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Conor Daly sets Daytona 500 bid with The Money Racing Team

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Patrick Sue-Chan for SpeedwayMedia.com.

The Money Racing Team will attempt to compete in this year’s 65th running of the Daytona 500 by fielding the No. 50 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 throughout this year’s Daytona Speedweeks with Conor Daly set to pilot the entry.

The news comes as the organization owned by former professional boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. is coming off its first part-time campaign in the NASCAR Cup Series by fielding the No. 50 entry in four events. Kaz Grala debuted the team’s presence in the Cup circuit by qualifying for the 64th running of the Daytona 500, where he went on to finish 26th. Grala then finished 25th at Circuit of the Americas and 23rd in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, respectively before Daly made his debut in NASCAR’s premier series with the organization in the Bank of America Roval 400 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course last October, where he finished 34th.

For this upcoming season, the 31-year-old Daly from Noblesville, Indiana, will attempt to make his debut in the Great American Race at Daytona International Speedway with the Money Racing Team, which will compete as a non-chartered organization, as BitNile will sponsor the team’s entry. The season opener at Daytona is the first of select planned events for Daly and the team to compete in for the 2023 campaign. Daly is also set to return as a full-time competitor in the NTT IndyCar Series for Ed Carpenter Racing, where he has accumulated a single pole, a single podium, 136 laps led and an average-finishing result of 15.5 in 97 career starts.

https://twitter.com/tmtracing50/status/1622943476307439617

Daly and the Money Racing Team’s bid to compete in this year’s Daytona 500 commences next Wednesday, February 15, during Busch Light Pole Qualifying followed by the Bluegreen Vacations Duels that will take place next Thursday, February 16, as they attempt to secure a starting spot for the main event.

The 65th running of the Daytona 500 is scheduled to occur on February 19 and air at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

Centene Corporation Partners with NASCAR Champion Driver Zane Smith and Front Row Motorsports Across Two Series

By
Official Release
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Ambetter Health and Wellcare to Serve as Primary and Associate Partners Across the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Starting at Daytona in February

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 7, 2023) – Reigning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion Zane Smith and Front Row Motorsports formally announce a new, multi-series partnership with Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, that includes both primary and associate sponsorship for the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) entries driven by Smith.

The partnership – which will feature Ambetter Health, a leading provider of health insurance offerings on the Health Insurance Marketplace, and Wellcare, which offers a wide range of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) – starts at Daytona International Speedway in February when Smith attempts to qualify for his second career NCS start and first Daytona 500 aboard the No. 36 Wellcare Ford Mustang.

“I’m fortunate to have a great sponsor of Centene’s stature to step up and support me and Front Row Motorsports as I look to gain racing experience in the NASCAR Cup Series while at the same time defending the NASCAR Craftsman title,” said the 23-year-old Smith. “I’m excited to represent Ambetter Health and Wellcare as Centene continues to grow their involvement in NASCAR and their healthcare presence across the United States.”

As the cornerstone partner for Smith’s previously announced part-time 2023 NCS plans, Centene will be primary sponsor for five additional NCS races aboard the chartered No. 38 car at the following race tracks: Phoenix Raceway (March, Wellcare), Talladega Superspeedway (April, Wellcare), Sonoma Raceway (June, Wellcare), Texas Motor Speedway (September, Ambetter Health) and Charlotte Motor Speedway (October, Ambetter Health).

In addition to the six-race NCS primary car sponsorship, Centene will feature Ambetter Health as the primary sponsor of Smith’s NCTS No. 38 Ford 150 truck at Miami-Homestead Speedway on October 21. The comprehensive partnership also includes full season associate sponsorship on Smith’s No. 38 NCTS truck and on the No. 38 NCS car with driving duties split between Smith and Todd Gilliland. Smith is expected to race up to six of the 36 NCS points races in the No. 38 Ford.

“We want to welcome Centene Corporation to Front Row Motorsports,” said Bob Jenkins, owner, Front Row Motorsports. “This is an example of another well-respected and premier company to join our organization and the sport. Their support also allows us to move Zane up into the NASCAR Cup Series part-time and continue his growth while also helping us defend our NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship. We’re excited for the year ahead.”

St. Louis, Mo.-based Centene is not new to the sport of NASCAR. Centene is a healthcare partner of Speedway Motorsports (SMI) and serves as a race track sponsor across several SMI properties, plus as the race entitlement sponsor of the Ambetter Health 400 NCS race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March and the Ambetter Health 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in July.

“We’re excited to partner with Front Row Motorsports and Zane Smith to build on our relationship with racing fans across the country,” said Sarah London, Chief Executive Officer, Centene Corporation. “Through this partnership, we have the opportunity to further connect with racing fans and educate them on our mission to transform the health of our local communities and ensure everyone is able to access high-quality, affordable healthcare.”

ABOUT CENTENE CORPORATION

Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives. The Company takes a local approach – with local brands and local teams – to provide fully integrated, high-quality, and cost-effective services to government-sponsored and commercial healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Centene offers affordable and high-quality products to nearly 1 in 15 individuals across the nation, including Medicaid and Medicare members (including Medicare Prescription Drug Plans) as well as individuals and families served by the Health Insurance Marketplace, the TRICARE program, and individuals in correctional facilities. The Company also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide a variety of specialty services focused on treating the whole person. Centene focuses on long-term growth and value creation as well as the development of its people, systems, and capabilities so that it can better serve its members, providers, local communities, and government partners.

