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Dean Thompson – DoorDash 250 Race Advance

Race Advance – DoorDash 250 (75 Laps/149.25 Miles) | Sonoma Raceway
Saturday, June 11 | Sonoma, Calif. | 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN), Sirius XM Ch. 90
Team: No. 40 Worldwide Express/GlobalTranz/Unishippers Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Dean Thompson (Anaheim, Calif.) | Crew Chief: Joe Lax
Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @deanthompsonr

Thompson on making his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Debut at Sonoma: “I’m excited to head back to my home state and to a track that I have familiarity with in Sonoma. The ability to compete in the ARCA Menards Series West race will be a good confidence-booster for me prior to running the Truck Series race and that ability to bring some notes back to our No. 40 Worldwide Express team works as an advantage for us this weekend.”

Thompson at Sonoma Raceway: Thompson makes his first-career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start at Sonoma Raceway Saturday. He made one ARCA Menards Series West start at the California road course in 2021 and ran to a sixth-place finish after starting 13th.

Thompson will also run the ARCA Menard Series West General Tire 200 at Sonoma on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET in the No. 40 Thompson Pipe Group Chevrolet.

On the Truck: Thompson and the No. 40 Chevrolet Silverado will have the Worldwide Express/GlobalTranz/Unishippers paint scheme on display for Saturday’s NCWTS race at Sonoma Raceway

Last Time Out (Toyota 200 – Start: 25th / Finish: 14th): Thompson and the No. 40 Worldwide Express team had their strategy go their way Saturday at Gateway to come away with a 14th-place finish. Thompson ran as high as ninth in the race and was the highest-finishing Niece Motorsports entry on the afternoon.

About Niece Motorsports:

Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2022, Niece Motorsports enters its seventh season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.

Media Inquiries: media@niecemotorsports.com www.niecemotorsports.com

About Worldwide Express

Worldwide Express, LLC, is a full-service, non-asset-based logistics provider offering access to industry-leading small package, truckload and less-than-truckload shipping solutions and managed transportation services. The family of brands, comprised of Worldwide Express, GlobalTranz and Unishippers, serve more than 120,000 customers spanning from small and mid-size businesses to larger enterprises, with unmatched carrier options and strategic guidance for their supply chains. With an annual systemwide revenue approaching $4 billion, the company is the second-largest privately held freight brokerage and largest non-retail UPS® Authorized Reseller in the country. Through a selective portfolio of 65+ LTL and tens of thousands of truckload carriers, and powered by proprietary technology, clients benefit from an award-winning, relationship-backed approach to solving their shipping needs. To learn more about the brands, please visit www.wwex.com, www.globaltranz.com and www.unishippers.com.

Follow Dean Thompson on Instagram and on the web: @deankthompson / deanthompsonr.com

Atlanta’s summer NASCAR weekend kicks off with free Camper Appreciation Party

HAMPTON, Ga. (June 9, 2022) – Atlanta Motor Speedway, Pit Boss, and Walmart are kicking off Atlanta’s summer NASCAR weekend with a big party for fans camping at the speedway.

The Pit Boss Camper Appreciation Party Presented by Walmart will bring free food, drinks, games, special guest appearances and live music to The Gathering Place in the speedway’s Legends Campground on Friday, July 8.

Fans at the event will be joined by 3-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Aric Almirola and “America’s Crew Chief” Larry McReynolds while enjoying complimentary burgers, hot dogs, and Coca-Cola products.

After food is served, fans will enjoy the music of Garrett Collins Project – the first act of the Revs & Riffs NASCAR Weekend Music Festival. The bocce and cornhole courts at The Gathering Place will also be open as they are throughout race weekends at AMS.

“Our fans fuel everything we do and this is one way we show our gratitude during the Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart race weekend,” said AMS Executive Vice President and General Manager Brandon Hutchison. “This party is a new tradition we started last year and it was a huge success. Pit Boss and Walmart are helping add to the experience this year in a big way so our fans are going to have a great time kicking off race weekend.”

