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Fans Flock to The Flat Track

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Official Release
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New England race fans came out in droves to enjoy Friday Night Dirt Duels Presented by New England Racing Fuel at The Flat Track at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Photo Courtesy: NHMS/Alan MacRae

Friday Night Dirt Duels Presented by New England Racing Fuel returns to The Flat Track and puts on a thrilling show for thousands of race fans.

LOUDON, N.H. – A packed house of race fans was on hand at The Flat Track as the Friday Night Dirt Duels Presented by New England Racing Fuel returned to New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) for the first time since 2019. The very best Sprint Cars of New England (SCoNE), U.S. Legend Cars International (USLCI) and Dirt Midget Association (DMA) drivers converged on the quarter-mile dirt track to drop the green flag on three consecutive days of action-packed racing as part of the Ambetter 301 race weekend at “The Magic Mile.”

In the SCoNE A-main, Jordan Fornwalt led the opening lap and never looked back, powering his 650-horsepower winged machine to the front of the field and racing to the win and a $3,000 pay day. Austin Bellemare crossed the stripe first in the 25-lap USLCI feature, while Josh Sun earned a hard-fought victory in the DMA showdown.

As the final checkered flag fell, it was the fans who were the ultimate winners with over 4,000 in attendance being treated not only to a trifecta of white-knuckled racing, but also a spectacular firework display and a raucous post-race concert with classic rock tribute band Shot of Poison.

Next up at “The Magic Mile” is Doubleheader Saturday, featuring the NASCAR Xfinity Series Crayon 200 at 2:30 p.m. followed by the Whelen Manufactured in America 100 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at 6 p.m. The weekend comes to a rousing conclusion on Sunday with the NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter 301.

Tickets:

Fans can log on to NHMS.com for tickets and more information on the weekend’s lineup of action-packed racing. Doubleheader Saturday tickets start at just $45 for adults while kids 12 and under are free. Sunday’s Ambetter 301 tickets start at just $59 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under.

Follow Us:

Keep track of all of New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s events by following on Facebook (@NHMotorSpeedway), Twitter (@NHMS) and Instagram (@NHMS). Keep up with all the latest information on the speedway website (NHMS.com) and mobile app.

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport NASCAR Xfinity Series Race Overview-NHIS

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Official Release
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Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport
NASCAR Xfinity Series Race Overview-
New Hampshire Motor Speedway; July 16, 2022

Track: New Hampshire Motor Speedway – Oval (1.058-Miles)
Race: Crayon 200; 200 Laps –45/45/110; 211.6 Miles
Date/Broadcast: Saturday; July 16, 2022 2:30 PM ET
TV: USA Network, and the NBC Sports App
Radio: Performance Racing Network (PRN)- Check Local Listings for affiliate, and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90
Social Media: Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito AutoSport; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Myatt Snider; Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Myatt Snider – No. 31 Bommarito Automotive Group
Chevrolet Camaro SS – New Hampshire Motor Speedway

News and Notes:

  • Practice; After the completion of a 20-minute practice session on Friday afternoon, Myatt Snider would record a fast lap of 30.697 at 124.077 mph on Lap-3 of his 20-lap practice session ranking the No. 31 Bommarito Automotive Group Chevrolet 21st fastest of the 39 cars entered for Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) Crayon 200.

– Starting Position; Immediately after the 20-minute practice session teams would move into NXS qualifying to determine the starting order for Saturday afternoon’s Crayon 200. In 2022, intermediate-track qualifying would consist of a single round of single car qualifying for one lap. Rolling off 23thto make his qualifying effort Snider would lay down a lap of 30.949 at 123.067 putting the No. 31 Bommarito Automotive Group Chevrolet Camaro SS starting to the inside of Row No. 13 in the 25th position.

– New Hampshire Motor Speedway Stats; Saturday’s NXS Crayon 200 will mark Snider’s second NXS start at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. In July of 2021, Snider would make his NXS debut at the Northeast 1.058-mile oval in the Ambetter Get Vaccinated 200 earning himself a solid 7th place finish after starting in the 16th position. Snider would continuously improve throughout the race competing with the speed of the front runners. In the same race Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport would field a car for team owner Jordan Anderson who was running solidly inside the Top-20 when a battery connection issue would bring him to pit road for service, and would lose multiple laps in the process. Anderson would go on to finish in the 34thposition not showing the speed the car had all day long.

Featured Partners

  • Bommarito Automotive Group; A primary supporter of Jordan Anderson Racing, Bommarito Automotive Group is celebrating 50 years in the St. Louis marketplace, the Bommarito Automotive Group currently operates 20 automotive franchises throughout every St. Louis neighborhood led by president John Bommarito and the over 900 dedicated team members. Bommarito is recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal as Missouri’s No. 1 selling automotive group and is currently ranked 52nd in the nation. What once started as a vision to have one Bommarito vehicle in every driveway, is today a reality thanks to the ‘Where Price Sells Cars” mission.

For more information on the Bommarito Automotive Group, visit them online at Bommarito.com, and follow their social channels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

  • Lucas Oil; Founded in 1989 in Corona, California, by Forrest and Charlotte Lucas, Lucas Oil Products was created with the simple philosophy of producing only the best line of lubricants and additives available anywhere. Today, it encompasses the most diversified range of segments in the automotive, powersports, marine, industrial, outdoor, and motorsports marketplaces, many of which were created by Forrest Lucas himself. In total, the company boasts more than 300 premium oil products, which is the largest variety of shelf products of any oil company in the United States, and features a distribution network that includes 48 different countries.

