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Katz Coffee and Alloy Employer Services Join Forces to Co-Sponsor Josh Williams with AM Racing at North Wilkesboro Speedway

By
Official Release
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“Specialty Coffee Roaster and HR Solutions Provider Partner to Support Josh Williams and Make A Positive Impact on Children’s Healthcare”

STATESVILLE, N.C.: Officials from AM Racing today confirmed that veteran NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Josh Williams will drive for the team in the highly anticipated NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series Tyson 250 at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway on Saturday, May 20.

Joining Williams for his second career Truck Series start is new partner Katz Coffee. a boutique specialty coffee roaster alongside co-partner Alloy Employer Services, an HR solutions provider with a heart for the 250-lap race under the historic short track lights.

Katz Coffee is the largest specialty coffee roaster based in Texas.

Founded in 2003, Katz Coffee has partnered with top chefs, retailers and nonprofit institutions across the country to develop boutique coffee solutions for their customers.

The company works directly with farmers to ensure they receive fair prices for their crops and that sustainable and ethical farming practices are used thus fulfilling the company mission to provide the highest quality coffee, striving for perfection in every cup.

The partnership is expected to bring some caffeine-fueled excitement to the short track while also supporting Josh Williams’ hospital tour and other philanthropic initiatives.

As part of the co-sponsorship, Katz Coffee is excited to introduce the “Park It” coffee blend. This blend features a bold and robust flavor profile that will keep fans energized and revved up during the race. With every sip, fans will feel like they’re right there on the track with Josh Williams and the team.

“Our slogan at Katz Coffee is to “Grow Together” and with this partnership, we’re able to combine our passion for high-quality coffee with our commitment to making a difference in the world,” said Avi Katz, founder and president of Katz Coffee.

With an off-weekend from his regular duties in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for DGM Racing, Williams is ecstatic about the opportunity to be a part of one of the most awaited races of the season with his Statesville, N.C.-based AM Racing team in his corner.

Veteran crew chief Ryan “Pickle” London will serve as crew chief of the No. 22 Katz Coffee | Alloy Employer Services Ford F-150 #FueledbyKatzCoffee.

“When “Pickle” and I first started discussing just the idea of running North Wilkesboro in a truck I knew right away it was something I wanted to be a part of,” offered Williams. “After talking to Kevin (Cywinski), Wade (Moore) and everyone at AM Racing and with the opportunity they have given me I’m excited to be in the seat for this weekend’s truck race.

“Avi, Regan and everyone at Katz Coffee have been friends of ours since earlier this year connecting with my sponsor Alloy Employer Services trackside and when we discussed doing something as a collective I knew North Wilkesboro had the excitement around it to welcome a new partner and make some waves.

“The “Park It” blend coffee is something I am looking forward to trying this weekend and I definitely want to thank my core long-term partners for coming on board as a group to support this effort. I’m looking forward to getting back in a truck and doing some good old fashion short-track racing on Saturday afternoon.”

Joining Katz Coffee as a co-primary partner for Saturday afternoon’s race is longtime Williams’ supporter Alloy Employer Services.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Alloy Employer Services helps a range of clients, from small businesses to large employers.

Industries served include healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, maintenance, hospitality and construction.

Alloy’s Midwest roots have led to national reach, serving clients with workers nationwide because of a love to design, build and innovate in our industry.

AM Racing which competes full-time in the ARCA Menards Series with rookie driver Christian Rose and the NASCAR Xfinity Series with former Truck Series champion Brett Moffitt is eager to get to the short track considering Williams’ short track experience, success and grassroots foundation.

“We are thrilled to have Josh Williams a part of the AM Racing team this weekend at North Wilkesboro,” said team president Wade Moore. “We have seen Josh compete in the NASCAR ranks for the past several seasons and we have always considered him a friend of this organization.

“Now, the stars have aligned and we will be under one roof where we feel like we can not only go to North Wilkesboro and have a good showing but Josh can contend for the win in the No. 22 Katz Coffee | Alloy Employer Services Ford F-150.”

Williams, a native of Port Charlotte, Fla. will make his return to the Truck Series scene for the first time since 2014. The popular 29-year-old driver also has three NASCAR Cup Series starts alongside his 164 Xfinity Series starts which includes a 17th finish in last Saturday’s Shriners Children’s 200 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.

In addition to Katz Coffee and Alloy Employer Services, Call811.com, Star Tron and Sleep Well Inc. and AM Racing partner Elliott’s Custom Trailers & Carts will serve as strong associate partners for the 10th Truck Series race of the season.

For more on Katz Coffee, please visit KatzCoffee.com, like their Facebook page (Katz Coffee) or follow them on Instagram and Twitter @KatzCoffee.

For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing) or follow them on Instagram and Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

For more on Josh Williams, please visit Josh6Williams.com, like his Facebook page (Josh6Williams) or follow him on Instagram and Twitter (@josh6williams).

