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Travis Mack to call 100th Cup event as crew chief at Charlotte

Photo by Bob Leverone/Getty Images.

A significant milestone start is in the making for Travis Mack, crew chief for Daniel Suarez and the No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team in the NASCAR Cup Series. By participating in this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Mack will call his 100th career event as crew chief in NASCAR’s premier series.

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Mack’s racing career began as a mechanic for Frank Kimmel’s ARCA Menards Series team before joining Hendrick Motorsports as a shock specialist and front-end mechanic in 2004, where he worked with Jeff Gordon before eventually teaming up with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Nine years later, he served as a car chief for JR Motorsports’ No. 7 team and driver Regan Smith in the Xfinity Series before moving over to JRM’s No. 9 team and rookie Chase Elliott for the 2014 season, where the team ended up winning the series championship. Beginning in 2015, he became a car chief for Earnhardt Jr. and the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports team in the Cup circuit.

At Richmond Raceway in September 2017, Mack made his debut as a Cup Series crew chief in an interim role for Earnhardt Jr. and the No. 88 HMS team after Earnhardt’s regular crew chief, Greg Ives, was suspended due to a lug nut infraction stemming from the previous event at Darlington Raceway. During the event at Richmond and with Mack atop the pit box, Earnhardt Jr. led 13 laps before finishing 13th.

In 2018, Mack was named crew chief for Leavine Family Racing’s No. 95 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entry piloted by veteran Kasey Kahne. Following the first 15 events of the 2018 season, however, Mack was replaced by Jon Leonard after the team posted five top-20 results and finished no higher than 17th three times. Mack would return to the Xfinity Series to serve as a crew chief for Michael Annett and the No. 5 JRM team for the remainder of the 2018 season.

In November 2020, Mack, who achieved his first Xfinity victory as a crew chief with Annett at Daytona in February 2019, was named crew chief for the newly formed Trackhouse Racing and driver Daniel Suarez for the 2021 Cup season. Despite being suspended for two of the 26 regular-season events, Mack and Suarez achieved a strong fourth-place run at the Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt Course in March along with a total of three top-10 results and nine top-15 results. While they did not make the 2021 Cup Playoffs, the duo proceeded to finish in the top 15 five times throughout the postseason before concluding the season in 25th place in the final standings.

Remaining at Trackhouse Racing and paired with Suarez for the 2022 season, Mack led the No. 99 team to two fourth-place results and a total of four top-10 results through the first 15-scheduled events. Then at Sonoma Raceway in June, Mack achieved his first Cup Series career victory as a crew chief when Suarez led a race-high 47 of 110 laps and notched his first career win in NASCAR’s premier series, thus becoming the first Mexican-born competitor to win a Cup event. To go along with five additional top-10 results for the remainder of the regular-season stretch, Mack and Suarez qualified for the 2022 Cup Playoffs. Despite transferring from the Round of 16 to 12 on the strength of three consecutive top-20 results, the duo missed the cutline to the Round of 8 by a mere margin and after a power steering issue at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course in October diminished the team’s title hopes. With only a single top-10 result during the final four scheduled events, Mack and Suarez capped off the season in 10th place in the final standings.

This season, Mack, who remains at Trackhouse for a third consecutive season, has led Suarez and the No. 99 team to four top-10 results through the first 13-scheduled events, with their best on-track result being a fourth-place finish at Auto Club Speedway in February. The duo is ranked in 18th place in the driver’s standings and trail the top-16 cutline to make the 2023 Cup Playoffs by 13 points.

Through 99 previous Cup events, Mack has achieved one victory, eight top-five results, 21 top-10 results and 395 laps led while working with three different competitors.

Mack is scheduled to call his 100th Cup Series event as a crew chief in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28. The event is scheduled to commence at 6 p.m. ET on FOX.

TEAM CHEVY NASCAR RACE ADVANCE: Charlotte Motor Speedway

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
Coca-Cola 600
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Concord, North Carolina
May 28, 2023

 NASCAR AT ‘HOME’ FOR TRIPLEHEADER

With the return of NASCAR’s Memorial Day tradition, NASCAR’s three national series will come together for a tripleheader race weekend at one of the most historic venues in the sport’s history – Charlotte Motor Speedway. ‘America’s Home for Racing’, the 1.5-mile oval holds one of the NASCAR Cup Series’ (NCS) oldest and most prestigious races – the Coca-Cola 600. A crown jewel event, Sunday’s 400-lap, 600-mile race marks the longest race on the series’ schedule to close out the day famously known as the ‘Greatest Day in Motorsports’.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) will drop the green flag on the tripleheader race weekend in Friday’s North Carolina Education Lottery 200. Chevrolet will look to keep its hot streak alive with the manufacturer heading into the race weekend looking for its fourth-consecutive NCTS victory this season. Returning from an off-weekend, the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ (NXS) season continues with Saturday’s Alsco Uniforms 300 – marking the series’ halfway point in the 2023 regular-season.

 ‘GREATEST DAY IN MOTORSPORTS’ HITS HOME FOR CHEVROLET

The Sunday of Memorial Day weekend has historically been considered the ‘Greatest Day in Motorsports’. Packed with three of the most iconic races in motorsports, the day kicks-off with the Monaco Grand Prix (Formula One), followed by the Indianapolis 500 (INDYCAR) and the Coca-Cola 600 (NASCAR). Unique to its competitors, Chevrolet is the only manufacturer that competes in the two U.S.-based marquee events.

Along with its series-leading 25 all-time Coca-Cola 600 victories, Chevrolet also has a history of success in ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ – registering 11 all-time Indianapolis 500 victories. General Motors brand Oldsmobile has also accounted for five wins in the prestigious event.

LEADING THE WAY

With more than six decades of history in NASCAR, Charlotte Motor Speedway has hosted 124 races for NASCAR’s premier series – the fourth most of any circuit in series’ history. Chevrolet planted early roots in the sport’s legacy at the 1.50-mile North Carolina venue with Joe Lee Johnson driving Chevrolet to the victory in the series’ inaugural 600-mile race (June 19, 1960).

Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 47 all-time NCS wins at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The most recent of those triumphs came in the 2021 Coca-Cola 600 by Kyle Larson and the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team. Setting up to what turned into a career season for the 30-year-old California native, Larson’s triumph delivered the Bowtie brand its 25th trip to victory lane in the crown jewel event – a manufacturer-leading feat.


CONQUERING IN CROWN JEWEL

Contested in the epicenter of NASCAR, the Coca-Cola 600 is a crown jewel victory that holds a special place on the resume of some of the sport’s greatest drivers. NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip leads the series with five career Coca-Cola 600 victories – all recorded in a Chevrolet-powered machine. Career Chevrolet driver Jimmie Johnson sits next on that list with four triumphs in the event. The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will have the chance to tie Waltrip’s all-time win record this weekend as the 47-year-old California native is slated to make his next start behind the wheel of the No. 84 LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Camaro ZL1 in Sunday’s event.


GOING THE DISTANCE

On the horizon of the longest race of the year, Team Chevy drivers have proven success in the NASCAR Cup Series’ endurance-based events. Since the debut of the Next Gen vehicles at the beginning of the 2022 season, there have been nine races that have a scheduled distance of 500 miles or more, with Team Chevy drivers accounting for triumphs in seven of those events. In fact, the manufacturer has taken the victory in the series’ past five consecutive long-distance races – each recorded by a different Team Chevy driver:

  • Talladega Superspeedway (521 miles; April 23, 2023): Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Camaro ZL1
  • Daytona International Speedway (530 miles; Feb. 19, 2023): Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 JTG Daugherty Racing Camaro ZL1
  • Talladega Superspeedway (500 miles; Oct. 2, 2022): Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1
  • Texas Motor Speedway (501 miles; Sept. 25, 2022): Tyler Reddick, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Camaro ZL1
  • Darlington Raceway (501 miles; Sept. 4, 2022): Erik Jones, No. 43 LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Camaro ZL1

CHASING BACK-TO-BACK AT CHARLOTTE

Chevrolet heads into the weekend not only as the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ most recent winner, but also the series’ defending winner at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Looking for his first win of the season, Josh Berry and the No. 8 JR Motorsports Camaro SS team will look to repeat their 2022 performance at the 1.5-mile North Carolina oval and make it back-to-back trips to victory lane in Saturday’s 200-lap event. The NXS made its debut at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1982. Chevrolet’s first triumph in the series at the track came in 1991 – recorded by Dale Earnhardt Sr. In the series’ 77-race history at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Chevrolet has amassed 22 all-time NXS wins at the track.

