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Must Win! Seven – Yes Seven – Former DAYTONA Champions Need Historic Coke Zero Sugar 400 Victory to Have Shot at NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs

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Official Release
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Even though he is currently second in the points standings, defending Coke Zero Sugar 400 Champion Ryan Blaney isn’t guaranteed a spot in the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, and could be in a “Must-Win” situation in the Aug. 27 Coke Zero Sugar 400, like seven other former Daytona Champions.

Coke Zero Sugar 400 Will be the Premier Series’ Final Race of the Regular Season; Defending Coke Zero Sugar 400 Champion Ryan Blaney, Second in Points Standings, May Also Need to Repeat Victory to Advance

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 16, 2022) – With the NASCAR Cup Series’ regular season finale Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway less than two weeks away, seven – yes seven – former DAYTONA Champions are in a “must-win” situation if they want to have a chance to make the 2022 NASCAR Playoffs.

After this weekend’s upcoming Go Bowling at The Glen, the Coke Zero Sugar 400 will serve as the last-chance race for drivers to make the 16-playoff grid for the third consecutive year. For every driver who enters the Coke Zero Sugar 400 outside of the top 16, going to Ruoff Mortgage Victory Lane will be their only option in order to make the championship battle.

There have been 15 drivers to win thus far in 2022, which leaves just one spot available in the drive for the title. On the outside looking in are the ’lucky seven,’ former winners at the iconic “World Center of Racing.” They include:

Brad Keselowski (No. 6 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford), the 2016 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Champion. His resume is stellar at DIS with three top-five efforts and six top-10s in 26 starts.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., (No. 47 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet), the 2017 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Champion. In addition, he has a pair of top-five results. His other career triumph came at Talladega Superspeedway.

Erik Jones (No. 43 Petty GMS Motorsports Chevrolet), the 2018 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Champion and 2021 Busch Clash at Daytona Champion. He has another top-five result, along with three top 10s. Jones also captured the 2021 Busch Clash at Daytona.

Aric Almirola (No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford), the 2014 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Champion. In 21 races, he also has three top-five and four top-10 efforts.

Justin Haley (No. 31 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet), the 2019 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Champion. In just four races, he has a pair of top-10 results.

Austin Dillon (No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet), the 2018 DAYTONA 500 Champion. In 18 races at DIS, he has one win and three top-five finishes.

Michael McDowell (No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford), the 2021 DAYTONA 500 Champion. He has three top-five efforts at Daytona, as well as eight top-10 results.
And let’s not forget the two drivers who are second and fourth in the standings – Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex, Jr. respectively – who have yet to win, as well as the Bubba Wallace, who has been one of the hottest drivers over the last five races.

Blaney, the defending Coke Zero Sugar 400 Champion, currently is the 16th seed, and if a ’22 non-winning driver wins one of the next two races, he will be eliminated from playoff contention. A victory erases any doubt of making the playoffs.

Truex, who has a pair of runnerup finishes at Daytona in the DAYTONA 500 and Coke Zero Sugar 400, is the first driver on the outside looking in, and needs a triumph to advance.

Wallace also has second-place finishes in both the DAYTONA 500 and Coke Zero Sugar 400. While searching for his first victory of 2022, he has results of third, eighth, fifth, second and 13th over the last handful of premier series events.
Fans can catch this exciting conclusion to the regular season by purchasing tickets starting at $49 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Fans who purchase tickets to the race can also purchase access to the UNOH Fanzone for $60 (plus grandstand ticket). Here, fans can participate in events before the race that includes the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Pre-Race Concert featuring Better Than Ezra, pre-race ceremonies, driver introductions, access to the large grass ballfield, and signing the start/finish line through the middle of the 18-degree, banked trioval. Also scheduled is LIVE entertainment on the main UNOH Fanzone Stage, including NASCAR Personalities Fan Q&A.

Tickets to the Xfinity Series Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola are also available, starting at $35 for adults and FREE for kids 12 and under. The Wawa 250 takes place the day before the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Friday, Aug. 26, and access to the UNOH Fanzone will be available before this race as well! A Two-Day Pass is available which includes access to the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday, and the Wawa 250 on Friday.

Tickets for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 and the Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola can be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as the all-new NASCAR Tracks App, for the latest speedway news.

About Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a state-of-the-art motorsports facility and was awarded the SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in 2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of The Great American Race – the DAYTONA 500. Though the season-opening NASCAR Cup Series event garners most of the attention – as well as the largest audience in motorsports – the approximately 500-acre motorsports complex, also known as the World Center of Racing, boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe. In addition to at least nine major event weekends, the Speedway grounds are also used extensively for events that include concerts, civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing and police motorcycle training. The iconic venue was the site of a host of motorsports events early in 2022, beginning with AHRMA Classic Motofest and the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA in January, and the 64th DAYTONA 500, which debuted the first points race for NASCAR’s ‘Next Gen’ car as part of Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, in February. The tradition-rich 81st Annual Bike Week At DAYTONA returned in March, featuring DAYTONA Supercross and the DAYTONA 200. May saw the “Welcome to Rockville” concert and the Heroes Honor Festival while during July 4th weekend, the track, in association with Torneos, hosted the first annual Daytona Soccer Fest. The NASCAR Cup Series returns for the final race of the regular season with the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Aug. 27 while Saturday, Aug. 26 will see the Wawa 250 for the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Ford Performance NASCAR: Ford and Driver Kevin Harvick Going For Third Straight Cup Win This Weekend

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Official Release
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FORD PERFORMANCE NASCAR: WATKINS GLEN

Kevin Harvick will be going for his third straight NASCAR Cup Series win when the circuit stops at Watkins Glen International for Sunday’s Go Bowling at The Glen. That race will be preceded by the NASCAR Xfinity event on Saturday.

This Week’s Schedule:

Saturday, August 20 – NASCAR XFINITY Series, 3 p.m. (USA)
Sunday, August 21 – NASCAR Cup Series, 3 p.m. (USA)

FORD IN THE MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES AT WATKINS GLEN

· Ford has 8 all-time series wins at Watkins Glen.
· Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick have series victories at Watkins Glen.
· Mark Martin and Marcos Ambrose are the only Ford drivers to win this race more than once.

FORD IN THE NASCAR XFINITY SERIES AT WATKINS GLEN

· Ford has 9 series victories at Watkins Glen.
· Ford has won 7 of the last 9 series races held at Watkins Glen.
· Team Penske won this event 4 of the last 6 years it fielded an entry.

FORD DRIVERS CURRENTLY IN THE PLAYOFF HUNT

Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick have clinched spots in the 16-driver playoff field for the NASCAR Cup Series thanks to a pair of victories each, but Ford’s three other drivers currently in the field will have to wait before officially celebrating. Chase Briscoe and Austin Cindric have one win apiece while Ryan Blaney sits on the bubble as the top driver currently in on points. Should one of the 15 drivers who have already won a race this season take the checkered flag first on Sunday, that will lock in Cindric and Briscoe.

BLANEY ON THE BUBBLE

As noted above, Ryan Blaney is firmly on the bubble as the highest positioned driver in the point standings without a win this season. Blaney currently holds a 26-point advantage over Martin Truex Jr., but the only thing that would guarantee him a spot in the postseason with two races to go would be a victory. Blaney goes into Sunday’s race at Watkins Glen with a pair of top 10 finishes in five career starts with his best effort being a fifth-place run in 2019.

HARVICK NOW 10TH ON ALL-TIME FORD CUP WIN LIST

Kevin Harvick’s second straight NASCAR Cup Series win enabled him to break a tie with Matt Kenseth for 10th on the all-time Ford win list with 25. Harvick, who has won more Cup races in Mustang (15) than any other driver, is now only one victory away from tying Brad Keselowski, Junior Johnson and Fred Lorenzen. Here is a look at Ford’s all-time winningest drivers.

  1. Ned Jarrett…………….. 43
  2. Bill Elliott………………. 40
  3. Mark Martin…………… 35
  4. Dale Jarrett……………. 30
  5. David Pearson………… 29
  6. Joey Logano…………… 27
  7. Fred Lorenzen………… 26 Junior Johnson........... 26 Brad Keselowski......... 26
  8. Kevin Harvick…………. 25

GURNEY IS FORD’S ALL-TIME ROAD COURSE WINNER

NASCAR has competed on 16 different road courses during its history and Ford has had 21 drivers win 33 times overall. Dan Gurney leads the way with five, which included four straight wins at Riverside International Raceway from 1963-66 while driving for the Wood Brothers. Mark Martin, on the strength of three straight triumphs at Watkins Glen International from 1993-95, is second.

FORD’S ALL-TIME CUP ROAD COURSE WINNERS

5 – Dan Gurney

4 – Mark Martin

2 – Fireball Roberts, Marvin Panch, Parnelli Jones, Ricky Rudd, Marcos Ambrose

1 – Chuck Stevenson, Eddie Gray, Richard Petty, A.J. Foyt, Bobby Allison, Bill Elliott, Davey Allison, Geoffrey Bodine, Ernie Irvan, Rusty Wallace, Carl Edwards, Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick, Ryan Blaney.

FORD’S ACTIVE WINNERS

There are three current drivers who have won a NASCAR Cup Series race on a road course with Ford. The most recent winner was Ryan Blaney, who captured the inaugural event at the Charlotte Roval in 2018. Kevin Harvick, who goes into this weekend with 25 career Ford victories in just over five years, got his first with the Blue Oval in 2017 when he won at Sonoma. Joey Logano scored his Cup victory at Watkins Glen International in 2015, which completed a weekend sweep after he won the NASCAR XFINITY Series race one day earlier.

