No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R team seeks to continue brand’s success in debut in new series
SEBRING, Fla. (March 15, 2023) — The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R co-driven by Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn and Richard Westbrook look to extend Cadillac’s success in its inaugural race in a new series Friday in the 1000 Miles of Sebring.
The trio, after completing a successful Prologue last weekend on the 3.741-mile, 17-turn Sebring International Raceway circuit, combined to turn 46 laps in two free practice Hypercar sessions in preparation for the FIA World Endurance Championship season-opening race.
Max Angelelli has the distinction of winning in Cadillac’s debut in the Speed World Challenge GT class in 2004 at Sebring International Raceway and in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s DPi class in the 2017 Rolex 24 At Daytona.
“What a coincidence,” said Angelelli, who won the 2004 race from the pole in the No. 16 Cadillac CTS-V. He teamed with Jeff Gordon, Jordan Taylor and Ricky Taylor in driving the No. 10 Cadillac prototype to the victory at Daytona International Speedway in 2017 in the opening race of the DPi era.
“Both wins were unique, and both were the beginning of something big and something that is still going and growing a lot,” Angelelli said. “They were programs that became extremely successful – the World Challenge and then the DPi. I’ve been very fortunate.
“2004 was kind of I almost couldn’t believe it. We worked a lot in 2003 testing and everything and the car was just so perfect and was so great for Cadillac coming back after the Le Mans experience that didn’t bring the results everybody wanted. Then, P1 and win the first race. And in 2017, I remember the day before I was worrying about failures during the race, and nothing happened. We won the race and that was major as well.”
Angelelli also won from the pole at Road Atlanta in 2004. Cadillac earned the Manufacturer Championship in 2005 and ’07, and Andy Pilgrim won the Driver Championship in 2005.
“We have to applaud the Cadillac effort as a group,” Angelelli said. “I was just one piece of this enormous program. It was a real team effort, a real team win. My time with Cadillac goes back to 1999 and in a different position now I’m still involved, representing the constructor (Dallara). It’s been more than 20 years enjoying working with General Motors and Cadillac.”
Cadillac team learning the ropes
The 15-minute Hypercar qualifying session starts at 7:20 p.m. ET Thursday, with the race taking the green flag at noon Friday.
“To win this race, you have to have no mistakes, and that means pit road, no penalties, no issues in traffic,” said Bamber, who teamed with Lynn and Neel Jani to win the 2022 Twelve Hours of Sebring in the No. 02 Cadillac DPi-V.R. “And then second of all strategy. It’s going to be a different race for everyone with the new safety car and full-course yellow rules. And then the heat is going to be a big one. For us drivers to manage a double stint in the heat is going to be really challenging. We’ve worked on that as well at Cadillac Racing.
“With such big competition now between so many factory teams, a podium would feel like a win for our first time out against all the other new LMDh and LMH cars. We’ll make some really good calls, maybe we’ll make some bad calls, but that’s part of the whole learning process coming into the WEC.”
IMSA teams prep for first session
The No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R and No 31 Whelen Engineering V-Series.R will move onto the course at 10:10 a.m. ET Thursday for the first of three practice sessions preceding qualifications at 10:05 a.m. Friday.
Cadillac, which has won the Twelve Hours of Sebring the past two years and four of the past six, participated in an IMSA-sanctioned test at the track last month with both cars.
Cadillac swept the podium in the 2022, 2019 and 2017. Last March, Sebastien Bourdais set the qualifying lap record of 1 minute, 45.166 seconds in the No. 01 Cadillac DPi-V.R. A Cadillac has started from pole in the prototype class in 2022, 2021, 2018.
Pipo Derani, co-driver of the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R, is among five drivers (and youngest) with three wins in the Twelve Hours of Sebring (2016, 2018, 2019), joining the likes of Phil Hill and Mario Andretti.
Celebrating the anniversary of the V-Series
Cadillac is kicking off a year-long celebration of the V-Series performance sub-brand that was launched at Sebring International Raceway in March 2004. It is now the Official Luxury Vehicle of the iconic racecourse.
“Cadillac made a bold move with V-Series that continues to resonate,” said Global Vice President of Cadillac Rory Harvey. “From the racetrack to the road, V-Series has transformed Cadillac and helped redefine performance luxury for thousands of enthusiasts. Over the next 12 months we will celebrate V-Series with a number of significant moments.”
The inaugural production V-Series — the 2004 CTS-V — was developed on the racetrack and previewed on Germany’s famed Nürburgring circuit. It was the first of 13 V-Series sedan, coupe, roadster and SUV models to follow. The current lineup includes the CT4-V and twin-turbocharged CT4-V Blackwing, the CT5-V and the supercharged CT5-V Blackwing, and the supercharged Escalade-V. They will be on display in the Cadillac exhibit in the midway starting Thursday.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing to pace the race
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, the high-performance sedan with a 6.2-liter hand-built supercharged V8 engine producing 668 horsepower and capable of reaching 200 mph on track, will serve as the official pace car and safety vehicle for the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
The CT5-V Blackwing is a Car and Driver 10Best again for 2023: “…the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is the greatest sports sedan on sale today, if not of all time.”
Driving home the Sebring relationship
The Cadillac-Sebring International Raceway connection will also be on display this weekend with the 2023 CT4-V Blackwing Sebring IMSA Track Edition.
The track-capable car features a special matte black paint scheme in honor of the 12-hour race and a symbol of racing in the dark and other eye-catching details that are nods to the iconic racetrack. Spectators can view the limited-edition vehicle in the Cadillac Corral.
SEBRING, Florida (March 15, 2023) – Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams and drivers bring Rolex 24 At Daytona winning momentum and early-season leads in several championships to this week’s 12 Hours of Sebring at Sebring International Raceway, March 15 – 18. Nine Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams across three classes in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge series compete on the legendary Sebring road course today through Saturday’s 71st running of the legendary 12-hour sports car race on the 3.74-mile Sebring road course.
The second rounds of both this year’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the Michelin Pilot Challenge series, Saturday’s featured 12 Hours of Sebring is scheduled to start at 10:10 a.m. EDT. Live coverage of the in-progress race airs on the USA Network on Saturday starting at 4:30 p.m. EDT and straight through to the finish and post-race interviews until 10:30 p.m. EDT.
In January’s season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona, the No. 79 WeatherTech Racing/Proton Competition Mercedes-AMG GT3 team and co-drivers Cooper MacNeil, Jules Gounon, Daniel Juncadella and Maro Engel broke through for the first WeatherTech Championship GTD Pro class victory for a Mercedes-AMG GT3.
The win was a fitting send off for retiring team driver MacNeil, but early-season championship leaders Gounon, Juncadella and Engel and the WeatherTech/Proton team now have set a podium repeat as the goal at Sebring on Saturday. Last year in the 12 Hour, MacNeil, Engel and Gounon secured a third-place finish in just the second race of the new GTD Pro category.
The WeatherTech/Proton No. 79 is one of three Mercedes-AMG GT3 teams competing in the 12 Hours of Sebring and the full-season WeatherTech Championship.
The No. 32 Team Korthoff Motorsports and No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 teams compete in the GTD class, and both were in a strong position to win in that class at the Rolex 24.
Mike Skeen, Mikael Grenier and Kenton Koch co-drive the Team Korthoff No. 32 this weekend while full-season teammates Russell Ward and Philip Ellis are joined in the No. 57 by longtime co-driver Indy Dontje at Sebring.
Team Korthoff led a GTD class-high 227 race laps at Daytona, but a potentially race-winning performance came to a crushing end with a wheel bearing issue halfway into the 18th hour of the race. The repaired No. 32 returned to finish the Rolex 24, and the team and drivers now look to recapture the same performance demonstrated for three quarters of the race at Daytona and a year ago at Sebring. With Juncadella joining Skeen and then team driver Stevan McAleer in last year’s 12 Hour, Team Korthoff finished a season-best second in GTD in 2022 at Sebring.
