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Monster Energy Racing: Riley Herbst NXS Race Report from Atlanta

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Official Release
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Herbst Claims Ninth at Atlanta
Monster Energy Driver Scores Third Straight Top-10 Finish

Date: Saturday, July 9
Event: Alsco Uniforms 250 (Round 17 of 33)
Series: NASCAR Xfinity Series
Location: Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia (1.54-mile oval)
Format: 163 laps, broken into three stages (40 laps/40 laps/83 laps)
Start/Finish: 8th / 9th (Running, completed 163 of 163 laps)
Point Standing: 9th (482 points, 187 out of first)
Race Winner: Austin Hill of Richard Childress Racing (Chevrolet)
Stage 1 Winner: Josh Berry of JR Motorsports (Chevrolet)
Stage 2 Winner: Austin Hill of Richard Childress Racing (Chevrolet)

Overview:

Riley Herbst finished ninth in the Alsco Uniforms 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing started eighth in the 163-lap race around the 1.54-mile oval and battled for the lead with fellow Monster Energy driver Ty Gibbs at the start of the final stage on lap 87. Contact sent Gibbs scraping along the outside retaining wall while Herbst dropped back to eighth. Herbst maintained his spot among the top-10 until the race’s final restart on lap 116 when he got hung in the bottom lane and fell to 15th. Undeterred, Herbst used the remainder of the race to climb back into the top-10 where he ultimately finished ninth to score his second straight top-10 at Atlanta.

Riley Herbst, driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing:

“It was a rough day. Mistakes were made, but I’m still happy that we brought home a ninth-place finish. We had a car that could run up front, but I just lost the lead pack after getting shuffled back. We’ll learn and move onto New Hampshire next weekend.”

Notes:

● Herbst earned his 12th top-10 of the season and his third top-10 in five career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Atlanta.

● This was Herbst’s third consecutive top-10. He finished third June 25 at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway and seventh last Saturday at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

● Austin Hill won the Alsco Uniforms 250 to score his second career Xfinity Series victory, his second of the season, and his first at Atlanta. His margin over second-place Josh Berry was .111 of a second.

● There were six caution periods for a total of 28 laps.

● Twenty-two of the 38 drivers in the race finished on the lead lap.

● AJ Allmendinger remains the championship leader after Atlanta with a 29-point advantage over second-place Ty Gibbs.

Next Up:

The next event on the NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule is the Crayon 200 on Saturday, July 16 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. The race starts at 2:30 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by USA and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

RCR NXS Post Race Report: Atlanta-2

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Official Release
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Sheldon Creed and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet Team Lead Laps at Atlanta Motor Speedway

Finish: 12th
Start: 15th
Points: 14th

“Our Whelen Chevrolet had speed today. I spun out early but we stayed out at the end of Stage 1 and cycled into the lead. We were able to lead some laps and finished second when the stage ended. We were able to pit with the leaders and were in position to contend for a good finish, but I just didn’t have enough help there toward the end of the race to get to the front. Hopefully, we can bounce back next week at New Hampshire.” -Sheldon Creed

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet Team Take Home the Victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway

Finish: 1st
Start: 5th
Points: 6th

“I grew up racing here at Atlanta Motor Speedway. I raced on the quarter-mile track in bandoleros and legends cars and I have a lot of wins and a lot of memories there. To finally win on the big track means a lot. Back in the spring I ran second and the last two years prior to that I ran second as well. I felt like Atlanta Motor Speedway owed me a win and to finally get it done means a lot. Our Bennett Transportation and Logistics Camaro was as fast as Xfinity internet today, that’s for sure. That was probably one of the best cars I’ve ever had. It was probably a little bit better than the car I had at Daytona when I won. The things I could do with that car and the lines that I could run and whenever I wanted to get to the lead, I felt like I could. Right before that last caution my spotter, Derek Kneeland, said if you can get the lead, I’d like to see you get the lead and just control the race. Two laps later I got a big run coming off of Turn 2 and we set sail from there. I was able to control the lanes and the runs that were coming. My spotter and I were doing a good job controlling the lines. To win at Atlanta, a place that I grew up racing and I grew up an hour down the road, I can’t really put into words what it means. It’s so special. It’s top of the list for wins for me as of right now and something I’ll remember for the rest of my career.” -Austin Hill

Toyota Racing NXS Post-Race Recap — Atlanta 7.9.22

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Official Release
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TOP-THREE FOR TRUEX’S TOYOTA AT ATLANTA
Ryan Truex Claims Top-Toyota Finish

HAMPTON, Ga. (July 9, 2022) – Ryan Truex finished third in Saturday afternoon’s NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Truex piloted his GR Supra a the lone Toyota in the waning laps of the race behind eventual race-winner and former Toyota driver, Austin Hill.

Toyota Racing Post-Race Recap
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Race 17 of 33 – 251 miles, 163 laps

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS
1st, Austin Hill*
2nd, Josh Berry*
3rd, RYAN TRUEX
4th, Tyler Reddick*
5th, Daniel Hemric*
11th, BRANDON JONES
19th, JEFFREY EARNHARDT
35th, TY GIBBS
*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

RYAN TRUEX, No. 18 Auto-Owners Insurance Toyota GR Supra, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 3rd

How was your race overall and how do you feel about the third-place finish?

“This place is crazy with this package. I’m just thankful to be in this car. This wasn’t on my schedule and JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing), Toyota and Auto Owners stepped up. To have them on the car with all the success Martin’s (Truex Jr.) had and everything they’ve done for him, it’s really special to me. I was trying to backup and get a run from the 11, but just didn’t have anything for those guys – the top few in front of us, I don’t know if they were more trimmed out or what, but I just could never get that run I needed. Just kind of had to hang out at the top> I was kind of hoping they would have a big jumble in three and four and I was just going to run the top and keep it wide open. Just thankful to be here and hopefully I’ll be back for more.”

What does it say for you as a driver that there isn’t a scratch on this race car?

“I guess I’m a little too patient sometimes. Here’s the thing, I slid through my box twice on pit road and I was so mad at myself. And it’s so hard when you don’t do this a lot. It’s so hard when you don’t do this a lot. I did it the first time and was like, ‘Okay, I’m not going to do it a second time.’ Then I did it the second time. So I was mad at myself and I feel like every time I’m out here in the Xfinity Series, I have something to prove. I know I deserve to be out here. Hopefully this helps and hopefully I’ll be back more with Gibbs.”

When were you hoping to make a move in the closing laps?

“I don’t know, the 21 (Austin Dillon) was so good. I got the lead at one point, but he was just looking for a way around me. He was so fast. I slipped up once off of two and he just turned under me and cleared me all by himself. I think that just shows how strong their car was. We had a good car, but we just didn’t quite have winning speed barring the seas parting on the last lap, which it almost did, it was close. Stevie Reeves (spotter) up top did a good job of just keeping me calm and keeping me disciplined. The big thing there was just don’t give up the top. We saw (Tyler) Reddick make up a lot of spots by going to the top and getting to people’s quarter panels. Really reminds me of truck racing at Michigan, you just can’t give up the top or you’re done and you’re going to the back. Really just a team effort. Spotter means a lot. Jason (Ratcliff, crew chief) and these boys do a great job at making good changes. Starting the race I was actually pretty loose and I thought this was going to be a long day. But they fixed it up and got the Auto Owner’s Insurance GR Supra tuned up and rolling fast.”

TY GIBBS, No. 54 Monster Energy Toyota GR Supra, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 35th

What happened that took you out of the race?

