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RCR Event Preview – Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL

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Official Release
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Richard Childress Racing at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL … Richard Childress Racing has nine NASCAR Cup Series starts at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL. Tyler Reddick owns the company’s best finish, a second-place effort in 2021. The first RCR driver to lead laps on the 2.280-mile layout was Daniel Hemric in 2019 (two laps).

Xfinity Series at the ROVAL … RCR has made six starts at the ROVAL in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, highlighted by Tyler Reddick’s second-place finish in 2019. The Welcome, N.C., team has four top-10 finishes dating back to the inaugural event in 2018. The organization’s best qualifying effort in NASCAR Xfinity Series competition at the ROVAL is second-place by Reddick (2019) and Daniel Hemric (2018).

Introducing the Carolina Cowboys … Driven by the same passion for performance that guides his race team, Richard Childress’ latest endeavor brings Professional Bull Riding to the Carolinas. The Carolina Cowboys represent Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in the PBR Team Series, an elite new league featuring the world’s top bull riders in games that began in July 2022. The team is operated by Richard Childress Racing with 2018 Daytona 500 Champion Austin Dillon serving as General Manager.

Catch the Action … The NASCAR Xfinity Series Drive for the Cure 250 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL will be televised live on Saturday, October 8, beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC (simulcast on Peacock). The race will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Follow Sunday’s Action at Charlotte … The NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL will be televised live on Sunday, October 9, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on NBC. The race will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

This Week’s Get Bioethanol Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL … Charlotte Motor Speedway is Austin Dillon’s home track. Growing up, Dillon watched many races with his family from his grandfather’s condo. In four NASCAR Cup Series starts at the ROVAL, Dillon earned his best finish of 15th in October 2021 after starting 14th. Dillion is a previous winner on the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval configuration, sweeping both NASCAR Xfinity races at the track in 2015 and earning his career-first NASCAR Cup Series win in the Coca-Cola 600 in 2017.

Delivering Performance on the Track and For the Planet … Dillon will race the Get Bioethanol Chevy in Charlotte, showcasing the performance benefits of racing with earth kind and engine smart bioethanol blended fuel, Sunoco Green E15. Whether it’s delivering cleaner and cooler high octane on the racetrack or a more affordable option for spring break road trips, plant-based bioethanol makes a positive impact on our planet. Learn more about bioethanol at getbioethanol.com.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

What are your thoughts on the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL?

“I have confidence leading into the ROVAL this year because we have worked really hard on our road course races. It’s always nice to compete at your hometown track. We almost won the Coca-Cola 600 in May, and I’ve won the Coca-Cola 600 in past years, so it would be cool to add a Charlotte win to my resume on the road course configuration. I don’t know, we’ll see. The goal is to get as many points as possible and to try and win. We’re going to try our hardest.”

This Week’s 3CHI Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL … Tyler Reddick will be making his third NASCAR Cup Series start this weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL. The driver of the 3CHI Chevrolet scored a second-place finish in 2021, rallying from a 29th-place starting position. Reddick leads all Cup Series drivers with two road course victories and has led at least one lap in four previous road course events. He has three top-five and four top-10 finishes this season – tied for most among all Cup drivers. Reddick has two wins and two poles in 14 career road course starts. His first career Cup victory (Road America) and pole position (Circuit of the Americas) both came on road course layouts.

3CHI Blazed the Trail for Another Industry First … 3CHI and Richard Childress Racing created another first with their partnership for the 2022 NASCAR season. 3CHI began with roots as a CBD producer and quickly became a pioneer in science-based hemp and cannabis innovation. The company was the first to commercially develop and market Delta 8 THC, and today, 3CHI is an industry leader with unsurpassed product quality and purity as verified by top independent labs and benchmark organizations. 3CHI products are sold in a majority of the United States, and the company produces and markets a variety of gummies, tinctures, lotions, edibles and vape products. All 3CHI products meet federal requirements for full legal compliance, with a commitment to promoting responsible adult use. See 3CHI.com for more information.

TYLER REDDICK QUOTES:

The Charlotte ROVAL is very different than the other road courses. What are your expectations entering this weekend?

“When we tested there last year after the ROVAL race, we were trying things and found some stuff and we were really fast in that test. I was like ‘Man, when we come back here it’s going to be crazy.’ These teams and our competitors are just so smart. Where everyone was with this car when we last tested there and now are just two different places completely. It’s going to be a tough race for sure, but we’ve been doing a really good job this year of making our cars better little by little. I’m very excited about it. We had a really good test and made it faster every time and we had a lot of speed. We’re all pretty close on setups nowadays so it all comes down to who does the best job preparing for the race weekend and who executes properly. It should be an interesting race. This car is going to be going through the infield there faster than ever before and it’s going to be a physical race for sure.”

What are some of the key areas at the ROVAL road course?

“The racing and passing will evolve from where we were last year, but there are certainly a lot of opportunities to mix it up for track position and positing yourself against your competitors when you try to set up passes or try to defend them into the chicanes. We’re going to be moving through the infield faster than we ever have before so I think some of the techniques will change a bit. Exiting off of Turn 8 onto the big oval will remain the most important corner followed by getting out of the rear chicane. How you approach it, prepare for it and what you want your car to do will be a lot different with this car with the bigger brakes, wider tires and a little bit less power.”

This Week’s Whelen / National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Chevrolet Camaro SS at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL … Sheldon Creed will make his first NASCAR Xfinity Series start at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course (ROVAL) this weekend. There have been five road course races so far this season and Creed has two top-10 finishes and a best finish of eighth at Watkins Glen International.

Momentum on his Side … Creed has had two strong runs in the last two weeks beginning at Texas Motor Speedway, where he started 13th and finished seventh. This past weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, Creed was able to salvage a 12th-place finish in a crazy superspeedway race. All in all, Creed has three top fives and 11 top 10s in 28 races so far this season and is still looking for his first win. The team has made a lot of positive progress throughout Creed’s rookie season and is completely focused on winning. Creed is currently holding on to 14th-place in the driver standings with 630 points.

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation … This weekend is extra special for Sheldon Creed and Whelen as they are honoring the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) with a special paint scheme for Saturday’s race. Creed’s No. 2 Chevrolet has the 2022 Roll of Honor names on the decklid and a patriotic look with the NFFF logo on the hood. This weekend is the 41st annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honor America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate. Our mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their families in rebuilding their lives and work within the fire service community to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries. Each October, the Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend the weekend activities held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The weekend features special programs for families and co-workers along with moving public ceremonies.

