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Black’s Tire Highlights Partner Dealers at Richmond

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BTS Returns to the No. 15 for Worldwide Express 250

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (August 10, 2022) — Black’s Tire reunites with David Gilliland Racing (DGR) and Tanner Gray for Saturday’s NASCAR Camping Word Truck Series event at Richmond (Va.) Raceway. It will be the fourth and final time that the longtime partner will grace the sides of the No. 15 Ford F-150 in 2022.

BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors will utilize the opportunity to partner with and highlight 40 of their Goodyear G3X Partner Dealers who serve North Carolina, South Carolina and Southern Virginia. The name and town of each dealer will be featured on the bed top of Gray’s F-150.

In three races with Black’s Tire on the hood, the 23-year-old Gray has scored two of his best finishes of the season with a fourth at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway and a sixth at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway. The other finish was a 21st-place effort in a rough-and-tumble race at Martinsville (Va.) Raceway.

“For whatever reason we seem to run really well with Black’s Tire on the truck,” said Gray. “I hope we can continue that this weekend at Richmond and put together a good race from start to finish. The stress of making the playoffs is gone and we have nothing to lose, so we can focus all of our efforts on going after a win.”

The Worldwide Express 250 at Richmond Raceway will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 at 8:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 13. Radio coverage will be provided by the Motor Racing Network.

About Black’s Tire

Black’s Tire was formed as Black’s Service Station by W. Crowell Black in Whiteville, N.C. in 1929. Now, with more than 60 locations in both North and South Carolina, Black’s remains a local, family owned and operated tire sales and service and vehicle repair business as well. In addition to retail and commercial locations, Black’s Tire also operates 6 warehouse and distribution centers, 3 satellite wholesale operations, BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors, a commercial sales division and a tire-retreading business, Carolina Retreads. The Black’s Tire family includes more than 925 team associates.

To learn more about Black’s Tire or to find a location, visit www.blackstire.com. Follow Black’s Tire and Auto Service on social media: Twitter at @BlacksTire, Instagram at @BlacksTire and Facebook at facebook.com/blackstire.

About David Gilliland Racing

David Gilliland Racing (DGR) is a race team owned by NASCAR veteran David Gilliland and businessman Johnny Gray. The team specializes in driver development, competing full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, multiple ARCA Menards Series divisions and CARS Tour with factory support from Ford Performance. In its first four years of operation, DGR has achieved success in each series tallying up multiple wins and championships. The team operates out of three buildings totaling 60,000 square feet in Mooresville, N.C.

RFK Weekly Advance | Richmond II

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Roush Fenway Keselowski Weekly Advance | Richmond

RFK Racing heads to the ¾-mile Richmond Raceway for the second time this season as just three races remain in the 2022 regular season. Jack Roush has 15 wins all-time at Richmond including five in the Cup Series.

NASCAR Cup Series Race at Richmond
Sunday, Aug. 14 | 3 p.m. ET
USA, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90

· Brad Keselowski, No. 6 ROUSHParts.com Ford Mustang
· Chris Buescher, No. 17 Fastenal Ford Mustang

History in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Overall, RFK has 360 starts at Richmond Raceway, earning a total of 15 wins, 89 top-five and 150 top-10 finishes. RFK Fords have sat on the pole 14 times and led 4,960 laps across NASCAR’s three major touring series.

To Xfinity and Beyond

RFK has earned nine victories, 43 top-five finishes, 66 top-10 finishes and an average finish of 11.8 at Richmond in the Xfinity Series. All in all, three different drivers are responsible for the nine victories at the Virginia short track (Edwards, Mark Martin and Jeff Burton).

Nine and Counting

RFK’s nine victories at Richmond rank fourth among all tracks the organization has competed on in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, trailing Darlington Raceway (15), Charlotte Motor Speedway (12) and North Carolina Speedway – formerly known as Rockingham – (11).

Tale of the Tape

RFK has started 219 NCS races at Richmond with 73 top-10 and 37 top-five finishes along with seven poles. Former drivers Mark Martin (1990), Jeff Burton (1998), Matt Kenseth (2002), Kurt Busch (2005), and Carl Edwards (2013) are responsible for RFK’s five Cup wins, and a Jack Roush Cup Series Ford has led 2,442 laps at the .75-mile track.

RFK Richmond Wins

1990-1 Martin Cup

1993-1 Martin NXS

1993-2 Martin NXS

1997-1 Martin NXS

1998-1 Burton NXS

1998-2 Burton Cup

1999-1 Martin NXS

1999 Biffle Truck

2000-2 Burton NXS

2002-2 Kenseth Cup

2005-1 Edwards NXS

2005-2 Busch Cup

2008-2 Edwards NXS

2009-2 Edwards NXS

2013-2 Edwards Cup

Grand Prix of Portland will feature nine races from five racing series

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Official Release
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Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson competes in NTT INDYCAR SERIES race again; ARCA Menards Series West points leader Jake Drew aims for second win at PIR this season

PORTLAND, Ore. (Aug. 10, 2022) – The Grand Prix of Portland at Portland International Raceway (PIR) is less than a month away and will feature nine total races from five different racing series in one action-packed Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2-4.

Stock car racing will headline Saturday’s action as the ARCA Menards Series West returns to PIR for the second time this year. Then the green flag drops on the weekend’s main event featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES on Sunday, Sept. 4.

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES field will once again feature seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. Johnson’s legendary NASCAR career spanned 20 years (2001-2020) and featured 83 wins (tied for sixth all time). His seven championships tie him with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr. for the most in NASCAR history.

Johnson currently pilots the No. 48 Carvana Chip Ganassi Racing Honda in his second NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. He will look to build on last year’s 20th-place finish in his very first appearance at PIR.

“With the progress we have been making lately, I’m really excited to get back to Portland this year,” Johnson said. “We have come a long way in a season, and I’m just looking forward to seeing the progression each and every week.”

The veteran racer has shown signs of improvement in the back half of his second open-wheel season, which also includes all the oval races this season, as evidenced by a 16th-place finish at The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Presented by the All-New 2023 Civic Type R (July 3rd) and more recently by 11th and fifth-place results at Iowa Speedway.

“We made some changes to our thought patterns at Mid-Ohio and have been progressing significantly each week,” Johnson said. “We are focusing more on what I need to feel comfortable in the car, which translates to me being able to push the limits more. The Iowa result was such a morale booster for everyone on the No. 48 (team). It was so fulfilling. We made great strides in Toronto as well.”

The ARCA Menards Series West race at PIR on Saturday, Sept. 3, will give series points leader Jake Drew a chance to win for the second time at the 1.97-mile, 12-turn permanent road course this season. Drew took home his first career checkered flag in a rain-shortened Portland 112 on June 4th and followed that victory up with wins at Sonoma Raceway and Irwindale Speedway.

The 22-year old, second-year ARCA driver of the No. 6 Sunrise Ford Racing machine has put together an impressive 2022 campaign with these three consecutive wins, two straight pole awards and top five finishes in all six ARCA Menards Series West races. The Fullerton, Calif. product credits the team around him.

