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TeamSLR Partners with American Gastroenterological Association

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Official Release
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Cancer Survivor and Racing Team Owner Scott Lagasse Jr., Aims to Raise Awareness of Preventative Measures Year-Round with Trusted Voice of Gastrointestinal Community

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Sept. 16, 2022) – As a racecar driver and team owner in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, Scott Lagasse Jr., knows the importance of moving quickly and with authority. It’s one of the many reasons why he and TeamSLR have partnered with the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) to promote colon cancer screenings.

Lagasse is a colon cancer survivor, and the decision to proactively see his doctor when he felt that something just wasn’t right enabled him to not only continue his racing career, but become a husband and father. Had he waited and brushed off his symptoms, a promising life and burgeoning motorsports career may very well have ended before his 40th birthday.

The experience led Lagasse to form ScreenYourMachine.org, which educates people on getting age-appropriate screenings for all types of cancer. ScreenYourMachine.org ensures the most important machine – YOU – runs at peak performance, no matter the mileage. It’s the kind of advocacy championed by this collaboration between TeamSLR and AGA, the trusted voice of the gastrointestinal community for 125 years. AGA’s vision is a world free of digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer.

Despite screening’s obvious benefits, colorectal cancer remains the second deadliest cancer among men and women combined. Screening is safe and most people have options, including at-home tests. It’s why Lagasse advocates for screening via ScreenYourMachine.org, namely by encouraging those of average risk to begin their colorectal cancer screenings at age 45. However, those who have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, offspring) with colorectal cancer have two to three times the risk of developing the disease. They should speak to a doctor about getting screened earlier than normal.

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

COVID-19 dramatically decreased the number of screenings, which gives Lagasse an even greater sense of urgency to use his platform at ScreenYourMachine.org to advocate cancer screenings.

“As soon as COVID hit, screenings dropped by 90 percent and diagnoses fell by 32 percent. That meant that by July of 2020, about 20,000 people were at risk for delayed or missed diagnoses,” Lagasse said. “Time is either your greatest asset or your greatest enemy when it comes to cancer. If you catch it early, you can treat it, fight it and more often than not, defeat it. But if you find it too late, it’s like joining a race after it’s started – you’re behind and it’s difficult to catch up.”

TeamSLR isn’t just racing, it’s racing to save lives, and Lagasse is as driven in this endeavor as he is inside a racecar.

About the AGA Institute:

The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, the AGA has grown to more than 16,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization. For more information, please visit www.gastro.org.

Follow AGA on Instagram.
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Check out our YouTube channel.
Follow AGA on LinkedIn.

About TeamSLR:

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

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport NASCAR Xfinity Series Race Overview- Bristol Motor Speedway

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Official Release
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Track; Bristol Motor Speedway- Oval (.5-Mile)
Race: Food City 300; 300 Laps –85/85/130; 300 Miles
Date/Broadcast: Friday; September 16, 2022 7:30 PM ET
TV: USA Network, and the NBC Sports App
Radio: Performance Racing Network (PRN)- Check Local Listings for affiliate, and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90
Social Media: Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito AutoSport; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Myatt Snider; Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Myatt Snider – No. 31 TaxSlayer Chevrolet Camaro SS Preview-
Bristol Motor Speedway

News and Notes:

  • Practice; After technical inspection on Friday morning, Snider and the No. 31 TaxSlayer Chevrolet will hit the half-mile high banked concrete oval nicknamed “The Last Great Coliseum” at 2:35 PM ET on Friday afternoon for a brief 20-minute practice session. NXS practice will be split into two different groups, Snider is scheduled to be a part of the second group. Coverage of practice will air LIVE on the NBC Sports App.

– Starting Position; Directly after practice at 3:10 PM ET, Snider and the Jordan Anderson Racing (JAR) Bommarito Autosport team will line up to qualify for starting position in the Food City 300. In 2022, short-track qualifying would consist of a single round of single car qualifying for two laps. Snider will roll off 25th for his qualifying laps based on the performance-based matrix factoring owner points, driver points, race finish, and fastest lap of the previous week. With 41 cars entered, three cars will miss the race. Coverage of qualifying will also air LIVE on the NBC Sports App.

– Bristol Motor Speedway Stats; Friday’s NXS Food City 300 will mark Snider’s fourth NXS start at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS). Snider’s NXS debut at the famous half-mile oval situated in the mountains of East Tennessee, would come in the Covid-19 scheduled event in June of 2020. Starting in the 22nd position, Snider would quickly work his way to the front on a track that has traditionally been hard to pass on. Making the car better on each pit stop Snider would work his way into the Top-5 where he would finish with a hard earned fifth-place finish. The return for Snider in the Fall did not fare like the Spring after starting in the 29th position an engine would expire on Lap-31 of 300 resulting in a 35th place finish.

The Food City 300 in the Fall of 2021, would see Snider have a good qualifying effort starting in the 17th spot and much like his first NXS race at Bristol would quickly move into the Top-10 and would work on making the car better with each pit stop. At the end of the 300-laps Snider would be credited with an eighth-place finish. In his three previous starts at Bristol, Snider holds an average finish of 16.0.

