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The crucial phases that you need to identify on how to start hotshot trucking business

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SM
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Photo by Caleb Ruiter on Unsplash

Before starting a hotshot trucking business, ensure you have the money to purchase and cover your existing equipment. You’ll need operating cash to get your hotshot business up and running. Calculate your minimum profit and how much you will pay yourself so that you can succeed. 

Tracking and recording expenses, payments, and other important information will require systems and tools. For the details on how To start hot shot trucking startup, you need multiple things to fix; there are a few options. If you’re looking for funding, you can ask your family and friends for loans or seek investors. Funding will be easier to secure if you have a business plan.

The services of hotshot truckers are often requested by shippers and brokers who need to deliver relatively small loads quickly. These drivers and operators handle agricultural equipment, construction materials, heavy machinery, and other time-sensitive, project-critical loads. Instead of heavy-duty pickups, hot-shot drivers commonly operate super-duty pickups with trailers.

A hotshot trucking company can be lucrative when it runs correctly. MC number – you can either start up your own hot shot business or lease it with another company as an owner-operator.

The Concept of Hot Shot Trucking, What Does It Entail?

Shippers and brokers employ hotshot truckers for small loads that must deliver as quickly as possible. These drivers and operators provide agribusiness machinery, construction equipment and materials, and other project-critical loads with precision and speed. Super-duty pickup trucks with trailers are usually used by hotshot drivers instead of heavy-duty Class 8 semis.

Picking the best out of the bunch is a daunting task, but a little effort goes a long way. Do your homework and learn more about truck driver recruiting so you can choose the right one. Further, reach out to a hiring agency for reliable and competent drivers. They’ve got the right tools and resources to help you get started with hot shot trucking.

If you do it right, you can earn a good living by operating hotshot trucks. A hotshot business can be owned and used by you as an owner-operator or leased with another firm.

First and foremost, you must decide on a specialization when starting a hotshot business. The equipment necessary for managing a variety of cargoes might be lacking if you’re new to hotshot freight carrying. Your kit will determine the types of freight you can transport, so you can specialize.

It is possible to haul loads with various trucks and trailers. Hotshot lorries tend to be larger than pickup trucks, but pickup trucks are similar in size. There is no weight limit for Class 3 heavy-duty trucks, but they can weigh up to 14,000 pounds. Contractors and last-mile delivery drivers can also load hotshot loads.

Make a specialized choice to start your trucking.

Medium-duty trucks classified as Class 4 can weigh 14,001-16,000 pounds. They’re still non-commercial trucks, even though they’re more prominent. A medium-duty vehicle in Class 5 can weigh 16,001-19,500 pounds. Among the smallest commercial trucks are those in class 5.

It is typically cheaper and shorter to buy a bumper pull trailer. The simple operation of these vehicles makes them popular with civilians. There is, however, a limit to how much weight they can transport, usually not more than 10,000 pounds.

The turning radius of gooseneck trailers is smaller than that of bumper pull trailers, which is advantageous if the delivery location requires little turning room, such as construction sites or isolated areas. More significantly, they also transport heavier goods by them frequently.

Because tilt deck trailers tilt at an angle, large cargo can be loaded more quickly. Lowboy trailers with low gravity centers are safe to transport oversized loads. The use of dovetail trailers can make it easier to move moving vehicles or wheeled equipment.

Light cargo can be transported exclusively by a hotshot company. Having a hotshot company can be a significant advantage. A small refrigeration truck or trailer could transport medicines or perishable items. The more specialized services you offer, the more likely you are to be referred to similar projects by your customers. If you cannot find a lane that suits your needs, you may need to try other specialties.

It is essential that you procure an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

A hotshot business requires an EIN to be created. A tax identification number, or EIN, is assigned to your business by the IRS. Neither you nor your employees need to use your social security number to pay themselves. As an employee, you will also benefit from your employer’s benefits package and can contribute more to your 401k. Any questions about financial planning should be directed to a financial planner.

Request a motor vehicle records or report (MVR)

Most states make it easy to obtain motor vehicle records, but delays may occur. . Digital downloads and internet possibilities are available in some jurisdictions, but there is usually a charge. A copy could be required in person or mailed to hotshot truck drivers in some states.

State-reported driving histories are summarized in your MVR. A driving record check will likely be required for your insurance application. If your business is audited, you should be prepared with an MVR. Your ability to demonstrate the individual’s qualifications for driving is required even if it is you. An MVR can be obtained for a nominal fee.

What are the different types of motor oils & their benefits?

By
SM
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Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Different oils are available for your vehicle, ranging from conventional, synthetic, and high-mileage to synthetic blends. Consider several factors while selecting motor oil for your car. Whether you are looking for high-performance heavy-duty engine oil or a synthetic one depends much on the type of vehicle. Factors like the weather of the place, the age of the car, and driving habits are some other contributing factors. There is adequate information from the experts that will help you decide the right option.

Types of Oil and its Benefits

Each oil category has properties that work to enhance the performance of your vehicle. It is crucial to understand the purpose of the oil and how it can impact an automobile. It aims to cool the engine and other parts that help in functioning. 

  • Conventional

A refined version of crude or base oil is the conventional type. All impurities are removed from it, which helps with increased lubrication, reduced sludging and prevention of corrosion. It is less expensive as it has fewer additives and is not manufactured. Conventional oil can be your option if you or your driver has a regular driving pattern.

  • Full Synthetic 

Synthetic oil is manufactured, unlike the conventional type. It is highly refined and contains no impurities that might be found in traditional oil. It has a few types of additives that provide quality performance. For drivers who put a lot of stress on the engine, full synthetic oil is excellent. Also, if you drive too much in the dirt, you can consider using it for your car. It is the process of manufacturing that makes this option an expensive deal. However, the benefits make it worth the money.

  • Synthetic Blend

A mixture of conventional type and full synthetic is referred to as a synthetic blend. It typically does not have more than 30% of synthetic oil. The inclusion of several additives makes it efficient in protecting the engine. Another benefit of the blend is decreased chances of oil evaporation. It is less expensive than the full synthetic oil, yet offers some of its benefits. So, if you are unwilling to pay a hefty price and want the perks of synthetic oil, you can opt for the blended option.