Centene uses its investor relations website to publish important information about the Company, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Financial and other information about Centene is routinely posted and is accessible on Centene’s investor relations website, https://investors.centene.com/.

ABOUT AMBETTER HEALTH

Ambetter Health is a health insurance offering that is available on the Health Insurance Marketplace, or exchange, established by the Affordable Care Act. It is one of the healthcare programs provided by Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise. Ambetter Health is made available through local health plans and covers a wide variety of healthcare services, including preventive and wellness services, maternity and newborn care, pediatric services, mental health and substance misuse services, prescription drug coverage, and more.

ABOUT WELLCARE

For more than 20 years, Wellcare has offered a range of Medicare products, including Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP), which offer affordable coverage beyond Original Medicare. Wellcare is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. For more information about Wellcare, visit www.wellcare.com.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

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

Niece Motorsports to Race No. 41 Full-Time with WWEX Racing, Kicking Off With Sports Legend Travis Pastrana

By
Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 7, 2023) – Action sports legend Travis Pastrana will make his return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for the first time in three years, piloting the Niece Motorsports No. 41 WWEX Racing Chevrolet in the 2023 season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway on February 17.

Pastrana’s No. 41 Chevrolet will also race with support from Black Rifle Coffee Company, Dixxon and Wienerschnitzel.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Al [Niece], Cody [Efaw] and the Niece Motorsports crew quite a bit since the team was formed,” said Pastrana. “I was looking to be part of as much racing as possible during Daytona Speedweeks this year and couldn’t be happier to have the opportunity to drive their 41 truck with support from WWEX Racing in my first Daytona start in the Truck Series.

Cody was my car chief when I raced Daytona for my first time in the Xfinity Series. We qualified third and finished 10th, despite being backward across the grass when I crossed the line! We have an amazing team with amazing sponsors like Worldwide Express/WWEX Racing, Black Rifle, Dixxon and Wienerschnitzel. As always, we are approaching the race with optimism that we have the package to put in a great result, while having the most fun of anyone at the track!”

His last start with Niece Motorsports came in 2020 when he drove the No. 40 truck at both Kansas and Las Vegas, marking his first two-start Truck season.

“In our second year with Niece Motorsports and competing in the Truck Series, we’re proud to have Travis kick off the season sporting WWEX Racing and Worldwide Express colors,” said Mike Grayson, executive vice president of the WWEX group of brands. “Travis is an amazing ambassador of the brands he represents, and we’re honored to be alongside his other sponsors. Travis is a fierce, multi-disciplinary competitor and we share his passion for excellence and always pursuing new goals.”

Through its WWEX Racing program, the Worldwide Express, GlobalTranz and Unishippers brands will provide full-season support to the No. 41 Chevrolet Silverado as Niece Motorsports eyes the Truck Series Owners Championship. Following Pastrana’s Daytona start, a rotation of drivers throughout the season will include Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain as well as Niece drivers Chad Chastain, Bayley Currey and others to be announced.

“This is shaping up to be a great season for Niece Motorsports,” said General Manager Cody Efaw. “We’re really optimistic heading into this year. We are excited to have Travis in the truck in Daytona. He always brings a lot of energy and excitement, and it’s really an honor to work with him. On top of that, to be able to run the 41 truck full time this season, anchored by Ross – that’s huge for our organization. We can’t thank the WWEX brands enough for their support and are looking forward to big things with them this season.”

Chastain advanced to the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs last season with Trackhouse Racing, finishing second in the Playoff Standings. Chastain also gave WWEX Racing its first NASCAR win last season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series NC Education Lottery 200 with Niece Motorsports.

“We built last year’s program on a commitment to collaboration and supporting drivers and teams at all stages of their career,” Grayson said. “We’re excited to watch the continued mentorship that occurs this year between Niece, the Trackhouse team and now with the benefit of Travis’ perspective.”

Niece Motorsports has retained veteran crew chief Mike Hillman Jr. to lead the No. 41 team. Hillman has more than 450 starts as a crew chief across NASCAR’s top three series, with 23 wins in the Craftsman Truck Series and 2,903 laps led.

“I love getting behind the wheel of a race car any chance I get,” said Chastain. “It’s an added bonus working with everyone at Niece Motorsports and the WWEX brands. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to contend for wins in the No. 41 WWEX Racing Chevrolet. Thanks to Niece Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing for giving me the chance to do what I love.”

Logistics leaders Worldwide Express, Unishippers and GlobalTranz provide access to industry-leading small package, truckload and less-than-truckload shipping solutions and managed transportation services. Together, the three brands are the Official Logistics Partner of Niece Motorsports, Trackhouse Racing and NASCAR.

Black Rifle Coffee Company was founded in 2014 by former U.S. Army Green Beret Evan Hafer and built upon the mission to serve coffee and culture to people who love America.

Established in 2013, Dixxon began with the goal of creating the world’s best flannel and used that approach – classics redefined – for their full array of products, which now includes apparel for men, women and youth, as well as hats and accessories.

Founded in 1961 by John Galardi with a single location in Southern California, Wienerschnitzel has grown to be the world’s largest hot dog chain serving more than 120 million hot dogs a year.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will kick off at Daytona International Speedway with the NextEra Energy 250 on Friday, February 17, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. ET, airing live on FS1, The Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

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:

Worldwide Express, LLC, is a full-service, non-asset-based logistics provider offering access to industry-leading small package, truckload and less-than-truckload shipping solutions and managed transportation services. The family of brands, comprised of Worldwide Express, GlobalTranz and Unishippers, serve more than 115,000 customers spanning from small and mid-size businesses to larger enterprises, with unmatched carrier options and strategic guidance for their supply chains.

