Despite the league’s increasing popularity, there aren’t many people picking on the WNBA. The oddsmakers are less interested in minor markets, which gives bettors excellent opportunities to place wagers. Want to develop your WNBA predictions plan? Making a profit has no one magic formula, but starting with these three-pointers will assist.
No need to wager against the general populace
In sports betting, betting against the public is a typical tactic. According to the hypothesis, the more the sportsbook manipulates the line, the more bettors will favor one result over the other. It can create value in betting against the public perception. You can outsmart other bettors by analyzing historical data and placing wagers at better odds when the public is strongly in favor of one side.
However, betting against the public technique only works when there is a substantial volume of wagers. Consider it this way: More players typically equates to more squares.
Find the value of underdogs
Big underdogs have often been underrated in the WNBA and outperform the spread admirably, particularly when playing on the road. It presents an opportunity to buy low. Furthermore, oddsmakers don’t expect a club with a poor record to play well in subsequent games if they just had a win. Such instances could be another best opportunity to take the underdog.
Know when to bet the under
Because most sports fans like high-scoring contests, the public favors betting on the over. Betting the under is usually a wise move, but this is especially true if both teams hit the over in their games. Pick platforms exaggerate the line when groups examine by preying on the public recency bias. However, historically, very few WNBA predictions teams have consistently hit the over for protracted periods. For instance, in their last ten games to win the 2020 WNBA Championships, the Seattle Storm went over the amount seven times. This remarkable run serves as a reminder of the significance of doing your homework before parting with your hard-earned money.
Techniques
Picks on the WNBA can be both thrilling and lucrative. With the appropriate WNBA predictions and information, your chances of striking it rich can increase. Using the techniques in this book, you may increase your wins when you wager on the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Know your risk tolerance
Knowing that certain players will bear greater danger than others is infused with the aforementioned premise. This season, Brittney Griner is the most prominent example since her future depends on a situation that is beyond her control. Breanna Stewart’s recovery from her second Achilles injury would be another illustration towards the top of the list.
When healthy, she is one of the top fantasy players in terms of points per game, but it is yet unclear whether the injury will have long-term repercussions. In shallower leagues, where you would take a heavier blow while Griner is absent, replacement-level bench players will score better. It can be worthwhile to draught Griner early.
Pay attention to injury history
Somewhat related to the point above, players miss games in the WNBA for numerous reasons, so it gets helpful to know which players have a history of injuries. It is important to consider that athletes who have missed the most time due to injury frequently have a higher risk of reinjuring those regions than players who have kept reasonably fit.
The exciting world of WNBA picks
With the help of these experienced picks, gamblers may take advantage of WNBA picks possibilities, perhaps earning money while taking pleasure in the thrilling world of professional women’s basketball. The WNBA predictions market is a rich one with lots of options for the savvy bettor. With the right information, tools, and well-thought-out strategy, you can increase the profitability and fun of your betting.
Harrison Burton and the No. 21 DEX Imaging team are setting up for a superspeedway-style race this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The venerable intermediate-length track races like Daytona and Talladega since a 2021 reconfiguration that raised the banking in the turns and narrowed the straightaways.
That change to the track, one of the cornerstone speedways on the circuit having hosted its first race in 1960, has produced some results that have crew chief Brian Wilson hopeful for a strong weekend for his No. 21 team.
“The last time we visited Atlanta, it was a very successful weekend for Ford Performance,” Wilson said. “Eight of the top 10 qualifiers were in Fords, including the pole sitter, and our manufacturer was able to get the win as well.”
To tune the DEX Imaging Mustang for Sunday night’s Quaker State 400, Wilson is using data gathered at the two bigger superspeedways, Daytona and Talladega, as well as from the race at AMS back in March.
“As we prepare to head south this weekend, we’re studying all of our notes from superspeedway-style races from this year,” he said. “Often these races have been highlights for us, as we’ve led and raced up front often at Daytona and Talladega.
“Between Ford’s success at Atlanta and our super-speedway notebook, we have reason for optimism in our preparations.”
(Burton led nine laps at Daytona and 11 at Talladega this year.)
Wilson said the choice of tire compounds by Goodyear, the exclusive supplier for the Cup Series, is always a factor as is the weather at the track.
“The tire combination that Goodyear is bringing is the same as the first race in March,” he said “The main difference will be the hot July temperatures.
“This tire has proven to be durable enough to allow for two-tire and fuel-only calls. The question is will the hotter temps make the handling gain of four tires pay off in the long run.”
Those answers won’t come until Sunday night. There will be no practice for the Quaker State 400, as is the procedure for superspeedway races, and qualifying is set for Saturday at 5:45 p.m. Eastern Time.
Sunday’s 260-lap, 400-mile race is scheduled to get the green flag just after 7 p.m., with TV coverage on USA Network. Stage breaks are planned for Laps 60 and 160.
About DEX Imaging DEX Imaging is the digital document imaging division of Staples, the world’s largest business solutions provider. DEX sells and services the broadest selection of copiers, printers and data management solutions, such as HP, Konica Minolta, Canon, Kyocera and numerous others.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES: Reducing Operating Costs Reducing Paper Consumption Increasing Productivity
DEX Imaging has been the recipient of virtually every industry award since the company’s inception, including the JD Power & Associates Award for Best Customer Experience, the prestigious ProTech Service award by Konica Minolta, the Diamond Premier Dealer Award by Kyocera, and the Elite DEALER Award by ‘ENX’ magazine. Other accolades include being named ‘Best Place to Work’ by numerous business journals in the markets DEX serves.
Wood Brothers Racing Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 99 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glenn’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Harrison Burton in the famous No. 21 racer.
Dirty Deeds: The AC/DC Experience will perform a live concert at New Hampshire Motor Speedway Saturday, July 15 as part of the free entertainment lined up for race fans during New England's only NASCAR weekend. Photo Courtesy: NHMS/Adam Glanzman
The July 14-16 NASCAR weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will provide fans free entertainment including a New England Legends display and live talk show, Canine Stars, concerts, games, NASCAR Kids Zone and much more.
LOUDON, N.H. – Sure, NASCAR weekends at “The Magic Mile” are known for fast cars, squealing tires and feeling the roar of 40 of the best drivers in the world flying down the frontstretch, but it’s the off-track entertainment at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) that is guaranteed to make New England’s only NASCAR weekend unforgettable.
From New England Legends to the NASCAR Kids Zone, from Canine Stars to concerts, NASCAR weekend at “The Magic Mile” will have a fun-filled schedule of family-friendly entertainment options for all ages. The free entertainment begins Wednesday, July 12 and continues through Sunday, July 16. The entertainment lineup includes:
New England Legends
New for 2023! Adding a New England flair to the NASCAR 75th anniversary celebration, cars from the region’s top racing legends will be on display Friday through Sunday in the Fan Zone with appearances by Dave Dion, Beaver Dragon, Bobby Dragon, Brad Leighton, Andy Santerre and Dave Moody. The New England Legends live talk show honoring these legends will kick off Saturday at 10:20 a.m. on “The Magic Mile” Entertainment Stage hosted by Tom Corbett Jr. and Justin St. Louis of the Uncommon Deeds Motorsports Podcast as well as Vermont’s own Mamba Smith.
