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Step One Automotive Group Ambassador Lands Podium Finish in Sports Car Debut at Spa

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FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla., Sept. 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Step One Automotive Group ambassador and athlete, Juan Manual “JM” Correa took home a podium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in his European Le Mans Series debut. The Prema Racing driver finished third in the four-hour race in his car shared with Ferdinand Habsburg and Louis Delétraz.

“I’m extremely happy with my first endurance race,” said Juan Manual “JM” Correa. “I learned a lot this weekend, and while it was a learning experience, I really enjoyed it. Massive thanks to the team, especially to Ferdi and Louis, who helped me a lot. Now I’m just looking forward to Portimão, where hopefully we can take the championship.”

Correa competed in 4 Hours of Spa with the Prema Team, taking over the driver’s seat at the halfway point of the race. Prema Team’s Ferdinand Habsburg climbed six positions before handing the baton to Correa, and Correa kept a steady pace to take the chequered flag and a third-place podium spot. With this result, Correa has helped Habsburg, Delétraz, and Prema close in on securing both the drivers’ and teams’ titles in the finale in Portugal.

Juan Manual “JM” Correa will compete with the team again on October 16th at the 4 Hours of Portimao. For more information about Step One Automotive Group, visit https://www.steponeautomotive.com.

About Step One Automotive Group
Step One Automotive Group is an American company based in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, built on a singular dedication to empowering lives through smarter and easier ways of accessing mobility. Step One Automotive Group owns 20 new car dealerships in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia, representing 17 brands, including Chrysler, Dodge Jeep, Ram Fiat, Volkswagen, Subaru, Kia, Hyundai, Nissan, Genesis, Ford, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati. Step One Automotive Group also owns two standalone pre-owned operations, three wholesale parts operations, and one rental car operation. Out of 18,000 dealerships in the United States, Step One ranks in the top 90 dealer groups in the United States and the top 10 in Florida. Step One employs 787 team members across three states and six cities.

For more information, please visit https://www.steponeautomotive.com.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steponeauto
Instagram: @steponeautomotivegroup
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StepOneAutomotiveGroup

Decorated WW II POW Sgt. Vincent Rolves to serve as Grand Marshal for NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway

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Official Release
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Courtesy: Belleville News Democrat

98-year-old Carlyle resident is one of the last living WW II prisoners in Southern Illinois

September 27, 2022, St. Louis – Wilbert Vincent “Vince” Rolves was born in Albers, Illinois, in 1924. The 98-year-old resident of Carlyle, Illinois is one of the last living WW II prisoners of war in Southern Illinois. On Sunday, October 2, Rolves will serve as Grand Marshal for the annual NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois.

Rolves was drafted into military service in 1942. After 13 weeks of basic training, he was assigned to the U.S. Army’s 45th Infantry Division and shipped overseas to the North African region of the European Theater.

In December of 1943, Rolves was shot and wounded during a battle in L’Aquila, a mountainous region in central Italy. He and his fellow soldiers were captured by German troops and endured a 45-day march to a prison camp. They survived the march on rations of only three potatoes per day and a slice of what is referred to as “black bread,” a concoction of most unappetizing ingredients.

At Stalag 13 in Hammelburg, Germany, the American POWs were forced into hard labor under unimaginable conditions. For the next 18 months, Rolves and his men toiled under the threat of death while subjected to a bitter, icy environment and extreme malnutrition. Rolves, who also tended the camp’s farm animals and milked the cows, lost 83 lbs. during his imprisonment.

Near the end of the war (June 1945), invading Russian forces liberated the prison camp.

“They came through and shot the locks off the gates and let us loose,” said Rolves. “There was about eight or 10 of us left on that farm. They told our guys, ‘Hey, you’re free. The gates are open. Go!'”

But the liberated soldiers still had to trek to reach American forces.

“We were about 50 miles away from the river and they told us how to get there on foot,” said Rolves. “We made it.”

His decorated military career is marked by a passionate perseverance through dire circumstances. He was honored for his sacrifices with a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and a Prisoner of War Medal.

“There was plenty of times I didn’t think I’d make it back to the good old USA,” said the decorated WW II veteran. “But thank God, I made it.”

Rolves returned to Illinois after the war and eventually settled in Carlyle. He married his wife, the former Loretta Hilda Thouvenin, in 1946. He opened a trucking business, and later transitioned to a position that he held for 30 years as a government employee within Scott Air Force Base.

Rolves was honored before the Illinois House of Representatives on Tuesday, November 12, 2019. In recognition of his service and sacrifice, the House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 569 sponsored by Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) during Rolves’ visit to the state capitol.

The resolution stated, “We commend, honor, and thank Wilbert Vincent “Vince” Rolves for his passionate and dedicated service to Illinois and his exemplary leadership during the Second World War and as a private citizen within the State of Illinois.”

