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Dean Thompson – Lucas Oil 150 Race Advance

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Official Release
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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

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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

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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

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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.

McDowell Heads Home with Love’s Travel Stops and Chevron Delo

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Official Release
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Hometown Hero Ready to End Career-Best Season

 MOORESVILLE, N.C. (November 2, 2022) – It’s the final race of the season and the homecoming for Glendale, Arizona native Michael McDowell this weekend as he visits the Phoenix Raceway. McDowell and the No. 34 Ford Mustang team will race with Love’s Travel Stops and Delo on the hood and sides for the final time this season.

McDowell heads into Sunday’s final race of 2022 with best statistical season of his career. He has two top-five and 12 top-10 finishes. He has led 67 laps en route to a 16.5 average finish.

“I’m really looking forward to heading back to Phoenix Raceway this weekend for the second and final time of the year in our Love’s Travel Stops/Delo Ford Mustang,” says McDowell. “This race is always a big one for me, being able to race in front of many friends and family that still reside in the area. Everything is always a bit more special being able to race in front of a hometown crowd, too.”

McDowell currently has a career-best finish of 16th at the Phoenix Raceway, but he and the Love’s Travel Stops/Delo team are looking to add another notch into their season totals by showing out in front of the hometown crowd.

“We have had a great season, and one that I can look back on and really digest going into 2023,” continued McDowell. “Our program has progressed tremendously from the beginning of the season until now, and even though we haven’t reached victory lane yet, the speed is there to do it. We plan to give it everything we have on Sunday and close out this season in a big way.”

McDowell and his Love’s Travel Stops/Delo Ford will race in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series season finale live at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS
Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Camping World Truck Series and the 2021 Daytona 500 champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team– from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

RFK Weekly Advance | Phoenix II

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Official Release
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Roush Fenway Keselowski Weekly Advance | Phoenix II

The 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season comes to a close this weekend out West as Phoenix Raceway hosts the Championship race. Jack Roush has 17 wins all-time at Phoenix including seven in the NCS, while Chris Buescher is coming off a career-best P10 finish there this spring.

NASCAR Cup Series Race at Phoenix
Sunday, Nov. 6 | 3 p.m. ET
NBC, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90

Brad Keselowski, No. 6 Kohler Generators Ford Mustang
Chris Buescher, No. 17 Fastenal Ford Mustang

Hooked on Phoenix

Roush Fenway has 299 combined starts at Phoenix, totaling 17 wins, 75 top-five and 135 top-10 finishes. RFK Fords have nine poles and have led 4,031 laps at the 1-mile track.

Winning in the Desert

RFK has won at Phoenix in all three of NASCAR’s major divisions, with the organization’s first win coming in the fall of 1993 with NASCAR Hall of Famer and former driver Mark Martin in the NCS. RFK won the second-ever NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Phoenix in 2000 and former driver Greg Biffle claimed the organization’s 100th overall NASCAR Xfinity Series win at Phoenix in 2009.

Former driver Carl Edwards also won at the track that fall to give RFK the season sweep. All in all, six drivers have won NASCAR races for RFK at Phoenix (Martin, Biffle, Edwards, Kurt Busch, Matt Kenseth and Joe Ruttman). In addition, Edwards swept Phoenix in the fall of 2010, winning both the NXS and NCS events.

Xfinity Success

Phoenix was one of the strongest tracks for RFK’s Xfinity program. In 93 starts, the organization won eight times, earned 27 top-fives, 53 top-10s and has led 1,406 laps. RFK most recently went to victory lane with Edwards in Nov. 2010. Its eight wins rank most of any track on the circuit behind only Charlotte (12), Darlington (15), Richmond (9) and Rockingham (10).

Tale of the Tape

RFK has started 170 NCS races at Phoenix, recording a total of seven victories, 35 top-five finishes, 61 top-10 finishes, four poles and has led 2,291 laps. Edwards earned RFK’s most recent victory at Phoenix in the March 2013 event.

