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LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Race Preview: Las Vegas Motor Speedway

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Official Release
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Race Information

  • Round: NASCAR Cup Series race No. 3 of 36
  • Track Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Race Name: Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube
  • Broadcast: Sunday, March 5th at 3:30 PM ET live on FOX (TV) and MRN (Radio)
  • Team Entrants:

No. 42 | Noah Gragson & Luke Lambert – Sunseeker Resorts Chevrolet
No. 43 | Erik Jones & Dave Elenz – Allegiant Chevrolet

Noah Gragson, No. 42 Sunseeker Resorts Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Stats

  • NCS Starts: 1; Best start: 17th, Best finish: 11th (Fall, 2022)
  • NXS Starts: 8; Best start: 4th, Best finish: 2nd (three times), Top 5s: 7, Top 10s: 8, Laps led: 142
  • NCTS Starts: 3; Poles: 1 (Fall, 2018), Best finish: 12th (Spring, 2018), Laps led: 57

2023 NCS Season Stats

  • Starts: 2; Best start: 20th, Best finish: 22nd (Auto Club), Current points position: 27th
  • About Sunseeker Resorts: Opening in 2023, Florida’s newest luxury resort located in Charlotte Harbor is the first resort property of Sunseeker Resorts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Company. Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor occupies over 22 waterfront acres with 785 guest rooms, including 189 Signature Sunsuites™. Set upon the Peace River and Florida Gulf Coast, this premier resort offers 20 original food and beverage concepts; including seven stand-alone restaurants, eleven bars and lounges, two poolside offerings and a 25,000-square-foot multi-dining experience. Additional hotel amenities include a waterfront promenade, two unique rooftop and waterfront pool experiences, 60,000-square-feet of combined convention space, full-service spa and salon, a 7,100-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center with four group exercise studios with specialty instructor lead classes, three retail and market shops, and an 18-hole championship level golf club exclusive to hotel guests only. The resort is conveniently located within a short drive of Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Sarasota, St. Petersburg-Clearwater, and Tampa airports. For more information, visit www.sunseekerresorts.com. Follow us on Instagram: @sunseekerresorts and like us on Facebook: @sunseekerresorts.
  • Home to Vegas: Entering the third race of the season, Gragson returns to his home track. The Las Vegas native has made starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in all three of NASCAR’s premier series’. In the Truck series racing for Kyle Busch Motorsports, Gragson made three starts, scored one pole position, led 57 laps and has two top-15 finishes at the 1.5-mile track. In eight Xfinity Series starts at Las Vegas, Gragson has collected seven top-five and eight top-10 finishes. He has one NASCAR Cup Series start at the 1.5-mile track, where he filled in for the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet and finished 11th last fall.
  • Vegas Golden Knights: Growing up in Vegas, Gragson was an avid Las Vegas Golden Knights fan. He will attend the team’s morning skate session Wednesday evening’s game in which the Golden Knights take on the Carolina Hurricanes at 7pm local time at T-Mobile Arena.
  • The Bullring: Like many racers from Las Vegas before him, Gragson got his start at the age of 13 racing Bandoleros at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway “Bullring”. A 14-time Bullring winner, Gragson then joined the INEX Legends Car Racing Series at the age of 15, winning the 2014 Young Lion Road Course Championship. He then moved on to Super Late Models and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West Series’ before landing a full-time NASCAR truck series ride.
  • Local Owner: LEGACY Motor Club owner and CEO of Allegiant Travel Company, Maury Gallagher also calls Las Vegas, Nevada home. Vegas is the 2024 home to Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium which houses the Las Vegas Raiders. Gallagher serves as chair of the Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee, a group comprised of community leaders in business, tourism, gaming, sports, entertainment and government which are responsible for the city’s collective hosting effort.
  • Noah Gragson Appearances: Fans attending the Pennzoil 400 will have a chance to meet Noah on race day:

Sunday, March 5th – 10:15 – 10:30 am Q&A on Stage in the NEON GARAGE

  • From the Driver’s Seat: “I’m excited to keep building momentum with our No. 42 Sunseeker Chevrolet and the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB team. Coming back to my hometown is always good to see family and friends, it’s always great anytime I can get back there and there would be nothing sweeter than to run well at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.”

Erik Jones, No. 43 Allegiant Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Stats

  • NCS Starts: 11; Poles: 1 (2018); Best Finish: 8th (2018, 2020, 2022); Top 5s: 0; Top 10s: 4; Laps Led: 0
  • NXS Starts: 2; Best Start: 2nd (2016); Best Finish: 3rd (2016); Top 5s: 1; Top 10s: 1; Laps Led: 7
  • NCTS Starts: 2; Wins: 1 (2014); Best Start: 13th (2014); Top 5s: 1; Top 10s: 2; Laps Led: 19

2023 NCS Season Stats

  • Starts: 2; Best Start: 25th; Best Finish: 19th (Auto Club), Current Points Position: 32nd
  • About Allegiant: Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is an integrated travel company with an airline at its heart, focused on connecting customers with the people, places and experiences that matter most. Since 1999, Allegiant Air has linked travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class vacation destinations with all-nonstop flights and industry-low average fares. Today, Allegiant’s fleet serves communities across the nation, with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. For more information, visit us at Allegiant.com.
  • Jones at Las Vegas Speedway: Erik Jones will make his 12th Cup Series start at the 1.5 mile Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend for the Pennzoil 400 on Sunday, March 5. In his previous 11 starts at the track in the Cup Series, Jones has a best finish of eighth on three different occasions – March 2018, September 2020 and October 2022. In total, Jones has four top-10 finishes in the Cup Series.