Whelen Celebrates 70 Years … From a small garage workshop in Connecticut in 1952 to a worldwide leader in emergency warning equipment today, Whelen Engineering continues to push the boundaries of innovation. As we mark our 70th anniversary, we’re proud to continue our founder’s mission of making it safer for those who serve and protect. Whelen has been manufacturing in America for 70 years—we never left, and we’re here to stay.

About Whelen … Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion to protect the lives of those who protect and serve others. The company mission is to provide industry-defining safety solutions around the world, while creating a community of problem-solvers who are inspired to push boundaries and continue our legacy of delivering ground-breaking innovation. As a global leader in the emergency warning industry, Whelen has been trusted to perform since 1952, when George Whelen III invented the first rotating aviation beacon. Whelen now encompasses two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire with over 750,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and the largest design staff in the industry. Every part of every Whelen product is proudly designed and manufactured in America. We embrace quality as our foundation, we celebrate innovative engineering in every product we produce.

SHELDON CREED QUOTE:

This weekend you’re running a special paint scheme for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. What does that mean to you?

“I’m really excited to run this paint scheme at the ROVAL. I have always loved showing appreciation to first responders when we can and this one is really special for Whelen, too. The car looks awesome and it’s going to look great on the track. This weekend is National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, and I will have the names of firefighters who died in the line of duty on my car and that’s a really big honor for me. I’d love to get a win for them.”

You’re making your debut at the ROVAL. What’s your mindset like?

“We had an overall good day last weekend at Talladega, and I hope we can keep that momentum going at the ROVAL. This will be my first start on the road course, so I’ve been focused on doing my homework and working in the simulator to get used to the layout. It’s hard to know what to expect until you get on track. Practice will be really important for my team and I so we can know what kind of car we have right off the bat. Hopefully we qualify well and then we can start in the front and out of trouble. The weather doesn’t look like it will be an issue, so we won’t have to worry about rain tires. My guys have brought me really fast cars and we’ve been in the mix and leading laps so we just need to put it all together and hopefully we can do that this weekend.”

This Week’s Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet Camaro SS at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL … Austin Hill will make his third Xfinity Series start at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course (ROVAL) this weekend. Of his two starts, he grabbed a best finish of 18th last season. Hill, the 2022 Sunoco Rookie of the Year, has five road-course starts this season. He started in the top-five in all of those starts and accumulated three top-five finishes and four top-10 finishes. His best road-course finish this season was second at Circuit of the Americas. Hill’s road course numbers have been strong, and he hopes to continue the streak at the ROVAL for the first cut-off race of the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs.

Keeping Tabs on the Playoffs … Austin Hill punched his ticket to the post-season in the first race of 2022 with a win at Daytona International Speedway. The Playoffs kicked off two weeks ago at Texas Motor Speedway where Hill started ninth and finished runner-up. Most recently, Hill swept both stages at Talladega Superspeedway last weekend and led 60 laps. He was shuffled out of the mix at the end of the race and ended up finishing 14th but the team gathered a good number of points heading into the final race of the Round of 12. Currently, Hill is fourth in the Playoff standings, 43 points above the cutline. Obviously, a win would be the best outcome but staying out of trouble and gaining as many points as possible at the ROVAL on Saturday will be the goal.

Sunoco Rookie of the Year … Austin Hill officially clinched NASCAR Xfinity Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors after last weekend’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Hill joins a long list of prestigious winners including fellow RCR drivers Kevin Harvick (2000) and Austin Dillon (2012).

Wreaths Across America (WAA) … WAA’s mission to REMEMBER, HONOR and TEACH is carried out by coordinating local fundraising efforts and wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 2,158 locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. Bennett Family of Companies is passionate about many things. The love they have for our country and armed forces is at the top of this list. In addition, patriotism is one of the core values at Bennett. Bennett took on the cause of Wreaths Across America to provide trucking assistance and fundraising support for a purpose that touches so many of our employees, drivers, and agents. In 2017, Bennett’s first year of being involved with Wreaths Across America, we helped arrange one truck and trailer to pick up wreaths where they are harvested and created in Columbia Falls, Maine. 2022 marks Bennett’s sixth year being involved with WAA. They have hauled over 65,000 wreaths in total since 2017. Here’s the link to the donation page on the National Wreaths Across America website: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/GA0213.

About Bennett Family of Companies … McDonough, Ga.-based Bennett Family of Companies is a woman-owned, Women’s Enterprise Business Council (WBENC) certified, diversified transportation and logistics company. Through its 12 affiliated operating companies, the Bennett Family of Companies delivers integrated transportation and supply chain management solutions worldwide. The company will use race experiences to recruit and retain hundreds of truck drivers for their organization in 2022. For more information, visit www.Drive4Bennett.com.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTE:

Heartbreaker last weekend at Talladega, but you won your first pole award, swept the stages, and led a lot of laps – does that mean anything heading into the final race of the Round of 12?

“It definitely does mean something. We were so close on Saturday, and we just got shuffled out of the mix at the end. I couldn’t get the push that I needed to make it back out front and then we ran out of laps. But we were the dominant car all day long. We had speed, which we also showed on Friday when we won the pole, and we worked really hard on strategy and preparation for the race. The guys at RCR and ECR deserved the win because of everything they do week in and week out. As much as that one was hard to get over, we made a statement. They knew we were there, and they knew that we’re a force to be reckoned with. We’ve had a really strong road course program this season and I’ve put up some really good stats. I’ve been really close to the win a few times this season and I think the ROVAL is where we can get it done. Having a decent number of points heading into the race is nice but the only thing that can make you comfortable is the win. I know my guys will bring another fast car this weekend and we’ll take everything we’ve learned from road courses this season and really execute. I’m looking forward to getting on the track for practice and hopefully we’re on it right when we unload.”

Amber Balcaen; Rette Jones Racing Ready to Close Out Rookie ARCA Season on High Note

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Official Release
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TOLEDO, Ohio: On the strength of two top-10 finishes in the last three ARCA Menards Series races, rookie Amber Balcaen and her Rette Jones Racing trek to Toledo Speedway hoping to save their best finish for the last race of the season in Saturday afternoon’s Shore Lunch 200.

Patience and perseverance paid off for Balcaen and her Mark Rette-led team last weekend at the historic Salem (Ind.) Speedway. From the moment the green flag dropped in practice, Balcaen and the team battled brake woes which unfortunately carried over into qualifying.

Hoping to have the problem corrected for the 200-lap Herr’s Snacks 200, she methodically and carefully maneuvered her way through the field and climbed inside the top-10 shortly before the halfway mark before mounting a respectable ninth-place finish at the checkered flag and earning the series’ hard-charger award.

“I’m proud of the resilience of my Rette Jones Racing team last weekend,” said Balcaen.

“It was unfortunate that we did not have a whole lot of track time before the race, but we definitely made the best of the situation and were rewarded with our fifth top-10 of the year.”