RFK Phoenix Wins

1993 Martin Cup

1997-2 Ruttman Truck

2000 Burton Cup

2000 Burton NXS

2001 Biffle Truck

2001 Burton Cup

2001 Biffle NXS

2002 Kenseth Cup

2005-1 Busch Cup

2005-2 Edwards NXS

2006-2 Kenseth NXS

2008-2 Edwards NXS

2009-1 Biffle NXS

2009-2 Edwards NXS

2010-2 Edwards Cup

2010-2 Edwards NXS

2013-1 Edwards Cup

JR Motorsports — NXS Phoenix II Preview

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Official Release
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JR MOTORSPORTS TEAM PREVIEW:
TRACK: Phoenix Raceway
RACE: NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship (200 laps / 200 miles)
DATE: Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022

Broadcast Information – TV: 6 p.m. ET on USA / Radio: 5:30 p.m. ET on MRN and Sirius XM Ch. 90

Sam Mayer
No. 1 Accelerate Professional Talent Solutions Chevrolet
• Sam Mayer heads to Phoenix Raceway with a chance to finish inside of the top eight in the drivers standings in his first fulltime season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
• Mayer came on strong late in the season, finishing inside the top 10 in seven of the last 10 races.
• The 19-year-old performed admirably through the NXS Playoffs with only one finish outside the top 10 and an average finish of 6.5.
• In five starts on tracks measuring 1-mile in length in the NXS, Mayer has one top five and two top 10s, with a best finish of fifth coming at Dover Motor Speedway earlier this year.

Josh Berry
No. 8 Tire Pros Chevrolet
• In his first full-time NXS season, Josh Berry is one of four drivers who will compete for a championship at Phoenix by virtue of his win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He joins JRM teammates Allgaier and Gragson to comprise three of the four championship contenders.
• In two starts at the 1-mile desert oval, Berry has one top five and one top 10, with a best finish of third coming in the spring race this season.
• At the 1-mile Dover in April, Berry led 55 laps before earning his first win of the 2022 season. The win also locked the 32- year-old into the NXS Playoffs.

Noah Gragson
No. 9 Bass Pro Shops / TrueTimber / Black Rifle Coffee Chevrolet
• Noah Gragson will lead the Championship 4 into Saturday’s season finale at Phoenix as both the top seed and the most recent NXS winner on the 1-mile oval. Gragson led 114 laps on the way to his first win there in 2022. It was the first of eight victories so far this season.
• In seven career NXS starts at Phoenix, Gragson has the victory, two top-five and four top-10 finishes. His 114 laps led in the spring race represent the lion’s share of his 146- lap total.
• Gragson will compete for the series championship for the second straight season on the 1-mile desert oval. He will be joined by JRM teammates Berry and Allgaier.

Justin Allgaier
No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet
• Justin Allgaier enters the 2022 season finale at Phoenix as one of four competitors vying for the NXS championship.
• Allgaier, a five-time participant in the Championship 4, earned his way into the title fight by way of a fifth-place finish last weekend at Martinsville Speedway.
• In 24 career NXS starts at Phoenix, Allgaier has scored two wins, eight top fives and 16 top 10s. The JRM driver most recently went to Victory Lane at the 1-mile oval in the fall of 2019 while leading 85 laps.
• Allgaier currently ranks first in laps led (498), laps run inside the top 15 (4,455), quality passes (537) and fastest laps run (310) in the Valley of the Sun, according to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics.

