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Ford Performance NASCAR: Daytona 500 Winner Austin Cindric Gearing Up for Cup Playoff Opener

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Official Release
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Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Southern 500 Advance | Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Austin Cindric, driver of the No. 2 Discount Tire Mustang, makes his NASCAR Cup Series debut in this weekend’s playoff opener at Darlington Raceway. Cindric, who won the NASCAR Xfinity Series title in 2020, met with reporters to discuss the postseason and the expectations for he and his team.

AUSTIN CINDRIC, No. 2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang – IS THE PLAYOFF FORMAT THE REASON WE HAVEN’T HAD A BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPION IN THE LAST DECADE? “Yeah. I certainly think the format is significantly more challenging to win. That’s how it is and I think from year to year you see teams and drivers that are capable of winning a race has changed. You see that changing ebbing and flowing throughout the season, so it doesn’t surprise me that with the format that rewards winning races over anything else, overall odds, certainly that changes how you line up to be in the Championship 4.”

BRISTOL, ROVAL AND MARTINSVILLE ARE ELIMINATION RACES. HOW WOULD YOU RANK THEM IN TERMS OF DIFFICULTY TO ADVANCE? “I think Bristol has the most unknowns because it’s really one of the few racetracks left that we don’t have – the Roval we have a test from there. Martinsville we have a test and a race, but Bristol we don’t have really much data from any of the teams as far as what you have to bring to the racetrack. No one really has a notebook from Bristol, so I would say from a team and driver standpoint that probably has the most unknowns.”

A ROOKIE HASN’T FINISHED IN THE TOP 10 SINCE 2016. IS THAT AN ITEM ON YOUR CHECKLIST? “I can’t say I’ve really put a number on things, but certainly advancing as far in the playoffs as possible is where my head is at and where I think this team is looking for. I think it’s also something that we’re capable of. We come into the playoffs pretty low on playoff points, but at the same time eight points puts me fifth right now, so it’s pretty tight. It’s been a tight season and I think execution and consistency has been at a premium and I think those that are able to perform in that manner is where I think I have to have my mind. I think we’re gonna have to put three really great races together to move onto the next round and start all over again. With that mentality, I don’t think there’s much to lose and a lot to gain. Like I said, it’s my rookie season and I’m only gonna get better from here. We’re only gonna get better as a team from here, so I’m excited to see what we can do.”

THIS IS YOUR FIRST SOUTHERN 500. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE RACE? “I see the Darlington Southern 500 being the biggest mental challenge I’ve had in my career as far as races go, as far as race strategy. Obviously, you mix the playoffs into that. I think you get the length of a race, at least the mental focus you have to have of the Coke 600 mixed with the discipline and the focus that you have to have to run long runs at Richmond and you’re on a knife edge at Darlington, so I think you combine all of those and it’s a pretty big challenge and something I’m excited to experience.”

IS IT NICE TO FINALLY GET TO THE PLAYOFFS? “Yeah, it certainly does. Last week was stressful for all of us at Team Penske, just trying to make sure we got all three of us in. Really throughout the summer still knowing that points were certainly important, so, from that standpoint, it’s a bit of a reset. I honestly feel mentally pretty good. I don’t feel like there’s much expectation plus or minus, so you just go out and try to put together three really great races and try and be consistent and try not to beat ourselves. That’s the opportunity – obviously there are past champions that aren’t in the playoffs right now, so, from that standpoint it’s not guaranteed that I’ll be in it next year or the year after or whatever else, so it’s a great opportunity and it’s a great opportunity in my rookie season and we just have to do everything to make the most of it.”

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT MENTALLY IN THE PLAYOFFS? “In Xfinity I’ve really had the last couple of years quite a few playoff points. I’d probably have to go back to my first year in Xfinity and first year in the Truck Series of going into the playoffs with the least amount of points as I have now, but, from that standpoint, the field is super tight. Like I said before, you can look at it from I’m three below and have some of the fewest playoff points, but I could also look at it as eight points puts me fifth. You think about how easy it is to gain and lose eight points over three races. I think there’s everything to gain for us right now, so I’m excited for that, but I think the ball is in each team’s court for Darlington because it’s such an easy race to beat yourself and it’s such an easy race to get so far behind so early in the first round. We’ll do our part to make sure that doesn’t happen. The races still play out. They still wreck off of two and you can still get collected, but I’m looking forward to having a solid race and doing all the laps.”

WHERE IS YOUR TEAM AT RIGHT NOW AS FAR AS EXPECTATIONS? “I don’t have any expectations. I got the same questions before the start of the season on what my expectations were for my rookie year and, honestly, I want to do my job. That’s the only expectation I have is to have a team that has all of the resources and capability to be able to do that and we’ve certainly delivered on a lot of occasions. We were certainly having a great season if you look back and I have to give myself perspective sometimes that I’m racing round guys who are having career best years and sometimes I want too much, so I think that’s a good thing, but, at the same time, I think the pursuit of being the best is what we’re about here at Team Penske. I don’t think we feel like we’ve got that covered at the moment, so between the three of us I think there’s still more that we want to get, but as far as the 2 car, I feel like we’re the best we’ve been so far. I think we’ve got our process down. The communication is certainly the best it’s been, so I think all of those things are important when I’m racing against guys that have decades with that experience.”