“Without our veterans, our freedom wouldn’t be what it is today,” said Meier. “It doesn’t matter what is going on, Vince Rolves is always there to help his community. It was a privilege and honor to recognize Vince at the Illinois capitol. The sacrifice he made to protect and serve our country is something we must never forget.”

Rolves has established an organization for former POWs in the area, and he has shared his experiences with local students in the hope of offering an appreciation for the services and sacrifices of American servicemen and servicewomen.

“I first learned of Sgt. Rolves in one of our Military Affairs Committee meetings through Col. Rob Lowe, who is the Vice Commander of the 375th Air Mobility Wing at Scott Air Force Base,” said WWTR Executive Vice President and General Manager Chris Blair. “Col. Lowe told the heroic story of Sgt. Rolves and told me the Air Force base would be honoring him. His story is incredible and all of us at World Wide Technology Raceway believe that our American heroes should be recognized, and their stories shared with our fans. It is a great honor for us to have Sgt. Rolves attend the NHRA Midwest Nationals and serve as our Grand Marshal.“

THE EVENT

The world’s quickest and fastest race cars will converge at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, from September 30 to October 2 for the annual NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Midwest Nationals. The series’ premier classes are Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car, with nitromethane-burning 12,000-horsepower engines that rocket the cars from zero to more than 330 miles per hour in less than four seconds.

Some of the world’s biggest names in professional drag racing include:

  • Five-time WWTR Top Fuel Dragster winner Antron Brown, a three-time NHRA champion.
  • Legendary Funny Car pilot John Force, a 16-time champion with three WWTR wins.
  • Five-time WWTR Pro Stock winner Erica Enders (four NHRA crowns).
  • Two-time NHRA Funny Car champion Ron Capps (four WWTR final-round wins).

Friday’s high-speed action includes a nighttime qualifying session for Funny Car and Top Fuel Dragster teams and the white-hot exhaust flames will light up the night. Friday’s activities will conclude with a concert by country music artist Tim Dugger and fireworks.

The Midwest Nationals are the third event in the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series’ Countdown to the Championship and the point battles will be fierce in all four pro categories.

Every ticket is a pit pass and fans are encouraged to meet their favorite drivers. Attractions include the manufacturers midway, interactive displays and a classic car show. Spectator gates will open each day at 8 a.m.

Tickets may be purchased at the WWTR ticket office, by phone at (618) 215-8888, or online at www.wwtraceway.com. Kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult in select sections. Although they are admitted free, each child must have a ticket. (Please call the ticket office for details.)

Friday, September 30

7:30 a.m. – Parking lots open.

8 a.m. – Spectator gates open.

8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. – Sportsman qualifying.

4 p.m. – Pro Mods.

6 p.m. – Pro Stock Motorcycle, Pro Stock Car qualifying.

7 p.m. – Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car qualifying.

Fireworks immediately after the final pair of Top Fuel cars, followed by a concert by country music artist Tim Dugger.

Saturday, October 1

7:30 a.m. – Parking lots open.

8 a.m. – Spectator gates open.

8 a.m. – Sportsman eliminations.

12:30 p.m. – Pro Mod qualifying.

1:30 p.m. — Pro Stock Motorcycle, Pro Stock Car qualifying.

2:30 p.m. — Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car qualifying.

3:45 p.m. – Pro Mods.

4:30 p.m. — Pro Stock Motorcycle, Pro Stock Car qualifying.

5:30 p.m. — Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car qualifying.

Sportsman eliminations continue until approximately 8 p.m.

Sunday, October 2

7:30 a.m. – Parking lots open.

8 a.m. – Spectator gates open.

9:30 a.m. – Pre-race ceremonies.

10:30 a.m. – First round of Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car eliminations.

12:45 p.m. – Second round of Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car eliminations.

2:15 p.m. – Third round of Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car eliminations.

3:30 p.m. – Final round of eliminations.

4 p.m. – Victory lane celebration.

About World Wide Technology Raceway

World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is the only track in the world to host the premier series of NASCAR, INDYCAR, and NHRA . Located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis and covering more than 600 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1/4-mile drag strip, 1.25-mile superspeedway, 2.0-mile road course, the Gateway Kartplex (a state-of-the-art karting facility), and the adjacent Gateway National Golf Links. WWTR and owner Curtis Francois have been recognized with several awards, including: 2021 Comcast Community Champion of the Year; 2021 Jack Buck Award; 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Track Award; 2018 Innovator Award from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission; 2017 Outstanding Facility of the Year Award from the Race Track Business Conference; and the 2017 Spirit of St. Louis Award from the St. Louis Attractions Association.

Our mission: We are committed to making a difference in our community, while providing first-class entertainment and memories that last a lifetime.

