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From Trash to Cash: 4 Tips on How to Sell Your Junk Car

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

After serving you well for many years and miles, you have finally decided to sell your car. It is not because you have finally gathered the money to buy a new one, but because your vehicle is no longer operable. Whether it has suffered an accident or a critical engine failure, your car’s mechanical issues have made it too time-consuming and expensive to keep using it.

In general, when a car is damaged or defective in some way it is referred to as a junk car. While most junk cars are unsafe to be driving on public roads and highways, there are others that may be still running, giving owners the opportunity to sell them.

But selling a junk car can be a great hassle for many. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can get rid of your old clunker and make some extra cash in your pocket. Read our post to learn four tips on how to sell your junk car successfully.

Use scrap car services

Although you have many options on how to sell your junk car, a very common one is to use scrap car services. This allows you to get instant offers on your used vehicle that will help you turn your trash into cash. 

For example, if you live in the Philly area, your first step is to look for and get in touch with these types of businesses and discuss what you need to do to get cash for junk car in Philadelphia that will be worth your while. This is a straightforward process that allows car owners to get rid of their old clunkers fast.

Assess the condition of your car

Before putting your old car up for sale, it is important that you assess its condition. This mainly includes taking note of what is or isn’t working so you can present it all to the buyer.

While you may be tempted to fix your old car before selling it, it is advised that you don’t do anything because potential buyers may think that you are not confident in the condition of your vehicle. Instead, make sure you sell it as it is and negotiate the price accordingly.

Also, it is important to note that if you are thinking about selling your car to a junkyard, you shouldn’t worry about fixing a thing as they accept all kinds of cars.

Advertise your car

When it comes to advertising your junk car, there are many ways you can do it. For example, the most common way is to use newspapers, especially if you want to connect with an older audience. This is a great option if your vehicle is really old but still runs.

Also, don’t forget to use social media to sell your car online. There are plenty of websites, applications, and platforms where you can offer your old vehicle and get a top dollar.

Lastly, consider putting your car on one of those sites online that buy old, salvaged, and destroyed cars. The great thing about them is that the companies allow you to set your price for a deal that suits you best.

Gather all necessary paperwork

No matter how you decide to sell your junk car, it is crucial that you gather all the necessary paperwork for a successful transaction. This includes documents like a vehicle history report and service as well as maintenance records.

Make sure you review all paperwork to check whether it consists of all important information about your car such as the title, make, model, year, mileage, body condition, engine condition, and signs of any damages.

The main reason why you should do this is so you can get the best deal possible on your junk car as well as ensure that potential buyers don’t offer less money for it if not feasible.

Final thoughts

If you have an old car sitting in your garage for a long period of time, then you may want to consider selling it for extra cash. In order to earn good money out of it, it is crucial that you do your research on how you should best sell your vehicle.

From using scrap car services to gathering all important paperwork, be sure to follow the tips from our post and sell your junk car successfully.

Ready To Start Driving Lessons? Here’s How To Prepare Yourself

Photo by JESHOOTS.com

If you’re getting ready to start your driving lessons, you must prepare yourself for the experience. There are a few things you can do to make sure you’re ready for your first lesson and to help make the process go more smoothly. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the things you can do to prepare yourself for your driving lessons. We will also talk about what to expect from your first lesson and how to stay calm and focused during the experience.

1. Get extra driving lessons before

One of the best ways to prepare for your driving lessons is to get some extra driving time before your first official lesson. If you have a friend or family member who is willing to let you practice in their car, take advantage of that opportunity. Even if you only get to drive around the block a few times, it will be beneficial. Getting behind the wheel and getting a feel for how the car responds to your input is crucial before you start your driving lessons. Also, if you are from Manchester, you can get lessons in and around Manchester by booking them online. This will help you to get a feel for the city and its roads before you start your lessons. If you can’t get any extra driving time before your first lesson, don’t worry. Just be sure to pay close attention during your first lesson and take everything in.

2. Familiarize yourself with the car you will be driving

Another way to prepare for your driving lessons is to familiarize yourself with the car you will be driving. If you have a friend or family member who is willing to let you practice in their car, take advantage of that opportunity. Even if you only get to drive around the block a few times, it will be beneficial. Getting behind the wheel and getting a feel for how the car responds to your input is crucial before you start your driving lessons. This is especially true if you will be driving a manual transmission car. It is important to understand how the clutch and gears work before you start your driving lessons.

3. Choose a good time for your driving lessons

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for your driving lessons is to choose a good time for your lessons. If you are taking driving lessons after school, make sure you have enough time to get to your lesson without rushing. It is also important to make sure you will be able to focus during your lesson. If you are tired or stressed from other activities, it will be more difficult to pay attention and learn during your driving lesson. Choose a time when you know you will be rested and able to focus on learning how to drive.

4. Be prepared to ask questions

Another important way to prepare for your driving lessons is to be prepared to ask questions. Your driving instructor will expect you to have questions and will be happy to answer them. However, if you are not prepared with questions, it will be more difficult to get the most out of your lesson. Before your first lesson, take some time to think about what you want to learn and what you are struggling with. This will help you make the most of your driving lesson time. It is also a good idea to write down your questions so you don’t forget to ask them.

5. Relax and have fun

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for your driving lessons is to relax and have fun. Learning to drive can be stressful, but it is important to remember that it is also an exciting time. Allow yourself to enjoy the experience and don’t get too wrapped up in the stress of learning. If you can approach your driving lessons with a positive attitude, you will be more likely to succeed. Taking driving lessons is an exciting time. It is a chance to learn a new skill and gain independence. However, it is also normal to feel some anxiety about starting driving lessons.

6. Research more online

If you want to be extra prepared for your driving lessons, there is no harm in doing some additional research. There are many resources available online that can help you learn about driving. You can find articles, videos, and even interactive games that can help you understand the basics of driving. These resources can be a great way to prepare for your driving lessons and get a head start on learning how to drive. No matter how you choose to prepare for your driving lesson, the most important thing is to approach it with a positive attitude and an open mind. Learning to drive can be challenging, but it is also a lot of fun.

By following these tips, you can prepare yourself for your driving lessons and ensure that you have a positive experience. Just remember to stay calm, focus on the task at hand, and be prepared to ask lots of questions. With a little preparation, you’ll be ready to start your driving lessons and on your way to getting your driver’s license in no time. Good luck!

What Should You Consider When Comparing Car Quality?

Photo by ANTONI SHKRABA

When you are in the market for a new car, it is important to consider all of your options. Many factors go into making a decision about which car to buy, and one of the most important is quality. But what exactly should you be looking for when comparing car quality? In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most important things to keep in mind when making your decision.