Josh Berry, No. 8 JR Motorsports Camaro SS

Charlotte Motor Speedway – May 28, 2022

 THREE-IN-A-ROW AND COUNTING

The Bowtie brand has hit a stride in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series unlike its manufacturer competitors with Kyle Larson’s triumph at North Wilkesboro Speedway marking the third consecutive victory for the Silverado RST this season. The manufacturer sits at an impressive winning percentage of 60 percent with five different Team Chevy drivers winning a combined six of the series’ 10 races this season. In 20 NCTS appearances at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Chevrolet has found victory lane a series-leading 11 times – most recently one year ago with NCS regular Ross Chastain driving the No. 41 Silverado RST for Niece Motorsports to the win.

BOWTIE BULLETS:

· Victories by active Chevrolet drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway:

Jimmie Johnson – eight (series-leading; 2016, 2014, 2009, 2005 sweep, 2004 sweep, 2003)

Kyle Larson – one (2021)

Chase Elliott – one (2020)

Kyle Busch – one (2018)

Austin Dillon – one (2017)

· Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 25 all-time Coca-Cola 600 victories, most recently by Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson (May 2021).

· NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip leads the series with five career Coca-Cola 600 victories. Currently sitting second on event’s all-time wins list with four triumphs, Jimmie Johnson could potentially tie Waltrip’s win record in Sunday’s 600-mile race.

· 10 drivers in series’ history recorded their first career NASCAR Cup Series win at Charlotte Motor Speedway – most recently by Team Chevy’s Austin Dillon (No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet) in the 2017 Coca-Cola 600.

· Only three drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series are repeat winners this season, all coming from Team Chevy (William Byron – Las Vegas, Phoenix & Darlington; Kyle Larson – Richmond & Martinsville; Kyle Busch – Auto Club and Talladega).

· In 13 points-paying NASCAR Cup Series race this season, Chevrolet continues to lead the series in wins (eight), top-fives (30), top-10s (55), stage wins (14) and laps led (1,748).

· Chevrolet leads the series in wins across all three NASCAR national series this season with eight victories in 13 NASCAR Cup Series races, seven victories in 11 NASCAR Xfinity Series races and six wins in 10 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races – all with a win percentage of more than 50%.

· With Grant Enfinger’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win at Kansas Speedway, GMS Racing is tied with Kevin Harvick Incorporated as the winningest Chevrolet organization in NCTS history with 43 all-time wins.

· Chevrolet’s series-leading eight NASCAR Cup Series wins this season have been recorded by drivers from three different Chevrolet teams: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (JTG Daugherty Racing), Kyle Busch (Richard Childress Racing), William Byron and Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports).

· Chevrolet drivers have recorded 14 of the 26 NASCAR Cup Series stage wins this season: William Byron (six; series-leading), Ross Chastain (five), Kyle Larson (two) and Chase Elliott (one).

· Chevrolet continues to sit atop the manufacturer points standings in all three NASCAR national series, leading by 38 points in the NASCAR Cup Series, 36 points in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and 30 points in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

· With its 41 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer’s Championships, 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver’s Championships, and 841 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title of winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.


TUNE IN:

· NASCAR Cup Series: Coca-Cola 600

Sunday, May 28, at 6 p.m. ET

(FOX, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

· NASCAR Xfinity Series: Alsco Uniforms 300

Saturday, May 27, at 1 p.m. ET

(FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

· NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: North Carolina Education Lottery 200

Friday, May 26, at 8:30 p.m. ET

(FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)


QUOTABLE QUOTES:
ROSS CHASTAIN, NO. 1 ADVENTHEALTH CAMARO ZL1

How do you prepare for the Coke 600?

“This is the longest race of the year and preparation begins well before the weekend to hydrate and be able to sustain a solid pace for such a long race. It’s so easy to think this is just another race weekend but you have to always have in your mind that there is a fourth stage and you still want to be as focused in that stage as you were in the first. It’s actually a really important race to have something to snack on in the car during the race. I typically have some sort of protein bar that I can eat during a stage break just to try and keep my stamina up. The weather plays a big role in the race too. Sometimes it’s really hot and it’s a lot easier to get worn out and other times the temperature is pretty mild.”

What would it mean to win at Charlotte?

“We led a bunch of laps last year at this race and I hope to repeat the same this year. Phil Surgen and the guys continue to bring me fast cars and my pit crew is very consistent and helps me out on pit road. It would be awesome to go to victory lane at Charlotte for the 600 mile race because it’s so close to the shop and it’s one of the marquee events of the year.”

AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 BASS PRO SHOPS CAMARO ZL1

“My two favorite races of the year are the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600. Charlotte is a body killer. It’s a rough track. 600 miles there is a grind and I really love that race. I was able to win the Coca-Cola 600 in 2017 and very close last year to getting another win. Hopefully, Charlotte Motor Speedway owes us one more and we can go and get it done. You just know after years of being in the 600 and being able to win that race you are in for the long haul, it’s a grind because it’s so long, and mentally you must stay in it to have a chance to win. It all comes down to that last 100 miles. It’s probably the most challenging 100 miles we race all year. Leading up to 600 miles you have to be flawless. It’s a mental and physical task. The Coca-Cola 600 is a great race to be a part of.”

You think about the cool trophies NASCAR has, how does the Coca-Cola machine you won in 2017 Rank up there?

“It’s an awesome trophy. It’s a throwback with that fridge. Coca-Cola does such a great job of bringing something unique to us drivers to win. I’m proud that I have one and I want to win another.”

What does it mean to you to be able to do things with Coca-Cola at Charlotte Motor Speedway and to be a winner of the Coca-Cola 600?

“It’s a special weekend for the Coca-Cola racing family, obviously, I’m always carrying the red label and Coca-Cola. It’s a fight to see who wins it from the Coke family and hopefully, the No. 3 Chevrolet takes it home for them.”

You’ve found success at Charlotte Motor Speedway, what is it about that track that suits your driving style?

“I had a test one year there and I felt good about my arch in turn 3. I think the biggest thing as a kid was, I always sat in the condo in turn 1 and watched Jimmie Johnson win a lot of races there. I know where the car needs to be, and car placement is key there.”

KYLE BUSCH, NO. 8 ALSCO UNIFORMS CAMARO ZL1

Your victory in the 2018 Coca-Cola 600 was one of the most dominating performances of your career. How special is that win?

“To me the 2018 Coca-Cola 600 is one of the most dominant performances of my career and I think it’s a very special one. I say that because we led so much of that race and had such a fast car, a dominating car, and our team did everything perfectly. During that race they had PJ-1 sprayed down and a lot of guys were running in the PJ-1 to make time. Our stuff was good and we were so fast that we didn’t even have to use it and run in it. We could beat everybody outside of it and that really helped our tire life and our long run speed where people would wear their tires out in the glue and just take life out of their tires by having to run up there. That was a really cool win and that was the final track that I needed to get a points-paying win at that was still on the schedule. I accomplished winning at every single venue on the schedule at that point and time and it was really cool to have that honor.”

Since there is only one race each season on the Charlotte oval, does that make it extra special when you perform well?

“With only going to the oval once I think it just makes it extra special and because it’s the Coca-Cola 600. You still look at that race as one of the bucket list races of the season, one of the crown jewels, and so you definitely want to win that one. I think that race really means a lot, especially on Memorial Day weekend.”

