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Spire Motorsports, RAZE Energy Roll Out 2023 Partnership

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Official Release
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CONCORD, N.C. (June 14, 2023) – RAZE Energy will be the primary sponsor of Spire Motorsports No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with driver Ty Dillon for six NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) races in 2023 beginning with the June 25 Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway.

This season will mark the second consecutive year RAZE has partnered with Spire Motorsports to promote its proprietary line of energy drinks.

RAZE Energy, the 2021 Energy Drink Brand of The Year as awarded by “Stack3d”, and 2021 Clash of the Cans winner, is the only energy drink created based on input from its consumers.

RAZE Energy “insiders” suggest flavors, taste test, vote and then contribute to the graphic design process prior to new a product launch. The process, which determines how flavors are selected, relies on feedback from over 5,000 insiders.

“We are looking forward to partnering with Spire Motorsports again in 2023 to launch our new RAZE Tea and RAZE Energy Shot products,” said RAZE Energy CEO Chris Wagner. “The relationship with Spire has been beneficial as we continue to scale RAZE products at retail and we are eager to see the consumer response to these new product lines. Jeff and TJ (Spire Motorsports co-owners Jeff Dickerson and T.J. Puchyr) are like family to me and we are excited to start the season in Nashville.”

Dillon’s machine will carry a brilliant RAZE Tea paint scheme three times in 2023, beginning at Nashville Superspeedway, followed by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course on August 13 and again for the October 8 NCS race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL.

RAZE Tea features four refreshing, thirst-quenching varieties including Green Tea, Half and Half Lemonade, White Peach and Sweet Tea. All four flavors offer zero sugar or calories, 500 mgs of Essential Amino Acids (EAAs), 100 percent daily value of Vitamins B6 and B12 and 80 mgs of caffeine.

RAZE Energy Shots – Focus, Beauty Buzz, Relax, Immunity and Energy – will adorn Dillon’s No. 77 entry on July 9 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, September 3 at Darlington Raceway and finally at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 22.

“Everyone at Spire Motorsports is looking forward to welcoming RAZE Energy back for another season and introduce NASCAR fans to RAZE Tea and RAZE Energy shots,” commented Dillon. “The team at RAZE has done a great job with the paint schemes and the car is going to look incredible on some of my favorite race tracks. Our No. 77 team is gaining on it and getting a little better every week so we’ll keep working hard and hopefully turn in some solid finishes.”

The Ally 400 from Nashville Superspeedway will be televised live on NBC Sunday, June 25 beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The 17th of 36 points-paying races on the 2023 NCS schedule will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports is a full-time, two-car NASCAR Cup Series race team co-owned by long-time NASCAR industry executives Jeff Dickerson and Thaddeus “T.J.” Puchyr. In 2023, Spire Motorsports will field the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for driver Corey LaJoie and No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Ty Dillon. The team also fields NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series teams in select events.

Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville Speedway.

Flying Lizard Motorsports Dominates Championship Points, Set to Conquer Virginia International Raceway

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Official Release
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ALTON, Vir., (June 14, 2023) – After a brief early-summer break, racing has resumed for Flying Lizard Motorsports. This week, the ten-time sports car racing champions head to VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) for the next rounds in the GT America Powered by AWS and the Pirelli GT4 America series, running three Aston Martin Vantage GT4 cars and one Porsche 911 GT3 R. Flying Lizard Motorsports currently leads the championship points in the team categories, and will have the chance to extend their lead at the conclusion of the weekend’s four races.

“VIR is one of the great true road course circuits in the US and one of our favorites to race every year,” said Program Manager Darren Law. “It is a real driver’s track and takes a well-engineered car. It has a bit of everything, it is long, fast, has high-speed sections and elevation changes. We have had a lot of success here in previous years. The Championship is so tight this year and we are in contention in several classes so it is critical to not only finish up front but we have to finish.”

Dubbed by actor and racer Paul Newman as “Heaven on Earth,” VIRginia International Raceway is a favorite among fans and drivers. Located in Alton, Virginia, the track was established in 1957 and is known for its challenging, flowing layout with 17 turns in 3.27 miles. The circuit never fails to deliver intense racing action, and this weekend will be no exception.

