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NITRO RALLYCROSS ANNOUNCES SEASON FINALE DETAILS

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GLEN HELEN RACEWAY TO HOST CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND MARCH 17-19 AS TRAVIS PASTRANA, ROBIN LARSSON, ANDREAS BAKKERUD, AND MORE VIE FOR 2022/23 TITLE

Advance Pre-Sale Now; Public On-Sale Starts Tomorrow – Friday January 13th – at 10 AM

(Los Angeles / Thursday – January 12, 2023) Today Nitro Rallycross, the disruptive new motorsport created by moto icon Travis Pastrana (USA) and action sports authority Nitro Circus, revealed the location and dates for its 2022/23 season finale. With Pastrana battling heavy hitters Robin Larsson (SWE), Andreas Bakkerud (NOR) and more for the Group E title, Nitro RX will return to LA’s legendary Glen Helen Raceway on March 17-19 for a doubleheader weekend to crown its series champion.

Glen Helen has hosted Nitro RX before, as its steep hills and banked turns are ideally suited for Nitro RX’s brand of fast and furious racing. Most recently, Glen Helen put on a thriller last October that went down to the wire, with the top six cars crossing the finish line just three seconds apart.

Now for the 2022/23 finale, Nitro RX is running it back on the best dirt track of the season. The Group E championship will come down to this event, which as a full doubleheader has even higher stakes. It will also feature evening racing under the lights, as well as incorporate track upgrades, additional festival elements and new entertainment to be announced. Fans can also enjoy Nitro Circus shows, where premier action sports athletes will show off their daredevil skills.

Pastrana said, “Holding the season finale at Glen Helen Raceway is awesome for the series because the track is wide and flowing which provides great passing opportunities. And last October was the closest racing of the series. Also, on a personal level, I raced my first outdoor national motocross event there when I was 16 years old and the facility is iconic in motorsport.”

Pastrana added, “We aren’t just coming back – we’re doubling down on the action sports entertainment, including Nitro Circus shows along with more fun for everyone in the family. And, racing under the lights in Phoenix was such a hit, we are adding that element to the championship to create even more excitement for fans.”

In addition to the electrifying action of Group E, rough-and-ready Side-By-Sides will return, featuring a number of big names in UTV racing. Prior U.S. rounds have included the likes of moto legends Brian Deegan and Robbie Maddison, off-road champion BJ Baldwin, three-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb winner Robin Shute, the dirt track debut of action sports star Leticia Bufoni, and more.

The next generation of drivers will also be on display in NRX NEXT as the world’s best up-and-coming talent face off to determine the winner of Nitro RX’s North American leg.

After a holiday break, Nitro RX resumes next weekend in Canada for a pair of races on treacherous snow and ice, first at Quebec’s Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières on January 20-21, followed by Calgary’s Stampede Park on February 4-5. These intense battles – both for the checkered flag and against the elements – will set the stage for the 2022/23 series finale at Glen Helen.

Wide-Open Field:

Entering the new year, Larsson – with two Nitro RX wins and five podiums so far – holds the lead in Nitro RX’s top Group E class. But the fight for the championship trophy is still very much up grabs: Bakkerud along with rising star Fraser McConnell (JAM) are right on Larsson’s heels in second and third place respectively, while just behind them Oliver Eriksson (SWE) remains in the hunt.

Defending his 2021 title, Pastrana also cannot be counted out (after missing the podium at Nitro RX’s first two European rounds, Pastrana scored an empathic victory in Nitro RX’s American kickoff).

Pastrana said, “During the first six rounds, four different drivers have raised the trophy and nine have made the podium. That’s amazing – it shows just how skilled this roster is across the board. At each race, every driver has an opportunity to win. In terms of our chance to repeat as champion, we’ve got some work to do. But a doubleheader final offers an even bigger opportunity to move up the table. This is still anyone’s ballgame.”

Experience It Live:

Tickets to Nitro RX’s 2022/23 championship are available now via an Early Bird pre-sale at nitrorallycross.com (passcode: NRXFAM). The public on sale begins tomorrow – Friday, January 13 – at 10am.

General admission tickets will be available in both single-day ($20 for Friday; $25 for Saturday and Sunday) as well as weekend ($50) options. VIP Club Nitro RX passes will also be available ($100 for Friday; $125 single-day on Saturday and Sunday; $300 for weekend). RV camping passes can also be purchased. All prices plus additional taxes and fees. More information on Club Nitro RX’s premium amenities is detailed below.

Nitro Circus DNA:

Combining the intense competition of rallycross with the big air excitement of Nitro Circus, Nitro RX is truly where cars fly and tracks thrill. Claiming the coveted series championship not only requires beating the stacked driver field, but also tackling Nitro RX’s massive purpose-built courses. Inspired by motocross, these feature huge jumps, steep sand berms and high banked corners.

Electrifying Performance:

In its revolutionary all-electric FC1-X, Nitro RX has a car that is up to these challenges. The most powerful vehicle in rallycross, the FC1-X is capable of producing the electric equivalent of 1,070 peak horsepower (800 kW), and can accelerate from 0-60 in just 1.4 seconds as it launches off the line faster than an F1 car.

