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Kaulig Racing Weekly Advance | Phoenix Raceway

By
Official Release
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NASCAR Cup Series Championship
Phoenix Raceway
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Sunday, November 6 at 3 p.m. ET on NBC

  • In the 2022 NCS season, Kaulig Racing has earned six top fives, 13 top-10 finishes and has led 73 laps

AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Celsius Camaro ZL1

  • AJ Allmendinger has made 20 starts at Phoenix Raceway in the NCS
  • He has earned two top-10 finishes and has led 17 laps at Phoenix
  • In the 2022 NCS season, Allmendinger has earned one runner-up finish, three top fives, eight top-10 finishes, and has led 29 laps across 17 starts

“I’m excited to get back to Phoenix. Besides the Clash, that was my first race in the new car, so we are looking forward to working on this new package and make it better. We know that it’s one of the first races next season, so we will be prepared to get a feel of the car and keep building our notebook for next year.” – AJ Allmendinger on Phoenix Raceway

Justin Haley, No. 31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Camaro ZL1

  • Justin Haley has made three starts at Phoenix Raceway in the NCS
  • Haley has earned three top five, four top 10s, 14 top-15 finishes and has led 44 laps in the 2022 season

“This year has been a fun one with the No. 31 group, and I’m looking forward to finishing off strong in Phoenix. We’ve had a lot of speed lately, and with the extended practice this weekend, I hope we learn valuable knowledge for next year.” – Justin Haley on Phoenix Raceway  
 
NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship
Phoenix Raceway
NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS)
Saturday, November 5 at 6 p.m. ET on the USA Network

For the second year in-a-row, AJ Allmendinger and Kaulig Racing have won the NXS regular season championship
Kaulig Racing has earned five wins, 23 top five and 49 top-10 finishes in the 2022 NXS season
The team has led 437 laps in the 2022 NXS season so far
Allmendinger: 348 laps
Hemric: 66 laps
Cassill: 23 Laps
 

Landon Cassill, No. 10 Voyager Chevrolet

  • Landon Cassill has made 12 starts at Phoenix Raceway in the NXS and earned two, top-10 finishes
  • Cassill has earned four top five and 11 top-10 finishes in the 2022 NXS season
  • He has led 23 laps so far in the 2022 NXS season

“We’ve had a great year with a lot of challenges. We were disappointed leaving Martinsville last week after having that race circled on our calendars, but it just makes us more eager to end the year with a really great weekend.” – Landon Cassill on Phoenix Raceway

Daniel Hemric, No. 11 AG1 Chevrolet

  • Daniel Hemric has made nine starts at Phoenix Raceway and has earned one win, three top fives, six top-10 finishes and has led 93 laps
  • Hemric has earned three top fives, 12 top-10 finishes and has led 66 laps in the 2022 NXS season

“Phoenix will always hold a special place in my hear. It’s been a tough season for sure. There have been may ups and downs, but we are looking forward to ending the season on a high note.” – Daniel Hemric on Phoenix Raceway

AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Nutrien Ag Solutions Chevrolet

  • AJ Allmendinger has made five starts at Phoenix Raceway
  • Allmendinger has earned one top five, two top-10 finishes and has led five laps at Phoenix Raceway
  • Allmendinger has earned the NXS regular season championship for Kaulig Racing for the second year in-a-row
  • He has earned a win for Kaulig Racing in four-straight NXS seasons
  • In 2022, Allmendinger has led 348 laps, recorded five wins, 16 top five and 27 top-10 finishes
  • Allmendinger currently has the most top-10 finishes of any driver in the 2022 NXS season

“It’s disappointing not being a part of the final 4 this year, but that doesn’t take away from the great year this team has had. I’m hoping we can go there and finish out strong and try to go out on a win or a great run.” – AJ Allmendinger on Phoenix Raceway  

About Kaulig Racing™

Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started and made the Championship 4 round in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons. They will continue fielding three, full-time NXS entries; the No. 10 Chevrolet driven by Landon Cassill, the No. 11 Chevrolet driven by Daniel Hemric, and the No. 16 Chevrolet driven by AJ Allmendinger. With multiple wins, Kaulig Racing has come to be one of the top competitors on track each weekend. The team made multiple starts in the NCS in 2021 and won in its seventh-ever start with AJ Allmendinger’s victory at “The Brickyard” for the Verizon 200 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The young team has acquired two charters for the 2022 NCS season, with Justin Haley competing as its first, full-time driver in the series. The team’s second entry will be shared by part-time teammates AJ Allmendinger, Daniel Hemric and Noah Gragson. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

The 2022 Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout: Meet the Finalists Part 1

By
Official Release
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The 15th edition of the Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout is only a week away and 12 diverse finalists are counting down the days to their shot at a scholarship valued at $110,000 from Mazda to compete in the 2023 MX-5 Cup season. What follows is a brief introduction to six of those candidates.

Thomas Annunziata (Colts Neck, New Jersey)
Thomas Annunziata is one of two drivers who have actually participated in a Mazda MX-5 Cup race. Last August, he took part in Rounds 11 and 12 at VIRginia International Raceway, finishing 11th and ninth. Annunziata comes into the shootout as the latest Spec MX-5 Series and National Champion.

“I started racing cars only a year ago,” Annunziata said. “I started in Spec Miata. I was a finalist for the Spec MX-5 Shootout last year. I did not win that, but the goal was to win both championships in Spec MX-5 this year and the MX-5 Cup Shootout.”

