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Andreas Bakkerud Tops Group E Podium at Nitro Rallycross Sweden

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Official Release
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RX CARTEL TEAMMATE ROBIN LARSSON FINISHES SECOND, RALLYCROSS ICON JOHAN KRISTOFFERSSON TAKES THIRD IN NITRO RX DEBUT

Nitro RX Heads Next to the U.S.

Returning to Minnesota’s ERX Motor Park October 1-2

(Los Angeles – August 1, 2022) The second round of Nitro Rallycross’ inaugural global series closed in thrilling fashion Sunday at Sweden’s Strängnäs Motorstadion, as Andreas Bakkerud (NOR) triumphed in a no-holds-barred Group E final. After two days of intense racing punctuated by jaw-dropping jumps, tight finishes and door-banging action, Bakkerud emerged victorious. His RX Cartel/DRR JC teammate Robin Larsson (SWE) took second while four-time World RX champion Johan Kristoffersson (SWE) – also driving for DRR JC – finished third.

The finale capped off a very successful weekend for Nitro RX’s host nation who took nearly half of the available podium positions on day one. The home country fared even better on Sunday, claiming six out of nine podium spots.

After the event, Bakkerud reflected on the impact of Nitro RX coming to Sweden, a rallycross hotbed. “It’s pretty epic. With Nitro coming in and putting in the time and the work to renew Strängnäs Motorstadion and make it a new area, it is so great for rallycross. I think it was an awesome event. The crowd loved it.”

Going into round two, Group E featured arguably one of the best rallycross fields ever assembled, headlined by Euro RX winner Bakkerud, reigning Nitro RX titleholder Travis Pastrana (USA), 2022 RallyX winner Niclas Gronholm (FIN), plus late addition Kristoffersson as a Star Car driver. In all, the eleven strong Group E lineup took on a newly modified Strängnäs course highlighted by Europe’s first gap jump, embodying Nitro RX’s “Cars that fly, tracks that thrill” motto.

In the final, Bakerrud survived a quick and combative start to take the lead, fending off Gronholm and Saturday’s top qualifier, Oliver Eriksson (SWE). Bakkerud held his ground against Larsson, winner of Nitro RX’s opening UK round, to secure his win. Kristoffersson climbed all the way from the back of the starting grid to finish strong in third.

Bakkerud said afterwards, “I knew if I didn’t beat Oliver off the line and get first through turn one I would be outside and probably eating concrete still. It was very tough. Later I heard on the radio that Robin was catching me, which I saw late on the big screen when he went to the joker. So, I just squeezed everything I had on the Nitro boost and we brought it home.”

Bakkerud added, “This is the first time that I get to keep the big trophy, which feels awesome. As a race car driver, you love trophies. And this one is going to have a very special place on the shelf.”

Group E Final Results (Sweden):

PositionCar #NameNationTeam
113Andreas BakkerudNORRX Cartel / DRR JC
24Robin LarssonSWERX Cartel / DRR JC
33Johan KristofferssonSWEDRR JC
435Fraser McConnellJAMDRR JC
552Ole Christian VeibyNORJC
621Conner MartellUSAVermont SportsCar
762Kris MeekeGBRXITE Energy Racing
816Oliver ErikssonSWEOMSE

Bakkerud also spoke to the impact of Kristoffersson competing at Sweden. “It means a lot. His coming in and giving his feedback on the car [Group E’s new all-electric FC1-X] is mega. At the same time, Johan is so quick off the box and is such a tough rival, it shows that the level of Nitro RX drivers is world class.”

In the NRX NEXT developmental class, Nitro RX newcomer Tommi Hallman (FIN) completed a weekend doubleheader, earning consecutive gold medals in both finals and extending his streak of NEXT podium finishes to four-straight. 2021 NEXT series champion Casper Jansson also doubled on the podium, finishing second on Sunday, while George Megennis (USA) came in third.

NRX Next Final Results (Sweden – Round 2):

FinishCar #NameNationTeam
187Tommi HallmanFINSET Promotion
236Casper JanssonSWEOlsbergs MSE AB
39George MegennisUSA#YELLOWSQUAD
422Mattis JanssonSWEKJS RX
552Simon OlofssonSWESTSRX
660Martin EnlundSWEEnlunds Motorsport
719Mikaela Ahlin-KottulinskySWEJC
84Ida TornhultSWEOlsbergs MSE AB

Sunday’s Supercar final went down to Fraser McConnell (JAM) dueling with Yury Belevskiy (CHE) for the fourth consecutive time. McConnell crossed the line first, but after he was hit with a three-second penalty Belevskiy was awarded the win. Sweden’s Gustav Bergstrom took third.

Supercar Final Results (Sweden – Round 2):

Pos.Car #NameNationTeam
195Yury BelevskiyCHEVolland Racing
235Fraser McConnellJAMBetomik Racing
317Gustav BergstromSWEKristoffersson Motorsport
413Patrick O’DonovanIRLTeam RX Racing
576Per EklundSWEEklund Motorsport

A pair of Swedes also podiumed in Crosscar, a new support class for Nitro RX. Sebastian Enholm and Jimmie Osterberg finished first and second respectively, with Pasi Penttinen (FIN) rounding out the podium.

Crosscar Final (Round 2):

FinishCar #NameNation
1124Sebastian EnholmSWE
211Jimmie OsterbergSWE
36Pasi PenttinenFIN
4110Thomas Eek MurstadNOR
567Isac EgonssonSWE
681Ronalds BaldinsLVA
7199Alexander GustafssonSWE
82Riku HuuhkaFIN

Nitro RX is now set to cross the Atlantic and will head to America for a return to ERX Motor Park on October 1-2. Located outside of Minneapolis, ERX is the Midwest’s premier year-round motorsports facility. Last year’s purpose-built track was one of the fastest of the season, so look for the Nitro RX team push the limits further still this fall.

Bakerrud is eager to compete in the US and revisit ERX Motor Park. “This is the track that I look forward to the most. We all had a great time racing there last year and it is such an epic, American-style track. The flow of the course and the fast corners, it all allows for so much more action.”

To experience Nitro RX’s in person, tickets can be purchased at nitrorallycross.com. Fans can also watch live on Peacock in the U.S. as well as on YouTube worldwide.

