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Logan Bearden Returns to AM Racing at Circuit of the Americas

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Official Release
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STATESVILLE, N.C.: AM Racing confirmed today that Austin, Texas native Logan Bearden will return to the team and compete in Saturday afternoon’s XPEL 225 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

Bearden will pilot AM Racing’s flagship No. 22 Ford F-150 for his second NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series start with support from local partners Bearden Automotive and Parker Electric.

In addition to COTA, Bearden, 27, is expected to pilot the No. 22 AM Racing Ford F-150 in select NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races this season.

During the week, Bearden serves as a mechanic at the team’s Statesville, N.C.-based shop assisting the team’s ARCA Menards Series and Truck Series programs respectively.

“I am excited to return to AM Racing this weekend at COTA,” said Bearden. “I learned a lot in my NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut last year – even though we experienced mechanical hiccups early in the race.

“The team worked diligently to fix the truck so I could get as many laps as I could under my belt. Without a doubt, I believe that seat time will pay off this weekend and hopefully, I can contend for a top-15 finish in our No. 22 Bearden Automotive | Parker Electric Ford F-150.”

Outside of his responsibilities at the AM Racing shop and competing for the team in NASCAR, Bearden will also continue driving his family-owned No. 66 Super Late Model in various events in the JEGS | CRA Tour this spring and summer.

Bearden will be the third Truck Series driver for the AM Racing organization this season. In addition to Bearden, Josh Reaume and Max Gutiérrez have also piloted the team’s No. 22 Ford F-150 in the opening three races of the 2023 season.

AM Racing team principal Kevin Cywinski believes Bearden has the talent and capabilities of earning the team their first top-10 finish of the season on Saturday afternoon.

“Logan is a very methodical and talented race car driver and he is an important asset to AM Racing,” offered Cywinski. “He did not get a fair shot last year. He qualified on speed and was competitive in the opening laps of the race but unfortunately experienced mechanical gremlins early in the race.

“We are glad everything worked out where he has another opportunity to not only showcase his craft but race in front of friends and family under the AM Racing banner.

“We believe Logan will surprise a lot of people this weekend.”

Truck Series winning crew chief Ryan “Pickle” London will call the shots for Bearden in the 42-lap race.

While AM Racing won’t have two NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series vehicles in the field as they did last season, the Statesville, N.C.-based organization will field cars in both Trucks and the NASCAR Xfinity Series events on Saturday afternoon from the famed Texas road course.

Alongside Bearden, Brett Moffitt will drive the team’s No. 25 AM Technical Solutions Ford Mustang in Saturday afternoon’s Pit Boss 250 in his first Xfinity Series road course race of the year.

For more on Logan Bearden, please visit LoganBearden.com, like his Facebook page (Logan Bearden Racing) or follow him on Instagram (Logan­­_Bearden66) and Twitter (@LoganBearden66).

For more on AM Racing visit amracing.racing, like them on Facebook (AM Racing) follow them on Twitter (@AMRacingNASCAR) and Instagram (@AMRacingNASCAR22).

The XPEL 225 (42 laps | 143.22 miles) is the fourth of 23 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races on the 2023 schedule. Practice begins on Fri., March 24, 2022, from 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Qualifying will soon follow from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The 36-truck field will take the green flag on race day, Sat., March 25, 2022, shortly after 12:30 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (CT).

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 and the NASCAR Xfinity Series 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.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing secures Sebring one-two

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Official Release
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Toyota City, Japan, Mar 20, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing dominated the opening round of the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) to earn a one-two victory in the 1000 Miles of Sebring in the face of strong Hypercar competition.

The GR010 HYBRID #7 of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Jose Maria Lopez bounced back from a practice accident on Thursday to take victory after a hard-fought 239 laps at the home of endurance racing in the United States.

After a tense race-long battle at the front, World Champions and 2022 Le Mans winners Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa completed a perfect result for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing by finishing second in the #8 GR010 HYBRID, just 2.168secs behind.

Relentless consistency, flawless team operations and strong tyre management combined as TOYOTA GAZOO Racing overcame the challenge of new Hypercar rivals from Cadillac, Ferrari and Porsche to lap all competitors twice and earn the team’s 40th WEC victory.

Despite missing pole position on Thursday, the team was immediately in the fight at the front when the green flags waved in midday Florida sunshine. Sebastien kept pressure on the pole-sitting #50 Ferrari through the opening laps, while Mike held off a challenge to his third position.