Alex Berg (Buford, Georgia)
The other finalist with MX-5 Cup race experience is Alex Berg, who took part in the 2021 season finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, finishing 16th and 13th. Berg won the Spec MX-5 South Region Championship and finished third in the Series Championship. This will be his third-straight shootout appearance, having taken part in the 2021 Spec MX-5 Shootout and last year’s MX-5 Cup Shootout.

“I’m a very emotional driver,” Berg said. “Something the judges told me was to not let my emotions get to me. That’s something that I haven’t perfected, but I really, really worked my hardest on. I’ve been doing a lot of mental training. Other than that, I’ve been told I check all the boxes in terms of pace and off-track abilities.”

Laurin Brallier (Clements, North Carolina)
An at-large nominee, Laurin Brallier has spent the last two years racing Formula Vee in SCCA. Seeing the opportunities offered by Mazda, Brallier started racing in Spec Miata this June. Her experience in karts and Formula Vee gave her an excellent background in the “momentum conservation” style of racing, but she knows she still has a lot to learn.

“The cars are complete opposite of each other,” Brallier said. “I’ve been learning a new driving style, because the Formula Vee has very low grip, the tire contact patch is so small, so you’re kind of babying the car the whole time on entry, mid-corner and exit. The Miatas, you just kind of chuck them and they roll! I’ve been learning that and trying to maximize my speed.”

Nate Cicero (Pound Ridge, NY)
Making the step from the Spec MX-5 Shootout last year to the MX-5 Cup Shootout this year is Nate Cicero. His prior shootout experience combined with his recent run in an MX-5 Cup car in the World Racing League finale at Sebring will make him a formidable opponent.

“It’s nice to see a lot of people chosen from Spec MX-5, especially because it was extremely competitive this year,” Cicero said. “I think it’s a good ladder system. Using the older generation Cup cars is a good platform to learn how to race.”

Wyatt Couch (El Dorado Hills, California)
Back for his second MX-5 Cup Shootout is Wyatt Couch who has a whole new perspective on the sport after starting his own Spec Miata/Spec MX-5 team this year. Couch has been especially busy balancing his racing life with his mechanical engineering studies, but it has not altered his confidence coming into this year’s shootout.

“Last year was my first time in the Cup car and my first time at Sebring,” Couch said. “It was all a learning experience. I think I learned a lot and improved not only as a driver, but as a person as a whole since last year and I think I can use that to my advantage. I met all the judges last year and got along with them really well, so I think I’m in a solid position.”

Heather Hadley (Mooresville, North Carolina)
Heather Hadley’s background is like no other MX-5 Cup Shootout finalist; her racing experience is in Legends cars. Hadley initially thought that NASCAR was her future, but upon further research decided that MX-5 Cup was where she needed to be to break into sports car racing.

“I think something that helps me is that in the Legends cars we run a sequential transmission, which is what the MX-5 Cup cars run,” Hadley said. “I think that the Legends car is one of the most difficult to drive and I’ve been doing it the last five years, so I’ve developed strong areas, but I do have a lot to learn. I’m not nervous, but I know I’ll be disadvantaged in some areas and have an advantage in others.”

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our introduction to this year’s MX-5 Cup Shootout finalists.

The 2022 Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout will take place at Sebring International Raceway, November 9 – 10.

About: The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires is the signature spec series for Mazda Motorsports. The series has been operated by Andersen Promotions since 2017 and is currently sanctioned by IMSA. Mazda-powered grassroots champions can earn Mazda scholarships for this pro-level series. The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup champion is awarded $250,000 as the top rookie nets $80,000.

Find out more at http://www.mx-5cup.com.

Weekend schedule for NASCAR Championship finale at Phoenix

By
Angie Campbell
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Photo by David Myers for S[peedwayMedia.com.

NASCAR travels to Phoenix Raceway this week for the final race of the year where the driver that achieves the highest finish in their respective series will be crowned the 2022 NASCAR Champion.

Chase Elliott, 2020 Champion, Joey Logano, 2018 Cup Series Champion, Christopher Bell and Ross Chastain will be competing for the NASCAR Cup Series trophy Sunday afternoon.

Justin Allgaier, Josh Berry, Ty Gibbs and Noah Gragson will race Saturday evening for the NASCAR Xfinity Series title, each hoping to claim their first championship.

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship contenders will hit the track Friday night as Ty Majeski, Ben Rhodes, Chandler Smith and Zane Smith battle for the coveted trophy.

All times are Eastern.