“We had a very fast Monster Energy GR Supra. Honestly, I’m happy about that and thankful to my team for allowing me to be here. And thanks to Toyota for all the stuff they do and we’ll move onto New Hampshire. We had a fast car and just got a little contact and that’s part of it. We’ll just move on and go hammer down.”

From your standpoint, was it the push or just hard racing that ended your race?

“We had a very fast Monster Energy GR Supra. Thank you to Toyota for all the help. We had a good car and the 98 (Riley Herbst) just slid up and wasn’t clear and hooked us in the left front and got me in the wall. Just hard racing and came out on the bad side of it. Luckily, happy to walk out of this place on my feet.”

How disappointing is it to have this happen after winning this race last year?

“It’s disappointing, but you can’t really control speedway racing. Hopefully the fans enjoy it and we’ll get back at it next week at New Hampshire.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With the more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, more than a quarter of the company’s 2021 North American sales were electrified.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

DGR NCWTS Recap: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

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Official Release
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Saturday, July 9
Track: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, 2.258-mile road course
Race: 15 of 23
Event: O’Reilly Auto Parts 150 at Mid-Ohio (67 laps, 151 miles)

Hailie Deegan, No. 1 Craftsman Ford F-150

Start: 28th
Stage 1: 15th
Stage 2: 17th
Finish: 10th

Hailie Deegan would start in the 28th spot following a wet Friday afternoon qualifying session at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. For Saturday’s race, the No. 1 fired off fast as the Craftsman Ford F-150 reached 15th by the end of Stage One. As Deegan made her first pit stop of the afternoon, Crew Chief Mike Hillman Jr. called for a slight air pressure adjustment to fix tightness through the center. However, the problem would persist throughout Stage Two, finishing 17th ahead of the race’s closing stage. Deegan radioed the crew to loosen her condition, proving beneficial as the No. 1 jumped to 12th place before a caution forced the field to line back up for a green-white-checkered finish. Fighting through a tire rub, the 20-year-old would skyrocket two more spots on the final lap, netting her first top-10 of the season.

Tanner Gray, No. 15 Ford Performance F-150

Start: 16th
Stage 1: 12th
Stage 2: 11th
Finish: 20th

Tanner Gray started 16th by way of his qualifying lap from Friday afternoon. At the drop of the green, the Ford driver set his sights forward, and after Stage One found himself in 12th. He entered the top-10 for the first time on lap 34 but ended up 11th at the conclusion of Stage Two, following a spirited battle with Kaz Grala and Ty Majeski. After the final round of pit stops, Gray continued his career-best road course effort by moving into ninth and maintaining there throughout the final stage. A late caution set the field up for a green-white-checkered finish, and on the opening lap after the restart, Gray was spun out by the 19 truck and stuck with a 20th-place finish at the tail of the lead lap.

Taylor Gray, No. 17 Ford Performance F-150

Start: 10th
Stage 1: 34th
Stage 2: 25th
Finish: 15th

Taylor Gray rolled off in 10th position after making it into the second round of qualifying at Mid-Ohio. The 17-year-old had a blistering start, placing him in the eighth position within the first five laps. Despite the early speed, mechanical troubles hindered the Ford Performance driver as he tumbled down the running order due to a lack of engine power. After being diagnosed with a dropped cylinder and making numerous stops on pit road, Gray salvaged the afternoon by running a conservative race and marching his way to a 15th-place finish.

Next event: CRC Brakeleen 150 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania on July 23 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

GMS Racing NCWTS Race Recap: Mid-Ohio

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Official Release
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Grant Enfinger, No. 23 Champion Power Equipment Chevrolet Silverado RST

START: 12TH
FINISH: 11TH
POINTS: 9TH

Quote: “Overall, I’d say we executed well this weekend. My No. 23 Champion Power Equipment Chevy had some speed and it allowed us to stay up front and in contention for most of the race. We were able to gain some much needed stage points, and that will help our position heading into the final regular season race at Pocono. Wish we could have gotten a few spots better in the finishing order, but I was making a pass and hit debris on the track and went off track which cost us our finishing position. Regardless, we had a pretty good points day and made some great improvements on our road course package.”

Jack Wood, No. 24 Sevwins Chevrolet Silverado RST

START: 26TH
FINISH: 29TH
POINTS: 25TH

Quote: “Tough day at Mid-Ohio, we never really had the pace that we wanted, but we started to figure out some stuff and make speed towards the end of the race. Unfortunately, we just got taken out in someone else’s mess there at the end. The struggle of our season continues with bad luck, but it’s just part of racing and there’s not much more that we could do. I’m thankful to all of my No. 24 GMS Racing team for working hard and improving on our truck, and now my focus is all on Pocono.”

ABOUT GMS RACING:

GMS Racing competes full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series operating the No. 23 and the No. 24 Chevrolet Silverado RSTs, as well as the ARCA Menards Series with the No. 43 Chevrolet SS. Since the team was formed in 2012, GMS Racing has won five titles across multiple series, including the 2016 and 2020 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship, the 2015 ARCA Menards Series championship, as well as the 2019 & 2020 ARCA Menards Series East championships. GMS has grown to occupy several buildings located in Statesville, N.C. including operations for GMS Fabrication. The GMS Racing campus also houses operations for Petty GMS, a two car full-time NASCAR Cup Series team formed in 2021.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow GMS Racing on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Toyota Racing NCWTS Post-Race Recap — Mid-Ohio 7.9.22

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Official Release
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THREE TUNDRA TOP-10s AT MID-OHIO ROAD COURSE
Friesen and Eckes Earn Top-Five Finishes Through Twists and Turns of Mid-Ohio

LEXINGTON, Ohio (July 9, 2022) – The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) took to the Mid-Ohio road course on Saturday afternoon where Tundra drivers Stewart Friesen (fifth) and Christian Eckes (fifth) both scored top-five finishes for Toyota.

Toyota Racing Post-Race Recap
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Race 15 of 23 – 67 Laps, 151 Miles

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS
1st, Parker Kligerman*
2nd, Zane Smith*
3rd, Carson Hocevar*
4th, STEWART FRIESEN
5th, CHRISTIAN ECKES
6th, CHANDLER SMITH
12th, TY MAJESKI
13th, CHASE PURDY
17th, TIMMY HILL
18th, MATT CRAFTON
21st, TYLER ANKRUM
24th, BEN RHODES
26th, COREY HEIM
28th, JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
36th, MASON FILIPPI
*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

CHANDLER SMITH, No. 18 Safelite AutoGlass Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, Kyle Busch Motorsports

Finishing Position: 6th

How was your truck coming from the back to the front in today’s race?

“It was a challenge and that’s an understatement. Second time ever being here, first time in the trucks. We didn’t get a good qualifying position obviously, which put us behind the ball a little bit. We were struggling a little bit with the balance getting up through the field, but this place is really, really hard to pass in general. There’s a few places where it’s really heavy braking and everybody today was really good through those sections so you had to push that danger zone a little more. It was either going to reward you or it was going to bite you really, really bad. Figuring that out and then starting to capitalize on that really helped me a lot and also being precise where I chose to use the bumper and where I chose not to use the bumper was a big thing for me today. Really happy with my Safelite Toyota Tundra TRD PRO. Good overall picture day. Obviously wish we could have won the thing, but for the conditions and what we were fighting, can’t be upset with today’s finish.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With the more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, more than a quarter of the company’s 2021 North American sales were electrified.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Local Racing Events You Can Race In

By
SM
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Photo by Ralfs Blumbergs on Unsplash

Anyone interested in motorsports dreams about racing within the world of motorsport. However, many believe that the barrier to entry is higher than it is. Racing within motorsports is not something just reserved for big teams like Hendrick Motorsports, Wood Brothers Racing, Alfa Romero, or people who have invested hundreds of thousands into cars. The solution that gets you involved as soon as next weekend is by joining local motorsports events.

