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Wright Motorsports Announces Endurance Drivers for No. 77 VOLT Lighting Entry

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Official Release
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BATAVIA, Ohio. (December 12, 2022) – As anticipation builds for the 2023 Rolex 24 At Daytona, Wright Motorsports has announced the driver lineup of the No. 77 VOLT Lighting Porsche 911 GT3 R (type 992) for the approaching race season. Wright Motorsports champion Max Root will return to the Ohio-based team for the four IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship endurance races, while Porsche Factory driver Kevin Estre joins the team for the season-opening 24-hour event.

The pair will join 2022 Michelin Pilot Challenge champions and full-season drivers Alan Brynjolfsson and Trent Hindman as they hunt for the GTD class title in the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Root first joined Wright Motorsports in 2017 at age 17, racing in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama. After two years in the series, he advanced to the Pro/Am class of the Fanatec GT World Challenge America, racing with Wright alongside Fred Poordad. The two secured the 2020 championship title, and Root returned to the team in 2021, competing in the Indianapolis 8 Hour, Michelin Pilot Challenge, and the Porsche Carrera Cup North America. The young American racer also has endurance racing experience, finishing sixth at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2020.

“I’m very happy to announce that I’ll be driving for Wright Motorsports in the VOLT Lighting car in the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup in GTD,” said Root. “It’s one of the best series in the world and some of the fiercest competition. This year with the Porsche 911 GT3 (type 992), I’m very excited to get to work in Daytona. All the guys and girls at Wright Motorsports do an absolutely incredible job and I’m looking forward to be back to the team and putting our best foot forward with Alan, Trent, and Kevin at Daytona in January.”

Porsche Factory driver Kevin Estre will complete the lineup for the Porsche, bringing with him a stout racing resume. Now at the age of 34, Estre is beginning his eighth year as a factory driver for the German manufacturer. With three sports car racing titles and one win at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring under his belt, the Frenchman is a force to be reckoned with in Porsche machinery. He last competed in the IMSA WeatherTech series in 2021, earning two podiums in three races with WeatherTech Racing in the GTLM class. He joins the team for the longest race of the year, the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the only IMSA WeatherTech event requiring each car to have four drivers participating.

“I’m happy to do Daytona again,” said Estre. “I didn’t do it last year, and you always miss this race when you must miss it. I’ve never driven with the Wright team or any of my teammates. I’ve only heard good about them, and the Wright car is always a fast car. We’ll do our best to have good package for the big one and come back with a watch. That’s the goal.”

Pre-season testing for the Rolex 24 will get underway Friday, January 20, 2023, where the field will have three days of practice and qualifying before official festivities begin the following week. The 61st Rolex 24 At Daytona will begin on Saturday, January 28, 2022, at 1:40 PM ET. Wright Motorsports will release further details in the coming weeks.

Wright Motorsports

Wright Motorsports is the premier Porsche race engineering facility in Ohio and a multi-series and international racing team known for superb car preparation, expert race strategy, and driver development. Located in Batavia, Ohio, it is owned and directed by John Wright, a certified Porsche factory-trained technician. As a crew chief John Wright has played a key role in winning eight driver and seven team championships in World Challenge, IMSA (ALMS) and the Grand-Am Rolex Series. Wright Motorsports won the team championship in Porsche GT3 Cup USA in 2012, 2013, and 2015, and went on to win the Pirelli World Challenge Overall, Sprint, Team, and Manufacturer’s titles in 2017. In 2020, the team captured the GT World Challenge America Am championship. In 2021, Wright Motorsports had a wildly successful season, capturing nine championships across their five racing efforts.

About VOLT® Lighting

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, VOLT® Lighting manufactures and distributes quality indoor and outdoor lighting products and systems. VOLT® is the largest manufacturer of professional landscape lighting in the world. For more information, visit www.voltlighting.com or contact the company at customersupport@voltlighting.com or 813-978-3700.

About Adelie Technik

Founded in 2011 Adelie Technik, a Service Disabled Veteran Small Owned Business (SDVOB) deploys the highest caliber engineers and consultants for our customers needs. Adelie is focused on delivery of your solution to your customer on your schedule. Adelie can deliver solutions ranging from PC deployment up to full DataCentre builds and beyond. Our engineers can also migrate your environment to the cloud. For more information on Adelie Technik, see adelietechnik.com.

Brett Moffitt to Join AM Racing for Full Xfinity Series Schedule

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Official Release
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STATESVILLE, N.C.: Officials from AM Racing confirmed today that 2018 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series champion Brett Moffitt will join the organization as the full-time driver of its NASCAR Xfinity Series program beginning with the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on Sat., Feb. 18, 2023.

To bolster AM Racing’s inaugural full-time season in the Xfinity Series, the team will switch from Chevrolet to Ford which includes a technical alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing and Ford Motor Company’s Ford Performance program.

Ford Performance is the high-performance division of the Ford Motor Company and the multinational name used for its motorsport and racing activity.

Stewart-Haas Racing will supply the Statesville, N.C.-based team with race cars, while Roush Yates Engines will provide the legendary Ford horsepower for the No. 25 Ford Mustang.

In addition to providing race cars to AM Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing will also provide technical support for the entire 33-race season.

“This is an integral move for AM Racing and our future in NASCAR,” said AM Racing team principal Kevin Cywinski. “AM Racing is committed to ensuring that we are taking the necessary measures to not only give our team but Brett (Moffitt) the opportunity to be competitive from the time we show up to Daytona in February – which is something this group deserves.