Wright Motorsports Welcomes Elia Erhart to Indianapolis 8 Hour Lineup

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Official Release
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Porsche team to make final championship bid at season finale

BATAVIA, Ohio., (September 26, 2022) – Following a successful weekend at Sebring International Raceway where Porsche customer racing team Wright Motorsports returned to victory lane and kept the championship lead in the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS, the fight for the title heads to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Indianapolis 8 Hour will require all teams to add a third driver for the year’s one endurance race, adding to the strategy for the season finale event. Wright Motorsports has added 34-year-old Elia Erhart to the roster to race with Charlie Luck and Jan Heylen in the No. 45 Porsche 911 GT3 R as the team defends their 2021 championship titles.

“I am very happy to have had the opportunity to work together with such a professional and successful team,” said Erhart. “We had a very promising first test at Road America. I’m really looking forward to Indianapolis and I hope we can perform well there.”

Ehart is currently competing in the Fanatec GT2 European Series, where he has earned one win and two podiums with LP Racing in an Audi R8 LMS GT2 car. This season, he has also earned a podium result in the 24H GT Series powered by Hankook, adding valuable endurance racing experience to his resume.

The German racer began his motorsports career in the mid-2000s, racing in the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup. He climbed the ranks of the sports car racing ladder to race in the SEAT Leon Supercopa Germany, where he won the championship in 2011 with seven podiums and two wins. He has since competed in the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany, ADAC GT Masters, and Creventic 24H series, building his resume with each year.

“Elia will be a strong addition to our team,” said Team Owner John Wright. “The Indianapolis 8 Hour will be a highly competitive event, and everyone is bringing their A-game. We have our sights set on the championship title and look to close out the season on a high note. Charlie, Jan, and the whole team have been working hard for this, and we’re excited to head to the Racing Capital of the World.”

The Indianapolis season finale will take place in less than two weeks, concluding the event with the Indianapolis 8 Hour, on Saturday, October 8 beginning at 12:00 PM ET. The race will air live on YouTube.com/GTWorld.

Wright Motorsports
Wright Motorsports is the premier Porsche race engineering facility in Ohio and a multi-series and international racing team known for superb car preparation, expert race strategy, and driver development. Located in Batavia, Ohio, it is owned and directed by John Wright, a certified Porsche factory-trained technician. As a crew chief John Wright has played a key role in winning eight driver and seven team championships in World Challenge, IMSA (ALMS) and the Grand-Am Rolex Series. Wright Motorsports won the team championship in Porsche GT3 Cup USA in 2012, 2013, and 2015, and went on to win the Pirelli World Challenge Overall, Sprint, Team, and Manufacturer’s titles in 2017. In 2020, the team captured the GT World Challenge America Am championship. In 2021, Wright Motorsports had a wildly successful season, capturing nine championships across their five racing efforts.

Flying Lizard Scores Victory, Triple Podium at Sebring

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Official Release
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SEBRING, Fla., (September 26, 2022) – At a very hot and humid Sebring International Raceway, professional sports car racing team Flying Lizard Motorsports celebrated a big win and an additional two podium finishes in the GT America powered by AWS, and the Pirelli GT4 America powered by AWS. Elias Sabo, driver of the No. 8 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 secured his first career win in the GT America series on Sunday, and together with co-driver Andy Lee, celebrated two more podium finishes in the GT4 America championship, keeping the team in contention for the final battle for the title.

“This was a great weekend for the entire team,” said Program Manager Darren Law. “We have been on a consistent run of podium finishes every weekend since mid-season, and to have Elias get his first pole and first win of his career is amazing. Everything is working well with our program and to have an opportunity for not only a podium in the championship but a possibility for the top position couldn’t make me prouder. We will take this momentum to Indy and try to close out this year on the top step!”

GT America Race One

Though Sabo qualified in an impressive second place for race one’s start, the No. 8 Aston Martin Vantage started the round from 11th in class and 23rd overall, serving a penalty for passing a car under yellow at the previous event at Road America. In the first two laps at Sebring, he gained six overall positions, working his way through the slower competitors. He sailed by the No. 35 of Custodio Toledo, to break into the top ten, then made the pass for ninth place. Perfectly positioned in the final laps, Sabo avoided possible oil on track to gain four additional spots on the white-flag lap. He finished ninth overall and fifth in class, earning his fourth top-five of the season.

GT America Race Two

Celebrating his first career pole position, Sabo led the GT4 class to the green flag at Sebring International Raceway on Sunday morning. He had a strong start, gliding into turn one, holding off early pressure from Jason Bell in the No. 2 Aston Martin Vantage GT4. As if Bell were not even there, he kept his lead and pulled away from the field. For the next 40 minutes, he sailed through each turn, keeping a calm demeanor as he maintained his two-second gap over Bell. He masterfully kept his lead consistent, taking the checker flag in first, earning his first career win in GT America.

