of racing at Bristol is the amount of banking and load that you see throughout the entire race. There’s no time to relax. You’re really on top of it for the entire time. That’s kind of what wears on you the most with the repetitious nature of driving down the straightway into the corner. It never seems to stop. It makes it fun for a lot of guys and challenging for others.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway… Jesse Love has made three career starts at Bristol Motor Speedway, driving in ARCA Menards Series events from 2021-2023. The Menlo Park, California native started inside the top-five for all three races and recorded a best finish of second-place last season.

About Whelen Engineering… Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion to protect the lives of those who protect and serve others. The company mission is to provide industry-defining safety solutions around the world, while creating a community of problem-solvers who are inspired to push boundaries and continue our legacy of delivering ground-breaking innovation. As a global leader in the emergency warning industry, Whelen has been trusted to perform since 1952, when George Whelen III invented the first rotating aviation beacon. Whelen now encompasses two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire with over 750,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and the largest design staff in the industry. Every part of every Whelen product is proudly designed and manufactured in America. We embrace quality as our foundation, we celebrate innovative engineering in every product we produce.

Meet Love… On Friday, September 20 at 4:45 p.m. ET, Love is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Zone at Bristol Motor Speedway. Immediately following at 5:15 p.m. ET, the Sunoco Rookie of the Year points leader will head to the Chevrolet Display in the Fan Zone to answer fan questions. Stop by to meet Love before the regular season finale event begins.

JESSE LOVE QUOTE:

With Bristol Motor Speedway being the final race of the regular season, what is the focus for the No. 2 team?

“Our focus remains the same honestly. We want to go win the race and accumulate as many playoff points as possible. Danny Stockman and everyone on the No. 2 team has been working extremely hard all season, but especially these last few weeks to get us in the best spot entering the Playoffs. We started the season with a ton of speed, hit a lull in the middle, and have started to put together solid races again in the last month. I feel confident in our program and expect us to have a good run on Friday night. I have raced at Bristol a few times already and probably had the best car last season in the ARCA race. We will have to be smart from start to finish, but our Whelen Chevrolet should contend for the win.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Bennett Transportation and Logistics Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway… Austin Hill has made two career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway, earning a best finish of third in 2022 while piloting the No. 21 Bennett Transportation and Logistics Chevrolet. The Winston, Georgia native has also competed in six NASCAR Truck Series events (best finish of 10th) and three ARCA Menards Series East races (best finish of fifth) at the World’s Fastest Half Mile.

About Bennett Family of Companies… McDonough-Ga. based Bennett Family of Companies is a woman-owned, Women’s Enterprise Business Council (WBENC) certified, diversified transportation and logistics company. Through its 14 affiliated operating companies, the Bennett Family of Companies delivers integrated transportation and supply chain management solutions worldwide. Bennett has 4,625 drivers/owner-operators, over 1,000 employees and 600 agents located across the United States. For more information, visit www.bennettig.com.

Meet Hill… On Friday, September 20 at 4:15 p.m. ET, Hill is scheduled to answer fan questions at the Chevrolet Display in the Fan Zone at Bristol Motor Speedway. Immediately following at 4:45 p.m., Hill will head to the RCR Merchandise Hauler to sign autographs in the Fan Zone. Stop by to meet the 30-year-old driver before the green flag waves on the regular season finale.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTE:

What does it take to win at Bristol Motor Speedway?

“I guess I really don’t know that yet, because I haven’t won at Bristol Motor Speedway throughout my career. During my rookie season, our No. 21 team had a really good Bennett Transportation and Logistics Chevrolet, finished third, and had a shot at winning. Even though I haven’t won there, I know a lot of the things that you’re looking for. You need a very versatile car. You need to be able to run the bottom when the resin is laid down, and as that starts wearing away, you need to be able to move up the racetrack and eventually get up against the fence. That is what I was able to do last year and was really good right up against the wall. There are a lot of wrecks and melee that happens at Bristol, so you have to be patiently aggressive, stay up front all race, keep your track position, and minimize your mistakes.”

ARCA Menards Series / ARCA Menards Series East at Bristol: Bush’s Beans 200 Post-race Notes

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Official Release
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Photo credit - Rich Corbett/ARCA
  • Defending series champion William Sawalich (No 18 Starkey / SoundGear Toyota) clinched the 2024 ARCA Menards Series East championship with his victory in Thursday night’s Bush’s Beans 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Sawalich outdueled Landen Lewis (No. 97 Grant County Mulch Chevrolet) on an overtime restart to score his eighth ARCA Menards Series victory of the year and third ARCA Menards Series East win of the season.
  • Connor Zilisch (No. 28 Silver Hare Development / Chevrolet Performance Chevrolet) entered the race at Bristol with a 16-point lead in the ARCA Menards Series East championship standings and was on pace to clinch the title early in the race. Zilisch, who needed to only finish 12th or higher to win the title, was relegated to 26th at the finish after he was swept into a crash not of his doing while leading on lap 65. Zilisch finished second in the East standings, 12 points behind Sawalich.
  • Lewis finished second in his first ARCA Menards Series appearance since he finished 20th at Bristol in 2023. Lewis won at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in 2021 in just his second series start and is a two-time ARCA Menards Series West winner. He also finished second at Phoenix Raceway in March 2023.
  • Lavar Scott (No. 6 Max Siegel Inc. Chevrolet) finished third after a stuck throttle in qualifying forced him to start 26th. Scott quickly worked his way through the field and avoided major problems while battling for position in and among the top ten to score his eighth top-five finish of 2024.
  • Andres Perez (No. 2 Max Siegel Inc. Chevrolet) finished fourth to maintain a 53-point lead in the ARCA Menards Series championship standings over Scott with just two series races remaining.
  • Dean Thompson (No. 5 Thompson Pipe Group Toyota) was the highest finishing of the five Venturini Motorsports entries in fifth.
  • ARCA Menards Series West championship points leader Tyler Reif (No. 23 Sigma Performance Services/GMS Fabrication Chevrolet) finished sixth in his first ARCA Menards Series start since the second race of the season at Phoenix Raceway. Reif won in his ARCA Menards Series debut at Phoenix in 2023 and has two West victories in 2024. He leads the West standings by seven points over defending series champion Sean Hingorani with four races remaining.
  • Corey Day (No. 82 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet) scored his best career series finish in seventh. Day drove a second entry fielded by Pinnacle Racing Group; his effort was overseen by Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Greg Ives.
  • Talladega winner Jake Finch (No. 1 Phoenix Toyota) finished eighth in just his second short track appearance of the season. Finch finished 18th at Salem Speedway in his only other short track start this season.
  • Lawless Alan (No. 33 AutoPARKIt Ford) finished ninth, his third top-ten finish in five ARCA Menards Series starts in 2024.
  • Andy Jankowiak (No. 73 Acacia Energy Toyota) finished tenth, the final car on the lead lap.
  • Zachary Tinkle (No. 11 Racing for Rescues Toyota) finished eleventh to secure fourth place in the final ARCA Menards Series East championship standings.
  • The next race for the ARCA Menards Series is Reese’s 150 at Kansas Speedway on Friday, September 27 at 5 pm ET/4 pm CT. The race will be televised live on FS1 and broadcast on select affiliates of the MRN Radio network nationwide.