“I think it’s just how hard the whole team works from the shop to the track,” Drew said. “We’re always doing our best. Even with all the success we’ve had, we’re still just pushing like we’re still hunting down that first win. It makes it fun when we’re doing good, of course. That’s what we’re all here for.”

Drew, who spent his childhood racing go karts before making the jump to stock cars, will approach the upcoming race at Portland full of confidence after winning at PIR in June and earning a pole at the track in 2021.

“I’m hoping it doesn’t rain again. The rain was definitely tricky, but we did race there last year in the dry,” Drew said. “We got the pole last year by a significant amount of time and pulled out some pretty big leads throughout the race. I think the competition will be a little bit closer than it was last year or even in the rain earlier this year, but I still think we have a super strong package. And I can bring 16 years of karting experience along with me as always when we go to the road courses, so that always helps.”

Additionally, the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires will join the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and ARCA Menards Series West at PIR on race weekend with all three series of the open-wheel development ladder running races: Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires on Sunday (Sept. 4) and tripleheader races for both Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires and Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship.

For ticket pricing, grandstand seating locations and additional festival information, visit portlandgp.com. Tickets start at just $20, and children 12 and under receive free general admission and access to the paddock. Stay up to speed on the Grand Prix of Portland on social media all year long by following #PortlandGP.

About Grand Prix of Portland:

Portland International Raceway (PIR) is the home of the Grand Prix of Portland. PIR is a 1.964-mile, 12-turn permanent road course owned by the City of Portland and operated under the Portland Parks and Recreation. Opened in 1960 to host sports car and drag racing, the 268-acre property hosts over 550 events annually including automotive and motorcycle road racing, motocross, cruise-ins and other special events including the Rose Cup Races. PIR has been the site of many memorable Indy car races. Al Unser Jr. won the inaugural one in 1984, and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES returned in 2018 after an 11-year absence with Takuma Sato the winner and another Indianapolis 500 champion Will Power winning in 2019. The Father’s Day race of 1986 featured Mario Andretti victorious over his son Michael on the last lap by less than a second. The closest three-way road racing finish in INDYCAR SERIES history took place at PIR in 1997 when the top three were covered by just 0.055 of a second. The Grand Prix of Portland is owned and operated by Green Savoree Portland, LLC, whose affiliates also promote three additional INDYCAR SERIES races, Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding (Feb. 25-27, 2022), The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Presented by the All-New 2023 Civic Type R (July 1-3, 2022), and the Honda Indy Toronto (July 15-17, 2022).

For more information, visit portlandgp.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page @PortlandGP or follow updates on Twitter @Portland_GP and Instagram at @Portland_GP using #PortlandGP.

Noah Gragson Joins Petty GMS to Drive the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Starting in 2023

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STATESVILLE, N.C. (August 10, 2022) – Petty GMS announced today that Noah Gragson will join the organization beginning in 2023 to pilot the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

“To be able to finally announce my plans for next season and officially say I will be competing full time in the NASCAR Cup Series is a dream come true,” said Gragson. “This is what we all dream of when we start racing at a young age, to be able to compete at the top level with the best in the world. I’m excited to join Petty GMS and drive a car that has so much history in our sport, the No. 42.”

Gragson is currently competing full time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series where he sits fourth in the 2022 Point Standings with five races remaining in the regular season. With three wins this season, Gragson is locked in to the 2022 Xfinity Series Playoffs where he will battle 12 drivers for the coveted Xfinity Series Championship.

“Noah (Gragson) has shown tremendous talent throughout his career,” said Petty GMS Owner Maury Gallagher. “I’ve watched Noah from a young age competing on the West Coast to now competing at NASCAR’s top level and he’s shown the commitment, desire and ability to win at every level. As we move in to our second year of competition in the Cup Series, Noah is a great fit for our organization and I think with Erik (Jones) and his experience, the two will prove to be contenders each week.”

At just 24 years of age, Gragson has compiled 179 starts in NASCAR’s top three levels of NASCAR competition. With a limited schedule in the Cup Series, Gragson has nine starts with his best finish to date being an 18th-place finish at Kansas Speedway on May 15, 2022. In the Xfinity Series, Gragson currently has 123 starts with eight wins, 52 top-five finishes and 85 top-10 finishes. With two full years of competition in the Truck Series, Gragson has two wins, 12 top-five finishes and 30 top-10 finishes.

“We’re excited to have Noah join the Petty GMS family and climb in the No. 42 next season,” said Petty GMS Chairman Richard Petty. “Noah’s proven he can win in the Truck and Xfinity Series and compete for championships, and we know he will bring that same fire with him to Petty GMS next season.”

Gragson will make his debut with Petty GMS for the 2023 Busch Light Clash at the LA Coliseum on Sunday, February 5, 2023.

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. The newly formed team brought together two storied organizations in December 2021. Over the last decade, owner Maury Gallagher built a victorious team, capturing two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championships, one ARCA Menards Series title, and two ARCA Menards Series East championships, as well as 65 wins and 235 top-five finishes across six series. Richard Petty, a member of the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2010, serves as Chairman of Petty GMS. Petty, known as “The King,” accumulated 200 wins and was the first of three drivers to win seven championships in the Cup Series. For more information, 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.

Chandler Smith – No. 18 Charge Me Tundra TRD Pro Camping World Trucks Richmond Preview

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Chandler Smith: Driver, No. 18 Charge Me Toyota

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Overview:
Event: Worldwide Express 250, Race 18 of 23 (Race 2 in the Round of 10)
250 Laps – 70/70/110; 187.5 Miles
Location: Richmond (Va.) Raceway (0.75-mile D-shaped oval)
Date/Broadcast: Aug. 13, 2022, at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR 90

Chandler Chatter:
Chandler Smith and the No. 18 Charge Me team head to Richmond Raceway for the second race in the Round of 10 of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series playoffs Saturday. In the opening race of the playoffs, Smith qualified second and finished second in Stage One at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, but saw his race take a turn for the worse in the closing laps of Stage Two when Zane Smith got loose underneath him while attempting to make a pass for third place. The No. 18 Tundra TRD Pro sustained significant damage after getting slammed into the wall and would limp home to an 18th-place finish. Smith, who entered the playoffs second on the grid, slid down into a tie for fifth with his KBM teammate John Hunter Nemechek, but did see his margin above the cutoff line increase from 20 to 24 despite the incident.

Smith will be racing for the first time as a father on Saturday. He and his wife, Kenzie, welcomed Chandler Smith Jr. to the world on Aug. 2, 2022 at 9:16 a.m. ET.

The 20-year-old driver will be making his third Truck Series start at Richmond. He led 24 laps and finished fourth in last year’s race at the 0.75-mile D-shaped oval after finishing 12th in 2020.

The Toyota Racing Development product has produced two wins, seven top-five and 11 top-10 finishes across 17 Truck Series starts this season. He won the second race of the season at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway and was victorious again in the regular season finale at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway. Smith has already eclipsed the number of top-five and to-10 finishes he recorded in his rookie campaign. He ranks first among Truck Series regulars in laps completed (2219) and quality passes (571), second in average finish (9.3) and third in driver rating (100.4) and average running position (9.132).

