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Single Cab Tray Canopy Buying Guide

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SM
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Photo by Octavian Dan on Unsplash

Introduction

There are a lot of options when it comes to buying a single cab tray canopy. In this guide, you’ll learn about the different types of canopies, their benefits, and what to look for when choosing one for your vehicle.

What is a Single Cab Tray Canopy?

A canopy is a cover that protects the tray of your ute.

They come in a variety of materials, including aluminum, fiberglass, and steel, and allow you to carry out work or recreation activities while protecting yourself from harsh weather conditions. They also provide shelter for passengers and can be used when traveling long distances as well.

How to Choose the Right Single Cab Tray Canopy for Your Ute

  • Choose a canopy that is going to fit your vehicle.
  • Choose a canopy that is going to suit your needs.
  • Choose a canopy that is going to be durable.
  • Choose a canopy that is going to be easy to install.

Do I Need a Toolbox on My Canopy?

A toolbox is another storage option for your canopy. They are usually located under the cab and can be either hard or soft-sided. Hard toolboxes are typically used to hold tools, while soft ones can be used to store camping supplies, food items, and other miscellaneous items. The size and placement of your toolbox will vary based on the type of vehicle you have—single cabs typically have smaller toolboxes than crew cabs, while larger trucks may not even have a toolbox at all because they’re too big!

If you don’t plan on using it, then just leave it empty or use it as extra space for something else like storing firewood or creating a table surface area with folding chairs inside so nobody has to sit directly in front of those dirty tires when eating breakfast together before hitting the road again (because nothing ruins day one like sitting next to some smelly rubber).

What are the Benefits of Buying a Single Cab Tray Canopy Over a Hardtop?

The main benefit of buying a single cab canopy is that it protects you from the elements. If you’re looking for a way to beat the sun, rain, and wind on your next adventure, then this is it.

Additionally, single-cab canopies will stop the wind from blowing in your face as well. This can be very helpful when you’re trying to take those scenic photos or videos while driving down the road!

Another great advantage is that they can also be used for storage! This makes them great if you want somewhere to put things like tools or camping equipment while out on your adventures.

What is Dual Side Access?

Dual-side access is simply a truck bed cover that allows you to access your cargo from both sides of the vehicle. This design is advantageous because it allows you to load and unload cargo quickly and easily. For example, if you need to load multiple items into your truck bed, it would be difficult if they were all on one side of the vehicle. With dual-side access, you can eliminate this issue by being able to reach both sides of your truck bed with ease.

This feature also has other benefits, such as allowing more room for loading larger items or equipment into a smaller pickup truck bed or SUV trunk space. If you own a larger vehicle but need extra space for transporting cargo and large items, this feature could be extremely beneficial!

How do I Install My Single Cab Tray Canopy?

If the canopy itself doesn’t come with installation instructions, you can find them on the manufacturer’s website. Some manufacturers will include an instruction sheet that is specific to your vehicle model. These instructions are different from those provided by a manufacturer who makes trays for multiple vehicles as well as single-cab tray canopies.

To install your new canopy, you will need to remove your existing one first. You will then need to drill holes into the vehicle’s tray and attach it with bolts or other fasteners. The canopy should also be attached in such a way that it does not interfere with any of the airbags or other safety equipment in the vehicle (you can use velcro straps for this).

With so many options to choose from it can be difficult to find the right single cab tray canopy for your vehicle needs. By following this guide, you should be able to make an informed decision.

A single-cab tray canopy can be an excellent choice if you’re looking for a secure way to carry items that are too big or heavy for your vehicle’s tailgate. They are designed specifically for people who use their utes or trucks frequently and may be able to fit into tight spaces when parking.

Many different types of trays are available on the market today, so you must choose one that is compatible with the type of vehicle that you drive. A good-quality hardtop will cost between $800 and $1200, depending on whether it’s made of steel or aluminum (aluminum tends to be more expensive).

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand what features a single cab tray canopy should have and how to choose one that suits your needs. At the end of the day, it’s all about your budget and what kind of look you are after. If money is no object, then go for an expensive option with all the bells and whistles! 

The Ultimate 4WD Tyre Safety Checklist

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SM
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Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash

Introduction

Driving a 4WD is an adventure, but it also requires some extra preparation. This includes checking that each tire on your car is in good shape and fit for purpose. Your vehicle’s tyres are the only thing holding you to the road, so make sure they are properly maintained and not worn out or damaged. Here’s our ultimate checklist for how to check your 4WD:

Tyre selection

  • Tyre selection is based on the vehicle type, terrain type and tyre size.
  • If a specific tyre size is required by law for your vehicle, ensure that you choose one that meets this requirement. However, it’s important to remember that there are limits to what can be changed – for example, wider tyres can only be fitted if there is sufficient clearance in your wheels to allow them look at 4WD tyres in Gold Coast. Also, check that your suspension can handle the extra load from larger tyres.