With an annual systemwide revenue approaching $5 billion, the company is the second-largest privately held freight brokerage and largest non-retail UPS® Authorized Reseller in the country. Through a selective portfolio of 65+ LTL and tens of thousands of truckload carriers, and powered by proprietary technology, clients benefit from an award-winning, relationship-backed approach to solving their shipping needs. To learn more about the brands, visit wwexracing.com.

Hennessey’s 708-Hp Supercharged ‘H700’ Corvette C8 Extinguishes Z06

By
Official Release
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  • Hennessey Supercharged ‘H700’ Corvette C8 Stingray delivers 708 bhp and 638 lb-ft of torque
  • Engine upgrade boosts power by 44 percent — torque by 37 percent
  • Comprehensive full ‘H700’ package includes a supercharger, intercooler, exhaust, performance engine tune, wheels, graphics package, and badging
  • Fits all 2020-2022 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Coupe models
  • Offered with a 3-year / 36,000-mile limited warranty, priced from MSRP $34,950

SEALY, Texas, Feb. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer, and high-performance vehicle creator, has supercharged America’s premier mid-engine sports car. The new Hennessey Supercharged H700 Corvette C8 Stingray, fitted with a muscular blower, vaults the standard midengined Stingray coupe to exotic car power and torque levels that surpass even the revered 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

The eighth-generation Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray coupe is shipped with a mid-mounted LT2 6.2-liter V8 engine. Naturally aspirated in stock form, it delivers 490 bhp and 465 lb-ft of torque. However, to unleash the untapped potential of the American small-block V8, Hennessey’s Texas-based engineering team fits a high-flow centrifugal supercharger, an air induction system with an air-to-water intercooler, and an optional enhanced cat-back exhaust.

Completed with updated high-performance engine software, the ‘H700’ boasts an explosive 708 bhp and 638 lb-ft — a 44 percent increase in horsepower and a 37 percent increase in torque over the factory rating. In terms of power output, the supercharged H700 Corvette C8 Stingray even outshines Chevrolet’s flagship C8 Z06 whose naturally-aspirated 5.5-liter LT6 flat-plane crank V8 engine produces 670 bhp and 460 lb-ft.

John Hennessey, founder and CEO: “The stock C8 Corvette Stingray is an extraordinary sports car, yet Chevrolet left some V8 performance on the table. Our exciting ‘H700’ supercharger package integrates seamlessly with the 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and our exhaust upgrade sounds much more aggressive than stock. Considering that our power and torque surpass the factory Z06, the Hennessey ‘H700’ is arguably the best value high-performance supercar in the world.”

The complete Hennessey Supercharged ‘H700’ Corvette C8 Stingray upgrade package includes the supercharger, intercooler, engine tune, lightweight wheels, cat-back exhaust, and graphics priced at MSRP $49,950. The 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels are offered with a Brushed Aluminum, Satin Black, or Graphite finish, while the striking vinyl Hennessey Heritage Livery is offered in Blue, White, Black, Silver, or Red. A power-only package, with just the supercharger upgrade and warranty, is offered for MSRP $34,950. All packages feature ‘Hennessey’ and ‘H700’ badging and a serial numbered plaque.

The Hennessey ‘H700’ Corvette upgrade fits all 2020-2022 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Coupe models and is offered for international shipping. Hennessey’s ‘H700’ package, which is backed by a comprehensive three-year / 36,000-mile limited warranty, is available from authorized Corvette retailers, directly from Hennessey at +1 979.885.1300, or at HennesseyPerformance.com.

About Hennessey
Based in Sealy, Texas, the Hennessey business comprises Hennessey Special Vehicles, Hennessey Performance (HPE), Tuner School, and the Lonestar Motorsports Park. The company has re-engineered more than 12,000 vehicles for performance enthusiasts worldwide to deliver unparalleled driving thrills. Alongside modifying a diverse range of sports, and muscle cars since 1991, the company also applies its high-performance expertise to trucks and SUVs – and boasts its own hypercars – the Venom GT and the Venom F5.

Every Hennessey product is dyno-proven, fully track-tested, street-legal, and warrantied. Customers can choose from road-ready performance-enhanced cars by Hennessey from a wide variety of brands, including Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, and Jeep, all benefitting from a host of high-performance upgrades.

With its own test track, engineering curriculum for aspiring tuners, more than 90 team members, and capacity to simultaneously work on 40-50 vehicles, Hennessey Performance is one of the world’s leading specialist vehicle engineering companies. The twin-turbocharged, 6.6-liter V8 Venom F5 hypercar sold out in 2021, with customer deliveries taking place from 2021-2023. A Roadster variant joined the F5 coupe in 2022, also boasting 1,817 bhp and capable of speeds in excess of 300 mph. As a result, the company is delivering like never before on its mission of ‘making fast cars faster.’
HennesseySpecialVehicles.com | HennesseyPerformance.com

Social media
YouTube: HennesseyPerformanceF5 | Instagram: HennesseyPerformance | Facebook: @hennesseype | Twitter: @HennesseyPerf

Thad Moffitt Ready For 2023 Race Season

By
Official Release
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Focused on Tran Am TA2 Class Championship and Other Opportunities

LEVEL CROSS, N.C. (February 7, 2023) — Coming off a successful test session at the Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway, Thad Moffitt is eager to get back behind the wheel and start his 2023 race season. Moffitt recently completed his first test session with his TeamSLR team in the No. 43 Safety-Kleen Chevrolet Camaro in preparation for his season in the Trans Am TA2 class.