  • High Mileage

For a vehicle with 75000 miles or more, you will need high-mileage motor oil. It will help in reducing the leaks (internal and external) because of the presence of several additives. The mix can help reduce the sludge if that is one of your issues. One can blend the synthetic, synthetic-blend, and conventional types to form a high-mileage oil. 

Purchasing the right oil for your car will be a smooth process if you know the different options available and how they work. Also, check the manufacturer’s manual to know which oil is recommended for your car. 

Bottom Line

Ensure the oil you are picking has been tested by authorized sources. Consider the mileage of your car while purchasing, to avoid leakage. If you reside in a cooler environment, it is suggested to choose a thinner oil. On the other hand, the thicker formula will work better in warmer climates. Remember your driving pattern while making the final decision. 

Besides the tips mentioned above, buy oil from a reliable service provider. A trusted brand will ensure quality products that automatically produce excellent vehicle performance. Contact a nearby dealer to learn about the availability of different oils. Since there are several online platforms, you can also look for the same on the internet.

The Most Fun Mobile Friendly Poker Games You Can Play

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SM
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Poker is one of the most popular card games in the world, and as more poker games are developed for mobile devices, more people are playing it. Some of the most popular poker mobile games are available for free. Because these games are so popular, some ambitious record-breaking tournaments have drawn more people than ever before. Most importantly, even if you’re just getting started, these games are easy to learn and fun to play.

Anyone with a smartphone who knows how to use it can play a fun game of Poker whenever they want. The poker apps have been meticulously designed and tested to ensure that players of all ages can use them without difficulty. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the games; most include a tutorial that allows you to get started right away.

You might be wondering why so many people nowadays play mobile poker. The answer is simple: you can play for free and without restrictions. There are no download requirements, and no additional games are required. The game is playable on any device or computer. If you don’t have a smartphone or tablet, you can still play by going to a website where you can download and play poker games on your computer. To find the best and most trustworthy poker sites, go to Mercury News.

The Most Fun Mobile-Friendly Poker Games You Can Play

  1. Razz Poker

Razz poker is a popular card game played at 13-card tables with seven draw hands and one wild card. This game is available in both cash and tournament formats. It does not have any bonus hands. Because of its simplicity and ease of use, it is the most popular free poker app. It’s also great for people who want to learn new poker games.

  1. Deuces Wild Poker

Deuces Wild is a fast-paced poker game where you are dealt two cards instead of one. All hands in Deuces Wild are identical, with the exception of the single hands, which feature two different hands or a high pair. The game is played on 13-card tables with a total of seven draw hands. It is popular because it is easy to learn and fun to play. It is also simple to use and does not require the download of unnecessary background music or annoying advertisements. It is one of the most reputable no-download poker sites.

  1. PokerStars

PokerStars is a popular free poker site where players can play cash games and tournaments. It is a website that allows you to play for free. You can play poker games on your mobile device without having to download anything. PokerStars offers the most diverse selection of games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hold’em, Seven-card Stud, and Razz, so you’re sure to find something to your liking. To enjoy winning poker games, you do not need to download the games onto your mobile device; simply visit their website. They are well-known for their free poker websites.

  1. Online Poker Stars

Online Poker Stars is a popular free poker site where players can play cash games and tournaments. It is a website that allows you to play for free. You can play poker games on your mobile device without having to download anything. PokerStars has the most diverse game selection available, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hold’em, Seven-card Stud, and Razz, so you will be able to find a game that suits your playing style. To enjoy winning poker games, you do not need to download the games onto your mobile device; simply visit their website. They are well-known for their free poker websites.

  1. Ultimate Texas Hold’em Poker

Ultimate Texas Hold’em Poker is a tournament-style poker game in which you can compete against the dealer or all other players. There is no distracting background music or advertisements on the site, making it simple and easy to use. It enables you to play both cash games and tournaments. On the Android Market, the app has received numerous positive reviews, making it one of the most popular poker apps available for mobile devices.

  1. Blackjack Mobile Poker

Blackjack Mobile Poker is an app that allows you to play five different types of blackjack. It is a straightforward and easy-to-use app that is ideal for beginners and those who enjoy playing blackjack in their spare time. The website enables players to play blackjack for free on their mobile devices at any time.

  1. Poker School

Poker School is a poker game that allows you to compete against other players in tournaments or cash games. You can practice your skills for free on the tables. It enables you to play real poker games without having to download background music, annoying advertisements, or expensive games. The game has over 50,000 downloads and is one of the most popular free poker sites among Android users.

  1. Party Poker

Party Poker is a well-known brand that has been around for a long time and is still one of the most popular poker rooms in the US. The site allows players to participate in tournaments and cash games without being restricted by download requirements, specific games that must be purchased, and distracting background music, annoying advertisements, or other online games. It has over 1.5 million users and is one of the most popular Android free poker sites.

  1. PokerStars Live

Poker Stars Live is a platform that allows you to play poker in real time against other players, either online or in a land-based casino. It hosts large tournaments where you can compete against the best players in the world, and it offers a wide range of poker games. It is simple to use and has more than 3 million users, making it one of the most popular free poker websites and Android apps.

  1. U.S. Poker

Players in the United States can compete against other players in free poker tournaments and cash games. It is one of the most user-friendly free poker sites, with no annoying advertisements or distracting background music. It allows you to play poker both online and in a physical casino, giving you more options for poker games and making it one of the most popular websites and Android apps on the market today.

Real Poker Sites allow you to hone your skills with free poker games before moving on to the next level of play. You must first find a site that suits you and your preferences before deciding whether or not to register on it. The best sites use the wagering method, so research the site’s features before registering.

Mike Kelley Steps into Familiar Role with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. at JTG Daugherty Racing

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Official Release
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Mike Kelley named crew chief of the No. 47 Kroger Racing Camaro NASCAR Cup Series entry for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Harrisburg, N.C. (November 9, 2022) – – Mike Kelley slides into a familiar role as crew chief of Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s No. 47 Kroger Racing Camaro team for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season. After three seasons, crew chief Brian Pattie is departing the racing organization with Kelley picking up where Pattie’s leaving off.

“We respect Brian and what he did for the company, and we wish him the best,” said Kelley. “We learned a lot together and I believe the previous successes and failures gives us the knowledge we need to be competitive and deliver the results for our partners in the coming season.”