Thursday, Nov. 3

8:05 p.m.: Truck Series Practice – All Entries – No TV
9:30 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series West – Practice/Qualifying – No TV

Friday, Nov. 4

2:30 p.m.: ARCA Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100 – FloRacing/MRN
6 p.m.: Truck Series Qualifying (Impound – Single Vehicle/1 Lap/ All Entries) FS1
7:05 p.m.: Xfinity Series Practice – All Entries – USA
8:05 p.m.: Truck Series Practice – All Entries – USA/MRN

10 p.m.: Truck Series Lucas Oil 150
Distance 150 Laps = 150 Miles
Stages: 45/90/150 Laps
FS1/MRN/SiriusXM
Purse: $817,025

Saturday, Nov. 5

2:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series Qualifying – (Impound – Single Vehicle/1 Lap/ All Entries) NBC Sports App
3:30 p.m.: Cup Series Qualifying – (Impound – Group A & B/ Single Vehicle/1 Lap/2 Rounds) USA/MRN/NBC Sports App

6 p.m.: NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship race
Distance: 200 Laps = 200 Miles
Stages 45/90/200 Laps
USA/MRN/SiriusXM/NBC Sports App
The Purse: $1,645,625

Sunday, Nov. 6

3 p.m.: NASCAR Cup Series Championship race
Distance: 312 Laps = 312 Miles
Stages: 60/185/312 Laps
NBC/Peacock/MRN/SiriusXM
The Purse: $10,542,284

Mobil 1 and Hagerty Make Their Partnership Official: The Legendary Motorsports and Automotive Brands are on a Mission to Save Driving and Celebrate Car Culture

By
Official Release
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Driving is an Essential Activity for 238 Million Licensed Drivers in the United States; Together Mobil 1 and Hagerty will Make Every Mile More Meaningful

November 2, 2022 – In the over-scheduled, over-programmed race of daily life, cars are often viewed as machines used for commuting – the thing that gets us from one place to another. While automobiles keep nearly a quarter of a billion Americans on the road, the world’s leading synthetic motor oil and iconic motorsports brand Mobil 1™ and the automotive lifestyle brand Hagerty™ are committed to cultivating and celebrating a more meaningful car culture that brings joy to driving and builds a community of driving enthusiasts. To fuel that purpose, today, the two brands formalized their alliance in a multi-year collaboration to serve drivers everywhere.

“Hagerty has a purpose to save driving and car culture. Mobil 1 has a mission to spread the love of driving,” said Scott Howard, Director, North America Finished Lubricants at ExxonMobil. “Whether it’s modern European race cars, classic American builds, the Rocket League’s virtual Octane car, or innovative creations like the Hoonipigasus, we’ve seen that the joy of driving, not necessarily what you’re driving, is what unites enthusiasts together and builds communities. Together, Mobil 1 and Hagerty will better serve, grow, and inspire drivers everywhere.”

Combined, Mobil 1 and Hagerty have nearly 90 years of experience protecting automobiles, creating innovative technologies, building industry relationships, and growing communities of driving enthusiasts all over the world. Together, both brands will be able to serve their consumers better by bringing automotive culture to new heights – on and off the road – with a focus on compelling content, cultivating communities, and providing car care with purpose.

“We started as an insurance company to protect the vehicles we all love,” said Larry Webster, Senior Vice President of Media and Editorial, Hagerty. “But we’ve grown into an automotive lifestyle brand because the passion of driving enthusiasts is so much bigger than the car themselves. The builders, the stories, the gatherings and – yes – the cars, are why more than 750,000 drivers are part of Hagerty’s Driver’s Club. Empowering people who love cars of all types is what motivates Mobil 1 and Hagerty to serve driving communities together.”

At the SEMA Show, the premier annual automotive trade show in Las Vegas, Mobil 1 and Hagerty announced their collaboration and formalized how they plan to serve driving enthusiasts.

Creating Compelling Content

Hagerty brings a deep knowledge of car culture and a proven ability to connect with enthusiasts through high-quality content such as its existing YouTube video series “Capturing Car Culture” and “Hagerty DIY.” Meanwhile, Mobil 1 will provide access to the greatest drivers, cars, and events in the industry as a fixture on the F1 circuit, NASCAR tracks, and extreme motorsport races like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Together, the industry leaders will collaborate on exclusive, behind-the-scenes content to further showcase the best cars, stories, products and, most importantly, the people behind them as a way to entertain and inform the enthusiast community through all channels including print, digital web, video, and social media.

Cultivating Communities

Hagerty takes car culture seriously by attending, sponsoring, and hosting more than 2,500 events every year and is committed to offering experiential on-ramps for car enthusiasts with its world-class vehicle storage and exclusive social club, Hagerty Garage + Social that provides car lovers with a home away from home. Mobil 1 understands the importance of celebrating driving and highlighting its love of the sport in new ways – such as through its esports and gaming collaborations with Rocket League and Gen.G. Together, the two brands will curate incredible experiences for current driving enthusiasts and cultivate new opportunities to usher in a new community of drivers wherever, and however, they drive.

Car Care with Purpose

Mobil 1 protects engines on the road and track and Hagerty serves more than 750,000 Drivers Club members with roadside service among other benefits – highlighting both brands’ deep understanding of the need for regular car maintenance. Consumers can expect to see exclusive product offerings through the partnership. Caring for a car properly is critical, and together, Mobil 1 and Hagerty will continue to create efficiencies for drivers to increase safety, boost performance, and educate vehicle owners and the industry. Ultimately, the expertise, technology, and education from Mobil 1 and Hagerty will help drivers maintain their cars so they can get more out of the drive.

About Mobil 1

Mobil 1, the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand, is a brand that has been trusted for more vehicle miles than any one of us sees in our lifetime. Designed to empower our love of driving, Mobil 1 advanced synthetic motor oil features anti-wear technology that provides performance beyond our conventional motor oils – that means more time behind the wheel than under the hood. This technology allows Mobil 1 advanced synthetic motor oil to meet or exceed the toughest standards of vehicle manufacturers and tuning shops, all while providing exceptional protection against engine wear, under normal or even some of the most extreme conditions. Not that you’d ever put your car through any extremes. Join us. For the love of driving.

