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Rebel Rock Racing Grows IMSA Program with VP Racing Challenge Campaign

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Official Release
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SRO VIR 2022

Targeting Michelin Pilot Challenge GS title, enters VP Racing Challenge in final run for Camaro GT4.R

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (15 November 2022) – Rebel Rock Racing will expand its involvement in IMSA competition in 2023, widening its focus to compete full-time in two championships. In addition to fielding the No. 71 Urban Grid Chevrolet Camaro GT4.R in a bid for the title in its fifth full season in the Michelin Pilot Challenge (MPC), Rebel Rock will prepare a similar Camaro for the debut season of the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge.

Robin Liddell and Frank DePew will again co-drive in the 10-race Michelin Pilot Challenge. DePew will also pilot a Camaro in the new VP Racing Challenge, which consists of a pair of 45-minute sprints on six different weekends. Both series open the 2023 campaign at Daytona International Speedway.

The two drivers have five victories over the past four MPC seasons. They won at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Road America in 2019, then won at Road Atlanta in 2020; Sebring International Raceway in 2021; and at Lime Rock in the recently completed campaign. Rebel Rock managed to finish a team-best fifth in the 2022 GS standings – with its sights now set on the title for 2023.

“We’re really focusing on running for the IPC championship,” DePew said. “That means keeping our nose clean as much as possible. We’ve been testing to improve our reliability, and I’m working on improving my driving. We’ve been able to contend at every track; we’ve just messed up a little bit here and there, which hurt us.”

DePew has cut back his busy work schedule to enable him to spend more time concentrating on his race craft.

“I’ve slowed down a bit at work, so I’m going to have more time,” DePew said. “Additionally, I’m going to compete in the VP Challenge. We’ll be bringing two identical Camaros to the track – one set up for each race – and that’s really going to help me. Up until now, I’ve had very limited track time prior to races, and we haven’t had much opportunity to test. I’m also working on getting in better shape to be ready for the season. One thing that’s interesting is the different mindset from being the starting driver in an endurance race – where you need to preserve the car – and running in sprint races.”

The team will also be looking for a strong farewell for its Camaro.

“It will be the last year of homologation for the GT4.R,” Liddell said. “In the bigger picture, it’s the end of an era. A number of us on the team – myself included – have raced Camaros from Day 1 of the modern era. In 2010 we debuted the [Rolex Series] GT car along with the RS car, and we’re been running them ever since with a couple of gaps. We’ve won a lot of races, with the Z-28, SS, ZL1-GT4, all the different models. With no plans for GM to build a GT4 car for the foreseeable future, we have longevity with the car and our people, and if we put everything together and stay consistent for next year, I think there’s every possibility that we can win the championship.”

Liddell is also looking forward to running the second car in the new series.

“This will give Frank a lot of additional seat time which will help to build his confidence in the car,” Liddell said. “Our focus is still on the Michelin Pilot Challenge, but the VP Challenge will help Frank continue to grow as a driver. Adding to our existing program will be tricky as in reality it will require an additional team of guys to make it work, but nonetheless it’s achievable and the timing just feels right.

“If we can win on our good days, and finish in the top 10 on our very worst days, there’s no reason why we can’t challenge for the championship.”

The VP Challenge format will be a pair of 45-minute races following two 30-minute practices and 15-minute qualifying, featuring Silver- or Bronze-rated drivers in the GT4 and LMP3 categories. The season opens Jan. 20-22 during the Roar Before the Rolex 24, and will race at Sebring during the WEC Prologue on March 11-12, followed by running in the MPC weekends at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Lime Rock Park, Virginia International Raceway and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

The Michelin Pilot Challenge opens on Friday, Jan. 27, on the eve of the 61st Rolex 24 At Daytona.

Additional updates via:

http://rebelrockracing.co
https://twitter.com/rebelrockracing
https://www.instagram.com/rebelrockracing/

Chevrolet wins NHRA Manufacturers Cup for 27th time

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Official Release
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Drivers of the Chevrolet Camaro SS, COPO Camaro contribute to season success

DETROIT (Nov. 15, 2022) – Chevrolet has been recognized as the top manufacturer in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) for the record-extending 27th time.

The award was presented Nov. 14 during the NHRA Awards Ceremony in Temecula, California.

It is the sixth consecutive year and eighth time in the past 10 seasons that Chevrolet has won the award presented to the automobile manufacturer whose current-year models earn the most points for qualifying and category victories at NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series national and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series regional and divisional events.

Points are awarded to entries in Funny Car, Pro Stock, Super Stock and Stock Eliminator classes, plus the Constant Aviation NHRA Factory Stock Showdown series.

Points accumulated by Chevrolet Camaro SS and Chevrolet COPO Camaro drivers in the professional and Sportsman classes were more than triple the closest manufacturer.

Chevrolet first earned the award in 1966, and no other manufacturer has won it more times. GM brands Oldsmobile and Pontiac combined to win 24 titles between 1971 and 2006.

“I’m so proud of the hard work by the Chevrolet teams that delivered valuable points toward the Manufacturers Championship again this year,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president, Performance and Motorsports. “Thanks to the owners, drivers and crews in the professional classes and Sportsman classes for another year of high-performance results every time they showed up at the track.”

Erica Enders earned her fifth NHRA Pro Stock world championship — all with Chevrolet — by driving the Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro SS to a career-best 10 victories and three runner-up finishes in the 19 races.

“I remember when Erica won her first race at Route 66 Raceway in July of 2012,” Campbell said. “We had the opportunity to celebrate that milestone win at SEMA later that year. Since that first one, she’s added 42 more wins and five championships. She’s an inspiration to so many drag racing fans.”

Chevrolet has amassed 18 Pro Stock driver championships and 366 victories, including 247 with the Camaro nameplate.

Aaron Stanfield, Dallas Glenn, Troy Coughlin Jr. and Greg Anderson also visited the winner’s circle as competitors won every race driving a Chevrolet Camaro SS. Anderson, who has driven a GM product to five Pro Stock championships, became the second driver in the professional classes to reach 100 wins and won the season finale for No. 101. John Force with 155 Funny Car victories is the all-time leader.

Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock driver Camrie Caruso was voted the NHRA Rookie of the Year. It is the second year in a row in which a Chevrolet driver has received the award and third time in the past four years. Dallas Glenn of KB Racing won in ’21 and Austin Prock of John Force Racing won in ‘19.

David Barton of Reading, Pennsylvania, driving the Saw Mill Auto Chevrolet COPO Camaro, claimed the Constant Aviation NHRA Factory Stock Showdown series title for the second time. Drivers of the COPO Camaro won five of the eight races, including three by Barton and one each by two-time champion Aaron Stanfield and Len Lottig. Chevrolet has won the past three championships.

