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LaJoie to make 200th Cup career start at Phoenix

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Jeff Clemons for SpeedwayMedia.com.

With the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season less than a week away from concluding, Corey LaJoie is set to achieve a milestone start. By competing in this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series Championship event at Phoenix Raceway, the driver of the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will fulfill 200 career starts in NASCAR’s premier series.

A native of Kannapolis, North Carolina, and the son of two-time Xfinity Series champion Randy LaJoie, Corey LaJoie made his inaugural presence in the Cup Series at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in September. By then, he had recorded five victories in the K&N Pro Series East and made two career starts in the Xfinity Series between Richard Petty Motorsports and Biagi-DenBeste Racing. Driving the No. 77 Ford Fusion for Randy Humphrey Racing, LaJoie started and finished 41st in his Cup debut. He then made his second Cup career start three weeks later at Charlotte Motor Speedway for RHR, where he finished 35th after starting 42nd.

Prior to the start of the 2017 Cup Series season, LaJoie joined forces with BK Racing on a part-time schedule. During the first of two Duel events at Daytona International Speedway in February, he rallied from being involved in a late multi-car wreck, where he wrecked Paul Menard and Reed Sorenson in the closing laps, to finish 16th and earn a transfer spot for the 59th running of the Daytona 500, where he finished 24th. He ended up competing in all but four of the 36-race schedule between the Nos. 23 and 83 Toyota Camry for BK Racing. His best on-track result throughout his schedule was an 11th-place run at Daytona in July.

For the 2018 Cup season, LaJoie piloted the No. 72 Chevrolet SS for TriStar Motorsports. Commencing the season with a 40th-place run during the 60th running of the Daytona 500 due to an engine failure and making a total of 23 starts, LaJoie’s season-best result was a 16th-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in September.

In 2019, LaJoie joined Go Fas Racing to pilot the No. 32 Ford Mustang in the Cup Series on a full-time basis. After commencing the season with an 18th-place run during the 61st running of the Daytona 500 and recording three top-20 results through the first 17-scheduled events, LaJoie notched his first top-10 career result in the Cup circuit after finishing sixth at Daytona in July. He went on to post a seventh-place result at Talladega Superspeedway in October before settling in 29th place in the final standings and in his first full-time stint in NASCAR’s premier series.

Remaining at Go Fas Racing for the 2020 Cup season, LaJoie commenced the season on a harrowing note after being involved in a final lap accident during the 62nd running of the Daytona 500. Entering the tri-oval, LaJoie was battling for a spot in the top 10 when he rammed into the upside-down No. 6 Ford Mustang piloted by Ryan Newman driver’s side that sent Newman’s car airborne before landing back on his roof. Despite the impact that damaged the front nose and windshield of his No. 32 Ford, LaJoie, who managed to finish eighth, emerged uninjured. He went on to finish in the top 20 five times throughout the 36-race schedule before finishing in 30th place in the final standings. By then, LaJoie surpassed 100 career starts in NASCAR’s premier series.

Following a two-year run with Go Fas Racing, LaJoie inked a multi-year deal to pilot the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE for Spire Motorsports, beginning in 2021. He finished ninth during the 63rd running of the Daytona 500 in his first event with Spire before posting five top-20 results during the next 23-scheduled events. At Michigan International Speedway in August, LaJoie missed the event following a positive COVID-19 test. From his return at Daytona in August through the season finale at Phoenix Raceway in November, he posted two additional results in the top 20 before finishing in 29th place in the final standings.

This season, LaJoie kicked off his second stint at Spire Motorsports with a 14th-place run during the 64th running of the Daytona 500. Two races later, he finished 15th at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March before achieving his first top-five result in the Cup Series at Atlanta Motor Speedway another two races later in the schedule. The top-five run for LaJoie occurred after he rallied from being involved in an early multi-car pileup, where he spun backwards through the frontstretch grass. He went on to record five additional top-20 results during the following 13 events.

Then when NASCAR returned to Atlanta in July, LaJoie led a career-high 19 of 260-scheduled laps as he was battling Chase Elliott for the win during a three-lap shootout to the finish. After losing the lead to Elliott with two laps remaining, LaJoie made a move to the outside of Elliott on the final lap when he was blocked and forced into the outside wall in Turn 1. The contact and scrape stalled LaJoie’s momentum as he then veered below the track before shooting back across the outside wall and wrecked along with Kurt Busch and Cole Custer. The incident knocked LaJoie to a 21st-place result in the final running order after being in position of winning his first NASCAR Cup event. Despite posting three additional top-20 results during the final seven regular-season events, LaJoie did not accumulate enough points to move out of the top-30 cutline in the standings nor qualify for the 2022 Cup Playoffs. Through nine of 10 Playoff events, he has achieved three top-15 results and is currently ranked in 31st place in the drivers’ standings.

Through 199 previous Cup starts, LaJoie, who will be returning to Spire Motorsports for the 2023 season, has achieved one top-five result, five top-10 results, 57 laps led and an average-finishing result of 26.9.

LaJoie is scheduled to make his 200th Cup Series career start in the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Championship event at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, November 6, with the event’s coverage to start at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.

John Hunter Nemechek – No. 4 Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Tundra Camping World Trucks Phoenix Preview

By
Official Release
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John Hunter Nemechek: Driver, No. 4 Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Toyota

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Overview:
Event: Lucas Oil 150, Race 23 of 23 (Championship 4)
150 Laps – 45/45/60; 150 Miles
Location: Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway (one-mile oval)
Date/Broadcast: Nov. 4, 2022, at 10 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR 90

Neme’chek’ the Facts:

John Hunter Nemechek and the No. 4 Pye-Barker Fire & Safety team head to Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway for the final race of the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series campaign. Nemechek’s bid for a spot in the Championship 4 for the second consecutive year came up short as the No. 4 team experienced multiple flat-tire issues in the Round of 8 finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The tire issues set back the 25-year-old driver multiple laps early in the race and ultimately took the checkered flag in 35th.

The second-generation driver heads to Phoenix Raceway this Friday for his ninth start in Camping World Truck Series action. In his first eight starts, he has posted 31 laps led, two top-five and five top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 12.9. Nemechek has also made three NASCAR Cup Series start at the one-mile oval, earning a best finish of 25th in the Spring 2020 event. Earlier this season, Nemechek notched a fifth-place finish for Sam Hunt Racing piloting the No. 26 GR Supra in the Xfinity Series back in March. Across five Xfinity starts, he has two top-five and five top-five finishes.

With one race left in the Camping World Truck Series season, Nemechek leads Truck Series regulars in poles (seven) and is second in driver rating (101.9) and average starting position (7.8). He also sits third in laps led (372).

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, an industry leader in commercial fire protection since 1946, will serve as the primary sponsor for Nemechek at Phoenix. Pye-Barker, who acquired Nemechek’s long-term partner Fire Alarm Services in 2021, has served as the primary sponsor on the No. 4 Tundra five times this season.

Nemechek is a 13-time winner in Camping World Truck Series action, winning at least one race each season from 2015 to 2018 for his family-owned team, NEMCO Motorsports, and returning to victory lane in 2021 and 2022 with KBM. Across 146 career starts in NASCAR’s third division, he has compiled nine poles, 1,553 laps led, 49 top-five and 80 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 12.5.

Eric Phillips returned to lead the No. 4 team in 2022. His 43 career Truck Series victories make him the winningest crew chief in Truck Series history, with 34 of those coming while at KBM including five last year. Phillips led the No. 18 team at KBM in its debut season in 2010 and helped build the organization into one of the premier teams in all of NASCAR before departing at the end of the 2014 season. Under his guidance, the No. 18 team won eight races in its inaugural campaign and became the Series history to capture an owner’s championship in its first season of competition. In 2014, the Illinois native led the first team in Truck No. 51 team to an owner’s championship and his team’s 10 wins spearheaded KBM to a single-season Truck Series record of 14 wins. At Phoenix, Phillip’s drivers have collected three wins, one pole, five top-five and seven top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 10.2 across 11 starts. He was victorious at the one-mile oval with KBM owner-driver Kyle Busch (2011), Brian Scott (2012), and Erik Jones (2014).