OTHER FORD WINNERS

Besides the drivers mentioned above, Ford has five other competitors who have won on a road course in either the NASCAR Cup or NASCAR XFINITY Series. Brad Keselowski (Watkins Glen NXS with Ford, 2013); Chris Buescher (Mid-Ohio NXS with Ford, 2014); Michael McDowell (Road America NXS, 2016); Chase Briscoe (Charlotte Roval, 2018 and Indianapolis, 2020); and Austin Cindric (Road America NXS, 2020).

66-FOR-66

The first time Ford won a NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International was when Marvin Panch drove the Wood Brothers to victory on July 18, 1965. There were only 19 cars in the field that day and it proved to be a Ford show as all 66 laps were led by three drivers sporting the Blue Oval. Ned Jarrett, who finished second, led the first lap before Junior Johnson passed him on lap 2. Johnson led the pack for 12 circuits until his engine blew, which enabled Panch to inherit a lead he never gave up, going the final 53 laps and making it first to the checkered flag. The win was Panch’s fourth of the season and next-to-last in his career, which ended with 17 victories.

THREE STRAIGHT

Mark Martin became the first driver to win three straight NASCAR Cup Series races at Watkins Glen International, and he capped that streak on Aug. 13, 1995 after passing Wally Dallenbach, Jr. on lap 84 of the 90-lap event. Martin, who led a race-high 61 circuits overall, held off the road racing specialist to win by one second. That victory completed a three-year run that saw him not only sit on the pole every time but lead 183-of-270 laps (68%).

FINAL VICTORY

When Chemung, NY, native Geoffrey Bodine took the checkered flag in the No. 7 QVC Ford Thunderbird on Aug. 11, 1996 he established a strategy that hadn’t been used to that point. He, along with crew chief Paul Andrews, employed an “only stop when you have to” strategy and that resulted in making only two stops in the 90-lap event, compared to three for everyone else. Bodine passed Ken Schrader with eight laps to go and then held off Terry Labonte over the final laps to win. That marked the 18th and final victory of his NASCAR Cup Series career, and it came in front of his hometown fans.

CLASSIC FINISH

One of the all-time classic finishes at Watkins Glen International came when Marcos Ambrose went slip sliding away on the final lap, but still resulted in him winning the NASCAR Cup Series race for the second straight time on August 12, 2012. In a race that had more twists and turns over the final three laps than many can remember in recent years, Ambrose was the one who survived a massive streak of oil that had been laid down on the track, allowing him to pass Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski for Ford’s third win of the season. Busch appeared to be headed toward victory, but as he came into turn one on the final lap, he slipped in some oil and got loose. Keselowski came up from behind and hit Busch, sending him spinning off the track. A battle between Ambrose and Keselowski ensued from that point with both drivers trying to avoid the slickness that had covered the course. Ambrose followed Keselowski through the grass at one point, but was able to get by in the treacherous carousel when Keselowski slid one final time.

HISTORIC SWEEP

Joey Logano became the first driver to sweep a NASCAR XFINITY/Cup weekend at Watkins Glen International when he did it in 2015. Fuel mileage ended up deciding the Cup race as leader Kevin Harvick ran out on the last turn, which allowed Logano to pass him and make it to the finish line first. The win was Logano’s first on a road course and also marked the first series triumph for car owner Roger Penske at the historic track.

FORD NASCAR CUP SERIES WINNERS AT WATKINS GLEN

1965 – Marvin Panch

1993 – Mark Martin

1994 – Mark Martin

1995 – Mark Martin

1996 – Geoffrey Bodine

2011 – Marcos Ambrose

2012 – Marcos Ambrose

2015 – Joey Logano

FORD NASCAR XFINITY SERIES WINNERS AT WATKINS GLEN

1993 – Bill Elliott

2008 – Marcos Ambrose

2012 – Carl Edwards

2013 – Brad Keselowski

2014 – Marcos Ambrose

2015 – Joey Logano

2016 – Joey Logano

2018 – Joey Logano

2019 – Austin Cindric

MSR Looking for Strong Showing in Bommarito 500

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Official Release
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#60: Simon Pagenaud, Meyer Shank Racing Honda

Madison, Ill. (16 August 2022) – Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) will be looking for a strong finish to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as the season enters the homestretch with Saturday evening’s running of the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway (6:00pm ET, USA/Peacock, SiriusXM Ch. 160).

Simon Pagenaud and Helio Castroneves will drive the two MSR Honda-powered entries for the 260-lap race on the tight 1.25-mile egg-shaped oval located in the St. Louis suburbs.

Following Saturday’s race, only the events at Portland (Sept. 4) and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (Sept. 11) remain on the 2022 schedule.

Both Pagenaud and Castroneves are coming off a short weekend off following a rough and tumble race on the streets of Nashville which saw Pagenaud race to ninth – while racing with a broken damper – and Castroneves to 13th.

MSR is now prepping for the fourth and final oval race of the season set for this weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway.

Pagenaud is going into the weekend with a strong record at WWTR with the Frenchman racing six times at the circuit originally known as Gateway International Raceway. He led 14 laps, with his best finish third in his debut race in 2017. Pagenaud also finished fourth in 2018 and fifth in 2019. Last year, he started fourth and finished eighth, finishing on the lead lap.