Smith made the playoffs last year in his first full-time campaign as the 10th seed. He advanced to the Round of 8 with a must-win victory at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway in the final race in the Round of 10. He found himself in another must-win situation in the final race in the Round of 8 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway and saw his playoff run end when he finished fourth. As a consolation prize, he won the pole and swept all three stages in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series finale at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway.

The Georgia driver earned NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year honors in 2021 after producing two victories, one pole, 213 laps led, six top-five and nine top-10 finishes in his first full-time season. He earned his first career Truck Series victory at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway in September of 2021. Across 54 career Truck Series starts, the Toyota Racing Development driver had recorded four wins, one pole, 451 laps led, 21 top-five and 29 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 13.1.

Veteran crew chief Danny Stockman will once again call the shots for Smith and the No. 18 team in 2022. Stockman’s drivers have produced eight victories at KBM since he joined the organization in 2020, including four with Smith behind the wheel. The veteran crew chief captured a Truck Series championship with Austin Dillon in 2011 and also won an Xfinity Series championship with Dillon in 2013. Stockman has been atop the pit box for two Truck Series races at Richmond, both with Smith, with a best result of fourth in last year’s event.

Charge Me will be the primary sponsor on Smith’s No. 18 Tundra TRD Pro for the final time this season Saturday at Richmond. Charge Me was founded on the principle that the electric vehicle (EV) revolution will require robust infrastructure support at all levels.

Chandler Smith, Driver Q&A:
Chandler Smith | Richmond Raceway Preview
Talk about the experience of welcoming your first child to the world.
“It’s been amazing to say the least. Everyone talks about how life changing it is to have a child, to get married and to be a father, and to both of those points that is still an understatement saying that its life changing. We are simply blessed – it was an amazing experience for my wife through labor and delivery, and an amazing experience for myself. Obviously, me and my wife have gotten even closer now that we have a child, so it’s just overall a surreal experience and I’ve never been so happy in my life.”

You finished fourth at Richmond last year. What is your mindset heading back there this year?
“It’s a short track essentially and we have a good notebook going back there. Last year, we weren’t great there, we finished fourth, but we didn’t have a fourth-place truck. We took probably a 10th-place truck and salvaged a fourth place out of it – which is really good from a team aspect. We have a lot of notes going back on what we did wrong and what we need to do to fix that. I feel like our short track program has come a long way since last year at Richmond as well, so I’m feeling really confident in myself and my team and everybody that’s at KBM.”

How do you approach Saturday’s race being 24 points above the cutoff line for advancing to the Round of 8.
“I wouldn’t say I’m not worried about making the cutoff because anything can happen. IRP (Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park) is a prime example, we were second starting and now we are fifth or sixth, so one race can really shift things a lot. I wouldn’t say I’m not worried, but I will say that we are still going for wins, stage points, playoff points – that’s our main focus still. I feel like if the performance is there than the points will come with it.”

Chandler Smith Career Highlights:

  • Across 55 career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts has recorded four wins, 464 laps led, 21 top-five and 29 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 13.2.
  • Earned NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year honors in 2021 and finished eighth in the championship standings after producing two victories, one pole, 213 laps led, six top-five and nine top-10 finishes in his first full-time season. He earned his first career Truck Series victory at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway in September and in the series finale at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway earned his first career pole and swept all three stages en route to his second victory.
  • Has posted an average finish of 29.5 across two NASCAR Xfinity Series starts in 2022, with a best result of 22nd coming at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway.
  • Has collected 10 wins, 10 poles, 1894 laps led, 23 top-five and 30 top-10 finishes en route to an average finish of 5.2 across 35 career ARCA Menards Series starts.

Chandler Smith’s No. 18 Charge Me Tundra:

KBM-70: The No. 18 Charge Me team will unload KBM-70 for Saturday’s race at Richmond. Smith has two victories with this Tundra TRD Pro, earlier this year at Las Vegs Motor Speedway and in last year’s season finale at Phoenix Raceway. He raced this Toyota most recently at World Wide Technology at Gateway, where he led 40 laps and earned the Stage One win before getting put into the wall while leading early in Stage Two. He would recover from the incident to earn a third-place finish.
KBM-70 Performance Profile:

KBM Notes of Interest:

  • KBM drivers have produced one win, three top-five and three top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 10.5 across six Truck Series starts at Richmond. John Hunter Nemechek was victorious in last year’s Truck Series race. Kurt Busch picked up the team’s lone NASCAR Xfinity Series victory at the Virginia track in April of 2012.
  • KBM holds the Camping World Truck Series records for most career wins (96) and most wins in a single season (14 in 2014). With his victory at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway, Corey Heim became the 18th different driver to win a Truck Series event for KBM. In addition to collecting a series-record seven Owner’s Championships, the organization has produced two championship-winning drivers: Erik Jones (2015) and Christopher Bell (2017).
  • The No. 18, the number which was on the first Tundra that went to victory lane for KBM in 2010, has 25 career victories.

GRAMMY-Winning Rap Superstar Nelly to Headline Pre-Race Concert, Driver Intros at Bank of America ROVAL™ 400

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  • Multi-platinum, diamond-selling rapper, philanthropist, actor and entrepreneur Nelly will kick off NASCAR’s most anticipated Playoff race with a 60-minute concert Sunday, Oct. 9
  • The infield pre-race concert is free for all Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 ticketholders; fans can get stage-front access with a Track Pass upgrade; To purchase tickets and upgrades for the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 weekend, visit charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 800-455-FANS (3267)

CONCORD, N.C. (AUG. 10, 2022) – Diamond-selling, multi-platinum, GRAMMY-winning rap superstar Nelly is set to rock the America’s Home for Racing with a high-energy pre-race concert before the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, Oct. 9. The rapper, actor, entrepreneur and philanthropist will also headline driver introductions ahead of the most anticipated race in the NASCAR Playoffs.

“I can’t wait to Rock the ROVAL and get fans revved up for an afternoon of NASCAR action,” Nelly said. “We’re bringing the party to Charlotte Motor Speedway and it’s going to be big!”

Nelly is scheduled to perform a 60-minute concert featuring a wide range of hits like No. 1s “Grillz,” “Dilemma,” “Hot in Herre” and “Shake Ya Tailfeather.” Following the concert, the entertainment kingpin will help set the stage for the pivotal NASCAR Playoff showdown, taking part in the pre-race driver introductions before the green flag falls on the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400.

The pre-race concert, which will take place on the infield of the innovative 2.28-mile ROVAL™, is free for fans with a Sunday Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 ticket. Fans can upgrade to a Track Pass for stage-front access to the concert and driver introductions.

Nelly burst onto the music scene with his 2000 debut album “Country Grammer,” producing hit after hit for more than two decades. His most recent music was released last year with his eighth studio album “Heartland.” The music mogul has also found success on the silver screen – starring in Adam Sandler and Chris Rock’s “The Longest Yard,” as well as a recurring role on “CSI: New York,” and a cameo on “90210,” among other on-screen roles. No stranger to the sports world, Nelly owns a stake in the Charlotte Hornets NBA franchise and has appeared as a panelist on the sports talk show “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed.”