Tyre pressure

  • Check the tyre pressure of your vehicle regularly.
  • Inflate to the correct pressure recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Use a tyre pressure gauge, as they are more accurate than air compressors and will ensure that you’re not over or under-pressurising your tyres.
  • Ensure that you have an easy-to-access, working tyre pressure warning light on your dash so that if one of your tyres degrades in performance, it can be fixed immediately before any damage is done to other parts of your car (or yourself!). Low tyre pressure can cause:
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Increased wear and tear on other components such as brakes and suspension

Tyre rotation

Tyre rotation is a vital part of tyre maintenance, as it helps ensure wear is even across the tread and prevents damage to your tyres. Tires should be rotated every 6,000 km (3,728 mi) or every 12 months, whichever comes first.

Whether you have front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive will determine which tyres are mounted on the front axle and which are mounted on the back. Each set of four tyres should be in its unique position when it comes time to rotate them (front left – rear right; front right – rear left). If you don’t rotate your tyres regularly enough, this can lead to uneven wear patterns developing over time, which may result in premature tire wear and an overall reduction in fuel efficiency for your vehicle.

Tyre tread

Tyre tread is measured in millimeters. A tyre with a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm will perform best in wet weather conditions, and it should be checked when the tyre is cold, as this provides an accurate measurement. You can use a penny to check your tread depth. Place Lincoln’s head upside down in the grove of the tire, then move it around until you see his hairline at least halfway between Lincoln’s ears and his shoulders. If you can’t see any of his hairlines or only see part of them, then you need new tyres!

If you’re buying new tyres anyway, consider purchasing ones that have higher levels of siping (small cuts on the surface) or grooves which help channel water away from under your vehicle’s contact patch with the road surface

Tyre size and type

You need to know the size and type of your tyres, which are usually written on the tyre sidewall.

The tyre size identifies its circumference and width, while the type refers to whether it is a radial (R) or bias (B) tyre. The difference between these two types is how they are constructed, with one being stronger but more rigid, while the other is lighter but less durable. Both have their uses in 4WDs—for example, R-rated tyres are suitable for driving on sealed roads and light off-road use as they have a better grip on wet surfaces; B-rated tyres can be used for moderate to aggressive off-roading and heavy load carrying.

Properly check your 4WD tyres to ensure you are safe on the road

  • Check your tyre pressure. You should be checking the pressure of your tyres at least once a month, if not more often depending on the type and condition of your tyres. If you do not have a tyre gauge, then it is best to take 4WD Tyres to a reputable mechanic or tyre expert for them to check and fill up your tyres with air as necessary.
  • Ensure you have enough tread depth. Tread depth is important because it provides traction between your tyres and the road surface when driving in wet conditions and prevents hydroplaning (when water builds up between the tyre treads). When purchasing new 4WD Tyres, make sure they have enough tread depth for where you live – if possible buy ones that are suitable for off-road use but still safe enough for urban driving as well!

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you better understand the importance of checking your tyres. Keeping up with your tyre maintenance can seem like a hassle, but with the information in this post, we hope that you feel more confident and know what to look out for when doing so. By knowing these tips, you will be able to keep your car running at its best!

2023 SEASON MARKS 40 YEARS OF LATE MODEL STOCK RACING AT SOUTH BOSTON SPEEDWAY

By
Official Release
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Photo Courtesy Victor Newman/South Boston Speedway

By Joe Chandler
Director, Public Relations
South Boston Speedway

SOUTH BOSTON, VA…..When South Boston Speedway opens its 2023 NASCAR racing season on Saturday afternoon, March 18 a new bit of history will unfold.

The 2023 season will mark the 40th year of Late Model Stock Car Division racing at the historic Halifax County, Virginia speedway and a new division sponsor, Sentara Healthcare, will be on board.

“The history and tradition of Late Model Stock Car racing at South Boston Speedway is very rich,” said South Boston Speedway General Manager Chase Brashears. “The Late Model Stock Car racing at South Boston is some of the most competitive you will see anywhere. The competition is intense, and fans have been treated to thrilling action in the division for the majority of the track’s 66-year history.”