Immersive Fan Experience, Off-Track Fun:

With its unique open paddock layout, Nitro Rallycross offers fans an immersive atmosphere where they can get a behind-the-scenes look at the teams, drivers and cars. It includes the all-new Nitro RX fan experience, which features an entertainment stage featuring live music, as well as a gaming zone, a concession area with local food trucks and an electric RC activation.

The event will also feature a fan autograph session, open to all attendees, that allows fans to meet the world’s leading drivers in person.

Southern California fans can enjoy special amenities with the Club Nitro RX VIP Experience. Highlighted by a private trackside viewing location and exclusive Club Nitro RX area, this premium package gets fans closer to Nitro RX than ever before.

Event partners for the Nitro RX 2022/23 season finale include A SHOC Energy, Yokohama Tire, Smirnoff Smash, Insta360 and myenergi.

ABOUT NITRO RALLYCROSS

Launched in 2018 by motorsports icon Travis Pastrana and the innovators of Nitro Circus, Nitro Rallycross has revolutionized motorsport. With innovative purpose-built courses, banked turns inspired by the wide-open action of Supercross and short-form, head-to-head competition, Nitro RX creates high-impact, thrill-packed racing. Nitro RX’s custom-built tracks – featuring the biggest jumps seen in motorsports – create unrivalled racing excitement. The full-throttle competition is now set to go global with Nitro Rallycross’ expansion into a full standalone championship series. Nitro RX is also adding Group E, an electric circuit featuring the all-new FC1-X, the most powerful Rallycross vehicle ever built. For more information, visit NitroRallycross.com.

Ryan Preece & His No. 41 Stewart Haas Car To Greet Fans At Motorsports 2023

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NASCAR Cup Driver, Modified Standout Ryan Preece Coming To Pioneer Pole Buildings Motorsports 2023 Show Sat., Jan. 21; New Ride, Stewart Haas No. 41 Show Car To Be Part Part Of Expansive ‘Showcase Cars’ Display

Oaks, PA – NASCAR Cup series driver Ryan Preece will be making a special appearance at the Pioneer Pole Building Motorsports 2023 Show to meet and greet his legions of fans at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. The event runs on Friday January 20th from 2 to 9 PM and Saturday, January 21 from 11 AM to 8 PM.

Preece, who will drive full-time on the NASCAR Cup Series this year for Stewart-Haas Racing, will go on stage on Saturday of the show from 3 to 3:30 for an interview to outline his busy racing season plans. Following the discussion, Preece will personally meet and greet fans at his United Rentals No. 41 Next Gen Ford Mustang near the front entrance of A-Hall from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM signing autographs.

Preece, 32, of Berlin, CT., has 115 previous NASCAR Cup starts, 62 Xfinity attempts, and 12 Truck races. The former NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion, made the move to the Cup series after winning two NASCAR Xfinity races. This past year he won two NASCAR Truck races.

While he now lives in North Carolina, Preece has not forgotten his roots. He will continue his 16-year NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour career when he can this year which consisted of 171 starts, 25 victories, a 2013 Series title and four title runnerup finishes, in 2009, 2012, 2014, and 2015.

Former NHRA champion Bruce Larson will have his championship winning Funny Car in the Showcase area as well. Larson will be available for autographs, photos and talk with fans during the majority of the show.

A Tribute to Billy Pauch Sr. will be conducted during the entire show with a showing of cars he drove and a special 50 foot wall of pictures. Two stage show tributes are also planned. Pauch will be available during the show on Friday and Saturday to sign copies of “THE LAST COWBOY: The Life and Times of Billy Pauch” which will be available for sale at the show.

Several of the Pioneer Pole Building sponsored race cars will be part of nearly 200 race cars of all kinds on display. Race cars will range from a small in size Quarter Midget driven by children to a Monster Truck. Circle track cars will be featured, but drag cars and land speed record vehicles will also be on display.

The Super DIRTcar Series booth will be graced with the No. 8H Modified driven on the circuit by Max McLaughlin. Northeast regional director Dean Reynolds will be on hand to answer questions. Two comprehensive Super DIRT Week tickets for the October Classic at N.Y.’s Owego Speedway will be chosen from a free drawing.

Other speedways and organizations will use the show to announce their plans for the new season. A continuous offering of informative racer seminars will make Motorsports Saturday a very important day for racers.

On Friday at 8 PM the Aqua-Duck Water Transport sponsored Ms. Motorsports pageant will be held. Thanks to Aqua-Duck, this year’s winner will receive $2,500 and the sw­im suit winner $500. Contestants are urged to enter in advance.

The RAACE Foundation sonsored Big Wheel races will be held on Saturday at 2 PM in three ages groups from 3 to 9. No pre-entry is needed, children with their parents must check in at the stage area prior to 1 PM. Big Wheels are supplied.

Show hours will run 2-9 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are available at the door beginning one hour before the show opens. Free parking surrounding the Expo Center.

Motorsportstradeshow.com is your location for up to date event, autograph, show and seminar schedules.

David Ingram Jr. to Serve as Crew Chief for Live Fast Motorsports in 2023

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The #78 Team Live Fast Ford Mustang driven by BJ McLeod during the Bristol Night Race.

Veteran Crew Chief David Ingram Jr. Named NASCAR Cup Series Crew Chief for Live Fast Motorsports’ No. 78. Chevrolet Camaro

Mooresville, N.C. (January 12, 2023) – Live Fast Motorsports welcomes David Ingram Jr. as Crew Chief for B.J. McLeod and the No. 78 Chevrolet Camaro ahead of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season.