About ARCA
The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum in Toledo, Ohio, and acquired by NASCAR in April 2018, is the leading grassroots stock car sanctioning body in the United States. Bridging the gap between NASCAR’s top three national touring series and weekly and regional tour racing all across the country, the organization sanctions over 100 races per year in the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, ASA STARS National Tour, ASA CRA Super Series, ASA Midwest Tour, ASA Southern Super Series plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways. For more information about ARCA visit www.arcaracing.com, or follow ARCA on Facebook (@ARCARacing) and Twitter (@ARCA_Racing).

About Menards
A family-owned and run company started in 1958, Menards is recognized as the retail home center leader of the Midwest with 236 stores in 15 states. Menards is truly a one-stop shop for all of your home improvement needs featuring a full-service lumberyard and everything you need to plan a renovation or build a home, garage, cabin, shed, deck, fence or post frame building. You’ll find a large selection of lumber, roofing, siding, construction blocks, trusses, doors and windows, plus cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting, paint, plumbing supplies and more. To complete the job, Menards has quality hand tools, power tools, fasteners, electrical tools plus storage options and supplies for everyone from the weekend warrior to the pro!

Menards has what you need to complete your outdoor projects and keep your yard in tip-top shape including mowers, trimmers, blowers, pressure washers and more, plus a beautiful garden center stocked with plants, shrubs, trees, landscaping tools, grass seed, fertilizer options, outdoor décor and patio furniture. Menards also has everyday essentials like health & beauty products, housewares, pet and wildlife supplies, automotive items and even groceries. And at Christmas, an Enchanted Forest display area with impressive trees, lighting, decorations, ornaments, inflatables and more.

Menards is known for friendly Customer Service and as the place to “Save Big Money” with low prices every day, and sales too! For more information, please visit Menards.com to learn about our store locations, offerings and services.

Harrison Burton Joins AM Racing Xfinity Series Program Beginning in 2025

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Official Release
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STATESVILLE, N.C.: AM Racing proudly announced today that recent Daytona Cup Series winner Harrison Burton will join the organization to pilot the team’s flagship Ford Mustang entry full-time in the Xfinity Series beginning with the season-opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on February 15, 2025.

Burton will join the Statesville, N.C. team following a three-year stint in the Cup Series, driving the famed No. 21 Ford Mustang for the iconic Wood Brothers Racing team.

The son of former Cup Series driver and current NBC television analyst Jeff Burton, missiled his way into the 2024 Cup Series Playoffs with a dramatic last-lap pass in the penultimate Cup Series race of the regular season at Daytona International Speedway to deliver the Stuart, Virginia team its 100th victory in the Cup Series and Burton’s first-career win at the sports pinnacle level.

The Huntersville, N.C.-native will join AM Racing for its third year of full-time competition in the Xfinity Series. After several years as a mainstay in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, the family-owned team graduated to the Xfinity Series in 2023.

“I’m excited to join AM Racing and help build it into the race-winning race team I believe it can and will be,” said Burton. “I think this will be a great opportunity for me to take the things I’ve learned in the Cup Series, bring those to the Xfinity Series and be the best driver I can be.

“It’s a blessing to continue my NASCAR journey, and I intend to make the most of this opportunity.”

AM Racing has also renewed its agreement with Roush Yates Engines to continue to provide the legendary Ford horsepower for the 33-race schedule next season.

The team will continue its technical alliance with the soon-to-be-rebranded HAAS Factory Team for a third consecutive Xfinity Series season.

“AM Racing is proud to welcome Harrison Burton on board,” offered Wade Moore, president of AM Racing. “He is a first-class individual and has already proven that he will immediately impact each team member here at AM in a positive manner. His experiences across NASCAR’s National Series will position him to be a leader and a catalyst in our pursuit of Victory Lane and the goals we ultimately envision for this program.

“We are equally proud to continue our strong partnerships with Ford Performance, Roush Yates Engines and HAAS Factory Team. These collaborations have been instrumental in supporting our team’s growth and success, and we look forward to building upon these relationships in the upcoming season. We will continue to invest in this team, our employees and ultimately, our future.”

Additional details on Burton’s Xfinity Series program with AM Racing will be announced in due course.