Jones has two Xfinity Series starts at the track with his best start of second and best finish of third coming in his rookie season in 2016. He led seven laps during the Xfinity Series race in 2015, but his strong run was derailed late in the race by contact with a competitor and resulted in a 29th-place finish.

In the Truck Series, Jones has two starts at the track with both finishes resulting in top-nine results. His first start at the track came in 2014 where he started the race 13th and led 19 laps on his way to victory lane. During his rookie season and championship season, Jones returned to the track where he finished ninth in the 2015 event.

  • From the Driver’s Seat: “Hopefully Las Vegas will be a good race for us this weekend and we can get our season rolling. We struggled a little bit at Fontana, so looking forward to getting back to Las Vegas where we were pretty good in the Spring last year in this race and in the Fall I thought we were decent. I’m hoping we can make some gains, try some new stuff and get some good points from the weekend. Looking forward to getting there and hopefully having a good run in our No. 43 Allegiant Chevrolet.”

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is a team that competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, owned by Maury Gallagher and Jimmie Johnson. LEGACY M.C. operates two full-time entries, the No. 42 Chevrolet of Noah Gragson and the No. 43 Chevrolet of Erik Jones. The team also fields a third part-time entry, the No. 84 Chevrolet, for Johnson’s limited racing schedule.

For the last 75 years, the iconic Petty family name has been synonymous in NASCAR, spanning four generations. Over the course of his driving career, Team Ambassador Richard Petty forever enshrined himself as “The King”, earning 200 wins and seven NASCAR Cup Series championships alongside NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief Dale Inman. GMS Racing entered the NASCAR Cup Series in 2021, later acquiring Richard Petty Motorsports to form Petty GMS.

The team was rebranded to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB in 2023 with the addition of Johnson, another seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, to the ownership structure. As a nod to car clubs of past eras, LEGACY M.C. is an inclusive club for the automobile racing enthusiast, fostering a team environment that will breed success for years to come. LEGACY M.C.’s vision is to honor the rich history of its past and acknowledge the future of the sport with some of today’s most iconic drivers.

LEGACY M.C. operates alongside GMS Racing, which fields three full-time entries in the NASCAR Truck Series. Since the formation of GMS Racing in 2012, Gallagher, along with one of the NASCAR garage’s most accomplished figures, Team President, Mike Beam, built a victorious organization, capturing the 2016 and 2020 NASCAR Truck Series championships, the 2015 ARCA Racing Series championship, as well as the 2019 & 2020 ARCA East championships, accumulating over 65 wins across six national racing circuits.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow LEGACY MOTOR CLUB on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Lawless Alan – Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 Race Advance

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Official Release
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Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 | Las Vegas Motor Speedway (134 Laps / 201 Miles)
Friday, March 3 | Las Vegas, Nevada | 9:00 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Ch. 90

Team: No. 45 AUTOParkit Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Lawless Alan (Los Angeles, California) | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers
Follow the Team: Twitter: @NieceMotorsport | Instagram: @NieceMotorsports | Facebook: /NieceMotorsports | Web: www.niecemotorsports.com
Follow Lawless Alan: Twitter: @lawlessalan25 | Instagram: @lawless_alan | Facebook: /LawlessAlanRacing | Web: www.lawlessalanracing.com

Alan on Friday’s Race at Las Vegas: “I’m looking forward to getting to Las Vegas for the second time,” said Alan. “Last year, we got damaged early, which heavily affected our race. I’m looking forward to running all the laps this year, and I’m optimistic about where we’ll end up.”

Alan at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: In his lone start at Las Vegas, Alan started 26th and finished 19th.

On the Truck: “Now that I know more of what I’m looking for in the track and what to expect, I can go into the race and know what to do right away. Practice will be able to help me a lot more this year, as I’ve been to Vegas in one of these Trucks before.”

Public Appearances: Alan, along with a majority of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series field, will take part in an autograph session on Friday from 3:30pm – 4:15pm at the Neon Garage in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway infield.

About Niece Motorsports:

Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2023, Niece Motorsports enters its eighth season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.