More details on additional weekend entertainment and attractions will be forthcoming.

TICKETS:

Adult tickets to the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 on Sunday, Oct. 9, start at just $49. Kids 12 and under get in for just $10. Fans can upgrade their race-day experience with Track Pass, including stage-front access for the Nelly pre-race concert, driver introductions and more, for just $75. For tickets, upgrades, schedule information, camping and more, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

FOLLOW US:

Keep track of all of Charlotte Motor Speedway’s events by following on Twitter and Instagram or becoming a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

HighPoint.com Racing: Chase Briscoe Richmond Advance

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Official Release
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CHASE BRISCOE
Richmond Advance
No. 14 HighPoint.com Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

Event Overview

● Event: Federated Auto Parts 400 (Round 24 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Aug. 14
● Location: Richmond (Va.) Raceway
● Layout: .75-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 400 laps/300 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 70 laps / Stage 2: 160 laps / Final Stage: 170 laps
● TV/Radio: USA / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Chase Briscoe, driver of the No. 14 HighPoint.com Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), heads to Richmond (Va.) Raceway for his fourth NASCAR Cup Series start at the .75-mile oval and second of the 2022 season. Briscoe’s 11th-place finish in April was his best at the track in Commonwealth’s capital city.

● Briscoe, a dirt-racer from Indiana, struggled to find success on the short tracks throughout his time in NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series, Xfinity Series and in his first year in the Cup Series in 2021. When this Cup Series season began with the Busch Light Clash at the L.A. Coliseum on Feb. 6, Briscoe was consistently one of the best on track through practice, qualifying and the first laps of the race. The first points-paying race of the year at a track 1 mile or shorter came March 13 at Phoenix Raceway, a track that had seemed to have a stranglehold on Briscoe. However, the 27-year-old conquered Phoenix this time to earn his first Cup Series victory.

● Since the win at Phoenix, Briscoe has finished no worse than 15th in six starts on tracks 1 mile or shorter, with the exception of his 22nd-place result April 17 on the dirt at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, when he led 59 laps but spun on the final lap while attempting a pass for the win. Last year, Briscoe’s best finish on the shorter tracks on the NASCAR schedule was a 13th-place result earned in the fall at Bristol.

● In his five NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Richmond, Briscoe earned his first top-10 in April 2019, then returned that September to earn a fifth-place result.

● Only three races remain in the regular season, which culminates at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on Aug. 27, when the 16-driver playoff field will be set. Briscoe sits 15th in the driver standings with one win and is poised to make the Cup Series playoffs for the first time, provided there are no more than 16 different race winners this season.

Chase Briscoe, Driver of the No. 14 HighPoint.com Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing:

You’ve said Richmond isn’t one of your favorite tracks, but you finished just outside the top-10 in the spring. What changed this time around?

“I’m not really sure. I just felt like we unloaded pretty close to what we needed, where in the past we were so off and I didn’t really know what I needed on a short track. But that was kind of what we saw at Phoenix, too. This car has changed a lot of things and it’s hard to really pinpoint what the change is. I think a lot of it is how the NextGen car drives, and it just seems to suit what we do on short tracks.”

We’re getting closer to the end of the regular season. Is Richmond a place you feel like you can improve your playoff standing before Daytona?

“I think so. We’ve been really strong on the short tracks this year and SHR has done a great job getting the most we can out of these cars. So, yeah, I think we can have a really good day. The most important thing for us is to survive and have a good points day. We’re definitely in a better place than we were two or three weeks ago but we can’t get too comfortable. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a lot of big wrecks at Richmond, but there was a time when it was really easy to get caught in someone else’s mess, so we have to stay on the lookout for that and do the best we can to be there at the end.”

No. 14 HighPoint.com Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Chase Briscoe
Hometown: Mitchell, Indiana

Crew Chief: John Klausmeier
Hometown: Perry Hall, Maryland

Car Chief: J.D. Frey
Hometown: Ferndale, California

Engineer: Mike Cook
Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Engineer: Marc Hendricksen
Hometown: Clinton, New Jersey

Spotter: Joey Campbell
Hometown: Berlin, Connecticut

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Shayne Pipala
Hometown: Frankfort Square, Illinois

Rear Tire Changer: Dakota Ratcliff
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee

Tire Carrier: Jon Bernal
Hometown: Shelby, North Carolina

Jack Man: Dylan Moser
Hometown: Monroe, North Carolina

Fuel Man: Corey Coppola
Hometown: Bluefield, West Virginia

Road Crew Members

Underneath Mechanic: Stephen Gonzalez
Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Interior Mechanic: Trevor Adams
Hometown: Naples, Florida

Tire Specialist: Keith Eads
Hometown: Arlington, Virginia

Shock Specialist: Brian Holshouser
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Engine Tuner: Jon Phillips
Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri

Transporter Co-Driver: Todd Cable
Hometown: Shelby, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Rob Fink
Hometown: Mocksville, North Carolina

No. 10 Smithfield Ford Racing: Richmond Race Advance

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Official Release
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ARIC ALMIROLA
Richmond Advance
No. 10 Smithfield Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

Event Overview

● Event: Federated Autoparts 400 (Round 24 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Aug. 14
● Location: Richmond (Va.) Raceway
● Layout: .75-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 400 laps / 300 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 70 laps / Stage 2: 160 laps / Final Stage: 170 laps
● TV/Radio: USA / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● History at Richmond: In 20 starts, Almirola has earned seven top-10 finishes, two top-fives, and has led one lap on the .75-mile Richmond (Va.) Raceway oval. In his last seven qualifying attempts there, he has started outside the top-10 just twice with a best start of sixth in the September 2016 race.

● Almirola has shown speed at shorter tracks this season. He qualified second at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway and secured a top-10 finish. Almirola qualified fifth at Phoenix Raceway in March and had a fast Smithfield Ford. He qualified 10th in his last visit to Richmond this past April, but an ill-timed caution put him two laps down, ultimately finishing 21st.

● Before he sets his sights on his on-track performance this weekend, Almirola will spend Friday visiting the employees of Smithfield facilities in Suffolk and Smithfield, Virginia. The day will be filled with meet-and-greets, question-and-answer sessions, pit stop demonstrations, autographs, and more. On Sunday, Almirola will visit the Smithfield display in the fan midway, which will host the Smithfield production Ford Mustang that fans can enter to win at Smithfield.com, through the “Finish in Style” program.

● On Tuesday of this week, Almirola, Gwaltney, and the Roc Solid foundation organized a playset build for 4-year-old Adriana, who is battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. For five years, Gwaltney has supported Roc Solid Foundation’s mission through playset builds, Ready Bag programs, and Roc Solid On Demand. This year, Gwaltney’s “Building On Hope” campaign donation of $50,000 will support several Roc Solid Foundation initiatives, including the “Play Defeats Cancer Tour,” playsets, and Ready Bags. Click here for video footage.