2022–23 NITRO RALLYCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE*

June 18-19, 2022 // United Kingdom

July 30-31, 2022 // Sweden

October 1-2, 2022 // Minneapolis, USA

October 29-30, 2022 // Los Angeles, USA

November 12-13, 2022 // Phoenix, USA

December 10-11, 2022 // Saudi Arabia

January 21-22, 2023 // Quebec, Canada

February 4-5, 2023 // Alberta, Canada

March TBA, 2023 // Nitro RX 2022-23 Series Finale // TBA, USA

(*Subject to change)

ABOUT NITRO RALLYCROSS

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

BRENT AND GRANT SEXTON HEAD TO THE REOPENING OF SANTA MARIA RACEWAY

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Official Release
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(Lakeside, CA, August 1, 2022) Sexton Gatlin Racing drivers Brent and Grant Sexton are headed to the reopening of the Santa Maria Raceway this Saturday night, August 6th. Both will be racing in the California Lightning Sprint Car Series portion of the show. In addition, Grant will be making his second ever appearance in the USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series.

Saturday marks the return of racing at the San Luis Obispo County track for the first time in over a year. At the last CLS race on the oval on July 24th, 2021, Grant placed fourth in the 25-lap main event and Brent was one spot behind him in fifth

For both team drivers, it will be their second appearance with the CLS this year. On March 25th at the Bakersfield Speedway, they competed in the club’s season opener. In that one, Grant, the 2021 POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Series champion, stole the show. He executed a brave outside ride that saw him steal the win a foot away from the finish line. In addition to the live, packed house that witnessed the teenager’s exciting victory, thousands of fans around the globe caught the action on the World of Outlaws Dirtvision network. Brent, the current leader in SWLS points, finished six positions behind his youngest offspring in that race.

In addition to competing with the CLS on Saturday, Grant will be making his third ever appearance in a full-size Sprint car and his second in the prestigious USAC/CRA Series. The 17-year-old made his debut in a full-size sprinter at the Ventura Raceway on April 16th and in storybook fashion, he won the main event. His first ever appearance in the USAC/CRA Series came at Perris Auto Speedway on Memorial Day weekend. That race was not quite as kind to the young driver as his experience at Ventura was. After qualifying 21st fastest of the 24 cars on hand, he caught a piece of the famous PAS cushion going into turn one on the second lap of his heat race. The cushion gobbled up his number three car and violently slammed it into the crash wall. Fortunately, he was uninjured but the same could not be said for the car. It suffered extensive damage and was done for the night.

For fans who would like to see the SGR team in action on Saturday, adult tickets start at $17.00. For military, seniors (65+), and students with id, tickets start at $15.00. For kids 6-12, tickets start at $6.00. Children 5 and under are free. Gates will open at 4:00 p.m. with racing at 6:00. The track is located at 1900 Hutton Road in Nipomo (93444).

Win, lose or draw, SGR will have little time to rest on its laurels or lick its wounds after Santa Maria. On Monday, August 8, the team will head out on a journey to the upper Midwest to compete in the Minnkota Summer Shootout for the second year in a row. The four-night mini-series will take place on tracks in Minnesota and South Dakota from August 11th through the 14th.

Sexton/Gatlin Racing would like to thank the following companies for making the 2022 season possible. Sexton Fire Protection, BK Wings, Johnny Motorhead, Troy Dirt, Victory Graphix, Swift Powdercoat, Maxima Oil, Automated Interior, and an extra special thanks to Scotty and Jimmy Keys. If you or your business wants to partner up with one of the most visible Lightning Sprint teams on the West Coast, please call (619) 454-6945.

Sexton Gatlin Racing 2022 Schedule

2022 Lucas Oil POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule

March 5            Imperial Valley Raceway                                               POWRi              Wingless – Dalton 1st – Brent 7th – Grant 15th

March 6            Imperial Valley Raceway                                               POWRi              Wingless – Brent 1st – Dalton 3rd – Grant 4th

March 25          Bakersfield Speedway                                                  CLS                  Winged – Grant 1st – Brent 8th – Dalton 17th

April 16            Ventura Raceway                                                         VRA Sprints      Wingless – Grant 1st

April 23            Imperial Valley Raceway                                               POWRi              Wingless – Bezio 3rd – Brent 4th – Dalton 5th

April 30             Barona Speedway                                                        POWRi              Winged – Grant 1st – Brent 4th – Dalton 5th

May 14             Barona Speedway                                                        POWRi              Wingless – Dalton 1st – Bezio 2nd – Brent 3rd

May 28             Perris Auto Speedway                                                   USAC/CRA         Grant DNS

June 11             Barona Speedway                                                        POWRi              Winged – Grant 1st – Brent 2nd – Dalton 11th

June 25             Barona Speedway                                                        POWRi              Winged – Dalton 1st – Brent 2nd – Grant 3rd

July 9               Barona Speedway                                                        POWRi              Wingless – Brent 1st – Grant 2nd – Dalton 6th

August 6          Santa Maria Raceway                                                    CLS                  Winged

August 11        Minkota Nationals                                                         POWRi              Winged

August 12        Minkota Nationals                                                         POWRi              Winged

August 13        Minkota Nationals                                                         POWRi              Winged

August 14        Minkota Nationals                                                         POWRi              Winged

Sept. 14           Perris Auto Speedway (with USAC/CRA)                         POWRi              Winged

October 1         Barona Speedway                                                        POWRi              Winged

October 8         Mojave Valley Raceway                                                 POWRi/CLS       Winged

October 13       Lemoore Raceway (California Cup)                                Open                Winged

October 14       Lemoore Raceway (California Cup)                                Open                Winged

October 15       Lemoore Raceway (California Cup)                                Open                Winged

October 23       Imperial Valley Raceway                                               POWRi              Wingless

October 24       Imperial Valley Raceway                                               POWRi              Wingless

Nov. 15             Bakersfield Speedway                                                  BCRA/CLS         Winged

Nov. 17            Petaluma Speedway                                                     BCRA/CLS         Wingless

Nov. 18            Petaluma Speedway                                                     BCRA/CLS         Wingless

Nov. 19            Petaluma Speedway                                                     BCRA/CLS         Wingless    

NEW PARTNERS FOR LOUIS-PHILIPPE MONTOUR AT THE GRAND PRIX DE TROIS-RIVIÈRES

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Official Release
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TORONTO, ON - JULY 15: The NASCAR Pinty’s series at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Friday July 15, 2022. (Photo by Matthew Manor/NASCAR)

Montour proud to welcome Gestion Or Concept and Groupe Consilium as partners to his team

Event“The Rousseau Metal 60 Laps presented by Hipertech” – 2,44 km – August 5 to 7, 2022
LocationGrand Prix de Trois-Rivieres (Trois-Rivieres, Quebec)
Date / broadcastLIVE ON RDS & TSN (TBD)
LiveTSN app | TSN.ca | FloRacing
Schedule / Race CenterSaturday, August 6: Practice: 11:50 AM | Qualifying: 4:30 PMSunday, August 7:  Race: 2:18 PM nascar.ca/race-center/

Blainville (Quebec, Canada), August 2, 2022 – Louis-Philippe Montour, driver of the #13 Kamloop | GL Électricité-Automatisation car prepared by Dumoulin Competition, will be back on track at the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (GP3R) from August 5 to 7.