NASCAR Kids Zone
New for 2023! In celebration of NASCAR’s 75th anniversary season, the NASCAR Kids Zone will be in the Fan Zone Friday through Sunday featuring a coloring book car, photo car, LEGO build and race station, 6V Ride on Racer track, NewBright RC NASCAR racers and Adventure Force play area.
Canine Stars
New for 2023! The Canine Stars educational entertainment act features a world-class team of dog trainers and their adopted dogs from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, The Netherlands and South Korea. They’ve been touring North America since 2012, were seen on “America’s Got Talent” in 2021 and will be performing multiple shows daily in the Fan Zone Friday through Sunday.
Trackside Live
This high-energy entertainment pre-race show includes driver interviews with some of the top stars in the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS), including Brad Keselowski and Ross Chastain, and plenty of antics and high-jinks from Kenny Wallace and John Roberts. Race fans can catch the live show on “The Magic Mile” Entertainment Stage Sunday at 11 a.m. Click here for the full schedule and guest lineup.
Dirty Deeds: The AC/DC Experience
A true audio and visual experience, fan-favorite AC/DC tribute band Dirty Deeds invites race fans to take part in two hours of pure rock ‘n’ roll escapism as they take stage Saturday from 8:30-10 p.m. paying tribute to one of the greatest bands of our time. The concert will take place at “The Magic Mile” Entertainment Stage located just outside the infield tunnel across from the S2 Lot.
The Groove Fan Hangout
New last year, The Groove is the ultimate hangout spot to mingle with friends, family and other race fans. Located in the Fan Zone, The Groove will feature DJs, a mechanical bull, a selfie station and plenty of live entertainment, plus comfy couches to lounge in while taking in all the sights. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Open Wednesday through Sunday during race week, fans can enjoy bingo (6-8 p.m. Wednesday) plus performances by April Cushman (8-9:30 p.m. Thursday) and The Flying Ivories Dueling Pianos (9:30-11 p.m. Saturday).
Click here for a complete schedule of weekend fun at The Groove.
Elm City Party Bike
The Elm City Party Bike is New England’s first and foremost pedaled party and sightseeing bike, and it’s coming back to NHMS. Race fans can enjoy a fun, social and relaxing way to explore the NHMS property – from The Groove, around the Fan Zone, down to The Flat Track and back – while exercising or partaking in a snack or beverage of choice. The best part? It’s BYOB!
Elm City Party Bike tours will cruise up and down Broadway Friday through Sunday of race weekend. Each tour lasts approximately 10-12 minutes, so gather up your riding partners and head down to The Groove to sign up for a ride.
Click here for a complete schedule and further information.
Family Movie Night
Race fans can get their popcorn and favorite snacks and find their seats in the grandstands or get comfy on a blanket on the grassy backstretch hill to enjoy “Top Gun: Maverick” on the infield screens. “The Magic Mile” movie night is scheduled for an 8 p.m. start on Thursday.
More Fan Zone Fun
Before the green flag flies, the Fan Zone is the place to be all weekend long. Located in the S2 Lot, Fan Zone activities will be on full display Friday from 12-5 p.m. as well as Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Race fans can test their physical agility in the inflatable obstacle course, get a hole-in-one at the mini-golf course and play their friends in bocce ball.
Rock Point Viewing Area
Rock Point is an open viewing area featuring lawn games, picnic tables and a cash bar perched atop a beautifully-landscaped area in turn four. It’s the perfect place for race fans to cheer on their favorite drivers with their friends as they mash the throttle and race toward the finish line. Rock Point is open Saturday and Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. The area will close following the final checkered flag each evening.
Food Court
Race fans looking to fuel up for the race can stop by the Food Court behind the Main Grandstands for delicious grab ‘n’ go options, race weekend favorites and more. The Food Court will be open Saturday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until the checkered flag for the Crayon 301 NCS race.
Giant Games
NHMS has some wicked big fun in store for race fans at The Flat Track, with giant pong and corn hole and a bounce house during Friday Night Dirt Duels presented by New England Racing Fuel. The fun all starts at 4:30 p.m.
Atlas Fireworks and Shot of Poison
At The Flat Track, once the final checkered flag flies on Friday Night Dirt Duels presented by New England Racing Fuel, Atlas Fireworks will put on an amazing display of fireworks before Shot of Poison takes the stage. Atlas Fireworks is set to light up the sky at approximately 9 p.m. followed by a tribute to the 35th anniversary of the greatest rock and roll party band of all time, Poison. Shot of Poison will hit The Flat Track stage following the fireworks.
Be sure to check NHMS.com/Events/NASCAR-Cup-Series/Entertainment/ for more information on all of these features and more.
New England’s only NASCAR weekend is July 14-16 at NHMS. On-track action kicks off Friday with practice and qualifying sessions for the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) and Whelen Modified Tour (NWMT) plus Friday Night Dirt Duels presented by New England Racing Fuel at The Flat Track. The action continues with NCS qualifying, the Ambetter Health 200 NXS race and Mohegan Sun 100 NWMT race on Doubleheader Saturday and culminates with the NCS taking on “The Magic Mile” Sunday for the Crayon 301. Don’t miss all of the exciting off-track action including Trackside Live, The Groove fan hangout, concerts from Dirty Deeds and Shot of Poison, family movie night featuring “Top Gun: Maverick,” driver appearances, a variety of live performances, fireworks and much more.
Log on to NHMS.com for tickets and more information on the weekend’s lineup of action-packed racing. Tickets for Friday Night Dirt Duels presented by New England Racing Fuel start at just $25 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Doubleheader Saturday tickets start at just $45 for adults while kids 12 and under are free. Sunday’s Crayon 301 tickets start at just $59 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under.
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Keep track of all of New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s events by following on Facebook (@NHMotorSpeedway), Twitter (@NHMS) and Instagram (@NHMS). Keep up with all the latest information on the speedway website (NHMS.com) and mobile app.
CHI-TOWN STREET: Kyle Larson’s summer surge continued Sunday in Chicago with a fourth-place finish in the first-ever NASCAR Cup Series street race. The 30-year-old driver was in the top 10 for nearly the entire event and ran all but two of the 78 total laps in the top 15. After finishing seventh in the opening stage, Larson’s No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 came on strong when the team changed over to slick tires. He drove up to second in the second segment to earn a total of 13 stage points on the day. After pitting under yellow on lap 47, the Elk Grove, California, native restarted 13th and maneuvered to fourth during the final stage to secure his second consecutive top-five result.
SUMMER STREAK: Larson has now finished inside the top 10 in the last four races: fourth at Chicago, fifth at Nashville Superspeedway, eighth at Sonoma Raceway and fourth at WWT Raceway. It is the longest top-10 stretch of his 2023 season and the second-longest current streak among NASCAR Cup Series drivers. Larson’s career-longest top-10 streak of eight occurred in 2021.
ALMOST IN ATLANTA: At Atlanta Motor Speedway, Larson has led the most laps (419) of Cup drivers without a win. He also has two runner-up finishes at the Peach State venue – in 2017 and 2021. Of tracks where Larson has led the most laps, Atlanta ranks sixth.
