The JTG Daugherty Racing team honors fallen soldier Sgt. Alessandro L. Plutino on the windshield of the No. 47 Kroger® / Coca-Cola® Camaro at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
HARRISBURG, N.C. (May 24, 2023) – – The convergence of the Coca-Cola® 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway with Memorial Day weekend creates a truly special and significant occasion. It intertwines the thrill of racing with the solemnity of honoring our fallen heroes. This unique alignment reminds JTG Daugherty Racing and our partners of the valor and sacrifices made by brave men and women in service to our country.
“In the quiet of every Memorial Day, we remember the brave souls who answered the call of duty with immeasurable selflessness and the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said Ricky Stenhouse Jr. “NASCAR Salutes honors our fallen soldiers this Memorial Day weekend, and we humbly unite to remember them with reverence.”
During the 600-mile event, we will honor and remember the brave soul, Sgt. Alessandro L. Plutino, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. On August 8, 2011, in the rugged landscape of Afghanistan, Sgt. Plutino laid down his life in service to his country, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering courage and selflessness.
“We will be carrying the name of Sgt. Alessandro L. Plutino (aka Sandrino) on our No. 47 Kroger® / Coca-Cola® Camaro windshield,” said Stenhouse Jr. “Our team thanks his mother Dianne, father Sandro, sister Brennarae, his fiancée Natalie and entire family for allowing us to honor him.”
Fueled by the memory of Sgt. Plutino’s sacrifice, the 2023 DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION and team’s quest is to win a second crown jewel event to add to their win column. Not only would it be a personal triumph for Stenhouse Jr. and the No. 47 Kroger / Coca-Cola Camaro team, it’s a powerful tribute.
“I ran my first ever Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway and it’s a track I’ve always ran well at,” said Stenhouse Jr. “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.”
Live coverage of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway begins at 6 PM ET on FOX, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90).
More about Sgt. Alessandro L. Plutino:
Sgt. Alessandro L. Plutino (aka Sandrino) was an Alpha Team leader in Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. His awards included the Ranger Tab, Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, 3 Army Commendation Medals, 3 Army Good Conduct Medals, 3 Army Achievement Medals, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/2 stars, Iraq Campaign Medals w/2 stars, GWOT Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, 2 Bronze Star Medals – 1 with V device, Meritorious Service Medal w/V device and a Purple Heart.
He wrestled and played football in Pitman High School, Pitman, New Jersey, Western New England College in Springfield, Ma. and Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. where he graduated with a degree in Criminology in 2005 and immediately proceeded to enlist. He enjoyed snowboarding, fishing, riding his motorcycle and spending time with his family and friends, especially his fiancée Natalie, the love of his life. He wondered why people would often “thank him” for just doing his job, one that he chose to do while “fully knowing the hazards of his chosen profession”. Sgt. Plutino is missed every day by his mother Dianne, father Sandro, sister Brennarae and his fiancée Natalie.
· NCS/NXS/NCTS/ARCA: Charlotte Motor Speedway – May 26-28
PLANO, Texas (May 24, 2023) – The NASCAR teams get a home game as the compete at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend.
NASCAR National Series – NCS | NXS | NCTS
Hamlin plans for a repeat… After years of trying, Denny Hamlin earned his long-awaited 600-mile victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway last May. Hamlin won the pole and got past Kyle Busch on the final lap to earn the victory. Hamlin comes into Charlotte with three top-five finishes in the last five events, including his first win of the season in Kansas.
Bell continues to lead in top-10s… Christopher Bell sits second in the standings on the strength of a series-leading eight top-10 finishes this season. Bell earned his first Cup Series top-10 finish at Charlotte in 2020, and finished a track-best fifth in the 600-mile race last season.
Wallace continues to add top-fives… For the first time since March, Bubba Wallace holds a Playoff spot on the strength of back-to-back top-five finishes. Wallace also earned two top-five finishes at North Wilkesboro over the weekend as he scored a fifth-place run in the Truck Series race, before earning a second-place finish in Sunday’s All-Star race.
Nemechek back on top of the standings… John Hunter Nemechek took a slim one-point lead in the point standings after his series-leading sixth top-five finish of the season at Darlington Raceway. Nemechek is making his first Xfinity Series start at the Charlotte oval since 2019, but won at Charlotte in Truck Series action in 2021 and followed that up with a third-place finish last season.
Gibbs, Mosack double-duty… Ty Gibbs and Connor Mosack are running two races this weekend. Gibbs, the Cup Series rookie of the year leader, is running his second Xfinity Series race of the season in the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra. Gibbs has two top-two finishes at the track in Xfinity Series action, including a victory in 2021. Mosack is scheduled to run in the ARCA Menards Series race on Friday and the Xfinity Series race on Saturday as he makes his return to Sam Hunt Racing. Mosack is behind the wheel of the No. 24 Toyota GR Supra for the next four events (Charlotte, Portland, Sonoma and Nashville), before he makes his season debut with Joe Gibbs Racing in Chicago.
Gray, Friesen plan to grow Playoff advantage… Tanner Gray and Stewart Friesen both hold Truck Series Playoff positions with six races to go in the regular season going into Charlotte. Gray is eighth in the standings, 21 points above the cut off as he looks to earn his first Playoff berth. The New Mexico-native has three top-10 finishes in the last five races and earned a career-best sixth-place finish at Charlotte, one season ago. Friesen has moved from 14th to ninth in the point standings in the last three races, four points above the cutoff line. Charlotte has been a strong place for Friesen throughout his career as the Canadian has four top-10 finishes at the track since 2018, including a third-place run in 2019 and a fourth-place finish in 2021.
Gilliland returns to driver’s seat… David Gilliland, co-owner of TRICON Garage, will make his return to the driver’s seat for the first time in two years as he pilots the No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. Gilliland has run two Truck Series races at Charlotte Motor Speedway, including a top-10 finish at the track in 2009. The Tundra has six drivers behind the wheel in eight starts this season, with four top-10 finishes.
NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA
Love looks to continue winning streak… Jesse Love has taken over the points lead after back-to-back victories on the national ARCA tour. At Kansas, the 18-year-old won the pole and led 96 of 100 laps on his way to his second win of the season and fourth in his career. Charlotte is another new track for the Toyota development driver, but his 20 team led 15 laps and finished second last season.