Competing in his first season in the Trans Am Series, Moffitt continues his climb to the top of professional motorsports. This will be the 22-year-old’s first full season competing for a championship. Incredibly, Moffit finished fourth in the ARCA Menards Series in 2021 after running only 16 of the 20 events. In 2022, Moffit returned to the series for one race and finished fourth at the Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at the Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway where he finished 18th.

Heading into 2023, Moffitt is focused and determined to grow his racing resume.

“I’m ready to start this race season more than any other,” said Moffitt. “My focus is racing for the Trans Am TA2 class championship with Team SLR and for Safety-Kleen. This is a very competitive series, and I learned a lot at our first test. I know it will give me a ton of road course experience and make me a better driver. I just want to learn as much as possible and it is my focus this year.

“I also want to keep to my stock car and NASCAR roots, too. Right now, that means we’re looking at other opportunities that do not interfere with our Trans Am program. I want to look at ARCA or NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series options. We’re always talking to different people about what’s possible and we want people to know that I’m still ready to race in those series this year, too.

Moffitt will make his Trans Am debut when the 2023 season begins on February 23-26.

Busch Light Racing: Kevin Harvick Daytona Speedweek Advance

By
Official Release
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KEVIN HARVICK
Daytona Speedweek
Pole Qualifying | Duel | Daytona 500
No. 4 Busch Light #Busch401K Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

Event Overview

Wednesday, Feb. 15: Daytona 500 qualifying (single-lap qualifying to determine pole for the Daytona 500)

● Time/TV/Radio: 8 p.m. ET on FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Thursday, Feb. 16: Bluegreen Vacations Duel (twin 150-mile qualifying races that set the field for the Daytona 500)

● Time/TV/Radio: 7 p.m. ET on FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Sunday, Feb. 19: 65th annual Daytona 500 (first of 36 points-paying NASCAR Cup Series races in 2023)

● Time/TV/Radio: 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Back on Jan. 12, Kevin Harvick announced that 2023 would be his final year in the NASCAR Cup Series. The driver of the No. 4 Busch Light Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing will retire after the checkered flag waves at the season finale Nov. 5 at Phoenix Raceway. When that day comes, Harvick will have had a 23-year run in the Cup Series – one of the longest tenures in recent memory. A championship in 2014 and 60 points-paying victories ensures Harvick is set for his golden years. Busch Light wants to help one lucky Harvick fan with his or her own swansong by contributing toward his or her retirement, along with other big prizes. Fans just need to follow @BuschBeer and turn on notifications to find out how to win leading into the Daytona 500. The 65th Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway gets underway at 2:30 p.m. EST on Sunday, Feb. 19, with live coverage on FOX.

● The Daytona 500 will be Kevin Harvick’s 22nd career start in The Great American Race. His first Daytona 500 came 21 years ago on Feb. 17, 2002. He started second in that race and finished 36th after getting collected in a multicar accident on lap 150.

● Of the 43 drivers who competed in the 2002 Daytona 500, only one is entered in this year’s race – Harvick. The 65th Daytona 500 will be his 791st career NASCAR Cup Series start. In terms of career starts, the next closest driver to Harvick is Kyle Busch. He will make his 643rd career Cup Series start in the Daytona 500.

● In the 2002 Daytona 500, three of the drivers Harvick competed against were Bill Elliott, Jeff Burton and Dave Blaney. In the 2023 Daytona 500, Harvick will compete against their sons, as Chase Elliott, Harrison Burton and Ryan Blaney follow in the footsteps of their fathers.

● Trivia Time! How many NASCAR Hall of Famers competed in the 2002 Daytona 500? Answer: 10. They are Mark Martin (finished sixth), Jeff Gordon (finished ninth), Elliott (finished 11th), Dale Jarrett (finished 14th), Rusty Wallace (finished 18th), Terry Labonte (finished 20th), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (finished 29th), Matt Kenseth (finished 33rd), Bobby Labonte (finished 34th) and Tony Stewart (finished 43rd). Who won the race? Answer: Ward Burton by .193 of a second over Elliott Sadler. It was the fourth of his five career NASCAR Cup Series victories. (FYI: Ward Burton is Jeff Burton’s brother and Harrison Burton’s uncle.)

● Five years and one day after Harvick’s Daytona 500 debut, he won the 2007 Daytona 500. He edged the aforementioned Martin for the victory by .02 of a second in a frantic green-white-checkered finish. It is the second-closest finish in Daytona 500 history, trailing only Denny Hamlin’s .01-of-a-second advantage over Martin Truex Jr., in 2016.

● To earn a spot in this year’s Daytona 500, drivers must first compete in the Bluegreen Vacations Duel – twin 150-mile qualifying races that set the 40-car field for the Daytona 500. Harvick has won his Duel race twice (2013 and 2019). The driver of the No. 4 Busch Light Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing is currently on a run of eight straight top-10 finishes in the Duel, and he has finished among the top-five in six of his last seven Duel races.

● Before drivers compete in the Duel, they race the clock in single-lap qualifying. The two fastest cars are locked into the field while the rest of the drivers are split into the Duel. Qualifiers in odd-numbered positions are in the first Duel and qualifiers in even-numbered positions are in the second Duel. Harvick has never started on the pole for the Daytona 500, but he did take the outside pole once – 2002 in his first Daytona 500. Harvick lapped the 2.5-mile oval in 48.447 seconds at 185.770 mph, just .016 of a second off the pole-winning time of Jimmie Johnson.

