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IMSA at CTMP: Cadillac seeks to build on momentum

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Official Release
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Cadillac Racing enters sixth GTP race leading in six championship categories

DETROIT (July 5, 2023) – With multiple elevation changes, high-commitment corners, long backstraight, swift succession of left- and right-hand turns, the challenging Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is often referred to as old school.

Renger van der Zande has a different description: bizarre. It’s a compliment.

“Mosport is one of the most bizarre and amazing tracks in the world, not only the IMSA calendar,” the co-driver with Sebastien Bourdais of the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R said.

“Last year was the first time that I won there, but I’ve been trying really hard. And if you want to win there you have to try really hard because it’s one of those tracks where at home I tell how bizarre it is, how fast you go there, how much risk you take, how blind the corners are and at the same time very fast. Also, the traffic is not easy at all. Plus, you need a very fast car. If you don’t have a fast car on the backstraight, you can have a fast car in the corners but you’re not going to win the race. The whole package needs to fit.”

Van der Zande and Bourdais will seek to deliver a complete package this weekend to successfully defend their victory in the 2-hour, 40-minute Chevrolet Grand Prix, where the Grand Touring Prototype racecars are projected to turn in an average lap speed of 137 mph on the flowing 2.459-mile circuit.

It was their third victory of the 2022 season in the twilight of the DPi era. The tandem is fourth in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTP standings through five races. Pipo Derani, who drove to a third-place finish last year at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, will co-drive with Alexander Sims the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R this weekend.

With the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R’s runner-up finish and revised points following the June 25 Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, Cadillac Racing:

  • Leads the GTP Manufacturer Championship by 83 points.
  • Leads the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup GTP Manufacturer standings.
  • The No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R leads the GTP Driver and Team Championship standings by 64 points.
  • The No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R leads the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup GTP Team and Driver standings through three of four races.

The No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R has collected three podium finishes, including an exciting victory in the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in March.

“On our team, we had tremendous momentum coming back from Le Mans because even though we had an issue on Lap 1 the team pulled together and executed so well that when we got to Watkins Glen we were really riding high in the sense that once we put the car back on track at Le Mans we never had another issue, misstep or loss of lap,” said Chris Mitchum, director of operations for the No. 31 Cadillac prepared by Action Express Racing.

“So, when we got to Watkins Glen, we felt that we were well-prepared. The race was relatively mistake-free outside of the one moment of contact with the back of a GT car that really stole the pace from us. We didn’t get to qualify, we didn’t get a lot of track time and we raced against teams that dedicated multiple days of testing at Watkins Glen beforehand, so I couldn’t have been more thrilled with the pace and execution that we had in the race.”

Cadillac has earned eight Manufacturer Championships in all series since 2004, including 2021, 2018 and 2017 in the IMSA DPi class, along with IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Manufacturer titles in 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

NBC will telecast the Chevrolet Grand Prix at noon ET Sunday, July 9, with additional coverage in the U.S. on Peacock Premium. Live broadcast of the race will also be on IMSA.com, RadioLeMans.com and SiriusXM (XM 207, Internet/App 992).

What they’re saying

No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R

Renger van der Zande: “If you don’t have a fast car on the backstraight, you can have a fast car in the corners but you’re not going to win the race. The whole package needs to fit. It’s actually one of those tracks where it’s more interesting from an engineering perspective than you think when you look at it. When you look at the track layout, it’s all about the high speed, but it’s also about top speed at that track.”

Sebastien Bourdais: “It’s a fast track with not much room for error. It’s a place for soldiers like Renger, who pretty much single-handedly won the race last year with a difficult car to handle. I’ll again try to keep the car on the track at the start and let him do his thing. (about track position) He restarted last and went through the field a couple times. Traffic management is really tricky there. You have to read it right and with the track not being really wide and where you catch cars you have to make the right decisions.”

No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R

Alexander Sims: “I’m really looking forward to Mosport. I did two GTLM races there, winning in 2017, and absolutely loved it. I’m really looking forward to the high-speed nature, particularly Turns 1 and 2 with the elevation and that fast corner. It has similar track tendencies to Watkins Glen, so I’m hopeful of a strong weekend.”

Pipo Derani: “It’s a high-speed track and traffic is going to play a role again like at Watkins Glen. It will be interesting, and the most important thing will be to try to stay out of trouble on a very tight track and hope for some good points.”

Navigating the Odds: Understanding and Utilizing Betting Markets Online

By
SM
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Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

In the world of online betting, understanding and navigating the odds is essential for making informed decisions and maximizing your potential profits. Betting markets are the backbone of the betting industry, offering a diverse range of options to suit every preference such as https://ufargb.com/. Here, we will dive into the intricacies of betting markets, explain how odds work, discuss popular types of bets, and provide insights on how to utilize them effectively in your online betting endeavors.