For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

For more on Harrison Burton, please visit theharrisonburton.com, like his Facebook page (Official Harrison Burton), or follow him on Instagram (@harrisonburton12) and X | Twitter (@hburtonracing).

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

The family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events in its eighth year of competition.

JDX Racing Descends On Brickyard Looking For Porsche Carrera Cup Wins

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Official Release
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Alex Sedgwick, Zachary Vanier and Elias De La Torre All Sit Top 10 in Point Standings, With Madeline Stewart Closing Fast in Impressive Showing for Four Car Effort

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (September 20, 2024) – With just six races left in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America season, JDX Racing enters the stretch run with two drivers in the top four of the point standings, another inside the top 10, and a fourth showing significant improvement in recent rounds – giving the four-car effort momentum heading into this weekend’s doubleheader at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Alex Sedgwick currently leads the way for JDX Racing, sitting second in the Pro Class point standings on the strength of four podium finishes. Sedgwick is 57 points from the lead, with teammate Zachary Vanier just 15 points and two positions behind Sedgwick. Elias De La Torre sits eighth in the points, with Madeline Stewart 16th.

All four will be in action this week, with doubleheader races on the 2.4-mile “Brickyard” road course. Friday’s 40-minte race takes the green flag at 3 p.m. EDT, with Saturday’s race at 11:10 a.m. EDT. Both races can be seen live Races air live at PorscheCarreraCup.us, on the IMSA YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@imsaofficial, for subscribers on the Peacock streaming app and at IMSA.TV.

JDX Racing Pre-Race News and Notes

  • Sedgwick’s No. 98 PT Autosport/Byers Imports Porsche 911 GT3 Cup enters the weekend with a four-event podium streak. Outside of the opener at Sebring, Sedgwick has been on the podium at least once at each doubleheader this season.
  • The streak may well continue this weekend, as Sedgwick was a podium finisher in each race at Indianapolis a season ago. His race two podium last year for JDX Racing came after starting 11th.
  • It’s a bit of a homecoming for Sedgwick, despite his British heritage. His first race with backers PT Autosport came in Porsche Sprint Challenge at Indianapolis, which led to the opportunity to partner with JDX Racing for Carrera Cup the past two seasons.
  • The consistent finishes have pushed him to second in the championship. Though he trails leader Loek Hartog by 57 points entering the Indianapolis weekend, he has a 14 point cushion on third place, and 19 points to his teammate Vanier in fourth.
  • Vanier and his No. 9 Technica Mining/Byers Imports Porsche 911 GT3 Cup finished as the runner-up the last time out at Road America. It was a strong bounce back from Saturday’s race, where he was collected in a lap one incident that likely cost him significant points.
  • Though it’s Vanier’s rookie season in Carrera Cup North America, he swept the weekend at Indianapolis a year ago in Porsche Sprint Challenge on his way to that championship. Both single-make series run by Porsche Motorsport North America utilize the same 992 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, giving the young Canadian extended experience in the car.
  • De La Torre continues to show improvement from his rookie season in Carrera Cup. His 76 championship points put him eighth on the grid and are almost three times the number he scored a year ago – still with six races to go.
  • The 18-year-old matched his season best at Road America with a fifth-place finish in Saturday’s race there.
  • Stewart scored points in both races on a weekend for the first time at Road America, boosting herself to 16th in the point standings. Stewart drove her No. 82 Spool Imports/Byers Imports Porsche 911 GT3 Cup to a seventh and 11th place finish at Road America, with both runs topping her previous season best.
  • Like Vanier, Stewart was a participant in the Porsche Sprint Challenge a season ago. She finished just off the podium at Indianapolis in that championship during its season finale with a fourth-place finish.
  • The New Zealand native is currently calling Indianapolis home as she pursues her racing career, making this week’s event the closest to a “home” race on the North American schedule for Stewart.
  • JDX Racing has run successful tests at both Indianapolis and Circuit of the Americas in the time since the last rounds at Road America.
  • The Indianapolis event began with practice on Thursday morning. Sedgwick opened with the fourth-quickest time to lead all JDX Racing drivers in the 30-car field, just 0.253-second off the best time in the session. Vanier was eighth on the timing charts, followed by Stewart in 11th and De La Torre in 15th. Sedgwick jumped to the top in the much warmer Practice 2, with Vanier and De La Torre improving their times from the morning session.
  • Prior to the racing, qualifying takes place at 9:35 EDT on Friday morning. The 20-minute session will set the grid for Friday’s race one.

JDX Racing Quote Board

Jeremy Dale, Team Principal, JDX Racing: “We’re really excited to get back on the track after a number of weeks off post-Road America. We’ve done a test at Indy and we’ve done a test of COTA and all the drivers and team are feeling quite tuned up so it should be a fun weekend for us. We’ve had reasonable success here over the years so we’ll be looking to build on that and solidify our places in the point standings as the season continues to progress.”

Alex Sedgwick, Driver, No. 98 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup: “It’s always special to come to Indy and to be able to say that you’ve raced here. Last year went really, really well. With a year of additional experience, we have very high expectations and I think it should be a very good weekend. We’re looking to maximize our points haul and gather as many as we can as we continue to claw back into the championship. We obviously need a little bit of luck on our side as well but I’m feeling very positive that it can be a good one for us. Indianapolis was where it all started with PT Autosport. The first PT Autosport race was Sprint Challenge at the Porsche Together Fest in a 991.2 Porsche. It was my first race in a Porsche, PT Autosport’s first race as an organization, and really what gave me the opportunity to move onto Carrera Cup and start this partnership between PT and JDX. There’s a lot of history here, and a track I love to race around as well.”