Local motorsports events offer the same rewards as Nascar and Formula 1 such as exciting thrills, trophies, clout, and more. To get involved, you will only need a car to drive, an SCCA membership, and potentially some Race Car Trailers if the event requires a specific vehicle such as derby or drag. Continue reading to learn about the various motorsports events you can compete in.

Autocross

Autocross is the most beginner-friendly and safe motorsport activity in which you can participate. Racing in this style of event requires navigating through a track typically made up of cones or other road markers and setting a time. While racing, you will drive alone and there is no risk of crashing into another vehicle. Whoever navigates through the cone track the fastest in their bracket wins the trophy.

Getting involved in such events is also low-maintenance, meaning the costs for entry are low and often do not require official memberships. The type of vehicle you bring to this event can be anything including your daily car or your custom project vehicle.

COST: $

RISK: Low

Rallycross

Rallycross is almost exactly like autocross except you are driving on dirt and grass instead of pavement. While the barrier for entry is slightly higher, rallycross is just as beginner friendly and safe as its pavement counterpart.

Rallycross events are not as popular as autocross due to the different track requirements, but getting involved in local events is easy. You will need a helmet and an SCCA membership. This type of event is also as safe as autocross because you’re driving alone, and the area will lack trees or cliffs to worry about.

COST: $

RISK: Low

Tracks and Ovals

The next step up from Autocross and Rallycross is track racing. Because of the popularity of motorsports in America, finding an oval or racetrack to drive on is likely much closer than you think. These events are similar to, but much more time and beginner-friendly than Nascar and Formula 1.

Car-on-car contact is expected therefore bringing your daily work vehicle isn’t recommended. The good news is that you will be racing a cheap beater car along with everyone else. Almost all of these events require a racetrack membership along with an SCCA membership, and a helmet. The types of tracks you will encounter can be pavement and dirt so research and prepare accordingly.

COST: $$

RISK: Moderate

Demolition Derby

A demolition derby is a classic event that attracts many spectators and is fantastic to watch and be a part of so long as you are prepared. A derby is not something that needs much explaining other than crashing your car into other cars and trying to be the last car still functioning.

The cost is higher because investing in a throwaway car is a must, preferably one with sufficient safety stands, and also requires a trailer to bring the said car to the event. There is also the potential for fees from doctor visits following the event.

COST: $$$

RISK: High

Drag Racing

Much like demolition derbies, drag racing is another spectator sport that attracts many (likely drunk) spectators on a sunny weekend. The race format is simple, the light turns green, the driver slams the gas, and races down a straight road and see which car reaches the finish first.

The cost for entry often requires a custom drag car and trailer however there are other formats such as ET Bracket Drag Racing that allow any car to compete with handicaps. Much like the previously mentioned events, you will also likely need a helmet and a membership to participate. The risks involved with drag racing are low and are considered a safe event.

COST: $$$$ (Building your drag car) or $ (ET Bracket)

RISK: Low

Conclusion

Motorsports is not some lucrative sport reserved for only a privileged few. There are many events for anyone with a license and vehicle can partake in for a low cost. Below are a few links to help get you to the nearest events and racing as soon as possible.

RXR and ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team secure NEOM Island X Prix II Final spots

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Official Release
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Rosberg X Racing (RXR) produced another smooth run to claim the win in Semi-Final 1 and secure their spot in the NEOM Island X Prix II Final. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team finished in second, after contact between Sara Price and Laia Sanz put No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing out of the race.

10 July 2022, Sardinia: An aggressive start from RXR’s Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky put her in front of Sanz, as Price took the alternate line to the right of her competitors.

As the teams merged, No.99 GMC Hummer EV slotted behind RXR in first and ACCIONA | SAINZ XE in second.

Sanz went wide a few corners later, opening the window for Price to charge up the inside, making contact as she went.

The two came together once again, sending Price off track and the subsequent damage to her ODYSSEY 21 put No.99 GMC Hummer EV out of the race and out of contention for a second podium in this double-header.

Johan Kristoffersson took over a comfortable lead from Åhlin-Kottulinsky and got the RXR car over the line in first, with Carlos Sainz Snr. bringing his ODYSSEY 21 home in second means both teams head to the Final.

Results

  1. Rosberg X Racing 9:19:987
  2. ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team +8.956
  3. No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing DNF

To learn more about Extreme E, visit – www.Extreme-E.com

About Extreme E:

Extreme E is a radical new racing series, which will see electric SUVs competing in extreme environments around the world which have already been damaged or affected by climate and environmental issues. The five-race global voyage highlights the impact of climate change and human interference in some of the world’s most remote locations and promotes the adoption of electric vehicles in the quest for a lower carbon future for the planet.

To minimise local impact, Extreme E races will not be open to spectators, with fans instead invited to follow the action through live TV broadcast, and on social media.

The St. Helena, a former passenger cargo ship, has undergone a multi-million Euro refit to minimise emissions and transform her into Extreme E’s operations hub. The ship will be used to transport the championship’s freight and infrastructure, including vehicles, to the nearest port, minimising Extreme E’s footprint, as well as being used to facilitate scientific research through its on-board laboratory.

Extreme E is also pioneering hydrogen fuel cell technology which will enable its race fleet to be charged using zero emission energy. This innovative solution from AFC Energy uses water and sun to generate hydrogen power. Not only will this process emit no greenhouse emissions, its only by-product will be water, which will be utilised elsewhere on-site.

Season 2 Calendar: 

Neom, Saudi Arabia
19-20 February 2022
Sardinia, Italy
06-07 July 2022
Sardinia, Italy
09-10 July 2022
Antofagasta, Chile
24-25 September 2022
Punta del Este, Uruguay
26-27 November 2022

About Continental Tires: Founding Partner and Official Tire Partner

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. Continental generated preliminary sales of €37.7 billion in 2020 and currently employs more than 235,000 people in 58 countries and markets. In 2021, the company celebrates its 150th anniversary.

The Tires business area has 24 production and development locations worldwide. Continental is one of the leading tire manufacturers with more than 56,000 employees and posted preliminary sales of €10.2 billion in 2020 in this business area. Continental ranks among the technology leaders in tire production and offers a broad product range for passenger cars, commercial and special-purpose vehicles as well as two-wheelers. Through continuous investment in research and development, Continental makes a major contribution to safe, cost effective and ecologically efficient mobility. The portfolio of the Tires business area includes services for the tire trade and fleet applications, as well as digital management systems for tires.

About ENOWA

About ENOWA: ENOWA is a world-class energy, water and hydrogen company founded in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. ENOWA produces and delivers clean and sustainable resources for industrial and commercial applications using a customer-centric smart and connected system, designed to be circular and takes advantage of NEOM’s optimal solar and wind energy profile. ENOWA benefits from NEOM’s greenfield site, which has no legacy infrastructure, to advance Energy, Water, and Hydrogen innovation.

ENOWA will act as a catalyst and incubator for developing new, sustainable energy and water businesses while creating a robust economic sector regionally. Through its commitment to renewable energy and efficient water management, ENOWA seeks to become a global reference for industry leaders and setting a benchmark for sustainable economic circular systems around the world.