John Hunter Nemechek, Driver Q&A:
Reflect on your two seasons with Kyle Busch Motorsports.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity that Kyle, Toyota, TRD and everyone has given me to be a part of KBM. I’m proud to be a part of the KBM family and winning races over the last two years with a regular season championship and a final four appearance. The goal was to step back and be able to win races and I’ve been able to do that with the support and personnel at KBM.”

What would it mean to end your tenure at KBM going out with a win at Phoenix on Friday?
“It would mean a lot to end with a win and getting the final win with KBM and Toyota. Eric, all of the No. 4 guys, Kyle, the KBM employees in the machine shop (Rowdy Manufacturing), the fab shop, and all of our partners.”

John Hunter Nemechek Career Highlights:

  • 13-time winner in Camping World Truck Series action, winning at least one race each season from 2015 to 2018 for his family-owned team, NEMCO Motorsports. Across 146 career starts in NASCAR’s third division, has compiled nine poles, 1,553 laps led, 49 top-five and 80 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 12.5. Registered a career-high and series-leading five victories in 2021, earned the NCWTS Regular Season championship and finished third in the final standings after qualifying for the Championship Four for the first time in his career.
  • Produced three top-10 finishes and an average result of 22.4 while competing for rookie of the year honors in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2020. He recorded a career-best eighth-place finish twice, both coming at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.
  • Across 67 career XFINITY Series starts, has totaled two wins, one pole, 570 laps led, 17 top-five and 37 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 12.5.

John Hunter Nemechek’s No. 4 Pye-Barker Tundra TRD Pro:
KBM-56: The No. 4 Pye-Barker Fire & Safety team will unload KBM-056 for Friday night’s race at Phoenix. Nemechek has raced this Tundra on four different occasions in 2022, most recently at Kansas Speedway where he started on the pole, led a race-high 88 laps, and swept all three stages en route to his second win of the season. Overall, KBM-056 has made 15 starts, recording two wins (Nemechek – 2021 & 2022), four top-five and eight top-10 finishes with an average finish of 11.9.

KBM-56 Performance Profile

KBM Notes of Interest:

  • KBM drivers have collected six wins, six poles, 953 laps led, 15 top-five and 24 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 9.1 across 34 starts at Phoenix Raceway. The organization’s six victories at the Arizona track have come with five different drivers, with Chandler Smith’s victory in last year’s event being the most recent. Kyle Busch won in 2011, Brian Scott in 2012, Erik Jones went back-to-back in 2013 and 2014 while Daniel Suarez claimed the top spot in 2016.
  • KBM holds the Camping World Truck Series records for most career wins (98) and most wins in a single season (14 in 2014). With his victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 19, Corey Heim became the 18th different driver to win a Truck Series event for KBM. In addition to collecting a series-record seven Owner’s Championships, the organization has produced two championship-winning drivers: Erik Jones (2015) and Christopher Bell (2017).
  • The No. 4 has 18 career victories at KBM and was the number for both of the organization’s driver championships.

TeamSLR Duo Set for Trans Am Season Finale at COTA

By
Official Release
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Fulltimer Connor Mosack Looks To Lock Down Second Place in TA2 Championship While Part-Timer Chris Liesfeld Seeks Breakthrough Run in Record 55-Car Field

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Nov. 1, 2022) – With 11 races down and one to go, the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli is set to end its season this Sunday at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas.

TeamSLR driver Connor Mosack looks to put an exclamation point on his second year of TA2 competition with a victory in the 30-lap, 75-minute race around the 3.426-mile, 20-turn road course so he can secure a career-best second in the final championship standings. Mosack will have a wingman in driver Chris Liesfeld, who returns to TeamSLR for his fifth start of 2022. The duo will be part of a record field of 55 TA2-class entries that eclipses previous high of 52 cars that took the green flag for last year’s season finale at COTA. Mosack will again wheel the No. 28 Open Eyes/Nic Taylor Custom Fit Underwear/M1 Racecars Ford Mustang while Liesfeld returns to the No. 96 Fields Racing/M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro.

Mosack finished second last year at COTA to clinch third in the championship. The 23-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, set sail in 2022 with nothing but the championship in mind. Despite some early season challenges, he was a model of consistency, scoring a series-best five pole positions and rallying his way into title contention with four podium finishes that included his second career victory at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International in September. He was within striking distance of the title heading into the season’s penultimate round at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in Alton on Oct. 8, entering the weekend 16 points behind two-time and defending TA2 champ Rafa Matos. Mosack took the checkered flag in second place, ahead of Matos, which would have narrowed the 16-point gap heading into this weekend COTA. But Mosack was assessed a 40-second penalty for contact deemed avoidable, moving him down to 17th in the official finishing order. He heads to COTA second in the championship, but an almost insurmountable 30 points behind the front-running Matos.

Bettering last year’s third-place finish in the final standings would be a bittersweet consolation for Mosack, who will be racing as a newlywed for the first time after marrying his longtime sweetheart, the former Daryn Lundberg, on Oct. 15. To do so, he’ll need to ward off the challenges of veteran Thomas Merrill, who’s two points back in third place in the championship, and newcomer and VIR race winner Brent Crews, who’s another point back in fourth. Mosack and Crews occupy the top two spots in the Peter Gregg Young Gun standings with just three points separating them.

Liesfeld is coming off a 13th-place finish at VIR, his best result this season and equaling the 13th-place run he earned on the streets of Nashville, Tennessee, in his first of three TA2 outings last year. The 47-year-old Liesfeld owns and operates Fields Racing, which has competed in an array of racing disciplines over the years, including Stock Car Championship Series, Spec Miata, SCCA Pro, and Trans Am.

Meanwhile, in the race within Sunday’s TA2 race, Jeff Holden of Snohomish, Washington, will look to clinch the 2022 Trans Am Western Championship TA2 title in M1 Racecars equipment. The 37-year-old driver of the No. 11 RelaxAndCBD.com/Dakota Lithium/Mid Valley Transmission Chevrolet Camaro holds a 12-point lead in the driver standings over Ken Sutherland behind three wins and a runner-up finish in the season’s first seven events.

Riding along with TeamSLR once again this weekend is ScreenYourMachine.org, an initiative created in 2016 by TeamSLR founder Scott Lagasse Jr., a colon cancer survivor, in partnership with the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) to educate individuals about the importance of getting age-appropriate screenings for all types of cancer.

“I was still in my early 30s when I was diagnosed, but I knew something was wrong so I didn’t waste any time and I went and saw my doctor,” said Lagasse, whose quick decision paralleled his quickness in a racecar. “They caught it early and that was my saving grace. The treatment worked, but young-onset colorectal cancer is rising. I wasn’t some outlier. In people ages 55 and younger, incidence is rising by two percent every year.”

Connor Mosack, driver No. 28 Open Eyes/Nic Taylor Custom Fit Underwear/M1 Racecars Ford Mustang:

What’s your mindset as you head to COTA second in the championship?

“This is our first race where points really don’t matter, so we’re going to go there with the mindset of trying to maximize the weekend. It’s really win or nothing, that’s really what we’re going there for, so we’ll do whatever it takes. I think we had the speed there last year, and we’ve been faster everywhere we’ve been this year. I think that’s a good sign, and hopefully we can go finish this year off with another win.”

How differently do you execute the race when you’re not as concerned about points?