“I couldn’t be more excited to start this new venture with B.J. (McLeod) as both of us have been in the racing industry for as long as I can remember, and we’ve known each other for over 25 years! In 2016 when B.J. and Jessica (McLeod) started B.J. McLeod Motorsports, we talked about how we would one day be where we are today. I am confident that our strong bond and past driver, and driver-crew chief experience will help us create a solid environment for Live Fast Motorsports,” said Ingram Jr. “I am grateful to work with such an amazing group of guys and drivers who want to bring Live Fast Motorsports to the next level for our owners, sponsors, fans, and of course, for ourselves.” Ingram Jr. continued by saying, “I’m also thankful to have Matt’s racing and day-to-day operational knowledge in our corner and cannot wait to start this new racing season!”

Ingram Jr. previously held a dual role, serving as both the Crew Chief for B.J. McLeod Motorsports’ No. 5 car entry in the NASCAR Xfinity Series as well as the Competition Director for Live Fast Motorsports.

“David brings a tremendous amount of knowledge to our team,” said Matt Tifft, co-owner of Live Fast Motorsports. “Seeing how focused and determined he is at the race track made this decision a no brainer. As our program continues to elevate, we are very proud to bring in David’s expertise and showcase his leadership qualities and skills.”

David Ingram Jr. will kick off his 2023 NCS season atop the pit box for B.J. McLeod and the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro during the February 5 Clash at The LA Coliseum – airing live on FOX at 8 p.m. ET.

About Live Fast Motorsports
Live Fast Motorsports is a single-car Chevy Camaro team based in Mooresville, NC., competing in the NASCAR Cup Series under the No. 78. The team is co-owned by B.J. McLeod and Matt Tifft. B.J. McLeod also serves as the team’s driver. Jessica McLeod, CEO of Live Fast Motorsports, gives a progressive outlook in breaking down barriers in the sport of NASCAR and inspiring opportunities for women in the sport for generations to come.

Nor-Cal Equipment Rentals to Bring More Neon to Las Vegas with Boyd

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Mooresville, NC (January 12, 2023) – The red neon sign that blazes as bright as Rudolf’s nose at the Nor-Cal Equipment Rentals shop in Sacramento, CA shines just a bit brighter today as NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver, Spencer Boyd announced an extended partnership with the company. Nor-Cal Equipment Rentals will be the primary sponsor of the Young’s Motorsports No. 12 Chevy Silverado at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as Boyd makes his 11th start at the track that boasts the Neon Garage.

“NASCAR goes west beware,” warned Spencer Boyd. “I’ve got some unfinished business at Las Vegas and I’m bringing a crew that is going to help me get the job done. When I met Tom Butts and the Nor-Cal team last year at Sonoma, I knew we had to do more work together. What they are doing in the equipment rental business is second to no-one so when the trucks hit that desert asphalt, you’ll know which one is ours.”

Boyd suffered a dislocated shoulder in the closing laps of the 2022 race in Las Vegas that eventually led to surgery in the offseason.

Nor-Cal Equipment Rentals was established in 2004 and has been responsible for providing outstanding service and equipment ever since. Their specialty is in contractor and homeowner equipment rentals and sales. Customers value their commitment to providing the absolute best in customer service and reliable equipment, using brands you know and trust.

Tom Butts, owner of Nor-Cal Equipment and super-fan of Dale Earnhardt Sr., remarked on seeing a Nor-Cal Equipment Rentals branded truck race in NASCAR. “It’s a bit surreal actually. I’ve been a NASCAR fan for as long as I can remember. Three for Dale! When Spencer said we could design the truck together I knew I was going to pay homage to Sr. The truck looks amazing. It represents our brand well and all the hard work our team puts in day in and day out. It’s a proud moment for everyone that has contributed to the success of Nor-Cal Equipment Rentals over the years.”

Nor-Cal Equipment services all of Northern California and also parts of Nevada and Oregon.

The partnership between Boyd and Nor-Cal that began in 2022 extends through 2023 with Nor-Cal Equipment Rentals being named as an associate sponsor for the season opening race at Daytona.

Horizon Hobby to Continue Partnership with Front Row Motorsports

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Continued RC Innovation and Speed will Define Program with McDowell and Smith

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 12, 2023) – Horizon Hobby, a global leader in RC products, will return to Front Row Motorsports (FRM) for the 2023 season. The popular FRM partner will continue their support of the team highlighted by select primary events with the 2021 Daytona 500 champion, Michael McDowell and the 2022 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, Zane Smith. In addition, Horizon Hobby will continue to work with FRM and NASCAR in innovative ways to excite the ever-growing RC nation.

The Horizon Hobby race season will begin at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California on McDowell’s No. 34 Ford Mustang. This event is home to the surface product development and marketing team responsible for the first licensed NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series RC bodies in the likeness of the McDowell’s No. 34 Ford Mustang and Smith’s No. 38 Ford F-150 in 2022.

McDowell will again carry the Horizon Hobby scheme at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway and its road course race in August. The event serves as a homecoming event for the Champaign, Illinois-based company. Horizon Hobby will be an associate partner all season with the No. 34 team. RC enthusiast McDowell has enjoyed the partnership and is looking forward to working with company again.