Media Inquiries: media@niecemotorsports.com | www.niecemotorsports.com

About AUTODockit:

AUTODockit delivers fully automated boat storage. Boats are safely stored indoors in a rack and rail system, protected within a site-specific hurricane-protected structure. Vessels are placed in Rack Storage structures of unoccupied space driven by industrial automation technology. AUTODockit uses the same trusted and proven modular scalable architecture from AUTOParkit™ a market leader in Autonomous Parking Systems. AUTODockit uses all electric motors and does NOT use forklifts, overhead cranes, robotics, hydraulics, or pneumatics. Travel lanes are significantly reduced in AUTODockit sites allowing increased storage capacity and maximizing revenue

AUTODockit provides two solutions: Coastal and Inland. AUTODockit Costal lifts boats directly from the water while AUTODockit Inland is for trailered boats.

About AUTOParkit:

-AUTOParkit™ designs, manufactures, and constructs fully automated parking systems for new and existing buildings. AUTOParkit system structural steel and modular design can provide double the capacity of a traditional parking garage, providing up to 17 LEED points and drastically reducing construction time.

-AUTOParkit automated systems are 40 percent less expensive to operate, safer for the user and reduces carbon emissions associated with parking by more than 80 percent. AUTOParkit’s charging pallets provided by AUTOChargit, are a fast and convenient way of charging EVs and Hybrids. AUTOChargit’s patented technology allows for shuffling charged vehicles cutting infrastructure costs by up to 80 percent.

-For more information on AUTOParkit, visit www.autoparkit.com

Carson Hocevar – Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 Race Advance

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Official Release
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Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 | Las Vegas Motor Speedway (134 Laps / 201 Miles)
Friday, March 3 | Las Vegas, Nevada | 9:00 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Ch. 90

Team: No. 42 Worldwide Express Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Carson Hocevar (Portage, Michigan) | Crew Chief: Phil Gould
Follow the Team: Twitter: @NieceMotorsport | Instagram: @NieceMotorsports | Facebook: /NieceMotorsports | Web: www.niecemotorsports.com
Follow Carson Hocevar: Twitter: @CarsonHocevar | Instagram: @CarsonHocevar | Facebook: /carsonhocevarracing | Web: www.CarsonHocevar.com

Daytona Recap: In the season-opener, Hocevar was able to kick-off his championship campaign with a 12th-place finish at Daytona. He collected stage points in both stages and was able to show speed throughout the rain-shortened event.

Hocevar on Last Week’s Race at Daytona: “Daytona is really just a game of luck, but Vegas is going to be all about speed and the work the team has done in the shop,” said Hocevar. Our superspeedway program has been really good and I’m expecting more of that this week.”

Hocevar on Friday’s Race at Las Vegas: “It’s going to be really important to take advantage of all the hard work everyone has put in at Niece Motorsports in the offseason. Vegas is a tough place just because of how soon we go in the year. Everyone is good throughout the field because of how long they’ve had to prepare for the first 1.5-mile race.”

Hocevar at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: In two starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Hocevar has an average start and finish of 11 and 18.5, respectively. Hocevar led nine laps in the Craftsman Truck Series’ visit to the 1.5-mile track one year ago.

On the Truck: “I’m confident in this group on our Worldwide Express Silverado because of the long hours they’ve put into this piece. We’ve tried to take advantage of every little detail we can so we can be at the top of our game.”

Public Appearances: Hocevar, along with a majority of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series field, will take part in an autograph session on Friday from 3:30pm – 4:15pm at the Neon Garage in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway infield.

About Niece Motorsports:
Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2023, Niece Motorsports enters its eighth season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.

Media Inquiries: media@niecemotorsports.com | www.niecemotorsports.com

About Worldwide Express:
The WWEX group of brands, which comprises Worldwide Express, Unishippers and GlobalTranz, offers full-service logistics expertise to more than 115,000 customers across the country. With access to industry-leading small package, truckload, less-than-truckload and managed transportation solutions, its customers benefit from enhanced visibility and value for their supply chains. The company is the second-largest privately held freight brokerage and largest non-retail UPS Authorized Reseller® in the U.S. , with an annual systemwide revenue nearing $5 billion through a network of company-owned, franchise and agent locations. A highly selective carrier portfolio, proprietary technology, unique data assets and business intelligence capabilities provide clients with unmatched options and flexibility to meet their shipping needs. The WWEX Racing initiative was borne of a desire to address the complex but underserved logistic needs of the performance motorsports industry, using the unique combination of capabilities offered by the three brands’ combined 80+ years of insight. To learn more about the WWEX Racing program, visit www.wwexracing.com. For media inquiries, contact racing@wwex.com.