Pirelli GT4 America
Race Length: 60 minutes
Classes: Silver, Pro-Am, Am
Race Start: 6/17 at 5:00 PM ET, 6/18 at 10:55 AM ET

With six of the 14 races of the season complete, Flying Lizard currently leads the team standings in GT4 America, holding a seven-point lead over NOLASPORT. The team had a successful previous weekend at Circuit of the Americas with a victory by the one-off paring of Jason Bell and Michael Cooper. Full-season drivers Elias Sabo and Andy Lee currently sit in third place in the Pro/Am driver pairings, anxious to return to the podium after a third-place finish in race one at Sonoma Raceway in the No. 8 Aston Martin Vantage GT4. The duo finished third in race two at VIR in 2022, giving a strong performance after starting in ninth.

Thirty-six entries are set to compete in the weekend’s rounds seven and eight, both of which will air live on youtube.com/GTworld.

GT America Powered by AWS
Race Length: 40 minutes
Classes: GT2, GT3, GT4
Race Start: 6/17 at 1:00 PM ET, 6/18 at 8:45 AM ET

Flying Lizard’s three-car, full-season effort in GT America resumes this weekend at VIR, with the team racing two Aston Martin Vantage GT4 cars and one Porsche 911 GT3 R. With a 37-point lead over Chouest Provoledo Racing, the team has a strong grasp on the points lead, but still hopes to extend the current gap. Racing the No. 2 Aston Martin, Jason Bell has momentum and consistency on his side heading into the weekend, following his pair of second-place finishes at Circuit of the Americas. Currently tied for first in the driver standings, Bell has the odds in his favor to take control of the championship battle in rounds nine and then this weekend. Elias Sabo and the No. 8 Aston Martin Vantage sit in fourth in the driver points, following his recent win in round eight at Circuit of the Americas. Andy Wilzoch’s progress in the bronze-only series continues to improve, with him earning a season-best finish of fourth place in round eight at COTA. The No. 460 Porsche 911 GT3 R will bring fans much joy when it returns the traditional Flying Lizard livery to the podium.

Twenty-four entries will compete in rounds nine and ten of the championship, airing live YouTube.com/GTWorld.

Schedule | All Times Eastern

Friday, June 16

8:30 AM Bronze Test

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM GTA Practice 1

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM GT4 Practice 1

1:45 PM – 2:15 PM GTA Practice 2

5:15 PM – 6:00 PM GT4 Practice 2

Saturday, June 17

8:00 AM – 8:15 AM GTA Qualifying

10:20 AM – 10:35 AM GT4 Qualifying 1

10:40 AM – 10:55 AM GT4 Qualifying 2

1:00 PM – 1:40 PM GTA Race One

3:00 PM GT4 Autograph Session

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM GT4 Race 1

Sunday, June 18

8:45 AM – 9:25 AM GTA Race 2

10:55 AM – 11:55 AM GT4 Race 2

3:00 PM GT4 Autograph Session

About Flying Lizard Motorsports

Based out of Sonoma, California, Flying Lizard Motorsports is one of the most iconic sports car teams in motorsports, having celebrated ten driver and team championships, as well as competed internationally at the 24 Hours of Le Mans eight times.

The Lizards burst on the American Le Mans Series scene in 2004, competing in the GT class until 2012. In 2013, the team moved to the GTC class, still competing in legendary events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona. In 2014, the team expanded its program to include running two Audi R8 LMS in the TUDOR Championship, and in 2015, again expanded the program to include two Porsches in Porsche Club racing. Flying Lizard closed out the season with a dominating win at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill with Toyo Tires, a win they repeated in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The 2020 season proved the team’s most successful to date, earning four titles in the GT4 America championship. Flying Lizard Motorsports has proven to be a championship contender no matter the race series or race car. For more information, visit lizardms.com.

About 5.11
With offices around the globe, 5.11 ABR Corp. and its subsidiaries, including 5.11, Inc., work with end users to create purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear designed specifically to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who always have to be ready. 5.11 products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at 5.11 company-owned retail stores.

Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical

5.11 ABR Corp. is a subsidiary of Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI).

5.11, 5.11 Tactical and Always Be Ready are registered trademarks of 5.11, Inc. All rights reserved.

About Apex Motor Club

Apex Motor Club is Arizona’s premier motorsports club located just 35 miles southwest of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and the only private motorsports club located within a major metropolitan area. APEX is the ultimate country club for automotive enthusiasts where car culture, racing and country club lifestyles converge. Enjoy an hour of track time in your latest acquisition, drive off track, into your privately-owned garage and join like- minded enthusiasts in the clubhouse for food, beverages, and activities.