The Winward No. 57 led 177 race laps and contended for the GTD victory until the final 30 minutes of the Daytona opener. Ellis battled with the other GTD and GTD Pro leaders, only to be knocked out of the race after contact on a late restart, and now joins his teammates in looking for a rebound at Sebring on Saturday.
In Michelin Pilot Challenge competition, six Mercedes-AMG GT4 teams compete in the top-tier Grand Sport (GS) class in Thursday’s two-hour race that starts at 1:20 p.m. EDT.
Murillo Racing placed both of its Mercedes-AMG GT4 entries in the top-10 at the Daytona opener and looks for more success this weekend.
The No. 72 Murillo Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4 of Kenny Murillo and Christian Szymczak finished fourth at Daytona while the team’s No. 56 sister entry of Jeff Mosing and Eric Foss crossed the finish line in eighth. Both Murillo teams have run well at Sebring in the recent past, with Kenny Murillo making his GS debut at Sebring in 2020 and Mosing and Foss battling for the win until the end before a fourth place finish last year.
Winward complements its GTD entry in the WeatherTech Championship this year with the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4 for Bryce Ward and Daniel Morad who run their second Pilot Challenge race together on Thursday.
Longtime Mercedes-AMG Motorsport customer team Lone Star Racing competes in GS this year with the duo of Anton Dias Perera and Scott Andrews in the No. 27 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4. The team ran in the lead pack at Daytona and still managed to finish 15th despite a late pit infraction penalty.
A first-year Mercedes-AMG Customer team set for its second Pilot Challenge race at Sebring is the No. 23 JTR Motorsports Engineering Mercedes-AMG GT4 of Anthony McIntosh and Jared Thomas.
The Pilot Challenge Mercedes-AMG customer lineup at Sebring is completed by reigning Bronze Cup Champions Gary Ferrera and Kris Wilson in the No. 11 Wilsports Mercedes-AMG GT4.
The Sebring 12 Hour weekend gets underway today with Pilot Challenge practice and qualifying. WeatherTech Championship competitors take to the track for the first time Thursday for three practice runs, culminating with a nighttime session from 7:45 – 9:15 p.m. EDT. The GTD Pro and GTD classes qualify together in a 15-minute session starting at 9:15 a.m. EDT Friday while race-day Saturday starts with a 20-minute warm-up session at 8 a.m. EDT before the 71st running of the 12 Hours of Sebring goes green at 10:10 a.m. EDT.
Maro Engel, Driver – No. 79 WeatherTech Racing/Proton Competition Mercedes-AMG GT3: “I am really looking forward to Sebring. Another absolutely iconic race on the schedule – on the world calendar – and last year there we had our first podium together as a team with WeatherTech Racing and Proton, Cooper, Jules and myself. It was amazing to send off Cooper with a Daytona win and now we look forward to Sebring. It’s a great track and a circuit on which our Mercedes-AMG GT3 has gone very well. We are looking for another strong run this weekend. There’s plenty of opportunity out there if you race smart and if you race well. We will try to get ourselves in contention, we always have a strong car with the Mercedes-AMG GT3, and I believe a really strong team with WeatherTech Racing and Proton behind us. It will be up to Jules, Dani and myself to execute at the best level and hopefully we will be there at the end of the race. Another podium is the aim, and another win would be a dream.”
Daniel Juncadella, Driver – No. 79 WeatherTech Racing/Proton Competition Mercedes-AMG GT3: “We just ran a smooth race at Daytona with no mistakes and with a great strategy toward the end of the race. It was a great start to the year in IMSA and now going to Sebring as the championship leaders. It’s time to build on that lead and continue successfully into the season. I really enjoyed my first taste of Sebring last year with Team Korthoff. I guess the track suits our car pretty well, so even if we have slight changes to the rules that don’t favor us, we are still going to be contenders for a strong result. We have won races or had top results when the rules didn’t favor our car in the past, so if you have a clean race with a good strategy, you can have a good result. The 12 Hours of Sebring is another highlight of the year, so I really want to perform at our best. We are very motivated to do so, and I believe we have a strong team behind us to fight for what we want.”
Jules Gounon, Driver – No. 79 WeatherTech Racing/Proton Competition Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Our goal this weekend will be to maximize our performance and hopefully get a good result and big points for the championship. We had a big fight at Daytona with several other cars and extracted the most out of our Mercedes-AMG GT3 to get the win. Cooper did a great job, and my teammates Maro and Daniel drove amazingly. But mostly the team did a super job in strategy and car preparation. I am very happy for how it went and really looking forward.”
Philip Ellis, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “We are looking forward to the 12 Hours of Sebring, especially after Daytona. The team showed great potential again. We also had a great race at Sebring last year until we had a technical issue while leading. I think we know pretty well what to do with the Mercedes-AMG GT3, everybody has been through Sebring before, and we had a great test with all of the boys. So, I think we are ready and prepared to have a great and successful weekend at the 12 Hour and hopefully score some valuable points for the championship. That is, of course, still our aim this year for Winward. It was very heartbreaking to just miss out at Daytona with only half an hour to go. It just makes us stronger as a team coming back to Sebring. It’s a huge strategy play in the race to be there in the last half hour to get a shot at the podium. All of our guys are experienced enough and have done enough in IMSA to know how to get us there to fight for the podium at the end. That’s our goal.”
Kenton Koch, Driver – No. 32 Team Korthoff Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3: “It feels good to come back for the 12 Hours of Sebring! We had a good test a couple of weeks ago there, everyone feels confident in the Mercedes-AMG GT3, and we were able to run through many times. We learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t. Hopefully, all of that preparation turns into a good result!”
Eric Foss, Driver – No. 56 Murillo Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4: “This is going to be the last season for me and Jeff, so I am just really looking forward to continuing a good run this season. We had a good points score at Daytona, and it’s good to have the No. 72 team back this year. I first raced here at Sebring in 1999, I always love racing here, and the Mercedes-AMG GT4 has always been a really balanced platform, which makes it a really good car here, especially with how bumpy this place is.”
Kenny Murillo, Driver – No. 72 Murillo Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4: “Sebring is where I made my GS debut in the summer race here in 2020. It was with Tim Probert in the No. 65 Mercedes-AMG GT4, and I learned a lot that weekend. I still implement a lot of what I learned then into my racing now. I feel like every time we roll out of the trailer it is pretty good here. We are confident going into this week. It’s a really long season, it is all about being consistent, and staying in the top five is the goal. At the end of the year, if you have really been consistent all season, you could have a really good shot at winning the championship.”
12 drivers will head to New Jersey Motorsports Park August 1st through 3rd to compete for the chance to join the team’s driver development program
SEBRING, Fla. (15 March 2023) – PT Autosport will open the application process on Saturday, April 1 for its second annual Aspiring Driver Shootout, to be held August 1st through 3rd at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP) in Millville, New Jersey.
The team is dedicated to increasing the presence of junior drivers in the motorsports industry that come from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds. Paramount to this mission is creating career development opportunities and forming an educational, competitive, and supportive environment for all team members, allowing them to grow and learn.
PT Autosport has formed a multi-tiered development program that begins with the Aspiring Driver Shootout. The winner is granted a $100,000 racing partnership and joins the team’s junior racing program, progressing to an advanced racing series within the team or with one of the team’s operational partners. Ultimately, the goal will be for each driver to graduate to the team’s professional level program, racing in the Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup North America and beyond.
Team founder and owner Jeph Dais joined the Order of DeMolay – a top international youth leadership organization – when he was 12 years old and saw firsthand the positive effects of investing in deserving young people of diverse economic and ethnic backgrounds. Joining forces with longtime motorsports team executive Jason Myers and driver Alex Sedgwick, PT Autosport is dedicated to giving opportunities to those that otherwise would not have that opportunity and to helping the individuals that we partner with to make their dream of becoming a professional in the motorsports industry come true.