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JR MOTORSPORTS TEAM PREVIEW: TRACK: Charlotte Motor Speedway RACE: Alsco Uniforms 300 (200 laps / 300 miles) DATE: Saturday, May 27, 2023
Broadcast Information – TV: 1 p.m. ET on FS1 / Radio: 12:30 p.m. ET on PRN and Sirius XM Ch. 90
Sam Mayer No. 1 Accelerate Professional Talent Solutions Chevrolet
Sam Mayer is set to make his second start at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend coming off a hard-fought eighth-place finish at Darlington Raceway.
Mayer earned his first NASCAR Xfinity Series pole at this race last season and finished with a strong third-place effort.
In 15 NXS starts on tracks measuring 1.5 miles in length, the 19-year-old has tallied three top-five and 10 top-10 finishes.
The Franklin, Wis. native currently sits 10th in the NXS championship point standings, 115 markers behind the leader.
Josh Berry No. 8 Tire Pros Chevrolet
Josh Berry enters this week as the defending race winner on the Charlotte oval. Berry led 89 laps after a tense battle with teammate Justin Allgaier to earn the victory.
Last year’s victory came in Berry’s second start on the 1.5- mile oval and represented JRM’s first win at its home track.
In five starts on tracks measuring 1-1.5 miles this season in the NXS, Berry has a pair of top-five finishes and five top-10 results. His best finish (second) came at Dover Motor Speedway.
The Tennessee native is fourth in series points after 11 races, 57 off the lead.
Brandon Jones No. 9 Menards/Bali Blinds & Shades Chevrolet
Brandon Jones has made nine starts at Charlotte and has recorded three top-10 finishes, with a best of seventh coming during the 2016 season.
In 122 starts on tracks measuring between 1-2 miles in length in the NXS, Jones has recorded four wins, 18 top fives and 54 top 10s, along with six pole awards.
Crew chief Jason Burdett has been atop the pit box for 10 races at Charlotte and has put together five top fives and seven top 10s, with a best finish of second coming during the 2019 season.
Jones currently sits 14th in the series standings, 43 points below the playoff cutline with 15 races remaining in the regular season.
Justin Allgaier No. 7 Unilever Military DeCA RCPT Chevrolet
Justin Allgaier has scored a best finish of second in the NXS at Charlotte, coming in this event in 2019.
Last season, Allgaier dueled with JRM teammate Josh Berry, leading for 63 laps before a flat tire late in the race shuffled the Illinois native to seventh at the checkered flag.
Allgaier has amassed five top fives and 11 top 10s in 20 career NXS starts at Charlotte.
This Memorial Day weekend, Allgaier will be carrying the logos of the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) and the Round Canopy Parachute Team (RCPT) on board his red, white and blue patriotic No. 7 Unilever Military Chevrolet.
Driver Quotes
“I am really looking forward to getting back on track after the off weekend, especially at Charlotte. I was able to grab my first pole here last year and brought home a third-place finish, which was awesome. I feel super confident that the No. 1 team has built me a rocket ship for this weekend and I’m excited to go after that checkered flag.” – Sam Mayer
“We had a really strong run here last year at Charlotte. It was great to be up front and fighting for the win with Josh (Berry). Hopefully, we can replicate that same kind of speed again this year. It’s Memorial Day weekend, which is always a special time, and it’s great to be able to carry these red, white and blue colors on our No. 7 Chevrolet with the folks from DeCA, Unilever and the Round Canopy Parachute Team. We just need to go out there and do what we have done the last few weeks, and if we do that, we should be right where we need to be to fight for the win on Saturday.” – Justin Allgaier
“Winning last year was incredible after that duel with Justin (Allgaier), and I was really happy to earn JRM’s first win at Charlotte. Our intermediate program has been on the upswing for the past couple of years, and we are coming in here confident that the Tire Pros Chevrolet will be at the front. I’m happy with the consistency, but we really need to get a win and this is the place and weekend to do it.” – Josh Berry
“Jason (Burdett, crew chief) and this entire team had a really fast car for Charlotte last year and I am sure we will have that same speed when we unload on Friday. It’s always fun to race so close to home because a lot of the employees get to come out and spend time at the track with us. It would be great to be able to get our first win together this weekend with everyone there. I know this group is capable of doing just that.” – Brandon Jones
JRM Team Updates
JR Motorsports at Charlotte: JR Motorsports has competed on the oval at Charlotte Motor Speedway a combined 76 times in the NXS. Over the course of those starts at its home track, JRM has tallied one win, 18 top fives and 36 top 10s. JRM’s win came in this race last season when Josh Berry drove the No. 8 to Victory Lane.
Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Justin Allgaier, Josh Berry, Brandon Jones and Sam Mayer will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / Legacy M.C. souvenir rig in the Charlotte Fan Zone on Saturday, May 27 from 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Fan Day: JRM Fan Day is back! Join us on Thursday, May 25, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for an entire day of festivities, including autograph sessions, a Dale Jr. car unveil, driver games, and a chance to win prizes. Autograph session wristbands will be distributed at 8 a.m. Thursday morning on a first-come, first–served basis. Limit one autograph per person per session.
JRM Retail Store: The JR Nation retail store will have extended hours this weekend to ensure fans have the chance to stock up on the latest and greatest gear! The retail store will be open until 4:30 p.m. this week with Saturday (5/27) and Sunday (5/28) hours from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Memorial Day hours will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Christopher Bell Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Advance No. 20 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry TRD for Joe Gibbs Racing
Event Overview
● Event: Coca-Cola 600 (Round 14 of 36) ● Time/Date: 6 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 28 ● Location: Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway ● Layout: 1.5-mile oval ● Laps/Miles: 400 laps/600 miles ● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 100 laps / Stage 2: 100 laps / Stage 3: 100 laps / Final Stage: 100 laps ● TV/Radio: FOX / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Notes of Interest
● Outrageously Dependable: Interstate Batteries – one of the most tenured team sponsors in NASCAR history – began its 32nd season as the founding sponsor of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) with an expanded presence that features the brand’s iconic green livery across all four of JGR’s NASCAR Cup Series entries. So far this season, Interstate has adorned the No. 20 of Bell at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, served as co-primary sponsor for Ty Gibbs in the season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, and on Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota at Circuit of Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas in March. Interstate returned to Gibbs’ No. 54 Toyota at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway in April and will adorn his car four more times this season – June 25 at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway, July 2 at the inaugural Chicago Street Race, Sept. 24 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, and Oct. 8 on the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval. Bell returned to the Interstate Batteries machine last weekend, where he finished 12th in the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway. After the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte, Bell will return to Interstate Batteries colors at Texas in September and Martinsville (Va.) Speedway in October.