Heading to ARCA’s hometown track of Toledo Speedway, Balcaen has her sights set on earning a top-five finish and putting an exclamation point on a solid rookie season that was flanked by plenty of speed and finesse.

“I am really excited for the last race of the season; I am going to give it 100% my all,” added Balcaen. “I am going for a top-five run this weekend.

“I really expected to have more of them already in 2022 but want to make it happen this weekend.”

For the 18th different time this season, Balcaen will compete at a racetrack she has never turned a lap on before, but thankfully, she doesn’t have to go far for advice as crew chief and co-owner Rette has plenty of experience at the half-mile venue.

“Mark is absolutely helping me prepare for this race. Everyone wants to end the year with a strong finish to carry into the off-season and we are no different. He has plenty of experience and even has been in Victory Lane before at Toledo, so I feel confident in our No. 30 ICON Direct Ford Fusion setup.

“I’m just ready to get to the track and get to work.”

Looking back at her freshman season in ARCA competition, Balcaen highlights her season on being able to strengthen her mindset through adversity which she certainly faced during the summer.

Being able to overcome the hurdles she faced head-on in her first full-time season of ARCA competition will undoubtedly make her a stronger competitor both on and off the track in the future.

“I think my biggest accomplishment this year has been strengthening my mindset when going through adversity, Balcaen offered. “We had so much bad luck and so many things not go our way that it made me have to dig deep into my mental mind to stay positive and also look at the positives in each race.

“My ultimate goal this year was to improve throughout the season and develop my skills as a driver and I am confident in knowing that I accomplished that.”

Despite the forks in the road this season, Balcaen relishes the fact that she has improved her racing craft from the high banks of Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in February to the season-finale half-mile short track at Toledo.

“I know I am a lot better driver now at the end of the season than I was at the beginning of the season and I am going to carry the growth going forward,” she said. “I had obviously hoped for better finishes this season because I know I am capable of it, but, every driver has those seasons of bad luck and unfortunately 2022 was one of those seasons.”

Once the curtain is drawn on the 2022 ARCA Menards Series season Saturday afternoon, Balcaen is already starting to think of next season where she is focused on returning to the series for a sophomore campaign.

“I am excited for 2023 because now I have some experience under my belt, got all the bad luck out of the way my first year as a rookie, and am going to push even harder in 2023,” sounded Balcaen.

“It will be nice to go to tracks again that I have experience on with some confidence. I want to keep developing my skills both on the track as a driver and on the mental performance side. I think this year really showed my resilience and perseverance and I believe only good things are coming for the future!”

For Rette, he continues to be proud of the toughness of his young driver and looks forward to her Toledo Speedway debut being a successful one.

“After a troubling exit at Bristol, the team faced some adversity at Salem Speedway, but we never gave up and pushed through it and ended up with a solid finish,” he said. “Toledo is not your typical short track either, but I think she will be able to quickly adapt and contend for another top-10 finish on Saturday.”

ICON Direct will continue to adorn the primary positions on Balcaen’s race car in their 20th of 20 races this season.

ICON Direct is a manufacturer of high-quality plastic component parts for the RV industry, located in Manitoba, Canada. ICON aftermarket replacement parts are available through RV Dealers and Distributors across North America and directly through their website IconDirect.com.

The Winnipeger’s new endeavor at Rette Jones Racing will also be supported by Glenn McLeod and Sons – cementing a full Canadian roster of partners for her ARCA Menards Series rookie season.

Longtime RJR partners Ford Performance, Goodridge Fluid Transfer Systems, Jones Group Demolition and Abatement and JRi Shocks will continue their relationship with the team in 2022 and serve as associate partners on Balcaen’s No. 30 ICON Direct Ford Fusion.

RJR is co-owned by Canadian entrepreneur and former race car driver Terry Jones.

Entering Toledo, Balcaen sits seventh in the ARCA Menards Series championship standings, 66 points out of fourth and 192 markers in the arrears to championship leader Nick Sanchez.

For more on Amber Balcaen, please visit amberbalcaenracing.com, like her on Facebook (AmberBalcaenRacing) and follow her on Instagram (@amberbalcaen10) and Twitter (@amberbalcaen10).

For more on Rette Jones Racing, please visit RetteJonesRacing.com, like them on Facebook (Rette Jones Racing) or follow them on Instagram (@RetteJones30) and Twitter (@RetteJones30).

The Shore Lunch 200 (200 laps |100 miles) is the 20th of 20 races on the 2022 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Practice begins on Saturday, October 8, 2022, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. General Tire pole qualifying kicks off at 1:30 p.m. The season finale event will be televised live on MAVTV and FloRacing beginning at 4:00 p.m. ET. ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire day’s festivities. All times are local (ET).

About Rette Jones Racing:

Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, Rette Jones Racing (RJR) was founded in 2015 with the intent of building a successful racing operation built around the fundamentals of hard work and a never-give-up attitude.

Owned by racers Terry Jones and Mark Rette, RJR plan to field a full-time entry in 2022 in the ARCA Menards Series, while also planning to field vehicles in the ARCA Menards Series East and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) respectively.

The winning ARCA team also offers technical and setup intel as part of its technical alliance partnership program.

Kris Wright – NASCAR Xfinity Series News and Notes: Charlotte Motor Speedway

By
Official Release
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KRIS WRIGHT
No. 68 F.N.B. Corporation Chevrolet Camaro SS
NASCAR Xfinity Series News and Notes
Event: Drive for the Cure 250 presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
Date: Saturday, October 8
Venue: Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course
Location: Concord, North Carolina
Track Description: 2.28-mile road course
Race: 155.44 miles / 67 laps

F.N.B. Corporation … F.N.B. Corporation (NYSE: FNB), one of the 50 largest bank holding companies in the United States, continues the partnership with Kris Wright for this weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on the No. 68 F.N.B. Corporation Chevrolet Camaro SS for Brandonbilt Motorsports for the last road course of the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) season. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., FNB first partnered with Wright in 2020 at the DAYTONA Road Course in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) for his debut in NASCAR national series competition.

ROVAL™ Turtle Power … This weekend marks Kris Wright’s second NASCAR Xfinity Series start at the Charlotte Motor Speedway road course.

The 100-pound kerbs, dubbed ‘turtles’ because of their rounded shape, are bolted to the track surface to help keep drivers on the 17-turn, 2.28-mile course during the scheduled 67-lap event. Road Course Stats: In eight NASCAR Xfinity Series starts on a road course, the Pittsburgh, Pa., – native recorded an average finish of 30.1.

DAYTONA (Fla.) Road Course on August 16, 2020, saw his debut in NASCAR national series competition in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and was his single series start of the 2020 season. The 28-year-old also has four combined NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts on road courses.

