TOKYO, Nov 18, 2022 – (JCN Newswire) – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, which receives technical support from Mitsubishi Motors, will participate in the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2022 to be held from November 21st with three Triton rally cars (Group T1 prototype cross-country vehicles).
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart
On the first day of the competition, the team will drive a special stage (SS) in Buriram, northeastern Thailand, followed by a ceremonial start, and then will enter a full-scale stage in Thailand from the 22nd, before reaching the goal in Siem Reap, northwestern Cambodia, on the 26th.
On November 9th, prior to the opening of the AXCR, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart carried out a shakedown of the Triton rally cars that will compete in the AXCR, on the proving ground of Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (MMTh) in Si Racha, Chonburi, Thailand. In previous years, the rally had been run in August during the rainy season, which created challenging routes of mud-clogged roads and river crossings, but this year, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the rally start back to the drier month of November. As a result, in addition to the tough routes, the team is anticipating dry, off-road trails and new challenges including steep gradients.
To prepare for these challenges, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart subjected the Triton rally cars to a total of 1,900 kilometers of endurance testing. After checking the reliability and durability of the rally cars while making final engine and chassis adjustments to deliver both powerful performance and ease of handling, the team was able to confirm that the cars are ready for the rally.
In Leg 0, a total of 56 machines – 21 vehicles in the motorcycle category, 2 in the sidecar category, 32 in the car category, and 1 in the truck category – will run in an opening SS in the city and then participate in the ceremonial start to be held at the Chang Arena. The rally proper begins on the 22nd with Leg 1, and will be competed over courses in the area around Buriram, until Leg 3 on the 24th. Leg 4 on the 25th takes the rally close to the Thailand and Cambodian border before crossing into Cambodia for the final Leg 5 on the 26th, to the finish line near the World Heritage site of Angkor Wat.
Hiroshi Nagaoka, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors, commented: “The accomplished engineers of our development team, who had supported the team in winning numerous victories in the World Rally Championship and Dakar Rally, passed down the technology to our mid-career and younger generations and prepared the rally cars for the grueling AXCR. Under the leadership of team director Hiroshi Masuoka, who has won the Dakar Rally two times in a row, I am confident that the team will come together to deliver a strong performance with Mitsubishi Motors-ness. Please look forward to a great showing from Team Mitsubishi Ralliart.”
Hiroshi Masuoka, team director of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, commented: “To lead the team to victory as team director, I have drawn on my rallying know-how and experience, built the team organization, and worked to hone our cars. The Triton rally cars have improved with every running, and they are now faster, stronger, and tougher. We have a great service organization in place to support the team, allowing the drivers to apply 100 percent of their own potential. The whole team is ready for this tough challenge.”
Daily reports on AXCR special website
Starting on November 21st, the first day of the rally, and continuing to the last leg on November 26th, Mitsubishi Motors will post daily reports on the company’s AXCR special website. www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/innovation/motorsports/axcr2022/
Exhibition of Triton rally car replica in Japan
At the JAF Motorsport Japan 2022 to be held on November 19th and 20th in Odaiba, Tokyo, a Triton rally car AXCR 2022 replica will be on display for the first time in Japan.
Mitsubishi Motors will also display the same car at the company’s headquarter showroom in Tamachi, Tokyo, from November 21st, the first day of the AXCR 2022.
About Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE:7211) –a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan–, is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has about 30,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, mainland China, the Philippines, Viet Nam and Russia. Mitsubishi Motors has a competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and appeals to ambitious drivers willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation. Since the production of our first vehicle more than a century ago, Mitsubishi Motors has been a leader in electrification–launched the i-MiEV –the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, followed by the Outlander PHEV –the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric SUV in 2013. The company announced a three-year business plan in July 2020 to introduce more competitive and cutting-edge models, including the Eclipse Cross (PHEV model), the all-new Outlander and the all-new Triton/L200.
Bobby Michnowicz won the Western States Lightning Sprint Car championship for the sixth time in three years. Windy Michnowicz photo.
(Torrance, CA, November 17, 2022) California Lightning Sprint Car Series legend Bobby Michnowicz celebrated his 59th birthday with a come-from-behind victory in the “6th Annual Western States Lightning Sprints Championship” at Scott Schweitzer’s Bakersfield Speedway. The victory was Michnowicz’s second in a row and fifth of the season. Joining the veteran in victory circle after his triumph in the 25-lap race was David Gasper, who sewed up both the season CLS championship and the title in the “Civil War Series,” and new BCRA champion Matt Land.
Between the CLS and the Bay Cities Racing Association, 23 cars turned out for the final points-paying races in each club’s respective season, and the last round of the “Civil War Series”. At last year’s Western States Championship, San Diego’s AJ Bender turned in the fastest qualifying time of the cars on hand and he later went on to win the main event. Tuesday’s race saw Bender, in Mike Schweitzer’s number 41, get off to the same start when he turned in the quickest qualifying time of the night with a 13.875 in BR Motorsports Time Trials. Eric Greco of Palmdale, who was hoping to chase down Gasper, the defending champion in both the CLS and “Civil War,” was second quickest at 13.927. Seventeen-year-old Gasper logged in the third fastest lap at 14.159. Michnowicz, who lives in Oak Hills, had the 7th-best lap in qualifying at 14.366. That meant if all six of the cars who qualified faster than him finished amongst the first four spots in their heat races, the best the five-time series champion could start in the main event would be 7th. Fortunately for him, things did not turn out that way.