You will recognize fallen service member Jack William Roper at the Coca-Cola 600. Mr. Roper is a native of Salt Lake City, Utah and during World War II he served as a radio technician second class aboard the USS Mahan (DD 364), a destroyer that played a pivotal role in the Pacific theater. What does it mean to you to honor men like Mr. Roper each year?

“I enjoy the fallen service member program that NASCAR does by putting the name to recognize a fallen service member on the windshield. I feel as though when you win that’s extra special to the families that are there. You get a chance to honor them and celebrate with them and have them be in victory lane with you. That’s really, really fun. We did that in 2018 and it was super cool. It’s not that easy to win, so you’d love to be able to reward those families, but you also tell them how appreciative you are. This year we get a chance to work with Jack William Roper family who is a native of Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s going to be really cool to honor him and his family.”

CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 NAPA PATRIOTIC CAMARO ZL1

Elliott on looking ahead to the longest race of the season:

“It is a long race, but it doesn’t necessarily feel much different to me. Don’t get me wrong, it is a long race. It can certainly drag on. I just feel like when you are in the heat of the moment, racing and focused and set on a goal, it doesn’t really seem a lot different. Winning the Coca-Cola 600 is certainly a box I’d like to check and we’ve come close once or twice. I think we have as good a shot as anyone this weekend.”

ALAN GUSTAFSON, CREW CHIEF, NO. 9 NAPA PATRIOTIC CAMARO ZL1

Gustafson on preparing for the longest race of the year:

“All of the components in the car are pretty standard, so you just want to make sure you have it all in good condition and dot all your i’s and cross your t’s. There’s not much we can do to the car itself. I think the biggest thing is just the opportunity you have over the course of the event. There’s more pit stops, there’s more restarts, there’s more strategy calls and there’s more laps. There’s more everything. Preparing for that and being able to keep yourself in good position. Not making mistakes or get yourself behind or get yourself in trouble. Mentally you need to be ready for how long that race really is and how much focus it takes, I think it’s pretty crucial, not only from the team side, but for Chase (Elliott) and for the pit crew.”

Gustafson on the team’s second mile-and-a-half start with Elliott behind the wheel this season:

“Kansas (Speedway) was an important race for us because it just took us a while to kind of get back in the flow (after Chase’s return). Kansas was one of the first races I feel like that we got to where we needed to be and focused on the right things. We executed the race for the most part, we were competitive and towards the front. I feel like from there on, you need to continue to perform at higher levels. So, I think we need to be better yet. Charlotte (Motor Speedway) is a good place to be able to do that and build off of our Kansas performance.”

AJ ALLMENDINGER, NO. 16 ACTION INDUSTRIES CAMARO ZL1

“Memorial Day weekend is always a special weekend at the track. What we are representing is bigger than the race and we’ll take a lot of pride in having our patriotic No. 16 Action Industries Chevrolet on track this weekend to honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country. This is the longest race we have so it’s a mental and physical challenge, but it’s also a race that can be very enjoyable as well if it goes well. I’m excited to be back to run the 600.”

NOAH GRAGSON, NO. 42 BLACK RIFLE COFFEE COMPANY CAMARO ZL1

“This is a special weekend for everyone. The Coca-Cola 600 is a great race for the fans and it’s a ‘home’ race for the team. We have a special tribute on the car with Gunnery Sgt. Menusa which has special meaning to everyone at Black Rifle Coffee Company. I am thankful to all who have served and to meet the Gold Star families who are guests of our team this weekend. My family will be in town too, so I’m looking forward to the 600. We have had great cars on these types of tracks, it’s a long race and we plan to go the distance.”

ERIK JONES, NO. 43 U.S. AIR FORCE CAMARO ZL1

“Charlotte will be fun, the Coke 600 is one of my favorite races of the year for a couple of reasons, honoring the troops on Memorial Day weekend and to be able to represent the life of Major Del Bagno is something that is hard to put into words. Having a sponsor as important as the United States Air Force representing our Chevrolet is something that not a lot of people have the opportunity to do, and I have been very appreciative of the relationships we have developed over the years and hope to continue that. The 600 miles endurance race is fun and always a good time, we ran well last year, and we usually run well in Charlotte, but this is considered one of the “Crown Jewels” for us drivers, last year was intense and was over a five-hour race, it was one of, if not the longest Coke 600 in history. I am excited for that whole week, memorial day weekend is one of my favorite parts of the year and I am honored to have legacy of Major Del Bagno on our Camaro.”

RICKY STENHOUSE JR., NO. 47 KROGER / COCA-COLA CAMARO ZL1

“We remember those who answered the call of duty with immeasurable selflessness and the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We honor our fallen soldiers this Memorial Day weekend, and we humbly unite to remember them with reverence.

I ran my first ever Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway and it’s a track I’ve always ran well at. Last year, we had a competitive race car. We would love to have a shot at winning this crown jewel of the sport. We have a good shot based on how we ran at Dover (Motor Speedway) and Darlington (Raceway). We feel like that will translate to Charlotte.”

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 84 CLUB WYNDHAM CAMARO ZL1

“It is great being back in Charlotte, it’s been a while. I’ve had so much success over the years at this track, it’s so special to me. This weekend is so important to so many, and I always treasure the time we get to spend with the families of the fallen soldiers who are on our race cars. I hope to have a good solid race this weekend, as last time out (COTA) I didn’t even get to take a lap. Happy to have Club Wyndham on the car this weekend and as soon as we are finished in Charlotte I will be heading to France and fulfilling another bucket list item – the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 JOCKEY CAMARO ZL1

Did you gain momentum at North Wilkesboro?

“The No. 99 team has had a lot of speed lately, but we haven’t had the execution and the results. We’ve been very tough on ourselves. It was good to go to North Wilkesboro, get the pole with the pit crew, win our heat race, lead a bunch of laps and have a lot of fun. Hopefully, we can keep it going this weekend in the Coca-Cola 600 Sunday.”

What is the key to success in such a long race as the Coca-Cola 600?

“As a driver, your goal is to be as fresh at the end of the race as you are at the beginning. That’s important. It isn’t about making it to the end of the race. It’s about being at your best at the end and taking advantage of other drivers who are tired.”

How do you prepare for Sunday?

“As a human being you try and perform at 100 percent the entire time, but when you’re running a marathon, you’re not going to be as strong in the last 30 minutes. That’s normal. Fatigue is setting in, your muscles are tired, you’re running out of fluid, and you’re hungry. Racing is the same way, especially in the Coca-Cola 600. We start running out of energy and you’re mind gets tired after four hours of racing. But I look to this race as a marathon, and you have to be on top of your game for the last part of this race. So, I always try to keep that in my mind when I’m in the car. This isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.”

GRANT ENFINGER, NO. 23 CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT SILVERADO RST

What makes Charlotte Motor Speedway such a challenging racetrack?

“Charlotte is a pretty unique mile-and-a-half racetrack considering how bumpy it is. I guess it’s because the track was built on a landfill; but there are just so many violent bumps around that place, especially going off into turn 3. You’ve gotta have a truck good enough to be able to maneuver through those and still be able to get to the bottom if you need to. The past few years, we’ve had the track compound which has given us more of an outside groove there than what we’ve had in years past.

In order to win the race, you’ve got to be able to run well on the bottom of the track as well as up on the top. I feel like Charlotte is probably one of the trickiest tracks on the schedule in terms of how much the weather conditions from the daytime practice to the nighttime race change the handling characteristics for us. It’s a really fun place when you’re dialed in, but it is easy to miss the setup there and have a long night. Hensley and I have worked hard at this place and I’m sure we will unload our Champion Power Equipment Chevy with a good package. We’re taking the same truck that we won Kansas with, so hopefully we can go out there and contend for another win with it on Friday night.”

RAJAH CARUTH, NO. 24 WENDELL SCOTT FOUNDATION SILVERADO RST

This will be your third time pulling double duty with the Truck and Xfinity car, how much of a benefit has that been for you in the past?