YOUR BIRTHDAY IS FRIDAY. DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL MEMORIES OF A PREVIOUS BIRTHDAY? “Yeah, you guys all know the show Survivor. My family is big into the show Survivor, so we would always watch every season and when I turned 10 I had a Survivor-themed birthday party. All of my buddies from school came over and everyone had the bandanas and this and that and had all of the challenges, so we went all-out on the 10th birthday. And since my 10th birthday, that’s been it. I don’t know if that makes us lame or whatever, but we don’t really celebrate birthdays that hard. Sometimes I will just forget that it’s my birthday, but my birthday is on Friday. I did qualify on the pole in Canada at the truck race on my birthday, so that was cool, but, otherwise, it’s just another day in the year and another tick on the calendar. I don’t know, I guess I’m not that excitable when it comes to days. I’d rather get excited about Christmas or Halloween or something like that.”

WHAT IS MORE SPECIAL ABOUT HALLOWEEN OR CHRISTMAS THAN A BIRTHDAY? “I don’t like all of the focus being on me in that sense. I mean, I’m a race car driver and I get to do all the other cool things, so I don’t need a day for myself, I guess. That’s not just me being modest, that’s kind of how I feel. I’m not someone who takes compliments very well and that kind of falls in the same category of everybody just caring about me for a day. I’d rather just have a nice dinner and move on. September 3rd no one gives a crap about you anyway.”

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SURVIVOR CHALLENGES AND WHAT KIND OF FOOD DID YOU HAVE? “I’m trying to remember what some of the challenges were, but we only had an evening. It wasn’t a full 26 days or however long that show lasts. My mom would certainly remember because she is definitely the crafty one. She’s was certainly the master of a lot of this, but I do remember there always used to be the food challenge in Survivor, where you had to eat the gross foods and not throw up. I think we did a certain extent of that, not too far, but I do remember one where you had the Oreo on top of your head and you’ve got to get the Oreo in your mouth without using your hands. It was probably more like bar games than anything else for 10 year olds.”

DID YOU GET THE OREO? “I did. I’m pretty good at that one. I’ve got good dexterity with my tongue. Don’t read too far into that, but it’s just a talent, I guess.”

WHY DO YOU FEEL YOU’VE ADAPTED TO CUP EASIER THAN SOME OF THE OTHER ROOKIES THIS YEAR? “It’s certainly hard to say, speaking on other guys and what their experience level is and how they’ve done, but I do feel like you look at the guys who have moved up over the last couple years and I feel like there’s been a pretty good wave that’s come through the Xfinity Series the last four or five years. I feel like I’ve had the opportunity to go into my rookie season in Cup probably as best-prepared as anybody could be with the level of Cup experience I had before this season, the number of years I had in the Xfinity Series and working with the same team, so I certainly feel like I was set up for success in that sense, so a big credit to Team Penske for not only putting the faith in me, but also the right steps in place for that. From that standpoint, I feel like I certainly had that opportunity and feel like I’ve taken advantage of it, but as far as this summer and leading into the playoffs I think we’ve been really consistent. I feel like there have been a few races – Pocono and Watkins Glen come to mind, just races that I feel like I could have done a better job and kind of a good wake up call heading into a race like Darlington that what I do behind the wheel executing is certainly important and certainly plays a massive role in the car’s success during the weekend.”

IS THE MINDSET ANY DIFFERENT PREPARING FOR THE CUP PLAYOFFS THAN THE XFINITY PLAYOFFS? “I think there’s a similar mindset. The same amount of cars get eliminated, but you’ve just got an extra round. From that standpoint, I’d say all of that is fairly similar. Your competitors are different. I would say the biggest difference between Cup and Xfinity is that in Cup there is a strong likelihood that you are racing against guys that aren’t in the playoffs, whereas in Xfinity you’re racing all guys in the playoffs so everybody is getting stage points. There are really small margins to gain, whereas in the Cup Series I feel like there’s probably plenty of times you’re not gonna get stage points. Anytime you get stage points is a big deals, whereas it’s kind of expected in Xfinity with the field that you’re racing with. I think it’s just the depth in the field that plays that role. Those stage points really make a large difference in advancing through rounds of the playoffs.”

A LOT OF YOUNG GUYS IN THE PLAYOFFS YOU HAVE RACED IN XFINITY. IS THAT AN ADVANTAGE? “Anybody else who has as little experience with me that’s along for the ride is probably an advantage or maybe at least common ground.”

WHAT DOES THE ROOKIE YEAR OF THE AWARD MEAN TO YOU? “It’s one of those things you only really get one shot at having. In the Truck Series and Xfinity Series I didn’t get that, so getting it in the Cup Series is certainly a big honor and, like I said, you’ve got one opportunity to do it and one rookie season and it’s certainly been a big positive. That’s one box checked for the year, but certainly higher aspirations from there.”

DO YOU THINK BEING IN THE PLAYOFFS HELPS WITH GAINING RESPECT OR DO THEY STILL SEE THAT YELLOW BUMPER AND FEAR THE WORST? “I walked into the shop today and I’ve got three yellow stripes on the back of my car now. I’ve got one for the playoffs on the spoiler and I’ve got two on the bumper. I’d like to keep three rookie stripes for as long as possible and I think that will pay dividends for what you just described.”

HAVE YOU GOTTEN ANY ADVICE FROM YOUR TEAMMATES? OR DON’T THEY WANT TO GIVE UP ANY SECRETS? “I can’t say I’ve really received any advice, so from that standpoint and to your latter point, there’s some truth to that, but, at the same time, I can’t say I’ve really asked. I think the biggest thing is just doing it race by race, lap by lap. From there, I think it’s easy to put a lot of pressure on the situation with the opportunity that’s there. I mean, we’re talking about a shot to win a championship. That’s only a few race wins away from being capable for somebody in this field of 16, so from my standpoint, it’s another race, another week. Just like the Daytona 500 it’s the biggest race of the year, but it’s also just another race on the calendar and you’ve got to treat it as such. Remember what has gotten you here. Remember the process. Trust the process, but from there no real additional advice.”