“It’s been an incredible season with driver championships in Top Fuel, Pro Stock and the Factory Stock Showdown combined with winning the Manufacturers Cup,” Campbell said.

Funny Car drivers Robert Hight and John Force made important points contributions to the Manufacturers Cup championship. Hight, driving the Automobile Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS, amassed a career-high eight victories and six top qualifier honors. Sixteen-time Funny Car champion Force, driving the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS, won the four-wide race at Charlotte.

Additionally, national event Stock Eliminator wins were recorded by Leo Glasbrenner (Pomona1, Phoenix, Las Vegas2), Jeff Strickland (Gainesville), Ryan McClanahan (Las Vegas1), Darren Poole-Adams (Charlotte1, Bristol) and Tyler Cassil (Topeka).

The Top Fuel class does not contribute points to the Manufacturers Cup standings, but Brittany Force and Austin Prock produced multiple highlights during the season in their Chevrolet dragsters.

Force won the Top Fuel championship for the second time. She recorded five victories, 10 No. 1 qualifiers and set the national event speed record of 338.91 mph in the season finale at Pomona. Prock, returning to full-season competition for the first time since his rookie of the year campaign in 2019, won two races and earned his initial Top Fuel No. 1 qualifier honor at Dallas.

The 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season begins March 10-12 with the 54th Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway in Florida. FOX will telecast eliminations live at noon ET Sunday, March 12.

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.

Artisan Red Premium: New Special Body Color Developed by Mazda

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Official Release
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-New color developed with Mazda’s proprietary Takuminuri painting technology-

HIROSHIMA, Japan, Nov 15, 2022 – (JCN Newswire) – Mazda Motor Corporation has applied its proprietary painting technology Takuminuri(1) to develop a new special color Artisan Red Premium. This color will be introduced as a premium highlight for vehicles in our current lineups as well as forthcoming releases in our Large Product group.

Mazda believes color to be a crucial element of what gives form to a vehicle; thus, we are focusing our efforts on developing colors that accentuate a dynamic and delicate expression in line with the Kodo – Soul of Motion – design theme. Artisan Red Premium, the fourth Takuminuri color, was developed to extend the range of how the world views red, one of the colors symbolizing Mazda, as a culmination of the Takuminuri evolution to mark the 10th year since the first color Soul Red Premium was released.

Artisan Red Premium conveys the connotation of a red color created by skilled artisans. This extraordinary red produced by Mazda designers, engineers and other artisans manifests a mature outlook that is more refined and sophisticated than previous special colors. The concept underlying design was to create the red found in a mature wine made with unsurpassed craftsmanship. Artisan Red Premium accentuates the strength and beauty of form that takes shape as highlights hit by light portray a fine-grained transparent red shining brightly and dominant shade produces a profound depth and richness, rendering high contrast.

Also, similar to Soul Red Crystal(2), Artisan Red Premium is comprised of three layers: a clear layer, translucent paint layer, and a reflective/absorptive layer. It combines an outstanding aesthetic appearance with a reduced environmental footprint. For the translucent paint layer, a high-chroma pigment is employed that people perceive to be the reddest of reds, a pigment also used for the Soul Red Crystal. For the reflective/absorptive layer, we applied a technology that more smoothly aligns aluminum flakes at regular intervals. This was also leveraged for the third Takuminuri color Rhodium White Premium. In addition, we improved on the jet-black pigment, which renders shade in the second color Machine Gray. This combination of technologies developed over a period of 10 years conveys brightness in highlights produced by strong reflection and the richness of shades created as light is soundly absorbed so as to achieve a balance between transparency and a mature profoundness.

In the belief that “color is an element of form,” Mazda will continue to pursue new color expressions and painting technologies to enhance the attractiveness of our products, aiming to be a company that shares a special bond with its customers.

(1) Takuminuri, which translates as “Artisan coloring,” is Mazda’s painting technology that reproduces a precise, high-quality paint finish as if applied by the hands of a skilled craftsman along the automobile mass production line.
(2) Soul Red Crystal is a further refinement of Soul Red Premium and a special paint color developed with the Takuminuri painting technology.

SEXTON GATLIN RACING CLOSES THE 2022 LIGHTNING SPRINT SEASON WITH FOUR RACES IN FIVE DAYS THIS WEEK

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Official Release
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(Lakeside, CA, November 14, 2022) Lakeside, California-based Sexton Gatlin Racing will close the lightning sprint car portion of its 2022 season this week when it journeys to Central and Northern California to compete at the Bakersfield and the Placerville Speedways. All told, the four-driver effort will race four times in the space of five days.

The team’s second stop at the Bakersfield Speedway this year for the “6th Annual Western States Lightning Sprints Championship” will be on Tuesday, November 15th. Driving SGR cars that night will be newly crowned Lucas Oil POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Series champion Brent Sexton, and his son Grant. SGR kicked off the 2022 Bakersfield Speedway season on May 25th when the California Lightning Sprint Car Series appeared worldwide on the internet with the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars. In that one, then-17-year-old Grant thrilled the crowd with a wild last-lap rim ride that saw him take the victory leading only the last six feet in a thrilling photo finish. Brent ended up eighth. Dalton Sexton, Brent’s 19-year-old son, suffered electrical problems in that race and dropped out early. He finished 17th.

Tuesday’s race will be the team’s first appearance on the Kern County oval since March.

After Tuesday’s show, the drivers will use Wednesday as a travel day to Northern California’s Placerville Speedway for three nights of racing in the “Hangtown 100.” Dalton will join his dad and brother at Placerville as will San Diego’s A.J. Bender who will reunite SGR after a successful run with them last November.

Last year at Bakersfield’s “5th Annual Western States Lightning Sprints Championship,” Bender took the win driving for SGR. Grant came home sixth and Brent finished 22nd after leaving the race early with mechanical issues. Last year at the three nights of Hangtown, Bender finished second all three nights. Grant recorded finishes of 4th, 16th, and 18th. Brent placed 9th, 12th, and 18th. Dalton placed 12th in the B main at the opener and 19th on the second night after a crash in the A-main. He did not start on Saturday.

The Tuesday night show at Bakersfield will be a winged race. All three nights at Placerville will be wingless.

The car Bender is driving at Placerville is for sale. It is powered by a 2020 Suzuki 1000. Interested parties can contact Brent Sexton at the number at the top of this release for details.

Tuesday’s show at Bakersfield will also include the “November Classic” for the USAC National Midgets. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. with racing at 7:00. Fans can save $5.00 per ticket by ordering in advance at https://www.myracepass.com/tracks/1113. The historic track is located at 5001 N. Chester Ext. in Bakersfield. The track website is https://www.bakersfieldspeedway.com/ and the office phone is (661) 393-3373.