● Driver Points: Almirola arrives at Richmond 18th in the driver standings with 518 points, 329 out of first.

● Playoff Points: The No. 10 Ford driver sits 19th in the playoff standings, 210 points behind the top-16 cut line. With just three races remaining in the regular season, Almirola and the No. 10 team’s only path to the playoffs is by race win.

● Almirola’s career: In 411 NASCAR Cup Series starts, Almirola has earned three wins, 28 top-five finishes, 90 top-10s, three poles, and has led 899 laps.

● One More Time: On Jan. 10,Almirola released a video on his YouTube channel announcing his retirement from fulltime NASCAR Cup Series racing after the 2022 season to spend more time with his family. His opening remarks were attributed to his grandfather’s mentorship. This year marks Almirola’s 11th fulltime Cup Series season. The official press release can be viewed here.

● Beyond the 10 YouTube Series:In 2022, Almirola is once again sharing his life beyond the No. 10 Smithfield Ford with season three of his award-winning YouTube series. Fans and media can subscribe on YouTube to see Almirola’s personality on and off the track. Episodes have already featured life as a dad, a husband and an athlete, and it gives fans a unique perspective on what goes on in the life of a professional NASCAR driver. Fans can also follow Almirola’s social media channels: @Aric_Almirola on Twitter and Instagram, and @AricAlmirola on Facebook.

● Almirola was the only NASCAR Cup Series driver to finish in the top-10 in this year’s opening three races. He finished fifth in the season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, sixth at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, and sixth at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Almirola’s top-10 streak ended with a 12th-place finish at Phoenix despite running inside the top-10 throughout the race.

● Richmond is a hometown race for Smithfield Foods, whose headquarters are located just 80 miles southeast of the track. Smithfield Foods is an American food company with agricultural roots and a global reach. Its 63,000 team members are dedicated to producing “Good food. Responsibly.®” Smithfield is one of the world’s leading vertically integrated protein companies. The company has pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including its industry-leading commitments to become carbon negative in U.S. company-owned operations and reduce GHG emissions 30 percent across its entire U.S. value chain by 2030. Smithfield believes in the power of protein to end food insecurity and has donated hundreds of millions of food servings to local communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan’s Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.SmithfieldFoods.com, and connect on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Aric Almirola, Driver of the No. 10 Smithfield Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing:

You have shown more speed recently but have unfortunately been caught in early race incidents. What is it going to take to secure the win you need to make the playoff field?

“First, you have to bring a fast car and put yourself in position to run up front. The rest is just executing and being perfect. This level of racing is so competitive and you have to do everything right. I have to be laser-focused, the pit crew has to be laser-focused, and Drew (Blickensderfer, crew chief) does, too. When everything falls into place, you have a chance at winning, but you’re still at the mercy of the guys around you. That is what has been so tough the last few weeks. You can have the fastest car, but if you get caught in a bad spot or make one small mistake, your entire chance is over. This NextGen car has made it even more competitive with all of the different winners, so hopefully it’s our weekend to have that opportunity for a clutch moment like New Hampshire last year.”

You have made the playoffs every year at Stewart-Haas Racing in clutch fashion. To what do you attribute that success?

“Never giving up. Always overcoming adversity and going to each weekend with a short-term memory from the weekend before. In this sport, most guys only win one race a year, which means you’re technically losing every other race that season, so you have to be positive or the mental side of things will eat you up.”

What kind of challenge does a short track like Richmond bring?

“I would say Richmond is one of the most challenging racetracks we go to for managing your tires throughout the run. The first 10, 15 or 20 laps of the run can make you feel like Superman roaring through the field, but you will pay a major penalty for that by lap 40. It makes it fun because, when we show up at Richmond, it really is about managing tire fall-off and making sure your car stays consistent throughout the run as the tires fall off.”

What’s it like to race at Richmond?

“Richmond is an awesome track to race at. It’s also pretty close to Smithfield, Virginia, so it’s a hometown race for Smithfield. We’ll be visiting both of their offices this year to show our appreciation for all of their years of support. It’s just a lot of fun to go there and race and put a show on for them and the Richmond race fans.”

No. 10 Smithfield Ford Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Aric Almirola
Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer
Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Car Chief: Jerry Cook
Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

Engineer: Davin Restivo
Hometown: Asheboro, North Carolina

Engineer: James Kimbrough
Hometown: Pensacola, Florida

Spotter: Joel Edmonds
Hometown: Dobson, North Carolina

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Ryan Mulder
Hometown: Sioux Center, Iowa

Rear Tire Changer: Trevor White
Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Tire Carrier: Tyler Bullard
Hometown: King, North Carolina

Jack Man: Sean Cotton
Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Fuel Man: James “Ace” Keener
Hometown: Fortuna, California

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Chris Trickett
Hometown: Grafton, West Virginia

Mechanic: Robbie Fairweather
Hometown: Westbrookville, New York

Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller
Hometown: Monroe, New York

Tire Specialist: Rusty Davidson
Hometown: Mount Juliet, Tennessee

Transporter Co-Driver: Steven Casper
Hometown: Salisbury, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Matt Murphy
Hometown: Augusta, Georgia

CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN ON STATE-OF-THE-ART NASCAR PRODUCTIONS FACILITY

By
Official Release
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58,0000 Square-Foot Facility to be Built Adjacent to NASCAR R&D Center in Concord, N.C.

Significant Investments in Infrastructure & Technology Will Enhance Live Event Production and Content Capabilities

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 10, 2022) – NASCAR announced today that construction will begin on a brand new state-of-the-art Productions facility later this summer. The 58,000 square-foot facility will be built on the land adjacent to the NASCAR R&D Center in Concord, North Carolina.

The new facility will house approximately 125 NASCAR Productions and MRN employees with further room to expand operations in the future. NASCAR will continue to have a significant presence in the Uptown Charlotte area, with a large contingent of employees remaining in Five Fifty South (formerly known as NASCAR Plaza) for the foreseeable future.

NASCAR will make significant investments in its productions infrastructure and technology to deliver first-class live event production and content to NASCAR’s fans and industry partners. This commitment furthers NASCAR’s mission of providing fans with enhanced content that brings them closer to the sport.

“The scope and scale of the NASCAR Productions business has fundamentally changed in recent years, with NASCAR’s live event production operation more than doubling since 2018. Developing a state-of-the-art facility that can accommodate our continued expansion was paramount,” said Brian Herbst, SVP, Media and Productions. “In this evolving sports media landscape, live event production and investing in technology that enhances the fan viewing experience has never been more important – it’s essential that our new workspace can facilitate that strategic growth.”

NASCAR Productions will produce more than 500 live events in 2022, up from 200 live events in 2018. Through a partnership with NEP Group, an industry-leader in delivering solutions for broadcast and live events, the new NASCAR Productions facility will be outfitted with the latest broadcast equipment and software to create high-end production quality and content.

The new location is strategically located next to the NASCAR R&D Center and will be more closely situated to a majority of NASCAR team operations. The facility will offer more space and will be a far more efficient resource for the industry at large. Though still in the early stages of development, the new facility is expected to be fully operational by the start of the 2024 season.

