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6 Top Ways To Protect Your Paint From Damage

By
SM
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Photo by Clarity Coat on Unsplash

Want to keep your car looking fresh and new? Regularly maintaining the paint on your vehicle is one of the most important steps to ensure it looks great over time. From using protective sprays and coatings to ensuring you properly clean and wax every so often, there are plenty of ways to ensure that your car’s paint job stays in tip-top condition. Here we discuss six top methods for protecting your beloved motor’s exterior and interior parts – giving it long-lasting protection from damage! Read on to find out more.

1. Invest in a quality paint protection film

Investing in a quality paint protection film is one of the best decisions you can make for your car. Not only does it help maintain your car’s flawless finish, but it also protects it from damaging elements such as dirt, debris, and scratches. A high-quality paint protection film is designed to resist harsh weather conditions and keep your car looking brand new for years. If you want the film to be placed properly, have professionals specializing in paint protection film in Bay Area or near you do the job. So if you’re looking for a way to preserve your car’s appearance and protect its value, investing in a paint protection film is worth considering. Your car will thank you for it!

2. Regular Car Washes

Regular car washes are necessary if you want to keep your car in tip-top shape. Not only do they remove the dirt and grime that inevitably builds up on your car, but they also get rid of salt and other debris that can cause damage to your paint job and even your car’s undercarriage. But it’s important to use a pH-balanced car shampoo when you wash your car, as it will protect your paint and keep it looking shiny and new. Plus, regularly washing your car can help maintain its overall value. So next time you’re tempted to skip the car wash, remember it’s a small investment that will pay off in the long run.

3. Wax Your Car

If you want to keep your car looking shiny and new, it’s important to wax it regularly. Not only does a good wax job make your car look great, it also helps protect the paint from the harsh elements of nature. But not all waxes are created equal. To get the most protection, it’s important to use quality wax. Look for a product that contains natural waxes, and be sure to follow the instructions carefully to get the best results. With the right waxing technique and a little elbow grease, you can help ensure that your car stays looking its best for years to come.

4. Use Sun Protection

When the sun is shining, it’s important to ensure that you and your loved ones remain protected from the harmful effects of UV rays. One way to do this is by applying sunscreen before heading outside. However, it’s also good to consider protecting your car with window tint or a protective hood. This can help to reduce the amount of UV rays that enter your car and in turn, reduce your risk of skin damage. Protecting yourself and your car allows you to enjoy the sunshine while staying safe and healthy.

5. Park In The Shade

When it comes to keeping your car looking its best, there are a few simple tricks you can employ to avoid premature paint fading and discoloration. One of the most effective is always to park your vehicle in the shade. This may seem like a minor detail, but the effects of hours of direct sunlight can quickly add up over time. Not only can UV rays cause your paint job to fade, they can also damage your car’s interior materials, such as leather or plastic. So the next time you’re out and about, watch for shaded areas to park in. 

6. Avoid Scratching Your Car

Taking care of your car is important to keep it looking great for longer, and a key part of that is cleaning it. However, avoiding using rough cloth or sponges when cleaning your car is important as these can easily scratch the surface. Instead, opt for softer microfiber cloths and gentle detergents specifically formulated for cars. Taking this extra step to protect your car’s surface will keep it looking shiny and new and help maintain its value over time. By being mindful of the products and tools you use, you can keep your car in tip-top condition for years to come.

McLaughlin Prevails in Strategic Duel for Victory at Barber

By
Official Release
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Sunday, April 30, 2023) – With equal parts skill and strategy, Scott McLaughlin drove to his first victory of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season in the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix on Sunday at Barber Motorsports Park.

McLaughlin drove to his fourth career victory in the No. 3 Good Ranchers Team Penske Chevrolet by 1.7854 seconds over runner-up and NTT P1 Award winner Romain Grosjean in the No. 28 Delaware Life/DHL Honda. McLaughlin, from New Zealand, is the fourth different winner this season in as many races.

2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookie of the Year McLaughlin prevailed on a three-pit stop strategy after starting fourth, while Grosjean and Andretti Autosport used a two-stop tactic. The three-stop strategy allowed McLaughlin to go full tilt during stints and avoid worrying about having enough Shell fuel remaining to finish the race, unlike the drivers who made two stops.