The Pit Boss Camper Appreciation Party Presented by Walmart starts at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 8, with food served and guest appearances until 7:30 p.m. Garrett Collins Project then starts their show immediately after.

The party is just part of the opening night festivities for the Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart weekend. Fans can also check out Legends and Bandolero racing on Atlanta Motor Speedway’s ¼ mile from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for free. Speedway Children’s Charities Atlanta then hosts “Laps for Charity” – offering participants the opportunity to drive around the speedway in their own vehicles – starting at 8 p.m.

It’s all part of a weekend packed full of racing, music, and entertainment. For more information on the Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart weekend July 8-10 or to purchase tickets, visit www.AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.

About the Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart weekend:

The Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart headlines the summer slate of NASCAR racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 10. As NASCAR’s best make a push for the looming NASCAR playoffs, this challenging 400-mile race will play a pivotal role in deciding who’s in and who’s out.

Accompanying the Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart is the Alsco Uniforms 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday, July 9. The summer race will challenge the rising stars of the sport to stand out and succeed on one of the circuit’s most challenging tracks.

More information on the July 8-10, 2022, Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart and ticket availability can be found online at AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.

Follow Atlanta Motor Speedway:

Keep track of all of Atlanta Motor Speedway’s events by following on Twitter, Instagram, and become a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Atlanta Motor Speedway mobile app.

NCS AT SONOMA: Team Chevy Advance

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
TOYOTA/SAVE MART 350
SONOMA RACEWAY
SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
JUNE 12, 2022

RACE #16 – SONOMA RACEWAY

Shifting focus from a Midwest oval to a West Coast road course, the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) will make the cross country trek to Sonoma Raceway this weekend. The only appearance at the Northern California circuit for NASCAR this season, the doubleheader race weekend marks just the second road course race for both series in 2022 thus far. While it’s a familiar track to NASCAR, teams will be faced with a new set of unknowns, with drivers competing on a shorter course layout. Previously configured as a 2.52-mile circuit, the track is returning to a 1.99-mile course, with the incorporation of the chute connecting Turns 4 and 7.

Chevrolet is returning to Sonoma Raceway as the defending winners following Kyle Larson’s home state victory at the circuit in 2021. In 32 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Sonoma Raceway, the bowtie brand has claimed the victory a manufacturer-leading 12 times. Chevrolet drivers have a history of success in turning left and right. Career Chevrolet driver, Jeff Gordon, leads the NCS in all-time road course wins with nine; five of which were captured at Sonoma Raceway. Those five victories also make Gordon the winningest driver in the series at the California road course.

A MONUMENTAL HOME STATE WIN

Kyle Larson’s victory in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway was more than just a win for the Hendrick Motorsports driver. The Elk Grove, California, native swept both stage wins and led a race-high 57 laps en route to his first-career road course victory in NASCAR’s premier series. Finally getting the first road course win under his belt, Larson went on to capture two more road course victories later in the season at Watkins Glen (August 2021) and the Charlotte ROVAL (October 2021).

In the past seven road course races for the NASCAR Cup Series, Chevrolet has captured the win at each of those events. This road course win streak dates back to Chase Elliott’s victory at the inaugural Circuit of The Americas (COTA) event in May 2021, with the most recent recorded by Ross Chastain with his first-career NCS win at the series’ return to COTA earlier this season (March 2022).

NCWTS RETURNS TO SONOMA

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series DoorDash 250 on Saturday, June 11, marks the series’ return to Sonoma Raceway for the first time since 1998. The Northern California circuit has only hosted four NCWTS races in the track’s history, with Ron Hornaday Jr. driving Chevrolet to the win in the inaugural race (October 1995).

The bowtie brand looks to capture the third win of the season for the Silverado RST in the 75-lap event. It will be another NASCAR Cup Series / NASCAR Camping World Truck Series doubleheader that will see a handful of Team Chevy drivers pulling double duty, including Austin Dillon, Ross Chastain and Alex Bowman.

