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Pagenaud Sets Season High With 13th-place Finish For Meyer Shank Racing, Castroneves 19th in Detroit

Detroit, Mich. – (4 June 2023) – Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) made its 100th NTT INDYCAR SERIES start Sunday and the team showed the determination that personifies its history, avoiding carnage and fighting hard to earn lead-lap finishes at the Detroit Grand Prix.

Negotiating a brand-new and very tight 1.645-mile downtown street circuit in Detroit, Simon Pagenaud (No. 60 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda) used a season-best starting position of eighth and solid tire management to come home with a new season high after a 13th-place finish, eclipsing his previous high watermark of 15th from Long Beach.

Pagenaud’s stablemate Helio Castroneves (No. 06 AutoNation / Cleveland Cliffs Honda) overcame a rough qualifying session that forced him to start 23rd and used five pit stops to keep fresh Firestone tires on his way to a 19th-place run.

Pagenaud suffered through a trying opening stint on the alternate Firestone shoes that saw him drop seven positions as the enhanced grip brought on by the alternate tires wore away quicker than those on the primary tires. But he ran two very long and solid stints on his primaries to stay in the hunt, negotiating the bumpy course and making passes to solidify his 13th-place finishing position.

Castroneves initially opted for a three stop strategy, but the team utilized six caution periods to top up on fuel and put on new rubber, all while staying on the lead lap.

After a non-stop month of May, directly followed by a trip to Detroit, MSR finally gets a week off next week before heading to Wisconsin for the June 16-18 Sonsio Grand Prix at Road America.

Meyer Shank Racing Driver Quotes:

Simon Pagenaud:
“A bit of mayhem today here in Detroit. Unfortunately, on the first stint on the green tires, the tires had a very high degradation and that potentially cost us a really good result. We finished 13th, which is a good recovery considering how that first stint went. I had a bunch of scuffles going on, quite a bit of racing, but overall, a good recovery. The team did a good job in the pits and the car was extremely competitive. I wish we could have brought home a top five today, I really believe that would have been the team’s performance, but we made a major improvement.”

Helio Castroneves:
“We survived, wow! I can’t believe we survived, there was a lot going on. The pace for us was a little difficult. The bumps were making the car skip a lot. We had one stint that suddenly it was really good, but that was already too late. We were able to keep it off the walls and finish 19th. It’s of course not ideal, but we made some improvements and let’s go for the next one.”

TeamSLR: Trans Am Race No. 2 Report from Detroit

Pair of Solid Top-Fives for TeamSLR in Detroit Race No. 2

TA2 Rookie Thad Moffitt Brings Home Season-Best Second-Place Result,

Justin Marks Fourth; Mechanical Issue Foils Dillon Machavern’s Victory Bid

Overview:

Date: June 4, 2023

Event: Detroit Grand Prix (Round 6 of 13)

Series: Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli

Division: Big Machine Vodka Spiked CoolersTA2 Series

Location: Streets of Downtown Detroit

Layout: 1.7-mile, nine-turn temporary street circuit

Format: 60 minutes

Weather: Sunny, low 70s

Winner: Connor Zilisch of Silver Hare Racing

TeamSLR:

● Thad Moffitt – Started 16th, Finished 2nd (Running, completed 41/41 laps)

● Justin Marks – Started 13th, Finished 4th (Running, completed 41/41 laps)

● Dillon Machavern – Started 6th, Finished 22nd (Mechanical, completed 20/41 laps)

Noteworthy: M1 Racecars was represented on the podium for the sixth time in the opening six races this season by virtue of TA2 rooke Thad Moffitt’s runner-up finish. In Saturday’s first race of the weekend, Rafa Matos of Peterson Racing brought home the runner-up finish. Last Saturday at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut, Mike Skeen drove his Peterson Racing entry to a runner-up finish. M1 Racecars swept the podium at the season-opening race at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway with the race-winning Rafa Matos, his Peterson Racing teammate Austin Green in the runner-up position, and TeamSLR driver Connor Mosack finishing third after qualifying on the pole and leading 20 of the 27 race laps. Matos scored back-to-back third-place finishes in rounds two and three at NOLA Motorsports Park in Avondale, Louisiana, and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, respectively.