MOST TOP-FIVES: Larson now tops the Cup Series with eight top-five finishes in 2023. The 2021 champion has also led 588 laps this season, second behind only teammate William Byron (722). Through 18 points-paying races, Larson ranks fifth in most laps run inside the top five (1,758) and has the fourth-most laps inside the top 10 (2,893).
FOUR TIRES FAST: In 2023, the No. 5 HendrickCars.com pit crew ranks second overall in average four-tire pit stop time (11.073), just behind Byron’s No. 24 team (10.960). The No. 5’s over-the-wall crew consists of Blaine Anderson (front-tire changer), R.J. Barnette (tire carrier), Brandon Harder (fueler), Brandon Johnson (jackman) and Calvin Teague (rear-tire changer).
CAST YOUR VOTE: Larson is nominated for the 2023 ESPYS “Best Driver” award, an honor he took home in 2021. The ESPYS are presented by ABC to recognize individual and team athletic achievement and other sports-related performance during the calendar year preceding the annual ceremony. Other 2023 nominees in the Best Driver category include Brittany Force (NHRA), Josef Newgarden (IndyCar) and Max Verstappen (Formula 1). Fans can cast their vote here until Sunday, July 9. Tune in July 12 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC to see who takes home the award.
HENDRICKCARS.COM IS HOME: With Hendrick Automotive Group operating nine dealerships in the Atlanta area, Larson and the No. 5 HendrickCars.com crew will wear their white “home” fire suits for the ninth time in 2023. For its home races (15 total this season), sponsor HendrickCars.com releases a unique cap, which are for sale trackside and available to win on HendrickCars.com. Less than 100 of each limited-edition hat will be made available to the public the week of the race. This week’s Georgia-themed hat will be released today and can be found here.
ATLANTA AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS & BEYOND: The extended Atlanta market is home to nine Hendrick Automotive Group dealerships: Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth, Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buford, Rick Hendrick Cadillac Dodge Jeep RAM Duluth, Gwinnett Place Honda, Rick Hendrick Buick GMC, Mall of Georgia Mazda, Mall of Georgia MINI and Honda of Newnan. By visiting HendrickCars.com, customers not located in Georgia can can choose from any of Hendrick Automotive Group’s 95 dealerships nationwide. Shopping from the convenience of home, customers can select the category, make, model, and vehicle packages that are important to them from the nearly 30,000 new, high-quality pre-owned and certified cars, trucks, and SUVs available at HendrickCars.com.
9 CHASE ELLIOTT
Age: 27 (Nov. 28, 1995)
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Resides: Dawsonville, Georgia
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: 24th
No. 9 NAPA/Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
TOOK IT TO THE STREETS: After torrential rain showers delayed the start of Sunday’s race in Chicago, the NASCAR Cup Series finally took the green flag for its first-ever street course event. After moving to a backup car following Saturday’s qualifying session, Chase Elliott started from the rear of the field, finished the first stage 20th and rebounded for a 25th-place result in the second stage after making contact with the tire barrier. Strategy in the final stage helped Elliott gain pivotal track position. He held his own through several late-race cautions to take the checkered flag in third at the Chicago Street Course.
WINNER WINNER NO. 9: Last season, Elliott and the No. 9 team were impressive on drafting-style tracks. The team scored two wins – Atlanta Motor Speedway in July and Talladega Superspeedway in October – and only finished outside of the top 10 on one occasion across six starts. Last summer, Elliott led 96 laps en route to victory at his home track of Atlanta, sweeping both stages along the way. Talladega last fall represents the most recent win for the No. 9 team, which led the series with five victories in 2022. The five-time National Press Association Most Popular Driver is the only repeat winner over the last 14 Cup races held on drafting-style tracks.
STREAKING: Elliott is currently riding a streak of three consecutive top-five finishes dating back to June 11 at Sonoma Raceway. Although the Dawsonville, Georgia, native, has missed seven starts this season, he’s finished in every position inside the top five except first. Across the last three races, he finished fifth at Sonoma, fourth at Nashville Superspeedway and third on the Chicago Street Course. Elliott placed second at Auto Club Speedway prior to suffering a leg injury. In just 11 starts in 2023, he has five top-five finishes, tied for the sixth-most in the series.
TO THE POINT: With eight races remaining in the regular season, Elliott sits 24th in the Cup Series standings, 55 points behind the provisional cutline for a playoff spot. The 2020 champion gained 29 points on the bubble over the last two weeks and needs to average seven points per event against the cutline to advance to the playoffs on points.
WIN AND IN: While making the playoffs on points remains mathematically possible, the surefire way for Elliott to lock himself in is with a victory. Last season, he and the No. 9 team went on quite a tear during the summer months. They put together five consecutive finishes of second or better, including three wins: Nashville, Atlanta and Pocono Raceway. The 27-year-old driver has earned four of his 18 career Cup wins across three of the eight tracks left in the regular season: Pocono, Atlanta and Watkins Glen International. At four other tracks, Elliott has nearly taken home the hardware, finishing runner-up at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Richmond Raceway, Michigan International Speedway (three times) and Daytona International Speedway (twice).
QUICK STOP: On Sunday at Chicago, the No. 9 pit crew had the fastest four-tire pit stop of the race with a time of 11.877 seconds. The 2021 Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew is composed of T.J. Semke (jackman), Jared Erspamer (tire carrier), Nick O’Dell (front-tire changer), Chad Avrit (rear-tire changer) and John Gianninoto (fueler).
HOME GAME: Four partners of Elliott and the No. 9 team are headquartered in Atlanta: NAPA Auto Parts, Hooters, Kelley Blue Book and Coca-Cola. This weekend, NAPA returns as the primary partner on the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. The company was also the main partner for the team’s victory at Atlanta last July.
DESI9N TO DRIVE: The Chase Elliott Foundation has partnered again with NAPA Auto Parts and Hendrick Motorsports for the seventh edition of its “DESI9N TO DRIVE” art collaboration with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. This weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Elliott’s race car and race uniform will feature designs by two cancer patients at Children’s. The selected designs were sketched by 11-year-old Alex Corbin and 13-year-old Kayleb Duran-Rodriguez and feature a “summer nights” theme. Elliott’s racing uniform and a VIP race experience are currently up for auction via The NASCAR Foundation’s auction page on eBay through July 12. Fans can also donate directly to the fundraising campaign at desi9ntodrive.org. All auction proceeds will go to the Chase Elliott Foundation to benefit the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s. View all angles of the No. 9 NAPA/Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 here.
24 WILLIAM BYRON
Age: 25 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Resides: Charlotte, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: 2nd
No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
RECORD YEAR: After 18 of 36 points-paying races, William Byron is having a career year behind the wheel of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Competing in his sixth NASCAR Cup Series season, he has posted three race wins, seven stage victories and 722 laps led, which are all personal records through 18 starts. In 2023, Byron’s two pole awards, seven top-five finishes and 10 top-10s each rank as his second-most at the 18-event mark.
IN THE HUNT: With eight races left in the regular season, Byron is closing the gap to first in driver points. Now just nine markers behind the leader, the Charlotte, North Carolina, native is looking for his first regular-season championship and the extra 15 playoff points that come with it. In 2023, Byron has an average running position of 8.50 – the best of any driver. He has also led 722 laps (most), spent 2,477 laps in the top five (most), 3,197 laps in the top 10 (second-most), collected seven top-five finishes (second-most) and 10 top-10s (tied for second-most).