“Running double duty in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and Xfinity Series is going to be a big help especially when it comes to having the extra track time. I’ve been to Charlotte before, both in the ARCA Menards Series last season and in testing the Xfinity car earlier this year. To be the first one on the racetrack and know where I need to place the vehicle as well as knowing what parts of the surface have the grip and where it’s going to be optimal to run for lap time will be very beneficial. I feel good about getting a good result for everyone at the Wendell Scott Foundation and all the men and woman on my No. 24 Chevy team. We’ve had really good pace the past few weeks but have only had one decent result to show for it, so we’ll just keep it going and give it our all this weekend.”

DANIEL DYE, NO. 43 RACETOSTOPSUICIDE.COM SILVERADO RST

Since you’ve raced at Charlotte Motor Speedway before, what are some of the unique characteristics of this track that separates it from most intermediates?

“Yeah, I’m really looking forward to getting to Charlotte since I’ve raced there before and already have a couple of mile-and-a-half races under my belt in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Charlotte is different compared to a lot of these other places because it’s very bumpy and rough. I know the GMS Racing team has had some success there in the past, and based off of what we were able to learn in Kansas a few weeks ago I think Blake and the rest of our No. 43 crew guys will bring us a fast truck to compete with.”

CHASE PURDY, NO. 4 BAMA BUGGIES SILVERADO RST

You’ve had three top-10 finishes on mile-and-half tracks this year. Are you looking forward to Friday?

“I’m excited to get to Charlotte and the chance to race on another mile-and-a-half track. We’ve shown a lot of speed and we’ve had some good runs on those types of tracks this year. Our most recent one, I thought we had a truck capable of winning and just some unfortunate things happened. Hoping to change some of that luck around and have a good weekend!”

Is the Charlotte race one of the bigger races on the Truck Series schedule?

“Charlotte is always a big one because everyone wants to win at home. This race is in everybody’s back yard and to win this one it would be really special. It makes a statement to go out and win in front of everybody in your back yard. I’ll have a lot of family and friends at the track so this will be a big weekend for us.”

Does the first race of the Triple Truck Challenge make it an even bigger race?

“Obviously everybody wants to make as much money as they can on a normal weekend but since this is one of the Triple Truck Challenge races it definitely ups the stakes a little bit. I’m going to approach the weekend like it’s a normal race, go out there and try to put everything together and win. Our trucks are fast enough to do it, we just need to limit our mistakes.”

JACK WOOD, NO. 51 EBERLESTOCK SILVERADO RST

Are you looking forward to getting back behind the wheel at Charlotte after recently having a break in your Truck Series schedule?

“Yeah, I’m looking forward to Charlotte. I think more so than any place that I’ve raced at this year it is more of a driver’s race track — it’s easier to gain and lose track position. It should be a better race for us. Having this break on my schedule since Texas I’ve been able to take advantage of being behind the scenes and seeing how the crew chief and the team operate and I think that will help improve our communication moving forward. We’ll be better now than we were before and I’m looking forward to it. It’ll be a busy day Friday as I’m doing double duty running the ARCA Race as well. With being out of the truck for a while running that race will help me knock some of the rust off and I’ll have more track time than most of the guys in the Truck Series. I’m just going to have to be on point with understanding the two different balances of the vehicles and not getting the driving styles mixed up between the two of them.”

Talk about the paint scheme you are running as part of NASCAR Salutes.

“It’s exciting to have Eberlestock back on the truck for a second time this year, this time with the Green Beret Foundation as well as Montana Knife Company as associate partners. The paint scheme turned out really cool. This weekend is a big one for our country and especially the sport of NASCAR. It’ll be exciting to have them there and to honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice. My helmet also has a special scheme — stay tuned to my social channels as we are going to be doing a special giveaway and some other cool stuff.”


Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics

Manufacturers Championships:

Total (1949-2022): 41

First title for Chevrolet: 1958

Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)

Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022

Drivers Championships:

Total (1949-2021): 33

First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)

Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)

Most Recent: Kyle Larson (2021)

Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021

Event Victories:

Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)

2023 STATISTICS:

Wins: 8

Poles: 4

Laps Led: 1,748

Top-five finishes: 30

Top-10 finishes: 55

Stage wins: 14

· Ross Chastain – 5 (Daytona), (Auto Club x2), (Dover), (Darlington)

· William Byron – 6 (Las Vegas x2), (Phoenix), (COTA), (Richmond), (Dover)

· Kyle Larson – 2 (Phoenix), (Bristol Dirt)

· Chase Elliott – 1 (Talladega)

CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:

Total Chevrolet race wins: 841 (1949 to date)

Poles won to date: 738

Laps led to date: 247,292

Top-five finishes to date: 4,251

Top-10 finishes to date: 8,767

Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:

       General Motors: 1,175

       Chevrolet: 841

       Pontiac: 154

       Oldsmobile: 115

       Buick: 65



       Ford: 821                                                           

       Ford: 721

       Mercury: 96

       Lincoln: 4



       Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467

       Dodge: 217

       Plymouth: 191

       Chrysler: 59



       Toyota: 174


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.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Opens Le Mans 24 Hours Special Website

TOKYO, May 25, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) has launched a special Le Mans section(1) within its official website ahead of the 100th anniversary of the Le Mans 24 Hours, to be held in France on June 10-11.

Striking new visuals depicting the Toyota GR010 HYBRID #7 and #8 cars were unveiled, as well as commemorative photos of the team’s five Le Mans-winning cars from 2018-2022, which were united for the first time at the Circuit de la Sarthe. Information about events to be held during race week was also published.

  1. Major events before and during the race week

Earlier this week, at the invitation of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), a unique group of historic Le Mans-winning cars were assembled for the first time at the site of the race, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary(2). TGR has been storing and exhibiting its Le Mans-winning race cars in their original condition at the team’s Cologne base, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Europe(3), and within Toyota Motor Corporation(4) in Japan, while the 2020 winner, a TS050 HYBRID, was permanently loaned to the Le Mans 24 Hours Museum(5) in 2021. These cars will be displayed at the Museum from June 1 to July 2. In addition, the 2018 and 2022 winning cars will be driven by two winning drivers, Alex Wurz(6) and Kazuki Nakajima(7), respectively, alongside other historic cars in the Centenary Parade around the 13.626km Circuit de la Sarthe on June 10.

Prior to the race, a demonstration run of the hydrogen-engine “ORC ROOKIE GR Corolla H2 concept” vehicle with which ROOKIE Racing participated in the Super Taikyu Series as part of activities to make ever-better motorsport-bred cars, will take place at 12:20 on June 10 at the circuit to promote the potential of hydrogen engines as an option to achieve carbon neutrality.

  1. Exhibitions at the Centenary Village and ACO fan zone―introducing efforts to realize a Carbon Neutral society in Japan

During the race week, exhibitions will be held at the Centenary Village and ACO fan zone within the Circuit de la Sarthe to look back on the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours, where Toyota has honed and refined its vehicle technologies through competition with rival teams, and to introduce the various challenges for future realization of a carbon neutral society.

In particular, together with the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and Mazda Motor Corporation, the first Japanese automaker to win Le Mans in 1991, TGR will hold a themed exhibition to promote tourism to Japan and introduce its technological development efforts towards realizing a carbon neutral society in Japan. A concept car equipped with vehicle technologies that have been developed through numerous challenges in motorsports participation will be exhibited.

  1. Live onboard video streaming

TGR will stream a live video feed from the onboard cameras on the GR010 HYBRID #7 and #8 cars on its official website during the Hyperpole session on June 8 and the race, which starts at 23:00 (Japan time) on Saturday, June 10.

In addition, during race week, news reports and other information will be distributed alongside TGR’s social media activities. TGR sincerely hopes fans and media will enjoy watching its battle to win the Le Mans 24 Hours for the sixth consecutive time in 2023, a significant milestone in the race’s centennial year.

URL: https://toyotagazooracing.com/wec/special/2023/24h-lemans/

  1. e-Motorsports “TGR GT Cup” Round 3 to be held

The “TGR GT Cup” currently being held in Gran Turismo 7(8) will hold its third round on June 4 at the Circuit de la Sarthe, where the 24 Hours of Le Mans is held. Before the real race, please come and enjoy the race in the virtual world with GR010 HYBRID. If you enter the competition, you will receive a GR010 HYBRID Gran Turismo virtual car with the 2023 livery.