Thad Moffitt, Driver No. 43 Safety-Kleen/Victory Impact Chevrolet Camaro:

“It feels really good to get my first TA2 podium, especially after getting through all that craziness in those final laps. Before that, I thought it would have been good to run seventh. Kind of what we’ve been able to run all year, just haven’t put a whole race together, so for us to finally put the whole deal together and come away with a second-place finish and have a solid points day to make up for our bad points day yesterday, it feels sweet. Hopefully, we can just keep running like this, be in position, then you see what happens at the end of these things – there’s no telling who’s going to win it until we come around to take the checkered flag. I feel we deserved this podium finish. We were good enough for it, and we’ll take it every time we can get it. I’m also glad that we didn’t tear up a racecar and finally made it through one of these things without losing a lap and blowing a tire or getting spun. We’ll keep our heads down, keep working, go to Mid-Ohio and try to win a race. That’s the first track on the schedule so far where I’ve actually raced before.”

Justin Marks, Driver No. 8 Trackhouse Chevrolet Camaro for TeamSLR:

“It was a bit of a survival race, to say the least. We were fighting being really tight, for some reason. We were tight in the first race yesterday and made some changes to it and it didn’t seem to help it very much. These street races, there’s a lot of attrition, there are a lot of people who make unforced errors, so we had to just make sure we let the race come back to us. We didn’t make any mistakes, took advantage of some other people’s problems and came away with a top-five finish. Could’ve been worse, could’ve been better.”

Dillon Machavern, Driver No. 17 Heritage Automotive/Unifirst/SLR-M1 Racecars:

“It’s definitely unfortunate, the team did such a good job all weekend and we had a car – now that the whole race has shaken out, we probably had a car that could’ve won this thing just based on where we were running and the speed we were picking up throughout. We definitely have a faster long-run car than we have a sprint car and I think that probably would’ve been the right strategy today if we would’ve finished out. It’s unfortunate, but mechanical things happen, so that’s just racing. It was the power steering rack, itself. It was aggressive out there, we knew it was going to be. We kept relatively clean all weekend, but sometimes those little gremlins get you.”

Next Up:

Round seven of the 2023 Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers TA2 Series takes TeamSLR to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, for the Permco Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio June 23-25. The weekend begins with a TA2 test session on the 2.258-mile, 13-turn circuit the afternoon of Friday, June 23. TA2 practice kicks off Saturday’s festivities with qualifying set for that afternoon. The 45-lap, 70-minute TA2 race is set for 10:55 a.m. Sunday with live streaming provided by the Trans Am Series and SpeedTourTV channels on YouTube, with a delayed re-broadcast on MAVTV set for 8 p.m. EDT on Thursday, June 29.

About TeamSLR:

TeamSLR (Scott Lagasse Racing) competes fulltime in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s newly renamed Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers TA2 Series in a multifaceted effort that includes dedicated entries in the TA2 division, customer programs, driver coaching and car construction. Its history dates back to 1985 and covers a wide spectrum of motorsports, including NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA, ARCA and ASA. TeamSLR is a family-owned organization run by Scott Lagasse Sr., and Scott Lagasse Jr., The father-and-son duo have combined to win more than 120 races and seven championships across a variety of series and styles of racecars, from paved ovals to road courses to dirt tracks. For more information, please visit us online at www.TeamSLR.com, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

Silver Hare Racing: Trans Am Race No. 2 Report from Detroit

Polewinner Connor Zilisch Charges from Last to Season’s Second Victory; Mid-Race Flat Tire Ruins Podium Bid for TA2 Rookie Ben Maier

Overview:

Date: June 4, 2023

Event: Detroit Grand Prix (Round 6 of 13)

Series: Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli

Division: Big Machine Vodka Spiked CoolersTA2 Series

Location: Streets of Downtown Detroit

Layout: 1.7-mile, nine-turn temporary street circuit

Format: 60 minutes

Weather: Sunny, low 70s

Winner: Connor Zilisch of Silver Hare Racing

Silver Hare Racing:

● Connor Zilisch – Started 28th, Finished 1st (Running, completed 41/41 laps)

● Ben Maier – Started 14th, Finished 17th (Running, completed 40/41 laps)

Noteworthy: Connor Zilisch earned the pole for Sunday’s second race of the weekend by virtue of his fastest race lap Saturday. But a technical disqualification sent Zilisch to the rear of the 28-car starting grid for today’s race. The 16-year-old driver clocked the fastest race lap for the second day in a row to earn the Omologato Watch Award on his way to taking the checkered flag in the runner-up position behind Thomas Annunziata, then was subsequently awarded the victory when Annunziata was penalized for avoidable contact that sparked a multicar accident in the closing laps. It was Zilisch’s second career win and second of the season. His first came March 26 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

Connor Zilisch, Driver, No. 7 Silver Hare Racing Chevrolet Camaro:

“It’s a sweet way to end our weekend here. We’d just been struck with back luck over and over again. In the first race (Saturday), we had the fastest car and didn’t win. And today we had the fastest car again and didn’t cross the finish line first. So to come all the way from dead last to ending up with the race win is just that much sweeter. We’re going on to the next race with all this momentum. We’ve got the fastest cars, the best crew around me, I love driving Chevrolets, especially at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix. Just thankful to be in this position and thankful for the team around me, the opportunity they have given me. Maurice and Laura Hull (co-owners), they do so much for me as a driver and a person. Just so thankful for Jeff (Holley, crew chief), Gil Martin (competition director), Ryan (Isabell, engineer), everybody on the team, they all worked their tails off to try and give me this opportunity. They were here slaving away for hours last night to get things fixed up after I put it in the wall (Saturday). To get the win the way we did here today is amazing.”

Ben Maier, Driver, No. 75 Gel Blaster/Silver Hare Racing Chevrolet Camaro:

“Things were going well and we had another fast racecar today. Seems like things never turn out the way you want it. We had a flat in turn eight. At least it was one corner away from the pit entrance, so I was able to dive in there, change the tire, but I went a lap down. I got some good track time this weekend, and still no damage to the car this season. So far, so good. Mid-Ohio is next, and I’ve raced there before, which is a good thing.”

Maurice Hull, Co-Owner, Silver Hare Racing:

“Boy, the highs and lows of racing. We set the fastest laps both days, earned the pole both days, but because of some repairs we did to our damaged fender, we got pushed to the back today. So Connor started dead last and won the race after all that adversity, and he ran the fastest race laps again today, just extraordinary. And Ben was impressive. He had a flat tire today that messed up his race, but he was running in the top-10 all day. He came home with a clean car, no wrecks, didn’t hit anything, drove a fast, clean race. His fastest lap times of the weekend were in the race today. Really proud of them, super improvement by both drivers. But the real kudos go to the crew. We had a torn-up racecar yesterday afternoon, ran the fastest laps of the race today and came away with the win. They had to put it back together. Their skill and expertise is unmatched. I’m just as proud as I can be.”

Next Up:

Round seven of the 2023 Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers TA2 Series takes Silver Hare Racing to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, June 23-25 for the Permco Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio. The weekend begins with a TA2 test session on the 2.258-mile, 13-turn circuit the afternoon of Friday, June 23. TA2 practice kicks off Saturday’s festivities with qualifying set for that afternoon. The 45-lap, 70-minute TA2 race is set for 10:55 a.m. Sunday with live streaming provided by the Trans Am Series and SpeedTourTV channels on YouTube, with a delayed re-broadcast on MAVTV set for 8 p.m. EDT on Thursday, June 29.

About Silver Hare Racing:

Silver Hare Racing is a fulltime competitor in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s newly renamed Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers TA2 Series. The multicar team has won the TA2 Masters class championship three times (2018, 2019 and 2020) with driver and team co-owner Maurice Hull. Under the leadership of Hull’s wife, co-owner and team manager Laura Hull, Silver Hare Racing provides a variety of services that includes private testing and arrive-and-drive programs. The team offers six professionally built and maintained TA2 chassis from Howe Racing and operates from a state-of-the-art facility in High Point, North Carolina. For more information, visit SilverHareRacing.com.

Are taxis expensive in Dubai?

Are taxis expensive in Dubai? Is it preferable to hire a car in Dubai or take a taxi? We will look at each of these issues in this essay.

The cost of Dubai taxis is higher than other modes of transportation, which is a problem in most cities and nations throughout the world. If you intend to travel to Dubai, you need to budget for the cost of a cab in Dubai. Before we discuss taxi prices in Dubai, you should be aware that taxis in Dubai and Iran only carry one passenger (and his companions); in other words, they are only for one person. It is not recognized as a mode of public transit, and we describe it as such mainly because different individuals can utilize it. Now we want to check which is better: a taxi or renting a car in Dubai.

Types of Taxis in Dubai

In Dubai, a taxi business (Dubai Taxi) may offer taxi cars to other companies. Here is a list of Dubai’s taxi kinds and the color of their roofs, which differentiates them. These are distinct, as you can see:

  • Arab taxi Green
  • Taxi car Blue
  • Dubai taxi Red
  • Metro taxi orange
  • National Taxi yellow

Please be aware that Dubai’s taxis with pink roofs are particularly made for ladies. These taxis are regarded as one of the best options for women traveling alone to Dubai since they are safe. They are high. After checking the taxi costs in Dubai, you can answer the question, “Should I rent a car in Dubai or not?”