“Last season I had the chance to partner with Horizon Hobby and go to their world-famous flying field called Eli Field with my family,” commented McDowell. “You can immediately tell that Horizon Hobby has great people working for them. And it’s helped me return by passion for RC and pass it along to my children, too. That was a highlight for me away from the track and you just can’t beat the products from Horizon Hobby.”

ARRMA, the brand that defines high-speed, super-tough RC action, will once again take to the track with Smith at St. Louis’ Worldwide Technology Raceway when the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series visits in June. Smith will be looking to take the ARRMA brand to victory lane, a place Smith visited four times in 2022 on his way to his first championship. The ARRMA brand will be an associate of the team all season.

“Horizon Hobby has been such a cool partner to work with,” said Smith. “My passion for racing and motorsports began with RC as a kid. Now, I have an ARRMA Infraction replica truck body hanging on my wall in my trophy room, right next to the 2022 Truck Series Championship trophy that they were a part of. I am excited to have them back on board as we chase another championship this year.”

Last season, Horizon Hobby hosted guests of local hobby shops across the country and NASCAR events each weekend and FRM driver’s and team members were frequently seen bashing, flying, or boating across social media. The fun will continue to 2023.

“We are ready to grow and bring new ideas to our partnership with Front Row Motorsports into 2023,” said Chris Dickerson, Chief Executive Officer, Horizon Hobby. “The program in 2022 grew in popularity with our customers and fans, and it’s an authentic partnership proven by the passion that Michael, Zane, and the NASCAR community have for our products. We can’t wait to see what this season brings.”

Fans are encouraged to login on www.horizonhobby.com to see their full range of brands and accessories that includes cars, boats, planes, batteries, chargers and more. Fans will also see products highlighted throughout the year on FRM’s, McDowell’s and Smith’s social media channels.

About Horizon Hobby

Horizon Hobby was founded in 1985. Since then, Horizon Hobby has become the global leader in RC products and accessories. Horizon Hobby is committed to delivering innovative products and providing an exceptional customer experience. By forging strong relationships with RC hobby consumers, retailers, and manufacturers around the world, Horizon Hobby has built the best brands in the industry. Horizon Hobby has locations in the United States, Germany, England, and China. The company is headquartered in Champaign, Illinois.

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.

Three-Time GRAMMY® Award-Winner Darius Rucker to Headline NASCAR at COTA Pre-Race Show on Sunday, March 26

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Diamond-certified Country music star Darius Rucker to perform prior to the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of The Americas on Sunday, March 26. Photo Credit: Neste Live!/Keith Griner
  • The Diamond-certified Country music star will perform a one-hour concert prior to the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix NASCAR Cup Series race.
  • Fans can purchase a $75 Track Pass for special access to the Darius Rucker concert as well as NASCAR Cup Series driver introductions.

AUSTIN, Texas (Jan. 12, 2023) – Three-time GRAMMY® Award-winner Darius Rucker will perform his chart-topping hits for NASCAR fans during a pre-race concert for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) race on Sunday, March 26 at Circuit of The Americas (COTA).

Rucker will perform a full one-hour set, featuring critically-acclaimed hits from his four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country charts, starting at 12:45 p.m. CT on COTA’s frontstretch. The concert will be the centerpiece of pre-race activities for the third running of the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, NASCAR’s first road course race of the 2023 season, which begins at 2:30 p.m. CT (TV: FOX, Radio: PRN, SiriusXM).

“I’ve been a fan of NASCAR for a long time, and it’s always such a blast performing for race fans,” said Rucker. “We can’t wait to get out to COTA and play some music together before the race!”

NASCAR at COTA is offering fans prime access to Rucker’s pre-race show as well as driver introductions with the purchase of a Track Pass for just $75. While the pre-race concert is free with any race ticket, Track Pass holders will move stage front for a premier experience including the concert and driver introductions.

Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY® Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish. Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has earned a whole new legion of fans with four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart, including RIAA Platinum-certified Learn to Live and True Believers, plus 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits.

Inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012, Rucker won his third career GRAMMY® Award for Best Solo Country Performance in 2014 with his Diamond-certified (11x Platinum) version of “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time. He co-hosted the 54th annual CMA Awards in 2020 and topped the charts on Country radio once again with “Beers And Sunshine” in 2021. His forthcoming album, Carolyn’s Boy, is expected later this year.

After Rucker’s sensational performance, fans can look forward to driver introductions and on-track competition among 40 NCS drivers, including fan-favorites Chase Elliott, Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, last year’s Echopark Automotive Grand Prix winner Ross Chastain and more.

The EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix culminates a three-day event that features the NCS, NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS). The weekend kicks off Friday, March 24 with FEVO Friday that includes practice and qualifying for the NXS and NCTS. Saturday, March 25 is action-packed with NCS qualifying, the NASCAR Xfinity Series 250 race and XPEL 225 NCTS race.

Fans can also take advantage of many camping options with spaces starting at just $100. Campgrounds are open from 10 a.m. Thursday, March 23 through noon on Monday, March 27.

Tickets:

Tickets for the March 24-26 NASCAR at COTA tripleheader weekend are on sale now at NASCARatCOTA.com. Three-day weekend packages for adults including the Darius Rucker pre-race concert start at just $99 and just $10 for kids 12 and under. Further details can be found on the NASCAR at COTA website.