To learn more about the newest racing circuit in the country, visit https://apexmotorclub.com

Patrick Liddy to debut at the Six Hours of The Glen with Forte Racing’s Huracan #78 GT3 EVO2

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Official Release
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Los Angeles, CA – June 14, 2023

Forte Racing by USRT is proud to announce that 25-year-old racer Patrick Liddy will enter the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen under its banner.

The US driver competed with Shane Seneviratne’s team in multiple Lamborghini Super Trofeo campaigns, distinguishing himself as one of the quickest drivers to recently emerge from the one-make series.

The chance to move up the sportscar ladder while staying in a team and an environment he already knows will be a boost as he looks forward to continuing a successful story. Liddy, who was born in Pasadena, had the chance to drive the team’s GT3 Huracan EVO 2 in a test day together with Loris Spinelli in Watkins Glen. Liddy started his career in 2018, entering the North American Lamborghini Super Trofeo series and finishing 3rd in his debut season as Pro-Am.

Forte’s 2023 IMSA campaign is supported by long-standing title partners Arrow Electronics (NYSE:ARW) , O’Gara Coach and Change Racing.

Patrick Liddy, #78 Driver:

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to step up to the big leagues with Forte racing for the rest of the Endurance season. I have enjoyed working with this crew in Super Trofeo for years, so it has been great to jump into the GT3 car and immediately mesh with the whole team. This opportunity would not have happened without the support of Lamborghini and all of our partners — a Special thanks is also due to Edoardo and Shane. Feelings are very good after our test at Watkins Glen. Let’s go get some podiums!”

Shane Seneviratne, Team Manager:

“We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Patrick Liddy and partner with him for his move to the WeatherTech Sportscar Championship which is always a key step for a driver’s career. I think that moving up within the same organization is an important added value in terms of continuity. He knows the team very well, and we will be able to support him in the best possible way. Patrick had some remarkable seasons with us in Super Trofeo, and I think there are all the components that are needed to perform at a high level this year as well.”

Road America Welcomes Back the WeatherTech® Chicago Region SCCA June Sprints®

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Official Release
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America’s National Park of Speed is ready for its longest-running event.

ELKHART LAKE, Wis., June 13, 2023 – Road America, the renowned motorsports venue, is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated WeatherTech® SCCA Chicago Region June Sprints® June 23-25. This historic event holds a significant place on the Road America calendar and serves as the first step towards achieving the prestigious SCCA Triple Crown of Racing.

As the host of the June Sprints, Road America proudly upholds its rich tradition and deep connection with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Road America remains grateful to the loyal Chicago Region SCCA Members, who have been integral in cementing the event’s enduring legacy. With its picturesque park-like setting, prime trackside viewing, and unparalleled access to drivers and teams, the June Sprints has become a highlight for amateur racers nationwide.

From June 23 to 25, spectators will experience four days of non-stop action featuring exhilarating qualifying rounds and high-stakes racing. The June Sprints marks the start of a thrilling journey for competitors vying for the SCCA Triple Crown of Racing, where victory in three consecutive events – beginning with the June Sprints, followed by the regional championships, and culminating in the SCCA National Championship Runoffs® – crowns the ultimate champion. For those unaware, the SCCA National Championship Runoffs® will return to Road America in 2024 and 2025 for the 61st and 62nd running of an event that caps the SCCA Road Racing program each year and has evolved into what is widely known as the pinnacle of U.S. amateur road racing.

In addition to the heart-pounding racing on an entirely new surface, visitors enjoying the June Sprints are encouraged to explore the many enhancements Road America has made for their enjoyment. Stroll through the grounds and discover the latest additions, including captivating wood carvings, new paddock lighting, and the exciting carousel viewing trail. Among the notable highlights is “The Beach,” a new and immensely popular feature near Turn 11. With its relaxed atmosphere, comfortable grandstand seating, beach chairs, swaying palm trees, and exceptional vantage points, The Beach provides the perfect setting to bask in the sun while witnessing the adrenaline-fueled races.

Daily admission to the June Sprints is $25 Friday and $35 each Saturday and Sunday.