When it comes to Late Model Stock Car racing, South Boston Speedway has traditionally featured formats and race lengths that are popular among both competitors and fans and provide great competition. In most instances, South Boston Speedway’s regular Late Model Stock Car feature races are either 100 laps or twin 75-lap races.

South Boston Speedway’s 2023 season schedule includes the track’s showcase NASCAR Late Model Stock Car event, the Thunder Road Harley-Davidson 200 presented by Grand Atlantic Ocean Resort on Saturday night, July 1. That event is the kickoff race of the Virginia Late Model Triple Crown.

To appreciate the excitement that lies ahead, it is worth taking a quick journey back through the history of Late Model Stock Car racing at South Boston Speedway.

When one looks back through South Boston Speedway’s history with Late Model Stock Car racing one finds that drivers who were able to put together a good number of wins against the tough competition that exists at the .4-mile oval put themselves in a position to win the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series national championship.

South Boston Speedway’s 2022 Late Model champion, Layne Riggs of Bahama, North Carolina, is an example. Riggs won 16 races last season enroute to winning the NASCAR national championship – 10 of them coming at South Boston Speedway where he won 10 of 16 starts.

NASCAR National Champion Peyton Sellers of Danville, Virginia, and former NASCAR national champions Phillip Morris, Lee Pulliam, Matt Bowling and Barry Beggarly also found success at South Boston Speedway was a key to winning a national championship.

To highlight how competitive Late Model Stock Car racing has been at South Boston Speedway over the years it must be pointed out that there have been only nine occasions when a driver has won 10 or more races in a single season.

Morris, the leader in career Late Model Stock Car wins at the track with 76 wins, accomplished that feat three times. He won 15 of 22 starts in 1998, won 20 of 23 starts in 2011 and earned 10 wins in 2018. Sellers won 12 races in 2005, Elliott Sadler won 11 races in 1995, and Pulliam won 11 races in 2013. Brandon Butler won 10 races in 2001, Adam Barker won 10 races in 2007 and Riggs won 10 races last season.

South Boston Speedway’s first spectator event of the 2023 season will be the SoBo Drifts Powered by Barlow’s Tire on Saturday, March 4. The track will host its annual pre-season test day on the following weekend, Saturday, March 11.

The track’s first NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series racing event is set for Saturday afternoon, March 18, featuring twin 75-lap races for the Sentara Healthcare Late Model Stocks and races for the track’s Limited Sportsman, Pure Stock and Hornets divisions.

A total of 13 events are currently set on the 2023 South Boston Speedway schedule. Advance tickets for all 2023 events are on sale on the track’s website, southbostonspeedway.com.

For South Boston Speedway’s regular NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series events tickets will be priced at $12 in advance and $15 at the gate on the day of the event.

Tickets for the April 1 event featuring the powerful open-wheel cars of the SMART Modified Tour, the 150-lap Sentara Healthcare Late Model Stock Car Division event on August 19 and the October 7 CARS Tour event are priced at $17 in advance and $20 at the gate on the day of the event.

Tickets for the July 1 Thunder Road Harley-Davidson 200, the opening race of the Virginia Late Model Triple Crown, are priced at $20 in advance and $25 at the gate on the day of the event.

Seniors ages 65 and older, military, healthcare workers, and students (with ID) can purchase tickets at the advance ticket price in advance and at the gate on the day of the event.

The latest news and updates from South Boston Speedway are available on the speedway’s website, southbostonspeedway.com, and through the track’s social media channels. Information may also be obtained by phoning the speedway at 434-572-4947 or toll free at 1-877-440-1540 during regular business hours.

JR Motorsports and Unilever Expand Partnership into 2023

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Official Release
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Dale Jr. to Drive No. 88 Hellmann’s Chevrolet in NXS Bristol Night Race; Six Unilever Primaries for Justin Allgaier and No. 7 Team

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Jan. 10, 2023) – JR Motorsports and Unilever, one of the world’s leading suppliers of food, refreshments, home and personal care products, have reached a milestone as they extend their partnership into its 15th year in 2023, the team announced today. In addition, the organization confirmed that NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. will make his annual return to the Xfinity Series this season with a Unilever-branded No. 88 entry at Bristol Motor Speedway (Sept. 15) while full-time driver Justin Allgaier showcases Unilever primaries in six races with the No. 7 team.

“We’ve been partners with Unilever since the very early days of JR Motorsports,” said Earnhardt Jr., who will continue in his role as brand ambassador for Unilever. “They’ve been with us as our program has grown and been an important part of our success – on and off the track. They’re a key component of our company. I’m grateful for their support, and I’m happy to watch our partnership continue to grow.”