DRAFT DAY: When it comes to drafting tracks, Byron normally runs up front. He has two wins on this type of track – his first Cup Series victory at Daytona International Speedway in August 2020 and the reconfigured Atlanta Motor Speedway in March 2022. He has also led 194 laps at drafting tracks since the start of the 2022 season – the most of any driver.
THE ATL ARCHIVE: Byron has eight Cup starts at Atlanta Motor Speedway, but Sunday will be only his fourth at the 1.54-mile track since its reconfiguration prior to the 2022 season. In the spring race last year, he rocketed to the front of the field and led 111 laps en route to his first win of 2022. The performance made him the fourth-youngest Atlanta winner at 24 years, 3 months, and 20 days. In fact, Byron has led 152 laps in his three starts at the Georgia venue since 2022, tied for the most with Joey Logano.
RUDY RUNS THE ATL: Sunday will mark crew chief Rudy Fugle’s sixth race at Atlanta in the Cup Series and his fourth after the track’s reconfiguration. In the spring of 2022, he and the No. 24 team led 111 laps and captured their first win of the season. In two Atlanta starts since then, Fugle and Byron have led 41 total laps but have been collected in on-track incidents. Fugle also has six NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at the 1.54-mile oval with two pole awards and two wins. His drivers recorded five top-10 finishes in those events, including four top-three results. Fugle has finished worse than seventh at Atlanta only once, which occurred with Byron in 2016 when the pair ran second before suffering an engine failure.
WELCOME RELAY PAYMENTS: Earlier today, Hendrick Motorsports announced a new partnership with Relay Payments, the fintech company modernizing payments for the transportation, logistics and supply chain industries. Founded in 2019, Relay’s mission is to help digitally transform the logistics industry. The company offers a digital payment network designed to increase efficiencies, reduce fraud, improve driver satisfaction and eliminate operational headaches. At Atlanta Motor Speedway, Relay Payments will debut as an associate partner of Byron and the No. 24 team for 2023. It also will be featured as a primary partner for two playoff races: Sept. 16 at Bristol Motor Speedway during Truck Driver Appreciation Week and Oct. 15 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. For a closer look at Byron’s No. 24 Relay Payments Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, click here.
PIT ROAD PROWESS: After 18 races in 2023, the No. 24 pit crew continues to lead the Cup Series with an average four-tire pit stop time of 10.960 seconds. The pit crew consists of Spencer Bishop (jackman), Landon Walker (fueler), Ryan Patton (tire carrier), Jeff Cordero (front-tire changer) and Orane Ossowski (rear-tire changer). The team has posted three of the fastest pit stops of the season, which rank sixth (9.383 seconds), eighth (9.443) and ninth (9.504) overall.
AT IT AGAIN WITH AXALTA: For the second time in 2023, Axalta will be on board Byron’s No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, this time at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is Axalta’s 31st year of partnership with Hendrick Motorsports.
48 Alex Bowman
Age: 30 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Resides: Concord, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Blake Harris
Standings: 20th
No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
AB IN ATL: On Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series will take on Atlanta Motor Speedway for the second time in 2023. In the last five races at the 1.54-mile track, including two on the old Atlanta surface, driver Alex Bowman has scored two top-five finishes and three top-10s. His 10th-place result in March 2022 came on the new configuration. At Atlanta earlier this year, he started 15th, finished third in the second stage and came in 14th overall.
IN THE DRAFT: At drafting tracks (Daytona International Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway and Atlanta), Bowman has a career-best result of second at Talladega in 2019. In that race, the driver finished the first and second stages in second and led seven laps en route to a runner-up result behind teammate Chase Elliott.
HARRIS IN HOT-LANTA: Sunday will be the first Atlanta start for the pairing of Bowman and new crew chief Blake Harris, who was sidelined in March due to a NASCAR penalty. The last time Harris called the shots at Atlanta, he led the No. 34 team to a 15th-place start and 12th-place finish.
SAVE THEM ALL: Bowman and primary partner Ally have teamed to bring back the Best Friends Animal Society donation effort in 2023. This week, the duo will donate $4,800 to Best Friends and the Fayette Humane Society, which serves the local community in Atlanta. Ally will increase its donation to $10,000 if the No. 48 team wins on Sunday.
DAY ‘N’ NIGHT: The No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 “night” paint scheme will be featured in Sunday’s race at Atlanta. Throughout the 2023 Cup Series season, the car will showcase two versions of its primary scheme. At night, the No. 48 Ally scheme has a black base with bright plum, grapefruit and seafoam stripes down the side. During the day, the white-based No. 48 scheme races with a similar design to its nighttime counterpart. Check out all the angles of the new look by clicking here.
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS /
Hendrick Motorsports
2023
All-Time
Atlanta
Races
18
1,327
69
Wins
5*
296*
16*
Poles
5*
244*
5
Top 5
24*
1,214*
64*
Top 10
35*
2,080*
101*
Laps Led
1,417*
78,734*
3,619*
Stage Wins
10*
89
5*
*Most **Most (tie)
CLOSING IN ON 300: Hendrick Motorsports is just four points-paying victories away from its milestone 300th in the NASCAR Cup Series. Twenty drivers have combined to reach the organization’s current total of 296, which is the most Cup wins by any team. With five victories in 2023, Hendrick Motorsports has posted its 36th multi-win season in the Cup Series while maintaining a streak of at least two per season for the past 30 years. The organization has gone to victory lane at more racetracks (31) than any other active team.
MILESTONE MOMENTS: In addition to 300 Cup Series wins, Hendrick Motorsports is approaching several other major milestones. With 244 pole awards, the team is just six away from 250 at the Cup level. In addition, Hendrick Motorsports engines have recorded 494 NASCAR national series victories and need just six more to reach 500.
PEACH STATE POWER: Hendrick Motorsports has seen eight of its drivers win at Atlanta Motor Speedway – the most among all organizations. Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson each won five times at the Georgia oval. Darrell Waltrip, Ken Schrader, Jerry Nadeau, Kasey Kahne, Chase Elliott and William Byron have one victory apiece. Gordon (23 years, 7 months and 8 days) and Byron (24 years, 3 months and 20 days) stand as the second- and fourth-youngest Cup Series winners in track history.
GEORGIA ON THEIR MINDS: Hendrick Motorsports has been to victory lane 16 times at Atlanta. The total is the most among all Cup teams and is the fifth-most for the organization at any track. Martinsville Speedway (28), Dover Motor Speedway (22), Charlotte Motor Speedway (21) and Pocono Raceway (19) are the only venues where Hendrick Motorsports has more wins.
RECONFIGURATION ROUNDUP: Since Atlanta reconfigured to a drafting track ahead of the 2022 season, Hendrick Motorsports has found great success. Over the last three races there, the Concord, North Carolina, team has the most wins (two), led the most laps (278) and is tied for the most stage wins (three). Byron and Elliott swept last year’s Cup races and rank first and third, respectively, in laps led since the repave.
DRAFTING DOMINANCE: Hendrick Motorsports has 31 all-time wins on drafting tracks (Daytona International Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway and Atlanta), which is 11 more than the next-best team. In 2022, the organization won three of the six races (both Atlanta events and the fall Talladega race) at drafting tracks.
