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How To Stay Safe While Driving and Manage Accidents

By
SM
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Photo by Sindre Fs

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2021 was a record year for car accidents with an estimated 42,915 fatalities.

There’s anecdotal evidence highlighting people forgetting important aspects of road safety after the pandemic. As such, it’s always a good time for a reminder and review to keep you safe on the road.

Here are some helpful reminders on how to stay safe while driving and manage accidents.

Stay Visible

Be vigilant in making yourself visible and obvious to other drivers. Avoid hanging out in blindspots as you pass or overtake on the inside. Be aware of your vehicle in relation to others, especially around semi trucks— if you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you. 

Motorcyclists are at greater risk on roadways, as they are difficult to see and stop quicker than other vehicles. If you notice a motorcycle on the roadway, maintain awareness of its position relevant to you. If you’re on a motorcycle, don’t assume cars can see you.

Being visible also means using your signals, ensuring your taillights are on and brake lights are functional.

Be Defensive

It’s never safe to assume that other drivers will adhere to the rules of the road or prioritize safety. Be a defensive driver and maintain constant awareness of your surroundings. Try to anticipate what other drivers might do.

For example, if you have a green light but notice an oncoming driver is quickly approaching the red, it’s better to slow down than risk being hit. If you notice someone driving erratically or taking risks, put as much distance between you and them as possible.

Avoid Distractions

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents. Distractions range from mobile phone use or conversations with passengers to zoning out and turning on “autopilot.” 

Remember that your main priority behind the wheel is driving— not changing the music or answering texts. If something is urgent, find a safe place to pull over and deal with it.

Lots of Tennessee drivers have learned from their trusted Chattanooga car accident attorney how even small distractions can lead to serious collisions and costly legal consequences. These professionals often stress the importance of maintaining focus and following traffic laws to protect both yourself and others on the road.

Stay Calm

Controlling your emotions is essential both on the road and after an accident. Reports of road rage-induced violence are on the rise. When you experience frustration while driving, your autonomic nervous system (ANS) takes over. This system increases your heart rate and floods your bloodstream with adrenaline, making it difficult to make rational decisions.

If you get in an accident, take some breaths before interacting with the other party. This effort will help you stay focused on documenting the scene.

Create a Contingency Plan

Having a contingency plan for the worst-case scenario is the best way to stay safe if an accident occurs. 

Understanding the steps to take after an accident will also help you follow a process when your body is flooded with adrenaline. If you get in an accident, you should:

  • Get to a safe space
  • Take photos of the scene
  • Make notes about what happened
  • Calmly exchange information with the other party
  • Call the authorities
  • Get contact information from witnesses
  • Contact an attorney
  • Contact your insurance provider

Having a clear contingency plan will protect your best interests after an accident.

Most motor vehicle accidents that take place are preventable. Drive safely and be defensive to stay alive.

7 Common Exhaust System Issues And How To Avoid Them

By
SM
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Close up of car exhaust system pipe at garage, automotive car service

Your vehicle’s exhaust system plays an essential role in the overall functionality. It’s responsible for moving the engine fumes to the back of your car, minimizing the emission of toxic fumes, and regulating the noise the combustion produces.   

Overlooking proper maintenance of the exhaust system can bring about several issues. Some problems may arise from poor vehicle performance, diminished gas mileage, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Depending on the seriousness of the issues you’re facing with your car’s exhaust system, consider checking out a reliable source of replacements, including exhausts, universal car mufflers, catalytic converters, and oxygen sensor accessories.  

Here are some common problems with the exhaust system you should be familiar with and how to avoid them.  

  1. Rust Formation  

As the exhaust system ages, rust will likely form over time. However, most car owners notice the formation later. Generally, the rust is due to exposure to rain, snow, and salt on roads during bad weather conditions. As the rust continues to form perforations in your vehicle’s exhaust system, it’s only a matter of time before moving over a pothole will knock the exhaust loose.  

If you want to avoid ending up losing your exhaust, make it a priority to keep an eye out for any signs of rust formation and consider using ceramic fibre tape for added protection. Make sure to do routine inspections for signs of rust. You can also hire a mechanic to remove it or do it yourself with a rust remover spray. Any components that show significant rust should undergo replacement right away.  

  1. Defective Exhaust Manifold Gasket  

The main function of the exhaust manifold gasket is to create a secure point between the cylinder head and gasket, preventing gas from leaking into the system. This ensures the gas leaves the vehicle safely through the tailpipe. Once the exhaust manifold gasket starts to malfunction, expect a tapping or hissing noise in your engine. When you accelerate or start your car, the noise is obvious.

  1. Obstruction In The Catalytic Converter  

A catalytic converter transforms harmful fumes into less dangerous exhaust fumes, usually situated next to the exhaust manifold. Once blockage happens, problems will start to manifest. In most cases, the vehicle may no longer reach its usual power level, along with the distinctive rotten smell, and the car’s flooring may feel warm. 

  1. Unsecure Brackets  

Another common issue with the exhaust system is loose brackets. The brackets are responsible for securing the exhaust system in the proper position. Once they loosen up due to wear and tear, you’ll likely hear a rattle-like sound below your vehicle. The brackets could become too flimsy or fall off, causing the exhaust pipe to sag on the road.

Driving will cause damage to an exhaust pipe if it drags on the pavement. You can avoid this by regularly checking the brackets to ensure they’re securely fastened.

  1. Flawed AdBlue System 

If you currently have a modern model, most are equipped with a selective catalytic reduction system that lowers nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The system works by injecting AdBlue, an aqueous urea solution, into your vehicle’s exhaust system. Moreover, the presence of ammonia in AdBlue reacts with NOx to generate harmless water and nitrogen to lower the NOx emissions significantly. 