“It definitely changes things a little bit. When you’re really focused on the big picture, the whole season, especially earlier in the year, you’re a little bit more willing to give and take and you’re OK with finishing second or third or fourth some days when your car’s not all there. You may not race guys as hard as you could just to make sure you get a good finish. At COTA this weekend, if it comes down to the last few laps and we’ve got a shot, we can be all the more aggressive without a championship to lose.”

You saw COTA for the first time last year and came home with a second-place finish that clinched third place in the championship. How helpful will it be to head back there a second time?

“Having past experience there will be huge. It’ll matter more than at any other track we go to just because of how complex COTA is. It’s got so many corners and they’re all different, so it’s just a place where the more you go, the more comfortable you get there and the faster you’ll be. I feel like my experience there last year will help us right out of the gate and we can just continue to build on that. I’ll know more of what I’ll need out of the car, as well, and that’s always really important when it comes to having good speed all through the weekend.”

There is just so much to that racetrack. Where would you say are the best opportunities to make gains?

“You have a lot of passing zones there, but you also have a lot of areas where you can’t pass, either. You’ve got a few straightaways where you can definitely take advantage of someone going into the harder braking zones, and that’s definitely where we’re going to have to make most of our passes, at least on guys who are close to our speed. Turn one is always a good place to pass on the way to the back straightaway. Those are some pretty good corners to be able to outbrake somebody. You definitely want to be able to make a move into turn one if you can because if you don’t get them there, you’re pretty much stuck behind them all the way through the esses until you get to the back straightaway.”

How would you assess your second season in TA2 with TeamSLR?

“I feel like it’s been a really good season. I’ve been really happy with the team and our speed and the cars we’ve brought. It’s been a big step up from last year, and I think that’s all you can ask for. Obviously, we’re a little disappointed we haven’t won more races this year, but we’ve been on the pole or finishing second or third at a lot of races this year. Just had a couple of DNFs (Did Not Finish) earlier in the season and that put us behind, points-wise. That’s part of racing, sometimes, and I feel we’re going to do our best to overcome that and hopefully come home with a win this weekend to cap off the season. These cars are a lot of fun. I love working with the Lagasses.”

Chris Liesfeld, driver No. 96 Fields Racing/M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

What are your thoughts as you head to COTA for your fifth race of the season, and with the experience of having raced there for the first time last year?

“Going to COTA last year for the first time, I had a little work on the simulator before getting there, but obviously nothing compares to actually being there. With the time we had to work with, it was all about learning the track and trying to get up to speed in the process, and we came away with a 20th-place finish after a kind of up-and-down race. Going back there this year will be more about working on myself and finding more speed, not so much about just figuring out the track. Coming off of VIR, I’m feeling good after that race. I really need to carry that momentum to COTA because I feel like I’ve been improving, I’ve been getting better as a driver, and I feel like every race I’m seeing improvements in myself. Hopefully I can finish near the front of the field, which will make me feel better going into next year.”

How would you describe COTA?

“The fast part of the track at COTA on the way to the backstraight is a lot like my favorite types of tracks like Lime Rock and VIR and Watkins Glen. I do enjoy the higher-speed stuff like that because they’re just scary enough that I guess you have to have respect for it. When you get to the hairpin turns, they’re not my favorite. I get frustrated sometimes trying to keep patient, and COTA has its share of those, which I thought I struggled with last year. It takes discipline and that’s something I’ve been working on. When you get to the low-speed stuff, it’s really easy to just want to jump on the throttle, but when you do that, it can mess up your lap. So that’s been getting a lot of my attention, lately.”

This will be your fifth and final race this season after returning from a lengthy hiatus to drive in three races last year. How would you assess your progress as a driver?

“I’d definitely like to do more than five races. It’s just a matter of trying to balance it out with the other things going on in my life. A huge part of it has been about managing expectations at the racetrack. If I only do five races, as long as I’m getting better, that’s what’s important. If I could just make it to the races at the beginning of the season, that would help the cause a lot, not having to work so hard to get caught back up again like I have to by starting midway through the season. I’ve improved this year, but it’s not where I want to be. I can do better. Linking all the corners together on any given track to find that perfect lap, that’s what it’s about, and then doing it again the next lap, and the one after that, and so on. When I can consistently put together fast laps, then I’ll really start to feel good about it. When you know you can do that but you’re not able to make it happen on a regular basis, it gets to be a little frustrating, but that’s part of the challenge and that’s what I’m chasing.”

About TeamSLR:

TeamSLR competes fulltime in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli in a multifaceted effort that includes dedicated entries in the TA2 division, customer programs, driver coaching and car construction. Its history dates back to 1985 and covers a wide spectrum of motorsports, including NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA, ARCA and ASA. TeamSLR is a family-owned organization run by Scott Lagasse Sr., and Scott Lagasse Jr., The father-and-son duo have combined to win more than 100 races and seven championships across a variety of series and styles of racecars, from paved ovals to road courses to dirt tracks. For more information, please visit us online at www.TeamSLR.com, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

Corey Heim – No. 51 Crescent Tools Tundra TRD Pro Camping World Trucks Phoenix Preview

By
Official Release
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Corey Heim: Driver, No. 51 Crescent Tools Toyota
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Overview:
Event: Lucas Oil 150, Race 23 of 23 (Championship 4), 150 Laps
45/45/60; 150 Miles
Location: Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway (one-mile oval)
Date/Broadcast: Nov. 4, 2022, at 10 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR 90

The Story on Corey:

Corey Heim and the No. 51 Crescent Tools team head to Phoenix Raceway for the final race of the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. Despite a fifth-place finish by Heim in the final race of the Round of 8 at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway, the No. 51 team was eliminated from the owner’s playoffs after finishing seventh on the playoff grid, 42 points below the cutoff for advancing to the Championship 4.

Heim will be making his 16th start of the Truck Series season Friday night. He proved himself capable of winning Truck Series races early in the season picking up wins in his second start of the season at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway and his sixth start of the year at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, but also had several tough results. Despite the two wins, he posted an average finish of 19.5 across his first eight Truck Series starts of the 2022 season. Since taking over the wheel of the No. 51 for the remainder of the season in the last race of the regular season, Heim has produced consistent results, with four top-five and six top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 8.9 across the last seven events.

Across 15 total Truck Series starts this season, Heim has produced two wins, two poles, 64 laps led, six top-five and nine top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 14.5. The 19-year-old driver leads the Truck Series rookie of the year standings by 184 points over Lawless Alan and has been named the rookie of the race eight times. Heim will look to join three other KBM drivers that have won the award, reigning winner Chandler Smith, William Byron (2016) and Erik Jones (2015). Overall, Heim sits 14th in the driver point standings, despite only starting 15 of the 22 events, and is ahead of seven competitors that have started all 22 races.

Friday’s 150-lap event will mark Heim’s first Truck Series start at Phoenix, but he has three starts in other series. He finished second in the 2021 ARCA Menards Series event at the one-mile track and eighth in the 2020 ARCA Menards West Series event. He also made one start in the NASCAR K&N West Series at the Arizona track, which resulted in a 25th-place finish.

The Georgia driver picked up his first career Truck Series victory in just his fifth start earlier this season at Atlanta and won again at Gateway in is ninth start. With two victories across his first 10 Truck Series starts; Heim became one of just 12 drivers in series history to net multiple victories in their first 10 starts. Kasey Kahne and Mike Skinner each produced five victories, Mark Martin collected four wins, Ron Hornaday Jr., Ted Musgrave and William Byron brought home three checkered flags and Heim, Kyle Busch, Erik Jones, Rich Bickle, Clint Bowyer and Tony Stewart all delivered two wins.

Heim picked up his ninth career ARCA Menards Series victory Sept. 10 at Kansas Speedway. Across 43 career ARCA Menards Series starts he has produced 814 laps led, 31 top-five and 41 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 4.3. Heim finished second to Ty Gibbs in the 2021 ARCA Menards Series championship standings.