GT4 Race One

Sabo and Lee entered the Sebring weekend sitting fourth in the championship, with just enough points to remain into the battle for the title. In order to stay in the hunt. The Lizards would not only need to finish near the front, but for some adversity to befall their competition as well. Sabo started race one from second place in the Pro/Am class and eighth overall. He momentarily fell back a position in an effort to avoid any mele in a very crowded opening turn, keeping close on the rear of the No. 50 of Ross Chouest. Bad luck found it’s way to the points leader, temporarily stalling the car on track, allowing the No. 50 and the No. 8 Lizard car to each gain a position. Sabo closed out his stint in third place, pitting during the mandatory window for Lee to get in and conclude the race. Lee joined the fight in third and made quick work to pass the No. 50 of Aaron Povoledo. Though he could have easily been deterred by the 10-second gap to the leader, he made the most of his 23 minutes remaining. Gaining almost a second each lap on Justin Piscitell in the No. 55 car, Lee put in an exhilarating drive to close the 10-second gap and come within striking distance of the lead. If the race had continued just one more lap, Lee would have been in the position to make the pass, but in the end, he finished in second, a mere 0.172 seconds behind. The Lizards still celebrated a job well done, and the valuable points grab heading into race two.

GT4 America Race Two

Feeling an extra boost after an intense performance the day before, Andy Lee started GT4 America race two from second place in the Pro/Am class and third overall. He kept the car clean in the turn one free-for-all, sliding into fourth place overall and third in class. Jason Hart led Aaron Telitz and Andy Lee, with Kenton Koch joining the party in the opening laps. Koch made the pass on Lee, but in lap five, Lee passed Telitz, climbing back into the top three in the Pro/Am class. Lee stayed close to the Aston Martin of Koch, entering pit lane for the mandatory stop right on his tail. Driver changes commenced, and Bryan Putt took over from Koch, and Sabo took over from Lee. Sabo immediately engaged in the chase, gaining a second of track time per lap. With 11 minutes to go, he had a 4.9-second gap, but within a matter of laps, he closed in on his competition, executing each corner with precision. In the final lap, the No. 15 Aston Martin Vantage of Putt suffered a momentary mechanical issue, and Sabo took advantage, sailing to second place, concluding his extraordinary rebound. The additional podium finish moved Sabo and Lee to third in the driver championship standings and Flying Lizard to third in the team standings.

With one event remaining, a maximum of 50 points remain up for contention, taking the battle to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the final double header of the season. The Lizards will not only again need to produce podium-worthy performances in each race, but also sustain a suitable gap over the competition. With ten titles already written in the team’s history, the Lizards are sure to be the team to watch October 7-9.

Elias Sabo

It feels great to get a first win in SRO America. The car was outstanding once again. All credit to Andy Lee for his outstanding coaching, Owen Hayes for his setup on the car, and the Flying Lizard team for continuing to deliver the best car in the paddock. This was a great weekend with two second-place finishes in GT4 America. I feel so fortunate to drive with Andy. He performed exceptionally well again this weekend. As has become customary, the Flying Lizard team continues to provide us with the best car in the paddock. We are looking forward to finishing the season strong at Indianapolis.

Andy Lee

This is a dream weekend for us. Elias secured his first win in GT America and we got our third second-place finish. It seems we do everything in threes. We’re knocking on the door of a win, and this is just a great team effort.

 
2022 GT4 America Schedule
Sonoma Raceway
Rounds 1 & 2 | April 15-17

NOLA Motorsports Park
Rounds 3 & 4 | May 20-22

VIRginia International Raceway
Rounds 5 & 6 | June 17-19

Watkins Glen International
Rounds 7 & 8 | July 22-24

Road America
Rounds 9 & 10 | August 19-21

Sebring International Raceway
Rounds 11 & 12 | September 23-25

Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Rounds 13 & 14 | October 7-9

 
2022 GT America Schedule
St. Petersburg
Rounds 1 & 2 | February 24-26

Sonoma Raceway
Rounds 3 & 4 | April 15-17

NOLA Motorsports Park
Rounds 5 & 6 | May 20-22

VIRginia International Raceway
Rounds 7 & 8 | June 17-19

Watkins Glen International
Rounds 9 & 10 | July 22-24

Road America
Rounds 11 & 12 | August 19-21

Sebring International Raceway
Rounds 13 & 14 | September 23-25

Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Rounds 15 & 16 | October 7-9

About Flying Lizard Motorsports
Based out of Sonoma, California, Flying Lizard Motorsports is one of the most iconic sports car teams in motorsports, having celebrated ten driver and team championships, as well as competed internationally at the 24 Hours of Le Mans eight times.

The Lizards burst on the American Le Mans Series scene in 2004, competing in the GT class until 2012. In 2013, the team moved to the GTC class, still competing in legendary events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona. In 2014, the team expanded its program to include running two Audi R8 LMS in the TUDOR Championship, and in 2015, again expanded the program to include two Porsches in Porsche Club racing. Flying Lizard closed out the season with a dominating win at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill with Toyo Tires, a win they repeated in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The 2020 season proved the team’s most successful to date, earning four titles in the GT4 America championship. Flying Lizard Motorsports has proven to be a championship contender no matter the race series or race car. For more information, visit lizardms.com.