“Brian and I accomplished a lot together and won two Cup races (at Roush Fenway Keselowski) and that’s not easy in this sport,” said Stenhouse Jr. “I’m grateful for our friendship and wish him well in his endeavors. Mike and I and the team will continue our preparations this off season and be ready for the new year with our Kroger Racing partners.”

Since the 2020 season, Kelley has worked alongside Pattie and Stenhouse Jr. at JTG Daugherty Racing. Kelley’s history is rich, and his roots are deep with Stenhouse Jr. He was Stenhouse Jr.’s 2014 NASCAR Cup Series crew chief at Roush (Fenway Keselowski) Racing and almost won (runner-up finish) that year together at Bristol Motor Speedway (3/16/2014).

Prior to that, Kelley won back-to-back (2011-2012) NASCAR Xfinity Series Championships as Stenhouse Jr.’s crew chief also at Roush (Fenway Keselowski) Racing. The two together racked up an impressive total of 8 wins in Xfinity.

“It’s been a little bit, but those championships with Ricky mean the world to me,” said Kelley. “It proves that a team can dream, work hard, and execute to reach the top. When you believe, it’s amazing what you can accomplish.”

Kelley has worn a crew chief hat multiple times, but he has also been a car chief and wrenched on these cars. For example, as a car chief for Kurt Busch he won 11 NASCAR Cup Series races and the NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2004. He’s also worked with the likes of Ray Evernham and for two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip (Kelley was car chief for Waltrip’s 2001 win at Dale Earnhardt, Inc.). He’s been a crew chief for multiple drivers too (David Ragan, Erik Darnell, Todd Kluever and Carl Edwards).

All in all, Kelley has worked with Stenhouse Jr. for 12 years of his career and is not missing a beat to get the team ready for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season.

“Thanks to our partners and we will see you at the Daytona 500,” said Kelley.

Rookie Season is a Beautifully Immersive Look into What it Means to be a Racecar Driver

By
SM Staff
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Motorsports is an incredibly compelling spectator sport full of exhilarating action. An often-overlooked aspect of motorsports is the emotional ups and downs a team will experience during any given series. Most of the time, the media focuses on the champions and the race itself, and it is rare to see a candid look into what it takes to be a part of a motorsports team.

Rookie Season is a feature-length documentary filmed, directed, and edited by Adrian Bonvento that brilliantly showcases the emotions, strategy, cohesion, and willpower required to succeed in a sport against impossible odds. The documentary covers Rebel Rock Racing’s rookie season during IMSA’s 2019 Michelin Pilot Challenge with the focus being on drivers Frank DePew and Robin Liddell.

The bar for the film is set high during the opening sequence. It was nothing short of a completely immersive environment. Immediately, the camera places you directly inside the car alongside Robin Liddell, and the only dominating sounds are the loud engine and an anxiety-riddled conversation between Liddell and his fellow team members. Scenes like this within the cockpit are littered throughout the film and are used to create suspense and unease. I truly felt like I was there and shared the anxiety with the Rebel Rock Racing crew during these moments. The team’s successes filled me with adrenaline and joy causing me to celebrate with the Rebel Rock Racing team when they achieved their goals. In contrast, the team’s failures weighed significantly on me and left a lingering emotional investment throughout the film.

Coinciding with the previously mentioned failures, Rookie Season was never afraid to display the emotional toll failure has on the individual and the team. The cinematography director Adrian Bonvento used throughout the film was a brilliant medium to showcase the levels of emotion. It felt incredibly personal. As if I was there as a fly on the wall and the driver and team were just colleagues and friends discussing and doing whatever it takes to achieve success. The scenes featuring calm preparation with voiceover narration allowed me to decompress between the exhilaratingly stressful and visceral scenes from within the cockpit. The film perfectly captivates and caters to the average viewer. I did not need any sort of knowledge about the actual involvement of a racing team to relate with the Rebel Rock Racing team. While there are plenty of documentaries about racing, I feel strongly that this one accurately encapsulates the psychology behind the scenes of motorsports.

I typically do not watch much coverage of IMSA and was unsure of what to expect when going into this film. However, Rookie Season does not require the viewer to have extensive motorsport knowledge to enjoy what it offers. For anyone on the fence and who wishes to understand what it takes to be a racecar driver; you need to watch Rookie Season.

For those with an Amazon Prime membership, you can watch Rookie Season on prime video with one click to immediately begin watching. Additionally, Rookie Season is available on many streaming services like YouTube and Google Play. You can find all the information you need at RookieSeasonFilm.com.

Veteran Crew Chief Brian Pattie to Lead No. 51 Team in 2023

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 9, 2022) – Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) announced today that veteran crew chief Brian Pattie will join the organization and will be atop the pit box for the No. 51 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series beginning in 2023.

Pattie has spent the last 14 season atop the pit box in the NASCAR Cup Series, where his drivers have produced six wins, nine poles, 57 top-five and 131 top-10 finishes across 528 starts. In 2012, he guided Clint Bowyer to three victories and a runner-up finish in the Cup Series championship standings. In 2017, he guided Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to two wins and a berth in the playoffs. The Florida native has also recorded 11 wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and has one win across six starts as a crew chief in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

“As a racer, your ultimate goal is to be in a position where you can win races and the opportunity to work with Kyle and the other drivers on the No. 51 truck is one that I just couldn’t turn down,” Pattie said. “I’ve known Kyle since the early 2000’s when I was his crew chief for his first handful of Busch Series races and the same determination that I saw from him back then as a driver I’ve witnessed from afar as he’s built the most successful team in the history of the Truck Series. I’m very excited for the chance to reunite with him and grateful that he has the confidence in me to come in and help carry on the winning tradition he has established, which I plan to do for many years to come.”

“I’ve known Brian since my early days in NASCAR and he’s one of the smartest and hard-working crew chiefs in all the garage, so to be able to bring a guy of his caliber to KBM is a huge win for our organization,” Busch said. “He’s been a crew chief under the Chevrolet banner for the last three seasons at the Cup Level, so his knowledge of the way they operate and what tools and technologies they provide their teams will be very beneficial as we transition to that camp.”

Crew chief Mardy Lindley and KBM mutually agreed to part ways. Lindley guided the No. 51 team to six wins in his two seasons at KBM.

“We appreciate everything Mardy has done at KBM and wish him the best of luck in his next endeavor,” Busch said.