Active Military, Reserves, and Retired Members with ID can also enjoy the WeatherTech® Chicago Region SCCA June Sprints® for free.

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

To plan your visit, check out Road America’s Frequently Asked Questions webpage at www.roadamerica.com/faq

About Road America: Established in 1955, Road America is conveniently located between Milwaukee and Green Bay in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The world’s best racers have competed at this legendary four-mile, 14-turn road circuit for over 65 years. Along with over 500 events held seasonally at the 640-acre facility, several major weekends are open to the public, which include the INDYCAR Series, the MotoAmerica Series, three vintage racing events, numerous Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) events, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and NASCAR. Road America’s park-like grounds offer amazing viewing opportunities, numerous camping options, fantastic concessions, and high-speed excitement to hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. Fans can also stay and play in cabins conveniently on the grounds and find all sorts of souvenirs, collectibles, and apparel at the 7,500 sq. ft Paddock Shop. Affectionately known by many as America’s National Park of Speed, Road America can accommodate groups of all sizes, including weddings and corporate events in the Tufte Conference Center. In addition to public race weekends, Road America offers various group event programs, including geocaching, disc golf, and off-road adventure tours, karting, and the Road America Motorcycle and Driving Schools. For more information, visit www.roadamerica.com Follow Road America on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube or call 800-365-7223

NO. 93 HARRISON CONTRACTING COMPANY ACURA NSX GT3 EVO22 ROLLS INTO VIR FOR GT WORLD CHALLENGE AMERICA

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Official Release
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(Deland, Fla.) June 13, 2023 — The No. 93 Harrison Contracting Company Acura NSX GT3 Evo22 heads to the rolling hills of VIRginia International Raceway hungry to build on Racers Edge Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport (WTRAndretti)’s thrilling win at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) and continues the hunt for the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS championship. The 3.27-mile, 17-turn track near Alton, VA, made famous by the iconic Oak Tree, host Rounds 7 and 8, marking the halfway point of the 2023 season.

Ashton Harrison and Mario Farnbacher enter the weekend holding second place in the Pro class title standings after a class podium and overall victory in Austin, Texas. Despite a challenging weekend last year, Racers Edge Motorsports with WTRAndretti has earned several wins and podium finishes with the Acura NSX GT3 platform at VIR, including a class win in both 2019 and 2020, and a podium in 2021.

The Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS weekend at VIRginia International Raceway begins on Friday, June 16 with official practice for all classes. The green flag flies in Virginia on Saturday, June 17, at 3:10 pm and Sunday, June 18, at 2:15pm, Eastern Standard Time, and will be streamed live at GT World on YouTube.

No. 93 Harrison Contracting Company Acura NSX GT3 Evo22 DRIVER QUOTES:

Ashton Harrison:
“I’m looking forward to being back with Mario and the whole Racers Edge Motorsports with WTRAndretti team. I’m excited we’re back in the championship fight after our overall win at COTA, but it’s still a tight race and we know we need to keep winning. Thankfully, I feel like VIR is a good track for our NSX, and we saw that last year, although not necessarily in our results. I feel like I have some unfinished business I need to handle at VIR, based off our struggles last year. Everyone at Racers Edge Motorsports puts in mega work, day in and day out, and always arrives at the track with a perfectly prepped car. I’m grateful to Jon, Jim, Nick, and the crew who are constantly working to keep Mario and I at the front of the field. I think our Harrison Contracting Company Acura NSX will be quick. Obviously, we have high expectations to win the race and get back in the championship lead, and I think we can accomplish that. I feel I’m in a better place as a driver now than I was last year here, and I feel more confident going into this weekend to tackle the high speed, high grip surface. I know there is little margin for error, so it’s important for us to be smart on track and with our strategy.”

Mario Farnbacher:
“VIR is one of my favorite races tracks in North America – it’s a fast, technical track where you need to dig to be quick and this is the kind of track I really like. This track has a lot of grip. It’s always a challenge to take the risk here, because there’s so much opportunity to go off track if you make the slightest mistake, but the risk makes you faster if you keep pushing. But in the end, it’s a great layout and cool, old-school track – the complete opposite of COTA, actually, with no track limits. I’m really looking forward to being at VIR again with Ashton, the Racers Edge Motorsports with WTRAndretti crew, and Harrison Contracting Company. I think Ashton and I have business to take care of after our finish here last year, and we want to keep pushing from the success at COTA.”
About Harrison Contracting
Harrison Contracting Company, Inc. (HCC) is a commercial painting and facility maintenance contracting company headquartered in Villa Rica, GA with divisional offices in Florida and Texas. HCC provides repainting/reimaging and facility maintenance services nationwide, and new construction painting across the southeastern US. At HCC, red is more than the company color, its culture. RED stands for Reliable, Experienced, and Diligent, and is the cornerstone for all we do. We are more than just your painter; we are your partner.