This will be Montour’s third NASCAR Pinty’s road-course event of the 2022 season. He is already familiar with the GP3R urban track layout since he took part in the 2021 edition with the support of Dumoulin Competition.

Louis-Philippe Montour’s goal is another top-5 finish after his first one in Pinty’s at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park last May. “We had a great start to the season,” said Louis-Philippe Montour. “I know the GP3R track well, having already raced there in two very different series last year. I know exactly what to expect.”

The driver of the #13 Kamloop | GL Électricité-Automatisation car goes on to say that “sharing the team with Jacques Villeneuve, a Formula 1 world champion, puts extra pressure!”

For Louis-Philippe Montour, the GP3R allows him to showcase his partners to the Quebec crowd. “I am fortunate to be able to count on the support of two new partners for this event, and glad to help put forward local companies.” Gestion Or Concept is an expert in the creation of turnkey real estate projects, while Groupe Consilium offers consulting services in insurance, and in financial and wealth management.

“I am also pleased to announce that Kamloop will be supporting the GP3R volunteers during the event. This represents 600 meals that will be provided to the amazing volunteers who work hard during the weekend.”

Dumoulin Competition can count on Kamloop’s support to keep the team healthy throughout the season.

In addition to the on-track partnership, Louis-Philippe Montour and Dumoulin Competition also work together on the team’s logistics. In fact, Kamloop products will allow the team to optimize the food-related processes and provide even fresher nourishment during the events. You can read the full article here. 

Gestion OR Concept

Gestion OR Concept was born from the wish the Lemyre brothers, Sébastien and Mathieu, to create turnkey real estate projects that perfectly reflect their clients’ vision, regardless of the size or applicable constraints. For them, nothing is out of reach! This duo of passionate entrepreneurs has built a strong reputation thanks to its uncompromising approach in terms of quality, which uses the highest industry standards to create its project framework. Whether the land is entrusted to them or if they acquire it themselves, this is often the starting point for a major project built to the client’s exact needs. Given the specifics of the land, Gestion OR Concept can deliver just about any work product that is required to drive the project: dealings with municipalities, assessments and studies necessary to give life to or to market a construction project, or even work hands-on from the first shovelful of earth through to the finish. Their success story is filled with personalized projects that have fully satisfied a long list of customers who have seen their dreams come true! gestionorconcept.com/a-propos/#mission-ancre

Groupe Consilium

Consilium Group, an insurance and financial services firm for over 10 years, helps business leaders and organizations deliver projects and solve their personal and business challenges. We offer an innovative approach and sound advice to simplify your decision process and help develop optimized solutions in the areas of insurance, wealth management and financial security. groupeconsilium.ca/en/approach

About Dumoulin Competition. Jean-François and Louis-Philippe Dumoulin founded the Dumoulin Competition Race Team in 2009. Working with financial, marketing, logistics and sports management experts, they built up a solid business structure. Dumoulin Competition prepares its own and rental race cars in-house since 2016. Their motto: “Passion – Performance – Partnerships” expresses their will to perform on the track and offer their partners maximum visibility and profitability in return for their commitment. Their vision: To become Canada’s leader in motorsports through track performance as well as entrepreneurial and human values. dumoulincompetition.com

Louis-Philippe Montour has always been a racing enthusiast. He acquired his experience by participating in different series in the United States such as TransAm TA2. The NASCAR Pinty’s Canadian Series has always been one of his goals. This year, he has partnered with Dumoulin Competition to participate in all 5 road-course events.

His track record since 2011 is proof of the effectiveness of his approach:

2021: runner-up TC Canada Championship in the FEL Series
2018: TransAm TA2 Southern Cup Champion
2017: Winner of the HSR Daytona Classic 24 at Daytona International Speedway
2016: Rookie of the year in the TransAm TA2 Series
2013: Champion in the SRT Viper Cup Championship Series, with 8 pole positions in 10 races
2013: Champion in the USGT-X presented by NARRA
2013: 3rd in the SRT Viper Cup

How to Choose the Right Auto Repair Shop For Your Car Needs

By
SM
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When choosing an auto repair shop, it’s important to find one you can trust. After all, your car is a major investment, and you want to ensure it’s in good hands. The thing is, auto repair shops are not all created equal. Some are better than others, and some are just out to rip you off.

With so many cars that need repair every day, many auto repair shops are being started everywhere. The auto repair industry has been growing due to the demand from car owners. While this is a good thing, it also poses a challenge in choosing the right auto repair shop for your car. When you need an auto repair or any maintenance work done on your car, there are a few things you should take into consideration when choosing an auto repair shop:

1. Do your research

Although most people rely on their cars to get them from Point A to Point B, very few, take the time to learn about auto repairs. As a result, they often find themselves at the mercy of unscrupulous mechanics. However, there are a few things that you can do to protect yourself from being taken advantage of.

First, you must find an auto repair shop that you can trust. Auto repair shop Van Nuys, CA is a great choice. Ask your friends and family for recommendations, and read online reviews to understand what other customers have experienced. Once you have found a few potential shops, call each and ask for a quote for the services you need. Be sure to get the quotes in writing to record what was agreed upon.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good mechanic from a trustworthy shop such as Hollenshades Auto Service will happily explain the repairs needed and how much they will cost. By doing your research, you can ensure that you choose the right auto repair shop for your needs.

2. Check out their equipment

Picking the right auto repair shop is more than just finding one with the lowest prices or the friendliest staff. You want to find a shop with the right equipment to correctly take care of your vehicle.