Michnowicz, who started in the second row in Extreme Muffler heat #1, took the lead in the second half of the race, and ran off for a convincing victory. Bakersfield youngster Leland Day placed second with 2022 BCRA champion Matt Land of Elk Grove finishing third. More important than the win for Michnowicz was the fact that Bender finished seventh and out of the invert spots. That ensured Michnowicz of at least starting on the pole of the dash. The dash would set the first three rows for the main. For the moment, Michnowicz was on the pole, but his exact starting spot in the dash would be determined by the final two heat races.
The second eight-lap heat race, which was sponsored by Yoshimura R&D, went to San Diego State University graduate Cody Nye of Camarillo. BCRA’s Harlee Aguilera of Orangevale placed second. Bermuda Dunes driver Ken Coulston, who was only making his second CLS start of the year and his first since April 16th, place third with Greco fourth. Glendora 18-year-old Will Browne, who was the fifth fast qualifier, placed sixth in the heat and that moved Michnowicz to the outside of the front row of the dash. That is exactly where he wanted to be.
In the Saldana Race Products Colleen’s Choice third heat race, 2021 POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Series Champion Grant Sexton smoked the field and won the race by nearly a half lap. However, coming out of turn 4 the final time, the teen star who won the CWS opener at Bakersfield on March 25th, slowed dramatically and coasted across the line for the win over “Rockstar” Jon Robertson of Torrance and Colorado Rapids, Colorado racer Chris Crowder. Unfortunately, that heat win was Sexton’s one and only hurrah of the night as he blew the engine.
For the six-lap dash, Coulston was on the pole and Michnowicz was on the outside. Crowder and Lakewood’s Aiden Lange made up the second row and Gasper and Greco were in row three. In reality, the race was over as soon as it started as Michnowicz leaped into the lead and never looked back. Much to the horror of the competition, that meant he was starting on the pole for the main event. Lange, who was only contesting his third race of the year, was on the outside of the front row. Coulston was on the inside of row two with Greco alongside. Gasper and Crowder started in row three.
As was expected as soon as the green light sent the field on its way, Michnowicz raced into the lead. What was not expected was an almost immediate red flag when Robertson dumped his #42 in turn two. The driver emerged from the crash uninjured, but his car was too damaged to carry on.
To sew up his second straight CLS championship, all Gasper had to do was beat one driver in the main event. When Robertson flipped on the first circuit, that clinched the title for Gasper.
Michnowicz flew back into the lead on the restart over Lange, Crowder, and Greco. The veteran driver had increased his advantage to over five car lengths when a yellow flag flew on lap three as defending race winner Bender’s car went up in a massive plume of white smoke. He stopped by the start-finish line where a small fire broke out. He was done for the night, but if there was any ease of mind to the deal, the crew was happy to see that he did “not window the case” and figured it was a cracked piston or broken ring.
Action resumed with Michnowicz, Lange, Crowder, and Greco making up the top five. Michnowicz quickly put some distance between himself and the competition. Land, who was running in the top 10, left the action when he threw a chain on the fifth circuit.
While Michnowicz was advancing his lead, Crowder slipped into second by getting past Lange on the 10th circuit. One lap later, Michnowicz hit the lap traffic but he only passed one car before the yellow waved again on the 12th go around. This time it came as Coulston, who had been in sixth, rolled to a stop in turn four. That stop wiped out the race-long leader’s advantage, and things were about to get very exciting.
The race restarted with 14 laps remaining. Michnowicz was at the point with Crowder, Lang, Greco, and Gasper in tow. A funny thing happened this time, though. Crowder was not letting Michnowicz get away. He stayed close to the race-long leader and on lap 20, he went to the outside and took the top spot away as they exited turn two. Michnowicz dove to the bottom and pulled even with Crowder going into three, but the new leader had a better drive off four and stayed in the top spot. It went like that for three straight laps before Michnowicz, who stayed dedicated to the bottom, stole the lead back coming off turn four with just two laps to go. Crowder had a look at the outside coming off two on lap 24, but Michnowicz thwarted the effort. From there on, he kept the T Shirts By Timeless/Fabozzi Metalworks/Pflum & Wagner/Super Shox/Outlaw Wings/Kaiser Wheels/Fast Time Studios/Bondio Fabrication #21K in the front and won by two car lengths. It was Michnowicz’s fifth win of 2022. It was also his third in the six-year history of the “Western States Lightning Sprints Championship.” Crowder held on for second with Lange, who had a great run, third. Greco and Gasper, who got stuck behind a lapped car on the final restart, finished fourth and fifth respectively. Yucca Valley’s Seth Dyer was the “Speed Mart/Advanced Racing Suspension/Hepfner Racing Hard Charger.”
All of the extra lap money ended up being split by three drivers. Michnowicz pocketed an extra $595.00. Crowder received an extra $360.00 and Lange collected $295.00.
“That was a good race. I knew if I could stick with it, I could probably get back by him. Chris did a good job and he is a good dude. I really like him, but I did not want him to win tonight,” Michnowicz laughed after the race. “I really like this place. I started racing here in about 1980 or 81 in TQs. I ran sprint, wing sprint cars, focus midgets, midgets, and lightning sprint cars here. It has been very good to me and it is one of my favorite tracks to race at.”
“It is a fun place and I love coming here,” Crowder said afterward. “I have been here three times and finished second in all three. I thought tonight was the night. Apparently not. Bobby is a great friend of mine; I really like him. I love racing with him.”