About the HPD Driver Academy Program
The Honda Performance Development (HPD) Driver Academy Program was developed to enable qualified racers to accelerate their racing career via ‘on-track’ and ‘off-track’ training from experienced Acura/Honda professional drivers, HPD-supported teams, and HPD personnel. The program includes sessions in the championship winning Acura NSX GT3 Evo or Honda Civic Type R TCR teaching the special knowledge and various skills required for professional sports car racing. The program is available by application-only and is limited to eight students per year.

About Honda Performance Development
Honda Performance Development, Inc., (HPD) has a rich heritage creating, manufacturing, and supporting Honda Racing and Acura Motorsports customers since 1993 from pinnacle racing in INDYCAR and IMSA to commercial racing programs. HPD is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and leads all of Honda and Acura’s high-performance racing programs in North America, specializing in the design and development of race engines, chassis and performance parts, as well as technical and race support.

Mazda Welcomes James Hinchcliffe as Guest Driver in MX-5 Cup at Watkins Glen

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Official Release
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WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (June 13, 2023) – IndyCar veteran and current member of the NBC Sports motorsports broadcast team James Hinchcliffe will make his Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires debut at Watkins Glen International, June 22 – 24. The Canadian will drive the No. 3 JTR Motorsports Engineering entry for Rounds Seven and Eight.

Hinchcliffe was the 2011 IndyCar Rookie of the Year and has nearly 150 starts to his credit, including nine at the Indianapolis 500 where he earned the pole position in 2016.

Though he has numerous open-wheel races at Watkins Glen under his belt, this will be the first time Hinchcliffe has raced a sports car at the upstate New York circuit.

“We’ve had the benefit of having MX-5 Cup run at a bunch of IndyCar races over the years and I’ll tell you everyone in the paddock is either on the pit wall or switching over the feed in the engineering office to watch those races because they look like so much fun,” Hinchcliffe said. “I think the series does a great job keeping everything nice and even. I think the competition is incredibly fierce and as drivers, that’s what you want to see. I’ve always enjoyed watching it and always thought it would be a blast to get the opportunity to try it. I’m very much looking forward to this.”

Hinchcliffe’s ties to Mazda go back to 2005 when he ran in the Star Mazda series. He followed it up with three seasons in the Atlantic Championship (2006 – 2008), which was powered by Mazda at the time. Most recently, Hinchcliffe was part of Mazda’s prototype driver lineup for the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2014, 2015 and 2017.

The guest drive is reminiscent of last year’s MX-5 Cup races at Road America where NASCAR driver Parker Kligerman took part.

“The love Mazda MX-5 Cup receives from top-tier, world-famous drivers is something really special,” Mazda Motorsports Program Manager Jonathan Applegate said. “We’re thrilled once again to welcome a tremendously talented guest driver to the series in James Hinchcliffe. Having a driver with a unique Mazda connection is great, but most importantly we want James to enjoy his time with us and share the fun of MX-5 Cup racing with his fan base.”

Hinchcliffe will have two 30-minute practice sessions before qualifying and Race 1 at 12:20pm ET on Friday, June 23. Race 2 will go green at 10:05am ET on Saturday, June 24. Both races will be streamed live on RACER.com and IMSA.com/tvlive.

About: The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires is the signature spec series for Mazda Motorsports. The series has been operated by Andersen Promotions since 2017 and is currently sanctioned by IMSA. Mazda-powered grassroots champions can earn Mazda scholarships for this pro-level series. The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup awards more than $1 million in prizes and scholarships.

Find out more at http://www.mx-5cup.com.