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING’S AUSTIN DILLON READY FOR NASCAR PLAYOFFS AT BRISTOL, AND THAT’S NO BULL!

By
Official Release
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Austin Dillon, driver of the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevy, qualified for the Round of 16 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, and will be among the favorites to win at Bristol Motor Speedway, host of the elimination race in the first round.

Veteran stock car driver moonlighting in new sport, has eyes set on earning Cup Series Playoff victory at ‘Crown Jewel’ Bass Pro Shops Night Race

BRISTOL, Tenn. (Aug. 31, 2022) – In Austin Dillon’s other sports job, as GM for the new Carolina Cowboys Professional Bull Riders team, he pours over stats to put together the best team of bull riders on the circuit.

This past Sunday, the veteran NASCAR Cup Series driver saw lots of numbers, figures, scenarios and possible outcomes dancing in his head as he and his No. 3 Chevy team strategized as the laps counted down at Daytona International Speedway during the Cup Series’ regular season finale.

Knowing it was his last chance to qualify for the 16-driver Cup Series Playoff field, long-shot Dillon laid it all on the line over the final 21 laps and with a little help from teammate Tyler Reddick, he was able to grab the victory and a highly-sought-after post-season berth. Interestingly, he found out that his Cowboys also won their game on Sunday in Austin, Texas. The Cowboys posted a 3-0 score to defeat the Austin Gamblers, who posted a 2-1 total.

“Pretty sweet day,” Dillon said. “It’s our first event win for the PBR team. They won and we did too. It’s an amazing day. Thank you, Jesus.”

Now the four-time Cup Series winner will begin the Round of 16 Cup Series Playoffs, with races at Darlington, S.C. (Sept. 4), Kansas (Sept. 11) and Bristol Motor Speedway (Sept. 17). At Bristol’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race, Dillon will proudly fly the title sponsor’s colors on his famed No. 3 Chevy Camaro.

He says Bristol Motor Speedway’s challenging all-concrete layout would make one ornery bull.

“Bristol is a blast, challenging and aggressive,” Dillon said. “If you could equate a race track to a bull ride, it’s Bristol. You’re really having to bear down because of how much load it takes on your body. The harder you drive it, sometimes it rewards you.”

When the checkered flag drops at America’s Night Race, four of the 16 drivers will be eliminated from Playoff contention. Dillon says Bristol’s elimination position in the Playoffs, along with the heightened atmosphere and all of the memorable finishes that have occurred there over the years on the high-banked half-mile oval gives that event an elevated status in the sport.

Dillion says to him, it’s definitely one of the sport’s majors.

“I had a blast driving the dirt race earlier this year, but the Bristol Night Race is something we all look forward to,” Dillon said. “The Bristol Night Race is a crown jewel race to me.”

Dillon, who has won the Food City 300 Xfinity Series race at Bristol, would love to add a Night Race trophy and BMS Gladiator Sword to his collection. He says he feels comfortable at all three of the Round of 16 stops.

“Actually, the first round for history looking back has been a good round for us in the 3 team,” Dillon said. “We’ve done a good job of upsetting some teams in that first round.

“It won’t be from a lack of effort over the next three weeks to progress and try to get another win.”

While Dillon will be working hard to advance in the Playoffs and chase a Cup Series championship, he will also be hard at work in his spare time, trying to give his Carolina Cowboys the best possible chance for success.

“If I do anything, I’m going all-in,” Dillon says. “I have a great team at RCR. My dad (Mike Dillon) has taken over some of the (Cowboys) contract stuff as I’ve had to get in the simulator and focus on the race car. I’ve got to do a lot of the fun parts like looking at the stats for the bull riding team and all that. You just have to balance it the best you can.”

In addition to Dillon, the other 15 Cup Series drivers who qualified for the Round of 16 Playoffs are: regular season champ Chase Elliott, Joey Logano, Ross Chastain, defending series champ Kyle Larson, William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Tyler Reddick, Kevin Harvick, Christopher Bell, Kyle Busch, Chase Briscoe, Daniel Suarez, Austin Cindric and Alex Bowman.

The other Bass Pro Shops driver, Martin Truex Jr., saw his bid to make the Playoffs fall short when his No. 19 machine sustained damage and he couldn’t keep up with the draft in the final 21 laps. He finished eighth at Daytona and ultimately missed the Playoff berth by three points to rival Blaney.

The weekend begins with Zane Smith, John Hunter Nemechek, Ben Rhodes and defending winner Chandler Smith battling for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory Thursday night in the UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics (Sept. 15, 9 p.m., FS1, MRN Radio). The rising stars in the ARCA Menards Series also will take on the challenging half-mile bullring in the Bush’s Beans 200 as part of the Thursday night doubleheader (Sept. 15, 6:30 p.m., FS1, MRN Radio).

On Friday, Sparks are sure to fly in the Food City 300, as NASCAR Xfinity Series favorites A.J. Allmendinger, Noah Gragson, Justin Allgaier, Ty Gibbs and Josh Berry will be trying to lock in their Playoff positions in the season’s final regular season race (Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m., USA Network, PRN Radio). The stars of the NASCAR Cup Series will take to the track on Saturday for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race (Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m., USA Network, PRN Radio), you’ll get to see all of your favorite drivers racing hard to advance in the first elimination race of the Playoffs.

To purchase tickets, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com or call the BMS Ticket Sales Center at (866) 415-4158. Fans can also purchase tickets at any Food City location through Sept. 6.