Driver Quotes

“Unfortunately things didn’t go our way last weekend and we aren’t able to race for a championship, but we can go out there and try some things to get ready for next year. Our goal now is to just go out and win the race to end the season strong. Good luck to our JRM teammates. Hopefully one of them can bring the championship trophy back to the team.” – Sam Mayer

“We worked hard all year long to get ourselves in this position, and that is a testament to all of the hard work that not only Jason (Burdett, crew chief) and all the guys on this No. 7 team did, but to everyone at JR Motorsports as a whole. To have three cars in the Championship 4 with a chance at winning the title is truly remarkable. We all know what lies ahead of us now. We just need to have a smooth weekend and do all we can to make sure we are in the right place at the right time to bring home this championship. I know we are going to have a BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet capable of getting it done, we just need to go out and execute. We are ready.” – Justin Allgaier

“Phoenix is a fun track and it’s one of my favorites that we race at each year. We’ve had strong races the couple of times we have been there and I know this Tire Pros team is doing everything they can to make sure we unload with that same speed on Friday. I have all the confidence in the world in this group. Hopefully we’re lifting that trophy and celebrating in Victory Lane Saturday evening.” – Josh Berry

“Winning the championship has been our goal all year long, and we won at Phoenix in the spring. This weekend, it’s for all the marbles, and this Bass Pro Shops/TrueTimber/Black Rifle Coffee team is at its best when something big is on the line. It’s been a great season for all of us on the No. 9 and for JR Motorsports, so the way to close it out is to win and bring a championship home with us.” – Noah Gragson

JRM Team Updates:

• JR Motorsports at Phoenix: JR Motorsports has competed at Phoenix Raceway a combined 88 times in the NXS. Over the course of those starts at the 1-mile facility, the organization has tallied four wins, 22 top fives and 47 top 10s. The most recent win for the organization came with Noah Gragson earlier this season, securing his opportunity to race in the NXS Playoffs.
• Championship Hunt: For the second time in six years, JR Motorsports holds three of the four spots in the Championship 4 to vie for the NXS Championship. The only other time it happened for JRM came during the 2017 season when Justin Allgaier, William Byron and Elliott Sadler all battled for the coveted title, with Byron coming out on top. Overall, JRM is the only team to have at least one car in the Championship 4 every season since the playoffs began.
• Team Chevy Display: JRM drivers Justin Allgaier, Josh Berry and Sam Mayer will be at the Team Chevy display located in the Phoenix Raceway fan zone on Friday, Nov. 5 from 2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. local time.

Toyota Racing – Weekly Preview – 11.02.22

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Official Release
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This Week in Motorsports: November 1-7, 2022

· NCS/NXS/NCWTS/ARCA: Phoenix Raceway – November 4-6

PLANO, Texas (November 2, 2022) – NASCAR crowns its season-long champions at Phoenix Raceway this weekend.

NASCAR National Series – NCS | NXS | NCWTS

Bell proves to be clutch again… Christopher Bell did exactly what he needed to do in Martinsville on Sunday as the Oklahoma-native scored his third win of the season to advance into the Championship 4 for the first time. By qualifying for the Championship 4, Bell becomes the first driver in NASCAR history to qualify for the Championship 4 in all three national NASCAR tours. Bell has two top-10 finishes in five Cup Series starts at Phoenix Raceway along with a NASCAR Xfinity Series victory at the track in 2018.

Gibbs looking for first title… Ty Gibbs is looking for his first national NASCAR championship this weekend at Phoenix Raceway. The 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year and ARCA Menards Series champion has won six times in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this season. The 20-year-old has two starts at Phoenix, with a best of second last spring.

Majeski plans to earn title in first full-time year… Ty Majeski and ThorSport Racing have proven to be a perfect match as the Wisconsin-native is in the Championship 4 for the first time in his first full-time Truck Series season. Majeski – who has won two of the last three races – is making his second Truck Series start at Phoenix. He finished 11th in his series debut in this race in 2019.

Smith desires a championship… Chandler Smith is motivated to close out the year with his first championship. Smith, who was last season’s Truck Series Rookie of the Year, was dominant in this race one season ago as the Georgia-native won the pole and scored his second career Truck Series victory.

Rhodes looks to repeat… Ben Rhodes is looking to become just the second repeat Truck Series champion on Friday evening. Last year, Rhodes made a late-race charge to drive up to third to beat all of his other competitors. If Rhodes wins his second straight title, he will join Matt Crafton as the only repeat titlist in the Truck Series.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA West

Smith pulling double duty… Sammy Smith will look to close out his ARCA Menards Series campaign with another victory. The 18-year-old, who won the ARCA Menards Series East title earlier this season, has six national tour wins. He finished third in the spring at Phoenix after leading 79 laps.