1. The speed of the car

The first thing that you need to consider when comparing car quality is the speed of the vehicle. How fast does it accelerate? How well does it handle? Do you feel safe when driving at high speeds? If you are looking for a car that is going to be used for racing or other high-speed activities, then you need to make sure that it can handle the speeds. You should research the top speed of the car you want and make sure that it is safe to drive at those speeds, as well as how well it handles at high speeds. Another important factor to consider is the braking system. Does the car have ABS brakes? How well do they work? Are they easy to use? You need to make sure that the brakes are going to be able to stop the car when you need them to.

2. The comfort of the car

Another important factor to consider when comparing car quality is comfort. How comfortable is the ride? Are the seats supportive? Is there a lot of leg room? How is the visibility? You want to make sure that you are going to be comfortable in the car, especially if you are going to be spending a lot of time in it.  You also want to consider how easy it is to get in and out of the car. If you have trouble getting into or out of a car, then it is probably not going to be very comfortable for you. Finally, you want to think about how quiet the car is. Do you need a quiet ride so that you can concentrate on driving? Or do you want a car that is going to be noisy so that you can listen to music or talk on the phone? Consider your needs and then decide on which car is going to be the most comfortable for you.

3. The price of the car

Of course, you also need to consider the price of the car when you are comparing car quality. How much can you afford to spend? Are you looking for a cheap car or a more expensive one? What is your budget? You need to make sure that you are not spending more money than you can afford on a car.  However, you also need to keep in mind that the most expensive car is not necessarily the best quality. Many factors go into determining the price of a car, and quality is just one of them. Do your research and compare prices before making your final decision about which car to buy.

4. The warranty of the car

Another important factor to consider when comparing car quality is the warranty. Does the car come with a warranty? How long is the warranty? What does it cover? You want to make sure that you are buying a car that comes with a good warranty so that you can be protected in case something goes wrong.  Many newer cars come with a basic warranty, but you may be able to purchase an extended warranty if you are willing to pay more.  Make sure that you understand what is covered by the warranty before making your final decision.

5. The features of the car

Finally, you want to consider the features of the car when you are comparing quality. Does the car have all of the features that you want? Do you need a GPS? Bluetooth connectivity? Heated seats? Make a list of all of the features that you want and then make sure that the car you are considering has them all.  You may be able to find a cheaper car that does not have all of the bells and whistles, but if it does not have the features that you want, then it is probably not worth it. Deciding about which car to buy can be difficult, but if you take the time to consider all of your options and compare car quality, then you should be able to find the perfect car for you.

There are a lot of factors that go into determining the quality of a car. You need to consider the performance of the car, the comfort of the car, the price of the car, the warranty of the car, and the features of the car. Take your time and compare all of these factors before making your final decision. With a little bit of research, you should be able to find the perfect car for you. So, what are you waiting for? Start your search today!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Second Hand Racing Car

Driving and maintaining a race car is not the same as maintaining a regular car; a sedan, for example, is not built for sharp turns and high acceleration. Racing cars are built in a way to get super high performance for a short period. This is why their parts and maintenance techniques are also different.

This is why some people wonder whether they should buy a second-hand racing car. Race cars are expensive, and it will be a tough call to make if it’s your first time buying one. While some people prefer buying a brand new one, getting a second hand is not bad either. You can use it for a few years, gain more experience and then shift to a better, newer model.

But if you decide to go for a second-hand model, be sure to learn all the pros and cons of getting a second-hand race car.

Good Mileage of a Used Car

The first and foremost thing you need to understand before buying a secondhand race car, or any car for that matter, is its mileage. A car that has gone over its per year mileage means it will be causing you a heap of trouble.

If you are wondering what mileage is good for a used car then you can find it yourself. To find out the right mileage for your secondhand car, just multiply its age by 12,000. 

For example, if a car is 3 years old, then the right mileage for it would be 36,000. If the car has been driven more than 36,000 miles in 3 years, then that means this car is not in a suitable state. On the other hand, a lower mileage means that the car has been hardly used and is in good condition.

Pros of Buying A Second-hand Racing Car

First, let us look at some of the advantages of buying a secondhand racing car. Check them thoroughly as it will help you in your decision-making.

1. More Affordable

Secondhand objects will have a lower price than store-bought products. This is because they have been used multiple times before, and the new owner will need to repair a lot of things or change and modify some parts of the vehicle according to their taste.

Generally, the price of a second hand car can be up to 70% lower than the original price of the car. It all depends on the model, the date of purchase, the amount of miles driven, and other indicators. So check various owners or shops and check the most reasonable price.

2. Low Insurance Cost

The insurance cost of any materialistic belonging such as a car will go down as time goes by from its date of purchase.

This is because the more time passes on and the more time it has been used, its effectiveness will decrease, and its lifespan will gradually decrease as well. So the more its lifespan goes down, the lower the insurance cost. This is a great thing to look for in a secondhand racing car.

3. Modify To Your Heart

When you buy a brand car from the store, it will obviously come with a warranty of at least three years. If you try to modify your newly purchased car within that period, it will completely abolish the validity of the warranty.

This is why if you intend to modify your car, you can either wait for the warranty period to end or buy a second-hand car that is already way past that time period. Since it does not have any running warranty now, you can modify your car in any way you want.

Cons of Buying a Second-hand Car

You need to check some disadvantages of a used car too. Here are some of them:

1. Second-hand Problems

Since you are buying a secondhand car, no matter how appealing it may seem, be sure that deep down, it will have some hidden problems. The older the model of the vehicle, the more likely you will find some secondhand problems.

So, make sure before finalizing the deal you are getting your car checked by a trusted and professional mechanic. Otherwise, you will buy something with money far beyond its worth. 

The most common secondhand problems include engine failure, drivetrain problems, braking problems, and electrical problems in the dashboard.

2. A Lot of Maintenance

As mentioned before, a secondhand car will likely have much more problems than a newly bought car. The older the car, the more the issues.

And because there are a lot of problems, a lot of maintenance and a lot of repair work is necessary. 

If the car is not checked properly before buying, you may be spending more time fixing and repairing different parts of the car than actually driving it. Worst case scenario, you need to replace all the car’s vital parts with new ones. 

3. Old Technology

New cars and models will have better technology, making driving much more fun and easier. A simple feature can drastically improve how you handle the car and your overall driving experience.

Unfortunately, older cars do not come with these advanced features. Because of this, your driving experience may feel a bit lacking compared to others, and you may or may not enjoy your ride. Another big disadvantage is their oil consumption technology. Newer cars can go longer with less fuel than old secondhand race cars.

Final Thoughts

Buying a second-hand car has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you want to drive a cool car with exquisite mods, but at a relatively low price, then you can definitely go for a secondhand car, but be sure to check it beforehand for any hidden problem it may have.