Mardy Lindley returned to KBM for his second season atop the pit box of the No. 51 team. Lindley has led his team to six wins since coming to KBM at the start of the 2021 season, including two with Heim and one with Kyle Busch this year. In 2021, his drivers produced three victories, two with Busch and one with Martin Truex Jr. Before arriving at KBM, Lindley guided his drivers to 32 wins and four ARCA Menards Series East championships since 2013, including back-to-back titles with Sam Mayer the last two seasons. Additionally, he earned the ARCA Menards Series Sioux Chief Showdown championship with Mayer in 2020. Behind the wheel, the second-generation driver won 11 races on the Pro Cup Series from 2000 to 2006 and was crowned the series champion in 2001. Lindley’s drivers have an average finish of 18.5 across two Truck Series starts at Phoenix.

Crescent Tools, a premier hand tool brand from Apex Tool Group, will be the primary sponsor on Heim’s No. 51 Tundra TRD Friday night at Phoenix.

Corey Heim, Driver Q&A:

Reflect on your two seasons racing for KBM.
“I’m super grateful for my experience at KBM. From my first start to my last, I feel like I have learned so much racing for Kyle and being a part of a top-notch organization.”

You’re set to win the Rookie of the Year despite not running the full season. Talk about that accomplishment.
“It certainly means a lot. It wasn’t something I came into the year setting my sights on, considering if any of the full time rookies make the playoffs, I wouldn’t have a chance. But I take every race one week at a time and try to perform to the best of my ability, and throughout my career it’s always given me the best results at the end of the season. So, I’m very grateful when it’s all said and done that I get to take Rookie of the Year home.”

What would it mean to close out the season with your third win on Friday night?
“It would definitely mean a lot for me. I feel like we have had the pace in a lot of races this year to contend for wins. Tw0 race wins has been great for me this year, but I’m definitely not satisfied, and my sights are set on the trophy Friday night.”

Corey Heim Career Highlights:

  • Picked up first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway March 19, 2022 in just his fifth start. Across 18 career starts has two wins, two poles, 66 laps led, six top-five and nine top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 15.0.
  • With two victories across his first 10 Truck Series starts, the 19-year-old driver became one of just 12 drivers in series history to net multiple victories in their first 10 starts. Kasey Kahne and Mike Skinner each produced five victories, Mark Martin collected four wins, Ron Hornaday Jr., Ted Musgrave and William Byron brought home three checkered flags and Heim, Kyle Busch, Erik Jones, Rich Bickle, Clint Bowyer and Tony Stewart all delivered two wins.
  • Finished runner-up in the ARCA Menards Series championship standings in 2021 after collecting six wins, three poles, 406 laps led, 16 top-five and 20 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 3.1 across 20 starts.
  • Across 43 career ARCA Menards Series starts has nine wins, 814 laps led, 31 top-five and 41 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 4.3. Picked up his first career ARCA Menards Series victory at Kansas Speedway Oct. 16, 2020.

Corey Heim’s No. 51 Crescent Tools Tundra TRD Pro:

KBM-66: The No. 51 Crescent Tools team will unload KBM-66 for Friday night’s race at Phoenix Raceway. It is the same Tundra TRD Pro that Heim picked up his first career Truck Series victory earlier this year at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway. KBM owner-driver Kyle Busch also picked up a victory with this Toyota at Atlanta in March of 2021. Most recently Heim earned a fourth-place finish with KBM-66 in June at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway.

KBM Notes of Interest:

  • KBM drivers have collected six wins, six poles, 953 laps led, 15 top-five and 24 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 9.1 across 34 starts at Phoenix Raceway. The organization’s six victories at the Arizona track have come with five different drivers, with Chandler Smith’s victory in last year’s event being the most recent. Kyle Busch won in 2011, Brian Scott in 2012, Erik Jones went back-to-back in 2013 and 2014 while Daniel Suarez claimed the top spot in 2016.
  • KBM holds the Camping World Truck Series records for most career wins (98) and most wins in a single season (14 in 2014). With his victory at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway earlier this year, Heim became the 18th different driver to win a Truck Series event for KBM. In addition to collecting a series-record seven Owner’s Championships, the organization has produced two championship-winning drivers: Erik Jones (2015) and Christopher Bell (2017).
  • With 40 victories, the No. 51 is the winningest number in KBM’s Truck Series fleet.

Enfinger to make 150th Truck career start at Phoenix

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images.

With the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season set to conclude following this weekend’s season-finale Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix Raceway, Grant Enfinger is set to achieve a milestone start of his own. By competing in the finale, the driver of the No. 23 GMS Racing Chevrolet Silverado RST will make his 150th career start in the Truck circuit. 

A native of Fairhope, Alabama, Enfinger made his Truck Series debut at Talladega Superspeedway, his home track, in October 2010. By then, he had made 18 career starts in the ARCA Menards Series with seven top-five results and 10 top-10 results. Driving the No. 95 Ford F-150 for Team Gill Racing, Enfinger started 12th but finished 22nd in his series debut after being involved in a late multi-truck wreck that involved series champions Todd Bodine and Ron Hornaday Jr.

During the following two seasons, Enfinger made a total of five starts between four different organizations in the Truck Series. His best results during the five-race span were three 12th-place results: the first occurring at Talladega in October 2011 while competing for Bragg Racing Group, the second occurring at Daytona International Speedway in February 2012 with Bragg Racing Group and the third occurring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in September 2012 while driving for Brad Keselowski Racing.

After competing in the ARCA Menards Series from 2013 to 2015, where he achieved 14 victories and the series championship in 2015, Enfinger made his return to the Truck Series in 2016 and on a part-time basis for GMS Racing. He commenced his part-time season by notching his first Truck career pole at Daytona in February. Despite leading four laps, Enfinger finished 20th in the 32-truck field after being involved in a late multi-truck pileup towards the front. He rebounded during the following weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway by earning his first top-five career result in fifth place. After finishing no lower than 12th during his next four scheduled events, Enfinger earned his first career victory in the Truck Series at Talladega, his hometrack, in October after leading a race-high 45 of 94 laps and fending off teammate Spencer Gallagher and the field during a two-lap shootout. He went on to make his eighth and final series start of the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November, where he piloted the No. 92 RBR Enterprises Ford F-150 to a 23rd-place result.

In 2017, Enfinger earned a full-time Truck ride in the No. 98 Toyota Tundra for ThorSport Racing, where he replaced Rico Abreu. After commencing the season with a 16th-place result at Daytona due to being involved in a last lap multi-truck wreck, he picked up his first top-10 result of the season by finishing eighth during the following event at Atlanta. After finishing 16th and 11th during the following two events, Enfinger earned five top-five results during the following six events. Despite earning two additional top-five results during the next five events, he did not earn enough points to make the 2017 Truck Playoffs. He went on to finish in the top 10 in five of the final seven events as he capped off his first full-time Truck campaign in 11th place in the final standings along with nine top-five results, 15 top-10 result and an average-finishing result of 9.4.

Remaining at ThorSport Racing for the 2018 season as the team changed manufacturers from Toyota to Ford, Enfinger commenced the season with a sixth-place result at Daytona followed by a ninth-place result at Atlanta and back-to-back fourth-place results at Las Vegas and Martinsville Speedway. Earning a total of 12 top-10 results through the 16 regular season stretch, including a runner-up result at Eldora Speedway in July following a photo finish loss against teammate Chase Briscoe, were enough for Enfinger and the No. 98 Ford F-150 team to earn a spot in the 2018 Truck Playoffs. Despite commencing the Playoffs with a 17th-place result at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, he rebounded during the following event at Las Vegas in September by notching his second career victory in the series and earning a spot in the Round of 6. During the Round of 6, however, Enfinger’s three-race stretch of finishing no lower than 14th were not enough for him to earn a spot to the Championship Round at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Nonetheless, Enfinger capped off the 2018 season with a runner-up result during the finale and in fifth place in the final standings in a season where he achieved one victory, two poles, seven top-five results, 15 top-10 results and an average-finishing result of 8.7.