To see SGR close its 2022 lightning season at Placerville, you can purchase advance tickets at https://www.eventsprout.com/event/hangtown-2022. Gates will open at 3:00 p.m. each day with racing at 6:00. 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.

After this week’s races, SGR will have one race remaining in 2022. That will be Friday and Saturday, November 25th and 26th, when Grant competes in the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series for the first time in the 81st running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix at Jim Naylor’s Ventura Raceway.

Sexton/Gatlin Racing would like to thank the following companies for making the 2022 season possible. Sexton Fire Protection, BK Wings, Johnny Motorhead, Troy Dirt, Victory Graphix, Swift Powdercoat, Maxima Oil, Automated Interior, and an extra special thanks to Scotty and Jimmy Keys. If you or your business wants to partner up with one of the most visible Lightning Sprint teams on the West Coast for the 2023 season, please call (619) 454-6945.

Sexton Gatlin Racing 2022 Schedule

2022 Lucas Oil POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule

March 5 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Wingless – Dalton 1st – Brent 7th – Grant 15th

March 6 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Wingless – Brent 1st – Dalton 3rd – Grant 4th

March 25 Bakersfield Speedway CLS Winged – Grant 1st – Brent 8th – Dalton 17th

April 16 Ventura Raceway VRA Sprints – Grant 1st

April 23 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Wingless – Bezio 3rd – Brent 4th – Dalton 5th

April 30 Barona Speedway POWRi Winged – Grant 1st – Brent 4th – Dalton 5th

May 14 Barona Speedway POWRi Wingless – Dalton 1st – Bezio 2nd – Brent 3rd

May 28 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars – Grant DNS

June 11 Barona Speedway POWRi Winged – Grant 1st – Brent 2nd – Dalton 11th

June 25 Barona Speedway POWRi Winged – Dalton 1st – Brent 2nd – Grant 3rd

July 9 Barona Speedway POWRi Wingless – Brent 1st – Grant 2nd – Dalton 6th

August 6 Santa Maria Raceway CLS Winged – Brent 1st – Dalton 15th

August 6th Santa Maria Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars – Grant 11th B Main

August 11 Norman County Speedway Minkota Nationals Winged – Dalton 8th – Brent 13th – Grant 25th

August 12 River Cities Raceway Minkota Nationals Winged – Brent 1st – Grant 9th – Dalton 11th

August 13 Greenbush Race Park Minkota Nationals Winged – Grant 6th – Brent 11th – Dalton 13th

August 14 Minkota Nationals Minkota Nationals Winged – Grant 1st – Dalton 15th – Brent DNS

Sept. 17 Perris Auto Speedway POWRi Winged – Chiaramonte 1st – Brent 4th – Dalton 18th

October 1 Barona Speedway POWRi Winged – Grant 1st – Dalton 4th – Brent DNS

October 8 Mojave Valley Raceway POWRi/CLS Winged – Brent 1st – A.J. Bender 2nd – Dalton 3rd

October 8 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars – Grant DNS

October 21 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Winged – Dalton 3rd – Grant 4th – Brent Horn 8th

October 22 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Wingless – Brent 1st – Horn 8th – Dalton 14th

October 22 Imperial Valley Raceway Open Comp. Sprint Cars – Grant 3rd

Nov. 15 Bakersfield Speedway BCRA/CLS Winged

Nov. 17 Placerville Speedway BCRA/CLS Wingless

Nov. 18 Placerville Speedway BCRA/CLS Wingless

Nov. 19 Placerville Speedway BCRA/CLS Wingless

5 Reasons Why Outsourcing Your Products from Other Countries is a Smart Move

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SM
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In today’s business climate, it’s more important than ever to cut costs where you can. Outsourcing your product manufacturing to other countries is such a smart move. Not only can you save on labor costs, but you can also take advantage of lower production costs and reduced shipping expenses. Here are five reasons why outsourcing your products from other countries is cost-efficient:

Labor Costs

One of the biggest advantages of outsourcing your product manufacturing to other countries is the savings on labor costs. In China, for example, the average hourly manufacturing wage is just $3.56. Compare that to the projection in 2023 of $27.42 hourly manufacturing wage in the United States, and it’s easy to see why so many companies are choosing to outsource their product manufacturing overseas.

While outsourcing has been proven to cut costs, it will only be effective if done correctly. It would help if you took the time to research different countries and find one with a lower cost of living and does not have stringent labor laws. It would be best if you also looked into the hidden costs of outsourcing, such as the following:

Production Costs

In addition to lower labor costs, you’ll also benefit from lower production costs when you outsource your product manufacturing to other countries. This is because manufacturers in countries like India have access to cheaper raw materials and energy sources than their counterparts in developed nations. As a result, they can produce products at a fraction of the manufacturers’ cost in the West.

In addition to lower production costs, you can negotiate better terms with your suppliers. This is because they will be keen to secure your business and may offer discounts for volume orders. For example, you may get a 10% discount if you order 100,000 units from your supplier instead of 50,000 units. You can also use this opportunity to negotiate extended payment terms. This will give you more time to generate revenue from the sale of your products before you need to pay for the manufacturing costs.

Ease of Expanding to Other Countries

Expanding your business into new markets is easier when you outsource your product manufacturing to other countries. This is because you won’t need to set up a new production facility in each country where you want to sell your products. Instead, you can ship your products from the existing manufacturing facility to your customers in other countries. If you have partners in different countries, they can also assist with distributing and selling your products.

To help with this, you can also utilise some of the best fully managed it services that can cover all aspects of your operations to improve your communication and data-sharing, allowing you to effectively do business with suppliers in other countries.

If you have partners in Canada, they can help you with the sale of your products in the Canadian market. They can also help you with products that are not available in your country. For example, if you want to sell products in the Philippines, your partner can help you send package to Philippines from Canada without having to ship the product to your location and then send it to the Philippines, saving you a lot of time and money.

Increased Flexibility

Outsourcing your product manufacturing to other countries also increases flexibility regarding production schedules. This is because manufacturers in Asia and other regions often have longer work weeks and fewer holidays than their counterparts in the West. As a result, they can get your products manufactured and shipped faster, which can be a major advantage when trying to meet tight deadlines.

For example, suppose you must get a product manufactured and shipped within two weeks. In that case, it may not be possible if you’re manufacturing in the United States. If you outsource your manufacturing to China, your product will likely be shipped on time. This is because Chinese manufacturers often work longer hours and have fewer holidays.

Access to New Markets and Talents

Outsourcing your product manufacturing to other countries also gives you access to new markets that could be very lucrative for your business. You can tap into new customer bases in Asia, Africa, and other regions that may be interested in your products but were inaccessible.