How to Sell Off Your Junk Car for a Fair Price?

We all love keeping our good old cars around us. Our mechanical buddies have been with us through the high and low rides, the rainy days, and extra sunny ones. Cars do a lot more than we give them credit. 

Some people like to keep their favorite vehicle around just long enough to pass it on to the next person. Others like a quick replacement. Putting it plainly, we all have different relationships with our vehicles. That just makes junk car removalessential to discuss.

So here is the thing about having a junk car, it is better when you let it go. Except it’s a good old-timer you would like to keep around for the museum. Maybe for its aesthetic and artistic value as well. You know, it is just time to let that junk car go!

Now here is what we mean when we say junk car. It does not always only apply to a vehicle that is so obviously falling apart with a few misplaced windshields. It could also mean a damaged car. Even though a falling apart car counts pretty much as junk that you should let go. 

So here is the thing about junk cars: you can get them off your hands without extra cost. What’s more? You can even make a few extra bucks while getting them off your hands. Here is everything you need to know about junk car removal services and how to make your way around them!

 Sell off your Junk Car Today with USJunkYard

There is no need to keep that junk car in your garage or personal property for too long. You’ve got options and ones that could make you a few extra bucks. Are you looking for a junkyard just waiting to help with getting your junk car off your hands? Then USJunkYard is a great place to start when looking to sell off that junk car.

One cool feature about this is you can get your car sold in 4 easy steps today at a fair price! It also offers free towing for your vehicle. This way, you don’t spend extra cash on the mileage and transport.

When Does a Damaged Car Qualify as Junk?

Here’s a straightforward response that works in most cases. Your car is most likely damaged when it is beyond repair. In other instances, the repair cost is much more than getting a new one. If there is an emotional attachment to your Bumblebee, then junk car removal is your best bet.

While not all parts of the vehicle might be damaged, the vital functions are likely condemned. It becomes harder to get it around, even if it goes anywhere. So whether it is painted in your favorite color or has your childhood sticker on the back. It might even be your first college car.

Whatever it is, your vehicle would inevitably want you to move on, which is hardly arguable. So that car, yes, that one that comes to mind when we say “junk car,” has to go. Here is how!

How to Make Money from a Junk Car?

There are different ways you can make money off a junk car. All of these, however, fall into two main categories. Except, of course, you want to consider selling it to the museum a few centuries from now. Jokes aside, let’s get to the real business, the money business.

Here are two ways anyone anywhere can make money off a junk car

  • Selling in bits
  • Selling as a whole

Selling Your Junk Car in Bits.

As previously stated, a junk or damaged car is not necessarily a lifesaver. While it is damaged and most likely condemned, a few parts might still be functional and very much needed.

What you do is to find people who are interested in these still-working parts. Then you can sell it to them for a fee. If you have a trendy car, it would be much easier to sell it off in bits. It works well because there would be high demand for parts you have to sell at a much lower price. 

Selling your junk car in bits also increases how much you can get for it. By trading in bits, you can quickly control the pricing and the fee. Rather than when it is priced off as a whole. You can also make extra cash when you need it.

It’s like a junky old treasure chest you dig right into when you need a couple of doubloons. 

Selling Off as a Whole

Rather than going through the process, you might want to sell it off as a whole. In such cases, the car is removed from your property and hands once and for all. Now you might be wondering, how can I get a full junk car sold?

Who is waiting around for a junk car to purchase? It is undoubtedly true that you have a higher chance of selling in bits than selling as a whole. However, that only applies when you do not know who to sell to.

A couple of people are just waiting around the corner for a junk car they can get their hands on. You do not need to look too far to find one of these. Neither do you need to hand up a yard sale or an ad on Etsy. You can quickly sell your junk cars to these categories:

Junkyards and Scrapyards

A junkyard or scrap yard is where cars like yours are brought for a better future. No, we do not mean a pimp, even though that’s not a bad idea. Since you are selling as a whole, junkyards and scrapyards buy from you as a whole.

They take it down to their base to dismantle and sort. After dismantling, they pick out the valuable parts, which are a lot, and resell them. Junkyards have a broad client base, so whether it works or not, they have a sale!

Auto Recyclers

Auto recyclers are another top client of junk cars. They buy in bits and also as a whole. Auto recyclers patronize most junkyards. At the same time, auto recyclers can also do their sourcing themselves.

They find auto parts that are in demand or needed by people. It could range from rear lights to doors. They resell these parts at a much lower price than their new counterparts.

 Conclusion

These are useful tips on how to sell off your junk car for a fair price. Since 25% of a car’s body is made from recycled materials, they have quite the market. As a result, they are out for junk, and you’ve got what they need.

CAR-T Therapy Grant Awarded for Solid Child Tumors

Photo by Drew Hays on Unsplash

A new cancer research grant has been awarded to a global team working on novel immunotherapies for children with solid tumors. The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research has awarded roughly $12 million to the NexTGen Team. Novel CAR-T therapy is on the cutting edge of terminal cancer research and treatment, but the therapy has seen little in the way of clinical trials in children with terminal cancers, to date. 

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T therapy) involves removing T-cells directly from a cancer patient or a suitable donor. The T-cells are then genetically engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors onto their surface. The T-cells are basically reprogrammed so that they can recognize and target tumor-associated antigens when they are injected back into the patient. The new T-cells then trigger an attack on tumor cells which leads to their death.

To date, there are five CAR-T therapy treatments that have been clinically approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). CAR-T therapy has enjoyed a very good track record of success against certain specific types of lymphomas and leukemia thus far. There are currently a number of clinical trials exploring the use of CAR-T therapies on solid tumors. 

NexTGen Team is led by Dr. Martin Pule of University College London (UK) and Professor Catherine Bollard of the Children’s National Hospital (US). Through the use of the grant funds, their team hopes to develop a better understanding of childhood brain tumors and sarcomas. The goal is to develop CAR-T therapies that can be used for child patients.

 Dr. Pule says the team’s vision is to improve the outcomes of children with solid tumors while reducing the toxicity of current treatment methods. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are toxic, and as the old saying goes, doctors have to make patients sicker with these treatments in hopes of curing them. CAR-T therapy is on the cutting edge of scientific research for some cancers, but it is non-toxic and generally safe. Patients have met with very good outcomes from the therapy while reducing the toxicity from other treatment types (although CAR-T therapy is often a companion therapy to radiation or chemotherapy).

Dr. Ray DuBois chairs the board of the Mark Foundation for Cancer Research. He says that while CAR-T therapy is close to revolutionizing the treatment of blood cancers, there’s still a lot of work to be done on solid tumors. The Foundation’s grant funding is aimed at accelerating this process to save the lives of children with incurable cancers. 