NASCAR Studios, the sanctioning body’s hub for content strategy, creation and distribution will also have employees based at the new facility in Concord.

NASCAR will conduct a ceremonially ground-breaking event on Wednesday, August 31st. More information will be shared as details for the event become finalized.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, LLC (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR consists of three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series™, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour™), one local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series™) and three international series (NASCAR Pinty’s Series™, NASCAR Mexico Series™, NASCAR Whelen Euro Series™). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

Yamaha Announces New 2023 Off-Road YZ Lineup

By
Official Release
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Including the Lighter, Slimmer, Faster & More Fun All-New YZ450F

MARIETTA, Ga., Aug. 10, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, is excited to introduce the new 2023 lineup of advanced, industry-leading YZ off-road motorcycles. Conceived for competition and extensively developed through knowledge gained at the highest levels of professional motorsports, the 2023 lineup of Yamaha YZ Motocross and Cross Country machines offer cutting-edge performance along with a level of refinement and rideability that instills confidence in every rider. Highlights for 2023 include an all-new flagship YZ450F Motocross model, along with an all-new YZ125X and extensively updated YZ250X two-stroke Cross Country models.

Fresh off back-to-back professional Motocross and Supercross titles, Yamaha introduces an all-new YZ450F for 2023 designed to push capabilities even further. Building on the class-leading power delivery, suspension performance and usability of the previous model, the new YZ450F raises the bar with more power, less weight, a slimmer design and improved handling in an even more usable package. The new 2023 YZ125X offers a completely new, more powerful 125cc two-stroke engine, revised suspension damping, improved brakes, enhanced ergonomics and a sharp new look making it the perfect option for young enthusiasts looking to move up to a full-size competition-ready two-stroke cross country bike. For riders looking for big 250cc two-stroke power in the ultimate cross country racer, the new 2023 YZ250X is now better than ever with updated brakes, revised suspension, race-inspired ergonomics and aggressive new styling. Continuing across the entire 2023 range of Yamaha YZ models, a superior level of off-road performance and unmatched reliability remain a constant.

“What really stands out about the new YZ450F is just how light and balanced it feels when riding hard,” said Derek Brooks, Yamaha Motorsports Motorcycle Product Line Manager. “This new platform builds on the legendary YZ suspension and handling with an even more powerful, yet controllable engine character that will offer expert riders everything they need to compete and win at the highest level. At the same time its revised ergonomics and tuneability with the free engine mapping Power Tuner makes it easier to ride fast for all rider skill levels. I’m pumped to see it hit the tracks soon!”

Welcome to the victorYZone

Yamaha’s off-road competition bikes offer the very latest in technology with performance features designed to help racing enthusiasts reach their maximum potential, win races and stand on top of the podium.

New 2023 Yamaha YZ450F & Monster Energy® Yamaha Racing Edition YZ450F:

For the new 2023 YZ450F, Yamaha engineers were tasked with improving on an already class-leading package. Traditional strong points of broad, torquey power, plush suspension and predictable handling had to be enhanced, but with a distinctly rider-centric focus for the new model with a five-pound weight reduction, increased control and improved ergonomics. The end result is a lighter, more compact engine that pumps out even more power, improved handling with greater agility while still maintaining excellent stability, and a significantly lighter, slimmer body with enhanced ergonomics for greater control.

Changes for the new YZ450F start with the engine. Completely redesigned for 2023, updates include new exhaust and intake port shapes, larger diameter titanium intake valves, new forged aluminum piston, new cylinder body, crankshaft and balancer assembly, and a switch from wet sump to dry sump lubrication. The combined effect of these features is more midrange and top-end power, including a 500 rpm higher rev limit for longer over-rev, and more linear output characteristics for increased rideability and control.

Helping lay that power down to the rear wheel, an all-new cable-actuated clutch design replaces the coil springs of the previous model with a new disc spring and integrates primary gear and basket into a single steel unit. The result is a more compact, lightweight and durable assembly which yields smoother engagement and excellent feel. Additionally, an all-new tri-shaft transmission layout vertically stacks the transmission shafts, raising the center shaft and forming a triangle between the crank, drive shaft and main shaft for a lighter, more compact transmission.

Providing riders with the opportunity to fine-tune engine performance to their liking, Yamaha’s industry-leading Power Tuner App has been extensively revised for 2023, retaining the full functionality of the previous version, but now even easier to use with more functionality. Engine mapping can now be made using an intuitive new slide bar. There is also a new lap timer, Traction and Launch Control tuning, and bike set-up guides. Additionally, a new lightweight handlebar-mounted switch allows on-the-fly selection of preloaded engine maps.

The all-new Traction Control System communicates wheel slip to the ECU, tuning the engine to maintain ideal rear wheel traction. Three levels can be selected: HIGH, LOW or OFF. The updated Launch Control System now features an rpm limiter which can be adjusted in 500 rpm increments between 6,000 rpm and 11,000 rpm for optimized launches when the gate drops. Both systems are controlled through the Yamaha Power Tuner App.

The next major update to the new 2023 YZ450F involves the completely redesigned aluminum bilateral beam frame.

Striking the perfect balance of precise cornering performance and handling stability, the new frame consists of more than 10 different aluminum components welded together. This provides the opportunity to carefully tune rigidity and flex characteristics of each component to ensure competition-level performance. The result is a better handling machine with lighter feel, improved bump absorption and increased traction, allowing the rider to enter corners with greater confidence and more line choices.

Improving on the YZ450F’s already category-defining suspension performance, new internal suspension valving works in combination with the new frame and body to provide exceptional bump absorption, increased traction and better cornering performance. High-spec fully adjustable Speed Sensitive System KYB® coil spring-type forks now feature a new hand-operated compression damping adjuster for simple, toolless adjustments, and the linkage-type rear suspension features a KYB® shock with damping characteristics to match the new chassis.

Finally, a new slimmer, flatter and more compact body design lends a much lighter, more precise riding feel. A completely redesigned air intake pathway, airbox and filter allow for a narrower fuel tank, significantly slimmer front shrouds and a lower airbox cover. Additionally, more seamless, rounded features including seat edges and side covers further ease rider movement for improved control. The rider triangle is also improved with increased legroom between the seat and footpegs, and revised handlebar position for a more natural posture and enhanced rider comfort.

Other top-spec details and convenient features include a push-button electric starter system with high-capacity ultra-light lithium-ion battery, 1-1/8-inch aluminum tapered handlebars, new compact PVC handlebar pad, new lightweight throttle cables, wide footpegs with new lightweight aluminum alloy brackets, a quick-adjust clutch perch and new chain guide all combine to ensure the new 2023 YZ450F continues to be the most complete, most well-balanced, most capable bike in the 450 class.