Zachary Vanier, Driver, No. 9 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup: “I’m really looking forward to being back at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Porsche Carrera Cup North America. It’s a track with such a strong legacy and one that treated me really good las season by giving me two wins. It’s a track that’s very difficult since it’s always changing and requiring different things each lap, making it really important to adapt and maximize each session. Coming off a strong weekend Road America, we’re going to continue pushing for strong points toward the championship with the goal of leaving Indianapolis again with two wins. We’ve just got to stay focused and continue developing our platform into something competitive which gives me a great amount of confidence that we’ll be a front-running contender this weekend. I can’t thank all of my partners and family enough for giving me this opportunity and I hope to make them proud this week.”

Elias De La Torre, Driver, No.4 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup: “Heading into the weekend at the historic ‘Brickyard,” we hope to have a better weekend than last year where a mechanical issue in qualifying had us starting from the back. We’re trying to carry the good parts of the Road America weekend over and continue progressing toward the front end of the grid once again. Although Indy isn’t a circuit that suits by style, we will maximize the car and the track time to go as far forward as possible.”

Madeline Stewart, Driver, No. 82 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup: “I’m really looking forward to racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend. Having been based in Indianapolis for the 2024 season, it feels like a home race for me. We’re coming off our best Carrera Cup round to date, so I’m focused on building on that momentum and continuing to progress.”

About JDX Racing:

Founded in 2008 and based outside of Denver, CO, JDX Racing represents the very best in professional motorsports. Competing in the IMSA sports car series, JDX Racing campaigns cars in events throughout North America. JDX Racing features world-class drivers, outstanding crew members and dynamic marketers from Champ Car, IndyCar, NASCAR, ALMS and the Champ Car Atlantic Championship series. For more information, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/jdxracing, on Twitter @JDXRACING and on Instagram @jdxracing.

Lane Riggs earns second Truck Series victory by racing to UNOH 200 title at Bristol Motor Speedway

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Official Release
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 BRISTOL, Tenn.—Layne Riggs relished his role as spoiler so much that he returned for an encore Thursday night at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Riggs isn’t competing for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championship, but that didn’t prevent him from winning the Playoff opener Aug. 25 at the Milwaukee Mile.

On Thursday, Riggs passed runner-up Corey Heim for the lead on Lap 121 of 200 in the UNOH 200 Presented by Ohio Logistics and held it the rest of the way to score his second career victory and his fourth straight top five.

“Oh, my gosh, we’ve just learned so much with the trucks,” said the driver of the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford. “My team, Dylan (Cappello), he’s bad-ass…

“To be running fifth, 10th and all of a sudden to go back-to-back in the Playoffs—man, I wish I was in the Playoffs so bad. I think we’d be a real threat to win the championship.”

Heim had to settle for second place, but there was a silver lining for the driver of the No. 11 TRICON Garage Toyota. Heim scored enough points on Thursday to advance to Round of 8, as did fourth-place finisher Christian Eckes and fifth-place Nick Sanchez.

“Every time we got a heat cycle on the tires, it seemed like we got tighter and tighter,” said Heim, who fell one spot short in his defense of last year’s victory at Thunder Valley. “Just didn’t quite have it, but solid points day in the Playoffs—that’s what you need, so I will keep moving forward…

“I’m looking forward to my favorite place (Kansas Speedway) next week.”

Heim won a drag race for the runner-up spot over Rajah Caruth, who elevated his standing in the Playoffs with a win in the first stage and a solid run the rest of the way.

Caruth vaulted from 10th to fifth in the standings with the third-place run and now stands 35 points above the current cut line with next Friday’s elimination race at Kansas left to determine which eight drivers advance to the next round.

“We executed the race—just two spots short,” said Caruth, who glanced toward Riggs’ truck doing celebratory burnouts on the frontstretch. “Man, I wish that was us,” Caruth added wistfully.

Reigning series champion Ben Rhodes fought an ill-handling truck and finished 27th, two laps down, and fell to 10th in the standings, 12 points behind Grant Enfinger in eighth.

Daniel Dye tangled with Kaden Honeycutt on the frontstretch on Lap 157 and finished 37th, six laps down. Dye heads for Kansas seven points behind Enfinger.

Eighteen-year-old Sprint Car star Corey Day finished 18th in his Truck Series debut. After winning his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut last Saturday at Watkins Glen, polesitter Connor Zilisch spun in Turn 4 on Lap 109 and came home 19th.

Matt Crafton ran sixth, followed by Chase Purdy and Playoff driver Ty Majeski, who started from the rear after his team made unapproved adjustments to the No. 98 Ford. Stewart Friesen and Playoff driver Tyler Ankrum completed the top 10.

  • Story by NASCAR Newswire

William Sawalich raced to the win in the Bush’s Beans 200 ARCA Menards Series race and in the process claimed his second ARCA Menards East Series title. It was Sawalich’s second straight Bristol Motor Speedway victory.

Sawalich powered past his challengers at the controls of his No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing machine to take the checkered flag in front of Landen Lewis, Lavar Scott, Andres Perez and Dean Thompson.

Connor Zilisch, who entered the race as the ARCA East points leader got caught up in a crash early in the race and it ended his championship chances. His No. 28 machine collided with Logan Misuraca’s No. 9 Chevy, which spun out and hit the wall. As her car drifted back down track, Zilich’s machine slammed into it at full speed. The damage to Zilisch’s car was too much to overcome. Zilisch finished 26th and dropped to second in the East standings.

Other notable finishers included heralded dirt track racer Corey Day, who finished seventh and former Indy Car racer Marco Andretti, who finished 22nd.

