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NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team announces Emma Gilmour and Tanner Foust for 2023

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Official Release
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8 December 2022, London: The NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team has announced that Emma Gilmour and Tanner Foust will drive for the team in Extreme E Season 3.

Gilmour and Foust joined the team for its inaugural season in the series in 2022. The pair helped NEOM McLaren Extreme E secure its first podium, finishing second in the final round of the Extreme E Season 2 campaign, the Uruguay Natural Energy X Prix in Punta del Este.

Gilmour, from New Zealand, is known for her vast experience in rallying, rallycross, cross-country rallying, and most recently competing in the first two seasons of Extreme E. In 2016 she became the first and only female to win a New Zealand Rally Championship event. She also won the FIA Women in Motorsport and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) crosscountry rally selection in 2015. Emma is the first female driver to score a podium for McLaren, and also drove two rounds for Veloce Racing in Extreme E Season 1.

Foust is a four-time US rallycross champion (2019, 2012, 2011, 2010), has won four X Games gold medals (2013, 2010, 2007) and two Formula Drift championships (2008, 2007). The American also has a plethora of experience in stunt driving, ice racing, time attack and hill climb competition.

Emma Gilmour, NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team, said: “I’ve had an incredible first season with McLaren in 2022. We’ve really grown as a team, and it was lovely to be rewarded with a podium finish in Uruguay! I’m excited to be staying with McLaren for 2023 and can’t wait to get stuck into some new races while educating our audiences about the damaging effects of climate change.”

Tanner Foust, NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team, said: “It’s been awesome to be part of McLaren and Extreme E in 2022 and I’m thrilled to be racing again for the team in 2023! It’s been so much fun to race in some exciting locations with Emma and the team, while educating and inspiring sustainable action. I’m excited to see what 2023 holds.”

The NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team will be looking to build on their debut campaign in 2023, which begins in Saudi Arabia on 11-12 March.

Ian James, Managing Director, NEOM McLaren Electric Racing and Team Principal, NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, said: “It’s great to be able to announce Emma and Tanner as our Extreme E driver pairing for next season. They have shown their pace, dedication and drive during the team’s debut season, and have been two driving forces in the team’s learning and development during that period.

“Next season we are hoping to captitalise on the foundations we have put in place over the last year. Having Emma and Tanner remain with the team will prove invaluable as we will aim to stay on that upward trajectory as the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team.”

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said: “I am delighted that Emma and Tanner will remain with McLaren for 2023. The pair have proven themselves to be strong teammates both on and off the track, which culminated in a second-place finish during the Energy X Prix.

“With a season of Extreme E under our belt, I am excited to see how the team develops during 2023.”

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

Sam Hunt Racing adds Grala, Mosack to driver lineup for 2023 Xfinity season

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Ted Seminara for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Sam Hunt Racing will be fielding two full-time entries while also introducing Kaz Grala and Connor Mosack as the team’s key competitors for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.

The 23-year-old Grala from Boston, Massachusetts, will be piloting the team’s No. 26 Toyota Supra on a full-time basis while the 23-year-old Mosack from Charlotte, North Carolina, will be driving the No. 24 Toyota Supra in 20 Xfinity events for the upcoming season.

The news comes as Sam Hunt Racing based in Mooresville, North Carolina, prepares to enter its fifth season with at least one start in the Xfinity circuit. The team, which debuted as DRIVE Technology in 2013 and originally competed in the ARCA Menards Series East, made its inaugural presence in the Xfinity Series during the 2019 season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway with Colin Garrett piloting the team’s first entry. The team returned on a part-time basis in 2020 before fielding the No. 26 entry on a full-time basis in 2021 piloted by multiple competitors.

This past season, Sam Hunt Racing fielded the No. 26 entry on a full-time basis for a second consecutive season as the car was piloted by multiple competitors. The team also introduced a second entry, the No. 24 Toyota, for select events. Throughout the 2022 season, the No. 26 team finished in the top 10 five times with their best runs being fourth at Darlington Raceway in May and fifth at Phoenix Raceway in March. The No. 24 team made a single start at Daytona International Speedway in February, where Jeffrey Earnhardt piloted the entry to a 15th-place result.