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common type of aggressive brain tumor in adults. GBM has a median two-year patient survival rate of 30 percent when treated with existing chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments. A study published in PubMed showed that treatment with CAR-T therapy resulted in a patient experiencing a transient complete response that lasted for 7.5 months (the length of the trial), and resulted in a great improvement in the patient’s quality of life. Results from other clinical trials on adults are still pending.

Solid child tumors are a terrible challenge for researchers and for families whose child has been diagnosed. The money awarded to NexTGen was delivered through the Cancer Grand Challenge, funded by the Mark Foundation for Cancer Research. The doctors and scientists from NexTGen are excited to be working to bring the next generation of CAR-T therapy to patients, in hopes of eventually solving this critical problem.

Weekend schedule for Pocono

NASCAR Cup Series Pocono Organics CBD 325 at Pocono Raceway on June 26, 2021 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

NASCAR travels to Pocono Raceway for three days of racing action this weekend.

The ARCA Menards Series will kick things off Friday evening with the Camping World Truck Series and the Xfinity Series headlining Saturday’s events. Sunday afternoon the Cup Series will close out the weekend with the M&M’s Fan Appreciation 400.

There are six races left in the Cup Series regular season which has so far produced 14 different winners. That leaves only two available spots to make the Playoffs on points. Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney is currently ranked 15th followed by Joe Gibbs Racing’s Martin Truex Jr. in 16th.

Seven different Xfinity Series drivers have secured their place in the Playoffs this season with wins, leaving five remaining open spots. Ty Gibbs has won four times, followed by Justin Allgaier (three), AJ Allmendinger (two), Noah Gragson (two), Josh Berry (two), Austin Hill (two) and Brandon Jones (one).

It will be the final race of the regular season for the Camping World Truck Series. The Playoff field will be set and the Regular Season Champion will be crowned. Eight drivers including Zane Smith, John Hunter Nemechek, Chandler Smith, Stewart Friesen, Ben Rhodes, Ty Majeski, Christian Eckes and Carson Hocevar have already secured a place in the Playoffs, leaving two spots up for grabs.

You can watch Press Pass throughout the weekend for post-qualifying and post-race content along with various driver media availability sessions.

All times are Eastern.

Friday, July 22

2:45 p.m.: ARCA Practice – No TV
3:30 p.m.: ARCA Qualifying – No TV
4:30 p.m.: Truck Series Practice – FS1 – Canceled (Rain)
5 p.m.: Truck Series Qualifying – FS1 – Canceled (Rain) Lineup set by NASCAR Rule Book
6:30 p.m.: ARCA General Tire Delivers 200 race – FS1/MRN

Saturday, July 23

9:35 a.m.: Xfinity Series Practice – USA
10:05 a.m.: Xfinity Series Qualifying – USA

Noon: Truck Series CRC Brakleen 150
Distance: 150 miles (60 laps)
Stage 1 ends on Lap 15, Stage 2 on Lap 30, Race ends on Lap 60
The Purse: $702,702
FOX/MRN/SiriusXM

2:35 p.m.: Cup Series Practice – USA/MRN/SiriusXM
3:20 p.m.: Cup Series Qualifying – USA/MRN/SiriusXM

5 p.m.: Xfinity Series Explore the Pocono Mountains 225
Distance: 225 miles (90 Laps)
Stage 1 ends on Lap 20, Stage 2 on Lap 40, Race ends on Lap 90
The Purse: $1,337,905
USA/MRN/SiriusXM

Sunday, July 24

3 p.m.: Cup Series M&M’s Fan Appreciation 400 – USA/MRN/SiriusXM
Distance: 400 miles (160 Laps)
Stage 1 ends on Lap 30, Stage 2 on Lap 95, Race ends on Lap 160
The Purse: $6,828,051
USA/MRN/SiriusXM

Hendrick Motorsports Media Advance: Pocono

Pocono Raceway
Sunday, July 24, 2022
2.5-MIle Triangle
3:00 PM ET
Location: Long Pond, Pennsylvania
TV: Fox
Event: NASCAR Cup Series (21 of 36)
Radio: SiriusXM, PRN

5 KYLE LARSON
Age: 29 (July 31, 1992)
Hometown: Elk Grove, California
Resides: Mooresville, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels
Standings: 5th

No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

OH, SO CLOSE. AND AGAIN: Last year at Pocono Raceway, Kyle Larson entered the doubleheader weekend riding a three-race win streak. Leading the Saturday race on the final circuit, a tire issue sent the No. 5 entry into the turn three wall and Larson limped back to the checkered flag to finish ninth. In a backup car for the Sunday event, he started at the rear of the field and conserved enough fuel during the last green-flag run to finish second – his seventh top-two finish over a span of eight races.

IT’S TRICKY, TRICKY, TRICKY: In 14 starts at Pocono, Larson has 11 finishes of 12th or better including two runner-up finishes. The 29-year-old driver also holds the Cup Series qualifying record at “The Tricky Triangle” of 183.438 mph set in August 2014.

DRIVE FOR FIVE: Through 20 events this season, Larson has posted eight top-five finishes. The driver of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 trails only Ross Chastain (10) in that statistical category.

TOP-FIVE FOR DRIVER 5: In just over a year-and-a-half with Hendrick Motorsports, Larson has secured 11 victories as the driver of the No. 5 entry – fifth on the all-time wins list for Hendrick Motorsports among drivers. He only trails Jeff Gordon (93), Jimmie Johnson (83), Chase Elliott (16) and Terry Labonte (12).

AND THE ESPY GOES TO?: The 2021 Cup Series champion has been nominated for the ESPN “Best Driver” ESPY for the first time in his 10-year Cup Series career. The Elk Grove, California, native finished the 2021 Cup Series season with 10 wins, 20 top-five finishes and 26 top-10s – all tops in NASCAR’s premier series. In addition, Larson also spends time racing on dirt where he was also very successful last year, winning an additional 22 times including the Chili Bowl, the Knoxville Nationals, the Kings Royal and the Prairie Dirt Classic. This year’s ESPY Awards will take place on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.

CHARITY RACE: On Friday, Larson and his Hendrick Motorsports teammates will participate in the Urban Youth Racing School (UYRS) Celebrity Grand Prix of Philadelphia. The event is a fundraiser, which continues to expose inner city youth to career options in the motor sport and automotive industry and also includes a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) exhibition with several activations from UYRS partners. The grand prix will turn the streets of West Philadelphia at the historic Memorial Hall into an urban racetrack.

WELCOME BACK: Crew chief Cliff Daniels returns from a four-race suspension this weekend after the No. 5 entry lost a wheel during the Sonoma Raceway event. In his absence, Larson and team were still able to accrue the fourth-most points during that span.