Ross Chastain – Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 Race Advance

By
Official Release
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Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 | Las Vegas Motor Speedway (134 Laps / 201 Miles)
Friday, March 3 | Las Vegas, Nevada | 9:00 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Ch. 90

Team: No. 41 Worldwide Express Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Ross Chastain (Alva, Florida) | Crew Chief: Mike Hillman Jr.
Follow the Team: Twitter: @NieceMotorsport | Instagram: @NieceMotorsports | Facebook: /NieceMotorsports | Web: www.niecemotorsports.com
Follow Ross Chastain: Twitter: @RossChastain | Instagram: @rosschastain | Facebook: /RossChastainRacing | Web: www.rosschastain.com/

The No. 41 Truck Last Week at Daytona: Travis Pastrana was behind the wheel on the No. 41 Worldwide Express Chevrolet Silverado in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Although this was Pastrana’s first start in the Craftsman Truck Series at Daytona, the action sports legend was able to secure a 13th-place finish in the rain-shortened race.

Chastain on First Truck Start of 2023 in Friday’s race at Las Vegas: “It’s super exciting getting back into the Truck Series with Worldwide Express,” said Chastain. “I love to race anything, so for Justin Marks and Trackhouse Racing to let me do it is an honor; and I know that. The fact I get to do this with Niece Motorsports is great – they’re family. We’ve done a lot together, but we have a lot that we still want to prove.”

Chastain at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: Among NASCAR’s top-three series, Chastain has made 23 starts at Las Vegas, securing three top-five finishes and one win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. With Niece Motorsports, Chastain has an average finish of 10th in the Truck Series at Las Vegas, including a second-place finish in 2019.

About Niece Motorsports:

Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2023, Niece Motorsports enters its eighth season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.

Media Inquiries: media@niecemotorsports.com | www.niecemotorsports.com

About Worldwide Express:

The WWEX group of brands, which comprises Worldwide Express, Unishippers and GlobalTranz, offers full-service logistics expertise to more than 115,000 customers across the country. With access to industry-leading small package, truckload, less-than-truckload and managed transportation solutions, its customers benefit from enhanced visibility and value for their supply chains. The company is the second-largest privately held freight brokerage and largest non-retail UPS Authorized Reseller® in the U.S. , with an annual systemwide revenue nearing $5 billion through a network of company-owned, franchise and agent locations. A highly selective carrier portfolio, proprietary technology, unique data assets and business intelligence capabilities provide clients with unmatched options and flexibility to meet their shipping needs. The WWEX Racing initiative was borne of a desire to address the complex but underserved logistic needs of the performance motorsports industry, using the unique combination of capabilities offered by the three brands’ combined 80+ years of insight. To learn more about the WWEX Racing program, visit www.wwexracing.com. For media inquiries, contact racing@wwex.com.

Crawford Ready to Launch Rookie FIA F2 season at Bahrain

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Official Release
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Jak Crawford #9 Hitech GP, during the pre-season testing of the FIA Formula 2 Championship at Bahrain International Circuit, on February 14 - 16, 2023. // Dutch Photo Agency / Red Bull Content Pool

HOUSTON (1 March 2023) – American Formula 1 hopeful Jak Crawford will take another giant step up major open-wheel racing’s ladder in 2023, when he competes fulltime in the FIA Formula 2 Championship.

The Texan – who turns 18 in May – returns as a member of the Red Bull Junior team, driving in this weekend’s season opener at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. The campaign consists of 14 two-race weekends, all run in conjunction with Formula 1.

“I’m excited for my first race in F2,” Crawford said. “It’s going to be a long season, but I think it will be really fun to have my debut at Bahrain. It’s a super-interesting track and we’ve already done test days, so I think I’ll be quite up to speed.”

F2 competition consists of 22 identical Dallara chassis powered by turbocharged 3.4L V6 engines. Weekends consist of practice and qualifying on Friday, with a 120-kilometer sprint race on Saturday followed by a 170-kilometer feature race on Sunday. Qualifying sets the grid for the Sunday race, with the top-10 qualifiers inverted for the sprint round.

“To be honest, I don’t have any expectations,” Crawford said going into the season opener. “I just want to make the most of the car and my driving ability, especially for the first race weekend, since we don’t really know where we are with speed and everything, but I do think we’re quick. I don’t have any expectations, that would be putting a lot of pressure on myself.”

Crawford finished the 2022 F3 season seventh in the points, winning the sprint race at Red Bull Ring among five podium finishes. Now, he’s ready for the next step, Formula 2.

“There are quite a few differences in F2 [from F3],” Crawford explained. “The field is a lot stronger, talent-wise, with a lot of very good drivers. It’s a bigger car, with more power, more weight, and longer races. It will be a bit more tiring, and you have to keep your focus, as well. It’s a bit of everything.”

Crawford caught the attention of the open-wheel world when he ran double-duty in 2021. The youngest driver in F3, he placed second in his debut at Spa Francorchamps. He also ran in Euroformula Open, placing third in the championship with eight victories in 16 starts despite running a select schedule when his F3 season allowed.

Following Bahrain, F2 races at Jeddah March 18-19; Melbourne April 1-2; Baku April 29-30; Imola May 20-21; Monte Carlo May 27-28; Barcelona June 2-3; Red Bull Ring July 1-2; Silverstone July 8-9; Hungaroring July 22-23; Spa July 29-30; Zandvoort August 26-27; Monza Sept. 2-3; and Abu Dhabi Nov. 25-26.