“Bring home the hardware, that is what it is all about,” Gasper, the now two-time CLS and Civil War Series champ said. “Also making my sponsors proud and putting on a show for the fans. I could not have been out here without my mom and dad. Without them, none of this would have been possible. Kittle Motorsports, Valley Precision Products, Rattlesnake Ridge, Certified Construction, B2 Designs, Carol Plumbing, Capital Label Company, Martin Roofing. If I forgot anyone, I am so sorry. My guys Rowdy, Dwayne, and Harrison, they stuck behind me the whole way through.”
“First I have to thank John Taylor,” newly crowned BCRA champion Land told the appreciative crowd after the race. “He had this car hooked up all year long. It was because of his expertise and his help that we are even able to be here. We were consistent and able to keep it on four wheels throughout the season. Tonight may have not been the showing of that. The car was good and we had it hooked up. John had the car dialed in. Unfortunately, we had a little problem and lost our chain. That ended our night. We were definitely going to try and go hunt for the win tonight.”
When the final checker ended the race, Gasper had a 95-point advantage over second-place Greco. Nigh ended up third. Michnowicz, whose five wins on the year were only second to Gasper’s seven, ended up fourth with Jeff Dyer fifth. Speir sewed up the “Rookie of the Year” award when he ended up sixth in the standings, 25-points ahead of fellow rookie Browne.
Thursday’s race also saw Gasper win his second straight Civil War Series title. Like the regular season standings, Greco was second, 57-points behind the champion. The CLS swept the top five positions in the five-race series with Michnowicz third, Browne fourth and Nigh fifth. BCRA drivers took four of the five spots between sixth and 10th.
While the point season is done, three non-point races remain on the schedule at the Hangtown 100 at the Placerville Speedway this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Gates will open each day at 3:00 p.m. with racing at 6:00. Advance tickets for Placerville are available at https://www.eventsprout.com/event/hangtown-2022. Fans can find the track at 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville. The website is https://www.placervillespeedway.com/ and the track phone is (530) 344-7592.
In addition to its regular sponsors, the CLS would like to thank the following for donating extra lap and contingency money to the Bakersfield purse. Dyer Motorsports, Dave Gasper, Kittle Motorsports, Mike Schweitzer, CLS & BCRA officials, Susie & Don Nelson, P.J. Benedetti, Area 49, Savage Racing, T Shirts By Timeless, Stock Parts Racing and Dick Hindman.
Six Lap Dash: 1. Michnowicz; 2. Lange; 3. Coulston; 4. Greco; 5. Gasper; 6. Crowder
Western States Lightning Sprints Championship Main Event (with starting spots and distances back):
1. Bobby Michnowicz, Oak Hills, CA (1st)
2. Chris Crowder, Colorado Springs CO, (6th) … 0.310
3. Aiden Lange, Lakewood, CA (2nd) 2.972
4. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA (4th) … 3.615
5. David Gasper, Santa Barbara, CA (5th) … 6.651
6. Will Browne, Glendora, CA (12th) … 8.270
7. Cody Nigh, Camarillo, CA (7th) … 9.517
8. Connor Speir, Fillmore, CA (15th) … 10.957
9. Brent Sexton, Lakeside, CA (19th) … 14.257
10. Harlee Aguilera, Orangevale, CA (8th) … 1 Lap
11. Seth Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA (16th) … 1 Lap
12. Leland Day, Bakersfield, CA (9th) … 2 Laps
13. Scotty Kinney, Citrus Heights, CA (17th) … 13 Laps
14. Ken Coulston, Bermuda Dunes, CA (3rd) … 14 Laps
15. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA (14th) … 15 Laps
16. Matt Land, Elk Grove, CA (11th) … 20 Laps
17. A.J. Bender, San Diego, CA (13th) … 23 Laps
18. Pat Kelley, Chino, CA (18th) … 23 Laos
19. Jon Robertson, Torrance, CA (10th) …. 25 Laps
DNS Thomas Meseraull, San Jose, CA
DNS Grant Sexton, Lakeside, CA
DNS Greg Dennett, Livermore, CA
DNS Jacob Magallanes, Pasadena, CA
California Lightning Sprint Car Series Point Standings
1. David Gasper – 2184
2. Eric Greco – 2089
3. Cody Nigh – 1913
4. Bobby Michnowicz – 1886
4. Jeff Dyer – 1777
6. Connor Speir – 1548
7. Will Browne – 1523
8. Jon Robertson – 1246
9. Pat Kelley – 1162
10. Dominic Del Monte – 784
Civil War Series Point Standings
1. David Gasper – CLS – 629
2. Eric Greco – CLS – 572
3. Bobby Michnowicz – CLS – 568
4. Will Browne – CLS – 526
5. Cody Nigh – CLS – 486
6. Harlee Aguilera – BCRA – 415
7. Greg Dennett – BCRA – 403
8. Connor Speir – CLS – 392
9. Matt Land – BCRA – 388
10. Dakota Albright – BCRA – 358
The following companies have become marketing partners with the CLS in 2022. They have offered up more than $13,000.00 in contingencies that will be awarded on top of the regular racing purses and they will be paid out throughout the year. Yoshimura R&D, Hoosier Tires West, T-Shirts By Timeless, Extreme Mufflers, Saldana Racing Products, Rod End Supply, Speed Mart, Cold Fire West, West Evens Motorsports, RC Fuel Injection, Jake Swanson Shock Technology, Advanced Racing Suspensions, CSI Shocks, Eibach Springs, Triple X Race Components, King Racing Products, Hyper Racing Products, Rebel Gears, Vahlco Wheels, Wilwood Disk Brakes, Fuel Safe Systems, MPI, Circle Track Performance, E-Z UP, Hepfner Racing, Smith Titanium, and Hoosier Speed.