An early safety car, due to a fifth-lap accident for a GT car, put the battle on hold for 25 minutes. During that interruption, the lead Ferrari pitted for fuel, moving the GR010 HYBRIDs to the front and defining the pattern of the race. Sebastien set a new Hypercar race lap record as he and Mike edged clear of the competition.

At the two-hour mark, little separated the GR010 HYBRIDs and their gap over the chasing pack was enough to keep them ahead through the first driver changes. Kamui took the wheel of the #7 and two laps later Brendon jumped into the race-leading #8, although he immediately came under pressure from the sister car.

As half distance approached, Kamui moved the #7 to the front and soon after, early in the fifth hour, he handed over to Jose. Ryo took the wheel of the second-placed #8 to resume an intra-team battle for victory, with the pair now a lap clear of the competition.

After Kamui and Sebastien returned to their respective cockpits, the gap at the front began to grow during the seventh hour. When Mike took the wheel of the #7 with 47 minutes remaining, he held a 23secs advantage over Brendon at the start of the final stint.

As the sun set on Sebring, Mike ticked off the remaining laps without taking risks and Brendon reduced the gap steadily. The chequered flag flew in darkness and Mike crossed the line 2.168secs ahead of the #8 to conquer the biggest-ever top-class grid for a WEC season-opener and earn maximum race points.

Hypercar battle resumes in Portugal in a month’s time with the 6 Hours of Portimao on 16 April, the second of seven races this season.

1000 Miles of Sebring – Result:
1st #7 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing 239 laps
2nd #8 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing +2.168secs
3rd #50 Ferrari AF Corse (Fuoco/Molina/Nielsen) +2 laps
4th #2 Cadillac Racing (Bamber/Lynn/Westbrook) +2 laps
5th #5 Porsche Penske (Cameron/Christensen/Makowiecki) +4 laps
6th #6 Porsche Penske (Estre/Lotterer/Vanthoor) +4 laps

For more information, visit https://toyotagazooracing.com/wec/release/2023/rd01-race/.

Kaulig Racing Post-Race Report | Atlanta Motor Speedway

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Official Release
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Kaulig Racing Post-Race Report | Atlanta Motor Speedway
Ambetter Health 400

AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Action Industries Camaro ZL1

  • AJ Allmendinger qualified 30th for the Ambetter Health 400.
  • Lacking speed and finishing the first stage 27th, crew chief, Matt Swiderski, made a strategy call on green-flag stops, resulting in a 12th place finish in the second stage for Allmendinger.
  • Allmendinger went on to finish 16th in the final stage.

“I thought we made the best of it. We got a little bit of damage in one of the wrecks and that probably didn’t help our speed, but we were just lacking speed in general which made it tough for us to make moves and we kinda got stuck. Pit stops were really good, strategy was really good. We did everything right and the car handled well, just got stuck there in pack racing and we didn’t have a lot of raw speed in the car. We just tried to make the best there with what we had and we got out with a clean race car.” – AJ Allmendinger

Justin Haley, No. 31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Camaro ZL1

  • Justin Haley qualified 20th for the Ambetter Health 400.
  • During the opening stage, Haley stayed in the top 15, reporting he was happy with the handling of the No. 31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Camaro ZL1. Making it as high as 12th, Haley dropped back and finished the stage in 17th.
  • The balance of the No. 31 Chevy began to tighten up during the second stage. Haley made a green-flag stop for left-side tires and fuel with just under 30 laps in the stage. Losing all drafting help, Haley was stuck in 24th, where he finished the second stage.
  • After a fuel-only pit stop in the final stage, Haley worked his way up to eighth before getting hit by a spinning No. 5 car, knocking the right-front toe out of the No. 31 car. The team assessed the damage and made some repairs to the car. Haley was able to stay with the pack for the remainder of the race and went on to finish 22nd.

“We had a really great No. 31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Camaro ZL1 all day until we got hit on the right front in the third stage. That knocked the toe out and really affected the steering of the car. Despite the damage, we still were able to stay with the lead pack and finish 22nd. We made it as high as eighth before we got hit, so I think we had a chance for a really great finish. That’s just how these speedway races are. I’m looking forward to the next few races where we have a good opportunity to have some solid runs.” – Justin Haley  

Raptor King of Tough 250

Daniel Hemric, No. 11 Chevy Accessories Chevrolet

  • Per the rulebook, Daniel Hemric started the Raptor King of Tough 250 11th after qualifying was canceled due to inclement weather.
  • Hemric fought right-front chatter the majority of the first stage. Through all the cautions and restarts, Hemric finished 7th in the opening stage.
  • During the second stage, Hemric was collected in a wreck and sustained some right-front damage. The team was able to repair damage to the nose, and Hemric went on to finish the stage in 17th.
  • During the final stage, Hemric made his way into the top 10 alongside his teammates. Crew chief, Jason Trinchere, made the call for fuel only for the final pit stop, allowing Hemric to gain track position. Battling for the win on the final restart, Hemric made contact with the No. 48 and went on to cross the line in second place.