A good auto repair shop should have the latest and most up-to-date equipment. This allows them to diagnose and repair your car properly. If they don’t have the right equipment, they might be unable to fix your car or end up causing more damage properly. For example, many auto shops will buy a four-post car lift for sale from a reputable dealer. This lift is essential for many repairs, such as brakes and suspension work.

However, if the shop doesn’t have the right tools to use the lift properly, they could damage your car. You may want to look for engine analyzers, scan tools, and nitrogen tire machines, too. These are all signs that the shop is serious about its work and has the right equipment to fix your car correctly.

3. Make sure they’re certified

When your car needs repairs, you must take it to a trustworthy shop. One way to ensure that a shop is qualified to work on your vehicle is to ensure they’re certified. With the proper certification, you will receive expert auto repair for your vehicle. The certification implies that a professional organization has vetted the shop and that its technicians have the skills and knowledge required to perform quality repairs.

In addition, many certified shops offer extended warranties on their work, so you can be confident that your vehicle is in good hands. The next time your car needs repairs, choose a certified shop for peace of mind.

4. Ensure they have quality parts

Since your automotive went through quality control, you want to ensure your auto repair shop has quality parts, and JBA Speed Shop offers high-quality performance parts for your vehicle. One way to do this is to ask if they offer a warranty on their parts and labor.

If they don’t offer a warranty, they might be using aftermarket or used parts. While these parts can often be cheaper, they may not last as long or work as well as new parts. As a result, you may have to pay for repairs more often.

In addition, many shops will offer discounts if you use their parts. This can be a great way to save money on repairs. However, be sure to ask about the quality of the parts before you agree to have them installed.

5. Compare prices

With so many auto repair shops to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to take your car for service. One way to narrow down your options is to compare prices. Many shops charge similar rates for basic services, but there can be significant differences for more complex repairs.

Once you have a few estimates, you can start understanding which shops are more expensive. However, it’s important to remember that price is not the only factor to consider. You also want to ensure that the shop you choose is reputable and that the technicians are experienced and qualified. With a little research, you can find an auto repair shop that meets your needs and budget.

If you keep these tips in mind, you should be able to find a good auto repair shop that you can trust. Remember, your car is a major investment, so you want to ensure it will be well taken care of. With a little research, you can find an auto repair shop that will take care of your car and save you money.

How to Travel with an Environmental Focus

By
SM
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Photo by Ross S. on Unsplash

Incorporating an eco-friendly ethos into travel plans is the best way to protect the planet and our future. It is an easy goal to achieve, and the benefits are undeniable, so everyone should get on board and start making the small but necessary changes. The following guide focuses on how to travel with the environment in mind, so read on for tips and tricks. 

Plan Your Transport Methods

Air travel, train travel, and even boat travel are all harmful to the world owing to pollution and other factors. Though some are better than others, for example, boats over planes, there are better ways to travel if you plan ahead. Traveling across the country, or even abroad, can and should be done using an electric vehicle. Not only will it enable significant savings when it comes to spending, but it is also undeniably more sustainable than alternate options.

If going abroad, consider hiring an electric vehicle or taking one on a ferry crossing to keep the journey eco-friendly. For more information about EVs, this electric car guide from LV ElectriX has all the necessary core information in an easy-to-read format. LV insurance company has compiled a super helpful website and put all things EV in one place for anyone to read up on and gain inspiration from. 

Find Sustainable Destination Countries to Visit

What is meant by a sustainable destination? Well, there are multiple factors to consider. Focus your travel on countries that observe and actively consider the environment and their global carbon footprint, and opt for greener, more sustainable hotel stays to minimize your impact. A list of countries that fall well into this category are:

  1. Sweden
  2. Scotland
  3. Portugal
  4. Costa Rica
  5. Cyprus
  6. Dominican Republic
  7. Estonia
  8. Slovakia
  9. Iceland
  10. France

The named, noticed, and heralded for their efforts toward improving global environmental initiatives along with beautiful luxury retreats. They have eco-friendly policies and country-wide observations in place for tourists to get on board as they travel around. 

Travel with Limited Plastic

If you don’t already know, then now is the time to learn – plastic is not your friend! Plastic is a leading cause of world pollution levels; it hangs around forever, and a lot of products are single-use, which is massively and unnecessarily wasteful. If you are traveling, move away from plastic-based products and replace them instead with eco-friendly alternatives. Read on below for some prime examples to try out. 

Don’t Use Bottled Water

Plastic water bottles are wasteful. They can also be infiltrated by plastic chemicals, which can affect health as well. Reusable water bottles are smart, cheap, and reliable. There are always places to fill up water, and there’s nothing in the rules that says you can’t take more than one along with your journey. 

Toothbrush and Toiletries

Make the switch to bamboo toothbrushes and ditch the plastic ones. Bamboo teeth-brushing instruments are ten times more sustainable than their plastic counterparts, and they do not negatively impact the environment when disposed of. Similarly, instead of using the single-use toiletry bottles provided in hotels and hostels, take reusable containers with you and refill them as and when needed. Plenty of retailers now support reusable containers, and there are even discount incentives to be found for being a part of sustainable practices. 

Cloth Shopping Bag

One-time carrier bags are the bane of the earth. Many countries have banned them or charge extra to provide them in an effort to deter people from using them. The better alternative is cloth bags or reusable shopping containers. Take these with you on holiday to avoid the temptation of adding to the worldwide plastic burden. 

Observe Local Waste and Recycling Rules 

The personal carbon footprint that you leave as you travel has consequences. Observe local legislation and practices around waste management. This includes how people are expected to recycle and dispose of their rubbish. It does vary between countries, and it is absolutely worth brushing up on knowledge before you get there so you don’t get it wrong. 