About Bristol Motor Speedway
Forged amid the scenic mountains of Northeast Tennessee near the Virginia state line, Bristol Motor Speedway is The Last Great Colosseum, a versatile multi-use venue that hosts major auto races, football games, concerts and many other captivating events. The facility features a 0.533-mile concrete oval race track with 28-degree corner banking and 650-feet straightaways that offers racing in several NASCAR touring series, highlighted by two major Cup Series weekends each year. In 2020, the track also served as host of the prestigious NASCAR All-Star Race, and in 2021 began converting to a temporary dirt track each spring to take the Cup Series back to its racing roots. While at the track, fans are offered a unique viewing experience courtesy of Colossus TV, the world’s largest outdoor center-hung four-sided video screen with a 540,000-watt audio system. The adjacent quarter-mile dragstrip, Bristol Dragway, offers more than 50 events annually, including the marquee NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. The Thunder Valley Amphitheatre presented by Ballad Health transforms Bristol Dragway into a premier outdoor concert venue for the world’s greatest music performers. Three football games have kicked-off inside the oval, most notably the 2016 Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol, where border rivals the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech met before an NCAA-record crowd of 156,990. In existence since 1961, Bristol Motor Speedway was purchased in 1996 by Speedway Motorsports, Inc., a publicly traded company that is a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. For more information, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.

Burning Rubber in Portland: The Ultimate Guide to F1 Racing in the City

By
SM
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Photo by Laura Paredis

Portland is the place to be and if you don’t believe us, just ask any of the many professional racers who call this city home. From world-renowned tracks to local events, there’s always something going on for race fanatics in Portland.

If you’re new to the scene or just looking to brush up on your knowledge, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to F1 racing in Portland. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this exciting sport.

What is F1 Racing?

F1 racing is the highest class of single-seat auto racing sanctioned by the International Automobile Federation (FIA). The FIA is the governing body for motorsport worldwide and sets the rules and regulations for all international racing events.

The F1 season consists of a series of races, called Grands Prix (French for “great prizes”), held on purpose-built circuits and public roads. The results of each race are used to determine two annual World Championships: one for drivers and one for constructors (the team that builds the car).

Portland is home to two world-famous F1 tracks: the Circuit of the Americas and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Circuit of the Americas

The Circuit of the Americas is a 5.513-kilometer (3.426-mile) racetrack located in Austin, Texas. It hosts the United States Grand Prix and is the first purpose-built F1 facility in the country.

The track features 20 turns and a variety of elevation changes, making it one of the most challenging circuits on the F1 calendar. It’s also home to the longest straight on any current F1 track, measuring 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles).

The Circuit of the Americas first hosted the United States Grand Prix in 2012 and has been a mainstay on the F1 calendar ever since. It’s widely considered to be one of the best tracks in the world and is a favorite among drivers and fans alike.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a historic racetrack located in Speedway, Indiana. It’s the home of the Indianapolis 500, the most famous race in America.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been a part of the F1 calendar since 2000 and is one of the few oval tracks on the circuit. The layout of the track is unique, with four Turns (two left and two right) and two straights (the Front and Backstretch).

The Indianapolis 500 is the most prestigious race in America and is considered one of the “crown jewel” events on the F1 calendar. It’s held annually on Memorial Day weekend and attracts over 300,000 spectators.

When is the F1 Season?

The F1 season runs from March to November, with races taking place all over the world. The Portland Grand Prix is typically held in late September or early October.

How to Watch F1 Races

All of the races are televised live on ESPN and ABC. You can also stream the races online through the ESPN app or WatchESPN.

com.

If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, we recommend checking out one of the many Portland-area race tracks. You can find a complete list of tracks and their contact information here.

What to Expect at an F1 Race

F1 races are exciting events that attract fans from all over the world. If you’re planning on attending a race, it’s important to be prepared for the crowds and noise.

When you’re at the track, you can expect to see a lot of action both on and off the course. There will be food vendors, merchandise booths, and plenty of people cheering on their favorite drivers.

The races themselves are thrilling events that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The cars reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, making for some exciting moments.

When you arrive at the track, you’ll want to find your seat and get settled in. The races typically last around two hours, so be sure to bring snacks and drinks to keep yourself refreshed.

You’ll also want to bring a pair of earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to help block out the sound of the engines. And don’t forget your camera! F1 races are a great opportunity to capture some incredible photos and memories.

How to Get to the Portland Grand Prix

The Portland Grand Prix is held at the Circuit of the Americas, which is located just outside of Austin, Texas.

If you’re flying into the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, you can book a Portland car service. This way, you can avoid the hassle of finding parking and dealing with traffic.

Where to Stay in Portland for the Grand Prix

There are plenty of hotels in the Portland area, but we recommend booking a room at the Circuit of the Americas. This way, you’ll be close to all of the action and won’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are several Airbnbs in the area. Just make sure to book early, as they fill up quickly during race weekend.

So, there you have it! Our ultimate guide to the Portland Grand Prix. Be sure to follow our tips and you’re sure to have a fantastic time at this exciting event.

Playing the NASCAR 2022 Playoffs

By
SM
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It’s playoff time again on Sunday, September 4th, the NASCAR 2022 Playoffs begin at the Cook Out Southern 500. Located in Darlington, South Carolina, this weekend’s historic race is the first of three Rounds of 16 races. This race will decide which 2022 champion can secure enough points to solidify their position in the Round of 12. Coinciding with the standard 2022 NASCAR Cup sportsbook bets, the annual playoffs are an opportunity for viewers and bettors alike to wager on the winner of this year’s tournament grid.

Following last week’s wild race at Daytona, we saw Austin Dillion take his first season win and secure his spot into the 2022 Playoffs. The race wasn’t without its fair share of upsets, as fans saw a massive 13-car pileup on turn one and multiple other wrecks throughout the rainy day. As a result, NASCAR enthusiasts saw many big names such as McDowell, Truex, and Keselowski fail to secure their position in the playoffs. The 2022 NASCAR Cup Playoffs’ tournament board is locked-in, and now is time to place bets and wagers on what’s to come. Get involved with the excitement over at GGBet bookmaker (https://ggbet-canadian.ca) to begin profiting from sportsbooks bets today.