The Tyson 250 (250 laps | 156.25 miles) is the 10th of 23 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races on the 2023 schedule. The two-day show begins with practice on Friday, May 19 from 3:05 p.m. – 3:55 p.m. Qualifying kicks off race day on Saturday, May 20 beginning at 10:30 a.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 1:30 p.m. with live coverage on FOX, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Eastern).

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

The family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events in its seventh year of competition.

The team has named Brett Moffitt and Christian Rose as their primary drivers for the 2023 Xfinity and ARCA Menards Series seasons.

Why Is It Cheaper To Rent A Car From The Airport? Detailed Guide

By
SM
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Photo by Obi - @pixel7propix on Unsplash

Introduction

Why is it cheaper to rent a car from the airport? While renting a car from the airport is generally more expensive due to added fees and taxes, there are exceptions where it could be significantly cheaper. This may come as a surprise to some, as airport rental locations are notorious for adding on extra fees and taxes. 

Yes, times are changing, and the rental sector is also growing and with completion. And guess what! It’s you, the consumer, who laughs last. For instance, if you happen to be in Bozeman, Montana, you can try out car rental at Bozeman airport by Explore Rentals where they have options that are way cheaper and affordable. So why is it cheaper to rent a car from the airport? Continue reading to find out. 

Here is Why Renting a Car from Airport Might Be Cheaper!

It is important to note that, in general, renting a car from the airport might cost you more than renting one off-airport. As explained earlier, this concerns the fees associated with the respective airport. 

In fact, it has been found to be 26% more expensive to rent a car at the airport than in downtown locations in some cases. 

However, there are some occasions, and Donmuang car rental in Bangkok is a good example of this, where airport car rental might be cheaper, and this may depend on the individual company and other factors such as:

Off-peak travel – Traveling during off-peak periods can help you save money on several aspects of your trip, including car rentals. 

You can take advantage of lower rental rates offered by airport rental companies by being flexible with your travel dates and booking during a less popular time of year or day. 

Rental companies may be more inclined to offer discounts and promotions to attract customers during slower periods, making it a perfect opportunity to snag a great deal on a rental car. 

Loyalty programs – If you’re a frequent car renter, it’s wise to enroll in rental car loyalty programs to take advantage of exclusive rates and discounts. 

Several car rental companies offer these programs, allowing members to earn rewards points, free upgrades, and other benefits. 

As a member, when you rent from the airport, you may qualify for exclusive discounts and promotions that make an airport rental car more affordable. 

Some loyalty programs even offer perks such as priority service and expedited check-in. To ensure you get the best deal, compare the loyalty program rates with regular rental rates to maximize your savings.

Longer rental periods – Renting from the airport can be a wise choice financially if you’ll be using it for an extended period. 

Several airport car rental companies offer discounts on longer rental periods, which can help you save money on your overall rental cost. These discounts vary from a percentage off the daily rental rate to a flat fee discount. 

By taking advantage of such discounts for longer rental periods, you can enjoy the convenience and flexibility of a rental car while keeping your travel costs in check.

Benefits Of Renting A Car From The Airport

Renting a car from the airport can offer several benefits for travelers looking to explore their destination on their terms. Here are some reasons you should rent a car from the airport.

  1. Drive the car right from the airport – Renting a car from the airport allows you to pick up the car as soon as you land, eliminating the need to rely on other modes of transportation to reach the off-airport rental car with budget car hire nelson.
  1. Freedom – You get to travel to your destination on your own terms. You can create your schedule, make unplanned stops, and capture picturesque moments along the way.
  1. Cost-effective – Depending on your travel plans, rental needs, and the current market, renting a car from the airport can be more cost-effective than other options. Airport rental car companies may offer discounts for longer rental periods.
  1. Comfort and convenience – Today, most rental cars at the airport are equipped with modern amenities to make your ride even better. GPS and Bluetooth-enabled speakers are standard features in most rental cars.

 Families can even request a car with video screens in the back to entertain the kids. 

Additionally, some rental services offer a hotline for assistance during your rental period.

Renting a car from the airport not only allows you to start your journey immediately upon arrival, offering affordability and convenience, but also provides subtle protection for your trip. 

If you’re worried about losing your luggage or documents while traveling, consider ordering a custom lanyard with your personal contact information. You can even engrave your destination and departure date on the custom lanyards as a memento of your trip. 

Attach the custom-printed lanyards to your suitcase, backpack, or document holder, so that even if you accidentally misplace your belongings, the finder can quickly contact you. This lightweight, practical gadget doesn’t take up much space and can significantly enhance travel safety.

Tips For Saving Money On Car Rentals

Renting a vehicle can be a great way to enhance your journey, but it can also be costly if you’re not careful. 

Luckily, there are numerous tips to help you cut down on car rental expenses. With these tips in mind, you can save a lot on transportation.