If you or your company would like to become a partner of the longtime racing organization, contact Jon Robertson via email at mailto:jon.robertson@sbcglobal.net or by calling (310) 367-9050.
2022 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule
March 25 Bakersfield Speedway Winged – Grant Sexton
April 2 Merced Speedway Non-Wing –– Civil War #1 – David Gasper
April 16 Bakersfield Speedway Winged – A.J. Bender
April 30 Ventura Raceway Winged (Make Up Main) David Gasper
April 30 Ventura Raceway Winged – Bobby Michnowicz
May 14 Bakersfield Speedway Winged – A.J. Bender
May 21 Ventura Raceway Winged – Eric Greco
June 11 Bakersfield Speedway Winged – David Gasper
June 25 Ventura Raceway Winged – David Gasper
July 9 Ventura Raceway Winged – David Gasper
July 23 Ventura Raceway Winged – Dave Gasper
August 6 *Santa Maria Raceway Winged – Brent Sexton
August 26 Silver Dollar Speedway Winged – Civil War #2 – Connor Spier
August 27 Placerville Speedway Winged – Civil War #3 – Bobby Michnowicz
Sept. 10 Lemoore Raceway Winged – Bobby Michnowicz
Sept. 24 Bakersfield Speedway Winged – Civil War #4 – David Gasper
October 8 Mohave Valley Raceway Winged – With SWLS – Brent Sexton
October 29 Ventura Raceway Winged – Bobby Michnowicz
Nov. 15 Bakersfield Speedway Winged – With USAC Midgets – Civil War #5 – Bobby Michnowicz
Nov. 17 Placerville Speedway Non-Wing – With USAC Midgets – No Points
Nov. 18 Placerville Speedway Non-Wing – With USAC Midgets – No Points
Nov. 19 Placerville Speedway Non-Wing – With USAC Midgets – No Points
Whether you live in the suburbs or downtown of a major city, the chances are you will need a car to be able to travel around. However, despite the rewarding benefits you get from owning a vehicle, there are many responsibilities you have to amend as a car owner. One of the most important is to obtain car insurance.
In general, the importance of having the right car insurance coverage cannot be overlooked. It provides you with plenty of benefits, including financial and legal protection against liability, collision, and damages of any kind.
But car insurance can be quite expensive, which is why you should look at various options to try and reduce the premium on your insurance plan. To help you along, we have compiled a list of useful guidelines to help you save money on your car insurance premium.
Search for the best car insurance coverage
The first thing you should do is shop around for the best car insurance coverage. There are many policies available, some of which are mandatory and others that are optional but can greatly benefit you from having them.
Because the rates for these policies vary between regions and insurance companies, it is important that you compare quotes from different providers so you can find the coverage that suits you best.
For instance, if you live in Toronto, CA, and want to obtain car insurance, consider talking with an experienced broker to help you out. The best brokerage will help you pick the proper insurance, so click here and visit to learn more about the mandatory car insurance coverages you need and how you can save on your premiums.
Ask for discounts
If you want to lower your car insurance premium make sure you ask for discounts. While these discounts and their eligibility requirements vary by insurer and area, the most common discount options that are offered to car owners include:
Bundling two or more policies together;
Paying annually;
Increasing the deductible.
For instance, combining your car insurance with your property insurance policy could save up a couple of hundred dollars on each policy. The same rule applies if you have more than one car in your household which allows you to insure all vehicles under one policy, saving you between 10-20% on each one.
Improve your driving habits
One of the things insurance companies considers when granting you car insurance is your driving record. If you are a responsible driver who has not had any serious traffic violations or has not been involved in severe car accidents, then that can help you lower your premium.
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Keep your mileage down
Keeping your mileage down as much as possible is another great way to save on your car insurance premium. This is because the more time you spend on the road, the higher are chances of getting into an accident and sustaining physical injuries and car damage. So, from an insurer’s perspective, you pose a relatively low risk if you are an infrequent driver.
Usually, when seeking a quote, you will most likely be asked to provide an estimate of your mileage. Look for your MOT certificate to see what your mileage is from previous years and use it to calculate your yearly average.
Think carefully about which car you buy
When shopping for a car, pay attention to what type of vehicle you want to buy because that can also affect your car insurance premium. Usually, the more expensive the car is, the higher your premium will be, and there are several reasons for this.
For instance, expensive vehicles will cost more to repair if they get damaged in any way or are in need of replacement parts. Also, these cars tend to be more attractive to car thieves and vandals, increasing the risk of your ride getting stolen or wrecked. So, always do your best to stick with a more affordable model.
Final thoughts
Obtaining car insurance is a necessary task for every car owner. However, because the premiums can be quite expensive, it is advised that you look for various ways to reduce the cost of your coverage. To find out how to do it, refer to our post and learn how you can lower your car insurance premium.
If you have a car, you know it is a big responsibility. Your car is a big investment. If you own a car, you must know how to repair your car yourself. You have to know how to buy the right car replacement parts and maintain your car to keep it in good condition. Without maintenance, you will have to repair your car sooner or later, and you might need to spend a lot of money.
The experience of turning a wrench does not come naturally; it’s something you learn by doing. Even for the most seasoned mechanic, diagnosing a problem and figuring out the best car repair can be stressful.