“In situations like the one we were in, you’re racing for a win and doing everything you can to put yourself in position to win. I’m proud of these guys at Kaulig Racing for grinding. It was a battle all night, and we didn’t quite have the speed we needed. We were one spot short tonight, but having the opportunity to get in a race car every week for Kaulig Racing is an honor. Second place is tough, but tonight I’m happy with second place.” – Daniel Hemric

Justin Haley, No. 10 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet

  • Per the rulebook, Justin Haley started the Raptor King of Tough 250 18th after qualifying was canceled due to inclement weather.
  • Haley avoided mayhem in what would become a caution-filled opening stage and went on to finish 10th in stage one.
  • As the cautions continued to fall throughout the second stage, Haley reported his No. 10 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet handled well. Bailing out of the lead pack just in time to avoid a wreck, the 9th caution of the day flew with three laps remaining in the stage, ending it under caution. Haley was scored 18th.
  • Haley worked his way into the top 10 during the final stage, racing amongst his teammates. He worked to avoid a last-lap wreck, but was hooked from behind as he crossed the line 10th.

“Our No. 10 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet was really good. It was just really long race. We worked hard to position ourselves for the end, but we just never could quite get there. Overall, we had a good day and another top 10 in the No. 10 car.” – Justin Haley

Chandler Smith, No. 16 Quick Tie Chevrolet

  • Per the NASCAR rulebook, Chandler Smith started the RAPTOR 250 in sixth after qualifying was canceled due to inclement weather.
  • Smith ran in the top 10 during the caution-filled opening stage, finishing fourth and gaining seven stage points.
  • During the second stage, Smith made contact with another car and received damage to his left-front fender. The No. 16 Quick Tie Products team repaired the damage after multiple pit stops as Smith went on to finish the stage in 19th.
  • During the final stage, the No. 16 car suffered a rear gear failure with just over 30 laps to go, leading to Smith’s retirement from the race. He finished 28th.

“It wasn’t the day the No. 16 Quick Tie team wanted, but it’s these days that show us who we are as a group. I felt like we had lots of speed and could’ve continued our top-five streak, but results like this are what you sometimes get with superspeedway racing. It’s about the process in addition to the results, though, and I felt like our crew really helped salvage the speed I knew we had without the left-front damage. That gives us all confidence that we have the potential for a special season. We’ll be back next week.” – Chandler Smith  
 

 
About Kaulig Racing™

Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started and has won back-to-back regular-season championships. Before becoming a full-time NCS team, Kaulig Racing made multiple starts in the 2021 NCS season and won in its seventh-ever start with AJ Allmendinger’s victory at “The Brickyard” for the Verizon 200 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The team expanded to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 with Justin Haley piloting the No. 31 Camaro ZL1, and an all-star lineup featured in the No. 16 Camaro ZL1. Haley will continue to drive the No. 31 full-time in 2023, alongside AJ Allmendinger, who will drive the No. 16 Camaro ZL1. The team will continue to field three, full-time NXS entries; the No. 10 Chevrolet driven by an all-star lineup that will be announced at a later date, the No. 11 Chevrolet driven by Daniel Hemric, and the No. 16 Chevrolet driven by Chandler Smith. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

Multi-Car Crash Leaves Burton 34th at Atlanta

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Official Release
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Harrison Burton and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team were swept up in a multi-car melee on Lap 189 of Sunday’s Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, with the damage to the No. 21 Mustang too severe to be repaired in a timely manner. That dropped Burton to 34th in the finishing order.

Burton started Sunday’s race from 33rd place after getting loose in qualifying on Saturday. When the green flag flew on Sunday he spent most of the first two Stages running near the back of the pack.

He finished the first 60-lap Stage in 32nd place. In the second Stage he managed to avoid getting lapped as the Stage wound down and ended that segment in 29th place and on the lead lap.

As Stage Three got underway, Burton began to move forward. He moved into the top 25 on Lap 167 and was up to 22nd by Lap 171.