Eco-Friendly Activities

When you get to your vacation spot, there is always value in gearing your activities to be more eco-focussed too. Ways you can do this include: 

  • Explore Local Areas: Instead of traveling a lot when you reach where you are staying, try to stay as local as possible. Engage with community restaurants, discover landmarks and tourist spots close by, and ask locals for homegrown gems to explore as well. There is always more than you think on the doorstep, and though going further afield has value, so does staying in one area. 
  • Clean up the Beach: This is not a traditional vacation activity, but it is a helpful action to take. Certain countries have more of a sea pollution issue than others, and often beaches can be infiltrated by plastic products and other waste that finds its way into local ocean scenes. This affects wildlife, beauty spots, and general pollution levels, and is a major, global issue. Do your bit, even if just for a couple of hours, by helping and clearing up some beaches. Every effort, regardless of size, is appreciated and valued.
  • Camping: Camping takes things all the way back to nature. It is certainly nice to have home comforts, but there is no reason why this cannot be overlapped with enjoying nature and protecting the environment too. 
  • Water Sports: If your chosen destination has a body of water, there are bound to be water-based activities to engage with. This is a fun, exciting, and often new experience for a lot of people, and as long as proper procedures are followed, often more environmentally friendly than other tourist traps. 
  • Join in Local Wildlife Programs: To meet and explore native wildlife, finding a native organization is the best way to go. These companies are often charity-focused and have biodiversity and habitat sustainability at the forefront of their practices. It is also a much more morally focused way of engaging with animals in the area, as opposed to tourist attractions that are ethically and environmentally questionable. Animals are as much an important part of the environment as humans and need to be treated as such. 

Go Electronic

Reducing paper waste and natural resource usage is also important, and easily implemented. Try taking a solar charger for your mobile phone and other devices. Solar devices draw power from the sun, which can then be used as a charging tool for electronic devices. Take this further by remembering to opt out of physical paperwork and lean into e-tickets that can be loaded and stored on phones or similar. Despite the appeal of physical book items, e-readers are indisputably more eco-friendly, so if you have one – pack that in your bag instead of buying a new paper copy to travel with! 

Conclusion

So, as you now know, there are plenty of ways to adapt your travel arrangements and activities to make them more environmentally focused. Whether it is in the choice of transport or the things you do while away from home, every little choice has an impact in one way or another. There is always value in taking action, regardless of how big or small that action may be. 

How to gamble as a motorsports fan

By
SM
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Photo by Patrick Robert Doyle on Unsplash

There are many ways to gamble out there, and you can also do it as a motorsports fan. Well, anyone can gamble, but you can find ways to do it adapted to your interest in motorsports. This can be done through both fun games at online casinos, and thrilling wagering at betting sites. Let’s take a better look at how you can bet as a motorsports fan.

Motorsports in casinos

Online casinos are great if you like to gamble online and play fun games. These are filled with games you can test out, and everything you need to do is to find a place to play, register, and deposit money to begin. There are a lot of different games to choose from, and you can even find some that are especially fun for motorsports fans. Slot machines can come with various themes that make them more specified to use, hereby motorsports. You can also get good bonuses here, and Erik King from Zamsino NZ claims that you can get no deposit-free spins if you wish to. 

There are different types of slot machines to choose from. The traditional ones are often displayed with five reels, where you can see well-known symbols such as fruit, and jackpot icons. These are simple, and the only thing you need to do is to pull a lever or push a button to get started, and the machine does the rest of the work. Video slots, on the other hand, are a bit more advanced, and also a lot more fun. These are the ones you can find with motorsports themes, and some of them even have mini-games and challenges that allow more varied gaming. You can simply create your account and input the minimum deposit to start using these, read more about it here: https://zamsino.com/nz/1-minimum-deposit/.

Betting on motorsports

Another way to combine gambling and your interest in motorsports is to bet on the races. This is quite easy, and you can get started in a few easy steps. Start by finding a good betting site to gamble on. The site must be totally safe and hold a working license from a gambling authority. Also, make sure that they offer to bet on motorsports, as you have no use for a website that does not. Now you can look up the weekend schedule for Pocono in the Nascar Cup Series, and figure out what races you want to bet on. 

Sign up to the betting site and make your deposit to find your way to the section for motorsports. Here you can have a look at the odds, which tells you what is most and least likely to happen in the sports event, and how much you can win if you wager on the different odds. You should be well-known with the cup or race you are betting on, for example by looking up the top-10 power rankings and be up to date on all motorsports news. This will make it easier for you to form a scenario as to who will win, and what will happen during the races. 

In addition to this, you should make yourself known of some different ways to bet, and perhaps even create a strategy for your motorsports betting. It can be a lot of fun to bet with a set strategy, and also easier to keep track of what you wish to bet on. To begin with, you might want to wager on some final placements, just to become familiar with how you bet. As your wagering proceeds, you can make more planned and advanced line bets to add a new level to your betting career. Anyone can gamble as long as they are old enough and have access to the internet and a device to gamble from. We have also seen a huge increase in online gambling lately, and the demand for it is big. There are a lot of ways to gamble as a fan of motorsports, for example by finding motorsport slots, or betting on the many races. It is a great way to make watching motorsports more interesting and to use your already existing hobby to find something new to do.

Irish Mike’s Racing Gaining Momentum heading to Road America

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Official Release
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ELKHART LAKE, Wis. (1 August 2022) – Irish Mike’s Racing will be looking to build on momentum from Watkins Glen International and a productive test session when it returns to the IMSA Porsche Carrera Cup North America presented by Visit Cayman Islands for this weekend’s Round 6 at Road America.

Irish Mike Racing driver Craig Conway finished a season-best eighth in the tough Pro-Am class in the most recent race at The Glen, driving the No. 97 Diamond Suzuki Porsche 992 in the Porsche Pro-Am division. Since then, the team tested at the famed Wisconsin circuit.

“We had a pretty good test at Road America, and we learned some things,” Conway said. “We’re heading in the right direction, so we’re looking for continued improvement. We’ve got to keep chopping away. I want to be able to run decent in the class and be competitive, and we’re getting it done.”

Conor Flynn drives the No. 95 FlynnCo Cars / Chillout Systems Porsche 992 in the Porsche Pro-Am division, also improving his finishing position in Race 2 at WGI. The team has continued to adopt to the new 992 platform in its first season with the car, and is looking to convert lessons learned in testing into another productive weekend as the series heads to the fan and driver-favorite track in Wisconsin.

“The test was really good, and hopefully we have similar conditions this weekend so we can kind of hit the ground running,” said Flynn. “There is a lot to learn and unlock with this new car and every time we pull it off the trailer we end up with a ton of notes and improvements by the time that we are loading up again so it’s been a great process for us. Road America is just an awesome track and I think we have a good chance to be strong this weekend.”

Last year, Conway just missed a podium finish at Road America, competing in the former 991 category.

“I was fourth, but right on the bumper of third,” Conway said. “We had a good run in the old car, but I’ve just got to get a little more comfortable in the new car. Hopefully, we can do a similar thing this year, if we’re lucky.”