YOUR CAR NEEDS: This weekend, Larson will drive the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. From the convenience of home, customers can select the category, make, model and vehicle packages that are important to them from the nearly 30,000 new, high-quality pre-owned and certified cars, trucks and SUVs available at HendrickCars.com. The website also makes it easy for customers to find one of Hendrick Automotive Group’s 93 dealership locations nationwide.

9 CHASE ELLIOTT
Age: 26 (Nov. 28, 1995)
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Resides: Dawsonville, Georgia
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: 1st

No. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series, will be available in the Pocono Raceway media center at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 23.

EXPANDING HIS LEAD: Chase Elliott continues to grow his NASCAR Cup Series point standings lead with only six races left in the regular season. Over the past five races, Elliott has expanded his lead by 58 points on the driver in the runner-up spot. Currently, he has a 67-point advantage over second-place driver Ross Chastain. In addition to leading the regular season standings, the Dawsonville, Georgia, native has the most playoff points with 20, thanks to his five stage wins and series-leading three victories.

POCONO PERFORMANCE: Elliott has 12 Cup Series starts at Pocono Raceway with three top-five finishes, seven top-10s and 67 laps led. He’s earned a best finish of fourth on three different occasions, most recently in 2020. In addition, he earned a second-place result in his lone NASCAR Xfinity Series start at the track in 2018 and drove to a victory in the ARCA Menards Series race in 2013.

STREAK-ING: The driver of No. 9 is currently riding a streak of four consecutive top-two finishes, a career-best for the 2020 Cup Series champion. In his four most recent starts, he’s amassed victories at Nashville Superspeedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway as well as runner-up finishes at Road America and New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He currently also has five consecutive top-10 finishes, matching his previous-best streak in 2022.

FRONT RUNNER: Elliott has spent a lot of time at the front of the field this season. His average finish of 10.40 is best among his fellow Cup Series competitors. He has led a series-high 658 laps in 2022, which is also a career-best mark for the 26-year-old through 20 events.

THE GREAT GUSTAFSON: No. 9 crew chief Alan Gustafson’s impressive resume continues to grow as he is currently second for the most wins by an active crew chief with 36 following the team’s most recent victory at Atlanta. He’s only two victories away from tying current frontrunner Rodney Childers. This weekend, Gustafson will call his 35th Pocono Cup Series race from atop the pit box. In his previous 34 races at “The Tricky Triangle,” he amassed two wins – both with Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon – eight top-five finishes, 18 top-10s and 202 laps led.

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT: NAPA has reached a multi-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports that will continue its 26-race majority sponsorship of Elliott and the No. 9 team. The news was announced Wednesday in Las Vegas during the general session of the 2022 NAPA EXPO, which attracts more than 13,000 vendors, employees, store owners and NAPA AutoCare Center professionals. To share the news, Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick and team vice chairman Gordon joined Marti Walsh, NAPA vice president of marketing, on stage at the Venetian Convention and Expo Center. Get all the details here.

24 WILLIAM BYRON
Age: 24 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Resides: Charlotte, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: 10th

No. 24 RaptorTough.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

20 IN 2022: So far in the 2022 season, William Byron has scored two wins, four top-five finishes, five top-10s, with 611 laps led – the second most by a NASCAR Cup Series driver this season – across 12 of the 20 races. He has three stage wins and 13 playoff points accumulated – tied for the second-most by any driver so far this season. The 24-year-old is currently 10th in the driver point standings, locked into the Cup Series playoffs for a fourth consecutive season.

PREVIEWING POCONO: In his eight Cup Series starts at the Long Pond, Pennsylvania, track, Byron has one pole award (June 2019), as well as two top-five finishes and five top-10s, leading 70 laps across four races. With a track-best finish of third during the first race of the June doubleheader last year, Byron holds a 9.13 finishing average – best all-time among drivers with more than one start at Pocono Raceway. His average finish at the “Tricky Triangle” is also a personal best out of all tracks he’s competed at in the Cup Series. In fact, his five top-10 finishes are tied with two other tracks where he holds the most top-10 finishes in his Cup Series career (Kansas Speedway and Martinsville Speedway).

PAST POCONO WINNER: Byron isn’t a stranger to victory lane at “The Tricky Triangle” though. After starting from the top spot in 2016, Byron dominated the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, leading 44 out of 60 laps before capturing the checkered flag.

DO THE TRICK: Last year, crew chief Rudy Fugle made his first two Cup Series starts at Pocono, scoring a third-place finish in the first race of the doubleheader and then almost collecting the win in the second race before pitting for fuel in the closing laps, resulting in a 12th-place finish. The Livonia, New York, native is no stranger to success at the 2.5-mile track though. With seven Truck Series starts at the Pennsylvania-based track, Fugle has visited victory lane there twice, going back-to-back with Byron in 2016 and Christopher Bell in 2017. In his seven previous Truck Series starts, Fugle’s drivers have also racked up one pole award, four top-five finishes, five top-10s with 71 laps led.

TWO-FOUR: The No. 24 has scored the win at Pocono six times – tied for the fourth-most wins by a car number at “The Tricky Triangle,” all coming with Jeff Gordon. If Byron were to end up in victory lane on Sunday, the No. 24 would be tied for the second-most wins at Pocono with the Nos. 18 and 88. A win would also bring the No. 24 closer to the total win mark set by a car number in the Cup Series – currently fifth with 97 wins behind the No. 3 with 100 and the No. 2 with 101 wins.

RAPTOR® TOUGH: Ready to take on Pocono, Byron will be back behind the wheel of the No. 24 RaptorTough.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Sunday’s event. RAPTOR® is a durable protective coating and bed liner that is designed to tolerate the toughest climatic conditions and can be applied to a wide range of substrates from steel, wood, concrete and plaster to plastics and composites. Resistant to common fuels, U.V., scratches and stains, RAPTOR® is available at local paint distributors, auto parts stores and can also be purchased from online retailers like Amazon.

48 Alex Bowman
Age: 29 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Resides: Concord, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Greg Ives
Standings: 11th

No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series, will be available in the Pocono Raceway media center at 1:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, July 23.

NOT THAT TRICKY: Alex Bowman took home the first win of the doubleheader weekend at Pocono Raceway last year, leading 16 circuits at the 2.5-mile triangle-shaped venue. His win at “The Tricky Triangle” was his third victory in his banner season in the NASCAR Cup Series and marks him as the only active driver at Hendrick Motorsports to win at Pocono. The 29-year-old came back the next day, led 18 laps and finished the second race in seventh.