Gather the right tools
You don’t need to be an experienced mechanic to repair your car yourself. Of course, you can take your car to a professional mechanic and pay them to repair it. But before you do it, you may want to consider some other options.
When it comes to getting your car’s paint job and auto detailing, however, we recommend going to an expert. Professionals like those found at silverstoneautospa.com use only the best products and equipment for auto detailing, ceramic coatings, etc, to restore your car’s shine and glory. They’re affordable and have years of experience, so you can be sure your car will stand out.
You can try to fix some small problems on your own and save money. To do this, you need to buy the right tools for the job. But how can you know what tools you need? There is no simple answer to this question because you can purchase a huge set of tools for your car, but it will cost you a lot of money. So you need to choose the most important ones.
Check detailed videos online
Let’s face it. Today, there are thousands and thousands of videos to choose from. These videos cover almost every single aspect of just about any subject you can think of. This can be a double-edged sword because, on one side, you have the opportunity to learn about nearly anything you want.
On the other hand, it’s nearly impossible to decide which information is accurate and which information is just hearsay and rumors. The best way to check these out is to always start with the basics.
Find your car repair manual and follow it
You can save a lot of money by doing simple car repairs yourself. If you know your car, you can save a lot of money. You can find car repair manuals on your car’s dashboard or online. You can either follow the manual step by step or just find the part in the manual that relates to your need and follow the instructions there. If you aren’t sure about what you are doing, take your car to a professional.
As a beginning, you should find your car repair manual and follow the instructions. It is necessary to do some preparations before you start repairing your car yourself. You should ensure that you have the necessary parts and equipment before you start repairing your car. Before you repair your car, you should save money for the repair.
Get professional advice
If you are not confident with auto repair, then you can ask for a mechanic to inspect the car. If you are planning on doing some work to your car, then you should get a mechanic to give you advice. A local mechanic can tell you whether the work you plan on doing will be successful. A mechanic will be able to help you with the repair that you need to carry out.
NASCAR is one of the most popular sports in the world. It’s no surprise that it has some of the most famous drivers in history. These are the best NASCAR drivers of all time.
Richard Petty
Richard Petty is a living legend. His nickname, The King, is well deserved. He has won 200 Cup Series races, an all-time record for the sport. In 1967, he won 27 races in a single season—an impressive feat even by today’s standards. He also set a record with seven Daytona 500 victories.
Petty is a member of the 2010 NASCAR Hall of Fame class and continues to contribute much more to the sport than that. He co-owns a NASCAR team called Richard Petty Motorsports and remains an ambassador for NASCAR at 77 years old.
Jimmie Johnson
Jimmie Johnson is the first NASCAR driver to have won five Cup Series titles in a row. He also has 83 wins, making him one of the best drivers. Johnson is known for his consistency and his ability to win races on a wide variety of tracks.
Jimmie was born in California and had been racing for 20 years. In 2009, Johnson was named Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year. He won his first championship in 2005 and then went on to win four more titles in a row from 2006-2010. In 2010, Johnson became only the driver to win five consecutive championships.
He retired in 2020, having won seven championships, the most of any driver in history. The driving skills of Jimmie Johnson have been well-praised throughout the world, but especially in India. On Twitter, a dedicated fan base exists known as the Double J Gang. In addition to betting on NASCAR and other sports, these individuals utilize comparison websites. These comparison platforms are comprised of specialists in the betting field who check for the current best bookmaker that gives the most outstanding services, offers, and best odds; they also provide betting advice and suggestions.
David Pearson
David Pearson is a former NASCAR driver who competed in the sport from 1960 to 1986. He is considered one of the best drivers in the history of NASCAR and was inducted into three Halls of Fame: International Motorsports Hall of Fame (1990), Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (1993), and NASCAR Hall of Fame (2011).
Pearson scored 105 wins in his career, fifth on the all-time winner’s list behind Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr. David Pearson raced on dirt tracks during the 1950s before debuting in NASCAR in 1960. That year, he participated in ten more races, driving his own #67 Chevrolet and #3 Pontiac.
In 1962 and 1963, Pearson did not score any wins, but he came back strong in 1964 when he collected eight victories in 51 races that season. The following two years were not so good for Pearson as he did not win any races, but he still managed to finish second at Daytona 500 both times.
After joining the Wood Brothers team in 1972, Pearson won at Daytona 500 three times: 1976, 1979, and 1980. Between 1977 and 1980, he scored only two Top 5 results but continued his winning streak until 1983, when he retired from racing.
Jeff Gordon
Jeff Gordon was a NASCAR driver born on February 15th, 1971. He was born in Vallejo, California, and he has won 96 races in his career. He is considered to be one of the best drivers of all time.
Gordon started racing at the age of 7 when he began racing go-karts. He then moved to stock car racing in 1988 and won the Rookie of the Year Award in 1990. In 1993, Gordon became the first Rookie in history to win both Winston Cup Series championships. In 1995, he had ten wins and won his second Winston Cup Series championship.
In 1998, Jeff Gordon won his third Winston Cup Series championship with 76 races under his belt. In 1999, he became only the second driver in history (after Dale Earnhardt Sr.) to win four consecutive Sprint Cup Series titles. In 2001, he broke Richard Petty’s record for most career wins by winning his fifth Winston Cup Series championship with 92 wins.
Jeff Gordon retired from NASCAR after the 2015 season with 93 wins under his belt and 47 poles earned during his 21-year career.
