MOORESVILLE, N.C. (June 2, 2023) – ARRMA RC and Front Row Motorsports are proud to announce the limited edition NASCAR Truck body of the No. 38 Ford F-150 NASCAR. The body is a fully licensed replica of the ARRMA sponsored Front Row Motorsports truck to be driven by Zane Smith this weekend at the World Wide Technology (WWT) Raceway. Over 2,000 fans of ARRMA voted for the Kraton 4S teal and white livery being raced by Smith this weekend.
Pre-orders are available now for the body that fits on the ARRMA 1/7 Infraction 6S BLX. You can pre-order on the link here: www.horizonhobby.com.
In addition, Proline is offering NASCAR Truck and Cup Series Goodyear belted tires to fit the ARRMA 1/7 Infraction 6S.
ARRMA is a brand of Horizon Hobby, the global leader in RC products and accessories. ARRMA is known as the leader in the high-speed, super-tough RC world. ARRMA offers a wide range of performance trucks, buggies, and all-terrain vehicles designed with the enthusiast in mind such as Smith. Smith is a proud owner of an ARRMA Infraction 6S.
“I’m pumped about racing this scheme,” said Smith. “The colors and scheme are awesome. It’s cool to see it come to life and I love that ARRMA then offers it to the fans. That’s what it is all about.”
Smith will begin his weekend on Friday with NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series practice and qualifying at 6:00 p.m. ET. Saturday’s 200-mile race is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET on FS1.
ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS
Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series team from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.
Sun shades for car windows have become a must-have accessory for anyone involved in or attending motorsports events. As an integral component in ensuring driver and passenger comfort, sun shades effectively protect against harmful UV rays while also keeping the vehicle cool amidst the heat of competition.
Whether it’s a professional race, a casual track day, or a showcase event, sun shades for car windows are indispensable to maintain optimal driving conditions and create safer environments within the vehicle.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various types of sun shades available on the market, examine their benefits during motorsports events, and provide expert tips on choosing the perfect sun shade tailored for your specific needs.
Furthermore, we will highlight proper care and maintenance practices to guarantee that your sun shades remain effective and durable throughout their lifetime. By equipping yourself with this knowledge, you’ll be fully prepared to tackle any racing event while prioritizing car protection and personal well-being.
Types of Sun Shades
Custom fit sun shades for different car models: These sun shades are designed specifically to match the dimensions and shape of your car’s windows. The advantage of using custom-fit shades is that there will be minimal gaps between the shade and window edges, ensuring maximum protection from sunlight exposure.
Universal sun shades: As opposed to custom-fit shades, these sun shields are designed with a one-size-fits-all approach. They may not fit as snugly as their custom counterparts but tend to be more affordable.
Benefits of Sun Shades during Motorsports Events
UV protection for drivers and passengers: Having a quality sunshade installed in your vehicles during race events safeguards occupants’ skin from harmful UV radiation. Additionally, protecting delicate materials inside (upholstery or dashboard components) helps preserve value since sun damage can fade or crack interiors over time.
Reducing heat within the vehicle: By reflecting sunlight away from your car, sun shades help maintain a comfortable temperature—even at scorching hot events like summertime NASCAR races. This reduces reliance on air conditioning systems, consequently saving fuel consumption.
Enhancing the Driving Experience at Motorsports Events
Minimizing glare to improve visibility on the track or road: Glare from sunlight can impede drivers’ sightlines—an especially hazardous condition during competitive situations like motorsports events. By investing in effective sun shades, you’ll be improving traffic safety and enhancing focus, and performance as a participant.
Increasing driver comfort, focus and performance: Staying cool and comfortable while driving under intense conditions is crucial for maintaining composure and agility—desired attributes at any motorsport-related engagement.
Tips for Choosing the Right Sun Shade for Your Vehicle at Motorsports Events
Custom-made vs Universal Fit Sun Shades: Consider which option best suits your situation based upon future needs—weigh benefits like perfect-fit protection against cost-effective alternatives.
Dark-Tint vs Light-Tint Shades: Darker shades block more solar radiation–ideal if you need maximum screening; Lighter versions are conducive if glare reduction but some light penetration is preferred.
Proper Installation and Maintenance of Sun Shades
Selecting the appropriate sun shade for your vehicle is just the first step; proper installation and maintenance are also crucial factors to ensure optimal performance. Below, we provide a few helpful tips to help you maximize the benefits of your sun shades.
Installation Guidelines: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing your sun shade. Some models may come with suction cups or adhesive attachments, whereas others rely on static cling. Regardless of the method, make sure that your windows are clean and free from debris before installation, as dirt can hinder adherence.
Regular Cleaning: Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on both sides of your sun shades. To maintain their effectiveness, gently clean them using a soft cloth or sponge with mild soapy water. Be sure to allow them to dry thoroughly before reinstalling or storing them away.
Checking for Wear and Damage: Inspect your sun shades regularly for any signs of wear or damage, especially around edges and attachment points. Replace them if needed to ensure optimal UV protection and heat reduction during motorsports events.
Storing When Not in Use: When you’re not using your sun shades (such as during colder months or overnight), store them properly to prevent damage. Roll-up shades should be rolled up neatly and secured with their provided strap or band; similarly, folding shades should be collapsed compactly. Store static cling shades within their provided pouches or packaging materials.
By following these best practices for installation and maintenance, your sun shades will continue providing excellent UV protection, temperature control, and glare reduction at every motorsports event you attend.
In Summary
Sun shades offer essential protection against harmful UV rays while improving driver comfort during motorsports events. By selecting the right type of shade for your vehicle’s needs and keeping it well-maintained throughout its lifetime, you’ll enhance driving experiences in various environments while preserving your car’s interior from potential harm due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. Partake in research, explore Speedway Media’s in-depth industry insights, and take the time to maintain your sun shades to enjoy optimal car safety and comfort at all racing engagements.
Custom coil winding is a specialized process that plays a crucial role in the manufacturing of various electronic devices and systems. It involves carefully winding conductive wire onto a core or form to create a coil with specific electrical properties. This article dives into the fascinating world of custom coil winding, exploring the process, its applications, and the importance of precision and perfection.
The Science behind Custom Coil Winding:
Understanding Coils: Coils are fundamental components that generate magnetic fields, induce a voltage, and store energy. Custom coil winding ensures the coil meets the exact specifications required for optimal performance.
Core Materials: Different types of cores, such as iron, ferrite, or air, are selected based on factors like magnetic properties, frequency range, and application requirements.
Custom Coil Winding Process:
Design and Engineering: The process begins with careful design and engineering, considering factors such as coil dimensions, wire gauge, number of turns, and desired electrical characteristics.
Wire Selection: Choosing the right wire material, diameter, and insulation is crucial for achieving the desired electrical properties and coil performance.
Winding Techniques: Various winding techniques, such as manual winding, automated winding machines, or computer-controlled systems, are employed based on the complexity and precision required for the coil.
Tension and Layering: Maintaining consistent tension during winding and proper layering of wire ensures uniform distribution and prevents wire damage or overlapping.