He was still inside the top 25 on Lap 189, 71 circuits shy of the finish, when a wreck that began at the front of the pack left the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang with race-ending suspension damage.

“I don’t even know what caused our wreck,” Burton told reporters at the track. “I was looking back and forth between the windshield and the mirror trying to block people from being aggressive and taking you in the middle of three-wide.

“I looked back and forth and by the time I looked back they were wrecking in front of me.”
Burton said it was frustrating to see his race end as it did.

“I feel like our qualifying effort was not very good, obviously,” he said. “I about crashed in qualifying, but I felt really good about our car in the race, but I just could not gain track position to maintain it.

“It’s really, really hard to leapfrog your way forward a lot of spots. It’s just frustrating how that worked out.

“Once you’re back there, you’re bound to get pushed into all the wrecks for sure.”

Up next for Burton and the No. 21 team is next Sunday’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

About Motorcraft®
Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

About Omnicraft®
Omnicraft is part of the Ford lineup of parts brands: Ford Parts, Motorcraft and Omnicraft. Omnicraft is the exclusive non-Ford/Lincoln parts brand of premium aftermarket parts. With over a century of parts heritage to build upon, Omnicraft provides excellent quality and fit and is a preferred choice of professional automotive technicians. To find out more about Omnicraft, visit www.omnicraftautoparts.com or contact your local Ford or Lincoln Dealership.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

About Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center
Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change and maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator and electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension and steering, wheel alignment, belts and hoses, lamps and bulbs and wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 176,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com.
*See seller for limited-warranty details.

Wood Brothers Racing
Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 99 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glenn’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Harrison Burton in the famous No. 21 racer.

Stewart-Haas Racing: Ambetter Health 400 from Atlanta

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Official Release
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STEWART-HAAS RACING
Ambetter Health 400

Date: March 19, 2023
Event: Ambetter Health 400 (Round 5 of 36)
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia (1.54-mile oval)
Format: 260 laps, broken into three stages (60 laps/100 laps/100 laps)
Race Winner: Joey Logano of Team Penske (Ford)
Stage 1 Winner: Joey Logano of Team Penske (Ford)
Stage 2 Winner: Austin Cindric of Team Penske (Ford)

SHR Race Finish:

● Chase Briscoe (Started 8th, Finished 24th / Running, completed 259 of 260 laps)

● Ryan Preece (Started 24th, Finished 28th / Running, completed 244 of 260 laps)

● Aric Almirola (Started 5th, Finished 30th / Accident, completed 208 of 260 laps)

● Kevin Harvick (Started 6th, Finished 33rd / Accident, completed 190 of 260 laps)

SHR Points:

● Kevin Harvick (6th with 155 points, 22 out of first)

● Chase Briscoe (23rd with 72 points, 105 out of first)

● Ryan Preece (26th with 63 points, 114 out of first)

● Aric Almirola (27th with 63 points, 114 out of first)

SHR Notes:

● Almirola led twice for 17 laps, increasing his laps led total at Atlanta to 67.

● Harvick led one lap, increasing his laps led total at Atlanta to a series-leading 1,360.

Race Notes:

● Joey Logano won the Ambetter Health 400 to score his 32nd career NASCAR Cup Series victory, his first of the season and his first at Atlanta. His margin over second-place Brad Keselowski was .193 of a second.

● This was Ford’s 721st all-time NASCAR Cup Series victory.

● This was Ford’s 36th NASCAR Cup Series victory at Atlanta. The manufacturer won its first race at Atlanta with NASCAR Hall of Famer Fred Lorenzen on July 9, 1961.

● There were five caution periods for a total of 34 laps.

● Twenty-three of the 36 drivers in the race finished on the lead lap.

● Logano leaves Atlanta as the championship leader by just a single point over second-place Christopher Bell.