About Hagerty, Inc. (NYSE: HGTY)

Based in Traverse City, Michigan, Hagerty’s purpose is to save driving and car culture for future generations and its mission is to build a global business to fund that purpose. Hagerty is an automotive enthusiast brand offering integrated membership products and programs as well as a specialty insurance provider focused on the global automotive enthusiast market. Hagerty is home to Hagerty Marketplace, Broad Arrow Group, Hagerty Drivers Club, Hagerty Drivers Club magazine, Hagerty Drivers Foundation, Hagerty DriveShare, Hagerty Valuation Tools, Hagerty Media, MotorsportReg, Hagerty Garage + Social, The Amelia, Detroit Concours d’Elegance, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, the California Mille, Motorlux, Broad Arrow Group and more. For more information on Hagerty, please visit www.hagerty.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

More information can be found at newsroom.hagerty.com.

Mahindra Tractors Racing: Chase Briscoe Phoenix Season Finale Advance

By
Official Release
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CHASE BRISCOE
Phoenix Season Finale Advance
No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

Event Overview

● Event: NASCAR Cup Series Season Finale (Round 36 of 36)

● Time/Date: 3 p.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 6

● Location: Phoenix Raceway

● Layout: 1-mile oval

● Laps/Miles: 312 laps/312 miles (502 kilometers)

● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 60 laps / Stage 2: 125 laps / Final Stage: 127 laps

● TV/Radio: NBC / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● In the final race of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, Chase Briscoe, driver of the No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), returns to Phoenix Raceway where he earned his first career Cup Series win earlier this year. The 27-year-old driver started sixth and led three times for 101 laps. He held off a late-race charge from Tyler Reddick and Ross Chastain during a lap-293 restart and was in the top spot when the caution flag flew on lap 305 of the scheduled 312-lap race, setting up a green-white-checkered shootout. The 27-year-old from Mitchell, Indiana, then drove away from Reddick, Chastain and nine-time Phoenix winner and SHR teammate Kevin Harvick. The win was the first for the No. 14 team since Clint Bowyer’s 2018 win at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.

● With the victory at Phoenix, Briscoe became the 200th Cup Series winner and the first driver to take a car carrying the No. 14 to victory lane at Phoenix. He also joined Alan Kulwicki (1988) and Bobby Hamilton (1996) as the third driver to earn his first Cup Series win at the desert mile oval.

● In just his second fulltime Cup Series season, Briscoe earned his first win, first pole, made the playoffs for the first time and advanced as far as the Round of 8. Though his playoff run ended last weekend at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, it wasn’t without a fight to the end as Briscoe found himself leading and in position to earn in spot in this weekend’s Championship 4 until the final four laps of the 500-lap event. Entering Phoenix, he has five top-five finishes and nine top-10s with five of his top-10s coming in the last six races.

● As the 2022 season comes to a close, Briscoe also nears the completion of only 10 years of racing on pavement. Prior to 2013, when he made his first start in what was then the K&N Pro Series West, Briscoe competed solely on dirt. He finished top-10 in his first of three K&N starts and continued to build on his pavement-racing legacy from there.

2015 – Briscoe made two starts in the ARCA Menards Series, finishing 10th in his first race and fifth in his second.
2016 – Running fulltime in ARCA for Cunningham Motorsports, Briscoe won six races as a rookie and was named the 2016 ARCA Series champion.
2017 – Briscoe began racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for Brad Keselowski Racing. He made the playoffs, earned his first win in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway and was named Truck Series Rookie of the Year.
2018 – Competing part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Briscoe earned his first win in the SHR No. 98 Ford in the inaugural race on the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval. The win helped springboard him to a fulltime ride the following season.
2019 – With a win in June at Iowa Speedway in Newton, his second in the Xfinity Series, Briscoe made the playoffs in his first fulltime season. He advanced to the Round of 8 and was named Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year.
2020 – Briscoe advanced to the Xfinity Series Championship 4 after visiting victory lane nine times in his second fulltime season and was named as the next driver of the SHR No. 14 in the Cup Series.
2021 – In his first full season in the Cup Series, Briscoe earned three top-10 finishes, all on road courses, and was named Rookie of the Year.

● Briscoe has four career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Phoenix and each resulted in top-10 finishes. His best is sixth, scored twice – March 2019 and 2020. He also made one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series appearance there in November 2017, when he started eighth and finished fourth in his Ford F-150, securing his 13th career top-10.

● Mahindra Tractors, a brand of Houston-based Mahindra Ag North America, returns to the No. 14 Ford Mustang for the season finale. Part of Mahindra Group’s Automotive and Farm Sector, Mahindra Ag North America is the No. 1-selling farm tractor company in the world, based on volumes across all company brands. Mahindra farm equipment is engineered to be easy to operate by first-time tractor or side-by-side owners, and heavy duty to tackle the tough jobs of rural living, farming and ranching. Steel-framed Mahindra tractors and side-by-sides are ideal for customers who demand performance, reliability and comfort at a great value. Mahindra dealers are independent, family-owned businesses located throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Chase Briscoe, Driver of the No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing:

We’re headed back to Phoenix, where you won earlier this year. How is your confidence going in knowing that you’re the guy who went to victory lane there this year and you can put it all on the line for another victory?