● The Fund and Interstate Batteries: Interstate Batteries has partnered with Semper Fi & America’s Fund (The Fund) to help with funding adaptive vehicles for wounded service veterans which allow them to drive again, as well as assisting with vehicle maintenance and repairs. The Fund supports all branches of the military. Currently, the VA allots a one-time $24,000 grant to veterans who need adapted vehicles. The cost for adapting vehicles can run from $20,000 to $80,000 and they may get 10 to 12 years out of one vehicle before they are back to square one. This is the first time Interstate Batteries has run a military-themed/supported paint scheme and, in addition to the scheme, Interstate has made a monetary donation and is raising awareness in the hopes of driving donations to this very worthy cause Donations can be made at TheFund.org/Interstate. In addition to Interstate’s donation, The Fund appears on the hood of the No. 20 JGR Toyota Camry TRD for the Coca-Cola 600, and Interstate Batteries will be hosting guests from The Fund, including a handful of veterans who have benefitted from The Fund and its important work.
● Along with the previously announced partnership with The Fund, Interstate Batteries launched a crowdfunding campaign and hopes to help drive awareness for the ongoing needs of military families. Augmenting those efforts is the plan to feature the aforementioned military-themed paint scheme during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. For more information about Semper Fi & America’s Fund and the transportation program, visit TheFund.org.
● Bell has one top-five finish and two top-10s in four career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Charlotte, with the best finish coming in last year’s Coca-Cola 600 on the 1.5-mile oval. Bell’s average Charlotte oval finish is 14.8.
● As part of #NASCARSalutes and the
600 Miles of Remembrance initiative during the Coca
Cola 600, the No. 20 Interstate Batteries Camry will be honoring CW5 Ret. U.S. Army, William F. Sonny Hinchman, who died on July 17, 2009, near Baghdad, Iraq, in a MD-530 helicopter crash while working in support of the U.S. State Department. CW5 Hinchman was born Nov. 11, 1966, in Linton, Indiana, to Walter Jerry and Nina R. (Bosell) Hinchman. He had six brothers and sisters and graduated from Worthington-Jefferson High School in 1984 and joined the U.S. Army as a Warrant Officer Candidate. Upon completion of flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Hinchman began a 25-year career as an Army aviator. Over the course of his career, Hinchman had multiple tours to Iraq and other locations throughout the globe while serving in numerous aviation combat units, including Task Force 160, the Army’s Special Operations Aviation Regiment.
● Roval Master: While Bell is looking for his first Coca-Cola 600 win in his fifth start on the Charlotte oval this weekend, he has already conquered the Charlotte Roval, having earned the victory in last October’s Bank of America ROVAL 400k on the 2.28-mile, 17-turn road course within the Charlotte Motor Speedway grounds.
Interstate Batteries Stands the Test of Time: Former JGR and Interstate Batteries driver Bobby Labonte created some special memories for sponsor and team during the 1995 edition of NASCAR’s longest race, the Coca-Cola 600. In his first season with JGR, Labonte led 85 of the 400 laps enroute to his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series victory. Labonte went on to win 21 total races and the 2000 Cup Series championship in what became a NASCAR Hall of Fame career. Each of Labonte’s 21 wins came with Interstate Batteries adorning his car for JGR.
● Bell heads to NASCAR’s longest race second in the driver standings with 402 points, 37 out of the lead.
Christopher Bell , Driver of the No. 20 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry TRD
What are your expectations for the Coca-Cola 600 this weekend?
“My expectations for Charlotte are to compete for stage wins and race wins. It’s a very long and unique race because there are four stages, so there’s an opportunity to score more points, more so than a normal weekend. It’s definitely a race if you are fast and competitive, which we should be – you set yourself up to have a great points day with our Interstate Batteries Camry.”
With the race being so long, do you have to manage the Coca-Cola 600 any differently than other races?
“Not really. It is a long race in terms of miles, but the race is 400 laps and we run 400 laps at multiple tracks. We don’t treat it any differently. It’s just another race as far as that goes and we expect to go out there and run up front and be competitive. Really excited to have Interstate Batteries back on board this weekend. We have a really cool-looking, military-themed camouflage car, which is a result of their partnership with Semper Fi and America’s Fund. They do a lot of great work for finding adaptive vehicles for wounded veterans. It’s a lot of important work and I’m hoping we can make them proud at the end of the night on Sunday.”
Each year, NASCAR puts the focus on honoring fallen soldiers and their families during Memorial Day weekend at Charlotte. What does it mean to you to be a part of that as a driver?
“Memorial Day weekend is always a huge weekend for honoring our country’s military, past and present. The Coca-Cola 600 has become an iconic event that I think a lot of people tune in to. It would be great to have a great showing during one of our biggest races of the year, on a huge weekend for our country. I know there will be a lot of military families on hand at the race and I’m honored to not only have Semper Fi & America’s Fund ride along on our Interstate Batteries Camry, but also to have Chief Warrant Officer 5 Hinchman, whose name will be riding along with us on the windshield of our car, as well. It’s a special weekend for our country and I’m glad to be a part of all they do to honor the military families this weekend.”
Harrison Burton and the No. 21 DEX Imaging team are headed into the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway with a dual mission. They’re hoping for a strong run in Sunday’s race, the longest race, distance-wise, on the Cup Series schedule. And they intend to honor a fallen servicemember as part of the track’s annual 600 Miles of Remembrance.
Crew chief Brian Wilson said he and the other members of the DEX Imaging team, like people across the country this weekend, will be remembering those who gave their lives in service of their country.
“Heading into Memorial Day weekend, everyone on the No. 21 Ford is thinking about those who served, and currently serve our country,” Wilson said, adding that he has family members for whom Memorial Day has an extra special meaning. “Both of my grandfathers served in World War II, and both of my brothers-in- law were also in the Armed Forces.”
This weekend, Wilson will be a part of paying tribute to a young soldier who gave his life for his country.
“The DEX Mustang will proudly honor Sgt. Shawn M. Dunkin, who served in the Army,” Wilson said. “We’re planning to host members of his family this weekend and hope to make them proud with our performance.”
Sgt. Dunkin, who lived in Columbia, S.C., joined the Army in 2001. He was on his second tour of duty in Iraq on Feb. 19, 2007, when he died from injuries suffered when his vehicle was struck by a bomb. Two of his fellow soldiers, Matthew Bowe and Adare Cleveland, also were killed.