Similarly Castroneves has had several strong finishes at WWTR and is a former winner at Gateway. After placing second in his 2002 IndyCar debut, he won the 2003 race from the pole. His lone race since then was in 2017, when he started third and finished fourth. He completed a perfect 648 laps in the three races, leading 233 of them. Castroneves also ran in three Champ Car events at the circuit, finishing second after starting third in 1999.

MSR made it’s debut at WWTR in 2020 for a double-header race weekend. The team brought home 11th and 13th place finishes in 2020. Last year’s outing saw the team race to a top ten finish.

Saturday’s Bommarito Automotive Group 500 will be broadcast live on USA and Peacock starting at 6:00pm ET. SiriusXM will also host live IndyCar Radio coverage on XM Ch. 160.

Driver Quotes:

Simon Pagenaud:
“World Wide technology Raceway in St. Louis is a really interesting event because it’s a short oval, very fast and it’s the only event that we run at night. It’s very enjoyable, great racing and it’s always very tight and it’s a street fight I like to say. I’ve had some good races there – and also some not so good race there. I’m looking forward to going there with Meyer Shank Racing and try to push as far as we can and execute. We’ve improved so much every weekend, I’m very hopeful for this one.”

Helio Castroneves:

“Wow, I’m so excited to head back to Gateway. My first race there was actually in 1999 and I finished second. I lost to Michael Andretti and that was such a cool race. I love the track – it’s fun, it’s difficult. I can’t wait to go back after so many years [4 years], we are going to have a great time.”

Women In Motorsports North America Announces “WOMEN WITH DRIVE II” Driven By Mobil 1™

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Official Release
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Tickets are on Sale now

  • INDYCAR Racer Lyn St James and CEO of GSEvents Cindy Sisson to Co-Chair Women With Drive II
  • 2-Day Summit, Oct 5-6, benefits Women in Motorsports North America and is hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway
  • Invited Keynotes and Panelists include racers, team owners, executives, industry leaders

Concord, NC (August 16, 2022) Ladies, and gentlemen, start your engines for the second annual Women With Drive II Summit (WWD II). The motorsport industry event will bring together the most successful and influential people in motorsports to discuss the current issues and needs to advance opportunities for a more diverse and inclusive environment to help grow the motorsports industry. The WWD II – Driven by Mobil 1 Summit takes place on October 5-6 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C.

“WIMNA has invited an outstanding lineup of women and men in motorsports who share our brand’s passion for inclusion and a love of driving,” said Michelle Hassinger, North American OEM Marketing Manager for ExxonMobil, manufacturer of Mobil 1 – the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand. “By ‘driving’ WWD II, our goal at Mobil 1 is to engage and energize the motorsports community that gathers to network at this world-class event.”

“We are thrilled to host the Women with Drive II – Driven by Mobil 1 Summit at Charlotte Motor Speedway and our The Speedway Club”, said Jessica Fickenscher, Chief Experience Officer of Speedway Motorsports. “We are honored to be part of an event that places importance on diversity and inclusion in motorsports as this continues to be a high priority for all of our premier entertainment facilities underneath the Speedway Motorsports umbrella.”

“I’m excited to gather successful people in motorsports who are passionate and care not only about their careers but also how they can help and welcome future generations to look at motorsports as a career,” said WWD II Co-Chair Lyn St. James. “Whether it’s encouraging STEM education or understanding how they’ve transferred their experience and skills to careers in motorsports, these women and men are in the trenches and willing to share how it happened for them and how it can happen for others.”

“WWD II – Driven by Mobil 1 includes networking, inspiring presentations from women and men in the motorsports industry, a ‘friend-raiser’ reception, a private tour of the Hendrick Heritage Center, and more, said WWD II Co-Chair Cindy Sisson. “The Keynotes and Panelist discussion will highlight stories that will explore, encourage, celebrate, and engage expanded opportunities for women and other diverse communities to become involved in motorsports.”

Schedule

WEDNESDAY, October 5th
10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Private tour of the Hendrick Heritage Museum
2:00-5:30 p.m. – Keynotes and Panelists – Charlotte Motor Speedway
6:00-8:00 p.m. – ‘Friend-Raiser’ Reception, Charlotte Motor Speedway

THURSDAY, October 6th
8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. – Keynotes and Panelists – Charlotte Motor Speedway
5:45-7:00 p.m. – Closing reception

WWD II – Driven by Mobil 1 promises to be a “must-be-there” event for women and men in the automotive and motorsports industry, educators, students, and anyone interested in learning more about career opportunities in motorsports. Seating is limited, and registration is open Click here.

About Mobil 1
Mobil 1, the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand, is a brand that has been trusted for more vehicle miles than any one of us sees in our lifetime. Designed to empower our love of driving, Mobil 1 advanced synthetic motor oil features anti-wear technology that provides performance beyond our conventional motor oils – that means more time behind the wheel than under the hood. This technology allows Mobil 1 advanced synthetic motor oil to meet or exceed the toughest standards of vehicle manufacturers and tuning shops, all while providing exceptional protection against engine wear under normal or even some of the most extreme conditions. Not that you’d ever put your car through any extremes. Join us. For the love of driving.