Unfortunately, the system is likely to give rise to several issues, including limitations on speed and the inability to start the engine. In such circumstances, it would require reprogramming and deactivating the system. 

  1. Leaks In The Exhaust System

An exhaust leak can happen anywhere within the exhaust system. Aside from exposure to exhaust emissions and carbon monoxide hazards, expect turbulent vibrations when using your vehicle. The shaking can occur in either the steering wheel or gas pedal, making it challenging to control your car and putting you at risk for accidents on the road.  

Once you notice any vibrations in your vehicle, timely action is necessary to have it inspected for an exhaust leak. Other indications of leaks include a flashing check engine light or an unusual noise from beneath your car. Aside from the vibrations, there may also be a whistle-like sound from the engine bay. 

  1. Faulty Oxygen Sensor  

The oxygen sensors within the exhaust system are responsible for balancing the air-fuel mixture. Once the sensors start to malfunction, it allows the emission of more gas, which brings several issues. One example is when the catalytic converter ends up with a blockage. As a result, your vehicle will usually not gain as many miles per gallon, and your vehicle may no longer function optimally.  

Final Thoughts 

The exhaust system greatly influences the overall functionality of your car. You have likely encountered issues with your exhaust system at some point, such as rust, loose brackets, exhaust leaks, and a faulty oxygen sensor, to name a few. Remember that these issues require timely intervention to restore the optimal functioning of your vehicle while ensuring safety at all times.

Haas F1 signs Hülkenberg, releases Schumacher, for 2023 F1 season

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Dan Istitene - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images.

Haas F1 Team announced that veteran Nico Hülkenberg will be returning to Formula One competition on a full-time basis and compete for the Kannapolis-based organization for the 2023 season, where he will be replacing Mick Schumacher.

The announcement comes ahead of this weekend’s season-finale event at Yas Marina Circuit for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which will conclude the 2022 FIA Formula World Championship season. It also comes after months of speculation and following a season-long struggle for Schumacher, who will compete for the organization for a final time this upcoming weekend.

“I’m very happy to move into a full-time race seat with Haas F1 Team in 2023,”  Hülkenberg said. “I feel like I never really left Formula 1. I’m excited to have the opportunity to do what I love the most again and want to thank Gene Haas and Günther Steiner for their trust. We have work ahead of us to be able to compete with all the other teams in the midfield, and I cannot wait to join that battle again.”

For Hülkenberg, the 35-year-old native from Emmerich, Germany, has made a total of 181 career starts in F1 competition, which commenced in 2010 when he competed for AT&T Williams. He last competed as a full-time F1 competitor in 2019, where he drove for the Renault F1 Team and finished in 14th place in the driver’s standings on a strength of 10 top-10 points-paying results and 37 recorded points. 

After competing as an interim competitor for Racing Point in two Grand Prix events in 2020, Hülkenberg has since spent the previous two seasons as a reserve and development competitor for the Aston Martin F1 Team, which was rebranded from Racing Point. For this season, he replaced four-time champion Sebastian Vettel for the first two Grand Prix events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia after Vettel tested positive for COVID-19. He finished 17th at Bahrain before rallying to finish 12th in Saudi Arabia.

While he has yet to achieve his maiden podium and victory in F1 competition, Hülkenberg has a single pole position to his resume, which was made during the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos Circuit, along with 43 laps led, 521 recorded points and an average-finishing result of 11.5 in 181 career starts. His best on-track result in F1 is fourth place, which he achieved during the 2012 Belgium Grand Prix, the 2013 Korean Grand Prix and the 2016 Belgium Grand Prix.

“I’m naturally very pleased to be welcoming Nico Hülkenberg back to a full-time racing role in Formula 1,” Guenther Steiner, Team Principal of Haas F1 Team, said. “The experience and knowledge base Nico brings to the team is clear to see – with nearly 200 career starts in Formula 1 – and a reputation as being a great qualifier and a solid, reliable racer. These are attributes, which when you pair them together with Kevin Magnussen’s experience, gives us a very credible and well-seasoned driver line-up which we believe will help push the team onwards up the grid. That’s obviously the goal and it was that ambition that has prompted Nico’s return to Formula 1 – he shares our vision and can be a key player together with the rest of the team in building on the foundations we’ve laid this year with our return to the points battle.”

Hülkenberg’s addition to Haas F1 Team will mark the conclusion of Schumacher’s two-year run in F1 competition that started in 2021, when he was hired to join the organization alongside newcomer Nikita Mazepin. By then, Schumacher, the son of seven-time F1 champion, Michael, had achieved the 2020 Formula 2 championship with Prema Racing. Despite recording an average-finishing result of 16.9 and finishing no higher than 12th place during his rookie season, Schumacher retained his seat at Haas for this season.

Throughout his second-year campaign in F1 competition, Schumacher struggled with maintaining on-track consistency and has had several incidents throughout the season that has cost Haas millions in damage repair. The low point was having to withdraw from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in March following a high-impact wreck during a qualifying session. He managed to record his maiden top-10 result of this season along with his maiden F1 points at Silverstone Circuit in July. He backed it up during the following Grand Prix event at the Red Bull Ring by finishing in a career-best sixth place. With an average-finishing result of 14.0 throughout the 2022 season, however, Schumacher is mired back in a tie for 16th place in the driver’s standings with Scuderia AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda with 12 points.