Peer-to-peer car-sharing services – This is not the best option if you are in a hurry, as you might have to wait a bit longer to get a car due to unpredictable availability.

Take advantage of coupons – Whether you find them online, in travel magazines, or through rental car loyalty programs, coupons can help you score a better deal on your rental. You can even upgrade to a higher vehicle class for the same price.

Package deals through travel agencies – Most travel agencies offer package deals that include flights, hotels, and car rentals. Combining your car rental with other parts of your journey could often save you some money.  

Compare prices – As a rule of thumb, compare prices to ensure you get the best deal. Some folks have reported paying as much as $100 per day and, on other occasions, as low as $10 per day.

Conclusion

We hope we’ve answered the question, why is it cheaper to rent a car from the airport? The information provided was useful for planning your trip. While airport rental car prices are generally higher due to additional fees, some companies offer lower rates depending on the location.

However, as controversial as it may seem, renting a car from the airport can be a cost-effective way to travel after touching down. Researching and comparing prices from various rental companies to find the best deal is important. 

The Best eSports Games to Bet On in 2023

By
SM
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Photo by ELLA DON on Unsplash

With new titles released every year, and older titles fading into obscurity, the esports betting environment requires adaptability to stay relevant. In the 90s and 00s, real-time strategy (RTS) such as Starcraft and fighting games such as Street Fighter reigned supreme and dominated esports. However, fans and gamers interests have shifted towards first-person shooters and multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBA) like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends.

Each year more games are being released and developed, and some are regaining a new surge in popularity. Keeping up with this can be difficult, but good websites such as GGBet alleviate the issue by always offering betting options on the currently popular games. The question this article aims to answer is: What is the best eSports game to bet on in 2023? Continue reading to find out.

Real-Time Strategy (RTS)

As mentioned before the heyday of RTS games has long since passed, but that isn’t to say it is a dead genre. Starcraft II still hosts multiple tournaments and is incredibly popular overseas in places like South Korea. In Europe and America, another RTS game, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (AoE 2), has seen a massive surge in popularity and has had a positive popularity trend for the past four years. For Westerners, AoE 2 has had many tournaments sponsored by big names such as Redbull with thousands of dollars in prize pools; and is the best option for those that want to get involved with betting in this genre.

First Person Shooter (FPS)

First Person Shooters are the new massively popular genre for esports. The history of FPS in esports has gone all the way back to the early days of Quake but was overshadowed by Starcraft and Warcraft. However, throughout the years and more so lately, games like Counter-Strike, Overwatch, Valorant, and Call of Duty have taken the genre by storm.

Overwatch recently had a sequel that had overwhelming negative press and caused it to fade in popularity. Call of Duty has a popular scene but isn’t typically seen as an ‘eSports title’ because of the lower skill ceiling and performance issues.

This pivots us toward the big dogs of the genre, Counter-Strike, and Valorant. Valorant is a recently released game that is very similar to Counter-Strike. Both games feature an insanely high skill ceiling and require exceptional teamwork to succeed, making them phenomenal esports titles. Both games have an insane amount of popularity, and both are fantastic options to bet on. It is worth mentioning Counter-Strike will be receiving a sequel very soon and will likely become an even better option for esports.

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)

The last genre covered will be MOBAs. The origin of MOBA is from the RTS game Warcraft whereas the game Dota was created as a mod that became incredibly popular. MOBAs are the perfect bridge between the high-skill requirements of an RTS combined with the ease of accessibility of an FPS. There are only two big names to bet on in this genre, League of Legends and Dota 2.

Conclusion

Aside from the release of Valorant and the fall of Overwatch and RTSs, the esports scene hasn’t changed too much in 2023. Valve has consistently released and developed eSports titles so paying attention to what they’re up to is a valuable investment of your time. Below you will find our list of recommended games to bet on. Remember to bet responsibly and safely.

•              Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
•              Valorant
•              Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
•              League of Legends
•              Dota 2

Exploring the Features and Benefits of Good Online Services

By
SM
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Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

Today’s digital world makes online services an essential component of daily life, from shopping and entertainment to education and communication. Good online services offer convenience and numerous features and benefits that enhance our experience online; let’s examine some of these features and benefits in more depth.

Access and Convenience

One of the primary advantages of online services is their accessibility and convenience. Users can quickly access various services from home or on the go – ordering groceries, streaming movies, or booking travel tickets – saving time and effort with virtual services.

Good online services like class registration software typically offer a range of options that cater to various preferences and needs, including shopping platforms with access to multiple brands that allow users to compare prices, read reviews, and make informed purchases; streaming services provide users with an abundance of movies, TV shows, music, etc. for them to choose from as entertainment choices.

