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RFK Racing Brings Home Multiple dotCOMM Awards

Award-Winning Marketing Team Recognized for ‘excellence’ in digital communications for rebranding efforts and work with partners Castrol, Fastenal and Kohler

CONCORD, N.C. (Aug. 19, 2022) — RFK Racing has once again been recognized for its outstanding marketing efforts, this by the dotCOMM awards for its robust digital efforts over the past three years. RFK brought home a total of eight awards, including five Platinum Awards for efforts in digital marketing and communication, video marketing, brand awareness and social media.

“We are extremely proud to have been recognized by the AMCP (Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals) and the dotCOMM awards,” said RFK Racing VP of Marketing Operations and communications, Kevin Woods. “Not only does it speak volumes about the level of expertise and creativity amongst the team here at RFK, but it says a great deal about level of trust and commitment provided to the team by our partners, to allow us to work closely with them to build out robust and award-winning platforms that help to best accomplish their goals and objectives.”

dotCOMM Awards is an international competition honoring excellence in web creativity and digital communication. The awards offer third-party recognition from one of the most-recognized and highly-regarded evaluators of creative work in the world. Winning a dotCOMM award signifies web and digital work is ‘among the best in the industry.’

RFK was recognized on three separate occasions for its work with Castrol, including Platinum Awards for the 2022 Castrol Sustainability digital marketing and communications campaign and the 2020 Castrol ‘Garage Life’ Social Media Campaign. The team’s work on the Castrol 2021 Sustainability campaign was also awarded with a Gold Award.

In addition, RFK was awarded Platinum recognition for its 2021 partner launch with Kohler Generators and Gold status for last season’s Fastenal Forward campaign.

The team also received Platinum status for its 2021 rebranding efforts in the video, corporate image, and brand awareness categories. RFK also received a Gold Award for its uber-successful cutting edge 2022 ASMR Video Series that has yielded over 3.5 million video views to date.

2022 dotCOMM Platinum Awards

  • RFK Racing/Castrol Castrol Sustainability (2022) Digital Marketing & Communication
  • RFK Racing RFK Racing Reveal Video Video/Corporate Image
  • RFK Racing/Kohler Partner announcement (2021) Digital Marketing Campaign
  • RFK Racing RFK Rebrand Brand Awareness Campaign
  • RFK Racing/Castrol Castrol Garage Life (2020) Social Media Campaign

2022 dotCOMM Gold Awards

  • RFK Racing/Fastenal Fastenal Forward Brand Awareness Campaign
  • RFK Racing/Castrol Castrol Sustainability (2021) Digital Marketing & Communication
  • RFK Racing ASMR Video Series (Multi Partner) Viral Video for a Company

The dotCOMM competition is unique in that it reflects the role of creatives in the dynamic web that is transforming how products and services are marketing and communicated, and administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), one of the largest, oldest and most respected evaluators of creative work in the marketing and communication industry. Since its inception in 1994, AMCP has judged over 200,000 entries from throughout the world.

dotCOMM entries come from corporate communication departments, public relations firms, digital shops, advertising agencies and freelancers. Entrants include designers, developers, content producers, digital artists, video professionals, account supervisors, creative directors and corporate executives and offers third-party recognition from one of the most-recognized and highly-regarded evaluators of creative work in the world. Winning a dotCOMM award signifies to employers, clients, prospects and competitors that the winner’s web and digital work is among the best in the industry.

Petty GMS Race Preview: Watkins Glen International

Ty Dillon, No. 42 Allegiant Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Dillon at The Glen: Ty Dillon will be making his fourth NASCAR Cup Series start at Watkins Glen International on Sunday driving the No. 42 Chevrolet for Petty GMS. In three previous Cup starts at the road course in Upstate New York, Dillon has completed every lap but one, and earned his best finish of 19th position in 2017.

In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Dillon boasts a very impressive resume of three top-10 finishes in four starts at The Glen. His best NXS finish at the track was a fifth place run in the 2015 race, and he has also led six laps at the facility.

  • Road Course Rep Sheet: Dillon has finished better than where he qualified in all but one of the road course races of the 2022 season. Highlighted by two top-20 finishes at COTA and Road America, the No. 42 team has shown flashes of brilliance, most notably during the race at Indianapolis in which he ran up inside the top-15 before getting taken out in a late race crash. Heading into Watkins Glen, the road course where Ty has the most Cup experience at, an opportunity for another solid run might be in the cards.
  • Allegiant – Together We Fly™: Allegiant will serve as primary partner on Dillon’s Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Sunday’s race at Watkins Glen International. From America’s favorite small cities to world-class destinations, Allegiant makes leisure travel affordable and convenient. With low-low fares, nonstop, all-jet service and premier travel partners, Allegiant provides a complete travel experience with great value and without all the hassle. - About Allegiant: Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is an integrated travel company with an airline at its heart, focused on connecting customers with the people, places and experiences that matter most. Since 1999, Allegiant Air has linked travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class vacation destinations with all-nonstop flights and industry-low average fares. Today, Allegiant’s fleet serves communities across the nation, with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. For more information, visit us at Allegiant.com.
  • Richmond Rebound: The No. 42 Petty GMS team certainly turned some heads during the most recent Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway. After starting back in the 22nd position and overcoming early contact with another competitor, Ty Dillon managed to drive through the field and nearly worked his way into the top-10, passing some heavy hitters early on. During Stage three, Dillon would be hit with a drive-through penalty under green, and would drop down the running order. However, in an impressive showing of speed, the driver would be able to recover nicely with a 17th place result, marking his second top-20 finish in a row.
  • Watkins Glen Appearances: Race fans will have the opportunity to meet Ty Dillon on Sunday morning at the Team Chevy stage. Located in the Watkins Glen fan zone, Dillon will be participating in a Q&A session from 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM, so if you are attending the race, be sure to come on out and meet the driver of the No. 42 Chevrolet!
  • From the Drivers Seat: With momentum on your side after two impressive runs in a row, what makes you believe you can carry this into Watkins Glen?

“I personally enjoy road course racing and always see these types of tracks as an opportunity to put together some great runs at. Momentum is a real thing that can help serve as a big morale booster during this part of the season, and we are going to keep building on ours with everyone on my No. 42 Allegiant team.”

Erik Jones, No. 43 FOCUSfactor Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

-Jones at Watkins Glen International: The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Watkins Glen International this weekend for the fifth road course of the season. Erik Jones will make his fifth start at the track in the Cup Series on Sunday afternoon for the Go Bowling at The Glen. In his previous four starts at the track, Jones has two top-five finishes and three top-10 finishes with a career-best finish of fourth in 2019.

In addition to his Cup starts at the track, Jones has three Xfinity Series starts at the New York road course with a best finish of eighth in 2017. Jones also has one ARCA East start at the track in 2018 and finished 19th.

-Erik Jones Sightings: Fans attending Sunday’s race at Watkins Glen International will have several chances to see Erik Jones on Sunday, August 21, 2022.

Ferris Display: Jones will be at the Ferris display in the Midway from 12:10 p.m. – 12:25 p.m. ET.
US Air Force: Following his appearance at the Ferris display, Jones will make his way to the US Air Force display from 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET.