STILL STREAKING: In the past eight points-paying races dating back to Dover Motor Speedway in May, Hendrick Motorsports has had at least one driver finish in the top five. It is the longest such streak by a team since Hendrick Motorsports had nine straight (from Atlanta in March to Kansas Speedway in May) in 2022.
LEADERS OF THE PACK: With its series-leading 1,417 laps led in 2023, Hendrick Motorsports has been at the front of the pack for 30.32% of the season. The squad has led laps in all but two of the 18 points-paying races: Atlanta in March and the Chicago Street Race in July. Byron (722) and Kyle Larson (588) rank first and second, respectively, in the statistical category.
QUOTABLE /
Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on Atlanta: “Drafting tracks have always proved challenging. I don’t have as good of a track record at them as I would like, but the finishes don’t always fully depict the No. 5 team’s day. We’ve had a couple decent runs on drafting tracks this season before trouble came our way. We have some good momentum behind our team right now with four top-10 finishes. I look forward to another HENDRICKCARS.COM home race in Atlanta. It would be great to secure a strong finish in the Peach State.”
Cliff Daniels, crew chief of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on Atlanta: “For the No. 5 team in Atlanta, it’s odd to say that we are looking forward to it because unfortunately in the Next Gen era, I don’t know that we’ve actually finished a race (there). The track layout is a lot different and the package that we have is definitely tough and challenging. I feel like we’ve had some good cars there and even had some good runs going, even though we haven’t always got the finish. We are looking forward to going to Atlanta. It’s going to be a tough and hot race. In the middle of the summer, it will be cool to have a night race. Hopefully we can stay out of trouble and have a good enough car to get up front by the end.”
Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on returning to Atlanta as the defending July race winner: “That was a really nice weekend. Obviously, it’s a little different than having a dominant performance at a track that’s not a (super) speedway, but we were really solid. It’s not like you’re getting out to a four- or five-second lead. We just had a car that had the ability to be on offense all day. When you’re on offense and you can be that guy to make lanes move forward and make a difference and pushing somebody to the front, it just puts you in a different league. It puts you in a really nice position to have a good day. We’ve certainly been on both sides of that fence. I missed Atlanta the first time this year, but hopefully we can go back and have a good run again like we did last year. I know a lot of the people around home are super excited about it being a night race, and getting under the lights down there I think is a really big deal. So I’m looking forward to that.”
Elliott on this year’s DESI9N TO DRIVE program taking place at Atlanta: “I’m excited for the return of the DESI9N TO DRIVE program to my home track since it really shines a light on the positive impact Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has on the region. With the race being run at night, I hope it creates an even greater atmosphere than years past. I can’t wait for everyone to see these summer nights-themed designs come to life at the racetrack.”
William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on his hopes for Atlanta: “I’m excited to get back to Atlanta (Motor Speedway). We’ve had success there and run up front since the repave but unfortunately got caught up in other people’s incidents the last couple races. Hopefully we can have a clean, smooth weekend and will be there at the end to have a shot at another win.”
Rudy Fugle, crew chief of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on his expectations for Atlanta: “We were pretty good at Atlanta (Motor Speedway) in the spring race. We got caught in a wreck, but before that we were running second in our lane. So we were running up front. We have a pretty good baseline for Atlanta. Hendrick Motorsports’ speedway cars are always pretty good. So we’ll start there and try to add some more downforce. Since it’s summer, we need to try get the car handling good as well. The second thing is that this will be the first race of the newly updated center section and front clips for all of the Cup Series. We’ll have to see how that affects everything and see how different the car handles now. I don’t think it will be a huge difference, but you never know until we get on track.”
Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on his mindset heading to Atlanta: “Obviously, we aren’t where we want to be in the points standings. We had a really good start to the season and were super consistent and then had our penalty and then I was out for three races. Heading into the back half of the season, every race matters. Blake (Harris) and I are really focused on the details and trying to maximize on our days. Chicago (Street Course) didn’t go our way, which was frustrating because I thought we had a car capable of getting a top-10 finish. We just have to go execute from here on out, and it starts this weekend in Atlanta.”
Blake Harris, crew chief of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on his approach to Atlanta: “I thought we had a pretty competitive car in the spring race there. Alex (Bowman) did a really good job in the second stage to score some points. I think it’s just going to be getting back on track. Hendrick Motorsports has had some really good weeks at Atlanta. For us it will be all about maximizing our day, scoring stage points when we can, and trying to be in contention to get a win because that’s what we go there to do.”
JTG Daugherty Racing welcomes back Slim Jim as co-primary for the Quaker State 400, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. appears at Kroger in Griffin, GA on Friday.
HARRISBURG, N.C. (July 6, 2023) – – Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and the JTG Daugherty Racing team welcomes back Slim Jim® as co-primary of the No. 47 Kroger® Camaro at Atlanta Motor Speedway’s 1.54-mile oval for the 260-lap superspeedway style of racing.
“Slim Jim is a perfect snack for the race team with us being on the go all the time,” said Stenhouse Jr. “We’re looking forward to having a good weekend at Atlanta with the No. 47 Kroger / Slim Jim Camaro.”
Ahead of the race weekend, Stenhouse Jr. is signing autographs for NASCAR fans at Kroger located at 1524 Hwy 16 West, Griffin, GA from 3 PM to 4:30 PM ET at a big race-themed parking lot event. Included at the event will be a JTG Daugherty Racing show car and several samples for consumers to take home thanks to our family of Kroger Racing brands.
“It’s always great to see everyone that comes out to support us at the store appearances,” said Stenhouse Jr. “We hope to see you there.”
Atlanta Motor Speedway is the site where Stenhouse Jr. captured his very first NASCAR Cup Series pole award in 2013 and his best finish there is 10th-place. His most recent finish was 17th during a day race in March. Now, he’s looking forward to racing under the lights and adding to his Daytona 500 win, two top-five and five top-10 finishes this season.
“This race will be exciting for NASCAR, and I think the cars will look better under the lights and any time we bottom out obviously sparks will show,” said Stenhouse Jr. “For the fans, they will appreciate it being a night race because I’ve sat in the grandstands for a NASCAR Xfinity Series race, and the sun just beats down on the front straightaway grandstands for a long time. For the drivers, I’m sure the track will have more grip. So, we should be able to run closer together than we normally do. The summer race compared to the spring race is always a lot harder to get traction. So, I think the night race will help that.”
Live coverage of the Quaker State 400 on Sunday, July 9 starts at 7 PM ET on USA, PRN and SIRIUSXM Satellite Radio.
The 2023 ARCA Menards Series Daytona race winner Greg Van Alst will make his highly awaited NASCAR Xfinity Series debut for Alpha Prime Racing in Saturday night’s Alsco Uniforms 250 at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway.
The Anderson, Ind. native has dreamt of this moment ever since he was a child and now more than nearly three decades into his racing career – the most important start in his racing career is on deck this weekend at the Hampton, Ga. track.
“I cannot believe it’s almost here,” said Van Alst with a smile. “I literally have been counting down the days. I am so excited. I can’t even begin to tell you.
“While I have this overwhelming excitement, I know that when I climb aboard that car for qualifying on Saturday afternoon I have a job to do.