● The 2023 season marks Harvick’s 23rd year in the NASCAR Cup Series. Of his 790 career, points-paying starts, 43 of them have come on Daytona’s 2.5-mile oval. In addition to his 2017 Daytona 500 victory, Harvick won the 2010 Coke Zero 400. He has 11 top-fives and 16 top-10s on the Daytona oval. The 65th Daytona 500 will be his 44th points-paying start on the Daytona oval.

● Outside of the NASCAR Cup Series, Harvick has made 19 career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Daytona and three IROC starts. Of Harvick’s 47 Xfinity Series wins, only one is at Daytona – the 2007 season opener. And Harvick’s best IROC finish at Daytona is seventh, earned twice (2003 and 2004). Harvick is a two-time Xfinity Series champion (2001 and 2006) and the 2002 IROC champion.

Kevin Harvick, Driver of the No. 4 Busch Light #Busch401K Ford Mustang

What is your mindset as you begin your final season in the NASCAR Cup Series?

“My mentality heading into our last Cup season is to do the exact same things we’ve done for the last 22 years. That’s be competitive and make sure that every week you show up at the racetrack and do all that you can do for your teammates. I know my guys on our Busch Light Ford Mustang show up every week at 100 percent, and you know if you’re not 100 percent, you’re letting the rest of that team down because they’re locked, loaded and ready with the details that it takes to be competitive. And if we’re not competitive, we have access to a group of people who can communicate and do the things needed to figure it out. I want to do whatever we have to do to get back to victory lane and be competitive. I love going to the racetrack with the guys that I have on our car, and everybody at Stewart-Haas has been so great. From the very beginning, they let us go out and hire Rodney (Childers, crew chief) and let him build a group of guys around our No. 4 car, and I think the success speaks for itself. It’s going to be a fun year with a lot of stories and things that we’ve done and remember when we came here for the first time nine years ago. We’re going to laugh and pat each other on the back and tell each other how much we’ve enjoyed the beginning days all the way through to the end. Everybody knows that we’re going to show up and do the same things that we’ve done and be prepared just like we would be, because that’s our job.”

You ran your first Daytona 500 21 years ago. What was that experience like?

“For me and my career, a lot of things happened backward, probably the opposite of the way they should have. My first season in Cup (2001), I ran every race but the Daytona 500 because of Dale Earnhardt’s death and replacing him in the car. Coming back to the Daytona 500 in 2002 was probably one of the bigger moments in my career just because of all the hype and anticipation from 2001 that led into the Daytona 500. I think I wound up at the front of a 23-car pileup, so it was definitely one of those moments where you wish you could’ve done it a little bit differently and had the outcome be a little bit better. But the Daytona 500 can get your emotions and twist them upside down and make you just crazy and want to do things that you know you shouldn’t do and take risks that you know you shouldn’t take and aren’t going to work, but you’ll do them anyway just because of it being the Daytona 500. Controlling those emotions and controlling those expectations – controlling the week, really – is important. It used to be 12, 14 days of the buildup to the event – we still have the buildup, it’s a much shorter amount of time – but the plot goes everywhere. You have a good qualifying race, bad qualifying race. You used to have the Clash at Daytona – good Clash, bad Clash. PR day, PR stories, whatever, there’s just a lot of hype and buildup that goes into the race and you can’t get caught up in it.”

What is it like to compete in the Daytona 500?

“There’s nothing like coming to the green flag at the Daytona 500. The reason is hard to explain unless you’ve done it. There’s no other race like the Daytona 500, and I realized that when I won the Daytona 500 in 2007. You look at the names on that trophy and you go back and look at the history of our sport, and a lot of it has been made at Daytona. Whether it’s from the beach or the big track, it’s the who’s who of NASCAR. The Daytona 500 is the biggest race you’ll ever be a part of, and it’s the biggest win you’ll ever have. It’s definitely the heart of NASCAR and what we do.”

You’re often asked about your strategy in a superspeedway race. But what strategy is there for the entire week of Daytona, where you want to show speed, but also keep a clean car through qualifying, the Duel and then, finally, the Daytona 500?

“As you go through the week, it’s that evolution of the enthusiasm ramping up as you get closer to the Daytona 500. You have to maintain a pretty even-keeled approach to things just because of the fact that you don’t want to be so jacked up and make a stupid move and tear up your car before you even get to the Daytona 500. But you also want to get everything that you can because you want to get the best starting position you can and the best pit selection that you can for the 500. It’s a different mentality than any other week because you practice and race and practice and race again. But it’s not just a race. It’s the Daytona 500. So, it’s a different type of enthusiasm headed for the green flag.”

What does it take to win the Daytona 500?

“The superspeedways, in general, are difficult to have everything line up to get a win out of the weekend. For the Daytona 500, it’s our biggest race of the year, but it’s also the one race a year that you have months to prepare for. Every team in the garage has their most prepared car that shows up at the Daytona 500. On top of that, you have the most aggression and enthusiasm to try to take risks and do things that you normally wouldn’t do to win races because the Daytona 500 only comes once a year, and it can make a year and it can also make a career out of winning that race. I think as you look at the Daytona 500, it’s just different than any other race and it becomes difficult to win because of all the risk-taking that you don’t see on a weekly basis.”