In addition, outsourcing your product manufacturing to other countries can create a more globalized brand image for your company. This can help you appeal to customers in different markets who are looking for products that are unique and not.

Utilizing third-party contractors also enables a company to tap into vast knowledge and experience, allowing them to release new products and services more rapidly. Outsourcing talents and services help to mitigate risks and provides access to a larger talent pool that the company may not have otherwise had.

In the End

By outsourcing your product manufacturing to other countries, you are being smart and looking for ways to cut costs, which will improve the company’s bottom line. If saving money is on your agenda for your next product launch, outsource offshore! You likely will be satisfied with what you find!

Late heartbreak for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in dramatic season finale

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Official Release
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Car 1 (Sebastien Ogier, Vincent Landais)

TOKYO, Nov 14, 2022 – (JCN Newswire) – The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team experienced late heartbreak in its goal of closing out the 2022 FIA World Rally Championship season with a victory at home in Japan.

The return of Rally Japan to the WRC calendar for the first time since 2010 was highly challenging for teams, drivers and co-drivers, with an entirely new event held on demanding and twisting asphalt roads in the mountains of the Aichi and Gifu prefectures. The GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID performed strongly from the beginning, and would win 11 out of 16 stages over the weekend. Unfortunately, a handful of small incidents on the tricky roads proved costly in terms of time and ultimately ended the team’s chances of victory.

Elfyn Evans produced one of his strongest performances of the season to fight for the victory down to the final day, which he began only four seconds from the lead ahead of a long loop of five stages totalling 69.82 kilometres. In the day’s first stage he reduced that gap to just 0.6s with a fourth stage win of the weekend for himself and co-driver Scott Martin. However, in the next test they had to stop and change a wheel and tyre after running wide in a downhill right-hander, dropping them to fourth overall.

This misfortune for Evans did promote Takamoto Katsuta into third position on his home rally in his TGR WRT Next Generation entry. Heavy rain hit for the final two stages of the event but Katsuta safely made it through the treacherous conditions to clinch a special podium finish, his second of the season together with co-driver Aaron Johnston.

Sebastien Ogier showed excellent speed all weekend with his new co-driver Vincent Landais, and may have won had the pair not dropped 2m44s in Friday’s first stage where they had to stop and replace a tyre. Fastest of all through both Saturday and Sunday’s legs, Ogier fought back from last position to finish fourth overall ahead of Evans, only 2m24s from the winner and taking five stage wins along the way.

After a record-breaking season where he became the youngest ever WRC champion, Kalle Rovanpera was also in the fight for victory until Saturday morning when he slid wide in one corner and made contact with a wall, forcing he and co-driver Jonne Halttunen to also stop and change a wheel. After losing significant time, they treated the rest of the rally as a valuable opportunity to test different car setups for the event’s unique characteristics.

Quotes:

Jari-Matti Latvala (Team Principal)
“In the end we did not have the weekend that we wanted to have here at Rally Japan. We can see that we had the speed as Seb was probably the fastest driver through the event and Elfyn was leading for much of the rally. It was just these incidents for each driver which were unfortunately counting against us. The stages here were very demanding and so narrow, so it was easy for these things to happen. At the end of this season we can be very satisfied to have reached our goals by winning all three championships, which is fantastic. Winning the home rally of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing would have been very special, but to have Taka on the podium of his home event feels almost just as good. In rallying, every event is bringing a different challenge and you cannot win every one.”

Sebastien Ogier (Driver car 1)
“It was a challenging end to the rally today with the rain which we knew was coming. It was a tough tyre choice this morning with some stages to be driven in the dry and some in the wet so we had to go with a compromise. I think we had the correct choice overall as we were fastest again over the day. It’s been a good weekend in terms of the performance and speed we showed again this weekend, and the first time with Vincent who has done a perfect job. Of course it would have been even better if we were rewarded with the result that I think we deserved, but some bad luck hit us again this weekend. We are all happy to see Taka on the podium at home and it’s been great to have so much support here in Japan.”

Elfyn Evans (Driver car 33)
“Naturally I’m massively disappointed about today. It’s been a tough season personally and we had a chance here and threw everything at it. Today started really well, we had a good rhythm in the car and things were working well. But on the second stage we ran marginally wide and damaged the tyre. It was a big penalty for a small error but that’s the nature of the game. It’s really busy on the stages here so it was easily done. After that the battle for the win was over and then the rain came and the tyres we had left were not optimal for that. I’m really happy for Taka to be on the podium at his home event: He’s worked hard all year and really deserves it.”

Kalle Rovanpera (Driver car 69)
“This has been a tough rally and a challenging one just as we expected. It didn’t go our way this weekend but sometimes it’s like this. The main thing is we got to the end of the rally and learned some things for the future. Again we were using today as a test day and we wanted to keep the balance with the tyres consistent for the dry stages so that we could try some more things with the setup. I think we made a positive step and found some things which were nice to drive and at least we know the direction for the future. Overall we’ve had a really good season so we can be very happy with that and thanks to the team and everybody who made it possible.”

PROVISIONAL FINAL CLASSIFICATION, RALLY JAPAN
1 Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID) 2h43m52.3s
2 Ott Tanak/Martin Jarveoja (Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID) +1m11.1s
3 Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID) +2m11.3s
4 Sebastien Ogier/Vincent Landais (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID) +2m23.6s
5 Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID) +4m05.1s
6 Gus Greensmith/Jonas Andersson (Ford Puma Rally1 HYBRID) +4m07.4s
7 Gregoire Munster/Louis Louka (Hyundai i20 N Rally2) +7m50.8s
8 Teemu Suninen/Mikko Markkula (Hyundai i20 N Rally2) +8m12.4s
9 Emil Lindholm/Reeta Hamalainen (Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo) +8m25.6s
10 Heikki Kovalainen/Sae Kitagawa (Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo) +8m59.8s
11 Kalle Rovanpera/Jonne Halttunen (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID) +10m40.8s
(Results as of 15:30 on Sunday, for the latest results please visit www.wrc.com)

For more information, visit https://toyotagazooracing.com/wrc/release/2022/rd13-day4/.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing takes historic Hypercar title double

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Official Release
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TOKYO, Nov 14, 2022 – (JCN Newswire) – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing earned a dominant one-two victory in the season-ending 8 Hours of Bahrain to secure a clean sweep of FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) titles.

Outgoing World Champions Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Jose Maria Lopez took a hard-earned win, their second of the season in their #7 GR010 HYBRID, to crown TOYOTA GAZOO Racing as Hypercar manufacturers’ World Champions.

Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa, in the #8 GR010 HYBRID, had started the weekend level on points with their Alpine title rivals but finished second to become drivers’ World Champions, adding to their 2022 Le Mans 24 Hours win.

Sebastien and Brendon write their names in the record books as the first drivers to win three titles in the top category of WEC or its predecessor, the World Sportscar Championship. Ryo, a Le Mans winner in June, capped a remarkable rookie season by becoming Japan’s third WEC champion.

A perfect result in Bahrain was a fitting end to a successful season for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, which now has a fifth world title double from 10 years of WEC competition, adding to a roll of honour in 2022 which includes a fifth consecutive Le Mans win and eighth victory at Fuji Speedway.

Success in WEC ensures TOYOTA GAZOO Racing achieves the unique feat of winning every available title, eight in total, in the three FIA series it participated in this season: the World Endurance, World Rally and World Rally Raid Championships.

The race began under bright Bahraini sunshine, with air temperatures of 35degC, and the on-track action was equally hot. Sebastien led from pole while Jose fought with the #36 Alpine, losing third at the start before regaining the place three laps later, following a safety car period.

Sebastien held off the challenge of the #93 Peugeot, with Jose firmly in contention in third. Just six seconds covered the top three when the opening pit stops arrived after an hour, during which Jose leapfrogged the #93 for second and closed to the rear of the #8, before Sebastien edged out an advantage.

When a technical problem sidelined the #93 after two hours, a full course yellow allowed both GR010 HYBRIDs to swap drivers. Brendon took over the #8, with Mike in the #7, and they battled throughout their first stint, separated by less than a second until Mike took the lead early in the fourth hour as the sun set over Bahrain International Circuit.

Mike pushed hard to build a gap and at half distance he led by a few seconds going into the next pit stops, when Kamui took the wheel. A lap later, Brendon’s stint ended and Ryo brought the #8 back on track directly behind the #7.

Kamui gradually extended his advantage to 15 seconds by the end of the fifth hour, doubling the #7 car’s lead over the next hour before Jose and Sebastien returned to their respective cockpits with less than two hours remaining.

Further driver changes with 45 minutes to go left Mike to take the chequered flag, finishing 45.471secs clear of Brendon in the #8. That triggered title celebrations to bring the curtain down on an exciting Hypercar season after 58 hours of competition covering 10,620km since the first race in Sebring eight months ago.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has one remaining appointment in the 2022 season, the official WEC rookie test at Bahrain International Circuit. LMP2 driver Lilou Wadoux has been nominated by WEC to drive the GR010 HYBRID and she will therefore become the first female Hypercar driver during Sunday’s test.

Kamui Kobayashi (Team Principal and driver, car #7):

“We achieved a one-two, Seb, Brendon and Ryo won the drivers’ title and we won the manufacturers’ championship so we hit all our targets for this race. I am really pleased with that. The team did a great job today and all season, as did the drivers. Thanks for all their support, as well as the support from our colleagues in Japan and our partners who have helped us all through the season. This year we faced strong competition and we finished with the best possible result. It’s a great feeling to end with a win; Mike and Jose drove a strong race and the crew performed well as they have done all year. On our car, we missed the drivers’ title but car #8 really deserved it and I am happy for them. All season the team and drivers have worked really hard, with a great team spirit, so I hope everyone can enjoy this moment and celebrate the titles.”

Mike Conway (Driver, car #7):

“It feels great to win the race and be part of a one-two for the team. Congratulations to Kamui, Jose and the whole #7 crew who did a stellar job here, and also to car #8 on the championship, they had a really consistent, strong year so fully deserve it. Our race went very well and it was a close fight for a lot of the eight hours. Car #8 kept us on our toes as always until Kamui pulled out a good gap which made it more comfortable. Everyone on our car executed really well today, with a nice clean race, good pit stops and the right strategy. It’s fantastic to win the manufacturers’ title again; thanks to everyone in Japan, Cologne and all the other people who have made this happen.”

Jose Maria Lopez (Driver, car #7):

“Well done to the guys on car #8 who really deserve this championship after a very strong season; hats off to them. And congratulations to the whole team in Cologne and in Japan, and to all the people and partners working behind the scenes to help us succeed. It has been a year with intense competition but we have achieved our objectives so I am very happy. I really enjoyed starting the race today, it’s good fun to battle closely with all the other Hypercars. Mike and Kamui performed really well which made it easier for me when I jumped back in towards the end. We have a great group and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of it. It is really a pleasure to be part of this team and enjoy moments like this.”

Sebastien Buemi (Driver, car #8):

“It’s amazing to win the World Championship this year. We maximised all the opportunities and doing the double of Le Mans and the title is an amazing feeling. Special credit to Ryo because he came into the team as a newcomer and he won in his first year. It is not easy to jump into a Hypercar and fight at the front against such strong competition but he has been an amazing team-mate. Car #7 is always strong and it is never easy to beat them, as they showed today. We wanted to win the race and take the title in style but, despite a competitive start, we just didn’t have enough today. We will enjoy this feeling and then look to next year which will be a really exciting one.”

Brendon Hartley (Driver, car #8):

“I am really pleased to complete the job here and win both World Championships. I don’t think it has really sunk in yet that we are champions again, but I’m sure it will soon. Thanks to everyone on the team for their fantastic support all year to give us a car to win the title and Le Mans. Today our objective was simply to beat Alpine and secure the title; we couldn’t afford to take any risks just to get the race win. Car #7 had the pace and deserved the victory, so well done to them. They have been tough competitors all year and it has been fiercely fought, also with Alpine who kept us honest. We worked hard for this title and it is a credit to the whole team.”

Ryo Hirakawa (Driver, car #8):

“Today we achieved everything we wanted to, so I am very happy and I will enjoy this moment with the team, who really deserve it. It doesn’t feel real yet, I need some time to get used to it. It has been challenging to race a Hypercar in WEC for the first time; everything was new to me. I didn’t expect to win Le Mans and the World Championship in my first year so thanks a lot to the team and my team-mates for helping me settle in and become stronger over the season. I was really patient in the race today because I knew the championship situation and it was just important that I didn’t take any risks. My target was to hand the car over in a strong position and I achieved that, so I was happy.”

8 Hours of Bahrain – Result

1st #7 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing 245 laps
2nd #8 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing +45.471secs
3rd #36 Alpine Elf Team (Negrao/Lapierre/Vaxiviere) +2 laps
4th #94 Peugeot TotalEnergies (Duval/Menezes/Muller) +6 laps
5th #31 WRT (Galael/Frijns/Vanthoor) +8 laps
6th #23 United Autosports USA (Lynn/Jarvis/Pierson) +8 laps

For more information, visit https://toyotagazooracing.com/wec/release/2022/rd06-race/.