SS Racing Announces Full Schedule, Driver Line-Up for 2023

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Official Release
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Bobby Labonte, Ryan Newman and Jonathan Cash to race in SMART, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tours

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 1, 2023) – NASCAR legends Bobby Labonte and Ryan Newman, along with modified driver Jonathan Cash, will be behind the wheel of Sadler-Stanley (SS) Racing powered by Pace-O-Matic’s No. 18VA (No. 38VA for NASCAR Whelen) and No. 39VA, respectively, during the 2023 modified season. 14 SMART Modified Tour races are on the schedule, with Newman racing the majority of them, as well as four NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races. Cash is scheduled for five SMART races, while Labonte will pilot all races on the schedule.

SS Racing announced their new partnership with Labonte, a NASCAR Hall of Fame driver and 2000 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, in November 2022. Newman’s announcement came shortly after in January, with team co-owner Hermie Sadler stating Newman, the 2002 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year, could “win at any time, on any track.” Newman previously raced for SS Racing three times in 2022.

The driver line-up includes:
March 4: SMART Modified Tour, Florence Motor Speedway
No. 18VA Labonte
No. 39VA Newman
March 12: SMART Modified Tour, Caraway Speedway
No. 18VA Labonte
No. 39VA Newman
March 18: SMART Modified Tour, Lonesome Pine Speedway
No. 18VA Labonte
No. 39VA Cash
March 31: NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Richmond Raceway
No. 38VA Labonte
No. 39VA Newman
April 1: SMART Modified Tour, South Boston Speedway
No. 18VA Labonte
No. 39VA Cash
April 15: SMART Modified Tour, Hickory Motor Speedway
No. 18VA Labonte
No. 39VA Newman
May 26: SMART Modified Tour, Franklin County Speedway
No. 18VA Labonte
No. 39VA Newman
June 23: SMART Modified Tour, Ace Speedway
No. 18VA Labonte
No. 39VA Newman
July 1: SMART Modified Tour, Caraway Speedway
No. 18VA Labonte
No. 39VA Cash
August 26: NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Langley Speedway
No. 38VA Labonte
No. 39VA TBA
September 2: SMART Modified Tour, Carteret County Speedway
No. 18VA Labonte
No. 39VA Newman
September 9: SMART Modified Tour, Dominion Speedway
No. 18VA Labonte
No. 39VA Newman
September 30: NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour North Wilkesboro Speedway
No. 38VA Labonte
No. 39VA Newman
October 1: SMART Modified Tour, Motor Mile Speedway
No. 18VA Labonte
No. 39VA Newman
October 7: SMART Modified Tour, Tri-County Speedway
No. 18VA Labonte
No. 39VA Cash
October 14: SMART Modified Tour, Little Rockingham Speedway
No. 18VA Labonte
No. 39VA Cash
October 26: NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Martinsville Speedway
No. 38VA Labonte
No. 39VA Newman
October 28: SMART Modified Tour, Orange County Speedway
No. 18VA Labonte
No. 39VA Newman

“Our driver line-up is second to none this modified season, and we are thrilled to have two champions on the track for SS Racing powered by Pace-O-Matic. Cash made his debut for us last year at Hickory, so we’re looking forward to welcoming him back, too.” said SS Racing Co-Owner Bill Stanley, a Virginia State Senator and owner of The Stanley Law Group.

“This is going to be an exciting season for fans of open wheel Modified racing,” said Sadler. “We’re counting down the days until we can watch Bobby and Ryan hit the track as teammates for SS Racing, and take this sport to the next level.”

ABOUT PACE-O-MATIC
Pace-O-Matic is the nation’s leading developer of skill games, creating and marketing fun and exciting games. The games provide supplemental income for small businesses, veterans groups and fraternal clubs. With a commitment to compliance, Pace-O-Matic has games in markets across the United States. The company also is focused on giving back to communities.

For more details on Pace-O-Matic, visit www.paceomatic.com, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

ABOUT PSR PRODUCTS
Based in Midland, North Carolina and supported by an extensive dealer network throughout the Eastern Seaboard, PSR Products is a leading manufacturer of Modified racing chassis, as well as parts, components, tools, and equipment that have been winning races and championships for more than 30 years. PSR founder Phil Stefanelli and his staff, which includes motorsports veterans and some of the brightest minds in the industry, pride themselves on providing superior customer service, precise attention to detail, and an expansive knowledge base that is shared with each of PSR’s customers. For more details on PSR Products, visit www.psrproducts.net, “Like” PSR Products on Facebook, or call 704-888-3874.

ABOUT BOBBY LABONTE
Bobby Labonte is not only a successful NASCAR driver and NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2020 inductee, he is also a successful television race analyst, businessman, and philanthropist. Labonte is in his sixth year as a race analyst and his third season on FS1’s NASCAR RACE HUB show. He currently owns Breaking Limits, a full-service marketing, public relations, sponsorship, and events agency, he’s a co-owner of Longhorn Chassis, a successful dirt late model and modified chassis and fabrication business and he leads the Bobby Labonte Foundation, which works in partnership with the local community to empower parents, families, and children to build a strong foundation for childrens’ futures.