Follow Us:

Keep track of all things NASCAR at COTA by following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@NASCARatCOTA). Keep up with all the latest information on the NASCAR at COTA website and mobile app.

The Cavallino Classic in Palm Beach January 26-29 Supports The Piston Foundation for Second Straight Year

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The Piston Foundation is working to bring more young people into the trades of the collector car industry. (Image courtesy of Chris McNeil Photography and Black Horse Garage.)

Car Collectors Russell and Dega Join Piston Scholars in Saturday’s Panel Discussion About Next Generation of Collector Car Technicians

GREENWICH, Conn (January 12, 2023) – The Piston Foundation, whose mission is to bring more young people into the trades of the collector car industry, will receive support from the Cavallino Classic on January 26-29, 2023, for the second straight year as a sponsored charity.

The 32nd edition of the “Concorso d’Eleganza” will celebrate the Ferrari marque, dedicating a class to the 100 years of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a race that is a significant part of Ferrari’s legendary racing pedigree. It will be held at the famed Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, and will feature a Piston Foundation discussion panel at noon on Saturday, January 28, entitled “The New Wave: Everything You Don’t Know About The Next Generation of Collector Car Technicians.”

Included on the panel, hosted by The Piston Foundation’s Manager of Development Sperry Hutchinson, will be Paul Russell, owner/manager of Paul Russell and Company in Essex, Massachusetts, which offers restoration, preservation and maintenance services; along with Jon Dega, who operates Rare Classics Restorations LLC in Boca Raton, Florida. where he and his team manage and care for four private collections and provide restoration services. https://paulrussell.com, www.americancoachbuilder.com, www.vignalecabriolet.com, www.chryslerboano.com, www.maxradpicturecars.com.

Russell and Dega will be joined on the panel by Jeff Mason, President/COO of The Piston Foundation, and three of the 10 recipients of the inaugural 2022 Piston Foundation Scholarships: Zoe Carmichael, Jacob Koehn and Sean Whetstone. All three are juniors at McPherson College and part of the Automotive Restoration Technology Program.

The students will also take part in assisting J.R. Amantea and his team from GT Motorcars of Wallingford, Connecticut, in preparing and placing client’s cars on the show field. The cars include an unrestored Ferrari 288 GTO, a Ferrari 512bbl and a low-mileage Ferrari F40. Amantea earned a 2017 and 2022 Sports Car Market “40 Under 40” award. https://www.gtmotorcarsllc.com/.

At Sunday’s Sports & Classic at Mar-a-Lago Club resort in Palm Beach, the students will walk the car show with car collector volunteers who will share career advice and guidance.

“Across the industry, there is a shortage of skilled workers,” Mason said. “Every shop can tell you about the difficulty of finding qualified technicians to hire. At the same time, young people with the interest, talent, and skill to be collector car technicians are unaware of the rewarding career opportunities the industry offers. The Piston Foundation is working to solve these problems through its scholarship and apprenticeship programs.

“In 2022, the Piston Foundation awarded scholarships to its inaugural class of Piston Scholars – 10 aspiring technicians who are each studying in an automotive technology program with the goal of building a career in vehicle restoration. Three of these impressive young people will join the Foundation at the Cavallino Classic to share their experiences with the collector car community.”

Mason added, “During the discussion we’ll talk about generational differences that affect the workforce and unpack the myths about bringing young workers into skilled trade careers. This is the first discussion panel on workforce development in the collector car industry. I think it’s going to start a lot of conversations in the community.”

The 2022 Cavallino Classic “Overall Outstanding Ferrari Competition” winner: the 1964 Ferrari 250 GTO Serial No. 5573, owned by Aaron Hsu. (Image courtesy of Justin Nardella Photography.)

The Piston Foundation is one of several sponsored charities at this year’s Cavallino Classic. Each charity benefits from the support of the Cavallino Foundation created by Canossa Events CEO Luigi Orlandini. “One of the very first tasks I set myself was to increase the charitable contributions of the Cavallino Classic, to continue supporting the organizations we have already helped in previous years, and to also launch some new initiatives,” said Orlandini, Chairman of Canossa and Cavallino. “As the lucky father of three kids, I strongly believe that the younger generation is the most important part of our future, and young people deserve our help to seize their opportunities in life.”

“We appreciate the continued support of the Cavallino Classic,” said Robert P. Minnick, CEO and Founder of The Piston Foundation, “They are an important and valued partner and we are excited to join them at this year’s event.”

Tickets for the Cavallino Classic may be purchased at https://cavallino.com/palm-beach-cavallino-classic/.

About The Piston Foundation:

The Piston Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) public charity helping young people acquire the education and hands-on training to build a career in the collector car industry. The Foundation provides trade school scholarships, supports shops and aspiring technicians with apprenticeships, and advocates for skilled trade careers in automotive restoration.

More information is available at www.pistonfoundation.org.

Cadillac reveals liveries of its three V-LMDh race cars

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Bold colors on the new hybrid prototype represent Cadillac V-Series emblem

DETROIT (Jan. 12, 2023) — Cadillac today revealed the liveries for the three all-new electrified V-LMDh race cars that will make their competition debut at the Rolex 24 At Daytona this month.