For more information, please visit enowa.neom.com

About NEOM: NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a New Future might look like. It is a region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea being built from the ground up as a living laboratory – a place where entrepreneurship will chart the course for this New Future. It will be a destination and a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses and reinventing environmental conservation.

NEOM will include hyperconnected, cognitive towns and cities, ports and enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations. As a hub for innovation, entrepreneurs, business leaders and companies will come to research, incubate and commercialize new technologies and enterprises in groundbreaking ways. Residents of NEOM will embody an international ethos and embrace a culture of exploration, risk-taking and diversity.

For further information email media@neom.com or visit www.neom.comand www.neom.com/en-us/newsroom

About CBMM: Founding Supplier

CBMM is the world leading supplier of niobium products and technology. Headquartered in Brazil, with offices and subsidiaries in China, Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland and the United States.

CBMM offers technical innovation to customers around the globe through a team of over 2,000 highly trained, dedicated professionals providing cutting-edge niobium products and technology to over 400 clients in around 40 countries.

About LuisaViaRoma: Official Fashion Partner

Defined by the Financial Times as “A haven for directional fashion,” LUISAVIAROMA.COM is the top online luxury fashion destination with 5,000,000 visitors per month and worldwide shipping. With each new season, the website presents the collections of more than 600 established designers and young emerging talents.

About Zenith: Official Timekeeper and Founding Partner

ZENITH: TIME TO REACH YOUR STAR.

Zenith exists to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams and make them come true – against all odds. Since its establishment in 1865, Zenith became the first watch manufacture in the modern sense of the term, and its watches have accompanied extraordinary figures that dreamt big and strived to achieve the impossible – from Louis Blériot’s history-making flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner’s record-setting stratospheric free-fall jump. Zenith is also highlighting visionary and trailblazing women – past and present – by celebrating their accomplishments and creating in 2020 its first-ever collection dedicated entirely to them, Defy Midnight.

With innovation as its guiding star, Zenith features exceptional in-house developed and manufactured movements in all its watches. Since the creation of the El Primero in 1969, the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre, Zenith has gone on to master fractions of the second with the Chronomaster Sport and its 1/10th of a second precision and the DEFY 21 with a precision of 1/100th of a second. Zenith has been shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking since 1865, accompanying those who dare to challenge themselves and break barriers. The time to reach your star is now.

About Allianz: Founding Partner and Official Insurance Partner

The Allianz Group is one of the world’s leading insurers and asset managers with more than 100 million private and corporate customers in more than 70 countries. Allianz customers benefit from a broad range of personal and corporate insurance services, ranging from property, life and health insurance to assistance services to credit insurance and global business insurance. Allianz is one of the world’s largest investors, managing around 790 billion euros on behalf of its insurance customers. Furthermore, our asset managers PIMCO and Allianz Global Investors manage 1.7 trillion euros of third-party assets. Thanks to our systematic integration of ecological and social criteria in our business processes and investment decisions, we are amongst the leaders in the insurance industry in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. In 2020, over 150,000 employees achieved total revenues of 140 billion euros and an operating profit of 10.8 billion euros for the group.

About Vodafone Business: Official Technology and Communication Partner

With expertise in connectivity, global scale and the leading IoT platform, Vodafone Business is a leading technology communications company helping organisations succeed in a digital world and keeping society connected. Vodafone’s purpose is to connect for a better future, enabling an inclusive and sustainable digital society, and many of its solutions have sustainability and inclusivity embedded.

Unique in its scale as the largest pan-European and African technology communications company, Vodafone transforms the way we live and work through its innovation, technology, connectivity, platforms, products and services. Vodafone operates mobile and fixed networks in 21 countries, and partners with mobile networks in 52 more. As of 31 December 2021, they had over 300m mobile customers, more than 28m fixed broadband customers and over 22m TV customers.

This collaboration will see Vodafone Business leading innovations and capabilities such as 5G, MPN, IOT and MEC, integrated into Extreme E’s global operations and will include full involvement in the purpose- driven elements of the series, with special prominence on Extreme E’s Legacy Programmes and the Science Laboratory on board the St Helena.Through its IOT solutions, Vodafone Business is helping sustainability efforts, including agriculture, forestation and decarbonisation of energy grids.

Find out more on http://www.Vodafone.com/business and follow Vodafone on its social media channels:

Twitter: @VodafoneGroup

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/vodafone

About ALLCOT:

ALLCOT Group, Extreme E’s Official Environmental Credit Supplier, provides innovative project development, carbon markets, and sustainability advisory services since 2009. Allcot’s unique approach is based on using Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, its linkage to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), non-market approaches, and other market mechanisms.

ALLCOT Group aims to lead and accelerate the global transition towards a climate-neutral society by 2050. ALLCOT provides knowledge and expertise to implement climate change intervention initiatives and carbon projects that rely on nature-based and technology-based approaches.

ALLCOT supports firms and public bodies in developing their own emission reduction initiatives by providing consulting services for various carbon quantification standards (CDM, VCS, GS), as well as for various sectors (forestry, waste, renewable energy, transportation, sports). The entire carbon credit value chain is encompassed by these consulting services created under the Paris agreement.

To learn more about ALLCOT, please visit www.allcot.com

About Neat Burger: Official Plant-based Partner

Neat Burger is the first of its kind – the planet-friendly, plant-based, full-flavoured game-changer the world has been waiting for. The world’s first plant-based sustainable burger chain, Neat Burger offers a menu that appeals to not only those who follow plant-based diets, but anyone, meat-eaters included, who wants to eat delicious meat-free dishes that are more sustainable, healthier and ethical. The brand is backed by seven-time FIA Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton, in collaboration with hospitality organisation The Cream Group and investors, as well as UNICEF Ambassador and early backer of Beyond Meat Tommaso Chiabra. Neat Burger opened its first site in September 2019, just off Regent Street in London, and its second and third dine-in outlets at Camden Market and Soho in 2020. Plans for global expansion across Europe, the US and Middle East are already in place for 2021 and beyond.

About EY: Official Innovation Partner

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, strategy, transaction and consulting services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients.

About INTERprotección: Official Insurance Broker

INTERprotección is composed of a group of Mexican insurance, reinsurance and surety bond brokerage companies. With global presence and recognition, INTERprotección has more than 40 years of experience in management and comprehensive risk consulting in the Mexican market. Its business model is focused on bringing the client to the forefront and offering them the best service through innovative and disruptive products, more recently with its new brand ​inter.mx,​ its insurance digital platform that is transforming the insurtech game. Follow INTERprotección on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter ​@I​NTERproteccion

About Enel X Way: Official Smart Charging Partner

Enel X Way is the Enel Group’s new global business line entirely dedicated to electric mobility. Currently, Enel X Way manages approximately 320,000 charging points, both directly and through interoperability agreements in place worldwide1. As a global platform for e-mobility, the company is focused on developing flexible charging technologies and solutions to improve the customer experience by supporting the electrification of transport for consumers, businesses, cities and public administrations

Find out more on https://enelxway.it/en/home and follow Enel X Way on its social media channels:

LinkedIn: Enel X Way

Twitter: @enelxway

Instagram: @enelxway

Facebook: @enelxway

1 Public and private charging points, including points of interoperability.

About XITE ENERGY: Official Energy Drink Partner

XITE ENERGY was founded by Oliver Bennett and Megan Jones straight out of university two years ago. XITE brings disruptive innovation within the beverage industry; a new frontier to energy drinks. Designed around functionality but with no limitations on health, XITE ENERGY uses functional ingredients that are fused together to provide a cognitive boost, combining natural flavours, natural caffeine and zero sugar.