Terminations and Connections: Proper termination methods, such as soldering or crimping, are used to ensure reliable electrical connections and secure coil assembly.
Applications of Custom Coil Winding:
Electronics and Electrical Systems: Custom coils are widely used in electronic devices, transformers, inductors, motors, sensors, and antennas.
Aerospace and Defense: Coils find applications in radar systems, avionics, communication equipment, and missile guidance systems, demanding high reliability and performance.
Medical Equipment: Custom loops assume a fundamental part in clinical imaging gear, pacemakers, X-ray machines, and careful devices, where accuracy and quality are basic.
Energy from the Sun: Wind turbines, solar panels, and power generation systems all make use of coils to effectively convert and distribute energy.
Precision and Perfection in Custom Coil Winding:
Consistency and Accuracy: Precision in coil winding ensures consistent electrical characteristics, impedance, and performance across multiple coils.
Quality Control: Stringent quality control measures, such as dimensional checks, resistance testing, and insulation integrity testing, ensure that each coil meets strict standards.
Efficiency and Optimization: Optimal winding techniques, material selection, and manufacturing processes maximize efficiency, minimize losses, and enhance overall coil performance.
Advancements and Future Trends:
Automated Winding Systems: Advanced computer-controlled winding machines with robotic arms and advanced software are enabling faster, more precise, and repeatable coil winding processes.
Miniaturization and Integration: As electronic devices become smaller and more complex, custom coil winding is adapting to meet the demand for compact coils with high performance.
Materials Innovation: Research and development efforts focus on exploring new materials, such as superconductors and nanomaterials, to enhance coil efficiency, power density, and reliability.
Conclusion:
Custom coil winding is a specialized process that combines scientific principles, engineering expertise, and skilled craftsmanship. The precision and perfection achieved during the winding process directly impact the performance and reliability of various electronic systems. As technology advances, custom coil winding continues to evolve, enabling smaller, more efficient, and higher-performing coils for diverse applications across industries.
Electronic crane scales are the preferred method for weighing heavy loads in industrial settings. Due to their quick, dependable, and accurate weight measurement, these hanging scales are essential in numerous industries. In this article, we’ll talk about electronic crane scales and their benefits, as well as how to pick the best electronic crane scale for your requirements.
What are Electronic Crane Scales?
Heavy loads can be weighed using electronic crane scales that are suspended from a crane. They are made to withstand harsh industrial conditions and provide precise weight measurements. The weight of a load is determined by electronic crane scales using load cells, which are devices that transform force or pressure into an electrical signal.
The Use of Electronic Crane Scales Benefits:
Accuracy: Electronic crane scales are necessary for many industries because they provide precise weight measurements. These scales can weigh loads as much as a few tons with an exactness of up to 0.1% of the heap.
Efficiency: Electronic crane scales can weigh stacks rapidly and precisely, dispensing with the requirement for isolated gauging tasks. This saves time and increments proficiency in the work environment.
Durability: Electronic crane scales are made to withstand harsh industrial conditions. They are produced using solid materials that can endure shocks, vibration, and temperature changes.
Safety: Electronic crane scales help forestall the over-burdening of cranes, which can prompt mishaps and wounds. These scales guarantee that the heaviness of the heap is inside the protected working burden cutoff of the crane.
Versatility: Electronic crane scales can be utilized in different enterprises, including assembling, development, and transportation. They are ideal for weighing heavy loads that traditional scales make difficult or impossible to weigh.
How to Choose the Best Electronic Crane Scale for Your Needs
There are a few things to think about when selecting an electronic crane scale. The following should be kept in mind:
Capacity for Weight: Choose a crane scale made of electronic material that can weigh the loads you’ll be weighing. To ensure accuracy and safety, it is essential to select a scale with a weight capacity greater than your maximum load.
Accuracy: Search for an electronic crane scale with an elevated degree of exactness. If you will be weighing expensive or delicate items, this is especially important.
Display: Make sure the scale has an understood, simple-to-peruse show that shows weight readings in the units you really want.
Energy Source: Take into account the scale’s source of power. While some scales operate on a battery, others require direct power. Select a scale that meets your requirements and is simple to operate.
Certification: To ensure that they meet industry standards for accuracy and safety, look for electronic crane scales that have been certified by international standards organizations like ISO.
In conclusion,
Electronic crane scales are a tool that many industries require. They give exact weight estimations, further develop products, and assist with guaranteeing security in the work environment. The weight capacity, accuracy, display, power source, and certification of an electronic crane scale are all important considerations. You can streamline and improve your weighing procedures with the right electronic crane scale.
After a long but memorable Memorial Day weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Harrison Burton and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are back on the road.
This weekend finds them headed to World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Ill., for Sunday’s Enjoy Illinois 300 on the 1.25-mile track formerly known as Gateway International Raceway.
Brian Wilson, crew chief on the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang, said there’s lots to feel good about around the team shop this week.
“Last weekend in Charlotte was another solid race for the No. 21 Ford,” Wilson said. “With such a long race you expect ups and downs. We certainly had that throughout the day.
“We ended up with a top-20, but know that we were capable of more than that. We’re all hungry to keep pushing for better results.”
Wilson also said he was happy to see Ryan Blaney and the No. 12 crew at Team Penske score a victory in the Coca-Cola 600.
“It was great to see our technical alliance partners get a win,” he said. “Everyone in the Ford camp has been pushing to improve our performance at 1.5-mile tracks, and I know every Wood Brothers fan enjoyed seeing the former No. 21 driver Ryan Blaney in Victory Lane.”
Wilson said that as he looks forward to the upcoming weekend, he believes he and the team can use what they learned last year to their benefit.
Last year, in the Cup Series’ first visit to WWT Raceway, the No. 21 team qualified ninth and ran in the top 20 for much of the race before finishing 25th.
“We believe that we can build on that performance and keep our upward trend of competitiveness going,” Wilson said, adding that the tire compound that will be used this weekend will offer crew chiefs some additional options as they make their calls from atop the pit box. “Last year’s event showcased a tire that allowed for some unique strategies.
“We’ll have the same tire combination from Goodyear for this race. This should allow teams to do two tires, stay out and flip strategies when opportunity presents itself.”
Practice for the Enjoy Illinois 300 is set for Saturday at 9 a.m. Central Time (10 a.m. Eastern) to be followed by qualifying at 9:45.
Sunday’s 300-mile race is scheduled to get the green flag just after 2:30 p.m. Central Time (3:30 Eastern). Stage breaks in the 240-lap race are set for Laps 40 and 140.
FOX Sports 1 will carry the TV coverage all weekend.
About Motorcraft® Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details.
About Omnicraft® Omnicraft is part of the Ford lineup of parts brands: Ford Parts, Motorcraft and Omnicraft. Omnicraft is the exclusive non-Ford/Lincoln parts brand of premium aftermarket parts. With over a century of parts heritage to build upon, Omnicraft provides excellent quality and fit and is a preferred choice of professional automotive technicians. To find out more about Omnicraft, visit www.omnicraftautoparts.com or contact your local Ford or Lincoln Dealership. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details.
About Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change and maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator and electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension and steering, wheel alignment, belts and hoses, lamps and bulbs and wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details.
About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 176,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com. *See seller for limited-warranty details.
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.
CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES CHEVROLET DETROIT GRAND PRIX PRESENTED BY LEAR INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE JUNE 1, 2023
CHEVROLET AIMING FOR HOMETOWN VICTORY IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES RETURN TO STREETS OF DETROIT
DETROIT (June 1, 2023) – Returning to the streets of Detroit for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix Presented by Lear, the NTT INDYCAR Series heads to the Bowtie brand’s backyard at the original home of open wheel racing in the Motor City. It is the first time in over 30 years Indy cars will race around downtown Detroit.
With the series competing on famed-Belle Isle from 1992 to 2022, the Team Chevy drivers and teams have their eyes set on capturing Chevrolet their potential ninth win since 2012 in Detroit in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era.
“Coming off an exciting Indianapolis 500 win by Team Chevy, Josef Newgarden, and our engineers, our Chevrolet-powered teams are prepped and ready for our hometown race on the Streets of Detroit,” said General Motors IndyCar Program Manager Rob Buckner. “I am so happy and proud of our staff at GM Motorsports and our partners at Ilmor Engineering for their efforts and results in the year’s biggest event.
“Moving from the familiar Belle Isle to the unknowns of the Streets of Detroit presents a new and different challenge,” continued Buckner. “With our history of success on other street courses, we feel as prepared as possible for the race. The split pit lane will add a new twist to the event and excitement for the fans. It will be an all-new event, and our Chevrolet teams and drivers are ready to bring home another win for the hometown fans.”
After racing to his first Indianapolis 500 victory, as well as capturing Team Chevy’s 12th in history, Josef Newgarden, driver of the No. 2 Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet, said of this weekend’s Detroit Grand Prix, “I think the event is going to be A+. I can’t deny I loved Belle Isle, but I really think from an event standpoint it’s going to be a home run. If you’re there for the fans, the engagement, the community, what they’re doing is going to be amazing,” exclaimed Newgarden. “It’s really going to be amazing. [The track is] short. It’s technical because it’s mostly tight corners. It seems like Nashville, if anything, but it’s also different than Nashville. They’re not totally similar, but if there’s any track that it’s most close to, it’ll be that.”
The 1.7-mile, nine-turn street circuit will race counterclockwise along Jefferson Avenue, Bates Street, Atwater Street, St. Antoine, Franklin Street, and Rivard, with 100 laps, or 170 miles, determining the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix victor. Adding a new twist to the event is a split pit road for drivers to navigate, adding excitement for race fans and Chevy-powered teams alike.
For fans attending the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix in downtown Detroit, the Chevrolet Racing display, featuring 2023 models as well as t-shirt giveaways, will be open throughout the weekend starting Friday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. The display will then be open Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, and Sunday race day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear kicks off with Practice 1 Friday, June 1 at 3 p.m. ET, with Practice 2 starting Saturday at 9:05 a.m. ET. Qualifications and the Firestone Fast Six also take place Saturday, starting at 1:15 p.m. ET. A final warm-up will start race day Sunday at 10 a.m. ET. All practice and qualifying will be live on Peacock, INDYCAR Radio and SiriusXM Channel 160. The 100-lap, 107-mile race Sunday, June 4 will take the green flag at 3 p.m. ET live on NBC.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING (QUOTES):
Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Chevrolet at Team Penske:
“I’m thrilled to be here. It’s always nice to get back racing right away. Indy is always a tough grind for everybody, so we’re dragging a little bit coming into this weekend. But I think once we get on track, we’ll all be excited to be racing again. A new track is always a great opportunity to learn something quicker than everyone else, and try and prove yourself for the inaugural event, and I think the team has done a tremendous job. Excited to represent all of our partners, which most of them have a strong connection to Detroit. Thankful for all the effort that has gone in to move this race downtown.”
Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Chevrolet at Team Penske:
“I’m actually really, really excited. The track actually it’s very different than what we are used to. We’re going to be in a new spot, so it’s an opportunity to hit the ground running and be quicker than most. I’m excited. I think it’s going to be cool, and a new rejuvenated race for Detroit.”
Will Power, No. 12 Chevrolet at Team Penske:
“I’m really excited to get on track this weekend. It has a lot of bumps, a lot of off-camber corners, great long straight, and I think you can’t get too wide in the hairpins. You won’t know until you get out there, but I think it’s going to race really well. The pit lane is pretty cool. For all the people who are in the chalets above are going to enjoy if we have a full course yellow and pit under that caution. It’s going to be interesting out of pit lane when everyone gets off the button. I think it’s really cool we’re racing around the Renaissance Center. It’s Chevrolet’s backyard, and I think the guys have done a great job with the track – the grinding and resurfacing. Pretty special, and I hope we get a massive crowd with half the track being free. I’m looking forward to getting out there on Friday.”
Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Chevrolet at Arrow McLaren INDYCAR:
“This is our first time going to downtown Detroit. It’s a new track for all of us; everybody starts from zero. I’ve always enjoyed going to Detroit because I get to see a lot of the Latino community there. I’m certainly going to miss Belle Isle, but I’m sure the event this weekend will be awesome, so I’m looking forward to it. There are 11 races to go to chase this championship.”
Felix Rosenqvist, No. 6 Chevrolet at Arrow McLaren INDYCAR:
”It’s awesome to go to downtown Detroit. I’ve been looking forward to hitting the streets all year. I think it will be a bumpy and challenging track in pure Detroit fashion. It’s also a new challenge as no one has raced here before, but that’s exciting for us. We will try to roll out of the truck as good as we can.”
Alexander Rossi, No. 7 Chevrolet at Arrow McLaren INDYCAR:
”I’m looking forward to getting right back on track in Detroit this weekend. I know the amount of effort from the series and promotor that has gone into making this race a reality, and I cannot wait to get started. It is a completely new track for all of us, so everyone will start with a blank slate. I know the team is hungry to continue the success from the month of May.”
Gavin Ward, Race Director at Arrow McLaren INDYCAR:
“New circuits always make for interesting weekends. We’ve done as much homework as we can to roll out with good cars from the start here, but with the many unknowns, we’ll adapt to what we learn in practice and try to give Chevrolet a big win in their home race and keep building up points towards the championship.”
Conor Daly, No. 20 Chevrolet at Ed Carpenter Racing:
“Chevrolet has a lot of momentum going into Detroit. Team Chevy won the Indy 500, so everyone will be very excited to get to this new track. We will do our best to make the Chevy family proud, as well as BITNILE.COM!”
Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 Chevrolet at Ed Carpenter Racing:
“Detroit is going to be a lot of fun! I have driven it on the simulator and I cannot wait to get started there. A new track is always a great challenge! We had a great car at the Indy 500 and I am excited to turn right again.”
Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 Chevrolet at AJ Foyt Racing:
“I’ve always enjoyed going to Detroit. It’s where I started my IndyCar career (in 2018) and I’ve usually run pretty well there. I think I’ve grown a lot (as a driver) since then. Actually, I was going to have a top-10 in the first race but I got hit and put in the wall. And then the second race I crashed coming out of the pit but I still finished tenth.”
Benjamin Pedersen, No. 55 Chevrolet at AJ Foyt Racing:
“I think since Detroit will be new for everyone it will level the playing field in a big way. While I was in INDY NXT, we went to a new track for everyone – Nashville – which will be like what we will experience in Detroit this week. At Nashville I was fast and picked up quickly, so I am confident we will do the same thing this weekend. I know Foyt has some great street cars and will work hard to achieve some great results.”
Callum Ilott, No. 77 Chevrolet at Juncos Hollinger Racing:
“Detroit is obviously a brand-new track, and I understand that it’s going to be a challenge as it’s quite tight. It will be new for everyone, which means that it will be a level playing field and we will try to maximize our chances from that. I’m looking forward to getting a first look at the track, where we can hopefully continue the momentum from last week’s INDY 500. The data from our previous street races at St. Pete and Long Beach could potentially be useful this weekend. However, everything will be unique so until we turn some laps, we won’t know.”
Agustin Canapino, No. 78 Chevrolet at Juncos Hollinger Racing:
“We are going to a new circuit for everyone, which is good for me since in my case, they are always new and this situation allows me to be less at a disadvantage. A difficult circuit is expected, but we have no information so far, so we will have to find out from Friday in the first practice. The objective will be to try to finish the race in the best possible place, as always, to continue learning within the category.”
CHEVROLET IN DETROIT:
Wins in Detroit (all on Belle Isle since 2012 in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo injection era): 8
2014: Will Power (Race 1) and Helio Castroneves (Race 2)
2015: Sebastien Bourdais (Race 2)
2016: Sebastien Bourdais (Race 1) and Will Power (Race 2)
2019: Josef Newgarden (Race 1)
2021: Pato O’Ward (Race 2)
2022: Will Power
Pole Awards in Detroit (all on Belle Isle since 2012): 10
2012: Will Power
2014: Helio Castroneves
2015: Will Power (Race 1) and Juan Pablo Montoya (Race 2)
2016 Scott Dixon (Races 1 and 2)
2019: Josef Newgarden (Race 2)
2021: Pato O’Ward (Race 1) and Josef Newgarden (Race 2)
2022: Josef Newgarden
2023 CHEVROLET BY THE NUMBERS:
188: NTT INDYCAR SERIES races as V6 engine supplier since 2012 return to INDYCAR.
109: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012.
121: Earned poles since 2012.
7: Manufacturer Championships since 2012.
7: Driver/entrant champions since 2012.
12: Indianapolis 500 victories by Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
5: Indianapolis 500 wins by Chevrolet since 2012 in the V6 2.2 liter twin-turbo direct injected era.
26: Wins by Will Power since 2012 – all with Chevrolet power – most of any driver with the same manufacturer.
14: Consecutive seasons with at least one win by Will Power, including the past 11 with Chevrolet power.
9: Wins from the pole by Will Power with Chevrolet power since 2012, most by any driver.
44: Pole starts by Will Power since 2012 in a Chevrolet-powered car, most of any driver.
*Will Power’s career total of 68 poles makes him the all-time pole winner in INDYCAR.
About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
Critically acclaimed entertainer to get behind the wheel of Nashville Superspeedway’s Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 pace car to commence NASCAR tripleheader finale
Tickets and camping for the 2023 Ally 400 race weekend June 23-25 at Nashville Superspeedway are available on nashvillesuperspeedway.com or call 866-RACE-TIX.
Register for Nashville’s email list at nashvillesuperspeedway.com to stay up to date on track news and offers
LEBANON, Tenn. – Hailed as “The Nicest Man in Stand-Up” by The Atlantic magazine and a “Rising Star” by CBS Mornings, Grammy-nominated comedian and podcaster Nate Bargatze is selling out shows around the world, and now he will serve as the honorary pace car driver for the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 25.
“This summer, we will provide the most thrilling entertainment in Nashville with the Ally 400 race weekend,” Nashville Superspeedway general manager Matt Greci said. “There is no better entertainer out there than Nate Bargatze to take part in our remarkable event to bring fans from Middle Tennessee — and across the country and world — together right here at Nashville Superspeedway.”
An Old Hickory, Tennessee, native, Bargatze followed in the showbiz footsteps of his father, a former clown turned world-class magician, whose influence is seen on his 2015 debut Comedy Central special, “Full Time Magic,” and his debut album, “Yelled at By a Clown,” which reached No. 1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts and was on Billboard’s Top 10 Comedy Charts for weeks.
Bargatze’s half-hour Netflix special, “The Standups,” premiered in 2017, and his first solo one-hour Netflix special, “The Tennessee Kid,” premiered globally with rave reviews in 2019. In 2021, he released his critically acclaimed second Netflix special, “The Greatest Average American,” which received a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album. Bargatze also released his latest and third one-hour special, “Nate Bargatze: Hello World,” on Amazon Prime, and it now holds the record as Amazon’s most-streamed original comedy special in its first 28 days of viewership.
In 2020, the comedian launched his weekly podcast, “Nateland.” The podcast tackles the meaningless issues that we face day to day and gives listeners a much-needed mental break from fighting the good fight. New episodes release Wednesdays, with video available on his YouTube channel and audio available in podcast stores.
Bargatze’s comedy is clean and relatable, evident by his 12 appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” He also appeared on “Conan” four times and has appeared on Seth Meyers’ and James Corden’s late-night shows. He was a recurring guest on “@midnight” and had his own “Comedy Central Presents” episode in 2011. Off screen, Bargatze was part of “Jimmy Fallon’s Clean-Cut Comedy Tour” and has performed live shows for the troops in Iraq and Kuwait five times. In addition to touring the country as a headliner, Bargatze toured arenas with Chris Rock on his 2017 “Total Blackout Tour.” According to his website, he has performed at SXSW, Oddball Comedy Festival, Sasquatch, Clusterfest and the JFL Montreal Comedy Festival, where he’s received critical acclaim multiple years in a row.
Bargatze was featured as one of Esquire’s “Best New Comedians” by Jim Gaffigan, one of Marc Maron’s “Comedians to Watch” in Rolling Stone, one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch” for 2015 and as No. 1 on Vulture’s “50 Comedians You Should Know” in 2015. He also appeared on the cover of Variety’s annual comedy issue in 2022.
Bargatze is currently on his “The Be Funny Tour” with all new material. For more information, visit NateBargatze.com.
Along with Bargatze’s cameo during the Ally 400, Parker McCollum will perform the official pre-race concert and Old Dominion will serve as grand marshal.