Chevrolet celebrates NHRA championships

By
Official Release
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CHEVROLET RACING IN NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION
AUTO CLUB NHRA FINALS
AUTO CLUB RACEWAY AT POMONA IN POMONA, CALIFORNIA
NOV. 13, 2022

Chevrolet celebrates championships in season finale

• Brittany Force races to second Top Fuel championship in record-setting performance
• Erica Enders officially crowned Pro Stock champion for the fifth time in Camaro SS
• Austin Prock in Top Fuel, Greg Anderson in Pro Stock earn second wins of season
• Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock racer Camrie Caruso voted rookie of the year

POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 13, 2022) — Brittany Force put a big Bowtie stamp on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season in the Auto Club NHRA Finals.

Force, driving the Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet dragster, earned her second Top Fuel world championship in the season finale at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona to become the fourth female in NHRA professional ranks to win multiple titles.

“I want people to remember this day here in Pomona with this Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac team — David Grubnic, Mac Savage, every single one of my guys,” said Force, who also joined three-time champion Shirley Muldowney as the only female multiple titleholders in Top Fuel. “We have been working all season long, we never gave up, and then we struggled in the Countdown and we recovered when we needed to in Vegas and win it here today in Pomona.

“I have to thank every single one of my guys and our sponsors. We wouldn’t be here without them today, and I’m just so proud of everybody. It just seems surreal right now. I can’t believe it ended up this way.”

Force joined Erica Enders as Chevrolet champions in the pro ranks in 2022. Enders, driver of the Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro SS, clinched the Pro Stock title two weeks earlier at Las Vegas – a pivotal event Force won to set up her championship chase.

“This year Brittany capitalized on momentum coming out of Las Vegas and her and her team rose to the occasion with speed at the right times all weekend long,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president, Performance and Motorsports. “We knew it would come down to the last race. When the pressure was on, Brittany and her team delivered in true championship form. It’s great to see Brittany in the Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac John Force Racing team clinch their second championship. We’re proud to race with them.”

Force’s victory in Las Vegas marked a career best fifth win for the 2013 rookie of the year. She won four events when she claimed the championship in 2017 to become the second woman to win in the premier division and the first to do so in 35 years.

In the season finale, Force claimed her 10th No. 1 qualifier in 22 races and 42nd of her career to pad her advantage over her closest pursuer, Justin Ashley, from seven to 26 points entering race day. She also reset the national Top Fuel speed record at 338.94 mph in qualifications. Ashley’s early exit in eliminations handed Force the title.

Force lost to John Force Racing teammate Austin Prock, driving the Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet dragster, in the semifinals. Prock went on to win his second race of the season with a personal-best run of 3.641 seconds.

Enders earned her fifth Pro Stock title, tying Greg Anderson and Jeg Coughlin Jr. for third on the all-time list. Bob Glidden with 10 is the leader and Warren Johnson is second with six.

“As a kid with big dreams, this makes me want to pinch myself,” said Enders, who also won titles with Chevrolet in 2014, ’15, ’19 and ‘20. “We have worked really hard to get here and we’ve sacrificed a lot. It’s nice to see all of those sacrifices paid off. I’m a blessed girl.

“I go back to the seven years that I drove Pro Stock without a win and just how challenging those years were. Driving for teams that we knew when we pulled on property that we weren’t going to qualify unless somebody broke or hit the wall or something. It was all of those valleys that make these peaks so enjoyable because when you’re going through that stuff, the view of the top where you want to be seems so distant so it’s just a testament to never give up and to do your best and surround yourself with the right people and that’s what I have at Elite Motorsports.”

Enders, seeking her 11th victory in 19 races, was runner-up to Anderson in the final. Anderson, driving the HendrickCars.com Camaro SS, won for the 101st time in his Pro Stock career and gave KB Racing team owner Ken Black a retirement Wally.

“This weekend is really for Ken Black; we want to celebrate him in every way we can, and it’s been a joyous weekend,” said Anderson, who has recorded 101 of Black’s 176 Pro Stock wins.

Camrie Caruso, driver of the Powerbuilt Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS in Pro Stock, was voted the NHRA Rookie of the Year.

“We achieved so many of my goals this season from qualifying No. 1 to getting to a final round to qualifying at every national event,” she said. “We didn’t check all the boxes, but I am very thankful. The competition is so tough out here and to be recognized as the Rookie of the Year is a tremendous honor. Every race this season I feel like we got better, and I am excited to get back on track next season.”

Robert Hight came up short in his bid for his fourth Funny Car championship when the Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS lost traction early in his quarterfinal round matchup. Hight, who topped the Funny Car standings after all but six races, led the class with a career-high eight victories this season.

Sixteen-time Funny Car champion John Force, driving the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS, lost in the quarterfinals in the 118th career meeting with Cruz Pedregon.

Tim Seymour of San Dimas, California, drove his Chevrolet COPO Camaro to a runner-up finish in Super Stock.

Last month, Chevrolet also won the Constant Aviation NHRA Factory Stock Showdown championship for the third consecutive year as David Barton of Reading, Pennsylvania, drove his Chevrolet COPO Camaro to the title for the second time (2017). Aaron Stanfield won in 2020 and ’21. Barton won the events at Bristol, Indianapolis and Reading in the eight-race series. Len Lottig (Gainesville) and Stanfield (Dallas) also drove their COPO Camaros to victory.

The 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season begins March 10-12 with the 54th Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway in Florida. FOX will telecast eliminations live at noon ET Sunday, March 12.

An interview with Top Fuel champion BRITTANY FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, MONSTER ENERGY/FLAV-R-PAC CHEVROLET DRAGSTER:

WERE YOU AWARE OF WHAT WAS GOING ON IN THE FIRST ROUND OR WAS YOUR FOCUS ON YOUR RACE?

“I was standing on the top end watching run after run. I knew what had to take place, but I honestly did not think it would go down that way. I thought it was going to be an all-day battle and somehow we locked it up in the first round. Still seems surreal.”

WHAT A PHENOMENAL RACE CAR YOU HAVE HAD ALL SEASON LONG.

“We’ve had a great season. This Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac team set national records, track records, No. 1 qualifiers and we won a handful of races this season. I’m very proud of all of them and it took every single person to make it work and now we have a second championship.”

ON THE TOP 10 LIST OF FASTEST SPEEDS IT READS YOUR NAME.

“That’s David Grubnic for you. Always pushing, never wants to pull back, never wants to lay up. He wants to push the car as hard as we can go and that’s when we seem to excel and do our best. It’s pretty awesome. We got the national record in St. Louis at 338.4 and then here this weekend 338.9, so it’s pretty awesome to have it at my home track and share it with all the fans. Thank you to the fans for all your support.”