“We are also grateful to have formed a technical alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing and Ford Performance. With their leadership and direction – it should offer the opportunity for our team to contend for a spot in the Xfinity Series Playoffs in our inaugural season.”

Moffitt, the Grimes, Iowa native is ready to propel AM Racing into the Xfinity spotlight after competing for the team in three NASCAR Truck Series races at Knoxville Raceway and Kansas Speedway during the past two seasons respectively.

In 84 Xfinity Series races, Moffitt, 30, has delivered two top-five and 23 top-10 finishes, including a 10th-place finish driving the No. 07 Ford Mustang for SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt in the rain-shortened Kansas Speedway race in October.

“I am beyond excited about this next chapter in my career,” said Moffitt. “Wade (Moore), Kevin (Cywinski) and the entire AM Racing team are putting the pieces together to make sure that we not only have a team that can run up front but win races in 2023.

“I was impressed by the team’s long-term plan and without question, I know that we will be able to accomplish the goals that we have set forth. I look forward to representing AM Racing as driver of the No. 25 Ford Mustang.”

2023 will mark Moffitt’s first time competing full-time under the blue oval banner.

“We look forward to powering AM Racing and Brett Moffitt in the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series,” said Doug Yates, CEO and president of Roush Yates Engines said. “The team is trending towards a successful season and Roush Yates Engines is proud to be associated.”

“There’s strength in numbers and having another Ford team with Roush Yates horsepower in the Xfinity Series is something that’s very beneficial for Stewart-Haas Racing,” said Greg Zipadelli, chief competition officer, Stewart-Haas Racing. “This is a partnership that can accelerate AM Racing’s growth while simultaneously benefitting our own efforts in the Xfinity Series.”

In addition to the Xfinity Series, AM Racing will house a rebranded full-time ARCA Menards Series program in 2023, while also continuing to field the No. 22 Ford F-150 in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series.

Austin Wayne Self, who has served as the team’s anchor driver since the team’s inception in 2016 will remain a vital ingredient within the team’s NASCAR platform with his schedule to be announced at a later date.

AM Technical Solutions, a Global Architecture, Engineering and Construction firm specializing in the high-tech markets in 24 countries and five continents will serve as the team’s anchor partner in 2023.

Moffitt’s efforts will also be supported by his longtime partners The Rasmussen Group and its subsidiaries Concrete Supply and JMT Trucking as well as Destiny Homes.

A crew chief announcement for Moffitt’s seventh year of competition in the NASCAR Xfinity Series is forthcoming.

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

For more on Brett Moffitt, please visit BrettMoffitt.com, like his Facebook page (Brett Moffitt Racing) or follow him on Instagram (@brett_moffitt_racing) and Twitter (@brett_moffitt).

About AM Technical Solutions:

AM Technical Solutions (AMTS) is a Global Architecture, Engineering & Construction firm specializing in the high-tech markets.

AMTS has managed over $20B of global capital projects for over 170 different customers in 24 countries and across five continents.

About The Rasmussen Group:

The Rasmussen Group is an Iowa-based company with over a century of construction experience and expertise. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, the Rasmussen Group represents a variety of multi-faceted construction companies.

With companies specializing in bridge construction, marine contracts, concrete and asphalt supply, paving, heavy hauling, dump trucks, crane operations, and fabricating steel, the Rasmussen Group can provide excellent, complete customer service with one phone call.

Our diversified experience across many collaborating construction fields ensures for an on-time, safe, professional build that will keep your project on budget and provide for its successful completion.

Run by the fourth generation of the Jensen family, our values and commitment have not changed since 1912.

We treat our employees fairly and like family and believe in giving back to the communities that have supported us for over a hundred years. Our personal relationship with our clients is still the most important aspect of our business.

About Destiny Homes:

At Destiny Homes, there is no shortage of dedicated and experienced professionals ready to serve the families who put their trust in them to build a new home. The hard-working staff at Destiny Homes has over 150 years of combined experience in helping families achieve homeownership.

Destiny Homes’ passion is that every essential worker in the current economy has the opportunity to own a new home. It goes beyond sticks and bricks; it’s about helping customers achieve homeownership which in turn keeps the economy strong.

Destiny Homes is proud of their focused effort in helping families achieve affordable homeownership and how that process strengthens the communities where we live, work and play.

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

The family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series in its seventh year of competition.

The team has named Brett Moffitt as its primary Xfinity Series driver for the 2023 season.

Flying Lizard Motorsports Reveals Multi-Car GT4 Efforts for 2023 SRO America Season

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Official Release
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SONOMA, Calif., (December 12, 2022) – Following a successful double-season effort last season in the GT America Powered by AWS and Pirelli GT4 America championships, Flying Lizard Motorsports will be back in 2023 once again racing under the SRO America umbrella. The 11-time sports car racing champions will again spice up the GT4 levels of competition in the North American race series, with Jason Bell joining the team to race the No. 2 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 in GT America. Elias Sabo will return to the program to again race the No. 8 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 in GT America and come back to fight for the GT4 America championship crown in GT4 America alongside co-driver Andy Lee in the No. 8 Aston Martin Vantage GT4.

In its third year, the 2023 GT America season will consist of 18 races split between nine race weekends, opening in March St. Petersburg, Florida, in support of the NTT IndyCar Series. Bell and Sabo will each compete in their own Aston Martins in the single-driver, 40-minute sprint race format in a pair of races each weekend. Created for Bronze-ranked drivers only, the series is geared specifically for amateur but competitive GT racing drivers, racing GT2, GT3, and GT4 machinery from the top manufacturers in the world.