For more information on the products offered, please visit LucasOil.com.

– Chassis; Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport will bring Chassis No. 105 back to the track for Snider to compete with in the Crayon 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Chassis No. 105 last competed at Darlington Raceway in the Mahindra ROXOR 200 where Snider was involved in an accident at the midway point of the race. The damage was too much and would be required to be towed off and scored in the in the 37th position. Prior to Darlington, No. 105 competed at Richmond Raceway for the Toyota Care 250 where Snider would start in the 21st position and would fight the car all day to come away with a 30th place finish. Before Richmond, Chassis No. 105 competed for JAR in the Nelly Cars 250 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. In that race Snider would run in the Top-10 the last half of the race with an opportunity to win in the closing stages before getting spun out of the contention by the No. 98 car ultimately resulting in a 30th place finish.

About Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport is a NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) team, owned by owner/driver Jordan Anderson and Bommarito Automotive Group President, John Bommarito. Established in 2018, JAR has competed full-time in the last four NCWTS seasons claiming back-to-back runner-up finishes in the 2020 & 2021 season opening NextEra 250 at Daytona International Speedway. In its debut season the No. 31 NXS Chevrolet Camaro SS drove to 5 Top-Five finishes and 6 Top-Ten finishes in the team’s debut season. In 2022 JAR fields a full-time entry in the NXS Series; the No. 31 Chevrolet Camaro SS for driver Myatt Snider. JAR also fields the No. 3 Chevrolet Silverado for select drivers in the NCWTS.

CORVETTE RACING AT LIME ROCK: Tough Job in the Race

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Official Release
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Taylor stymied in qualifying, No. 3 Corvette to start fifth on grid for GT-only sprint race

LAKEVILLE, Conn. (July 15, 2022) – Corvette Racing will start Saturday’s Northeast Grand Prix from the inside of the third row after qualifying Friday at Lime Rock Park.

Jordan Taylor set a best lap of 51.302 (103.715 mph) in the No. 3 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette C8.R. He’ll start fifth Saturday in the mid-engine Corvette that he shares with Antonio Garcia in a race where track position is key.

Taylor looked set to contend for the front row until a slower GTD car exited the pitlane and interfered with the Corvette going into the first corner. The Corvette’s Michelin tires were coming to their peak before Taylor had to abort the lap and regroup. By that time, however, the tires were past their optimum operating window and Taylor finished 0.223 seconds behind the pole-sitting No. 9 Porsche.

Corvette Racing used the first two practices to acclimate the GTD-spec Corvette to Lime Rock through a series of chassis and tire pressure adjustments.

The work paid dividends in the second practice at Taylor led the session late before ending second – just a half-tenth of a second behind the No. 9.

Corvette Racing’s history at Lime Rock dates back to 2004 with the fifth-generation racing Corvette, and the C8.R is the fourth different version of Corvette Racing entry to compete at the venue. The team has six previous victories to its credit to lead all IMSA entrants, and Chevrolet ranks second among manufacturers with 13 race victories.

The FCP Euro Grand Prix from Lime Rock Park is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 16. The race will stream live on Peacock and air same-day at 5 p.m. ET on USA. IMSA Radio will broadcast all on-track sessions beginning with Friday afternoon’s practice at IMSA.com. The IMSA Radio call of the race Saturday also will be available on XM 207 and SiriusXM Online 992.

JORDAN TAYLOR, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – QUALIFIED FIFTH IN GTD PRO:“Really frustrating session. We made good progress from the first practice. It took some time for us to balance the car and the tire this morning, but this afternoon we made a good step forward. I think a front-row start was a possibility until I got blocked. After that, I couldn’t get the tire pressure and temps back up and that was it. Overall I think our Corvette is good for tomorrow and we should have good race pace. We’re just going to have to work that much harder to make up positions either on the track or in the pitlane. We can do it but it’ll take patience and some luck at this track.”

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 80 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

How to become a racer despite the high cost

By
SM
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Racing is one of the most exciting sports to participate in. Unfortunately, it is extremely expensive. It requires your vehicle to meet particular mechanical and safety standards. The possibility of damaging the vehicle during races is also high, leaving you with high maintenance and replacement bill. 

Racing requires huge financial backing. The high cost of racing should not discourage you from participating if that is your passion. Here are excellent tips to become a racer despite the high cost involved. 

Participate in school and neighborhood competitions 

Take every opportunity available to participate in racing. The competitions are organized by racing enthusiasts targeting ordinary people. Racing clubs also offer the vehicles and gear you need to begin your racing career. Check the best essay writing service reviews and choose an assignment helper who will take over your school work as you pursue your passion for racing. You avoid stressing over poor grades or looming deadlines. It will allow you to commit more hours to race without compromising your academic work. 

Neighborhood and sporting club competitions are used to identify talents. A scout will spot you and offer a trial opportunity or even a formal contract. It is also a chance to showcase your skills and stand an opportunity to be sponsored to train as a racing driver. You will be using club resources or attracting sponsors who take over the bill. 

Join a sports club 

Sporting clubs provide common facilities and opportunities to participate in your favorite sport at a lower cost. They also organize competitions from where you can begin your career as a racer. The clubs are always looking out for talented individuals to add to their pool and raise the profile of their brand. 