Through a combined 78 career starts in the Xfinity Series made between 17 different competitors, Sam Hunt Racing has achieved three top-five results and seven top-10 results. Their best on-track result to date remains a third-place run at Richmond Raceway in September 2021 made by John Hunter Nemechek. The 2023 season will mark the team’s first opportunity to contend for the driver’s title with Grala.

“Timing and patience have been pivotal components of our growth process at SHR. Expanding to two full-time teams in 2023 brings an excitement level only matched by the responsibility and expectation to compete at a high level every week,” Sam Hunt, owner of Sam Hunt Racing, said. “It goes without saying that having a full-time driver in the No. 26 for the first time is a blessing to our organization and an important component of our growth. Kaz is a highly talented and experienced driver and has strived for an opportunity like this for a long time. Having Connor anchor the No. 24 team is something we are also really looking forward to. He is a very talented young man and has every trait and characteristic I look for in a young driver. We’re heading into 2023 with confidence in both teams and drivers, and I’m excited to continue to build this program with each of them.”

For Grala, the 2023 season will mark his first opportunity competing in the Xfinity circuit on a full-time basis. It will also mark his second full-time campaign overall within NASCAR’s top three national touring series after competing in the Craftsman Truck Series on a full-time basis in 2017 with GMS Racing. During the season, Grala notched his lone career victory at Daytona and became the youngest NASCAR winner at Daytona at age 18 years, one month and 26 days. He went on to make the 2017 Truck Playoffs before finishing in seventh place in the final standings.

This past season, Grala competed in a combined 25 starts across NASCAR’s top three national touring series, 10 of which occurred in the Xfinity Series. His best run occurred at Watkins Glen International in August, where he finished fifth while driving for Big Machine Racing. He made his first start with Sam Hunt Racing during the 2022 Xfinity Series finale at Phoenix Raceway in November, where he finished 23rd.

Through 44 career starts in the Xfinity Series, Grala has achieved five top-five results, 10 top-10 results, 18 laps led and an average-finishing result of 18.6. His highest result in the series are a pair of fourth-place finishes at Daytona in 2018 and at Road America in 2020.

“I’ve scratched and clawed for each opportunity over the past several seasons, and while it hasn’t been easy, it’s made me appreciate this sport and its difficulty more than I ever could have if things had been easy,” Grala said. “I feel like everything has finally come together at the perfect time in my life with the right team around me to start that next chapter in my career. I couldn’t be more proud and hopeful heading into 2023 with Sam Hunt Racing with a chance to compete for a championship. I’ve worked my whole life to get to this point, and I intend to make the absolute most of it next year and beyond.”

Mosack, the 2020 CARS Tour Rookie of the Year and a Trans Am TA2 class competitor, made his NASCAR national touring series debut in June 2022 at Portland International Raceway, where he piloted Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 18 Toyota Supra to a 28th-place finish. He returned at Watkins Glen with Sam Hunt Racing, where he finished a season-best 15th. He also made two starts in the Truck Series and eight starts in the ARCA Menards Series, both with Bret Holmes Racing.

Mosack’s first Xfinity start in 2023 will occur at Phoenix Raceway in March with the rest of his schedule yet to be determined.

“Being able to run 20 races in the Xfinity Series next year is a really big deal to me,” Mosack said. “Two years ago, I didn’t really know where I was going or how I was going to get there. Racing in this series is a big step toward where I want to go, and I’m excited it is with a team like Sam Hunt Racing. With SHR being a growing team, I know I can develop relationships with everyone involved and continue to learn from them. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Sam and trust that his team and values will help to develop me as a driver.”

In addition to the new driver lineup, Sam Hunt Racing welcomes Kris Bowen, formally from Our Motorsports, as the crew chief of the No. 24 entry. Allen Hart is expected to remain as Grala’s crew chief for the 2023 season.

The rest of the team’s driver lineup for the No. 24 “all-star” entry, including one for the season-opening event at Daytona in February, will be announced at a later date.