Though a newcomer to Flying Lizard Motorsports, Bell first joined the series (then Pirelli World Challenge) in 2017, getting his first taste of professional sports car racing. He went on to win the 2021 GT America championship in its inaugural season, with 12 podiums and four wins. In 2022, he finished runner-up by a mere six points with nine podiums and one win. He’ll enter the approaching race season with a renewed vigor to make a strong challenge for the championship, utilizing the experience, knowledge, and expertise of Flying Lizard Motorsports.

“We are really excited to have Jason Bell join us next year,” said Program Manager Darren Law. “He has always been a strong competitor and is always fighting for a win. Over the past several years he has raised his level on track with both lap times and his race craft and we look forward to working together with him in hopes of bringing him and Flying Lizard Motorsports a championship in the GT America class in 2023.”

Sabo will pull double duty, racing a partial season in GT America, seeking to build on his previous year’s momentum. At Sebring International Raceway, he celebrated his first win in SRO America and closed out the season with one pole position and four top-five finishes. He will also return to race a full season in the GT4 America series with co-driver Andy Lee, following the pair’s eight-podium season in 2023. The two, with Flying Lizard, remained in contention for the championship until the final race of the season at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, finishing third in the Pro/Am category. The series format allows for one or two drivers per car, competing in the Pro/Am, Silver, and Am categories in two races per weekend. The 14-race championship will have a nearly identical schedule as GT America, but without the pairs of rounds at St. Petersburg, Florida, and Nashville, Tennessee. The GT4 America season will open at the end of March at Sonoma Raceway, a home track for Flying Lizard.

“Elias and Andy had such a strong season last year,” said Law. “To come from where they did early in the season to a point of consistently being a front runner fighting for wins and with a shot at a championship just gives us more incentive for the upcoming season. They have both been working hard testing this winter, we are very comfortable with the Aston Martin platform, and we feel we are in a great position to go for a GT4 America Championship in 2023.”

The announcement of the team’s three Aston Martin Vantage entries will be the first of several 2023 announcements for Flying Lizard Motorsport, with additional news dropping in the coming months. To stay up to date, visit lizardms.com.

DRIVER QUOTES

Jason Bell | No. 2 Aston Martin Vantage GT4

GT America

I am very excited to join Flying Lizard Motorsports for the 2023 GT America season. I would like to thank the whole Lizard team, Elias Sabo, and Darren Law, whom all helped make this become a reality. This will be an exciting new chapter in my career in SRO. I have always respected the Lizard team and what they have accomplished over the years. I have raced against this team for five years and have always noticed the professionalism, preparation, and winning drive they bring to every race weekend. There is no doubt this team wants to win. Winning the 2021 GT America championship and then finishing second in the 2022 GT America championship, I feel I have something to prove in 2023 my goal is to win another title. I would like to thank GMG for the last five years I have been part of their team. James and Joe have played a huge roll to get me to where I am today. I am looking forward to my home race in St Petersburg in March! You don’t want to miss this one.

Elias Sabo | No. 8 Aston Martin Vantage GT4

GT America, GT4 America

Andy and I are excited to be back with Flying Lizard for the 2023 season. This will be our second season driving an Aston Martin and working with Flying Lizard Motorsports. Last year we finished the 2022 campaign with steadily improving results and we hope to take that momentum into the 2023 season.

Andy Lee | No. 8 Aston Martin Vantage GT4

GT4 America

After such an incredible year Elias and I cannot wait to get back in our Aston Martin GT4 for the opener at Sonoma. We’ve been working hard over the off-season, along with Flying Lizard, to continue to improve our competitiveness. We’re very excited to get started!

About Flying Lizard Motorsports

Based out of Sonoma, California, Flying Lizard Motorsports is one of the most iconic sports car teams in motorsports, having celebrated ten driver and team championships, as well as competed internationally at the 24 Hours of Le Mans eight times.

The Lizards burst on the American Le Mans Series scene in 2004, competing in the GT class until 2012. In 2013, the team moved to the GTC class, still competing in legendary events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona. In 2014, the team expanded its program to include running two Audi R8 LMS in the TUDOR Championship, and in 2015, again expanded the program to include two Porsches in Porsche Club racing. Flying Lizard closed out the season with a dominating win at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill with Toyo Tires, a win they repeated in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The 2020 season proved the team’s most successful to date, earning four titles in the GT4 America championship. Flying Lizard Motorsports has proven to be a championship contender no matter the race series or race car. For more information, visit lizardms.com.

About 5.11
With offices around the globe, 5.11 ABR Corp. and its subsidiaries, including 5.11, Inc., work with end users to create purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear designed specifically to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who always have to be ready. 5.11 products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at 5.11 company-owned retail stores.

Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical

5.11 ABR Corp. is a subsidiary of Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI).

5.11, 5.11 Tactical and Always Be Ready are registered trademarks of 5.11, Inc. All rights reserved.

LARRY BLUTH AND CLIVE HOWELL BECOME LATEST INDUCTEES TO THE TEAM PENSKE HALL OF FAME

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Longtime Team Members Honored at 2022 Team Penske Holiday Party

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (December 12, 2022) – Team Penske announced the newest inductees into the Team Penske Hall of Fame at the organization’s annual holiday party on Friday evening. Larry Bluth and Clive Howell have combined for over 80 years of experience with Team Penske during the course of their distinguished careers, serving as integral members of the organization. Bluth and Howell become the 12th and 13th inductees to the Team Hall of Fame that began in 2016 when Team Penske celebrated its 50th anniversary in motorsports.