  • Focused on Winning: FOCUSfactor will serve as the primary partner on Jones’s Chevrolet Camaro for Sunday’s race at Michigan International Speedway.
  • About FOCUSfactor: FOCUSfactor is sold at America’s leading retailers such as Costco, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, CVS, The Vitamin Shoppe and Amazon.com. FOCUSfactor, America’s leading brain health supplement, is a nutritional supplement that includes a proprietary blend of brain supporting vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients. In December 2012, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued US Patent 8,329,227 covering FOCUSfactor’s proprietary formulation “for enhanced mental function”. The issuance of the patent marked one of the few times a patent has been issued for a nationally branded nutritional supplement. FOCUSfactor is clinically tested with results demonstrating improvements in focus, concentration and memory in healthy adults.
  • From the Driver’s Seat: Talk about Watkins Glen and competing this weekend.

“Road courses have been a struggle for us this year for sure. The last few years I felt like I was decent at road courses and had been running okay, but with this new car, it’s a pretty big change. Just trying to figure out what the car wants, what it’s going to take to make it good and what makes me comfortable on the road courses. We’re still trying to learn that. I do like road courses, especially Watkins Glen. It’s probably my favorite road course of all the ones we go to. I’m looking forward to it and seeing what we can do and hopefully going and being competitive in out FOCUSfactor Chevy. It’s definitely been a big change with the Next Gen car on the road courses and how they handle. It’s really changed the game a lot. I’ve been trying to learn that and figure it out, but I do enjoy the road courses.”

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.

Magnus Racing Goes for Value in Virginia with Last Minute Entry

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah. (August 19, 2022) — Magnus Racing has decided to make a surprise entry into the upcoming IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship round at VIRginia International Raceway, August 26-28.

“We had all the crew and parts available to run another race, so why not,” said Team Somebody John Potter. “And in this period of high inflation, our dollars go a lot further in Danville than elsewhere, so it really seemed the perfect match.”

Though the No. 44 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 racing team originally announced only running the four endurance races of the year (Rolex 24 At Daytona, Twelve Hours of Sebring, Six Hours of the Glen, and Petit Le Mans), the fan-favorite effort missed being a part of the action, checked the budgets, and decided to return one race early. The team will get the biggest bang for their buck in traveling to Danville, Virginia, and perhaps even a podium at the beautiful Virginia International Raceway.

Just the Michelin GT Challenge at VIR and Motul Petit Le Mans are all that remain of the 12-race 2022 schedule. Magnus Racing kicked the year off in spectacular fashion with a second-place finish at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. The team finished sixth at the grueling Twelve Hours of Sebring, then survived a weather-delayed and penalty-filled post-race to earn a fifth-place finish at Watkins Glen International.

The race weekend in Danville, Virginia will allow the team and drivers John Potter and Andy Lally some additional track time to prepare for the final event of the year, Petit Le Mans. Spencer Pumpelly will have to get his additional preparation laps at another time. Though the team is eighth in the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup GTD team standings, the field is incredibly tight, with fifth through 16th place being separated by a mere three points.

Magnus Racing will have two and a half hours of practice before a fifteen-minute qualifying session on Saturday afternoon. The Michelin GT Challenge at VIR will be a mere two hours, 40 minutes, clocking in at the shortest race of the year for the No. 44 Aston Martin and her team. The race will air live on Sunday, August 28 starting at 2:00 PM Eastern on CNBC, and stream live on Peacock. For more information, visit imsa.com.

Parker Chase Returns to Watkins Glen on a Mission

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y.: With his 2022 ARCA Menards Series season winding down, road course ace Parker Chase returns to the circuit in the final road course race of the season hoping to contend for his first career ARCA victory in Friday night’s General Tire Delivers 100 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.

Returning to the seat of Venturini Motorsport’s No. 15 Vertical Bridge Toyota Camry, Chase is hoping his return to the Finger Lakes of New York offers an opportunity to rebound from Pocono Raceway, but also deliver a similar performance as his most recent road course race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course where he earned a career-best second-place finish.

“I’m glad to be back in ARCA competition and racing at a track that I’m familiar with,” said Chase.

“Every race is an opportunity and with only a handful of races left on my schedule this year, I’d love to keep progressing forward and showcase my road racing skills again with a trip to Victory Lane on Friday night.”

Chase has previous experience at the 2.450-mile road course earning a podium finish in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge division and hopes to carry that success to stock cars in the short 41-lap race on Friday night.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a road course, superspeedway, short track or wherever, any type of experience at a track is beneficial,” added Chase. “With my experience and success at Watkins Glen in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge – I am hoping it will all pay off towards the bigger picture.”

Watkins Glen will showcase Chase’s third career ARCA start on a road course and with an average finish of sixth at his two previous road courses at the Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway Road Couse and Mid-Ohio, Chase knows the layout of Watkins Glen proves to be one of the friendlier venues.

“From a road racing background, Watkins Glen is definitely one of the easier road courses,” Chase explained. “It has some unique characteristics and there are plenty of trouble spots if you don’t pay attention – but as far as the technical element, it’s forgiving which makes my job a little easier behind the wheel.

“I just need to capitalize on that when it counts the most on Friday.”

With just three scheduled races remaining on his Venturini Motorsports slate in 2022, Chase aims to add his name to the winning roster of drivers for the veteran team.

“I really want to build some consistency with my Venturini Motorsports team over these next couple of races. Road course racing is a lot of fun and I know my team and crew chief Kevin Reed will bring me a fast No. 15 Vertical Bridge Toyota Camry, but I’m eager to win.

“I believe I can win for these guys and I would love to do it at a track that is an absolute blast to race at.”

Despite completing in only six of the scheduled 12 races, Chase sits a respectable 16th in the championship standings, 129 points out of 10th.

In addition to Watkins Glen, Chase will pilot a Venturini Motorsports Toyota Camry at a variety of race tracks in 2022, including Kansas Speedway and Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway in September.

Since 2020, Chase has 11 ARCA Menards Series starts to his credit with a career-best finish of second twice at Daytona International Speedway (Feb. 2022) and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (July 2022). Overall, he has earned three top-five and eight top-10 finishes and holds an average series finish of 9.6.

For more on Parker Chase, please visit ParkerChase.com, like him on Facebook (Parker Chase), Instagram (@parkerchase) and follow him on Twitter (@parker_chase19).

The General Tire Delivers 100 (41 laps | 100.45 miles) is the 13th of 20 races on the 2022 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Practice begins on Friday, August 19, 2022, from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. General Tire pole qualifying kicks off at 4:25 p.m. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 and the Motor Racing Network beginning at 6:00 p.m. ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire weekend festivities. All times are local (ET).

The Medicare Advantage Plans: Benefits, Traits, Vital Aspects, And More Factors Are Unveiled Here!

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

If you are about to turn 65 and want to get some government benefits, you will be qualified for them soon. But to be on the safer side, you need to consider the Medicare plans or the Medicare Advantage Plans to eliminate the possibility of facing the worst-case scenario. So here we are with some differences between standard Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans.

The standard options are available in two parts, known as Part A and B. Part A is the specific portion covering the hospitalization expenses. On the other hand, part B will cover the costs needed for doctor visits and medical expenses like preventative screenings and lab tests. However, the Medicare Advantage Plan is quite different as it is also known as Part C.

Part C or Medicare Advantage Plans is also considered ‘all-in-one,’ an exquisite alternative to the original Medicare. These bundled plans include different benefits obtained from parts A, B, and D. Some people consider Medicare Advantage Plans to cover the standard potions as they are served with great outlets. If you want to explore it more, look at the following points.