“I definitely think it adds some confidence just knowing that we’ve won there, but so much has changed. It’s not like our car that was so good there the first race is going to be any good going back. If we did the same setup, we’d be so far in left field, so I think it helps knowing that we’ve won there, but it’s still going to be a challenge. Hopefully we’re in that situation after practice and qualifying, where we’re talking about defending the win. Anytime you go to a racetrack where you’ve won before, it makes a difference. It’s nice to go back there and try to defend that spring race and hopefully finish the season with another win.”

What do you think is the most important thing you can take away from this season?

“I feel like, through my whole career, I’ve never given up in a race. I’m always giving it 100 percent every lap. But I felt like, in the playoffs this year, I did a lot better job of weighing risk versus reward and kind of knowing when to just maintain where you’re at. I paid a lot of attention to (Kevin) Harvick, he’s so good at that. At the beginning of the race, he might not be the best car, but at the end he finds himself up there in position. I’ve learned a lot about how to put a whole race together, where I probably didn’t do the best job of that for really my entire career up to this point. Looking back at the playoff run, we had a string of four races where I would say two of those we definitely finished better than where we ran all day and it was just a matter of being patient, just chipping away at it until I put myself in position. On the restarts, try to gain two or three spots. So, I feel like I learned a lot about when to not put yourself in a bad situation trying too hard. I didn’t do a very good job of that in the regular season but I feel like I did a lot better in the playoffs.”

No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Chase Briscoe
Hometown: Mitchell, Indiana

Crew Chief: John Klausmeier
Hometown: Perry Hall, Maryland

Car Chief: J.D. Frey
Hometown: Ferndale, California

Engineer: Mike Cook
Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Engineer: Marc Hendricksen
Hometown: Clinton, New Jersey

Spotter: Joey Campbell
Hometown: Berlin, Connecticut

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Shayne Pipala
Hometown: Frankfort Square, Illinois

Rear Tire Changer: Dakota Ratcliff
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee

Tire Carrier: Jon Bernal
Hometown: Shelby, North Carolina

Jack Man: Dylan Moser
Hometown: Monroe, North Carolina

Fuel Man: Corey Coppola
Hometown: Bluefield, West Virginia

Road Crew Members

Underneath Mechanic: Stephen Gonzalez
Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Interior Mechanic: Trevor Adams
Hometown: Naples, Florida

Tire Specialist: Keith Eads
Hometown: Arlington, Virginia

Shock Specialist: Brian Holshouser
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Engine Tuner: Jon Phillips
Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri

Transporter Co-Driver: Todd Cable
Hometown: Shelby, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Rob Fink
Hometown: Mocksville, North Carolina

Carson Hocevar – Lucas Oil 150 Race Advance

By
Official Release
-

Carson Hocevar – Lucas Oil 150 Race Advance
Lucas Oil 150 | Phoenix Raceway (150 Laps / 150 Miles)
Friday, November 4 | Avondale, Ariz. | 10:00 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN), Sirius XM Ch. 90

Team: No. 42 Worldwide Express Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Carson Hocevar (Portage, Mich.) | Crew Chief: Phil Gould
Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @CarsonHocevar

Hocevar on Friday’s Race at Phoenix: “I’m really proud of the effort that everyone at Niece Motorsports has put in this year,” said Hocevar. “I learned a lot as a driver and I think we learned a lot together as a team. I enjoy racing at Phoenix and am hoping that we’ll be able to have a solid performance. I’m looking forward to getting some extra track time in the ARCA race too. Thanks to all of our partners this year – Worldwide Express, Chevrolet, Premier Security Solutions and everyone that has made this season possible.”

Hocevar at Phoenix Raceway: Friday night’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Phoenix Raceway marks Hocevar’s fourth start in the Series at the one-mile track. His best finish of ninth came in this race last season.

On the Truck: Hocevar will race the No. 42 Worldwide Express Chevrolet Silverado in Friday night’s race at the one-mile Arizona track.

Double Duty: Hocevar will also participate in Friday afternoon’s ARCA Menards Series race, piloting the No. 40 Premier Security Solutions/GM Parts Now Chevrolet in the 100-lap event.

Last Time Out – Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway: “That wasn’t the day we were looking for, but it wasn’t from a lack of effort by this Niece Motorsports team,” said Hocevar. “We’ll move on and give it one more try in Phoenix.”

About Niece Motorsports:

Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2022, Niece Motorsports enters its seventh season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.

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

About Worldwide Express:

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

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

About Premier Security Solutions:

-Founded in 2013 by a retired Flint Michigan Police Officer, Premier Security Solutions is committed to deflect and deter unlawful activity for their clients, create a safe campus, and provide a secure environment. A company fully committed to community involvement and protection.

-Premier partners with many community organizations like Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and his G.H.O.S.T. team combatting human trafficking. Premier provides an array of security services, including K-12 school campus, industrial logistics, corporate and event security in addition to a state-of-the-art monitoring center and all types of security training for both law enforcement and civilian trainees.

-For more information, please visit www.premiersecurity.solutions/

About GM Parts Now:
GM Parts Now is the go-to online auto parts store for OEM car parts. Whether customers are looking to repair or customize an old or new vehicle, GM Parts Now has what you need. GM Parts Now offers car parts and GM accessories for a variety of years, makes and models.