How is the cab fare determined in Dubai?

As previously stated, taxis are accessible in both private and public forms in Dubai. In Dubai, there are two methods for calculating cab fare:

  • Taxis provided by the Dubai government

They charge a lot of money and utilize a taxi meter, including the passenger.

  • In Dubai, you may hire private cabs.

Private taxis in Dubai utilize apps like Uber or Karim, which compute your fee online and let you schedule ahead of time.

The cost of a cab in Dubai is determined by the passenger’s location and time of arrival. Aside from the rate, all taxis have an admission charge, which is the same in many other cities throughout the world, including Istanbul.

The current taxi admission cost in Dubai is 5 dirhams. The cab fare is also affected by time. You will pay less for the taxi entrance from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. than if you book a cab at night. Taxis in Dubai are more costly at night than they are during the day. In Dubai, the minimum taxi charge will be ten dirhams. If you want to go to the city multiple times a day, you must spend a lot on transportation.

So, in response to the question of whether it is better to rent a car or take Uber in Dubai, it should be said that the cost of renting a car in Dubai is lower than that of Uber taxis. Taxi charges per day in Dubai are 3.5 dirhams. This can be very expensive for long hauls.

So you can experience a memorable trip with a Dubai car rental with driver service.

Important points about taxi prices in Dubai

  • Taximeter data is used to calculate cab prices in Dubai.
  • Taxis in Dubai are subject to stringent regulations.
  • All taxis in Dubai feature a taxi meter to alert passengers of the taxi fare; the driver cannot charge you extra in this scenario.
  • In addition to the taxi cost, drivers will charge you a toll for each toll gate you pass through.
  • Typically, payments are done in cash.
  • Passengers with a Nol Card can pay for their taxi ride.
  • Taxi fares in Dubai are higher than those for buses, metros, and trams, and they do not use the same payment system.
  • Another factor that influences the cost of a cab in Dubai is its reservation. Your original fee will rise if you order a cab.

How to request a taxi in Dubai?

Because Dubai is one of the world’s most visited cities, taxi services are widely available at all important places, including Dubai Airport and retail malls, and visitors may hail a cab and use its services.

In general, there are two ways to use Dubai taxis: calling or using the Dubai Taxi smartphone app. You can also calculate the Dubai taxi minimum fare by using the taxi application in Dubai.

What are the driving rules in Dubai and the car rental rules in Dubai?

Now that you have the answer to the question, is it better to rent a car or Uber in Dubai? You should know the driving rules and the rules for renting a car in Dubai.

Driving restrictions in Dubai are established to ensure your pleasure and safety during your drive. These are the rules:

  • The legal driving age in Dubai is 18 or older, and, as in other areas, an international driving license or a license from an accepted country is required. It is also necessary to have proof of auto insurance.
  • In Dubai, all automobiles drive on the right side of the road.
  • Front-seat passengers under the age of 13 are not permitted. In addition, children aged 4 to 8 must ride in a specific kid’s seat.
  • Everyone must wear a seat belt, and mobile phone calls should only be received over the car’s Bluetooth.
  • A new traffic signal has been installed for tram safety, and failure to obey the red light at four tram lanes is penalized by a hefty punishment of up to 30,000 dirhams.
  • A customized tram for students has also been constructed to make the trams quieter and boost the safety of the streets.

Now that you understand the driving rules in Dubai, it is better to get familiar with the rent-a-car rules in Dubai, UAE, so that you can easily rent the car you want.

Each automobile rental business in Dubai has its own set of terms and restrictions. However, requirements such as being of legal age and possessing an international certificate are required for everyone. So, once you’ve decided on a car rental business, go over their policies.

Conclusion

Car rental in Dubai is one of Saadat Rent’s specialized services. One of the expenses you may confront in Dubai is the cost of a cab. Other challenges on this trip include upcoming costs such as excursions, fees, and meals. You may save money by renting a car from Saadat Rent Company, which offers the finest pricing and service.

4 Tips for Long-Distance Truck Drivers to Deal With Parking Woes

Photo by Sander Yigin on Unsplash

The American trucking industry is booming because the country needs more and more vehicles and drivers to keep the supply chain running seamlessly. According to Glassdoor surveys, the median annual wage for truck drivers is $59556 in 2023. With the consistent growth in the freight sector, the salary and job prospects look good for truckers.

On the other hand, living on American highways is challenging, and that’s what most truckers do. Whether you work with a freight company or operate independently, you may spend endless hours on the road. When you are off-duty during long-route trips, finding a place to rest is the hardest part of the job.