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Parker Chase Returns to Phoenix For ARCA Season Finale

By
Official Release
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AVONDALE, Ariz: Parker Chase isn’t done trying for his first ARCA victory in 2022.

While his partial schedule in the premier ARCA Menards Series is complete, Chase will return with the potent Venturini Motorsports this week to kick off Championship 4 weekend at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway in Friday morning’s Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100.

The ARCA Menards Series West finale presents an opportunity for Chase to collect his seventh top-10 overall this season, but also an opportunity to rebound at the Avondale, Ariz. race track after a less-than-ideal 20th place finish in the General Tire 150 in March.

“I’m looking forward to getting to Phoenix this weekend,” said Chase.

We had such a fast Venturini Motorsports Toyota earlier this season but we didn’t get the finish I felt we deserved. I’m glad that I have the chance to return and finish what we started on Friday morning.

“Phoenix is a fun place to race. It certainly is a momentum-type race track, but there is also plenty of space to race but it can be treacherous too. It’s not an easy place to negotiate but that is what makes it so much fun.”

The 100-lap race on November 4 is expected to be an ARCA Menards Series West race that will be full of intensity. In a relatively short race with a stacked field and a championship to be decided, Chase believes that action will start from the drop of the green flag.

“I’m expecting Friday’s race to be a lot like last year’s ARCA West finale,” recalled Chase. “There were over 30 cars entered and the battle was hot and heavy right from the start. With a lot more experience on my side this season, I believe as a driver I’m better prepared and I hope we can showcase that with our No. 15 Ontivity | Vertical Bridge Toyota Camry.”

Looking for his third ARCA top-five finish of the year and first since finishing second at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in July, Chase believes that opportunities will present him and his Venturini Motorsports to contend for his first career ARCA victory.

“I’ve had an absolute blast with Venturini Motorsports this season,” added Chase. “We have done a lot together this year. We have qualified inside the top-10 in all but one race – led at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and have two second-place finishes to boot.

“I want to win though. That’s what we are going to Phoenix to do. It’s achievable, especially with Venturini Motorsports. Yes, the competition will be tough and yes, the drama will likely come into the picture, but we will be ready and hopefully when that checkered flag waves on Friday, we will be the ones hoisting the trophy in Victory Lane.”

Since 2020, Chase has 14 ARCA Menards Series starts to his credit with a career-best finish of second twice at Daytona International Speedway (Feb. 2022) and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (July 2022).

Overall, he has earned three top-five and 11 top-10 finishes and holds an average series finish of 8.9.

For more on Parker Chase, please visit ParkerChase.com, like him on Facebook (Parker Chase), Instagram (@parkerchase) and follow him on Twitter (@parker_chase19).

The Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100 (100 laps | 100 miles) is the 11th of 11 races on the 2022 ARCA Menards Series West schedule. A combined practice and qualifying session begins on Thursday, November 3, 2022, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) beginning at 11:30 a.m. MT (2:30 p.m. ET) on Friday, November 4, 2022. ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire festivities. All times are local (MT).

GMS Racing NCWTS Race Preview: Phoenix Raceway

By
Official Release
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Grant Enfinger, No. 23 Champion Power Equipment Chevrolet Silverado RST

Phoenix Raceway Stats

  • NCWTS Starts: 5, Poles: 1 (2020), Best finish: 4th (2018), Top-5s: 2, Top-10s: 2, Laps led: 12

2022 NCWTS Season Stats

  • Starts: 22, Wins: 1 (IRP), Best start: 3rd, Top 5s: 7, Top 10s: 11, Laps led: 44, Current points position: 7th

— About Champion Power Equipment: Since 2003 Champion Power Equipment has earned a reputation for designing and producing the market’s finest power equipment. From our original headquarters in Santa Fe Springs, California, Champion has expanded its North American footprint to include facilities in Jackson, Tennessee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Toronto Canada. Today, Champion’s product line has expanded to include portable generators, home standby generators, inverter generators, engines, winches and log splitters. With over 2.5 million generators sold in North America, Champion is a market leader in the power equipment field. Visit ChampionPowerEquipment.com for more information.