Wright has competed on 22 different road courses and street circuits throughout his career.

QUOTE WORTHY

Kris Wright, driver of the No. 68 F.N.B. Corporation Chevrolet Camaro SS for Brandonbilt Motorsports

On the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course:

“I am excited to get to the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL and race again. The No. 68 F.N.B. Corporation Chevrolet Camaro SS has been ready to attack the twists and turns of the ROVAL. I am glad to be back in the seat for Brandonbilt Motorsports, and every remaining NASCAR Xfinity Series weekend, until the season finale.

“Let’s make some gains before 2023 and end the season with some momentum.” Kris Wright on Social Media … To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, visit KrisWrightMotorsports.com, or connect with Kris Wright on Facebook (/KrisWrightRacing), Twitter (@KrisOnNASCAR) or Instagram (@krisonnascar).

Brandonbilt Motorsports’ NASCAR Camping World Truck Series History at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course … The organization posted a team-best 17th-place with driver Brandon Brown on September 28, 2019, at the 17- turn road course. This weekend’s elimination-race will be the fifth time the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course has hosted a NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff race. The four previous starts at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course have earned Brandonbilt Motorsports an overall average starting position of 17 and an average finish of 23.3. Brandonbilt Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series History … Since entering the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2016, the Mooresville, N.C., -based organization has logged 138 starts with five drivers. Brandonbilt Motorsports has collected one victory (Brandon Brown, 2021: Talladega), six top-five finishes and 20 top-10 finishes and has logged an average starting position of 19.6 and an average finishing position of 19.6.

BRANDONBILT MOTORSPORTS STATISTICS

Catch the Action … The Drive for the Cure 250 presented by BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina at the Charlotte Motor Speedway will be broadcast on NBC starting with the Countdown to Green: Charlotte on Saturday, October 8 at 3:00 p.m. (ET). It will also broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network (PRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio at 2:30 p.m. (ET). On Saturday the practice session will be broadcasted at 10:00 a.m. (ET) followed by qualifying at 10:30 a.m. (ET) on the NBC Sports App.

Greg Van Alst and Team Focused on ARCA Season Finale

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Official Release
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TOLEDO, Ohio: When the green flag waves in Saturday afternoon’s Shore Lunch 200 at Toledo Speedway, Greg Van Alst and his all-volunteer Greg Van Alst Motorsports team will have accomplished their biggest goal of the 2022 ARCA Menards Series, running every race.

And on the heels of their 10th top-10 finish of the year last weekend at Salem (Ind.) Speedway, Van Alst invades ARCA’s hometown track ready to add another top-10 to his season tally while carrying some much-welcomed momentum into the off-season.

It’s going to be a bittersweet weekend,” said Van Alst. “I am glad to see the end of the season arrive, but I know it’ll be short-lived. I am taking a vacation with the family after Toledo and I know I’ll be ready to be at a racetrack soon after.

“Honestly, I can’t wait for Daytona to get here.”

But before Van Alst can point start thinking about a sophomore full-time season, he must first conquer 200 laps around Toledo’s dynamic half-mile.

Never turning a lap before in an ARCA car at the track nestled on the Michigan-Ohio border, Van Alst is eager to get on the track and hopes that his prior experience in a Late Model will give him the confidence to earn his 11th top-10 finish of the year aboard his No. 35 CB Fabricating Ford Fusion.

“We still are not where we need to be heading to Toledo,” Van Alst added. “From a driver that also works on the cars, I understand how they work.“

I’m not saying as a driver I was perfect but our car was not perfect last weekend at Salem Speedway.

We will continue to work hard and get better, including Saturday at Toledo.”

A native of Anderson, Ind. – Van Alst delivered a respectable seventh-place finish in the Herr’s Food 200, but Van Alst believes the challenges will make his CB Fabricating Racing team better for the long haul.

“Once we start getting better on our set up we will be a top-five team,” expressed Van Alst. “We were off a little last weekend. We knew the track was rough. Just didn’t realize that the backcountry railroad track crossings were smoother.

“This weekend at Toledo, I believe that we are prepared for anything and I hope we can take what we learn in practice and apply that will make us stronger for the season finale. A lot of people will be watching and we certainly want to end the year on a high note!”

Looking back at the previous 19 races this season, Van Alst pointed at the team’s top-five performance at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway in May was a major accomplishment for his team.

“I think our top-five run at Charlotte was huge,” sounded Van Alst. “It shows that when we hit the setup right, we are fast. Overall if we can finish the season in the top five in driver points that’s huge for us.

“Being able to finish the season top-five in points is going to be huge for us as we approach potential marketing partners during the off-season and be better prepared for 2023.”

Speaking of next season, Van Alst already believes his team will be able to capitalize on their rookie season.

“I am excited for 2023,” he said. “I feel like a year of full-time under our belts is huge. My crew chief Jim Long and I have created a great relationship and I feel 2023 will be a stronger year. We both have tons of experience but very little in the ARCA Menards Series until this year. We now have notes and can grow off of those.

“If we can pick up a couple of (marketing) partners over the off-season I am hoping to put two full-time people on our team. That would be the largest thing to help our team advance to the next level and hopefully, compete for a championship in 2023.”

Chris Barkdull’s CB Fabricating, a longtime partner with Greg Van Alst Motorsports has boosted its commitment to the team and will continue its role as the primary marketing partner of Van Alst’s No. 35 Ford Fusion.

Headquartered in Anderson, Ind., CB Fabricating offers a complete list of fabricating from design, laser cutting, CNC punching, forming, welding, powder coating, and assembly.

Their 26,000-square-foot facility allows them to service the needs of many different industries. Everything from the Automotive, agricultural, aquatic, medical, transportation, electrical enclosures, and much more.

“Through the trials and tribulations of our 2022 ARCA Menards Series season, we’ve tried to approach each race with a positive attitude and with extreme grace because of the support of CB Fabricating and Chris (Barkdull),” Van Alst mentioned.

“We’re getting ready to cross the checkered flag and even if we don’t make it to Victory Lane on the track, we’ve accomplished so much this year that has made us winners. I couldn’t have done it without Chris and I appreciate everything he has done.”

In addition to CB Fabricating, Top Choice Fence, Norton Transport, KRJ Race Products and Lintz Creative will serve as associate marketing partners for Van Alst’s 31st career ARCA start.

Entering Toledo, Van Alst sits a career-high fourth in the ARCA Menards Series championship standings, 126 markers in the arrears to championship leader Nick Sanchez.

“Unfortunately, the championship appears out of our reach, so our focus will shift for this remaining race is to stay tucked up inside the top five,” sounded Van Alst. “It is going to be tough to keep Sammy (Smith) behind because of the pace of his team right now and Toni and Amber are having solid runs too.