At that time Dunkin was serving as a calvary scout leader with B Troop, 1st Squadron, 89th Calvary Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division out of Ft. Drum, Ky. He was 25 years old.
His military decorations include the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Action Badge.
In interviews after Sgt. Dunkin’s death his family members told reporters stories they’d heard about him, including his giving the family Bible to a fellow servicemember who was struggling. And they learned that at the time of his death, Sgt. Dunkin had given up his leave so a younger soldier could return to the States and see his newborn child.
In another interview, Michael Dunkin described his son as “an All-American boy” who loved hunting, fishing and just being outside.
Having the Dunkin family in their pit area this weekend at Charlotte and having Sgt. Dunkin’s name on the No. 21 DEX Mustang gives the Wood Brothers team added motivation to build on the speed they’ve shown in recent races on intermediate-length tracks like Charlotte.
“We believe we hit on a setup in Kansas that Harrison liked and which produced very competitive lap times,” Wilson said. “We took those same setup ideas to Darlington, where we came away with one of our most competitive weekends this season.
“We’ll head to Charlotte with a building notebook and hopes of improving on our competitiveness.”
Practice for the Coca-Cola 600 is set for Saturday at 7 p.m., and will be followed by qualifying at 7:45.
Sunday’s 400-lap, 600-mile race is scheduled to get the green flag just after 6 p.m. with TV coverage on FOX. Stage breaks are planned for Laps 100, 200 and 300.
About DEX Imaging DEX Imaging is the digital document imaging division of Staples, the world’s largest business solutions provider. DEX sells and services the broadest selection of copiers, printers and data management solutions, such as HP, Konica Minolta, Canon, Kyocera and numerous others.
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DEX Imaging has been the recipient of virtually every industry award since the company’s inception, including the JD Power & Associates Award for Best Customer Experience, the prestigious ProTech Service award by Konica Minolta, the Diamond Premier Dealer Award by Kyocera, and the Elite DEALER Award by ‘ENX’ magazine. Other accolades include being named ‘Best Place to Work’ by numerous business journals in the markets DEX serves.
Wood Brothers Racing Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 99 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glenn’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Harrison Burton in the famous No. 21 racer.
RYAN PREECE Charlotte Race Advance No. 41 HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing
Event Overview
● Event: Coca-Cola 600 (Round 14 of 36) ● Time/Date: 6 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 28 ● Location: Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway ● Layout: 1.5-mile oval ● Laps/Miles: 400 laps/600 miles ● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 100 laps / Stage 2: 100 laps / Stage 3: 100 laps / Final Stage: 100 laps ● TV/Radio: FOX / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Notes of Interest
● This weekend, as part of #NASCARSalutes and the yearly 600 Miles of Remembrance initiative at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600, the No. 41 team will be honoring Sergeant Bradley J. Harper of the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Born on Nov. 1, 1979, Harper was raised in Dresden, Ohio and joined the Marine Corps in December 1998. He attended boot camp in the spring of 1999 and was assigned to Lima Company (Co.), 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines out of Brook Park, Ohio, after the completion of boot camp. Harper served as a reservist until 2004, when he and his wife, Kendra Kellerman (Schiewe), moved to Chesapeake, Virginia. He transferred to the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion stationed in Little Creek, Virginia. While he was living in Virginia, he worked as a police officer with the Virginia Beach Police Department. In 2005, Harper and his unit were mobilized to Iraq, where he was on the same base as his previous unit from Brook Park. On Aug. 3, Lima Co. conducted patrol operations and Harper volunteered to go on patrol with his former Marines. The vehicle that he and 13 other Marines were riding in ran over a roadside IED in Haditha, Iraq. All 13 Marines were killed in the attack.
● Sgt. Harper’s name will be on the windshield of Preece’s red, white and blue HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang as the series takes on the longest race of the season during Memorial Day Weekend.
● Preece will make his sixth NASCAR Cup Series start at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Sunday and his fifth Coca-Cola 600 start. His first was in 2019 for JTG-Daugherty Racing, when he started 24th but finished 31st due to a suspension issue. He has a best Charlotte finish of 22nd, which came in May 2020. Preece completed just 16 laps in last May’s Coca-Cola 600 event for Rick Ware Racing due to the Damaged Vehicle Policy. This weekend’s start will be Preece’s first Charlotte with Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR).
● In three NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Charlotte, Preece has a best start of third and best finish of fifth, both of which occurred last May while driving for B.J. McLeod Motorsports in the No. 5 Ford. Preece’s lone NASCAR Truck Series start at Charlotte also came last May, when he started eighth and finished 11th for David Gilliland Racing.
● Last weekend, the series made its highly anticipated return to the newly revived North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway for the 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race and All-Star Open. Preece was one of 16 drivers who needed to race his way into the main event by finishing first or second in Sunday’s All-Star Open, or by winning the Fan Vote. Preece started the 100-lap Open eighth, and his team made significant adjustments during the lap-42 competition caution, which brought Preece’s car to life. He was able to work through traffic and avoid multiple incidents on his way to finishing fourth.
● Through the first third of the Cup Series season, Preece has shown improvement and consistency at a variety of racetracks, bringing a heightened sense of motivation to the No. 41 team. He had a career weekend at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway in April, earning his first Cup Series pole and leading a career-high 135 laps. Since then, although the results haven’t shown it, Preece has started coming into his own.
● Preece heads to Charlotte 29th in the driver standings with 201 points.
● Preece kicked off the 2023 season with a strong showing in the non-points Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, leading a race-high 43 laps but ultimately finishing seventh after a fuel pump issue. He has a best points-paying finish of 12th this season, which came at Phoenix Raceway in March.
● HaasTooling.com, back again in 2023 on the No. 41 SHR Ford Musting, the cutting tool division of Haas Automation led by SHR co-owner Gene Haas. HaasTooling.com was launched as a way for CNC machinists to purchase high-quality cutting tools at great prices. Haas cutting tools are sold exclusively online at HaasTooling.com and shipped directly to end users. HaasTooling.com products became available nationally in July 2020. Haas Automation, founded in 1983, is America’s leading builder of CNC machine tools. The company manufactures a complete line of vertical and horizontal machining centers, turning centers, rotaries and indexers, and automation solutions.