Austin Hill claims second Xfinity Series career victory at Atlanta

By
Andrew Kim
-
Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

For rookie Austin Hill, there is no place like home after the 28-year-old native from Winston, Georgia, earned a dominant victory in the Alsco Uniforms 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, his home track, on Saturday, July 9.

Hill, who led four times for a race-high 73 of 163 and overcame radio issues prior to the start, overtook Ryan Truex for the lead with 62 laps remaining. From there, he maintained the lead in front of a steaming pack of competitors running toward the front, including moves from the outside to inside lane to stall late runs from Josh Berry and Daniel, to claim his second NASCAR Xfinity Series career victory and second of this season in front of his home crowd.

With on-track qualifying initially scheduled for Saturday canceled due to rain, the starting lineup was determined by a metric formula used to make the qualifying order in reverse, with the winner of last weekend’s event at Road America having the lowest number. As a result, Ty Gibbs, who won last weekend at Road America and won at Atlanta earlier in March, was awarded the pole position. Joining him on the front row was Josh Berry.

When the green flag waved and the race started, Gibbs and Berry dueled for the lead in front of the field fanning out and racing in a tight pack. Once the field returned to the start/finish line, Berry utilized the inside lane to his advantage as he led the first lap. Behind, AJ Allmendinger and Gibbs dueled for the runner-up spot in front of Noah Gragson, Brandon Jones, rookie Austin Hill and Sam Mayer. 

Shortly after, the first caution of the event flew when Jesse Iwuji, who was running towards the rear of the field, got loose near the outside wall entering Turn 4 and spun as his car came to rest near the pit road entrance.

When the event restarted under green on the sixth lap, Allmendinger received a draft from Gragson to challenge and overtake Berry for the lead as Gragson got loose entering Turn 3 and fell back to sixth while Mayer and Hill quickly overtook him entering and exiting the frontstretch.

Through the first 10 scheduled laps, Allmendinger held a narrow advantage ahead of Berry and Gibbs while Mayer, Hill, Gragson, Justin Allgaier, Jeb Burton, Jeremy Clements and Daniel Hemric were in the top 10. Two laps later, the caution returned when rookie Sheldon Creed got loose and spun his No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet Camaro in the backstretch, though he managed to keep his spinning car off the course and not sustain any damage.

Another three laps later, the race proceeded under green as Allmendinger and Berry dueled for the lead. Through the backstretch, the outside lane gained the advantage as Allmendinger pulled ahead followed by Gibbs and Hill while Berry was back in fifth alongside teammate Gragson.

At the Lap 20 mark, Allmendinger remained as the leader in a five-car breakaway ahead of Hill, Gragson, Gibbs and Berry. Two laps later, however, Hill made his move to the lead through the backstretch as he was followed by Gibbs, who attempted but could not overtake Allmendinger for the runner-up spot. Another four laps later, though, Allmendinger reassumed the lead after executing his move entering the frontstretch. He was soon pursued by Berry, Gibbs, Gragson, Hemric and Brandon Brown while Hill fell back to seventh.

Just past the Lap 30 mark, Allmendinger remained as the leader ahead of a seven-car breakaway followed by Berry, Gibbs, Gragson, Brandon Brown, Hemric and Hill. Meanwhile, Brandon Jones was in eighth while Clements and Jeffrey Earnhardt were in the top 10.

Under the final five laps of the first stage and with the leaders navigating their way through lapped traffic that included Natalie Decker, Berry and Allmendinger swapped the lead as the front-runners were jumbled up in tight, close-quarters racing.

When the first stage concluded on Lap 40, Berry managed to fend off the pack as he claimed his fifth stage victory of the season. Gibbs edged Allmendinger for the runner-up spot followed by Brandon Brown and Gragson while Hemric, Hill, Allgaier, Brandon Jones and Myatt Snider.

Under the stage break, the leaders led by Berry pitted as Brandon Jones utilized a two-tire pit stop to his advantage as he assumed the lead followed by Gragson, Hemric, Tyler Reddick and Hill, all of whom elected for two fresh tires. During the pit stops, Allmendinger exited pit road in eighth place after his No. 16 Action Industries Chevrolet Camaro was being blocked by Gibbs’ No. 54 Monster Energy Toyota Supra while Berry had to back his No. 8 Harrison’s USA Chevrolet Camaro back to his pit stall due to a left-rear wheel that was discovered to not be tight and secured while he was attempting to leave his stall. In addition, Hemric and Ryan Sieg were penalized for speeding while exiting pit road.

The second stage started on Lap 46 as Creed and Brandon Jones occupied the front row. At the start, Creed managed to pull ahead on the outside lane to assume the lead followed by Gragson and Reddick while Brandon Jones was losing ground towards the front while stuck on the inside lane and without any drafting support.

Two laps later, Reddick gained a huge run from the backstretch to move his No. 48 Big Machine Spiked Coolers Chevrolet Camaro to the lead from Creed while Gragson got shuffled back to 10th. In the midst of the battles, Allmendinger made an unscheduled pit stop for two right-side tires after he made contact with the wall.

Back on track, Reddick was scored as the leader at the Lap 50 mark followed by Creed, Hill, Brandon Brown and Brandon Jones while Mayer, Allgaier, Clements, Gragson and Ryan Truex were scored in the top 10.

Through the first 60 laps, Reddick continued to lead a five-car breakaway from the field followed by Creed, Hill, Brandon Brown and Brandon Jones while Allgaier, Mayer, Truex, Gragson and Riley Herbst were in the top 10.

Eight laps later, Creed made his move in Turn 1 as he reassumed the lead ahead of Reddick, Hill and Brown while the front-runners started to approach Allmendinger, who was on the verge of losing a lap to the leaders. By then, Matt Mills pitted with light smoke coming out of his car.

When the second stage concluded on Lap 80, Hill executed a final lap pass on teammate Creed entering the first turn to wheel his No. 21 Bennett Transportation and Logistics Chevrolet Camaro to his first stage victory of the season. Teammate Creed settled in second followed by Brandon Brown, Reddick and Allgaier while Brandon Jones, Gibbs, Truex, Landon Cassill and Jeffrey Earnhardt were scored in the top 10.

Under the stage break, the leaders led by Hill returned to pit road and Reddick exited with the top spot followed by Hill, Brandon Brown, Gibbs and Jeffrey Earnhardt. Following the pit stops, however, Reddick was sent to the rear of the field for speeding on pit road, thus giving the lead back to Hill. In addition, Jeremy Clements was penalized for pitting outside of his pit box.

With 77 laps remaining, the final stage commenced under green as Hill and Gibbs occupied the front row. At the start, Gibbs received a push from Riley Herbst’s No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang to assume the lead ahead of Hill as the field stacked up in close-quarters racing. During the following lap, the caution flew when Brandon Jones got loose towards the outside wall in Turn 4 and slipped sideways as he made contact with Hemric’s No. 11 AG1 Chevrolet Camaro while Allgaier sustained minor damage to his No. 7 BRANDT Chevrolet Camaro. Amid his spin, Jones managed to straighten his car and proceed without sliding down pit road nor sustaining any significant damage to his No. 19 Menards Toyota Supra.

At the start of another restart with 71 laps remaining, the Monster Energy competitors of Gibbs and Herbst made contact through Turn 1 as Gibbs slapped the outside wall twice before he pitted under green for fresh right-side tires and repairs to his No. 54 Toyota. In the midst of the carnage up towards the front, Ryan Truex, who was making his fifth start of the season with Joe Gibbs Racing, assumed the lead in his No. 18 Auto-Owners Insurance Toyota Supra followed by Hill, Hemric, Brown and Jeffrey Earnhardt while Herbst continued in the top 10.