Enfinger commenced the 2019 Truck season on a strong note by finishing in the runner-up spot behind Austin Hill at Daytona while rallying from a late multi-truck wreck. Throughout the 16-race regular season stretch, he did not record a victory, but he earned seven top-five results and 13 top-10 results, which were enough for him to claim the 2019 Truck regular season championship and 15 bonus points to the 2019 Truck Playoffs. Despite finishing fifth at Bristol and 13th at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, respectively, Enfinger’s title hopes came to an end following an early engine failure at Las Vegas in September, an issue that would also affect his Playoff teammates Johnny Sauter and Matt Crafton despite the latter proceeding to win the title. With his title hopes for 2019 evaporated, Enfinger went on to finish in the top 10 in the final four scheduled events and conclude the season in seventh place in the final standings and with two poles, a career-best 10 top-five results, a career-high 18 top-10 results and a career-best average-finishing result of 8.5.

Enfinger commenced the 2020 Truck season on a high note by capturing his third career victory at Daytona and snapping a one-year winless drought after edging Jordan Anderson by 0.010 seconds at the finish line during an overtime attempt. The Daytona victory for Enfinger marked the 100th Truck career victory for the Ford nameplate. Despite finishing no higher than 12th during the following two Truck events, he rebounded at Atlanta in June by overtaking Austin Hill during a two-lap overtime shootout to win for the second time in 2020 and achieve multiple Truck victories in a season for the first time in his career. He then capped off the regular season stretch by winning at Richmond Raceway in September following a late battle with teammate Matt Crafton. After utilizing consistency to transfer from the Round of 10 to 8 during the Playoffs, Enfinger fended off teammate Ben Rhodes and the field during a two-lap shootout to claim his fourth victory of the season and earn a spot to the Championship Round at Phoenix Raceway in November. During the finale, however, he got shuffled all the way back to 13th despite starting on the front row for a two-lap shootout as he settled in a career-best fourth place in the final standings. Despite falling short of winning his first NASCAR title, Enfinger concluded the 2020 season with a career-high four victories, eight top-five results, 13 top-10 results and an average-finishing result of 10.4. By then, he surpassed 100 career starts in the Truck Series.

For the 2021 season, Enfinger’s racing schedule was reduced to a part-time role as he split driving duties of the No. 98 ThorSport Racing Toyota Tundra with Christian Eckes. After finishing 11th at Daytona despite being involved in a multi-truck wreck approaching the finish line, Enfinger did not compete during the following scheduled event at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course. He rebounded during the following event at Las Vegas by finishing seventh while piloting the No. 9 Chevrolet Silverado for CR7 Motorsports. For the remainder of the season, Enfinger split driving duties between ThorSport Racing and CR7 Motorsports. In total, he earned 11 top-10 results throughout the 22-race schedule with all but three of his total top-10 results occurring with ThorSport Racing. The results were enough for the Alabama native to finish in 11th place in the final standings.

A month prior to the conclusion of the 2021 season, GMS Racing announced that Enfinger will be rejoining the organization to pilot the No. 23 Chevrolet Silverado RST on a two-year basis, beginning in 2022. After finishing no higher than 12th through the first three scheduled events, he went on to achieve six top-10 results during the following seven events. Despite earning an additional top-10 result during the final six regular-season events, he managed to secure a spot for the 2022 Truck Playoffs based on points. Then during the Playoff opener at Lucas Oil Raceway, Enfinger navigated his way from fourth to first during an overtime shootout to win as he snapped a one-year winless drought and transferred from the Round of 10 to 8. His title hopes, however, came to an end after finishing fourth, 29th and 14th, respectively, during the Round of 8, which were not enough for him to transfer to the Championship 4 round.

Enfinger is currently ranked in seventh place in the drivers’ standings entering this weekend’s finale at Phoenix. Through 149 previous Truck starts, he has achieved seven victories, five poles, 49 top-five results, 88 top-10 results, 899 laps led and an average-finishing result of 10.7.

Enfinger is scheduled to make his 150th Camping World Truck Series career start in the season-finale Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix Raceway on Friday, November 4, with the event’s coverage to occur at 10 p.m. ET on FS1.

Andy Street to call 100th Xfinity event as crew chief at Phoenix

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Ted Seminara for SpeedwayMedia.com.

In his third full-time season as a NASCAR Xfinity Series crew chief, Andy Street, who currently works atop the pit box of the No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Camaro team piloted by rookie Austin Hill, is primed to achieve a milestone start. By participating in this weekend’s Xfinity Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway, Street will call his 100th Xfinity event as a crew chief. 

A native of Kernersville, North Carolina, and a former drag racer who graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a mechanical engineering degree, Street, who first joined Richard Childress Racing as a design and test engineer in 2003 and has since remained at RCR while working on the engineering and mechanical aspects, made his debut as a NASCAR crew chief at Richmond Raceway in September 2019. Working with driver Joe Graf Jr. and the No. 21 RCR Chevrolet Camaro team, Street led Graf to a 16th-place result in qualifying before the team finished 14th during the main event.

For the 2020 Xfinity season, Street was promoted to a full-time crew chief role for RCR’s No. 21 Chevrolet Camaro team that was piloted between Myatt Snider, Anthony Alfredo and Kaz Grala. In Street’s first full-time campaign as a NASCAR crew chief, he guided the No. 21 RCR team to pole position with Snider for the season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway in February and a total of 15 top-10 results throughout the 33-race schedule. The team’s highest on-track result made throughout the season was a third-place run by Alfredo at Texas Motor Speedway in October followed by three fourth-place results made between Alfredo, Grala and Snider. The results were enough to place RCR’s No. 21 entry in 11th place in the final Xfinity owners’ standings.

In 2021, Street, who remained at RCR, was assigned to crew chief RCR’s No. 2 Chevrolet Camaro team that was driven by Snider for the entire season. Following two top-15 results through the first two-scheduled events, Street recorded his first career win as a NASCAR crew chief after Snider survived two overtime restarts and held off Tyler Reddick to score his first Xfinity career win at Homestead-Miami Speedway in February. Street and Snider went on to record seven additional top-10 results throughout the 26-race regular-season schedule before entering the 2021 Xfinity Playoffs as a title contender. Following respective finishes of 15th, 31st and eighth during the Round of 12, however, Snider was one of four competitors to be eliminated from title contention. With the championship hopes of 2021 evaporated, Street and Snider managed to achieve an additional top-10 result during the final four scheduled events before concluding the season in ninth place in the final drivers’ standings.

This season marked another change for Street, who remained at RCR but returned atop the pit box of the No. 21 Chevrolet Camaro team that was taken over by former Camping World Truck Series competitor Austin Hill. In their first race together, Street and Hill went to Victory Lane at Daytona in February after Hill overtook AJ Allmendinger on the final lap and at the moment of caution due to a multi-car wreck to claim his first Xfinity career victory. Sixteen races and eight additional top-10 results later, the duo earned their second victory of the 2022 campaign at Atlanta Motor Speedway in July. The pair of victories along with a total of 16 top-10 results during the 26-race regular-season stretch were enough for the No. 21 RCR team to qualify for the 2022 Xfinity Series Playoffs. Amid an up-and-down Playoff run highlighted with a pole, a runner-up result at Texas Motor Speedway in September and three consecutive top-10 results during the Round of 8, Hill and Street were eliminated from title contention following this past weekend at Martinsville Speedway. They are ranked in sixth place in the drivers’ standings as the duo look to cap off the season with a third victory to the 2022 campaign.

Through 99 previous Xfinity events, Street has achieved three victories, two poles, 17 top-five results, 46 top-10 results and 388 laps led while working with six different competitors.