● RaceChoice.com, a proud partner of Preece, has launched a special racing experience giveaway for fans. The winner will receive airfare and a two-night stay during Coke Zero 400 weekend at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. RaceChoice.com will also give the winners two pit passes for the race, set for Saturday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. ET, preceded by a meet-and-greet with Preece, driver of the No. 41 SHR Ford Mustang. Visit https://racechoice.com/2023-daytona-giveaway/ for more information.
Ryan Preece, Driver of the No. 41 HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing:
What does it mean to you to honor and remember Sgt. Bradley Harper on your No. 41 HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang this Memorial Day weekend?
“I love what NASCAR does for the military and I truly don’t think there’s another sport out there that honors and supports the military and armed forces the way we do. It’s so special to be part of it and the celebration that the track and the sport puts on all weekend is unlike anything else. To be part of it is something I really appreciate and it’s always an honor to have a military member on the windshield of the car riding with me. All of us drivers want to do them and their family proud in the race and I hope that we can do that this weekend. I think anyone who comes to the Coca-Cola 600 race weekend can see just how much this sport supports the military, and it is truly very extraordinary.”
The Coca-Cola 600 is the longest race of the season. Do you have to prepare differently for it because of its length?
“For me, hydration this week is going to be really important. Because of how long the race is, the hydration preparation has already started. We need to make sure we’re good to go way before that green flag drops so we’re in good shape to make it all the way to the end. Aside from that, everything I do is like any other race weekend and race day. I’ve been working hard in the gym with my guys and trying to be in the best shape I can be, so that will definitely help me, too.”
What’s your mindset heading into this weekend’s race?
“It’s just trying to figure out where your car needs to be in the beginning in order to have it good at the end. We all talk about that because the track goes through temperature changes throughout the race with how long it is. Charlotte is one of the most temperamental racetracks that we go to, I feel like, from day to night, from track temperature and cooling off. It’s going to be extremely important to keep up with the racetrack and with communication on what you need, how much you need and at what point in the race it makes the most sense to make those adjustments. Mindset will be important, too, because when you’re at the end of Stage 1, you’re already 100 laps into the race but you’ve still got 300 more to go and, by the end of the second stage, you feel like you’ve completed an entire race, already. It’s just keeping your head in it, remaining patient and, as always, staying out of the messes so you can be up front and in position for the win at the end. We’ve seen a lot of Charlotte wins come during the last few laps, so you’ve got to be ready.”
What would it mean to you to win a crown jewel event like the Coca-Cola 600?
“Any win is very special, and I’m still going after my first Cup Series win, so for it to come on Memorial Day weekend at the Coca-Cola 600, wow, that would just be amazing. To be able to have your name on one of those trophies and in that record book when the whole industry is close to home would be so awesome. But for me, every win is special in every series, I don’t take any of them for granted in my career. But getting a win in the Cup Series is my goal. It’s been my goal for a long time and that’s what I’ve been working so hard on. So, getting to victory lane, especially this weekend, would be the ultimate win.”
Fourteen points-paying races into the season, how would you assess the No. 41 team right now?
“We’ve grown so much as a team just from Daytona. We’re a tight-knit group and that’s something that’s important to me. The relationships I have with my guys is important because every single person on this team is an intricate part of the process and we all want the same thing – to win. There are always things we can get better at and we will continue to do those things but, as far as our team morale, we all get along great and we all work together great. We’re just putting all the pieces together, now. We’ve had some really terrible luck, but we also have fast racecars and that will transition into what we want as long as we keep fighting for it, and that’s what we’re going to do. There are certainly some races I’ve got circled on my calendar coming up and we’re looking forward to those, too.”
Cadillac Racing principals from 2000-02 LMP program talk about return to France
Cadillac Racing enters the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time in 21 years with three Cadillac V-Series.Rs in the Hypercar class and ambitions to fulfill. Interviews (below and links) with individuals at the heart of Cadillac Racing’s 2000-02 LMP program for editorial use:
Q&A with Jeff Kettman, the GM Racing Le Mans Prototype manager for the start-up program who previously was the GM NASCAR program manager:
Knowing the teething pains of a new program and watching the Cadillac V-Series.R from afar, what are your thoughts?
“I see parallels to what we went through in the late ‘90s, early 2000s in that it is new technology for the time. I have a lot of respect for the program, and it blows me away the amount of technology they are doing with the hybrid. As far as the teething pains, it’s chewing off a lot to run in two series on two continents. We did that a little bit with hiring the DAMS team to help us. A big part of the reason we did that was to have a French connection so that it would ease our path into Le Mans after 50 years away. The DAMS team was both a good team and also had more knowledge of how things operated in Europe. Running two programs does enhance the knowledge base. However, it was also challenging to support four cars. We were being outspent by Audi by a large margin and that also showed in their presence at the track.
Many design and development aids today were either in their infancy or not available yet, right?
“We were using computer-aided engineering, but we didn’t have CFD back then. We were still doing 40 percent scale models. We didn’t have the simulation that they have today. There definitely wasn’t a driver simulator where they could sit in it, so everything was more like the old school way of building parts, going to the track and testing. Obviously, making sure they were structurally sound before they were built through computer engineering, but there wasn’t the simulation like you have today.”
Cadillac Racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
How do you regard the three-year program with the emphasis on Le Mans?
“The return from 50 years was a big deal and I would say from a marketing perspective it succeeded because back then ‘Arts & Sciences’ was the Cadillac marketing theme and this was the bridge from the vinyl top Cadillacs to the CTS-V, which 2003 was the first year of the production car. The whole reason that Cadillac got involved in motorsports was to shift the public perspective of Cadillac to more of a sporty vehicle. We didn’t have the results on the track but the fact that we didn’t have major problems was impressive. We really didn’t have that much time; less than a year before the first race from getting the car built from the ground up.”
What did Max Angelelli bring to the program?
“Wayne (Taylor) wasn’t afraid to say what he was thinking. Max, coming from where he was, would tell it like it was and pushed us to really get better in a lot of areas in the car development. Max, being from Italy, kind of had the tie with Pirelli tires. They did develop a tire specifically for us and we thought that could be an advantage. Everybody else who was successful, including Audi, was running Michelins, so we thought that the Pirelli tie-in would give us an advantage. In reality, it was a disadvantage because we couldn’t compare ourselves. We didn’t know if our speed was the car, the tire or something else. So, we got some Michelins and ran a test and found that we were faster. That was part of the decision in year two to switch to Michelins. There were a whole lot of changes after year one. Max, I still appreciate. He was a very aggressive driver. Wayne was more of the endurance driver and could keep a car together for the long period and Max would be more of the let’s push it and see how hard it can go, and we needed that. It was a good balance.”