Personalization and Customization

Many 4Rabet app online services use advanced algorithms and user data to tailor and personalize user experiences. E-commerce websites, for instance, may make recommendations based on past purchases or browsing histories that specifically cater to individual preferences; streaming platforms also create personalized playlists and recommendations based on viewing habits – further increasing user satisfaction while making their experience online even more pleasurable.

Time and Cost Savings

Utilizing quality online services can result in both time and cost savings. Online banking makes managing finances, paying bills, transferring funds, and more much simpler without needing to visit physical branches; online learning platforms offer flexible schedules and eliminate commute time for physical classes – saving both time and transportation costs; plus, many services offer exclusive promotions or deals that enable users to save even more on purchases!

Enhance Communication and Connectivity

Good online services facilitate seamless communication and connectivity. Social media platforms enable people to stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues worldwide while building their communities. Messaging and video calling apps facilitate instantaneous communication despite geographical distance. Online collaboration tools enable teams to work remotely to increase efficiency and productivity.

Learning and Skill Development

Online services provide invaluable opportunities for learning and skill enhancement. Educational platforms offer access to a range of courses that allow individuals to acquire new knowledge or advance existing capabilities. Language learning apps provide interactive lessons and exercises to help users master a foreign language; tutorials and guides offer step-by-step instructions for various tasks, from cooking recipes to DIY projects.

24/7 Access and Support

Good online services provide round-the-clock availability and support, allowing users to troubleshoot technical issues, seek customer assistance, or access information without being limited by traditional business hours. With these convenient services available at any time, users can always receive the help they require without being restricted by traditional office hours.

Conclusion 

Ultimately, the 4Rabet app is are high-quality online services that provide us with many features and benefits that enhance our experience online. They include accessibility, convenience, a wide variety of options, personalization, time savings, cost-cutting measures, improved communication opportunities, learning experiences, and 24/7 availability as technology progresses and new features emerge to meet ever-evolving customer demands. As technology develops further, online services will continue to adapt their offerings in response to the ever-evolving needs.

NASCAR Top-10 Power Rankings: Darlington

By
Jeffrey Boswell
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Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

1. William Byron: Byron avoided the late Ross Chastain-Kyle Larson melee and went on to win the Goodyear 400.

“It was a super special win,” Byron said. “It was the 100th win for car No. 24, and my car sported the throwback Jeff Gordon paint scheme. If my life could match that of Jeff Gordon, I would be a happy man, except for the part in which I’m married to a gold digger.”

2. Kevin Harvick: Harvick finished fourth in the Goodyear 400 at Darlington.

“You probably noticed my No. 4 Ford was sporting ‘Sunny D’ as a sponsor,” Harvick said. “And speaking of ‘Sunny D,’ if you mix one-half part Sunny D and one-half part Busch beer, you are one sick individual.”

3. Ryan Blaney: Blaney finished ninth at Darlington.

“Luckily,” Blaney said, “I didn’t have any issues with Ross Chastain. Not every driver can say that. Not surprisingly, Chastain has a target on his back. Unfortunately, he sees a target on everyone else’s back.”

4. Denny Hamlin: Hamlin finished 12th at Darlington.

“Kyle Larson may be the unluckiest driver in NASCAR,” Hamlin said. “In consecutive weeks, he’s been wrecked by me and Ross Chastain. I know Kyle said he’s not much of a fighter, but at some point, he’s got to take a stand, and start his own podcast.”

5. Ross Chastain: A battle for the lead on Lap 288 resulted in Chastain pushing Kyle Larson into the wall, sending both cars spinning. The damage knocked Chastain out of the race for a 29th-place finish, while Larson continued with a damaged car and crossed the line 20th.

“I was fully committed to going into Turn 1 and coming out of it with the lead,” Larson said. “And I failed. I know I have a reputation as a driver who’s wrecked every other driver at least once. But I’m not going to beat myself up over it. But someone else might.”

6. Kyle Larson: Larson wrecked while battling Ross Chastain for the lead on Lap 288. Chastain went high into Turn 1 and pressed Larson’s No. 5 Chevy into the fence. Larson was able to continue but finished 20th.

“That’s three times this season Chastain’s wrecked us,” Larson said. “One thing me and all the other drivers can agree on is that Chastain drives car No. 1. And, we can all agree on which finger to use to represent that No. 1.”

7. Christopher Bell: Bell finished 14th at Darlington.

“The paint scheme on my No. 20 Toyota honored Matt Kenseth’s No. 17 car,” Bell said. “Matt’s former teammate Carl Edwards was in the Fox broadcast booth, which is a reminder that Matt for once known as the ‘Intimidated.'”

8. Kyle Busch: Busch finished seventh at Darlington, posting his sixth top 10 of the year.

“I got caught with a dangerous weapon in my luggage once,” Busch said. “In a simple analogy, Ross Chastain is my gun, and his No. 1 car is my luggage.”