“I would like to thank Mick Schumacher for his contribution to the team over the past couple of years,” Steiner added. “Mick’s pedigree in the junior categories was well known and he has continued to grow and develop as a driver in his time with Haas F1 Team – culminating in his first Formula 1 points-scoring successes earlier this season. While choosing to go in separate directions for the future, the entire team wishes Mick well for the next steps in his career path and beyond.”

Following the news of his release, Schumacher took to social media to offer his statement and gratitude to Haas F1 while his future for next season remains uncertain.

https://twitter.com/SchumacherMick/status/1593107190063435776?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

For the 2023 F1 season, Hülkenberg will compete for Haas F1 Team alongside Kevin Magnussen, who will remain with the American organization as part of a multi-year basis. Magnussen, who reunited with Haas F1 following a one-year absence, is ranked in 13th place in the driver’s standings on the strength of six top-10 results and 25 points. He is also coming off his maiden pole position at Interlagos Circuit for the São Paulo Grand Prix.

Once the 2022 F1 season concludes, Hülkenberg’s work with Haas F1 Team will commence on November 22 by participating in an F1 test at Yas Marina Circuit, where he will drive the Haas’ VF-22 alongside Pietro Fittipaldi, Haas’ test and reserve competitor.

Entering this weekend’s season-finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit, Haas F1 Team are ranked in eighth place in the constructors’ standings with 37 points as they look to cap off the 2022 season on a strong note.

The 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship season is set to conclude at Yas Marina Circuit for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which will occur on Sunday, November 20.

NASCAR Announces Launch of NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race

By
Official Release
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NASCAR racing will take place in 12 countries on three continents

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov 16, 2022) — NASCAR today announced the creation of NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, the sanctioning body’s fourth international series and first in South America. The series, which will begin competition in 2023, is a partnership between NASCAR and the GT Sprint Race series in Brazil.

NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race joins the NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Pinty’s Series (Canada) and NASCAR Whelen Euro Series as the fourth international series racing under the NASCAR banner. In 2023, NASCAR racing will take place in 12 different countries on three continents.

“Brazil is a vibrant country, rich in motorsports culture and community, and the perfect location for our first series in South America,” said Chad Seigler, NASCAR Vice President of International. “NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race will allow us to showcase the exciting side-by-side racing that defines NASCAR while giving Brazilian race fans a series to which they feel connected. It is our hope and intention that this series also opens more pathways for the country’s best drivers, mechanics and engineers to advance to NASCAR’s national series in the United States, the worldwide pinnacle of stock car racing.”

“NASCAR is an iconic American sport, and we are honored to join forces to create NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race,” said Carlos Col, General Partner, NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race. “GT Sprint Race has delivered exciting racing to fans since 2012 and this partnership will help take it to the next level with the introduction of more NASCAR-style racing, including future races on oval tracks. This is an historic day for motorsports in Brazil, and one that will benefit race fans across the country.”

GT Sprint Race was founded in 2012 by Thiago Marques, a former standout stock car driver in Brazil, with the goal of balancing high levels of competition, performance and safety. The 2022 schedule included 18 sprint races over nine weekends at road courses across Brazil, including Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace (Interlagos) in São Paulo. The 2023 schedule will be released at a future date.

Brazil’s strong motorsports culture has extended to NASCAR over the past 20 years. Three Brazilian-born drivers have competed in NASCAR in the United States – Christian Fittipaldi made 15 Cup Series starts in 2003, Nelson Piquet Jr. started 83 races across NASCAR’s three national series from 2010-16 winning three times, and Miguel Paludo has 81 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, including three this past season.

Through a partnership with Bandeirantes, all NASCAR Cup Series races and select Xfinity Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races are shown on Band Sports. NASCAR is currently broadcast in 195 countries and territories, reaching over 500 million households.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Pinty’s Series (Canada), NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in 12 countries and more than 30 U.S. states. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

Ford Performance NASCAR: Ryan Preece Media Availability Transcript

By
Official Release
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Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Earlier today, Stewart-Haas Racing announced that Ryan Preece will be taking over as driver of the No. 41 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series. Preece is coming off a season that saw him serve as the organization’s reserve driver, competing in a limited number of events in all three of NASCAR’s top series. He ran in 15 combined races during the 2022 season, registering one win in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Nashville.

RYAN PREECE, No. 41 Stewart-Haas Racing Mustang – IT’S BEEN A BUSY MORNING, BUT WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY? “A busy morning is definitely a good way of putting it. Last night, there’s just been a lot to think about over the last week or so, just things have been happening so fast, but, to me, this is a great opportunity. This is a second chance and something where I’ve won in everything I’ve ever been in. I’ve won so many different championships at a local level, whether it was track championships or regional championships it’s just been something where I’ve learned how to be a winner and I wanted to do it at NASCAR’s highest level. I’ve bet on myself a lot throughout my career, and KHI has bet on me as well when they helped me do those two truck races a year ago and we were able to go out and win Nashville, so it’s a great opportunity for me to do it with Ford Performance and Stewart-Haas Racing. I’m ready. I hear everybody talking about being ready for the off-season and kind of just disconnecting and decompressing, but I’m certainly not in any position to do something like that. I’ve never been able to turn off that switch anyways, so I’m ready to jump in.”