“I call it a ‘happy driver strategy,’” McLaughlin said. “I was a lot happier doing that. We went past Grosjean there on a little bit of strategy, and I feel really good about it.”

Reigning series champion Will Power finished third in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet for his first podium position of the season.

Pato O’Ward finished fourth in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, with 2021 series champion Alex Palou rounding out the top five in the No. 10 Ridgeline Lubricants Honda in the 90-lap race.

The duel between McLaughlin and Grosjean was set up when they each made their final pit stops with less than 30 laps to go. Grosjean got service for the second and final time on Lap 61. McLaughlin made his third and final stop three laps later, exiting the pits just in front of McLaughlin but on cold Firestone tires.

One lap later, Grosjean made a textbook inside-out move to pass McLaughlin for position in the final turn of the 17-turn, 2.3-mile roller coaster of a circuit. Grosjean inherited the lead on Lap 66 when Power made his third and final pit stop.

McLaughlin hounded Grosjean’s gearbox for the next six laps, staying within three- to four-tenths of a second of the Frenchman. Grosjean had used all his push-to-pass by that point, while McLaughlin had some in reserve.

So, when Grosjean went wide in Turn 5 on Lap 72, McLaughlin drove under him and pounded the push-to-pass button to complete the pass and build a gap, never trailing thereafter. The compelling duel for the lead between the two was fierce but stayed clean throughout, unlike the season opener last month in St. Petersburg when they both hit the tire barrier after contact with each other while racing for the lead.

“We’re racers; you just get on with it,” McLaughlin said. “We talked it out man to man (after St. Petersburg), and as far as I’m concerned and he’s concerned, we race hard and fair and press on. No hard feelings between the two of us.”

After losing the lead, Grosjean then had to worry about the hard-charging Power, who sliced a four-second deficit to less than a second over the closing laps. But Power’s softer-but-faster Firestone alternate tires began to wear on the closing laps, and he had to settle for third, 1.4845 seconds behind Grosjean.

Grosjean second finished for the fifth time in his NTT INDYCAR SERIES career as he seeks his first victory.

“It hurts,” said Grosjean, who led a race-high 57 laps. “The three-stop never wins at Barber, but today the pits stayed open. That gave McLaughlin and Power the edge on the three-stop. Look at the two-stop (cars) behind us – 20 seconds behind us. We had an incredible car, drove really well, gave it 100 percent, but we just got unlucky with that yellow.

“Congrats to Scott. He deserved that win.”

The three-stop strategy used by Team Penske for McLaughlin, Power and Josef Newgarden got a boost on Lap 38 when Sting Ray Robb’s No. 51 biohaven Honda stopped at the exit of Turn 9 with an apparent mechanical problem. The pits stayed open until a full-course caution was called for Robb’s crippled car on Lap 39, as leader McLaughlin dipped into the pits for his second stop just before the full-course caution.

McLaughlin will split $10,000 with Team Penske and his chosen charity, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, for his victory as part of the PeopleReady Force For Good Challenge.

2022 Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson kept the series championship lead by three points over O’Ward, 130-127, after finishing 10th in the No. 8 Huski Chocolate Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.

The fabled Month of May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is next for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, with the GMR Grand Prix on Saturday, May 13 on the road course and the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 28.

Results Sunday of the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix NTT INDYCAR SERIES event on the 2.3-mile Barber Motorsports Park, with order of finish, starting position in parentheses, driver, chassis-engine, laps completed and reason out (if any):