Sound Bites:

“We’ve got some work to do before we come back here. I’m not sure what exactly we were dealing with, but the balance was never where it needed to be in the draft. It would snap loose at the worst time, and that’s how we ended up in the wall and having to fix a toe link. I’m glad we were able to get some of our position back, but I wish it had been a better ending for us.” – Chase Briscoe, driver of the No. 14 HighPoint.com Ford Mustang

“That was a really tough day. Just a struggle all around. We couldn’t run the top at all and then we had something wrong with the car and spent the rest of the race trying to diagnose it.” – Ryan Preece, driver of the No. 41 Autodesk/HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang

“I’m OK. It knocked the wind out of me, mostly because it caught me by surprise, but I’m OK. I blew a tire. I just blew a tire. I have no idea why. We had way less laps on that set of tires than we had earlier, so I don’t know.” – Aric Almirola, driver of the No. 10 Smithfield Ford Mustang

“I think he (Ross Chastain) just caught me so quick right there in the middle of the corner and then he kind of was up on the right rear part of the corner and he came back down and when he came back down, it just spun the thing out. I don’t think he actually even hit me, but it started chattering the rear tires and then I was just along for the ride.” – Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 4 Busch Light #Break4Busch Ford Mustang

Next Up:

The next event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix on Sunday, March 26 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. The race begins at 3:30 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Managing Fleet Performance with Preventative Transmission Maintenance

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SM
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Photo by Maxim Hopman on Unsplash

Australia’s fleet vehicles operate in some of the world’s harshest environments. These arenas present unique challenges that most vehicles aren’t equipped to handle, which is why transmissions, drivetrains, and underbody components receive significant upgrades. Although owning and maintaining a fleet of upgraded vehicles is a major expense for any company, these cars, trucks, and 4WDs are ultimately responsible for keeping the country moving.

Operating a fleet comes with many challenges, especially in terms of maintaining vehicles and meeting service requirements. In tough outback conditions, these requirements are much higher than normal road use, and many companies find themselves investing in major preventative maintenance items. While rebuilding components like transmissions isn’t trivial, it’s critical to the success of a fleet, and it offers four major benefits that we’ll explore in the article below.

1. Reduced Downtime

Keeping fleet vehicles moving is a top priority in every industry. When vehicle downtime is costing you time and money, it’s important to keep on top of maintenance requirements. While most fleet operators have no trouble executing regular servicing appointments, major services like transmission rebuilds can be harder to justify. It can take multiple days to rebuild and reinstall a transmission. While the rebuilt transmission can provide years of reliable service, some operators struggle to justify the downtime.

Despite this, investments in drivetrain and transmission rebuilds are some of the most effective productivity boosters. In most cases, transmissions, driveshafts, and transfer cases will continue to run, even as they’re wearing out. This gives fleet operators ample time to schedule major service and rebuild appointments. Treating transmission rebuilds as a preventative maintenance procedure allows your service department to order parts and prepare ahead of time. Factoring these major service requirements into your maintenance schedule reduces downtime, and it prevents even greater losses from occurring when vehicles finally break down while they’re in use.

2. Cost-Efficiency

Fleet operators are often charged with managing hundreds of vehicles. This represents a major cost to any organization, particularly in Australia where companies favor expensive marques like the Toyota LandCruiser. Reducing the expenses incurred by a fleet is typically done by optimizing deployments, providing driver training, and managing maintenance requirements. Of these programs, meeting the servicing, repair, and maintenance needs of vehicles is the most challenging, but it’s also the biggest opportunity for cost savings.

Investing in transmission components and rebuilds is a major expense that you don’t want to find yourself repeatedly incurring. However, transmissions are a critical component, and a rebuilt transmission can breathe new life into old vehicles that are still serviceable. When vehicles like the LandCruiser are known for their ability to do millions of kilometers in the world’s harshest conditions, a transmission rebuild is a cost-effective way of keeping fleets on the road for longer.

3. Enhanced Safety

One of the biggest challenges facing fleet operators is the safety of drivers and other personnel. Modern, well-maintained vehicles protect drivers from harm and reduce the likelihood of accidents that can cause serious injury. These accidents not only have the potential to harm or kill operators, but they also result in downtime, and operators typically end up having to replace the vehicle to remain compliant.

While it’s uncommon for transmissions to fail without warning, a gearbox that is worn out or on its last legs represents a serious hazard. Faulty gearboxes put drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users at risk of accidents and breakdowns. And, when a vehicle is being operated in remote locations – like mine sites – these minor issues can prove fatal. Maintaining, repairing, and rebuilding gearboxes on time means drivers can trust their equipment in critical moments, and it allows fleet operators to protect their employees from unnecessary risk.

4. Improved Fuel Efficiency

A vehicle’s transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. That means the transmission plays a large role in how efficiently a vehicle runs. Transmissions that are damaged, worn or poorly maintained can dramatically reduce fuel efficiency. While this drop in efficiency may not be noticeable on a single vehicle, it represents a major expense for fleet operators. This is especially true in industries such as mining and power generation that rely on inefficient 4WDs that are driven in demanding, off-road conditions.