  • Chassis History/Info: Enfinger and the No. 23 team will compete with GMS Racing chassis no. 345 at Phoenix Raceway. Debuting earlier this season, Enfinger has driven this Chevrolet to two top-five finishes in two starts at Richmond Raceway, where he finished fourth, and Kansas Speedway, where he finished fifth. Grant looks to keep this finishing streak alive in the Arizona desert.
  • Career Milestone: Friday’s Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix Raceway will mark a special milestone for Grant Enfinger, as the veteran will make his 150th career start in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The driver of the No. 23 Chevrolet made his series debut at his home track of Talladega Superspeedway on October 30th, 2010, and since then has won five pole awards and seven race wins – including two with GMS Racing at Talladega and Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. Champion Power Equipment has been right there with him nearly every step of the way, showcasing one of the strongest driver/partner relationships ever held in the series. In commemoration of this milestone, the team will run a special decal on Enfinger’s truck this weekend.
  • Season Recap: In his highly-anticipated return to GMS Racing, Grant Enfinger proved that he and the No. 23 team can perform at a championship caliber level. Though he was eliminated from the playoffs after the last race, Enfinger heads into the season finale scored seventh in the drivers’ points standings, with fifth place still in sight. The driver of the No. 23 Chevrolet led 44 laps and posted seven top-fives along with 11 top-10 finishes during the 2022 campaign, and won at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in dramatic fashion. Enfinger’s best qualifying effort was third place at Darlington Raceway.
  • Driver Appearances: Fans attending the race weekend in Phoenix will have two opportunities to meet Grant Enfinger on race day, with times highlighted below:

Friday, 11/4 – Team Chevy Stage – Both GMS Racing drivers will host a Q&A session at the Team Chevy stage in the Phoenix Raceway fan-zone from 12:45 PM to 1:00 PM local time.
Friday, 11/4 – NCWTS Autograph Session – Both GMS Racing drivers will participate in an autograph session inside the Phoenix Raceway infield from 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM local time.
- GE Quote: Enfinger ‘s thoughts on Phoenix Raceway and his season with GMS Racing:

“Phoenix Raceway is a unique place on the schedule. As a driver, you can begin to notice that the track surface is beginning to age a little bit, which is always good. Both corners are different so you have to compromise and adapt your driving styles for each end of the track. Jeff Hensley and I have a solid baseline to add onto the already stellar notebook that GMS Racing has here, so I’m definitely looking forward to finishing our season off right this weekend.

2022 has been a challenging season for us at GMS Racing, but everyone has rallied and pulled together to make the absolute most of it. Having the support from everyone at Champion Power Equipment, Chevrolet, and GMS Fabrication has been incredible this year. While I wish we were going to be fighting for a championship this weekend, I can hang my head high knowing that we have a lot of exciting things ahead of us over the off season. We aren’t looking past this weekend however, as I think we have a great chance at playing spoiler and chasing our second win of the season. It’s going to be fun!”

Jack Wood, No. 24 Quick Quack Car Wash Chevrolet Silverado RST

Phoenix Raceway Stats

  • NCWTS Starts: 1, Best start: 15th, Best finish: 20th (2021)
  • ARCA Starts: 1, Best start: 7th, Best finish: 29th (2021)
  • ARCA / K&N West Starts: 3, Best start: 7th, Best finish: 11th (2019)

2022 NCWTS Season Stats

  • Starts: 22, Best start: 10th, Best finish: 13th (Atlanta), Current points position: 23rd
  • About Quick Quack Car Wash: Headquartered in Roseville, California, Quick Quack now owns and operates over 140 locations across Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, and Utah, with continued growth throughout these regions. Quick Quack takes pride in having been awarded “The Best of…” or “The Favorite” car wash in every community where a Quick Quack can be found. Additionally, Quick Quack has been recognized as a leader in establishing an environmentally friendly and sustainable business.