Street is scheduled to call his 100th Xfinity Series event as a crew chief in the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on Saturday, November 5, with the event’s coverage to occur at 6 p.m. ET on USA Network.

Constantly On The Road? Heed These Warnings And Follow These Tips

By
Official Release
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Image by bobtheskater from Pixabay

If you’re constantly on the road, it’s essential to heed the warnings listed below and follow these tips. Driving can be dangerous and hazardous if you’re not used to it. Here are some things to remember while you’re behind the wheel.

Drive defensively

When you are on the road, always be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for anything. Drive defensively and never assume that other drivers will behave predictably, meaning you should always be on the lookout for potential hazards and be ready to react if necessary. If you already find yourself in a road mishap because of someone else’s mistake, do not hesitate to call a lawyer specializing in car accidents. According to seasoned Shelby car accident lawyers, insurance companies are not always fair regarding compensation. This means you need all the help you can get. In addition, you also need to file a report to the police so that a proper investigation can be done. Otherwise, the other driver may get away with what they did.

Obey the speed limit.

When you’re on the road, remember to obey the speed limit. One of the leading causes of accidents is speeding, which is also against the law. If caught speeding, you could be fined or even lose your license. So, it’s important to always stick to the posted speed limit, even if you’re in a hurry. This means you should also avoid driving below the speed limit, which can also cause accidents. In addition to obeying the speed limit, driving at a safe speed for the conditions is also essential. This means that you should slow down if it’s raining or snowing. Also, be sure to take curves and turns slowly. This is because it’s easy to lose control of your vehicle if you’re going too fast.

Be extra careful in bad weather.

Bad weather conditions make driving more challenging and dangerous. If you must travel during these times, take extra precautions and go slower than usual. Be especially aware of black ice, which can be challenging to see. If the roads are slippery, it’s best to avoid driving altogether. If you’re headed for a long road trip, regardless of the weather, it’s essential to ensure that your car is in good working condition before leaving. You should have it serviced and check the tires, fluids, and lights. You should also have an emergency kit that includes a first-aid kit, flares, jumper cables, and a spare tire. This way, you’ll be prepared if you run into car trouble while on the road.

Be aware of your surroundings as well

As mentioned above, always be aware of your surroundings while on the road. This means you should watch for potential hazards, such as animals or debris on the road. In addition, you should also be aware of other drivers and be prepared to react if necessary. If you see someone driving recklessly, give them a wide berth and avoid getting too close. You should also avoid driving in areas that are known for crime. If you must travel through these areas, be sure to do so during the daytime and stay alert.

Plan your route in advance

If you know where you’re going, staying safe on the road is easier. Plan your route and stick to familiar roads whenever possible. This will help you avoid getting lost or ending up in unfamiliar territory. In addition, you should also avoid taking shortcuts. This is because shortcuts often take you through more dangerous areas. If you’re unsure of how to get to your destination, be sure to consult a map or use a GPS.

Never drive when tired or under the influence

Never drink and drive. This is because alcohol slows down your reaction time and makes it difficult to focus. In addition, it’s also illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level above a specific limit. So, if you drink, have a designated driver or take a taxi. Another essential thing to remember when you’re on the road is never to drive when tired. This is because fatigue can make it difficult to focus and pay attention to the road. Pull over and take a nap or switch drivers if you’re tired. It’s also important to get plenty of rest before a long drive. This means you should avoid driving if you’ve been up for more than 24 hours.

It’s essential to heed the warnings above and follow these tips on the road. By doing so, you can help ensure your safety and avoid accidents. Rest assured that with careful planning and preparation, you can stay safe no matter where the road takes you.

Best Car Shows to Stream on Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime & More in 2022

By
SM
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We looked through a lot of fantastic car shows. Here are our selections for the top auto shows now streaming online. 

Consider the positive: Being cooped up indoors gives us more time to watch our TV and movie queues. For car enthusiasts like us, this means that we have access to a vast library of auto exhibitions that we can stream at will.

The high-end streaming provider Hulu has a huge selection of well-liked TV shows, movies, and on-demand channels. Therefore, if you’re an American seeking a way to access Hulu outside the USA, a VPN will enable you to do so at any time and from any location.

We’ve compiled a list of the top car shows available online right now that is entirely subjective to aid you in your quest to fill your brain with the finest and brightest that the automotive industry has to offer.

Best Car Shows on Netflix

Hyperdrive

28 foreign contestants race across a course filled with obstacles in this reality show. Each course features obstacles that must be either hit or missed as the participants blast through to earn the fastest time, with a big emphasis on drifting.

The slower competitors are eliminated, and the remaining competitors move on to the following round until one is crowned the Hyperdrive Champion. The participants bring their bespoke cars and have interesting backstories.

Formula 1: Drive to Survive

This docuseries, which was created in association with Formula One, offers a look into the raw and organic behind the scenes of racers, cars, and drivers competing in the Formula One World Championship. The presentation features all of the championship series’ drama, excitement, breathtaking speed, and terrifying collisions.

It’s motivating to observe the competitors’ motivation and the efforts they put out to get to the highest spot of the standings. The racers and their teams are bursting with personality. Every season is a treat for race lovers, even when they are already aware of the conclusion, as the drama and tension build up to that year’s championship.

Best Car Shows on Hulu

Fast N’ Loud

Beginning with donuts in Kenny Rogers’ Six Pack automobile, a hot-rod step-van, and the acquisition of a super-rare 1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang, Season 13 of Fast N Loud kicks off. And that’s only the start!

This program follows Richard Rawlings and his staff at the Gas Monkey Garage as they look for and fix up damaged cars to make money. The program combines a killer auto show, an auction show, and treasure hunting in the vein of American Pickers. The personalities are hilarious, and the cars are as fast and loud as the title suggests.

Diesel Brothers

About Sparks Motors owners and friends David “Heavy D” Sparks and David “Diesel Dave” Kiley. Diesel vehicles are modified for customers here, and some trucks are even fitted up for giveaways.

The owners are charming and passionate about what they do. The show follows the friends as they transform regular trucks into powerful hulks. The two founding members make up a compelling team with a wealth of knowledge and experience, together with a cast of colorful individuals who assist in managing the company.

Best Car Shows on Amazon Prime Video

Le Mans: Racing is Everything

The 24 Hours of Le Mans has been conducted annually since 1923 and is the oldest continuously run sports car endurance race in the world. The winner of one of the most renowned events in the world is the one who travels the farthest distance in the during 24 hours. The racing teams need to strike a balance between vehicle and driver endurance and speed.

This program follows 6 teams as they compete while savoring the lore and background of this esteemed competition. Nissan, whose driving team has a PlayStation GT Academy winner, is hot on the heels of Porsche, Toyota, and perennial winner Audi. The coverage, which was captured in 4K, shows stunning landscapes as these cars race up to 3,000 miles at speeds of up to 200 mph.

The Grand Tour

This Prime Original Series, hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May reteam to embark on a series of adventures in a variety of exceptional vehicles. With a desert procession of cars and a fighter plane flyover, the pilot episode opens with a celebration proclaiming their triumphant return to television.

From there, the excitement only grows. As these automotive journalists test drive vehicles like tanks, dune buggies, drift cars, bulletproof automobiles, and supercars, among others, the hosts have a great chemistry that belies their years of working together.

Conclusion

Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu all have content on our list of the greatest car series available online. Although our list is by no means comprehensive, we think you won’t regret spending some of your leisure time watching some of these top automotive culture shows that are currently available online. All of these shows will have you going back for more whether you’re wanting to be educated, amused, or even awed.