Follow Carson Hocevar on Instagram and on the web: @CarsonHocevar / CarsonHocevar.com

Dean Thompson – Lucas Oil 150 Race Advance

By
Official Release
-

Dean Thompson – Lucas Oil 150 Race Advance
Lucas Oil 150 | Phoenix Raceway (150 Laps / 150 Miles)
Friday, November 4 | Avondale, Ariz. | 10:00 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN), Sirius XM Ch. 90

Team: No. 40 Worldwide Express/GlobalTranz/Unishippers Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Dean Thompson (Anaheim, Calif.) | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers
Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @deanthompsonr

Thompson on Friday’s race at Phoenix: “I’m looking forward to getting back to Phoenix,” said Thompson. “I enjoy racing there and feel like as a team we’ve learned a lot this season that we can apply to this race. A huge thank you to Worldwide Express and Thompson Pipe Group for all of their support this season. We wouldn’t be able to do this without them.”

Thompson at Phoenix Raceway: Thompson will make his second start at Phoenix Raceway on Friday night. In Thompson’s lone start at the one-mile track last season, he finished 21st – his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start.

On the Truck: Thompson will pilot the No. 40 Worldwide Express/GlobalTranz/Unishippers Chevrolet Silverado at the one-mile Arizona track.

Last Time Out – Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway: “Thanks to Worldwide Express and everyone at Niece Motorsports for all of their hard work today,” said Thompson. “It wasn’t the result we were looking for, but I’m proud of everyone’s effort. Homestead is a tough track, but I think we learned a lot today.”

About Niece Motorsports:

Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2022, Niece Motorsports enters its seventh season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.

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

About Worldwide Express

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

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

Follow Dean Thompson on Instagram and on the web: @deankthompson / deanthompsonr.com

Lawless Alan – Lucas Oil 150 Race Advance

By
Official Release
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Lawless Alan – Lucas Oil 150 Race Advance
Phoenix Raceway (150 Laps / 150 Miles)
Friday, November 4 | Avondale, Ariz. | 10:00 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN), Sirius XM Ch. 90

Team: No. 45 AUTOChargit Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Lawless Alan (Los Angeles, Calif.) | Crew Chief: Cody Efaw
Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @lawlessalan25

Alan on Friday’s race at Phoenix: “I’m excited to get back to Phoenix,” said Alan. “We got some laps under our belt here last year and I have some ARCA experience here too, so hopefully we’ll be able to get up to speed quickly in our AUTOChargit Chevrolet. I’ve learned a lot in my rookie season and look forward to closing out the year on a high note.”

Alan at Phoenix Raceway: Alan will make his second NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start at Phoenix Raceway on Friday.

On the Truck: Alan will pilot the No. 45 AUTOChargit Chevrolet Silverado on Friday at the one-mile Arizona track.

Last Time Out – Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway: “I really felt like we had a solid truck and we were doing a good job of logging laps and learning the track,” said Alan. “Unfortunately, we got some damage on pit road that put a damper on our day.”

About Niece Motorsports:

Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2022, Niece Motorsports enters its seventh season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.

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

About AUTOChargit:
AUTOChargit designs, manufactures and installs EV charging systems for automated and conventional parking applications. AUTOChargit can decrease capital expenditures by up to 75 percent by providing automated coupling and decoupling of EV charging stalls from the power source. For conventional parking applications, a single 40-AMP circuit coupled with a single AUTOChargit System can be multiplexed to four, eight, or 12 stalls. Each charging stall is individually metered for the exact tracking of electricity usage. The AUTOParkit Mobile APP provides a touchless experience for the user.

About AUTOParkit:
-AUTOParkit™ designs, manufactures, and constructs fully automated parking systems for new and existing buildings. AUTOParkit system structural steel and modular design can provide double the capacity of a traditional parking garage, providing up to 17 LEED points and drastically reducing construction time.

-AUTOParkit automated systems are 40 percent less expensive to operate, safer for the user and reduces carbon emissions associated with parking by more than 80 percent. AUTOParkit’s charging pallets provided by AUTOChargit, are a fast and convenient way of charging EVs and Hybrids. AUTOChargit’s patented technology allows for shuffling charged vehicles cutting infrastructure costs by up to 80 percent.

-For more information on AUTOParkit, visit www.autoparkit.com

Follow Lawless Alan on Instagram and on the web: @lawless_alan / www.lawlessalanracing.com

No. 10 Smithfield Ford Racing: Phoenix Race Advance

By
Official Release
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ARIC ALMIROLA
Phoenix Race Advance
No. 10 Smithfield Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

Event Overview

● Event: NASCAR Cup Series Season Finale (Round 36 of 36)

● Time/Date: 3 p.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 6

● Location: Phoenix Raceway

● Layout: 1-mile oval

● Laps/Miles: 312 laps/312 miles (502 kilometers)

● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 60 laps / Stage 2: 125 laps / Final Stage: 127 laps

● TV/Radio: NBC / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● History at Phoenix Raceway: Phoenix is the track where Almirola has arguably been most consistent in recent years. In his last eight starts there, he has earned five top-10 finishes – two of those being top-fours. He’s also led 33 laps at the mile oval. Almirola qualified fifth and finished 12th in this year’s March 13 race there.

● 2022 Season: Through 35 races, Almirola has earned two top-five finishes, seven top-10s, and has led 81 laps. He also qualified on the pole for the first time this season at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway in September. His average finish of 17.7 and seven top-10s this season have bettered his totals for all 36 points-paying races in 2021.