“And believe me, I plan to do my job well.”
Van Alst knows that his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at a track that is now being classified as a hybrid superspeedway will present plenty of learning opportunities, but Van Alst, the former CRA | ARCA Late Model champion is poised to digest the learning curve this weekend but still mount his Alpha Prime Racing team a competitive finish.
“There isn’t one thought in my mind that says this is going to be easy,” continued Van Alst. “I know that. This series provides some of the most exhilarating racing in the sport and it is full of talented drivers and powerful teams.
“I am hoping that my years of racing – and having to do most of it as an owner and driver will earn me the respect of my competitors and we can go out and have a successful Xfinity Series debut at Atlanta
and build for our future together.”
Van Alst said he is aiming for a top-20 finish in his Xfinity Series debut and anything beyond that is a small victory for himself as a driver.
“I’ve never been thrown into a race with just qualifying and racing but that’s what is going to happen at Atlanta and that’s OK by me,” sounded Van Alst. “I know that my Alpha Prime Racing guys are bringing me a competitive car and believe me I plan to go out there and get us the best starting position possible and then let the dominoes fall for the race.
“I’d love a top-20 finish on Saturday night. Anything above that is a small victory knowing the competition we are facing and just how close the series is as a whole. I am hoping that some of my superspeedway success will transition in some capacity at Atlanta on Saturday, but we’ll just see how it happens.
“I’m looking forward to racing with my Alpha Prime Racing teammates Jeffrey Earnhardt and Ryan Ellis. It is going to be an emotional weekend for sure, but one of the most memorable days of my life. I can’t wait for Saturday.”
Van Alst has brought longtime marketing partner CB Fabricating with him as the primary partner on his No. 44 Chevrolet Camaro for the July 8 race.
Headquartered in Anderson, Ind., CB Fabricating offers a complete list of fabricating from design, laser cutting, CNC punching, forming, welding, powder coating and assembly.
Their 40,000-square-foot facility allows them to service the needs of many different industries. Everything from the Automotive, agricultural, aquatic, medical, transportation, electrical enclosures and much more.
CB Fabricating has been a backbone partner for Van Alst dating back to his ARCA | CRA championship in 2019, then his ARCA Menards Series tenure which relaunched in 2021 and continues on a part-time schedule this season.
With the recent passing of Bruce Van Alst (Greg’s father), racing at Atlanta will mean even more to me,” said CB Fabricating founder Chris Barkdull. “Bruce would tell me about taking Greg and his other son Matt to the Cup race at Atlanta when they were younger.
“It was one of their favorite tracks so when the opportunity to race there came up I thought it would be awesome for Bruce to watch Greg race there. Little did we know at that time how sick Bruce was.
“I can only say how blessed I have been as well as my company to be able to be a part of the racing community. I know we should not be prideful, but I think I will be for a moment. I’m looking forward to Atlanta this weekend.”
Van Alst says having CB Fabricating and Barkdull continue their relationship and expand to the NASCAR Xfinity Series means more to him than words could ever express.
“None of this would be possible without Chris,” added Van Alst. “He has been a partner within my racing team for many years now, but to have his support for one of the biggest races of my life is priceless. I wish my Dad could be around to watch in person, but I know he’ll be supporting us spiritually.
“I am proud to represent CB Fabricating in my NASCAR Xfinity Series debut and look forward to bringing home a strong result not only for Chris but the entire Alpha Prime Racing team.”
Additional details on the remainder of Van Alst’s racing schedule will be released in due course.
Since 2002, Van Alst has 36 ARCA Menards Series starts to his credit with a career-best finish of first (win) at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway (Feb. 2023). Overall, he has earned one win, three top-five and 17 top-10 finishes and holds an average series finish of 14.0. He finished a career-high fifth in the championship standings in 2022.
For more on Greg Van Alst and Greg Van Alst Motorsports, please visit GregVanAlst.com, like them on Facebook (Van Alst Motorsports) and follow him on Twitter (@GregVanAlst35).
For more on CB Fabricating, please visit CBFabricating.com and like them on Facebook (CB Fabricating).
The Alsco Uniforms 250 (163 laps | 251.02 miles) is the 17th of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2023 schedule. Qualifying begins on Sat. July 8 from 4:05 p.m. – 5:20 p.m. The 38-car field will take the green flag later in the evening shortly after 8:00 p.m. with live coverage on the USA Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90 (Satellite Radio). All times are local (Eastern).
Twelve Champion-Level Drivers Square Off in Identically-Prepared Race Cars in Six-Week Series
Two-time NASCAR Champion Joey Logano Joins Telecast as Guest Analyst for First Race
Kicking off six consecutive Thursday nights of prime time racing action, the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) Series makes its debut on ESPN on Thursday, July 13, at 9 p.m. ET, bringing “Thursday Night Thunder” back to ESPN. The Camping World SRX Series pits champion-level drivers from different racing series against each other in identically-prepared race cars, competing on some of America’s iconic short tracks.
ImageThe first event will be at the half-mile Stafford (CT) Motor Speedway and will include 12 drivers from NASCAR and IndyCar racing in competition. Previous NASCAR Cup Series champions Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Bobby Labonte and Brad Keselowski will be in the field racing against former IndyCar stalwarts Marco Andretti, Tony Kanaan and Paul Tracy. Rising star Hailie Deegan also will be in competition as will NASCAR Daytona 500 winners Denny Hamlin and Ryan Newman and former NASCAR stars Clint Bowyer and Ken Schrader. Two-time NASCAR champion Joey Logano will serve as guest analyst for the first race, joining lap-by-lap announcer Allen Bestwick in the booth to call the action. ESPN SportsCenter anchor Nicole Briscoe will host the telecast while Matt Yocum will report from the pits.
The event launches a new, multi-year media rights agreement between SRX and ESPN that will see the series air exclusively on ESPN, bringing back the Thursday Night Thunder branding.
Thursday Night Thunder, which originally aired on ESPN in the 1980’s, saw legends of racing, including SRX co-founder Stewart, launch their careers.
The 2023 Camping World SRX Series Schedule (all times Eastern)
Date
Track
Time
Network
Thursday, July 13
Stafford Motor Speedway (Stafford Springs, CT)
9 p.m.
ESPN
Thursday, July 20
Thunder Road Speedbowl (Barre, VT)
9 p.m.
ESPN
Thursday, July 27
Motor Mile Speedway (Radford, VA)
9 p.m.
ESPN
Thursday, Aug. 3
Berlin Raceway (Grand Rapids, MI)
9 p.m.
ESPN
Thursday, Aug. 10
Eldora Speedway (New Weston, OH)
9 p.m.
ESPN
Thursday, Aug. 17
Lucas Oil Speedway (Wheatland, MO)
9 p.m.
ESPN
About SRX:
Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) was created by Sandy Montag and The Montag Group, Investor and former NASCAR COO, George Pyne, NASCAR Hall of Famer and legendary driver Tony Stewart, and NASCAR Hall of Fame Crew Chief and Owner Ray Evernham. Over the first two seasons of SRX, the six-race series has featured drivers from a variety of racing backgrounds with an emphasis on champion-level drivers. SRX has seen some of the sport’s biggest names compete including: Tony Stewart, Bill Elliott, Chase Elliott, Tony Kanaan, Paul Tracy, Bobby Labonte, Willy T. Ribbs, Hailie Deegan, Ryan Blaney, Ryan Newman, Greg Biffle, Marco Andretti, Matt Kenseth, Michael Waltrip, Josef Newgarden, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Helio Castroneves, and many more.