9. Martin Truex Jr.: Truex started on the pole and dominated early, winning Stage 1 and leading a race-high 145 laps. But a wreck triggered by Ross Chastain sent Truex’s No. 19 spinning into the apron, and the resulting damage made it impossible to challenge for the lead. Truex finished 31st.

“Ross has made quite a name for himself,” Truex said. “He’s also made quite a verb for himself because being ‘Chastained’ is becoming quite a useful term. In fact, you could say it’s a verb that is quite overused.”

10. Joey Logano: Logano finished 18th at Darlington.

“I had an incident with Martin Truex, Jr.,” Logano said. “I can’t blame Martin for the accident. His car was damaged from his earlier wreck caused by Ross Chastain, and the impact to Truex’s handling caused him to squeeze me into the wall. So Chastain pretty much wrecked me. I think everyone can agree Chastain is guilty. And I think I can agree that he’s guilty by association.”

Bass Pro Shops Racing: Martin Truex Jr. All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Advance

By
Official Release
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Martin Truex Jr.
North Wilkesboro/ All-Star Race Advance
No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry TRD for Joe Gibbs Racing

Event Overview

● Event: NASCAR All-Star Race (non-points race)

● Time/Date: 8 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 21

● Location: North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway

● Layout: .625-mile oval

● Laps/Miles: 200 laps/125 miles

● TV/Radio: FS1 / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Truex and the No. 19 team for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) set the tone for the season right out of the gate by winning the 150-lap feature in the non-points Clash at the Coliseum on Feb. 5 in Los Angeles. Truex won his heat race, then went on to lead the final 25 laps of the feature en route to a victory that gave him and the team much-needed momentum heading into the 2023 season. While the team had been knocking on the door over the next 10 races, the breakthrough points-paying win finally came at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway two weeks ago.

● 32 and Counting: Truex’s win at Dover was his 32nd career Cup Series victory, putting him 29th on the series’ all-time wins list.

● What’s Old is New Again: The NASCAR Cup Series recently competed at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, which bills itself as the Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR. But the throwback of all throwbacks comes this weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway. The .625-mile oval located in the hills of Wilkes County, North Carolina, had sat dormant for 25 years, save for a one-year respite in 2010 when local investors cleaned it up enough to host a handful of grassroots Late Model racing series. The track closed again in the spring of 2011, reverting back to its Scooby-Doo haunted mansion vibe. Once a staple of the NASCAR Cup Series when Winston cigarettes was its title sponsor, North Wilkesboro was cast aside, despite being a NASCAR original and hosting 93 Cup Series races since 1949, the last of which came on Sept. 29, 1996 when Jeff Gordon beat Dale Earnhardt by 1.73 seconds to win the Tyson Holly Farms 400. But thanks to an $18 million cash infusion from the state as part of the American Rescue Plan, as well as another seven-figure spend by track operator Speedway Motorsports, North Wilkesboro has been revived. It had a soft opening last August with Modified and Late Model racing before its grand reopening this week with five days of racing, from the CARS Late Model Stock Tour to the NASCAR Truck Series and, finally, the Cup Series via the non-points NASCAR All-Star Race at 8 p.m. EDT on Sunday. The track Enoch Staley built in 1946 – first as a five-eighths mile dirt oval where whiskey runners displayed their skill behind the wheel, along with their mechanical acumen for building cars that were faster than those of the revenuers, and two years ahead of NASCAR’s first season and three years before the first Strictly Stock (now Cup Series) race was held – is back, and the resto-mod of racetracks is ready for NASCAR’s return.

● Looking for the First: Truex will make his 12th All-Star start at North Wilkesboro on Sunday night but is still looking for his first All-Star victory. In 11 All-Star starts which have come at Charlotte, Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Truex has a best All-Star finish of second back in 2010 at Charlotte when he raced for Michael Waltrip Racing.

● The More You Know: The frontstretch of North Wilkesboro Speedway runs downhill and the backstretch runs uphill. This forces drivers to change their approach to each corner of the racetrack, as they’re carrying more speed entering turn one than they are going into turn three.

● All-Star History Lesson: Charlotte hosted the first All-Star Race and 34 in total. The All-Star Race debuted on May 25, 1985 at Charlotte’s 1.5-mile oval and it was won by Darrell Waltrip. Atlanta hosted the second All-Star Race in 1986 before returning to Charlotte for a 33-race run. The 2020 All-Star Race was held at the .533-mile Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway – the first time the All-Star Race wasn’t held at a 1.5-mile oval. The All-Star Race returned to a 1.5-mile oval in June 2021 when Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth began hosting the All-Star Race for a two-year stretch. North Wilkesboro marks only the second time the All-Star Race has been held at anything other than a 1.5-mile oval.