With their plans for the upcoming season announced, Sam Hunt Racing’s 2023 season is set to commence at Daytona on February 18. The event is slated to occur at 5 p.m. ET on FS1.

‘100 Days to Indy’ Coming to The CW Network in Spring 2023

By
Official Release
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Penske Entertainment, NTT INDYCAR SERIES Partner with VICE Media Group for New Documentary Series

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022) – Penske Entertainment and The CW Network announced Dec. 8 they are joining forces with VICE Media Group for “100 Days to Indy,” a first-of-its-kind broadcast series about the road to the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, the world’s premier motorsports competition.

Produced by Penske Entertainment and VICE Media Group, the six-part series will take fans behind the scenes to chronicle the bold and brash personalities of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as they begin the 2023 season and start their epic quest for racing’s greatest prize. “100 Days to Indy” will air on The CW Network in spring 2023.

“The Indy 500 is the most unique, exhilarating and engaging event on the planet,” Penske Entertainment President and CEO Mark Miles said. “It’s an unrivaled spectacle fueled by ambitious, fearless and captivating personalities. This series will give viewers an unprecedented front row seat as the racing season begins and the countdown to Indy accelerates. Ultimately, through the compelling creative lens and massive reach of both VICE and The CW, we will bring the world-class competition and drama of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to a newer and more youthful audience.”

The 100-day window is benchmarked by drama, intrigue and fierce competition from the very first race of the season all the way to the checkered flag at the Indianapolis 500. For the winner, it is a life-changing experience, etching his or her name into the history books. This year, four-time Indy 500 winner and former “Dancing with the Stars” champion Helio Castroneves is eyeing a record fifth win but will face stiff competition from a rising generation of young talent all eyeing “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and its multimillion-dollar purse.

“100 Days to Indy” will showcase what it takes to compete at the highest levels and at the height of danger, while providing a window into the on- and off-track lives of some of the sport’s most engaging drivers.

“‘100 Days to Indy’ is a high-octane adventure grounded in emotional sports storytelling,” said Brad Schwartz, president, Entertainment, The CW Network. “Alongside our partners at VICE Media Group, Penske Entertainment and NTT INDYCAR SERIES, we have come together to deliver a series that will follow these champions of the racetrack and keep viewers on the edge of their seats.”

The compelling docuseries will be produced by multiple award-winning VICE World News, with Emmy Award-winning Patrick Dimon directing and Bryan Terry executive producing for VICE. The series will have a fast re-air on VICE TV and be supported across VICE’s global social media channels.

“VICE is honored to produce the first sports project with Nexstar and The CW since the acquisition and to bring this series through the checkered flag with everyone at the network,” said Morgan Hertzan, president, Global TV at VICE Media Group. “The team at the NTT INDYCAR SERIES has an incredible journey for the world to join, and VICE is looking forward to being in the driver’s seat with them.”

About VICE Media Group

VICE Media Group is a global multiplatform media company. Launched in 1994, VICE has offices in 25 countries across the globe with a focus on five key businesses: VICE.com, an award-winning international network of digital content; VICE STUDIOS, a feature film and television production studio; VICE TV, an Emmy-winning international television network; a Peabody award-winning NEWS division with the most Emmy-awarded nightly news broadcast; and VIRTUE, a global, full-service creative agency. VICE Media Group’s portfolio includes Refinery29, the leading global media and entertainment company focused on women; Pulse Films, a London-based next-generation production studio with outposts in Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Berlin; and i-D, a global digital and quarterly style bible defining fashion and contemporary culture and design.

About VICE World News

Building off the success of VICE News in the U.S, VICE World News is VICE Media Group international news network, producing hundreds of hours of television, digital and audio news programming for a global audience. The premium documentaries, docuseries and original podcasts will focus on the core issues that so define VICE’s content: extremism, climate, drugs, privacy, politics, inequality and race.

About The CW Network

The CW Network, LLC is America’s fifth major broadcast network, offering 14 hours of primetime programming, Monday through Sunday. The CW is 75%-owned by Nexstar Media Group, Inc. For more information about the network and its programming, visit www.cwtv.com.