Did you know that breakdowns and accidents are not the worst fears for long-distance truckers? Research shows that parking is the number 1 cause of job stress for 85% of drivers in the country. You can imagine the pain of driving around to look for a safe parking spot and take a break after a long cross-country ride.

We have a few valuable tips for truck drivers looking to skip their parking woes and make life easier on long routes.

Look For Guaranteed Reservations 

According to the regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck drivers have to follow the rules and limits of driving hours. While these rules aim to prevent fatigue and accidents, drivers struggle to find a place to park and rest. You cannot expect to pull over on the roadside. Looking for guaranteed semi truck parking reservations is your best bet.

According to Big Rig Parking, getting a secure, well-lit gated facility to park a vehicle can alleviate the stress of long-distance truckers. The best part is that drivers get time to rest at a fair price without worrying about the safety of their vehicles. It minimizes the wastage of time searching for a safe spot and enables drivers to operate more efficiently.

Plan Your Route

Route planning is essential for long-distance truck drivers as it can help in saving time and fuel. You need not worry about losing your way, struggling with traffic jams, or getting on a bad road if you plan your route beforehand. Beyond these evident benefits, route planning can minimize your parking woes during a long journey.

Before each trip, study the map and decide where you intend to stop on the way. You can even calculate the stops according to the distance and time limits. Also, remember that things may not always go your way on the highway. Delays and setbacks occur on long routes due to bad road conditions, inclement weather, or full parking areas. You should be prepared for the worst. 

Go Through Weather Forecasts

According to the Department of Transportation, weather events can impact the roads in several ways. Precipitation and high winds can cause visibility impairments, while temperature extremes may affect vehicle performance, driver capabilities, roadway infrastructure, and traffic flow. The best option for truck drivers is to take a break when the weather conditions get adverse.

Even better, go through weather forecasts and plan to deal with emergencies. Look for parking reservation providers along the route so that you don’t have to search for a spot during a bad-weather event. With the right provider, you can book a slot online to avoid hassles and deal with unexpected parking woes on the fly. 

Park Safely and Strategically

Getting a parking space is a stress-buster for truck drivers. But you must do your bit to ensure safety while you are there. Safety boils down to parking strategically and following the provider’s rules and regulations. Reputable ones have surveillance cameras in the area, so ensure your vehicle is in the system’s range.

While you can be quite sure about the safety in a reserved parking lot, going the extra mile always makes sense. Lock the doors and close all windows, secure your cargo, and keep your valuable possessions out of sight. Practice patience while parking the vehicle and taking it out because you don’t want to scrape another truck on the way.

Wrapping Up

Parking woes are a real thing for long-distance truck drivers. The sheer size of the vehicle keeps you from finding a perfect space to park it. You also have to follow the rules regarding the journey breaks, so you may struggle for a spot in the middle of your long route. 

Planning your route and checking reservation options in advance can help you address the challenge and ensure a smooth ride, no matter how long and tiring it is. 

Tips to Pass Your DMV Wheel Test Without Much Hassle

Photo by Samuele Errico Piccarini on Unsplash

After studying the rules of the road and getting the driving permit, next comes the DMV test. Are you ready to pass the DMV test? Be real and accept the fact that it is pretty intimidating to take a wheel test, especially for beginners and those people who do not know what is going to come. Luckily many others have passed this road, and specific tips can help drivers pass the DMV test. Contact Miramar Insurance & DMV Registration Services to pass the test. 

To take the test, it is vital for you first to make an appointment. DMV has a good reputation because they are very particular about their policies. So taking positions in advance is mandatory. You can schedule your appointment for the test.

Listed below are specific tips that can help you pass the DMV test quickly

Make sure your car is in good order

Before the test, the DMV instructor will inspect every aspect of your car to ensure it is in good order. If the vehicle is not in good order, you cannot take the test. The same inspection process also applies when the DMV does inspections for commercial truck title loans and other vehicles. Any mechanical problems with your car or truck will be noted during the inspection.

Make necessary adjustments

The test will begin before you realize it. The second you step into the car, the testing starts, not when you crack up the engine. So, once you are sitting inside the vehicle with the DMV instructor, you must adjust a minor thing, even like buckling up your seat belt, before you decide to start the engine. These little things also help you get brownie points.

Do not compromise with traffic laws

The DMV test varies from state to state, but one thing is very consistent in every place, no matter where you take the test, you must follow the traffic rules. The traffic rules are clearly outlined in the rulebook. You have to follow that. It would help if you took a quick review, and you might also take a book on practice tests.