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– Chassis; JAR Bommarito Autosport will bring Chassis No. 103 to Bristol Motor Speedway for Snider to compete with in the Food City 300. No. 103 last competed for JAR Bommarito Autosport during the West coast swing of Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. and Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nev. during March of 2022. After returning to the JAR Bommaritio Autosport race shop No. 103 was converted for a intermediate car to a short track car and will make its debut at Bristol.

About Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport

Jordan Anderson Racing (JAR) Bommarito Autosport is a NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) team, owned by owner/driver Jordan Anderson and Bommarito Automotive Group President, John Bommarito. Established in 2018, JAR has competed full-time in the last four NCWTS seasons claiming back-to-back runner-up finishes in the 2020 & 2021 season opening NextEra 250 at Daytona International Speedway. In its NXS series debut in 2021 the No. 31 NXS Chevrolet Camaro SS drove to five Top-Five and six Top-10 finishes with various drivers in the seat. In 2022, JAR Bommarito Autosport fields a full-time entry in the NXS Series; the No. 31 for driver Myatt Snider, and the No. 32 for various drivers on a part-time basis. JAR Bommarito Autosport also fields the No. 3 Chevrolet Silverado for select races in the NCWTS.

Kyle Larson, HendrickCars.com extend with Hendrick Motorsports

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Official Release
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NASCAR CHAMPION KYLE LARSON AND HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS INK NEW CONTRACT THROUGH 2026
HENDRICKCARS.COM EXTENDS 35-RACE MAJORITY SPONSORSHIP WITH MATCHING TERM

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 16, 2022) – Defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson and sponsor HendrickCars.com have extended their relationships with Hendrick Motorsports after agreeing to concurrent contracts that run through the 2026 racing season.

The matching pacts represent three-year extensions for both the driver and sponsor of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, building on agreements that were announced in July 2021. HendrickCars.com will remain the team’s 35-race majority partner and continue its support of Larson in all non-NASCAR events in which he competes.

HendrickCars.com is the online home for everything Hendrick Automotive Group. Visitors can shop thousands of new or pre-owned vehicles, locate centers for service and collision repair, receive a value to sell or trade their car, chat online with customer service, discover career opportunities, learn more about vehicle protection programs, and explore how the company gives back to the community.

“When Kyle joined our team, the expectations were sky high from both inside and outside the organization. To say he’s exceeded them would be an understatement,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group. “Not only has Kyle proven himself as a champion driver, he’s performed at a championship level outside of the race car. We’re proud to continue our relationship and to see him represent our team and our brands in such positive ways. The years to come are very bright.”

In his first year with Hendrick Motorsports in 2021, Larson delivered one of the most memorable performances in NASCAR history, winning 10 points-paying races that included a walk-off victory in the season finale to clinch his first Cup Series championship. The 30-year-old native of Elk Grove, California, has turned in another stellar effort thus far in 2022 with two victories and his second consecutive playoff appearance with crew chief Cliff Daniels. Larson is also a prolific dirt racer who competes in a range of cars and series outside of NASCAR.

Off the track, Larson is engaged in a variety of community initiatives and launched the non-profit Kyle Larson Foundation in March 2021. He has raised thousands of dollars to provide support to hands-on charitable organizations that benefit today’s youth, families and communities in need.

“I can’t explain how much this opportunity means,” Larson said. “The chance to compete for the top team and best sponsors in racing is something every driver dreams about. I’m humbled to have incredible people in my corner and amazing support from so many fans. Thanks to everyone at Hendrick Motorsports and Hendrick Automotive Group for believing in me, Cliff and our team. Even though we’ve done some great things so far, I truly believe our best is ahead of us.”

Highlighted by a year-over-year increase in organic traffic for HendrickCars.com and double-digit increases in conversions, vehicle leads, online customer interactions, trade evaluations, and employment applications, Hendrick Automotive Group has measured a three-to-one return on its marketing investment in NASCAR. Each of the website’s highest-traffic days of 2022 have been associated with NASCAR-related initiatives. The company has also utilized Larson as a spokesperson for its corporate social responsibility programs, including $100,000 in contributions to high-school STEM programs in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina this year.

“Our partnership with Hendrick Motorsports continues to deliver impactful results for our company,” said Gary Davis, executive vice president and COO of Hendrick Automotive Group. “It’s a key part of our efforts to establish HendrickCars.com as a national brand while delivering business opportunities for our dealership locations throughout the country. We’ve been able to recruit talented people to the organization, support our teammates with unique incentive and engagement programs, amplify our community support programs and expose the NASCAR fan to our dealership locations nationwide. We followed the data, and the decision to extend our relationship with Hendrick Motorsports was easy to make.”

Hendrick Automotive Group has committed to numerous successful marketing efforts in auto racing. In addition to Larson, HendrickCars.com is the primary sponsor of five-time NHRA champion Greg Anderson and has supported motor sports at the grassroots level.

ABOUT HENDRICK AUTOMOTIVE GROUP:
Representing 131 franchises and 25 manufacturer nameplates from the Carolinas to California, Hendrick Automotive Group is the largest privately held automotive retail organization in the United States. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company employs more than 10,000 people in its 94 dealership locations, 21 collision centers, and four accessories distributor installers in 13 states. For more information, please visit HendrickCars.com.

ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS:
Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history. At the sport’s premier level, the organization holds the all-time records in every major statistical category, including championships (14), points-paying race victories (289) and laps led (more than 76,000). It has earned at least one race win in a record 38 different seasons, including an active streak of 37 in a row (1986-2022). The team fields four full-time Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entries in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson. Headquartered on more than 100 acres in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs approximately 600 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorsports.com or interact on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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

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Official Release
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KRIS WRIGHT
No. 68 HUMMER EV Chevrolet Camaro SS
NASCAR Xfinity Series News and Notes
Event: Food City 300
Date: Friday, September 16
Venue: Bristol Motor Speedway
Location: Bristol, Tennessee
Track Description: 0.533 mile
Race: 300 laps / 159.9 miles

The Bullring Facts … This weekend marks Kris Wright’s NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) track debut at the Bristol Motor Speedway.

The Pittsburgh, Pa., – native has two previous starts at the Bristol Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on September 16, 2021, and in the ARCA Menards Series East on September 17, 2020. In addition, he has a Bristol Motor Speedway dirt appearance from earlier this season.

On Board … Family-owned and operated, Wright Chevrolet is on the Brandonbilt Motorsports No. 68 Chevrolet Camaro SS. As a respected Wexford dealer serving the Pittsburgh, Cranberry and Beaver areas, Wright Automotive Group’s six locations carry an extensive inventory of new and used luxury cars and SUVs, including the GMC HUMMER EV. The GMC HUMMER EV lineup is driven by GM’s Ultium Platform, which enables unprecedented off-road capability, extraordinary on-road performance and an immersive driving experience designed to put occupants at the center of every moment.

Short Track Stats: This Friday, September 16, will mark Kris Wright’s short track (less than one mile in length) debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series when he takes to the track at the Bristol Motor Speedway.

The 28-year-old also has five combined NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts on short tracks.

KRIS WRIGHT STATISTICS

QUOTE WORTHY

Kris Wright, driver of the No. 68 HUMMER EV Chevrolet Camaro SS for Brandonbilt Motorsports
On the Bristol Motor Speedway:

“I am eager to get to the Bristol Motor Speedway with some momentum from last weekend at the Kansas Speedway. I am excited to get to practice, and finally log some laps after the incident in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event last year. This past week, I have been working with some people to put me in a good short-track rhythm for this insanely fast half mile.”

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 Bristol Motor Speedway … The organization posted a team-best seventh place with driver Brandon Brown on June 1, 2020, at the historic facility, forged amid the scenic mountains of Northeast Tennessee near the Virginia state line. The six previous starts at the Bristol Motor Speedway have earned Brandonbilt Motorsports an overall average starting position of 18.3 and an average finish of 17.7.

Brandonbilt Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series History … Since entering the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2016, the Mooresville, N.C., -based organization has logged 135 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 19.5 and an average finishing position of 19.4.

BRANDONBILT MOTORSPORTS STATISTICS

Catch the Action … The Food City 300 at the Bristol Motor Speedway will be broadcast on the USA Network starting with the NASCAR Xfinity Series: Countdown to Green at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, September 16 at 7:00 p.m. (ET). It will also broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network (PRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio at 7:00 p.m. (ET). Qualifying for the 26th event of the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule will air on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. (ET) on the USA Network.

RCR Event Preview – Bristol

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Official Release
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Richard Childress Racing at Bristol Motor Speedway … In 181 NASCAR Cup Series starts on the pavement at Bristol Motor Speedway, Richard Childress Racing has scored nine wins, seven by Dale Earnhardt (both races in 1985 and 1987, plus victories in 1988, 1994 and 1999) plus Kevin Harvick (2005) and Jeff Burton (2008). The organization has also racked up 35 top-five and 71 top-10 finishes.

Back in the Playoffs … Richard Childress Racing enters Bristol Motor Speedway with three victories in NASCAR’s elite NASCAR Cup Series during the 2022 season. The Welcome, N.C., based company has two entries in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs for the first time since 2017 (Austin Dillon and Ryan Newman).

NASCAR Xfinity Series Stats at Bristol Motor Speedway … RCR has nine NASCAR Xfinity Series victories at Bristol led by four wins by Kevin Harvick (2000, 2001, 2003 and 2005). Other drivers who have posted Bristol wins for the Welcome, N.C., based organization include Jeff Green (2002), Clint Bowyer (2008), Elliott Sadler (2012), Austin Dillon (2016) and Tyler Reddick (2019). The team has racked up 37 top-five and 62 top-10 finishes at the Tennessee short track.

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 Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway will be televised live Friday, September 16, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on USA Network. The race will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Follow Sunday’s Action at Bristol … The NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway will be televised live on Saturday, September 17 beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on USA Network. The race will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

This Week’s Bass Pro Shops / TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Bristol Motor Speedway … In 17 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway, Dillon has one top-five and three top-10 finishes, including a career-best fourth-place finish in August 2016. The 2013 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion has nine NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the half-mile track with a win in 2016. He has also made three NASCAR Truck Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway. This weekend’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race is the cutoff race for the Round of 16 in the NASCAR Playoffs, and Dillon enters the race below the cutoff line in 14th, just two points shy of advancing to the Round of 12.