Clubs recognize that members and sporting enthusiasts do not have all the resources they may require to fully participate in a sport. The clubs provide the resources like racing tracks, special bikes, cars, and opportunities to practice. Membership in these clubs is affordable even for college students. Your racing talent will also earn you a slot in the club and team. 

Network with racing partners 

Participate in racing-related activities in your neighborhood. The activities range from exhibitions to street competition and competitions. These activities offer a chance to meet people who are already racing. They may be drivers, scouts, or potential sponsors. 

Networking also helps you to identify paths you can follow to join professional racing teams. You will be introduced to opportunities that you did not know existed. Utilize networking opportunities to showcase your enthusiasm for the sport. Someone will notice and help you move to the next level in racing. 

Find a mentor 

Who do you look up to in racing? Is there a driver in your neighborhood who can take up the opportunity to nurture your skills? You may also check the internet for mentorship opportunities from racing clubs and drivers. 

A mentor guides you on the steps you can follow to join the racing. Mentors have already walked the path. They know the challenges and opportunities you can utilize. Through their assistance, you will find an easier path to racing glory. 

Practice using simulators 

Simulators feel like actual racing vehicles and bikes. They give you a feel of what you would expect in the field without the danger of accidents and the high cost. It makes it easier for scouts and sporting clubs to identify and eventually nurture your racing talent. 

Enter racing competitions in your neighborhood whenever you find a chance. Use ordinary vehicles and network with sponsors as well as mentors to showcase your skills. Use video games and simulators to sharpen your skills. These are sure paths to becoming a racer without spending a fortune.

CHEVROLET NCS AT NEW HAMPSHIRE: William Byron Press Conference Transcript

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Official Release
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NASCAR CUP SERIES
NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTOR SPEEDWAY
AMBETTER 301
TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JULY 15, 2022

WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY CAMARO ZL1, met with the media in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series doubleheader race weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Press Conference Transcript:

WE’VE SEEN A LOT OF DRIVERS SHUFFLING THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS. DO YOU THINK IT’S GOING TO BE COMMON NOW THAT WE’RE GOING TO SEE DRIVERS KIND OF NEGOTIATE WELL PAST THEIR CONTRACTS; OR IS THAT AN ANOMALY?

“I think it’s just kind of an anomaly. Tyler (Reddick) is obviously super talented and I think he has a lot of leverage with winning and things like that. But I don’t know.. I don’t think that will be common. It happened with Kevin (Harvick) way back before I was racing, but watched it happen. I just think it’s the way it worked out with that situation.”

CAN YOU SUM UP THE EXPERIENCE AT SLINGER NATIONALS? IT’S JUST ANOTHER WEEK WHERE YOU WIN DURING THE WEEK, SO DO YOU COME INTO THE CUP WEEKEND WITH ANY MORE OF A SPRING IN YOUR STEP AFTER WINNING A SHORT TRACK RACE?

“Yeah, that’s a great question. I had a great time at Slinger. I had never been to that race, but I’ve heard a lot about it and watched videos. Matt Kenseth has won it eight times. Kyle Busch has won it once. The only reason I know that stuff is because it’s on the trophy, so that was cool (laughs).

I enjoyed it. I’ve raced a lot more this year and I’ve loved what its done for just the use of my time. I can be back home trying to prepare for a race as much as I can, but being out at the race track is just fun. I didn’t realize how much I enjoy doing that during the week. It’s tougher on the schedule.. like you get less sleep, you don’t have as much time at home, all those things are true. But it’s just been a lot of fun to do it. Looking forward to the future, I feel like it’s something that I’m going to try and incorporate in my career as I go. Obviously its gone great this year. I never would have thought it would go like it has, but it’s gone pretty amazing. A lot of things have worked out in our favor to win the races. It does bring over some confidence because I feel like when I’m in a race car, I’m learning and I can just have some fun.”

BRAD WENT AND RAN THUNDER ROAD LAST NIGHT. WE’VE SEEN OTHER DRIVERS IN THE CUP, XFINITY AND TRUCK SERIES SUPPORT GRASSROOTS RACING. WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT RACING AS A WHOLE RIGHT NOW?

“Each race track you go to or each series you go to, the people in that series are the best at what they do. When we went up to Wisconsin and raced Slinger, I was 29th in practice at the beginning. My car was a lot better than that and I was probably going to get better than that, too. But it’s not easy to just go to these different places and insert yourself. So that’s what makes it so impressive of what Kyle Larson did last year and what other guys have done in the past. Kyle Busch used to travel to all these places; and Matt Kenseth.. people like that. It’s cool that Brad (Keselowski) went and did that last night. It’s fun to see the different environments.”

NOW THAT YOU’RE HERE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT THE WEEKEND AND WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE TRACK HERE?

“I thought I had it figured out before I got to the Cup Series and I realized I just had really good cars to get me to this point. New Hampshire is a place that I’ve wanted to work at and get better; and this is a perfect opportunity this weekend to hopefully improve. Hopefully it translates to the Cup side. The Xfinity car is a little bit different, but the downforce level and the power level is not that different in the fact that it’s a short track. It should line up pretty well. I’m excited to get laps in the Xfinity car. We finished second at Texas (Motor Speedway) and hopefully we can have a little bit better run than that.”