Player Synopsis

Whether it is just a wager between friends or money is on the line within the exciting world of motorsports sportsbook bets, understanding the players on the field is integral for success. Anyone who stands to profit from the 2022 Playoffs will benefit from understanding the key players involved.

Chase Elliot

Elliot is no stranger to NASCAR success and has proven to be ruthlessly capable of securing wins. Elliot is a strong contender to go the distance within the playoffs. As fans saw last year, Elliot made it all the way to the final race in Phoenix and won the 2020 playoffs. Currently, the series leader is not favored (+700) to win this upcoming race accounting for additional stress during playoff races.

Kyle Larson

As 2021’s playoff winner and cup champion, Kyle Larson has proven himself a part of the strongest drivers in NASCAR history. Larson’s 2021 NASCAR Cup was a phenomenal performance allowing for a full NASCAR sweep. This prolific driver is the man to look out for in the coming race, and Larson has proven to perform well under intense pressure and is favored (+600) to go all the way.

Denny Hamlin

That last key player overviewed in this article is none other than Denny Hamlin himself. In this upcoming weekend’s race, fans will likely see a fantastic performance with a favored (+600) victory. Hamlin is an exceptional driver at the Darlington Raceway, securing four previous wins at the track. He is also no stranger to the playoffs and has frequently been a part of the final four and could look to secure his first playoff victory this year.

Hedging Bets

Profiting with the NASCAR Playoffs is a fantastic method to become more involved in the NASCAR scene, and even newcomers can stand to win big with proper preparation. As mentioned before, a key to successful motorsports sportsbook betting is utilizing driver knowledge. Knowledge along with analyzing driver performance history and track history will provide bettors with the most likely outcomes of any given event, tournament grid included. The NASCAR 2022 Cup still has plenty to offer this season, remember to play intelligently and responsibly to make it one to remember.

NASCAR schedule for Darlington Cook Out Southern 500 weekend

By
Angie Campbell
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Brad Keselowski and Kevin Harvick lead the field to start the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on May 09, 2021. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

This weekend the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series head to Darlington Raceway. It will mark the beginning of the Cup Series Round of 16 in the Playoffs while the Xfinity Series has three races remaining in its regular season.

Seven drivers have secured a spot in the upcoming Xfinity Playoffs Round of 12 – AJ Allmendinger, Ty Gibbs, Justin Allgaier, Noah Gragson, Josh Berry, Austin Hill and Brandon Jones.

After taking a break, the Camping World Truck Series will be back to racing on Sept. 9 at Kansas Speedway for the last Playoff race in the Round of 10. Two drivers will be eliminated and eight will advance to the Round of 8. So far, only two drivers, Grant Enfinger and Chandler Smith, have clinched a spot.

All times are Eastern.

Saturday, September 3
10:05 a.m.: Xfinity Series Practice – All Entries – NBC Sports Stream

10:35 a.m.: Xfinity Series Qualifying (Impound) Single Vehicle/1 Lap – All Entries – NBC Sports Stream

12:05 p.m.: Cup Series Practice (Groups A & B) – USA coverage at 12:30

12:50 p.m.: Cup Series Qualifying (Impound) (Groups A & B) Single Vehicle, 1 Lap, 2 Rounds – USA/MRN

3 p.m.: Xfinity Series Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200
Stages End on Laps 45/90/147 Laps = 200.8 Miles
USA/MRN/SiriusXM
The Purse: $1,208,129

Sunday, September 4

6 p.m.: Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500
Stages End on Laps 115/230/367 Laps = 501.32 Miles
USA/MRN/SiriusXM
The Purse: $7,823,733

Bubba Wallace to Switch Numbers and Run No. 45 for Remainder of Season

By
Official Release
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23XI Racing Looks to Maximize Points in the Owner’s Championship

Mooresville, N.C. (Aug. 31, 2022) — 23XI Racing announced today that Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 23 Toyota Camry TRD, will switch car numbers for the final 10 races of the season and run the No. 45 as the organization pursues the Owner’s Championship. Wallace will remain paired with his crew chief, Bootie Barker. The move will best position 23XI Racing and the No. 45 car for the strongest run in the playoffs for the Owner’s Championship.

Ty Gibbs will continue to serve as 23XI’s substitute driver and will now drive the No. 23 Toyota Camry TRD with Billy Scott remaining as the crew chief. Aside from the number being different, there will be no changes to the primary partners on either car.

With the No. 45 team in the Owner’s Championship but not the Driver’s Championship, the opportunity arose to look at different options to give the organization the best chance for the highest possible finish at the end of the season. This situation marks the first time in the Modern Era of the Cup Series that a team has been in one championship but not the other.

“After consulting with NASCAR, we made this decision in the best interest of the entire organization and for all our employees who helped earn a spot in the playoffs for the Owner’s Championship through their hard work,” said team president Steve Lauletta. “While Ty has done a great job for us in the No. 45 car, we feel that Bubba’s experience in this car, at the upcoming playoff tracks and his recent momentum will give 23XI the best chance at maximizing our points each weekend. We recognize that this is a unique opportunity in the Cup Series, and we’re grateful to our employees and partners for standing with the team and supporting this decision.”