Bolin Claims Emotional Boston Reid Pro Division Win on Opening Night of Cook Out Summer Shootout

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Official Release
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Cameron Bolin claimed the first Boston Reid & Co. Pro division trophy of the 2023 Cook Out Summer Shootout season during a wild and emotional victory Monday night. (CMS photo)
  • Bryson Nichols (Beginner Bandits), Colt Johnson (Bandits), Alison Johnson (Outlaws), Neal Dulin (Young Lions), George Phillips (VP Racing Fuel Semi-Pro), Robbie Woodall (Masters) and Cameron Bolin (Boston Reid & Co Pro) all claimed victory on opening night
  • Tuesday’s Round 2 action will feature the school of hard knocks as seven area principals race for the checkered flag in an epic school bus race, in addition to a full slate of Legend Car and Bandolero action
  • Tickets for adults are $10 Tuesday; kids 12 and under get in FREE. Tickets can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets or at the gate

CONCORD, NC (June 12, 2023): Drivers revved their engines Monday night around Charlotte Motor Speedway’s frontstretch quarter-mile, signifying the start of the summer racing season at America’s Home for Racing. The first of back-to-back nights of racing to start the 30th anniversary season of the Cook Out Summer Shootout was highlighted by 156 drivers from across the United States, Canada and Mexico battling for the first trophies of the season. When the dust settled, Bryson Nichols (Beginner Bandits), Colt Johnson (Bandits), Alison Johnson (Outlaws), Neal Dulin (Young Lions), George Phillips (VP Racing Fuel Semi-Pro), Robbie Woodall (Masters) and Cameron Bolin (Boston Reid & Co Pro) claimed victory.

Boston Reed & Co. Pro Division

What looked like a land-slide win for Alex McCollum became a monumental final lap for the Boston Reid & Co. Pro Division and an emotional win for Cameron Bolin. From beginning to end, McCollum had most of the drivers in his rearview, it wasn’t until, the white flag waved, Daniel Wilk who too had his short-lived lead, crept up behind McCollum on turn four ultimately knocking himself and McCollum out of the running. Bolin, who battled the leaders all night long, saw an opening and snuck around to claim the checkered flag.

After four cautions and six lead changes, the Pro Legend Car driver honored his grandfather at winners’ circle as he took the Round 1 win by 0.002 seconds to close off the night with the first Pro division trophy of the summer.

“I wasn’t driving that car tonight; he was,” Bolin said of his grandfather who passed away on Friday. “To do this in Round 1 was pretty special.”

VP Racing Fuel Semi-Pro Division

The VP Racing Fuel Semi-Pro feature revealed the need for speed and patience as Charlotte native George Phillips kept his eye on the prize and ultimately prevailed. Adam Congrove and Preston Wrisley started the race head-to-head. Canadian Parker Traves, took the lead after an early red flag and kept the pedal to the metal, leading from Lap 2 through Lap 7.

Phillips worked his way from starting 11th to second place on Lap 8. Weaving through traffic, the young hotshoe used the inside line of Turn 4 to steal the lead and never looked back. The 13-year-old showed perseverance and skill to take home his first checkered flag in the VP Racing Fuel division.

“We started from qualifying in 11th, then we made our way through the field. I can’t believe it,” said Phillips. “It is so amazing to win at the Summer Shootout, it’s so amazing.”

NEXT UP:

School may be out for the summer, but class will be in session during Round 2 as Cook Out Summer Shootout resumes Tuesday. Seven local principals will take the ultimate test as they race to see who will become the valedictorian of this year’s school bus race. Students’ school spirit will be on full display as they cheer on their own school’s personalized clunker around the quarter-mile.

TICKETS: Adult tickets are just $10; kids 12 and under get in FREE. For tickets, schedules and more details about all the happenings at Charlotte Motor Speedway, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets.

KEEP TRACK: Follow all the thrilling Cook Out Summer Shootout action at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

NASCAR Gained Respect After Le Mans Performance

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SM
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In some races, you’re not looking for a podium finish. Instead, you’re looking for respect. 

Considered a long shot to win (and rightfully so), NASCAR competed at Le Mans for the first time since 1976. Decades have flown by without a NASCAR stock car making its way to the hollowed grounds of a Le Mans race. 

That all changed in 2023. 

While NASCAR’s Garage 56 Camaro failed to be crowned champions (NASCAR was entered in a class reserved for non-competitors), the stock car’s 39th overall positioning justified thousands of miles and tests to compete at the premier event. Known as the world’s most prestigious endurance race, seeing what NASCAR could accomplish was a spectacle of its own. The racing world gathered around to see what Garage 56 could produce in an event not built for their specific car. 