As the company continues to grow, the founding partners never lose sight of the Quick Quack mission to Change Lives for The Better. Through their Random Quacks of Kindness, community fundraisers and organization sponsorships, Quick Quack is honored to give back to the communities they serve. Learn more by visiting www.dontdrivedirty.com.

  • Chassis History/Info: Wood and the No. 24 team will compete with GMS Racing chassis no. 302 in the season finale at Phoenix Raceway. This Chevrolet Silverado RST has one pole on its resumé at Texas Motor Speedway in 2020, along with one win at Darlington Raceway in 2021, both with Sheldon Creed at the wheel. Though it has not competed in a race at Phoenix Raceway before, Wood most recently drove it at a similar track in Richmond Raceway earlier this season, where he finished 23rd.
  • Season Recap: Wrapping up his first full-time season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Jack Wood enters the season finale at Phoenix Raceway scored 23rd in the drivers’ points standings. Wood, who competed for Sunoco Rookie Of The Year honors this season, is currently shown as the third-highest performing rookie on the tour. The driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet will be credited with a best qualifying effort of 10th place at Nashville Superspeedway and a best finish of 13th at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
  • Driver Appearances: Fans attending the race weekend in Phoenix will have plenty of opportunities to meet Jack Wood, with dates and times highlighted below:

Thursday, 11/3 – Quick Quack Car Wash Tolleson Location – Wood will take a visit to the Quick Quack Car Wash location close to the racetrack at 2620 S 99th Ave, Tolleson, AZ 85353 from 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM local time.
Friday, 11/4 – Quick Quack Car Wash Display – Wood will be signing autographs at the Quick Quack Car Wash Display in the Phoenix Raceway fan zone from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM local time.
Friday, 11/4 – Team Chevy Stage – Both GMS Racing drivers will host a Q&A session at the Team Chevy stage in the Phoenix Raceway fan zone from 12:45 PM to 1:00 PM local time.
Friday, 11/4 – NCWTS Autograph Session – Both GMS Racing drivers will participate in an autograph session inside the Phoenix Raceway infield from 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM local time.
Sunday, 11/6 – Quick Quack Car Wash Display – Wood will be signing autographs at the Quick Quack Car Wash Display in the Phoenix Raceway fan zone from 11:15 AM to 11:45 AM local time.
- JW Quote: Wood’s thoughts on ending his 2022 season at Phoenix with GMS Racing:

“Out of all of the tracks on the schedule, I have the most experience at Phoenix Raceway. I’ve ran a few West Series races before with my family team, and have also driven an ARCA car as well as a truck with GMS Racing. I’m confident ending our season there, and I think that it’s a place where if we are able to hit the setup right, we can have a good day.

Overall heading into our last race, I would like to say thank you to everyone at GMS Racing for everything they’ve done for me over the past two years. It has been a great experience to become a part of this organization and I’ve learned a lot with them. Everyone has put in a huge amount of effort into this season through the ups and the downs, and they haven’t given up on me, so we’re going to give it everything we’ve got to crack into the top-10 and finish strong.”

ABOUT GMS RACING:

GMS Racing competes full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series operating the No. 23 and the No. 24 Chevrolet Silverado RSTs, as well as the ARCA Menards Series with the No. 43 Chevrolet SS. Since the team was formed in 2012, GMS Racing has won five titles across multiple series, including the 2016 and 2020 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship, the 2015 ARCA Menards Series championship, as well as the 2019 & 2020 ARCA Menards Series East championships. GMS has grown to occupy several buildings located in Statesville, N.C. including operations for GMS Fabrication. The GMS Racing campus also houses operations for Petty GMS, a two car full-time NASCAR Cup Series team formed in 2021.

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