About Kyle Busch Motorsports:

Since debuting in 2010, Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) has quickly established itself as one of the most successful teams in all of NASCAR. Owned by two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch and fueled by his passion for winning, the organization holds the Camping World Truck Series records for most career wins (98) and most wins in a single season (14 in 2014). In addition to collecting a series-record seven Owner’s Championships, the organization has produced two championship-winning drivers; Erik Jones (2015) and Christopher Bell (2017).

KBM prepares a fleet of race-winning vehicles out of its state-of-the art 77,000-square-foot facility in Mooresville, N.C. Fans can stay up-to-date with all the latest KBM news online at www.KyleBuschMotorsports.com, by liking the team on Facebook (KBMteam) and by following the team on Instagram (KBMteam), and Twitter (@KBMteam).

Hagan Ready to Drive Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat Into Fight for Funny Car World Championship at NHRA Finals

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Official Release
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Tony Stewart Racing drivers Matt Hagan and  Leah Pruett, along with their Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car and Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel Dragster respectively, are ready for the 2022 NHRA Drag Racing Series season.
  • Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) will close out their first season competing in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Camping World Drag Racing Series this weekend with driver Matt Hagan and the Dodge Power Brokers Funny Car vying for a championship at the 57th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals
  • The three-time Funny Car World Champion has four wins and four runner-up performances this year aboard his Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and remains in contention for the championship crown heading into the season finale 63 points behind category leader Robert Hight and two behind reigning titleholder Ron Capps
  • Hagan heads into the NHRA Finals with a chance to earn the Funny Car title for a fourth consecutive season and the ninth time in 15 years
  • TSR Top Fuel pilot Leah Pruett looks to finish off her team’s challenging first year together on a positive note and add to highlights that include a coveted win at the Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals in Denver and a No. 1 Qualifier position at the Sonoma Nationals

November 9, 2022, Auburn Hills, Michigan – While their first season competing in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Camping World Drag Racing Series draws to a close at the upcoming 57th annual Auto Club NHRA Finals, Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) and driver Matt Hagan aren’t easing up on the throttle as the Dodge Power Brokers Funny Car remains in contention for the world championship heading into the final event of the six-race Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

Hagan began the year by driving his Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat to the winner’s circle in three of the first eight national events of TSR’s inaugural season, including his first career Gatornationals victory, and led the Funny Car points standings until the halfway point of the season. His playoff performance through five of six NHRA Countdown to the Championship events included three semifinals followed by back-to-back final rounds appearances to stay in the hunt.

His win at the penultimate race of the season, the Nevada Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, kept the team’s Funny Car title hopes alive by putting Hagan within 63 points of the category leader Robert Hight and just two points behind reigning world champ Ron Capps heading into this weekend’s points-and-a-half NHRA Finals at the legendary Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California.

It’s familiar territory for Hagan who comes into the final race as a title contender for the fourth consecutive season after finishing runner-up in the championship last season, earning the Funny Car crown in 2020, and ending up third overall in 2019. The three-time NHRA world champion has driven a Dodge Funny Car to a top-three finish eight times in 14 years.

For a chance to vie for the crown again on race day, Hagan will have to amass all the extra bonus points he can in four qualifying sessions to get within two rounds (or less than 60 points) of Hight. However, no matter what the result, Hagan is proud of what his TSR team has accomplished and looks forward to building on this season’s performance.
 
“It has been a real honor to drive for Tony Stewart Racing this year and I’m looking forward to next year also,” says Hagan who earned four Wally trophies and four runner-up finishes for TSR this year to date. “Obviously, we’re in the hunt to win TSR their first championship this weekend, so that would be huge. It is an uphill battle and we have to come out swinging. We have to gather up those small points to keep it under 60 (points) over two rounds to win. In 2010, when I was the runner-up, all I had to do was show up and go two rounds to win. I was eliminated in the first round, so (John) Force won the championship. I’ve been on Robert’s (Hight) side of it and lost it, so that’s why we’re going to go out there and dig deep to still give ourselves a shot. It’s still very possible.
 
“I’m happy to be a part of it and excited for what the future brings,” adds Hagan. “I think we’ll be in the mix of things for a long time to come. We just have to keep pushing hard and turning win lights on and things will fall into place.”
 
TSR Top Fuel pilot Leah Pruett and her Dodge Power Brokers dragster head into the last of 22 national events looking to finish their first year together on a high note. While she sits just outside the Top Fuel top 10 going into Pomona, the team made significant gains throughout the challenging season that had Pruett as high as sixth in points by August.
 
Pruett made her sixth career appearance in the NHRA postseason after she scored a memorable win at the Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals in Denver and earned the No. 1 Qualifier position at the Sonoma Nationals. The Denver victory wasn’t just the highlight of her season, but also the perfect representation of the kind of year TSR has had.
 
“My most memorable moment of this season has got to be a collage of moments from the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals in Bandimere,” says Pruett of her 10th career win. “Specifically the first qualifier, where we were testing new components at our first mile-high race and ultimately blew the tires off harder than we ever had and were able to immediately make wholesale adjustments that provisionally put us in the No. 1 spot. From there, we worked on consistency. On race day, we had a very potent potluck of a good-running racecar, I was solid on the tree, winning a couple pedal fests, with a sprinkle of luck to cap the day off in the winner’s circle. Our whole season of highs and lows could be illustrated in that one race which is why it is so memorable, besides it being our first TSR Top Fuel Wally.”
 
Looking to close out his 30th season of competition in Funny Car on a good note is driver and team owner Cruz Pedregon. This year the two-time world champ qualified his Snap-on Tools Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat in the top-half of the eliminations ladder at 14 of 21 events to date and became just the third racer in the pro categories to record 600 race day starts.
 
After contending for last year’s championship until the final race and finishing fourth overall, the Cruz Pedregon Racing team battled among the top-five in the standings for the first half of the 2022 season and began the Countdown from eighth place. While the team hasn’t been involved in this year’s title fight, Pedregon would still like to go four rounds on Sunday and continue to help lay the groundwork for his 2023 season.
 