About Charlotte Motor Speedway
Charlotte Motor Speedway sets the standard in motorsports entertainment for fans of all ages as the only race vacation destination where fans can immerse themselves in the heart of NASCAR country. Visitors can attend one-of-a-kind race spectacles like the Coca-Cola 600 and Bank of America ROVAL™ 400; take behind-the-scenes speedway and team shop tours; explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame and drive a 700-horsepower stock car. Charlotte Motor Speedway puts FANS FIRST with a never-ending commitment to enhance the guest experience with unmatched value through affordable tickets, unparalleled pre-race entertainment and more opportunities for fans to see their favorite drivers.

About WIMNA
WIMNA is a US 501(c)3 charitable organization founded by motorsports icons Lyn St. James and Beth Paretta. WIMNA is a community of motorsports professionals devoted to supporting opportunities for women across all motorsport disciplines by creating an inclusive, resourceful environment to foster mentorship, advocacy, education, and growth, thereby ensuring the continued strength and successful future of our sport.” More information is available at https://womeninmotorsportsna.com

New Paint Scheme for Alabama Roofing Professionals and Spencer Boyd at Talladega

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Official Release
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Concord, NC (August 16, 2022) – Today the top roofing company in Alabama, Alabama Roofing Professionals, was announced as the primary sponsor for Spencer Boyd’s No. 12 Chevrolet Silverado at Talladega Superspeedway for the third time. The paint scheme that visited victory lane in 2019 has been redesigned and will be easy to spot in the pack of NASCAR Camping World Trucks drafting around the iconic Super Speedway.

“This one is for Alabama!” Spencer Boyd said about the upcoming race at Talladega. “The team over at Alabama Roofing Professionals has such pride in serving their community that it raises the stakes for me to put a good run together for them. Our Young’s Motorsports team has won two of the last three races at Dega so we feel good about making the whole state of Alabama proud with this year’s effort.”

The experts in both residential and commercial roofing were on board when Boyd scored his first career win in 2019 at this same race. As always, there are free estimates for all NASCAR fans.

“We’ve got you covered with three locations across the state whether it is for an insurance claim, gutter or insulation upgrades, or just regular maintenance,” said Mike Parlier, owner of Alabama Roofing Professionals. “But when Spencer comes to Talladega, the track is headquarters. With this new red paint scheme and a show truck appearance nearby, we will be turning some heads. We are as proud to support Spencer as we are to be there for our community and the roofs over their heads.”

Spencer and the memorialized truck that won the 2019 race will make an appearance in the area the weekend of the race.

Unlike previous years, all three of NASCAR’s national touring series will race Talladega Superspeedway this fall with trucks and the Xfinity Series racing on Saturday and the Cup Series on Sunday – making it one of the most exciting weekends in all motorsports.

The Talladega 250 at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday, October 1, 2022 airs live on FS1 at 11:30am ET and marks Alabama Roofing Professionals third primary race with Spencer Boyd and Young’s Motorsports.

About Alabama Roofing Professionals
It’s in our name, Alabama Roofing Professionals: we consider ourselves roofing pros. If it involves your roof, we’re the guys that you can trust to get the job done. We offer new roofs, roof inspections, roofing repairs, and a variety of other services to cater to the needs of every customer in the area. If you need the job done, our experts have you covered. Give us a call at 205-722-ROOF (7663) and speak to one of our highly-trained professionals about your roofing needs or to request your free estimate. We’d love to hear from you. Visit us on the web at www.alroofpros.com.

Trans Am Roars Back to Watkins Glen with Franklin Road Apparel Classic

By
Official Release
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Franklin, TENNESSEE – August 16, 2022 – After the thrills and spills of the Music City Grand Prix in Nashville the 2022 Trans Am presented by Pirelli Championship season returns, September 4 to 7, for what is one of the great weekends of the year. There is only one Watkins Glen International, and it remains arguably the most prestigious race of the season. It’s with much enthusiasm that this season the Trans Am presented by Pirelli races are billed as the Franklin Road Apparel Classic.

“I’ve always been a fan of The Glen and when the chance came up to partner with Trans Am for this year’s race it seemed like a cool opportunity. It’s the Franklin Road Apparel Classic at Watkins Glen and as Trans Am Apparel suppliers that sounds like a good promotion,” exclaimed Franklin Road Apparel supremo Ken Thwaits. Of the racing so far this year he said smiling, “It’s been a real roller coaster of a season so far but then isn’t it always? I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

The roller coaster has been more up than down for Ken this year and the former XGT Champion currently sits in P2 in the TA Class Driver Championship behind only reigning Champion Chris Dyson. Ken has scored podium finishes at Sebring, Road Atlanta, Sonoma and Lime Rock on his way to amassing an impressive 176 Championship points. Meanwhile the Franklin Road Apparel Showtime Motorsports team also has that fantastic win for Paul Menard at Charlotte Motor Speedway to their name.