Jimco Racing Completes Strong 2022 SCORE Season With Baja 1000 Win, Class 1 Championship

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Official Release
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The Jimco Racing Hammerhead Class 1 buggy remains one of the most dominant machines of its type in desert racing, and the 2022 SCORE World Desert Championship was no exception. Jimco racers scored three wins and eight podiums in the grueling four-race championship, with Kyle Quinn’s victory in the season-ending 55th SCORE Baja 1000 giving him, Wilson Motorsports, and Jimco the class title.

Quinn, who split driving duties with Greg DeStefano, Ronny Wilson, and Sammy Ehrenburg, wound up this year’s Class 1 champion by 11 points. The #138 machine completed the 828.25-mile loop race in 20:09:57, nearly an hour faster than its closest competition. It was the second win of the year for the team, joining the season-opening San Felipe 250 in April. The team finished on the podium in all four events, one of just a handful of SCORE teams to accomplish the feat.

“We’re glad to be here at the finish,” Quinn told SCORE after crossing the finish line. “No flats. We tore the lower passenger arm off and had to stop and we put it all back together. I can’t thank our crew enough and all our sponsors. We’re looking forward to next year.”

Joining the #138 team on the podium in the Baja 1000 were the #113 squad of Mike and Jacob Frye, whose only start of the season ended with a third-place result. Their podium meant that two Jimco Hammerheads were on the podium in all four SCORE events this year, with both Wilson Motorsports entries accomplishing the feat in San Felipe and the father-son duo of Brian and Cody Parkhouse finishing second in the Baja 500 and first in the Baja 400.

“I’ve raced a lot, like over a hundred races, (but) I’ve never seen anything like this,” Frye said after making it back to Ensenada. “I lost power steering before race mile 200, but luckily the BFGoodrich pits helped us fix it and get going again. My son Jake got in around race mile 200 and he did his section perfect, but he almost couldn’t get out of the car, he was so beat up. Then I got back in and tried to catch a VCP and ended up getting stuck down there. After a few hours I finally MacGyvered it out. Then I handed it back to Jake and he finished the last 150 miles or so with no problems.”

Joining the Class 1 dominance was Ryan Lewis’ #287 Lewis Energy Group Trophy Truck Spec entry, which finished 10th in class with a time of 22:01:22. The 55th SCORE Baja 1000 also marked the highly anticipated debut for Jimco’s all-new Dragon AWD Trophy Truck, run by Jimco owner Robbie Pierce and Los Angeles Dodgers owner Bobby Patton as part of the Fastball Racing Team.

The 2023 SCORE World Desert Championship kicks off on March 29-April 2 with the 36th running of the SCORE San Felipe 250.

About Jimco Racing
Jimco Racing Inc. is the worldwide leader in off-road race car manufacturing and race preparation. Specialized in off road race car product development, racer safety gear sales, and arrive and drive programs. The Jimco Racing tradition is one of integrity, quality, and a winning attitude. Since the company was founded in 1975 Jimco Racing has racked up over 650+ victories and 100+ championships worldwide and has been awarded the SCORE Chassis builder of the year award an unprecedented 23 times. To learn more, please visit www.jimcoracing.com.

2023 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Tickets at Daytona International Speedway on Sale Now

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Official Release
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Tickets Start at $49 For Always-Thrilling “Last-Chance” Race to Make NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 8, 2022) – Tickets for the 2023 Coke Zero Sugar 400, the last-chance, cutoff race for the NASAR Cup Series Playoffs, are on sale now.

The summer classic, which will showcase drivers vying to secure their spot in the final 10-race battle for the NASCAR Cup Series championship, is set for Saturday evening, August 26. The last three Coke Zero Sugar 400s have delivered in dramatic fashion.