What was your initial thoughts about the spectacle of Le Mans?
“I had a background in IMSA road racing with Peerless Racing; we ran a Corvette GTP car in the late ‘80s, so I had been to the 24 hours of Daytona, Sebring, but the whole pageantry and spectacle of Le Mans – the scrutineering downtown, the parade with the drivers and just the history – was definitely noticeable. The first year it was a lot of things that were above and beyond for me as a program manager because I was involved in marketing and things like that, so it was a lot of involvement beyond the actual racetrack event. The amount of interest that we had in us as the American team as General Motors and Cadillac was kind of surprising. We were quite well-received. They like the American V8. The fact that the Corvettes were coming too was a big thing.”
What does it take to win Le Mans?
“The perspective I like is that between the 24 hours of Daytona and 24 hours of Le Mans the amount of daylight is a big difference. Le Mans, it’s not getting dark until 10 o’clock at night and the sun is coming up at 5. So, you do look for the car setup in the sunny, warmer weather ideally, but you also don’t know what you’re going to get at that time of year. In our era, it was already shifting from you couldn’t just sit back and ride for 22 hours and race the last two. It was getting in the early 2000s you had to go hard much the whole time, and I see it that way today, too. It’s a combination of the ability of the cars and the ability of the drivers. You see the drivers that are pushing it from the beginning.
“It’s always preparation and being ready for any unexpected event – having spare parts, having everything already laid out and tested – that’s where you can gain an advantage.”
— Jeff Kettman
“It’s always preparation and being ready for any unexpected event – having spare parts, having everything already laid out and tested – that’s where you can gain an advantage. There’s no substitute for miles on the track, which again because of budget reasons and other reasons we were not running a full schedule back then. But after Sebring we stayed a couple of extra days and ran another 12-plus hours to get real track miles on the car. You can simulate as much as you want in a lab or computer, but it doesn’t match what you run into. And even then, it’s not the same as running in a race. That is the other part – getting your crew sharp – and that only comes from running in a race.”
How did the car between the first year and 2002 change?
“The car evolved. We worked with Riley & Scott in the beginning because they were very successful and were probably the top U.S. constructor at the time. They did a new carbon monocoque, which was new for them. But the reality was they were a couple years behind when we looked at what was going on in Europe. So, Wayne put together 3GR with Nigel Stroud and Jeff Hazell and they were based in England right in the heart of the F1 cottage industry. We didn’t have enough time to do a complete new car for ’01 so they modified what we had and made some improvements. The car basically became a European design for ’02 and made leaps and bounds improvements in car handling. The engine was kind of tweaked and fine-tuned. It was figuring out where the weak links were, just like any racing program. The engine itself always seemed to have enough power and durability-wise I don’t recall us having any major engine issues. In the first year of the program, we learned about the level of competition we faced. In the second year, we focused on collecting data and accumulating experience while racing a highly modified LMP01 chassis. In the third year, we introduced the new Cadillac Northstar that incorporated the lessons we learned and embodied the knowledge we gained.”
As 2026 F1 regulations will boost electrical power by three times, Honda enters F1 with a new partner.
Honda will hone its e-motor and battery technologies through new F1 challenges and feed them back to mass production.
TOKYO, May 24, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced plans to participate in the FIA(1) Formula One World Championship (F1) from the 2026 season as a power unit supplier. Honda has agreed to enter into a works partnership with the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team to supply power units compliant with the new F1 power unit regulations which will take effect in the 2026 season.
In pursuit of its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, starting from the 2026 season, F1 will implement new regulations with an engine/electric motor maximum power output ratio of 50/50. This will represent a significant increase in the deployment of electrical power compared to the current ratio(2), while use of a 100% sustainable fuel is also required.
Specifically, the 2026 regulations require a reduction of engine output while tripling the output of the energy recovery system (ERS), which recovers kinetic energy under certain situations such as braking, and converts it into electrical energy. This will result in maximum power output that is roughly even between the engine and motor.
These changes in F1 power unit regulations are consistent with the direction Honda has been taking toward the realization of carbon neutrality. Working to these regulations will have profound significance in terms of providing Honda important opportunities to pursue the development of future technologies toward that direction. Based on this belief, Honda made the decision to take on a new challenge in F1 racing.
The Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), which has become responsible for both auto and motorcycle motorsports activities since 2022, will assume responsibility for the development of power units, race participation and the management for F1 racing as well.
Comment of Toshihiro Mibe, Global CEO of Honda “One of the key reasons for our decision to take up the new challenge in F1 is that the world’s pinnacle form of racing is striving to become a sustainable racing series, which is in line with the direction Honda is aiming toward carbon neutrality, and it will become a platform which will facilitate the development of our electrification technologies.
Honda is a company that has a history of growing by taking on challenges and winning world-class races. With the new 2026 regulations, the key for winning will be a compact, lightweight, and high-power electric motor with a high-performance battery capable of handling high and swift power output, as well as the energy management technology. We believe that the technologies and know-how gained from this new challenge can potentially be applied directly to our future mass production electric vehicles, such as an electric flagship sports model, and electrification technologies in various areas, including eVTOL which is currently under research and development.
Honda and our new partner, the Aston Martin F1 Team, share the same sincere attitude and determination to win, so starting with the 2026 season, we will work together and strive for the Championship title as Aston Martin Aramco Honda.
Honda has the utmost respect for the FIA, which made a bold decision to introduce these new and challenging regulations to ensure the sustainability of both racing activities and the global environment, and for the Formula One Group(3), which has been enhancing the brand value of F1 and ensuring F1’s evolvement as the most prestigious automobile racing in the world.”
Comment of Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman of Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team “I would like to welcome Honda and HRC to the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team. We share a mutual drive, determination, and relentless ambition to succeed on track. Honda is a global titan and its success in motorsport is longstanding and incredibly impressive. I would like to thank Mr. Mibe and Mr. Watanabe, and the whole team at HRC as we embark on this exciting future together from 2026.”
Comment of Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation “In the midst of major changes in our business and the motorsports environment leading toward the transition to a carbon neutral society, we have re-established HRC as an optimal platform to sustain and further evolve motorsport activities as a Honda strength. We will establish sustainable operational structures for our racing activities and continue to deliver more dreams and excitement for motorsports fans all around the world.”