“It’s my home track and we want to end the year on a high note for Snap-on, Dodge and all the partners that support us,” says Pedregon who sits ninth in points heading into the weekend. “I think we have a good shot at six or seven (in the championship) still with points-and-a-half at Pomona. It gives us an opportunity to right some of the wrongs we’ve had this year. We’re all about trying to finish as high as we can in the points and work on getting a gauge on our clutch program. We plan for that to all come together to get stronger, more consistent runs. We’re ready to finish the season with solid runs and going rounds on the final race day of the ’22 season.”
 
The NHRA Finals, the last of six “Countdown to the Championship” playoff events, will take place Nov. 10-13 at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California, with a pair of Nitro qualifying sessions scheduled on Friday, Nov. 11, and the final two set for Saturday, Nov. 12. Final eliminations will begin at 11 a.m. PT on Sunday, Nov. 13. FS1 will broadcast a qualifying highlights show on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 2 p.m. ET and then begin race day coverage at 4 p.m. ET to conclude with the crowning of 2022 NHRA World Champions.

NHRA CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS STANDINGS:

Following the Nevada Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

FUNNY CAR (season wins in parentheses)

1.  Robert Hight 2592 (8)

2.  Ron Capps: 2531 (5)

3.  Matt Hagan (Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat): 2529 (4)

4.  John Force: 2406 (1)

5.  Bob Tasca III: 2391(3)

6.  J.R. Todd: 2295

7. Tim Wilkerson: 2261

8. Alexis DeJoria: 2259 (1)

9. Cruz Pedregon (Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat): 2222

10. Blake Alexander: 2150

11. Jim Campbell: 2149

TOP FUEL (season wins in parentheses)

1.  Brittany Force: 2468 (5)

2.  Justin Ashley: 2461 (3)

3.  Mike Salinas: 2402 (4)

4.  Antron Brown 2390 (3)

5. Steve Torrence: 2381 (2)

6. Austin Prock: 2342 (1)

7. Josh Hart: 2307 (1)

8. Shawn Langdon: 2290

9.  Doug Kalitta: 2284

10. Clay Millican: 2269

11. Tony Schumacher: 2224(1)

12. Leah Pruett (Dodge Power Brokers): 2211 (1)

DodgeGarage: Digital Hub for Drag Racing News

Fans can follow all the NHRA action this season at DodgeGarage, the one-stop portal for Dodge//SRT and Mopar drag-racing news. The site includes daily updates and access to an online racing HQ, news, events, galleries, available downloads and merchandise. For more information, visit www.dodgegarage.com.

@DodgeMoparMotorsports on Instagram

The @DodgeMoparMotorsports Instagram channel continues to share content capturing Dodge//SRT Mopar drivers on the track. Fans can see action from the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series and NHRA Sportsman grassroots racers, competing in classes such as Factory Stock Showdown, Stock and Super Stock, as well as additional motorsports series.

Dodge//SRT

For more than 100 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge shifts into high gear with a lineup that delivers unrivaled performance in each of the segments where they compete.

Dodge drives forward as a pure performance brand, offering SRT Hellcat versions of the Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger and Dodge Durango, as well as an R/T plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet, representing the brand’s first-ever electrified performance vehicle. Dodge delivers the drag-strip dominating 807-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock; the 797-horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Redeye, the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world; and the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the most powerful SUV ever; and best-in-class standard performance in the compact utility vehicle segment with the Dodge Hornet. Combined, these four muscle vehicles make Dodge the industry’s most powerful brand, offering more horsepower than any other American brand across its entire lineup.

In 2022, the Dodge brand ranked No. 1 in the J.D. Power APEAL Study (mass market), making it the only domestic brand ever to do so three years in a row. In 2020, Dodge was named the “#1 Brand in Initial Quality,” making it the first domestic brand ever to rank No. 1 in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS). 

Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Mopar

This year marks the 85th anniversary of Mopar, the global name for Stellantis genuine parts and authentic accessories.

A simple combination of the words MOtor and PARts, Mopar offers exceptional service, parts and customer-care. Born in 1937 as the name of a line of antifreeze products, Mopar has evolved over 85 years to represent both complete vehicle care and authentic performance for owners and enthusiasts worldwide.

Mopar made its mark in the 1960s during the muscle-car era with performance parts to enhance speed and handling for both on-road and racing use. Later, Mopar  expanded to include technical service and customer support, and today integrates service, parts and customer-care operations in order to enhance customer and dealer support worldwide.

Complete information on Mopar is available at www.mopar.com and the newly redesigned Mopar blog at blog.mopar.com. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Follow Dodge, Mopar and Stellantis news and video on:

Company blog: blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Media website: media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Dodge brand: www.dodge.com

Mopar brand: www.mopar.com

DodgeGarage: www.dodgegarage.com

Mopar blog: blog.mopar.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dodge and www.facebook.com/mopar

Instagram: @DodgeMoparMotorsports, @DodgeOfficial and @OfficialMopar

Twitter: @Dodge, @OfficialMopar and @StellantisNA

YouTube: www.youtube.com/dodge, https://www.youtube.com/c/mopar and www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

NASCAR Announces Start Times and Networks for 2023 Season

By
Official Release
-

Number of Races on Broadcast Increases for Second Consecutive Year

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 9, 2022) – NASCAR, FOX Sports, and NBC Sports jointly announced 2023 race start times and networks for the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.

Twenty-one NASCAR Cup Series races will air on FOX or NBC broadcast networks in 2023, the highest number of broadcast races since 2009. The 2023 schedule marks the second consecutive year of growth on network television with one more race airing on broadcast than in 2022.

Eleven races will air on FOX, including the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum (Sunday, Feb. 5, 8 p.m. ET), the DAYTONA 500 (Sunday, Feb. 19, 2:30 p.m. ET), and the next five points races to start the season. The Bristol Dirt Race returns to FOX in primetime on Easter (Sunday, April 9, 7 p.m. ET), while Talladega Superspeedway (Sunday, April 23, 3 p.m. ET), the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway (Sunday, May 28, 6 p.m. ET) and Sonoma Raceway (Sunday, June 11, 3:30 p.m. ET) are the final NASCAR Cup Series races on broadcast in FOX Sports’ portion of the season. FS1 will present eight NASCAR Cup Series races, beginning with the Duel at DAYTONA (Thursday, Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. ET) and Richmond Raceway (Sunday, April 2, 3:30 p.m. ET).

In 2022, the NASCAR Cup Series experienced its highest viewership and share during the FOX segment of the schedule since 2017.