“I’m very excited about what we have the potential to build,” said Sedgwick. “With my experience as a driver coming through the ranks ‘the hard way,’ with no personal funding, I feel it places me in a very unique scenario to be able to help identify and develop those who have what it takes to make a career in motorsport.”
The flagship program will see its debut this weekend, as PT Autosport teams up with 2022 series champions JDX Racing, with Sedgwick, who also serves as the team’s driver development director, behind the wheel in 2023.
2022 Shootout winner Henry Drury has been working with the team on marketing and digital media efforts while recovering from spinal surgery, following an injury incurred whilst pursuing a career as an Olympic figure skater. The 22-year-old Londoner will return to racing later this summer in the team’s junior racing program.
“As someone who’s been working flat-out for the last five years on making a racing career possible and searching for funding, I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity that PT Autosport has given me, and to finally be in a position to chase my dream of racing,” said Drury. “I have a delayed start to my season following my surgery, but in the meantime I’m learning as much as I can from watching Alex at work and maximizing my recovery to hit the ground running once I’m cleared to start driving. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel and prove that the team made the right choice, as well as using my season to prove to others with spine injuries that there is still hope after suffering a life-altering injury.”
Applications for the 2023 PT Autosport Aspiring Driver Shootout will open on April 1, with the Shootout taking place August 1 to August 3 at NJMP. 888 applications are available, with 88 drivers chosen after due diligence. From those 88, 12 drivers between the age of 18 and 23 will have the opportunity to participate in a competition measuring their fitness, media, interview, problem-solving, teamwork, and racecraft skills. They will vie for the $100,000 driver partnership program which will provide support for the 2024 & 2025 seasons, with awards also going to second and third place (fourth, fifth and sixth place finishers will earn guaranteed entry as a competitor in the 2024 Aspiring Driver Shootout).
PT Autosport’s top tier program makes its debut this weekend in the Deluxe Porsche Carrera Cup North America season opener at Sebring International Raceway as part of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring weekend. Race one takes the green flag Thursday, March 16 at 9:15 a.m. ET, with race two later that afternoon, at 5:35 p.m. The race will be broadcast live in the U.S., on IMSA.tv, the NBC Peacock streaming app and PorscheCarreraCup.us.
About PT Autosport
PT Autosport is a newly formed racing team currently based at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ. The team is currently campaigning the rising star Alex Sedgwick (U.K.) in the Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup North America for the 2023 season with JDX Racing. PT Autosport is working towards bringing diversity and opportunity to the motorsport industry, hosting their annual Aspiring Driver Shootout, in which aspiring drivers aged 18-23 can compete for a $100,000 racing partnership with the team. Visit www.DriverShootout.com or www.PTAutosport.com for more info and follow our Instagram @pt_autosport for updates.
After a disappointing end to the NASCAR Cup Series’ West Coast swing, Harrison Burton and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are aiming to get back on track in this weekend’s Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Historically, the Atlanta track has been one of the better venues for the Wood Brothers and their No. 21 team. In 111 starts they have 12 wins, nine poles, 33 top-five and 47 top-10 finishes. Most of the Wood Brothers success came on the original Atlanta configuration, but the most recent top-10 came last fall on the track’s current layout, its third, which made its debut last year.
“Heading into Atlanta, the No. 21 Ford team will look to rebound after a few tough weeks,” crew chief Brian Wilson said. “During our last trip to the new Atlanta we came away with a top-10 finish and plan to build from there.”
Wilson said the new layout of the 1.5-mile quad oval, which has more banking and is narrower than before, is unique.
“It’s a combination of speedway racing like Daytona or Talladega, but also has some handling characteristics like an intermediate track,” he said. “Balancing out aerodynamic drag versus downforce will be the focus of this week’s prep.
“As all the Ford teams showed in Daytona, our Mustangs will produce a great balance even while trimmed out for speed.”
Wilson said the March weather in Atlanta, which in the past has had races snowed out, is expected to be a factor this weekend as well.
“Looking at the forecast for this weekend they’re calling for cooler temps,” he said. “The denser air will produce more horsepower and downforce. I believe that will add up to a very entertaining race.”
There will be no practice prior to qualifying, which is set for Saturday at 11:35 a.m. with TV coverage on FOX Sports 1.
Sunday’s 400-mile, 260-lap race is scheduled to get the green flag just after 3 p.m. with the TV coverage switching to FOX.
Stage breaks are planned for Laps 60 and 160.
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.
Buying a car is not a simple task, especially for someone doing it for the first time. There are so many options and considerations to keep in mind that might just overwhelm you. You’d want to get the best vehicle, pay the best price, and know the best states to buy a car. In this article, you will get some essential tips to help you make an educated choice and avoid common pitfalls.
Tip #1: Determine your budget
We all want the best of the best, but our wallets don’t always allow it, so more often than not, the best purchase is one you can easily afford. Before dreaming about sports cars, consider your income and expenses to determine the budget for your 4-wheel purchase. Make sure to take into account not just the cost of the desired car but also other expenses like insurance, maintenance, and gas. You don’t want to end up being unable to tank up your brand-new vehicle.
Tip #2: Consider your needs
After you’ve set the budget, use it wisely. Every purchase should have a clear reason. Think about what features you need in a car. Recreate in mind your most common routes and driving routines. Imagine what functions your previous car (if you had one, ofc) lacked the most. Finally, write down the main points of your desired driving experience. It will be your guide to choosing the best option.
Tip #3: Research cars and dealerships
Once you have an idea of what you need in a car and how much you can spend – start searching for matching options. Check different car models and dealerships. Read reviews, check safety ratings, and compare prices. Opt for dealerships with a good reputation & a track record of customer satisfaction. Don’t rush – the market is saturated enough to meet your needs (unless your needs are a new Ferrari for $1k).
Tip #4: Take a test drive
Found the right one? Take a test drive before buying it. Specs on paper might look good, but you’re going to drive, not read. A test drive will show you how the car handles, how comfortable it is, and whether it meets your specific needs. Drive the car on different road types to imitate the different real-life conditions.
Tip #5: Consider financing options
Alternatively, you can consider some financing options like loans, leases, and dealer financing. The internet is full of comparison charts showing which one is best for specific cases. The main factors to consider are interest rates, monthly payments, and how long you’ll be making payments.
Tip #6: Negotiate the price
Don’t hesitate to negotiate the car’s price – dealerships expect it. It can save you some bucks (that can cover other car-related expenses). But you can’t do it blindly. Do some research beforehand to find out a fair price you can base on. If you can visit a few dealerships, do it. Just walk away if a dealer won’t budge on the price.
Tip #7: Finalize the deal
Once you’ve agreed on the car’s price, review all the paperwork carefully before signing anything. You have to understand all the sale’s terms, including any warranties or financing agreements. If you don’t – ask someone (or hire someone) to explain it to you. Also, if the dealership is far from your home, you can use a car shipping service to move your car quickly and safely.
Buying a car involves a lot of meticulous preparations. You should start by outlining your budget & car expectations and find the best options based on them. With these tips, car buying becomes a bit less random. Good luck!
When you are craving a delicious and affordable meal, you probably get on your phone and look up pizza deals near me. Pizza is always a good choice, but you will enjoy your meal even more if you also add an order or two of wings. A good source of protein, wings are a great addition to any meal, whether you are feeding yourself or a crowd. They also come in a wide range of flavors, so you can taste the variety that Papa Johns has to offer.
New Hot Lemon Pepper Wings
Papa Johns is always adding to the menu to keep things interesting and to offer customers more of what they want. One of the newer additions is a flavor of wings: Hot lemon pepper. These wings are smothered with a zesty lemon pepper sauce that has mild spice. Pair them with ranch or the special garlic sauce to help the flavors pop.
Honey Chipotle Wings
If you want to impress your significant other, you may be searching for a heart shaped pizza near me. Although nothing says I love you like a pizza in the shape of a heart, this specialty is only available at certain times of the year.