  1. The Basics of Betting Markets

Betting markets refer to the different events and outcomes that you can place bets on. These markets can encompass a wide range of sports, competitions, and other events, allowing you to wager on various outcomes. Common examples include individual game results, player performance, tournament winners, and even non-sporting events like political elections or entertainment awards. Understanding the breadth and depth of available betting markets is crucial for expanding your options and finding value bets.

  1. How Odds Work 

Odds represent the probability of a specific outcome occurring in a betting market. They are typically displayed in different formats, such as decimal, fractional, or American. The decimal odds represent the total payout that also includes the original stake and fractional odds will show the potential profit relative to the stake. American odds can be either positive or negative and indicate the potential profit or amount needed to wager to win $100. By understanding how odds are presented and calculated, you can assess the potential returns and evaluate the implied probability of a bet’s success.

  1. Types of Bets 

Online betting platforms offer various types of bets to cater to different preferences and strategies. Some popular bet types include:

– Moneyline: Betting on the outright winner of a game or event.

– Point Spread: Wagering on the margin of victory in a game, with odds adjusted to create a balanced market.

– Over/Under (Total): Betting on whether the combined score or other statistical measures will be over or under a specified value.

– Futures: Placing bets on long-term outcomes, such as tournament winners or season-long achievements.

– Proposition Bets: Wagering on specific events or outcomes within a game, like the first goal scorer in a soccer match.

  1. Finding Value Bets 

Identifying bets where the odds offered by the bookmaker are higher than the true probability of the outcome occurring is value betting. By finding value bets, you can potentially achieve long-term profitability. To identify value, conduct thorough research and analysis. Consider factors such as team form, injuries, historical performance, and market sentiment. Compare the odds across different platforms to seek discrepancies or inflated odds. Value bets can provide opportunities for higher returns, even if they may not always result in immediate wins.

  1. Utilizing Betting Exchanges

Betting exchanges provide a unique platform for bettors to act as both the punter and the bookmaker. These platforms enable users to offer or accept bets from other users, allowing for better odds and the opportunity to lay bets (betting against a specific outcome). Betting exchanges provide an alternative to traditional bookmakers, and their competitive nature often results in better odds for the better. Utilizing betting exchanges can expand your options and potentially improve your overall betting experience.

No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06 Heads North to Canada Looking to Reset for The Second Half of Season

By
Official Release
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(Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.) July 4, 2023 — The No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06 team heads north of the border for the Chevrolet Grand Prix at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) – the only international race on the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship schedule. After a troublesome race day in Watkins Glen, Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque and the Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport (WTRAndretti) team are looking forward to a fresh start heading into the second half of the 2023 season.

WTRAndretti has seen past success around the 2.459-mile road course in Ontario with one win, two pole positions and four podiums in seven starts. With full focus reset after Watkins Glen, teammates Taylor and Albuquerque are determined to do everything in their power to bring home the first GTP victory for WTRAndretti in Canada.

“It feels really nice to get a quick reset after a difficult stretch of races,” said Ricky Taylor. “We never got to really show what we had in Watkins Glen and we feel like CTMP should be another good race for Acura. Now that every one of the GTP manufacturers have gotten a win, it’s time to get one for WTRAndretti.”

“After such a hard weekend in Watkins Glen, we just want to reset and have another try,” said Filipe Albuquerque. “It’s great that Mosport is around the corner and we’re already preparing. We just want to reset and go again. There is no reason why we shouldn’t be competitive, so we’re looking forward to the race and we just want to win.”

“After Watkins Glen – losing wheels and running out of brakes, it is really disappointing,” said Wayne Taylor. “We’ve had a competitive car all year. We’ve had a terrible year with accidents and all sorts of things other than Daytona, so I am hoping that we don’t have another DNF. I’m sure Ricky and Filipe will do what they normally do and be fast and competitive to try and win the race. We win races every single year and this year we haven’t even been on the podium other than at Daytona, so I’m really hoping for a good weekend and for some luck to go our way for a change.”

WTRAndretti’s on-track action in Canada will begin with practice on Friday, July 7th at 2:50 p.m. ET. Qualifying for the Chevrolet Grand Prix at CTMP is set for 12:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 8th. NBC will broadcast the full two-hour, 40-minute race beginning with coverage at 12 p.m. ET and the green waving at 12:05 p.m. ET.