Ten broadcast races will air on NBC, one more than in 2022, including the kickoff of the NBC Sports portion of the season at Nashville Superspeedway in primetime (Sunday, June 25, 7 p.m. ET) and the NASCAR Cup Series’ first-ever Chicago Street Race (Sunday, July 2, 5:30 p.m. ET). The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course (Sunday, Aug. 13, 2:30 p.m. ET) and regular season finale at Daytona International Speedway (Saturday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m. ET) will be the other regular season races airing on the network. Once again, the final six playoff races will air on NBC beginning with Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 2 p.m. ET and culminating with the championship race at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 3 p.m. ET.

“Over the last few years, we’ve worked closely with our broadcast partners, tracks, teams, drivers, and industry stakeholders to deliver some of the most bold and innovative schedules in NASCAR’s history – 2023 is no exception,” said Brian Herbst, NASCAR senior vice president of media and productions. “We will always look for opportunities to expand the distribution of our world-class racing product to NASCAR’s loyal fanbase – by adding more broadcast and primetime races in 2023, our media partners are continuing their commitment to reach as many viewers as possible through their network platforms. This commitment was on full display in 2022, with a 4% year-over-year viewership increase for the NASCAR Cup Series and we look forward to continuing the momentum in 2023.”

Overall, 10 NASCAR Cup Series races will air in primetime during the 2023 season. The Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, the Bristol Dirt Race, NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway (Sunday, May 21, at 8 p.m. ET, FS1), Charlotte Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, Chicago Street Race, Atlanta Motor Speedway (Sunday, July 9, at 7 p.m. ET, USA Network), Daytona International Speedway, Darlington Raceway (Sunday, Sept. 2, at 6 p.m. ET, USA Network), and Bristol Motor Speedway (Saturday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 p.m. ET, USA Network) highlight racing under the lights next year.

Additionally, five NASCAR Xfinity Series races will air live on broadcast in 2023. FOX will be home to the classic NASCAR action from Darlington Raceway (Saturday, May 13, 1:30 p.m. ET), while NBC will carry the Xfinity Series four times, including from Road America (Saturday, July 29, 3 p.m. ET), Michigan International Speedway (Saturday, Aug. 5, 3:30 p.m. ET), Kansas Speedway (Saturday, Sept. 9, 3 p.m. ET) and Homestead-Miami Speedway (Saturday, Oct. 21, 3 p.m. ET).

USA Network enters its second season as NBC Sports’ cable home for NASCAR and will present 25 NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series races in 2023. NASCAR Xfinity Series racing will begin from Nashville Superspeedway on Saturday, June 24, at 3:30 p.m. ET, while USA’s coverage of the Cup Series premieres at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 9, at 7 p.m. ET. This season, six Cup Series races on USA Network delivered year-over-year viewership gains versus NBCSN races in 2021 and USA Network was also the most-watched cable network on television for seven races.

CRAFTSMAN will make its triumphant return to the Trucks Series in 2023 with 22 races scheduled on FS1. The return to North Wilkesboro (Sunday, May 20, 1:30 p.m. ET) will air on FOX. Thirteen NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races will run in primetime, highlighted by the playoffs opener at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis on Friday, Aug. 11, at 9 p.m. ET and the championship at Phoenix Raceway on Friday, Nov. 3, at 10 p.m. ET.

Complete times and network schedules for all three national series are below. All times eastern and subject to change. Playoffs races are in bold.

2023 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule

DateRace / TrackNetworkStart Time (ET)Radio
Sunday, February 5Clash (L.A. Memorial Coliseum)FOX8:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Thursday, February 16Duel at DaytonaFS17:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, February 19DAYTONA 500FOX2:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, February 26Auto ClubFOX3:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, March 5Las VegasFOX3:30 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, March 12PhoenixFOX3:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, March 19AtlantaFOX3:00 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, March 26COTAFOX3:30 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, April 2RichmondFS13:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, April 9Bristol DirtFOX7:00 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, April 16MartinsvilleFS13:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, April 23TalladegaFOX3:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, April 30DoverFS12:00 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, May 7KansasFS13:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, May 14DarlingtonFS13:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, May 21NASCAR All-Star Race (North Wilkesboro)FS18:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, May 28CharlotteFOX6:00 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, June 4World Wide Technology RacewayFS13:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, June 11SonomaFOX3:30 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, June 25Nashville SuperspeedwayNBC7:00 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, July 2Chicago Street RaceNBC5:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, July 9AtlantaUSA7:00 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, July 16New HampshireUSA2:30 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, July 23PoconoUSA2:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, July 30RichmondUSA3:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, August 6MichiganUSA2:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, August 13Indianapolis Road CourseNBC2:30 p.m.IMS/SiriusXM
Sunday, August 20Watkins GlenUSA3:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, August 26DaytonaNBC7:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, September 3DarlingtonUSA6:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, September 10KansasUSA3:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, September 16BristolUSA7:30 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, September 24TexasUSA3:30 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, October 1TalladegaNBC2:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, October 8Charlotte RovalNBC2:00 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, October 15Las VegasNBC2:30 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, October 22Homestead-MiamiNBC2:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, October 29MartinsvilleNBC2:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, November 5PhoenixNBC3:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM

2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series Schedule

DateLocationNetworkStart TimeRadio
Saturday, February 18DaytonaFS15:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, February 25Auto ClubFS15:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, March 4Las VegasFS14:30 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, March 11PhoenixFS14:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, March 18AtlantaFS15:00 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, March 25COTAFS15:00 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, April 1RichmondFS11:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, April 15MartinsvilleFS17:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, April 22TalladegaFS14:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, April 29DoverFS11:30 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, May 13DarlingtonFOX1:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, May 27CharlotteFS11:00 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, June 3PortlandFS14:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, June 10SonomaFS18:00 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, June 24Nashville SuperspeedwayUSA3:30 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, July 1Chicago Street RaceUSA5:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, July 8AtlantaUSA8:00 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, July 15New HampshireUSA3:00 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, July 22PoconoUSA5:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, July 29Road AmericaNBC3:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, August 5MichiganNBC3:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, August 12Indianapolis Road CourseUSA5:30 p.m.IMS/SiriusXM
Saturday, August 19Watkins GlenUSA3:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, August 25DaytonaUSA7:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, September 2DarlingtonUSA3:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, September 9KansasNBC3:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, September 15BristolUSA7:30 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, September 23TexasUSA3:30 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, October 7Charlotte RovalUSA3:30 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, October 14Las VegasUSA3:30 p.m.PRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, October 21Homestead-MiamiNBC3:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, October 28MartinsvilleUSA3:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, November 4PhoenixUSA7:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM

2023 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Schedule

DateLocationNetworkStart TimeRadio
Friday, February 17DaytonaFS17:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, March 3Las VegasFS19:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, March 18AtlantaFS12:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, March 25COTAFS11:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, April 1TexasFS14:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, April 8Bristol DirtFS18:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, April 14MartinsvilleFS17:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, May 6KansasFS18:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, May 12DarlingtonFS17:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, May 20North WilkesboroFOX1:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, May 26CharlotteFS18:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, June 3World Wide Technology RacewayFS11:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, June 23Nashville SuperspeedwayFS18:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, July 8Mid-OhioFS11:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, July 22PoconoFS112:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, July 29RichmondFS17:30 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, August 11Lucas Oil Raceway at IndianapolisFS19:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, August 27MilwaukeeFS14:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, September 8KansasFS19:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Thursday, September 14BristolFS19:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, September 30TalladegaFS11:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Saturday, October 21Homestead-MiamiFS112:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM
Friday, November 3PhoenixFS110:00 p.m.MRN/SiriusXM

About NASCAR

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

CORVETTE RACING AT BAHRAIN: Farewell to GTE Pro

By
Official Release
-

Looking back on an incredible era of manufacturer racing in WEC, IMSA

DETROIT (Nov. 9, 2022) – This weekend’s Eight Hours of Bahrain marks the last race for the GTE Pro class in the FIA World Endurance Championship, the end of a fantastic decade-plus of manufacturer vs. manufacturer competition.

Corvette Racing, naturally, has been part of GTE Pro in the WEC – including the 24 Hours of Le Mans – since the first year of the class in 2011. Its participation in GTE-rules racing was amplified in 2014 with the birth of the GT Le Mans (GTLM) category in IMSA, which used the same technical rules that existed for GTE.

Taking into account both championships, Corvette Racing has an exemplary record in GTE/GTLM competition with 32 victories at racetracks around the world to go along with five Drivers and Team championships and four Manufacturers crowns in IMSA. That number could increase next year with the team’s move to GTE Am in WEC with Ben Keating and Nicky Catsburg confirmed as the first two drivers for the full 2023 season.

Coincidentally, the first GTE rules victory for Corvette Racing came in 2011 at Le Mans with its No. 73 Corvette C6.R. Current Corvette WEC driver Tommy Milner was part of the lineup with IMSA regular Antonio Garcia alongside Olivier Beretta.

Milner also was part of the most recent GTE Pro win with Nick Tandy and the No. 64 Corvette C8.R at Monza in this year’s GTE Pro championship.

The Eight Hours of Bahrain for the FIA World Endurance Championship is scheduled for 2 p.m. Arabian Standard Time (AST) / 6 a.m. ET Saturday from the Bahrain International Circuit. Qualifying is set for 4:50 p.m. AST/8:50 a.m. ET on Friday. The race will air live on MotorTrend with live streaming coverage of the race and qualifying on the MotorTrend Plus app. Radio Le Mans will broadcast qualifying and the race.

TOMMY MILNER, NO. 64 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R: “This class has been a huge part of my career… actually it’s been my career realistically! It even goes back to my first at Le Mans in 2006 in GT2. The rules have changed slightly over the years, but it’s been roughly the same for the last 15 seasons. It’s been fantastic and some of the best racing we’ve seen around the world, whether it’s been at Le Mans or in IMSA. In the short term, we’re losing a professional GT class at Le Mans, but I don’t think that will be the case for very long. It seems like in many ways both in IMSA and Le Mans, the class has run its course and had its great years and some down years as well with lower car counts. So from that side of things, you understand the need to start fresh. But I think things will pick up where they left off soon in terms of professional GT racing.”

“Those years where we had 16-17 cars at Le Mans… it was just a remarkable with the competition level for the show. It shows what that class could have been in many cases. While you see many people dwell on low car counts – at least compared to the amateur classes – the racing was always super good and competitive. It seemed to get more intense and competitive each year with the usual suspects. It’s an era of sports car racing where people can look back on and most will settle on and dwell on those years from 2016-19 with how good those cars were. I don’t think that we’re losing something; I think it’s a chance to refresh the formula for professional GT racing as IMSA has continued with a professional GT class.”

NICK TANDY, NO. 64 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R: “With this class of GTE Pro and GTLM racing… the first experience I had with these types of cars and what I started my factory racing career was in GT in the American Le Mans Series. This was in 2013. The class effectively launched the rest of my career. It’s been a huge part of my life for the last years. So it is very sad to see the end of an era. I’ve been through the heartbreak of losing GTLM, and luckily I’ve been able to carry on racing GTE Pro cars this year. But it’s the end of this era and car specification, which is sad. But for me personally, I’m so happy I was able to be part of it. It has been the class that has provided me with great racing and the life I’m lucky enough to live and do.”

“The racing was spectacular on both sides of the world. The cars always looked awesome. They typified a souped-up sports car that you would draw up or dream of when you’re growing up as a child. They looked spectacular and sounded spectacular. All the cars in the class were different, of course. But the way the class was managed, the racing was always close. You’ve only got to look at different series when there were five factory teams racing at one time. The racing was absolutely the best in the world that I had seen or experienced. It’s been a great time for our sport. It’s given me so many lasting memoires, even dating back to 2011. It’s been my life. Good times…”

“I’ve been lucky to race in other cars and in other classes. When the heyday of LMP1 ended in 2017, we went to Le Mans in 2018 and GTE Pro was headlining. There were 17 proper factory-affiliated entries and all with a chance to win. The class has been ever-present and ever-popular while other classes had been up and down. That’s a testament to the regulations and the manufacturers who wanted to join in and go racing.”