Unilever entered its first year of partnership with JRM in 2009, when the team was a two-car operation in its fourth season of full-time NXS racing. A decade-and-a-half later, Unilever is now JRM’s longest-tenured partner and one of the longest-running active sponsors in NASCAR where it will utilize JRM’s racing partnership to continue to market consumer brands like Hellmann’s.

“We are so proud and excited to continue our partnership with Dale Jr. and his team at JR Motorsports,” says Ben Crook, VP/GM Dressings & Condiments Unilever North America. “The equal passion that NASCAR fans have for their favorite brands like Hellmann’s and drivers like Dale Jr. is what makes this partnership so special. We look forward to continuing this ride with Dale for years to come.”

Unilever offers products in multiple categories, including mayonnaise, dijonnaise, and white spoonable dressings products, ketchup, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and frozen confectionery desserts; personal care products, including men’s hair shampoo, men’s hair conditioner, men’s hair styling products, men’s body wash and men’s deodorant.

Earnhardt Jr. will bolster his streak of racing a Unilever-branded Chevy every year since 2009. Last season he drove the No. 88 Hellmann’s Chevrolet, which carried a special fan-voted paint scheme, at Martinsville Speedway.

Allgaier, too, has found success with Hellmann’s, taking the Unilever brand to Victory Lane twice in 2022 in races at Darlington Raceway and Nashville Superspeedway. Details on the schedule, track locations and featured brands for the races with Allgaier and the No. 7 team will be forthcoming.

ABOUT UNILEVER NORTH AMERICA:
Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Beauty & Personal Care, Home Care, and Foods & Refreshment products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. We have 148,000 employees and generated sales of €52.4 billion in 2021. Over half of our footprint is in developing and emerging markets. We have around 400 brands found in homes all over the world – including iconic brands like Dove, Knorr, Hellmann’s, Magnum, Axe, Ben & Jerry’s, Degree, Seventh Generation, St. Ives, Suave, TRESemmé, and Vaseline.

Our vision is to be the global leader in sustainable business and to demonstrate how our purpose-led, future-fit business model drives superior performance. We have a long tradition of being a progressive, responsible business. It goes back to the days of our founder William Lever, who launched the world’s first purposeful brand, Sunlight Soap, more than 100 years ago, and it’s at the heart of how we run our company today.

The Unilever Compass, our sustainable business strategy, is set out to help us deliver superior performance and drive sustainable and responsible growth, while:

  • improving the health of the planet;
  • improving people’s health, confidence and wellbeing; and
  • contributing to a fairer and more socially inclusive world.

While there is still more to do, in the past year we’re proud to have achieved sector leadership in S&P’s Dow Jones Sustainability Index, ‘Triple A’ status in CDP’s Climate, Water and Forest benchmarks, and to be named as the top ranked company in the GlobeScan/SustainAbility Sustainability Leaders survey for the eleventh consecutive year.

For more information on Unilever U.S. and its brands visit: www.unileverusa.com

ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS:
JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 22nd year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017 and 2018. The company also races in Late Model competition and owns five championships in regional Late Model divisions and added a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.

Will Power to join Kenny Habul at Daytona 24

By
Official Release
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Reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion and former Indy 500 winner Will Power will make his debut in the Rolex 24 at Daytona with fellow American-based Australian Kenny Habul on January 28-29.

The pair will share the now iconic #75 Sun Energy1 Racing Team’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 with German ace Fabian Schiller and Zimbabwean Axcil Jeffries in the GT Daytona (GTD) class which now includes 25 entries from nine different manufacturers.

SunEnergy1 became the 61st and final entry for the 24-hour sports car endurance race last week, which also doubles as the 2023 IMSA SportsCar Championship season-opener.

Power is one of the most successful drivers in IndyCar history with 41 wins and 68 poles (one more than the iconic Mario Andretti).

Since joining Team Penske full-time in 2010, Power has only finished outside of the top five in the championship once (9th, 2021).

He won his first IndyCar title in 2014, won the Indy 500 in 2018 and then clinched his second series title in the season closer at Laguna Seca, California, after registering his record-breaking 68th pole positIon.

Born and bred in Toowoomba Queensland, Power learned his craft in Formula Ford in Australia before heading to Europe to expand his open-wheel career.

He eventually found himself in Champ Car with Derrick Walker Racing and Team Australia and won the last ever Champ Car race at Long Beach for KV Racing in 2008.

Power grew up only a couple of hours from Habul’s hometown of Surfers Paradise, Queensland, and the two raced against each other in the National Formula Ford Championship.