As an alternative, add the honey chipotle wings to your order. These sweet and spicy wings are sure to make an impression. If you both like a little heat, you can up the spice factor by ordering the jalapeno papa bites or jalapeno cheesesticks to go along with your wings.
Garlic Parmesan Wings
A sauce made by combining parmesan cheese with garlic is a perfect pairing for wings. Up the garlic effect by choosing the special garlic sauce for dipping, or stick with more traditional options like ranch or blue cheese.
BBQ Wings
BBQ is bold and smoky, and the BBQ wings are a winner. If wings tossed in BBQ is not enough for you, try some of the other BBQ items off the menu, such as the BBQ chicken bacon pizza or papadia.
Traditional Buffalo Wings
If you do not feel like branching out with your wing flavors, there is always the traditional buffalo. Tossed in a spicy, but not too spicy, sauce, these wings are what most people crave, especially on game days.
Buffalo-sauce lovers will also appreciate the other items on the menu, such as the fiery buffalo chicken pizza and the buffalo chicken papadia, which is available on traditional or parmesan-crusted flatbread. There is also a buffalo dipping sauce you can add to your order as an accompaniment to breadsticks, papadias, or even your pizza crust.
When looking for wing delivery near me, the options are almost endless when you order from Papa Johns. Along with wings, the boneless poppers are available in all of the wing flavors. The menu also contains a wide variety of pizza, such as the works, Philly cheesesteak, and fresh tomato and spinach alfredo. You can also round out your meal with sandwiches and various sides, desserts, beverages, and extras such as pepperoncinis and seasoning packets.
Ryan Hunter-Reay has joined forces with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR) to pilot the team’s No. 23 entry in this year’s 107th annual running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway that will occur on May 28 during Memorial Day weekend.
The 42-year-old Hunter-Reay from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, makes his return to the IndyCar competition since announcing his retirement from full-time competition at the conclusion of the 2021 season, where he had spent the bulk of his racing career competing for Andretti Autosport.
Making his IndyCar debut in 2003 for American Spirit Team Johansson, Hunter-Reay notched his first career victory at Surfers Paradise Street Circuit in Australia towards the conclusion of the season. He then proceeded to score a total of 18 victories, 47 podiums, seven poles, over 1,500 laps led in 282 career starts (18 seasons). His biggest accomplishments in the IndyCar circuit include winning the 2012 series championship and the 2014 Indianapolis 500 following a late battle and bold overtake on multi-Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves prior to the final lap. His last series victory to date occurred in the 2018 season finale at Sonoma Raceway.
The 2023 season is set to mark Hunter-Reay’s 15th start in the Greatest Spectacle of Racing. To go along with his lone 500 victory in 2014, he has notched six top-10 results and started in the top three twice in the event. Hunter-Reay’s entrance will make him the ninth former 500 winner to compete in this year’s field of 33 competitors, a list that will feature Castroneves, Scott Dixon, reigning Indy 500 champion Marcus Ericsson, Tony Kanaan, Simon Pagenaud, Will Power, Alexander Rossi and Takuma Sato.
“I’ve been eager to share this news for quite some time,” Hunter-Reay said. “This partnership with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing presents a unique opportunity for me, and I can’t wait to get back on track at IMS. I feel laser-focused and energized. The Indy 500 isn’t just a motor race. For me, it’s a way of life.”
“I was incredibly attracted to the fact that DRR is a streamlined program that puts all of its energy into the Month of May,” Hunter-Reay added. “I guess you can say I’m going back to my roots, considering how I started my INDYCAR career with smaller teams that took the fight to the bigger efforts and won. If you look at DRR’s record at Indy and their impressive recent results, the pool of talented engineers and crew, it’s a perfect fit.”
Hunter-Reay’s partnership with Dreyer & Reinbold comes nearly four months after Dreyer & Reinbold Racing announced a joint effort with Cusick Motorsports to field the No. 24 entry for Stefan Wilson for the Indy event this upcoming May. The 2023 season will also mark DRR’s 24th consecutive season of fielding at least one entry for the Indy 500.
“I am thrilled to have Ryan Hunter-Reay join our lineup for the 2023 Indianapolis 500,” Dennis Reinbold, team owner of DRR, said. “Ryan is a proven winner at the Speedway, winning in 2014, and is a tremendously talented driver who is a great addition to our team for this year’s ‘500.’”
With his one-race plan for the 2023 season set, Hunter-Reay will compete in the 107th annual running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The event is scheduled to occur on May 28 with the event’s broadcast to commence at 11 a.m. ET on NBC.
NASCAR travels to Atlanta Motor Speedway with all three national series competing on the 1.5-mile track. The Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity Series headline Saturday’s action and the Cup Series will close out the weekend’s events with the Ambetter Health 400.
Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron is the defending race winner and has won the previous two Cup Series races (Las Vegas Speedway and Phoenix Raceway). Look for him to rebound from penalties assessed after last week’s race at Phoenix which dropped him from fourth to 29th in the points standings.
Austin Hill currently leads the driver standings and will be one of the drivers to watch in the Xfinity Series with two wins this season at Daytona and Las Vegas.
Four drivers entered in the Truck Series event are previous winners including Corey Heim (2022 race winner), Grant Enfinger, John Hunter Nemechek and Matt Crafton.
All times are Eastern.
Friday, March 17
3:05 p.m.: Truck Series Qualifying- FS1 4:35 p.m.: Xfinity Series Qualifying – FS1
Saturday, March 18
11:35 a.m.: Cup Series Qualifying Post Cup Series Qualifying on Press Pass
2 p.m.: Truck Series Fr8 208 Distance: 207.9 miles (135 Laps) Stages end on Lap 30, Lap 60, Lap 135 FS1/MRN/SiriusXM The Purse: $673,693 Post Truck Series Race on Press Pass
5 p.m.: Xfinity Series RAPTOR 250 Distance: 251.02 miles (163 Laps) Stages end on Lap 40, Lap 80, Lap 163 FS1/PRN/SiriusXM The Purse: $1,274,624 Post Xfinity Series Race on Press Pass
Sunday, March 19
3 p.m.: Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 Distance: 400 miles (260 laps) Stages end on Lap 60, Lap 160, Final Stage ends on Lap 260 FOX/PRN/SiriusXM The Purse: $8,725,965 TV: FOX/PRN/SiriusXM Post Cup Series Race on Press Pass
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Overview: Event: Fr8 208, Race 3 of 23, 134 Laps – 30/30/75; 207.9 Miles Location: Atlanta Motor Speedway (1.54-mile quad-oval) Date/Broadcast: March 18, 2023, at 2 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR 90
Get to Know Jack:
Jack Wood will make his second start for Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) behind the wheel of the No. 51 Logitech Chevrolet in Saturday’s Fr8 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Wood finished 13th last year in his lone Truck Series start at the Georgia track.
The Atlanta race will be part of a 13-race schedule for Wood who qualified third in his KBM debut at Daytona International Speedway but was relegated to a 27th-place finish in the rain shortened-event after his team was employing a strategy of riding near the back of the field to avoid the wrecks that Daytona is notorious for in the early part of the Final Stage. The plan was working as he missed two big accidents at the beginning of the stage, but unfortunately rain rolled into the area and brought out red-flag conditions and the race never went back to green-flag conditions.
Logitech G will be the primary sponsor on Wood’s No. 51 this weekend at Atlanta. Logitech G, a brand of Logitech, is a global leader dedicated to serving the needs of Gamers and Creators with award-winning hardware, software, and solutions. Logitech G’s industry-leading products include keyboards, mice, headsets, mousepads, simulation products such as wheels and flight sticks, webcams, lights and microphones, and specialized furniture solutions; all made possible through innovative design, advanced technologies and a deep passion for gaming and creator communities.