How does a Daytona 500 win impact your career?

“I’d always heard that when you win the Daytona 500, it’ll be like no other race, and it really is. You win more money, and you’re always introduced as the Daytona 500 champion from that particular year. When you start the year off by winning the Daytona 500, your season’s pretty much made. Racing against Mark Martin and beating one of the sport’s greats back to the finish line, that’s a moment in time that will always be special, not only in my career, but the sport, in general.”

When you won the 2007 Daytona 500, you beat Mark Martin by .02 of a second in a frantic green-white-checkered finish. Take us through that final lap.

“A lot of things that people overlook about that race is that it really wasn’t about the final lap. With 12 or 15 laps to go, we were 30-something – a long way from the front. Those last several laps, when you go back and watch the in-car video, you see all the passes and us scraping the fence and yellows and restarts, and then the push down the back straightaway from Matt Kenseth, which really is what helped us win that race. When I go back and look at that last lap, I think pulling out of line and seeing Jeff Gordon and Jeff Burton back there and not really knowing if Matt would pull out. The thought process at that particular time was, if I pulled out, Matt would know that Jeff was going to pull out, and it all kind of played out and Matt just gave us a huge push down the back straightaway. Then it was just a side-drafting game off turn four back to the start-finish line, and we were in good position to be on the right side of that. It was an exciting last 12 or 15 laps when you look back at it. I think the pit box was closed and covered and everybody was probably taking things back to the hauler. I don’t even think all the guys were still in the pit box. Best I can remember it was crew chief, engineer, car chief and DeLana sitting on the pit wall waiting for the race to end just because they thought it was over. It wasn’t over, and that’s been the case a lot of times. That Daytona 500 sticks out because of the fact that it’s our sport’s biggest race and it puts you in a position to be on that Harley J. Earl trophy next to some of the biggest names in our sport.”

Did going back to Daytona feel different after you had become a Daytona 500 champion?

“Well, I think you put a lot less pressure on yourself just because when you’re around this sport for a long time, you understand the importance of having that Harley J. Earl trophy and having your name on it. When you look at the names that are on it, you understand its significance – how it’s migrated from the beach to the biggest single race in our sport.”

No. 4 Busch Light #Busch401K Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Kevin Harvick
Hometown: Bakersfield, California

Crew Chief: Rodney Childers
Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Car Chief: Robert “Cheddar” Smith
Hometown: Whitewater, Wisconsin

Engineer: Stephen Doran
Hometown: Butler, Pennsylvania

Engineer: Dax Gerringer
Hometown: Gibsonville, North Carolina

Spotter: Tim Fedewa
Hometown: Holt, Michigan

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Daniel Coffey
Hometown: Granite Falls, North Carolina

Rear Tire Changer: Daniel Smith
Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Jeremy Howard
Hometown: Delhart, Texas

Jack Man: Brandon Banks
Hometown: High Point, North Carolina

Fuel Man: Evan Marchal
Hometown: Westfield, Indiana

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Tyler Trosper
Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Mechanic: Nick DeFazio
Hometown: Orange, California

Tire Specialist: Jamie Turski
Hometown: Trumbull, Connecticut

Engine Tuner: Robert Brandt
Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

Transporter Co-Driver: Rick Hodges
Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Stephen Mitchell
Hometown: Woodville, Ohio

Turning racing tyres into living space: Founding Partner Continental opens basketball court made from recycled Extreme E tyres

By
Official Release
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7 February 2023, London: Founding Partner of Extreme E, Continental Tyres, has opened a cutting-edge and sustainably built basketball court in the Linden-Süd district of Hanover, Germany.

This is no ordinary court – the innovative new build has been constructed using 200 recycled racing tyres from the first season of the Extreme E electric racing series, which Continental supports as a main sponsor.

Since its inception, a core value of Extreme E and its supporting partners has been sustainability, which has been actioned through examples such as electrification, legacy programmes, and a Scientific Committee. Being able to give new life to these old racing tyres is a further impactful development to this goal and demonstrates the significance of a major manufacturer adapting to match a purpose driven mission.

Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “We are delighted with this initiative from our partner Continental, which pushes the boundaries of how we can re-purpose resources in a way that will benefit so many people.

“Over the past two Extreme E season campaigns, it has become clear that both creative thinking and a great deal of ingenuity is required to deliver the solutions necessary to combat the climate crisis. This fantastic initiative certainly achieves that.”

Continental’s partnership with Extreme E has already seen the launch of two generations of the pioneering CrossContact racing tyre – credited as a fundamental development in pushing the boundaries in tyre technology.

In its second year of partnership, Continental launched its most sustainable tyre ever, the second generation of the Extreme E CrossContact.

The application of old PET bottles, making up 100% of the tyre carcass, and a new silica material created from rice husks, a waste product from agriculture, pushes the boundaries in tyre technology ahead of plans to integrate the new technology into volume production of various Continental premium tyres later this year.

This high-level basketball court has taken this innovation one step further, turning old tyres into the foundation of the sporting and social space, in line with the aim of “turning racing tyres into living space”. This, in sum, strives to give people a lively place to play, burn off energy, and train.

Christian Kötz, Member of the Executive Board Tires at Continental, said: “These tyres raced in Saudi Arabia, Greenland, and Senegal. Now, in the form of a basketball court, they are helping to bring young people together and get them excited about sport.

“We’re delighted that the Extreme E tyres are getting a second life after the end of their racing career. Circularity – in this case the reuse and continued use of tyres – is an important area, and one in which Continental is working hard.”