Middle Tennessee’s can’t-miss event of the summer, the Nashville Superspeedway’s race weekend includes the Rackley Roofing 200 Craftsman Truck Series race on June 23, the Tennessee Lottery 250 Xfinity Series race on June 24 and the Ally 400 Cup Series race on June 25 and under the lights in prime time.
Sunday, June 25, 6 p.m. Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series race 6:00 p.m. CT, NBC, PRN, Sirius NASCAR Radio
Saturday, June 24
Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race 2:30 p.m. CT, USA, PRN, Sirius NASCAR Radio
Friday, June 23 Rackley Roofing 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race 7:00 p.m. CT, FS1, PRN, Sirius NASCAR Radio
Call 866.RACE.TIX to discuss your options with an account representative, or visit nashvillesuperspeedway.com. Tickets for the races on Friday and Saturday are free for children ages 12 and younger (with a paying adult) and are only $10 on Sunday.
FOLLOW US
Keep track of all of Nashville Superspeedway’s events by following on Twitter and Instagram or become a Facebook fan.
About Nashville Superspeedway
Nashville Superspeedway, Middle Tennessee’s racing jewel, is a year-round family-friendly destination in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. The 1.33-mile D-shaped track with 14 degrees of banking has hosted two NASCAR Cup Series races, 23 NASCAR Xfinity Series races, 15 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events and eight Indy Racing League contests. The largest concrete-only track in NASCAR, Nashville Superspeedway is owned by Speedway Motorsports LLC.
RECAPPING CHARLOTTE: Due to a rainy Memorial Day weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Coca-Cola 600 was postponed to Monday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Starting 12th, Kyle Larson battled mostly in the middle of the pack for the first half of the 600-mile race. However, crew chief Cliff Daniels called for several significant adjustments and their momentum picked up in stage three. Larson spent most of the remainder of the race in the top five, until an on-track incident with only 25 laps to go led to a 30th-place finish.
LEADING LAPS: This season, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion has led the second-most laps (583), trailing only teammate William Byron (687). Larson has also accumulated the second-most laps run in the top five (1,635) and the third-most laps run in the top 10 (2,474).
HARD RACING: Larson has scored two wins (Richmond Raceway and Martinsville Speedway) this season, which makes him one of three drivers (including Byron) with multiple victories. He is in a four-way tie for the second-most top-five finishes (five), but also has nine finishes outside the top 13. The team has been in the mix in plenty of races, but that doesn’t always guarantee the win. The last four weeks have illustrated the peaks and valleys of the season. Contact on the last lap at Kansas Speedway led to a runner-up finish, contact while battling for the lead late took him out of contention at Darlington Raceway, a dominant win at the All-Star Race and then a late-race incident while in the top five took him out of the running at Charlotte.
SECOND TIME IN ST. LOUIS: In the inaugural Cup Series race at WWT Raceway last year, Larson started 15th and finished 12th. He did finish fourth in stage two and tallied 32 points on the day at the 1.25-mile track. Returning to Madison, Illinois, this year, the No. 5 HendrickCars.com team has more insight about the venue going into Sunday’s race.
FOUR TIRES FAST: The No. 5 HendrickCars.com pit crew holds the second-fastest average four-tire pit stop time in 2023 at 11.110 seconds. Larson’s pit 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).
VISITING WITH FANS: On Thursday at 4 p.m. CT, Larson will be at the Ballpark Village Fan Fest in downtown St. Louis, across from Busch Stadium. The No. 5 HendrickCars.com driver will be on stage for a Q&A session with Kenny Wallace and Tom Ackerman from KMOX-AM 1120, followed by an autograph session at 4:15 p.m. CT.
HIGH LIMIT SERIES CONTINUES: Larson rose up through the dirt-track racing ranks and he continues to run at those venues as his schedule allows. In April, the High Limit Sprint Car Series, which was co-founded by Larson and his brother-in-law, Brad Sweet, began its inaugural season. The series features an 11-race schedule and showcases many of the nation’s top sprint car drivers. On Wednesday, the Elk Grove, California, native, won at Tri-City Speedway in Granite City, Illinois, for his second straight win in the series. Check out the full schedule at highlimitracing.com.
AWAY BUT ALWAYS AVAILABLE: This weekend, the No. 5 HendrickCars.com team races “away” just outside of St. Louis. However, you can pick up a new set of keys from any one of Hendrick Automotive Group’s 95 dealerships nationwide. Customers can also shop from the convenience of their home selecting 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.
HENDRICK AUTOMOTIVE GROUP IS HIRING: Join 10,000+ others nationwide in working at Hendrick Automotive Group. The company is hiring technicians and other positions at its dealerships throughout the country. Positions are open for all skill levels and offer tuition and training reimbursement. Individuals who are interested can apply at HENDRICKCARS.COM.
9 COREY LAJOIE
Age: 31 (Sept. 25, 1991)
Hometown: Kannapolis, North Carolina
Resides: Davidson, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: 16th (owner’s points)
No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
FILLING IN: Corey LaJoie will fill in for Chase Elliott this weekend at WWT Raceway as Elliott serves a one-race suspension. LaJoie, 31, is a third-generation racer who currently competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Spire Motorsports. He will become the 51st different driver to compete for Hendrick Motorsports in a Cup Series race. In 214 Cup Series starts, LaJoie has two top-five finishes and six top-10s, with his best performance being a fourth-place finish earlier this year at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
PERSONAL BEST: LaJoie is experiencing the best season of his Cup Series career in 2023. The North Carolina native is currently averaging five positions better than any other season at NASCAR’s top level. His career-best result at Atlanta is among his eight top-20 finishes on the year, which already exceeds half of his personal-best single-season total (15). In fact, LaJoie has spent more laps inside the top 15 this season than he did in all of 2022.
FAMILY TIES: On Sunday, LaJoie will become the second member of his family to drive for Hendrick Motorsports. His father, two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Randy LaJoie, competed in nine Cup Series races for team owner Rick Hendrick in the No. 50 Chevy in 1998, earning a top-five finish and three top-10s.
GREAT GUSTAFSON: Veteran crew chief Alan Gustafson will call his 655th Cup Series race this weekend with his seventh different driver. The Ormond Beach, Florida, native has amassed 38 wins – tied for second-most among active crew chiefs – 189 top-five finishes, 326 top-10s, 34 poles and 10,810 laps led. The 2020 Cup Series champion crew chief has worked with NASCAR Hall of Famers Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin, as well as Elliott, Kyle Busch, Casey Mears and Josh Berry. LaJoie will contribute to that total on Sunday.
NO. 9 FILES: Last season on tracks measuring 1 to 1.366 miles in length (Dover Motor Speedway, Darlington Raceway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, Phoenix Raceway, and WWT Raceway), the No. 9 team captured two wins and four top-five finishes. Elliott drove the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 to victory lane at Dover in May and Nashville in June. In 2023, the team has achieved one top-five finish, two top-10s (one by Elliott and one by Berry) and an average finish of 8.00 in three races on tracks in this length range. Elliott’s third-place finish at Darlington in May stands as the best result in those events.