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 17, 2022) – JR Motorsports has revamped its crew chief roster for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, the organization announced today. Returning veterans Jason Burdett and Taylor Moyer will assume crew chief duties with the Nos. 9 and 8 entries, respectively, while the addition of Jim Pohlman on the No. 7 and Mardy Lindley with the No. 1 team completes the crew chief lineup.
Entering his ninth season with JRM, Burdett is the company’s winningest crew chief with 18 victories. Burdett, who led Justin Allgaier to Championship 4 appearances in five of the last seven seasons, will transition to the No. 9 Menards team with JRM’s newest driver Brandon Jones. Through his first eight years with the company, Burdett racked up an impressive 110 top-five and 183 top-10 finishes.
Moyer moves to the No. 8 team with driver Josh Berry for 2023 to fill the role vacated by Mike Bumgarner, now serving as JRM’s director of competition. In 2019-20, Moyer served as crew chief of JRM’s No. 8 Chevrolet and its rotating roster of drivers. He has spent the past two seasons atop the pit box for Berry and Sam Mayer, leading Mayer to 12 top fives, 25 top 10s and a playoff berth through to the Round of 8 in 2022.
“As successful as 2022 was for JR Motorsports, we’re always asking ourselves ‘how can we be better?’” said Bumgarner, JRM’s director of competition. “While we performed at a very high level this season, a tweak here or there can help push us even further. We were fortunate to bring in Jim (Pohlman) and Mardy (Lindley). Both have past success with their drivers and we expect that will aid in making a smooth transition.”
A native of Oak Lawn, Illinois, the 43-year-old Pohlman comes to JRM by way of Richard Childress Racing to assume crew chief duties for the No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture team and perennial championship contender Allgaier. In 2008, Pohlman helped Allgaier secure an ARCA Menards Series championship, so the pairing will be familiar. Pohlman also spent time at the Cup Series level, most notably as crew chief for Juan Pablo Montoya in 2011 with several opportunities along the way in both Cup and NXS competition.
Additionally, Greenville, S.C. native Lindley, a decades-long veteran of the sport who spent the last two seasons at Kyle Busch Motorsports with six victories to his credit, joins Mayer in 2023 to lead the No. 1 team, reuniting the driver and crew chief for the first time since 2020. The Lindley / Mayer combination netted championships in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series (2019) and the ARCA Menards Series (2020). Together, the duo has more than 15 victories between the two series.
ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS:
JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 21st year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017 and 2018. The company also races in Late Model competition and owns four championships in regional Late Model divisions and added a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.
INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022) – Good Ranchers, a premium meat purveyor, today announced a new partnership with Indianapolis Motor Speedway for 2023.
Through the Month of May, Good Ranchers will activate to engage with thousands of fans at IMS, culminating with the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 28, when more than 300,000 fans visit the historic venue.
Since the company was founded in 2018, Good Ranchers has worked exclusively with American cattle farms and ranches to reliably provide steakhouse-quality sustainable meats at an affordable price. Additionally, the company’s motto of “Do Good While We Eat Good” has resulted in the donation of more than 1 million meals to local food banks in Good Ranchers’ ongoing effort to fight food insecurity and childhood hunger. For every box purchased, Good Ranchers donates 10 meals to families in need.
“Good Ranchers shares many of the values that are important to IMS and our fans,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “From making family memories to sustainability and feeding members of our communities, Good Ranchers is a welcome addition to the fan experience at IMS. We’ll be grilling up some ways to have fun with Good Ranchers and our fans at IMS throughout the year.”
In addition, Good Ranchers also announced sponsorship on the Team Penske No. 3 Chevrolet driven by Scott McLaughlin for multiple NTT INDYCAR SERIES races in 2023 and beyond. After earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2021, New Zealand native McLaughlin produced impressive results in 2022, just as he did during his record-setting Australian Supercars career. McLaughlin’s three race wins and three NTT P1 Awards in 2022 helped propel him to a fourth-place finish in the series championship standings.
Good Ranchers has been changing the way people buy meat since 2018, making the meat aisle a thing of the past. Today, Good Ranchers is a sustainable and reliable bridge between real Americans farms and tens of thousands of customers. Good Ranchers has quickly become one of the fastest growing meat delivery companies in the country, being named to the INC5000 and winning “Best Food Subscription” in 2022.
Operating completely online, Good Ranchers has removed the middleman and the difficulty of getting high-quality, affordable meat. The company’s selection has expanded to include USDA Prime beef, chicken and seafood, with even more options on the way for 2023.
“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with IMS,” said Ben Spell, Good Ranchers chief executive officer. “Our mission is to bring everyone to the table to share in the best of what makes life good. We hope to play our part in helping each person enjoy the sweet taste of victory, as well as a delicious American meal.”
Leading Online Meat Delivery Company to Sponsor No. 3 Chevrolet Beginning in 2023
MOORESVILLE, NC (November 17, 2022) – Team Penske and Good Ranchers today announced a new partnership that will feature the premium meat purveyor’s colors and branding on the No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet driven by Scott McLaughlin for multiple NTT INDYCAR SERIES races in 2023 and beyond. Good Ranchers will make its debut as the primary sponsor of the No. 3 Chevrolet during the April 28-30 race weekend at the picturesque Barber Motorsports Park road course, located just outside of Birmingham, Ala.
Good Ranchers will also join the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) partner lineup in 2023 and will feature activation throughout the month of May at IMS, when over 300,000 fans will visit the historic venue, culminating with the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 28.
“It’s always exciting to see new brands activate within our sport,” said Tim Cindric, Team Penske President. “Good Ranchers certainly fits that bill. They have a fresh and innovative approach that will be a terrific match for Scott McLaughlin’s outgoing personality. This combination should also prove to be a real benefit to the overall INDYCAR community and the fan experience.”