While Power will be making his Daytona debut, Habul will be having his sixth start in the American endurance classic, with the solar energy entrepreneur notching his best result of second in the GTD Class in 2021.

That year Habul, who shared his SunEnergy1 Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo with Raffaele Marciello, Luca Stolz and Mikael Grenier, actually headed the field during his stint.

Habul had a year to remember in 2022, sealing his third Pro-Am drivers’ title in the Intercontinental GT Challenge finale at the Gulf 12 Hours in December.

His title-winning campaign consisted of outright victory in the Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, as well as second-place class finishes in the 24 Hours of Spa and Indianapolis 8 Hour.

The Roar Before the 24 test will take place at Daytona International Speedway on January 20-22.

Following that, the 24 Hours of Daytona will take place at the same venue from January 28-29.

WHAT WILL POWER HAS TO SAY…..

“The Daytona 24 is an iconic event on the bucket list of most drivers and I have to thank Kenny (Habul) for the opportunity,” said Power.

“I am looking forward to driving the heavier GT car and getting experience for, hopefully, a lot more drives like this in the future – including the Bathurst 1000 and Bathurst 12-hour back in Australia.

“It is quite funny when you look back at how Kenny and I raced Formula Ford against each other all those years ago and now we are going to be teammates.

“He chose a business route instead of chasing his racing dream and has obviously been incredibly successful. It has been great to watch him enjoy his racing later in life and actually improve as he gets older.

“Kenny obviously knows what it takes to be successful in business and is applying all those lessons to his racing – his win in the Bathurst 12-hour last year is proof of that.”

WHAT KENNY HABUL HAS TO SAY….

“Will is a monster talent and genuine person and we look forward to him being a valuable contributor to our 24-hour campaign at Daytona,” said Habul.

“He has a reputation of being fast in anything he drives and I am sure he will be up to speed in our gear in no time.

“Will and I have been friends since we raced Formula Ford against each other in the late 90s and it is quite ironic that we now have houses only a few miles apart from each other in North Carolina.

“We stood on the podium together as kids, in the 1999 Formula Ford race at the Gold Coast IndyCar event, dreaming of racing Indy cars someday, Will made that dream happen and then some. I’m so proud of him.

“I think the mixture of myself, Will, Fabian and Axcil will be a competitive one and it would be nice to come away from the weekend with a Rolex watch.”

Ryan Newman, SS Racing Announce Partnership for SMART and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Schedule for 2023

By
Official Release
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 10, 2023) – NASCAR great Ryan Newman will be spending more time behind the wheel in 2023, and he will be doing it driving for Sadler-Stanley Racing powered by Pace-O-Matic in selected SMART Tour and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour races.

Newman, who has 18 wins and 51 poles in his NASCAR Cup Series career, drove three races for SS Racing in 2022 at Richmond, North Wilkesboro, and Martinsville. Newman led laps at Richmond, won racing’s return to the famed North Wilkesboro Speedway, and finished third in the season finale at Martinsville.

“Ryan Newman can win any time at any track,” stated Sadler-Stanley Racing co-owner Hermie Sadler. “The success we had last year in limited starts gives us confidence that as a team we can be very successful. We are proud to have Ryan in our PSR Products Modifieds powered by Pace-O-Matic in 2023. Our driver lineup now features Bobby Labonte and Ryan Newman. That is exciting for us and will also be exciting for the fans that love open wheel Modified racing.”

Newman, the 2002 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year, and Labonte, a NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2020 inductee, will be tackling the Modified scene with cars built and maintained by PSR Products under the direction of PSR owner and Crew Chief Phil Stefanelli.

“I look forward to wheeling the SS Racing pavement pounding modifieds that PSR brings to the track,” said Newman. “Winning at last year’s North Wilkesboro race was an amazing feeling. Many thanks to Pace-O-Matic and all of the other sponsors that will be supporting our efforts this coming season.”

Virginia State Senator and owner of The Stanley Law Group Bill Stanley is also co-owner with Hermie Sadler at Sadler/Stanley Racing.

“From the moment Ryan Newman got into the seat of the Pace-O-Matic No. 39, both Hermie and I knew that he was a perfect fit for our team,” explained Stanley. “With his historic win in the return of racing to North Wilkesboro in 2022, Ryan brings a spark to open wheel modified racing in the SMART Tour that will take the series to the next level. Having both Ryan and Bobby Labonte as teammates for SS Racing in both SMART and select NASCAR Whelen events will be huge for short-track racing in 2023. We simply cannot wait for the racing season to begin and watch these two champions on the track.”