The three distinctive designs represent the teams campaigning the all-new Cadillac V-LMDh, each with a different bold color from the Cadillac V-Series emblem.

“Cadillac is ready to compete against the very best in North America and internationally — including one of the world’s toughest races, the 24 Hours of Le Mans,” said Global Vice President of Cadillac Rory Harvey. “As Cadillac builds toward an all-electric future, the all-new V-LMDh furthers our dedication to exploring new advanced performance technologies.”

Cadillac Racing will be competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with the No. 01 Cadillac Racing and No. 31 Whelen Engineering V-LMDh cars and in the FIA World Endurance Championship with the No. 2 Cadillac Racing V-LMDh. The three liveries share a V-Series graphic-and-color theme. Each car wears one of the primary colors of the V-Series logo, including No. 01 in gold, No. 2 in blue and red on the No. 31.

The V-LMDh is powered by Cadillac’s all-new LMC55R 5.5L DOHC V-8 that’s paired with the LMDh common hybrid system. Developed in-house, the naturally aspirated racing engine is rated up to 670 horsepower, per series specifications, and is backed by a seven-speed sequential gearbox.

Co-developed by Cadillac Racing, Cadillac Design and Dallara, the final Cadillac V-LMDh design was informed by the Project GTP Hypercar that debuted in June 2022. It incorporates distinctive Cadillac design elements such as vertical lighting and floating blades.

“From an aesthetic point of view, the LMDh regulations allowed us to create a vision for the car that is clearly Cadillac,” said Chris Mikalauskas, lead exterior creative designer, Cadillac. “And that’s really exciting for fans and for people who are true enthusiasts, every car is unique.”

The team

Each Cadillac Racing driver contributed to the V-LMDh’s development. Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn and Richard Westbrook will co-drive the No. 2 Cadillac V-LMDh in FIA WEC competition, including the centenary Le Mans 24 Hours, and the Rolex 24 At Daytona, where the car will compete as No. 02. The No. 2 is in homage to the first Cadillac entry at Le Mans in 1950, Briggs Cunningham’s “Le Monstre.”

Additionally, Sebastien Bourdais and Renger van der Zande will drive the No. 01 Cadillac V-LMDh in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. They will be joined by six-time INDYCAR champion and four-time Rolex 24 At Daytona winner Scott Dixon for the 2023 Rolex 24 At Daytona.

Pipo Derani and Alexander Sims will drive the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-LMDh in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Throughout the season they will be joined by Jack Aitken.

A history of racing success

Cadillac’s expanded 2023 racing program builds on a long history of racing success. In fact, Cadillac is the only high-volume luxury American manufacturer to compete at Le Mans for the overall win since 1969.

The brand has competed since 2017 at the forefront of American sports car racing in the Cadillac DPi-V.R. Before that, Cadillac Racing scored several wins in the Pirelli World Challenge. Recent highlights include:

  • Winning the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship three times: 2021, 2018 and 2017
  • Winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona four consecutive times: 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017
  • Winning the Michelin North American Endurance Cup four consecutive times: 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017
  • Earning five Pirelli World Challenge Manufacturer Championships (2015, 2014, 2013, 2007 and 2005) and five Driver Championships (2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2005). This rich history influenced the Project GTP Hypercar that previewed the all-new Cadillac V-LMDh prototype race car. It is Cadillac’s third-generation prototype race car and represents the start of the fifth generation of the brand’s storied V-Series.

Since 2004, V-Series has embodied Cadillac’s commitment to performance, on and off the track. When it comes to road-going models, the lineup has grown recently to include the 2023 Escalade-V. It joined the CT4-V and CT5-V, along with the track-capable CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing.

The Rolex 24 At Daytona kicks off an action-packed racing season that will see the trio of race cars continue to compete around the world. Following Daytona, Cadillac Racing will compete at the 1000 Miles of Sebring on March 17 with the No. 2 car, with the No. 01 and 31 competing in the Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 18.

About Cadillac

A leading luxury auto brand since 1902, Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio that features distinctive design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at www.cadillac.com.

Harvick To Retire at End of 2023 Season

By
Official Release
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‘The Closer’ Will Close a NASCAR Cup Series Career Spanning More Than Two Decades

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Jan. 12, 2023) – The 2023 season will be Kevin Harvick’s 23rd and final year as a NASCAR Cup Series driver. The 47-year-old racer will retire after the season finale Nov. 5 at Phoenix Raceway.

Known as “The Closer,” Harvick begins his last season in NASCAR’s premier division tied for ninth on the Cup Series’ all-time win list with 60 point-paying victories. He is only 99 laps shy of leading a staggering 16,000 laps in his career – one of only 11 drivers in the history of the sport to do so – and the Bakersfield, California-native is slated to make his 800th career Cup Series start April 23 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

“There is absolutely nothing else in the world that I enjoy doing more than going to the racetrack, and I’m genuinely looking forward to this season,” said Harvick, driver of the No. 4 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing. “But as I’ve gone through the years, I knew there would come a day where I had to make a decision. When would it be time to step away from the car?

“I’ve sought out people and picked their brains. When I asked them when they knew it was the right time, they said it’ll just happen, and you’ll realize that’s the right moment. You’ll make a plan and decide when it’s your last year.