Regular transmission maintenance and changing fluids can go a long way to improving fuel efficiency and reducing operating costs. However, all transmission components have a limited life, and they will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. Simply replacing old bearings and worn gear sets can dramatically improve fuel efficiency. While rebuilding a transmission also represents a major cost to fleet operators, the long-term benefits far outweigh the expense.

How to Drive Safely at Night

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SM
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Photo by Gabe Pierce on Unsplash

It’s essential to drive safely at all times, but safety becomes a particular concern at night.

Without the sun’s light illuminating your path, you need to rely on your car headlights to see the road ahead of you. Your vision is limited, and this makes it harder for you to spot hazards and take immediate action to avoid accidents while you’re driving.

You’ll know from your driving lessons and driving test that there are several different safety measures that you need to take before you set off from a stationary position. 

However, your precautions shouldn’t stop there. You should remain vigilant and take the necessary health and safety steps every second you’re behind the wheel.

Here are some key ways to improve your driving safety at night.

Wear Your Glasses if You Need Them

If you’re somebody who only occasionally wears prescription glasses to see more clearly, you might choose not to wear them when you’re driving. However, wearing your night driving glasses during night drives is a good practice because your vision is already impaired in the dark.

You might want to get yourself a pair of night driving glasses that are designed specifically for use behind the wheel at night. You can store them in your vehicle’s glove box, so you’re never stuck without them in times of need.

Avoid Distractions Wherever Possible

Driving while distracted can significantly increase the risk of road traffic collisions, injuries, and even fatalities.

Common distractions include:

  • Using your mobile phone to text or call people
  • Adjusting the volume or snog your radio
  • Listening to loud music
  • Speaking to a passenger while driving

Being distracted slows down your reactions and makes you less able to avoid hazards and collisions. Remember that it only takes a split second for an accident to occur, but it could make the difference between life and death.

In most areas, driving with distractions is against the law. You could face criminal charges and a hefty fine if you’re caught using your phone while behind the wheel (unless your vehicle is stationary and the engine is turned off).

Take Well-Known and Well-Lit Routes

Driving at night can be disorienting. It’s easy to miss your turn or fail to see a stop sign because your vision is limited to the distance between your car’s headlights.

Following routes that you’re familiar with will reduce the chances of your missing your turn or failing to see a road sign. It also minimizes the risk of you getting lost and having to pull over on a dark road, which is a safety risk in and of itself. Driving on familiar roads puts your mind at ease and gives you more confidence, too!

You should also stick to well-lit routes. Follow the main roads and, as much as possible, drive through busy areas where businesses are open 24/7 so you can see where you’re going.

In some parking lots or intersections, a full dome mirror can improve visibility by giving drivers a clear view around corners and blind spots. Staying vigilant and relying on these safety measures will help ensure a safer, more confident driving experience at night.

Why Car Enthusiasts Need to Have a Reliable Lawyer on Their Hands

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SM
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Photo by Taras Makarenko

Car enthusiasts are passionate about their vehicles and often invest a great deal of time and money in maintaining and customizing them. However, owning and operating a vehicle can also come with legal risks and liabilities. That’s why car enthusiasts need to have a reliable lawyer on their side to help them navigate the complex legal landscape of the automotive world. In the text below, we’ll discuss the reasons why car enthusiasts need a reliable lawyer and how a lawyer can help them protect their interests.

The paperwork 

First of all, a reliable lawyer can assist car enthusiasts in dealing with legal issues related to vehicle ownership, such as registration and titling, licensing, insurance, and liability. These legal requirements can vary from state to state and can be confusing and overwhelming for car enthusiasts who may not be familiar with the laws and regulations. A reliable lawyer can help car enthusiasts understand their legal obligations and ensure that they are complying with all applicable laws and regulations.

It’s also good to have someone in your corner when facing consequences for violations. LA County drivers often approach this traffic ticket lawyer in Inglewood to help them handle speeding tickets and other traffic violations. Oftentimes, they can get the charges reduced or even dismissed in court.

Accidents 

Those who are involved in a car accident or other legal dispute may face complex legal issues that can be difficult to navigate without the assistance of a reliable lawyer. For example, car enthusiasts who are involved in a car accident may need to defend against claims of liability or pursue compensation for damages. If you happen to be a car accident victim in Houston, a reliable lawyer can assist you in negotiating with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and representing you in court if necessary. In addition, you may encounter legal disputes related to the purchase or sale of a vehicle, such as disputes over warranties, repairs, or financing. 