Winner, Winner … Dillon has won at Bristol Motor Speedway on both the paved and dirt configurations. In addition to winning a NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Tennessee track in August 2016 (paved), Dillon was among the first drivers to compete on the track’s dirt surface in 2021. He won two features and a heat race in dominating fashion in a 604 Crate Late Model for Corey Hedgecock Racing.

TRACKER Off Road … Dillon’s No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 prominently features TRACKER ATVs, a game-changing new line of all-terrain vehicles and side-by-sides offering breakthrough performance, service and value in the off-road industry. TRACKER OFF ROAD was born out of a powerhouse partnership formed between Bass Pro Shops and TRACKER founder Johnny Morris and Textron Specialized Vehicles, bringing together the undisputed world leader in boating with a global leader in innovation and technology.

Bass Pro Shops … Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers.” Bass Pro Shops has a long relationship with NASCAR, dating back to 1998. For more information, visit http://www.basspro.com/.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

What are your thoughts on Bristol Motor Speedway?

“Anything can happen at Bristol Motor Speedway. It’s a short track and you can get caught up in things fast. Our goal as a team is to be consistent and to try and win and advance into the next round of the NASCAR Playoffs.”

You’re below the cutline, but within striking distance. Do you feel like you can battle your way into the next round?

“Yeah, for sure. Bristol is going to be wild and anything can happen. We’ve given ourselves a good shot. Nobody knows what to expect when we get there, but it’s a long race. If you’re there at the end of the day, you’ve got a good shot to make it.”

This Week’s Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Bristol Motor Speedway … Tyler Reddick will be making his fourth NASCAR Cup Series start on pavement at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday evening. His best finish at the .533-mile speedway is fourth-place in 2020. Reddick had five NASCAR Xfinity Series starts and Bristol, grabbing a win in 2019 and racking up four top-10 finishes. He claimed one top-10 finish and won one pole position in two Truck Series starts at Bristol. The driver of the Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet scored a second-place finish earlier this season on dirt at Bristol, one of nine top-fives he has racked up during the 2022 season.

NASCAR Playoff Outlook … Last weekend at Kansas Speedway, Reddick won his second pole position this season, third of his Cup Series career and first on an oval. He enters the Round 1 cutoff race at Bristol 11th in the Playoff standings, two points above the cutline.

The Flying Croissants Are Back! … Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is the primary for Tyler Reddick and the No. 8 Chevrolet this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway.

About Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen … Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is the homestyle casual dining restaurant where guests always Get a lot. For not a lot™. The restaurant offers a variety of scratch-made meals and generous portions served up in a warm, welcoming atmosphere – all at an unbelievable price. After being welcomed with a signature Honey Butter Croissant on the house, guests can enjoy signature entrées like hand-breaded Chicken Tenders, Homemade Chicken Pot Pie and Fall-off-the-Plate Baby Back Ribs. Cheddar’s operates more than 170 restaurants in 28 states and employs more than 15,000 friendly and passionate team members. For more information or to locate the nearest restaurant, visit Cheddars.com. Fans can like or follow Cheddar’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

When Tyler Wins, You Win Tenders! … When Reddick crosses the finish line first in the Cup Series and grabs the checkered flag, all NASCAR fans will win a FREE No. 8 Special Chicken Tender Platter at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen the Monday following the race with the purchase of an adult entree. Offer is valid for dine-in only. See cheddars.com/offer/race-day for full details.

Infield Takeover with Tyler at Bristol! … Tyler Reddick will be participating in an infield takeover on Friday afternoon, September 16, at Bristol Motor Speedway from 2-3 p.m. ET, so don’t be surprised if Reddick visits your campsite.

TYLER REDDICK QUOTE:

This will be the first time the Next Gen car will be on the concrete surface at Bristol. What are your thoughts entering this weekend?

“Every race in this round is very important for us. We have some really good tracks in this playoff run. Bristol has always been a good track but it is a bit of an unknown with this car. When I look at the trend of this car at the smaller tracks, you know, Bristol has always been an exciting place but I am certainly concerned with what the racing will look like. It may not be as crazy as some expect. There’s a lot of grip, we don’t have to peddle the car at all. We were actually working on Bristol a little bit on Saturday at Kansas. At first I was surprised, like wow, this is a lot of grip. It feels like you’re off the gas pedal as much as you would be on a mile-and-a-half. I think the speeds are going to be high enough there that I just don’t think someone is going to be able to move someone out of the way there. You’re pretty much going to have to go in there and hope you hit the guy because if you don’t, you’re going to go flying up into the wall and crash. It could be chaotic and if things stack up you could have some action but I don’t think it’s going to be the type of race where people are moving each other out the way because I don’t think you’re going to be able to get there.”