For more information, visit www.bobbylabonte.com or follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

New driver line-up for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team as Mattias Ekström joins to partner Laia Sanz for Extreme E Season 3

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Official Release
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1 March 2023, London: ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team have unveiled their driver pairing for Extreme E Season 3, with Mattias Ekström teaming up with Laia Sanz for the Spanish outfit.

The Swede replaces Carlos Sainz Snr., as the two-time World Rally Champion is still recovering from a crash suffered in this year’s Dakar Rally, in which he fractured two vertebrae. Nevertheless, Sainz Snr. will travel to NEOM, Saudi Arabia, to work and help the team throughout the Desert X Prix later this month.

ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team finished sixth in the standings in Season 1, scoring their first ever podium with third at the Arctic X Prix in Greenland. The Spanish team built upon their first season performance, and had the pace to secure third in the championship in Extreme E Season 2 – reaching four out of the five Finals and finishing on the podium twice – and will be keen to secure that long-awaited maiden victory in 2023.

Joan Orús, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team’s Team Principal, said: “This season is very important for the entire ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team. We start the year in a tough situation with the news that Carlos will not be in the car in Saudi Arabia, but we still feel we have found the best possible driver to complete the team with Laia.

“Mattias Ekström is one of the best rallycross, track and off-road drivers in the world, and his illustrious racing record will surely help us further develop as a team. Our aim is to win and we know that we can fight for the title if we all do our work right.”

Carlos Sainz Snr., ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: “Mattias is the best signing we could have hoped for, for this new season. I know him well and I trust him completely because I know what he is capable of: I believe he is one of the best and most multifaceted race drivers in the world, and therefore it is an honour that he gets to defend the colours of ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team. I have raced against him in Extreme E and know him as my teammate in Audi in the raids, so I am aware of his potential and strengths.

“I myself will do all I can to help the team achieve its goals. I will be attending the races and supporting them to get the best results we can. Regarding Laia, she keeps growing as a race driver and she knows the team throughout. I would also like to thank Acciona, Santander Private Banking, Asterra and all our sponsors for their trust in this sustainable, egalitarian, thrilling project again.”

Ekström joins the team after a prolific racing career in the Rallycross World Championship, which he conquered in 2016, and the DTM, which he won twice in 2004 and 2007. He is also familiar with Extreme E having raced during the maiden season in 2021, finishing on the podium at the Island X Prix for ABT CUPRA XE, and is a four-time winner of the Race of Champions, securing another victory earlier this year.

Mattias Ekström, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: “Carlos is one of my childhood idols and since we are teammates in Audi Dakar project, we’ve become friends, so it feels special and even emotional to join his team at Extreme E. With me stepping in for Carlos, it will give him more time to recover from the accident he suffered at Dakar. I also know Laia since my very first Extreme E race and I’ve seen her progress a lot and she has shown her speed on track.

“Even though it was a very late decision to join the team, I will do my best to bring success to ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team this season and I hope we can fight for race wins and titles. I look forward on meeting all the team members in person and working with Carlos as my team boss, as I’m sure it will be a fun and valuable experience.”

Sanz will race for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team once again, and has established herself as one of the best female off-road and Extreme E drivers since debuting in 2021. This will be her third season with the team.

Prior to her switch to cars, Sanz was crowned Trial World Champion 14 times, Enduro World Champion on five occasions, and has finished the Dakar Rally thirteen times in a row between 2011 and 2023. The Spaniard marked her car debut in the 2022 Dakar Rally, and this year finished 14th in the 4×2 traction prototypes class.

The Spaniard finished ninth overall in the 2015 Dakar Rally, achieving the best result ever by a woman in the motorcycle category at the event.

Laia Sanz, ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, said: “I am really looking forward to the start of the Extreme E season. I feel like I improved a lot last year, but I haven’t reached my maximum and I am convinced that this season I will be able to contribute even more to the team’s success.

“It will definitely be strange not having Carlos on my side in Saudi Arabia, but his advice will be as important as always to try and achieve the result we all want.

“I am thrilled to be working with Mattias, who doesn’t really need any introduction because he has achieved so much in his long career in motorsports.”

You can find out how ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team’s new driver line-up gets on at the season opener in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, on 11-12 March.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit – www.Extreme-E.com

Toyota Launches All-New Prius PHEV in Japan

By
Official Release
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High-performance driving and refined environmental friendliness combine to make the daily drive more exhilarating than ever

Toyota City, Japan, Mar 1, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announces today that it will commence sales of all-new Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models, offered as the Z grade, on March 15.