A reliable lawyer can also assist you in understanding your legal rights and obligations and negotiating favorable outcomes in these disputes. Overall, if you happen to be involved in a car accident or other legal dispute, you should consider seeking advice and representation from a reliable lawyer to protect your legal interests and ensure the best possible outcome.

Modifications and upgrades

As a car enthusiast, you’ll probably often invest a significant amount of time and money in modifying or upgrading your vehicles to enhance their performance or appearance. However, these modifications can sometimes raise legal issues that you are not aware of. For example, some aftermarket parts or modifications may not comply with emissions or safety regulations, which could result in legal penalties or fines.

A reliable lawyer can assist car enthusiasts in understanding the legal implications of their modifications and ensuring that they are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. This may involve reviewing the specific modifications and assessing their impact on the vehicle’s safety or emissions performance. If there are concerns about compliance, a reliable lawyer can help car enthusiasts navigate the regulatory requirements and identify solutions that meet legal standards.

During purchase and sale

Also, you may benefit from the services of a reliable lawyer when you are purchasing or selling a vehicle. Vehicle sales and purchases can be complex transactions, and it is important to ensure that all legal requirements are met to avoid legal disputes and liabilities. A reliable lawyer can assist car enthusiasts in reviewing and negotiating sales agreements, conducting due diligence on the vehicle’s history, and ensuring that all legal obligations are met during the transfer of ownership.

What if you like recreational sports? 

It’s worth mentioning how a reliable lawyer can assist car enthusiasts in navigating the legal landscape of motorsports. You, who enjoy participating in motorsports, such as drag racing, autocross, or track days, may encounter unique legal issues related to liability, insurance, and safety regulations. A reliable lawyer can help car enthusiasts understand and comply with the legal requirements of motorsports and represent them in negotiations or litigation related to accidents or disputes that may occur during these events. They can also advise car enthusiasts on the legal implications of participating in motorsports, including the potential impact on their personal liability insurance or driver’s license.

Protection of property 

So, a good lawyer can help you understand and protect your rights to intellectual property. Fans of cars who design and make their own car parts or accessories may have valuable intellectual property rights, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights. A reliable lawyer can help you identify and protect these rights, ensuring that they are not infringed upon by others. They can also assist in drafting and negotiating licensing agreements or litigating against infringing parties.

Legal advice 

Have the following in mind, a reliable lawyer can provide you with ongoing legal advice and support. As you’re passionate about vehicles, you may encounter legal issues throughout your ownership and operation, such as traffic violations, recalls, and warranty claims. A reliable lawyer can provide ongoing legal advice and support, helping car enthusiasts navigate these issues and avoid legal pitfalls. They can also keep car enthusiasts informed of changes in the law or regulations that may affect their vehicle ownership or operation.

We hope you’ll find these points helpful in understanding the importance of a capable and knowledgeable legal representative, as it can literally change your life. 

NASCAR Top-10 Power Rankings: Atlanta

By
Jeffrey Boswell
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Atlanta Motor Speedway Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

1. Joey Logano: Logano started on the pole and was the class of the field at Atlanta, winning Stage 1 and leading 140 on his way to the win in the Ambetter Health 400.

“I knew I would win this race,” Logano said, “because I ‘am better’ than everyone else.”

2. Christopher Bell: Bell came home third at Atlanta as the top Toyota finisher. Bell helped Joey Logano to the win with a strong push that helped move Logano past Brad Keselowski.

“Notice that no Hendrick Motorsports cars were racing for the win,” Bell said. “Atlanta Motor Speedway may have 28-degree banking in the turns, but at least on Sunday, it was a totally ‘level playing field.'”

3. Kyle Busch: Busch survived a spin in the Kevin Harvick-Ross Chastain incident, and damage was minimal. Busch recovered to post a solid 10th at Atlanta.

“NASCAR really came down hard on Hendrick Motorsports,” Busch said. “NASCAR must have found some really incriminating violations in those inspections. I may have been caught with a gun in Mexico, but at least it wasn’t a smoking gun.”

4. William Byron: Byron was eliminated from the Ambetter Health 400 as an innocent victim of a crash with 71 laps left, caused when Kevin Harvick got loose in tight quarters and collected several cars.

“And speaking of ‘innocent victim,'” Byron said, “most people are saying Hendrick Motorsports is not one after their huge penalties and fines as a result of failed inspections. It’s one thing to be the victim; it’s another thing to play the victim. One of those things we do very well.”