DID YOU TURN DOWN ANY RIDES JUST ON THE FAITH THAT THIS ONE WOULD COME THROUGH? IF SO, WHY? “That’s a good point. I did turn down truck opportunities, Xfinity opportunities. There were quite a few different teams that came to me, whether they were full-time or part-time, and I thought about if there was the smallest bit of opportunity for me to end up at Stewart-Haas, I wasn’t gonna walk away. I was willing to sit there until there was absolutely no hope and possibly be jobless, possibly not have a ride, but I was willing to take that risk. Ultimately, it’s worked out and this opportunity has come. It’s kind of like when I think back to 2017 and the risk that I took then. It’s five years later and I think about that risk and think to myself, ‘Man, that could have gone way different,’ just like this could have gone way different, but I’ve never been the conservative type of person. I’m willing to risk it all and it’s worked out. It’s a great opportunity and something that not only myself, but my fans and a lot of the northeast has been very vocal about it, and I’m not saying – Tad and Jodi Geschickter were great to me and it just didn’t work out with us. It didn’t work out how either of us would have liked it to, but this is that next opportunity and something that, like I said, I’ve won so many races at different tracks and championships that this is what I’ve been trying to do all my life at NASCAR’s highest level.”

WHY WILL YOU WIN WITH THIS OPPORTUNITY WHEN YOU COULDN’T AT JTG? “It’s just within the team’s building there’s a lot of pieces to the puzzle and that’s something that I feel is extremely important. This year when I was doing the sim work and just being around the teams, it’s kind of seeing a first-hand look at how Kevin and Rodney work their relationship or even Chase with theirs. It’s kind of an eye-opening experience, but I’ve learned what I need as a race car driver in order to communicate or get the most out of the people that are working with me, or what I can do better, so it’s a second chance, but, at the same time, there’s a lot to be said for having OEM support and having Ford Performance in your corner and everything that they bring to our table creates a great opportunity for myself.”

DO YOU HAVE ANY INPUT ON YOUR CREW CHIEF? “That’s still something that’s being worked through.”

WHAT HAVE THE EMOTIONS BEEN LIKE THESE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS? “I’d say it’s definitely a feeling of relief. It’s something that it still really hasn’t sunk in. It’s definitely sunk in a little more than yesterday, but it’s that opportunity that being able to – first off, I’ve been somebody who has driven Fords all my life and to be associated with Ford Performance and Stewart-Haas Racing, somebody who I have idolized as well, just as a grassroots racer I’ve done the grind. I’ve done as much as you can possibly can on a short track level trying to make it and the sacrifice that I’ve done to get to this point, so it’s definitely a feeling of relief and I’m really looking forward. It’s crazy, the season just ended for most, but I’m ready to start the season and get working with the team and hopefully start off running.”

ONLY TWO STARTS IN THE NEXT GEN LAST YEAR. WHAT DID YOU LEARN? “I actually did three because I did L.A., Dover and Charlotte, so I was actually watching Charlotte’s practice last night as well as Dover’s and even qualifying, so I’m already looking back and trying to see some of the things that can help you going forward, but the car is just so different from what it was years ago to the old car, and I think that’s just a process that everybody is working through right now – the drivers, the teams. It’s a constantly evolving sport and something that everybody is learning about it. We haven’t had anything like this, so I’m looking forward to being a part of the process and just really trying to get ahead of that curve and win some races. That’s what I have to do in order to succeed, so that’s what we’re gonna try and do.”

WHAT DID THINGS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU THIS YEAR WHEN YOU WEREN’T RACING? “That’s a good question. I’ve already been trying to structure my days so I feel like they’re the most benefit to everybody, whether that’s spending time with the pit crew. I had this conversation with one of the guys from the 41 team and how beneficial would it be for me driving the pit car a couple times a week just so they’re used to how I enter the box because we’ve seen how important that is. Three-tenths of a second didn’t necessarily make or break you before with track position and now three-tenths of a second is like a second-and-a-half from what it used to be, so it’s just making sure that I’m doing all the little things and being a part of that process I’ve been talking about and just maximizing everything and anything that you can as a race car driver and being the most prepared that you can be.”

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU PERSONALLY? A LOT OF GUYS WHO LOSE CUP RIDES DON’T GET THEM BACK. “Usually, it works the other way around. Usually, when you go out of the Cup Series full-time, you tend to be part-time and then it seems like your career could be over. This is that shot in the arm or shot of adrenaline that I feel like my career needed. My career in general has been unorthodox anyways. Most people, what makes the difference between winning and this opportunity more than JTG, I guess you could ask the same thing on why I didn’t win in 2016, or what made the difference between me winning in 2016 versus 2017 or ‘18. It’s just what I need as a race car driver to succeed I see the same things at SHR that I felt like I needed at JGR and that’s ultimately what it’s gonna come down to.”

HAVE YOU HAD ANY CONVERSATIONS WITH COLE ABOUT THIS? “I haven’t. I’ve known Cole a long time. We were actually in NASCAR Next together and I have a lot of respect for him. It’s just the way things worked out, so I’m looking forward to having the opportunity that’s in front of me and thankful for all the people and everything that we have going into the off-season.”

HOW DID YOU CONFIDENCE CHANGE AS THE SEASON PROGRESSED? “I can tell you there’s been a lot of deep breaths and a lot of nights where you try to think of what more can you do? What more can you say? There are so many different factors when it comes to getting an opportunity like this. It takes people that believe in you. It takes sponsors that believe in you. It takes the blessing from multiple different people. I mean, I’m pretty sure that there were a lot of people that are really close to me that thought I was crazy a month-and-a-half ago, where people are asking you to drive their race cars and you’re basically saying I can’t walk away from it. I’m not willing to do that. I’m not gonna look in the mirror, like I said earlier, and wonder that if I waited – it could have been a day, it could have been hours, it could have been a week, I don’t know – but I wasn’t willing to walk away from it, which might seem crazy to most, but, to me, it made perfect sense. I hoped for the best and I did all the things that I felt like I could do to help push it along and, at the end of the day, it took everything and everyone to make it happen and it’s happened.”