Specifications regarding Medicare Advantage Plans: –

  • By considering Medicare Advantage Plans, you are likely to get medicare rights and protections.
  • Besides that, you are served with complete Part A and Part B coverage with the perfect plan. Plenty of different plans present that offer some additional benefits that the original Medicare cannot cover.
  • Here the clients are served with the ease of getting help from vision, dental and hearing services. The best thing is that the out-of-pocket costs can be lower in the Medicare Advantage Plans.
  • So, multiple people are considering it as an exquisite way of getting admired facilities within a specific budget. But you need to keep one thing in mind: you can get charged with copayments during the initial 20 days of the plans.
  • The clients need to know that they are unable to buy Medigap.
  • However, you are allowed to join the Medicare Advantage Plans if you already have a pre-existing condition.
  • People are allowed to join a plan at a specific time during the year. It is going to increase the enrollment in a plan every year.

Benefits of Medicare Advantage Plans: –

Compared to the original Medicare, the Medicare Advantage Plan is that you are allowed to opt for the admired one. Here you are eligible to get the listed perks and even more.

  • The convenience regarding coverage options: –

Original Medicare offers two types of coverage: medical and hospital insurance. But if you want additional coverage you need Medicare Part D.

Here you are served with the coverage regarding Medigap for supplements along with prescribed drug coverage. With the help of Medicare Advantage Plans, you are eligible to get an all-in-one convenient plan.

  • Cost-saving opportunities: –

The Medicare Advantage Plans offer different advantages with no premiums and less to no deductibles. Another benefit is that you are proficient in selecting the medicare advantage that the consumers are served with set limits on the maximum out-of-costs that you need to pay during a year.

According to research, the Medicare Advantage Plan offers an excellent opportunity to save money on laboratory services. So here you are served with the medical equipment by switching to the Medicare Advantage plan.

If you go for the Medicare HMO plan, you might notice a lot more opportunities to save money while being able to get healthcare benefits. Here you will get the impressive HMO network that ensures the safety and the ability to save money, which gives you a principal reason to opt for it.

  • Personalized plan structures: –

Medicare Advantage offers a variety of plans that can help you with a personal situation. Working with a medicare consulting firm can help you create a detailed plan tailored to your personal situation. For example, if you are one of those dealing with chronic health disorders, you should go for Medicare Advantage Plans. Here, you are served with plans that offer the SNP advantages that can help you with medical costs.

If you prefer considering the Medicare Advantage Plans, you are free to opt for the service provider. Here, you are proficient in getting the PFFS or PPO plan that is readily available. In addition, the clients are free from extra services like vision, dental, or hearing; medicare advantage plans are included there.

  • Coordinated medical care: –

The Medicare Advantage Plan has everything you need; that is why you are proficient in getting coordinated medical care. In addition, it shows that you are proficient in getting the healthcare providers that are present there and actively communicate to coordinate.

The clients are served with different types of healthcare services along with other medical specialists. So here you are going to get the healthcare team, which can help you prevent unnecessary expenses and issues like medication interactions.

In a study, the experts found that coordinated care is present that is associated with higher patient ratings. Here, you are served by experienced and reliable medical staff that provides several benefits and numerous others.

  • Dental, hearing, and vision coverage: –

The Medicare Advantage Plan offers the coverage you cannot get by considering what original Medicare isn’t able to cover. The clients will likely get the benefits like hearing exams, vision, and dental coverage.

These plans offer the included prescription drug coverage without any additional costs. In addition, the Medicare Advantage Plan provides more benefits and traits you cannot get elsewhere. 

So here you are, proficient in getting the members who help you save on health care costs. Medicare is divided into different parts. You are competent in getting the ability to save money as there are multiple helpful and profitable options. 

Kurt Busch to miss final two regular-season events; aims for return in 2022 Cup Playoffs

Photo by Ted Seminara for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Kurt Busch took to social media to announce that he will not be competing in the final two NASCAR Cup Series regular-season events of this season at Watkins Glen International (August 21) and at Daytona International Speedway (August 27).

The news comes as the 2004 Cup Series champion from Las Vegas, Nevada, continues to recover from concussion-like symptoms stemming from a qualifying wreck at Pocono Raceway that occurred on July 23. The wreck has since prevented him from competing in the last four Cup scheduled events (Pocono, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course, Michigan International Speedway and Richmond Raceway) while Xfinity Series competitor Ty Gibbs has been filling in Busch’s 23XI Racing Toyota entry.

Despite his absence, Busch currently remains in contention to qualify for the 2022 Cup Series Playoffs by virtue of winning at Kansas Speedway on May 15 and with an injury waiver. His fate to make the 16-field Playoffs depends on the outcome of the final two regular-season events, beginning this upcoming weekend at Watkins Glen. In the event that the final two regular-season events are won by a winless competitor, thus tallying the total number of winners to 17, Busch would miss the Playoffs based on recording the fewest points of all competitors eligible for the Playoffs.

With Busch out, Ty Gibbs will remain as an interim competitor of 23XI Racing’s No. 45 Toyota TRD Camry entry for the following two Cup events and as part of a double-duty effort. The upcoming events at Watkins Glen and at Daytona will tally his total starts in the Cup circuit to six.

Gibbs, who competes as a full-time Xfinity Series competitor for Joe Gibbs Racing and is ranked in third place in the regular-season standings on the strength of five victories, made his inaugural start in NASCAR’s premier series at Pocono on July 24, where he piloted the No. 45 23XI Racing entry to a 16th-place result after starting at the rear of the field. His best on-track result during his four-race interim role has been a 10th-place run at Michigan on August 7, which marked his first top-10 result in the Cup circuit. His average-finishing result during his four-race stint is 19.8.

The No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota entry piloted by Gibbs is scheduled to compete at Watkins Glen International this Sunday, August 21, with the event’s coverage to occur at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network followed by Daytona International Speedway on August 27, which will air at 7 p.m. ET on NBC. Busch’s status and 23XI Racing’s driver plans for the No. 45 entry for the 2022 Cup Playoffs that will commence at Darlington Raceway on September 4 remain to be announced.

Andy Lally and SS Green Light Racing Partner with Ref-ology and Third Side Coaching for the Sunoco Go Rewards 200 at Watkins Glen International

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (August 18, 2022): SS Greenlight Racing, featuring driver Andy Lally behind the wheel, announce a one race collaboration with Third Side Coaching and ref-ology.com as primary sponsors on the #08 Ford Mustang in the Xfinity Series this weekend for the Sunoco Go Rewards 200 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.

Third Side Coaching, a consulting group led by Shelley Russi, President and Don Vaden, former NBA referee works with professional athletes, sports teams, corporate teams, and referees to bring its branded “Notice the Now” mindset into their clients’ real-time performance. Russi and Vaden have worked with the #08’s pit crew led by Phil Horton including Brehanna Daniels, Dalanda Ouendeno, Larry Brihm, Hadji Gaylord, Bud Noel, Breanna O’Leary, and Robbie Freeman on self-and situational awareness, and real-time decision-making to enhance performance during pit stops.

“We are excited to team up with SS Greenlight, driver Andy Lally, Crew Chief Jason Miller and the ref-ology pit crew at Watkins Glen,” said Russi. “This is our opportunity to showcase the collaboration with the #08 pit crew and our mental skills development program through the 2022 Xfinity Series season.”