Conway brings plenty of experience to the four-mile circuit.

“I’ve been there quite a bit,” he said. “The track itself is fast. I’m pretty comfortable there. It’s one of the tracks I like pretty well. I remember doing a six-hour race there in the Rolex Series. I had to change the transmission during the race, and we did it in 12 minutes! Then we managed to come back and beat Irv Hoerr for the win. We had a lot of pizzazz back then – the problem was, it was 20 years ago! At least, in the Carrera Cup, we’ve got the classes split by ages. The darn thing for me is I’m the oldest guy in the Blue class (Pro-Am), and I missed the yellow class (Am) by around two weeks. So while I’m racing the guys in my class, I’m also looking to see how the guys in Am are doing, since that’s the class I should be in.”

The Porsche Carrera Cup races twice this weekend: at 8:50 a.m. on Saturday and 9:50 a.m. on Sunday (all times CT).

Cadillac Racing driver Zoom transcript

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Official Release
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IMSA FASTLANE SPORTSCAR WEEKEND: ZOOM TRANSCRIPT

Pipo Derani, co-driver of the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac DPi-V.R, and Sebastien Bourdais, co-driver of the No. 01 V-Performance Academy Cadillac DPi-V.R, met with the media August 1 via Zoom conference to preview the IMSA Fastlane SportsCar Weekend at Road America. Derani co-drove to victory in the 2021 race. Bourdais and co-driver Renger van der Zande have won three times this season.

Full transcript by individual driver:

Reigning IMSA DPi champion Pipo Derani, co-driver with Olivier Pla, of the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac DPi-V.R:

YOU’VE HAD SUCCESS AT ROAD AMERICA. WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS WEEK THERE?

“I think Road America is perhaps one of the nicest tracks for any racing driver. It’s very fast, very technical as well and presents a big challenge for the teams to be able to do a perfect setup. I would love to try to get a third win (2021, 2017 in DPi). It hasn’t been an easy season for us, but hopefully in the last two races of the year we can show a little bit better results and get a win.”

WHAT DOES BEING CHAMPION ONE YEAR AND WHERE YOU ARE NOW SAY ABOUT THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE SERIES?

“It’s been a reality check to what motorsport is. You have ups and downs during your career. Coming in this year as the champ and having such a difficult year — changing teammates in the middle of the season – it hasn’t been easy. Nevertheless, it’s always a pleasure. You are in one of the most competitive championships in the world; IMSA right now being extremely competitive. Heading to the last two races without a single chance of winning the championship but I think it shows how the championship is so competitive you can’t have any weak link in the team whatsoever.

“Once you go and fight against teams that are with the same lineup for two, three years, they are working well together it’s just hard for you to overcome that. So, going into the last few races of the year we have Olivier onboard in the Whelen Engineering Cadillac. I think he’s got up to speed quite well and I’m hoping that we can together put some strong results on the board. Hopefully, we can be in the mix for a win either at Road America or Road Atlanta to finish the year on a strong note. But, again, it shows that in motorsport it doesn’t matter what you do the year before or the last race. As they say, you’re as good as your last race. It’s a constant battle every weekend for you to be at the top because it’s definitely not a given. You should not take it for granted but should always be working hard.”

WHAT’S THE MISSING INGREDIENT THIS YEAR?

“To be honest, it’s such a competitive championship first of all. We’re going against pairings that have been working together for a while, and then we welcomed Tristan (Nunez) at the beginning of the year. That’s already in itself a difficult situation when you have to learn a new teammate, to work with someone new and this person has to learn how the team operates. So it takes little bit of time to adapt, and then not only that we had a change in the middle of the season. You repeat the whole process again. When Olivier joined at Detroit, obviously not a very easy track to join and get to learn a new team. It’s just a situation where you’re in a very competitive championship and instead of focusing on details you’re focusing on the driver who’s in the car is getting up to speed quickly. That, in itself, you’re starting on the back foot already. In such a competitive championship, this can’t happen. We’re definitely not missing speed; we’ve been close to a couple of pole positions this year that just didn’t materialize for maybe just a little bit of time. We led more than 50 percent of the Twelve Hours of Sebring. It’s details that make a huge difference when it counts at the very end to have a strong result that we missed. I would say that down not being fully in sync with one another, especially on the driver front. We’re working hard on that. I hope we can have a strong finish to the season. It hasn’t been easy, but Olivier has been up to speed especially in the last two races. From now on it’s a bit of fine-tuning to be back at where we should be. Obviously had going into the last two races of the season. There are only two shots at showing that we were able to do that, but I think if we put everything together there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be where we belong.”

HOW DO YOU MANAGE TRAFFIC AT ROAD AMERICA?

“It’s a track that the difference in speed is perhaps a bit higher than the others. If you take Mid-Ohio or even Laguna, the difference between a GT or a P3 to a DPi is not as big as for example Road America. That makes it very interesting as well for us approaching them at speeds that are even shocking for us inside the car. In general, you have quite a lot of space to overtake, especially with the straights. But then you have very tricky corner, which is the Carousel. If you get a GT or a P3 there, it’s a massive difference and you end up losing a lot of time. As the racing progresses, perhaps you can get a little bit luck and get the other guys on the straight. If you’re not that lucky and you get them right before the Carousel, then you’re stuck for a long, long time. That makes it interesting for everyone watching. Not quite as fun for us inside the car, but it’s part of multi-class racing and that’s why we keep coming back.”

Sebastien Bourdais, co-driver with Renger van der Zande of the No. 01 V-Performance Academy Cadillac DPi-V.R:

TALK ABOUT THE MOMENTUM YOU GUYS HAVE AND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS WEEK.

“We’ve had a very interesting season with three wins and quite a lot of misfortune. We’ve had a really fast 01 Cadillac and Chip Ganassi Racing has given us some great cars, but unfortunately, we’ve fallen out of too many races to really be in the championship hunt. We’re going to need some help from the 60 and the 10 to run into issues for us to stay in contention and hope for something in the last race at Petit. Nevertheless, it’s been a fun season. We’ve been running at the front, winning races, feeling strong. Renger put on an incredible performance at Mosport in really challenging conditions. He kind of went for it especially in traffic, which was really awesome. Looking forward to trying to repeat that at Road America. It’s a beautiful racetrack. I only managed to win there once in Champ Car days, but I have a lot of really good memories. It’s one of those places that is extremely rewarding if you get the lap right. It’s one of those cases where it feels really brilliant when you put a lap together and hopefully we can do that in qualifying and have a great race day.”