This Week’s Whelen Engineering Chevrolet Camaro SS at Bristol Motor Speedway … Sheldon Creed will head to Bristol Motor Speedway for the first time in his NASCAR Xfinity Series career. Creed has made three starts at the track during his time in the NASCAR Truck Series. In those three starts, he tallied a best finish of sixth in 2019 and in 2021, he started from the pole. He led 189 laps in 2021, too.

Playoff Goals … This weekend marks the last race before the start of the Playoffs, which means this is Creed’s last chance to make it into the 12-driver post-season field. He is in a close battle with Landon Cassill and Ryan Sieg. Creed is currently 32 points below the cutline, in 13th. His only way to make the Playoff field is with a win.

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:

You are in a close battle for the final Playoff position. Does that change your approach to the race?

“I mean, points racing is never fun. We’re just going to go out there and do our best, like this team always does. We’re going to show up with the best Whelen Chevrolet we can and treat it like we’re going to the Championship 4. We just need be on our A game and stay focused on the ultimate goal at Bristol, winning. We need to go out and practice well and qualify in a good spot to get max stage points and give ourselves a shot to win at the end. I’ve been doing a lot of research with my team, working hard on strategy and preparation for the race. We were looking at where Myatt Snider ran last year at Bristol and previous years with RCR because they’ve been pretty decent there. I’ve been doing my homework with Josh Wise this week, working in the simulator and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got this weekend.”

This Week’s Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet Camaro SS at Bristol Motor Speedway … Austin Hill will make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday night in the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet. Hill has made six starts at the Tennessee track during his time in the NASCAR Truck Series. In those six starts, he has a best finish of 10th from 2019. Hill is currently locked into the Playoffs, which start next weekend at Texas Motor Speedway for the Xfinity Series. With his two wins, nine top fives and 15 top-10 finishes, Hill is currently sixth in the Playoff standings.

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.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week … This week is an important time to pay respect and thank all the professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in undertaking one of our economy’s most demanding jobs. They ensure that things are delivered securely, safely and on time. Bennett and RCR thank all truck drivers and honor them this week. Check out the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway with a special message to truck drivers.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTE:

You’re making your debut at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend in the Xfinity Series. Are you looking forward to the race and will you race differently knowing there are guys battling for the final Playoff spot?

“Well, I wouldn’t say that I’d race any different. We’re still out there competing for points and wins, just like everyone else, but I’m not going to wreck anyone or try to get myself in a position around those guys battling for that spot. I want to be there to help my teammate, Sheldon Creed, because he’s one of those guys. Obviously, we want him in the Playoffs, competing with us so if I can help him out, I will. Other than that, I’m focused on practicing well and getting a good starting position. Since I’ve never been to Bristol in an Xfinity car and the track is so unique. It’s definitely going to be a wild race and our team is ready. We’ve been studying and working hard in the simulator so I’m looking forward to it.”

DGR NCWTS Recap: Bristol Motor Speedway

By
Official Release
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Thursday, September 15
Track: Bristol Motor Speedway, 0.533-mile paved oval
Race: 20 of 23
Event: UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics (200 laps/106.6 miles)

Hailie Deegan, No. 1 Monster Energy Ford F-150

Start: 18th

Stage 1: 14th

Stage 2: 17th

Finish: 14th

Hailie Deegan qualified 18th for the UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics at Bristol Motor Speedway. Immediately after taking the green flag, the 21 year old noted the truck would need to turn better in order to make progress despite running top-five speeds in the early going. She began stage two in 14th, electing to short-pit with 15 to go and attempt to carry out the remainder of the race. The strategy would pay dividends as the Monster Energy Ford F-150 went from 28th to 17th to close Stage 2 and restart in seventh when the remaining cars pitted, Deegan ran as high as sixth before her older tires started to show, eventually rendering her to a 14th-place finish despite spending the majority of the final stage fighting within the top-10 on old tires.

Tanner Gray, No. 15 Ford Performance Ford F-150

Start: 26th

Stage 1: 18th

Stage 2: 7th

Finish: 17th

Tanner Gray qualified 26th for UNOH 200 and was up to 21st when the first yellow flag was displayed on lap 38. Fighting an extremely loose F-150, Mike Hillman Jr. called the No. 15 down pit road for adjustments with the intention of staying out at the stage break. Gray rejoined the field in 22nd and finished Stage 1 in 18th. The track position proved beneficial at the start of Stage 2 as Gray fired off ninth and advanced to seventh by stage end. The team focused on helping the front turn of the during the second stage break and the Ford driver lined up in 19th for the final stage. Gray battled hard and searched all over the half-mile track trying to drive forward throughout the remainder of the race, but the difficulty to make passes proved too much and he crossed the finish line in 17th.

Taylor Gray, No. 17 Dead on Tools Ford F-150

Start: 17th

Stage 1: 20th

Stage 2: 5th

Finish: 16th

Taylor Gray qualified 17th for Thursday’s 200-lap event at Bristol Motor Speedway. The Dead On Tools F-150 fought some instability early as Gray was too free in the center. During the first round of pit spots, the No. 17 fell to the back of the field after a hangup on the left side. However, the balance returned to Gray’s F-150 as the night wore on, climbing to fifth following a cycle of pit stops to end Stage 2. Some more gremlins would plague Gray during the final stage, with the truck repeatedly popping out of gear while sustaining a hole in the right front. Needing valuable track position, Gray refrained from any additional pit stops the rest of the night. With passing being quite tricky throughout the race, Gray worked his way back to 16th before the checkered flag flew at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Next event: Talladega 250 at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama on October 1 at 12:30 p.m. ET.