● After years of complexity, the 2023 version of the All-Star Race has opted for simplicity. Two heat races on Saturday will set the starting lineup for Sunday’s main event – a 200 lapper with a competition break at or around Lap 100. All laps (caution and green flag) will count, and overtime rules are in effect to ensure a green-flag finish. Each team will start on sticker tires and have three additional sets to use. After the competition break, however, only one additional set of stickers can be used. The undercard All-Star Open, featuring drivers not previously eligible for the All-Star Race, will be 100 laps with a competition break at or around Lap 40. Three Open drivers will advance to the All-Star Race – the top two race finishers and the Fan Vote Winner. All-Star festivities begin Friday evening with a Pit Crew Challenge to determine the starting lineups for the heat races and Open. Each car’s qualifying time will be based solely on their pit stop time. Teams must complete a four-tire stop; timing lines will be established one box behind and one box ahead of the designated pit box. The 22 drivers already locked into the field will be split into two 60-lap heat races on Saturday night which will determine the starting lineup for Sunday’s All-Star Race. Results of the first heat will establish the inside row and results of the second heat will establish the outside row. The weekend will concludes Sunday night with the All-Star Open and All-Star Race. Technical rules for the cars will remain the same as other NASCAR Cup Series short track races. Those eligible for the All-Star Race include drivers who won a points event in either 2022 or 2023, drivers who won an All-Star Race and compete fulltime, and drivers who won a NASCAR Cup Series championship and compete fulltime.

● Truex left last weekend’s race at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway sixth in the driver standings with 385 points, 44 out of the lead. The next points event will be the May 28 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

Martin Truex Jr., Driver of the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry TRD

What are you expecting this weekend with NASCAR returning to North Wilkesboro for the first time since 1996?

“I think it’s going to be awesome. I’ve never been there before. I remember watching races there when I was growing up. For me, it’s going to be neat to be racing on that track that so many legends of the sport did. I remember back in races of the past and what it was like to watch and thinking about the asphalt that it’s still that old. It’s going to be pretty crazy. I’ve been trying to keep up with the late models races and the things that have been going on there in the past year and just trying to understand it a little bit and think about what we are going to need to do or what it’s going to be like for us. But I expect it to be fun. All-Star Race is something that’s supposed to be fun. It’s something unique and different and I think it will be. I’m looking forward to checking it out and hope we can have a strong run there with our Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry TRD.”

Will tire management be a big part of the All-Star Race with the pavement being so old?

“It’s going to be really interesting. Really old asphalt and really wore out and that’s the kind of tracks I really love racing on. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun for us. Probably similar to Richmond, really hard on tires and you kind of have to take care of the tires a lot. I think it’s going to put on a great show. I’m really looking forward to going there because when I watched races there growing up, it was really fun to watch and happy I get the chance to race there finally. Hopefully this will be the perfect track for us to get our first All-Star win.”

The format for the All-Star Race is setup where it’s going to be important to save tires. Is that kind of format good for the All-Star Race?

“We’ll see. I think it could be, maybe it gets strung out but depends on how it works out. I don’t think any of us really know how it’s going to be. You’re probably going to see a lot of guys move up and down through the field, going forward and going backward. In the little bit I’ve seen over the last year since they had some late model racing back there again, there’s a crazy amount of tire wear and the guys just save their stuff and show up at the end out of nowhere. It’s going to be interesting just to know how hard can you go and how much do you actually have to save? It will be a learning experience for everyone.”

No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Martin Truex Jr.

Hometown: Mayetta, New Jersey

Crew Chief: James Small

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

Car Chief: Chris Jones

Hometown: Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Engineer: Nick Burton

Hometown: Arvada, California

Engineer: Jeff Curtis

Hometown: Fairfax Station, Virginia

Spotter: Drew Herring

Hometown: Benson, North Carolina

Road Crew Members

Underneath Mechanic: Ryan Martin

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Virgina

Mechanic: Todd Carmichael

Hometown: Redding, California

Interior/Tire Specialist: Tommy DiBlasi

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Engine Tuner: Gregg Huls

Hometown: Beatrice, Nebraska

Transporter Driver: Kyle Bazzell

Hometown: Fairbury, Illinois

Transporter Driver: Eddie DeGroot

Hometown: Baldwinsville, New York

Over-The-Wall Crew Members

Gas Man: Matt Tyrrell

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Jackman: Caleb Dirks

Hometown: Riverside, California

Tire Carrier: CJ Bailey

Hometown: Outer Banks, North Carolina

Front Tire Changer: Lee Cunningham

Hometown: Leaf River, Illinois

Rear Tire Changer: Danny Olszowy

Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky

Nine Former Winners, Six Series Champs Ready To Start ‘500’ Preparation

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Official Release
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INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, May 15, 2023) – The time has come for the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to embark on a legacy-defining month as preparations get underway for the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 28.

There are 34 entries set to contest the 33 starting spots for this year’s edition of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” including nine former winners.