“Facilitating the pit crew’s ability to deepen their competency in the mental aspect of their performance and helping each team member work to individually and collectively help the team has been a new and exciting sports performance endeavor for me,” says Russi, who has spent most of her career in basketball.

Vaden, will serve as one of the #08’s spotters this weekend, along with TJ Bell and Kyle Harvey.

“All athletes, including pit crew, drivers and spotters must perform at a high level in the moment for the team to perform with excellence – looking forward to delivering my part in helping guide Andy to the front,” says Vaden.

For more on SS GreenLight Racing, please visit SSGreenLight.com, like them on Facebook (SS GreenLight Racing) and follow them on Twitter (@SSGLR0708).

For more on ref-ology, please visit ref-ology.com, follow them on Instagram (@ref.ology), and follow them on Twitter (@refology).

The Sunoco Go Rewards 200 (82 laps | 200.9 miles) at Watkins Glen International will take place Sat. Aug. 20, 2022. The 38-car field will take the green flag shortly after 3:00 p.m. with live coverage on USA Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

Monster Energy Racing: Riley Herbst Watkins Glen NXS Advance

RILEY HERBST
Watkins Glen NASCAR Xfinity Series Advance
No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

NASCAR Xfinity Series Overview

• Event: Watkins Glen 200 (Round 22 of 33)
• Date: Saturday, Aug. 20
• Location: Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International
• Layout: 2.45-mile, seven-turn road course
• Time/TV/Radio: 3 p.m. EDT on USA/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Riley Herbst Notes of Interest

• The boys are back in town. After a rare off-weekend, the NASCAR Xfinity Series is back in action this Saturday at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International. Riley Herbst, driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), expects to maintain his front-running ways despite the break. Herbst finished sixth in his last road-course race July 30 on the infield layout inside Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He then delivered a solid ninth-place result the following weekend on the ultra-fast, 2-mile oval that is Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. It was Herbst’s 14th top-10 in the 21 races run this season, eclipsing his top-10 mark from all of last year with 12 races still remaining in 2022.

• When it comes to road-course racing this year, Herbst has proven resilient, bouncing back from two tough runs at the start of the year to nab top-10 finishes in his last two road-course starts. Herbst finished 26th March 16 at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, and then 35th June 4 at Portland (Ore.) International Raceway. But in the next road-course race July 2 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, Herbst dusted himself off to earn a fine seventh-place effort before securing another top-10 in the series’ most recent road-course race at Indianapolis.

• Herbst had to work for his sixth-place finish at Indianapolis. He qualified an impressive third and stayed among the top-five through the first stage. He restarted in third for the second stage, and while battling for position, was spun on lap 25 after contact with the No. 8 machine of driver Josh Berry. This sent Herbst to the back of the back, but the 23-year-old racer put on a tenacious display of driving, powering his way through the field in the race’s final 37 laps to finish sixth, his best result in 15 career road-course starts.

• The 2022 season is shaping up to be Herbst’s best in the Xfinity Series. Two-thirds of the way through his third fulltime season, he has equaled or bettered his best finishes at nine tracks on the schedule. In fact, he has already matched his season-best tally of five top-five finishes, set in 2021. In total, Herbst has 14 top-fives and 48 top-10s dating back to his first career Xfinity Series start on June 17, 2018, at Iowa Speedway in Newton, where he finished an impressive sixth as a 19-year-old.

• The Watkins Glen 200 will mark Herbst’s 98th career Xfinity Series start and his second at Watkins Glen. He earned a 13th-place result in his first start at the 2.45-mile, seven-turn road course last August.

• Herbst has two starts outside of the Xfinity Series at Watkins Glen. He pulled double duty last year at the track, finishing sixth in the ARCA Menards Series race on Friday before competing in the Xfinity Series race on Saturday. In addition, he has one start at The Glen in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, netting a 12th-place finish in 2019.

• With only five races remaining before the playoffs begin Sept. 24 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Herbst is solidly among the 12-driver playoff field. He is currently ninth in the driver standings with 583 points, 136 ahead of Sheldon Creed, the first driver below the playoff cutoff line. A win at The Glen would clinch a playoff spot for Herbst, but he can also secure his playoff position by pointing his way into the post-season with more top-10 finishes through the regular-season finale Sept. 16 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

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

What did you do during the off-weekend?

“I ended up going on a vacation with some friends for the off week, so I got a chance to relax for this final stretch to the playoffs. With that said, I was still at the shop working prior to that vacation. There’s always work to be done and we’re always trying to better ourselves. I’m glad that the guys got somewhat of a break and I think we’re refreshed and ready to go for some wins. This team deserves to be in victory lane and I hope we can get it done soon.”

You were strong in your last road-course race at Indianapolis. Does that give you added confidence this weekend at The Glen?

“Our Monster Energy Ford Mustang was fast at Indianapolis. It was a shame that we got spun at the start of the second stage. We had our work cut out for us, but we were able to battle back and get sixth. Obviously, we were encouraged by the speed we had to be able to do that, but we also were discouraged because we’re here to win. We thought we were strong enough to win, or at least run third. All in all, we were happy to show off the speed and people took notice of it.”

What’s been the key to finding that speed?

“We’re definitely more confident, both myself and the team. I’m going to tracks that I’ve been to several times now, which helps me, but we’re also putting in the work. We set goals for ourselves each week and improve. In the end, we have to do the small things right and keep building on the previous weekends. I think things are going well and we’re building in the right direction. People are noticing. I’m confident in my guys and my Monster Energy Ford Mustang, and I think that’s starting to show on the racetrack.”

No. 98 Monster Energy Team Roster

Primary Team Members:

Driver: Riley Herbst
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Crew Chief: Richard Boswell
Hometown: Friendship, Maryland

Car Chief: Matt Noyce
Hometown: Oregon, Wisconsin

Engineer: DJ VanderLey
Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

Spotter: Tim Fedewa
Hometown: Holt, Michigan

Over-The-Wall Crew:

Front Tire Changer: Kevin Teaf
Hometown: Tallahassee, Florida

Rear Tire Changer: Chris Jackson
Hometown: Rock Hill, South Carolina

Tire Carrier: Davis Sampere
Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina

Fueler: Corey Coppola
Hometown: Bluefield, West Virginia

Jackman: Kapil Fletcher
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Road Crew Members:

Truck Driver: Steve Wood
Hometown: Eatontown, New Jersey

Engine Tuner: Willie Pelotte
Hometown: Oakland, Maine

Tire Specialist: Austin Quick
Hometown: Flagstaff, Arizona

NCS AT WATKINS GLEN: Team Chevy Advance

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
Go Bowling at The Glen
Watkins Glen International
Watkins Glen, New York
August 21, 2022

NASCAR CUP SERIES RACE #25 – WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL

Two regular season races remain to determine the final driver that will complete the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series playoff field. NASCAR’s premier series shifts its attention from short track racing to the 2.45-mile, 7-turn road course of Watkins Glen International this weekend. Chevrolet looks to keep its road course success rolling at the multi-elevational upstate New York circuit, with the manufacturer eyeing its 11th consecutive NCS road course win.