EG3 Technologies Strengthens Partnership with Petty GMS and Ty Dillon

By
Official Release
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STATESVILLE, North Carolina (Aug. 31, 2022) – Today, Petty GMS officials announced a strengthening of partnership with EG3 Technologies and Ty Dillon, driver of the No. 42 Chevrolet. The new partner will first be showcased on Dillon’s Camaro ZL1 this weekend in the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

Headquartered on the Petty GMS campus in Statesville, North Carolina, EG3 Technologies provides advanced hybrid-manufacturing and electro-mechanical design and assembly solutions for government agencies and businesses that have a requirement for extreme performance and reliability. Brian Sorel and Spencer Gallagher have lead the team of experts since its formation in 2018, when Gallagher made the transition from racing as a NASCAR driver to pursuing entrepreneurship opportunities.

Sorel was quoted with these remarks ahead of the announcement: “The partnership between EG3 Technologies and Petty GMS has been ever-evolving since our founding, and has been beneficial to both parties throughout the entire process. We have been able to supply the team with engineering parts manufactured in house, and at the same time, we’ve grown our operations by utilizing the team’s facilities. Having the ability to enhance our partnership by showcasing it to the world means a great deal to us, and we are looking forward to seeing our colors on the track with Ty Dillon.”

For Gallagher, this weekend will be a bit of a homecoming, as he plans on returning one of his favorite racetracks not as a driver, but as a partner. “Since 2018, I’ve been hard at work pursuing my dream of solving great problems with EG3 Technologies. Now that we’ve joined forces with Petty GMS, EG3 has grown by leaps and bounds into one of the foremost advanced manufacturing and design firms in the country. Utilizing groundbreaking technology and harnessing the brightest minds from America’s most inventive sport, EG3 has grown into its role as a bright new upstart, right along its sister Petty GMS.”

There has been a lot to be proud of and look forward to heading into the start of the NASCAR Cup Series postseason at Darlington Raceway. Ty Dillon enters Sunday’s event looking to repeat his success from the spring race, where the veteran finished in 12th position. Currently, the No. 42 Petty GMS team is on a hot streak of four top-20 finishes in a row.

“This weekend at Darlington will be a lot of fun as we partner up with EG3 Technologies. It’s been really cool to see what Spencer, Brian, and their team have been able to accomplish with this venture, and having their business based on the team’s campus really brings us all together as one. I believe that EG3 has the capability to grow and take on some projects that go way beyond racing, so having the opportunity to promote their company on our No. 42 Chevy will be a great experience.” notes Dillon.

Fans can watch the No. 42 EG3 Technologies Chevrolet make its on-track debut this coming Sunday at 6:00 PM ET on the USA Network. For more news, coverage, and behind-the-scenes content, follow Petty GMS across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

About EG3 Technologies:

Founded in 2018, EG3 Technologies LLC is a privately held Small Business Enterprise (SBE) providing Part 145 Repair Capabilities, advanced hybrid manufacturing, and electro-mechanical design/assembly solutions for government agencies and businesses that have requirements for extreme performance and reliability. EG3’s founding vision came through the observations and experiences of its creators, which underscored the need for an agile organization that can provide business and government agencies with rapid development of the innovative, high-performance solutions they rely on. EG3’s entry into the marketplace has been received with accolades, with multiple customer testimonies to the high standards of their innovation and execution, as well as their exceptional communication and client responsiveness. Since 2020, EG3 has created dedicated Government and Large Business verticals to better address the needs of requirements of its large-scale clients.

ABOUT PETTY GMS:

Petty GMS competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, operating the No. 42 Chevrolet for Ty Dillon and the No. 43 Chevrolet for Erik Jones. Founded in December 2021, Maury Gallagher, championship team owner of GMS Racing, purchased a majority interest of Richard Petty Motorsports. Inaugural NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty, known as “The King,” remains a key stakeholder of the organization. For more information, please visit www.pettygms.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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

JR Motorsports — NXS Darlington II Preview

By
Official Release
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JR MOTORSPORTS TEAM PREVIEW:
TRACK: Darlington Raceway
RACE: Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 (147 laps / 200.8 miles)
DATE: Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022

Broadcast Information – TV: 3 p.m. ET on USA / Radio: 2:30 p.m. ET on MRN and Sirius XM Ch. 90

Sam Mayer
No. 1 Accelerate Professional Talent Solutions Chevrolet
• In two starts at Darlington Raceway, Sam Mayer has a best finish of fifth, coming earlier this season.
• Mayer has 17 starts at tracks measuring between 1 and 2 miles in length and has recorded five top-five and seven top10 finishes, with a best finish of third at both Charlotte Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway this season.
• The 18-year-old Franklin, Wis. native ran inside the top five for much of last week’s race at Daytona International Speedway before being involved in a multi-car crash.
• The No. 1 team currently sits ninth in the championship standings, 86 points above the playoff cutline with only three races remaining in the regular season.

Josh Berry
No. 8 HarrisonsUSA.com Back to School Chevrolet
• Josh Berry has three starts at Darlington with a best finish of second coming at the first race at the South Carolina track last season.
• Berry and partner Harrison’s USA are celebrating back to school with a special chalkboard-style scheme promoting different clothing options for the new school year.
• The No. 8 was comfortably inside the top 10 last week at Daytona before being involved in a multi-car incident, relegating the team to an 18th-place finish.
• Berry is currently tied with teammate Justin Allgaier with the second most stage wins (6) this season.

Noah Gragson
No. 9 Bass Pro Shops / TrueTimber / Black Rifle Coffee Chevrolet
• Noah Gragson has finished second and first in his last two NXS starts at Darlington, winning the fall race last season and finishing second there in the spring.
• In six starts on the 1.366-mile oval, Gragson has one victory, three top-fives and six top 10s. His average finish at Darlington is 4.5 over his career.
• Gragson has been a model of consistency at Darlington, completing all 888 laps of competition and leading 171 laps in his six starts.
• On tracks measuring 1 to 1.5 miles this season, Gragson has one victory and five top-five finishes.