Wood will be looking to etch his mark in the KBM historical archives this weekend at Atlanta as he looks to collect the organization’s 100th NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory. KBM-owner driver Kyle Busch collected the KBM’s record-extending 99th-career victory with his dominant victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway leaving his organization one shy of the century mark. William Byron collected KBM’s record-breaking 51st Truck Series victory in July of 2016. Overall, 18 different drivers have won at least race behind the wheel of a KBM truck, led by Busch’s 47. Four drivers rank second on the list with seven victories: Byron, Christopher Bell, Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek. Four of KBM’s wins have come at Atlanta Motor Speedway, most recently with first-time winner Corey Heim in last year’s event. Heim’s win, along with Busch’s win in 2022, both came with the same chassis that Wood will pilot on Saturday, KBM-66.
In addition to his time behind the wheel of the No. 51 Silverado in the Truck Series, Wood is running a part-time schedule for Rev Racing in the ARCA Menards Series. The 22-year-old driver qualified second in his most recent outing at Phoenix Raceway and was battling for the lead just past the halfway point when he got tagged from behind and sent crashing into the outside wall. With severe damage he was unable to continue and relegated to a 28th-place finish. Wood also piloted the No. 6 Chevrolet in the ARCA season opener at Daytona where he came from the 36th starting spot to finish eighth.
Veteran crew chief Brian Pattie will call the shots for the No. 51 team this year in his first season at KBM after spending the last 14 seasons atop the pit box in the NASCAR Cup Series. It took the veteran signal caller just two races to get his first win at KBM, winning with KBM owner-driver Kyle Busch at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. In the Cup Series, his drivers produced six wins, nine poles, 57 top-five and 131 top-10 finishes across 528 starts. In 2012, he guided Clint Bowyer to three victories and a runner-up finish in the Cup Series championship standings. In 2017, he guided Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to two wins and a berth in the playoffs. The Florida native has also recorded 11 wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and he now has two wins as a crew chief in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Pattie’s drivers have recorded two top-five and three top-10 finishes across 18 starts in Cup Series action at Atlanta. He won an Xfinity Series race with Joe Nemechek driving in March of 2001. This will be his first race atop the pit box for a Truck Series event at Atlanta.
KBM owner-driver Kyle Busch returns to the No. 51 Zariz Transport Silverado March 25 at Circuit of the Americas for his second of his five starts this season. It was also announced recently that William Byron will run the No. 51 HendrickCars.com Silverado for three races, beginning April 8 at the Truck Race on Dirt at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Jack Wood, Driver Q&A: Jack Wood | Atlanta Motor Speedway Preview Will having a strong qualifying run and good speed in the ARCA race at Phoenix give you a confidence boost getting into the truck at Atlanta? “Yeah, for sure. I think that was one of the biggest reasons for us for to go and run ARCA this year was to just kind of build confidence back up. I think that it will translate over to the truck for sure.”
Do you like the new style of racing at Atlanta? “It’s fun. Looking at the race from last year, all the KBM trucks were really, really fast, so if we do get a chance to qualify I think we’ll be at the front of the field will help us out. I think it will be a fun race, but you just have to be smart and stay out of the stuff the same way Corey (Heim) did last year and just kind of be there at the end.”
Do you think that the style of racing will change at all going back for a second year on the new surface? “I don’t know. It’ll be curious going back to the track for a second time and how much the asphalt has changed over a year with all the weather in Atlanta these past 12 months. I think it will race pretty similar – probably have a little less grip If I had to guess, but I think it will be pretty much the same race that we saw last year.”
Jack Wood Career Highlights:
Has produced one top-10 finish across 36 career starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Posted a series-best 10th-place finish in August of 2021 at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.
Has compiled five laps led, one top-five and five top-10 finishes across 11 career ARCA Menards Series events.
Has totaled one top-five and four top-10 finishes across nine ARCA Menards East Series races.
Has totaled two top-five and seven top-10 finishes across 10 career starts in the ARCA Menards West Series.
Compiled one top-five and three top-10 finishes across 24 starts in the SRL Spears Southwest Tour from 2017 to 2021.
Jack Wood’s No. 51 Logitech Chevrolet Silverado RST:
KBM-66: The No. 51 Logitech team will unload KBM-66 for Saturday’s race at Atlanta. This chassis has been victorious in the last two Truck Series events at Atlanta, winning with Corey Heim last year and with KBM owner-driver Kyle Busch in 2021. Heim compiled an average finish of 4.7 with KBM-66 across his four starts last season, all results of seventh-place or better. It most recently finished seventh with Heim in the 2022 season finale at Phoenix Raceway.
KBM Notes of Interest:
KBM drivers have collected four wins, two poles, 743 laps led, 12 top-five and 15 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 12.5 across 29 starts at Atlanta. Corey Heim edged out his KBM teammate Chandler Smith for the victory last year, KBM Owner-driver Kyle Busch has two wins (2019 and 2021), while Christopher Bell brought home the trophy in 2017.
KBM holds the Craftsman Truck Series records for most career wins (99) and most wins in a single season (14 in 2014). With his victory at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway last year, Corey Heim became the 18th different driver to win a Truck Series event for KBM. In addition to collecting a series-record seven Owner’s Championships, the organization has produced two championship-winning drivers: Erik Jones (2015) and Christopher Bell (2017).
With 40 victories, the No. 51 is the winningest number in KBM’s Truck Series fleet.
NASCAR Cup Series Next Race: Ambetter Health 400 The Place: Atlanta Motor Speedway The Date: Sunday, March 19 The Time: 3 p.m. ET The Purse: $8,725,965 TV: FOX, 2 p.m. ET Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Distance: 400 miles (260 laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 60), Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 160), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 260)
NASCAR Xfinity Series Next Race: RAPTOR King of Tough 250 The Place: Atlanta Motor Speedway The Date: Saturday, March 18 The Time: 5 p.m. ET The Purse: $1,274,624 TV: FS1, 4 p.m. ET Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Distance: 251.02 miles (163 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 40), Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 80), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 163)
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Next Race: Fr8 208 The Place: Atlanta Motor Speedway The Date: Saturday, March 18 The Time: 2 p.m. ET The Purse: $673,693 TV: FS1, 1 p.m. ET Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Distance: 207.9 miles (135 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 30), Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 60), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 135)
NASCAR Cup Series
Red Hot William Byron heads to Atlanta looking for third straight victory in 2023
The last two NASCAR Cup Series races have seen cautions in the final laps giving Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron the last chance opportunities he needed to snag the two victories at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Phoenix Raceway. Now, the 25-year-old, Byron, heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Ambetter Health 400 on Sunday, March 19 at 3 p.m. ET (FOX, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) looking for his third straight victory in the NASCAR Cup Series. If he accomplishes the feat this weekend, he will become just the sixth active driver to win three or more consecutive NASCAR Cup Series races and the 25th all-time. Byron is the defending spring race winner of the newly remodeled Atlanta Motor Speedway, taking the win over second-place Ross Chastain by a scant 0.145-second last season – the fourth closest finish in the series at Atlanta all-time.
The five active drivers that have won three or more consecutive Cup races are Kyle Larson (twice in 2021), Kyle Busch (2015, 2018), Brad Keselowski (2018), Kevin Harvick (2018) and Joey Logano (2015).
In four starts this season, Byron has put up two wins (Las Vegas, Phoenix) and has led 240 laps. His average finish this year is 15.3. His season-to-date driver rating is 107.2 (series-best), his average running position is 7.8 (second-best) and he has spent 84.1% of his laps completed running in the top-15.
Looking ahead to this weekend at Atlanta, Byron has made seven series starts at the 1.54-mile track posting one win (2022), one top five and two top 10s.
Atlanta Motor Speedway gears-up for Cup
The NASCAR Cup Series and Atlanta Motor Speedway go way back, 63 years to be exact.
Originally called Atlanta International Raceway, the track was then a 1.5-mile paved speedway, and it hosted its first NASCAR Cup Series race on July 31, 1960. The inaugural Cup race was a 300-mile/200 lap event that had 45 competitors and was won by NASCAR Hall of Famer Fireball Roberts from the pole position in a 1960 Pontiac. Cotton Owens led the most laps that day (52), but Roberts took the lead with just 13 to go to grab the victory.