MAJESKI CLAIMS CHAMPIONSHIP 4 NASCAR TRUCK SERIES BERTH WITH UNOH 200 WIN AT BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

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Official Release
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BRISTOL, Tenn. (Sept. 15, 2022) — Ty Majeski downplayed his final run in Thursday night’s UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics at Bristol Motor Speedway as “just another restart.”

In reality, it was the most important moment to date in Majeski’s hardscrabble career.

Streaking away from Zane Smith after a restart with 12 laps left in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series’ Round of 8 Playoff race, Majeski scored the first NASCAR national series victory of his career and claimed the first berth in the Nov. 4 Championship 4 finale at Phoenix Raceway.

“Awesome job! Thank you!” Majeski radioed to crew chief Joe Shear Jr. as he crossed the finish line. “Let’s polish this baby up, and let’s take this thing to Phoenix.”

To preserve the lightning-fast No. 66 ThorSport Racing Toyota that had carried him to victory, the short-track ace eschewed the customary burnout on the frontstretch, eliciting some good-natured boos from fans in the grandstands.

But nothing could dampen Majeski’s mood.

“Man, this is unbelievable,” said the 28-year-old from Seymour, Wisconsin. “I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this… We came guns blazing for this race, took our best truck. Joe was aggressive on pit strategy—got us out front, and we were able to get it done.

“This is so cool. My career’s been so up-and-down… This is just damn cool—I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”

Smith started from the rear of the field because of transmission issues that prevented him from qualifying. But after pitting under the first caution for Josh Reaume’s accident on Lap 37, Smith finished the race without returning to pit road.

The strategy put Smith in the lead for 39 laps, but Majeski had the superior truck and made the winning pass during a restart on Lap 156. He kept Smith at bay on two late restarts to seal the victory.

“A good salvage of the night,” said Smith, who crossed the finish line 1.152 seconds behind the race winner. “I tried matching the 66 (on the restarts). I did the first time, but on the second time, he just got me. He was ultimately just better than us. Still, a never-give-up kind of night. That’s what it takes to get to the final four.”

Non-Playoff driver Parker Kligerman ran third, followed by Grant Enfinger, who fell below the cut line for the Championship 4 with two races left in the Round of 8. Matt Crafton was fifth, followed by pole winner Derek Kraus in a battle of non-Playoff drivers.

Chandler Smith led a race-high 89 laps and won the first two stages but was forced to pit for tires and fuel after the second stage and lost track position. He finished ninth behind fellow Playoff drivers Stewart Friesen and Christian Eckes.

Chandler Smith heads for the second Round of 8 race, Oct. 1 at Talladega Superspeedway, 24 points above the cut line.

Playoff driver John Hunter Nemechek slammed the outside wall during practice earlier in the day and started from the rear in a backup truck. He finished 12th.

Reaume, who spun sideways into the path of sliding Rajah Caruth’s Chevrolet on Lap 37, climbed from his truck after the driver’s-side impact but was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.

  • Story by NASCAR Newswire

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race
25th Annual UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics

Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, Tennessee
Thursday, September 15, 2022

(6) Ty Majeski (P), Toyota, 200.
(35) Zane Smith (P), Ford, 200.
(28) Parker Kligerman, Toyota, 200.
(4) Grant Enfinger (P), Chevrolet, 200.
(16) Matt Crafton, Toyota, 200.
(1) Derek Kraus, Chevrolet, 200.
(3) Stewart Friesen (P), Toyota, 200.
(7) Christian Eckes (P), Toyota, 200.
(2) Chandler Smith (P), Toyota, 200.
(5) Corey Heim # (P), Toyota, 200.
(12) Tyler Ankrum, Toyota, 200.
(36) John Hunter Nemechek (P), Toyota, 200.
(27) Kaden Honeycutt, Toyota, 200.
(18) Hailie Deegan, Ford, 200.
(8) Bayley Currey(i), Chevrolet, 200.
(17) Taylor Gray (P), Ford, 200.
(26) Tanner Gray, Ford, 200.
(11) Ben Rhodes (P), Toyota, 200.
(10) Carson Hocevar, Chevrolet, 200.
(32) Austin Wayne Self, Chevrolet, 200.
(20) Jack Wood #, Chevrolet, 200.
(15) Jake Garcia, Chevrolet, 200.
(23) Lawless Alan #, Chevrolet, 200.
(19) Colby Howard, Chevrolet, 200.
(25) Jesse Little, Chevrolet, 200.
(29) Timmy Hill, Toyota, 200.
(9) Matt DiBenedetto, Chevrolet, 199.
(22) Blaine Perkins #, Chevrolet, 197.
(31) Leland Honeyman Jr., Chevrolet, 195.
(24) Chase Purdy, Toyota, 193.
(21) Connor Mosack, Chevrolet, 192.
(13) Dean Thompson #, Chevrolet, Accident, 178.
(30) Chris Hacker, Chevrolet, Suspension, 165.
(14) Rajah Caruth, Chevrolet, Accident, 44.
(34) Josh Reaume, Toyota, Accident, 34.
(33) Spencer Boyd, Chevrolet, Accident, 25.
Average Speed of Race Winner: 74.705 mph.