With 62 laps remaining, Hill reassumed the lead as Truex managed to settle in second in front of Hemric, Earnhardt and Mayer. By then, Gibbs took his car to the garage as his hopes of sweeping Atlanta evaporated.

Then with 56 laps remaining, the caution flew when Mayer, who was trying to force his way in front of Earnhardt, made contact with Earnhardt in the backstretch before he was sent sideways and hard against the outside wall as his race came to an end.

During the caution period, some like Brandon Brown pitted while the rest led by Hill remained on the track.

With 48 laps remaining, the race proceeded under green as teammates Hill and Creed occupied the front row. At the start, Hill received a strong push from Berry to clear the field with the lead as he was pursued by Berry, Ryan Truex, Hemric and Ryan Sieg while Creed was left on the inside lane and mired in sixth alongside Reddick.

Four laps later, Brandon Brown made contact with the outside wall after he blew a right-front tire, but the race proceeded under green as Brown limped back to his pit stall and eventually retired in the garage.

Back on the track and with 40 laps remaining, Hill remained as the leader of a long pack of competitors while Berry, Truex, Hemric, Sieg, Reddick, Creed, Gragson, Cassill and Allgaier were in the top 10. Meanwhile, Allmendinger, who received the free pass to cycle back on the lead lap during the previous caution, was in 17th behind Kyle Sieg.

Down to the final 30 laps of the event, Hill continued to lead in front of a 10-car breakaway from the field that included Berry, Truex, Hemric, Gragson, Reddick, Cassill, Allgaier, Ryan Sieg and Anthony Alfredo. Meanwhile, Herbst, Creed and Brandon Jones were in the top 15 while Allmendinger was mired in 16th. 

With 20 laps remaining, the top-eight competitors pulled away from the field as Hill remained as the leader followed by Berry, Truex, Hemric, Reddick, Gragson, Cassill and Allgaier.

Down to the final 10 laps of the event and with the top-eight competitors pulling away from the field, Hill retained the lead ahead of Berry, Truex, Hemric and Reddick while Gragson, Cassill and Allgaier kept the front-runners within their sights. Meanwhile, ninth-place Ryan Sieg trailed the top-eight leaders by more than four seconds and Herbst was in 10th while Allmendinger, Brandon Jones and Creed were mired in the top 15.

With five laps remaining, the top-eight front-runners continued to run in a single-file line as Hill remained as the leader.

When the white flag waved and the final lap started, Hill maintained his spot as the leader ahead of Berry, Truex, Hemric and Reddick. Then in Turn 1, Hemric launched his charge to the front as he overtook Truex. While trying to overtake Berry for the runner-up spot, he could not gain any additional drafting help as he was left to battle with Berry, Truex, Reddick and Gragson for spots in the top five. This allowed Hill to pull away and maintain both lanes to his advantage as he cycled his way back to the frontstretch and claim his second checkered flag of his career and of the season.

By claiming his second career win in the Xfinity Series, Hill became the sixth competitor to achieve multiple victories in this year’s Xfinity season as he also recorded the 88th Xfinity career win for Richard Childress Racing that was coming off a Cup Series victory with Tyler Reddick last weekend at Road America.

“Look at this crowd,” Hill said on USA Network. “Thank y’all for coming out! I love the fans. What a car. [Richard Childress Racing] has been working hard their ever-loving tales off. To bring some really fast Chevy Camaros. Our Bennett Transportation and Logistics Chevy Camaro was a rocket ship all day. We had an issue right when we rolled off of pit road. The team couldn’t hear me; we had to do hand gestures on the side of the car to make adjustments. [Crew chief] Andy [Street] and the guys did a heck of a job. First [pit] stop, I put my hand out the door, which meant that I was loose and he made an awesome adjustment, didn’t make an adjustment the rest of the race.

“I knew we had a really good car. We were able to just keep [the field] close enough to me where they could never get a big enough run on me on entry or exit. We just won it at Atlanta. That’s so special. I’ve been trying to win here for a long time. [I] Finished second here three times in a row: twice in a Truck and then earlier in the spring here. It’s been owing me one and finally, we got one in Georgia, where I grew up and was raised about an hour down the road in Douglasville. This is gonna be so special. I can’t wait to party, see my wife and kids, they’re here, and all my family members. This is gonna be a special one.” 

“[Winning] Never gets old,” Richard Childress, owner of Richard Childress Racing, added. “I think we’ve really worked hard to get our cars better. Everyone has. Our engines are better, our cars are better. Our drivers are on it and we’re gonna make a run for that championship, for sure. [Hill]’s really, really impressed me. Solid. Nothing shakes him up. No matter how close you’re on his bumper, what’s happening to him or whatever he don’t get shook. That’s what it takes. I knew another driver like that. He did pretty well, too.”

Behind, Josh Berry came home in the runner-up spot for his eighth top-five result of the season while Ryan Truex recorded his first top-five result of the season after finishing in third place. 

“The top [lane] was super good,” Berry said. “That would’ve been really hard to complete that pass ‘cause it seemed like whenever you jumped down to the bottom [lane], the car behind you would just push you away. You couldn’t stay connected enough to build a run. All in all, it was a really good day for our Harrison’s USA Chevrolet. The guys did a good job. We had a bad pit stop there, but they rebounded, got me back up front and got a second place. Stage win’s a good day, and we’ll go on to Loudon.”

“This place is crazy with this [racing] package,” Truex said. “I’m just thankful to be in this car again. This wasn’t on my schedule and [Joe Gibbs Racing], Toyota Racing, Auto-Owners [Insurance] stepped up. To have them on the car with all the success Martin’s [Truex Jr.] had and everything they’ve done for him is really special for me. I was trying to back up and get a run from [Hemric]. I just didn’t have anything for these guys. It seemed like the top few [competitors] in front of us were just, I don’t know if they were more trimmed out, but I could just never get that run I needed. Just kind of had to hang out the top. I was hoping they’d have a big jumble in [Turns] 3 and 4 and I was just gonna run the top, just keep in wide open. It didn’t work out, but just thankful to be here and hopefully, I’ll be back for more.”

Reddick settled in fourth while Hemric, who was in position of claiming his first victory of the season, fell back to fifth. Gragson, Allgaier, Cassill, Herbst and Allmendinger completed the top 10 on the track.

There were 17 lead changes for seven different leaders. The race featured six cautions for 28 laps.

With nine races remaining in the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series regular-season stretch, AJ Allmendinger continues to lead the regular-season standings by 29 points over Ty Gibbs, 30 over Justin Allgaier, 64 over Josh Berry and 67 over Noah Gragson.

Ty Gibbs, AJ Allmendinger, Justin Allgaier, Josh Berry, Noah Gragson, rookie Austin Hill and Brandon Jones are currently guaranteed spots for the 2022 Xfinity Playoffs based on winning once throughout the regular season stretch while Sam Mayer, Riley Herbst, Daniel Hemric, Ryan Sieg and Landon Cassill occupy the remaining vacant spots to the Playoffs based on points. Anthony Alfredo trails the top-12 cutline to the Playoffs by 80 points, rookie Sheldon Creed trails by 95, Brandon Brown trails by 100, Brett Moffitt and Jeb Burton trail by 101, Myatt Snider trails by 140, Alex Labbe trails by 152 and Jeremy Clements trails by 154.