ABOUT KONICA MINOLTA
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. is reshaping and revolutionizing the workplace to achieve true connectivity through the Intelligent Connected Workplace. The company guides and supports its clients’ digital transformation through its expansive office technology portfolio, including IT Services (All Covered), intelligent information management, managed print services and industrial and commercial print solutions. Konica Minolta has been included on CRN’s MSP 500 list nine times and The World Technology Awards named the company a finalist in the IT Software category. Konica Minolta has been recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys for fifteen consecutive years, and is proud to be ranked on the Forbes 2021 America’s Best-in-State employers list. The company received Keypoint Intelligence’s BLI 2021 A3 Line of The Year Award and BLI 2021-2023 Most Color Consistent A3 Brand Award for its bizhub i-Series. Konica Minolta, Inc. has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for nine consecutive years and has spent four years on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list. The company recognizes 150 years in global business in 2023. Konica Minolta partners with its clients to give shape to ideas and works to bring value to our society. For more information, please visit us online and follow Konica Minolta on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter.

The No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06 effort and Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport is supported by an outstanding lineup of partners including Harrison Contracting Company, Acura Motorsports, Honda Performance Development and Hammer Nutrition.

How To Ride A Car In Unfavorable Weather?

By
Barry Albert
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Photo by Oleksandr Canary Islands

Riding a car in unfavorable weather can be stressful, but with the right know-how and preparedness, you can remain safe. Rain, snow, extreme heat, or cold—it doesn’t matter what weather you run into while driving—there is a strategy to make sure it goes well for everyone involved. The following tips will help you have an enjoyable ride when experiencing anything from light rain to an all-out blizzard. Be informed and aware of best practices so your drive remains safe no matter how bad the conditions get outside.

Read up on the Local Weather Forecast

Planning a trip can be exciting, but it’s important to prepare yourself for any unexpected weather patterns that may occur. Whether you’re heading to the mountains for a hiking adventure or taking a stroll on a beach, knowing what to expect can make all the difference. Before packing your bags, take a few moments to research the local weather forecast. This will allow you to pack appropriately and ensure you have all the necessary gear to tackle any climate changes that may come your way. By taking the time to be prepared, you can enjoy your journey and make the most out of your travel experience.

Ensure that your Tires are Properly Inflated

Have you ever gotten ready for a long drive, excited to hit the open road, only to experience a frustrating flat tire just a few miles in? To avoid this kind of setback, it’s important to check your tires and ensure that they are properly inflated and in good condition before embarking on any long journeys. Proper tire pressure not only helps prevent flats but also promotes optimal fuel efficiency and steering responsiveness. You can also get additional information here about how to prepare for different kinds of weather driving. By taking a few minutes to inspect your tires, you can ensure a smoother and safer driving experience, leaving you to focus on enjoying the drive ahead.

Check your Car Fluids

Proper maintenance of your car should be a top priority for a car owner. Checking your car fluids is one of the most important things you can do to ensure the longevity of your vehicle. Regularly checking the levels of essential fluids like oil, coolant, and brake fluid, and maintaining the correct levels can prevent costly repairs and give you peace of mind while driving. It only takes a few minutes to check these fluids, and it’s worth the effort to avoid a breakdown or other problems on the road. So, take the time to check your car fluids regularly – your car will thank you for it!

Make Sure you Have enough Fuel for your Trip and Top up if Necessary

Picture this: you’re cruising down the highway, the wind blowing through your hair, the sun beaming down and making everything around you look like it’s been dusted with gold. But suddenly, your car starts to sputter and cough. You glance at the fuel gauge and your heart sinks – you’re almost out of gas. You pull into the nearest gas station, feeling relieved but also frustrated with yourself for not checking your fuel levels before hitting the road. Don’t let this happen to you! Always make sure you have enough fuel for your trip and top up if necessary. It may seem like a hassle, but trust me, it’s much better than being stranded on the side of the road!

Keep the Windshield Clean and Clear

As the winter season approaches, it’s essential to keep your windshield clean and clear of any snow or ice to improve visibility while driving. A clear view of the road ahead makes for a more enjoyable and safer driving experience. Not only does a dirty windshield impair your vision, but it can also be a hazard to other drivers on the road. So, before heading out on the icy roads, make sure to take a few minutes to clean your windshield thoroughly. Use a quality de-icer and a scraper to remove any ice buildup and give your windshield a good wipe down to ensure it’s crystal clear. Remember, the small effort you put into keeping your windshield clean and clear can make a significant difference in your driving safety.

Driving in unfavorable weather can be a daunting task but with the right precautions and adequate preparation, you can ensure a safe and pleasant journey. Taking care of your car’s basic needs such as inspecting its tires, fluids, windshields, and fuel before taking off is essential for creating a secure environment for driving. As all roads may not be equipped to handle difficult conditions, it’s important to check the forecast and adjust your plans accordingly to stay safe. Overall, it pays to be aware of your surroundings when driving in any weather condition, so that you can safely reach your destination no matter what road challenges lie ahead!

Austin Wayne Self Returns to NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at Mid-Ohio

By
Official Release
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STATESVILLE, N.C.: Officials from AM Racing announced today that mainstay driver Austin Wayne Self will return to NASCAR competition and compete in Saturday afternoon’s O’Reilly Auto Parts 150 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

The 14th race of the Truck Series will be Self’s first NASCAR-sanctioned event in 2023 and first since competing at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway in November 2022.