NASCAR’s premier series first competed at Watkins Glen in August 1957, with Buck Baker driving Chevrolet to victory lane in the inaugural event. Since the series’ debut at the circuit, a Chevrolet-powered machine has recorded a series-leading 20 victories. While the bowtie brand looks to keep its NCS road course win streak alive, the manufacturer is also looking to go four-in-a-row at the New York circuit. Chevrolet’s three-peat at Watkins Glen started with Chase Elliott and his monumental first career NCS win in the August 2018 event. The 26-year-old Georgia native followed up that win when the series returned to the track in 2019, driving his No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet to back-to-back wins. Watkin Glen’s most recent NCS winner came from reigning champion Kyle Larson and the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team (August 2021), marking Larson’s second of three road course wins on the season.

ALL EYES ON THE BOWTIE

Chevrolet drivers and teams have proven to be the ones to beat when the NASCAR Cup Series takes on the left- and right-hand turns of the series’ road course circuits. Dating back to Chase Elliott’s Watkins Glen win in August 2019, Chevrolet has recorded wins in 14 of the past 15 NCS road course races, including a streak of the past 10. With road course circuits having a larger presence on the series’ schedule in recent years, the continued off track work and preparation that Chevrolet drivers and teams put in have paid dividends towards the manufacturer’s road course dominance.

“We are proud of the competitive performance that our drivers and teams have demonstrated to deliver Chevrolet 10 consecutive NASCAR Cup Series road-course victories,” said Dr. Eric Warren, Chevrolet Director of NASCAR Programs. “From time spent in the simulator to our partnership with the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School, Chevrolet strives to provide opportunities and resources for its drivers to continually improve their skills behind the wheel. With six drivers from four different Chevrolet teams contributing to this streak of victories, the on-track results are a testament to the work our drivers are putting in on and off the track to enhance their road racing abilities.”

A look at Chevrolet’s road course success in NASCAR’s premier series:

· Chevrolet has recorded wins in 14 of the last 15 NASCAR Cup Series road course races, including a streak of the past 10.

    > The win streak dates back to May 2021 when Chase Elliott delivered Chevrolet its milestone 800th all-time win in NASCAR’s premier series at Circuit of The Americas.

· Six drivers from four different Chevrolet teams have contributed to the manufacturer’s 10 consecutive NCS road-course wins:

Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet:

(Circuit of The Americas; May 2021)

(Road America; July 2021)

Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet:

(Sonoma; June 2021)

(Watkins Glen; August 2021)

(Charlotte ROVAL; October 2021)

Chevrolet All-Time Wins Leaders

at Watkins Glen International

4 Jeff Gordon (’97-’99, ’01)

4 Tony Stewart (’04-’05, ’07, ’09)

2 Chase Elliott (’18-’19)

1st Chevy Win @ WGI: Buck Baker, Aug. 4, 1957

Most Recent Chevy Win @ WGI: Kyle Larson, Aug. 8, 2021

AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet:

(Indianapolis Road Course; August 2021)

Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet:

(Circuit of The Americas; March 2022)

Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet:

(Sonoma Raceway; June 2022)

Tyler Reddick, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet:

(Road America; July 2022)

(Indianapolis Road Course; July 2022)

· Chevrolet has 61 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins on road courses – starting with Buck Baker at Watkins Glen International in 1957. There have been 154 road-course races in Cup history dating back to 1949.

· Three of the five first-time NASCAR Cup Series winners in 2022 are Chevrolet drivers, with all three recording their first career NCS wins on a road course circuit:

 Ross Chastain – Circuit of The Americas (March 2022)

 Daniel Suarez – Sonoma Raceway (June 2022)

 Tyler Reddick – Road America (July 2022)

· All behind the wheel of a Chevrolet, Chase Elliott has recorded seven road-course victories in his NASCAR Cup Series career, the most of all active NCS drivers.

Elliott ranks third on the NCS all-time road course wins list behind NASCAR Hall of Famers Jeff Gordon (nine wins, all with Chevrolet) and Tony Stewart (eight wins).

Elliott’s victories have been recorded at five different road courses, a series record.

TWO RACES, ONE SPOT REMAINS

Playoff pressure continues to intensify as just two opportunities remain for drivers to either win or point their way into a playoff spot and the chance to compete for the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Championship title. For the first time in the series’ history, 15 different drivers have made their way to victory lane this season; and with only 16 spots in the playoff field, the “win and you’re in” approach could potentially become irrelevant with two races remaining in the series’ regular season.

Items to note of Chevrolet drivers on the current playoff grid heading into Watkins Glen:

· Following last weekend’s race at Richmond Raceway, 10 drivers officially secured their spots into the 2022 NCS playoff field, with five coming from the bowtie brand. Drivers that have clinched met either of the two following requirements:

  Any driver with multiple wins: Chase Elliott (4 wins), Ross Chastain (2), William Byron (2) and Tyler Reddick (2).




 One-time winners that mathematically cannot be eliminated: Kyle Larson

· A familiar face atop the NCS playoff grid throughout the season, Chevrolet’s Chase Elliott could potentially clinch the 2022 NCS Regular Season Championship at the track that gave him his first career NCS win. Elliott needs to leave Watkins Glen with a 61-point lead over second-place. With Elliott currently sitting at 116-points over second-place Ryan Blaney in the driver points standings, his first career NCS Regular Season Championship Title is at arms reach.

PROJECT91 READY FOR COMPETITION DEBUT

Trackhouse Racing has taken the NASCAR world by storm, scoring its first win in NASCAR’s premier series in just the organization’s second season. Now sitting at three wins and both of its drivers currently in the NASCAR Cup Series playoff field, Trackhouse Racing will debut its latest venture at Watkins Glen this weekend: PROJECT91.

Trackhouse Racing’s Founder and Owner, Justin Marks, developed PROJECT91 with the ultimate goal of international reach through fielding a third entry – on a limited schedule – with renowned international drivers behind the wheel. 2007 Formula One World Champion Kimi Räikkönen will be piloting the No. 91 Recogni/iLOQ Camaro ZL1 this weekend at Watkins Glen to become the first driver to join PROJECT91.

Räikkönen has one title (2007), 21 race wins and 103 podium finishes in his Formula One career, with 2021 being his final year of competition in the series. While this weekend will mark his first career start in NASCAR’s premier series, Räikkönen has previously competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, recording starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May 2011.

BACK TO WORK AT THE GLEN

Coming off their final off weekend of the season, the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) gets back on the road, joining the NASCAR Cup Series for a doubleheader race weekend in upstate New York. Saturday’s Sunoco Go Rewards 200 at The Glen marks the fifth road course circuit of 2022 for the series.

In the four races featuring left- and right-hand turns for the NXS this season, Chevrolet has made its way to victory lane three times, all with the “King of the Road”, AJ Allmendinger, behind the wheel. Allmendinger’s most recent win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course marked his series-leading ninth career NXS road course victory. Scoring a double digit NXS road course win at Watkins Glen would be extra special for the 40-year-old Kaulig Racing driver as the New York circuit is also the place that delivered him his first career win in NASCAR’s premier series. That monumental feat came with the No. 47 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet team in 2014, which also gave Allmendinger his first appearance in the playoffs.

Of the 27 races that Watkins Glen has hosted for the NXS, Chevrolet has made its way to victory lane 10 times, including a streak of eight consecutive wins.. dating from a win by Terry Labonte in 1994 through Ron Fellow’s triumph in 2001.