“But we will just continue to do our thing and see how it all shakes out on Saturday afternoon.”

For more on Greg Van Alst and Greg Van Alst Motorsports, please visit GregVanAlst.com, like them on Facebook (Van Alst Motorsports) and follow him on Twitter (@GregVanAlst35).

For more on CB Fabricating, please visit CBFabricating.com and like them on Facebook (CB Fabricating).

The Shore Lunch 200 (200 laps |100 miles) is the 20th of 20 races on the 2022 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Practice begins on Saturday, October 8, 2022, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. General Tire pole qualifying kicks off at 1:30 p.m. The season finale event will be televised live on MAVTV and FloRacing beginning at 4:00 p.m. ET. ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire day’s festivities. All times are local (ET).

GNSS Season Finale Carteret County Speedway

By
Official Release
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Mooresville, N.C.- On Saturday, October 8th the Grand National Super Series presented by Engineered Components Co will throw the checkered on its inaugural season. This season has been full of thrills and chills. We have seen first-time drivers, veterans shine, and youth triumph. There is still one last chance for history to be made. Ten drivers will look to take home the final checkered flag this Saturday night at Carteret County Speedway in Swansboro N.C.

Projected champion A.J. Henriksen is ready to close out what has been a phenomenal season. A.J. has captured all but three poles and has three wins to his credit so far. He will be looking to add to both columns Saturday night on his way to becoming the first-ever GNSS series champion.

Jeremy Mayfield will be looking to put a kink in his plan though. Jeremy is returning to GNSS competition after a short hiatus. Clayton Rogers was scheduled to be in the field however, the change in schedule due to Ian will prevent that. Instead, local phenom Chris Burns will be in the 51 car. Chris is certain to make a splash in his first appearance.

Second-place points contender Marc Jones will be ready to rock the house while trying to beat his season-best finish of third. The Mopar Mafia #42 of Joe Wilder is also looking to add to his win column. Wilder is riding the momentum of his first win at the last race at Franklin County Speedway.

The fun and excitement starts Saturday at 2 p.m. with practice. There will be a meet and greet which will begin at 5, followed by racing at 6. The Grand National Super Series presented by Engineered Componentes Co will feature its twin fifty-lap features. GNSS will be race two and six. There will also be a 50/50 raffle with proceeds going to the victims of Hurricane Ian.

GNSS would like to thank our amazing sponsors who made this successful season possible; Engineered Components Co, Howe Racing Enterprises, Chalew Performance, and Circle Track Warehouse. Thank you to the wonderful people at Race22.com and Racing America for their hospitality. For more information on GNSS please visit our website at www.grandnationalsuperseries.com

Are Motorcyclists at a Legal Disadvantage After a Collision With a Car?

By
SM
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Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash

Motorcyclists are often seen as reckless drivers who are more likely to cause accidents. This reputation is unfair and untrue. In reality, most motorcycle riders are very careful and cautious drivers, especially since they understand how vulnerable they are if they become involved in an accident. However, because of this faulty reputation, motorcyclists are often blamed for accidents, even when they are not at fault.

These false impressions make it very difficult for motorcyclists to receive fair compensation after an accident. Insurance companies may try to lowball motorcycle riders or deny their claims altogether. Therefore it is essential for motorcycle riders to seek experienced legal help after an accident. 

Are Motorcycle Collisions in NYC Common?

Preliminary data in New York by the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research showed that motorcycle crashes involving injuries and fatalities skyrocketed from 2019 to 2020, including a 5.46 percent increase in NYC. The number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities is also significantly overrepresented yearly compared to other vehicles. As a result, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die and four times more apt to be injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2020 than those in passenger vehicles. 

Their Unfavorable Media Portrayal Led to a Negative View of Motorcyclists

Movies and television shows often portray motorcycle riders as reckless, law-breaking rebels. Early movies such as The Wild One and Easy Rider set the trend, and it wasn’t helped by news about violent motorcycle gangs such as the Hells Angels. While some motorcycle riders do fit this description, the vast majority of motorcyclists are upstanding citizens. They not only ride their motorcycles for enjoyment but because these bikes are more economical and convenient. Unfortunately, the portrayal of motorcycle riders in the media has led to a negative view of motorcycle riders by some members of the public.

Why Is It Important to Hire an Injury Lawyer Who Can Combat Negative Views of Motorcyclists? 

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to hire an experienced injury lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve. A lawyer will be able to investigate your crash and gather evidence to prove that you were not at fault. He or she will also be able to combat any negative views of motorcycle riders by insurance companies and juries. 

Insurance Company Bias Against Motorcyclists

Motorcycle riders are predisposed to prejudice by the public, a tactic used by defense lawyers for insurance companies. As a way of muddying the waters, the defense will try to show that the rider was to blame for their own injuries in court.  They’ll say the rider did not avoid an accident by taking evasive action. A motorcyclist will be accused of not responding immediately to an unlawful left turn or not yielding to the unmindful driver of a motor vehicle in an attempt to persuade the judge and jury that they are at fault for not responding at once.

There are a myriad of ways in which the motorcycle driver can be blamed for the accident, including:

  • Taking too long to slow down to avoid an accident
  • Not being in the correct part of the traffic lane
  • Not wearing sufficient protective gear
  • Lack of driving experience or safety training
  • Not being conspicuous enough to avoid the collision
  • Suffering a medical or mental condition that led to the accident
  • Not getting out of the way when an accident was about to occur

Placing Fault on the Motorcycle Itself

The motorcycle is another potential attack target by the insurance company and their lawyers. It is common for insurance companies to have the motorcycle’s entire frame inspected for aftermarket modifications or additional parts that may have contributed to its handling issues.

A motorcycle’s performance is also considered. Motorcycle muffler pipes can be loud, so defense lawyers may argue that the motorcyclist couldn’t hear or react to the oncoming vehicle in time to avoid a collision because of the noise.

As part of their investigation, insurance investigators may also check the tire pressure on the damaged motorcycle and the torque on its rotating components to try and blame the motorcyclist. The investigators’ crash assessment in a motorcycle accident is extensive, so any lawyer must be prepared to defend their client against unbiased verbal accusations. For example, if the damage to a motorcycle is in an upper section, the lawyer for the insurance company or at-fault driver may say there were control issues that led to the collision. On the other hand, if the lower part of the motorcycle sustained damage, lack of appropriate traction may be suggested as a cause.

A motorcycle accident lawyer can refute these claims by having engineers examine the motorcycle immediately. These expert witnesses can be used to uncover any false allegations made by the defense or at-fault party’s insurance company. 