About 5.11
With offices around the globe, 5.11 ABR Corp. and its subsidiaries, including 5.11, Inc., work with end users to create purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear designed specifically to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who always have to be ready. 5.11 products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at 5.11 company-owned retail stores.

Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical

5.11 ABR Corp. is a subsidiary of Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI).

5.11, 5.11 Tactical and Always Be Ready are registered trademarks of 5.11, Inc. All rights reserved.

Mazda Expands MX-5 Cup Prize Money to Over $1 Million for 2023

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Official Release
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New per-race payouts added to current, generous prize fund brings total to $1,178,500

September 26 – Having a long-established support program that for years has provided the financial backing to connect talent with opportunity for deserving racers, Mazda is raising the bar even higher in 2023.

The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires has long provided thrilling racing with eyeblink finishes. That competitive spirit will surely increase as Mazda will add a per-race prize money payout for each of the 14 races in the 2023 season. This combined with the already substantial year-end prizes and shootout scholarships will see the Mazda MX-5 Cup prize package surge to more than one million dollars next year.

In all 14 races of the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship, a total of $27,000 will be up for grabs amongst the top 10 finishers. Each race win will net $6,000 to go along with the champagne-stained trophy, with $5,000 going to the runner-up, and $4,000 for third. Just like the year-end prizes, the payouts cover the full top-ten finishers, with $3,000 on offer for fourth, $2,000 for fifth and $1,000 going to sixth through 10th place. Additionally, as long as at least two females start the race, the highest placed female driver will receive $2,000.

“Mazda has a reputation for providing great support to its racers,” Mazda Motorsports Program Manager Jonathan Applegate said. “This per-race payout system is the latest evolution of that relationship. This is something our teams and drivers have asked for and we at Mazda Motorsports want to demonstrate that we’re listening, and we want to help as many people participate as possible. There are often drivers who can’t compete in a full season, but we hope these additional prizes will give them the opportunity to do as many races as they can. MX-5 Cup is some of the best racing on the planet, and this is a great demonstration of Mazda’s commitment to supporting our racers.”

The championship purse will remain unchanged, with $250,000 going to the winner, $80,000 to the Rookie of the Year and payouts continuing through 10th place. Also unchanged are the prizes awarded in the Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout, where the winner receives a scholarship to compete in the series valued at $110,000, plus two more scholarships valued at $75,000, including one set aside for the top female driver.

All this prize money will be well-earned by those taking part in the IMSA-sanctioned series operated by Andersen Promotions. The 2023 schedule features a variety of challenging and iconic race tracks including Daytona International Speedway, the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg street course, and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

The 2022 champion will be crowned at the final event of the season on September 28 – 30 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Live streaming is available on RACER.com and IMSA.com/tvlive.

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

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

Conquest Racing Makes Grand Debut in Fanatec GT World Challenge in the No. 34 Conquest Racing/Corsa Horizon Ferrari 488 GT3

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Official Release
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Franco and Balzan Combine to Win Poles, Lead Race Laps and Score Class and Overall Second-Place Finish in Solid Weekend of Competition in the No. 34 Conquest Racing/Corsa Horizon Ferrari 488 GT3 at Sebring International Raceway

SEBRING, Florida (September 26, 2022) – Conquest Racing and co-drivers Manny Franco and Alessandro Balzan made a grand debut in the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS series in the No. 34 Conquest Racing/Corsa Horizon Ferrari 488 GT3 this weekend at Sebring International Raceway.

In Franco’s first-ever race weekend in GT3 competition, and Conquest Racing’s debut in top-tier SRO Motorsports America competition, the No. 34 team and its drivers combined to win a pair of poles, lead race laps and score fourth-place and second-place finishes in the weekend’s pair of 90-minute Fanatec GT World Challenge races.

“I think we couldn’t have dreamed of a better weekend for our GT3 debut in the GT World Challenge series,” said Conquest Racing President and CEO Eric Bachelart. “The team did a fantastic job, no mistakes, and everything went very nicely. I was very impressed with Manny. For his first race at this level, he has been outstanding, and Alessandro has been 100% on it. Very professional and the perfect teammate for Manny. I couldn’t be happier. Our goal was to do these two races to learn for next year, and to finish second overall on our very first race weekend is unbelievable.”

Franco and Balzan were on pace from the first practice sessions at Sebring and followed it up with a pair of pole-winning qualifying efforts. Franco was fourth fastest overall in qualifying for Saturday’s first race but earned the Pro-Am class pole in the process. Balzan in turn clocked in fastest overall in his qualifying session and led the field to the green flag for Sunday’s second and final 90-minute race of the weekend.

No doubt taking the No. 34 team’s practice and qualifying results into account, series officials elevated the Conquest/Corsa Horizon Ferrari to the Pro class prior to Saturday’s first race. Undeterred, Franco and Balzan co-drove to a fourth-place class and overall finish, but the drivers and all on the Conquest ream were determined to earn a podium result on Sunday.