STILL UP FRONT: Heading into Sunday’s race at Pocono, Bowman has three consecutive top-10 finishes at the track, second-most to Kevin Harvick (five). The only other Hendrick Motorsports driver to have an active streak at Pocono is 2021 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson. Bowman’s top-10 streak ties for his second-longest at a single track, having three top-10s in a row at Pocono, Dover Motor Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway. His biggest top-10 streak is currently held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL (four).

WHAT’S IN A NUMBER: The Tucson, Arizona, native’s victory last year marked the fourth time that the No. 48 went to victory lane at the Long Pond, Pennsylvania, track with the previous three wins all coming with Jimmie Johnson. The car number is the seventh-most winningest in Pocono history, close behind the No. 9 and No. 24 – both currently in the Hendrick Motorsports stable – who have six wins apiece.

IVES AT POCONO: Making his 15th start atop the pit box as a crew chief in the Cup Series, Greg Ives has one win (June 2021), four top-five finishes and six top-10s at the 2.5-mile track. Prior to his win with Bowman in 2021, his best result came in June 2016 when Dale Earnhardt Jr. crossed the finish line in second after leading four laps, piloting the No. 88 Axalta Chevrolet.

FUELING FUTURES: This Friday, primary sponsor Ally will host “Fueling Futures” at the Urban Youth Racing School’s (UYRS) Grand Prix in Philadelphia ahead of the race weekend at Pocono. “Fueling Futures” will feature a panel of speakers that work in different departments in motor sports to teach the students attending the event about other careers in motor sports. This year’s panel will have Chais Eliason (race engineer for the No. 48 Ally Racing team), Bernard Pollard (former NFL player turned race fan and spokesperson for Ally’s diversity and inclusion efforts), and other Hendrick Motorsports employees. This year, Ally teamed up with the UYRS to highlight race team career paths, advance STEM learning through the lens of motor sports and introduce monetary basics to help students develop good financial habits for the future.

IN THE COMMUNITY: On Friday, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron and Alex Bowman will participate in the Urban Youth Racing School (UYRS) Celebrity Grand Prix of Philadelphia. The UYRS is a nonprofit organization founded by Anthony Martin in 1998 that is dedicated to exposing inner city youth from the ages of 8-18 to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) career opportunities in the motor sports industry through education, training and on track driving experience. To date, UYRS has impacted the lives of over 7,500 at risk youth. Hendrick Motorsports has a long-standing affiliation with the UYRS.

ATOP THE BOARD: Hendrick Motorsports’ seven wins are the most among all NASCAR Cup Series teams in 2022. It is the only four-car team to see each of its drivers win a race this season. The organization’s 1,560 laps out front lead all teams in the series by 218 circuits. Teammates Elliott and Byron rank 1-2 in laps led.

STILL STREAKING: Elliott’s runner-up finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway extended his top-two streak to four races and marks the first time in his Cup Series career he has had four consecutive races of results in the top-two positions. In the last 10 times that a driver has had top-two finishes in at least four straight races, seven of those occurrences involved a Hendrick Motorsports driver. Jeff Gordon had a four-race streak in 1998 and 1999 as well as a five-race streak in 1998. Jimmie Johnson had a five-race streak in 2006 and a four-race streak in 2007. Larson had a six-race top-two run in 2021 and then there’s Elliott’s current streak.

MOUNTAIN MOVERS: Hendrick Motorsports’ 18 wins at Pocono Raceway are the most in the Cup Series. In addition, the organization holds the top marks for poles (13), top-five finishes (74), top-10 finishes (134) and laps led (3,354) at the track.

RANK AND FILE: The Concord, North Carolina, based team’s 18 wins at the triangle-shaped venue are its fourth-most all-time by track. The only tracks where Hendrick Motorsports has been more successful are Martinsville Speedway (27 wins), Dover Motor Speedway (22 wins) and Charlotte Motor Speedway (21 wins). Of note, the company has already won at Martinsville and Dover this year.

WINNING WAYS: Hendrick Motorsports’ 18 victories at Pocono have it just outside the all-time top five of most wins by a team at a track, trailing Petty Enterprises’ 19 wins at Martinsville. The 14-time Cup Series champion’s marks at Martinsville (first), Dover (second) and Charlotte (tied for third with Junior Johnson and Associates’ 21 wins at Bristol Motor Speedway) are inside the top five of that category.

EIGHT TO GET 18: Eight drivers have accounted for the Rick Hendrick-owned team’s wins at “The Tricky Triangle.” Gordon leads the way with six. Tim Richmond and Johnson each earned three wins, while Dale Earnhardt Jr. picked up two triumphs at the 2.5-mile track. Geoffrey Bodine, Terry Labonte and Kasey Kahne each won once. Bowman is the only driver in the current lineup to win at this track in the Cup Series.

POCONO POWER: From August 2012 to August 2014, Hendrick Motorsports won five straight races at the Long Pond, Pennsylvania, venue. That run included Gordon’s then-record sixth win at the track, which has since been matched by Denny Hamlin, as well as Earnhardt Jr.’s 2014 sweep. The five-race streak is the longest consecutive stretch of wins for any one organization at Pocono.

QUOTABLE /

Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on his expectations this weekend: “I always enjoy going to Pocono (Raceway) – it’s a track that for some reason suits my driving style. I’ve had some good runs there and was close to winning there last year, so I’m excited to go back. It should be interesting in the Next Gen car. I don’t know how many times we’ll be downshifting. In the previous car, this was really the only oval we’d downshift at, so it may not be too different.”

Cliff Daniels, crew chief of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on near-wins at Pocono Raceway in 2021: “We were a corner away from what was going to be five in a row if you count the (non-points) All-Star win. The team worked hard to prepare the backup car for Sunday’s race, but we didn’t know how quick it really was because we bashed the nose in early in the race (after contact with another car), which put us behind on strategy. We had to play whatever cards we had, and that was to be a car that made it to the end and we ended up with a second-place finish. I’m pretty sure it was after that day I told the team that during the 2018 and 2019 NFL season, the Patriots beat the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game 37–31 – it was a totally offensive game. The Patriots then won the Super Bowl that year 13 to 3 – a totally defensive game. The No. 5 team had been on offense with three second places in a row followed by four wins – almost five. It looked like all offense. But that Sunday, all we could do was play defense and we did and finished second. That’s when I figured we were good on both sides of the coin.”

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on racing at Pocono: “I mentioned before about how New Hampshire (Motor Speedway) and Pocono (Raceway) were two places where I felt like we really needed to improve and try to have good runs at. I feel like we accomplished that last week at New Hampshire. The team gave me a great car, but I just wasn’t able to get the job done. Still a far improvement from where I feel like we’ve been prior to that. Now we need to go and do the same thing this weekend at Pocono.”