Juries Are Often Biased Against Motorcycle Riders

A bias against riders can sometimes be evident in motorcycle cases. Whether true or not, motorcycle riders, especially those riding cruisers or sports bikes, are viewed as being reckless and driving too fast by many in the general public. For motorcycle personal injury lawyers, this is concerning when preparing for a trial, especially when selecting a jury. Press and cinema depictions of motorcyclists are likely to have influenced some potential jurors.

The biker’s lawyer, whether that be this Chionuma Motorcycle Accident lawyer kansas city mo or a similar attorney working in the biker’s local area, must be prepared to counter both covert and overt implications of bias against motorcycles as a whole. It has been explicitly ruled by courts that a jury cannot be instructed that negligence can be assumed from merely using a motorcycle for transportation.

Educating Jurors in Motorcycle Accident Cases

Prejudiced jurors with less adventurous opinions may believe that motorcycle riding is inherently dangerous. Only a small percentage of potential jurors are likely to have experience handling motorcycles, which means their views must be changed to help the client get fair compensation for their injuries.

Potential jurors may come to the table with incomplete, inaccurate, and even biased ideas about what they should know in order to decide factual questions about motorcycle riding. Therefore, evidence may be used early in the trial to show jurors how the rider controls the motorcycle, and what a rider is capable of doing in a safe and reasonable manner, and most importantly, the reasons why they would.

In motorcycling, qualified instructors and experienced riders are experts who can provide credible understanding. They can explain how speed, velocity, centrifugal forces, weight, gravity, and momentum interact, as well as how human reaction times affect equipment performance.

The Ultimate Guide For Preparing Your Car For A Show

By
SM
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Whether you’ve got a custom-made vehicle or a classic, antique car that you’ve added to your collection, you’ll likely have considered displaying it at a car show. Most car shows will have an easy way to sign up for a place to show your car, but getting your car ready for the show could be a somewhat more complex matter, depending on what state your vehicle is in. Due to all the things you’ll need to think about when preparing your car for a show, we’ve put together a list of useful tips to help you get your car ready for viewing.

Make Sure It’s In Working Order

Your first step, which you should be taken well in advance of the show, is to make sure your car works. Getting your vehicle to the show when it currently doesn’t run is possible, of course, with the help of a larger car loader, but this is going to make the process somewhat more complicated. It’s also going to significantly diminish the appeal of your car if it simply doesn’t start. Many guests are going to want to hear the purr of a well-maintained engine to see the rest of the vehicle in its feature-complete splendour. Here are things that will drain your car battery are some maintenance steps to consider.

  • Check The Engine

One of the key things to check before displaying your vehicle is that your engine is in good working order. It may be worth getting it checked over by an experienced mechanic if you’re only a layman when it comes to car maintenance. You’ll want to check the car’s fluids, including the oil and coolant. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for any leaks. The best way to do this is to leave your vehicle parked on clean and brightly-coloured slabs overnight and see if anything has accumulated below the car in the morning.

  • Ensure Tires Are Filled

If you’re going to be driving your car to the show, you’ll also want to make sure that the tire pressure is correct and that the tires are safe to drive on. The last thing you want is a tire to burst or get damaged somehow. It’s also worthwhile bringing spare tires and the means to lift the car to replace the tire. Even if you’re not driving the vehicle to the show itself, flat tires can be quite obvious and can make your car look underwhelming, so make sure you keep them filled.

  • Bring Spare Batteries

Showing your car will likely take somewhat of a toll on the vehicle, even for the day. There’s a chance you’ll be turning the ignition regularly (only if you’re showing outside), as well as turning the headlights on, playing the radio, and generally showcasing everything your car has to offer. These are things that will drain your car battery, so it’s important to remember to bring some spares, as well as things like jumper cables. Although, at a car show like this, you’ll not be far away from someone that may be able to help. But remember, many classic cars may need a much more specific battery than the ones you can easily find today, so bring some spares that will work for yours.

Help Your Car To Stand Out
There are understandably going to be some stunning cars alongside yours at a car show, and you’ll likely want to spend some time roaming around to see what everyone else has brought to the table. But you’ll also want to make sure that your car stands out as much as possible so that all of the hard work and love you’ve poured into your car doesn’t go unnoticed. There are a number of ways in which you can help your car stand out from others, depending on the vehicle and where you’re situated at the show. Consider the following ideas to help you with this.

  • Unique Design

Unless you’re looking to stay true to the original design of your classic car, it may be worthwhile creating your own custom design for your car. A great new paint job or modernization of an older vehicle can really draw the crowds, but it also might annoy some of the traditionalists. Consider adding your own touches to your car to really make it unique if this is something you’d be happy to do. Unless your car is a very rare, vintage model that most people won’t have seen, you’ll need some other way to draw in the crowds with a daring new look.

  • Custom Number Plate

A simpler way of adding a unique element to your car is to add a custom and legal number plate to it. You can buy and sell DVLA number plates via companies like Regtransfers, a private number plate specialist. Of course, it’s important to remember that you can’t display a number plate on your vehicle that makes it look younger than it is, which can add some limitations to which plate you choose for your classic model. However, as long as you follow the DVLA’s rules on this, you can get a custom plate for your vehicle, which can serve as the perfect finish to an already fantastic car.

  • Get Creative

When displaying your vehicle, you’ll want to find some great ways in which you can show it off. Sometimes, a pristine vehicle in fantastic condition just sitting on its own isn’t always the best way to attract a crowd, especially when there are going to be many other amazing cars there. This is why you’ll want to get creative when showing your vehicle. Consider things like an information board, including images of any restoration work you’ve done—everyone loves a before and after view. Don’t forget to do things such as opening the trunk, doors, and hood, giving passers-by a better view of the interior parts of the car, too.

Cleaning Your Car

The last thing anyone wants to see is a great car ruined by dirt and grime. This understandably looks like the owner doesn’t care about the vehicle and doesn’t have the time and patience to ensure that it is kept in great condition. Ultimately, it would be a surprise to see a dirty car at a car show, too, as the whole point is to showcase how great your car looks. This is why it’s incredibly important to spend time cleaning every inch of your car to ensure it looks as great as possible on the day.

Start With The Engine And Undercarriage

You should start with cleaning your car’s engine and undercarriage because they are often forgotten about when people clean their cars. Once you’ve got the hood open or someone wants to take a look inside, the grime and grease inside will be in stark contrast to the shiny exterior of the vehicle. It’s also important to do this first, as the grease will often get all the rest of your car, and if you’ve already cleaned it, you’ll need to go over it all again. After you’ve cleaned that, don’t forget to get the car’s interior cleaned out too. Remove all debris down to the last crumb, and don’t forget to clean the boot. Once you’ve done all of this, you’re free to wash and wax the exterior, which is arguably the most enjoyable part.