Balzan led every lap from the pole in his race-opening stint and handed the No. 34 Ferrari off to Franco after pitting from the lead. As the field cycled through pit stops, Franco found himself in the middle of a top-five fight that proved to be the battle of the race.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend, to be honest, for our first time out here,” Franco said. “It was kind of last-minute for everything, it could have gone smoother for sure, but it could have gone a lot worse. I appreciate the effort from everyone on the team, and I am just so grateful that they are part of this team. Definitely, the biggest thing I learned in Sebring race two was the aero push. In Ferrari Challenge, we really don’t have much of that, so the push just from following a car was the biggest learning curve for me on track. I adjusted accordingly to be able to attack some of the cars that I passed Sunday.”

Franco’s passes proved to be the key to the second-place finish. While the race leader and eventual winner checked out while the four other cars fought in the top five, Franco ultimately emerged from the pack to lead the group to the checkered flag.

“It’s a great way to end a perfect weekend and our first weekend with Conquest Racing and Corsa Horizon,” Balzan said. “Saturday we spent a lot of time reviewing data, watching video and we really want to thank the team for some changes on the setup that worked out really well. We fixed some issues from Saturday but really had a strong car for everyday here. The Ferrari 488 is always great around Sebring, and really for me it was about running 50 minutes of qualifying laps to open Sunday’s race. Manny then put on an incredible show, it was great racing, and really fun to watch. Every day I am more impressed with Manny’s racecraft.”

Next up for Conquest Racing in Fanatec GT World Challenge competition is the season-ending 8-Hour race weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, October 6 – 9.

The Travis Mills Foundation Announced Partnership with NASCAR Driver Howie DiSavino III, at Talladega Superspeedway

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Sept. 26, 2022) – Howie DiSavino III Racing announced today that the Travis Mills Foundation will adorn the No. 44 Chevrolet for Alpha Prime Racing for the Sparks 300 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

During his third tour of Afghanistan, U.S. Army SSG (Ret.) Travis Mills, set his bag down on an IED causing an explosion where he lost portions of all his limbs. He woke up on his 25th birthday to learn of his injuries, later becoming a quadruple amputee; one of only five from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries.

Mills spent 19 months at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where he learned to feed himself, drive a car, and walk again. During recovery, Mills and his wife Kelsey attended adaptive sports programs. During that time, Mills began to refer to himself as a “recalibrated veteran.” He didn’t like the term wounded warrior; his wounds had healed. He came to the realization that he had to reexamine his thinking and correct it in accordance with his new way of life.

With this new mission, the Travis Mills Foundation was founded in 2017 and offers recalibrated veterans and their families a week-long retreat, where they enjoy kayaking, tubing, canoeing, fishing, a ropes course, arts and crafts, skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and more. Families also can connect with other families and relax and reset with one another.

“I am extremely humbled by Howie’s support,” Mills said. “He’s helping spread the good work done by the Travis Mills Foundation and the support it offers to our nation’s heroes and their families. He’s a true champion for veterans.”

“I am excited to be partnering with the Travis Mills Foundation this weekend at Talladega,” said DiSavino. “As the son of an Army veteran, the work that the Travis Mills Foundation does to help veterans and their families recalibrate to life is important and necessary work. With a good run at Talladega, I hope to raise awareness and funds to support the mission of the Travis Mills Foundation.”

Coverage of the Sparks 300 begins Saturday, Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. ET on USA Network, Motor Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About Alpha Prime Racing:

Alpha Prime Racing is a NASCAR Xfinity Series team owned by Craig and Tommy Joe Martins as well as Alpha Prime Sports Founder and CEO Caesar Bacarella. The team was originally founded in 2009 under the name Martins Racing.

The team announced in 2022 that they will run the No. 44 and No. 45 Camaro’s full-time, with multiple drivers splitting driving duties including Martins, Bacarella, Josh Bilicki, Rajah Caruth, Howie DiSavino III, Ryan Ellis, Kaz Grala, Sage Karam, Andy Lally, Julia Landauer, and others.

McDowell Grabs Top-15; Gilliland Has Tire Issue While Up Front to Finish 28th

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Front Row Motorsports (FRM) went west to Texas Motor Speedway with seven races left in the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 First Phase team battled the handling early in the race but played strategy towards the end to fight up front. Unfortunately, a tire issue sent Gilliland to the back for a 28th-place finish.

Michael McDowell and the Love’s Travel Stops, Speedco Ford Mustang team ran well inside the top-ten all race. From starting in the fifth position, leading ten laps, and finishing both stages with stage points, the team would finish eleventh after a series of late race cautions.

Todd Gilliland started the 334-lap event at Texas Motor Speedway in the 28th position with the No. 38 First Phase Ford Mustang and was quickly fighting handling issues in the early stages.

Complaining of a loose race car, the pit crew worked throughout the evening, making the right adjustments to get the car better. Fighting inside the top 20, the team made a strategy call to inherit track position in the final stage during a late-race caution.