Marcus Ericsson delivered a composed performance last year by fending off a late charge by Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren to claim his maiden “500” win, which gave team owner Chip Ganassi his fifth victory in the race as a sole team owner. Other former winners aiming for a spot in the race this year include four-time winner Helio Castroneves (2001, 2002, 2009, 2021) and two-time winner Takuma Sato (2017, 2020), plus single winners Scott Dixon (2008), Tony Kanaan (2013), Ryan Hunter-Reay (2014), Alexander Rossi (2016), Will Power (2018) and Simon Pagenaud (2019). The record for winners in one field is 10, set in 1992.

Castroneves earned a spot with A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears in the most prestigious club in motorsports – four-time winners of the Indianapolis 500 – with his emotional victory May 30, 2021, in the No. 06 AutoNation/Sirius XM Honda fielded by Meyer Shank Racing. A record-breaking fifth would put Castroneves alone at the top with most victories. Additionally, Castroneves and Kanaan are both 48 years old, and a victory by either would make them the oldest winner in “500” history, a record held by Al Unser, who won the 1987 edition just five days shy of his 48th birthday.

Ericsson has a chance to become the first back-to-back winner since Castroneves accomplished the feat in 2001 and 2002. If Ericsson secures a repeat win, he would earn a bonus of $420,000 courtesy of BorgWarner, the namesake of the Indy 500 trophy. That amount is more than the entire yearly purse up to and including the 50th anniversary of the “500” in 1961, which paid out $397,910. The field payout jumped to $425,652 in 1962.

The field includes seven past INDYCAR SERIES champions: Dixon, Hunter-Reay, Kanaan, Josef Newgarden, Pagenaud, Alex Palou and Power.

Katherine Legge makes her long-awaited return to Indianapolis Motor Speedway this month, having last raced in the Indianapolis 500 in 2013. A two-time starter of the historic race, she will drive a one-off entry as the fourth car for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Simona de Silvestro was the last female to drive in the race, in 2021.

There will be four drivers competing for top rookie honors, featuring multiple Argentina touring car champion Agustín Canapino, along with last year’s INDY NXT by Firestone race winners Benjamin Pedersen and Sting Ray Robb. RC Enerson, who narrowly missed making the field of 33 in 2021, is back for another run but this time with Abel Motorsports, an INDY NXT by Firestone team making its first attempt at the “500.”

Practice opens Tuesday, May 16 and runs through Friday, May 19. PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying is scheduled for Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21, followed by a two-hour practice Monday, May 22. The traditional final practice, two hours again this year on Miller Lite Carb Day, will be held Friday, May 26.

Live Race Day coverage begins on NBC, Telemundo Deportes on Universo and the INDYCAR Radio Network at 11 a.m. (ET), with the green flag set for 12:45 p.m.

2023 ENTRY BREAKDOWN:

Winners (9): Helio Castroneves, Scott Dixon, Marcus Ericsson, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Tony Kanaan, Simon Pagenaud, Will Power, Alexander Rossi, Takuma Sato

Rookies (4): Agustín Canapino, RC Enerson, Benjamin Pedersen, Sting Ray Robb

U.S. drivers (13): Marco Andretti, Ed Carpenter, Conor Daly, RC Enerson, Santino Ferrucci, Colton Herta, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas, Josef Newgarden, Graham Rahal, Sting Ray Robb, Alexander Rossi

International drivers (21, from 14 countries): Agustín Canapino, Helio Castroneves, Devlin DeFrancesco, Scott Dixon, Marcus Ericsson, Romain Grosjean, Jack Harvey, Callum Ilott, Tony Kanaan, Katherine Legge, Christian Lundgaard, Scott McLaughlin, Pato O’Ward, Simon Pagenaud, Alex Palou, Benjamin Pedersen, Will Power, Felix Rosenqvist, Takuma Sato, Rinus VeeKay, Stefan Wilson

Engines (34): Honda 17, Chevrolet 17 (all cars use Dallara chassis and Firestone tires)

indycar-entrylist

Zane Smith and the No. 38 Boot Barn Ford F-150 North Wilkesboro Speedway Competition Notes

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Official Release
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TEAM AND RACE NOTES:

Zane Smith will bring the Boot Barn brand back to the track this weekend. Smith will race the No. 38 Boot Barn Ford F-150 at the revived North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina. Smith is expected to play a big part in the revival weekend. He tested at the track for Goodyear and helped promote the return of NASCAR to the historic track.

Now, the leader in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championship is a favorite heading into Saturday’s race that will be televised live on FOX at 1:30 p.m. ET.

COMPETITION NOTES:

Smith and the Boot Barn team will be considered favorites not only because of their laps on the track, but also because of Smith’s impeccable short track race record in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.

On tracks one mile or shorter, Smith has two wins and 10 top-five finishes. In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Smith has all of his top-10 finishes on tracks one mile or less.

CREW CHIEF CHRIS LAWSON:

“Everyone in the sport is looking forward to this weekend. It’s going to be a special race. It’s great that we had some laps on the track during the Goodyear test. It’s an old surface and we’re going to be sliding around. It’s a lot of fun and a big challenge.”