24 WILLIAM BYRON
Age: 25 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Resides: Charlotte, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: 3rd
No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
24 POWER: Just past the halfway mark in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series regular season, William Byron and the No. 24 team are ensuring they remain frontrunners. Through 14 races, Byron leads in several statistical categories, including wins (three), laps led (687), laps run in top five (2,122), stage wins (seven), top-five finishes (seven) and average running position (8.60). He is also tied for the most poles (two) and top-10 finishes (eight). In the last six races, the Charlotte, North Carolina, native has accumulated the most points (249).
STREAK SENSATION: Byron is currently on a streak of four straight top-five finishes and five consecutive top-10s, which are the longest active marks in each category. He has also led in each of the past five races, which is tied for his second-longest streak in the Cup Series (behind seven straight races led in 2019). This run began at Talladega Superspeedway (finished seventh) and continued at Dover Motor Speedway (finished fourth), Kansas Speedway (finished third) and Darlington Raceway (first). The most recent of these results came in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he started first, won stage one, led 91 laps and finished second.
PIT ROAD PROWESS: After a phenomenal showing at Charlotte, the No. 24 pit crew reclaimed the top spot for the fastest average four-tire pit stop time this season at 10.944 seconds. Spencer Bishop (jackman), Jeff Cordero (front-tire changer), Orane Ossowski (rear-tire changer), Ryan Patton (tire carrier) and Landon Walker (fueler) comprise the No. 24 pit crew. The team recorded its three fastest four-tire pit stops of the season in the 600-mile event, which rank second (9.383 seconds), fourth (9.504 seconds) and sixth-fastest (9.541 seconds) among all four-tire stops this season.
THAT NO. 1 FEELING: Byron has had a strong start to the season with three wins, which is the most in a single Cup Series season for the 25-year-old driver. He now has five wins in the Next Gen car and that is tied for the most with three other drivers, including Hendrick Motorsports teammates Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott. Since the beginning of 2021, Byron has collected six wins, which has him tied for the third-most behind Larson with 15 and Elliott with seven.
SIMILAR IN LENGTH: Sunday’s race at WWT Raceway will mark Byron’s 39th start on tracks 1 to 1.366 miles in length (Dover Motor Speedway, Darlington Raceway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, Phoenix Raceway and WWT Raceway). In his previous 38 starts, he has collected one pole award, two wins, eight top-five finishes, 15 top-10s with 396 laps led.
MEET ME NEAR ST. LOUIS: This weekend is the second time that the Cup Series will race at WWT Raceway. In last year’s event, Byron scored a 19th-place finish. However, it was not his first time visiting the Illinois-based facility. In 2016, Byron competed there in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. During that race, he started third and led 47 of the 160 laps before being involved in a late-race on-track incident, resulting in a 17th-place finish.
THE RUDY RUNDOWN: Crew chief Rudy Fugle is making his second Cup Series start at WWT Raceway, but he is one of a few that has more extensive experience at the 1.25-mile oval. The Livonia, New York, native has eight prior national series starts at the venue, including six in the Truck Series. His drivers started first on two occasions and achieved two top-10 finishes, with a best finish of sixth, while leading 258 laps. One of those six starts was with Byron, where they led almost one-third of the race before an on-track incident forced the team to settle for a 17th-place finish.
AT IT AGAIN WITH AXALTA: Axalta will be on board Byron’s No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 this weekend. This is Axalta’s 31st year of partnership with Hendrick Motorsports. The company was on the car for Byron’s throwback paint scheme and victory at Darlington.
48 Alex Bowman
Age: 30 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Resides: Concord, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Blake Harris
Standings: 16th
No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
BACK IN THE SADDLE: Alex Bowman returned to racing Monday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He missed the previous four NASCAR Cup Series events after suffering a fractured vertebra in a sprint car accident on April 25. The 30-year-old driver started the 600-mile race in the 31st position after qualifying was canceled due to inclement weather. Bowman finished the first stage in 18th, the second stage in 12th and the third stage in 10th before securing a 12th-place result. His strong comeback performance saw him move above the provisional playoff cutline based on points (+15 to the elimination line).
SEASON TO DATE: Consistency has been the calling card for Bowman in 2023. He holds a 10.45 average finish, has 10 top-15 finishes and has completed all but two laps in 11 starts. The driver of the No. 48 Ally Chevy won the pole for the season-opening DAYTONA 500, has three top-five finishes and is tied for sixth in top-10s (six) with six other drivers.
LAND OF LINCOLN: This Sunday, Bowman will make his second appearance at WWT Raceway. In his first and only Cup Series start there, he started the day 25th and finished 13th. However, Bowman has visited victory lane in the Prairie State, earning his first Cup Series win at Chicagoland Speedway in June 2019 while driving the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro. Since then, the Tucson, Arizona, native has tallied six more wins, including primary partner Ally’s first Cup Series win at Richmond Raceway in April 2021.
HARRIS DOWNLOAD: In his first appearance as a crew chief at WWT Raceway, Blake Harris’ team finished the race in 18th place. However, his result at the 1.25-mile venue doesn’t accurately depict how the race went for the No. 34 team. On that day, Harris’ driver led 34 laps and narrowly missed winning the second stage after a caution flag waved with 10 laps left in the segment. A strategy call to pit before the end of the stage sent him back into the heart of the field.
SAVE THEM ALL: Bowman and Ally have teamed up this year to bring back the Best Friends Animal Society donation effort. This week, the duo will make charitable contributions to the Stray Rescue of St. Louis, which serves the local community. Bowman and Ally will donate $4,800 to Best Friends and the Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Additionally, Ally will increase its donation to $10,000 if the No. 48 team wins.
DAY ‘N’ NITE: The No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will showcase two versions of its primary scheme throughout the 2023 Cup Series season. The No. 48 Ally Chevy “day” scheme features a white base adorned with bright plum, grapefruit, and seafoam stripes along its sides. This version of the primary scheme will appear at races that take place during the day. When the lights come on over the racetrack, the black-based No. 48 Ally Chevy “night” scheme will sport a similar design to its daytime counterpart. This weekend, the No. 48 machine will have the white-based “day” scheme. Check out all the angles of the look here.
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS /
Hendrick Motorsports
2023
All-Time
WWT Raceway
Races
14
1,323
1
Wins
5*
296*
0
Poles
5*
244*
0
Top 5
18*
1,208*
0
Top 10
26*
2,071*
0
Laps Led
1,360*
78,677*
0
Stage Wins
10*
89
0
*Most **Most (tie)
CLOSING IN ON 300: Hendrick Motorsports is just four points-paying victories away from 300 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series. Twenty drivers have combined to reach the organization’s current total of 296 wins, which is the most in the sport by any one team. With five wins this season, Hendrick Motorsports has posted its 36th multi-win season in the Cup Series, while maintaining its streak of at least two victories per season for the past 30 years.
VARIETY PACK: Hendrick Motorsports has gone to victory lane at more racetracks than any other active team. Its 296 Cup Series wins have been spread across 31 different venues.