Since the company was founded in 2017, Good Ranchers has worked 100 percent with American cattle farms and ranches to reliably provide steakhouse quality sustainable meats at an affordable price. Additionally, the company’s motto of “Do Good While We Eat Good” has resulted in the donation of over 1,000,000 meals to local food banks in Good Ranchers’ ongoing effort to fight food insecurity and childhood hunger. For every box purchased, Good Ranchers donates 10 meals to families in need.
“We couldn’t be more excited to join Team Penske,” said Ben Spell, Good Ranchers Chief Executive Officer. “The rich history of this company is something we’re honored to be included in moving forward. Our mission is to bring everyone to the table to share in the best of what makes life good. We hope to play our part in helping each person enjoy the sweet taste of victory as well as a delicious American meal.”
Good Ranchers will partner with McLaughlin, one of the rising stars of the INDYCAR SERIES. After earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2021, the New Zealander produced impressive results in 2022, just as he did during his record-setting Australian Supercars career. McLaughlin’s three race wins and three NTT P1 Pole Awards in 2022 helped propel him to a fourth-place finish in the series championship standings.
“It is an honor to have a new partner like Good Ranchers as part of the No. 3 Chevy team,” said McLaughlin. “After our initial meeting, I knew they would be a great fit for the team. They share the same vision and focus as Team Penske, while also enjoying the excitement and competition of sports in America. We look forward to a successful partnership while we enjoy amazing meat together at the same time.”
The 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season will begin on Sunday, March 5 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. McLaughlin is the defending polesitter and race winner at St. Petersburg.
About Team Penske Team Penske is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Cars owned and prepared by Team Penske have produced more than 600 major race wins, over 670 pole positions and 43 championships across open-wheel, stock car and sports car racing competition. Over the course of its 56-year history, the team has also earned 18 Indianapolis 500 victories, three Daytona 500 Championships, a Formula 1 win, victories in the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring, along with a win in Australia’s legendary Bathurst 1000 race. In 2022, Team Penske competed in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, NASCAR Cup Series and the FIA World Endurance Championship. For more information about Team Penske, please visit www.teampenske.com.
About Good Ranchers
Good Ranchers has been changing the way people buy meat since 2018, making the meat aisle a thing of the past. Today, Good Ranchers is a sustainable and reliable bridge between real Americans farms and tens of thousands of customers. They’ve quickly become one of the fastest growing meat delivery companies in the country, being named to the INC5000 and winning “Best Food Subscription” in 2022. Operating completely online, Good Ranchers has removed the middleman and the difficulty of getting high-quality, affordable meat. Their selection has expanded to include USDA Prime beef, chicken, and seafood with even more options on the way for 2023. Good Ranchers mission is to bring everyone to the table to share in the best of what makes life good. If you’re looking for great American meat, Good Ranchers has a spot at the table for you.
Toyota BEV Concept Shows Off Clean-Vital Design Approach Coupled with Eco-Conscious Interior Materials
Ultramodern Design Enhanced with In-Car Personal Agent
Concept Represents Toyota’s Commitment Towards a Future that Goes Beyond Zero
LOS ANGELES, CA, Nov 17, 2022 – (JCN Newswire) – The Toyota bZ Compact SUV Concept touched down in Los Angeles, making its world premiere to kick off the exciting opening of the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show at the LA Convention Center. Already a leader in electrification, the company gave a glimpse of what the future could be with the Toyota bZ Compact SUV, extending the vision under the “Toyota bZ” brand umbrella.
“We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of the Beyond Zero moniker,” said Toyota group vice president and general manager David Christ. “With an aerodynamic design coupled with intuitive tech features never before seen in a Toyota model, the bZ Concept showcases another possible vision of the very near future with our battery electric vehicles.”
The Toyota bZ Compact SUV Concept is designed as a full battery-electric vehicle, using a clean-vital design approach. This approach aims to express what’s special about battery electric vehicles while also offering fun to drive, exhilarating performance. It represents a vehicle with zero emissions, utilizing eco-conscious interior materials, that also brings dynamic performance, leading technology and a stylish appearance.
The aerodynamic form of the concept enhances its futuristic look by pushing the wheels to the corners to achieve an aggressive stance – making it appear as if it’s moving even when standing still. The short overhangs and sweepback angles make it stand out as an advanced technology vehicle; a narrowed-down cabin design gives it an agile appearance for a low coefficient of drag.
The edgy styling extends to the interior with premium finishes resulting in a distinctive look. Notably, the design team included several eco-friendly touches, like seating made from plant-based and recycled materials to follow the Beyond Zero theme. And an in-car personal agent named “Yui” connects the driver and passengers with the vehicle. With the use of audio and visual lighting cues that move around the cabin, it responds to requests or commands from front or rear passengers.
The Beyond Zero message encourages diligently adapting how we live our lives in the present to ensure a better future for all. Toyota envisions a future in which carbon neutrality is achieved through the practical marketization of a portfolio of products with advanced, alternative-fuel and zero-emission powertrain technologies. Globally, Toyota plans to expand to around 30 dedicated BEVs, including five carrying the bZ (Beyond Zero) brand moniker. This diverse portfolio of electrified products will help propel Toyota toward its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, a quarter of the company’s 2021 U.S. sales were electrified.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
The 13 participants in the 2022 Advance Auto Parts Drive for Diversity Combine are pictured prior to the start of Wednesday’s on-track activities at South Boston Speedway. Photo Courtesy Joe Chandler/South Boston Speedway
By Joe Chandler Director, Public Relations South Boston Speedway
SOUTH BOSTON, VA (NOV.16)……Thirteen anxious teenagers from seven different states and Mexico arrived at South Boston Speedway early Wednesday morning looking to land what they hope will be a life-altering opportunity to pursue a career in racing.