  1. (4) Scott McLaughlin, Chevrolet, 90, Running
  2. (1) Romain Grosjean, Honda, 90, Running
  3. (11) Will Power, Chevrolet, 90, Running
  4. (3) Pato O’Ward, Chevrolet, 90, Running
  5. (2) Alex Palou, Honda, 90, Running
  6. (6) Christian Lundgaard, Honda, 90, Running
  7. (5) Scott Dixon, Honda, 90, Running
  8. (10) Alexander Rossi, Chevrolet, 90, Running
  9. (8) Felix Rosenqvist, Chevrolet, 90, Running
  10. (13) Marcus Ericsson, Honda, 90, Running
  11. (26) Marcus Armstrong, Honda, 90, Running
  12. (12) Kyle Kirkwood, Honda, 90, Running
  13. (15) Callum Ilott, Chevrolet, 90, Running
  14. (14) Colton Herta, Honda, 90, Running
  15. (7) Josef Newgarden, Chevrolet, 90, Running
  16. (9) Rinus VeeKay, Chevrolet, 90, Running
  17. (19) Graham Rahal, Honda, 90, Running
  18. (16) Simon Pagenaud, Honda, 90, Running
  19. (17) David Malukas, Honda, 90, Running
  20. (27) Santino Ferrucci, Chevrolet, 90, Running
  21. (21) Helio Castroneves, Honda, 90, Running
  22. (25) Benjamin Pedersen, Chevrolet, 90, Running
  23. (18) Devlin DeFrancesco, Honda, 90, Running
  24. (24) Jack Harvey, Honda, 90, Running
  25. (20) Conor Daly, Chevrolet, 90, Running
  26. (22) Agustin Canapino, Chevrolet, 90, Running
  27. (23) Sting Ray Robb, Honda, 36, Mechanical

Race Statistics
Winner’s average speed: 115.019 mph
Time of Race: 1:47:58.9401
Margin of victory: 1.7854 seconds
Cautions: 1 for 3 laps
Lead changes: 7 among 4 drivers

Lap Leaders:
Grosjean, Romain 1 – 30
Newgarden, Josef 31 – 36
McLaughlin, Scott 37 – 38
Grosjean, Romain 39 – 59
McLaughlin, Scott 60 – 62
Power, Will 63 – 65
Grosjean, Romain 66 – 71
McLaughlin, Scott 72 – 90

NTT INDYCAR SERIES Point Standings: Ericsson 130, O’Ward 127, Palou 121, McLaughlin 119, Grosjean 115, Newgarden 105, Power 104, Dixon 98, Kirkwood 92, Herta 85, Ilott 80, Lundgaard 77, Malukas 74, Rossi 72, Rosenqvist 66, Rahal 65, Armstrong 62, Canapino 47, VeeKay 47, Pagenaud 45, Castroneves 45, Ferrucci 44, Harvey 43, Daly 38, Robb 37, Pedersen 34, DeFrancesco 33, Ed Carpenter 17, Takuma Sato 5

Rasmussen Romps to Victory from Pole at Barber

By
Official Release
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Sunday, April 30, 2023) – Christian Rasmussen completed his tour de force of Barber Motorsports Park on Sunday, winning the INDY NXT Grand Prix of Alabama from the pole position.

Rasmussen led all 35 laps to drive his No. 6 HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing entry to a 1.9983-second victory over rookie teammate Nolan Siegel in the No. 39 HMD Motorsports with DCR car. It was the third career INDY NXT victory for Rasmussen, who won two races as a series rookie in 2022.

Danish driver Rasmussen also captured the INDYCAR development series’ championship lead by five points over Siegel with the win.

“The HMD boys have just given us an amazing car all weekend,” Rasmussen said. “Right from the get-go in first practice, we were on top, and we just continued that the whole weekend.

“It was pure HMD domination this weekend. I can’t thank them enough. They make me look good out there.”

Toby Sowery rounded out the podium finishers in third in the No. 14 HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing. It was Sowery’s first INDY NXT start since 2021, as he was filling in this weekend for regular driver Josh Pierson, who had clashing commitments in the World Endurance Championship sports car race at Spa-Francorchamps.

Sowery’s first podium result since he placed third in 2021 in Detroit was part of HMD Motorsports’ sweep of the top three spots at the finish. But it could have been the top five spots, as HMD teammates Josh Green and Danial Frost collided on the final lap while dueling for fourth place and ended up ninth and 10th, respectively, after Frost was assessed a 30-second post-race penalty for incident responsibility.

That accident elevated rookie Enaam Ahmed to fourth in the No. 47 Rickshaw Rocket car fielded by Cape Motorsports and veteran James Roe to fifth in the No. 29 Topcon machine from Andretti Autosport.

Rasmussen’s march to victory was interrupted only by two full-course caution periods and a red flag.

Series rookie Louis Foster ran off course on Lap 26 and hit the barrier in Turn 9 while running third in the No. 26 Copart/USF Pro Championship car, telling his Andretti Autosport team on the radio that his throttle stuck open. Rasmussen’s three-second lead vanished with that crash.