CHEVROLET’S NCWTS PLAYOFF CONTENDERS LEAD THE CHARGE AT RICHMOND

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) playoffs are in full swing, with last weekend’s 250-lap race under the lights at Richmond Raceway marking race two of three in the Round of 10. Chevrolet’s two playoff contenders led the bowtie brigade to two top-10 finishes at the Virginia short track.

GMS Racing’s Grant Enfinger led the charge for Chevrolet at Richmond, piloting his No. 23 Chevrolet Silverado RST to a fourth-place finish for the team’s fifth top-five finish of 2022. While Enfinger has already advanced to the NCWTS Round of Eight following his win in the playoff opener at the Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Enfinger showcased consistency throughout the race, capturing valuable stage points following top-five finishes in both stages.

Carson Hocevar rounded out the Team Chevy top-10, driving his No. 42 Niece Motorsports Silverado RST to the team’s 10th top-10 finish of the season. The finish didn’t come easy for the young Chevrolet driver, with Hocevar enduring a late-race incident before battling back to salvage a 10th-place finish. Hocevar will enter the NCWTS Round of 10 elimination race at Kansas Speedway below the cutline, but just three points out of the eighth position.

The NCWTS will return to action at Kansas Speedway on September 9, where the 1.5-mile venue will host the series’ playoffs Round of 10 elimination race. The 134-lap, 201-mile race will reduce the playoff field from 10 drivers to 8 in the pursuit to the championship title.

BOWTIE BULLETS

· Active Chevrolet drivers that have scored a win at Watkins Glen International:

Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet – 2 (2018, 2019)

Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet – 1 (2021)

AJ Allmendinger, No. 47 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet – 1 (2014)

· Chevrolet has recorded wins in 14 of the last 15 NASCAR Cup Series road course races, including a streak of the past 10. In that timespan, six drivers from four different Chevrolet teams have contributed to those wins.

· In 38 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Watkins Glen International, Chevrolet has recorded a manufacturer-leading 20 wins, including the past three. That streak started with Chase Elliott’s first career NCS win (2018), with the Georgia native going back-to-back in 2019. Elliott’s teammate, Kyle Larson, is heading to Watkins Glen as the most recent NCS winner at the circuit (2021).

· Hendrick Motorsports leads the NASCAR Cup Series in wins (eight) and pole wins (seven) at Watkins Glen International, all recorded behind the wheel of a Chevrolet.

· Chase Elliott has recorded seven road course victories in his NASCAR Cup Series career; the most of all active NCS drivers. Elliott ranks third on the NCS all-time road course wins list behind NASCAR Hall of Famers Jeff Gordon (nine wins) and Tony Stewart (eight wins). Elliott’s victories have been recorded at five different road courses, a record in series’ history.

· Of the five first time NASCAR Cup Series winners in 2022, three have come from the bowtie brigade. The most recent is Richard Childress Racing’s Tyler Reddick, who drove his No. 8 Camaro ZL1 to the win at Road America. Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez also captured their first career win in NASCAR’s premier series this season, both of which were recorded on road course circuits (Chastain – COTA; Suarez – Sonoma).

· Chevrolet heads into the Watkins Glen race weekend with a manufacturer-leading 13 NASCAR Cup Series wins in 24 points-paying races. The bowtie brand also continues to lead its manufacturer competitors in NCS top-fives (55), top-10s (103), laps led (2,904) and stage wins (21).

· Seven Team Chevy drivers have combined 21 NASCAR Cup Series stage wins:

Tyler Reddick 2 – Fontana x2

Alex Bowman 1 – Las Vegas

Ross Chastain 4 – Las Vegas, Darlington, Charlotte, Pocono, Richmond

William Byron 3 – Phoenix, Atlanta, Talladega

Daniel Suarez 2 – COTA, Charlotte

Chase Elliott 3 – Martinsville x2, Charlotte, Atlanta x2

Kyle Larson 3 – Bristol, Sonoma, Pocono

· Chevrolet leads the driver points standing in both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Chase Elliott remains in the top position in the NCS standings with a 116-point lead over second; and AJ Allmendinger continues to lead the NXS standings by 19 points. Chevrolet also remains atop both the NCS and NXS manufacturer points standings.

· With its 40 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Championships, 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver Championships, and 827 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title of winningest brand in NASCAR.

FOR THE FANS

· Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Display in the Fan Midway at Watkins Glen International.

· Fans can check out an assortment of Chevrolet vehicles including: 2023 Corvette Stingray Convertible, 2020 Camaro LT1 Coupe, 2022 Equinox RS, 2022 Blazer RS, 2022 Traverse RS, 2022 Tahoe Z71, Silverado ZR2, 2022 Silverado 1500 Crew High Country.

TEAM CHEVY QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONS AT THE DISPLAY:

Saturday, August 20

· Jeremy Clements: 9:00 a.m.

· Jeb Burton: 12:00 p.m.

· Sheldon Creed and Austin Hill: 12:45 p.m.

· Josh Berry & Sam Mayer: 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 21

· Ross Chastain: 11:00 a.m.

· Ty Dillon: 11:30 a.m.

· Corey LaJoie: 11:45 a.m.

Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation:

Friday, August 19: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday, August 20: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 21: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

TUNE IN

USA Network will broadcast the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 21. Live coverage can also be found on the NBCSports Gold App, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

USA Network will broadcast the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Watkins Glen at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 20. Live coverage can also be found on the NBCSports Gold App, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

ROSS CHASTAIN, NO. 1 WORLDWIDE EXPRESS CAMARO ZL1

What makes Watkins Glen different from the other road courses?

“Watkins Glen is higher in grip than most places. It seems simple, but it’s actually more technical because there is so much grip. It’s simple when it comes to the turns but that means all of the inputs are much more important. It will be hard to pass so there’s a high risk of contact when it comes to passing.”

What have your interactions with Kimi been like?

“He’s talked more in the time I’ve met with him in person, than I’ve ever heard him in all of the interviews I’ve seen (laughs) and I’ve watched him for a very long time.”

What do you enjoy about Watkins Glen?

“The history of the track carries it. You look back at how many drivers have driven there, not just in NASCAR, but all forms of motorsports. The beginnings of the Watkins Glen racing scene and where they used to race on the streets and over by the lake, that’s cool. Thinking about how many world class drivers went down the frontstretch, turned up through the esses and went through the bus stop. I hope one day to run the boot. I know we won’t do that in NASCAR, but I hope to do it one day and extract that last little bit of lap time out. The boot layout would be on my bucket list.”

AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 BASS PRO SHOPS / TRACKER OFF ROAD CAMARO ZL1

How do you prepare for a racetrack like Watkins Glen International?

“A lot of time in the simulator, going over notes and watching old races. We try to make sure we are putting in the work beforehand. We’ve been working really hard on our road course program the last few years. Watkins Glen is a really fast, aggressive track. You can gain a lot by getting after it on the braking zones and it’s just a high-speed place with all of the grip in the pavement.”

Another road course race this weekend. Another wild card?

“Yeah, for sure. The road courses have turned into wildcard races. Taking care of your stuff, trying to make it to the end of these things becomes a demo-derby out there. This is going to be one of those ones that if you stay on track, you’re going to have a pretty good run. I have a lot of optimism going into Watkins Glen this year, though, because our road course program has been solid and we’ve put a lot of work in during the off season.”

KYLE LARSON, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1

Larson on the difference going from the NASCAR Xfinity Series car to the NASCAR Cup Series car:

“At Road America, the braking points were pretty similar, which was surprising. I thought the Cup car would brake much deeper. I hope it’s the same this weekend at Watkins Glen (International) because it would really, really help getting into a rhythm quickly for the entire weekend.”