The Top Seven Purchase Trucking Leasing Companies: Pros, Features, and More

By
SM
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Photo by Robson Hatsukami Morgan on Unsplash

Do you want to bridge the gap between being a typical employee and an owner-operator as a truck driver? If so, you’ll want to research one of the lease purchase trucking programs. Without a doubt, lease programs are growing in popularity among truck drivers in the US.

A lease purchase trucking program can be advantageous if you drive for a company. You can quickly become an owner-operator by signing a lease-purchase.

However, it is important to take relevant details into account before signing the contract, as you will have the trucks to yourself and run them for the business.

The Operation of Lease-Purchase Programs

By agreeing to a lease-purchase agreement, you get a truck on lease. Throughout the period of the contract, you make monthly payments toward the price of the truck. Then, at the end of the lease, you can either fulfill the remaining conditions of the agreement and gain ownership of the truck, or you can return it to the leasing company.

Lease Purchase Trucking Companies

Here are a few companies for lease purchase that you can consider:

  1. Road Legends

Since 2007, Road Legends has been associated with a high level of quality and professionalism. The company was created with the aim of defending the interests of its drivers. The brilliant lease purchase offer provides what is promised and gives ownership without any further hassles. With the help of their lease program, you can run your company with the necessary level of freedom. You can enjoy the advantages of running your own firm as an independent contractor while working with a corporation that has your back all the time. 

Special Features

  • Non-forced personal dispatch is available around-the-clock
  • The business covers the cost of maintaining the trailer and offers an alternative vehicle for use in an emergency (breakdown)
  • Ability to pre-plan your trip

Benefits

  • Lower turnover every year with a strong reputation for excellent culture
  • Cash advances are accessible with a weekly pay system
  • Bonuses for referrals
  1. Nova Lines

For truckers who want to get started without any problems, Nova Lines provides a lease-purchase program. Drivers benefit from accommodating lease terms and flexible contracts, which allow them to leave at any time.

Special Features

  • Steady freight
  • Make your own path choices
  • Full service company

Benefits

  • Well-maintained trailers and trucks
  • Three to five years are available for the lease terms
  • No added costs
  1. Swift Transportation 

Due to the flexibility they provide drivers, Swift Transportation is a great option for lease purchases. Drivers can become owner-operators through the company’s lease purchase program in as little as six months. You can also set your own hours, choose whether to drive alone or in a group, and select the load you want to haul with Swift.

Special Features

  • Parking is available at all terminals
  • Various freight options
  • Licensing paid by the company

Benefits

  • Bonuses
  • Lower insurance costs
  • Fuel cars available
  1. Rohel

The new model years with the most cutting-edge safety and efficiency technology are part of Roehl’s budget-friendly lease purchase program. They efficiently deduct tractor payments and expenses from settlements under their lease-purchase agreements.

Special Features

  • Automatic deduction for tractor payments
  • Training and assistance for business advisors
  • Fuel cards

Benefits

  • Lower turnovers
  • Payment based on mileage
  • Good trucks
  1. PGT Trucking

With flexible financing options, this trucking company makes it simple for eligible drivers to start out as owner-operators. They make the transition for drivers to becoming flatbed owner-operators simple by including tags, insurance, trailer rentals, and escrows in their reasonable lease fees.

Special Features

  • Referral bonus for drivers
  • Finance options with no down payment
  • Great percentage of pay

Benefits 

  • Discounts on tyres and truck parts
  • Lower turnover
  • First four weeks of free trailer rental
  1. KSM

KSM is a decent company to lease a truck from. Driving for KSM gives you the freedom to run your own business while receiving support from industry leaders. All of their lease purchase drivers can also take advantage of their complete insurance.

Special Features

  • Being able to pick what you haul
  • Insurance for the cargo 
  • Company-funded trailer upkeep

Benefits 

  • Pay increases
  • Longevity rewards
  • During repairs, there are available loaner vehicles.
  1. JB Hunt

Due to its many third-party lease purchase program alternatives, JB Hunt is a great option for many different kinds of prospective owner-operators. JB Hunt offers flexible lease purchase terms, mileage-based and percentage-based compensation schemes, and both to help you get started without paying anything upfront. All drivers gain from being a part of one of the biggest freight firms in the country, yet each lease purchase plan is unique.

Special Features

  • Terms of 12 to 36 months for leasing
  • Flexible payouts every week
  • Various leasing options

Benefits

  • Obtain freight as needed
  • Gasoline and insurance discounts
  • Service and tire discounts

Considerations for a Lease-Purchase Program

It’s simple to launch a business by purchasing a semi-truck through a lease-purchase scheme, but you must carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks. Additionally, the agreement requirements vary depending on the organization, so it’s crucial to do your homework in advance.

Don’t forget to take into account down payments, pay, perks, technology, equipment, and possible routes.

Benefits and Pay

Many lease-purchase companies provide great salaries and benefits that company drivers might not receive. The average annual starting salary for lease-purchase in the United States is $72,800. This amounts to $37.33 per hour on average. Drivers with experience can earn up to $180,000 annually.

Modern Equipment and Technology

An effective approach to driving more modern commercial vehicles is through truck leasing. During the lease, you can upgrade to a newer truck with the most modern hardware.

For instance, more recent trucks contain collision mitigation equipment that reduces collisions by using radar and sensors. 

Reliable Routes

Truckers frequently spend weeks at a time away from their homes. You will operate as an owner-operator under a lease-purchase agreement, providing you with far more control over your schedule. Additionally, the majority of businesses let drivers determine their own routes, and many don’t even require them to communicate with dispatch.

Wrapping Up!

Without a doubt, lease-buy schemes offer a great opportunity to take the crucial step toward becoming an owner-operator. However, you should be well-informed before selecting a trucking firm. This is due to the fact that renting a truck is an important choice that can greatly expand your career options. As a result, you should think through all of your options before making any decisions.

Author Bio: Gjorge Stinikliev has been in the trucking business since 2011. He was then in charge of the day-to-day operations of the transport department, and since 2017, he has been leading a team of recruiters and managing daily recruiting and hiring decisions at Road Legends. He is also directly involved with the company’s growth strategies on a daily basis.

Silver Hare Eyes COTA for Season’s Best Trans Am Outing

By
Official Release
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Maurice Hull, Connor Zilisch Determined To Springboard into 2023 on a High Note

HIGH POINT, N.C. (Nov. 1, 2022) – The way Silver Hare Racing’s Maurice Hull and Connor Zilisch see it, the drive for the 2023 TA2-class championship in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli begins with Sunday’s 2022 season finale at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas.

Competitors from most every racing discipline have long spoken of the many positive effects a successful season finale can have on the year that follows – not to mention the offseason leading up to it. That’s why Hull, driver of the No. 57 Waukegan Quarter Horses/Silver Hare Racing Chevrolet Camaro, and Zilisch, driver of the No. 5 Silver Hare Racing/KHI Management Chevrolet Camaro, are laser focused on bringing home the top prize in Sunday’s 30-lap, 75-minute race around the 3.426-mile, 20-turn COTA layout.

Hull, the three-time TA2 Masters champion who with his wife Laura co-owns Silver Hare Racing, returns to the cockpit for the seventh time this season and his fourth COTA start since 2018. He took top Masters honors with his 13th-place finish in the 2020 race, the same day two-time series champion and current points leader Rafa Matos drove the No. 7 Silver Hare Racing Camaro to the overall win. Hull finished 14th in the 2019 race at COTA and 21st last year. Hull arrives at COTA fresh off his third Masters victory of the season four weekends ago at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in Alton, the first two coming at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in March, and Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, in July.