REPORTS SAID THAT TONY STEWART WAS PUSHING HARD FOR YOU TO GET THIS OPPORTUNITY. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE TONY GO TO BAT FOR YOU? “It’s just like I say about Kevin, it’s moments like that that you never forget, and the respect that you have for people like him. I have a lot of respect for guys like Gene as well and everybody in this industry, but Tony – I remember I was sitting at home on my couch when somebody sent me the screenshot of what was taking place a month ago. That could have gone either way, so a guy like Tony Stewart – I’ve always been a huge of USAC Midgets and sprint cars and Silver Crowns. That’s something my father used to take me to when I was racing quarter midgets a long time ago. I have a diecast that is a Bass Pro midget that I still have in the sprint car, and I’ve just been a fan of his since I was a little kid. I remember I had a broken wrist way back when I was 15 or 14 years old and he was racing a modified at Loudon and he signed my cast for me. There’s a lot of memories there and to have a guy like him in your corner trying to help you fight for that opportunity because sometimes it just takes somebody cracking that door open so you can bust through it and ultimately it’s taken a lot of people to do this. LIke I said about Kevin, Kevin has been a huge part in creating opportunities for me and letting me do what I can do and show everyone that I can win.”

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE COLE AS FAR AS GETTING BACK TO THE CUP SERIES ONE DAY? “I think Cole is gonna be fine. He’s gonna go and I feel like they’re gonna succeed. It’s not easy by any means. It wasn’t easy going into the off-season myself in November and December and really not knowing what I was doing until January. This sport is as much mental as it is anything. Like I said, I know Cole and he’s a great guy and I wish nothing but the best and, obviously, I’m gonna see him around plenty. I hope it goes really well.”

YOU FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS YESTERDAY, CORRECT? “Correct.”

CAN YOU SET THE SCENE FOR HOW THAT HAPPENED AND WHAT YOU WERE DOING? “It’s just been a wild ride, let’s just put it that way. There’s really no moment where I could pinpoint and say, ‘Oh man, this is happening or it’s not happening.’ But it really wasn’t until late last night that I think everything really, ultimately was coming together.”

HOW DID YOU APPROACH THIS LAST YEAR WITH NO GUARANTEES? WHAT DID YOU FEEL LIKE YOU COULD DO TO PROVE TO EVERYONE THAT YOU COULD THRIVE WITH A CUP OPPORTUNITY? “You’ve been around me a long time. You’ve gotten to know me more than just Ryan Preece the Cup driver, but Ryan Preece the racer, and who I am and how relentless I’m willing to be. You’ve been around us modified racers and we’re just a different breed. We’re relentless and I’m relentless, so I think a lot of people have seen that this year. I feel like the perception or really who I am I’ve won in anything and everything I’ve ever been in and this isn’t gonna change. I don’t feel like I don’t know how to drive a race car or win in the Cup Series, so it’s maximizing the little opportunities that you can get. I feel like there was a few other opportunities where sometimes things don’t go your way and we could have had a few more truck wins, but it was maximizing things I could maximize and I feel like all those things came together as well as having the support from different partners and all those things that are coming together. There’s so much to it, but dating back, what I’m proud of is, actually, I got a text earlier from a guy – Ken Schrader. I’ll tell you guys a quick little story. I remember I met Ken Schrader about three years ago because I was renting a race shop that David Ragan owned but bought it through Ken Schrader. I didn’t know Ken. All I knew was who he was and how bad-ass it would be to see a guy like him in person show up at your shop, and he texted me and said that this one is a check box for the grassroots guys. For those of you that follow local racing – Kyle Larson follows the World of Outlaws. I follow the Modified Tour and modified racing, so I have competitors that I race against at that level texting me congratulations. I have their respect. I have respect of people – my elders and people that I respect, so I think that’s just what I’m really gonna work on this year is being more of a voice for all the guys that I’ve raced against or watch on the grassroots level and try to succeed for all of them.”

DO YOU APPROACH THIS YEAR LIKE A ROOKIE AGAIN? “No. I think I have enough experience and people know who I am or have been around me enough. There’s definitely a truth to the racing up front. It’s a respect more than anything, so I would say you have to earn the respect of the people that are racing in the top five or top 10 week in and week out, but that’s something that I’ve done my entire career and I’ll continue to do that. It’s no different than I’ll use one example. Ross is somebody I was teammates with and before this year did you guys write him as going to the playoffs for the final four or see him as a contender week in and week out? A lot of that comes down to how bad somebody wants it and what they’re willing to do, and I think my past experiences show that I’m willing to do whatever it takes. I’m not willing to lose. I’m not willing to fail.”

ROSS CHASTAIN, JOSH BERRY AND TY MAJESKI ALL RACED FOR CHAMPIONSHIPS IN THEIR SERIES THIS YEAR. DO YOU FEEL TEAMS ARE MORE OPEN TO THOSE TYPE OF GUYS OR MORE AVENUES ARE OPEN FOR THESE OPPORTUNITIES? “I think the cream rises to the top at the end of the day. I think there’s something to be said about that, but we’ve all had our different ways of going about it. I’ve never run a full-time deal with an Xfinity or Truck team to go after those opportunities, but I have helped get teams to the owner’s championship final four or even give them an opportunity like we did with the 17 this year, so I’ve been a part of this process. I’ve been a part of that process it’s just really difficult to go back and go into detail of how all of our careers are so different yet so close and similar, but we’re all representing that grassroots racing brand. Josh Berry is a late model stock guy in North Carolina. Ty Majeski is a super late model standout from up in Wisconsin, and I’m just a modified guy from Connecticut. We’ve all been champions or won lots and lots of races, but we’ve had to dig deep, we’ve had to fight for every opportunity because we don’t necessarily have the easy path of having the funding that it takes to make some of these cars or some of these organizations run. The little opportunities that we do get we have to take advantage of them. There are no second chances typically. This is a second chance for me, but they’re few and far between. I would say that there’s been a lot of past experiences that I can learn from and I feel like I have been learning from, but it’s gonna be a grind and I’m certainly excited for it.”