ROAD TO LE MANS: The Garage 56 contingent from Hendrick Motorsports has journeyed across the pond to get ready for the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 10-11. The driver lineup consists of Jenson Button, Jimmie Johnson and Mike Rockenfeller, with Chad Knaus, vice president of competition, overseeing the endeavor. The Garage 56 entry is a collaboration between Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR, Chevrolet, IMSA and Goodyear. It will compete in a special single-entry class designated for innovative cars.
PRAIRIE STATE LOOK BACK: Ahead of Sunday’s race, Hendrick Motorsports has competed in a total of 20 Cup Series races in the state of Illinois. This includes last year’s inaugural Cup Series event at WWT Raceway and 19 races at Chicagoland Speedway. The team has achieved three victories in the state, which all came at Chicagoland. Alex Bowman was the winner at the last event held there in 2019. Next month’s street course race will be held in downtown Chicago.
OUT IN FRONT: In 2023, Hendrick Motorsports has led the most laps, with 1,360 circuits out front, which equates to 34.49% of the laps raced. The 1,360 laps led are the team’s eighth-most all-time through 14 races. The squad has led laps in all but one race this season (Atlanta Motor Speedway in March). William Byron (687) and Kyle Larson (583) rank one-two in that statistical category.
FINISHING TOUCHES: The Rick Hendrick-owned team also has the most wins (five), top fives (18) and top 10s (26) in the 2023 Cup Series season. Byron’s three wins lead the series and Larson’s two are tied for second. Byron’s seven top-five finishes are the best in the series and are the most among the team with Larson (five), Bowman (three), Chase Elliott (two) and Josh Berry (one) all adding to the total. The driver of the No. 24 also leads the team in top-10 finishes with eight and Bowman is next with six. Larson (five), Elliott (four) and Berry (three) have all contributed to the tally too.
TAKING THE STAGE: With 10 stage wins this season, the Concord, North Carolina-based team is tied for the third-most all-time through 14 races. Byron leads the series with seven stage wins, which is tied for the second-most at this point in the season in the stage racing era (start of the 2017 season). Larson has tallied two stage wins, while Elliott has one.
PODIUM PLACEMENT: In four races this season, the 14-time Cup Series championship-winning organization has placed at least two drivers in the top-three finishing positions. In fact, they are the only organization to accomplish that at all this season. Darlington Raceway saw Byron win and Elliott place third. This achievement also happened at Kansas Speedway (Larson was second and Byron was third), Richmond Raceway (Larson won the race and Berry was second) and Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Byron, Larson and Bowman placed one-two-three).
QUOTABLE /
Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on racing in St. Louis: “I’m excited to see the NASCAR Cup Series return to St. Louis. Last year, we finished 12th, but I think our team learned a lot throughout the race. The No. 5 team is definitely hungry for a better finish, myself included, but 2022’s experience and notes certainly help us build confidence for this weekend.”
Cliff Daniels, crew chief of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on what the team has learned since last year’s trip to WWT Raceway: “To be honest, last year at St. Louis we weren’t very good, disappointingly so. I think at the time there were some things we needed to evolve with our short-track package and since then, we have done that. We’ve had some great short-track races this year and taken a lot from what learned at Phoenix (Raceway) earlier this year. We’re just trying to figure out how to put that together in the right way and hopefully put a great foot forward for this weekend. I will say the track did a great job last year and I think the track is going to race well this year. We certainly enjoy going there and enjoy the race. Obviously, only been there once, but hopefully this year we put a better car on track and turn it into an even more fun experience.”
Corey LaJoie, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on driving for Hendrick Motorsports this weekend: “The last 24 hours have been surreal. Despite the circumstances, I’m very appreciative of Mr. Hendrick for the opportunity to fill in for a championship team and driver. I also can’t thank my Spire Motorsports family enough for working with Hendrick Motorsports to make it come to fruition. The level of preparation and expectations to succeed are everything I expected them to be. I was able to spend time with Alan (Gustafson, crew chief) and the No. 9 guys at the shop and the pursuit of perfection is evident the second you walk through the door. I’m ready to climb through the window and get to work.”
William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on his thoughts for this weekend: “Gateway (WWT Raceway) is a track that we need to make some improvements at. We’ve really been focusing on that this season though, not only getting better and staying consistent, but really focusing on those tracks that we seem to not be as strong at. It’s going to be a really hot weekend, just like it was last year. I think we have a better idea of what to expect this year than we did last year, and we’ve been unloading close to what we need this year, which is promising. I’m optimistic for this weekend with how we’ve been executing so far this year.”
Rudy Fugle, crew chief of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on the eventful week for the team: “It’s been a busy week for the No. 24 team after the rain out from Charlotte (Motor Speedway) and the tire test at Michigan (International Speedway). This team never quits and I think this season we’ve shown that. We weren’t the best at Gateway (WWT Raceway) last year but even this year we’ve already improved at some of the racetracks we weren’t great at before this year. That’s been one of our goals this year and so far we’ve executed that. Hopefully, this weekend is no different and we can have a better showing.”
Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on racing at WWT Raceway: “WWT Raceway is a little bit unnatural for me. It kind of has a Loudon (New Hampshire Motor Speedway) –Phoenix (Raceway) feel to it – two places that are not my favorite. I am just trying to understand what I need to do. I think it is going to be driver-input sensitive and I think we will be able to manipulate the race car a lot. I have been in the simulator a lot, just trying to be better and lean on my teammates – looking at their data. I am just trying to understand what I am going to want in the race car and how to go execute.”
Blake Harris, crew chief of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on his approach to Sunday’s race at WWT Raceway: “It’s a super unique racetrack. There is nothing really like it that we go to in the (NASCAR) Cup Series. We will have to go apply a lot of what we have learned this year at short tracks. Track position is really important here, so we are going to focus on qualifying well and getting some short-run speed in our No. 48 Ally Camaro, especially after last week’s pit road debacle and having our qualifying position determined by the NASCAR metric system. Qualifying well leads to good pit selection and that leads to good track position, so our weekend starts with qualifying well. Our pit crew handled everything that was thrown their way in Charlotte, but we know it was something that affected our race and our ability to compete for a win at the end.”
COLE CUSTER | RILEY HERBST Portland NASCAR Xfinity Series Advance NASCAR Xfinity Series Overview
Event: Portland 147 (Round 13 of 33)
Date: Saturday, June 3
Location: Portland (Ore.) International Raceway
Layout: 1.967-mile, 12-turn road course
Time/TV/Radio: 4:30 p.m. EDT on FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Cole Custer Notes of Interest
The month of May was good to Cole Custer and the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang team for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR). They’ll roll into Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Portland 147 at Portland (Ore.) International Raceway with a ton of momentum after back-to-back third-place finishes May 13 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway and on Monday at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway. It’s the latest in their string of six consecutive top-10 finishes dating back to a fifth-place result April 1 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway. After a slow start to the season, Custer has turned things around in a big way and appears poised to park his No. 00 Ford Mustang in victory lane in relatively short order. Three of his past six races resulted in top-three finishes, and he currently sits fourth in the driver standings, 74 points behind leader John Hunter Nemechek. With 14 races to go until the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs begin Sept. 15 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, Custer feels he’s in a good position as he heads to the Portland road course for the first time in his career.