For detailed entry procedures and an outline of the event, please visit the following special website for the “TGR GT Cup 2023”.

URL https://toyotagazooracing.com/e-motorsports/join-entrant/2023/
(1) https://toyotagazooracing.com/wec/special/2023/24h-lemans/
(2) Please refer to the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Europe press release for more details.
https://tgr-europe-newsroom.com/blog/wec/artikel/le-mans-winners-united-for-the-first-time-2/text
(3) Home of the 2018 winning vehicle TS050 HYBRID and the 2021 winning vehicle GR010 HYBRID
(4) Home of the 2019 winning vehicle TS050 HYBRID and the 2022 winning vehicle GR010 HYBRID
(5) https://toyotagazooracing.com/wec/release/2021/0818-01/
(6) The youngest-ever winner who spearheaded Toyota’s return in 2012, remaining a key team member even after he retired from racing.
(7) Now Vice Chairman of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Europe, he was the first Japanese pole position winner (in 2014) and the only Japanese to win three times (2018, 2019, 2020).
(8) Gran Turismo 7 TM & 2023 Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc. “Gran Turismo” logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

General Trust Group Review: Your Trading Needs

Anyone interested in trading on the financial markets must choose an appropriate platform. It might be challenging to select the best forum since there are so many. General Trust Group is a top online trading platform that provides various financial instruments. This article will discuss some of the most important considerations to remember when making your final decision.

Facilitation of Employment

Choosing a trading platform based on how simple it is to use should be your priority. The platform’s interface should be straightforward, allowing you to locate your desired tools quickly. Executing transactions swiftly and effectively is crucial to maximizing profits, but this may need to be improved by a platform that requires a lot of time spent learning the ropes.

Inclusion in Markets

Your chosen General Trust Group trading platform must provide access to the markets you want to trade in. Stock trading, for instance, requires access to real-time stock quotations and the ability to place transactions on major stock exchanges.

In the same way, if you want to trade foreign exchange (Forex), you’ll need a trading platform that gives you access to various currency pairings and lets you execute trades in real-time. Choosing a platform that gives you access to the markets you’re interested in trading in and offers you reliable, up-to-date information is essential.

Finance Equipment

Your chosen trading platform should also provide you with the means to implement your trading strategy. Some examples of such capabilities include order customization, technical analysis indicator sets, and charting tools.

Pretend Money

Demo accounts are one of the most valuable tools for gauging the quality of trading platforms like General Trust Group. You can practice with virtual funds and a simulated trading environment by opening a demo account on several trading platforms. This is a fantastic method to test the waters and see whether the platform is a good fit.

Costs

When deciding on a trading platform, the cost is a significant concern. While some venues charge a monthly fee or a commission on each trade, others provide the service for free but earn money by increasing the spread of each transaction.

Before settling on a platform, be sure you’ve calculated all the related expenses. While a lower price is always lovely, choosing a platform with all the tools and features you need to implement your trading plan is crucial.

Methods of Trade

Identifying a trading platform that fits your trading strategy is crucial. For instance, if you’re a day trader making several deals daily, you’ll want a platform to keep up with your demands and provide you access to real-time accurate market data.

A platform that offers research and analytical tools to help you make educated investing choices may appeal more if you are a longer-term investor who concentrates on fundamentals and trade less often.

Conclusion

General Trust Group is an excellent example of a trading platform that provides various features and tools to aid traders in successfully and efficiently implementing their plans. General Trust Group offers the market access, security, and tools necessary to successfully trade stocks, foreign exchange, cryptocurrency, and other financial products. You may improve your chances of selling success and reaching your financial objectives by carefully evaluating several trading platforms and selecting the one most suited to you.

Litegraphs.com Review: Trends for the Year Ahead

The popularity of trading cryptocurrencies has risen steadily over the last few years, and sophisticated trading platforms like Litegraphs have significantly contributed to this trend. Investigating the forecasts and trends that may affect the crypto trading scene in 2023 is crucial. This post discusses the future of Litegraph-based cryptocurrency trading in 2023, emphasizing significant projections, developing trends, and variables that may affect trading tactics and choices.

Institutional investors are expected to increase their involvement in the cryptocurrency sector in 2023. Traditional financial institutions may join when regulatory frameworks become more established and institutional-grade trading platforms like Litegraphs.com gain popularity, bringing them more liquidity and stability.

Expansion of Available Crypto Assets

New cryptocurrencies and ground-breaking financial innovations will enter the crypto market shortly. Due to the increasing variety and complexity of the crypto ecosystem, platforms like Litegraphs may provide trading pairings with lesser-known cryptocurrencies, DeFi tokens, and NFTs.

Litegraphs Now Offers Two New Trading Features 

More sophisticated charting and technical analysis features are horizons for trading systems like Litegraphs. As a result, traders will have the tools they need to do in-depth research and make well-informed trading choices, such as the ability to store and share trading templates and the incorporation of more complex indicators.

Trading with Others and Following Their Lead 

Litegraphs’ feature set may be modified in response to the growing popularity of social trading platforms. To promote a community-driven approach to trading and to provide valuable insights for less experienced traders, integration with social trading networks may allow traders to copy the moves of successful traders they follow automatically.

AI and ML technologies were incorporated into Litegraphs and other trading platforms the following year. Traders may expedite their decision-making processes and perhaps enhance trading results using these technologies, including personalized trading advice, predictive analytics, and automated trading techniques.

Persistent Stress on Protecting Personal Information 

Additional Safety Precautions

Safeguarding user cash and personal information is a top priority for trading platforms like Litegraphs, which is why they use stringent security features like two-factor authentication, encryption, and secure wallet integration. Traders’ trust bolsters and new users come drawing to the site.

Enhancing Privacy Functions

In 2023, traders of cryptocurrencies will likely still value privacy. Litegraphs and similar platforms may include options including anonymous trading accounts, privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, and enhanced privacy settings to alleviate traders’ worries about their personal information being exposed.

Conclusion

The incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as the use of advanced charting and trend analysis tools, are all anticipated to improve the trading experience. Regulatory changes and market stability will provide a safer trading environment, and the ongoing focus on security and privacy will alleviate user worries.

The potential for cryptocurrency trading on exchanges like Litegraphs is high towards 2023. With greater institutional participation and more trading choices, traders should anticipate a more developed and varied market. Traders may make better judgments, reduce risk exposure, and capitalize on new developments with the help of Litegraphs’ cutting-edge features and resources. 

Updated Weekend schedule for Charlotte

Photo by Ted Seminara for SpeedwayMedia.com.

NASCAR heads to Charlotte Motor Speedway for a triple-header schedule of events on Memorial Day weekend. The NASCAR Salutes Together with Coca-Cola program will also be back for the ninth season to pay tribute to the U.S. military members and their families.

The CRAFTSMAN Truck Series competes Friday evening followed by the Xfinity Series on Saturday, culminating with the main event on Sunday with the Cup Series Coca-Cola 600. The ARCA Menards Series will also precede the Truck Series race with the General Tire 150 at 6 p.m. on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Denny Hamlin is the defending winner of the 2022 Coca-Cola 600. Multiple race winners include Jimmie Johnson with eight wins, Martin Truex Jr. and Kevin Harvick have won three times, and Brad Keselowski has won twice.

JR Motorsports driver, Josh Berry, is the defending Xfinity Series race winner and is hoping to score his first checkered flag of the season. But, it may be a difficult feat to accomplish as there have been 10 different winners at Charlotte in the previous 10 races.

Austin Dillon was the last repeat winner, winning both races in 2015, followed by Denny Hamlin (2016), Joey Logano (2016), Ryan Blaney (2017), Alex Bowman (2017), Brad Keselowski (2018), Tyler Reddick (2019), Kyle Busch (2020), Ty Gibbs (2021) and Josh Berry (2022).