Results.

1. Austin Hill, 73 laps led, Stage 2 winner

2. Josh Berry, 13 laps led, Stage 1 winner

3. Ryan Truex, eight laps led

4. Tyler Reddick, 21 laps led

5. Daniel Hemric

6. Noah Gragson

7. Justin Allgaier

8. Landon Cassill

9. Riley Herbst

10. AJ Allmendinger

11. Brandon Jones

12. Sheldon Creed, 16 laps led

13. Jeb Burton

14. Anthony Alfredo

15. Ryan Sieg

16. Kyle Sieg

17. Jeremy Clements

18. Myatt Snider

19. Jeffrey Earnhardt

20. Brett Moffitt

21. Ryan Vargas

22. David Starr

23. Alex Labbe, one lap down

24. Mason Massey, one lap down

25. Josh Williams, one lap down

26. Joey Gase, two laps down

27. Natalie Decker, two laps down

28. Caesar Bacarella, two laps down

29. Bayley Currey, two laps down

30. Joe Graf Jr., two laps down

31. Brennan Poole, four laps down

32. Jesse Iwuji, six laps down

33. Brandon Brown – OUT, Accident

34. Sam Mayer – OUT, Accident

35. Ty Gibbs – OUT, Accident, seven laps led

36. JJ Yeley – OUT, Fuel pump

37. Matt Mills – OUT, Engine

38. Sage Karam – OUT, Engine

Next on the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule is the series’ lone visit of the season to New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire. The event is scheduled to occur on Saturday, July 16, at 2:30 p.m. ET on USA Network.

Kligerman fends off Zane Smith for wild Truck Series victory at Mid-Ohio

By
Andrew Kim
-
Parker Kligerman celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series O'Reilly Auto Parts 150 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on July 09, 2022 in Lexington, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images).

Parker Kligerman capitalized in a three-lap shootout and fended off several fierce challenges from Zane Smith to win the inaugural O’Reilly Auto Parts 150 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Saturday, July 9. The 31-year-old Kligerman from Stamford, Connecticut, led three times for a race-high 56 of 67 laps, including the final three, as he assumed the lead from Zane Smith at the start of a three-lap dash to the finish.

Once he assumed the lead, Kligerman managed to fend off and remain in front of Smith through the 13-turn circuit three times before etching his name as the winner of the inaugural Truck event at Mid-Ohio and return to Victory Lane in the series for the first time in four seasons.

With on-track qualifying that determined the starting lineup occurring on Friday, which was also shortened due to rain, rookie Corey Heim started on the pole position after posting a time at 69.181 mph in 117.500 seconds. Joining him on the front row was Parker Kligerman, who clocked in the second-fastest qualifying lap at 68.869 mph in 118.032 seconds.

Prior to the event, names like Derek Kraus, Austin Wayne Self and Kris Wright dropped to the rear of the field due to unapproved adjustments made toothier respective trucks.

When the green flag waved and the race started, Heim launched his No. 51 JBL Toyota Tundra TRD Pro clear of the field entering the first turn followed by Kligerman and Carson Hocevar as the field fanned out and jostled for early positions. With the competitors navigating their way through the 13-turn circuit for the first time, Heim, who was engaged in an early battle with Kligerman for the lead, led the first lap as John Hunter Nemechek moved up to third place. Meanwhile, Hocevar and Matt DiBenedetto battled for fourth in front of Matt Crafton and Tyler Ankrum.

Two laps later, Kligerman, who intimidated Heim for the lead since the start, made his move in Turn 4 to assume the lead while Heim kept Kligerman within his sights.

Through the first five scheduled laps, Kligerman was leading by eight-tenths of a second over Heim followed by Nemechek, DiBenedetto and Hocevar while Tyler Ankrum, Matt Crafton, Zane Smith, Grant Enfinger and Justin Marks were in the top 10. Behind, Dylan Lupton was in 11th ahead of Connor Mosack, Christian Eckes, Kaz Grala and Taylor Gray while Tanner Gray, Ben Rhodes, Stewart Friesen, Trey Burke III and rookie Jack Wood occupied the top 20. Ty Majeski was in 21st and Chandler Smith was in 23rd ahead of Hailie Deegan and Derek Kraus.

Three laps later, the first caution flew when Mason Filippi stopped on the track. During the caution period, some like Dean Thompson and Taylor Gray pitted while the rest led by Kligerman remained on the track.

When the event restarted on Lap 10, Kligerman and Heim battled for the lead as the former retained the top spot through the first two turns and entering Turns 3 and 4. Meanwhile, Nemechek retained third ahead of DiBenedetto, Ankrum, Hocevar and the field.

By Lap 15, Kligerman extended his advantage over Heim followed by Nemechek, Zane Smith and Ankrum while Enfinger, Hocevar, Justin Marks, Crafton and Christian Eckes were in the top 10. Behind, Frisen was in 11th followed by Rhodes, who was reporting engine issues to his truck. Lupton, Grala and Tanner Tray occupied the top 15 while Connor Mosack, Majeski, Chandler Smith, Deegan and Chase Purdy were in the top 20. Meanwhile, DiBenedetto, who fell off the pace on Lap 13 when the power in his No. 25 Rackley Roofing Chevrolet Silverado RST shut off before re-firing entering Turn 2, was mired back in 28th.

During the following lap, the caution returned when Trey Burke III, who earlier went off the course in Turn 2, came to a stop while trying to exit pit road. 

With a single lap remaining in the first stage, the race proceeded under green. At the start, Kligerman retained the lead ahead of Heim, who was challenged by teammate Nemechek for the runner-up spot as Zane Smith joined the battle. In the midst of the three-truck battle, Zane Smith overtook both Kyle Busch Motorsports competitors to move into the runner-up spot as the field fanned out. Despite Smith’s late charge to the front, Kligerman managed to fend off Smith to remain the leader as he went on to claim the first stage victory on Lap 20. Zane Smith settled in second followed by Nemechek, Heim and Enfinger while Eckes, Ankrum, Hocevar, Marks and Friesen were scored in the top 10.

Following a three-minute break period, where the teams were allowed to change tires, add fuel and make adjustments to their respective trucks while the field retained their sports, the second stage started under green on Lap 21. At the start, Kligerman and Zane Smith dueled for the lead from Turn 2 to Turn 4 until Kligerman managed to fend off Smith again as he remained with the lead. Behind, teammates Nemechek and Heim battled for third in front of Enfinger while Eckes made his way to sixth in front of Majeski.

Through the first 25 scheduled laps, Kligerman remained as the leader by eight-tenths of a second over Zane Smith while Nemechek, Heim and Eckes were in the top five. Friesen was in sixth while Grant Enfinger, Hocevar, Ankrum and Grala were in the top 10. A lap earlier, Rhodes made an unscheduled pit stop as his pit crew went to work on the fuel cell amid his power issues to his No. 99 Tenda Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. The situation for Rhodes went from bad to worse when he was penalized for speeding on pit road.

By Lap 30, Kligerman continued to lead by eight-tenths of a second over Zane Smith while Nemechek, Heim and Eckes remained in the top five.

Nearing the Lap 35 mark, Nemechek, who had smoke coming out of his No. 4 Mobil 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, pitted before he made the turn to the garage. By then, Rhodes, who was two laps behind the leaders amid his mechanical issue, went off the course, though he continued as the race remained under green.