Saturday’s Portland 147 will be the second-ever NASCAR Xfinity Series race on the 1.967-mile, 12-turn circuit, which first hosted the series a year ago. While Custer doesn’t have any experience there, he does have a considerable road-course experience in all of the NASCAR national series. He has 16 Xfinity Series starts on road courses with a best finish of third in March 2022 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. He scored 11 top-10 finishes in those 16 starts, which includes a pair of top-fives.
Custer will get some additional seat time at Portland before the green flag flies for Saturday’s Xfinity Series race. On Friday, he’ll be behind the wheel of the No. 55 Pristine Auction Ford Mustang for High Point Racing in the Portland 112 ARCA Menards Series West race. It will be his first start outside of the Xfinity Series in 2023 and his first ARCA start since 2017. He’ll participate in next week’s ARCA race at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway, as well.
Riley Herbst Notes of Interest
Riley Herbst hopes to finally turn his recent spate of bad luck around as he heads into Saturday’s Portland 147 at Portland (Ore.) International Raceway. Monday at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, Herbst rebounded from an early brush with the wall that led to an unscheduled trip down pit lane and used fuel strategy to recover with a 14th-place finish. It was an improvement over the previous five races, three of which ended prematurely due to incidents not of his doing. The driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang is looking for a change of pace the next two weekends as the Xfinity Series has back-to-back races on road courses.
Saturday’s race at Portland will mark Herbst’s second Xfinity Series start at the track. In last year’s rainy inaugural race, Herbst put on a show in the opening laps, racing his way from 14th to third during a downpour. Untimely incidents then put him back in the pack, and his day ended 35 laps into the 75-lap event when he got collected in a seven-car accident. Herbst finished 10th at COTA on March 26 in the 2023 season’s only other road-course race thus far. Last year, he earned top-10 finishes in three of the six road-course races.
Like his teammate Custer, Herbst will also participate in Friday’s Portland 112 ARCA Menards Series West race. He’ll pilot the No. 5 Ford Mustang for Jerry Pitts. It will be his first ARCA appearance since his August 2021 start at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International. He will also participate in next Friday’s ARCA race at Sonoma.
Cole Custer, Driver of the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang
You’re heading to the first track on this year’s NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule where you’ve never turned a lap in your career. What are your expectations heading into Saturday’s race?
“This is a race weekend that I’ve really been looking forward to. I’ve never been there, but it’s a new challenge and I’m ready for it. Our road-course cars have been really good this year. I think we’ll have a shot to go there and compete for a win. At the end of the day, it’s just a matter of having everything go right. You never know at Portland if it’s going to rain or what’s going to happen. Road-course races are always unpredictable. You just have to go there and make sure you’re there at the end. Hopefully we can do that and be in a good spot.”
With limited opportunity to practice at Portland, how do you prepare for a new track to set yourself up for success?
“I’ve definitely been leaning on Riley as I’ve been preparing for Portland. He has the experience there that I don’t. He has the latest information and, honestly, he’s been such a big help for our team as we prepare for this race. We’ve been going to the simulator, looking at notes, watching film, and so much more. All you can do is look at past races. Luckily, I’ll get some time in the ARCA car before Saturday’s race to help me learn the course a little more.”
Riley Herbst, Driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang
After going a lap down and coming out with a top-15 finish by playing the fuel strategy game last weekend, do you think your luck is starting to turn around after a rough stretch of races?
“I hope so. These past two months have been rough for the No. 98 Monster Energy team. After such a strong start to the season, you don’t want to see that, but we also had to remember that it’s a long season. We’re still in a good spot for the playoffs and we can get back on track. We made some mistakes at Charlotte but, at the end of the day, we were able to use fuel strategy to make it not as bad of a day. Hopefully our bad-luck streak ended there and we can go back and start another top-10 streak. These races are always unpredictable but, at the end of the day, you just have to show up and be there at the end.”
This will be your second race at Portland, and you’ve had some success on road courses the past two seasons. What are your expectations for the weekend?
“You never know what to expect from road courses. We had a fast No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang when we came here last year. Honestly, despite the early end to our day last year, I still really like this track. It’s fun. I feel like it’s a new challenge and I’m ready for it. We’re hoping that Friday’s ARCA race will help me figure out the track a bit more and get me ready for Saturday. Hopefully, we can be there at the end and compete for the win.”
Gateway Preview June 1 | 1:30 PM ET | FS1 – MRN – SiriusXM
2023 NASCAR Truck Series Stats Starts: 11; Best start: 10th; Best finish: 13th (Kansas I); Laps led: 5; Current points position: 19th
Chassis History Dye and the No. 43 team will compete with GMS Racing chassis no. 330 in St. Louis. Although this truck hasn’t been raced at Gateway before, it has been driven to one win before with Zane Smith at Dover Motor Speedway. Daniel has competed with this chassis twice this season at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where he finished 16th, and later at Texas Motor Speedway, where he finished 25th.
Rookie of the Year Daniel’s 19th place finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway was the fifth-highest finish of the drivers that make up the current rookie class. In the Sunoco Rookie of the Year points standings, Dye runs fourth, 89 points behind leading candidate Nick Sanchez and 19 points behind his teammate, Rajah Caruth, in third.
Daniel Dye Quote
You’ve never raced at Gateway before, but are there any tracks that you have raced at before that seem similar?
“I’m looking forward to getting to a new track that’s similar to some of the tracks that I’ve been to before. I like to think that Gateway is pretty similar to Milwaukee, which I’ve raced at a couple of times in the ARCA Menards Series for GMS Racing. It’s going to be good to get to a track that has a little bit of a short track feel, but where still aerodynamics are still important. I’m happy to get our No. 43 LiftedTrucksForSale.com Chevrolet out onto the racetrack for our first race with them as a partner of ours!”
Race to Stop Suicide
Race to Stop Suicide is a non-profit organization co-founded by Daniel and Randy Dye. The organization’s main objective is to create awareness, remove stigma and normalize the conversation surrounding suicide. They provide entry-level education on what to look for, symptoms and how to check up on family and friends. Race to Stop Suicide also ensures that people have easy access to helpful resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and 988. For more information, visit their website at www.racetostopsuicide.com.
Lifted Trucks For Sale
Liftedtrucksforsale.com is an online platform that specializes in selling lifted trucks from renowned brands like Black Widow, Rocky Ridge, and Official Harley-Davidson Trucks. The website caters specifically to truck enthusiasts and offers a wide variety of options, from heavy-duty pickups to lightweight off-road models.
With a user-friendly interface and easy navigation tools, browsing the site is a seamless experience. Detailed descriptions, photos, and specifications are provided for each vehicle, allowing buyers to make an informed decision. For those in the market for a lifted truck, liftedtrucksforsale.com is an excellent place to start your search.