Developed under the “Hybrid Reborn” concept, the new Prius has evolved into an exhilarating package that adds a design inspiring love at first sight and captivating driving performance to its core strength as an environmentally friendly car. Prius HEV models were launched in January this year, and they are already enjoying a great reputation.

The new Prius PHEV, offered as the Z grade, has been reborn as a high-performance version equipped with the latest plug-in hybrid system, which combines a compact, high-capacity drive battery, high-output drive motor, and high-efficiency gasoline engine.

The main features of the Plug-in Hybrid System are as follows.

PHEV can cover the majority of daily driving, including commuting and going shopping, using just the electric power from the charged battery. It offers the outstanding quietness and brisk motor-based driving performance of a battery electric vehicle (BEV). On longer drives, such as going on a trip, the engine supplements battery power to serve as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that ensures the cruising range needed for traveling long distances with peace of mind. At the same time, the combination of motor and engine delivers the powerful yet comfortable driving performance unique to PHEV vehicles from the moment the gas pedal is pressed.

A unique PHEV external power supply system enables the car to supply power in a range of scenarios from daily living to emergency situations. This includes an external power supply mode that enables the car battery to provide power during outdoor, leisure, and other activities. There is also an external emergency power supply mode that provides a larger supply of power during blackouts, disasters, and other emergencies by using the engine to generate electricity.

The new Prius PHEV achieves a high level of dynamic performance with a maximum system output of 164 kW (223 PS) of power. This model also offers great fuel efficiency of 26.0 km/L(1) with 19-inch tires and 30.1 km/L(1) with 17-inch tires(2). BEV driving distance is 87 km with 19-inch tires and 105 km with 17-inch tires, with the 105 km representing an improvement of 75% compared to the previous model(1). As a result, the new Prius PHEV delivers both enjoyable driving and environmental performance in a car that many customers will continue to cherish as their car of choice for generations to come.

Plug-in hybrid systems are an important powertrain option providing an immediately accessible pathway toward carbon neutrality. Toyota is working on all-round development of electric vehicles, including PHEVs, and hydrogen engines to achieve carbon neutrality and provide a range of options to customers around the world.

(1) As evaluated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. WLTC mode (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle) is an internationally recognized test cycle and is based on average usage ratios for urban, suburban, and highway driving.
(2) 17-inch tires are a manufacturer option.

For more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/38869594.html.

Max Gutiérrez to Race in Late Brother’s Memory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for AM Racing

By
Official Release
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LAS VEGAS, Nev.: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series (NCTS) rookie Max Gutiérrez heads to Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway for Friday night’s Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 competing with a heavy heart.

Shortly before expecting to make his first Truck Series start of the season at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway for AM Racing last month, Gutiérrez’s younger brother and best friend Fico Gutiérrez perished in an automobile accident outside Mexico City.

Taking several weeks to mourn his great loss, Gutiérrez is in a better headspace and determined to keep his emotions in check, the former ARCA Menards Series East winner has decided to fulfill his obligation

to his race team and his marketing partners but honor his late brother in his fifth career Truck Series start.

“With the race in Las Vegas, we’re back on track and we’re starting a very important season for me in which I’m sure we’ll get the best results,” said Gutiérrez. “This is a track that excites me a lot and I want to thank all my team for the effort and work we’ve all made to get here.

“This race is totally dedicated to my brother, Fico, who I’m sure will be with me all the time.”

Despite his lack of experience in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, Gutiérrez is hoping to roll the dice and produce a similar performance that he showcased at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway last June.

At the time, his third Truck Series start delivered a noteworthy performance at the 1.33-mile track when Gutiérrez roared from the back of the field to mount a competitive eighth-place finish after starting 36th.

“Racing is the best medicine for me and Fico was one of the first to congratulate me after our success at Nashville,” explained Gutiérrez. “I will cherish that moment forever. I know he will be racing alongside me in our No. 22 BolsaDX | Telcel Ford F-150 and I plan to make him proud on Friday night.”

Tackling the third 1.5-mile speedway of his Truck Series career after subsequent starts at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway, the former NASCAR Mexico Series champion believes he has a good baseline for what to expect during on-track activity on Friday.

“I have been doing my due diligence to prepare for Las Vegas,” he added. “I know my AM Racing team will be bringing a fast race truck and I believe I am focused on capitalizing on that. I learned a lot at Charlotte and Homestead last year and I plan to use that experience to my advantage this weekend.

“I just want to climb in, be competitive and make everyone proud. Racing is everything to me and even though I cannot share those physical experiences with my brother anymore, I believe he is still there as one of my greatest supporters.”

To pay respect to his brother, Gutiérrez’s No. 22 AM Racing Ford F-150 will showcase his brother’s logo on the hood for his first Truck Series start of 2023.

In addition to BolsaDX, ToughBuilt, Jimmy Morales Escuderia TELMEX | TELCEL, Avaya Inc., Ford Performance, Mobil 1, Paychex, PM Packaging and TekNekk join the Statesville, N.C.-based team as partners on Friday night.