  • Austin Dillon will be back behind the wheel of the No. 20 Young’s Motorsports Silverado RST; his second start of the season with the team. While Dillon is no stranger to the series – previously recording seven wins and a championship title (2011) – this weekend will mark Dillon’s first-career road course start in the NCWTS.
  • Ross Chastain will return to the seat of the No. 41 Niece Motorsports Silverado RST, marking his 100th start in the NCWTS. Chastain’s most recent start in the series took place just two weeks ago at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he piloted Chevrolet to its second NCWTS win of 2022 and his fourth-career win in the series.
  • The No. 7 Spire Motorsports Silverado RST will be back in action this weekend, this time driven by Alex Bowman. The 29-year-old Chevrolet driver has only made three previous starts in the series in his career, most recently with the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet team at COTA earlier this season. Running a partial schedule, the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Silverado RST is coming off of a strong performance last weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, where 19-year-old Rajah Caruth captured the attention of many after piloting the team to an 11th-place finish in just his first-career NCWTS start.

After suffering injuries during a late-race incident at World Wide Technology Raceway last weekend, Carson Hocevar will have fellow Chevrolet driver, Daniel Saurez, on standby as a relief driver for the No. 42 Niece Motorsports Silverado RST. Hocevar is entering the Sonoma race weekend in the eighth-position in the NCWTS driver points standings. Both Hocevar and Suarez will get time behind the wheel during the NCWTS practice session on Friday. Of Suarez’s 28-career NCWTS starts, he has posted one win (Phoenix Raceway; 2016), 10 top-five’s and 16 top-10’s.

CAMARO SS WIN STREAK TO SIX

In an eventful debut for the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) at Portland International Raceway, Chevrolet extended its win streak after AJ Allmendinger piloted the Camaro SS to its sixth-consecutive victory. The win didn’t come easy for the 40-year-old Kaulig Racing driver, with his day starting at the rear of the field due to unapproved adjustments. Proving his nickname as the road course ringer, Allmendinger overcame two off course incidents, working back through the field to take the checkered flag for the second time this season. The triumph is Allmendinger’s 12th-career NXS victory and his eighth-career NXS road course win. The win in the inaugural event also marks Allmendinger’s third-consecutive NXS road course win, a feat that ties the series record previously posted by Terry Labonte.

Not only was this road course circuit a new venue for the series, but Mother Nature played a vital role in on-track action throughout the weekend. While qualifying was cut short due to heavy rainfall, tricky weather conditions carried over to race day. Starting the race on rain tires, varying weather conditions continued through stage two, with teams able to return to slicks for the final stage. Battling through final stage chaos, Allmendinger led a strong Chevrolet showing in the final running order, with eight Camaro SS drivers placing in the top-10. This includes a sweep of the top-six finishing positions: Allmendinger (race winner), Myatt Snider (2nd), Austin Hill (3rd), Josh Berry (4th), Justin Allgaier (5th) and Daniel Hemric (6th). Noah Gragson drove his No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet team to a ninth-place finish, with Alex Labbe, No. 36 DGM Racing Chevrolet, rounding out the top-10.

With its nine wins this season, Chevrolet now has more than double the win count of competing manufacturers. Becoming the fourth driver to post multiple wins in the series this season, Allmendinger continues to lead the NASCAR Xfinity Series driver points standings, with a 43-point lead over second. Chevrolet drivers have taken over four of the top-five and eight of the top-10 in the NXS driver points standings. With its 23 NXS Manufacturer Championship titles, Chevrolet also continues to lead in the NXS manufacturer standings, extending its lead to 67-points heading into two consecutive off weeks. The series will be back in action at Nashville Superspeedway with the Tennessee Lottery 250 on June 25.