Gilliland would fight inside the top-5 and even battle for the lead as the laps were winding down. Unfortunately, Gilliland suffered a flat tire on the next restart, a common issue that plagued many teams on Sunday night. The No. 38 First Phase team finished in the 28th position.

“We were really fast there at the end,” said Gilliland. “It has been really encouraging to see the speed out of this No. 38 group the past few weeks, even if the results don’t show it. Seth (Barbour) made a great call to get us that track position, a lot of teams had tire issues during this race, and we were one of them. We’ll move on and shift our focus to Talladega.”

Like most of the cars in the field, McDowell fought a loose handling car early in the race, as the intense heat mixed with the slick patch of traction compound threw the competition a curve ball. Starting fifth and working up into fourth, is were the Love’s Travel Stops, Speedco team would remain for a large chunk of stage one, prior to strategy variations later in the stage.

Finishing stage one in tenth, and working on the loose handling through stage two, the team would work their way back up from the mid-field to finish stage two in tenth as well. While many cautions began to arise as tire issues came up, McDowell would gain track position and place himself as the leader as the red flag would fly after an hour long rain/lightning delay.

With track position and a good handling car, the Love’s team would have to fight off cars with fresher tires on numerous occasions while being on a differing strategy. Knowing places would be lost, their target was to hold station until the tires would level out. As the track cooled, the car became much looser than it was previously. While McDowell also was fought transmission issues, the team would finish outside the top-ten, in eleventh.

“We had a great Love’s Travel Stops, Speedco Ford Mustang all day, while leading laps and having great track position. We were right there, but just too loose, and out of sequence with everyone else on older tires after those late cautions. We missed the top-ten by one position again, but it’s good to be disappointed with finishing eleventh, and we can be proud of the night we had starting in the top-five.”

FRM will head to Talladega Superspeedway this weekend with both the Truck and Cup Series with action starting on Saturday.

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

Jr III Racing Double Duty at IMSA Season Finale

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Closing out first full-season IMSA WeatherTech Campaign

Braselton, GA (26 September 2022) – Jr III ( “Junior-Three”) Racing will head just three hours south to Braselton, Georgia, for the IMSA season finale this weekend at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

The 25th annual Motul Petit Le Mans event weekend will not only feature Saturday’s 10-hour race (12:00pm ET, NBC), but it will also see the final event of the IMSA Prototype Challenge (IPC) season (Friday, 8:00am ET, Peacock TV). Jr III will look to be a factor in both series events as the Charlotte-based team has three entries fully prepared for the traditional season-ending IMSA weekend.

Jr III Racing will field the No. 30 Airbnb Ligier JS P320 in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship as well as the No. 3 and No. 30 LMP3 Ligier JS P320s for Friday morning’s IPC finale.

The event marks the close of the growing team’s first full-season competing at the IMSA WeatherTech level, having first made an IMSA entry and scoring the Bronze Cup in the 2019 IPC finale. The team, which also maintains an active racing program in vintage competition for a range of clients, has continued to build from that promising first IMSA start. The return to Road Atlanta is the second outing for the team in the 10 hour Petit Le Mans, having raced to second place in its debut outing in the 2021 edition of the race.

The No. 30 Airbnb WeatherTech entry will be driven by team regulars Ari Balogh and Garett Grist, with young Nolan Siegel returning to the driver roster for the 10 hour enduro. Siegel, who joined the team for the six-hour event at Watkins Glen International, recently made his Indy Lights debut closing out a promising rookie effort in Indy Pro 2000, where he finished fourth in point standings which include wins in St. Petersburg and Barber Motorsports Park.

“I am really excited to be back with the team for Petit,” said Siegel. “I think that we all worked really well together at Watkins Glen and we’ve made a lot of progress through the tests that we’ve done together. It will be my first time running this race, but I think that we will have a fast car and a good shot at a strong result!”

The Jr III Racing WeatherTech entry has earned three podium finishes this season, including an impressive run to the podium in the team’s first foray in the grueling Sebring 12 Hour in March. Heading into the finale, the team sits third in the point standings and will look to move up the championship with a return to the IMSA podium on Saturday night.

“The team is excited to get to work at Petit,” said Grist. “We’ve had three test days at the track and feel like we have a great car. Now it’s just a matter of putting finishing touches on it. I have a good feeling going into the weekend; we had success here last year in our WeatherTech debut and have a chance at the championship this year.”

It will be a busy string of days for the Billy Glavin-led squad, with IPC practice kicking off the action on Wednesday morning with practice ahead of Thursday’s qualifying and the race on Friday morning.

Behind the wheel of No. 30 Jr III IPC entry will be Ari Balogh and Siegel, pulling double duty for both WeatherTech and IPC. Courtney Crone and Terry Olson will once again share the driving duties onboard the No. 3 Jr III Racing entry.