The 20 previous Truck Series races at Charlotte have produced 11 different race winners. Kyle Busch leads all drivers with eight trophies and has won seven out of the last 13 races.

NASCAR Press Pass will be available after the Truck, Xfinity and Cup Series races.

All times are Eastern.

Friday, May 26

11:40 a.m.: ARCA Practice – No TV
12:40 a.m.: ARCA Qualifying – No TV
1:35 p.m.: Truck Series Practice – FS1
2:05 p.m.: Truck Series Qualifying – FS1
3:35 p.m.: Xfinity Practice – FS1
4:05 p.m.: Xfinity Qualifying – FS1

6 p.m.: ARCA General Tire 150 – FS1/MRN/SiriusXM

8:30 p.m.: Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200
FS1/MRN/SiriusXM
Distance: 201 miles (134 Laps)
Stages end on Lap 30, Lap 60 and Lap 134
The Purse: $767,542

Saturday, May 27

Noon: Xfinity Series Alsco Uniforms 300 – Postponed to Monday, May 29 at Noon
FS1/PRN/SiriusXM
Distance: 300 miles (200 Laps)
Stage 1 ends on Lap 45, Stage 2 ends on Lap 90, Final Stage ends on Lap 200
The Purse: $1,317,391

7:05 p.m.: Cup Series Practice – FS1/PRN/SiriusXM – Canceled
7:50 p.m.: Cup Series Qualifying – FS1/PRN/SiriusXM – Canceled

Sunday, May 28

6 p.m.: Cup Series Coca-Cola 600
FOX/PRN/SiriusXM
Distance: 600 miles (400 Laps)
Stage 1 ends on Lap 100, Stage 2 ends on Lap 200, Stage 3 ends on Lap 300, Final Stage ends on Lap 400
The Purse: $9,421,275

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Race Preview: Coca-Cola 600

Race Information

  • Race: Coca-Cola 600
  • Track: Charlotte Motor Speedway – Concord, North Carolina

-Round: NASCAR Cup Series Race No. 14 of 36

  • Broadcast: Sunday, May 28 at 6 PM ET live on FOX (TV), PRN (Radio) Sirius XM NASCAR Ch. 90
  • Team Entrants:

No. 42 | Noah Gragson & Luke Lambert – Black Rifle Coffee Company Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
No. 43 | Erik Jones & Dave Elenz – United States Air Force Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
No. 84 | Jimmie Johnson & Todd Gordon – Club Wyndham Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Noah Gragson, No. 42 Black Rifle Coffee Company Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Charlotte Motor Speedway Stats

Truck Series: Starts: 2; Best start: 2nd; Best finish: 8th; Top 5s: 0; Top 10s: 0; Laps led: 13

Xfinity Series: Starts: 4; Best start: 7th; Best finish: 4th; Top 5s: 2; Top 10s: 2; Laps led: 39

Cup Series: Starts: 1; Best start: 27th; Best finish: 24th

2023 Season Stats

Starts: 13; Best start: 10th; Best finish: 12th (Atlanta); Top 10s: 0, Laps led: 2; Points: 32nd

About Black Rifle Coffee Company: Black Rifle Coffee Company (BRCC) is a Veteran-founded coffee company serving premium coffee to people who love America. Founded in 2014 by Green Beret Evan Hafer, Black Rifle develops their explosive roast profiles with the same mission focus they learned while serving in the military. BRCC is committed to supporting Veterans, active-duty military, first responders and the American way of life. To learn more about BRCC and save 25% off your first-time purchase or subscription, visit Black Rifle Coffee Company and use the code “BRCCMOTOR” at checkout. Follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or subscribe to the “Coffee or Die” daily newsletter for updates.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Menusa: This weekend for NASCAR Salutes and the 600 Miles of Remembrance, Noah Gragson will have a fallen United States Marine honored on the No. 42 Black Rifle Coffee Chevrolet. A native of San Jose, California, GySgt. Menusa was a United States Marine assigned to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton. Menusa had been stationed in Japan, Cuba, Hawaii and the San Francisco area and had previously served in the Persian Gulf before leaving for the Middle East on Feb. 5, 2003. He had intended to join the Air Force after graduating high school, but changed his mind, joining the Marine Corps instead and later became a Marine recruiter. The Philippines-born Marine immigrated to the United States when he was 10, was posthumously awarded U.S. citizenship. He was killed on March 27, 2003 while ambushed in Iraq serving Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was the first casualty of war in Iraq or Afghanistan with ties to the Bay Area and is survived by wife Stacy and son Joshua GySgt. Menusa was a 14-year military veteran who loved the Marines and served wholeheartedly.

NG Appearance: Gragson will sign autographs for fans at 2:45 pm on Sunday, May 28 at the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB trackside merchandise rig at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Veterans on the 42: The No. 42 team has two veterans on the team. Longtime NASCAR spotter Earl Barban served in the Marine Corps reserves from 1982 to 1988. Mechanic Zach Casada served in the U.S. Army from June 2008 to April 2016.

From the Drivers Seat: “This is a special weekend for everyone. The Coca-Cola 600 is a great race for the fans and it’s a ‘home’ race for the team. We have a special tribute on the car with Gunnery Sgt. Menusa which has special meaning to everyone at Black Rifle Coffee Company. I am thankful to all who have served and to meet the Gold Star families who are guests of our team this weekend. My family will be in town too, so I’m looking forward to the 600. We have had great cars on these type of tracks – it’s a long race and we plan to go the distance.”

Erik Jones, No. 43 United States Air Force Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Charlotte Motor Speedway Stats

Truck Series: Starts: 1; Best start: 2nd; Best finish: 2nd; Top 5s:1; Top 10s: 1: Laps led: 88

Xfinity Series: Starts: 5; Best start: 1st; Best finish: 2nd; Top 5s: 2; Top 10s: 2; Laps led: 42

Cup Series: Starts: 8; Best start: 4th; Best finish: 7th; Top 10s: 1

2023 Season Stats

Starts: 13; Best start: 10th; Best finish: 8th (Atlanta); Top 10s: 1, Laps led: 17; Points: 25th

About the United States Air Force: The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win – airpower anytime, anywhere. Whether full time, part time, in or out of uniform, everyone who serves plays a critical role in helping us achieve mission success. For 2023, the Air Force Recruiting Service is hiring over 26,000 new Airmen. An emphasis is on recruiting people with no prior military service into one of over 130 enlisted career opportunities. The Air Force recruits to retain, to recruit the brightest candidates possible, and provide them with tough, highly technical training that gives them the right skills to sustain the combat capability of America’s Air Force. For more information, visit AirForce.com .

The Ultimate Sacrifice: This weekend for NASCAR Salutes and the 600 Miles of Remembrance, the No. 43 US Air Force Chevrolet – designed as a tribute to the Air Force Thunderbirds – will recognize one of their own. Major Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno, a native of Santa Clarita, California, earned his pilot’s license before graduating from Saugus High School in 2001. He joined the Air Force and commissioned from Officer Training School, Maxwell AFB, Alabama in 2007. He attended Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Florida and Vance AFB, Oklahoma. After completing Pilot Training as a distinguished graduate, recipient of the Air Education and Training Center (AETC) Commander’s Trophy, and Flying Training Award in 2009, he served across multiple Major Commands and two major weapons systems. Major Del Bagno went on to serve as an F-35A Evaluator Pilot and Chief of Standardization and Evaluation for the 58th Fighter Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida and served as the 58th Fighter Squadron Chief of Training, and the Executive Officer to the 33rd Operations Group Commander. In 2017, Major Del Bagno was selected to serve as the Slot pilot for the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. He was the first F-35A pilot to serve as a Thunderbird. During his transition to this new assignment in 2018 Stephen also obtained his Master of Aeronautical Science, Aviation Aerospace Management Degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida. In addition to the slot position, he was also the squadron’s Chief of Scheduling. Prior to his death, he was one of the enlisted Air Force personnel who consulted on the film “Captain Marvel”. On April 4, 2018, Thunderbird #4, Major Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno, perished when his aircraft crashed during a routine training mission over the Nevada Test and Training Range. He was laid to rest during a public funeral service at 4:44 P.M., on April 15, 2018, at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, California where he received full military honors.