THROUGHOUT THE DAY TODAY, WHAT HAS YOUR PREPARATION LOOKED LIKE?

“Not much of anything (laughs). I just got in with the team guys; got some lunch and waiting for this practice session to start. 20 minutes of practice isn’t a lot, but hopefully we’ll get one or two runs and get a chance to feel the car out. I go out first in qualifying, so I’m not sure how good or bad that’s going to be. Going out early isn’t usually a great thing, so we’ll just have to wait and see how that plays out.”

FOLLOWING UP ON THE GRASSROOTS QUESTION, HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU THINK IT IS FOR THE OVERALL HEALTH OF NOT ONLY NASCAR, BUT SHORT TRACK RACING, THAT YOU GUYS ARE DOING MORE CROSSOVER?

“I think it’s important. When you go to some of these short tracks, you notice how little some people know about what we’re doing, what’s going on, or where the Cup Series is racing. And then when you kind of educate them and they get a chance to meet you, their whole perspective changes on what NASCAR is all about. I think sometimes it’s kind of distant for them.. like the drivers seem pretty distant, just from their side of the fence to inside the garage. Going to the short tracks, it’s really not difficult to get a pit pass and go up and talk to your favorite driver. So it opens that door a little bit more.”

HOW DO YOU LIKE INTERACTING WITH THE FANS AT THE SHORT TRACKS?

“Yeah, it’s cool. The fact that there’s no barrier there, they can talk to you anytime. Typically I try to limit it to after practice or before practice, but it’s cool because you get to hear different stories. There was one guy that was at Jeff Gordon’s first race in the No. 24; and then he was seeing me at Atlanta. So people like that, that you meet, it’s cool to hear those stories.”

POCONO NEXT WEEKEND.. HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU ANTICIPATE THAT YOU’LL BE SHIFTING AT POCONO AND WHAT’S IT LIKE TO HAVE TO CONSTANTLY SHIFT ON A RACE TRACK LIKE THAT?

“I didn’t get a chance to run Pocono (Raceway) in the simulator this week, but watching Brett Moffitt run the simulator, I got a chance to kind of see where he was shifting. It looks like you’ll be shifting obviously every corner, as it is this year at most places. I don’t know if you’ll shift twice in certain corners or not. I’m not sure how the gearing is for that, but it’ll be interesting for sure.

And then to see how tomorrow is too with the shifting.”

YOU HAVE THE LONGEST STRAIGHTAWAY IN NASCAR. WHAT’S IT GOING TO BE LIKE TO BE DOWNSHIFTING AT THE END OF IT? IT SEEMS LIKE THERE’S A LOT GOING ON.. BRAKES, DOWNSHIFT, TURNING..

“Honestly, yes but we’re used to it now. We’ve been shifting so much. Even at Charlotte (Motor Speedway), if you were back in traffic, people were shifting. So I don’t think you ever kind of rule it out of your playbook and with that comes normalcy with it. I think we’re getting more and more used to it. It took me awhile to understand how to take my hand off the wheel and use my left hand a little bit more to steer the car, but it’s becoming more natural now.”

TO FOLLOW UP ON THAT, DO YOU EXPECT TO BE SHIFTING TWICE HERE; OR DO YOU THINK YOU’LL GET THROUGH THE CORNER SHIFTING JUST ONCE?

“Based on my simulator time, I feel like it’ll probably be once on both ends. But I would feel like if you get way back in traffic, you could be shifting twice each corner, each lap. Third gear is definitely an option. It’s not too much of a drop it doesn’t seem like from third to fourth.”

YOU HAD A REALLY SUCCESSFUL SEASON TO THIS POINT. I KNOW THE LAST FEW WEEKS HAVEN’T TURNED OUT AS WELL AS YOU’D HOPE, BUT WHEN YOU HAVE SUCCESS LIKE YOU DID AT SLINGER AND SOME OTHER PLACES, DOES IT REALLY MATTER IN A SENSE FROM A DRIVER’S POINT OF VIEW? YOU’VE ALREADY WON TWO CUP RACES THIS YEAR AND YOU’RE STILL A CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDER. WHEN YOU WIN THESE RACES, IS IT THE LEARNING SKILLS OR IS IT THE ‘HEY I FEEL BETTER ABOUT MYSELF BECAUSE I WON A RACE AND I BEAT THESE GUYS’. WHAT’S THE BENEFIT?

“I think winning does wonders for drivers and teams, too. I think you see momentum build. When we won those two Cup races really close together within a couple of races, you see momentum from that from a driver’s perspective. And then when I go to the late model side – we’ve obviously won six-in-a-row, which we would not have expected that, but it builds momentum in those guys. Every time I get in the car, I’m excited and they’re excited.

So yeah, trying to build that back on the Cup side is top of the list for me. I think going to do all this stuff during the week is trying to get me back to that level for me as a driver and us as a team. We’re spending more time than ever in the simulator, things like that, trying to just get ourselves back to where we feel like we need to be. Even though it’s not playoff time and people can say ‘oh, you’re locked in with two wins’ – we definitely see right now as a really critical point to get us back to where we want to be.”

YOU’RE WILLIAM BYRON.. YOU’RE A CUP WINNER. SO WHEN YOU WIN IN THE LATE MODEL, I’M JUST CURIOUS HOW IT EFFECTS YOU PERSONALLY.