STANDINGS UPDATE

Heading into the Sonoma race weekend, 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Chase Elliott, has maintained the lead in the NCS driver points standings for an impressive 11th-consecutive week. A road course favorite, Elliott looks to finish one spot better than the 2021 NCS race at Sonoma Raceway as he has his eyes set on his eighth-career NCS road course victory; a feat that would tie NASCAR Hall of Famer, Tony Stewart, for second on the NCS all-time road course win list. Elliott leads a strong list of Chevrolet drivers in the standings with two in the top-five and five in the top-10, all of which have secured a 2022 NCS Playoff berth by virtue of a win.

Going for its 41st NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Championship in 2022, Chevrolet also continues to lead in the manufacturer standings by 21-points, with seven drivers among four different Chevrolet teams contributing to those points thus far. In 15 points-paying races, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers in NCS race wins (7), top-five’s (36), top-10’s (70), laps led (2,234) and stage wins (15). Chevrolet drivers have claimed a series-leading 15 stage wins by seven different drivers, recorded at 10 different racetracks.

BOWTIE BULLETS

· Active NASCAR Cup Series drivers who have previously won at Sonoma Raceway:

Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 (2021)

· Road course favorite, Chase Elliott, has recorded seven road course victories in his NASCAR Cup Series career; the most of all active NCS drivers. Elliott also ranks third on the NCS all-time road course wins list behind NASCAR Hall of Famers Jeff Gordon (nine wins) and Tony Stewart (eight wins). Those victories have been recorded at five different road courses, a record in series history.

· In the seven road course events on the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, Chevrolet captured the victory in six of those races. With only one road course race in the books so far in 2022, Chevrolet continued its road course success with Ross Chastain capturing his first-career NCS win at COTA in March.

· Chevrolet leads the way in NASCAR Cup Series pole wins at Sonoma Raceway with 16. Of the three active NCS pole winners include Kyle Larson, who leads that group with three poles (2017, 2018, 2019). Larson is one of just four drivers in NCS history to have posted consecutive pole wins at Sonoma Raceway.

· Career Chevrolet driver and NASCAR Hall of Famer, Jeff Gordon, leads the series in NASCAR Cup Series wins at Sonoma Raceway with five wins (1998, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2006). Gordon is one of just two drivers that have posted consecutive NCS wins at the Northern California road course circuit.

· Of the 32 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Sonoma Raceway, Chevrolet has recorded a manufacturer-leading 12 of those wins, including the most recent by Kyle Larson in 2021. The bowtie brand also leads in pole wins at the Northern California road course with 17.

· Kyle Larson’s home state win at Sonoma Raceway in 2021 marked his first-career road course win in NASCAR’s premier series. Larson went on to win two more road course races later in the season at Watkins Glen and the Charlotte ROVAL.

· William Byron leads the NASCAR Cup Series in total laps led thus far this season with 570. Two other fellow Chevrolet drivers join Byron in the top-five of that list, including Chase Elliott in second with 445 laps led and Ross Chastain in third with 426 laps led.

· With 15 NASCAR Cup Series races complete in the 2022 season, Chevrolet continues to lead all manufacturers in NCS wins (7), top-five’s (36), top-10’s (70), laps led (2,234) and stage wins (15).

· Seven Team Chevy drivers have combined 15 NASCAR Cup Series stage wins:

Tyler Reddick 2 – (Fontanax2)

Alex Bowman 1 – (Las Vegas)

Ross Chastain 3 – (Las Vegas), (Darlington), (Charlotte)

William Byron 3 – (Phoenix), (Atlanta), (Talladega)

Daniel Suarez 2 – (COTA), (Charlotte)

Chase Elliott 3 – (Martinsvillex2), (Charlotte)

Kyle Larson 1 – (Bristol)

· Of the four NASCAR Cup Series drivers that have recorded multiple wins this season, two come from the Chevrolet camp: (Ross Chastain – COTA, Talladega), (William Byron – Atlanta, Martinsville).

· Chevrolet leads the driver points standing in both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Chase Elliott remains in the top position in the NCS standings with a 9-point advantage over second; and AJ Allmendinger continues to lead the NXS standings by 43-points. Chevrolet also remains atop both the NCS and NXS manufacturer points standings.