DO YOU FEEL A RESPONSIBILITY ON HOW YOU VIEW YOUR ROLE WITH THE GRASSROOTS RACERS? “There’s absolutely a responsibility to it and that’s something that I think I can do a better job at and I could have done a better job at it the first time, but it’s certainly something that I carry proudly. I’m from the grassroots. I’m from Stafford Speedway. This year, I’ve pulled plenty of all-nighters working to try and win races, which we did, and that’s a small glimpse of what a racer, in my eyes anyways or where I’m from is what we are. It’s what I was taught growing up, whether it’s trying to go to the racetrack on a Friday or Saturday night or a Thursday or a Sunday or something you need to get done. Racing has taught me so much. I’m gonna try and do a better job to not only speak on it, but represent it and be who I am and be a little bit more open on this is what I think a racer is and what I want to be as a race car driver.”

Chicagoland Law Firm, Cronauer Law Joins NASCAR Driver Spencer Boyd in 2023

By
Official Release
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01-25-19 Young's Motorsports Photo Shoot with Gus Dean, Spencer Boyd, Tyler Dippel and Tyler Young. photo credit TKP-Photography/Tami Pope.

Mooresville, NC (November 16, 2022) – On the heels of tickets going on sale for NASCAR’s first ever Chicago Street Race weekend, Spencer Boyd announced today that Cronauer Law, an Illinois law firm will be joining his sponsor line-up for 2023. Cronauer Law’s season-long engagement will be highlighted with their own paint scheme when the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series goes back to The Milwaukee Mile next summer.

NASCAR’s return to The Milwaukee Mile is going back to the Craftsman Truck Series roots as the track was on the inaugural schedule in 1995.

“It’s a big deal for NASCAR to be going back to the Chicagoland area and The Milwaukee Mile,” noted Boyd. “I’m thrilled that Cronauer Law, a local firm, will be able to be a part of NASCAR in the area in this way. This is so cool for Craftsman to come back to our series and for Milwaukee to be on the schedule. That race that Mike Skinner won on July 1, 1995 was the first NASCAR race I was alive for. Knowing my family, we probably watched it but not sure I remember it all too well!”

The legal team at Cronauer Law has earned a national reputation for aggressive trial advocacy and real results. In fact, they have won millions in verdicts and settlements and even set records with their victories. From cases involving catastrophic personal injuries to vehicle accidents, Cronauer Law is trusted from coast to coast. They are proud to offer 100% free, confidential consultations.

Nicholas Cronauer, attorney and principal of the firm and motorsports enthusiast, said “We are excited to partner with Spencer as he continues his quest on the Craftsman Truck Series circuit. The Milwaukee Mile is the best place to showcase Cronauer Law as a majority of our clients are from Northern Illinois and can’t wait to help bring the excitement from the NASCAR Chicago race to Milwaukee.”

Cronauer Law has been awarded several accolades from top 10 verdicts and settlements to top 10 under 40 attorneys in recent years. They recently secured a $4 million verdict in a vehicle related dram shop case.

Spencer added, “These attorneys are clearly highly skilled at their job and as such I’d like them to investigate a couple of the wrecks from this past season if you know what I mean!”

Specifics around the NASCAR Craftsman Trucks Series race on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at The Milwaukee Mile will be announced in the coming months and will air live on FS1.

About Cronauer Law

For over 10 years, Cronauer Law has been helping people injured by people, places, and things. From car crashes to medical malpractice, auto defect cases, and workers compensation injuries; Cronauer Law has secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements to compensate those who were injured. Our team has the experience to investigate, work, and resolve your case to get you the results you deserve. Visit RealAttorneysRealResults.com or call us at 815-895-8585 to see what we can do for you.

‘I’m not willing to lose. I’m not willing to fail.’ – Ryan Preece

By
Angie Campbell
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Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

Stewart-Haas Racing announced today that Ryan Preece will move to a full-time position with the team in 2023, driving the No. 41 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series.

He will replace Cole Custer who has driven the SHR No. 41 since 2020 with one Cup Series win at Kentucky Speedway. Custer will remain with the team but return to the Xfinity Series where he has 10 wins, highlighted by seven victories during the 2019 season.

Preece’s promotion signifies the end of a somewhat unique alliance. In January 2022 Preece was signed as a reserve driver for the organization while also competing on a limited schedule in all three of NASCAR’s top series. His results included one Camping World Truck Series win at Nashville Superspeedway.

Though it was an unconventional arrangement with no guarantee that it would evolve into a full-time position, Preece seized the opportunity. It was a calculated decision by the Berlin, Connecticut native, who made his mark in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, winning the championship in 2013 and earning 25 career wins.

But despite his success across multiple series, he wanted more.

“This is a second chance and something where I’ve won in everything I’ve ever been in. I’ve won so many different championships at a local level, whether it was track championships or regional championships, it’s just been something where I’ve learned how to be a winner and I wanted to do it at NASCAR’s highest level.”

And for Preece, it was a gamble he was willing to take.

“This could have gone way different, but I’ve never been the conservative type of person. I’m willing to risk it all and it’s worked out.