“I think it’s learning how to be versatile. Winning in different cars is a big boost because you’re not one dimensional. Like before this year, I would have probably gone back and ran late models earlier if I felt like it was going to go pretty well. But I didn’t think I would be able to take what I do now and move around. Going and doing it this year has definitely bred some confidence to know that I can get in a car and learn.

I think that’s what it takes on Sunday.. that adaptability and being able to have different techniques and make it work.”

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Rossi Tops in Toronto as NTT INDYCAR SERIES Back in Canada

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Official Release
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2022 - Honda Indy Grand Prix of Toronto

TORONTO (Friday, July 15, 2022) – Alexander Rossi was the fastest driver in the first laps turned by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES on the streets of Toronto in three years, pacing the first practice Friday for the Honda Indy Toronto.

Rossi turned a top lap of 1 minute, 0.6090 seconds in the No. 27 NAPA AUTO PARTS/AutoNation Honda on the 11-turn, 1.786-mile temporary street circuit around Exhibition Place in Canada’s largest city. This annual event was put on hold for 2020 and 2021 due to restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2016 series champion Simon Pagenaud ended up second, less than a tenth of a second behind fellow Indianapolis 500 winner Rossi. Pagenaud’s best lap in the No. 60 AutoNation/SiriusXM Honda was 1:00.6991. Pagenaud was the last winner of the Honda Indy Toronto, in 2019.

“We still have some work to do,” Pagenaud said. “I would like to take the car to another level. That lap took a lot of energy out of me. We have to figure out how to improve the rear end, mostly.

“I love this track. This section in front of the pits is just … for a driver, you need precision, and you have to be on it and so intense. It’s a lot of fun.”

Graham Rahal ended up third at 1:00.7031 in the No. 15 United Rentals Honda, a bright spot in a tough season so far marked by a best finish of seventh.

“After the Sebring test, I thought it would translate OK to here,” Rahal said. “The setup that we went there and came out of there with is what we started here. She was quite good from the get-go. To see the guys smiling again is very rewarding.”

NTT INDYCAR SERIES points leader Marcus Ericsson was fourth at 1:00.7262 in the No. 8 Huski Chocolate Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Two-time series champion and two-time Toronto winner Josef Newgarden rounded out the top five and was the quickest Chevrolet-powered driver at 1:00.7650 in the No. 2 Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet.

Three drivers – rookie Callum Ilott and veterans Jimmie Johnson and Helio Castroneves – made light contact with the concrete barriers lining the circuit during practice. Their cars suffered minor damage, and all three drivers were unhurt.

Still, the 75-minute session was remarkably clean and competitive considering only 12 of the 25 drivers competing this weekend have raced in an INDYCAR SERIES event on this tight, challenging circuit that features varying grip levels due to different pavement surfaces. Less than one second separated the top 17 drivers in practice today.

Practice will continue at 10 a.m. (ET) Saturday, followed by three rounds of NTT P1 Award qualifying at 2 p.m. Peacock Premium and the INDYCAR Radio Network will provide live coverage of both sessions.

A warmup session and the 85-lap race are scheduled for Sunday. Live, exclusive coverage of the race starts at 3 p.m. on Peacock Premium – with limited commercial interruptions – and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

Ty Dillon departing Petty GMS Motorsports following 2022 Cup Series season

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Bruce Nuttleman for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Ty Dillon took to social media to announce that he will not be returning to Petty GMS Motorsports at the conclusion of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, thus placing himself on the free agency list for the upcoming season.

The 30-year-old Dillon from Welcome, North Carolina, commenced this season by joining Petty GMS Motorsports, a newly merged team between Richard Petty Motorsports and GMS Racing as the driver of the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Through the first 19 of 36-scheduled events, Dillon’s best on-track result has been a 10th-place run at the Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt Course in April. To go along with a total of nine top-20 results and an average-finishing result of 21.6, he is currently in 27th place in the drivers’ standings and trails the cutoff to make the 2022 Cup Playoffs by 213 points.

The 2022 Cup season marks Dillon’s first full-time campaign in NASCAR’s premier series since 2020, where Dillon had spent four seasons competing for Germain Racing. When Germain Racing ceased operations following the 2020 season, Dillon ended up competing in a total of four Cup events in 2021 for Gaunt Brothers Racing.

Through 185 previous Cup starts, Dillon has achieved two top-five results, seven top-10 results, 75 laps led and an average-finishing result of 22.0.

https://twitter.com/tydillon/status/1548019603179073536?cxt=HHwWgMCjjZPo1fsqAAAA

Petty GMS Motorsports also issued a statement through social media regarding Dillon’s announcement.

https://twitter.com/PettyGMS/status/1548023585825968128?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Petty GMS Motorsports also fields a second car, the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, that is currently being piloted by Erik Jones. Plans for Jones and the team’s driver lineup for next season are yet to be determined.

With his racing plans for next season unknown, Dillon continues his pursuit to make the 2022 Cup Series Playoffs by competing in this weekend’s event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The event is scheduled to occur on Sunday, July 17, at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network.

Truck Series Driver Logan Bearden Rides Super Late Model Momentum To Red Bud 400

By
Official Release
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ANDERSON, Ind: Texas’s Logan Bearden will trade in his wrenches for a steering wheel this weekend as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series rookie eyes a statement performance in Saturday’s 56th annual Greg Hubler Automotive Group Redbud 400 presented by Mitch Smith Auto Service and Perfecto at the famed Anderson (Ind.) Speedway.