Race officials halted the race for 11 minutes with a red flag after Foster’s accident to provide more time for track cleanup. On the ensuing restart on Lap 31, Rasmussen powered away and drove to the checkered flag under sunny skies.

Rasmussen was cruising out front on Lap 14 when his 2.7-second lead evaporated due to a collision between the No. 51 Abel Motorsports car of Jacob Abel and the No. 75 Juncos Hollinger Racing machine of Matteo Nannini at the exit of Turn 17.

But Rasmussen pulled away quickly on the restart on Lap 18, stretching his lead to 1.3 seconds after just one lap. From there, he padded his lead by a few tenths of a second each lap around the roller coaster of a 17-turn, 2.3-mile circuit until the second caution period and red flag.

The next race is the INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix on Saturday, May 13 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course (1 p.m. ET, Peacock, INDYCAR LIVE, INDYCAR Radio Network).

Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix Receives Multiyear Extension

By
Official Release
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Sunday, April 30, 2023) – Ahead of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race this afternoon at Barber Motorsports Park, INDYCAR and ZOOM Motorsports announced a multiyear extension, which will continue the annual event through 2027.

Since 2010, Barber Motorsports Park has hosted this premier event on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar and is one of the longest running races on the series’ schedule. Barber Motorsports Park is known as the “Augusta of Racing,” a favorite among fans and drivers alike.

The multiyear extension coincides with the new agreement with the entitlement partners of the race, Medical Properties Trust and Children’s of Alabama, which executed a multiyear commitment with ZOOM Motorsports this year.

This extension allows the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix to continue its mission of raising funds for one of the busiest pediatric hospitals in the country, representing a first-of-its-kind philanthropic opportunity for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

“It has been an honor to host this race since 2010 at the world-renowned Barber Motorsports Park,” said Gene Hallman, CEO of ZOOM Motorsports. “The event has become a cornerstone of the Birmingham community, drawing fans from all over the world. We are excited for the future of this event and what it means to Children’s of Alabama.”

“We are pleased the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will return to Barber Motorsports Park for years to come,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “For the last 13 years, Barber has been an ideal host and the perfect Southeastern venue to showcase INDYCAR’s bold and brash personality and compelling action. With its unique layout and dramatic features, this beautiful facility is a favorite with our fans and within our paddock. We look forward to growing this meaningful partnership with more thrilling racing and iconic moments.”

Race coverage of the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix starts at 3 p.m. ET today on NBC and Peacock. The INDYCAR Radio Network also will provide coverage starting at 2:30 p.m. ET.

About the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix

Medical Properties Trust presents the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix Powered by AmFirst, a signature event on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES circuit, is in its 13th year. This year’s event will feature racing with drivers such as Scott Dixon, Romain Grosjean, Josef Newgarden and Helio Castroneves at the world-renowned Barber Motorsports Park from April 28-30. The event generates more than $27 million in economic impact annually, with tickets sold in 50 states and 12 countries. The race is broadcast by NBC nationally and internationally to more than 100 countries. Additional events include Fan Zone, INDY 5K, beer and wine festival, car corral and more. For more information, please visit indyalabama.com.

About INDYCAR

INDYCAR is the Indianapolis-based governing body for North America’s premier open-wheel auto racing series, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and its developmental series, INDY NXT by Firestone. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES features an international field of the world’s most versatile drivers – including two-time and reigning series champion Will Power, six-time series champion Scott Dixon, two-time series champion Josef Newgarden, four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves and reigning “500” winner Marcus Ericsson – who compete on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses. The 2023 season consists of 17 races in the United States and Canada and is highlighted by the historic Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDY NXT by Firestone, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions are owned by Penske Corporation, a global transportation, automotive and motorsports leader. For more information on INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, please visit www.indycar.com. For more information on INDY NXT by Firestone, please visit www.indynxt.com

Weekend schedule for Dover – Cup Series race postponed to Monday at Noon

By
Angie Campbell
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Alex Bowman leads the field during the NASCAR Cup Series Drydene 400 at Dover International Speedway. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

This weekend the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series travel to Dover Motor Speedway. Friday evening will showcase the ARCA Menards Series East and the Xfinity Series will take center stage Saturday afternoon.