The court was created as part of a collaboration between the city of Hanover, property construction company Hanova, the BasKIDball project, the VIA Linden, and Serve the City Hannover associations and the SV Linden 07 club, on whose premises the half-court has been built. Elastomer processing company REGUPOL handled the transformation of the tyres into rubber paving blocks, and the court was assembled by Hanover-based company Kretschmer.

Belit Onay, Hanover’s Mayor, added: “We would like to thank Continental and all those involved for this new basketball court, which creates a new space for kids and young people and brings sport and sustainability together in the same conversation.

“Initiatives like this show what is possible when so many people help to turn a community project into reality in our city. I’m grateful for all their contributions.”

Christian Kötz and Belit Onay led the official opening. After the first few passes on the court, Kötz and Onay then handed it over to the children from the BasKIDball project, a Germany-wide initiative that aims to use sport to break through barriers and shine the spotlight on the social side of group participation.

BasKIDball stands for values such as team spirit and trust, health, and fairness. With the social aspect playing a central role, it is fitting that Continental will support this approach with the help of Extreme E resources, as all involved stand for progression, sustainability and equality.

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

Fuel Factory to Power Mid Atlantic Super Series

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Official Release
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Murrysville, PA – Fuel Factory has entered a multi-year partnership to fuel the efforts of racers in the Mid Atlantic Super Series.

The Mid Atlantic Super Series is a northeast based organization, hosting ten series races at three different racetracks for Super Gas, Super Comp and Super Street. Additionally, the newly added Top Dragster, Top Sportsman and Jr. Dragster runners will compete at six events.

“Partnering with a group like the Mid Atlantic Super Series is representative of who we are as a company. Rob does a great job of putting on competitive, well-run events for the racers who enjoy the .90 style of racing. As racers ourselves we understand the challenges of competing at this level and it’s our privilege to have the opportunity to service and support members of the Mid Atlantic Super Series,” – Marc Wesler, Director of Sales – Fuel Factory.

“Marc and I forged a partnership and friendship many years back when he lived out on the East Coast. When Marc was in the process of getting Fuel Factory up and running, I saw the passion and dedication he had for this product and knew once it hit the market that my series needed to do what is needed to be a part of its launch to get the word out. I am happy that Marc has chosen our series to showcase Fuel Factory and I am looking forward to a long-lasting relationship for many years to come” – Rob Keister, MASS President.

Fuel Factory branded products will be available to racers across the Northeast via Roadrunner Race Fuels. You can contact Jeff Stricker at 717-587-1693.

About Fuel Factory

Some of us have an unextinguishable fire burning inside us. It ignites us to compete. It inspires us to go for the gap on the last lap. It drives us to push an engine to the ragged edge, just for a few more horsepower. Do you have that fire? We do. And we pour it into every gallon of fuel we sell.

We are performance-driven, built for racers by racers. You won’t find any fluff, add-ons, or snake oil here. We are focused on racing fuel, plain and simple. We want to go fast, we want to win, and we want the same for you. We are Fuel Factory. We are built for speed.

For more information on Fuel Factory, please visit our website at: www.FuelFactoryUSA.com

4 Life Situations When All Petrolheads Should Consider Hiring a Lawyer

By
SM
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Photo by Aaron Doucett on Unsplash

Driving is a part of everyday life for many people, but it can also be dangerous. Accidents on the road can cause serious injuries and financial losses, so it’s important to know when you should contact a lawyer after an accident. In some cases, having legal representation could help you get the best possible outcome from your situation. Here are some scenarios in which contacting a lawyer may be beneficial.

Hit-and-run Cases

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, it can be difficult to prove who was at fault. Contacting a lawyer is the best way to get the justice that you deserve. The people behind Joseph Law Group, LLC note that an experienced lawyer will have the knowledge and resources needed to investigate your case and find the responsible party. They will also be able to help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and car repairs. Furthermore, a lawyer will work with insurance companies on your behalf in order to get the most favorable outcome for you. If the responsible party is not found or does not have enough coverage to pay for damages, an experienced attorney can advise you on your legal options. 

Obtaining Legal Representation for Traffic Tickets

In some cases, it can be beneficial to contact a lawyer when you receive a traffic ticket. Depending on the severity of the violation, you may face fines, license suspension or revocation, and other serious penalties. An attorney can help you fight the charges and avoid the most serious consequences. In addition, an attorney can help you with the legal process and advise you on the best course of action. They can also negotiate with the prosecutor and court on your behalf.  When you receive a traffic ticket, it’s important to understand the potential consequences of pleading guilty or fighting the charges in court. In some cases, pleading guilty can lead to higher fines and harsher penalties than those associated with challenging the ticket in court. 

Stolen Car Cases

If your car is stolen, it can be a stressful and arduous experience. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that you are adequately protected and compensated, if applicable. 

First and foremost, contact the police immediately after discovering your car has been taken. Ensure that the report is filed correctly, and provide as much detail about the vehicle as you can. The police may have access to resources that could help locate your car, such as tracking technology or an investigation team.

In some cases, you may be able to recover the stolen property yourself, which would not require legal action. If you do manage to recover it, make sure to take pictures of the car and any evidence that helps prove ownership. In other cases, it may be necessary to contact a lawyer. A lawyer can assess the situation and advise you on any applicable steps for recovering your car or receiving compensation for its loss. 