Bearden who now calls Mooresville, N.C. home and is a full-time employee at AM Racing returns to the Super Late Model scene for the first time since early June when he produced a competitive fourth-place finish in the CRA Super Series event at Jennerstown (Pa.) Speedway.

Excited to get back behind the wheel of his Bearden Motorsports No. 66 Ford Mustang, Bearden hopes the staple Midwest Super Late Model event this weekend will allow him to continue to showcase his talent while delivering his team and supporters a satisfying finish.

“I’m looking forward to competing in the Red Bud 400 this weekend,” said Bearden. “Jennerstown was a great boost for my team and myself. We had a competitive race with a fast car but this weekend’s race is night and day compared to the race that awaits on Saturday night.

With a minimum of 22 cars entered for the race that includes Late Model standouts Casey Johnson, Jesse Love, Sammy Smith, Casey Roderick, Bubba Pollard and Steven Nasse – the 26-year-old believes he is more than ready to tango with the best of the best.

Bearden has also learned a lot throughout his Super Late Model career – including competing in events earlier this season at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway and Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville along with new leadership led by crew chief Marc Metz – Bearden is ready to put his experience to the test and win Saturday night’s highly anticipated race.

“I’m proud of my Bearden Motorsports team,” sounded Bearden. “We made some changes earlier in the year and I think Jennerstown was a step in the right direction and just the start of what I think we can accomplish together.

“I believe in my team and I know they have the confidence in me as a driver, we just need to keep the balance under our race car and stay out of trouble and I think we can find ourselves knocking on the door for that win on Saturday night.”

To help prepare himself for this weekend, Bearden participated in an open-test session at the historic quarter-mile short track on Thursday night allowing his Bearden Motorsports team to dial in his No. 66 Bearden Automotive | Parker Electric Ford Mustang for the 400-lap slugfest on Saturday night.

Following the Red Bud 400, Bearden will return to North Carolina and continue his leadership role as a lead mechanic for the Statesville, N.C.-based AM Racing team.

Behind the scenes, Bearden is working with his management team along with AM Racing to put him back in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series field this season with an expanded schedule in 2023.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunities that AM Racing has presented me,” added Bearden. “I am learning a lot about myself, as well as about the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The team and I have a plan and I believe in that plan; we just have to stay focused and hope the future is what we all want it to be.”

The 56th annual Redbud 400 will be 400 laps counting yellows and will pay the winner $15,000.

The event will also feature cost savings-controlled cautions. When a yellow comes out teams will have three laps to service their race car without losing laps or positions on pit road. Those cars will then line up behind the cars that did not pit at that yellow.

Teams not getting out of the pits in the three laps will have to fall to the tail of the field and will risk losing laps.

A special autograph session, featuring the Redbud 400 starting field plus the ASA Reunion drivers will take place at 5:30 p.m. The 56th Annual Greg Hubler Automotive Group Redbud 400 presented by Mitch Smith Auto Service and Perfecto will take the green flag at 7:30 p.m.

Anderson Speedway is located at 1311 Martin Luther King Blvd. in Anderson, IN.

For more on Logan Bearden, please visit LoganBearden.com, like his Facebook page (Logan Bearden Racing) or follow him on Twitter @LoganBearden66.

Joe Graf Jr. | SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt New Hampshire Motor Speedway July Event Preview

By
Official Release
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SS Greenlight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt | NASCAR Xfinity Series
New Hampshire Motor Speedway | Crayon 200

Fast Facts

No. 07 SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt Team:

Driver: Joe Graf Jr. (@JoeGrafJr)

Primary Partner(s): G-Coin

Manufacturer: Ford Mustang

Crew Chief: Joe Williams

2022 Driver Points Position: 28th | 2022 Owner Points Position: 24th

Engine: Roush Yates Engines (RYE)

Notes of Interest:

Welcome Back: This weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt and Joe Graf Jr. welcome back G-Coin as the primary partner of the team’s No. 07 Ford Mustang for Saturday afternoon’s Crayon 200.

New Hampshire marks the 18th race of the 2022 Xfinity Series season and 12th race overall between 2021 and 2022 where G-Coin, a product that brings gold into the digital age, making it accessible and giving it true utility will be the primary partner.

Download the G-Coin app on iTunes or Google Play and use referral code FHY 6D3 AHT and Joe Graf Jr. will send you $5 worth of G-Coin.

About G-Coin: Unlike cryptocurrencies, G-Coin is a digital title to a real asset: 1 G-Coin token equals 1 gram of Responsible GoldTM.

G-Coin combines the best qualities of traditional gold – stability, security, value, confidence, and social status – with the benefits of digital innovation, allowing users to easily save, send, and spend gold.

Tech-savvy investors keen to avoid cryptocurrency volatility, or physical storage burden and costs, are now able to purchase G-Coin digital gold tokens. G-Coin tokens can be purchased in increments of 0.01gram, giving individual investors better access to the gold market and the ability to use gold for day-to-day purchases.

G-Coin Wallets give users the freedom to send and receive value instantly, securely, and at no cost from the convenience of your mobile phone.

G-Coin Tip of the Week: Responsible Gold is institutional grade 99.99% pure gold that has been responsibly sourced.

Responsible Gold can be traced back to its origin giving the owner or G-Coin token holder knowledge that it has been responsibly mined and sourced throughout the supply chain.