Bush’s Beans 200 Final Results
ARCA Menards Series
Bristol Motor Speedway
Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024

  1. William Sawalich
  2. Landen Lewis
  3. Lavar Scott
  4. Andres Perez
  5. Dean Thompson
  6. Tyler Reif
  7. Corey Day
  8. Jake Finch
  9. Lawless Alan
  10. Andy Jankowiak
  11. Zachary Tinkle
  12. Toni Breidinger
  13. Kris Wright
  14. Eric Caudell
  15. Gio Ruggiero
  16. Tim Richmond
  17. Cody Dennison
  18. Andrew Patterson
  19. Alex Clubb
  20. Christian Rose
  21. Greg VanAlst
  22. Marco Andretti
  23. D.L. Wilson
  24. Michael Maples
  25. Amber Balcaen
  26. Connor Zilisch
  27. Logan Misuraca
  28. Tim Goulet
  29. Dale Shearer
  30. Nate Moeller
  31. Brian Clubb
  32. Brad Smith
  33. Dawson Sutton

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race – UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics
Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol, Tennessee
Thursday, September 19, 2024

1. (18) Layne Riggs #, Ford, 200.
2. (2) Corey Heim (P), Toyota, 200.
3. (3) Rajah Caruth (P), Chevrolet, 200.
4. (8) Christian Eckes (P), Chevrolet, 200.
5. (6) Nick Sanchez (P), Chevrolet, 200.
6. (11) Matt Crafton, Ford, 200.
7. (9) Chase Purdy, Chevrolet, 200.
8. (19) Ty Majeski (P), Ford, 200.
9. (5) Stewart Friesen, Toyota, 200.
10. (14) Tyler Ankrum (P), Chevrolet, 200.
11. (4) William Sawalich, Toyota, 200.
12. (16) Taylor Gray (P), Toyota, 200.
13. (28) Bret Holmes, Chevrolet, 200.
14. (17) Dean Thompson, Toyota, 200.
15. (26) Bayley Currey, Chevrolet, 200.
16. (13) Stefan Parsons, Chevrolet, 200.
17. (15) Grant Enfinger (P), Chevrolet, 200.
18. (22) Corey Day, Chevrolet, 200.
19. (1) Connor Zilisch(i) (P), Chevrolet, 200.
20. (20) Connor Mosack, Chevrolet, 200.
21. (21) Jake Garcia, Ford, 200.
22. (27) Timmy Hill, Toyota, 200.
23. (10) Tanner Gray, Toyota, 200.
24. (29) Lawless Alan, Ford, 199.
25. (30) Matt Mills, Chevrolet, 199.
26. (24) Jack Wood, Chevrolet, 199.
27. (25) Ben Rhodes (P), Ford, 198.
28. (35) Justin Mondeik, Chevrolet, 198.
29. (31) Spencer Boyd, Chevrolet, 198.
30. (12) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet, 198.
31. (32) Mason Maggio, Ford, 196.
32. (7) Daniel Dye (P), Chevrolet, 194.
33. (34) Keith McGee, Ford, 194.
34. (33) Tyler Tomassi, Chevrolet, 192.
35. (36) Kaden Honeycutt (P), Chevrolet, Accident, 157.
36. (23) Conner Jones #, Ford, Overheating, 126.

Average Speed of Race Winner: 79.552 mph.

Time of Race: 1 Hrs, 20 Mins, 24 Secs. Margin of Victory: 1.096 Seconds.

Caution Flags: 4 for 39 laps.

Lead Changes: 8 among 5 drivers.

Lap Leaders: C. Zilisch(i) (P) 1-41;C. Heim (P) 42-51;R. Caruth (P) 52-59;C. Heim (P) 60;T. Hill 61-65;C. Heim (P) 66-99;R. Caruth (P) 100;C. Heim (P) 101-120;L. Riggs # 121-200.

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led): Layne Riggs # 1 time for 80 laps; Corey Heim (P) 4 times for 65 laps; Connor Zilisch(i) (P) 1 time for 41 laps; Rajah Caruth (P) 2 times for 9 laps; Timmy Hill 1 time for 5 laps.

Stage #1 Top Ten: 71,11,19,7,2,52,1,38,77,43

Stage #2 Top Ten: 11,19,71,38,2,52,1,88,5,77

Layne Riggs (38) held off defending winner Corey Heim (11) to take the victory Thursday at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Layne Riggs takes the checkered flag Thursday at Bristol Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

UNOH representatives congratulate Layne Riggs in Victory Lane Thursday after winning the UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics.

William Sawalich (18) edged out his season long rival Connor Zilisch (28) for the ARCA East championship after winning the Bush’s Beans 200 Thursday at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Layne Riggs Drives F-150 to Fourth Straight NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Victory

By
Official Release
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Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
UNOH 200 | Bristol Motor Speedway
Thursday, September 19, 2024

LAYNE RIGGS CONTINUES HOT STREAK WITH SECOND STRAIGHT VICTORY

  • Layne Riggs drove his No. 38 Love’s Travel Stops Ford F-150 to his second straight NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory tonight at Bristol Motor Speedway.
  • He’s the second Ford driver to win back-to-back series races this season after Ty Majeski did it at Indianapolis and Richmond.
  • The last time Ford won four straight NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races was 2000 when Greg Biffle (3) and Kurt Busch (2) combined to win five straight.

LAYNE RIGGS, No. 38 Love’s Travel Stops Ford F-150 – VICTORY LANE INTERVIEW

YOU WANTED TO BE A PLAYOFF SPOILER AND THAT’S WHAT YOU’RE DOING. WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE THIS BREAKOUT TO? “We have just learned so much with the trucks and my team. Dillon, my crew chief, he’s bad ass. He works so hard at night and we as a team, we’re a young team. I think the average age is in the twenties, so it’s so amazing. To be running fifth, 10th and then all of a sudden go back-to-back in the playoffs? Man, I wish I was in the playoffs so bad. I think we’d be a real threat to win this championship.”