CLIFF DANIELS, CREW CHIEF, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1

Daniels on the benefit of Larson running the Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen International:

“I think him getting the track time is great – not really because of his skill and abilities, but for him to understand the grip level. I know he is going to be fast in the Xfinity car and I know he is going to be fast in our car, but having the extra time to understand the grip level and other nuances of the track that’s different from a year ago. We do have recent test data to go off of and feedback from those tests – but nothing replaces actual track time and the condition of the track and how we approach it.”

CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 KELLEY BLUE BOOK CAMARO ZL1

Elliott on racing at Watkins Glen:

“Watkins Glen (International) was where I got my first win so it’s of course a place that holds some great memories for me. We’ve had a good amount of success there as a team and I feel like this year we’ve come a long way in our road course program with the new car. This is a track that I feel like we can really go and have a good run and get some momentum back heading into the playoffs.”

ALAN GUSTAFSON, CREW CHIEF, NO. 9 KELLEY BLUE BOOK CAMARO ZL1

Gustafson on this weekend’s race at Watkins Glen:

“Certainly the last three years have been good for our team at Watkins Glen (International). We’ve been really competitive there and we feel like this is another opportunity for us to go out there and have a good race. Our focus will be winning and ultimately trying to get some more playoff points. That’s the key. This is a track we should be able to do that at. Hopefully that will come to fruition and put us in a good position for the playoffs.”

WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 RAPTORTOUGH.COM CAMARO ZL1

Byron on why he enjoys racing at Watkins Glen:

“Honestly Watkins Glen (international) is one of the most fun race tracks we go to as a driver because it’s so fast. It’s not like a lot of the other road courses we go to that have much slower zones and such aggressive braking. Watkins Glen almost really feels like a superspeedway for road courses. I got to test there earlier this year in the Next Gen car and I think it’s just as fun of a road course in these cars compared to last year’s. I’m excited that I get extra track time this weekend there too with being able to run Xfinity on Saturday. It will make for a full day, but I think it will be beneficial to get those extra laps before Sunday’s race in similar race conditions. Plus, I want to be able to get Mr. Hendrick a win in the No. 17, especially since they’ve been so close this year already.”

RUDY FUGLE, CREW CHIEF, NO. 24 RAPTORTOUGH.COM CAMARO ZL1

Fugle on the preparation by the No. 24 team for Watkins Glen:

“I think our race last year at Watkins Glen (International) went well but I always think there’s room to improve. Since then, we have really worked on improving not only our road course racing notes but especially now with the Next Gen car and getting up to speed there. We’ll be utilizing the same tire Sunday that we have for most of the other road course races this year, so we have a good notebook built up on how they will react over a run. We also were able to test there earlier this year and had a lot of positive feedback while we were there. I think we’re more prepared for this race than we have been earlier this year on road courses. The main difference is how much faster this track is compared to the other road courses on the schedule. Downforce really plays a factor and so does handling, but I think that’s where our testing notes will really come into play.”

TY DILLON, NO. 42 ALLEGIANT CAMARO ZL1

With momentum on your side after two impressive runs in a row, what makes you believe you can carry this into Watkins Glen?

“I personally enjoy road course racing and always see these types of tracks as an opportunity to put together some great runs at. Momentum is a real thing that can help serve as a big morale booster during this part of the season, and we are going to keep building on ours with everyone on my No. 42 Allegiant team.”

RICKY STENHOUSE JR., NO. 47 SUGARLANDS / BALL PARK BUNS CAMARO ZL1

“I feel like our chances at Watkins Glen may be better because it’s one of my better road courses I go to. We’ve had a decent trend on finishes at road courses and I feel good going there. It’s fun seeing all the fans that come out for this race all around the track. It’s getting to be the end of summer and they are enjoying the best weather. We’re focused on putting together a good race because we want to have a solid race to go into Daytona.”

ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1

Bowman on his expectations heading to Watkins Glen:

“We have had good runs on road courses this season, but each track has its challenges, so I look at them one at a time. Hendrick Motorsports has had a lot of speed on road courses, and I have run a few extra races. Whether it was in the No. 7 Spire truck or the No. 17 Chevy Camaro in Xfinity, I had the opportunity to get more time on road courses, which I think has helped me this season. I will prepare like I have every week and make sure I give Greg (Ives, crew chief) all the feedback he needs to get the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the right place and we will go compete on Sunday.”

GREG IVES, CREW CHIEF, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1

Ives on the strength of Hendrick Motorsports at road courses this season:

“We have had speed every time we have raced at a road course this year and it goes to show how talented our team is back at the shop at building exceptional race cars. We had a No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 capable of winning at Circuit of The Americas and had a great car at Road America, so I know we will have another great car this weekend at Watkins Glen International. Alex (Bowman) continues to do his homework and our team is matching his effort as we get ready to head up to New York and try to get Hendrick Motorsports a win on a road course this year.”

KIMI RÄIKKÖNEN, NO. 91 RECOGNI CAMARO ZL1

How did Justin Marks convince you to do this?

“At first I wasn’t really looking into this in a serious way. Obviously, we had more talks about how it would work, where the race would be and all sorts of things. It was just one race so it made sense for all of us as a family. I enjoyed it when I had my few races there (2011). Hopefully I’ll have a good race and good fun. There are new cars there and I have never been at the track and things like that, but I am sure we can figure it out quickly.”

Will your Formula One and road course experience be an advantage Sunday?

“I don’t think so. It’s a new track for me and the cars are completely new. F1 cars are completely different. Looking at how these new cars are in NASCAR it compares more to Australian V8s. We will go and see how it is. I’m sure we will do fine.”

DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 PRINCESS CRUISES CAMARO ZL1

How nice is it to be locked in the playoffs?

“It is nice, but I am going to be honest, in my mind I am already in the playoffs. I have had that mindset over the last six weeks. I believe it is not possible to go into the playoffs and flip the switch and say, ‘okay, we are in the playoffs, now we have to push hard’. I don’t think it works like that and you kind of have to start building that up. And I feel like that is what we have been doing, especially with the 99 team. That shows on the track because the last two months we have had race cars capable of finishing in the top five every single week.”

You should be one of the favorites on Sunday?

“I agree. We have been really fast at every road course this year. Ross won at COTA and we won Sonoma, both of us were in the top five at Road America and we were second and third in overtime at Indy. I expect to be just as fast Sunday at Watkins Glen.”

How will your new teammate Kimi Räikkönen do on Sunday?