Maintain a consistent and steady speed

The maximum speed limit is signed, and you have to function accordingly. If there is traffic or you notice there is bad weather, then you must slow down. In normal conditions, also you have to keep optimal speed and not rush. One important thing to note here is you cannot go too slow because even that can lead to failing the test.

Scanning the road

Defense driving is the key. It would help if you always looked for potential problems while on the road and did not make small mistakes, as the DMV examiner will not notice that. The exam now is constantly watching you to make sure you have full knowledge, and you are fully aware of what is happening in the surroundings and then why you are taking appropriate reactions. 

Therefore, many drivers don’t know what they are doing, which leads to feelings. So, it is essential for you not to get nervous and act appropriately while undertaking the test. Therefore, the cue here is to practice enough so that you even nail down the test on the very first attempt.

Three Big Stories: Gateway (2023)

MADISON, Ill. - JUNE 4: Confetti strewns the finish line of World Wide Technology Raceway, after the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 on June 4, 2023, in Madison, Illinois. Photo: Simon Scoggins/SpeedwayMedia.com

MADISON, Ill. — Well that was a race.

Kyle Busch slowly turns into a fan favorite. Richard Childress Racing’s a force to reckon with, again, and blown brake rotors.

So without further adieu, let’s dive into the three big stories of the NASCAR Cup Series’ second race at World Wide Technology Raceway.

1. Kyle Busch turning into a fan favorite?

MADISON, Ill. – JUNE 4: Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 3CHI Chevrolet, celebrates victory in the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway on June 4, 2023, in Madison, Illinois. Photo: Simon Scoggins/SpeedwayMedia.com

Busch climbed over the metal stairs to walk to the media center, as throngs of fans huddled around him. While security cleared the way, he signed diecasts and posed for pictures.

Even his son, Brexton, signed autographs.

Which begs the question: Is Kyle Busch turning into a fan favorite?

Yes, he always had a hardcore fanbase, “Rowdy Nation,” but the reaction he receives from fans at driver introductions is no longer universal jeering. Now there’s still a noticeable amount of boos, but Sunday, I heard a lot more cheers mixed in.

Could you imagine this kind of response a decade ago? After all, this same driver needed police escorts into and out of tracks, after wrecking Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Richmond Raceway in 2008, and dealt with months upon months of death threats.

Busch wore the metaphorical black hat with pride for years, while he gestured to those who booed him to cry about it.

That guy might now be a fan favorite.

2. RCR is a force, again

MADISON, Ill. – JUNE 4: Richard Childress sprays champagne over the #8 3CHI Chevrolet team, after Kyle Busch won the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway on June 4, 2023, in Madison, Illinois. Photo: Simon Scoggins/SpeedwayMedia.com

Richard Childress came into the deadline room with a bottle of “Victory Cuvée.” It’s his third victory of the season. All of which came with Busch.

“Well, he’s helped us all around,” he said. “Number one, he’s winning races, showing we can win races.”

For almost a decade, Childress lacked wins.

From 2014 to 2021, RCR won a grand total of four Cup Series races. Never had a multi-win driver in that time. That changed with Tyler Reddick in 2022, until he left for greener pastures, like Kevin Harvick in 2014.

Hell, at this point, last season, Reddick was zero in the win column. After 15 races, he’s won three.

“You know, we won a lot with Harvick, won a lot with Earnhardt,” he said. “Our plan is to win a lot with Kyle, and not only be a contender for that championship. If we make the Final Four, we’ll have a shot at winning it for sure.”

From a shadow of its former glory to a championship contender, and with Busch at the head.

The irony of which is that this win fell on the 12th anniversary of Childress punching Busch after a Truck Series race at Kansas Speedway. According to Childress, that’s water under the bridge.

“We talked about it,” he said. “That was one of the first things we talked about. That’s history. We’ve both grown a lot. I know I’ve grown up. I’ve grown older, but I’ve grown up, too. There’s an old song out there, I’m still growing up but I’m getting older.”

3. Blown brake rotors

Four.

That’s how many cars blew brake rotors, Sunday, at Gateway.

So what’s the reason?

Well according to Busch’s crew chief, Randall Burnett, a combination of a lack of track data and the choice of rotors.

“I think people probably came back — I think teams last year came here a little more conservative last year not knowing, and I think we all took data from that and went home and looked,” he said. “We get options on heavy-duty rotors or light-duty rotors, so we can choose that, and we can obviously choose how much cooling we run to them.”