Time of Race: 1 Hrs, 25 Mins, 37 Secs. Margin of Victory: 1.152 Seconds.

Caution Flags: 6 for 49 laps.

Lead Changes: 3 among 4 drivers.

Lap Leaders: D. Kraus 1-27;C. Smith (P) 28-116;Z. Smith (P) 117-155;T. Majeski (P) 156-200.

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led): Chandler Smith (P) 1 time for 89 laps; Ty Majeski (P) 1 time for 45 laps; Zane Smith (P) 1 time for 39 laps; Derek Kraus 1 time for 27 laps.

Stage #1 Top Ten: 18,52,19,25,23,66,98,51,44,88

Stage #2 Top Ten: 18,52,98,99,17,61,15,4,30,38

GMS Racing NCWTS Race Recap: Bristol Motor Speedway

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

START: 4TH

FINISH: 4TH

POINTS: 7TH

Quote: You know what happened tonight, you finished in the Top-5, but still fall below that cut line, so what do you take away from Bristol?

“Yeah, I mean honestly, we’re in the same position that we were coming here. I feel like we are in a must-win situation, but we gave it everything we could. We had a pretty okay Champion Power Equipment Chevy. If we could have gotten out to the lead, we could have stole it. But running fifth, we were a fifth place truck; running fifteenth, we were a fifteenth place truck. It is what it is, we made the right call to try and win the race there. I don’t know if we were good enough to do that, but that was the strategy that we chose. I think we would have balanced out either way points wise, but we would have had a worse finish if we opted for the stage points. But overall, we were making gains; anytime we show up to a short track, we want to contend for a win, and we didn’t do that tonight. [I was] hoping to steal one tonight, but congratulations to Ty and those guys, they did a great job tonight.”

Yeah, he was able to get his first win. Now, you are a student of the sport, I know that you watch all of these guys and watch how these races unfold, but as you look ahead to these next two races in this Round of 8, what do you need to do inside of the truck?

“I think we need to be aggressive and go for a win, you know? Yeah, it’s possible to point our way in, but I’m not banking on that. Obviously, we’re going to Talladega, the hometown track next, which is enjoyable, but definitely you can’t count on anything there. But I’m really looking forward to finishing the year off strong. I feel like we’ve got an opportunity to win anytime we show up. You know Hensley and I have run really well at Homestead as well. I feel like we can win either of these next two, and that’s what we’ve got to do.”

Jack Wood, No. 24 ChevyLiners.com Chevrolet Silverado RST

START: 20TH

FINISH: 21ST

POINTS: 23RD

Quote: “It was just very much a track position race tonight. I think we had a good ChevyLiners.com truck, but just got caught on the outside a lot and couldn’t do much to defend. I think tonight could have went a lot better than it did, but I think we are headed in the right direction, so it’s definitely promising. I think if a couple of things could have fell our way, we probably could have been in a better spot, but I’m looking forward to heading to Talladega.”

ABOUT GMS RACING:

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

SOCIAL MEDIA:

To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow GMS Racing on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Toyota Racing – NCWTS Bristol Post-Race Report – 09.15.22

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Official Release
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MAJESKI SCORES FIRST CAREER NASCAR WIN
Claims Position in Championship Final Four in Phoenix

BRISTOL, Tenn. (September 15, 2022) – Ty Majeski became the first driver locked into the Championship 4 as the Wisconsin-native earned his first career victory at Bristol Motor Speedway on Thursday evening. He led the final 45 laps and drove away on the final restart to claim the victory. Majeski earned the win in his first career Truck Series start at the facility. It is Majeski’s first career Championship 4 berth in his first full-time Truck Series season competing for ThorSport Racing.

Toyota Racing Post-Race Recap
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Bristol Motor Speedway
Race 20 of 23 – 106.6 Laps, 200 Miles

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS

1st, TY MAJESKI

2nd, Zane Smith*

3rd, PARKER KLIGERMAN

4th, Grant Enfinger*

5th, MATT CRAFTON

7th, STEWART FRIESEN

8th, CHRISTIAN ECKES

9th, CHANDLER SMITH

10th, COREY HEIM

11th, TYLER ANKRUM

12th, JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK

13th, KADEN HONEYCUTT

18th, BEN RHODES

26th, TIMMY HILL

30th, CHASE PURDY

35th, JOSH REAUME

*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

TY MAJESKI, No. 66 Road Ranger Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, ThorSport Racing

Finishing Position: 1st

What is the feeling after your first career NASCAR Truck Series win?