Larry Bluth is Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Penske Corporation and he also serves as Team Penske’s General Counsel. He joined the team in 1981 and became General Counsel in 1986. Bluth has overseen all organizational legal matters, while managing legal policy and strategy since that time, including the overall structure of the company’s motorsports business. Bluth helped establish Team Penske’s re-entries into NASCAR and sports car racing, the acquisition and development of its team facilities as well as the organization’s race track ownership. In addition, Bluth has also crafted Team Penske’s sponsorship, driver and OEM agreements.

“What an honor it is to share a Hall of Fame with so many greats that have made Team Penske what it is today,” said Bluth. “I am proud of the role I have played in the history of this great team. General counsels are not usually the first team members thought of, but we are working behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly. It has been a great ride.”

Clive Howell retired from Team Penske at the end of the 2018 season following a distinguished, 39-year career with the organization. A native of Surry, England, Howell began his professional career with an internship in the British aviation industry, where he became a qualified tool maker. Howell then maximized a family connection at Motor Racing Developments, a company started by Sir Jack Brabham and Ron Tauranac and later purchased by Bernie Ecclestone, to begin his racing career.

After working in Formula 1 with Brabham, Howell joined Penske Cars, Ltd. in Poole, Dorset, England. He then transitioned to the Team Penske INDYCAR SERIES operation in Reading, Pennsylvania, first serving as a mechanic on the car driven by Bobby Unser. Howell advanced quickly in the organization, working in several management positions before he retired in 2018 after 20 years as the General Manager for Penske Racing Inc., an entity that oversaw the team’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES and, formerly, IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship programs. Howell helped oversee 15 of Team Penske’s record 18 victories in the Indianapolis 500, as well as 12 of the team’s 17 INDYCAR SERIES championships.

“I cannot thank everyone enough for this great honor and to be the first Brit to be inducted into the Team Penske Hall of Fame,” said Howell. “I came over here in 1980 knowing where Watkins Glen (N.Y) and Long Beach (Calif.) were, but nothing about what went on in the middle. I thought I would be here a few years, but I ended up meeting my wife. The rest is history, and what a history it was.”

With their inductions, Bluth and Howell join previous Team Penske Hall of Fame honorees: Roger Penske (2016), Mark Donohue (2016), Rick Mears (2017), Karl Kainhofer (2017), Rusty Wallace (2018), Walter Czarnecki (2018), Don Miller (2019), Dan Luginbuhl (2019), Helio Castroneves (2020), Tim Cindric (2021) and Jerry Breon (2021).

Inductions into the Team Penske Hall of Fame occur annually. Each year, inductees are chosen from current and former drivers, employees and partners that have made a significant impact on the team and its history. The Hall of Famers are honored both at an event and within the walls of the Team Penske facility, located in Mooresville, NC.

About Team Penske
Team Penske is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Cars owned and prepared by Team Penske have produced more than 600 major race wins, over 670 pole positions and 43 championships across open-wheel, stock car and sports car racing competition. Over the course of its 56-year history, the team has also earned 18 Indianapolis 500 victories, three Daytona 500 Championships, a Formula 1 win, victories in the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring, along with a win in Australia’s legendary Bathurst 1000 race. In 2023, Team Penske will compete in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the NASCAR Cup Series. Under a new Team Penske global partnership, Porsche Penske Motorsport will compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the World Endurance Championship beginning next season. For more information about Team Penske, please visit www.teampenske.com.

Zeigler Auto Group, Josh Bilicki Team up with Live Fast Motorsports for Multiple 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Races

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KALAMAZOO, MICH (DECEMBER 13, 2022) – Zeigler Auto Group today announced that it will be continuing its support of Josh Bilicki as the primary sponsor of Live Fast Motorsports’ No. 78 Camaro for multiple races during the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Season. As the youngest team in NASCAR, Live Fast Motorsports welcomes Bilicki and Zeigler Auto Group in an exciting new partnership that is set to make its official season debut at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, March 26, 2023.

“We had a great season last year with Josh, and we are excited to partner with Live Fast Motorsports for 2023. Having our new team onboard gives us a fresh start on the track with owners that are focused on performing among the best at each race,” said Aaron Zeigler, president, and owner.

With midwestern roots across Michigan, Chicago, Indiana, and Wisconsin, Zeigler Auto Group is among the top 1% ranking automotive dealerships across the United States. Tying these roots to Bilicki—a Wisconsin-based driver—is a natural connection to Ohio native Matt Tifft, part owner of Live Fast Motorsports with BJ McLeod. McLeod looks forward to working with Bilicki again, as Bilicki formerly raced with McLeod’s NASCAR Xfinity Series team.

Looking forward to 2023, Bilicki will pilot the Zeigler-sponsored No. 78 Camaro at multiple races. A major highlight will be racing at the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series Race at the Chicago Street Course during July fourth weekend. Additionally, the FireKeepers Casino 400 at the Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, August 6, 2023; and the Verizon 200 at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway the following weekend on the 13th.

Last year, Bilicki drove the Zeigler.com-sponsored Chevrolet, earning a top-10 finish at Daytona and scoring a top-20 finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Other highlights for Bilicki include a top-10 finish at the 2021 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona, 72 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series; nine in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series; plus 71 starts on his NASCAR Cup Series resume. Bilicki is currently the only driver from Wisconsin competing in the NASCAR Cup Series.