● Driver Points: Almirola arrives at Phoenix 20th in the driver standings with 743 points.

● Almirola’s career: In 423 NASCAR Cup Series starts, Almirola has earned three wins, 28 top-five finishes, 91 top-10s, four poles, and has led 974 laps.

● Ever wanted to be behind the wheel of the No. 10 Smithfield Ford Mustang? Well now it’s possible – virtually, that is. Fans can head over to www.Smithfieldraceface.com to explore the augmented reality app where fans can wear Almirola’s helmet and firesuit. Snap a photo and tag @Aric_Almirola on social media for a chance to be featured.

● Back for More: Earlier this year, Almirola announced that he would step down from fulltime racing following the 2022 season.Through the course of the year, Almirola has discovered a new balance between his passion for racing and dedication to his family. His wife Janice, and kids Alex and Abby, join him on most race weekends, oftentimes enjoying once-in-a-lifetime experiences together as they travel the country. His rapport with crew chief Drew Blickensderfer has flourished, and the intense pressure he had put on himself was replaced with the joy of simply being present. Not only did Almirola see a new perspective on the sport, but so did anchor partner Smithfield Foods, who broached the subject of Almirola returning to fulltime racing in 2023. On Aug. 26, Almirola, Stewart-Haas Racing, and Smithfield Foods announced his return with a multi-year agreement and the largest allotment of races since joining the team in 2018.

● Smithfield Foods is an American food company with agricultural roots and a global reach. Its 63,000 team members are dedicated to producing “Good Food. Responsibly.®” Smithfield is one of the world’s leading vertically integrated protein companies. The company has pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including its industry-leading commitments to become carbon negative in U.S. company-owned operations and reduce GHG emissions 30 percent across its entire U.S. value chain by 2030. Smithfield believes in the power of protein to end food insecurity and has donated hundreds of millions of food servings to local communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan’s Famous®, among many others.

● Beyond the 10 YouTube Series:In 2022, Almirola is once again sharing his life beyond the No. 10 Smithfield Ford with season three of his award-winning YouTube series. Fans and media can subscribe on YouTube to see Almirola’s personality on and off the track. Episodes have already featured life as a dad, a husband and an athlete, and it gives fans a unique perspective on what goes on in the life of a professional NASCAR driver. Fans can also follow Almirola’s social media channels: @Aric_Almirola on Twitter and Instagram, and @AricAlmirola on Facebook.

● Almirola was the only NASCAR Cup Series driver to finish in the top-10 in this year’s opening three races. He finished fifth in the season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, sixth at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, and sixth at Las Vegas. Almirola’s top-10 streak ended with a 12th-place finish at Phoenix despite running inside the top-10 throughout the race.

Aric Almirola, Driver of the No. 10 Smithfield Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing:

How would you assess your 2022 season?

“It was definitely a learning year for us as a team and an organization. There were a lot of things we did well and a lot of things we still need to work on. Obviously, we wanted to make the playoffs and were hoping for a win or two. We had a shot in St. Louis and we had a fast Smithfield Ford in New Hampshire before mechanical failure, which put us in a really tough spot to make the playoffs. We started the season really strong, though, and the communication between Drew (Blickensderfer) and I is really good, so we know what we’re capable of when we find the speed. I think we were the only team to start the season with three-straight top-10s. I’m ready to hit the refresh button and start 2023 that way again.”

With your decision to retire at the beginning of the season, and now being back for 2023 with Smithfield, how was your year off the track?

“Like I mentioned, we had a rollercoaster of a year on the track but, I prioritized the balance of my career and my family. It has been such a great year from that perspective because I have been more intentional and more present with my family no matter what happens at the track. For Smithfield and the race team to support me in that means so much.”

It’s the championship race at Phoenix. In past years, non-playoff drivers wouldn’t have their eyes on winning the season-ending race but, with so much parity, is this still and opportunity to win?

“Absolutely. There has been so much parity this year that I think you’ll see a lot of non-playoff drivers leading the championship race. It has happened more this year than ever before. The guys in the final four this year will have to take that into consideration, too. You’re not just racing against three other guys. You’re up against at least 25 other competitive cars that will still race you hard because they have the speed. I think you’ll see a much different season finale than we’re used to and I hope it puts on a great show for the fans.”

No. 10 Smithfield Ford Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Aric Almirola
Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer
Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Car Chief: Jerry Cook
Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

Engineer: Davin Restivo
Hometown: Asheboro, North Carolina

Engineer: James Kimbrough
Hometown: Pensacola, Florida

Spotter: Joel Edmonds
Hometown: Dobson, North Carolina

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Ryan Mulder
Hometown: Sioux Center, Iowa

Rear Tire Changer: Trevor White
Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Tire Carrier: Tyler Bullard
Hometown: King, North Carolina

Jack Man: Sean Cotton
Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Fuel Man: James “Ace” Keener
Hometown: Fortuna, California

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Chris Trickett
Hometown: Grafton, West Virginia

Mechanic: Robbie Fairweather
Hometown: Westbrookville, New York

Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller
Hometown: Monroe, New York

Tire Specialist: Rusty Davidson
Hometown: Mount Juliet, Tennessee

Transporter Co-Driver: Steven Casper
Hometown: Salisbury, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Matt Murphy
Hometown: Augusta, Georgia

Yamaha’s Elite bLU cRU Athletes Win Multiple Pro Championships in 2022

By
Official Release
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MARIETTA, Ga., Nov. 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, bLU cRU racers brought home several championships to cap off another successful 2022 racing season. Riders aboard the YFZ450R topped the podium in multiple race series, and the YXZ1000R SS (Sport Shift) continued to impress with multiple championships captured on a multitude of tracks across the country. Yamaha will honor this year’s bLU cRU titleholders during the 2022 Wall of Champions ceremony at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama this December.