The Cup Series will close the weekend with the Würth 400 race on the one-mile concrete paved oval track known as the ‘Monster Mile. Eight active drivers have previously won at Dover with Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. topping the list with three wins each.

Chase Elliott has been to victory lane twice (2022, 2018) and is the defending race winner while Alex Bowman, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson and Brad Keselowski have each claimed the checkered flag once.

The Xfinity Series race at Dover is the final round of the Dash 4 Cash competition. Cole Custer, Jeb Burton, Sheldon Creed and Parker Kligerman will be eligible to claim the $100,000 bonus.

The Craftsman Truck Series will have the week off and will return to competition Saturday, May 6 at Kansas Speedway.

All times are Eastern.

Friday, April 28

1 p.m.: ARCA Practice (All Entries) No TV – Canceled
2:10 p.m.: ARCA Qualifying (Impound/Timed/All Entries) No TV – Canceled
5:35 p.m.: ARCA General Tire 125 (125 Laps) FloRacing.com – Postponed to Saturday at 4:30 p.m. after Xfinity Series A-GAME 200 (Time approximate)
3:05 p.m.: Xfinity Series Practice – FS1 – Canceled
3:35 p.m.: Xfinity Series Qualifying (Impound/Single Vehicle/2 Laps/All Entries) FS1 – Canceled

Saturday, April 29

10:35 a.m.: Cup Series Practice – FS2/PRN (FS1 at 11 a.m.)
11:20 a.m.: Cup Series Qualifying – FS1/PRN/SiriusXM – Canceled
Post Cup Series Qualifying on Press Pass

1:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series A-GAME 200
Stages – 45/90/200 Laps = 200 Miles
FS1/PRN/SiriusXM
The Purse: $1,361,382
Post Xfinity Series race on Press Pass

4:30 p.m.:ARCA General Tire 125 (125 Laps) FloRacing.com

Sunday, April 30

1 p.m.: Cup Series Würth 400 – Postponed to Monday, May 1 at Noon
Stages – 120/250/400 Laps = 400 Miles
FS1/PRN/SiriusXM
The Purse: $7,629,649
Post Cup Series race on Press Pass

Cup race postponed to Monday

By
Tucker White
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DOVER, Del. - APRIL 29: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Wabash Ford, and crew work on the grid during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway on April 29, 2023, in Dover, Delaware. Photo: James Gilbert/Getty Images

If you have a personal day, use it.

NASCAR postponed the Wurth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway to Monday, due to unyielding rain. The Cup Series’ annual trek to the Monster Mile will start at noon, ET. FOX Sports 1 will carry the TV broadcast and PRN/SiriusXM will carry the radio broadcast.

After rain washed out practice and qualifying, Saturday, NASCAR used its competitive metric to set the field. As a result of his win at Talladega Superspeedway, Kyle Busch will lead the field to green.

This is the second year in a row rain pushed a Cup Series race at Dover to Monday.

Maintaining Safety in Auto Repair Shop: What to Do

By
Official Release
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  • Auto repair shop accidents can cause injuries or deaths. Over 5,000 workers are injured, and 40 die annually from equipment-related incidents.
  • Cluttered workspaces, oily or wet floors, dimly lit areas, and uneven surfaces result in over 20% of all workplace injuries.
  • Proper storage systems and maintenance of tools and equipment are essential to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
  • To maintain safety, conduct regular inspections, schedule preventive maintenance, train staff, follow manufacturer’s instructions, and utilize safety equipment.

Maintaining safety in an auto repair shop is of utmost importance to prevent accidents from happening. Accidents in these shops can occur due to a variety of reasons. One reason is improper equipment handling, often leading to injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe burns, crushing, or amputations. In fact, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), more than 5,000 workers are injured, and 40 die every year due to equipment-related accidents in auto repair shops.

Another common reason for workplace accidents in auto repair shops is slips, trips, and falls. These accidents occur due to cluttered workspaces, oily or wet floors, poorly lit areas, and uneven surfaces. According to the National Safety Council, slip and fall accidents account for over 20% of all workplace injuries.

Maintaining safety in the auto repair shop requires a proactive approach. Here are some tips to ensure safety in the workplace.