DRIVER ZANE SMITH:

“There are races that you really want to win. This is certainly one of them. It’s really cool to have the sport come back to such a historic track and make history come alive again.

“We’ve been close with Boot Barn before and it’s time to finally get that win for them. We’re looking forward to a great day on Saturday.”

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series team from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Keselowski Caps Solid Day with Fourth in Darlington

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Official Release
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Castrol Ford Earns Stage Points Throughout as Keselowski Earns Third Top-Five of 2023

DARLINGTON, S.C. (May 15, 2023) – Brad Keselowski never left the top-10 in Sunday’s NASCAR Throwback race at Darlington and finished fourth after earning solid stage points in each of the first two stages.

“I felt like at the end it turned into a wreck fest and we got tore up and salvaged what we could salvage,” Keselowski said after the race. “Ultimately, we were a fifth or sixth-place car all day and ended up fourth. It was a real solid day. I felt like the whole team did a great job.”

The Castrol GTX Ford Mustang was at or near the front of the pack all weekend, as Keselowski put the No. 6 top of the charts in his group’s session of qualifying on Saturday. He ultimately started 10th after earning a Darlington stripe in his pole-attempt lap, but maintained his position on the grid after slight cosmetic repairs prior to Sunday’s race.

From the start, Keselowski inched his way forward, advancing to sixth by lap 90 to end the opening stage, earning early stage points. A fast pit stop under the stage break – one of many throughout the day – put the No. 6 third on the ensuing restart.

Stage two ran uninterrupted with a green-flag pit cycle separating it. Crew chief Matt McCall called Keselowski to pit road at lap 137 for service, and from there he used the long run to his advantage, driving to fifth by the end of stage two, earning more stage points in fifth.

Chaos ensued in stage three as Keselowski rolled sixth at lap 193. A pair of quick yellows were displayed in the opening 15 laps with the No. 6 maintaining sixth place. The longest green-flag run of the stage came on a restart with 78 to go and Keselowski in fifth, which ran interrupted until a pit cycle under green began with 50 laps remaining.

Then, a string of three cautions dominated the final 18 laps as Keselowski still ran sixth at the time of the first, and restarted seventh with 13 to go. An immediate caution flew for a multi-car incident on the high side, with the No. 6 sustaining front and right-side damage, but Keselowski was able to drive through to maintain his position of fifth.

In what looked to be the final restart with six to go, another quick yellow was displayed, this time with Keselowski taking advantage through it to fourth. That initiated a NASCAR Overtime restart with Keselowski restarting on the second row, ultimately going on to finish in fourth for his sixth top-10 and third top five of the season.

NASCAR All-Star weekend is on tap next week at historic North Wilkesboro Speedway. The All-Star Race is set for 8 p.m. ET Sunday night with TV coverage on FS1, and radio coverage across MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Buescher, No. 17 Team Improve for 10th-Place Finish at Darlington

By
Official Release
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Fifth Third Bank Ford Earns Top-10 After Battle Through 400-Mile Race

DARLINGTON, S.C. (May 15, 2023) – As the saying goes, sometimes it’s not about how you start, it’s how you finish. That rang true for Chris Buescher and the No. 17 team Sunday at Darlington earning a 10th-place finish after a battle throughout the 400+-mile race.

“We worked hard today with our Fifth Third Bank Ford Mustang to get it better,” Buescher said following the race. “We got rolling pretty good and avoided the last two wrecks. We really wanted to see what we could do with those last 10 green flag laps to see what we could do with it, but just didn’t get that opportunity.

“The way this day started, we’d have taken a 10th if you would have told us we could get there. We still have a little work to do, but it’s such a track position sensitive race again. We were just planted and basically stuck and that’s why the restarts are as chaotic as they are.”

Buescher, who began the day from 27th after qualifying on Saturday, used those late-race restarts and some attrition to keep his nose clean and earn his fifth top-10 of the season. Following opening stages that saw Buescher finish 29th and 28th, the No. 17 began its slow charge forward in the final segment that was littered with five cautions.

Buescher broke into the top-20 on a restart with 92 laps remaining, and just 15 laps later he was scored top-15. One of two green-flag pit cycles separated the final stage as the Fifth Third Ford hit pit road with 47 to go. Then, a yellow with 18 to go was shown with Buescher pitting for the final time.

He fired off 15th on the ensuing restart, and took advantage of a multi-car incident ahead to skirt through to the top-10. The same sequence happened again on a pair of final restarts with Buescher ultimately weaving his way through multiple crashed cars to finish 10th.

NASCAR All-Star weekend is on tap next week at historic North Wilkesboro Speedway. The All-Star Race is set for 8 p.m. ET Sunday night with TV coverage on FS1, and radio coverage across MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

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