2023 YZ450F Features & Benefits

  • The ultimate open-class YZ, the new 2023 YZ450F takes the superior race-tested qualities of its predecessor and expands them in a lighter, faster, slimmer, sharper and more usable package designed to continue dominating the competition
  • Completely redesigned 450cc four-stroke engine is lighter, more compact and more powerful with an increased rev limit for longer over-rev
  • Overall weight savings of 5 pounds over previous model
  • Revised Yamaha Power Tuner App is even more user-friendly with intuitive new “Quick Setting” slide bar, Traction & Launch Control tuning, and additional new features
  • Two-mode adjustable engine mapping allows on-the-fly selection between two tuneable engine maps via new lightweight, handlebar-mounted push-button switchgear
  • New Traction Control System communicates wheel slip to the ECU to maintain ideal rear wheel traction with three selectable levels: HIGH, LOW or OFF
  • Updated Launch Control System now features adjustable rpm limiting for improved launches when the gate drops
  • More compact, lightweight cable-actuated clutch design replaces coil springs with a new disc spring for smoother engagement and excellent feel
  • New tri-shaft transmission layout shortens the engine from front to back for more optimized engine positioning
  • Redesign air intake path, airbox and filter allow for slimmer airbox cover and radiator shrouds
  • Ultra-compact 44mm Mikuni® throttle body ensures optimum fuel atomization while saving weight and improving mass-centralization
  • Completely redesigned lightweight aluminum bilateral frame carefully balances rigidity and flex characteristics for a lighter feel, improved bump absorption and increased traction
  • Slimmer, flatter and more compact body includes narrower fuel tank and front shrouds, and more seamless, rounded features for easier rider movement and improved control
  • Rider triangle is also improved with increased legroom and revised handlebar position for a more natural posture and enhanced comfort
  • Fully adjustable Speed Sensitive System KYB® coil spring-type fork and linkage-type KYB® rear shock offer best-in-class suspension performance with revised damping characteristics to match the new YZ450F’s chassis
  • Front fork now features a new hand-operated compression damping adjuster for simple, toolless adjustments
  • Large 270mm front brake rotor is coupled with a Nissin caliper and aggressive pad compounds to provide excellent braking performance
  • Rear brake feel is improved by reducing the rigidity of the brake hose providing a wider range of control at the pedal
  • Advanced computer-aided wheel design shaves weight without sacrificing durability, while rear wheel comes laced in a three-cross-spoke pattern for improved impact absorption and rider feel
  • Compact, lightweight push-button electric start provides effortless restarts
  • Lightweight aluminum tapered handlebar
  • Rubber-mounted four-position adjustable handlebar mounts reduce vibration
  • Premium Yamaha Blue and dark blue graphics scheme is embedded to provide excellent durability and scratch resistance
  • Race-developed Dunlop® Geomax MX33 tires

The new 2023 YZ450F will be available from dealers this November in Team Yamaha Blue for $9,899 MSRP. The new 2023 Monster Energy® Yamaha Racing Edition YZ450F will be available from dealers this October for $10,099 MSRP.

New 2023 Yamaha YZ125X:

Introduced in 2020, the YZ125X was conceived to bolster Yamaha’s Cross Country lineup while offering passionate two-stroke enthusiasts a dedicated enduro racer. In the first major update for the model, the all-new 2023 YZ125X reflects many of the extensive changes recently rolled out for the current competition-ready YZ125 motocross model, ensuring a high level of performance, but also incorporates a number of additional key modifications aimed specifically at boosting capability for rigorous, long distance, multi-terrain cross country racing. The result is a powerful, featherweight class-leading two-stroke woods racer that represents the ideal step up for young enthusiasts looking to enter into cross country competition or for seasoned riders, a supremely capable, lightweight and reliable two-stroke.

It all starts with a more powerful liquid-cooled 125cc two-stroke engine. Every functional part of the engine is new, including the cylinder, cylinder head, piston, piston pin, connecting rod, crankcase and expansion chamber all adding up to increased power. To enhance the YZ125X’s performance in varied terrain and over long race distances, features including Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) characteristics, exhaust timing and compression ratio have been optimized to improve ease-of-use in the low- to mid-rpm range. Further enhancing fueling and power delivery, a new high-precision Hitachi Astemo® Keihin PWK38S carburetor with throttle position sensor and 3D-map-controlled CDI unit provide clean, crisp throttle response. A new intake design with VForce4 carbon reed valve and a straighter intake path result in an improved feeling of power in the high rpm range.

To match increased engine performance, an updated braking system features larger front pistons, more rigid caliper, and a redesigned 270mm front rotor with a 30% increase in pad contact area, all combining to provide exceptional braking power and feel. A redesigned rear rotor maintains the same braking power while dropping outer diameter from 245mm to 240mm, reducing unsprung weight without compromising performance.

Taking the YZ125X’s category-defining suspension and handling characteristics to a new level, front and rear suspension damping has been revised to further improve bump absorption and cornering performance. Best-in-class KYB® suspension includes a fully adjustable Speed Sensitive System 48mm inverted front fork, now with new internals for more precise damping. Revised fully adjustable KYB® rear shock features reduced-friction Kashima Coat™ internals, separate adjusters for high- and low-speed compression damping and a full lock oil rebound system for increased comfort. Additionally, front and rear settings are fine-tuned to handle the types of demanding and varied environments commonly encountered in cross country competition.

To increase rider confidence in challenging conditions, a new flatter seat and more narrow fuel tank design, along with smoothly integrated body panels and slimmer radiator shroud width all combine to enhance freedom of movement forward and back, allowing the rider to easily shift body weight for increased control. Emphasizing its YZ racing pedigree, new front and rear fender design, bold Yamaha Blue and dark blue colorway, and premium embedded graphics provide a sharp, aggressive new look with excellent durability and scratch resistance.

Additional features on the 2023 YZ125X include premium lightweight blue Excel® rims wrapped in high performance Dunlop® Geomax MX33 tires, along with cross country oriented 18-inch rear wheel, larger rear sprocket, standard aluminum side stand, reserve fuel petcock, sealed O-ring chain, and a newly adopted scraper between the fork’s dust and oil seal for improved reliability in rugged conditions. Together, it all adds up to the perfect GNCC® racer straight out of the box.

2023 YZ125X Features & Benefits

  • Redesigned liquid-cooled Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS)-equipped 125cc two-stroke engine boasts more power in the mid- to high-range with cross country-specific tuning to enhance low- to midrange performance
  • New high-precision Hitachi Astemo® Keihin PWK38S carburetor features throttle position sensor and 3D-map-controlled CDI unit resulting in crisp throttle response and superior rideability
  • New straight intake design with VForce4 carbon reed valve improves power output and controllability in the low- to midrange
  • New shorter, lighter muffler
  • High performance brake setup features more rigid front caliper, larger front pistons and redesigned rotors with increased pad contact area up front for exceptional stopping power and feel
  • Improved rider ergonomics are more narrow with a flatter seat and slimmer radiator shrouds offering greater freedom of movement
  • Fully adjustable Speed Sensitive System KYB® inverted front fork with new internals for more precise damping, and a new scraper between the dust and oil seal for improved reliability
  • Revised fully adjustable KYB® rear shock features reduced-friction Kashima Coat™ internals
  • Front and rear suspension settings optimized for enhanced cross country performance
  • Race-proven, forged aluminum semi-double cradle frame
  • Removable lightweight aluminum rear subframe constructed of square-section tubing
  • Lightweight finely tuned chassis for nimble handling, more control and less rider fatigue
  • Revised six-speed, close-ratio transmission has wider transmission gear tooth width and new, optimized gear ratios for maximum performance
  • New lightweight rear sprocket design
  • Sealed O-ring chain
  • High-capacity radiator with dark louvers deliver maximum cooling and aggressive looks
  • Lightweight aluminum handlebar with two-position adjustable handlebar clamp
  • Adjustable clutch lever with works-style cable adjuster
  • New premium graphics are now embedded for improved durability and scratch resistance
  • Premium lightweight Excel® rims
  • Race-developed Dunlop® Geomax MX33 tires

The all-new 2023 YZ125X will be available from dealers this September in Team Yamaha Blue for $7,099 MSRP.