Last season at Gateway, we had a number of cut tires leading to wrecks. Sunday, you can’t blame Goodyear. Rather, it’s a confluence of factors.

“It’s kind of a tough place because the straightaways are so long and you’re off the brakes for such a long time, and then you apply them really hard at the end of the straightaway, so the cycles of getting really cool down the straightaways and then really spiking up the heat, it takes a toll on the rotors,” Burnett said.

Is the answer more practice so we don’t see scary wrecks like we saw with Noah Gragson?

I don’t know.

That’s for NASCAR and various factions to decide.

“I’m sure everybody will take a look at that and try to understand what happened with those cars,” he said.

Siegel Drives to Sweet Redemption with First Career Win in Detroit

DETROIT (Sunday, June 4, 2023) – Just 24 hours after one of the most heartbreaking races of his career, sweet redemption came Sunday for Nolan Siegel.

Rookie Siegel earned his first career INDY NXT by Firestone victory on the streets of Detroit, taking the lead on Lap 2 from his No. 3 starting spot in the No. 39 HMD Motorsports with DCR car and holding off his rivals on two restarts. Siegel crossed the finish line .6559 of a second ahead of championship leader and teammate Christian Rasmussen in the No. 6 HMD Motorsports with DCR machine.

SEE: Race Results

Siegel, 18, who graduates from high school this Friday in Northern California, led by more than five seconds with two turns to go in the first race of the INDY NXT by Firestone Detroit Grand Prix on Saturday when a driveshaft broke while the checkered flag was waving. He limped across the finish in eighth place in the 45-lap race won by Reece Gold.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” Siegel said. “Yesterday was obviously super disappointing. I think we deserved two (wins) this weekend. But to get it today after what happened yesterday, it’s not losing – it’s how you come back from a loss like that and how you come back from a bad day. We came back from a bad day and won.

“I think that shows a lot about our team, and I think we’re going to be up here a lot more.”

Pole sitter Louis Foster finished third in the No. 26 Copart/USF Pro Championship car Sunday, followed by Andretti Autosport teammate Hunter McElrea in the No. 27 Smart Motors car. Danial Frost rounded out the top five in the No. 68 HMD Motorsports with DCR machine.

Foster and Rasmussen drag-raced down the long back straightaway on E. Jefferson Avenue at the start of the 45-lap race on Lap 2 after the initial start was waved off, with Rasmussen on the outside. Both drivers went wide in the Turn 3 hairpin corner at the end of the straight, leaving an opening for Siegel to dart through for the lead.

Siegel then showed the same smooth speed and composure on display Saturday when it appeared he was cruising to victory, building a gap of one second before the field bunched for a full-course caution on Lap 15 when Jagger Jones hit the barrier at the exit of Turn 2 in the No. 98 Lead Sled car fielded by Cape Motorsports.

Rasmussen pulled on the outside of Siegel in the Turn 3 hairpin on the ensuing restart on Lap 20, but Siegel stayed tight to the apex of the corner and kept the lead. Siegel then gradually drove away from the field, building a lead of 1.6 seconds when Kyffin Simpson hit the barrier in Turn 9 in the No. 21 HMD Motorsports with CGR car, triggering the third and last full-course caution of the race.

The race was decided on a two-lap dash to the checkered after the restart on Lap 44. Siegel got a good jump on E. Jefferson Avenue and never was challenged into the Turn 3 hairpin, pulling away over the last two trips around the nine-turn, 1.7-mile temporary street circuit with no mechanical gremlins before the finish.

Rasmussen kept the championship lead with his runner-up finish by just two points over the surging Siegel, 178-176.

The next race is the INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix at Road America on Sunday, June 18 in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

INDY NXT by Firestone Detroit Grand Prix Race 2 Results

  1. (3) Nolan Siegel, 45, Running
  2. (2) Christian Rasmussen, 45, Running
  3. (1) Louis Foster, 45, Running
  4. (5) Hunter McElrea, 45, Running
  5. (8) Danial Frost, 45, Running
  6. (11) James Roe, 45, Running
  7. (6) Ernie Francis Jr., 45, Running
  8. (7) Colin Kaminsky, 45, Running
  9. (9) Jacob Abel, 45, Running
  10. (10) Enaam Ahmed, 45, Running
  11. (18) Matteo Nannini, 45, Running
  12. (4) Reece Gold, 45, Running
  13. (13) Toby Sowery, 45, Running
  14. (12) Rasmus Lindh, 45, Running
  15. (17) Christian Bogle, 44, Running
  16. (14) Jamie Chadwick, 40, Running
  17. (19) Kyffin Simpson, 33, Contact
  18. (16) Josh Green, 30, Running
  19. (15) Jagger Jones, 14, Contact