WHAT DOES YOUR TEAM’S CONVICTION DO FOR YOU AS A DRIVER? “I’m a bad mug. That’s what they said over the radio. I wasn’t scared to throw it against the fence tonight and, man, the track was so fun. I’m so glad they didn’t put the PJ1 on the track. It was so much fun. Even at the very end you could run the bottom or the top and make equal lap times. I know this Cup race on Saturday night is gonna be really awesome. I hope everybody tunes in, but what a shout out to Love’s for being on the truck. You can’t miss the big yellow truck. Xfinity Communications, that’s two in a row. Man, everybody has helped me so much to get here.”

Unofficial Ford Finishing Order:

1st – Layne Riggs
6th – Matt Crafton
8th – Ty Majeski
21st – Jake Garcia
24th – Lawless Alan
27th – Ben Rhodes
31st – Mason Maggio
33rd – Keith McGee
36th – Conner Jones

TY MAJESKI, No. 98 Road Ranger/Grinds Coffee Pouches Ford F-150 – “We did what we needed to do tonight. Obviously, we fought some adversity. I was proud of the team. When you have a little mishap like that, this is the kind of comeback we needed tonight. It’s what we needed. Of course, we always come to the racetrack wanting to win. We have good, fast Ford F-150s every week. We made the most out of it tonight and did exactly what we needed to do. That will put us in a really comfortable spot going to Kansas and we’ll try to capitalize there and move on to Talladega.”

BEN RHODES, No. 99 Bommarito Automotive Group Ford F-150 – “It was tough from the get-go. The moment we unloaded from the transporter we had some issues in practice. It’s kind of the story with this Next Gen practice. If you have issues, you can’t really fix them. You can only really tune on the truck and we needed more than fine-tuning today. We tried to fix one thing, but it would hurt another so we were kind of stuck in the middle of No man’s land and not really able to fix the truck. That made myself more less comfortable at times. All in all, I wish we had a better outing for this Bommarito Ford F-150, but we’re just gonna have to go get it at Kansas now and work really hard to get our points back. I don’t know where we’re at in points, but I know it’s not good. You kind of do mental math as the race is unfolding and know that you’re losing it, so now we’re in a clutch moment where we have to come through at Kansas.”

MATT CRAFTON, No. 88 Planters/Menards Ford F-150 – “All in all, we made something there at the end. We were OK. On long runs, the first run we were off just a little bit and made some good adjustments on the one pit stop we made and made it better. We still didn’t quite have the longer run speed that we needed, but, all in all, not a terrible night.”

COREY HEIM LOCKS SPOT IN ROUND OF 8 WITH RUNNER-UP FINISH

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Official Release
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Taylor Gray in solid positioning heading into Kansas

BRISTOL, Tenn. (September 19, 2024) – With a stage win and a second-place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway on Thursday evening, Corey Heim has officially clinched his spot in the Truck Series Playoffs Round of 8, regardless of his performance next weekend at Kansas Speedway. His TRICON Garage teammate, Taylor Gray, is also looking good to advance as he sits in seventh – 23 points above the cutline.

William Sawalich also had a day to remember as the 17-year-old claimed his second consecutive ARCA Menards Series East championship with a race win. He followed that performance with a strong run in the Truck race as he battled amongst the top-10 drivers most of the night before finishing 11th.

Toyota Racing Post-Race Recap
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Bristol Motor Speedway
Race 17 of 23 – 200 Laps, 106.6 Miles

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS

1st, Layne Riggs*
2nd, COREY HEIM
3rd, Rajah Caruth*
4th, Christian Eckes*
5th, Nick Sanchez*
9th, STEWART FRIESEN
11th, WILLIAM SAWALICH
12th, TAYLOR GRAY
14th, DEAN THOMPSON
22nd, TIMMY HILL
23rd, TANNER GRAY
*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

COREY HEIM, No. 11 Safelite Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, TRICON Garage

Finishing Position: 2nd

I know you wanted to get another Bristol win under your belt, but can you talk about this good points day?

“Yeah, congrats to Layne (Riggs). Those guys were on it all night long. Everyone at our TRICON camp did such a good job. They gave me a great Tundra. They had great pit stops – they did their job to keep me out front, just didn’t quite have it when the groove started to move around there. Every time we got a heat cycle on the tires, it felt like it got tighter and tighter. Just didn’t quite have it, but solid points day in the Playoffs – that’s what you need, so I will keep moving forward with TRICON Garage, Toyota Racing, Safelite – huge thank you to all of those guys. I’m looking forward to my favorite place next week.”

WILLIAM SAWALICH, No. 1 Starkey/SoundGear Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, TRICON Garage

Finishing Position: 11th

Great day for you – championship and win in the ARCA race and in the top-10 most of the night in the Truck. Can you talk about your day?

“Both races were really good. The ARCA race went in our favor. We had a really fast Starkey, SoundGear Toyota Camry there and led a bunch of laps and had a lot of speed. Lots of restarts so I had plenty of time to work on that, but ultimately ended up with the win and the championship – for the second year in a row, which is really cool. In the Truck race, we had a really fast Starkey, SoundGear Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. Really thankful for the TRICON guys for giving me a good truck here tonight. Ran inside the top-10 and had a lot of speed.”

TAYLOR GRAY, No. 17 A Place of Hope Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, TRICON Garage

Finishing Position: 12th

12th place finish, can you talk about your race?

“Just not the night we wanted. Our TRICON guys worked really hard. We brought a decent A Place of Hope Toyota Tundra – just needed some different stuff to be able to contend up front. If we had cleaner air and track position, it would have been different. Just struggled being able to get back through traffic and fight for somewhat of a good finish – just looking at good points getting out of here, and putting it behind us.”