Create Proper Storage Systems

Creating proper storage systems is crucial for maintaining safety in an auto repair shop. Everything in the shop, from tools and equipment to hazardous materials and spare parts, should have a. Not only does this ensure that everything is easily accessible, but it also reduces the likelihood of accidents. If you live in NoHo or surrounding areas, and feel the need to adhere to the auto safety measures, auto body shop in North Hollywood will be exactly what you are looking for.

Proper storage also prevents clutter, which is a primary cause of slips, trips, and falls. When tools and equipment are left strewn about the shop floor, workers can easily trip over them or slip on spilled oil or coolant. This is why having designated storage solutions, including secure waste oil tanks, helps keep spills contained and floors clear. This not only reduces injury risks but also protects equipment from damage and costly repairs.

Furthermore, proper oil waste storage tanks ensure hazardous materials are kept out of harm’s way. Many auto repair shops deal with chemicals that can be dangerous if not handled correctly. By creating designated areas for these materials, workers can avoid accidental spills, fires, and other unwanted incidents that could cause harm to themselves, others, or the environment.

Ensure Equipment and Tools are in Good Condition

Ensuring that equipment and tools are in good condition is essential for maintaining safety in an auto repair shop. Defective or worn-out equipment and tools can cause serious workplace accidents, resulting in injuries, lost workdays, and expensive lawsuits.

In addition, faulty equipment can lead to delays in servicing customers’ vehicles, causing a dip in revenue and damaging the shop’s reputation. Therefore, it is crucial to implement best practices in maintaining equipment and tools to ensure the workers’ safety and the business’s efficiency.

Here are some best practices for maintaining equipment and tools in an auto repair shop.

Conduct Regular Inspections

The first step in maintaining equipment and tools is performing regular inspections. Inspections should cover all equipment, from lifts and jacks to power and hand tools. Conducting daily or weekly reviews will help identify any defects, cracks, leaks, or rust that could cause equipment failure.

Regular inspections will also help to catch any missing or worn-out parts like nuts, bolts, and screws that could cause equipment malfunction. In addition, taking the time to check cables, hoses, and fittings regularly can help prevent fluid leaks, fires, or explosions.

Schedule Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is another essential practice for maintaining equipment and tools. Scheduled maintenance can help prevent emergency repairs and reduce equipment downtime. Auto repair shops should develop maintenance schedules for all equipment and tools and assign staff members to conduct the maintenance.

Preventive maintenance should include cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting each equipment and tool. Also, checking the spare parts inventory and ordering replacement parts before they are needed can help decrease equipment downtime.

Train Staff Members

Proper equipment and tools operation training is essential for maintaining safety in the auto repair shop. Staff must know how to use, support, and correctly handle equipment and tools. Untrained workers handling equipment or tools can lead to accidents resulting in injuries, property damage, and equipment failure.

Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions

Another essential practice is following the manufacturer’s equipment and tool maintenance, operation, and storage instructions. The manufacturer’s instructions provide detailed information on how to use, maintain, and store the equipment.

Following the manufacturer’s instructions can help avoid costly repairs, accidents, and injuries. It is essential to keep the equipment manuals in a designated area where staff members can access them quickly.

Utilize Safety Equipment

Finally, utilizing safety equipment is a must for maintaining safety in the auto repair shop. Mid-rise scissor car lifts, for example, are designed to safely lift cars off the ground and provide easy access to parts that need repairs or replacements. The durable design helps prevent accidents caused by slipping or falling objects.

In addition, other safety equipment such as goggles, gloves, and face masks can protect workers from hazardous substances like lubricants and chemicals. Wearing proper protective gear will reduce the risk of accidents in an auto repair shop.

Final Thoughts

By following these tips and best practices for maintaining safety in an auto repair shop, businesses can protect employees from dangerous accidents while keeping customers safe when servicing their vehicles. Properly maintained equipment, tools, and safety equipment are the keys to a safe and successful auto repair shop.

Jake Finch wins General Tire 125 ARCA Menards Series East race

By
Official Release
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DOVER, Del. (April 29, 2023) – Jake Finch missed his high school prom to race at Dover Motor Speedway on Saturday.

As a reward for that sacrifice, he’s bringing a new friend back to his Florida home – a Monster Trophy.

Finch survived a thrilling green-white-checkered finish to clinch his first ARCA Menards Series East victory in the General Tire 125 at the Monster Mile.