Franklin Road Apparel driver in the TA2 division is former Champion Cameron Lawrence who despite having a bumpy season is still in P9 in the standings with 133 points, just one behind Mike Skeen. He will be joined in the TA2 race by 21-year-old Austin Green, son of 1994 NASCAR Busch series Champion David Green. David currently works as a NASCAR official.

The TA2 Race at Watkins Glen International is scheduled on Saturday, September 10 at 11:10am ET and the TA Race is set for Sunday, September 11 at 11:05am ET.

All-in-all, it promises to be a great weekend for Trans Am and for Franklin Road Apparel in particular. Check out the fantastic ready-to-wear at https://www.franklinroad.com/

About Showtime Motorsports:
The Showtime Motorsports team is based in Franklin, Tennessee and is the power behind the Franklin Road Apparel brand. Showtime is responsible for preparing the cars for the track and keeping Ken Thwaits’ outstanding classic Camaro collection in prime condition. Showtime Motorsports competes in both the TA and TA2 classes in the legendary Trans Am muscle car series with growing success. The race team consists of a dynamic, passionate and talented staff of professionals dedicated to excellence both on and off the track.

McDowell and Love’s Travel Stops Team Prepare for Watkins Glen

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Official Release
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 Hopeful to Continue Road Course Finishing Streak with Delo on Board

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (August 16, 2022) – Michael McDowell has had no shortage of success on all types of tracks this season. But it has been on the road courses that the team has really shined. With a top-15 at the Circuit of the Americas, a top-10 finish at Road America and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and a top-five result in Sonoma, McDowell knows the team can compete for the win at Watkins Glen on Sunday.

This weekend the familiar Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang will also carry the Delo brand as an associate partner. Delo is the brand name of heavy-duty diesel engine oils, coolants and antifreeze, transmissions fluids, gear oils, greases, and hydraulic oils manufactured by Chevron. McDowell is excited to have Delo back, knowing that the team is capable of winning.

“Delo has been with Love’s for the past few years and it’s great when we can take one of their partners and have a great day,” said McDowell. “We want to do that for Delo and show them a good time. We have had great cars all year, and the team has been working hard to prepare this car for Watkins Glen. We know we need to win to get into the playoffs, and with two races left, we know this week more than others is our best opportunity to do that. Road courses have been our strong point this season, so we’re putting a lot into this race.

“Watkins Glen is a different style of road course that is in some way is like Road America. This is a fast road course, and we’re carry a lot of speed around Watkins Glen. But this year has been different. I’ve always felt that no matter the road course that I can be up front. Now we have cars that are allowing us to do that. It’s been a lot of fun. It’s now time to finish the job and get a win.”

McDowell and his Love’s Travel Stops/Delo Ford Mustang will race at Watkins Glen this Sunday, August 21, at 3:00 p.m. ET on USA.

ABOUT CHEVRON DELO

Delo® Goes Further So You Can Go Further

Delo heavy duty diesel engine oil is formulated with ISOSYN® Advanced Technology to deliver industry-leading durability, reliability and efficiency. It works in synergy with the changing conditions in your engine to maximize protection, optimize performance and extend oil life.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

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

Long-time NASCAR Partner Sunoco Named Watkins Glen NASCAR Xfinity Series Race Entitlement Partner

By
SM Staff
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SUNOCO Go Rewards 200 at The Glen to be the Centerpiece of Saturday’s NASCAR action

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (August 16, 2022) – Watkins Glen International today announced long-time NASCAR and track partner Sunoco as the entitlement partner for this month’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race as the SUNOCO Go Rewards 200, which will take place on Saturday, August 20.

Sunoco has been the Official Fuel of NASCAR since 2004, providing fuel for all three NASCAR national series. In fact, more than 20 million NASCAR miles have been driven on Sunoco Green E15 fuel.

“We’re proud to have a prominent brand and long-time partner such as Sunoco associated with our NASCAR Xfinity Series race at The Glen,” said Watkins Glen International president Michael Printup. “Some of the most recognizable names in NASCAR have won this race at Watkins Glen since the Xfinity Series first came to the track in 1991, so it only makes sense that one of the most known brands in NASCAR is now on the trophy they’ll take home.”

The NASCAR Xfinity Series first came to Watkins Glen in 1991, and NASCAR Hall of Famer Terry Labonte tallied the first of his four Xfinity Series wins at the track in the debut. Since then, the series has raced 27 times at The Glen, with 16 different drivers posting wins in the race. Marcos Ambrose is tied with Labonte for the most wins at four apiece.

“This event is the perfect opportunity to introduce fans to our new loyalty based mobile app, Sunoco Go Rewards, which gives members savings on fuel,” said Director of Marketing Fred McConnell. “Watkins Glen sits in the heart of the Sunoco footprint, and we are proud to present the Sunoco Go Rewards 200 to NASCAR fans and our customers.”