At the start of the final lap of the second stage, the battle for the lead between Kligerman and Zane Smith ignited as Smith, who had slowly been pressuring Kligerman for the lead, made his move for the top spot and dueled for the lead through the first two turns. When the leaders returned to the start/finish line, Smith, who managed to overtake and clear Kligerman for the lead through the Esses, claimed his seventh stage victory of the season after winning the second stage on Lap 40. Kligerman settled in second followed by Heim, Eckes and Hocevar while Enfinger, Friesen, Ankrum, Grala and Majeski. 

Following another three-minute break period for pit stops and adjustments, the final stage commenced under green with 25 laps remaining. At the start, Zane Smith received a strong start to hold the lead before Kligerman launched his challenge for the lead exiting Turn 2. Then in Turn 4, Kligerman gained a strong run as he managed to reassume the lead.

With 20 laps remaining, Kligerman was leading by three-tenths of a second over Zane Smith while Heim, Hocevar, Eckes, Enfinger, Friesen, Ankrum, Chandler Smith and Tanner Gray were in the top 10. In the midst of the on-track action, Dylan Lupton backed his No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado RST into the tire barriers in Turn 7. Two laps earlier, Justin Marks, who was running in 13th, spun by himself in Turn 10 as he dropped out of the top 20.

Two laps later, the caution returned when Marks, who darted to the left while trying to avoid Lawless Alan, lost his brakes and slid his No. 41 Worldwide Express Chevrolet Silverado RST backward into the gravel trap in Turn 4 as he pounded the tire barriers on his right side, thus ending his one-race return as a driver in the infield care center. By then, Tyler Ankrum, who was running in the top 10, dropped off the pace after sustaining damage and a right-rear tire.

Down to the final 14 laps of the event, the race restarted under green. At the start, Kligerman retained the lead in front of Zane Smith while Heim and Hoover battled for third place in front of the field. Shortly after, however, the caution returned for a multi-truck incident that started when Austin Wayne Self, who got loose while battling Chase Purdy and Colby Howard in a three-wide battle entering the first turn, spun and was hit by rookie Jack Wood’s No. 24 GMS Racing Chevrolet Silverado RST while Blaine Perkins and Timmy Hill sustained damage amid the carnage.

With eight laps remaining, the race restarted under green. At the start, Zane Smith overtook Kligerman to reassume the lead exiting the first turn. At the same time, Hocevar briefly took over the runner-up spot over Kligerman before he went wide entering Turn 2 and fell back to fourth. In the midst of the on-track battles, Heim moved up to second followed by Kligerman and Hocevar. When the field returned to the start/finish line, Chase Purdy spun in Turn 12 following contact with DiBenedetto, but the race proceeded under green. 

During the following lap, however, the caution flew when Heim fell off the pace due to a mechanical failure and came to a stop between Turns 6 and 7 as his hopes of winning a second Triple Truck Challenge bonus came to an end.

Down to the final three laps of the event, the race proceeded under green. At the start, Zane Smith held a brief advantage before Kligerman made his move and reassumed the top spot exiting the fourth turn while Hocevar was up in third place. Behind, Crafton and Kris Wright spun, but the race proceeded under green. As the field returned to the start/finish line, Zane Smith launched another challenge on Kligerman for the lead, but he could not execute the move as Kligerman retained the top spot in his No. 75 Food Country USA/Tide Chevrolet Silverado RST.

When the white flag waved and the final lap started, Kligerman received another challenge from Zane Smith’s No. 38 Boot Barn Ford F-150 entering the first turn, though Kligerman retained the lead. Through Turns 3 to 12, Kligerman managed to hold a reasonable gap between himself and Smith. Then entering Turn 13, Smith launched his final attack by bumping and trying to move Kligerman up the track. The move, however, did not execute to the end as Kligerman managed to claim the checkered flag and cap off his dominant run with a narrow victory. 

With the victory, Kligerman earned his third career win in the Camping World Truck Series and his first since winning at Talladega Superspeedway in October 2017, which also marked the final victory to date for Henderson Motorsports. He also claimed the third and final $50,000 bonus from the Triple Truck Challenge.

“[The win]’s hard to put into words,” Kligerman said on FS1. “I was really emotional on the cooldown lap because this whole team, it’s like a team of second chances. Two years ago, I thought my driving days were done. This team gave me a call, wanted to get back racing and it’s just been a steady improvement throughout. [Owners] Charlie Henderson, Don Henderson, the whole Henderson family. All the employees at Food Country USA who give us this opportunity to come out here and do this. It’s unbelievable when you put a talented group of humans together, what they can achieve. We were doing this on an absolute fraction of what the trucks are up against. And to win on Mid-Ohio road course, finally! A road course win! I started in road courses, I came in NASCAR thinking that would be all easy. It’s taken me more than a decade to get a win, but finally, we’re here…This is a small team that could, but we’re not a small team that doesn’t win. We win. ”

Zane Smith, who trailed Kligerman to the finish line by more than a tenth of a second, claimed his third runner-up result of the season while Hocevar, Friesen and Eckes finished in the top five. Chandler Smith, Kaz Grala, Derek Kraus, Colby Howard and Hailie Deegan completed the top 10 on the track.

There were five lead changes for three different leaders. The race featured seven cautions for 15 laps.

Down to the final NASCAR Camping World Truck Series regular-season event of the 2022 season, Zane Smith leads the regular-season standings by 58 points over both John Hunter Nemechek and Chandler Smith, 69 over Stewart Friesen and 70 over Ben Rhodes as he closes in towards the regular-season championship. 

Zane Smith, Ben Rhodes, John Hunter Nemechek, Chandler Smith and Stewart Friesen are locked into the 2022 Truck Playoffs based on winning at least once throughout the season while Ty Majeski, Christian Eckes and Carson Hocevar have secured spots for the Playoffs based on points. Grant Enfinger remains above the top-10 cutline in ninth place by 47 points while Matt Crafton holds the 10th and final transfer spot to the Playoffs by 19 points. Derek Kraus trails the top-10 cutline by 19 points, Tyler Ankrum trails by 46, Matt DiBenedetto trails by 63, Tanner Gray trails by 72, Chase Purdy trails by 104 and Colby Howard trails by 139.

Results.

1. Parker Kligerman, 56 laps led, Stage 1 winner

2. Zane Smith, eight laps led, Stage 2 winner

3. Carson Hocevar

4. Stewart Friesen

5. Christian Eckes

6. Chandler Smith

7. Kaz Grala

8. Derek Kraus

9. Colby Howard

10. Hailie Deegan

11. Grant Enfinger

12. Ty Majeski

13. Chase Purdy

14. Austin Wayne Self

15. Taylor Gray

16. Spencer Boyd

17. Timmy Hill

18. Matt Crafton

19. Matt DiBenedetto

20. Tanner Gray

21. Tyler Ankrum

22. Stephen Mallozzi

23. Ben Rhodes, one lap down

24. Lawless Alan, one lap down

25. Kris Wright – OUT, Accident

26. Corey Heim – OUT, Transmission, three laps down

27. Dean Thompson, seven laps down

28. John Hunter Nemechek, 10 laps down

29. Jack Wood – OUT, Accident

30. Blaine Perkins – OUT, Accident

31. Justin Marks – OUT, Accident

32. Dylan Lupton – OUT, Accident

33. Kenko Miura, 25 laps down

34. Connor Mosack – OUT, Brakes

35. Trey Burke III – OUT, Rear gear

36. Mason Filippi – OUT, Engine

The 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series regular-season stretch is set to conclude at Pocono Raceway on July 23, where the 10-truck Playoff field will be determined. The event’s coverage is scheduled to occur at noon ET on FOX.

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