NASCAR entered unfamiliar territory and made its mark. For a team looking to see what they could muster against the world’s most innovative cars, Garage 56 put some respect on its name. 

The Garage 56 Camaron competed and showed up, finishing with 285 laps and 2415.66 miles. NASCAR looked to make a name for itself in Europe and they did exactly that. There was a potential for catastrophe but Garage 56 battled hard. For some, that could have been their first introduction to NASCAR and its capabilities. And for the team, that’s all they could ever ask for. 

Of course, NASCAR bettors and fans of stock car racing knew of their capabilities. Stock car racing is dominant in the United States and the sport is looking to expand its reach around the globe. With initiatives in Mexico, Canada, and Europe, NASCAR is looking to hit markets outside of the United States. Ontario sports betting apps are seeing increased activity as well, from the Canadian NASCAR Pinty’s Series to NASCAR’s top competition. NASCAR’s attempt at expanding beyond its current environment has paid off from a fan perspective to a business and betting perspective. 

And at Le Mans, NASCAR was looking to further its reach in the motorsports world. 

It will be interesting to see what NASCAR has planned for the future to expand around the globe. Its most recent appearance at Le Mans could help draw eyes to its product and its recent push into markets like Europe, Canada, and Mexico have gone swimmingly for the brand. While Formula 1 may dominate the motorsport scene, NASCAR is doing everything in its power to reach new audiences. 

Creating a social media presence can do wonders for NASCAR too. Social media companies like TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram have boosted the viewership of products, especially with younger audiences. If NASCAR could solidify a deal with a streaming service like Netflix, that would help boost viewership as well. 

Fans of NASCAR can look back at Garage 56 and applaud the team’s attempt. No one knew for certain what would happen at Le Mans, but NASCAR pulled it off in fine fashion. For a team that hasn’t raced at the event in decades, they had a terrific performance and can use this momentum to gain interest around the globe. 

We don’t know if it will translate into anything significant, but you have to applaud NASCAR for trying. 

SUNNYD® CONTINUES LONG-STANDING PARTNERSHIP WITH DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION RICKY STENHOUSE JR. ANDJTG DAUGHERTY RACING

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SUNNYD’s bold colors return at the inaugural Chicago Street Race on the No. 47 Mariano’s Camaro.

HARRISBURG, N.C. (June 12, 2023) — SUNNYD®, the iconic orange drink with a boldly original taste, has once again partnered with 2023 DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and JTG Daugherty Racing’s Kroger Racing program.

The team takes great pride in nurturing a multi-year partnership and looks forward to SUNNYD’s first co-primary race of the season at the inaugural Chicago Street Race on Sunday, July 2 on the No. 47 Camaro with Mariano’s.

“Ricky has had the SUNNYD paint scheme on his ride since 2015,” said Henk Hartong III, chairman and CEO of Brynwood Partners. “We are excited to have SUNNYD on the No. 47 Camaro for the historic first Chicago Street Race along with our partners from Mariano’s.”

This enduring partnership, spanning multiple years with the Kroger Racing program, means SUNNYD receives in-store merchandising and digital support in addition to at-track visibility, placement on Stenhouse Jr.’s fire suit and much more.

“For SUNNYD and the majority of our partners, this partnership surpasses being merely a decal on the race car; it holds a much deeper significance,” said JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter. “We’re excited to have SUNNYD on board and participating in the 2023 Kroger Racing program. They see the true value in what Kroger delivers and the ability to connect with shoppers by means of this racing program.”

To connect even more with consumers, Stenhouse Jr. will be appearing at Mariano’s on Friday, June 30 at the store located 2112 N. Ashland Avenue, Chicago from 3 PM to 4:30 PMCT before he races the No. 47 Mariano’s / SUNNYD Camaro at Chicago on July 2.

“I’m excited to have SUNNYD on our car at Chicago and put together a good run for them,” said Stenhouse Jr. “The Chicago Street Race is of course an unknown and will be a wild race. We want to make them proud.”