“Live Fast Motorsports is thrilled to welcome Josh Bilicki and Zeigler Auto Group to the team in 2023,” said co-owner of Live Fast Motorsports, Tifft, and co-owner and driver, McLeod.
“Bilicki and Zeigler Auto Group share a strong relationship and we look forward to teaming up and becoming a part of that for multiple races next season. With Bilicki’s great talent behind the wheel and our new ECR motor program, we look forward to continued growth in 2023.”

Live Fast Motorsports will now compete under the Chevrolet racing banner after announcing its alliance with ECR engines. By campaigning its new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 throughout the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season, the N.C- based team joins “the winningest manufacturer in NASCAR.” ECR Engines has also earned more than 200 victories, including the 2018 Daytona 500, two Brickyard 400 wins, and championships in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, 24 Hours at Daytona & the 12 Hours at Sebring in the IMSA WeatherTech Series, and NASCAR Gander Outdoor Truck Series.

“I am so happy to have the opportunity to join Live Fast Motorsports for the 2023 season and to once again represent the Zeigler Auto Group. The Zeigler team has become like family to me and I have driven for BJ McLeod in the past in the NASCAR Xnity Series, so this felt like a very natural t for all parties. I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get to work,” said Bilicki.

Zeigler’s Driving Vision Podcast host Sam D’Arc sat down with Tifft, McLeod, Bilicki, and Zeigler to discuss the new partnership for the upcoming 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Season.

About Live Fast Motorsports

Live Fast Motorsports is a single-car Chevrolet 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.

About Zeigler Auto Group

Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 78 franchises across 35 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all of the domestic and the majority of the imported manufacturers.

Besides its extensive automotive portfolio, the organization owns and operates Zeigler Motorsports, an 85,000- square-foot motorsports dealership and action park, offering 19 different powersports brands, plus its own onsite restaurant: Trak Houz Bar & Grill. Additionally, Zeigler Motorsports houses the Elevate Leadership & Team Building Academy, an executive training company.

The Kalamazoo-based dealer group also owns and operates Zeigler Pre-Owned of Chicago, three Byrider franchises, three nance companies, several insurance rms, and a leasing rm.

Founded in 1975, the organization employs over 2,300 people, ranking among the top 1% of automotive dealers in the nation with estimated annual sales of $2.2 billion for 2022. The family-owned and operated company is well known for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Zeigler is regularly recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation, also earning similar accolades in Wisconsin, Chicago, and Michigan. Recently, Zeigler Auto Group came in at no. six in the nation for work-life balance–according to a study conducted by the Glassdoor Economic Research Center. Zeigler was the only automotive company to make the top-10 list.

Superstar Racing Experience, ESPN Announce Multiyear Rights Agreement

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SRX to Partner with ESPN to Bring Back Thursday Night Thunder

Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) and ESPN have announced a multiyear media rights agreement that will see the series air exclusively on ESPN. In Summer of 2023, the races will air on six consecutive Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and the ESPN App, bringing back the iconic “ESPN Thursday Night Thunder” branding.

Thursday Night Thunder, which originally aired on ESPN in the 1980’s, saw legends of racing including Tony Stewart launch their careers. SRX co-owner Stewart will bring the superstars of racing back to Thursday Night, pitting NASCAR, IndyCar, and other racing champions against each other in prime time on ESPN.

“Thursday Night Thunder is where guys like me, who were just starting our careers in USAC, got the chance to make a name for ourselves because of its presence on ESPN,” said Stewart, SRX Co-Founder and 2021 SRX Champion. “It’s great to see Thursday Night Thunder return, but to also be a part of it all over again with SRX.”

The 2023 SRX Schedule (all times Eastern)

Thursday, July 139 p.m.ESPN
Thursday, July 209 p.m.ESPN
Thursday, July 279 p.m.ESPN
Thursday, Aug. 39 p.m.ESPN
Thursday, Aug. 109 p.m.ESPN
Thursday, Aug. 179 p.m.ESPN

Race locations will be announced later.

Don Hawk, series Chief Executive Officer, said: “When we had the opportunity to pitch the concept of Thursday Night Thunder on ESPN, it was my firm belief this would be another disruptive and monumental moment in SRX and racing history – reuniting race fans with ESPN on short tracks with Superstar drivers all across the U.S. for years to come.”

“Thursday Night Thunder is where I met Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart. A relationship between SRX and ESPN seemed like the right fit at the perfect time, and I couldn’t be more excited for this summer.”

“SRX has been an impressive property in its first two seasons and has produced competitive and exciting action,” said Burke Magnus, ESPN President, Programming and Original Content. “We look forward to bringing live racing back to summertime Thursday nights on ESPN with SRX.”

Sandy Montag, SRX Co-Founder, said: “Seeing the overwhelmingly positive fan reception to the launch and growth of SRX has been especially rewarding. I have worked with Jimmy [Pitaro] and Burke [Magnus] for years, and we are incredibly excited to be in business with ESPN, and can’t wait to see SRX on the Worldwide Leader.”

About SRX:

Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) was created by Sandy Montag and The Montag Group, Investor and former NASCAR COO, George Pyne, NASCAR Hall of Famer and legendary driver Tony Stewart, and NASCAR Hall of Fame Crew Chief and Owner Ray Evernham. Over the first two seasons of SRX, the six-race series has featured drivers from a variety of racing backgrounds with an emphasis on champion-level drivers. SRX has seen some of the sport’s biggest names compete including: Tony Stewart, Bill Elliott, Chase Elliott, Tony Kanaan, Paul Tracy, Bobby Labonte, Willy T. Ribbs, Hailie Deegan, Ryan Blaney, Ryan Newman, Greg Biffle, Marco Andretti, Matt Kenseth, Michael Waltrip, Josef Newgarden, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Helio Castroneves, and many more.