AIRBOX Air Purifier, America’s top provider of commercial-grade safe air solutions will support Self in his 147th career start.

“I’m excited about returning to the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series this weekend with my AM Racing team,” said Self.

“I have missed the atmosphere that the NASCAR garage provides, so I am looking forward to that as well as an opportunity to have a strong performance for my AM Racing team.”

Self will make his second Truck Series start at the 2.25-mile road course in Lexington, Ohio. Last July, the Austin, Texas native qualified his truck 14th in the rain and withstood a chaotic finish to the race to deliver a strong 14th place finish.

This year, Self believes he can better his effort from last summer and deliver his 16th career top-10 finish.

“I loved competing at Mid-Ohio in both the wet and the dry,” he said with a chuckle. “The track really fits my driving style for a road course. We were super competitive last year and contended for a top-10 finish but ended up with 14th because of the fender-benders that erupted in the closing laps of the race.

“I am looking forward to a second chance at Mid-Ohio with our No. 22 AIRBOX Air Purifier Ford F-150.”

Since 2016, Self has competed in 146 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races, delivering two top-five, 15 top-10 finishes and carries an average finish of 18.9. He finished a career-best 12th in the championship standings in 2018.

Wade Moore, president of AM Racing added, “We are excited to welcome Austin back to NASCAR this weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Austin is a huge fan of road course racing and given his performance at Mid-Ohio last year and with the continued support of his long-time partner, AIRBOX Air Purifier we are looking forward to seeing the No. 22 AM Racing Ford F-150 back on the track on Saturday afternoon.”

Ahead of Mid-Ohio, Self has spent the 2023 racing season with AM Racing’s Dirt Division participating in various Dirt Modified events throughout the region. Most recently, he picked up his seventh win of the season this past Saturday night at Fairgrounds Raceway in Boone, N.C. Overall, the Statesville, N.C. division has eight victories thus far in 2023.

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

For more on Austin Wayne Self, please visit awsracing.com, like his Facebook page (Austin Wayne Self) or follow him on Instagram (@austinwayneself) and Twitter @AustinWSelf.

The O’Reilly Auto Parts 150 (67 laps | 151.28 miles) is the 14th of 23 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races on the 2023 schedule. Practice begins on Friday, July 7, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Qualifying will immediately follow from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The 36-truck field will take the green flag on Saturday, July 8, 2023, shortly after 1:30 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

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 CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events in its seventh year of competition.

The team has named Brett Moffitt and Christian Rose as their primary drivers for the 2023 Xfinity and ARCA Menards Series seasons.

Chicago Cup Series Street Race is NBC Sports’ Most-Watched NASCAR race in Six Years

By
Official Release
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Grant Park 220 Averages Total Audience Delivery (TAD) of 4.795 Million Viewers; Most-Watched Cup Series Race Since 2023 Daytona 500

First City Street Race in Series History is NBC Sports’ Most-Streamed NASCAR Race Ever

NBC Sports’ 2023 Two-Race Average is Best Since 2017

STAMFORD, Conn. – July 3, 2023 – NBC Sports’ coverage of the first-ever NASCAR Cup Series city street race from Chicago averaged a Total Audience Delivery (TAD) of 4.795 million viewers (6:32-9:45 p.m. ET) on NBC and Peacock, resulting in numerous viewership milestones, according to Fast National data provided by Nielsen:

  • Most-watched NASCAR Cup Series race on NBC in six years, since Indianapolis in 2017 (5.647 million) and NBC Sports’ eighth-most watched race under its current rights agreement;
  • Most-watched NASCAR Cup Series race on any network since Daytona 500 (FOX; Feb. 19; 8.173 million);
  • Projected to be the most-watched sporting event of the weekend;
  • Up 144% vs. NBC Sports’ second Cup Series race of the 2022 season (USA Network; 1.962 million; Road America)
  • Up 72% vs. NBC Sports’ 2022 Cup Series average on NBC (2.784 million)
  • Most-streamed NASCAR Cup Series race in NBC Sports history with 163,500 viewers across Peacock and NBC Sports digital platforms

Despite a weather delay at the start and a shortened race due to sunset (from 100 to 75 laps), excitement for the Grant Park 220 in Chicago never dampened and was bolstered by the improbable victory of New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen, who became the first driver to win a race in his first NASCAR Cup Series start in 60 years. He entered the race as part of Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 program.

Viewership peaked at 5.383 million TV-only viewers from 9:15-9:30 pm ET when van Gisbergen took the checkered flag. Chicago delivered a 9.29 rating and is expected to lead all markets once final local data is completed. The rating is more than three times what the market did for this year’s Daytona 500 (2.99 on FOX).