Honoring His Papa: Jones will replace his own name on the No. 43 United States Air Force Chevrolet with “Papa” to honor his grandfather, Robert “Bob” Wayne Jones who recently passed away at the age of 90. The elder Jones served in the as a Staff Sargent in United States Air Force Fire Department (Fire Brigade) both in the U.S. and abroad. During his four years of service, Jones earned a National Defense Service Medal and was also a Good Conduct Medal recipient. Upon retirement from the Air Force, Jones returned to Michigan and worked for General Motors for 30 years.

Veteran on the 43: Richard “Carl” Garcia, a longtime mechanic on the No. 43, served in the U.S. Army 3rd Battalion 325 Airborne Infantry regiment 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg from October 1997 to June 2000.

Erik Jones Raceday Appearances: Fans will have two opportunities this weekend to meet the driver of the No. 43 Chevrolet as Jones will make two appearances on race day at Charlotte Motor Speedway. At 12:45 pm (local time), Jones will join Kenny Wallace at the Circle K Fan Stage for a question-and-answer session, and then will sign autographs for approximately 100 fans at the United States Air Force activation in the fan midway at 2:30 pm. The Erik Jones Foundation will also hand out sunscreen samples to fans throughout the day to encourage skin checks and sun safety.

May is Melanoma Awareness Month: The month of May is Melanoma and Skin Care awareness – a cause very dear to the Jones family, as early cancer detection and care is one of the three pillars of the Erik Jones Foundation (EJF). Cancer detection and care have been a priority for Jones since his father, Dave, succumbed to the disease in 2016. Last October, Jones and his family attended the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) Gala in New York City, where Jones accepted the 2022 Courage Award on behalf of his late father. For more information visit: www.erikjonesracing.com/foundation/

From the Driver’s Seat: “Charlotte will be fun, the Coca-Cola 600 is one of my favorite races of the year for a couple of reasons, honoring the troops on Memorial Day weekend and to be able to represent the life of Major Del Bagno is something that is hard to put into words. Having a sponsor as important as the United States Air Force represented on our racecar is something that not a lot of people have the opportunity to do. I have been very appreciative of the relationships we have developed over the years and hope to continue that. The 600-mile endurance race is fun and always a good time, we ran well last year, and we usually run well in Charlotte, but this is considered one of the ‘crown jewels’ for drivers, last year was intense and was over a five-hour race, it was one of, if not the longest 600 in history. I am excited for that whole week, Memorial Day weekend is one of my favorite parts of the year and I am honored to have legacy of Major Del Bagno on our Chevy Camaro.”

Jimmie Johnson, No. 84 Club Wyndham Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Johnson Charlotte Motor Speedway Stats

Cup Series: Starts: 37; Wins: 8; Top 5s: 16; Top 10s: 22; Laps led: 1,936

About Club Wyndham: This year, Club Wyndham is offering racing fans 15% off on a bucket list NASCAR vacation. Save on resort stays during race weeks in destinations near select races by booking through Extra Holidays, Club Wyndham’s rental platform. To learn more: http://www.extraholidays.com/legacy.

*Travel offer details: Book by December 31, 2023. Travel by December 31, 2023. Two-night minimum length of stay required. Valid for new reservations only. Reservations are subject to availability. Reservations may be limited during certain holidays. Cannot be combined with any other offer. All monetary amounts are noted in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.

Sgt. Frederick: Sgt. Kendell Kioma Frederick was originally from Trinidad, and at the age of 15 relocated to Maryland. Though not yet a United States citizen, Frederick joined the US Army Reserve as a mechanical engineer with the 983rd Engineer Battalion. While in Iraq, he continued his pursuit of becoming a naturalized citizen. On Oct. 19, 2005, Sgt. Frederick’s HUMV encountered an improvised explosive device (IED) and he died as a result. His death motivated not only his family, but politicians and the US government to make a change. On June 26, 2008, the Kendell Frederick Citizenship Assistance Act was enacted. Although his life was lost at age 21, Sgt. Frederick’s name and story will forever live on, not only through his family and friends, but through the thousands of military citizenship applicants who benefit from his Act.

Record Holder at CMS: Johnson has 12 total victories at Charlotte Motor Speedway and is the winningest driver at the 1.5-mile track. Over his storied career, Johnson tallied four wins in the Bank of America 500 (2004, 2005, 2009, 2016), four NASCAR All-Star Race wins held at the track (2003, 2006, 2012, 2013) and four wins in one of NASCAR’s crown jewels, the Coca-Cola 600 (2003, 2004, 2005, 2014).

Au Revoir: Hours after Johnson crosses the finish line after 600-miles at Charlotte Motor Speedway, he will head to Paris, France to begin the events leading into the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Johnson will spend time in the simulator, participate in parades, team meetings, media sessions and eventually he and the Garage 56 team of Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR will make history at the prestigious endurance race.

A Legacy Gift: One of Johnson’s greatest legacies has been the charitable influences through the Jimmie Johnson Foundation (JJF). When Johnson stepped away from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition, and to mirror the JJF’s support of public education, Charlotte Motor Speedway established a $48,000 Jimmie Johnson Scholarship Fund to benefit deserving Cabarrus County high school seniors. For 10 years, a $4,800 scholarship will be awarded to deserving student with career pursuits in fitness, nutrition or exercise science, passions that Johnson has championed as much as he has racing.

Last Time Out: The last time Johnson raced in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, he started second and finished second, but the car did not pass post-race inspection and the finishing position was disqualified.

One Year Ago: One year ago, this weekend, Johnson was fulfilling his childhood dream of racing in the Indianapolis 500. Johnson started the race 12th, led two laps, but had an unfortunate crash with seven laps remaining in the race, finishing 28th. He received the 2022 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Award which was presented to the driver who has performed with the most distinction among first-year drivers in the Indianapolis 500. The award is determined by a vote, based on a culmination of on-track performance in practice, qualifying, the race, media and fan interaction, sportsmanship and positive influence on the Indy 500.

Next up, 84: Johnson is the owner of 83 NASCAR Cup Series points wins and is tied with NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough for sixth on the all-time NASCAR Cup Series winners list. If he breaks through with a win during his limited racing schedule in 2023, he will be tied for fifth with two other NASCAR Hall of Fame members Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip who have 84 wins each.

From the Driver’s Seat: “It is great being back in Charlotte, it’s been a while. I’ve had so much success over the years at this track, it’s so special to me. This weekend is so important to so many, and I always treasure the time we get to spend with the families of the fallen soldiers who are on our race cars. I hope to have a good solid race this weekend, as last time out (COTA) I didn’t even get to take a lap. Happy to have Club Wyndham on the car this weekend and as soon as we are finished in Charlotte I will be heading to France and fulfilling another bucket list item – the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is a professional motor racing team that competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, owned by Maury Gallagher and Jimmie Johnson. LEGACY MOTOR CLUB operates two full-time entries, the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 of Noah Gragson and the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 of Erik Jones. The team also fields a third part-time entry, the No. 84 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, for Johnson’s limited racing schedule in 2023.

Based in Statesville, N.C., LEGACY MOTOR CLUB operates alongside GMS Racing, which fields three full-time entries in the NASCAR Truck Series. Since the formation of GMS Racing in 2012, Gallagher, along with one of the NASCAR garage’s most accomplished figures, Team President, Mike Beam, built a victorious organization, capturing the 2016 and 2020 NASCAR Truck Series championships, the 2015 ARCA Racing Series championship, as well as the 2019 & 2020 ARCA East championships, accumulating over 65 wins across six national racing circuits.

Our mission at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is to create an inclusive environment for auto-racing enthusiasts, celebrate the past and future legacies of our partners and team members, and to compete for race wins and championships at NASCAR’s elite level. To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow LEGACY MOTOR CLUB on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and at www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com.