New 2023 Yamaha YZ250X:

At the top of Yamaha’s two-stroke Cross Country range, the light and powerful YZ250X provides two-stroke enthusiasts with the ultimate open-class XC racer. Already known for its strong acceleration, plush suspension, class-leading handling and rider-friendly character, significant updates for 2023 incorporate similar changes made to the Yamaha’s current YZ250 motocrosser to improve on key areas and provide an even more competitive, well-rounded package.

Rider ergonomics are more narrow and substantially improved through new, smoothly integrated body panels, slimmer shroud width and flatter seat. These changes allow greater freedom of movement front to back and easier weight transfer for improved control. Along with the slimmer, more aggressive bodywork, a new front and rear fender design and a sharp new graphics scheme highlight the race-focused YZ lineage. Premium graphics are now embedded to provide improved durability and scratch resistance. Additionally, updates to the seat and bodywork also enabled a new, straighter intake design, allowing a more efficient intake path to the engine for improved low- to midrange pulling power.

The YZ250X’s class-leading suspension performance improves with revised front and rear damping characteristics to enhance bump absorption and cornering agility. Fully adjustable Speed Sensitive System KYB® 48mm inverted front fork receives new internals and newly adopted scraper between the dust and oil seal for improved reliability, while the revised fully adjustable KYB® rear shock features reduced-friction Kashima Coat™ internals. Settings are specifically tuned to meet the harsh demands of cross country competition.

A revamped high performance brake setup provides exceptional braking power and feel with a more rigid front caliper, larger front pistons and redesigned 270mm front rotor that increases pad contact area. A redesigned rear rotor drops the outer diameter from 245mm to 240mm, reducing unsprung weight with no compromise on performance.

The 2023 YZ250X uses the same fast and fun liquid-cooled YPVS-equipped 249cc two-stroke powerplant as its YZ250 brethren, but with YPVS characteristics, exhaust timing and compression ratio optimized to improve ease-of-use in the low- to mid-rpm range for improved cross country performance. Additionally, clutch durability is enhanced through a new friction material with excellent heat resistance characteristics ideal for long distance racing, without compromising on smooth operation.

Finally, premium lightweight Excel® wheels combine with high performance Dunlop® Geomax MX33 tires, cross country oriented 18-inch rear wheel size, wide-ratio gearing, standard aluminum side stand, sealed O-ring chain and a reserve fuel petcock to complete the ideal high performance two-stroke XC competition machine.

2023 YZ250X Features & Benefits

  • Improved rider ergonomics are more narrow with a flatter seat and slimmer radiator shrouds offering greater freedom of movement
  • Advanced liquid-cooled YPVS-equipped 249cc two-stroke engine is lightweight, compact and fun, with a wide, tractable powerband
  • New straight intake design improves low- to midrange pulling power
  • Advanced Hitachi Astemo® Keihin PWK38S carburetor with power jet and throttle position sensor provides crisp throttle response
  • High performance brake setup features larger front pistons, more rigid caliper and redesigned rotors with increased pad contact area for exceptional stopping power and feel
  • Fully adjustable KYB® fork features the Speed-Sensitive System for precise handling and superb impact absorption, and includes a newly adopted scraper between the dust and oil seal for improved reliability
  • Revised fully adjustable KYB® rear shock features reduced-friction Kashima Coat™ internals
  • Front and rear suspension settings optimized for enhanced cross country performance
  • Race-proven, highly developed forged aluminum semi-double cradle frame
  • Removable aluminum rear subframe constructed of square-section tubing for reduced weight
  • Finely tuned lightweight chassis and advanced suspension endow the YZ250X with class-leading handling
  • Smooth-shifting, five-speed transmission ensures confident gear changes in all conditions
  • New clutch pressure plate material with excellent heat resistance characteristics ideal for extended cross-country competition
  • New lightweight rear sprocket design
  • Sealed O-ring chain
  • High-capacity radiator with blacked-out louvers deliver maximum cooling and aggressive looks
  • Compact exhaust expansion chamber for improved clearance and excellent exhaust efficiency
  • Lightweight aluminum handlebar with two-position adjustable handlebar clamp
  • Adjustable clutch lever with works-style cable adjuster
  • New premium graphics are now embedded for improved durability and scratch resistance
  • Premium lightweight Excel® rims
  • Race-developed Dunlop® Geomax MX33 tires

The new 2023 YZ250X will be available from dealers this August in Team Yamaha Blue for $7,999 MSRP.

2023 Yamaha Motocross and Cross Country Lineup

The remainder of Yamaha’s Motocross and Cross Country lineup, including the YZ65, YZ85, YZ85LW, YZ125, YZ125 Monster Energy® Yamaha Racing Edition, YZ250, YZ250 Monster Energy® Yamaha Racing Edition YZ250F, YZ250F Monster Energy® Yamaha Racing Edition, YZ250FX, YZ450FX, WR250F and WR450F all return unchanged for 2023.

Yamaha bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program

All 2023 YZ models are eligible for Yamaha’s current bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, which features nearly $5 million for Yamaha bLU cRU riders competing in off-road motorcycle racing. YZ riders can earn contingency payouts via a bLU cRU debit card, receive a 10 percent rebate on GYTR parts and accessory purchases of up to $1,000, and receive an instant $45 credit on http://www.bLUcRUswag.com. The 2023 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program details will be announced soon.

For complete details on how to register for the bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, along with specific information on which racing series, events, and classes are included, visit the Off-Road Racing Contingency page on the Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, website at:

https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/motocross/pages/yamaha-off-road-contingency-program

Learn more about Yamaha’s complete motocross lineup at:

www.yamahamotorsports.com/motocross

Learn more about Yamaha’s complete cross country lineup at:

https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/cross-country

Find a range of Genuine Yamaha Accessories, apparel and more at:

https://www.shopyamaha.com

For more information related to all Yamaha products, visit:

https://www.yamahamotorsports.com

Follow Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, through your favorite social media site:

Yamaha #YamahaMotor #YamahaMotorUSA

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About Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.

YMUS has a corporate office in California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company (YMSC) with divisions Bennett Marine (Florida), Kracor Systems (Wisconsin) and Siren Marine, Inc. (Rhode Island), Skeeter Boats (Texas), with division G3 Boats (Missouri), and Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana).

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