Through two races, NBC Sports is averaging a TAD of 4.009 million viewers, its best start for the NASCAR Cup Series since 2017 (4.202 million). Last week, NBC Sports’ coverage of the Ally 400 from Nashville Superspeedway averaged a TAD of 3.230 million viewers, making it NBC Sports’ most-watched season opener in three years.

NBC Sports’ NASCAR coverage continues this week with NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series races from Atlanta Motor Speedway on USA Network.

–NBC SPORTS–

Beard Motorsports: Austin Hill Atlanta Advance

By
Official Release
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AUSTIN HILL
The Ladies and ‘HILL’ Take on Atlanta
No. 62 Bennett Transportation and Logistics Chevrolet Camaro

Event Overview

● Event: Atlanta 500 (Round 10 of 36)
● Time/Date: 7 p.m. EDT on Sunday, July 9
● Location: Atlanta Motor Speedway
● Layout: 1.5-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 260 laps/400.4 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 60 laps / Stage 2: 100 laps / Final Stage: 100 laps
● TV/Radio: USA / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Driver Austin Hill will make his second NASCAR Cup Series start of the 2023 season and the third of his career this weekend in the Atlanta 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The driver of the No. 62 Bennett Transportation and Logistics Chevrolet Camaro made his Cup Series debut last season at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn driving the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing (RCR). He raced his way to an 18th-place finish after starting 31st. In his first start this season, April’s GEICO 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, Hill finished 23rd despite sustaining minor damage in an accident that unfolded in front of him during the final stage.

● While Hill is a Cup Series rookie, his racing acumen on the tracks with superspeedway-style racing is anything but novice-like. Driving for RCR in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Hill has a resume that features a total of five series wins. Among those victories is a pair of wins at Atlanta. In fact, Hill has won the last two Xfinity Series races to take place at the 1.5-mile oval, including his most recent visit to the track in March.

● Sunday night’s race in Atlanta will be just the second of the season for both Hill and Beard Motorsports. The Beard family fielded the No. 62 Chevrolet Camaro with Hill during Speedweek at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway with plans to race in the season-opening Daytona 500. The team was poised to advance to the starting field for the 500 when the No. 62 Chevrolet was caught up in a multicar accident during the closing laps of its Duel qualifying race.

● The Bennett Family of Companies is back with the No. 62 Beard Motorsports team for Sunday’s 500-mile race with its Bennett Transportation and Logistics brand. Providing logistics and transportation services for companies across America, the Bennett Family of Companies offers a suite of trucking and specialized logistic services, from flatbed and step deck trucking and manufactured housing transport to RV delivery, customs brokerage, and warehousing. With more than 46 years of experience in the industry, Bennett’s network provides the safest and best possible service to all of its business partners.

● When Hill and the No. 62 Bennett Transportation and Logistics Chevrolet Camaro take the green flag for Sunday’s prime time NASCAR Cup Series race, it will mark a program first for Beard Motorsports. For seven seasons, Beard Motorsports has been a stalwart at NASCAR’s “big tracks” – Daytona and Talladega. Atlanta is one of three tracks that will be new to Beard this season as the team is slated to make starts later this summer at Michigan, as well as the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval in October.

● If there is such a thing as a “home-field advantage,” then the No. 62 Chevrolet team is well-suited this weekend as both the driver and sponsor hail from the Peach State. Hill, a Georgia native, is from just outside of Atlanta in Winston, a little less than 60 miles from the 1.5-mile oval located in Hampton. Meanwhile, Bennett Transportation and Logistics is even more closely situated in McDonough, a mere 20 miles from the track.

● Sunday’s event kicks off a five-race run over the next three months for Beard Motorsports. In addition to this weekend’s race in Atlanta, the Aug. 6 race at Michigan, and the Oct. 8 race on the Charlotte Roval, the No. 62 Beard team is slated to compete at the season’s second races at Daytona and Talladega in August and October, respectively.

● Linda Beard, along with her children, Amie and Mark Jr., continue to carry on the pursuit of their late husband and father, Mark Beard Sr. The management of Beard Motorsports has been and continues to be a passion project for the Michigan natives. Leading the charge for the team in North Carolina is crew chief Darren Shaw, and providing guidance when it comes to navigating the NASCAR community is Brendan Gaughan, the former NASCAR Cup Series driver who made 17 of his 67 career series starts with Beard Motorsports. Additionally, Beard Motorsports continues to be powered by ECR Engines – a partnership that has existed since the team’s inception in 2017.

Linda Beard, Owner of the No. 62 Bennett Transportation and Logistics Chevrolet Camaro for Beard Motorsports:

This weekend’s race at Atlanta is a first for the Beard family and Beard Motorsports as Daytona and Talladega have historically been the only tracks featured on the No. 62 car’s yearly schedule. What made you decide to run at Atlanta?