Byron leapfrogs Playoff cutline, points rescinded following Texas incident

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Chad Wells for SpeedwayMedia.com.

The National Motorsports Appeals Panel amended the points penalty issued to Playoff contender William Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team following his on-track incident with Playoff rival Denny Hamlin at Texas Motor Speedway this past September.

The incident at Texas occurred with 66 laps remaining when Martin Truex Jr., Hamlin’s teammate, drew a caution after wrecking while leading the event. During the caution period, Byron, who was irritated from being bumped by Hamlin and making contact with the backstretch wall while competing for a top-five spot earlier, bumped and sent Hamlin spinning sideways across the frontstretch. Following the spin, Hamlin pulled his car alongside Byron’s to express his displeasure but was not permitted to retain his spot towards the front prior to the spin. Byron, who characterized the incident as intentional without the intent of spinning Hamlin, went on to finish seventh while Hamlin fell back to 10th.

Prior to the amendment, Byron was fined $50,000 and docked 25 driver/owner points for violating sections pertaining to NASCAR’s Member Code of Conduct from the NASCAR Rulebook. With the amendment from the appeals panel that included Hunter Nickell, Dale Pinilis and Kevin Whitaker, the 24-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, was re-awarded his 25 docked points despite his fine being increased to $100,000.

With his points rescinded, Byron, who initially left this past weekend’s event at Talladega Superspeedway in 10th place in the Playoff standings and 11 points below the top-eight cutline to transfer into the Round of 8, has leaped to seventh place in the standings and is 14 points above the cutline. He now looks to secure a spot in the Round of 8 by competing in this weekend’s Bank of America Roval 400 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, which will mark the conclusion of the Round of 12 and eliminate the bottom four competitors in the standings from Playoff contention.

Byron’s points being rescinded means that Daniel Suarez holds the eighth and final transfer spot to the Round of 8 entering this weekend’s event at Charlotte. He has a 12-point advantage over both Austin Cindric and Chase Briscoe while Christopher Bell trails by 45 points. Alex Bowman, Byron’s teammate, trails the cutline by 66 points, but has been ruled out of the event and faces elimination from the Playoffs while recovering from concussion-like symptoms stemming from his wreck at Texas in September. Noah Gragson is set to pilot Bowman’s No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for a second consecutive weekend.

The Bank of America Roval 400 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course is set to occur on Sunday, October 9, at 2 p.m. ET on NBC.

Monster Energy Racing: Riley Herbst Charlotte Roval NXS Advance

By
Official Release
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RILEY HERBST
Charlotte Roval NASCAR Xfinity Series Advance
No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

NASCAR Xfinity Series Overview

• Event: Drive for the Cure 250 (Round 29 of 33)
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 8
• Location: Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval
• Layout: 2.28-mile, 17-turn road course
• Time/TV/Radio: 3 p.m. EDT on NBC/PRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Riley Herbst Notes of Interest

• Riley Herbst rolls into Saturday’s Drive for the Cure 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval on a mission to advance in the playoffs. It’s the final race in the Round of 12, where only the top-eight drivers in points after the Roval move on to the Round of 8. Entering this cutoff race, Herbst is 11th in the standings, 10 points outside of the top-eight. The driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang knows a strong finish is needed to keep his championship drive alive. While a victory will secure his spot in the Round of 8, Herbst can point his way into the next round with smart and savvy driving throughout the 67-lap race around the 2.28-mile, 17-turn road course. It’s what Herbst has done so far in the playoffs, with a strong fifth-place finish Sept. 24 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth and a respectable 11th-place run last Saturday at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. Adding extra incentive to Herbst is that the Round of 8 begins next Saturday at his home track, Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

• With five races still remaining this season, Herbst can already call 2022 a career year. His seven top-fives eclipsed his previous season-best tally of five top-fives earned last year, and his 17 top-10s have already equaled his season high, first earned during his rookie year in 2020. Herbst is likely to add to those stats this Saturday at the Roval. In his last three road-course races, the 23-year-old has brought home a top-10 result each time. He finished seventh July 2 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, sixth July 30 on the infield circuit at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and seventh Aug. 20 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International. All of these finishes equaled or bettered his previous best effort on each track.

• The Drive for the Cure 250 will be Herbst’s third career Xfinity Series start on the Roval. Herbst had a strong outing in his first start there in 2020 despite a torrential downpour. He ran up front and led seven laps en route to a 12th-place finish, best among the rookie class. Last October, Herbst started ninth and was holding his position in the top-10 during the final stage before a suspension issue ended his race seven laps from the finish.

• Herbst is driving for the team that knows how to win on the Roval. The No. 98 team of Stewart-Haas Racing won the inaugural Xfinity Series race at the Roval on Sept. 29, 2018 via Chase Briscoe. It was Briscoe’s first career Xfinity Series victory. He led twice for 33 laps to beat Justin Marks by 1.478 seconds.

Riley Herbst, Driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang

Despite two strong runs at Texas and Talladega to open the Round of 12, you still find yourself 10 points below the cutline. What’s your strategy to secure a spot in the Round of 8?

“We have to race for points and then a win. I think we’ve seen improvement with our road-course program this year, so I’m hoping that helps us out. But honestly, the Roval is a beast of its own. I think it’s a wild card in its own way – just like Talladega. We know what we have to do heading into this weekend, and that’s to get points. A win would erase all of our worries, but we have to make it to the end to have a shot. We’re in a much better position coming into Charlotte than we were last year, so let’s make the most of it.”

You have two previous starts on the Roval. What are your thoughts on the configuration of the track, and how do you prepare for this race with so much on the line?

“To be honest, this is one track that I haven’t been able to wrap my head around. It’s not that we haven’t run decent there in the past, but I think I was just at a disadvantage because I never had practice on this track and I was never able to lay down laps outside of the simulator until it was race time. This is only my third race there, but I’m hoping we can show improvement like we have at all the other road courses this year.”

There has been significant growth not only by the team, but by you as a driver this season. Who do you go to for advice within the organization and the garage?

“I’ve talked to Chase Briscoe a little since he’s been good on road courses in his career and Kevin Harvick, who has been helping me out this year. More than anything, it’s just been getting the experience through practice and qualifying this season. We’re going to racetracks where we’ve been before and now we have the notes to help. The simulator is great, but nothing beats getting behind the wheel of our Monster Energy Ford Mustang and actually making laps on a road course. This is really the first fulltime season in my career where we’ve had practice and qualifying at every race, even if it’s shortened. So I think that’s helping a lot with our improvement, as well.”