In 2022, the series field featured a total of five NASCAR Cup Series Championships, three IndyCar Series Championships, four Daytona 500 Winners, five Indianapolis 500 Winners and four NASCAR Hall of Fame Drivers. Tony Stewart claimed the inaugural SRX Championship in 2021, and Marco Andretti claimed the 2022 Championship.

About Motorsports on ESPN:

ESPN’s motorsports coverage over the years has included nearly every form of racing – NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula One, drag racing, sports car racing, motorcycles and more. Production values and sheer volume of content set ESPN apart very early in the game.

ESPN aired its first race on Oct. 7, 1979, exactly one month after the network went on the air. The race was a USAC event taped the previous summer in Salem, Ind. In March of 1981, ESPN aired its first NASCAR Cup race, a tape-delayed event from Rockingham, N.C., and on June 7, 1981, the network aired its first live race, a CART event at Milwaukee.

Currently, the full Formula 1 World Championship airs on ESPN platforms. F1 returned to its original U.S. television home in 2018 – the first race ever aired in the country was on ABC in 1962. F1 races also aired on ESPN from 1984-1997.

Velocity Invitational Returns to Sonoma Raceway

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Official Release
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North America’s premier motorsports and lifestyle event returns to Sonoma November 10-12, 2023, McLaren to again join as featured partner to mark 60th anniversary

SONOMA, Calif. & WOKING, UK (December 12, 2022) – Velocity Invitational, a world-class motorsports and lifestyle event, today announces that it will return to its roots in 2023 at Sonoma Raceway. Known for its impressive lineup of curated cars from the highest echelons of racing and manufacturers in family-friendly, but luxurious ambience, the three-day event is a must-attend for racing and automotive enthusiasts alike. McLaren is set to return as a featured partner in the year marking its 60th anniversary, and will be bringing some of the most spectacular cars from its heritage collection to the event.

Velocity Invitational, celebrating its fourth year, will bring the rarest race cars on earth, including demonstrations of the greatest Formula 1 cars ever created. The 2022 Velocity Invitational took place in October and more than 15,000 attended the event throughout the extended weekend along with a live stream being shared with over 600,000 followers across YouTube (syndicated by Goodwood Road & Racing) and other streaming platforms. Highlights included hundreds of iconic racecars, including some of the most winning from McLaren’s racing history. Mario Andretti, one of the most successful drivers in the history of motorsports, attended the event, where he piloted a 2013 McLaren MP4/28A around the track. Also in attendance were IndyCar stars Pato O’Ward and F1 driver Mika Häkkinen, and racecar drivers Alister McRae and Tanner Foust.

Not only does the event offer an upscale atmosphere in beautiful surroundings, the racing focuses on showing these rare and historic automobiles in the context of their intended purpose – competing on track. There’s no shortage of action with competitions specifically curated to honor classic racing rivalries and spark new ones. The 2023 event at Sonoma Raceway is scheduled to host Velocity Invitational favorites, including competitive vintage group racing, Mustangs Vs. Minis Enduro, modern hypercar demonstrations, current and former racecar drivers, and more, all in a family friendly atmosphere featuring the best food and wine of the region.

“Velocity Invitational is thrilled to return to Sonoma Raceway for 2023,” said event founder Jeff O’Neill. “This is the only event in the world that combines the best in food, wine, and motorsports at this level. We are amazed by the support and excitement from the community in helping us make this one of the most anticipated events of the year for enthusiasts. 2023 promises to be the best Velocity Invitational yet.”

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, said: “Velocity is one of the real highlights in the motorsport calendar and in 2023 McLaren will be bringing some of the most spectacular and historic vehicles in the world from our heritage collection along to mark our 60th anniversary, so this one is not to be missed.”

Tickets and information for the November 10-12, 2023, Velocity Invitational event at Sonoma Raceway will be available online at velocityinvitational.com.

About Sonoma Raceway

Sonoma Raceway is a 2.52-mile and 12-turn road course and quarter-mile drag strip located at Sears Point in Sonoma County, California. Built in 1968 the track is carved into rolling hills with 160 ft of total elevation change. It is host to one of the few NASCAR Cup Series races each year that are run on road courses. It is one of the world’s busiest racing facilities, with track activity scheduled an average of 340 days a year. A complete and versatile motorsports complex, it is home to one of the nation’s only high-performance automotive industrial parks with approximately 70 tenants.

About McLaren Group

McLaren Group is globally renowned as one of the world’s most illustrious high-technology brands. Since the formation of McLaren Racing in 1963, McLaren has been pioneering and innovating in the competitive world of Formula 1, forging a formidable reputation which has seen the racing team win 8 Constructors and 12 Drivers Championships. The Group has built on its successful racing expertise and diversified to include a global, high-performance sports car business, McLaren Automotive, and a game-changing technology and innovation business, McLaren Applied. Despite the broadening of the group’s business interests, McLaren’s goal remains singular: we exist to win in everything we do.

About Velocity Invitational

Velocity Invitational is dedicated to highlighting the best race cars and collections from the international community and the United States. The primary goal of the event is to showcase the best racing and sports cars the world has to offer while enjoying the finest wines and food in the region. For more information, visit velocityinvitational.com or email info@velocityinvitational.com.