Comment of Martin Whitmarsh, Group CEO of Aston Martin Performance Technologies “I have been fortunate in my career to work with Honda over the years and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with HRC and the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team from 2026. The new 2026 F1 power unit regulations are a huge and important change but one which we are confident we can navigate successfully together. Jointly with our strategic partner Aramco, we can look forward to open collaboration towards a common goal. Our future works partnership with Honda is one of the last parts of the jigsaw puzzle slotting into place for Aston Martin’s ambitious plans in Formula One. Finally, I would like to pay tribute to our current power unit supplier who we will continue to partner with for the next few seasons.”
(1) Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (2) Under the current 2023 regulations, the required ratio of electric motor contribution to power output is slightly less than 20%. (3) The Formula One Group is an organization consisting of multiple companies responsible for the entire commercial field of F1 racing, including Formula One Administration (FOA) responsible for exercising of F1’s commercial rights and Formula One Management (FOM) responsible for promotional and marketing activities for F1.
Honda’s Participation in F1 Racing
1964 – 1968 Participated as an “all Honda” team responsible for both the engine and chassis, marking Honda’s first victory at the Mexican Grand Prix in 1965
1983 – 1992 Participated as an engine supplier
1986: Won the Constructors’ Championship title as Williams Honda
1987: Won both Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship titles
1988-1991: Won both Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship titles for four consecutive years as McLaren Honda
2000 – 2005 Participated as an engine supplier and joint developer of the chassis for BAR Honda
2006 – 2008 Participated as an “all Honda” team responsible for both engine and chassis
2015 – 2017 Participated as a power unit supplier. Supplied the power unit to McLaren team
2018- Started supplying power units to Toro Rosso (currently, Scuderia Alpha Tauri)
2019- Started supplying power units to Red Bull Racing
2021 Max Verstappen won the Drivers’ Championship title for Red Bull Racing Honda Honda Concluded F1 participation
2022 HRC began providing technical support to Red Bull Powertrains Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen won both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship titles
About Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team
Location: Silverstone, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
Team Principal: Mike Krack
First F1 race: 2021
The legendary Aston Martin marque first raced in Formula One in 1959 and returned to the sport in 2021 under the leadership of Canadian entrepreneur Lawrence Stroll. With a team of passionate people at its heart, and a talented squad of drivers – including double World Champion Fernando Alonso and Canada’s Lance Stroll – this is a team with both a rich heritage and a fresh perspective. Alongside collaborative and strategic partners, the Silverstone-based team is bringing new energy to the sport with a determination to shake up the order and compete at the sharp end.
Booster seats are designed to keep older children safe once they no longer fit in their car seats and are not yet eligible to use seatbelts. If your child is ready to make the car seat switch, here are five tips to help you choose the right booster seat to ensure your young one’s safety inside a vehicle.
Know when to change to a booster seat
Since rear-facing child-restraint seats offer more security, especially during vehicle collisions, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advises that children should be kept in this seat position until they have reached the age and weight requirement maximum thresholds. They also recommend that kids who outgrew the forward-facing car seat limit use a belt-positioning booster seat until the shoulder seat belt and vehicle lap fit them correctly.
If your child has yet to reach the standard minimums, avoid making the switch and keep them in their appropriate child-restraint seats as long as possible. You should also consider your young one’s developmental needs, as they must be mature enough to remain properly seated throughout the car journey.
Understand your state’s booster seat regulations
Booster seat laws differ from state to state, so learning about your area’s booster seat regulations is essential. These governing rules can also change, so remember to keep yourself updated, especially if you have plans to relocate.
Explore your options
Booster seats come in various forms. The common types include backless boosters, high-back boosters, and combination seats. If your vehicle doesn’t have a backseat headrest, it would be best to use a high back booster with a 5 point harness, as they provide better restraint and protection to your child.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more economical option and your vehicle has headrests, consider getting a backless booster seat. Not only are they affordable, but they are also lightweight and easier to reposition. Compare the differences between these booster seat styles, and select the one that fits your child perfectly.
Invest in quality features
While saving money is ideal, there’s no price tag when it comes to your child’s safety. However, expensive booster seats don’t necessarily equate to high-quality seats, so choosing a trusted brand is vital. List your booster seat non-negotiables and categorize them by priority.
Since children grow quickly, a booster seat that provides easy headrest adjustment can save you from unnecessary stress and wasteful effort. For families with multiple children, a narrow booster seat might be best as they can comfortably fit in the backseat without compromising your young ones’ safety. Consider your family’s needs and invest in the features you value the most.
Test the fit Fit is integral when choosing a booster seat, so testing it pre-purchase is essential. A great booster seat can position the seat belt properly while providing support and protection to your child. Remember that the primary purpose of a booster seat is to keep your child safe and comfortable in the unfortunate event of a car accident, so take note of these tips and spend wisely.
As electric cars continue to grow in popularity, so too does the need for reliable and efficient charging solutions. Level 3 chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, are an essential component of any electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. These high-powered chargers can quickly add significant range to your EV battery, making them ideal for long-distance travel or rapid recharging needs.
This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of level 3 chargers, including the benefits they offer over other charging options and the factors that should be considered when choosing one. Whether you’re a new EV owner looking to install a home charger or a business owner seeking to add charging stations to your property, this guide will help you make an informed decision about which level 3 charger is right for you.
The Benefits of Level 3 Chargers for Electric Vehicles
The advantages of utilizing a Level 3 charging system for electric vehicles are numerous. One of the most significant benefits is reduced charging time. With Level 3 chargers, EV owners can charge their cars up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes, making it possible to travel long distances without having to wait for hours to recharge. This stands in stark contrast to Level 2 chargers, which typically take several hours to charge an electric vehicle fully.
Another benefit of Level 3 chargers is increased convenience. As infrastructure expansion continues, more and more public locations offer this type of charger for EV users, making it easier than ever before to find a place to charge up on the go. Additionally, some newer models of electric vehicles come with fast-charging capabilities that are compatible with Level 3 chargers straight from the factory, making them even more convenient for drivers who don’t want to spend extra money upgrading their existing charging systems at home or work. Overall, the benefits of Level 3 charging systems make them an attractive option for anyone looking to maximize their EV’s performance and usability while on the road.