Justin Allgaier
No. 7 Hellmann’s Chevrolet
• Justin Allgaier has won two of the last three NASCAR Xfinity Series events at Darlington (May 2021, May 2022), and enters this weekend as the most recent winner at the track “Too Tough to Tame”.
• In the spring, Allgaier started third and led for 76 laps en route to his second victory at “The Lady in Black.”
• Overall, in 14 career NXS starts in Darlington, Allgaier has scored two wins, five top fives and 10 top 10s.
• With three races remaining in the NXS regular season, Allgaier currently sits third in the championship standings and ranks third in top fives (10) and is tied for third in top 10s (15) through 23 races.

Driver Quotes

“This Accelerate Professional Talent Solutions team brought a really fast race car to Darlington a few months ago. It took a little bit to learn the track since we didn’t have much to go off of from our race last season, but once we got going I think we had the speed to win. Going back this time, I know this team has built another fast Chevrolet and now would be a great time to get our first win together.” – Sam Mayer

“I’m ready to get back to Darlington on Saturday with our Hellmann’s Chevrolet and see what we can do. Jason (Burdett, crew chief) has brought some great cars here over the last few races and hopefully we can replicate that same success again this weekend and get back into Victory Lane. The playoffs are right around the corner and we know thatDarlington is a great place to get some more playoff points. I’m ready to get going.” – Justin Allgaier

“The last two times I have been to Darlington we have put ourselves in the position to fight for the win. The result earlier this year doesn’t show our speed and we decided to poke a little fun with the rear bumper this weekend saying ‘I will NOT jump the restart’ as Harrison’s USA celebrates everyone heading back to school. Hopefully we can come in with that same speed and build a little momentum as we close in on the playoffs in a few weeks.” – Josh Berry

“Darlington is a great track for me and this Bass Pro Shops/TrueTimber/Black Rifle Coffee team. It’s fast and suits my driving style. We won here last summer and were second in the spring, and we’ve been really fast all year on this type of track. The playoffs are coming up and we’re in good shape to make some noise. The momentum is important, and we’ve got it right now.” – Noah Gragson

JRM Team Updates:

• JR Motorsports at Darlington: JR Motorsports has competed at Darlington Raceway a combined 55 times in the NXS. Over the course of those starts at the historic 1.366-mile facility, the organization has tallied five wins, 17 top fives and 34 top 10s. The track labeled as “Too Tough To Tame” has been no match for JRM as the team looks to take their fourth straight win (Allgaier- 2021-22, Gragson – 2021) this weekend.
• Harrison’s USA: Shop your Back to School outfit needs by visiting your closest Harrison’s USA store or by shopping online here.
• Hellmann’s Mayo: Think you have tried Hellmann’s Mayonnaise on everything? Think again. Add a trendy spicy twist to a classic Margarita (as long as you’re over the age of 21) with Hellmann’s Spicy Mayonnaise Dressing; tasting is believing! Find the recipe here and let us know how great it tastes!
• Chevrolet Display: JRM drivers Josh Berry and Sam Mayer will be signing autographs at the Team Chevy display in the Darlington Raceway Fan Zone on Saturday, Sept. 3 from 1 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
• Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Justin Allgaier and Noah Gragson will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports/Hendrick Motorsports souvenir rig on Saturday, Sept. 3 from 12:30pm to 1 p.m.

Wood Brothers To Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Motorcraft and the Team’s 100th Darlington Start This Weekend

By
Official Release
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This weekend’s Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway is a milestone event for Harrison Burton, the Wood Brothers and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane crew. For Sunday’s race, the No. 21 Mustang will carry a “Tried and True Since ‘72” logo on the hood, paying tribute to Motorcraft’s 50th anniversary. Motorcraft supplies parts that are designed, engineered, and recommended by Ford Motor Company for installation on Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

Sunday’s race also marks the 100th Darlington start for the Wood Brothers team, and the No. 21 Mustang will honor a long-time Ford employee as part of the Labor Day Weekend celebration.

The Woods made their Darlington debut in the 1961 Rebel 300 with Curtis Turner wheeling the No. 21 Ford that was running as a Convertible, which was allowed by the rules of that era.

Greg Fielden’s Forty Years of Stock Car Racing, the go-to series of books on NASCAR’s early races, described the late-race battle for the win between the veteran Turner and the newcomer Fred Lorenzen in dramatic terms.

Fielden’s account of the finish described the race for the lead: “Fair-haired Fred Lorenzen and old pro Curtis Turner fought each other with fists of steel in Darlington Raceway’s fifth annual Rebel 300 in a death-defying slugfest which decided perhaps the most exciting stock car race of all time.”

Turner wound up an unhappy runner-up, according to Fielden. “If I could have caught him before the checkered flag, I guarantee you he never would have finished the race,” Turner was quoted as saying.

Leonard Wood, co-founder of the Wood Brothers team, said that while some assumed that Lorenzen simply outdueled Turner, that wasn’t the whole story.

“We had some valve springs that were giving up, so Curtis didn’t have as much power as Lorenzen,” Wood, now age 87, said this week. “But the biggest reason was Curtis’ left-rear tire was into the fabric at the end of the race.”

The Woods have gone on to score eight Darlington wins, 12 poles, 22 top-five and 33 top-10 finishes entering Sunday’s race.

To top off this Darlington weekend, the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang will get into the Labor Day spirit by honoring Terri Barricello, a Service Advisor at Hilbish Ford in Kannapolis, N.C., who has been with Ford Motor Co. for 43 years.

As part of NASCAR’s Labor Day Weekend Workforce Appreciation Initiative, Barricello’s name will replace Burton’s on the No. 21 Mustang.