5. Kevin Harvick: Harvick was a victim in one of two final stage wrecks at Atlanta. With 71 laps left, Harvick got loose with Ross Chastain right on his bumper, and Harvick spun into traffic, triggering a crash that involved 12 cars.

“The easy way out would be for me to blame Chastain for causing the crash,” Harvick said. “Why? Because everyone would believe it, even Ross himself.”

6. Ryan Blaney: Blaney posted his second consecutive top 10 with a seventh at Atlanta. He is fourth in the points standings,

“NASCAR handed down quite a list of penalties, suspensions, and fines to Hendrick Motorsports,” Blaney said. “Heck, I bet when NASCAR made the announcement, they, like Hendrick themselves, probably used a ‘cheat sheet.'”

7. Ross Chastain: Chastain had an eventful day at Atlanta on his way to a 13th-place finish in the Ambetter Health 400.

“Obviously,” Chastain said, “my reputation precedes me. Just ask Kevin Harvick. Now, I’m being accused of wrecking people even when I don’t even touch them.”

8. Kyle Larson: Larson was, unfortunately, running behind Aric Almirola with 52 laps left, as Almirola, on old tires, blew a right rear tire and collected Larson, who was competing in his 300th Cup series start.

“I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Larson said, “much like the thousands of gamers who were listening to me back in April of 2020.

“Hendrick Motorsport’s best finish was a 14th by Alex Bowman. It was a sad day for Hendrick. But I must say, I’ve seen worse days, pretty recently, actually.”

9. Brad Keselowski: Keselowski settled for the runner-up spot at Atlanta, unable to hold off former teammate Joey Logano on the final lap. It was Keselowski’s best result of the year.

“Me and Joey go way back,” Logano said. “Or at least Joey says I go way back, because he won the Cup last year; I won it way back in 2012.”

10. Denny Hamlin: Hamlin finished sixth at Atlanta, joining Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Christopher Bell (third) and Ty Gibbs (ninth) in the top 10.

“I was penalized 25 driver points and fined $50,000 for making intentional contact with Ross Chastain at Phoenix,” Hamlin said. “And, as I am prone to do, I’ll ‘admit’ it, and say it was worth every penny.”

Keselowski Flirts with Victory, Comes Up Just Short of Win at Atlanta

By
Official Release
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“You Just Keep Running Like This with Good Finishes and the Wins Will Come,” Brad Keselowski

HAMPTON, Ga. (March 19, 2023) – Brad Keselowski led the field in the closing moments of Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The driver/owner of the King’s Hawaiian Ford Mustang led 47 laps in the 260-lap event, including 28 of the final 29. As cool as the crisp west Georgia afternoon, Keselowski held off a pack of charging Penske Fords for the final 25 laps, but despite the valiant effort from the NASCAR Champion, lost the lead as the field moved into turn three with just under half a mile left in the 400-mile event.

Keselowski and the No. 6 Team held on for the second-place finish, RFK’s best finish at the 1.5-mile track since 2010.

“A great run all-in-all for our RFK King’s Hawaiian Ford Mustang,” said Keselowski after the race. “We were right there. I’m glad a Ford won and it was a heck of a battle. I’m proud of my team and the effort, just not much we could do there at the end.

“It’s night and day from where we were a year ago, 100 percent,” added an optimistic Keselowski. “You just keep running like this with good finishes and the wins will come.”

Keselowski started the day fourth based on Saturday’s strong effort in qualifying. He finished stage one in third position and moved to second as the field went green for stage two. After a green flag pit cycle the No. 6 King’s Hawaiian Ford finished the second stage sixth.

Keselowski took the lead for the first time on lap 209 and led the majority of the race’s final 50 laps. He appeared poised for the victory coming into the final lap, but was unable to hold off the charge from the No. 22 and his teammates.

“The bottom row came with a huge run,” said Keselowski. “I thought I had it blocked and Joey (Logano) just kept shaking and his car didn’t stall out. I couldn’t get the push down the back, but it was still a great run for our team and something we’ll continue to build on until we get there. We are getting really close.”

Keselowski, who has now led in all five races this season, moved up to fifth in the Cup point standings, one point behind fourth and 17 outside of first place.

The No. 6 team returns to action next week in road-course racing action at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. Race coverage Sunday is set for 3:30 p.m. on FOX. Radio coverage can be heard on PRN and SiriusXM Channel 90.

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