“Racing was important to my husband – something he enjoyed and loved. And it’s something we now enjoy because of him. As a family, we enjoy being at the racetrack, competing and having fun. The current car has given us the chance to do some different things and we are doing that because you will see us at a few tracks this season where we have not raced before. This weekend, though, it really made sense for our team, especially since Atlanta was reconfigured a couple of years ago and has the kind of racing you see at Daytona and Talladega. We feel like what we have and the power we get from ECR Engines, we are set up really well for the weekend.”

How do you feel working with two sponsors that are also Woman-Owned?

“We are thrilled to have Bennett Transportation and Logistics on our car again. Lynette (Mathis, vice president of the Bennett Family of Companies), her family and team are wonderful people and we feel they are very similar to our family. They are family owned and are just as driven as our family owned company, Beard Oil Distributing, which is also women-owned and certified by my daughter. This car in Atlanta will be a powerhouse of successful women, and for that I am proud. I hope young girls can see that with hard work comes success and you also can be here on America’s great stage.”

Did you ever envision this evolution of the Beard Motorsports team?

“I did not. When Mark (Beard Sr.) started doing this, I would look at myself down on the grid with all of those people and think, ‘Is this really happening?’ It didn’t bother him at all. He was confident about the whole thing. I’m still in awe and so thrilled to be at the track and racing at this level. And that’s what happens every time I go on the grid and do this. Our whole family is just very thankful to be here and have this experience.”

Austin Hill, Driver of the No. 62 Bennett Transportation and Logistics Chevrolet Camaro:

This will be your first time in a Cup Series car at your home track. How do you anticipate you’ll feel when you get into that Cup Series car at home? And what are your expectations for the race?

“It’s a really cool opportunity to show up at my home track and compete in the top series of NASCAR. It’s special to be able to race against the best in the Cup Series, but especially at home. My expectation for Sunday is a little less than my expectation for the Xfinity side, where I expect nothing short of winning. On the Cup side, the goal is to race our way forward from wherever we start, make all the laps, contend, and be there at the end. If we can get inside the top-20 and get experience to see how Cup drivers race, it will go a long way. We struggled a little bit at Talladega with not getting right in the front or middle of the pack to race with others and see how the car reacts in comparison to the Xfinity car.”

“At the end of the Cup race, if we have competed, got inside the top-20, and been in contention, whatever happens at the end of the race happens. It’s a superspeedway-style race, so anything can happen when you get close to the checkered flag. Even if we run really well, get into the front half of the field, and end up wrecked at the end, I’m not going to be disappointed, simply because we showed speed and that we could run up front. I would be more disappointed if we ran in the back all day and finished the race but didn’t really get anything out of it. I’m trying to get as much experience as I can.”

Bennett Transportation and Logistics is back on the car for Atlanta, and it’s the company’s home track, as well. What will it mean to put on a good race?

“Doing both races this weekend at Atlanta with Bennett Transportation and Logistics is really cool, especially with their headquarters being 15-20 minutes away from the track in McDonough. Winning earlier this year at Atlanta in the Xfinity Series was huge for the company and myself, as well, with it being my home track, so hopefully a strong run on Saturday plays into Sunday and we can do well for them the entire weekend. Bennett will have a lot of folks at the track to support us, so we will do our best to put on a good showing for them.”

You’ve had experience on the tracks that the No. 62 team will visit in the next four months. How does that impact your approach? What can you take away from those experiences?

“There are tendencies that you can take away from the Xfinity car and transfer to the Cup car, but they drive completely different, so I’m not sure how much you can actually take away from a driving perspective. The thing you can take away, though, is the characteristics of the track. I have competed at all of the tracks that we are going to in the next few months with the No. 62 Beard Motorsports team, so I have experience on the actual surface. For instance, knowing where certain bumps are on the track, if it’s good to wrap the white line or is it better to run the top, what the track does if it’s cold or hot out. Just knowing the tendencies of the track itself can play a factor and help us.”

No. 62 Beard Motorsports Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Austin Hill

Hometown: Winston, Georgia

Crew Chief: Darren Shaw

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Car Chief: Drew Mickey

Hometown: Walkerton, North Carolina

Spotter: Ron Lewis

Hometown: Cleveland, Tennessee

President: Linda Beard

Hometown: Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

VP of Racing Ops: Brendan Gaughan

Hometown: Las Vegas

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Tim Sheets

Hometown: Carmel, Indiana

Rear Tire Changer: David Mayo

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Damien Wermes

Hometown: Huntersville, North Carolina

Jack Man: Ethan Hindman

Hometown: fork Union, Virginia

Fuel Man: Bobby Grant

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Jack Gagnon

Hometown: Quebec, Canada

Mechanic: Mark Sanders

Hometown: Springfield, Ohio

Mechanic: Nic Hill

Hometown: Fort Myers, Florida

Tire Technician: Mike Harrold

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Engine Tuner: Jason Watkins

Hometown: Ridgeway, Virginia

Transporter Driver: Terry Burger

Hometown: Lexington, North Carolina

Haley: ‘Big confidence boost for me’

By
Tucker White
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CHICAGO - JULY 2: Justin Haley, driver of the #31 Benesch Law Chevrolet, Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 Hooters Chevrolet, and Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #91 Enhance Health Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 220 at the Chicago Street Course on July 2, 2023, in Chicago. Photo: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

The call came from the Tower. The race ends on Lap 75.