“We are honored to partner with SS Racing and to, once again, sponsor the SMART Tour and support the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour,” stated Chief Marketing Officer of Pace-O-Matic Inc. Gina Trumm Reinhardt. “We’re excited to watch the return of Ryan Newman and extremely proud to have added Bobby Labonte to our race team. Our operators, locations, and skill game players appreciate the support from this partnership, and we look forward to the start of the new season.”

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

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

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

RISI COMPETIZIONE ANNOUNCES ENTRY IN GTD PRO CLASS WITH FERRARI 296 GT3 AND DRIVER LINE-UP FOR 2023 RUNNING OF ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA

By
Official Release
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Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3 No. 62:
James Calado (GBR)
Alessandro Pier Guidi (ITA)
Davide Rigon (ITA)
Daniel Serra (BRA)

Houston, Texas (January 10, 2023) … Risi Competizione is proud to announce their return to Daytona International Speedway for the 61st anniversary of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 28-29, 2023.

The Houston, Texas-based Risi Competizione team is the 2022 IMSA Michelin Endurance Champions in GTD Pro class and will compete in a brand-new Ferrari 296 GT3 in the GTD Pro class at Daytona. The drivers for the 2023 Rolex 24 edition will all be Ferrari GT factory drivers, who completed and led many laps last year, finishing in second place in the 2022 Rolex 24 running. The returning drivers, who are all very familiar with the Risi team, include World Endurance GT champions James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi and IMSA Michelin Endurance GTD Pro Champions Davide Rigon and Daniel Serra.

(L-R) Risi Competizione drivers for the 2023 Rolex 24 At Daytona include Daniel Serra, James Calado, Alessandro Pier Guidi and Davide Rigon

Risi Competizione, who counts this year as its 22nd entry in the historic twice-around-the-clock Florida endurance race, has competed with Ferrari models since its start in 1998. The team’s inaugural year featured a Ferrari 333SP in the WSC class. Their GT racing successes, starting in 2003, includes competition with the Ferrari 360, 430, 458 and most recently 488 Prancing Horse models. Team Principal Giuseppe Risi now continues his Ferrari racing legacy in America with the newest GT addition to the Ferrari race family, the 296 GT3.

For more information, please go to www.risicompetizione.com and follow us on Facebook/RisiCompetizione, Twitter @RisiComp and Instagram @RisiComp.

B’laster Expands to Nine Race Primary Partnership with Live Fast Motorsports in 2023

By
Official Release
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Ohio-Based Producer of Multi-Purpose Lubricants and Penetrants Renews Partnership with LFM for Second Consecutive Race Season
Cleveland, OH. (January 10, 2022): Live Fast Motorsports (LFM) and B’laster Holdings, LLC. announced today that B’laster will expand its 2023 partnership to Nine primary races – in addition to serving as the Official Performance Chemical of Live Fast Motorsports throughout the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) season.

B’laster will kick off its 2023 campaign aboard B.J. McLeod’s No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro at the spring NCS event at the Atlanta Motor Speedway before continuing at the Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt Race, the spring Talladega Superspeedway event, the Coke 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the summer race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway, the Regular-Season Finale at the Daytona International Speedway, and the fall event at Texas Motor Speedway before concluding their 2023 season at the fall playoff race at Talladega.

Forming their roots in Cleveland, Ohio, the heart of the Rust Belt, B’laster has manufactured penetrants, lubricants, cleaners, solvents, rust removers, greases, and protectants for professionals and DIYers since 1957. Known for PB B’laster, the #1-selling penetrant, B’laster products are formulated to penetrate, lubricate, loosen, overcome, fix and conquer each job.

“We had a great first-year partnership with Team Live Fast,” said President & CEO, Randy Pindor. “We knew we wanted to expand and are stoked to announce nine races this season. We know Live Fast will give their all and we can’t wait to see BJ in a Camaro this year.”

“I’m thrilled to be partnering with B’laster for a second year,” said co-owner of Live Fast Motorsports, Matt Tifft. “Working with B’laster’s team as well as using their products has been incredible. We look forward to seeing this relationship grow throughout the next season and making the Rust Belt Warriors proud!”

Live Fast Motorsports and B’laster are thrilled to hit the track once again this race season and better serve their fans and clients through this continued partnership.

Tune in on March 19th to cheer on B.J. McLeod and his No. 78 B’laster Chevrolet Camaro at Atlanta Motor Speedway – airing live at 3 PM ET on FOX.