“It was awesome,” Finch said. “I can’t believe it. There’s going to be a party in Panama City tonight.”

Finch, 17, driving the No. 20 Toyota for Venturini Motorsports, outdueled Landen Lewis over the final two laps.

“It really means a lot to me,” said Finch. “It’s great to be in Victory Lane, especially at Dover.”

While Finch finished sixth in this race last year, Lewis was making his Monster Mile debut.

“We were so close,” Lewis said. “We were right there at the end.”

Lewis finished second, Luke Fenhaus placed third, with William Sawalich in fourth and Lavar Scott in fifth.

Dover’s NASCAR tripleheader weekend concludes Sunday with the Würth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race (1 p.m., FS1, PRN, Sirius NASCAR Radio).

For tickets, call 800-441-RACE to discuss your options with an account representative or visit DoverMotorSpeedway.com.

Tickets for kids 12 and under (with a paying adult) start at just $10 on Sunday.

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Toyota Gazoo Racing North America NHRA Charlotte Post-Qualifying Report — 4.29.23

By
Official Release
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JUSTIN ASHLEY CLAIMS NUMBER TWO TOP FUEL QUALIFYING SPOT IN CHARLOTTE
GR Supra Funny Cars Qualify Top-10 for Four-Wide Event

CHARLOTTE (April 29, 2023) – Justin Ashley claimed the number two qualifier position for Sunday’s Four-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway. Ashley posted a time of 3.662 seconds during Friday night’s late qualifying session and the time stood as number one until Brittany Force out-ran the time by a hundredth of a second Saturday afternoon. Fellow Toyota drivers, Steve Torrence (fourth), Doug Kalitta (sixth), Antron Brown (eighth) and Shawn Langdon (11th) are all poised for Sunday’s second four-wide event of the 2023 season.

In Funny Car competition, Alexis DeJoria drove her GR Supra to the number five qualifier position after holding the number one position following Friday night’s qualifying session with a time of 3.876 seconds. J.R. Todd qualified sixth in his GR Supra and Ron Capps’ Toyota qualified ninth.

Toyota Post-Qualifying Recap
NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series
zMax Dragway
Race 5 of 21

TOYOTA TOP FUEL QUALIFYING POSITIONS

NameCarQualifying PositionFirst Round Opponent
Brittany Force*Monster Energy Top Fuel Dragster1st (3.651)D. Foley
A. Brown
C. Millican
Justin AshleyPhillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel Dragster2nd (3.662)J. McNeal
A. Prock
M. Salinas
Steve TorrenceCapco Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster4th (3.679)D. Mercier
J. Hart
T. Schumacher
Doug KalittaMac Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster6th (3.699)L. Pruett
P. Dakin
S. Langdon
Antron BrownMatco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster8th (3.711)B. Force
D. Foley
C. Millican
Shawn LangdonCMR Construction & Roofing Toyota Top Fuel Dragster11th (3.727)L. Pruett
P. Dakin
D. Kalitta

(*non-Toyota driver)

TOYOTA FUNNY CAR QUALIFYING POSITIONS

NameCarQualifying PositionFirst Round Opponent
Bob Tasca IIISnap-On Tools Funny Car1st (3.852)D. Richards
T. Wilkerson
R. Capps
Alexis DeJoriaBandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra Funny Car5th (3.876)M. Hagan
D. Creasy Jr.
C. Green
J.R. ToddDHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car6th (3.888)R. Hight
A. LaughlinM. McIntire Jr.
Ron CappsNAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra Funny Car9th (3.899)B. Tasca III
D. Richards
T. Wilkerson

(*non-Toyota driver)

TOYOTA QUOTES

JUSTIN ASHLEY, Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, Davis Motorsports

TF Qualifying Result: 2nd

Did you feel you had more in the race car to go after the number one qualifier?

“I think we wanted to try and push the envelope a little. To be honest with you, I think that we actually had a little bit more in it. We didn’t go full throttle. We also wanted to make sure we went down the track. Tomorrow it depends on the weather conditions but anticipating what it’s going to be like, I certainly think that you’re going to have to make a throw down type of run if you want to give yourself a chance to win every round.”

ALEXIS DEJORIA, Bandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra Funny Car, DC Motorsports

FC Qualifying Result: 5th

What has your progress been like this season and how has your team progressed from last year?