Sunoco Go Rewards allows users to earn a discount of three cents per gallon every time they fuel up. Fuel up just twice a month to keep your discount going; the more you fuel, the more you save. Download the app to find your closest participating Sunoco station.

Ty Gibbs, who currently leads the NASCAR Xfinity Series standings with five wins on the season, will return to Watkins Glen to defend his victory from a year ago on the historic Central New York road course. Recent previous winners of the Xfinity Series race at The Glen include this year’s Daytona 500 champion Austin Cindric (2021), 2018 NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano (2015, 2016, 2018) and two-time Cup champion Kyle Busch (2017).

Watkins Glen hosts the NASCAR Go Bowling at The Glen race weekend August 17-21, with racing action beginning with the ARCA Menards Series race on Friday, August 19. The NASCAR Xfinity Series will compete on Saturday, August 20, in the SUNOCO Go Rewards 200 at The Glen, and the Go Bowling at The Glen NASCAR Cup Series race will cap off the weekend on Sunday, August 21.

Sunday’s race will help the NASCAR Cup Series set the field for the Playoffs, as only one race will remain in the regular season following the road course battle in New York. Kyle Larson, the defending NASCAR Cup Series champion, won last year’s Go Bowling at The Glen race.

To purchase NASCAR race tickets or for camping and additional information, call 1-866-461-RACE or visit TheGlen.com. Fans can view the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series schedules and purchase tickets at nascar.com/tickets.

About Watkins Glen International

Located within five hours and 300 miles of 25 percent of the U.S. population, Watkins Glen International is the premier road racing facility in North America, four-times voted “Best NASCAR Track” by readers of USA Today. Keep up with The Glen on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For tickets, camping, and additional information, call 1-866-461-RACE or visit www.TheGlen.com and get all of the latest information by downloading the NASCAR tracks app at www.theglen.com/nascar-tracks-app.

2022 Watkins Glen International Schedule

April 9-10 – Opening Weekend

May 20-22 – Ferrari Challenge North America

June 3-5 – SCCA Majors Super Tour

June 23-26 – IMSA Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen

July 7-10 – Finger Lakes Wine Festival; Masters Historic Racing Weekend

July 21-24 – GT World Challenge America

August 17-21 – NASCAR Go Bowling at The Glen

September 8-11 – Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix

October 28-29 – Finger Lakes Beer Festival Presented by Chemung Canal Trust Co.

2022 Watkins Glen International NASCAR Weekend Schedule

August 19 – ARCA Menards Series Race

August 20 – SUNOCO Go Rewards 200 at The Glen – NASCAR Xfinity Series Race

August 21 – Go Bowling at The Glen – NASCAR Cup Series Race

About Sunoco

Sunoco LP (NYSE: SUN) is a master limited partnership with core operations that include the distribution of motor fuel to approximately 10,000 convenience stores, independent dealers, commercial customers and distributors located in more than 40 U.S. states and territories as well as refined product transportation and terminalling assets. SUN’s general partner is owned by Energy Transfer LP (NYSE: ET).

Gilliland Hopes Indy Performance Carries Over to Watkins Glen

By
Official Release
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Rookie Contender Claimed First Top-Five in Previous Road Course Event

 MOORESVILLE, N.C. (August 16, 2022) – Todd Gilliland comes into Watkins Glen with nothing but great finishes. In NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, Gilliland finished second. Once he graduated to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Gilliland finished fourth. Now, Gilliland comes back to the track in the NASCAR Cup Series and with confidence.

His last race on a road course, Gilliland finished fourth on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s his best finish to date and now he’s ready repeat his success this weekend.

“Each time we go to the track I make it my goal to learn as much as I possibly can and improve from each session,” says Gilliland. “There is such a difference between any other series and the Cup Series, that it truly is a one-of-a-kind feeling. The big thing this season for myself is being patient and understanding that there is going to be a learning curve at every track we visit.”

“The team and I were elated to get a top-five on the Indy Road Course, and that really gave us a lot of confidence in our process. For myself it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders and showed that we can run well like we deserve. I’m really looking forward to the race this weekend in Watkins Glen and hope we can get another great finish.

Gilliland and MDS Trucking team will race this Sunday at Watkins Glen at 3:00 pm. ET on the USA network.

About Front Row Motorsports

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

No. 10 Go Bowling Ford Racing: Watkins Glen Race Advance

By
Official Release
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ARIC ALMIROLA
Watkins Glen Advance
No. 10 Go Bowling Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

Event Overview

● Event: Go Bowling at the Glen (Round 25 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3 p.m. EDT on Sunday, August 21
● Location: Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International
● Layout: Seven-turn, 2.45-mile road course
● Laps/Miles: 90 laps / 220.5 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 20 laps / Stage 2: 20 laps / Final Stage: 50 laps
● TV/Radio: USA / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest:

● Go Bowling, Stewart-Haas Racing, and Aric Almirola have teamed up yet again to present one of the largest bowling activations of the year – at one of the largest motorsports events of the year. Almirola will pilot a never-before-seen Go Bowling paint scheme on his No. 10 Ford Mustang and race for the win in the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International on Sunday, August 21. While Almirola’s partnership with Go Bowling dates back to 2013, the partnership at Stewart-Haas Racing is stronger than ever with new activations and strategic campaigns to continue to drive NASCAR fans and bowlers to the No. 1 participatory sport in the world.