For more information about B’laster, please visit www.BlasterProducts.com

About B’laster
B’laster LLC is a chemical manufacturing company based in Valley View, OH. Founded in 1957 with PB B’laster Penetrant, the company has since expanded its portfolio to include penetrants, lubricants, cleaners, solvents, removers, grease and protectants. Currently, the company’s President and CEO is Randy Pindor.

About B’laster Holdings
B’laster Holdings has a portfolio of strong brands that consumers rely on to get the job done. With a legacy going back to 1957, the Company prides itself on serving its customers with flexibility, while being a fun, people-focused place to work. Its brands include B’laster, AC Avalanche, Casite, Gunk, Liquid Wrench, and Titeseal.

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.

Richard Childress Racing Enhances NASCAR Xfinity Series Program with Leadership Promotions

By
Official Release
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Veteran Crew Chief Mike Shiplett Joins RCR as NASCAR Xfinity Series Competition Director, while Danny Lawrence Promoted to Managing Director of Team Alliances and Operations

WELCOME, NC (January 10, 2023) – Richard Childress Racing is strengthening its NASCAR Xfinity Series operations with key leadership appointments. Danny Lawrence, whose career at RCR spans five decades, has been promoted to RCR’s managing director of team alliances and Xfinity operations, while Mike Shiplett is joining the organization to assume the role of Xfinity Series competition director.

“RCR has a winning history in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and these promotions position our organization to continue delivering championship-caliber success for our drivers, fans, partners and alliance teams,” said Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of RCR. “We’d like to thank Danny Lawrence for his many years of service to RCR, and his efforts in developing young talent at all levels of our organization. Danny’s leadership is appreciated and will continue to be pivotal to our program. We’d also like to welcome Mike Shiplett to RCR. We’re looking forward to the knowledge and expertise he brings along.”

In Lawrence’s new role, he will manage RCR’s relationships with alliance partners while continuing to have overall business responsibility for RCR’s Xfinity Series program. A long-time RCR employee, Lawrence first joined the organization in the early 1980s and has played an integral part of the race team’s overall success and 16 championships, notably serving as chief engine builder for Dale Earnhardt from 1998-2001.

Shiplett joins RCR in the role of Xfinity Series competition director with years of experience as a crew chief at the highest levels of the sport, most recently working as crew chief for Cole Custer in the Cup Series at Stewart-Haas Racing. The Amherst, Ohio native has more than 400 starts as a crew chief across NASCAR’s top-three series, including 24 wins in the Xfinity Series.

“Mike Shiplett brings a wealth of experience to RCR’s NASCAR Xfinity Series program and I’m excited to welcome him to our organization and looking forward to continuing our winning tradition at RCR,” said Lawrence.

RCR ranks among the most successful Xfinity Series teams in NASCAR history. Close to 20 drivers have contributed to RCR’s 88 wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, including Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Austin Dillon, Ty Dillon and Tyler Reddick, among others.

For more information, please visit rcrracing.com.

About Richard Childress Racing:

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2023 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Sheldon Creed (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

Toyota Launches All-New Prius HEV in Japan

By
Official Release
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Stylish design, sporty driving performance, and greater fuel efficiency combine to create a car customers will enjoy and cherish for generations to come

Toyota City, Japan, Jan 10, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announces today that it has commenced sales of all-new Prius Series Parallel Hybrid (HEV) models. It will also launch Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models around March this year.

Launched in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car, the Prius has driven uptake of HEVs as a new-generation eco-car with outstanding fuel efficiency. These days, hybrid technologies are employed in a wide range of different models that are loved and enjoyed by people all around the world.

With a range of powertrain options being developed to promote carbon neutrality, Toyota wanted to create a new Prius HEV that customers would enjoy and cherish as the car of choice for generations to come. Developed under the “Hybrid Reborn” concept, this new model is an exhilarating package that adds a design inspiring love at first sight and captivating driving performance to its core strength as an environmentally friendly car.

The main features of the new Prius are as follows.

Vehicle outline
A design inspiring love at first sight

  • Inheriting the signature monoform silhouette of the original Prius, the new Prius has been reborn with a lower center of gravity and even more stylish proportions. The simple yet sculpted body expresses exhilaration that appeals to the senses and a universal beauty that will remain popular into the future.
  • The “island architecture” concept achieves a low-stress, spacious interior with a cockpit that makes it easy to concentrate on driving. Altogether, the interior offers intuitive operation and an enjoyable driving experience.
  • A total of eight body colors are available, including two newly developed, solid base colors of Ash and Mustard that create a sporty impression, bringing touches of color to the daily lives of customers to create a stronger sense of attachment.