No. 98 Monster Energy Team Roster

Primary Team Members:

Driver: Riley Herbst
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Crew Chief: Richard Boswell
Hometown: Friendship, Maryland

Car Chief: Matt Noyce
Hometown: Oregon, Wisconsin

Engineer: DJ VanderLey
Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

Engineer: Justin Bolton
Hometown: Latrobe, Pensylvania

Spotter: Tim Fedewa
Hometown: Holt, Michigan

Over-The-Wall Crew:

Front Tire Changer: Josh Leslie
Hometown: Mount Clemens, Michigan

Rear Tire Changer: Trevor White
Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Tire Carrier: Chad Emmons
Hometown: Tyler, Texas

Fueler: Corey Coppola
Hometown: Bluefield, West Virginia

Jackman: Stan Doolittle
Hometown: Ninety Six, South Carolina

Road Crew Members:

Truck Driver: Steve Wood
Hometown: Eatontown, New Jersey

Engine Tuner: Willie Pelotte
Hometown: Oakland, Maine

Tire Specialist: Austin Quick
Hometown: Flagstaff, Arizona

Cadillac Racing completes successful three-day test

By
Official Release
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Cadillac V-LMDh surpasses 11,000 kilometers in on-track developmental phase

DETROIT (Oct. 6, 2022) — Cadillac Racing, its partners and teams met and surpassed objectives Oct. 3-5 during IMSA-sanctioned on-track testing and development of the all-new Cadillac V-LMDh at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

Accumulating data, driver feedback and testing component reliability on the 2.54-mile, 12-turn road course were priorities as all parties prepare for the quickly approaching 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship seasons.

Two Cadillac V-LMDh race cars will contest the nine races of the IMSA season in the new Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class, while one Cadillac V-LMDh will compete in all seven rounds of the WEC schedule in the Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) class.

Testing on the same racetrack under similar ambient and track temperatures within 36 hours of the checkered flag on the 2022 IMSA season was exceptionally beneficial, according to Cadillac Racing assistant program manager Kalvin Parker.

Cadillac surpassed a development milestone with 11,000 total on-track kilometers since the shakedown of the Cadillac V-LMDh in July. The test schedule is full leading into the Jan. 20-22 Roar Before the 24 at Daytona International Speedway, followed by the competition debut of the Cadillac V-LMDh on Jan. 28-29 at the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

The 1000 Miles of Sebring on March 17 opens the WEC season.

“Getting comfortable with the further development we’ve had in the systems, accumulating data, getting acclimated to the tires and just durability is important,” Parker said. “We’ve been developing and adding new components as we move toward homologation, and it’s how robust are they.

“For the drivers, to go directly from the DPi into the V-LMDh on the same track has been really helpful to get an understanding of where the limits are going to be. They’ve been at a few tracks now where they can compare the differences in weight, differences in power. It’s noticeable the growth the teams have made from those first couple of tests to now in terms of comfort level with the cars, feeling they can push the systems and their understanding of the car.”

Veteran sports car racer Richard Westbrook, who this week was confirmed to co-drive the Cadillac V-LMDh with Earl Bamber and Alex Lynn in the seven WEC races in 2023, got behind the wheel of the all-new race car for the first time.

“It’s nice having a comparison while the DPi is still fresh in your mind, because it was a very well-sorted car by the end of the development,” Westbrook said of the Cadillac DPi-V.R that collected 27 victories and 82 podium finishes in 59 races covering six seasons. “Right now, we’re just making the car run, putting miles on it and that’s where the focus is. Stage two of the learning process would be unlocking some performance.”

Codeveloped by Cadillac Design, Cadillac Racing and chassis manufacturer Dallara, the Cadillac V-LMDh features an all-new Cadillac 5.5-liter DOHC V-8 engine developed by GM’s Performance and Racing propulsion team based in Pontiac, Michigan, that will generate more than 670 horsepower from the combined output of its engine and hybrid powertrain.

The spec energy recovery system will serve as Cadillac’s first hybrid prototype race car.

Regulations were created jointly by IMSA, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) to allow LMDh and Le Mans Hypercar cars to compete in the same classes in both the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship.

What they’re saying

Pipo Derani, IMSA GTP driver for Action Express-prepared Cadillac V-LMDh: “It’s a strong base, as you would expect from Cadillac and so many great minds behind the project. When you start with a new car, you never know until you’re actually competing against everyone else, but the feeling of it is actually a good feeling – one that we can start working on and developing. So far everything has been very positive.”

Alexander Sims, IMSA GTP driver for Action Express Racing-prepared Cadillac V-LMDh: “It was really, really nice to get a solid haul of laps. Good times, did some fast laps as well, which was nice. Some long runs, got a good understanding of the car through a full stint and then did a few bits of slightly more performance testing towards the end of the day. Nice to feel a bit more comfortable with the speed of the car. Obviously still work to do, but it’s been a solid test day.”

Sebastien Bourdais, IMSA GTP driver for Chip Ganassi Racing-prepared Cadillac V-LMDh: “The car is powerful. It’s making close to 700 horsepower, obviously, but when you couple that with quite a bit less downforce – like significantly less downforce – it’s definitely a car that gives you a run for your money. You have to work at it. You’ve got some good mechanical grip, but then the weight negates that some. Aero-wise, you get there pretty quick but then you can’t lean on the aero quite as much. You get there fast, but it’s a bit harder to stop. When you get to the corner, you’ve got to stop it more. It’s definitely a car that keeps you awake.”

Renger van der Zande, IMSA GTP driver for Chip Ganassi Racing-prepared Cadillac V-LMDh: “As a driver you can give your feedback to the great engineers that we have and they start working on the comments you give what you need to win races in the future, so it’s a very interesting period. The sound of the engine is so raw and so Cadillac as well. I’ve been impressed on the sound and to drive away on the electric side of it is impressive. It’s way more powerful and it puts a big smile on my face. One of the development points you can use out of the DPi era is you go to a track like this where you can have those back-to-back feelings and give your feedback. It’s going from big tuning to fine tuning. You don’t get those opportunities often.”

Richard Westbrook, WEC driver for Chip Ganassi Racing-prepared Cadillac V-LMDh: “Some things are better, some things need improving on of course. It’s a brand new car, but a really good first impression. I’m really happy to get my first run out of the way. It was really enjoyable. It’s nice having a comparison while the DPi is still fresh in your mind because it was a very well-sorted car by the end of the development. Right now, we’re just making the car run, putting miles on it and that’s where the focus is. Stage two of the learning process would be unlocking some performance. That’s the bit I’m looking forward to.”

About Cadillac

A leading luxury auto brand since 1902, Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio that features distinctive design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at www.cadillac.com. Cadillac’s media website with information, images and video can be found at media.cadillac.com.

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