“Over the last couple weeks, Terry and I were able to test at Road Atlanta,” said Crone. “I’m feeling comfortable going into the season finale, we made some new changes to the car and everything has been super positive. I love this track, it’s one of my top five favorites. I’m ready to get back at it! I think we will end the season on a high note.”

“Courtney and I tested well over our three days testing at Road Atlanta,” said Olson. “We have high confidence going into the finale. Let’s go!”

The final round of IPC will see the green flag Friday, September 30th at 8:00am ET with live coverage on Peacock. Saturday’s IMSA WeatherTech Motul Petit Le Mans will begin at noon ET, broadcasting on NBC until 3 pm ET; the full 10-hour race will be live on Peacock.

Jr III Racing at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta:

Jr III first debuted in IPC at Michelin Raceway in 2019 with Kris Wilson behind the wheel. The veteran driver brought home his second Bronze Cup award in his second start in IPC. The team returned in 2020 with Eric and Greg Palmer behind the wheel. In 2021, they entered the IPC competition with two entries. The No. 3 with Terry Olson and Mike Skeen earned a podium finish. The team scored an impressive second place result in the 2021 Motul Petit Le Mans with drivers Ari Balough, Spencer Pigot, and Garret Grist.

Most recently, both IPC Ligiers competed at Virginia International Raceway last month, bringing home a top-five finish.

Hero Life Partners with Cagnazzi, Cosmo and Lewis for Indianapolis 8 Hours

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Official Release
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INDIANAPOLIS (26 Sept. 2022) – A leading rapid-response life insurance company has signed on to utilize the upcoming Indianapolis 8 hour presented by AWS as part of a comprehensive marketing effort by partnering with the No. 39 Hero Life / Kids for Kids Mercedes-AMG GT3 effort set to be piloted by Chris Cagnazzi, Shane Lewis and Guy Cosmo. The effort will be fielded by Stephen Cameron Racing in the Pro-Am division of the Intercontinental GT Challenge.

From the cockpit to the pit lane, quick decisions are critical to success in motorsport and that is also a key differentiator for Hero Life, which uses lightning-fast, proprietary algorithms to underwrite applicants in seconds for high-value term life insurance where traditional carriers can take weeks. Hero Life is an affordable and flexible way to help financially protect loved ones, and provides protection much more quickly than more traditional routes.

The Hero Life effort will feature three drivers that have strong histories at the fabled Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Cosmo returns to Indianapolis Motor Speedway as a defending class winner, while Cagnazzi has raced to the Indianapolis podium in Ferrari Challenge competition and is looking forward to making his professional debut next weekend in the prestigious Intercontinental GT Challenge. Lewis’s history at Indianapolis includes a run to the podium in Trans Am competition as he looks to add to that history next weekend.

The Hero Life partnership is part of a range of new ambitions for the campaign as the Indianapolis weekend sees the trio move to the GT3 class for the North American round of competition.

“This is a new adventure for us,” Cosmo said of the step up to Intercontinental GT Challenge in the GT3 ranks. “Chris (Cagnazzi) has raced GT3 cars before, and last year Shane (Lewis) and I shared an AMG GT3 Mercedes in IMSA. Shane has been racing a Mercedes in the Creventic 24H Series for several seasons, and recently won the championship. We’re all pretty experienced in these cars, but it’s a new endeavor for the team, and for all of us as a group. It is a thrill to have Hero Life come on board-they are all about speed and hopefully we can deliver for them with this new program.”

With previous experience at the Speedway, Cagnazzi is looking forward to making his Intercontinental GT Challenge debut at a track that he knows and loves.

“Indy is a special place, especially when you can podium there and kiss the bricks,” Cagnazzi said. “I think we know what kind of challenge there is with this level of competition and the 8 hour format, but we’ve got a good team behind us and this driver line up has lots of speed and experience so we are looking forward to this next step for us.

Lewis recently clinched the Creventic 24H European championship with a class victory and third-place overall finish in the CP Racing Mercedes at Barcelona. A 33-year veteran, he is a former class winner in the Rolex 24 At Daytona and was a race winner on many levels, ranging from IMSA Supercar to SCCA Trans Am and the ALMS.

“Driving a GT car at Indy will be a completely unique experience,” Lewis said. “I’m honored to be invited to come to Indianapolis with these guys. It’s a great synergy with the drivers and the team, and it’s going to be a very special program.

After taking delivery of the car in mid-September, the team did a shakedown test at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, S.C. to become familiar with the systems for the advanced machine that has proven potent in endurance events around the globe.

In addition to the partnership with Hero Life, the effort will also look to raise awareness for Kids for Kids, a community of friends, families, and colleagues raising money for organizations that support children and families struggling with medical challenges. Kids for Kids family-focused events celebrate all that we have to be grateful for and serve to inspire the next generation of humanitarians – our children.

Practice for the Indy 8 Hour begins on Thursday, Oct. 6, with qualifying on Friday at 1:55 p.m. (all times ET). The race takes the green flag at noon on Saturday.

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