In 2022, the series field featured a total of five NASCAR Cup Series Championships, three IndyCar Series Championships, four Daytona 500 Winners, five Indianapolis 500 Winners and four NASCAR Hall of Fame Drivers. Tony Stewart claimed the inaugural SRX Championship in 2021 and Marco Andretti claimed the 2022 Championship.
About Motorsports on ESPN:
ESPN’s motorsports coverage over the years has included nearly every form of racing – NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula One, drag racing, sports car racing, motorcycles and more. Production values and sheer volume of content set ESPN apart very early in the game.
ESPN aired its first race on Oct. 7, 1979, exactly one month after the network went on the air. The race was a USAC event taped the previous summer in Salem, Ind. In March of 1981, ESPN aired its first NASCAR Cup race, a tape-delayed event from Rockingham, N.C., and on June 7, 1981, the network aired its first live race, a CART event at Milwaukee.
Currently, the full Formula 1 World Championship airs on ESPN platforms. F1 returned to its original U.S. television home in 2018 – the first race ever aired in the country was on ABC in 1962. F1 races also aired on ESPN from 1984-1997.
HAMPTON, Ga. (July 6, 2023) – Atlanta’s NASCAR night race weekend will employ a host of dignitaries and special guests to be part of pre-race festivities.
Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart (Sunday, July 9) Dignitaries:
Grand Marshal: NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Childress will give the command to start engines from the cockpit of the No. 29 car Kevin Harvick piloted to his first career Cup Series victory in 2001. Childress will then lead the field in the historic ride during pace laps before the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart.
Honorary Starter: Walmart Market 21 Asset Protection Manager Joe Milton will waive the green flag to start the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart on Sunday night.
God Bless America Singer: Tenor Timothy Miller will once again bring his stirring rendition of “God Bless America” to Atlanta Motor Speedway to kick off pre-race ceremonies on Sunday evening.
National Anthem Singers: Powerhouse trio Chapel Hart – comprised of sisters Danica and Devynn Hart and first cousin Trea Swindle – will sing the national anthem before the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart.
Flyover: Two F-15Cs from the 159th Fighter Squadron “Boxin’ Gators” from the Florida Air National Guard will soar above AMS during the Star Spangled Banner Sunday night.
Pre-race concert: Multiplatinum troubadour Andy Grammer’s pre-race concert on Sunday evening headlines Revs & Riffs’ slate of musical acts during Atlanta’s summer race weekend. Fans will enjoy Grammer’s catalog full of bona fide hits, including the quadruple-platinum “Honey, I’m Good” and platinum singles like “Keep Your Head Up,” “Fine By Me,” and “Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah).”
Driver Introductions: The top-10 starters for Sunday night’s NASCAR Cup Series race will be introduced by comedian John Crist.
Atlanta’s summer NASCAR weekend features 650 miles of action between a pair of night races on the speedway’s high banks.
The weekend kicks off Friday with the Camper Appreciation Party in Bootleggers followed by the Peach Pit Party in the infield later that night. Friday night also brings an opportunity for fans to drive their own vehicles around AMS during Speedway Children’s Charities’ Laps for Charity.
NASCAR action begins Saturday with qualifying for the Alsco Uniforms 250 and the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart. Country music stars Lonestar perform a free concert in the AMS Fan Zone before the NASCAR Xfinity Series races under the lights in the Alsco Uniforms 250.
Sunday brings the main event of Atlanta’s summer NASCAR weekend: the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart. Before the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series take the green flag under the setting sun, raceday is packed full of things to see and do all around the facility, from driver appearances and Q&As, carnival rides, to live attractions in the AMS Fan Zone and Andy Grammer’s pre-race concert and driver introductions on the frontstretch.
For more information or to purchase tickets for this weekend’s events, fans should visit AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com or call 877-9-AMS-TIX.
About the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart:
The Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart headlines the summer slate of NASCAR racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 9. Featuring the first weekend of night racing at AMS since 2014, Atlanta’s summer NASCAR weekend comes with increased stakes with the NASCAR playoffs looming large.
Accompanying the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart is the Alsco Uniforms 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday, July 9. The summer race will challenge the rising stars of the sport to stand out and succeed on one of the circuit’s most challenging tracks.
More information on the July 7-9, 2023, Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend and ticket availability can be found online at AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.
Follow Atlanta Motor Speedway:
Keep track of all of Atlanta Motor Speedway’s events by following on Twitter, Instagram, and become a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Atlanta Motor Speedway mobile app.
COLE CUSTER | RILEY HERBST Atlanta NASCAR Xfinity Series Advance NASCAR Xfinity Series Overview
Event: Alsco Uniforms 250 (Round 17 of 33)
Date: Saturday, July 8
Location: Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia
Layout: 1.54-mile oval
Time/TV/Radio: 8 p.m. EDT on USA/PRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Cole Custer Notes of Interest
After a rain-shortened but triumphant weekend at NASCAR’s inaugural Chicago Street Race, Cole Custer and the No. 00 Haas Automation team are ready to keep the momentum rolling in Saturday’s Alsco Uniforms 250 Xfinity Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Custer scored his second victory of the 2023 season last weekend on the downtown streets of Chicago after rain and standing water forced NASCAR to call the race 30 laps before its scheduled 55-lap distance. Before the unprecedented call on Sunday to declare the race official before it reached its halfway point, Custer had already shown his dominance from the outset of the race on Saturday, leading all 25 laps run until the red flag flew for lightning. After winning the opening 15-lap stage, Custer had a commanding lead of more than two seconds over fellow Xfinity Series regular John Hunter Nemechek and looked to be well on his way to winning the 15-lap Stage 2. He became the third SHR driver to win an inaugural NASCAR Xfinity Series race since 2020. SHR’s Chase Briscoe won the inaugural Xfinity Series race on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July 2020, and Aric Almirola won the first-ever Xfinity Series race at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway on June 10.
Despite a challenging start to the season, Custer has certainly found his stride. His two wins and counting have put him in a strong position for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs, and he’s jumped to third in the driver standings from the 10th position he held prior to the April 1 race at Richmond (Va.) Raceway, now 44 points behind Nemechek, the regular-season championship leader. Custer also has now earned 10 top-10 finishes in a row, a streak that began with his fifth-place result at Richmond. With 10 races left before the playoffs begin Sept. 15 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, Custer is looking to close the points gap and take home not only more wins, but that regular-season championship trophy.
Saturday’s race will be Custer’s fifth in the Xfinity Series at Atlanta and second since the track was reconfigured in time for the 2022 season. He started eighth and finished 12th on the newly configured track in March, and his best of three outings on the old configuration was a runner-up finish from the pole position in February 2019, when he crossed the finish line .191 of a second behind winner Christopher Bell. Custer has six Atlanta starts outside of the Xfinity Series – five in the NASCAR Cup Series and one in the NASCAR Truck Series. Best of his Cup Series outings was a ninth-place finish last July, and his lone Truck Series outing in February 2016 resulted in a 17th-place finish from the sixth starting position.