“It’s definitely been hard to understand when that right moment is because we’ve been so fortunate to run well. But sometimes there are just other things going on that become more important and, for me, that time has come.”

Harvick’s decision to make the 2023 season his last comes as the father of two eyes more family time. Together with wife, DeLana, they’ll continue to visit racetracks, but Harvick won’t be wearing a firesuit. His 10-year-old son, Keelan, is an avid karter who races internationally, and his 5-year-old daughter, Piper, is already following in the family’s tire tracks, wheeling a go-kart of her own.

“In the last year, I think I’ve seen Keelan race three times while he’s been in Europe. I go to the go-kart track with Piper and she makes twice as many strides in a day while I’m there than she would in a day when I’m not there. It takes a lot of time to organize the level of racing they’re doing, and to be around that is important to me,” Harvick said.

Karting is where Harvick’s career began. He was five when he first started racing in and around Southern California. Twenty years later, after competing and winning on the NASCAR Southwest Tour, earning the 1998 NASCAR Winston West championship, advancing to the NASCAR Truck Series and then the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Harvick was in Cup. However, it was under incredibly trying circumstances and immense pressure.

A 25-year-old Harvick was thrust into the national spotlight and tabbed to do the impossible – fill the void left by the passing of the sport’s icon, Dale Earnhardt. A crash on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 had taken Earnhardt’s life. In the midst of great personal sorrow, team owner Richard Childress needed to steady his organization. He chose Harvick, an up-and-coming racer who had a breakout season in 2000 by winning three races for his team in the second-tier Busch Series, known today as the Xfinity Series.

The No. 3, made famous by Earnhardt, was changed to the No. 29, and Harvick made his Cup Series debut on Feb. 25 at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham. Harvick started 36th that Sunday at Rockingham, but rain washed over the track just 51 laps into the 393-lap race. The race resumed at 11 a.m. ET on Monday, whereupon Harvick drove to a solid 14th-place finish. He then traveled to Las Vegas on Tuesday, got married on Wednesday, and was back in a racecar on Friday, competing in both the Xfinity Series and Cup Series events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. After finishing eighth on Sunday to score his first career top-10 in the Cup Series, Harvick headed to Atlanta Motor Speedway where on March 11, 2001 the first of his 60 Cup Series wins was secured in just his third career start.

“Dale’s passing changed our sport forever, and it changed my life forever and the direction it took. It took me a long time to really get comfortable to really even think about things that happened that day,” Harvick said.

“Looking back on it now, you realize the importance of getting in the Cup car, and then we wound up winning my first race at Atlanta in the 29 car after Dale’s death. The significance and the importance of keeping that car on the racetrack and winning that race early at Atlanta – knowing now what it meant to the sport, and just that moment in general of being able to carry on, was so important.”

Wise beyond his age, Harvick was able to compartmentalize and perform. In addition to running the remainder of the Cup Series schedule and winning again on July 15 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, Harvick ran the entire Xfinity Series schedule, winning five races and cruising to the championship.

“We just found a way to make it work, and that’s what we did all year long,” said Harvick, who won a second Xfinity Series title in 2006, again running the full Cup and Xfinity schedules.

Making it work is what Harvick has done throughout his career. This was evident from day one at Stewart-Haas Racing, where he joined the team in December 2013 after spending 14 seasons with Childress.

Teamed with crew chief Rodney Childers, Harvick came out of the gate strong and never let up. It began with a dominating preseason test at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway and ended with an emphatic victory in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway that earned Harvick his long coveted Cup Series championship.

Today, Harvick and Childers are the longest-tenured active driver-crew chief pairing in the Cup Series garage, a 10-year partnership that has netted 37 points-paying wins.

“Rodney and I are pretty much the same age with very similar backgrounds, as far as racing goes. But we’re kind of opposites in that he’s very calm, cool and quiet, and I’m kind of rambunctious and full of excitement. That pairing has brought a lot of respect just because I know his demeanor, he knows my demeanor, and it’s a good balance in the middle,” Harvick said.

“We know each of us can do the job, and we believe in that and each other, and a lot of that comes down to conversations, being able to communicate. We communicate well, and that’s what makes a good pairing – being able to talk and communicate and put those conversations into action. And when you’re wrong, understanding when you’re wrong, and working through that and not have anybody’s feelings get hurt and start pointing fingers That’s what’s made it work.”

The command Harvick has shown behind the wheel and outside of the racecar was one of the main reasons why Tony Stewart, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, wanted Harvick on his race team.

“I competed against Kevin for a long time and I was so happy to finally have him a part of our race team,” said Stewart, the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion who co-owns Stewart-Haas Racing with Haas Automation founder Gene Haas. “He’s incredibly reliable – consistent and calculated on the track with a drive to always be better. That’s what you want in a teammate. He knows what he needs to be successful, and his will to win helped elevate our entire company.”

Stewart retired as a NASCAR driver at the end of the 2016 season. His hope for Harvick’s final season is sanguine and straightforward.

“I want Kevin to savor every lap this season, to compete like hell and to take it all in. He’s made all of us at Stewart-Haas Racing incredibly proud and we want to make his last season his best season.”