In the Championship Off-Road Tour, Yamaha racers dominated the series once more, sweeping the Side-by-Side (SxS) classes in the pure sport YXZ1000R. After starting the year off as the top-placing YXZ at the famed and grueling King of the Hammers race, Yamaha factory-supported racer, Brock Heger, returned to short course in the Championship Off-Road Tour and once again took home the championship and $15,000 bLU cRU bonus in his BH Motorsports / Weller Racing / Maxxis / Yamaha YXZ1000R SS. In the PRO TURBO SxS class, New Zealander, Hamish Kelsey in his Kelsey Construction / Powersports 1 / DLP / Yamaha YXZ1000R SS secured the championship and bLU cRU bonus. Led by Colin Kernz, the YXZ also captured the top three positions in the PRO AM SxS class, as well as the top four spots in the Sportsman SxS class, with Jacob Blemke edging out the competition by only four points.

In the AMA ATV Motocross (ATV MX) circuit, Yamaha racers ruled the track on the podium-proven YFZ450R, finishing in four of the top-five positions in the AMA Pro division. After trading overall wins throughout 2022 with each other, Phoenix Racing’s YFZ rider, Joel Hetrick, capped off the season with the $15,000 bLU cRU bonus and his third ATV MX championship, followed by eight-time champion Chad Wienen (Wienen Motorsports / Maxxis / Walsh / SSI / Fly Racing / Yamaha YFZ450R).

The Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series showcased multiple battles this year, several of which came down to the final round. Although seven-time champion, Walker Fowler, won the Yamaha Racing Ironman finale on his WFR / GBC / Fly Racing / Yamaha YFZ450R to close things out and tie for overall points in the class, fellow bLU cRU racer, Brycen Neal, secured the $15,000 bLU cRU bonus on his Magna1 Motorsports YFZ450R and was crowned the new XC1 Pro ATV titleholder from more overall wins in 2022. Hunter Hart rounded out the year’s podium for another YFZ450R sweep. Also at the Yamaha Racing Ironman GNCC, Yamaha held a special retirement ceremony for bLU cRU racer, Johnny Gallagher, in honor of his 27-year career racing pro.

In the XC2 Pro-Am ATV class, Yamaha riders dominated the field, winning the top nine positions with Action Off-Road’s Jay Shadron clinching a definitive championship win and the $2,500 bLU cRU bonus. Claiming the $500 bLU cRU bonus for each of their classes were James Glauda in Collage A, Andre Williams in College B, Jeremy Ledonne in Junior A, and William Wallace in Junior B.

In support of the GNCC’s annual “Race for the Cure” at the Yamaha Racing Ironman GNCC in Crawfordsville, Indiana, raising breast cancer awareness and funding local breast cancer care and research for the Montgomery County Community Foundation (MCCF), Yamaha returned as a major contributor to the effort, committing $50 for each class win on a Yamaha, and an additional $50 for each 2022 Yamaha championship. This year, with 33 national championships and 35 race-day wins, along with additional fundraising efforts onsite, Yamaha donated over $5,500 to MCCF, which will use the funds to continue their efforts to provide free mammogram examinations in the surrounding region.

With the aid of bLU cRU racers, Yamaha also held a special All Kids Bike activation in Indiana, assembling bicycles benefitting a local elementary school in Crawfordsville. Yamaha continues to support All Kids Bike through multiple grants and bicycle deliveries to schools across the nation, with more activations planned in the future.

All 2022 pro-class bLU cRU champions will be further recognized during Yamaha’s Wall of Champions induction ceremony at Barber Motorsports Park this December alongside Yamaha employees. Their achievements will be emblazoned on a custom plaque that will be proudly displayed at Yamaha’s global headquarters in Marietta, Georgia.

Every Yamaha SxS and full-size ATV is proudly Assembled in the USA at Yamaha’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Newnan, Georgia, for worldwide distribution. For further information on the bLU cRU program, visit YamahabLUcRU.com. REALize Your Adventure and learn more about Yamaha’s 2023 Proven Off-Road line-up at YamahaOutdoors.com, or by visiting your local Yamaha dealer. Connect with Yamaha on social media via @YamahaOutdoors, tune in to the Yamaha Outdoors podcast on listening apps, or search the following hashtags on all platforms: #Yamaha #YamahaRacing #REALizeYourPodium #REALizeYourAdventure #ProvenOffRoad #bLUcRU #AssembledInUSA #YXZ1000R #YFZ450R

About Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.

YMUS has a corporate office in California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company (YMSC) with divisions Bennett Marine (Florida), Kracor Systems (Wisconsin) and Siren Marine, Inc. (Rhode Island), Skeeter Boats (Texas), with division G3 Boats (Missouri), and Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana).

ATVs over 90cc are recommended for use only by riders 16 years and older.
SxS Vehicles are recommended for use only by licensed drivers 16 years and older.

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