Elliott on NAPA’s contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports: “None of this is possible without NAPA. I’m so thankful for their commitment to our team and their passion for what we do every weekend. I’ve been lucky to meet a lot of great folks from across the country who work for NAPA. All of us are really proud to represent a company that takes care of its employees and its customers and is driven to be successful in every aspect. I’m looking forward to what’s to come and celebrating more wins together.”

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on what he expects this weekend at Pocono: “I’m excited to get to Pocono (Raceway) this weekend. It’s a track that both myself and Rudy (Fugle, crew chief) have had success at in every level of our careers. We were close to getting the win there twice last year and we won there together in Trucks. I think there’s a little bit more of an unknown for Sunday’s race this time though. Even though Pocono has three different corners, they are all primarily flat and flat tracks have been an area we have struggled at this year with the Next Gen car. I think last weekend at New Hampshire (Motor Speedway) we showed some improvement on those style of tracks, but ride quality was still off throughout a run. It has been hard to get the balance right for all three corners (at Pocono), and I feel like that may be an issue still this weekend. I still think my biggest focus, though, will be my drive off of turn three because it really carries you down the straightaway and sets you up with good momentum through turn one and on to turn two.”

Rudy Fugle, crew chief of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on the challenges they will face racing at Pocono: “Pocono (Raceway) is tough no matter what series you’re racing in. It has three different, distinct corners that are all flat, which has been really hard to navigate with the new car. The flatter the corners, the harder it is for the car to handle well with grip levels and bump contact. The whole track can be rough, but especially turn two. You’re going to see a lot of cars bouncing around and it’s going to be treacherous. We’re really working on getting those things ironed out better for our flat track program. Pocono, though, is a track that both myself and William (Byron) enjoy going to. If we get those things ironed out, I think we will definitely be competing for a win on Sunday, just like we were in last year’s race there.”

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on going back to Pocono after winning last year: “Anytime you go back to a track that you have previously won at, you have a little more confidence and Pocono (Raceway) is one of those tracks for me. We had a great No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE last year and I know our team is doing everything they can to recreate that for me in this year’s car. I can’t say enough about my team and how hard they work, especially when we feel like we are not getting the results we are aiming for. Our team is so tight-knit and we all join together when we are facing a tough stretch. I feel like Pocono is going to be a place that we can go execute a solid race and get back on track with where we want to be.”

Greg Ives, crew chief of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on his mindset after the last four races: “Our team is really good at rallying together and continuing to fight when we are not where we want to be. We had good speed at Atlanta (Motor Speedway) and at Road America, just some unfortunate circumstances at each race that took us out of contention. Everyone at the shop and on the road is putting in the time this week to go back and try to repeat our success at Pocono (Raceway) from last year. Alex (Bowman) is working hard and keeping his focus high, our pit crew is focused on executing at a high level, and our team at the shop is going the extra mile to ensure our No. 48 Ally Chevy is where it needs to be for Sunday.”

Tony Stewart Racing: DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals Advance

Leah Pruett & Matt Hagan
Top Fuel | Funny Car
DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals
July 22-24 | Sonoma, California

Event Overview

Friday, July 22 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

● Nitro qualifying session (Q1): 8:10 p.m. PDT/11:10 p.m. EDT

Saturday, July 23 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

● Nitro qualifying session (Q2): 1 p.m. PDT/4 p.m. EDT
● Nitro qualifying session (Q3): 4 p.m. PDT/7 p.m. EDT

Sunday, July 24 (Nitro Eliminations, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

● Round 1: 10:30 a.m. PDT/1:30 p.m. EDT
● Round 2: 1 p.m. PDT/4 p.m. EDT
● Semi-Finals: 2:30 p.m. PDT/5:30 p.m. EDT
● Finals: 3:50 p.m. PDT/6:50 p.m. EDT

TV coverage

● Saturday, July 23: Qualifying show recapping Friday’s action (7:30 a.m. PDT/10:30 a.m. EDT on FS1)
● Sunday, July 24: Qualifying show recapping Saturday’s action (10:30 a.m. PDT/1:30 p.m. EDT on FS1)
● Sunday, July 24: Finals show (1 p.m. PDT/4 p.m. EDT on FOX)

Notes of Interest

● The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series is in the midst of its Western Swing. It kicked off last weekend with the Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado, and continues this weekend with DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway before culminating with the Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals July 29-31 at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington.

● Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) and its two-car lineup – one in Top Fuel for 10-time event winner Leah Pruett and one in Funny Car for three-time Funny Car champion Matt Hagan – comes into Sonoma after a strong weekend at Bandimere. Pruett advanced all the way to the finals and won her second Mile-High Nationals event and Hagan secured the No. 1 qualifying position for the fourth time this season.

● Pruett and Hagan enter Sonoma representing the Rayce Rudeen Foundation and DieHard, respectively.

● The Rayce Rudeen Foundation is a non-profit organization that works with organizations and programs to encourage a healthy and productive life that is free of addiction. The designated 501(c)(3) is named in honor of Rayce Rudeen, who at age 26 passed away from an accidental Fentanyl overdose. Since its inception, the Rayce Rudeen Foundation has advocated for creating a supportive community in which everyone can access prevention, treatment, recovery and family-support services, all free from stigma. By collaborating with local universities, researchers, organizations, businesses and community coalitions, the Rayce Rudeen Foundation is leading communities toward a united and compassionate response to addiction by identifying gaps in care and building educational tools.

● For more than 50 years, DieHard has been one of the automotive industry’s most recognizable brands. As America’s most trusted auto battery, DieHard Batteries are renowned for reliability, durability and starting power in the most extreme weather climates. DieHard is sold at Advance and participating Carquest Auto Parts locations nationwide.

● The DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals will serve as Pruett’s 183rd career Top Fuel start and her sixth at Sonoma. For Hagan, this will be his 305th career Funny Car start and his 13th at Sonoma.

● Pruett is eyeing her first victory in the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals. She advanced to the final round last year, where her 3.768 ET at 23.04 mph run was narrowly defeated by Steve Torrence’s 3.757 ET at 327.98 mph run. Pruett has one No. 1 qualifier at the event, which came in 2017 (3.669 ET at 328.38 mph) and set a new track record for the 1,000-foot long dragstrip.

● Hagan is also seeking his first victory in the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals. He has advanced to the finals three times – 2012 (5.462 ET at 146.67 mph, lost to Johnny Gray: 4.142 ET at 305.15 mph), 2019 (4.030 ET at 316.60 mph, lost to Robert Hight: 3.973 ET at 325.45 mph) and 2021 (3.991 ET at 324.44 mph, lost to Hight: 3.871 ET at 322.50 mph). Hagan has two No. 1 qualifiers at the event, which came in 2009 (4.068 ET at 307.51 mph) and 2013 (3.986 ET at 320.51 mph).