This past August, in a “must-win” situation, Austin Dillon passed DAYTONA 500 Champion Austin Cindric with three laps to go and held on for the victory to secure the final spot in the premier series playoffs. Tyler Reddick brought home his beaten and battered Chevrolet fifth in the 2021 Coke Zero Sugar 400 to take the final playoffs while in 2020, in another “must win” scenario, William Byron muscled his way to his first career Cup Series win and a guaranteed spot in the playoffs.

Those wishing to attend the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in person should make their plans early to secure the best seats and pricing. Available online or by phone, tickets for the general public to the Coke Zero Sugar 400 start at $49 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and younger. For all ticket information on the Coke Zero Sugar 400, fans can log onto www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.

“The pressure to win the Coke Zero Sugar 400 continues to be incredibly immense as many drivers have to stretch the limits to make it in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs,” said Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher. “Austin Dillon proved that again earlier this season. From the drop of the green flag until the pack comes through the trioval for the checkered flag, fans are constantly on their feet at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 with a level of excitement unlike anywhere else. We can’t wait for 2023.”

Guests for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 will have the opportunity to experience the edge-of-your-seat excitement in a state-of-the-art motorsports facility with amenities that includes thousands of premium club seats, 40 escalators and 17 elevators, 60 luxury suites, social “neighborhoods” and three concourse levels that span the nearly mile-long frontstretch.

Extended-stay camping packages are available and include access to general admission seating for the Wawa 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Friday Night (Aug. 25). Tickets for Friday, multi-day packages, and UNOH Fanzone/Pre-Race Access passes are also available.

The Coke Zero Sugar 400 will again feature NASCAR’s Next Gen car, which provided a host of competition records in 2022. The car put an emphasis on race strategies, team personnel and vehicle setups while returning the ‘stock car’ look to NASCAR.

Daytona International Speedway will open the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series with the 65th DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb. 19. Tickets are extremely limited so fans are encouraged to get their tickets now.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for the latest speedway news. For information on all events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.

About Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a state-of-the-art motorsports facility and was awarded the SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in 2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of The Great American Race – the DAYTONA 500. Though the season-opening NASCAR Cup Series event garners most of the attention – as well as the largest audience in motorsports – the approximately 500-acre motorsports complex, also known as the World Center of Racing, boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe. Some of the exciting racing events include January’s Rolex 24 At DAYTONA and Roar Before The Rolex 24, February’s DAYTONA 500 and Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, March’s Bike Week At DAYTONA Presented By Monster Energy, featuring DAYTONA Supercross and the DAYTONA 200, the August Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend, and much more. The Speedway grounds are also used extensively for other events that include concerts (Welcome to Rockville, Heroes Honor Festival, etc.), sporting events (DAYTONA Soccer Fest, CLASH DAYTONA, etc.) civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing and police motorcycle training.

Ryan Truex returns to Joe Gibbs Racing for part-time Xfinity campaign in 2023

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Simon Scoggins for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Ryan Truex will be rejoining Joe Gibbs Racing on a part-time NASCAR Xfinity Series basis as he will be piloting the No. 19 Toyota Supra in six events for the upcoming season.

The 30-year-old Truex from Mayetta, New Jersey, is coming off a part-time campaign in the Xfinity circuit between JGR and Sam Hunt Racing. Piloting the No. 18 Toyota in five of his six scheduled events, he recorded three top-10 results and notched a season-best third-place run at Atlanta Motor Speedway in July. Previously, Truex competed on a full-time basis in the Craftsman Truck Series with Niece Motorsports, where he recorded three top-10 results, an average-finishing result of 19.5 and finished 16th in the final standings.

The 2023 season will mark Truex’s eighth season with at least one start in the Xfinity circuit. It will also mark his fourth part-time campaign with JGR that includes runs with the organization in 2011, 2012 and 2022.

Through 84 previous starts in the Xfinity Series, Truex has achieved one pole, five top-five results, 27 top-10 results and an average-finishing result of 16.1. His best result in the series is a runner-up result, which occurred at Dover Motor Speedway in June 2012. He has also made a total of 73 starts in the Truck Series and 26 in the NASCAR Cup Series to date.