YOU MUST HAVE ONE OR TWO MEMORIES OF BEING OUT HERE WATCHING YOUR DAD?

“I remember sitting up in the stands with my sisters when we were little kids watching him go by and win races and win championships. We always brought our little animal cracker boxes up there and we’d sit up there all day watching Dad.”

An interview with Pro Stock world champion ERICA ENDERS, ELITE MOTORSPORTS, MELLING PERFORMANCE CHEVROLET CAMARO SS:

TEN WINS AND 13 FINAL ROUNDS. YOUR CHAMPIONSHIP REALLY WASN’T IN DOUBT FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON.

“It was our goal coming out. I’m really proud of how my boys at Elite Motorsports race. We’re five-time world champions and I could not be more proud of my Melling Performance team.”

AS A YOUNG GIRL IN JUNIOR DRAGSTERS, YOU WATCHED THE PROFESSIONALS COMPETE AND HAD TO THINK MAYBE SOMEDAY THAT COULD BE ME?

“I had big dreams and what’s awesome about being a kid is the magic of believing it can happen. With surrounding yourself with the right people and just working really hard — having an undeniable work ethic — but it’s all about the people. They are the most important pieces of the puzzle and I’m so proud. I got my Super Comp license for my 16th birthday right here at this racetrack and went on to do a lot of fun stuff in that category. But for 18 completed years in Pro Stock, I’d say we’re doing pretty good and I’m not done yet.”

DO YOU EVER WALK INTO YOUR OFFICE AND LOOK AT THE TROPHIES?

“I do. I’m very proud. It’s one of those pinch-me moments where you’re humbled and you don’t feel like you’re there yet but you look at these pictures and see how awesome you’ve done. I’ve had the support of my family all along and this Elite Motorsports team I can’t deny talking about them because before I joined them I had six wins. We have 43 now. I’m really proud to be their driver.”

An interview with Top Fuel race winner AUSTIN PROCK, JOHN FORCE RACING, MONTANA BRAND/ROCKY MOUNTAIN TWIST CHEVROLET DRAGSTER:

PRETTY GOOD DAY AT THE OFFICE FOR YOU.

“This has been a dream of mine to win at Pomona. I think I’ve been in the final three times and to finally get it done for Rahn Tobler – the final race of his career and to go out in the fashion he did just shows what a legend he is. I’ve been blessed to race with him, blessed with the opportunity to even do this. My dad didn’t get it done today, but hopefully this will cheer the family up.”

WHAT ABOUT THOSE NUMBERS YOU WERE PUTTING ON THE SCOREBOARD?

“I couldn’t even believe it. The run in the semis I didn’t even get to enjoy that. It was the quickest run I’ve ever had and I about double-stepped the thing and by the time I pulled the laundry at the top end I was still on the starting line. The final round I got to enjoy it and that thing left hard and went right own Broadway and we got to turn on the win light. Awesome to get up on the wing again and hopefully this is a good sign for 2023.”

THIS HAS TO MAKE GETTING READY FOR 2023 SWEET?

“The nicest thing about winning the last one is you get to enjoy it the longest. I’m really looking forward to 2023. It just shows how hard this team has worked and what we’re capable of. We put this team together in about a week and a half and we showed that we could come and play. I really enjoyed driving this thing. I’m glad I can do my part and when we all come together we hold the Wally at the end of the day.”

YOU WON THE BATTLE; YOUR TEAMMATE WON THE WAR.

“There isn’t a better way to finish out. I just wish would have gotten a better start in the Countdown. We would have been battling it out right with her. That would have been really cool. But to see her get her second championship, and then to see David Grubnic win it. He’s worked so hard. He’s been in the fight for the last four years and to finally get it done is really special.”

An interview with Pro Stock race winner GREG ANDERSON, KB RACING, HENDRICKCARS.COM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS:

HOW MUCH DOES THIS MEAN GOING INTO THE OFFSEASON?

“It’s been a tough year for us. (Elite Motorsports has) done a fantastic job this year. (Erica Enders) won a lot of races. She is a very worthy world champion. She has kicked our butts all year, but we got the last battle. My motivation this weekend was Ken Black. He’s stepping out of the sport, but he’s done so much for this sport, so much for me personally, so much for this race team. I couldn’t think of any better way to thank him than handing him a trophy from the finals.”

YOU HAVE BEEN WITH KEN BLACK SINCE HE STARTED THE TEAM IN 2002. YOUR THOUGHTS?

“Ken Black is responsible for every one of my wins. He’s made all of my hopes and dreams come true. Who knows what my life would have been if it wasn’t for him. He gave me this wonderful opportunity 20 years ago, and we tried to make the most of it. It’s because of him that we’ve been able to be a huge success. We have a lot to be proud of because of him. He’s absolutely the man. I’m happy for him, proud to be part of his team, and so thankful for all the years we’ve spent together. We’ve been awesome together. We’re going to try to keep his KB Racing name alive and strong for a lot of years to come.”

YOU HAVE SOME ANNOUNCEMENTS COMING AND THE TEAM WILL STILL BE AROUND TO CHASE WINS AND CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR YEARS TO COME.

“Absolutely. I can’t tell you how excited I am for the future. Just like Ron Capps; he’s reborn. And look at the job he did this year. He’s a new team owner and it lights a fire under you. And that’s exactly what it’s going to do to me. And I’m going to need it to compete with that Elite team. It’s going to be a great offseason. We’ve got four months to make our product better and come out here and make everyone proud.”

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.

Ron Capps Wins Third NHRA Funny Car Title

By
Official Release
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Earns Toyota’s Fourth NHRA Funny Car Driver’s Championship

POMONA, Calif. (November 13, 2022) – Toyota driver Ron Capps won his third career NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Funny Car Championship on Sunday night with a final round appearance in the season finale at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. Capps’ championship marks the fourth Funny Car championship for Toyota, and the first for the GR Supra Funny Car.

TOYOTA FAST FACTS

• Since joining Team Toyota in Charlotte, Capps won four races, advanced to three final rounds and scored 36 round wins over 17 races to claim the 2022 NHRA Top Fuel Championship.

• This is Capps third championship, and second consecutive. Capps previously won the championship in 2016 and 2021.

• The 57-year-old California-native is second all-time with 72 career Funny Car wins. Combined with his one Top Fuel victory, Capps ranks sixth in NHRA history with 73 career wins.

• This is Capps’s first title as an owner-driver for Ron Capps Motorsports. Capps won the previous two championships with Don Schumacher Racing.