● On Friday at Sonoma, Pruett will present the Juggers Annual Scholarship to Jacob Reuser, who graduated from nearby Casa Grande High School in Petaluma with a 4.5 GPA. The Juggers Annual Scholarship was formed in San Mateo, California, in 1953, by the 120 members of the Juggers Racing Team who participate primarily in drag racing, land-speed racing and autocross. Their premier program in support of organized drag racing for high school students is their annual scholarship, which awards a certificate and $1,000 in cash. Reuser, this year’s recipient, works a part-time job to pay for car parts while also volunteering at Sack’s Thrift Store, which raises money for Hospice of Petaluma. Reuser started drag racing on Wednesday nights in 2021 and is a contender for this year’s High School Class Championship. He will study mechanical engineering at the University of California at Santa Barbara.

● DYK? The dragstrip at Sonoma is located inside the track’s road course, which annually hosts the NASCAR Cup Series. While Tony Stewart Racing is looking for its first NHRA win at Sonoma, Tony Stewart the owner is already a three-time winner at the track. The NASCAR Hall of Famer won three NASCAR Cup Series races on the 1.99-mile, 10-turn road course – 2001, 2005 and 2016. His victory in 2016 was his 49th and final NASCAR Cup Series victory as Stewart retired from NASCAR racing at the conclusion of the season.

Leah Pruett, Driver of the Rayce Rudeen Foundation Top Fuel Dragster

How important was your victory in last weekend’s Dodge Power Brokers Mile-High Nationals to making consistent runs and collecting valuable points in these five remaining events of the regular season before the Countdown to the Championship begins?

“The Denver race win proved to ourselves that we are the winning team we’ve believed all along, and infuses confidence into each of our crafts. Making eight runs at Bandimere Speedway, with some extreme turnaround times on Sunday, has exposed our team’s small opportunities to improve. It took a Sunday at Bandimere to show us how we can even improve more as we continue the Western Swing.”

What adjustments do you have to make as a driver and as a team racing at sea level this weekend at Sonoma compared to the 5,800 feet of elevation you experienced last weekend at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado?

“There’s not a deep list of adjustments for a driver. Our deliverables stay the same, but my approach changes only slightly. On the mountain, the less dense air makes mid-track wheelies a thing and something to be extra prepared for. Pulling the fronts on the launch is not as frequent because our initial hit is less, due to less power, via less air. For me, that means there’s a likelihood the car will wash out with the front hiked in the air and become less drivable. Coming to sea level, the car will be at its optimum level of aggressiveness, and I will have to really emphasize the importance of not only square, but straight. Between Denver and Sonoma, the team will give our Top Fueler a complete makeover in regard to jetting changes, blower compensation, clutch adjustments, chassis weight and, of course, the new body that will promote the Rayce Rudeen Foundation and its work with organizations and programs to encourage a healthy and productive life that is free of addiction.”

Matt Hagan, Driver of the DieHard Batteries Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car

What adjustments do you have to make as a driver and as a team racing at sea level this weekend at Sonoma compared to the 5,800 feet of elevation you experienced last weekend at Bandimere Speedway?

“We’ll take everything off the car from Bandimere and put it on the shelf for next year, since the conditions are so different from Sonoma and the other tracks we visit. We’ll be running different rods, rod links and pistons at Sonoma and Seattle. At sea level, everything is crisper and quicker and easier on parts. As a racer, we get back into the groove of what we do on a normal basis. The elevation was tough on us in Denver, so I’m ready to hit the reset button at Sonoma and make more runs.”

You’ve advanced to the finals three times at Sonoma but you’re still looking your first win at the track. What would it mean to bring home a Wally from wine country?

“You want to win at every racetrack. Sonoma is one of the tracks that’s eluded me. I feel confident with the changes we’re making following Denver. I know the changes we’re making will allow the car to go back down the racetrack at a high rate of speed. We all pay attention to the championship points hunt, so we want to put this DieHard Batteries Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car in the top spot and have that cushion at the reset of the Countdown. Every qualifying point, and points during the race, make a difference.”

Parker Chase Eyes First ARCA Win at Pocono Raceway

LONG POND, Pa.: On the heels of matching his career-best ARCA Menards Series runner-up finish in the most recent ARCA race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Parker Chase heads to Pocono (Pa.) Raceway eyeing one spot better in Friday night’s General Tire Delivers 200.

In a race that daunted the competitors with both wet and dry conditions, Chase was able to combat the weather conditions to his advantage and showcase his road racing skills to deliver his best ARCA Menards Series performance since finishing second in the season-opening race at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in February.

Still riding the momentum of Mid-Ohio, Chase returns to the oval scene on the tour determined to continue his impressive ways and deliver Venturini Motorsports another win in 2022.

“Finishing second was great, but I wanted that win at Mid-Ohio,” said Chase. “So much went into that race at Mid-Ohio. You must stay smart, be methodical and take advantage of the track conditions and we did that all the way up to second.

“I would have loved to earn that first ARCA win at Mid-Ohio, but it just makes me hungrier headed to

Pocono Raceway this weekend.”

Chase will make his 11th career start and sixth of the 2022 season and although he has never been to the 2.5-mile triangle track, he is leaning on the experience of his Venturini Motorsports team to lead him to his fourth top-10 of the year.

To adequately help prepare him for his “Tricky Triangle” debut, Chase will participate in the five-hour open test session at the three-turn race track hoping to utilize the extra time to his advantage and prepare for the 80-lap race on Friday evening.

“As a team, we plan to utilize the five hours to our advantage,” explained Chase. “It is important with the practice session being so short on Friday that we can get a good balance on our car and apply it to the on-track activity on Friday.

“Pocono may be one of the most difficult tracks I’ve ever competed on in the ARCA Menards Series, but some have said that it also portrays a bit of a road course rhythm too – so I’m hoping with the leadership of my Venturini Motorsports team and a quick race car – we can have a productive day on Thursday and carry that over to Friday.”

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

“Winning is everything to a race car driver and I am no different,” added Chase. “Venturini Motorsports has had the benefit of having numerous drivers hoist that Victory Lane trophy and I definitely want to be one of them before the end of the season. Pocono is the next opportunity and I plan to make the best of it.”

Despite completing in only five of the scheduled nine races, Chase sits a respectable 13th championship standings, 30 points out of 10th.

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

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

The General Tire Delivers 200 (80 laps | 200 miles) is the 10th of 20 races on the 2022 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Practice begins on Friday, July 22, 2022, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. A timed General Tire pole qualifying session kicks off from 3:30 to 3:50 p.m. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM channel 391, online channel 981 managing the radio waves beginning at 6:30 p.m. ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire weekend festivities. All times are local (ET).