“I think he is going to be fast. The speed is there and the racing part is going to be a process because it doesn’t matter how much you practice in the simulator; doesn’t matter how many tests you do – the racing part is the racing part. It’s different and he doesn’t know all these drivers. He doesn’t know how they race, he doesn’t know how aggressive they are, so that part is going to take a little bit. You can bring the best driver in the world and it is going to take some time in the racing part. I think (as far as) the speed, I think he is going to be good.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics

Manufacturers Championships:

Total (1949-2021): 40

First title for Chevrolet: 1958

Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)

Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021

Drivers Championships:

Total (1949-2021): 33

First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)

Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)

Most Recent: Kyle Larson (2021)

Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021

Event Victories:

Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)

2022 STATISTICS:

Wins: 13

Poles: 6

Laps Led: 2,904

Top-five finishes: 55

Top-10 finishes: 103

Stage wins: 21

Tyler Reddick (Fontanax2)
Alex Bowman (Las Vegas)
Ross Chastain (Las Vegas), (Darlington), (Charlotte), (Pocono), (Richmond)
William Byron (Phoenix), (Atlanta), (Talladega)
Daniel Suarez (COTA), (Charlotte)
Chase Elliott (Martinsvillex2), (Charlotte), (Atlantax2)
Kyle Larson (Bristol Dirt), (Sonoma), (Pocono)

CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:

Total Chevrolet race wins: 827 (1949 to date)

Poles won to date: 729

Laps led to date: 244,240

Top-five finishes to date: 4,193

Top-10 finishes to date: 8,658

Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:

       General Motors: 1,161

       Chevrolet: 827

       Pontiac: 154

       Oldsmobile: 115

       Buick: 65



       Ford: 817                                                         

       Ford: 717

       Mercury: 96

       Lincoln: 4



       Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467

       Dodge: 217

       Plymouth: 191

       Chrysler: 59



       Toyota: 167

Team Chevy high-resolution racing photos are available for editorial use.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. 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.

Travis Pastrana & Chase Elliott Rematch Headlines Nitro Rallycross Phoenix Presented by A SHOC Energy

DEFENDING NITRO RX TITLEHOLDER AND NASCAR CUP SERIES CHAMPION WILL BATTLE F1 LEGEND JENSON BUTTON, EUROPEAN RX WINNER ANDREAS BAKKERUD AND MORE

November 12-13 at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park
Tickets Available Starting Monday, August 22 at 10am

(Phoenix – Thursday, August 18, 2022) With the dust settled from the action packed European leg of its inaugural global 2022/23 season, Nitro Rallycross has revealed more details for its upcoming U.S. run. NASCAR star Chase Elliott (USA) has now been added as a star car driver for Nitro RX Phoenix presented by A SHOC Energy.

This disruptive new force in motorsports returns to Wild Horse Motorsports Park on November 12-13 where Elliott will face off against global icon Travis Pastrana (USA) among an elite field. These two decorated drivers have history: Pastrana prevailed at Wild Horse Pass last year on his way to winning the 2021 Nitro RX season crown, while Elliott more than held his own in his rallycross debut during Nitro RX’s December’s 2021 finale.

Pastrana said: “As we gear up for the U.S. we’re so excited to welcome back Chase Elliott for Phoenix. Having a NASCAR Cup Series champion of Chase’s caliber return is so awesome, and it reaffirms our goal to challenge the best and most fearless drivers in motorsport while offering fans unparalleled racing excitement. But on race day it’s absolutely game on for the checkered flag.”

Elliott said: “I’m so excited to bang doors again with Travis at Nitro Rallycross in Phoenix. Last year was so much fun. I had a blast driving – the track was unreal. Flying over gap jumps definitely took some getting used to at first. But the thrill of putting your skills to the test on a course like this while competing against the best in rallycross is something I couldn’t get enough of.”

Pastrana and Elliott will battle in November while piloting the most powerful vehicle in rallycross: the revolutionary all-electric FC1-X, Capable of producing the electric equivalent of 1,070 peak horsepower (800 kW), the FC1-X can accelerate from 0-60 in just 1.4 seconds, launching faster off the line than an F1 car.

In order to top the podium, Pastrana and Elliott will have to face off against a lineup packed with the world’s best drivers, including Andreas Bakkerud (NOR) and Robin Larsson (SWE) of RX Cartel, who each have gotten a champagne bath after Nitro RX’s first two rounds. Legendary F1 world champion Jenson Button (GBR) is also aiming to hoist the Group E trophy as well as Oliver Eriksson (SWE), Fraser McConnell (JAM) and more.

They will have to face Nitro RX’s tough tracks, which push competitors’ limits with huge gap jumps, banked turns and steep berms. Combining the intense racing of rallycross with the big air thrills of Nitro Circus, Nitro Rallycross Phoenix presented by A SHOC Energy is truly where cars will fly and tracks will thrill.

Tickets go on sale Monday, August 22nd at 10am and will be available at nitrorallycross.com. Both general admission tickets ($20 single-day for Saturday / $25 single-day for Sunday) as well as VIP Club Nitro RX passes ($100 single-day for Saturday / $125 single-day for Sunday) will be available (all prices plus additional taxes and fees). Kids under the age of 12 can also enjoy all of the high-speed action for free. More information on Club Nitro RX’s premium amenities is detailed below.

Nitro RX Phoenix will also stream live in the U.S. on Peacock as well as on YouTube worldwide.

Nitro RX Phoenix presented by A SHOC Energy marks the third American round on Nitro RX’s 2022/23 global calendar, following the U.S. kickoff at Minnesota’s ERX Motor Park and a Los Angeles stop at Glen Helen Raceway. These dates follow a swing of European races, which began with the June series launch at the U.K.’s legendary Lydden Hill Race Circuit followed by a Sweden round last month. Additional upcoming stops include races in Saudi Arabia, Quebec and Alberta, all building to the first global Nitro RX season finale next March.

In addition to the electrifying Group E, Nitro RX Phoenix will also showcase a Side-by-Side (SxS) class, with a number of big names to feature in the high energy UTV racing that saw the likes of Robbie Maddison, Brian Deegan, Hailie Deegan, Cleetus McFarland and Nitro Circus’ own Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams and Hubert Rowland compete last season.

The next generation of stars will also be on display with the NRX NEXT class set to light up the Wild Horse track, with the best up-and-coming talent from the United States and Europe set to do battle on American soil. Supercars will return as well.

More details regarding Nitro RX Phoenix’s wide range of support classes will also be revealed soon.

With an open paddock area, racing fans can get an up-close look at Nitro RX and check out their favorite cars and drivers. Fans can stop by the all-new Nitro RX Fan Experience, which will feature a new entertainment stage, gaming area, concession area featuring local food trucks plus – for young racing enthusiasts – a kids’ electric rallycross experience.

Fans can enjoy special VIP amenities with the all-new Club Nitro RX. Highlighted by a private trackside viewing location and exclusive Club Nitro RX area, passholders will enjoy all-inclusive food and beverage, a private lounge, on-site entertainment and a chance to meet Nitro RX drivers. This new premium experience puts fans in the center of the action all weekend long.

A SHOC Energy, Thrill One Sports & Entertainment’s Official Energy Drink, is the presenting partner of Nitro Rallycross Phoenix. Other event partners include Yokohama Tire, Smirnoff Ice Smash, Gila River Resorts and Casinos, Myenergi and Guaranteed Rate.

ABOUT NITRO RALLYCROSS

Launched in 2018 by motorsports icon Travis Pastrana and the innovators of Nitro Circus, Nitro Rallycross has revolutionized motorsport. With innovative purpose-built courses, banked turns inspired by the wide-open action of Supercross and short-form, head-to-head competition, Nitro RX creates high-impact, thrill-packed racing. Nitro RX’s custom-built tracks – featuring the biggest jumps seen in motorsports – create unrivalled racing excitement. The full-throttle competition is now set to go global with Nitro Rallycross’ expansion into a full standalone championship series. Nitro RX is also adding Group E, an electric circuit featuring the all-new FC1-X, the most powerful Rallycross vehicle ever built. For more information, visit NitroRallycross.com.