● Watkins Glen Stats: In 10 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Watkins Glen, Almirola has five top-20 finishes with a best of 12th in the 2019 race. He has also competed in two NASCAR Xfinity Series races there with a best finish of fifth in the 2018 race while driving the No. 98 Go Bowling Ford. He also finished eighth in the 2011 Xfinity Series race.

● Driver Points: Almirola arrives at Watkins Glen 16th in the driver standings with 552 points, 330 out of first.

● Playoff Points: The No. 10 Ford driver sits 18th in the playoff standings, 214 points behind the top-16 cut line. With just two 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 412 NASCAR Cup Series starts, Almirola has earned three wins, 28 top-five finishes, 91 top-10s, three poles, and has led 899 laps.

● Race Weekend Activations: Race fans attending the Go Bowling at the Glen will have a full menu of Go Bowling activities to engage in at the Go Bowling Fan Experience Tent in the fan midway at the track.

  • Fans can win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit in the No. 10 team’s pit box during the Go Bowling at The Glen Cup Series race on Sunday.
  • Fans can enter a national promotion to earn a special VIP Bowling Experience for a grand prize winner and a companion to Go Bowling with Aric Almirola and the PBA’s Kyle Troup.
  • Fans can bowl FREE on regulation bowling lanes installed in the Go Bowling Fan Experience Tent for the entire race weekend.
  • Fans will also enjoy celebrity appearances including Aric Almirola, Drew Blickensderfer, crew chief of the No. 10 Go Bowling Ford Mustang, PWBA competitor Stefanie Johnson and PBA’s Anthony Simonsen.
  • Go Bowling America League: Go Bowling is using this national platform to raise top-of-mind awareness both locally and nationally for the sport.
  • Go Bowling America Leagues are running nationally, where bowlers receive equipment and Go Bowling America-inspired jersey designs.
  • Go Bowling at The Glen Bowling Leagues are being run in the Northeast, which provide participating bowlers with a Go Bowling NASCAR crew jersey, tickets to the race, and other VIP Race Day experiences.

● 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 Raceway despite running inside the top-10 throughout the race.

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

Have you enjoyed the road-course racing at Watkins Glen?

“Watkins Glen is one of my favorite road courses. It’s so flowy and fast and you get in such a rhythm going through the bus stop. It’s unlike anything we do anywhere else. It’s incredible to drive a racecar to its limits and go through that chicane at 120 to 130 miles per hour. I remember before I ever went and made a lap at Watkins Glen, I walked back there to the backstretch and stood and watched Cup practice before I went out in an Xfinity car. And I watched the Cup cars go through there and was like, ‘Whoa! You want me to do that? Like, I don’t know if I can do that.’ But it’s just an awesome place. It’s a really great racetrack. We have a great fan base there up in New York and it’s always a packed house.”

As a family man, what does it mean to you to represent the sport of bowling on and off the racetrack?

“Well, bowling is a lifetime sport enjoyed by all ages. I love to bring my family bowling whenever we can. Whether you’re a casual or avid bowler, you can have fun on the same lane, rain or shine. Just like racing, it’s a family sport. My grandfather got me into racing and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him introducing me to the sport, and the same goes for bowling. Bowling is a sport that a lot of people learn at a young age as a family and I love that aspect of the sport.”

You have been with Go Bowling since 2013 and have continued to grow the sport through racing. Why has it been so successful?

“It’s a mix of the hard work from everyone at Go Bowling, Strike Ten Entertainment and the race team, and the NASCAR fans being the perfect demographic to market to. NASCAR fans are the most sponsor-loyal fans in the world with American values and, in this case, the sponsorship is a sport that every single one of them can participate in. When you look at all of the creative activations Go Bowling does, like bringing the lanes to the racetrack, setting up appearances to talk to fans about racing and bowling, and the fun opportunities that are provided through sweepstakes, you see a heightened level of excitement at the lanes. Not to mention, the millions of fans at home watching the No. 10 Go Bowling Ford Mustang at the Go Bowling at The Glen. It’s a win for everyone – especially race fans.”

You had a solid run at Richmond last weekend. How does that help your confidence heading to the final two races of the regular season?

“When the clouds came and the track cooled, we kind of lost it. The first couple runs of the race we were so fast. We drove from 32nd up to the top-five. Our car was really good on the long run. We took care of the tires really well and it did everything I needed it to do. As the pace picked up and the track cooled off, I just couldn’t get the car to rotate like I needed it to and just couldn’t quite carry the speed those other cars could. It was a good day. We have had a rough month, so to go there and rebound and have a good run was important. We need a win, but to have a good run is a confidence booster.”

No. 10 Go Bowling 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

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