“I did turn down truck opportunities, Xfinity opportunities,” he added. “There were quite a few different teams that came to me, whether they were full-time or part-time, and I thought about if there was the smallest bit of opportunity for me to end up at Stewart-Haas, I wasn’t gonna walk away. I was willing to sit there until there was absolutely no hope and possibly be jobless, possibly not have a ride, but I was willing to take that risk.”

As an added bonus, Preece heads into next season with the support of team co-owner, Tony Stewart, who reportedly was one of the main factors in the decision to promote Preece.

“To have a guy like him in your corner trying to help you fight for that opportunity because sometimes it just takes somebody cracking that door open so you can bust through it,” he said, “and it’s taken a lot of people to do this.

“Ultimately, it’s worked out and this opportunity has come.”

Preece is determined to make the most of it.

“A lot of that comes down to how bad somebody wants it and what they’re willing to do, and I think my past experiences show that I’m willing to do whatever it takes.

“I’m not willing to lose. I’m not willing to fail.”

CORVETTE RACING AT BAHRAIN: Straight Into 2023 Prep

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Official Release
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FIA WEC test in Bahrain sees Keating, prospective drivers behind wheel of C8.R

SAKHIR, Bahrain (Nov. 16, 2022) – Shortly after closing its season with a heroic runner-up class finish in the Eight Hours of Bahrain for the FIA World Endurance Championship, Corvette Racing was back on-track for a one-day test ahead of the team’s 2023 campaign.

Ben Keating, already confirmed to drive the Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette C8.R next year in the WEC, got his first laps in the mid-engine racer Sunday along with two prospective teammates: Axcil Jefferies and Nicolas Varrone. Once a final decision comes, the three will focus on winning races and a championship in the GTE Am category – the first season for Corvette Racing in the class after a decade-plus as part of GTE Pro.

The sporting rules of the GTE Am category require at least one Bronze-level driver – Keating in this case – as rated by the FIA. One professional-level driver – Catsburg – is allowed along with a second Bronze or Silver-rated driver. That trio will contest the full seven-race WEC calendar including the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.

Corvette Racing ended its first full FIA WEC season with a runner-up finish by Tommy Milner and Nick Tandy in the No. 64 Corvette. The team will open the 2023 season with the 1,000 Miles of Sebring on March 17.

LAURA WONTROP KLAUSER, GM SPORTS CAR RACING PROGRAM MANAGER: “First off, thanks to Nick Tandy for the two years he spent with Corvette Racing and what he did to elevate the team and our program in both IMSA and the WEC. Having he and Tommy Milner as part of our lineup for our first season in WEC was a great experience with some fantastic results.”

(On 2023): “We’re really excited based on the results of our preliminary testing for 2023. Ben got in the car and was strong right off the bat, which is exactly what we expected. We know Nicky (Catsburg) does well based on his history with us. The pace of the silver-rated drivers we tested was good. We’re eager to decide on the right fit to complete our lineup. There is a lot to look forward to in our return to the WEC next year with a competitive team and car in a new class. I feel like we are off to a good start.”

BEN KEATING: “Those first laps were really good. The feel of this car is significantly different than the Aston Martin that I’ve been driving the last two years and the last three days. I don’t know how many laps I did… maybe 10 laps this morning and I’m still learning a lot about the car. It’s very impressive. It’s fun for me as a driver. I think I’ve driven almost every single GTE car now, and they’re all a little bit different in the way you find speed. Obviously the Corvette is no different. You have to learn where to find the speed and how to work the car. It’s been really interesting. In looking at the data, and as an example I was one gear too low in every single corner; I was over-slowing the car in every single corner than what I needed to because my brain isn’t calibrated to how quickly the Corvette can go through a corner. That’s just an example of the things I need to learn, and I’m excited to do that.”

(Outlook for 2023): “I’m really looking forward to running in the Corvette. I pay for all of this racing by selling cars, and I’m super excited to get back into racing a car that I sell back in Texas at my Chevrolet dealerships. I’m super excited to race for an American manufacturer with an American team. Almost everyone in the garage sounds like I do! When we win a race next year, we’ll get to hear the American national anthem. That’ll be special. I’m very excited about what next year holds for us as we learn to gel and as Corvette Racing learns what it’s like to be in GTE Am for the first time.”

NICOLAS VARRONE: “I’m really delighted. Thanks to Ben Keating and Corvette Racing for the opportunity. It’s just an amazing car… a pure racecar that I enjoyed driving. It’s really fun. The brakes surprised me. The braking efficiency is really amazing. There was a learning experience because I’m used to other cars, but the team helped me a lot during the day to try new things and improve every time I went on track. It was good and I enjoyed it a lot.”

AXCIL JEFFERIES: “Honestly the car feels great. Not only that but the team is fun to work with. It’s a really nice group of guys. It was nice getting up to speed with the car. I expected quite a lot from the car. Obviously it’s a factory program and I expected everything set to the highest level, and it really delivered. It would be great if this opportunity could happen in WEC. Let’s see what how it works. I tried my best, and now the decision will be up to the team and Ben.”

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in nearly 80 countries with nearly 2.7 million cars and trucks sold in 2021. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Extreme E announces Season 3 calendar

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Official Release
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16 November 2022, London: Extreme E has today announced its calendar for the upcoming 2023 season, with the series heading to new locations for the first time and revisiting some of the championship’s 2022 favourites.

The sport for purpose championship takes place in off-road locations as part of its mission to drive awareness of climate change issues, such as global warming, melting ice caps, rising sea levels, wildfires and extreme weather, whilst promoting sustainability and the adoption of electric vehicles to help protect the planet.