From 1960 – 2010, Atlanta Motor Speedway hosted multiple NASCAR Cup Series races during each season; starting in 2011 the series began only visiting Atlanta once a year (2011-2020). The 2021 season marked the first time since 2010 that the series visited the facility more than once a year. Also, from 1987 to 2000 Atlanta Motor Speedway held the final championship race on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule.
In total, there have been 117 NASCAR Cup races at Atlanta Motor Speedway since the first race there in 1960. The 117 NASCAR Cup Series races have produced 53 different pole winners and 47 different race winners. Seven of the 53 NASCAR Cup Series Atlanta Motor Speedway pole winners are active this weekend.
Active Atlanta Pole Winners (7)
Poles
Season
Kevin Harvick
2
2017, 2014
Aric Almirola
1
2019
Kyle Busch
1
2018
Joey Logano
1
2015
Ricky Stenhouse Jr
1
2013
Denny Hamlin
1
2010
Martin Truex Jr
1
2009
NASCAR Hall of Famer Buddy Baker (1968, 1971, 1976, 1979 sweep, 1980, 1984) and Ryan Newman (2003 sweep, 2004 sweep, 2005 sweep, 2007) are tied for the NASCAR Cup Series most poles at Atlanta Motor Speedway with seven each. Kevin Harvick leads all active NASCAR Cup Series drivers in Atlanta poles with two (2014, 2017).
Six of the 47 NASCAR Cup Series Atlanta Motor Speedway race winners are active this weekend.
Active Atlanta Race Winners (6)
Wins
Seasons
Kevin Harvick
3
2020, 2018, 2001
Brad Keselowski
2
2019, 2017
Kyle Busch
2
2013, 2008
William Byron
1
2022
Ryan Blaney
1
2021
Denny Hamlin
1
2012
NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt leads the NASCAR Cup Series in wins at Atlanta Motor Speedway with nine victories (1980, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1995, 1996, 2000). Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick leads all active NASCAR Cup Series winners at Atlanta Motor Speedway with three victories (2001, 2018, 2020).
All the NASCAR Cup Series on-track activity at Atlanta Motor Speedway begins this Saturday, March 18 with Busch Light Pole Qualifying at 11:30 a.m. ET on FS1.
Keeping The Streak Alive: Chevrolet has won the first four Cup races of 2023
The first four races of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season have seen only one manufacturer in Victory Lane – Chevrolet.
This season from the Chevrolet camp, JTG Daugherty Racing’s Ricky Stenhouse Jr. won the DAYTONA 500, Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch won at Auto Club Speedway and Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron has won the last two races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Phoenix Raceway.
In the Modern Era (1972-2023), a manufacturer has only swept a season’s first four races four times and Chevrolet drivers are responsible for three of them – Chevrolet (1995, 2001, 2023) and Ford (1992).
A manufacturer has only swept the first five races of a NASCAR Cup Series season in the Modern Era (1972-2023) twice – Chevrolet (1995) and Ford (1992).
The record for the most consecutive wins by a manufacturer to start at NASCAR Cup Series season in the Modern Era (1972-2023) is nine straight victories by Ford in the 1992 season.
The most consecutive victories to start a NASCAR Cup Series season by Chevrolet was seven straight wins in the 1995 season – second-most in the Modern Era.
Alex Bowman is the only driver with four consecutive top-10 finishes this season
Consistency is paying off for Alex Bowman and the Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 48 Chevrolet team, as they are the only NASCAR Cup Series team this season to score four consecutive top-10 finishes in as many races.
In four starts this season, Bowman has put up two top fives and four top 10s. He leads the series in average finish this year with a 6.3. Plus, his season-to-date driver rating is 95.7 (sixth-best), his average running position is 10.6 (sixth-best) and he has spent 81.4% of his laps completed running in the top-15 (sixth-best).
Bowman will look to keep the early success going this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where he has made nine series starts posting two top fives and three top 10s. His average finish at the 1.54-mile track is 17.1.
Atlanta Motor Speedway’s new configuration produced some stellar racing last season
When the NASCAR Next Gen car took to the newly reconfigured Atlanta Motor Speedway last March the expectations were really high, and the NASCAR Cup Series delivered – setting new statistical records even.
The race was won by Hendrick Motorsports’ driver William Byron, but not before seeing a track record 46 lead changes among a track record 20 different leaders.
The Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR Cup Series race on March 20, 2023 also produced a series record for green flag passes for the lead on 1.5-mile tracks with 141 green flag passes for the lead (GFPL). The previous record for green flag passes for the lead on a 1.5-mile track in the NASCAR Cup Series was held by Texas Motor Speedway with 57 GFPL.
Atlanta Motor Speedway’s 2022 spring race also produced a NASCAR Cup Series record for total green flag passes on 1.5-mile tracks with 6,439 total green flag passes. The previous record for total green flag passes on a 1.5-mile track in the NASCAR Cup Series was held by Charlotte Motor Speedway with 4,520 total green flag passes.
Last six Cup races at Atlanta have produced different winners
In the last six NASCAR Cup Series races at Atlanta Motor Speedway have produced six different winners – Brad Keselowski (2019), Kevin Harvick (2020), Ryan Blaney (Spring 2021), Kurt Busch (Fall 2021), William Byron (Spring 2022) and Chase Elliott (Fall 2022). Now, with the series rolling into Atlanta this weekend, will the fans get to see a seventh different winner?
A total of six NASCAR Cup Series Atlanta Motor Speedway race winners are active this weekend, led by Kevin Harvick (2001, 2018, 2020), and followed by Brad Keselowski (2017, 2019), Kyle Busch (2008, 2013), William Byron (2022), Ryan Blaney (2021) and Denny Hamlin (2012). The most recent winner at Atlanta, Chase Elliott, is sidelined this weekend with a broken leg from a snowboarding accident in Colorado.
One driver looking to add their name to the winners list at Atlanta Motor Speedway is Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain, who finished runner-up in both of the NASCAR Cup Series races at the 1.54-mile track last season.
Harvick is one of a few first-time Cup winners at Atlanta Motor Speedway
The NASCAR Cup Series has seen six different drivers win their first series career race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and probably the most memorable was Kevin Harvick’s 2001 victory after replacing a late Dale Earnhardt at Richard Childress Racing.
The six drivers earning their first win at Atlanta are Carl Edwards (2005), Kevin Harvick (2001), Jerry Nadeau (2000), Jim Hurtubise (1966), Bob Burdick (1961), Bobby Johns (1960).
Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick has made 34 career series starts at Atlanta posting two poles, three wins, nine top fives and 16 top 10s – all are series highs among the active drivers.
NASCAR Cup Series, Etc.
Sunoco Rookie of the Year Update: Gibbs grabs third rookie of the race award at Phoenix – Through four races this season, Joe Gibbs Racing’s driver Ty Gibbs has won three Sunoco Rookie of the Race Awards and holds the rookie standings lead by 19 points over Legacy Motor Club’s Noah Gragson.
This season, Gibbs has put up one top-20 finish (16th at Auto Club) and has an average finish of 22.8. Gibbs will be making his series track debut at Atlanta this weekend.
In four NASCAR Cup Series races this season, Gragson has posted two top-25 finishes (24th at Daytona and 22nd at Auto Club) and has an average finish of 26.3. Gragson has made two series starts at Atlanta posting an average finish of 35.5.
Parmalee to perform pre-race concert at Atlanta Motor Speedway – Country music stars Parmalee will perform a live pre-race concert for the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 19.
The Platinum-selling band of brothers will play their catalog of chart-topping hits. The North Carolina natives have enjoyed success with hits like their PLATINUM-certified No. 1 single with Blanco Brown, “Just the Way,” and follow-up single “Take My Name” from their most recent album For You. Since debuting on country radio, Parmalee has earned more than 1 billion on-demand streams.