Harvick’s final season kicks off with the non-points Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum Feb. 4-5 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum before the official start of the 2023 campaign with the 65th annual Daytona 500 Feb. 19 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

About Stewart-Haas Racing:

Stewart-Haas Racing is the title-winning NASCAR team co-owned by three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation – the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America. The Kannapolis, North Carolina-based organization has won two NASCAR Cup Series titles, one NASCAR Xfinity Series championship and more than 90 NASCAR races, including such crown-jewel events as the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and Southern 500. For more information, please visit us online at StewartHaasRacing.com and on social at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn.

TOMMY DUNKEL MAKES HIS FIRST CHILI BOWL START ON THURSDAY

By
Official Release
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Tommy Dunkel's beautiful ride for this week's Chili Bowl Midget Nationals. Dunkel photo.

(Menifee, CA, January 11, 2023) The next time somebody tells you dreams do not come true, we ask that you have them call Tommy Dunkel. Last Thanksgiving weekend he had a dream come true when he raced in the sprint car portion of the Turkey Night Grand Prix at the Ventura Raceway. Thursday night, Dunkel will realize another racing dream when he takes a green flag for his first-ever midget race in the 37th Annual Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

A year ago, Dunkel had no reason to believe that he would be competing in this week’s race that is staged inside the SageNet Center, which is one of the largest clearspan buildings in the world. In fact, the plan was for him to just go watch the race in person. He had only seen the Chili Bowl while watching on the big screen from his home. A major reason to believe he would not be competing in Tulsa is the fact that he had never raced a midget before. However, the thought process gears shifted into action and the Southern California driver figured that if he was going, he might as well try to race. And he is going to do just that! He will be in the Jet Motorsports #14E Dunkel Farms/Inland Rigging/Osborn Speed and Machine/United Asset Sales/Southside Mowers/Boss Chassis/Esslinger for this week’s race.

“It was a few months back and I was talking with a few of my friends about just coming out to watch,” the friendly Dunkel said. “I decided if I was just coming out to watch, with all of the airfare and expense, let’s see if I can find a ride. That is when I was able to connect with Eric Fenton of Jet Motorsports in Tulsa. We made the call and he said he had a ride for me, so, here we are.”

“This will be my first race ever in a midget. I have about 70 – 80 laps in a midget just practicing. I went with Jimmy May to Ventura a couple of weeks back just hot lapping. This (Chili Bowl) will be my first time taking a green flag in a midget. Practice went good. I started driving it like a sprint car which is a no-no. I was quickly corrected by Jimmy. He got me headed in the right direction. By the end of the day, we were pretty close to race pace. Jimmy was pretty impressed and thought I got up to speed pretty quick.”

Perhaps his urge to race at the Chili Bowl increased after an impressive run in the sprint car portion of Turkey Night. On that chilly November night, he not only qualified for the feature, but he came from 22nd to finish 13th. Performing well in that prestigious race has boosted Dunkel’s confidence going into the Chili Bowl and he enters the event with his eyes wide open.

“It is a pretty big milestone for me,” the Menifee, California-based driver said last week. “It has had my nerves on edge the past couple weeks as you can imagine leading up to it. I am looking forward to learning and watching the fast guys. Get my feet wet in a midget. You never know where we will go from here. I figured what a great way to race a midget for the first time.”

Racing against many of the greatest dirt track drivers in the world as well as stars from many different disciplines of racing has not been lost on Dunkel. He has a very realistic look at the event in the “Sooner State.”

“I just want to get in some good laps,” he said. “I would like to go as far as possible. Obviously, the idea to make the show is #1. We will see. I obviously have very little experience in a midget, but I am a patient driver. Sometimes I tend to let the race come to me. If I have some good luck and the lord willing, we will go as far as we can on Saturday.”

Like the 370 other pre-entered drivers for the Chili Bowl, Dunkel got in a couple of practice sessions on the track on Sunday. The sessions were brief. Like about four laps each brief! There was a lot to learn, but not a lot of time was allotted for educating oneself on the track and its idiosyncrasies.

“Practice went well,” Dunkel said. “It was a pretty big eye-opener actually getting on the track. Seeing it and watching it on TV is one thing but rolling out there was a whole different animal. The car felt good. It was more of me just trying to get acquainted with driving a midget. We had two sessions. The first session was just trying to shake it down and get comfortable. You only get four laps and four laps go quick. I would say by lap four I was kind of finding my groove a little bit. That kind of gave me a good idea of what I needed to do for session two.”

“We went out for session two, and the car was pretty good. But the track was slick to a curb. Coming from sprint cars, it is one thing to bang the cushion with a big old right rear tire. Hitting it with this little bitty midget tire was a little bit uneasy for me. I cheated the cushion a little bit. If I can find the cushion sooner on race day, we are going to pick up some time. We have speed, it is just getting me a little more comfortable in the car and kind of finding my groove sooner. We are pretty dang close for a guy who has never driven a midget before.”

Once the Chili Bowl is over, Dunkel will continue with prep for the 2023 USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series. His first race in the series will be on February 25th on the dirt track at Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield.

Dunkel would like to thank the following for making his racing efforts possible. Inland Rigging, Dunkel Farms, United Asset Sales, Osborne Speed & Machine, and Southside Mowers. If you or your company would like to join him for a full year of USAC Sprint Car competition in 2023, please give him a call or send an email to 951-901-5082 or TomDunkel@inlandrigging.com.

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