When Alex Bowman’s engine expired on Lap 45, NASCAR did the math and realized with the pace of the race and the remaining daylight, the Grant Park 220 wasn’t going the advertised 100 laps.

Eleven cars stayed out under the caution, and Justin Haley inherited the lead.

Now, he’s in the unfamiliar territory of holding off winners and champions of NASCAR in the waning laps.

“Obviously, I have in the Truck and XFINITY Series,” he said, “but the level of talent — I had Chase Elliott behind me and Kyle Larson and Shane (van Gisbergen) and Austin Dillon for a little bit, all champions and multi-race winners.”

In the midst of contract talks and a rotten weekend, his drive to a runner-up finish gave him a “big confidence boost.”

And it didn’t come easy.

For the final 26 laps, he thwarted charges from Dillon and Elliott.

The former clipped the wall entering Turn 12 and plowed into the tire barrier with 14 laps to go.

The latter lost second to Gisbergen in Turn 2 with eight to go.

As Haley sped along South Shore Line Drive, the reigning Supercars champion closed the gap from half a second to his bumper.

They turned onto East Balbo Drive and crossed the bridge over the Metra Electric District. Gisbergen set him up for an overtake, but Martin Truex Jr. plowed into the Turn 1 tire barrier and brought out a caution.

Similar to his maiden Cup Series victory at Daytona International Speedway, four years earlier, Haley, on older tires, sat in the catbird seat of a race that could end at a moment’s notice. All he needed to do was hold off Gisbergen, a street racing veteran, and his fresher tires.

“It wasn’t much of a battle,” he said. “You’re just trying to do everything you can.”

Gisbergen overtook him into Turn 2.

Haley drag-raced him down Shore Line Drive and retook the lead in Turn 3, but his struggles with Turn 4 caught up to him with five to go.

“That’s where I wrecked, yesterday, and our car was just so rough in the braking zone and I was really struggling there, trying to adjust my brake bias to be better there, and I just couldn’t,” he said.

Gisbergen out-braked him into Turn 4, and that was game over. Even with a second chance in overtime, Gisbergen left Haley in his wake and scored his maiden victory in his first start.

“Yeah, Shane was just better,” he said. “He had 16 or something lap better tires. Just a world-class racer. He was very calculated, very precise, and very smooth. He wasn’t overdriving it. He was very calculated.

“For someone to come in and race like that was just incredible. Very clean, as well. Our race for the lead was clean, and he gave a lot of room and very respectful.”

For Haley, however, he didn’t feel it was “a complete loss.” Given his and Kaulig Racing’s season, to this point, this was a much needed run for a team “just trying to get better.”

“This is my and the team’s second full-time season, and unfortunately I haven’t been in a position like that legitimately to try to hold off championship-caliber drivers,” he said. “I’ve just never found myself in that position early in my career.”

Mathematically, Haley could still point his way into the playoffs. His performance over the season, however, means his best chance is to win at either Atlanta Motor Speedway, Sunday, or Daytona in August.

Conor Daly – O’Reilly Auto Parts 150 Race Advance

By
Official Release
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O’Reilly Auto Parts 150 | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (67 Laps / 151.3 Miles)
Saturday, July 8 | Lexington, Ohio | 1:30 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Ch. 90

Team: No. 41 Unishippers Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Conor Daly (Noblesville, Indiana) | Crew Chief: Mike Hillman Jr.
Follow the Team: Twitter: @NieceMotorsport | Instagram: @NieceMotorsports | Facebook: /NieceMotorsports | Web: www.niecemotorsports.com
Follow Conor Daly: Twitter: @ConorDaly22 | Instagram: @conordaly22 | Facebook: /ConorDalyOfficial | Web: www.conordaly.net

Nashville Recap: Bayley Currey was behind the wheel of the No. 41 Unishippers Silverado in Nashville where he collected his second top-five finish of the year. Currey moved the No. 41 team to 14th in the owner’s championship standings, just 30 points behind the cutline with three races remaining in the regular season.

Daly at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course: Though Conor Daly has not raced a stock car at Mid-Ohio, he has eight starts at the road course in the NTT Indycar Series, with a best finish of sixth in 2016. In his eight attempts, Daly has only finished outside the top-15 three times.