SAG Award-winning actor Jesse Metcalfe named Co-Grand Marshal for Atlanta – SAG Award-winning actor and producer Jesse Metcalfe – one of the stars of Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming film On a Wing and a Prayer, streaming April 7 – will give drivers the command to start their engines for the Ambetter Health 400.
Metcalfe will utter the most famous words in motorsports as part of his Co-Grand Marshal duties for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 19.
“As a big NASCAR fan and avid car enthusiast, I am super excited to be joining the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series here in Atlanta and uttering the most famous words in Motorsports,” said Metcalfe.
Tyler Reddick & 23XI Racing partner with Xfinity 10G – Tyler Reddick and the 23XI Racing team are announcing their newest partner, Xfinity and the provider’s most powerful internet connection: Xfinity 10G.
The new partnership will debut on track at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 19 and in addition to the sponsorship on the car the partnership will include Xfinity 10G network integration and Xfinity Rewards customer fan experiences such as Pit Box VIP access, driver meet-and-greet appearances with Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick and more.
Reddick has made five NASCAR Cup Series starts at Atlanta Motor Speedway posting one top-10 finish.
Cup Series driver milestone starts to watch for – Over the next few races several drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series will reach milestones starts if they continue to run fulltime in the series.
This weekend on March 19, Hendrick Motorsports’ driver Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, will be making his 300th career NASCAR Cup Series start at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Next weekend at Circuit of The Americas on March 26, Kaulig Racing’s A.J. Allmendinger will be making his 400th career NASCAR Cup Series start.
Then at Richmond Raceway in two weeks on April 2, Team Penske’s Austin Cindric will be making his 50th career NASCAR Cup Series start.
And at Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt on April 9, Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch will be making his 650th NASCAR Cup Series career start. Busch will become the 27th different NASCAR Cup Series driver all-time to make 650 or more starts.
Then at Talladega Superspeedway on April 23, Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick will be making his 800th career NASCAR Cup Series career start. Harvick will become just the 10th different NASCAR Cup Series driver all-time to make 800 or more starts in the series.
Jimmie Johnson announces two more stops on his 2023 schedule – This week seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and Legacy Motor Club owner/driver Jimmie Johnson announced the next two races he will be competing in this season – Circuit of The Americas (March 26) and the Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Coca Cola 600 (May 28).
“COTA has been on my racing ‘bucket list’ for a very long time,” said Johnson. “But my timing was off by a year or so. I was hoping it was going to be on the INDYCAR schedule – and it wasn’t – and then they added it to the NASCAR schedule after I left. I’m excited to finally be able to check this one off the list and thankful to Club Wyndham for making it happen. From everything I’ve heard, NASCAR drivers have had a lot of fun racing at COTA, so to say I’m looking forward to it is an understatement.”
Johnson made his return to the series in the season opening DAYTONA 500, where he started 39th and finished 31st.
Johnson has gone on record saying he plans to run 10 races on a part-time schedule this season for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. With Daytona, COTA and Charlotte already lined-up Johnson plans to announce the remainder of his schedule at a later date.
Cup Series Featured Matchups: 2023 Ambetter Health 400 – Below is a close look at the featured matchups fans can bet on heading into this weekend’s event.
William Byron vs. Kyle Larson
Hendrick Motorsports teammates William Byron and Kyle Larson will face off this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Byron is red hot right now winning the last two races on the 2023 schedule. But Larson has been upfront leading the most laps this year and posting two top fives. Byron might have the slight edge this weekend at Atlanta as he is the defending winner of this race, but Larson has the better career average finish (14.8) than Byron (18.1) at the 1.54-mile track.
Kevin Harvick vs. Tyler Reddick
Another great matchup this weekend is with the outgoing veteran Kevin Harvick vs. the rising star Tyler Reddick. Reddick got his first top-five of the season last weekend at Phoenix, and might have some momentum on his side, but it will be hard to pick against Harvick at Atlanta. Harvick leads all active drivers in wins (three), top fives (nine) and top 10s (17) on the 1.54-mile track. Reddick will have his work cut out for him this weekend at Atlanta, as the 23XI Racing driver was caught in incidents in both Atlanta races last season and did not finish.
Brad Keselowski vs. Bubba Wallace
Two top notch superspeedway racers will face off this weekend, RFK Racing’s Brad Keselowski and 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace. Both drivers have won superspeedway races in the NASCAR Cup Series but when it comes to performances at Atlanta, the nod goes to Keselowski. In 16 series starts Keselowski has managed two wins, four top fives and nine top 10s. His average finish at Atlanta is 15.1. Bubba Wallace on the other hand has only made seven starts at Atlanta posting a career-best finish of 13th in this race last season. Wallace’s average finish at Atlanta is 19.5.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. vs. Austin Dillon
Another batch of great superspeedway winners are paired up this weekend for fans to bet on with Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon and 2023 Daytona 500 champion and JTG Daugherty Racing driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. going at it. Looking ahead to Atlanta both Stenhouse (21.1) and Dillon (21.6) are in a near tie in average finish. Both drivers suffered DNFs in both Atlanta races last season, so it will be interesting to see which of the two drivers will rebound better this weekend.
Ryan Blaney vs. Daniel Suárez
Two drivers that jump started their 2023 seasons and will go head-to-head this weekend are Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney and Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suárez. Both drivers have run well at Atlanta, but Blaney might be the one you will want to lean towards this weekend. Suárez has made eight starts at Atlanta posting one top fives and three top 10s. He posted his career best finish at Atlanta in this race last season (fourth). Blaney has made nine starts at Atlanta posting one win (2021) and four top fives.
Georgia has welcomed NASCAR since the early years – The state of Georgia has hosted a total of 176 NASCAR Cup Series races among 12 different tracks dating as far back as 1951.
Georgia Track Names
City
Cup Races
First Year With NASCAR Race
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Hampton
117
1960
Augusta International Speedway
Augusta
12
1962
Lakewood Speedway
Atlanta
11
1951
Savannah Speedway
Savannah
10
1962
Middle Georgia Raceway
Macon
9
1966
Central City Speedway
Macon
7
1951
Jeffco Speedway
Jefferson
2
1968
Valdosta 75 Speedway
Valdosta
3
1962
Oglethorpe Speedway
Savannah
2
1954
Augusta International Raceway
Augusta
1
1964
Columbus Speedway
Columbus
1
1951
Hayloft Speedway
Augusta
1
1952
Totals
176
The first NASCAR Cup Series race held in the state of Georgia was on June 10, 1951 and held at Columbus Speedway, a half-mile dirt track, in Columbus, Georgia. The inaugural event in the state was a 100 mile / 200 lap feature that saw Atlanta, Georgia native Tim Flock win the race.
Atlanta Motor Speedway has hosted the most NASCAR Cup Series races of any track in the state of Georgia at 117 events.
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Rookie Sammy Smith adds his name to the Xfinity Series winners list
With a near pole win last November in his first NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Phoenix Raceway, we learned that part-time driver Sammy Smith had speed at the Arizona one-mile track, and after posting a top-10 finish in that Xfinity Series championship race, we knew he could handle himself in a Xfinity Series car.
Now in his first full-time season with Joe Gibbs Racing, Smith went back to Phoenix Raceway to post his first win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series last weekend, becoming the youngest Xfinity Series winner at the track at 18 years old.
The win now puts Smith in sixth in the driver standings with 128 points, 67 points back from Austin Hill who currently leads the Xfinity Series driver standings. The victory also makes Smith the third different driver this season to already earn his spot in the Playoffs; joining Austin Hill (Daytona, Las Vegas) and John Hunter Nemechek (Fontana).
Smith will have a few days to enjoy the spoils of his victory before preparing to make his first start at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Although this will be his series track debut at Atlanta, he does have some experience on 1.5-mile tracks.