How do you feel about Kansas?

“I feel good. In the past, it has been a really good track for the organization. It has been a really good track for me. I’m really excited – it has also been a really good track for Jeff (Hensley, crew chief). Just have to go as execute – unload good, qualify good and be able to run up front.”

About Toyota

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

Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars and trucks at our 12 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 13th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 29 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Toyota Driver William Sawalich Repeats as ARCA Menards Series East Champion

By
Official Release
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BRISTOL, Tenn. (September 19, 2024) – Camry driver William Sawalich won his second-consecutive ARCA Menards Series East championship with a win at Bristol Motor Speedway Thursday evening. Sawalich’s back-to-back title is the fourth consecutive ARCA Menards Series East title for a Toyota driver.

Coming off an impressive season last year that ended in a championship, Sawalich upped the ante in 2024, with incredibly consistent performances across all ARCA Menards Series racing. In ARCA East races, the Minnesotan captured three victories and seven top-fives in eight starts this season. He was also dominant on the national ARCA tour, winning eight races, including four in a row (Salem, Elko, Springfield and Milwaukee), and only finishing outside the top-five once.

“Winning consecutive championships is a tremendous accomplishment no matter what form of motorsports it is in, and we are thrilled for William, his family and our great partners at Joe Gibbs Racing,” said Paul Doleshal, Group Manager, Motorsports, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA). “William’s talent cannot be overstated, and we’re fortunate to have him within our development program. We look forward to William’s continued progression and are excited to be a part of the future successes he’s bound to garner.”

Alongside his ARCA success, Sawalich is also improving his race craft by making appearances in NASCAR’s Truck and Xfinity Series. The 17-year-old has already made 11 career starts in the Truck Series with TRICON Garage with a career-best finish of sixth at the Indianapolis Raceway Park in 2023. Sawalich will also compete in the Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway this evening, and he’ll make his Xfinity Series debut later this season at Homestead-Miami Speedway after turning 18.

Sawalich drives the No. 18 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) in ARCA competition. This is the third ARCA Menards Series East title for the team, going along with Sammy Smith’s championship in 2021. Sawalich is the seventh Toyota driver to win the ARCA East title and the third to win the championship in consecutive years. He joins a list that includes Ryan Truex (2009 and 2010), Max Gresham (2011), Kyle Larson (2012), Harrison Burton (2017), Tyler Ankrum (2018) and Smith (2021 and 2022).

About Toyota

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

Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars and trucks at our 12 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 13th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 29 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

PRO STOCK STANDOUT AARON STANFIELD LOOKS TO CONTINUE COUNTDOWN MOMENTUM IN CHARLOTTE

By
Official Release
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In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hector Arana Jr. aims to make late-season charge

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 19, 2024) – Following the first race of the 2024 NHRA Countdown to the Championship, the Pro Stock division has a new points leader in Aaron Stanfield. As teams head south to zMAX Dragway for this weekend’s 16th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals, Stanfield will look to increase his lead as he continues to enjoy a career-best season.

Stanfield, driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance /Janac Brothers Racing Pro Stock car, is the most recent winner on the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour after his win in Reading, continuing what was a red-hot summer.

He has collected five wins for Elite Motorsports so far during the NHRA season – with all five victories coming in the last seven races – and as the series returns to Charlotte, Stanfield is aiming for his second career win at zMAX Dragway. Stanfield previously won the fall race in 2022 and was also the runner-up at the 4-Wide race in Charlotte in April.

“Momentum is real and things have been rolling our way,” said Stanfield, who has advanced to seven finals in 2024. “We’ve been getting the round wins when we need them. When you start second in points, you know you definitely have a shot to win. I know the equipment I’m in and how hungry my guys are to win. We definitely have a shot to win and we just need to keep our momentum rolling.”

Last season, Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Bob Tasca III (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all picked up wins at the fall race in Charlotte and this year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations coverage starting at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.

The NHRA Carolina Nationals is the 16th event of the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and second stop of the NHRA Countdown. As the playoffs marches on, competition in the loaded Pro Stock category continues to ramp up, especially in the top four.

Dallas Glenn of KB Titan Racing led the points for the majority of the season and is now second but is only nine points back of Stanfield. With three wins under his belt, he will also be aiming for his first NHRA Pro Stock championship.

Erica Enders is third following her runner-up finish in Reading to Stanfield, 35 points behind the leader, while five-time champion and NHRA 4-Wide Nationals winner Anderson is fourth, followed by the five-time champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. Anderson has ruled Charlotte as of late, winning the last two races at the track, but Stanfield is enjoying a special run heading to zMAX Dragway.

“I think I just need to go out there and try to do the same thing,” said Stanfield, who has 13 career Pro Stock wins. “It’s going to be a dogfight to the end. Dallas is a great driver and he’s got a great car. Obviously we have Erica and Greg is in there, too, and you can’t count out Jeg. There’s a bunch of us who are capable of winning it all.”

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hector Arana Jr. appears to be getting hot at the perfect time, winning last weekend on his GETTRX Buell. It was the veteran’s first victory of the year, but he vaulted all the way to fourth in points, now trailing leader and reigning world champion Herrera by 60 points.

Richard Gadson and Matt Smith are also above him, but Arana impressed in Reading, defeating Herrera in the semifinals and then Gadson in the championship round. That positions him well for a furious finish and Arana is ready for the challenge this weekend at zMAX Dragway, where Herrera has won the last three races.

“I believe we have a chance (to win a championship),” said Arana Jr., who won at zMAX Dragway in 2013. “Here we are, flying under the radar and now that it’s the Countdown, it’s time to shine. We have some more power to make and we still have some catching up to do, but I like the improvements we’ve made. You’ve got to have a good, consistent bike to win the race.”