GIVEN THE WAY THE SEASON STARTED FOR YOU, ARE YOU SURPRISED TO BE GIVEN A SHOT AT THE CHAMPIONSHIP AT THIS POINT?

“From the get-go we were really quick. We’ve had the pace all year long. It’s not been the problem of pace; it’s been a question of completing the races without tripping over something or having issues. It’s a shame that we’ve had so many. When you have three blank results out of a 10-race championship, it’s very unlikely you’re going to end up winning. We knew that basically after Daytona and Sebring that we were going to need to have a perfect season from there on out. Unfortunately, we had another miscue at Laguna, and at that point it was like you pretty much have to be winning or second and need your opposition to have some serious issues, which hasn’t really happened with the 60. Basically, when we’ve won they’ve finished second or third. I’m not the kind of guy who wishes anything bad on anyone; that’s not what I’m saying. At this point, either they are running into some issues in the last two events or it’s pretty much game over with the advantage in points that they have. We don’t really have our destiny on our hands, but we’re going to keep on pushing and going for wins which we have all season. Hopefully, we’re still in it going into Road Atlanta and then it’s a 10-hour race as the championship-decider, which we’ve seen crazier things happen.”

WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE CADILLAC LMDH CAR IN TESTING?

“It’s been really exciting; the beginning of a new era. The car is really exciting to drive. The new powerplant, power units and everything that we have with the new regulations it’s a different package, a different balance between downforce, grip level and power. It’s quite cool and I was really excited to get in the car and quite pleased to see what the car was delivering. It’s quite amazing. You sit in a new car like that, in a completely different environment than what was done before, and obviously you have all the electronics and everything that you have to run through. The car was really well born. It just hit the track, we had not done any setup work and it was already quite fun to drive and the lap times were already quite interesting. I think we’re all quite excited and looking forward to the future. I was kind of expecting it to be quite different from the DPi and it’s really not all that different at least in terms of feel. Just looking forward to more progress and more miles in that car.”

IS IT SIMILAR IN HAVING HELPED DEVELOP THE FORD GT AND THE PEUGEOT, BEING AT THE GROUND LEVEL?

“Every new car is different, but I feel like there are some many more tools these days. Like the car runs complete with gearbox and engine and really pushes avenues to hit the ground running. The car hits the track and it’s already in the window. I’ve been part of development phases especially with Peugeot. That was really rough and raw and had to work a lot and make a ton of changes. This was completely different. The car was close and it felt right and it was a ton of fun and I’m looking forward to getting back in it.”

HOW DO YOU MANAGE TRAFFIC WITH ALL FIVE CLASSES RUNNING?

“It’s tough. Overall, we all kind of understand what needs to happen in order to have a successful interaction. I think the biggest problem us as far as the DPis is when some GT guy decides to block us – very late sometimes in braking zones. Most times it turns into chaos and disasters and it’s just super risky for everybody when you start to move down in the braking zone and shut the door and the DPi lunging in there. Everything else, it’s mostly timing and a bit of luck. You can have a great stint and a great average and things look really good and because you caught traffic at places where it didn’t impact you as far as lap time, and sometimes you keep on getting them at the wrong time. It’s not what anybody is doing; it’s just the luck of the draw. The biggest thing for us is for those other (classes) is to be predictable and drive. It’s much easier when everybody just keeps their heads down and just drives to the best of their ability and be predictable.”

Wood Brothers Racing’s Paint Scheme to Honor Ford and Lincoln 20-Year Senior Master Technicians

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Official Release
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Motor City Homecoming Weekend Celebrates the Ford Techs Who Keep Cars on the Road

  • 153 Ford and Lincoln 20-Year Senior Master Technicians will be in attendance for the August 7 race at Michigan International Speedway.
  • The name of each 20-Year Senior Master Tech will be on the special-edition paint scheme for the No. 21 Ford Mustang.
  • Ford uses motorsports sponsorships in NASCAR and NHRA to reward current technicians and promote career opportunities in the automotive technician field.
  • Special weekend highlights Ford’s 22-year partnership with Wood Brothers Racing.

DEARBORN, Mich. Aug. 1, 2022 – Ford and Wood Brothers Racing are thrilled to welcome 153 Ford and Lincoln Senior Master Technicians as special guests at the upcoming Firekeepers 400 at Michigan International Speedway. The race is the capstone to the Motor City Homecoming weekend that is celebrating techs who reached the 20-year Senior Master status mark in 2019 or 2020.

The 20-year Senior Master Technicians will be honored by having their names on the sides of the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang driven by Harrison Burton. This will be the first time since 2019 that the technicians are able to attend the race that recognizes their loyalty to Ford.

Ford Service Engineering Operations (Ford SEO) partners with Ford Motorcraft to reward automotive technicians who have dedicated themselves to providing excellent service at Ford and Lincoln dealerships across the U.S. To achieve Ford Senior Master Tech status, technicians complete over 600 hours of training and must have five years of service at a Ford dealership. To maintain their Senior Master status, these technicians have taken all new required training and two electives per year, for the last 20 years.

Motor City Homecoming weekend begins with a welcome dinner hosted by Ford Motor Company executives. There is also an exclusive recognition ceremony at Ford Field. To finish the weekend, the techs see their names on the No. 21 Ford Mustang competing in the NASCAR Cup Series race at MIS.

“We are so excited to bring back this memorable experience for our 20-year Senior Master Technicians,” said Elizabeth Tarquinto, Manager of Technical Service Operations, Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD). “The partnerships we have with Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing and the legendary Wood Brothers Team make this very special. We thrive as a company thanks to the tremendous service that our technicians provide.”

FCSD – best known to fans for its Motorcraft and Quick Lane brands – uses its NASCAR and NHRA racing programs to reward technicians at various levels of their career with VIP hospitality events.

Additionally, FCSD uses its NHRA racing program to actively recruit the next generation of automotive technicians. As a co-sponsor of the NHRA’s Youth & Education Services program, Ford dealerships meet and inform more than 30,000 students from across the country about the career opportunities afforded to technicians. The program resumes Labor Day weekend at the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series race in Indianapolis.