“I am thrilled to be behind the wheel of the No. 19 for a few races next season,” Truex said. “It was fun to run well with the team this past year. I appreciate the opportunity to race for JGR again next year. I think we can build from what we learned this year and get some solid runs in.”

Veteran Jason Ratcliff will be serving as the crew chief of the No. 19 Toyota team that will be serving as JGR’s “all-star” entry for the upcoming Xfinity season. The No. 19 Toyota will compete alongside the Nos. 18 and 20, both of which will compete for the driver’s championship and piloted by Sammy Smith and John Hunter Nemechek, respectively.

“We are looking forward to having Ryan back in our lineup in 2023 to run the No. 19,” Steve DeSouza, Executive Vice President of Xfinity Series/Development, added. “He has done well in the races he has run at JGR. His previous experience and driving ability will be assets as the No. 19 competes for an owner’s championship next year.”

Truex’s 2023 schedule along with additional drivers for JGR’s “all-star” entry will be announced at a later date.

John Hunter Nemechek inks full-time Xfinity Series ride with Joe Gibbs Racing for 2023 season

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Jeff Clemons for SpeedwayMedia.com.

John Hunter Nemechek will be returning to the NASCAR Xfinity Series on a full-time basis and pilot the No. 20 Toyota Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing in his quest for the series championship.

The news comes as the 25-year-old Nemechek from Mooresville, North Carolina, is coming off two full-time seasons in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Kyle Busch Motorsports, where he scored seven victories, qualified for the Playoffs during both seasons and achieved the 2021 Truck Series regular-season championship. In addition to his Truck schedule, he competed in a total of 16 Xfinity events between Joe Gibbs Racing and Sam Hunt Racing. During his part-time campaign in the Xfinity circuit, Nemechek won at Texas Motor Speedway with JGR in October 2021. He also piloted the team’s No. 18 Toyota Supra in three events this past season and achieved his best run at Richmond Raceway in April after finishing second.

The 2023 season will mark Nemechek’s first full-time campaign in the Xfinity circuit since 2019, where he recorded six top-five results and 19 top-10 results as he qualified for the 2019 Xfinity Playoffs and finished in seventh place in the final standings while competing for GMS Racing.

Through 67 previous starts in the Xfinity Series, Nemechek has achieved two victories, one pole, 17 top-five results, 37 top-10 results and an average-finishing result of 12.6.

“I’m appreciative of the opportunity to get back to competing full time in the Xfinity Series,” Nemechek said. “JGR is a group that I know I can win with after getting that win at Texas in 2021. I’m excited to get to work on the 2023 season so we can go out and win some races and compete for a championship.”

Mobil 1 will be serving as Nemechek’s primary sponsor with additional sponsorship support coming from Berry’s Bullets, Pye Barker Fire and Safety, Romco Equipment and his Grocery Store Brands throughout the season. Ben Beshore, who spent the previous two seasons in the Cup Series as a crew chief for Kyle Busch, will be returning to the Xfinity Series for the first time since 2020 to serve as Nemechek’s crew chief.

The addition of Nemechek to Joe Gibbs Racing means that he will be serving as one of the team’s two full-time competitors for the 2023 Xfinity season. Sammy Smith was announced as the full-time driver of the No. 18 Toyota two days ago.

“John Hunter has shown the dedication it takes to be a successful racecar driver,” Steve DeSouza, Executive Vice President, Xfinity Series and Driver Development, added. “He has experience at all levels of NASCAR that will be valuable to the team in 2023. We are excited to add him to our driver lineup for the year and look forward to the success the No. 20 team will see.”

With his plans for the upcoming season set, Nemechek’s quest for the 2023 Xfinity Series championship with Joe Gibbs Racing will commence at Daytona International Speedway on February 18. The event is slated to commence at 5 p.m. ET on FS1.

Carson Hocevar and WWEX Racing to Partner for Full Season in 2023

By
Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Dec. 8, 2022) – Carson Hocevar will return to Niece Motorsports in 2023, piloting the No. 42 WWEX Racing Chevrolet Silverado for his third full-time season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS).