The group of young racers ranging in age from 13 to 19 were participants in the final day of the three-day 2022 Advance Auto Parts Drive for Diversity Combine, all seeking selection for the 2023 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development program.
Nineteen-year-old Lavar Scott, one this year’s participants in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development program, said the Advance Auto Parts Drive for Diversity Combine presents an opportunity that could change the course of his life.
“That’s what’s been on my mind all day,” Scott said prior to the start of Wednesday’s on-track activities at South Boston Speedway. “This is it. I’ve got to shine. This is big for my racing journey.”
Scott said he could feel the pressure.
“Everybody is very nice about it, and everybody is supportive, but you always know this is a combine, it’s competition. Pressure naturally comes with that.”
“I want to go Late Model and ARCA racing again next year,” he added. “This program with Rev Racing gives you an opportunity to do great things.”
Katie Hettinger agreed.
“The Advance Auto Parts Drive for Diversity Combine is a big deal,” remarked the 15-year-old, who this season became the winningest female competitor in the history of Hickory (NC) Motor Speedway. “I really want to race in the ARCA Series next year. Rev Racing has great equipment, and I think this is where I need to be to be competitive next year. So, there is a lot of pressure on this combine, but I’m having a lot of fun giving it all I’ve got.”
Hettinger raced at South Boston Speedway once earlier this season. Prior to the start of the day’s activities, she noted the experience would be helpful.
“I know this track,” Hettinger pointed out. I know the line I need to drive. I’ve got to get used to the Goodyear tires, but I think we’ll be pretty solid.”
Sixteen-year-old Jaiden Reyna, one of the young drivers selected to participate in the 2022 Drive for Diversity Driver Development program, says there is a certain degree of pressure involved in participating in the combine.
“It’s less pressure from them (Rev Racing) and more pressure on yourself because you are competing against your other teammates,” Reyna explained. “If you stay calm and focus on yourself, you will be fine. I feel pressure only comes when you’re trying to compare yourself to others, so just do your best.”
Reyna competed in two NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Late Model Stock Car Division events at South Boston Speedway this season with a best finish of 11th. The experience was helpful as he looked toward Wednesday’s on-track activities.
“I feel that with my experience I have a pretty good knowledge of the track,” Reyna pointed out. “My first time here was a pretty difficult one. The next time we came I had had a race here under my belt, I refreshed, and I did better.”
Five of the 13 participants in Wednesday’s combine at South Boston Speedway are current Rev Racing drivers. That list includes Justin Campbell (age 17), Andres Perez deLara (17), Reyna, Scott, and Regina Sirvent (19).
The driver roster also included first-time combine participants Hettinger, Quinn Davis (age 13), Eloy Sebastian Lopez Falcon (17), Caleb Johnson (15), Nathan Lyons (13), Jordan Riddick (17), Paige Rogers (19) and Lucas Vera (15).
The participants took part in on-track exercises under the watchful eyes of a panel of evaluators who will select the drivers that will be part of the 2023 Drive for Diversity Driver Development program.
Rev Racing, based in Concord, North Carolina and owned by Max Siegel who serves as its CEO, is the driver development arm of the Drive for Diversity program. The goal for each of the participants in the Advance Auto Parts Drive for Diversity Combine is to follow the footsteps of previous Drive for Diversity Program graduates like Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace, and Daniel Suarez, all of whom currently compete in the NASCAR Cup Series.
“The combine has been a huge success in us being able to reach a wide variety of drivers,” said Jusan Hamilton, Managing Director of Competition Operations for NASCAR. “We’re developing drivers to come through our pipeline. It’s very important for us with the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program that we not just set the example for drivers in the diverse space, but driver development in general.”
Hamilton noted that the pipeline consists of Legends Cars, Late Model Stocks, ARCA East, and then to ARCA Elite.
“The goal from there is they should be going to the Truck Series or Xfinity Series, depending on their talent level,” he pointed out.
When asked about the talent level of the participants taking part in this year’s Advance Auto Parts Drive for Diversity Combine, Hamilton said the talent level ranges.
“There are some drivers that would be ready to enter and go straight to the Late Model program,” Hamilton said. “Others will be looking at the Legends Cars program. No one here that is new is going to go straight to the ARCA program. That is reserved for the elite drivers that develop within our program.”
The Advance Auto Parts Drive for Diversity Combine opened on Monday (Nov. 14) in Charlotte, North Carolina with participants getting track time at the GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina in go-karts and receiving driving instruction from Josh Wise and Scott Speed, both of whom are coaches for some of NASCAR’s top drivers. A welcome reception was held for participants at NASCAR headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina as well.
On Tuesday (Nov. 15) participants took part in media and physical activities at the GM Technical Center in Concord, North Carolina. The combine concluded Wednesday (Nov. 16) with on-track activities at South Boston Speedway.
The latest news and information updates about South Boston Speedway and its events can be found on the South Boston Speedway website, southbostonspeedway.com, and through the track’s social media channels.
Information may also be obtained by phoning the speedway at 434-572-4947 or toll free at 1-877-440-1540 during regular business hours Monday through Friday.