Last season, he posted a top-10 finish (eighth) at Kansas Speedway. If Smith goes back-to-back and takes the checkered flag this weekend, he will also go down as the youngest winner at Atlanta Motor Speedway, a title currently held by Ty Gibbs at 19 years, 5 months and 15 days.
Up Next: Atlanta Motor Speedway
With the conclusion of the West Coast Swing, the NASCAR Xfinity Series now sets its eyes on Atlanta Motor Speedway for the RAPTOR King of Tough 250 on Saturday, March 18 at 5 p.m. ET on FS1, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR radio as part of a doubleheader Saturday with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race, the FR8 208, at 2 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
There have been 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races at Atlanta Motor Speedway producing 21 different race winners and 18 different pole winners. Seven races have been won from the pole or first starting position, most recently by Kyle Busch in 2021.
NASCAR Cup Series regular Kevin Harvick holds just about every Xfinity Series record at the Atlanta, Georgia track – most wins (five), top fives (11), top 10s (13), lead lap finishes (13), laps completed (3,135) and laps led (973).
Two previous winners are entered in this weekend’s RAPTOR King of Tough 250 – JR Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier (2021) and Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill (2022).
Allgaier snagged his win in 2021. In his 14 starts at the 1.5-mile track, he has posted one win, three top fives and nine top 10s.
Hill made the trip to Victory Lane in just his second start at Atlanta Motor Speedway after finishing runner-up in his first start as a rookie in the Xfinity Series.
The NASCAR Xfinity Series will be skipping practice this weekend and heading straight for qualifying on Friday, March 17 at 4:35 p.m. ET airing on FS1.
Who will be the “King of Tough”?
Obviously, the two favorites this weekend are the former Atlanta winners – Justin Allgaier and Austin Hill – but three drivers in the field that will be sure to give them a run for their money this Saturday are Riley Herbst, Daniel Hemric and Justin Haley.
Stewart-Haas Racing’s Riley Herbst has given the Atlanta track a go five times in the Xfinity Series and has posted one top five and three top 10s. In last year’s Spring Atlanta race, he raced his way up to a fourth-place finish after starting in the 24th position.
Kaulig Racing’s Daniel Hemric has also put up some good stats at Atlanta Motor Speedway. In his seven starts, he’s posted two top fives and four top 10s. Most recently, he worked his way up to a fifth-place finish after starting the race in the 16th position.
Cup Series regular Justin Haley will be pulling double duty and driving the No.10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in this weekend’s Xfinity Series race at Atlanta, a track that has treated him well. In his four Xfinity Series starts, he has posted two top fives and four top 10s. His most recent Xfinity Series stint at Atlanta Motor Speedway was in 2021 where he finished fourth.
Xfinity Playoff picture heading into Week 5
As NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers head into their fifth race of the season, Austin Hill leads the standings with his two wins (Daytona, Las Vegas) and 195 points. In second is John Hunter Nemechek who clinched his spot in the Playoffs with his win at Auto Club and currently sits with 165 points.
Justin Allgaier (156 points) and Chandler Smith (155 points) assume the third and fourth place spots in the standings heading into this weekend’s race. Both drivers have posted three top fives and three top 10s this season thus far. Riley Herbst sits in the fifth position, tied with Smith on points (155).
Sammy Smith’s win last weekend at Phoenix Raceway bumped him to sixth in the standings (128 points). Sam Mayer (128), Cole Custer (118), Josh Berry (114), Daniel Hemric (106), Sheldon Creed (105) and Parker Kligerman (99) round out the current Playoff outlook.
Just outside the cutline is Brett Moffitt (-12) and Ryan Sieg (-13).
NASCAR Xfinity Series, Etc.
Chad Chastain to make NASCAR Xfinity Series debut – Chad Chastain, brother of NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain, will be making his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Chad Chastain will be behind the wheel of the No. 91 Chevrolet for DGM Racing.
“I’m thrilled to make my NASCAR Xfinity Series debut with DGM Racing, a Florida-based team, driving a ‘Protect Your Melon’ Chevrolet just like I watched my brother do for years,” said Chastain.
Though this will be Chastain’s first Xfinity Series start, he had made four starts in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series posting a best finish of 30th at Indianapolis Raceway Park and Homestead-Miami.
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
CRAFTSMAN Truck Series kicks off doubleheader Saturday at Atlanta
After an action-packed weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series teams had a week to rest up and prepare for the Fr8 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, which will kick off a doubleheader Saturday on March 18 at 2 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series race, the RAPTOR Kings of Tough 250 at 5 p.m. ET on FS1, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
There have been 21 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races at the 1.54-mile Atlanta Motor Speedway track, producing 15 different race winners and 11 different pole winners. Five races have been won from the pole or first starting position, most recently by Christopher Bell in 2017.
Kyle Busch has made the most trips to Victory Lane (six) and has also posted the most top fives (nine) in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at Atlanta. NASCAR Hall of Famer Ron Hornaday Jr. and Mike Skinner are tied for most poles at the track (three each); while Matt Crafton holds the record for most top 10s (11), lead lap finishes (16) and laps completed (2,656).
TRICON Garage’s Corey Heim is Atlanta Motor Speedway’s most recent winner in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series after snagging the lead from then Kyle Busch Motorsport’s teammate Chandler Smith on the final lap.
The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will get the weekend jump started with qualifying on Friday, March 17 at 3:05 p.m. ET on FS1.
Atlanta Motor Speedway’s fabulous four
The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series drivers had last weekend off, but fans can be sure to expect some action-packed racing this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway as four previous winners are entered in the Fr8 208 (March 18 at 2 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) – Corey Heim, Grant Enfinger, John Hunter Nemechek and Matt Crafton.
Heim is the most recent winner at the track (2022). He posted the win in his first and only start at Atlanta Motor Speedway. If he goes back-to-back, he will be the second driver in CRAFTSMAN Truck Series history to post consecutive wins at Atlanta, after only Kyle Busch (2007, 2008).
Enfinger has seven starts at the track with one win (2020), three top fives and five top 10s. In last season’s Atlanta race, he led 14 laps and ultimately finished in 12th.
Nemechek, who is running fulltime in the Xfinity Series this season, will be piloting the No.17 Toyota for TRICON Garage this weekend. In his five CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at Atlanta, he’s posted one win (2016), two top fives and two top 10s.
Crafton has started 21 races at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, posting one win (2015), six top fives and 11 top 10s. He has led for a total of 188 laps and has an average start of 12.0 and an average finish of 12.2 at the 1.54-mile track.
Fast start for defending series champ Zane Smith
Front Row Motorsports’ Zane Smith made a name for himself last season with his season-opening win at Daytona and his victory in the championship at Phoenix Raceway.
Smith made sure to ride that momentum into the 2023 season and pulled off yet another season-opening win at Daytona and a runner-up finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Now as the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series gears up for this weekend’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Smith can be sure that his name is on everyone’s minds as a possible winner.
Although he’s only made three starts at the 1.54-mile track, he’s posted two top fives and three top 10s. Last season, he even managed to work his way up to a fifth-place finish after starting in the 25th position.
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Etc.
Sunoco Rookie class update – The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year class now has two races marked off and they’re all sitting close in the standings.
Nick Sanchez currently leads the rookies with 31 points. He won the pole in the season-opener at Daytona and has posted a best-finish of 26th this season. He will be making his series track debut this weekend at Atlanta.
Jake Garcia takes the second-place spot just four points behind Sanchez (27). He posted his first top-10 finish in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series last weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and will look to make his first start at his home track of Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend.
Just one point behind Garcia is Rajah Caruth (26). He’s posted 29th-place finishes in both races this season. He will be making his first start at Atlanta Motor Speedway in this weekend.
William Byron to run select races for Kyle Busch Motorsports – NASCAR Cup Series regular and KBM alum William Byron will be running a three-race schedule behind the wheel of the No. 51 Chevrolet in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series for Kyle Busch Motorsports.
His three-race stint will start at Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt on April 8, followed by Darlington Raceway on May 12 and North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 20.