Kim Wood Hall, co-owner of the Wood Brothers team, said Barricello is well known for taking care of the dealership’s customers.

“Terri always goes the extra mile to make sure that when service work is done to any of our vehicles it is done at our convenience to get us back to work as soon as possible,” Hall wrote in nominating Barricello for the honor.

Practice for the 73rd annual Cook Out Southern 500 is set for Saturday at 12:05 p.m. to be followed by qualifying at 12:50.

The Cook Out Southern 500 is scheduled to start just after 6 p.m. on Sunday with TV coverage on USA Network.

Stage breaks are planned for Laps 115 and 230.

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford and Lincoln Dealers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.

About Omnicraft
Omnicraft is part of the Ford lineup of parts brands: Ford Parts, Motorcraft and Omnicraft. Omnicraft is the exclusive non-Ford/Lincoln parts brand of premium aftermarket parts. With over a century of parts heritage to build upon, Omnicraft provides excellent quality and fit and is a preferred choice of professional automotive technicians. To find out more about Omnicraft, visit www.omnicraftautoparts.com or contact your local Ford or Lincoln Dealership.

About Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center
Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change & maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator & electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension & steering, wheel alignment, belts & hoses, lamps & bulbs, wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services. Ford employs approximately 187,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com.

*See seller for limited-warranty details.

Wood Brothers Racing

Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 99 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glenn’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Harrison Burton in the famous No. 21 racer.

Team Chevy Keys on Portland in INDYCAR Title Chase

By
Official Release
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Will Power, No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet

Four Chevrolet drivers remain in contention for 2022 Driver Championship

DETROIT (Aug. 31, 2022) – One of the tightest championship fights in recent NTT INDYCAR SERIES history is coming down to the wire with this weekend’s Grand Prix of Portland set to play a huge role in the final standings.

Four Team Chevy drivers are part of the top-seven that remain alive for this year’s INDYCAR Championship heading into Portland, and all are within 58 points.

A maximum of 54 points are available at each of the final two races – Portland and the finale next weekend at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca: 50 points for a race win, one point each for pole position and leading one lap, plus two points for leading the most laps in the race.

Chevrolet-powered drivers in contention heading into Portland are:

· First: Will Power, No. 12 Verizon 5G Chevrolet, Team Penske – 482 points – one win, four poles, 10 top-fives (the latter two are most in INDYCAR this year); he won the 2019 Portland round and was the pole-winner in 2019

· Second: Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Hitachi Chevrolet, Team Penske – 479 points – five wins (most in INDYCAR this year), one pole, seven top-fives

· Sixth: Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Freightliner Chevrolet, Team Penske – 428 points – two wins, two poles, seven top-fives

· Seventh: Pato O’Ward, No. 5 McLaren Chevrolet, Arrow McLaren SP – 424 points – two wins, one pole, seven top-fives

Will Power, No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet

Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet

Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet

Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet

In the race for the Engine Manufacturer Championship, Chevrolet leads on the strength of 10 victories and 11 pole positions in 15 races.

The 12-turn, 1.964-mile Portland International Raceway presents a number of challenges and can catch out any of the championship contenders at numerous spots. Most notable is the tight frontstretch chicane, which has played havoc with many INDYCAR entries since the series returned to the circuit in 2018 after a 10-year absence.

With little elevation, the challenge of PIR continues with a number of slow- and medium-speed corners throughout the lap.

“This is one of the most competitive championship races we’ve seen in INDYCAR in quite some time,” said Rob Buckner, Chevrolet Program Manager for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. “Portland takes on more importance for that reason. Getting through the first chicane at the start can make all the difference not just for the race, but for the championship as well. Our teams collected significant test mileage last week, which gives us valuable data to get ready for a challenging weekend. It’s been a strong season but there’s no letting up for the last two races of the season.”

Chevrolet and the NTT INDYCAR Series head west for the Grand Prix of Portland, which starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 4. The race will air live starting at 3 p.m. ET on NBC, the Peacock streaming service, IndyCar Radio Network affiliates and SiriusXM IndyCar Nation (Channel 160). Live timing and scoring will be available at racecontrol.indycar.com.

BY THE NUMBERS: Chevrolet in INDYCAR

· 1: Chevrolet’s position in the INDYCAR Engine Manufacturer standings after 15 races

· 2: Consecutive front-row starts in the Indianapolis 500 for Rinus Veekay of Ed Carpenter Racing

· 3: Races for INDYCAR at Portland after a 10-year absence from 2008-2017

· 4: Consecutive victories by Chevrolet to open the 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin won the pole and race at St. Petersburg. Penske teammate Josef Newgarden won at Texas and Long Beach, and Pato O’Ward was victorious at Barber Motorsport Park for Arrow McLaren SP

· 6: Different Chevrolet drivers to win races dating to the start of 2020. Scott McLaughlin was the most recent at St. Petersburg

· 6: Number of Manufacturer Championships in the NTT INDYCAR Series since 2012

· 6: Number of Team Chevy Driver/Entrant championships since 2012

· 14: Consecutive seasons with at least one win by Will Power, including past 11 with Chevrolet. He won at Belle Isle in 2022

· 26: Wins by Will Power since 2012. All have come with Chevrolet, giving him the most of any driver with same manufacturer

· 42: Pole starts by Will Power since 2012 in a Chevrolet-powered car, most of any driver

· 105: Chevrolet victories in NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012

· 115: Earned poles by Chevrolet since 2012

· 180: NTT INDYCAR SERIES races as V6 engine supplier since 2012 return to INDYCAR

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in nearly 80 countries with nearly 2.7 million cars and trucks sold in 2021. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

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