Types of Level 3 Chargers Available
This section presents an overview of the various types of third-generation electric vehicle charging stations that are commercially available. Level 3, or DC fast chargers, offer the fastest charging speeds compared to level 1 and 2 chargers. These chargers typically provide a full charge in less than an hour, depending on the battery size and state of charge.
There are two main connector types for level 3 chargers: CHAdeMO and CCS (Combined Charging System). The CHAdeMO connector is commonly used by Japanese automakers such as Nissan and Mitsubishi, while the CCS connector is favored by American and European manufacturers like Tesla, Ford, and BMW. Some level 3 chargers have both connectors to accommodate a wider range of vehicles. Additionally, there are some proprietary connectors used by certain automakers such as Tesla’s Supercharger network. It is important to check which type of connector your vehicle requires before selecting a level 3 charger to ensure compatibility.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Level 3 Charger
When selecting a third-generation electric vehicle charging station, there are several factors to consider that can impact the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility of the charging process. One crucial factor is the installation requirements of the level 3 charger. These chargers require more significant electrical capacity than level 2 chargers, which means they may require additional electrical infrastructure to be installed in your home or workplace. Additionally, some level 3 chargers may not be compatible with all electric vehicles due to differences in charging protocols. It is essential to research and ensure that the chosen level 3 charger is compatible with your specific make and model of electric vehicle.
Another important consideration when choosing a level 3 charger is pricing comparison. Level 3 chargers are generally more expensive than other EV charging options due to their higher power output and faster charging times. However, prices can vary between different brands and models of level 3 chargers, so it is essential to compare prices before making a final decision. Additionally, some manufacturers offer incentives or discounts for purchasing their products, which can help offset the initial cost of installation. Overall, taking these factors into account can help you choose the best level 3 charger for your needs while also ensuring that you get the most out of your electric vehicle’s charging capabilities.
Tips for Selecting the Perfect Charger for Your Electric Vehicle
To effectively select an appropriate EV Charger for electric vehicles, it is crucial to consider various factors such as power requirements, charging speed options, price comparisons, and compatibility with specific EV models. For instance, the installation requirements of a Level 3 charger should be considered to ensure that the charger can be efficiently installed in your home or business premises. Charging speed is another critical factor to consider when selecting an electric vehicle charger since it determines how long you will have to wait before your car battery reaches full charge.
When choosing a Level 3 charger for your electric vehicle, it is crucial to select one that meets the power requirements of your car’s battery capacity. This means identifying the voltage and amperage rating of your car’s battery so that you can choose a charging station that can deliver sufficient power output. Additionally, you should compare prices across different manufacturers and suppliers to identify a charging station that offers value for money. Finally, ensure that the chosen Level 3 charger is compatible with your EV model since not all chargers are designed with universal compatibility features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a Level 3 charger and are there any ongoing maintenance costs?
The cost of level 3 chargers can vary depending on the manufacturer, model, and features. Typically, the cost ranges from $20,000 to $50,000 for a single unit. Additionally, there may be ongoing maintenance costs such as regular inspections and repairs. Installation costs also need to be considered since these chargers require specialized infrastructure and electrical work. The location of the charger may also affect installation costs as it may require additional construction or permits. It is important to consider all of these factors when deciding on a level 3 charger for your electric vehicle charging needs.
Can Level 3 chargers be installed at home or do they require special infrastructure?
Home installation of level 3 chargers requires special infrastructure, and therefore, is not recommended for residential settings. Level 3 chargers require high voltage to operate and are usually installed in commercial or industrial areas. The infrastructure required includes a dedicated electrical supply that can provide up to 480 volts of power, which is capable of charging an electric vehicle (EV) battery within half an hour. Furthermore, installing level 3 chargers at home may also require permits from local authorities, as it involves complex electrical work that must comply with safety regulations and building codes. Therefore, it is advised to consult with a professional EV charger installer before attempting any home installation of level 3 chargers.
Are Level 3 chargers compatible with all electric vehicle makes and models?
Compatibility concerns and charging speed differences are significant factors that need to be taken into consideration when choosing a level 3 charger for your electric vehicle. While level 3 chargers offer fast charging times, not all electric vehicle makes and models are compatible with this technology. Compatibility concerns arise due to the varying charging protocols used by different EV manufacturers, which can lead to issues with charging speed, reliability, and safety. It is crucial to ensure that your EV is compatible with the level 3 charger you plan to use before making any purchases or installations. Additionally, it is essential to note that even among compatible vehicles, there may be differences in charging speeds depending on factors such as battery size and temperature. Therefore, it is advisable to research thoroughly before investing in a level 3 charger for your electric vehicle.
How long does it typically take to fully charge an electric vehicle using a Level 3 charger?
The charging speed and battery capacity are the two primary factors that determine how long it takes to fully charge an electric vehicle using a level 3 charger. The charging speed of these chargers can vary, but they typically offer a much faster charging rate than level 1 or level 2 chargers. Most level 3 chargers have a power output of between 50kW and 350kW, which allows for rapid charging times. However, the battery capacity of the electric vehicle also plays a significant role in determining how long it takes to fully charge using a level 3 charger. Electric vehicles with larger batteries will take longer to charge compared to those with smaller batteries. Nevertheless, overall, the use of level 3 chargers has significantly reduced charging time for electric vehicles, making them more practical for everyday use.
Are there any safety concerns or precautions that need to be taken when using a Level 3 charger?
When utilizing a level 3 charger, there are several safety concerns and precautions that users must take into account. First and foremost, it is crucial to ensure that the charging station is in good working condition and has been inspected regularly. In addition, users should wear protective gear such as gloves or goggles when handling high-voltage cables. It is also important to be aware of any potential hazards in the surrounding area, such as flammable materials or wet surfaces. Finally, users should always follow manufacturer instructions and avoid making modifications or alterations to the charger without proper training or certification. By taking these precautions seriously, electric vehicle owners can safely utilize level 3 chargers without putting themselves or others at risk.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Level 3 chargers are an essential component of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The numerous benefits they offer make them a popular choice among EV owners who require faster and more convenient charging solutions. When choosing a Level 3 charger, it is vital to consider several factors such as compatibility with your EV, power output, ease of use, and safety features.
Moreover, it is crucial to ensure that you select a reliable and high-quality charger that meets all the necessary regulatory standards. By following these guidelines and investing in a suitable Level 3 charger for your electric vehicle, you can enjoy fast and efficient charging while minimizing downtime on the road. As the saying goes, “time is money,” so why not invest in a Level 3 charger today to save both time and money?