“We’ve been working towards our current success. We’ve been through hell and back. We’re really excited about how we’ve been running and to be running this well early in the season and to be consistent the last few races. We’ve been getting down the track when a lot of cars haven’t been getting down the track. It’s just pretty much up to me now. I have to do my part to make it down there and get off the starting line in a decent time. And not get too far ahead in the game – just stay focused and stay in my seat.”

Do you feel you’re performing better this weekend than you did in Vegas?

“I hope we’re going to do better than Vegas because that was definitely our race to lose. This is a new race and a new four-wide. I have yet to win a four-wide. It’s exciting. Hopefully we will go some round on Sunday and make it to the winner’s circle.”

How important are qualifying points?

“Points are key. Obviously, we want to get as many points as we can, but I want to win this race. It’s time. It’s past time. We need our first race win this year.”

How has your consistency helped the team’s momentum this season?

“Having a good consistent race car is a huge confidence builder for the whole entire team. It does a lot for us and I can tell. I look around the guys faces and everybody is a little more upbeat now and I kept telling the guys last year, I was like, ‘Guys, we’re building for next year. Just hold on, we’re building for next year’ So far it’s definitely paid off. I’m glad we’re somewhat patient.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 22 electrified options.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

zMAX Dragway’s Record Books Taken By Force

By
Official Release
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April 29, 2023: at zMax Dragway in Concord, North Carolina. (HHP/Chris Owens)

CONCORD, N.C. (April 29, 2023) — Brittany Force considers zMAX Dragway one of her favorite tracks. After Saturday’s record-shattering run in the Top Fuel qualifying portion of the Circle K NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, its place among Force’s favorites is even more secure.

Force’s run in the third of four time trial sessions set a track record in elapsed time, going 336.32 miles per hour in a scorching 3.651 seconds. The result: the 45th No. 1 qualifier honors of her sterling career, and the ideal result for a haul of points in Sunday’s eliminations.

“That was an incredible run,” Force said. “I think it was more than my team expected. We had three solid runs, three of the four, which gives us enough information to carry it over and hopefully go some rounds (Sunday).

“We’ve had success here in the past. I love this track. It’s tricky, going four-wide, but it makes our teams better.”

Alexis DeJoria led the way after Friday’s pair of Funny Car qualifying sessions, but Bob Tasca III raised the bar on Saturday.

Tasca’s 3.852-second, 324-mile-per-hour run did the trick, giving Tasca the inside line to his first victory of the season.

“We’ve been working hard to get this car ready to win races,” Tasca said. “What made us really happy on that run was that we never showed our hand. The car shut off at 920 feet, and it was crazy. I was wide-open throttle, the car felt like it was a rocket ship, but the reason it was only 324 mph was that it shut off right at the end.

“Every lane, running four-wide, is a little different. We’ve got a good baseline for (Sunday). We have a good hot weather setup, we have a good cool weather setup, and I like our chances.”

Matt Hartford usurped Cristian Cuadra’s top Pro Stock time from Friday, using a 6.538-second, 208.52-mph run to snare the top spot for Sunday’s eliminations.

“We went to bed last night really disappointed that we knew we had a car that was fast enough for the pole (but hadn’t gotten it),” Hartford said. “It was lucky for us that the car broke before we fired up. We thought, ‘Let’s just go out there and make a good run.’ We thought if it was a good run, it could be top-five and if it’s a great run, it could be the pole.

“This is a lot of fun. I’ve never been in this position before.”

Gaige Herrera bettered his provisional No. 1 qualifying run from Friday, earning his second consecutive Pro Stock Motorcycle No. 1 qualifier, with a 6.735-second, 201-mph pass.

“I’m very impressed with this bike,” Herrera said. “I can’t ask for anything better out of my team. We’re always trying to improve, basically outdo yourself each round. For us to improve during the day, after what we did last night, it’s a credit to the hard work from the guys on the team. It’s showing. It’s a lot of pressure to have a top-tier bike, because there’s more pressure on me than on the bike.”

TICKETS:
To purchase tickets to the Circle K NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, fans can visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com. Children 13 and under are admitted FREE with a paid adult, and every ticket doubles as a pit pass.

MORE INFO:
Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway and get the latest news by following on Twitter and Instagram or becoming a Facebook fan.

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