MERCEDES F1 DRIVER GEORGE RUSSELL AND ESPORTS CHAMPION JARNO OPMEER LEAD TEAMS AT THE IRACING ESPORTS SIM CHALLENGE

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Official Release
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London, 8th December 2022 – IWC Schaffhausen have today hosted an exclusive esports challenge together with its partners, the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ team and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Esports Team. Consisting of two teams racing each other virtually on the Silverstone racetrack, the “iRacing Esports Sim Challenge” was live streamed to a global audience on Twitch from the new IWC boutique at the Battersea Power Station in London. Victory went to the team coached by Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ driver George Russell.

IWC Schaffhausen has joined forces with its partners, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula OneTM Team and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Esports Team to organise the virtual “iRacing Esports Sim Challenge,” marking the opening of IWC’s new boutique in London.

The challenge consisted of two teams racing each other virtually on the Silverstone racetrack. One team was coached prior to the event by Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ team driver George Russell, the other one by Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Esports Team driver and two-time F1™ Esports Pro Series Drivers’ Champion Jarno Opmeer.

Among the guests attending the event alongside Jarno Opmeer were content creator Emma Walsh, presenter and content creator Harry Pinero, Artist and poet LionHeart, IWC-CEO Chris Grainger-Herr and Grant Wilson, IWC’s Brand Director for the United Kingdom.

A global audience followed the virtual racing action on the interactive live-streaming platform Twitch. The members of the winning team will be invited to a Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ factory tour and simulator experience in Brackley. In addition, the player with the fastest recorded lap received a Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team,” the first official team watch IWC developed for its partner.

The challenge marked the official opening of IWC’s new boutique at the Battersea Power Station, one of London’s most iconic landmarks.

ROOKIE Racing and TOYOTA announce participation in 25-hour endurance race in Thailand

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Official Release
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Expanding efforts to achieve a carbon neutral society through motorsports across Asia

TOKYO, Dec 12, 2022 – (JCN Newswire) – ROOKIE Racing Co., Ltd. (ROOKIE Racing) and Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced their competition in the IDEMITSU 1500 SUPER ENDURANCE 2022 (Thailand 25H Endurance Race) at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand from December 17 to 18, 2022, with the ORC ROOKIE GR Corolla H2 concept, a hydrogen engine vehicle, and the ORC ROOKIE GR86 CNF Concept, a carbon-neutral (CN) fuel vehicle. The participation will not be for the entire 25-hours but will be for the first and last few hours of the race. This will be the first time for both vehicles to compete in a race outside of Japan. In addition, one of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team Thailand’s vehicles is also scheduled to run on CN fuel. Starting with our participation in the Thailand 25H Endurance Race, we strive to increase CN options in Asia, through motorsports.

ROOKIE Racing and Toyota participated in the Super Taikyu series in Japan midway through the 2021 season with a hydrogen-powered Corolla and accelerated efforts of “producing,” “transporting,” and “using” hydrogen together with like-minded partners inside and outside the industry in the interest of helping to achieve a CN society. From the 2022 season, in addition to the hydrogen engine Corolla, we are racing the CN fuel GR86 and continuing to approach the challenge of expanding fuel options using internal combustion engines.

In addition, during the ninth round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Ypres in August and the 13th round of the WRC Rally Japan in November, we ran a demonstration of the GR Yaris H2 hydrogen engine vehicle under test development to show European and Japanese rally fans the potential of hydrogen as an option for achieving CN.

The Chang International Circuit venue is a major international circuit in Thailand and hosts the Thailand MotoGP, the world’s most prestigious motorcycle race. Since its opening in 2014, Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd. has been the circuit’s main sponsor and has promoted the development of motorsports in Thailand by holding one-make races there. ROOKIE Racing won the 10-hour IDEMITSU 600 SUPER ENDURANCE 2019, its first entry in a race held at the circuit. In this race, our first entry in three years, we will train our car in an environment different from Japan to accelerate efforts to expand fuel options toward creating a CN society.

News URL: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/79823/

DYER MOTORSPORTS 2022 SEASON WRAP UP

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Official Release
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Seth Dyer will be running for Rookie of the Year with the POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints in 2023. Roger Seymour photo.

(Yucca Valley, CA, December 11, 2022) Dyer Motorsports concluded its 2022 season with races in the California Lightning Sprint Car Series at the Bakersfield and Placerville Speedways in November. The nine-month campaign saw four Dyer team drivers compete in 31 races in three different series.

Jeff Dyer led the Yucca Valley, California-based team with 29 appearances. Twenty of those came in the California Lightning Sprint Car Series. Six were in competition in the USAC/CRA 410 Series and three came with the POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints. In his 20 starts with the CLS, the California Highway Patrol Officer placed in the top ten 12 different times. Ten of those came when he finished in the top five. His best results of the season with the CLS were a quintuple of second-place results including four in a row from April 30th through May 21st. Likewise, his best finish in the SWLS was a second at Perris Auto Speedway in September. The longtime driver contested six USAC/CRA races on five different tracks with his best showing being a 13th at the Perris season opener on March 26th.

Dyer’s initial idea was to focus on the USAC series, but early season engine issues saw his plan switch to chasing the CLS title. When the final checkered of the year ended the campaign, he was fourth overall.