• This is the first title for the Toyota GR Supra Funny Car. Cruz Pedregon won the first Funny Car championship for Toyota aboard a Toyota Solara in 2008, and Del Worsham (2015) and J.R. Todd (2018) won their Funny Car titles aboard the Toyota Camry.

TOYOTA QUOTES

RON CAPPS, NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota GR Supra Funny Car, Ron Capps Motorsports

What would you say to anyone looking to take a risk like you did to start this race team?

“It’s like anybody in Amrica, anything you put your mind to, you can do with great people around you. I told you earlier I knew we deserved it because of the great group of people I have around me. I can’t even begin to say what it feels like right now. I mean, NAPA Auto Care people, all the NAPA Auto Care owners, 6000 strong and for everybody at home that puts on the Ron Capps NAPA jersey and watching on the couch there on Fox Sports, and GearWrench and Toyota coming on board – to give them a championship means so much. But my family and more than anything we have take on this role this year. That’s been unbelievable. I’m sure you’ve all seen me age quite a but in the last year or so. And I’m sure there were some upset people on the starting like including Slugger (Labbe, TRD) from Toyota and his guys. They thought I was going to shut it off and I planned on it, but I didn’t see Cruz (Pedregon) and I knew I couldn’t get across the centerline so I hugged the wall all the way down. I hope everybody appreciates that. I ran it to the finish line because that was a hard decision to make. For the fans, I did the longest burnout.”

PAUL DOLESHAL, group manager, motorsports, Toyota Motor North America

“We are thrilled to celebrate with Ron and his entire team on their third Funny Car championship in the first season for the Toyota GR Supra Funny Car. To see the efforts of the entire Toyota Gazoo Racing North America team culminate in a Funny Car championship this quickly is extremely rewarding. Ron has fully embraced the Toyota culture and Toyota family since our partnership began this season and we couldn’t be more thrilled to call him a Team Toyota champion.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With the more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, more than a quarter of the company’s 2021 North American sales were electrified.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Tony Stewart Racing: Pomona Event Recap for the Auto Club NHRA Finals

By
Official Release
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Leah Pruett & Matt Hagan
Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel & Funny Car Drivers
Auto Club NHRA Finals
Nov. 11-13 | Pomona, California

Event Recap

Leah Pruett, driver of the Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel Dragster:

● Earned No. 16 provisional qualifying position in Q1 on Friday (9.948 ET at 69.35 mph).
● Earned No. 3 provisional qualifying position in Q2 on Friday (3.669 ET at 329.67 mph).
● Scored two bonus points for third-quickest run of the session.
● Maintained No. 3 provisional qualifying position in Q3 on Saturday (3.739 ET at 323.12 mph).
● Secured No. 4 qualifying position based off Friday’s Q2 run. In Q4 on Saturday, Pruett ran a 3.692 ET at 324.59 mph.
● Advanced to Round 2 on Sunday:

●  Round 1: 4.959 ET at 150.20 mph, defeated Alex Laughlin (6.518 ET at 121.61 mph).

●  Round 2: 3.721 ET at 324.20 mph, lost to Austin Prock (3.704 ET at 329.18 mph).

● Finished 11th in the Top Fuel championship standings, 301 points behind champion Brittany Force.

Matt Hagan, driver of the Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car:

● Earned No. 10 provisional qualifying position in Q1 on Friday (4.199 ET at 220.66 mph).

● Earned No. 2 provisional qualifying position in Q2 on Friday (3.844 ET at 323.58 mph).

● Scored four bonus points for quickest run of the session.

● Maintained No. 2 provisional qualifying position in Q3 on Saturday (3.867 ET at 326.56 mph).

● Secured No. 3 qualifying position based off Friday’s Q2 run. In Q4 on Saturday, Hagan ran a 4.057 ET at 245.32 mph.

● Ran a 6.075 ET at 124.87 mph in Round 1 of eliminations on Sunday, lost to Steven Densham (4.170 ET at 269.94 mph).

● Finished third in the Funny Car championship standings, 95 points behind champion Ron Capps.

Notes of Interest

● Hagan earned his 10th straight top-10 finish in the championship standings. It was also his ninth top-three finish in 14 seasons.

● Hagan earned a career-high 42 round wins this year. His previous high was 40 round wins, set in 2013 and again in 2016.

● The 2022 season marked the 10th straight year Hagan has earned at least three wins. He was a four-time victor in 2022.

● Pruett’s Q2 run on Saturday at 3.669 seconds saw her quickest ET of the season.

Leah Pruett, Driver of the Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel Dragster

“Our raceday with the Dodge Power Brokers dragster was the epitome of hard work and execution, and it embodied the team’s competitive spirit and skill. During round one, we needed to get down the track against (Alex) Laughlin, who is a fierce contender. Just like many other competitors today, we had some challenges and smoked the tires. Engines don’t love when you pedal the car. Cylinders get mixed up and bad things happen. We had a huge explosion from top to bottom – from the injector down to the oil pan. We had to replace every part of the engine. Our turnaround and recovery for the second round of eliminations is what is the most impressive. We had zero problems in warmup, made our call on time and ran a very competitive .72. We didn’t believe a 3.70 was out there to be had on the track, so that’s not what we pushed for. We are very proud to be able to hang our hat on quality turnarounds and having the right parts available to piece on the car when you have the worse situation available and to be able to do it where you’re only seven-thousandths away from a win light. Personally, getting a holeshot on (Austin) Prock is a highlight for me this season. I’ve been working really hard on consistency and I have my own notebook of what I do when I’m able to get it right like that and that’s got to last you four months in the offseason. We finished strong and we have everything to be proud of. The recovery we had for the second round of eliminations is a reflection of our rebound this season and looking toward 2023 is going to be even more impressive.”

Matt Hagan, Driver of the Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car

“I have to thank Dodge Power Brokers for putting a great racecar underneath me all season and Tony Stewart Racing for their phenomenal work. To be able to work for a guy like Tony Stewart has been, hands down, one of the best experiences of my life. He’s a solid guy and such a good dude and creates a great work environment. I’m just excited to be able to drive for him and to continue to drive for him. I’m proud of my crew guys for the blood, sweat and tears they put in all year long. It’s really, really tough to lose the first round like that in a championship hunt and just know that when you watch him cross the finish line over there that your season’s over. It’s just one of those things where it’s tough because you can taste it, you know you’re there and that you’re capable, but it just wasn’t meant to be today. At the end of the day, we got a lot of work ahead of us this offseason and a lot of innovation to work on. I’m just really proud of my guys, really proud of our sponsors, and proud of the season we’ve had. We won four races this year, but it can always be better. All in all, I just know these guys are going to come back and we’re going be better and stronger.”

Next Up

The 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season kicks off March 10-12 with the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville (Fla.) Raceway.

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