Live coverage of the Chicago Street Race on July 2 begins at 5:30 PM ET on NBC, MRN Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

About Harvest Hill Beverage Company:

Harvest Hill Beverage Company, based in Stamford, Connecticut, is owned by private equity firm Brynwood Partners, and acquired the SUNNYD brand from J.W. Childs in February 2016. Harvest Hill markets some of America’s most beloved beverage brands, including SUNNYD, JUICY JUICE, LITTLE HUG and DAILY’S Cocktails. SUNNYD products are widely distributed through leading retailers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For complete nutrition facts, recipe and activity ideas, and other helpful information, visit SUNNYD.com. For more information on Harvest Hill, please visit www.HarvestHill.com.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Race Recap: Sonoma Raceway

By
Official Release
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Grant Enfinger, No. 42 Sunseeker Resorts Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

START: 35TH
FINISH: 26TH
POINTS: —

Grant Enfinger Post-Race Thoughts: “Overall, it was a tough circumstance getting here, tough for Noah and his whole team, but I really appreciated all of his help in getting me as prepared as he did for this. It was a little bit of a slow start to the race for us, I was just trying not to do anything stupid and put us in a hole. We had a decent Sunseeker Resorts Chevrolet as best as I could tell, but I still have a lot to learn with these things and was trying to take it conservative at the beginning. I didn’t want to mess up any of my shifts or lock up one of the tires or hit anybody, so I was just being as ultra conservative as I could be. That probably got us a little bit behind the eight ball, and the race went green for so long that I ended up going a lap down. Luke made some good calls to get us back on the lead lap, and I think that we actually had decent pace in the second half of the race.

It’s unfortunate the way that we had to play things after going a lap down, but we were fortunate enough to get that last caution to put us back on track with the field. Either way, we were going to end up okay, but I didn’t put any damage to the car and we finished 26th. Overall, I would say that it was a pretty cool experience; I felt like I learned a lot and for the most part I did my job. By the end of the race I still wasn’t quite able to figure out what I was doing wrong in turn 7, but I felt like everywhere else I felt pretty comfortable, and I would consider it to be a good run all things considered. I’m very appreciative of the opportunity from Maury Gallagher, Jimmie Johnson, Mike Beam, Sunseeker Resorts, Luke Lambert and this whole No. 42 team, and Noah, and certainly look forward to him getting back as quick as possible.”

Erik Jones, No. 43 Allegiant Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

START: 28TH
FINISH: 32ND
POINTS: 30TH

Erik Jones Post-Race Thoughts: “It was a tough day in Sonoma for our Allegiant Chevy. I felt like we struggled with the rear grip on our car all day, and for some reason it just didn’t want to respond to the changes as well as we would have hoped. I’m appreciative of Joey Cohen to step in as my crew chief; he and the whole crew did all they could to try and get us handling as best as they could. Unfortunately we had an issue in the late stages of the race and weren’t able to get a caution to get us caught back up, but that’s just how road course racing goes sometimes. We’ll take what we can get and move onto Nashville in a couple of weeks, I’m glad that we have an off week ahead of us to catch up and relax for a little while. There’s no give up with this LEGACY MOTOR CLUB team; we will get there and I really appreciate everyone’s support from our partners and the No. 43 fans.”

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is a professional auto racing club owned by businessman and entrepreneur Maurice J. Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (NCS) Jimmie Johnson. The club competes full-time in the NCS fielding the Nos. 42 and 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for drivers Noah Gragson and Erik Jones, respectively, along with the No. 84 part-time entry for Johnson in 2023. Richard Petty “The King” serves as team ambassador.

In 2021, Gallagher acquired Richard Petty Motorsports and renamed the team to Petty GMS. With the addition of Johnson to the ownership structure in 2023, the organization rebranded to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (LEGACY M.C.). With a unique title signifying a nod to car clubs of past eras, LEGACY M.C. is an inclusive club for all motorsport enthusiasts to celebrate the past and future legacies of its members, while competing for wins and championships at NASCAR’s elite level.

Based in Statesville, N.C., LEGACY M.C. operates alongside GMS Racing (GMS), which currently fields three full-time entries in the NASCAR Truck Series. Since the formation of GMS in 2012, Gallagher and Mike Beam, team president, have shared incredible success. GMS Racing captured the 2015 ARCA Racing Series championship, the 2016 and 2020 NASCAR Truck Series championships and the 2019 and 2020 ARCA East championships, accumulating over 65 wins across six national racing circuits.

To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow LEGACY MOTOR CLUB on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and at www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com.

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