Custer will be pulling double duty this weekend as he’ll also be behind the wheel of the No. 51 Jacob Companies Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing for Sunday’s Atlanta 400 Cup Series race.
Riley Herbst Notes of Interest
While last weekend’s race on the Chicago street course didn’t end like Riley Herbst and the No. 98 Monster Energy team had hoped, they’re ready to show their resilience in Saturday’s Alsco Uniforms 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Herbst started 15th at Chicago and worked his way into the top-10 before he was forced to pit to repair damage sustained after a car spun in front of him. After working his way back toward the front, the No. 98 Monster Energy team opted to pit when the caution flag flew on lap 24. It put Herbst further back in the pack and, when the race was about to be restarted, lightning was reported in the area to bring out the red flag. The race never resumed due to rain and standing water, and when it was declared official on Sunday, Herbst was credited with a 24th-place finish.
Despite the unpredictablility that Atlanta’s 1.54-mile oval now brings with its racing style being more akin to a superspeedway, Herbst has proven his ability to persevere and survive at the track. In his three starts since the reconfiguration, he has not finished outside the top-10 with a best of fourth earned in the March race last year. His three starts on the old configuration netted a best result of sixth in March 2021.
In the most recent race at Atlanta this past March, Herbst looked to be having his strongest run there. He finished in the top-10 in the opening two stages to earn 15 stage points and, thanks to quick work by his No. 98 Monster Energy pit crew, he came off pit road first to start the final stage of the race. Herbst led 11 laps in the final stage and stayed in the top-five while trying to avoid mayhem and go for the win in the closing laps. Herbst held his position through multiple attempts at NASCAR overtime and took the checkered flag fifth. It was his second top-five and fifth top-10 through this year’s opening five races.
Cole Custer, Driver of the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang
You’re coming off your second win of the 2023 season and your 10th consecutive top-10. Does that give you a boost of confidence heading into this weekend at Atlanta?
“I mean, it definitely does. This whole summer stretch here, we just need to stay on a roll and stay on it. You want to try to collect as many playoff points as you can as the regular season winds down. The race wins and stage wins help with that, so we just have to keep moving in that direction. This next month, we just have to keep rolling and heading in the right direction.”
Atlanta is more akin to a superspeedway now. What are your expectations heading into the weekend after your 12th-place finish there earlier this year?
“It’s always going to be crazy, especially at the end of the race. People are going to try to push and shove their way to a win, just like at Talladega or Daytona. There’s also the factor of handling involved, so that can lead to some wrecks as the laps go down. Overall, this reconfiguration has put on some exciting racing, so hopefully it does the same this weekend and we can come out on top.”
Riley Herbst, Driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang
Atlanta has been kind to you since the reconfiguration was introduced last year. You haven’t finished worse than ninth in your three starts since 2022. How does the reconfiguration suit your driving style?
“The No. 98 Monster Energy team has done well at Atlanta since the reconfiguration. Even when we had a bad race, we’ve been able to recover for a top-10 finish with how they’ve changed the track. Honestly, I think the track changing to have more superspeedway-style racing has helped me as a driver. In the past few seasons, the No. 98 Ford Mustang has been fast at the superspeedway races, but we just maybe haven’t had enough Fords in the field to help us capitalize on it. We just have to have a little bit of luck and speed when we roll off on Saturday night. I’m excited to head back there.”
You’ve experienced two races with your new crew chief Davin Restivo. How is that going?
“I think we’re off to a good start. The key right now is working on our communication, but we’re getting there. He’s brought fast cars both weekends, and I honestly think we would’ve gotten a solid finish on the Chicago Street Course had the rain not come in. We were on a good pit strategy and that was all Davin’s call. We’re in a good place, and I’m excited to get to these upcoming tracks with him and the entire No. 98 crew.”
DEAL INCLUDES PRIMARY RACES PLUS ASSOCIATE SPONSORSHIP
CONCORD, N.C. (July 6, 2023) – Relay Payments, the fintech company modernizing payments for the transportation, logistics and supply chain industries, has joined William Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team as a sponsor ahead of the July 9 Atlanta Motor Speedway event in its home market.
The partnership includes associate sponsorship in all remaining 2023 races and two primary paint schemes in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs: Sept. 16 at Bristol Motor Speedway during Truck Driver Appreciation Week and Oct. 15 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. As part of the agreement, Relay Payments will appear on the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, team equipment, and the uniforms of Byron and crew members.
Additional details about the sponsorship and races are available at relaypayments.com/24.
“Relay is experiencing rapid adoption of our digital fuel and unloading payment solution within the trucking industry,” said Relay co-founder and CEO Ryan Droege. “We know that the trucking industry and NASCAR have always had a special bond, and we’re excited about promoting our brand and highlighting drivers through this partnership with Hendrick Motorsports. Relay’s goal for the sponsorship is to bring greater awareness to the important job that truck drivers have for our economy.”
Founded in 2019, Relay’s mission is to help digitally transform the logistics industry. The company offers a digital payment network designed to increase efficiencies, reduce fraud, improve driver satisfaction, and eliminate operational headaches. Today, more than 300,000 carriers and drivers use Relay to transact, and companies throughout the supply chain — from large carriers to freight brokers, truck stops and warehouses — rely on Relay for their over-the-road expenses, including unloading and fuel payments.
“Truck drivers are the unsung heroes of our industry. The race cars Hendrick Motorsports fields each weekend are driven hundreds or thousands of miles to the racetrack to compete in front of our amazing fans,” said Jeff Gordon, vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports. “But truck drivers are vital to many industries, and the efficiency of Relay helps deliver products and services to businesses and customers in a quicker manner that benefits a lot of people. Hendrick Motorsports is of the same mindset – be the first to the finish line.”
At just 25 years old, Byron is already a seven-time race winner at the elite NASCAR Cup level. This season, he leads the series in wins (tie), stage wins (seven) and laps led (722). The Charlotte, North Carolina, native is currently the projected top seed in the 2023 playoffs.
“Our truck drivers are crucial members of our race teams,” Byron said. “They’re responsible for getting our race cars and equipment to and from the racetrack every weekend throughout the longest season in sports. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to race. I’m happy to be able to partner with Relay, which values and understands the importance of truck drivers as much as we do.”
ABOUT RELAY PAYMENTS: Founded in 2019, Relay Payments is an Atlanta-based, venture-backed fintech company building a digital payment network in the transportation, logistics, and supply chain industries. Trusted by more than 300,000 carriers and drivers, Relay is spearheading the modernization of payments in an industry historically reliant on cards, cash, and checks to conduct business. Relay has joined forces with industry giants like Coyote Logistics, J.B. Hunt, Old Dominion Freight Line, and others to streamline their payment process and optimize operations to get consumer products to shelves quickly. For more information about Relay or to download the app, visit relaypayments.com.
ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS: Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history. At the sport’s premier level, the organization holds the all-time records in every major statistical category, including championships (14), points-paying race victories (296) and laps led (more than 78,000). It has earned at least one race win in a record 39 different seasons, including an active streak of 38 in a row (1986-2023). The team fields four full-time Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entries in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson. Headquartered on more than 100 acres in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs approximately 600 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorsports.com or interact on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