Meanwhile, the 16-year-old Zilisch will be making his 13th career TA2 start and first COTA, but it comes at a track where he’s already been victorious this season. During the February SCCA Super Tour doubleheader weekend at COTA, Zilisch won Saturday’s Spec Miata race and finished third in the Sunday race after being slowed by mechanical issues. Since his last TA2 outing was cut short by an early incident at VIR, the versatile young racer added the title of KA 100 Grand National Champion to his rapidly growing resume during a four-day karting event in mid-October at his hometown GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina. Zilisch also competed fulltime this season in the prestigious Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup Series, where he earned Rookie of the Year honors after winning four of the last six races on the calendar, including sweeping both races of the Saturday-Sunday doubleheader at Road America the same weekend he qualified and finished sixth there in his Silver Hare Racing Camaro on the iconic 4.048-mile, 14-turn circuit.

Silver Hare Racing leverages its Trans Am effort to promote its arrive-and-drive program, where aspiring racers and even tenured professionals hone their road-racing skills on some of the most revered tracks in North America. NASCAR Cup Series drivers Daniel Suárez, Christopher Bell, William Byron and Harrison Burton have all wheeled Silver Hare Racing-prepared cars to burnish their road-racing abilities in top-flight equipment.

The team offers six, professionally built and maintained TA2 chassis from Howe Racing for both competition and private testing. Silver Hare Racing has a dedicated, fulltime crew and operates out of a state-of-the-art facility in High Point, North Carolina. At the track, two 53-foot Featherlite transporters serve as the team’s base, each outfitted with a lounge and smart TVs for data and video review, as well as for hospitality.

“With NASCAR having so many more road-course races, it’s our goal for Silver Hare Racing to be the preferred team for drivers to get that road-course experience,” said Laura Hull, Silver Hare Racing co-owner and team manager. “We want to be that important step in the ladder for the young, up-and-coming drivers like Connor, which we’re doing in collaboration with Kevin Harvick Incorporated.

“It started when they brought him to us for testing at VIR last year, and we’ve been delighted to have him under contract. That’s how we’re trying to position this. We want people to know we have an arrive-and-drive program, where people who want to run this track or another, we provide the opportunity for them to do that and be successful.”

Maurice Hull, owner/driver, No. 57 Waukegan Quarter Horses/Silver Hare Racing Chevrolet Camaro:

“I’m feeling good about COTA. I really enjoy the racetrack. As a team, we’ve really stepped up this last part of the season and I’m really proud of the guys for all the hard work. They’ve done an extraordinarily good job with the cars. They’re working well, great longevity, good setups. I’m tickled with what’s coming out of the shop. We’re going to COTA with two great cars – from a performance standpoint, we’re as fast as we’ve ever been, so we’ll be ready for them, for sure. There is a huge number of entries this year, and a lot of those are drivers we haven’t raced against and we’re not as familiar with each other as with the guys we race fulltime, so a lot of the weekend is going to be about survival. With that much traffic, and with how technical the track is, the key is going to be getting through it – finishing the race. We’ve got the best equipment on the racetrack. We’ve got the best personnel. I feel very confident that we can head into COTA with a winning attitude and take home the trophy.

“The passing zones at COTA are mostly in the braking zones, and that can create havoc sometimes when people overdrive their cars. The track has a lot of grip and a lot of obstacles in the form of turtles and curbing, so it’s a track where you’ve got to be smart. It was built for Formula One with a lot of very tight corners, a couple of long straightaways, some big sweepers – it’s got it all, but it’s been made for cars that have a huge amount of grip. Exciting is a good word to describe what it’s like to race our TA2 cars around there. It’s very challenging, and I think talent rises on that track. It doesn’t tolerate mistakes. It’s a fun track. I enjoy the track, but you need to develop a rhythm, and it’s difficult to develop on that track, that’s why they built it the way they did. It was intended to be one of the most challenging road courses in the country and I think they did a fine job.

“It’s been a great learning experience for Connor this year and we’re very proud of him. He has such good car control and he’s very fast and he’s really good with the technique and the technical aspects. He’s shown he’s a winner in all the other forms of racing he’s taken part in, and I think this one is the most challenging and it’s just a matter of time before he wins with us. The mental part of racing is probably the most difficult if you’re blessed with the God-given talent like he is. That’s the learning curve for really, really successful, fast racecar drivers – the mental part – and we’re seeing Connor scale that mountain, attacking the most difficult part of racing. Like I said, I’m proud of him. I’m proud of our association with him, and I’m proud of how hard he’s working. We’re going to be hugely successful in the future, and we’re looking to start that at COTA this weekend. Connor’s already won there this year. Once he gets some results behind him here in Trans Am, the sky’s the limit. He’s certainly capable of beating everybody out there.”

Connor Zilisch, driver, No. 5 Silver Hare Racing/KHI Management Chevrolet Camaro:

“COTA is one track I’m proud to say I’ve been to this year, and it was a successful weekend that included setting the Spec Miata track record, winning one race and finishing on the podium in the other. It was a lot of fun and I like the track a lot. Obviously F1 goes there, so it’s FIA rated and it has a ton of runoff room. In a Miata, there’s probably a bit too much room, but I think going there with the TA2 car and quite a bit more horsepower is going to be lot of fun and I’m looking forward to it a lot. That track, just the flow of it, it’s one of my favorites. I’ve always wanted to go there in a higher horsepower car, so my wishes will be fulfilled this weekend.

“It’s been rough these last three races, but nothing that’s been too far out of my control, which makes me feel better about it just knowing that if I do my part, we’ll be able get a good finish. I just need to keep my head screwed on straight and work with the team to get the car running right so we’ll have a good piece for the race. The last two or three races, we’ve been fast, just unfortunate circumstances have taken us out. Looking forward to getting to COTA and seeing everybody again and getting back on track.

“We have these layoffs throughout the season in Trans Am, but I’ve been in a lot of other things during the time in-between. I got in the go-kart for the first time in five months a couple of weeks ago and it was a lot of fun – won the KA 100 Grand National Championship and a shootout race, so I walked away with some good prize money. I always enjoy doing those races. There’s a lot of competition, and it’s great to go back and see my old friends again. The racing is so tight, and there’s a lot of racecraft – just a lot of fun, in general. Karting definitely has its benefits no matter what else you’re out there racing, getting those muscles tuned in, those reactions. Nothing happens quicker than in a go-kart, just ask anybody.

“COTA is a very special track. I’d say a lot of the gains you’ll find there are made in the elevation braking zones. Turn one, you’ve got a lot of elevation and you can brake a lot deeper than you think you can. That’s one of the corners where you can really make up a lot of time on entry. Really, just everywhere, line proximity is super important. I’ve been on the Chevy simulator working on that with Josh Wise and everyone in his program, finding where I can make time running a shallower line, or where it’s better to open up the corner and carry that speed.

“Overall this season, I think we’ve made a lot of gains, personally and as a team working together, our chemistry. We’ve all grown together and we’re going to continue to grow together, too. It’s been a lot of fun just working with everyone and honing my driving skills in this series. Maurice and I get along so well. He’s been picking it up at every track that we go to, by a significant amount at every track we go to, so he’s been working his tail off. I know how much he wants to be faster and I’ve been trying to give him all the tools to try and gain that speed. It’s just been fun working with everyone on the team, and I feel fortunate to work with Silver Hare and to have this opportunity. I’m just trying to make the most of it and learn from everything that I can. And next year we’ll be looking to run for a championship with all the tools and everything we’ve been able to learn this year. I really love everyone on the team. We all get along really well and it just makes for a great atmosphere. I always look forward to coming to these races.”

About Silver Hare Racing:

Silver Hare Racing is a fulltime competitor in the TA2 division of the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli. The multicar team has won the TA2 masters class championship three times (2018, 2019 and 2020) with driver and team co-owner Maurice Hull. Under the leadership of Hull’s wife, co-owner and team manager Laura Hull, Silver Hare Racing provides a variety of services that includes private testing and arrive-and-drive programs. The team offers six, professionally built and maintained TA2 chassis from Howe Racing and operates from a state-of-the-art facility in High Point, North Carolina. For more information, please visit SilverHareRacing.com.

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