Same Day Settlements With MoneyGram: G-Coin customers with Tier 3 access can use cash to buy or sell G-Coin tokens at participating MoneyGram locations.

To place a buy or sell order using cash, Tier 3 customers need to select the ‘MoneyGram’ option from ‘Pay With’ that appears on the buy | sell screen. Once the order is placed, customers will receive an email with detailed instructions to follow at participating MoneyGram locations.

For buy orders, customers will have 24 hours to make the payment in cash, which is when the balance on the G-Coin wallet is updated. Buy orders expire after 24 hours so customers will need to place a new order after that time.

For sell orders, customers are responsible for collecting the proceeds of the sale in cash at participating MoneyGram locations. The G-Coin balance will be updated when the sell order has been placed, which is irreversible.

Thanks For Your Support: With more than 50 percent of the 2022 Xfinity Series season complete, Joe Graf Jr. and SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt would like to thank their associate marketing partners AVOID, Bass Reaper Bait Company, Bucked Up Energy, CoverSeal, EAT SLEEP RACE Apparel, fgrACCEL, Gtechniq, HazHeart, Model Electronics and ShopRite for their continued support.

Catch Him On The Dial: Before Joe Graf Jr. straps into his No. 07 G-Coin Ford Mustang on Saturday afternoon, the SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt driver will be featured on “The Frontstretch” on SiriusXM Satellite Radio Channel 90 with host Jack Arute LIVE on Saturday morning, July 16, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Graf will also spotlight G-Coin in several commercial spots during the four-hour program from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Plugging Along: New Hampshire Motor Speedway marks the 18th race that the SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt (SSGLRwJL) team embraces their manufacturer switch from Chevrolet to Ford while incorporating its technical alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing.

SHR will supply the organization with race cars while Roush Yates Engines will provide the legendary Ford horsepower. In addition to providing race cars to SSGLRwJL, SHR will also provide technical support for the entire 33-race season.

Additionally, Graf will have NASCAR Cup Series and Stewart-Haas Racing drivers Cole Custer and Chase Briscoe as teammates for select events throughout the 2022 season.

Don’t Forget The New Co-Owner Too: SS GreenLight Racing has added Jeff Lefcourt as a new co-owner of the Mooresville, N.C.-based team, as well as director of business development for the organization.

Lefcourt, a native of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. joins SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt (SSGLRwJL) with a long history of racing endeavors including owning Bethel (N.Y.) Motor Speedway in upstate New York, a current-NASCAR sanctioned race track.

The noted philanthropist, entrepreneur and real estate developer has deep ties to grassroots racing and was instrumental in helping secure the Stewart-Haas Racing alliance with SSGLRwJL in 2022.

Joe Graf Jr. Xfinity Series New Hampshire Motor Speedway Stats: Joe Graf Jr. will make his second NASCAR Xfinity Series start at the “Magic Mile” on Saturday afternoon.

In his track debut last July, Graf Jr. drove his No. 07 Bucked Up Energy Drink car to a 24th-place finish after starting the AmBetter Get Vaccinated 200 in the 30th.

Joe Graf Jr. Xfinity Series Career Speedway Stats: At tracks classified as a speedway, Graf has competed in 42 NASCAR Xfinity Series races. He holds an average starting position of 26.1 and an average result of 26.2.

Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway | Alsco Uniforms 250 Race Recap: In the most recent NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Graf returned to the cockpit of the No. 07 CoverSeal Ford Mustang.

After mother nature washed out qualifying, Graf started the summer race from the 1.5-mile speedway in the 31st position. Unfortunately, an ill-handling race car plagued the driver throughout the race.

The handling improved considerably during Stage 3 but left the driver and team with a disappointing 30th-place finish.

Sneaker Mania: Along with the adrenaline of the Motorsports competition, Joe Graf Jr. also has a vogue for hype sneakers. In his current collection, he owns and wears at least 90 limited edition sneakers – and his collection continues to grow every month.

The current estimated value of his collection tops $100,000.

Learn how Joe Graf Jr. became a sneakerhead and an inside look at his collection by clicking here.

From the Pit Box: Industry veteran Joe Williams is Joe Graf Jr.’s crew chief.

He will crew chief his 83rd NASCAR Xfinity Series race as crew chief on Saturday afternoon and his first at the track nestled in Loudon, New Hampshire.

In his previous 82 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, he has collected one win (Auto Club Speedway | February 2022), six top-five and 18 top-10 finishes.

Hello From The Other Side: Graf Jr. has a teammate at SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt. Veteran David Starr will drive the No. 08 Special Report with Brett Baier | TicketSmarter Ford Mustang on Saturday afternoon for his ninth Xfinity start of the 2022 season.

Starr is set to make his 243rd career NASCAR Xfinity Series start and seventh at New Hampshire. His best Xfinity track finish occurred in the 2021 AmBetter Get Vaccinated 200, where he finished 20th after starting 38th for Motorsports Business Management (MBM) Motorsports.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Joe Graf Jr. visit JoeGrafRacing.com, like him on Facebook (Joe Graf Jr.), follow him on TikTok (@JoeGrafJr), Twitter (@JoeGrafJr) and Instagram (@joegrafjr).

For more on SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt, please like them on Facebook (SS GreenLight Racing) and follow them on Instagram (@ssgreenlightracing) and Twitter (@SSGLR0708).