· With its 40 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Championships; 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver Championships; and 821 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title of winningest brand in NASCAR.

TUNE IN

FS1 will broadcast the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota / Save Mart 350 on Sunday, June 12, at 4 p.m. ET. Live coverage can also be found on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

FS1 will broadcast the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series DoorDash 250 on Saturday, June 11, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Live coverage can also be found on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

ROSS CHASTAIN, NO. 1 WORLDWIDE EXPRESS CAMARO ZL1

WHEN DID YOUR ROAD RACING SKILLS IMPROVE?

“In 2015 when I was running the Xfinity Series, Chevrolet gave me time in Spring Mountain, Nevada and Ron Fellows and his group would teach me the basics, how to turn, how to shift. It’s just unnatural when you’re used to turning left your whole life. It’s the opposite in road course racing – the seat feeling, g-forces on your body. That was super helpful to me and I’ve just kept working on it.”

ANY THOUGHTS ON USING THE CHUTE THIS YEAR AT SONOMA VERSUS THE CAROUSEL LIKE THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS?

“I don’t really have an opinion on the chute. I’ve obviously only ever raced on the carousel at Sonoma. I remember watching guys run the chute growing up on TV, but it just adds another element for me to figure out this time.”

AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 TRUE VELOCITY CAMARO ZL1

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR SONOMA RACEWAY?

“A lot of simulator time. Get in the simulator and run a lot of laps. We’ve been finding some time to do that within the busy schedule. Road courses haven’t been a strong suit for us, but they are improving, and I am very proud of that. There’s a lot of beating and banging at the end of those road courses. It seems like they’ve become rougher and rougher as we go. I’m looking forward to those challenges. I did put in a lot of work this off season.”

HOW DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR TEAM HAS DONE SO FAR THIS YEAR?

“We’ve been pretty consistent week in and week out. We’re just showing up and doing our job; keeping all four tires on the ground and working hard to make the car better throughout the race. Hopefully we will have a win soon, but for now we are just doing the best we can to be consistent and earn stage points. That’s what you have to do.”

KYLE LARSON, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1

LARSON ON RACING AT SONOMA RACEWAY:

“I’ve always had some good speed at Sonoma (Raceway) and it’s my home track. It’s always fun to see my friends and family, and it was cool to get my first win at my home track last year. But that was with last year’s car and on the longer track. Hopefully, we can get another pole there this weekend, lead some laps and challenge for the win again.”

CLIFF DANIELS, CREW CHIEF, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1

DANIELS ON THE TRACK WITHOUT THE CAROUSEL:

“The track layout will be a different element compared to the last couple trips we’ve made there. We’ll place a little more emphasis on right-hand turns because so much focus was placed on the carousel and the left-hand turning capability of the car – and now we don’t race that portion of the track. It’s just going to race differently.”

TYLER REDDICK, NO. 8 LENOVO CAMARO ZL1

DO YOU THINK YOU’RE GETTING BETTER ON ROAD COURSES?

“I’ve gotten better through practice and working on the simulator. Sonoma is one that I’ve only raced at once and now we’ve changed configurations again so it’s like starting over. Hopefully, the learning period is not too large. Sonoma is an abrasive track and wears tires out.”

WHAT HAS SONOMA RACEWAY MEANT TO THE AREA THAT YOU GREW UP IN; AND WAS THERE ANYTHING ABOUT THAT TRACK THAT GOT YOU EXCITED ABOUT RACING WHEN YOU WERE A KID?

“Well oddly enough, I never went there as a kid. It was seven hours from where I was born but it was the closest track that we had. I always watched on TV and wondered what it was like down there. I was never in Napa Valley. It’s kind of weird for me. It’s the closest one to home but it was so far away it never made sense to go. I definitely liked going there for the first time. I got to spend a couple of days exploring the area last time I raced there. I went out early and got to go home. It was cool to spend some time in the area but for me it is a weird sensation because it does feel really far from home.”

CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS CAMARO ZL1

ELLIOTT ON RACING AT SONOMA RACEWAY:

“Sonoma (Raceway) has been a place that has been a pretty big challenge for me in the past. Last season, I felt like it was the best I’ve ever been there. We were pretty good late in the race and I was really proud of that effort by our NAPA team. With having one road course race down with this new car and having some learnings from COTA (Circuit of The Americas), I’m hopeful that we can put together another strong run like we did last year.”

ALAN GUSTAFSON, CREW CHIEF, NO. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS CAMARO ZL1

GUSTAFSON ON PREPARING FOR THE SECOND ROAD COURSE RACE OF THE SEASON:

“Heading into the first road course race of the year at COTA (Circuit of The Americas), we didn’t really know what to expect. There are so many new things with this car, so many unknowns. We didn’t really get the chance to test on a road course before the season started. Chase (Elliott) had the opportunity to drive the car at Charlotte (ROVAL), but we weren’t there because we were in the middle of the playoffs. So, it was a steep learning curve for our team at COTA and I think going through that experience was good. It certainly helped us moving forward. We’ve still got to learn some things, but now I think can start working our way down the list of unknowns that we need to figure out. Hopefully, we have a better run than we did in COTA and be able to go off that for the remainder of the road courses this season.”

WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 RAPTORTOUGH.COM CAMARO ZL1

BYRON ON HOW TO APPROACH THIS SUNDAY’S RACE AT SONOMA RACEWAY:

“I think Sonoma (Raceway) is the most different of the road courses that we race on. I feel like you have to focus more on your corner entry and exits to really be able to roll through them and get a good run off. There’s not many true braking zones, so it’s more about keeping as much speed as possible and setting yourself up for the next corner constantly. I feel like that changes what you want from the handling of your car as well. We’ve had good runs going there the last couple races, we just haven’t had the finishes to match it. We also have had to approach this race differently in the past strategy-wise and focus more on capturing as many points as possible. Coming into this race with 13 playoff points already, I think we’re in a better position to utilize a different strategy this time around.”

RUDY FUGLE, CREW CHIEF, NO. 24 RAPTORTOUGH.COM CAMARO ZL1

FUGLE ON HIS THOUGHTS FOR SONOMA RACEWAY:

“This is only my second time going to Sonoma (Raceway) and it will be my first with this configuration. I think we had a solid race going last year before being caught up in a late race incident and we have a good notebook to lean off of from the No. 5 car’s win. Obviously, there will still be some unknowns for this weekend, especially with this being only the second road course race with the Next Gen car. We were able to test two weeks ago at Watkins Glen (International) for the Goodyear tire test and I think we learned a lot that we can apply for Sonoma. Right now, it’s going to be all about building our notebook for this style of racing seeing as four of the next 10 races are road courses.”

TY DILLON, NO. 42 ALLEGIANT CAMARO ZL1

DO YOU TRAIN FOR A ROAD COURSE DIFFERENTLY THAN YOU WOULD AN OVAL?

“Not physically. Physically I train the same for everywhere. I wouldn’t even say my training is based on racing; it’s more about making sure my heart is good shape. It’s physically balanced across my body, arms, and legs so that I can take a three-and-a-half, four-and-a-half-hour workout pretty much every week. Recovery is very big for me too, so just as important as it is for me to continue working out, it’s important for me to make sure I’m getting rest and putting my brain ready to settle into more racing. There is a lot that goes into it if you want to be able to hold yourself to a standard for 38 weeks a year. It’s definitely a challenge when you only have one off weekend from February to November.”

ERIK JONES, NO. 43 FOCUSFACTOR CAMARO ZL1

WITH THE NEW CAR AT SONOMA THIS WEEKEND, WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS?