Kris Wright NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series News and Notes

KRIS WRIGHT
No. 02 F.N.B. Corporation Chevrolet Silverado RST
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series News and Notes
Event: North Carolina Education Lottery 200
Date: Friday, May 26
Venue: Charlotte Motor Speedway
Location: Concord, North Carolina
Track Description: 1.5 mile(s)
Race: 134 laps / 201 miles

Under the Lights … Charlotte Motor Speedway is set to illuminate the track as they gear up for an exhilarating NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race under the night sky this Friday.

The event not only kickstarts an action-packed weekend, but also pays tribute to the courageous men and women who have served or are currently serving in the military.

Kris Wright embarks on his third NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at the renowned 1.5-mile paved oval track known for its 24 degrees of banking in the turns, situated just outside Charlotte, North Carolina. Wright debuted at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series with Young’s Motorsports on May 28, 2021.

Speedway Stats: Kris Wright is gearing up for his 24th start in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series on speedways, which are tracks ranging from 1 to 2 miles in length. Wright also has five combined NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) starts on speedways.

QUOTE WORTHY

Kris Wright, driver of the No. 02 F.N.B. Corporation Chevrolet Silverado RST for Young’s Motorsports
On the Charlotte Motor Speedway:
“Back to the Charlotte Motor Speedway! This weekend is one of my favorites. I am excited to go racing at another 1.5-mile track – and excited to represent F.N.B. Corporation in one of their biggest markets. The No. 02 Young’s Motorsports team is bringing a new Chevrolet Silverado RST to hit the track. Be sure to tune-in.”

Kris Wright on Social Media … To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, visit KrisWrightMotorsports.com, or connect with Kris Wright on Facebook (/KrisWrightRacing), Twitter (@KrisOnNASCAR) or Instagram (@krisonnascar).

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series History at the Charlotte Motor Speedway … This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ 20th, 21st and 23rd NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The organization posted a team best finish at the track of 13th-place with Tyler Dipple on May 17, 2019. The 19 previous starts at America’s Home for Racing with 200 miles of wheel-to-wheel excitement as the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series kicks off Memorial Day weekend’s triple-header, have earned Young’s Motorsports an average starting position of 22.2 and an average finish of 24.7.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series History … Since entering the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in 2012, the Mooresville, N.C.,-based organization has logged 436 starts from 52 drivers, resulting in solid performances that include two victories (Talladega Superspeedway 2019, 2021), seven top-five finishes and 32 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 22.3 and an average finishing position of 21.4.

Catch the Action … The North Carolina Education Lottery 200 will be televised on FS1 on Friday, May 26, starting at 8:30p.m. (ET). To kick off the excitement, tune in to NASCAR RaceDay: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on FS1 at 8:00 p.m. (ET).

For live coverage of the event, fans can also tune in to the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, both starting at 8:00 p.m. (ET). If you’re eager to catch the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series qualifying, it will be aired on FS1 on Friday at 1:30 p.m. (ET).

About F.N.B. Corporation F.N.B. Corporation (NYSE: FNB), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a diversified financial services company operating in seven states and the District of Columbia. FNB’s market coverage spans several major metropolitan areas including: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland; Cleveland, Ohio; Washington, D.C.; and Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham and the Piedmont Triad (Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point) in North Carolina. The Company has total assets of approximately $42 billion and nearly 340 banking offices throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, D.C. and Virginia.

FNB provides a full range of commercial banking, consumer banking and wealth management solutions through its subsidiary network which is led by its largest affiliate, First National Bank of Pennsylvania, founded in 1864. Commercial banking solutions include corporate banking, small business banking, investment real estate financing, government banking, business credit, capital markets and lease financing. The consumer banking segment provides a full line of consumer banking products and services, including deposit products, mortgage lending, consumer lending and a complete suite of mobile and online banking services. FNB’s wealth management services include asset management, private banking and insurance.

The common stock of F.N.B. Corporation trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FNB” and is included in Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index with the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) Regional Banks SubIndustry Index. Customers, shareholders and investors can learn more about this regional financial institution by visiting the F.N.B. Corporation website at www.fnbcorporation.com.

WWE Superstar Braun Strowman to Pilot Pace Car at Toyota/Save Mart 350

The former strongman gets behind the wheel for Sonoma’s NASCAR race

SONOMA, Calif. (May 24, 2023) – WWE Superstar and former strongman Adam Scherr, aka Braun Strowman, will serve as the honorary pace car driver for the upcoming Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race on June 11. Known not only for his strength but also his larger-than-life persona, Strowman will bring his charisma, athleticism and showmanship to a new arena as he enters the high-octane world of NASCAR.

Strowman, known for being one of the most formidable competitors to enter a WWE ring, dominated the sport for over eight years. He won his first world title at WrestleMania 36 in 2020 and often went toe-to-toe with some of the biggest names in the WWE Universe.

Not content to just stay in the ring, Strowman appeared in the Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly film “Holmes & Watson” in 2018 and has served as a brand ambassador for companies including Polaris and Universal Technical Institute. He has also flexed his business acumen as co-founder of Crusher Nuts, and partnership with Anarchy Bats, honoring his legendary softball player father.

On June 11, he will buckle into a new role as he leads the field of 36 drivers through the pace laps to the green flag of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 after being recognized on the pre-race stage.

Sonoma Raceway’s 34th annual NASCAR weekend packs in three full days of on-track action, beginning with the General Tire 200 ARCA Menards Series West race on Friday, June 9 and the DoorDash 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday, June 10. The weekend concludes with the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on Sunday, June 11.

Fans of all ages can witness the fusion of strength, speed and excitement at Sonoma Raceway this Summer. Tickets for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 are available now at SonomaRaceway.com or by calling 800-870-RACE. Kids tickets for Sunday’s race are just $10 with a ticketed adult.

Sonoma Raceway is a 2.52-mile and 12-turn road course and quarter-mile drag strip located at Sears Point in Sonoma County, California. Built in 1968 the track is carved into rolling hills with 160 ft of total elevation change. It is host to one of the few NASCAR Cup Series races each year that are run on road courses. It is one of the world’s busiest racing facilities, with track activity scheduled an average of 340 days a year. A complete and versatile motorsports complex, it is home to one of the nation’s only high-performance automotive industrial parks with approximately 70 tenants.

Pacers’ Star Tyrese Haliburton To Drive Pace Car at 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge

NBA All-Star To Lead NTT INDYCAR SERIES Field to Green

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, May 24, 2023) – Tyrese Haliburton, who had a breakout season with the Indiana Pacers in 2022-23, has been named honorary Pace Car driver for the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 28.

Haliburton will drive the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 hardtop convertible and lead the field of 33 drivers to the start of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

“It’s a tremendous honor to be given the opportunity to drive the Pace Car and lead the field to start the Indy 500,” Haliburton said. “Basketball and racing are big in Indiana, and it’s such a cool experience to represent the Pacers at the biggest race in the world.”

During the 2022-23 NBA season, Haliburton, a first-time NBA All-Star, became the first player in NBA history to average 20 or more points and 10 or more assists and to shoot 40 percent or better from three-point range. In his second season with the Indiana Pacers, Haliburton averaged 20.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game over 56 starts.

Haliburton ranked fourth among all guards in the NBA during the season for number of double-doubles posted (32). He became the first player to record 40+ assists and no turnovers over any three-game span in NBA history.

Originally selected as the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by Sacramento, Haliburton has averaged 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.6 steals over 191 games (153 starts) during three seasons with the Kings and Pacers. He has posted 62 double-doubles in his career, including 43 with the Pacers.

“Tyrese had a breakout season for the Indiana Pacers this year, and he’s the perfect fit to lead the field at the Racing Capital of the World,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Tyrese has power and speed on the court, so driving the Corvette Z06 Pace Car should be a natural fit.”

Corvette has paced “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” more times than any car. The 2023 race marks the 34th time for Chevrolet to pace dating back to 1948 and the 20th time overall and since 1978 for America’s favorite sports car.

The 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 28, 2023. Visit IMS.com for tickets and more information on all Month of May events and activities at IMS.