“This is unbelievable. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this. Thank you to Duke, Rhonda and Allison Thorson, thank you for this opportunity. Just so proud to be here. We came guns blazing for this race and brought our best truck. Joe (Shear, crew chief) was aggressive on pit strategy, got us out front and we were able to get it done. This is so cool, and my crew has been so up and down. There’s been a lot of people who have helped get me to this point. I know my Late Model guys are watching back at the shop and they’re a big part of me getting here. My parents, my fiancé, this is just damn cool. Road Ranger, Toyota, TRD and all that they do for us – I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.

How were you able to hold off Zane Smith on the final restart?

“Just had to do what I do. I’ve been in that position a lot in my career Late Model racing, and we’ve been fortunate enough to win a lot of races and this was just another restart. “

What does it mean to win at Bristol and for it to be your first career victory, locking yourself into the Final Four in Phoenix?

“Feels so good man. We came with this plan and obviously it’s a tall task to win at any of these races. I’ve been in that position a lot as a Late Model guy, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be in the position to win a lot of races and I’ve been in that position a lot. Just another late-race restart on a half-mile. Just so cool for these guys, they’ve been working hard all year. Duke (Thorson), Rhonda (Thorson) – thank you for this opportunity. It’s awesome to get this Road Ranger Toyota in victory lane. This is a dream come true.”

With three consecutive top-10 finishes coming into this race, did it feel like it was all coming together?

“I hope so. I feel like we’ve been peaking at the right time. We’ve had a really good back-half of the year and a really good first round. We really wanted to go to Talladega and not have anything to worry about and that meant winning this race and we did it.”

Has it sunk in yet that you will compete for a NASCAR championship in Phoenix?

“Man, we’re going to enjoy this one and this is the truck we’re taking back over there so we’re going to go polish it up and fluff on it for the next month or so and bring a winner to Phoenix.”

CHANDLER SMITH, No. 18 Safelite AutoGlass Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, Kyle Busch Motorsports

Finishing Position: 9th

Do you feel like you did enough today as you run towards the Championship 4?

“I guess it is an okay day. I don’t know how stage points really matter – every little bit counts, especially if two drivers win these next two races and they’re Playoff drivers. It’s always good, so we can point our way in. We want to go to Talladega or Miami and win it, so we don’t have to worry about it. We had this one circled for us to win. I felt like we had a dominant truck. We had a really, really fast Safelite Toyota Tundra TRD Pro tonight. Once we went stage racing, they played track position at the very end and the 66 (Ty Majeski) and 38 (Zane Smith) were able to get up front. Us and the 52 (Stewart Friesen) were the only two that passed all night. I don’t know how to fix that. It wasn’t good fun racing; I can promise you that. Us as a group, we were just a little bit too tight coming back through the field. I felt like if we were freer, we would have had something for them, but we ran so many caution laps as well. We would have probably run out of time no matter what.”

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK, No. 4 Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, Kyle Busch Motorsports

Finishing Position: 12th

Can you talk about your race after having to go to a back-up truck?

“We had a fast truck in practice. We got behind by blowing a right front tire. All of my guys scrambled hard and gave us a fast piece. Racing here sucked tonight, honestly. I don’t want to say that, but you couldn’t pass. It was super hard to pass. Heck, the 38 (Zane Smith) and I started in the back, almost went a lap down early on, running the bottom, couldn’t really make the bottom work. I thought the PJ1 was going to wear out tonight, and it didn’t. We were just one adjustment behind, I feel like, all night. You get that when you get behind from the start of the race.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With the more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, more than a quarter of the company’s 2021 North American sales were electrified.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Toyota driver Sammy Smith earns two ARCA titles in Bristol

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Official Release
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Sammy Smith celebrates his victory and ARCA Menards Series East title at Bristol Motor Speedway (Photo: Adam Fenwick/NASCAR)

BRISTOL, Tenn. (September 15, 2022) – Camry driver Sammy Smith won two ARCA Menards Series titles with a win at Bristol Motor Speedway on Thursday evening. Smith claimed his second consecutive ARCA East title, while also walking away with his first Sioux Chief Showdown championship as well.

The 18-year-old has delivered consistent race results across all ARCA Menards Series racing action this season. In ARCA East competition, Smith won five of the seven events, with top-five finishes in the balance. In the 10-race Sioux Chief Showdown title chase, the Toyota development driver has scored top-five finishes in every start, with victories at Berlin Raceway and Elko Speedway in June, the Milwaukee Mile in August and Bristol Motor Speedway this evening.

“Sammy has consistently run up front since first competing in ARCA competition just one season ago,” said Paul Doleshal, Group Manager, Motorsports and Assets, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA). “We are happy to help him celebrate these accomplishments and look forward watching him continue to grow as part of the Toyota Racing driver development program.”

Along with his ARCA success this season, Smith also made his debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series as the Iowa-native has run several events for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). He recently earned his first stage win and top-five finish at Watkins Glen International in August.

Smith drives a Toyota Camry for Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) in ARCA competition. This is the first two ARCA championships for KBM. Smith is the sixth Toyota driver to win the ARCA East title, and second to win two consecutive championships. He joins a list that includes Ryan Truex (2009 and 2010), Max Gresham (2011), Kyle Larson (2012), Harrison Burton (2017) and Tyler Ankrum (2018).

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With the more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, more than a quarter of the company’s 2021 North American sales were electrified.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

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