Daly on Saturday’s Race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course: “I can’t wait to work with everyone at Niece Motorsports again. Even though we’ve only done a few races together, it feels like I’m part of their family. I have a lot of respect for Al Niece and the supportive partners of the team like Unishippers and Worldwide Express. It means a lot to get to represent them, as well as Chevrolet. Mid-Ohio is one of my favorite tracks and with the experience I have there I think it will be really beneficial in getting me up to speed quickly.”

On the Truck: Daly’s No. 41 Unishippers Chevrolet Silverado will race with support from the WWEX group of brands, which comprises Worldwide Express, Unishippers and GlobalTranz, and offers full-service logistics expertise to more than 115,000 customers across the country.

About Niece Motorsports:

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

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

About Worldwide Express:

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

Lawless Alan – O’Reilly Auto Parts 150 Race Advance

By
Official Release
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O’Reilly Auto Parts 150 | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (67 Laps / 151.3 Miles)
Saturday, July 8 | Lexington, Ohio | 1:30 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Ch. 90

Team: No. 45 IEDA / Easton Sales and Rentals Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Lawless Alan (Los Angeles, California) | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers
Follow the Team: Twitter: @NieceMotorsport | Instagram: @NieceMotorsports | Facebook: /NieceMotorsports | Web: www.niecemotorsports.com
Follow Lawless Alan: Twitter: @lawlessalan25 | Instagram: @lawless_alan | Facebook: /LawlessAlanRacing | Web: www.lawlessalanracing.com

Nashville Recap: Lawless Alan felt confident about his truck at Nashville Superspeedway, but unfortunately, his night was cut short after being collected in an accident. The California-driver finished 36th in the event.

Alan on Last Race at Nashville Superspeedway: “It’s tough for this team to work so hard and get taken out that early in the race. I’m thankful for our partners that allow us to go out there and race each week and we look forward to getting after it at Mid-Ohio.”

Alan at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course: 2022 marked Alan’s first start at Mid-Ohio where he finished 24th after starting 27th.

Alan on Saturday’s Race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course: “Since my background is in road racing, I have added confidence when we get to race at a road course. We ran really well at COTA before a penalty put us out of contention, but I’m looking forward to backing up that speed with a good run this weekend.”

On the Truck: Lawless Alan’s No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado will carry the Independent Equipment Dealers Association colors this weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. In addition, the No. 45 will also race with support from Eason Sales and Rentals and Rokbak.

The Independent Equipment Dealers Association (IEDA) is a non-profit trade association promoting participation, professionalism and advancement in the independent distribution of heavy equipment. The IEDA focuses its efforts on providing discounts, marketing, advertising, education and networking opportunities to members that will result in increased sales for member companies. Members of the IEDA are committed to displaying leadership in the industry by making ethical decisions and sound judgement, by making accurate claims to customers and by utilizing the products and services offered to them by Associate Members. The IEDA was established in 2002 and has become a unified and powerful voice within the industry

Easton Sales and Rentals is the premiere provider of earthmoving equipment and attachments for rent or sale. Easton Sales and Rentals also offers a full range of parts and services. Its mission is to provide clients with quality, meticulously serviced machines from all major manufactures. The entire staff at Easton shares an ongoing commitment and dedication to ensure the success of its customers.

At Rokbak, there’s one thing valued more than anything else. Reliability. The Rokbak business is built on it. From brutal heat to biting cold, Rokbak articulated haulers are trusted to perform in the toughest conditions around the world. And the Rokbak global team is trusted to do the same – building the best haulers and giving rock solid support.

About Niece Motorsports:

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

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

About AUTOChargit:

AUTOChargit designs, manufactures and installs EV charging systems for automated and conventional parking applications. AUTOChargit can decrease capital expenditures by up to 75 percent by providing automated coupling and decoupling of EV charging stalls from the power source. For conventional parking applications, a single 40-AMP circuit coupled with a single AUTOChargit System can be multiplexed to four, eight, or 12 stalls. Each charging stall is individually metered for the exact tracking of electricity usage. The AUTOParkit Mobile APP provides a touchless experience for the user.

About AUTOParkit:

AUTOParkit™ designs, manufactures, and constructs fully automated parking systems for new and existing buildings. AUTOParkit system structural steel and modular design can provide double the capacity of a traditional parking garage, providing up to 17 LEED points and drastically reducing construction time.

AUTOParkit automated systems are 40 percent less expensive to operate, safer for the user and reduces carbon emissions associated with parking by more than 80 percent. AUTOParkit’s charging pallets provided by AUTOChargit, are a fast and convenient way of charging EVs and Hybrids. AUTOChargit’s patented technology allows for shuffling charged vehicles cutting infrastructure costs by up to 80 percent.

For more information on AUTOParkit, visit www.autoparkit.com

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