Collisions That Involve Commercial Trucks

Accidents involving commercial trucks are often far more complex than those between two passenger vehicles. If you’re ever involved in an accident with a commercial truck, it’s critical to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. There are many intricate legal issues that can come into play when a passenger vehicle collides with a commercial truck. Furthermore, there may be multiple parties involved in the case, such as an employer, a trucking company, or insurance carriers. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. 

Commercial vehicles are subject to stringent safety regulations. It’s important to be aware that an experienced lawyer can help you determine if any of these regulations have been violated, and whether or not they played a role in the accident. This could mean additional compensation for your pain and suffering. In addition, it may also be necessary to investigate how the operating company maintained the truck, as well as its hiring practices. 

In conclusion, there are many situations in which it’s beneficial to contact a lawyer. A lawyer can provide invaluable advice and help you obtain the compensation that you deserve for any damages or injuries incurred. From car accidents and stolen cars to traffic tickets and commercial vehicles, an experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process. Make sure to contact an attorney as soon as possible when you’re faced with any legal situation to ensure that your rights are protected. With the help of a lawyer, you can get the best possible outcome for your case.

ROLLING PLAINS CONSTRUCTION JOINS ELLIS AND ALPHA PRIME AT PHOENIX RACEWAY

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Official Release
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Ryan Ellis and Alpha Prime Racing are proud to announce that Shippy’s Rolling Plains Construction will be the primary sponsor of Ellis’ No.43 Chevrolet at Phoenix Raceway in the United Rentals 200 on Saturday, March 11th. This will be Rolling Plains’ first sponsorship in NASCAR.

Founded in 1984, Rolling Plains Construction is the largest Fireproofing Contractor in the nation specializing in Spray Applied Fireproofing, Thermal & Acoustical Insulation, Shop Applied Fireproofing, Firestopping, and Board Application. We provide our array of services to all 50 U.S. states and worldwide.

Rolling Plains Construction has over 700 employees with offices in Phoenix, AZ, Denver, CO, Dallas, TX, and Tampa, FL. Our nationally recognized firm provides over 35 years of experience in the Division 7 Scope. Our depth and width of experience is above and beyond that of any company in the Fireproofing Industry.

“Rolling Plains Construction is excited to sponsor Ryan Ellis and the Alpha Prime Racing team at our home raceway in Phoenix. We look forward to attending our first NASCAR event as a sponsor and cheering on the No.43 Chevrolet. The RPC car wrap looks incredible! We know Ryan and the Alpha Prime Racing will do an excellent job on the track.”,” said Robert Shippy, Owner of Rolling Plains Construction.

This partnership will debut at Phoenix Raceway – with Phoenix being one of several “home bases” for Rolling Plains. While Ellis is excited for Phoenix’s on-track action, he is just as excited for the potential of this partnership.

“We’re all really excited to have Rolling Plains support our team at Phoenix Raceway. We had a great season last year at Alpha Prime Racing with a solid run at Phoenix in the spring. We ended up just outside the top-15 in 16th, but were running some really fast laps that could have put us finishing within the top-10,” said Ryan Ellis, driver of the No.43 Rolling Plains Construction Chevy. “Having the support of Rolling Plains means a lot to our team. I hope that we’re able to do a great job on and off the track representing them and their 700+ employees nationwide because we want this to be a growing successful partnership in 2023 and beyond. Thank you so much to Robert Shippy and the entire Rolling Plains family for their support. I can’t wait to get this beautiful race car on track for them.”

“As a native Arizonian, I was instantly excited to see Rolling Plains Construction come onboard Ryan’s car for Phoenix,” said David Schildhouse, Vice President of Alpha Prime Racing. “This is a track that has historically produced strong performances for us and I think Ryan is coming back with a bit of a chip on his shoulder to improve on that 16th-place finish from last year. It’s a big deal when a company sponsors racing for the first time and we’re honored that Rolling Plains Construction wants to take that leap with us.”

Tune In Info: The United Rentals 200 kicks off Saturday, March 10th at Phoenix Raceway with practice and qualifying occurring at 9:30 and 10 AM local-time to set the lineup for the Xfinity Series’ 200 lap race. The green flag drops later that afternoon at 2:30pm local time with coverage on FS1. Additional radio coverage will be hosted on Sirius XM NASCAR and MRN/PRN.

About Rolling Plains Construction
Founded in 1984, Shippy’s Rolling Plains Construction performs an array of services consisting of spray applied fireproofing, thermal & acoustical insulation, shop applied fireproofing, firestopping, tunnel fireproofing, and board application in all 50 states and across the globe. We are proud of our repeat-business relationships with clients in a wide range of industries, built by meeting their needs, exceeding their expectations, and delivering on our promises.

Our strength in the market consists of owning the largest resources of labor and equipment and our extensive knowledge of all manufactures fireproofing products and applications. Our project experience includes data centers, industrial, aviation, government, hospitals, military, casinos, arenas, medical facilities, pharmaceuticals, universities, convention centers, theaters, high-rise buildings, hotels, office buildings, high tech/science facilities, and mission-critical projects for prominent confidential clients.

About Alpha Prime Racing
Alpha Prime Racing is a NASCAR Xfinity Series team co-owned by NASCAR driver Tommy Joe Martins and Alpha Prime Sports Founder and CEO Caesar Bacarella. The team was originally founded in 2009 under the name Martins Racing and has since grown into a three-car Chevrolet team, adding the No. 43 Chevrolet in 2023, primarily piloted by Ryan Ellis.

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