Gutiérrez holds four NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts to his resume with a career-best eighth-place finish at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway (June 2022). Additionally, he holds an average finish of 19.0 and has completed 483 of 487 laps for a 99.2 percent lap completion.

In 11 career ARCA Menards Series East starts, Gutiérrez has one win, three top-five and six top-10 finishes and hoists a series’ average finish of 9.3 over three years.

In seven career premier ARCA Menards Series starts, the 19-year-old has one top-10 and carries a series’ average finish of 16.0 over three years.

For more on Max Gutiérrez, please visit maxgutierrez.com, like him on Facebook (Max Gutierrez Racing), or follow him on Instagram (@maxgutierrezmx).

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

The Victoria’s Voice 200 (134 laps | 201 miles) is the second of 23 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races on the 2023 schedule. Practice begins on Fri., March 3, 2023, from 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Qualifying begins immediately following practice at 2:00 p.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 6:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m. ET) with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (PT).

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.

How To Get The Best Deals From Car Dealers Auckland

By
SM
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Despite mixed reactions regarding the automobile industry’s prospects for 2023, experts project that worldwide car sales will continue to rise, especially in countries like New Zealand, where vehicles are necessary. 

A recent global survey shows New Zealand has the highest number of cars per capita, with almost 697 vehicles per one thousand people. Private vehicles play a significant role in the country’s transport system, with some households maintaining two to three cars.  

If you’re a car owner looking to replace an aging auto, heading to car dealerships is better than looking for private sellers who might sell you a lemon car. Doing these things can help you get the deals in and out of Auckland. 

  1. Make a shortlist and compare 

Because of the hefty car costs, it pays to take your time and do your homework. Determine your goals and reasons for getting one before approaching at least three car dealers Auckland has on its list of reputable businesses. 

Besides knowing the vehicle’s main features, determine its current value. For instance, a light and compact car that costs NZD$ 20,000 is already considered affordable based on the country’s current prices. Knowing and comparing the car’s features, actual condition, and cost is paramount in spotting the best deal. 

  1. Get pre-approved 

If purchasing a vehicle through a mortgage, get pre-approved to know how much money you can lend. Tell your dealer to send a list of cars within the price range. Shop around and choose a lender with the lowest interest rates and shortest terms for the best savings. 

  1. Be updated with the best car deals 

Manufacturers often have store or country-specific deals to encourage more buyers. While these may not be necessary for NZ, asking car manufacturers for updated information about their deals, vouchers, and other money-saving schemes doesn’t hurt. Subscribing to your favorite car manufacturer’s account has the same effect, providing you leverage during negotiations. 

  1. Look for dealer certifications 

Car dealers are subject to regulations and must only sell acceptable or good-quality vehicles. Still, a second-hand car buyer must test and inspect the car, with the help of a trusted mechanic, to ensure its overall performance. 

Refer to a car selling and fixing checklist for a quick automobile evaluation. Otherwise, look for dealer or manufacturer certifications. Doing so prevents you from spending too much on maintenance and ownership costs. 

  1. Good timing is key

Waiting for the best time to buy a car may sound counterintuitive, especially as great deals are often the first to expire. If you’re willing to wait, study the car sales cycles to increase your chances of getting a great car at the best price. Consider the following points: 

  • Visit the dealership early in the week and before payday so you can negotiate well. 
  • Purchase cars toward the end of the month, when dealers are either pressed to meet sales quotas or have already met them. Either way, they’re likely more willing to entertain bargaining clients looking to stretch their budget.   
  • For the same reason, check out cars close to quarterly dues or towards the end of March, June, September, or December.

Buyers can visit the dealership and establish a cordial relationship with the salespersons, who are more likely to update you when good deals crop up.  

  1. Don’t be afraid to negotiate  

Auto sellers want to profit, while buyers intend to pay the lowest price for a great car. Before bargaining, prospective buyers must be aware of the vehicle’s market price and condition.  

If you can’t find a vehicle in the same or better condition at a lower price, it’s an offer that’s hard to miss. 

  1. Pay in cash 

Car dealers are mostly open to haggling, especially if you’re paying in cash. Although less practiced in NZ, asking for car price cuts or discounts is common worldwide, whether for slightly used or newly-released vehicles. You can start by asking for a five percent discount for new cars and more for used vehicles. 

  1. Say no to “extra” offers  

Before signing the documents and closing the deal, some dealers might offer you a range of add-ons like extended warranties and interior modification packages to “sweeten” the deal. Skip these offers since you can get them at lower prices outside the dealership. 

Final thoughts 

Taking heed of the points above lets car buyers know what to look for and how to prepare when purchasing their next car. Start by setting your goals and budget and comparing prices at different dealerships. For better bargaining power, move on to know the vehicle’s actual condition, market price, and sales cycles.  

Even if you can’t get the car for the desired price, get it as long as you’re sure it’s the best offer. Conversely, there’s no shame in walking away, especially if you can get a better deal elsewhere. 

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