Race Statistics
Winner’s average speed: 79.506 mph
Time of Race: 00:55:51.8030
Margin of victory: 0.6559 of a second
Cautions: 3 for 11 laps
Lead changes: 1 among 2 drivers

Lap Leaders:
Foster, Louis 1
Siegel, Nolan 2 – 45

Lawless Alan – Toyota 200 Race Recap

Team: No. 45 AUTOParkit Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Lawless Alan (Los Angeles, California)
Follow the Team: Twitter: @NieceMotorsports | Instagram: @NieceMotorsport | Facebook: /NieceMotorsports | Web: www.niecemotorsports.com
Follow Driver: Twitter: @lawlessalan25 | Instagram: @lawless_alan | Facebook: /LawlessAlanRacing | Web: www.lawlessalanracing.com
Start: 23rd | Finish: 21st | Points Standings: 24th

Alan On Saturday’s Race at World Wide Technology Raceway: “We battled a really free truck for most of the race and kept making big swings at it throughout the day. We were battling inside the top-15 and top-ten at times today but weren’t able to get the finish we deserved. I’m really proud of these guys and the constant work they put in to make these trucks fast each week.”

Race Recap: Lawless Alan was able to show top-15 speed at times throughout the Toyota 200 at Gateway Saturday afternoon. But in the end, Alan would bring his AUTOParkit Silverado home 21st.

The first two stages were relatively calm for Alan and his No. 45 team as they would position themselves inside the top-20 for most of the event. When a caution flag flew with just a few laps left in the first stage, Wally Rogers would call Alan down pit road for four tires and a wedge adjustment. From there, Alan drove up to 18th by the end of the stage and would be able to stay out on track during the stage break. Additionally, Alan would ride steady in the second stage to finish 21st in the penultimate stage.

Although the final stage produced carnage amongst most of the field, Alan was able to steer clear of incidents until a spin with ten laps to go. When the checkered flag flew, Alan crossed the line in 21st-place.

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

Media Inquiries: media@niecemotorsports.com

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

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

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

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

Carson Hocevar – Toyota 200 Race Recap

Team: No. 42 Worldwide Express Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Carson Hocevar (Portage, Michigan) | Crew Chief: Phil Gould
Follow the Team: Twitter: @NieceMotorsport | Instagram: @NieceMotorsports | Facebook: /NieceMotorsports | Web: www.niecemotorsports.com
Follow Carson Hocevar: Twitter: @CarsonHocevar | Instagram: @CarsonHocevar | Facebook: /carsonhocevarracing | Web: www.CarsonHocevar.com
Start: 4th | Finish: 4th | Points Standings: 7th

Hocevar on Saturday’s Race at World Wide Technology Raceway: “This was one of the most exhausting races of the season thus far. From starting up front, to getting in a wreck on lap one, to finishing in the top-five, this one was wild for our No. 42 Worldwide Express team. This was a very fast truck, and it shows by this finish with all the damage to the door. That’s a testament to how hard these Niece Motorsports guys work and I hope we can keep this momentum up in Nashville after the break.”

Race Recap: Coming into this weekend’s race at World Wide Technology Raceway, Carson Hocevar has been arguably the hottest driver in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. When the checkered flag flew on the Toyota 200, that statement still rings true after his fourth straight top-five finish. Although, Hocevar’s weekend wasn’t as smooth as the No. 42 team would’ve liked.

While Hocevar put his Worldwide Express Chevrolet Silverado fourth in Friday’s qualifying session, he was forced to start in the rear due to a fuel pressure issue. But, Hocevar’s problems continued on lap one as a spinning truck would tag the side of his Silverado and create substantial damage. Despite the damage causing the 42 to visit the pits more than a handful of times, he was able to rally for ninth-place stage points in Stage One.

Stage Two contained more of the same for Hocevar as crew chief, Phil Gould, would bring him down pit road multiple times to repair the damage to his truck. The Michigan-born driver would wind up finishing 30th in the second stage.

In a caution-filled final stage, Hocevar was able to make continuous gains to position himself in the top-five after a two-tire call with 54 laps to go. But in the end, and a NASCAR Overtime finish, the driver of the No. 42 would finish in fourth-place and advance to eighth in the driver’s championship standings.

About Niece Motorsports:

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

Media Inquiries: media@niecemotorsports.com

About Worldwide Express:

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