LAURA WONTROP KLAUSER, GM SPORTS CAR RACING PROGRAM MANAGER: “GTE Pro in WEC – and GT Le Mans in IMSA – have provided some of the best racing between manufacturers that sports car racing has seen in a generation. The teams and the technology have been top-notch. Some of the most exciting races I’ve personally seen – as a fan and as part of the program – involved Corvette Racing in GTE Pro or GTLM. As a manufacturer, you can’t ask for better competition than against four, five and six other marques like we saw in 2017, 2018 and 2019. As we all look forward to the next chapter of production-based racing worldwide with GT3, I hope we can see more of the great battles between teams and manufacturers for years to come.”

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.

IMPRESSIVE ROOKIES MAKE THEIR MARK AT SOUTH BOSTON SPEEDWAY

By
Official Release
-
South Boston Speedway Rookie of the Year Awards were presented to from the left Carter Russo of Rougemont, North Carolina (Budweiser Limited Sportsman Division), B.J. Reaves of South Boston, Virginia (Southside Disposal Pure Stock Division) and Landon Milam of Keeling, Virginia (Virginia State Police HEAT Hornets Division). Photo Courtesy Victor Newman/South Boston Speedway

By Joe Chandler
Director, Public Relations
South Boston Speedway

SOUTH BOSTON, VA….It was an impressive group of rookie drivers that competed for championships and post-season honors at South Boston Speedway in 2022, many of whom compiled statistics veteran drivers would have liked to have posted.

Parker Eatmon of Wilson, North Carolina (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Late Model Stock Car Division), Carter Russo of Rougemont, North Carolina (Budweiser Limited Sportsman Division), B.J. Reaves of South Boston, Virginia (Southside Disposal Pure Stock Division) and Landon Milam of Keeling, Virginia (Virginia State Police HEAT Hornets Division) were announced as Rookie of the Year Award recipients during the South Boston Speedway Awards Banquet presented by PPG on Thursday night, November 3, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, Virginia. The four drivers were the highest-finishing rookie driver in their respective division.

While Eatmon competed in only half of the races in the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Late Model Stock Car Division, he compiled a record good enough to make him the division’s top rookie with a 15th-place finish in the final division point standings.

“I’m proud to win Rookie of the Year at South Boston Speedway,” remarked Eaton, a 16-year-old who is a junior at Rocky Mount Academy in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. “We had a decent year at South Boston. Obviously, I would have liked to have won a race but it’s difficult with the competition that is there at South Boston Speedway. You had Peyton Sellers and Layne Riggs, and, of course, Jacob Borst and Landon Pembelton. They were good competition all year and they are tough to beat because they have been racing there for so long. I feel like it was good for me to get accustomed to the level of competition here is at South Boston Speedway.”

Eatmon’s record was good with one Top-5 finish and 10 Top-10 finishes in his eight starts. Among his Top-10 finishes were a trio of sixth-place finishes to go along with his one Top-5 finish.

“I was going into it just expecting to do the best I could, try to learn and grow into these cars because they are so different from the Legends Cars I was racing in the past,” Eatmon explained. “We started gaining spots as the races went on into the year. We started doing pretty well and found some speed. It was all good.”

For Russo, winning Rookie of the Year honors in the Budweiser Limited Sportsman Division was something of a surprise.

“It’s always a surprise,” Russo remarked. “It’s pretty amazing. You race against the best-of-the-best. All of the rookies finished in the top five in points, so it was a tough battle for Rookie of the Year.”

Russo started picking up momentum just prior to the mind-point of the season. When the season concluded Russo placed third in the final point standings with five Top-5 finishes and 12 Top-10 finishes in his 13 starts.

Among his Top-5 finishes were a pair of runner-up finishes and a pair of third-place finishes. He recorded four sixth-place finishes among his dozen Top-10 finishes and was one of 10 drivers to lead laps in the division.

“You always want to win, but that wasn’t at the top of our list,” Russo pointed out. “We were just trying to finish races, get experience, get knowledge to go into next year. It’s real rewarding to win Rookie of the Year. It’s something you can put on your resume and say you have done at a track like South Boston Speedway. We’ll be back and we’ll run Limited Sportsman again and try to get two spots better and see if we can bring home the championship next year with some wins.”

Reaves, who competed in the Southside Disposal Pure Stock Division, was the only driver among the four Rookie of the Year Award winners to win a race. He finished third in the final division point standings with a win, seven Top-5 finishes, and 11 Top-10 finishes in his 12 starts. The win, a runner-up finish, a third-place finish and two fourth-place finishes were among his Top-5 efforts. He was one of five drivers to lead laps this season.

“It was super exciting,” Reaves said of receiving the award at the speedway’s awards banquet. “I thought it was great that the track held the nice a ceremony it did, and I had the opportunity to receive that award for Rookie of the Year. It meant a lot to me. It’s a big deal. It’s a plaque I’m going to mount on the wall and will be proud of.”

One of the things that made Reaves’ accomplishments extremely rewarding was that the 2022 season was his first season of stock car racing.

“It was my first year of ever doing any type of circle-track racing,” Reaves pointed out. “It was a big learning curve for me all around. I don’t watch that much racing, so it wasn’t like I had a real good background coming into it. I was a green as you could get.”

The South Boston, Virginia resident was proud to have won a race in 2022 and be the only driver among the four Rookie of the Year Award winners to win a race. However, he wanted the win to come about in a different way.

“I know it doesn’t take away from it, but I realize the reason I won the race that I won was that Johnny Layne’s throttle cable broke,” Reaves said. “If his throttle cable had not broken that night, I don’t think I would have had a chance at it. For me, that’s frustrating. I want to win when I outrun the fast guys. I want to get a win because I had the best car that night. It will happen.”

Milam, one of the youngest, if not the youngest driver competing in the Virginia State Police HEAT Hornets Division, finished fifth overall in the final division point standings. He recorded a pair of third-place finishes, and he posted eight Top-10 finishes in his 10 starts that included a pair of sixth-place efforts.

“It feels great to receive the award,” Milam said. “The season was better than I expected. I was hoping to have a good year and win Rookie of the Year. I had no idea I would finish top five in points. At the beginning of the year, I didn’t think I was going to get it. For the longest time I had bad luck and got into wrecks and stuff and got behind. When (fellow driver Jordaine Penick) missed a race I caught back up, got in the lead for Rookie of the Year, and kept the lead from there. Toward the end of the year, it all worked out well.”

The latest updated news and information 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.

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