Captivating driving performance

  • The new Prius is equipped with the latest fifth-generation hybrid system in both the 2.0-liter and 1.8-liter models.
  • Compared to the previous model1, the 2.0-liter Prius (Z and G grades) achieves improved fuel efficiency of 28.6 km/L2 and maximum system output of 144 kW (196 PS), which is 1.6 times higher than the previous model*1. This model achieves a high level of balance between the outstanding environmental performance of a Prius and the captivating driving performance of a car that reacts as expected with satisfying acceleration and responsive driving.
  • With a long list of improvements, including updates to all electric modules, the 1.8-liter Prius (U and X grades) achieves great fuel efficiency of 32.6 km/L(3). The refined driving performance and seamless acceleration of a hybrid provide feelings of agility when starting off and the responsiveness of direct driving power.
  • The second-generation TNGA platform was developed as part of continuing improvement of the matured TNGA platform to achieve the exhilarating styling and driving performance of the new Prius, allowing for a lower center of gravity and large-diameter tires.
  • This version comes with the latest E-Four system. Employing a high-output motor and other features, it offers improved uphill performance on low-friction road surfaces, like snow-covered roads, and greater stability when turning.

Advanced Safety and Driving Support Systems
Toyota Safety Sense, the latest active safety package, is a standard inclusion. Including the Advanced Safety System with an expanded range of detectable objects, the new Prius also comes with the following added features.

  • Rear vehicle proximity notification [first for a Toyota brand vehicle(4)]
    Using the Blind Spot Monitor’s rear millimeter-wave radar, this feature detects vehicles in the rear and, if another vehicle is approaching, it alerts the driver via the Multi-Information Display and buzzer.
  • Approaching vehicle proximity support (recording function and vehicle reporting suggestions) [first for a Toyota brand vehicle(4)]
    If a vehicle approaching from the rear is too close, this system offers the driver suggestions for dealing with the issue, including contacting the police or the HELPNET emergency call service. In vehicles equipped with a drive recorder, in addition to automatically recording the event, the system stores the data in a dedicated area that makes it difficult to record over.
  • Secondary Collision Brake (rear impact mitigation when stopped) [first for a Toyota brand vehicle(4)]
    Using the Blind Spot Monitor’s rear millimeter-wave radar, this system detects vehicles in the rear and, if it determines a very high possibility of a collision while the vehicle is stopped, it applies the brakes to reduce speed if a rear collision occurs. Compared to the previous model, this system enables an earlier reduction in speed by applying the brakes prior to a collision.

KINTO Unlimited: New car subscription service launched

  • The new “KINTO Unlimited” car subscription offered by Toyota and KINTO opened for subscribers on January 10. To start, the new Prius U grade will be available on this service, which will be the only service offering it.
  • KINTO is a subscription service(5) which includes insurance, tax and other costs combined into a monthly subscription charge. Using new Toyota technologies, KINTO Unlimited will be provided with two additional values in the form of upgrades that ensure evolution of the vehicle’s software and hardware and connected services that ensure protection of cars and people using the customer’s driving data. These additional values will help maintain the value of the car, which is considered in advance to reduce the monthly subscription charge to start at 16,610 yen per month (including tax)(6).
  • The Prius Z and G grades will be available on the usual KINTO subscription service.
  • More information on KINTO Unlimited and KINTO’s other services is available here (https://kinto-jp.com/lp/prius/).

Base sales volume for Japan
4,300 units per month

Production Plant
Tsutsumi Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation

(1) Comparison with previous model Prius A Touring Selection (1.8-liter HEV 2WD with 17-inch tires), which achieved WLTC mode fuel efficiency of 27.2 km/L.
(2) 28.6 km/L is the WLTC mode fuel efficiency for the Z grade (2.0-liter HEV 2WD with 19-inch tires), as evaluated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
(3) 32.6 km/L is the WLTC mode fuel efficiency for the U grade (1.8-liter HEV 2WD with 17-inch tires), as evaluated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
(4) As of January 2023. According to Toyota research.
(5) A service that packages automobile insurance, automobile taxes, periodic maintenance, repair expenses, registration expenses and taxes, mandatory inspection fees (in cases of the five- and seven-year plans), and other costs for a fixed monthly fee.
(6) When selecting the cheapest U grade package (2WD with standard interior specifications), with no additional options, when using the seven-year lease plan with no initial payment and added bonus payments of 165,000 yen (including tax). The total price paid over the seven-year subscription period is 3,705,240 yen (including tax).

For more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/38482540.html.

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