“Technicians are critically important to our dealerships, so we’re using our highly-visible racing programs to do two things, reward the techs we have and promote our need for more techs,” said Gina Scappaticci, Dealer and Distributor Engagement Manager for FCSD. “To retain the techs we have, we provide access to continuous training, set achievable goals, and offer rewards, like racing hospitality events, when those goals are met. At YES Program recruiting events, we express to students that becoming a technician has long-term viability as a career. We share how we actively help young techs receive the training they’ll need to service gas, diesel and electric vehicles.”

Ford estimates there is a need for over 80,000 automotive technicians annually across the industry. It has collaborated with the NHRA’s YES Program dating back to 2018. In 2022, there are 13 YES events, including six that will take place this fall. Students who attend have a full morning of activity, hearing a special message from Motorcraft/Quick Lane Funny Car driver, and third generation Ford dealer, Bob Tasca III. Students also meet with local Ford dealerships to discuss immediate opportunities and the technician career path.

Ford offers many avenues for entry into a career as a Ford/Lincoln technician through NewFordTech.com. High school students interested in becoming Ford or Lincoln automotive technicians have opportunities to continue their education at over 75 post-secondary training locations throughout the country, including the Ford Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) program and Ford Accelerated Credentials Training (FACT) program.
Information on the comprehensive programs Ford offers can be found at NewFordTech.com.

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

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

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

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

*See seller for limited-warranty details.

Wood Brothers Racing

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

Stoner Car Care Racing ready for endurance challenge at Road America

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Official Release
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Weekend heat to be a factor as the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge contests its second endurance race of the season

ORLANDO, Fla. (1 August 2022) – The challenge is set for the Stoner Car Care Racing fielded by Automatic Racing team this weekend: prepare for some of the hottest temperatures yet this season as the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge is set to feature the second endurance race of the season, the four-hour Road America 240 (Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Eastern on PeacockTV).

Drivers Rob Ecklin, Jr. and Ramin Abdolvahabi, veterans of numerous races at Road America, look to capture that elusive Bronze Cup victory as they return to the legendary Wisconsin circuit with their No. 09 Stoner Car Care Aston Martin Vantage GT4. The Bronze Cup recognizes the top drivers in the Grand Sport (GS) class who are in the FIA-rated Bronze category, denoting drivers who are not full-time professionals – but who are fully dedicated to improving their racing craft.

The Michelin Pilot Challenge series traditionally contests two four-hour endurance races each season, with the first at Daytona in January. This year, the second endurance race makes its debut at Road America, bringing a unique set of challenges to driver, team and equipment – especially given the expected temperatures in the 90s.

Teams often add a third driver for the endurance events but like Daytona, the Stoner Car Care team will stay with its usual two-driver lineup this weekend – though in dramatically different weather conditions than they saw in January.

“We contested the four-hour race at Daytona with just Ramin and I, so we know what to expect,” said Ecklin. “Though of course, the weather will be very different this weekend! We’re looking forward to the chance for more track time at Road America: it’s such an iconic track in terms of history and location.

“The key for Saturday is strategy and looking at how to manage that with two drivers,” continued Ecklin. “Fuel stops, yellows, and of course, the driver himself – ideally, you change drivers halfway, but this is a very physical track and with the heat, that’s the biggest challenge. You have to rest where you can on the straights, because you’ll need it on the tight sections. And some of these corners are pretty loaded, G-force wise. It will definitely be an endurance test.”

The team conducted a two-day test with both drivers two weeks ago at VIRginia International Raceway and came away with solid setup for the Road America weekend. Automatic Racing team manager David Russell has a plan in place, but knows that plans can rapidly change, especially in an endurance event.

“We had a good test two weeks ago at VIR, so we definitely feel ready,” offered Russell. “As Rob said, there isn’t a big difference in pre-race prep for a four-hour race, but it is a strategy change – especially with only two drivers. We have that planned but of course, looking at probable pace and tire degradation – we can’t look at historical data regarding Road America caution periods, though, because of the longer race. We’ll stop at least three times, if not four, and we have to factor in where to place the driver change, working from the end of the race backwards. Obviously though, racing usually does not go to plan!”

Russell also looks forward to an added “family” dynamic this weekend on the Stoner Car Care team.

“This is a special weekend for a lot of reasons,” said Automatic Racing team manager David Russell. “Two of our team guys, Ryan and Aaron Szyjakowski, are from Milwaukee and their dad Joseph will be out here helping this weekend! It’s going to be a lot of fun to have them all involved.”

The Stoner Car Care team continues to support End Alzheimer’s Racing, carrying decals on the car to help their efforts to raise funds and awareness.

Part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s Fastlane SportsCar Weekend, the Road America 240 takes the green flag Saturday at 2:15 p.m. Eastern. The race will be live streamed in the U.S. on Peacock TV, while international viewers can watch via IMSA.com/TVLive. IMSA Radio will also be available at IMSA.com. A race replay will air on USA Network Saturday, August 13 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern.

About Stoner Car Care

Stoner Car Care produces high-performance car washes, waxes, polishes, and dressings for auto enthusiasts and car care professionals. The Stoner Car Care line-up includes Invisible Glass, America’s #1 Automotive Glass Cleaner, along with many other appearance products. Whether driving, washing or waxing, Performance Matters! Stoner car care proudly formulates all of our product since 1942. www.stonercarcare.com

About Invisible Glass

Automatic Racing sees their way to victory with Invisible Glass, the top-selling automotive glass cleaner in the United States. The Invisible Glass product line includes aerosol and spray bottle cleaner, Invisible Glass with rain repellent for windshields and wiper blades. Find more online at https://www.invisibleglass.com/

About Automatic Racing

Based in Orlando, Automatic Racing is one of the longest-running teams in the paddock, forming in 2001 and competing in all but one of the 11 MICHELIN Pilot Challenge races at Daytona. The team has been developing, preparing and racing the prestigious Aston Martin Vantage GT4 since 2012. Automatic Racing won the 2017 MICHELIN Pilot Challenge title.

About End Alzheimer’s Racing

End Alzheimer’s Racing began in 2019, as father and son duo Bill and Alex Slupski – both experienced kart racers who also work in sports car racing – chose racing as the “vehicle” for their program to promote awareness and raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. Through End Alzheimer’s Racing, they want to be an integral part of the support network for families dealing with Alzheimer’s and other dementias and be part of the cure that ends Alzheimer’s disease.

http://act.alz.org/goto/endalzheimersracing

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