In Top Fuel, Kalitta will look to turn things around after a first-round upset in Reading. It helped send Justin Ashley into the points lead, while Antron Brown is just a point back and Shawn Langdon is only six points out of first.

In Funny Car, Tasca will try to win his second straight fall race at zMAX Dragway following last year’s success. Currently second in points, Tasca is trying to chase down leader Austin Prock, who has six wins in 2024. Others to watch include defending world champ and 4-Wide winner Matt Hagan, Ron Capps, J.R. Todd and Alexis DeJoria.

Top Fuel
1. Justin Ashley, 2,1812. Antron Brown, 2,1803. Shawn Langdon, 2,1754. Doug Kalitta, 2,1485. Steve Torrence, 2,1236. Clay Millican, 2,1027. Tony Stewart, 2,0878. Tony Schumacher, 2,0859. Brittany Force, 2,04810. Billy Torrence, 2,031		Funny Car
1. Austin Prock, 2,2502. Bob Tasca III, 2,1643. John Force / Jack Beckman, 2,1514. J.R. Todd, 2,1235. Matt Hagan, 2,1136. Ron Capps, 2,1087. Alexis DeJoria, 2,0828. Blake Alexander, 2,0689.Chad Green, 2,06710. Daniel Wilkerson, 2,056
Pro Stock
1. Aaron Stanfield, 2,2092. Dallas Glenn, 2,2003. Erica Enders, 2,1744. Greg Anderson, 2,1635. Jeg Coughlin, 2,0956. Troy Coughlin Jr., 2,0787. Cristian Cuadra, 2,0728. Jerry Tucker, 2,0669. Eric Latino, 2,04210. Mason McGaha, 2,037		Pro Stock Motorcycle
1. Gaige Herrera, 2,1982. Matt Smith, 2,1813. Richard Gadson, 2,1794. Hector Arana Jr, 2,1385. Chase Van Sant, 2,1026. John Hall, 2,0997. Angie Smith, 2,0968. (tie) Jianna Evaristo, 2,0638. (tie) Steve Johnson, 2,06310. Chris Bostick, 2,033

The NHRA Carolina Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which includes some of the sport’s top drivers, as well as the fan-favorite Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+ and Pingel NHRA Top Fuel Motorcycle Series, which wraps up its four-race 2024 schedule in Charlotte.

Fans won’t want to miss the thrilling and highly-entertaining KSFMX freestyle motocross show in the midway as well, which takes place before each round of pro qualifying on Friday and Saturday in the midway.

They are also invited the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at zMAX Dragway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the NHRA Carolina Nationals event winners.

As always, fans also get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Charlotte. This unique opportunity gives fans a chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. Fans can also visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food, and fun for the entire family.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will feature two qualifying rounds at 4:00 and 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 20, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 12:30 and 3:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 22. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, and then eliminations on FS1 at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, please visit www.zmaxdragway.com or call 800-455-FANS (3267). For more information about NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

The Importance of Professional Dirt Removal: Why You Should Hire Experts

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SM
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Photo by Feverpitch at https://depositphotos.com/

When embarking on any construction, landscaping, or renovation project, dirt removal is a crucial step that often gets overlooked. Whether you’re excavating for a new foundation, leveling a yard, or clearing land for a garden, the importance of professional dirt removal cannot be overstated. Here are some compelling reasons why hiring experts for los angeles dirt removal is essential for your project’s success.

1. Safety First

One of the most critical reasons to hire professional los angeles dirt removal services is safety. Handling large quantities of dirt, debris, or hazardous materials can pose significant risks. Professionals are trained to operate heavy machinery and navigate tricky terrains safely. They understand the proper protocols for handling potentially dangerous situations, ensuring the safety of both workers and the surrounding community.

2. Efficiency and Time-Saving

Professional dirt removal teams bring expertise and efficiency to the job. They have the right equipment and manpower to complete the task quickly and effectively. Attempting to remove dirt on your own can be a time-consuming process, especially if you lack the necessary tools. Hiring experts allows you to focus on other important aspects of your project while they handle the heavy lifting.

3. Proper Equipment

Dirt removal often requires specialized equipment, such as excavators, dump trucks, and compactors. Professionals come equipped with the right tools for the job, which not only speeds up the process but also ensures that the work is done correctly. Using the wrong tools can lead to inadequate removal and potentially costly mistakes, making professional equipment a worthwhile investment.

4. Environmental Considerations

Improper dirt removal can lead to environmental issues, such as erosion, pollution, or damage to local ecosystems. Professional dirt removal services understand the importance of adhering to environmental regulations. They know how to dispose of dirt and debris responsibly, ensuring that your project complies with local laws and minimizes environmental impact.

5. Site Preparation

Effective dirt removal is essential for proper site preparation. Whether you’re laying a foundation or creating a garden bed, removing excess dirt ensures a level surface, which is crucial for the integrity of any construction or landscaping project. Professionals will assess your site’s needs and provide thorough and precise removal, setting the stage for a successful build or design.

6. Cost-Effectiveness

While some may view hiring professionals as an added expense, it can actually save you money in the long run. Mistakes made during DIY dirt removal can lead to costly repairs or rework. Additionally, professionals often have established relationships with waste disposal facilities, potentially reducing disposal fees. By investing in professional services, you can avoid unforeseen costs and ensure that the job is done right the first time.

Final Words 

In summary, professional dirt removal is a vital component of any construction or landscaping endeavor. From safety and efficiency to environmental responsibility and cost-effectiveness, the benefits of hiring experts far outweigh the challenges of tackling the job yourself. By choosing professional dirt removal services, you can ensure a smooth, successful project that meets your expectations and adheres to local regulations. Investing in professional help will not only save you time and stress but also contribute to the long-term success of your project.

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