Hocevar, who has made the NCTS playoffs the past two seasons, will race with full-season support from the WWEX Racing program, which comprises Worldwide Express, Unishippers and GlobalTranz.

“Niece Motorsports feels like home, so I’m excited to come back and compete for a Championship in 2023,” said Hocevar. “I’m so thankful to Worldwide Express and their WWEX Racing program for stepping up to sponsor us for the whole season. I’ve enjoyed the partnership and really look forward to growing it next season. Our goal remains to bring Niece Motorsports, Al Niece and WWEX Racing wins and a championship in 2023.

“I’ve dreamed of racing in NASCAR since I was a little kid. To be preparing for my third full-time season in the Truck Series is surreal. Thanks to Al Niece and everyone at Niece Motorsports, Chevrolet, the Worldwide Express family of brands, Premier Security Solutions, GM Parts Now, and Scott’s Coins, Jewelry & Sports for getting me here. Their support means the world.”

After a strong rookie campaign in 2021, Hocevar continued to turn heads in his sophomore season. In 23 races, Hocevar tallied seven top-five and 12 top-10 finishes. In addition, the Michigan native earned two stage wins and led 282 laps. Hocevar put the Series on notice in June, earning the pole at Sonoma Raceway, a mere seven days after sustaining a broken ankle at World Wide Technology Raceway.

Hocevar’s abilities are not relegated to one type of track. The 19-year-old driver found the front of the field on dirt tracks, road courses, intermediate tracks, and short tracks.

While competitors have taken notice of Hocevar’s talent on the track, fans have taken notice of his fun and light-hearted personality off the track. Before climbing aboard his No. 42 Chevrolet on race weekends, Hocevar can often be spotted wearing unique hats.

“We are thrilled to have Carson return to Niece Motorsports next season and excited to expand our partnership with Worldwide Express,” said Niece Motorsports General Manager Cody Efaw.

“Carson has proven time and time again what a tremendous talent he is, and we are glad that he’ll be back behind the wheel of our Chevrolets again next year. We couldn’t do this without great partners, so we are incredibly thankful to have full season support from Worldwide Express. We look forward to making them proud on and off the track.”

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

“Carson has quickly become one of the most-recognizable figures in the truck series – not only for his unique fashion choices, but for his on-track performance,” said Mike Grayson, Executive Vice President of the Worldwide Express family of brands.

“Our company is built on the concept that hard work breeds success. It’s why we couldn’t have picked a better partner than Niece Motorsports, who share the same driving philosophy. We’re excited to be back on the 42 this year as Carson and the Niece team set their sights on the Championship.”

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

About Niece Motorsports:

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

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

About Worldwide Express:

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

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

Cadillac Racing prepares for new prototype era

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Official Release
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Cadillac V-LMDh logs miles at racetrack hosting IMSA’s first race of GTP class

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 8, 2022) — The 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season-opening event is in January, but perceptively deceiving because it’s only six weeks away.

The swiftly approaching Roar Before the Rolex 24 on Jan. 20-22 – prologue to the 61st Rolex 24 At Daytona — will mark the competition debut of the three Cadillac V-LMDh entries in the new Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

During a Dec. 6-7 IMSA-sanctioned test at Daytona International Speedway, excitement for the dawn of a new era of prototype racing intermixed with a business-as-usual approach as Cadillac Racing, technical partners and team personnel continued to work through on-track development objectives and periodically addressed acute issues inherent in the technical complexities of the new hybrid race car.

All three Cadillac V-LMDh race cars turned laps at the same test for the first time during six day/night sessions totaling 18 hours on the 3.56-mile, 12-turn road course.

“We’ll be racing a 24-hour race in a few short weeks, and I’d say we’ll never feel 100 percent ready but we’re ready to tackle the race and we race to win,” GM sports car racing program manager Laura Wontrop Klauser said. “Development of the Cadillac V-LMDh has been an intense process, but an extremely rewarding one.”

The Cadillac V-LMDh has logged more than 20,000 kilometers (more than 12,500 miles) since on-track development began in early July at U.S. racetracks on the 2023 IMSA schedule.