Joe Graf Jr. Pre-Race Quotes:

On New Hampshire Motor Speedway: “After the frustrating race last Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, our team heads to New Hampshire Motor Speedway hoping to turn the tide and have a good finish with our No. 07 G-Coin Ford Mustang.

“New Hampshire is a very flat race track where passing can be difficult, especially if you do not have a well-balanced race car. I know Joe (Williams, crew chief) has worked hard on getting our car ready for the race and I believe we can have a productive practice and qualifying session and with a little luck we can contend for a top-20 finish or better on Saturday afternoon.”

On Goals For Second Half of 2022: “We made some strides during the first half of the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season but there is certainly room for improvement.

“We have showcased a lot of speed throughout the season so far, but our second half of the year is focused on execution. If we can continue to carry that speed and follow through with the execution – we should be able to turn some heads with some strong and solid finishes.”

Race Information:

The Crayon 200 (250 laps | 131.5 miles) is the 18th of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2022 schedule. Practice begins on Friday, July 15 from 5:05 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Qualifying follows shortly after 5:35 p.m. The 38-car field will take the green flag on Saturday, July 16 shortly after 2:30 p.m. with live coverage on the USA Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

About SS Green Light Racing with Jeff Lefcourt:

As one of the most tenured teams in all of NASCAR, SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt led by team owner and former driver Bobby Dotter and new partner Jeff Lefcourt has been a mainstay entry in the sport fielding entries in either the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series or Xfinity Series competition since 2001.

SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt will continue with a two-car program in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2022.

The NASCAR Foundation, Martin Truex Jr. Foundation and AdventHealth Team Up to Honor Cancer Heroes

By
Official Release
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Bid Now to Help Raise Funds for Childhood and Ovarian Cancer Initiatives

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (July 15, 2022) – The names of cancer heroes will ride with drivers in the three NASCAR national series during September in recognition of Childhood and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation (MTJF) & The NASCAR Foundation Honor a Cancer Hero online auction presented by AdventHealth returns for the third year, with fans able to bid to have their cancer hero’s name placed on the signature panel of their favorite driver’s race vehicle.

Online bidding goes live today at 5 p.m. ET at NASCARfoundation.org/cancerhero. The auction runs through Monday, July 25, with heroes honored during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Kansas Speedway and the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series races at Texas Motor Speedway.

“AdventHealth is honored to be part of this important event that raises awareness and funds that will help accelerate lifesaving research, support the development of new treatments and improve care for those affected by ovarian and childhood cancers,” said David Banks, senior executive vice president and chief strategy and organizational transformation officer for AdventHealth.

“We are so grateful to the fans, AdventHealth, and The NASCAR Foundation for supporting our cancer hero program,” said NASCAR champion Martin Truex Jr. “Everyone knows, Sherry and I are extremely passionate about honoring these heroes within the cancer community. It’s been incredibly humbling to see the teams, drivers and fans get behind this program to make it a success every year. We’re looking forward to seeing how much money we can raise this year and seeing all the names of the cancer heroes riding above the drivers’ doors!”

Proceeds from the online auction will benefit MTJF and The NASCAR Foundation, two organizations recognized as champions for the health and well-being of others. Since 2020, the auction has raised more than $200,000.

“We’re grateful to have partners like the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation and AdventHealth who share the same commitment to celebrating our cancer heroes,” said Nichole Krieger, executive director of The NASCAR Foundation. “Each year, we’ve seen the NASCAR community rally around these heroes with drivers, teams, and fans all coming together to support such a great cause.”

The Honor a Cancer Hero auction is one of many initiatives supported through The NASCAR Foundation’s online auctions program that features race-used memorabilia and at-track experiences available for fans to place bids.

For more information, including a complete list of participating drivers, please visit NASCARfoundation.org/cancerhero.

About The NASCAR Foundation

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Inc. (NASCAR) established The NASCAR Foundation in January 2006 to support initiatives that positively affect the lives of children throughout the United States. The 501(c) (3) non-profit entity partners with medical experts and other charitable organizations to fund children’s health care programs. The NASCAR Foundation has cumulatively donated more than $41 million to reach more than 1.5 million children. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, visit NASCARfoundation.org. Follow The NASCAR Foundation on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/NASCARFoundation or on Twitter at @NASCAR_FDN.

About MTJ Foundation

NASCAR champion, Martin Truex Jr., and partner, Sherry Pollex founded the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation in 2007. Currently, the foundation’s mission is to raise awareness and funds for families affected by childhood and ovarian cancers. The MTJ Foundation utilizes its websites and social media platforms to educate cancer patients on a holistic approach to their disease. This approach combines the use of integrative therapies and healthy lifestyle practices with modern medicine. The MTJ Foundation has raised over $8 million to fund community projects and oncology programs for women and children. For more information, visit martintruexjrfoundation.org and follow the MTJFoundation on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

AdventHealth

With a sacred mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, AdventHealth is a connected system of care for every stage of life and health. More than 80,000 skilled and compassionate caregivers in physician practices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies and hospice centers provide individualized, wholistic care. A shared vision, common values, focus on whole-person health and commitment to making communities healthier unify the system’s more than 50 hospital campuses and hundreds of care sites in diverse markets throughout almost a dozen states. For more information about AdventHealth, visit AdventHealth.com.

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