Fifteen-year-old Seth began the year racing Speedway Sprints at Wheel2Wheel Raceway in Victorville. However, after a practice session in a lightning sprint at the Bakersfield Speedway, it was determined that it was time for him to take another step up in his racing career and move up full-time to lightnings. Debuting at Bakersfield on June 11th, the teen contested 13 races. Ten of his races came with the CLS and three were in the SWLS. His best finishes were a pair of 10th-place results at the Ventura Raceway. The highlight of his season came when officials removed his rookie flag at Ventura on October 29th. For the first time, the youngster was allowed to start in the position he qualified in, and in his heat race, he promptly went out and led every inch of the way for his first-ever CLS win. That triumph was extremely popular not only with his own team but also with all the other teams in the pits as Seth has been a longtime friend to everyone in the series.

Phelan’s Cal Smith, who has raced for over 30 years, got in four races with Dyer Motorsports at the end of the campaign. A longtime friend of Dyer’s and a partner on his 410 sprint car team, the friendly driver got back in the cockpit near the end of the season and shook off years of rust with two top-10 finishes. They came on back-to-back nights at the Hangtown 100 at the Placerville Speedway in mid-November.

When work forced Jeff to miss a couple of races in October, Sydney, Australia’s J.D. Bentley stepped in. On October 21st and 22nd, he took part in the POWRi races at the Imperial Valley Raceway. The first night saw him sail to the victory in the main event. Twenty-four hours later he crossed the line in fifth.

2023 will have a different look for Dyer Motorsports. Instead of running full-time in a lightning sprint car, Jeff will be concentrating on running his 410 sprinter in the USAC/CRA Series. Also, he will spend more time mentoring Seth’s career. When his schedule permits, he will make periodic appearances with the CLS and the SWLS. Seth’s focus in 2023 will be on competing for the Rookie of the Year crown in the POWRi Series and making some appearances with the CLS.

Work is already underway on getting the cars in order for next season and on securing marketing partnerships. If you would Like to be a part of this fun, fast-rising team, please use the contact information at the top of this release to talk to Dyer Motorsports.

At this time, Jeff and every person at Dyer Motorsports would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year.

Jeff raced in memory of his grandfather Glenn Sels throughout the 2022 season.

Jeff would like to thank the following for making the 2022 racing campaign possible in the #4 Lightning Sprint Car. Dependable Machine Inc., Haircuts By Susie, Jobu Racing, LBA Investigations, and Dyer Motorsports.

For the USAC/CRA #39 sprint car, Straight Time Stirrups, Dependable Machines Inc., Hair Cuts By Susie, Jobu Racing, Justice Brothers, and Specialty Fasteners helped put him on the track.

If you would like to be a part of Dyer Motorsports in 2022, call (760) 267-0298 or send an email to mailto:dyermotorsports4@gmail.com.

Jeff Dyer 2022 Results

3-5 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Southwest 13th A Main

3-25 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 4th A Main

3-26 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA 13th A Main

4-1 Keller Auto Speedway USAC/CRA 14th A Main

4-2 Thunderbowl Raceway USAC/CRA 23rd A Main

4-16 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 3rd A Main

4-23 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 14th B Main

4-30 Ventura Raceway California Lightning Sprints 2nd A Main 1

4-30 Ventura Raceway California Lightning Sprints 2nd A Main 2

5-14 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 2nd A Main

5-14 Bakersfield Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 14th A Main

5-21 Ventura Raceway California Lightning Sprints 2nd A Main

5-28 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars DNS

6-11 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 4th A Main

6-25 Ventura Raceway California Lightning Sprints 11th A Main

7-16 Ventura Raceway California Lightning Sprints 3rd A Main

7-23 Ventura Raceway California Lightning Sprints 2nd A Main

8-6 Santa Maria Raceway California Lightning Sprints 13th A Main*

8-25 Silver Dollar Speedway California Lightning Sprints 16th A Main

8-26 Placerville Speedway California Lightning Sprints 17th A Main

9-10 Lemoore Raceway California Lightning Sprints 11th A Main

9-17 Perris Auto Speedway POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints 2nd A Main

9-24 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 3rd A Main

10-1 Barona Speedway POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints 13th A Main

10-8 Mohave Valley Raceway California Lightning/POWRi Southwest 11th A Main

11-15 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 15th A Main

11-17 Placerville Speedway California Lightning Sprints 9th A Main

11-18 Placerville Speedway California Lightning Sprints 17th A Main

11-19 Placerville Speedway California Lightning Sprints 7th A Main

Seth Dyer 2022 Lightning Sprint Results

6-11 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 12th A Main

6-25 Ventura Raceway California Lightning Sprints 15th A Main

7-16 Ventura Raceway California Lightning Sprints 10th A Main

7-23 Ventura Raceway California Lightning Sprints 10th A Main

8-6 Santa Maria Raceway California Lightning Sprints 14th A Main

8-25 Silver Dollar Speedway California Lightning Sprints DNS

9-10 Lemoore Raceway California Lightning Sprints 14th A Main

9-17 Perris Auto Speedway POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints 16th A Main

9-24 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 18th A Main

10-20 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints 11th A Main

10-29 Ventura Raceway California Lightning Sprints 13th A Main

10-22 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints 11th A Main

11-15 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 11th A Main

Cal Smith 2022 Lightning Sprint Results

10-23 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints 12th A Main

11-17 Placerville Speedway California Lightning Sprints 11th A Main

11-18 Placerville Speedway California Lightning Sprints 9th A Main

11-19 Placerville Speedway California Lightning Sprints 9th A Main

J.D. Bentley 2022 Lightning Sprint Results

10-22 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints 1st A Main

10-23 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints 5th A Main

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