Extreme E’s third season kicks off once again in Saudi Arabia with the Desert X Prix on March 11-12. If the racing in Saudi Arabia is anything like as exciting as last year’s round in NEOM then Extreme E fans should be in for a treat – as Johan Kristoffersson scored a dramatic victory in the closing stages for Rosberg X Racing (RXR) with a late overtake on ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team’s Laia Sanz.

In May the championship will head back to the UK for its first X Prix in Scotland. At the midway point of the season, Extreme E will return to Sardinia – where it has raced in each of its past two campaigns. The Italian island has been the setting for some incredible on-track actions and some of the series’ most dramatic moments, and more of the same is expected in 2023.

The fourth X Prix of Season 3 will see Extreme race in another new setting, with the championship heading to either the USA for its inaugural round in North America or to the remote parts of Brazil.

Despite being unable to compete in Brazil so far due to Covid restrictions, Extreme E has continued its vital legacy work in the Amazon. Extreme E has partnered with TNC to develop its Amazon-based Legacy Programmes, which funds native forest restoration and a well-established cacao-based agroforestry programme.

With agreements currently being finalised, updates on the fourth slot in the Extreme E race calendar are coming soon.

The final round of Season 3 will take place in a familiar setting, with Extreme E returning to Chile for what is sure to be a thrilling finale on December 2-3.

Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “We have had two spectacular seasons of Extreme E so far and the third promises to be even more thrilling.

“All of us here at Extreme E are looking forward to revisiting some of the amazing race locations we have visited so far, and to build on the impacts we have made in those areas and further develop our vital legacy programmes as we continue to raise awareness of the climate crisis.

“I am proud to see the positive impact our electric series has had and to see what more we can bring to the communities there.

“It is also extremely exciting to potentially add a race in the USA or Brazil to our global championship, while returning to the UK, the birthplace of top level motor racing, is fitting. We cannot wait for the 2023 campaign to begin as the race for the planet continues.”

Extreme E Season 3 calendar (2023):

March 11-12: Saudi Arabia
May 13-14: Scotland
July 8-9: Sardinia, Italy*
September 16-17: Brazil or USA
December 2-3: Chile (tbc)

The St. Helena – the former Royal Mail Ship – provides the championship’s floating centrepiece – carrying the series’ vehicles, logistics equipment and paddock infrastructure as well as playing host to scientific research with its on-board laboratory, all in a bid to lower the impact of the travel logistics compared to air travel.

The on-course action for Season 2 has not concluded yet, however, with a thrilling finale set to take place in Punta del Este, Uruguay, for a four-way title showdown on November 26-27 as the title fight once again goes down to the wire.

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

World Premiere of All-New Prius in Japan

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Official Release
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  • Prius undergoes a complete redesign, with thoroughly refined styling and driving performance delivered in a colorful and exhilarating package
  • The Prius has evolved under the “Hybrid Reborn” concept into an exhilarating package with stylish designs that users will fall in love with at first sight and captivating driving performance. Toyota’s aim was to create a car that owners will continue to love and drive.
  • The new Prius inherits the unique monoform silhouette of the original and employs a wide and low stance with large-diameter tires to create stylish designs that appeal to the senses.
  • With the fifth-generation hybrid system and second-generation TNGA platform, the new Prius delivers comfortable driving performance that makes users want to keep driving.

Toyota City, Japan, Nov 16, 2022 – (JCN Newswire) – Toyota has unveiled the all-new Prius for the first time globally, with Series Parallel Hybrid (HEV) models to launch in winter this year and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models to launch in spring 2023.

Coming with the tagline “Just in time for the 21st century,” the Prius was first launched in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car. The model’s second generation introduced the Prius’ distinctive monoform silhouette for the first time and delivered even better fuel efficiency with the inclusion of an evolved Series Parallel Hybrid System (THSII). The third generation Prius introduced a larger capacity 1.8-liter engine and more efficient hybrid system to not only enhance fuel efficiency but driving performance as well. With the fourth generation, the Prius used the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform for the first time to deliver improved environmental performance and an evolved driving experience.

Meaning “to go before” in Latin, the Prius has led the expansion of HEVs over the 25 years since it was first launched as a new-generation eco-car with outstanding fuel efficiency. Total cumulative sales of the Prius worldwide have reached about 5.05 million units(1), accounting for a reduction equivalent to at least about 82 million tons(2) of CO2 emissions as of March 2022. While the hybrid system had its start with the Prius, almost every model these days, from compact cars to SUVs, minivans, and commercial vehicles, has a hybrid version cherished and enjoyed by countless customers.

While the Prius has played a leading role in driving hybrid use, the current spread of HEVs through a wide range of models means it has reached a turning point.

The development team decided to start from scratch and look at what the Prius needs to remain popular for the next 25 years. Based on a desire to renew the Prius itself and communicate the appeal of hybrid cars to an even wider audience, the Hybrid Reborn concept was created.

The automotive industry is going through a once-in-a-century transformation, with a range of new next-generation powertrain options being developed. For the Prius HEV to continue as the vehicle of choice for the coming generation, the new Prius needed more than its core strength as an environmentally friendly car. Therefore, it was developed as an exhilarating package with, stylish designs that users will fall in love with at first sight and captivating driving performance.

Following Japan, the new Prius will be launched in North America, Europe, and other countries around the world. It will also be offered in Japan through the KINTO(5) car subscription service. Actual details of the service plan will be announced in winter this year.

(1) December 1997 to September 2022 (present).
(2) Based on total cumulative global sales of 4.99 million Prius and Prius PHEV models as of March 2022 according to calculations by Toyota.
(5) Compared to the previous model Prius (1.8-liter HEV).

Detailed information about the all-new Prius, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/38225618.html.

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