Background: Driver roster and bios, Rolex 24 At Daytona stats and info

Sebring sizzle: Cadillac V-LMDh video at endurance test

The Roar Before the Rolex 24 includes a new qualifying format for the GTP class that incorporates 20 minutes of on-track time.

“It’s coming around really fast, and I think as a crew we’re ready to perform,” said Alex Lynn, who will co-drive the No. 02 Cadillac V-LMDh prepared by Chip Ganassi Racing with Earl Bamber and Richard Westbrook in the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the seven-race FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season. “It’s the biggest race of the American calendar, so from that side all three of us have experience and we know what it takes to get it done. We need to stay calm with a brand-new car and make sure we arrive on race day with the best possible chance.”

Added Renger van der Zande, co-driver of the sister No. 01 Cadillac V-LMDh with Sebastien Bourdais and endurance driver Scott Dixon: “Because it’s all so new for everyone, you need these kinds of tests to find out what the car needs. It’s about understanding why things break and that’s why were here — we’re testing exactly to do that. It’s very tight to the Roar and the 24 hours, so this is the time to get the reliability you need and get speed out of the car.”

Jack Aitken, who will co-drive the No. 31 Action Express Racing-prepared Cadillac V-LMDh in the four endurance races on the IMSA calendar with full-season drivers Pipo Derani and Alexander Sims, enjoyed his maiden outing.

“First time in the car and first time around the track,” the Williams F1 reserve driver said. “Both were pretty impressive. I got into the swing of it and was having a blast by the end of the time. It’s got a lot of power and you can feel the downforce working. The mechanical grip is pretty forgiving as well, so you can really attack the corners and you never worry if the car is going to bite you too hard. I can imagine with 60 cars going around it will be a little more tricky, but I’ll get more and more confident as I go.”

Cadillac will aim to tie Ferrari for third place with five overall Rolex 24 At Daytona victories – all since 2017.

About Cadillac

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

Richard Childress Racing and Kyle Busch Usher in New Era with both Change and Familiarity

By
Official Release
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Legendary NASCAR Race Team Introduces revamped stylized No. 8 and Announces Key Partners Heading into 2023 Season: MERCH AVAILABLE NOW!

WELCOME, N.C. (December 8, 2022) – French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr famously wrote “plus ca change, plus c’est la même chose”. Roughly translated to “The more things change, the more they stay the same”, the Frenchman’s words in 1849 have a lot of merit for Richard Childress Racing and Kyle Busch heading into their inaugural season together in 2023.

RCR introduced today the stylized No. 8 that will adorn the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion’s Chevrolets in 2023. The revamped stylized No. 8 was personally designed by Busch and his team with input from Richard Childress and RCR.

Fans can prepare for the 2023 season by gearing up with newly-released merchandise, which is available now at https://store.rcrracing.com/ and kylebusch.com.

The revised number honors the past while embracing the future and the new era that Busch’s presence brings to the 54-year-old organization, essentially merging one of the NASCAR industry’s most storied teams with one of the sports’ most successful modern era drivers.

Although the driver and number will look much different beginning in 2023, much of RCR’s No. 8 program will look very much the same in true “the more things change, the more they stay the same” form. Key members of the team, including crew chief Randall Burnett and spotter Derek Kneeland, return to their roles with the organization. What’s more, the team’s sponsor lineup will be very similar to what RCR fans have recognized on track in years’ past.

Familiar brands such as Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, 3CHI, Alsco, Lenovo and BetMGM will return to the No. 8 team in 2023, comprising a multi-sponsor lineup of corporate partners who will continue to build on the business successes they have captured in prior seasons with RCR.

“Our business relationships are paramount to our organization and we’re proud to confirm that our primary partners on the No. 8 team will be returning to RCR in 2023,” said Torrey Galida, president of RCR. “Their commitment to our organization is a testament to our team’s collaborative approach and the value it has delivered to so many great brands.”

Both Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and Alsco Uniforms are teasing their 2023 program by unveiling their paint schemes today. Additional paint schemes will be released in the coming weeks.

For more information and all that is going on at RCR, 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).

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