“I think COTA (Circuit of the Americas) was a good race and put on a good show for everybody. Hopefully the new car does the same thing in Sonoma. I’m glad we are going back to the old configuration for this weekend at Sonoma. I wasn’t a huge fan of the carousal. I think it made racing a bit tougher and more challenging to pass here and there. So, I’m happy to go back to the old configuration again. You’ll be driving hard. This car is better on road courses, so you have to drive harder. I think it’ll be just as race-y as we’ve seen, probably a bit better going back to the old layout.”

ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY/BETTER TOGETHER CAMARO ZL1

BOWMAN ON RACING TWICE AT SONOMA RACEWAY:

“I think it’s important to get as many laps as I can in before getting in the No. 48 Ally Chevy on Sunday. Last time we ran the No. 7 Spire truck, we had a ton of speed and I think it helped me learn the track which helped me be fast in the Cup race. Obviously, it didn’t end the way I wished, but ultimately, the experience can only make me better.”

GREG IVES, CREW CHIEF, NO. 48 ALLY/BETTER TOGETHER CAMARO ZL1

IVES ON HIS EXPECTATIONS FOR THE RACE AT SONOMA RACEWAY:

“We had a ton of speed at COTA (Circuit of The Americas) and got collected in someone else’s mess which cost us a win. I think it’s great that Alex (Bowman) is going to get back in the No. 7 HendrickCars.com Spire truck to get more road course experience – it served him well last time. We learned a lot at COTA and Alex gained some confidence in his ability to run well on road courses, so I am optimistic for the race and look forward to getting out to Sonoma (Raceway) and redeeming ourselves on a road course.”

DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 ONX HOMES/RENU CAMARO ZL1

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT SONOMA?

“Trackhouse Racing has been fast everywhere this year but we have been particularly fast on the road courses so, of course, I am very excited about this weekend in Sonoma.

We are very strong. I am just happy to be in this position. We have a great group of people, great support from everyone at Trackhouse, Chevrolet and all of our sponsors.”

WHAT WILL THE CHALLENGES BE?

“You just have to take care of your brakes, tires. It is a track that wears out your brakes a lot. You just have to pay attention.”

GRANT ENFINGER, NO. 23 CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT SILVERADO RST

“I’m looking forward to getting to Sonoma, which is a track I’ve never been to before. It’s been quite some time since the trucks last raced there, so it will be cool to scratch a new track off my bucket list. The layout is very technical, and there’s some pretty wore out asphalt there, so we should have some tire fall off to make the race interesting. I can’t wait to learn the track and I’m sure Charles will have us a solid Champion Power Equipment Chevrolet, so I look to do my part and have a good day.”

JACK WOOD, NO. 24 COOKS COLLISION SILVERADO RST

“I can’t wait to go to my home track this week in Northern California. I grew up only about an hour away from Sonoma, and there has been a lot of time and effort put in behind the scenes for this race. I think we are going to have a good chance at producing a solid run. I’m so excited to have Cooks Collision on our No. 24 Chevy this week, we will have a bunch of former employees that worked for the company over the past 40 years, so it will be great to celebrate and commemorate all of the memories from over the years.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics

Manufacturers Championships:

Total (1949-2021): 40

First title for Chevrolet: 1958

Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)

Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021

Drivers Championships:

Total (1949-2021): 33

First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)

Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)

Most Recent: Kyle Larson (2021)

Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021

Event Victories:

Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)

2022 STATISTICS:

Wins: 7

Poles: 2

Laps Led: 2,234

Top-five finishes: 36

Top-10 finishes: 70

Stage wins: 15

· Tyler Reddick (Fontanax2)

· Alex Bowman (Las Vegas)

· Ross Chastain (Las Vegas), (Darlington), (Charlotte)

· William Byron (Phoenix), (Atlanta), (Talladega)

· Daniel Suarez (COTA), (Charlotte)

· Chase Elliott (Martinsvillex2), (Charlotte)

· Kyle Larson (Bristol Dirt)

CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:

Total Chevrolet race wins: 821 (1949 to date)

Poles won to date: 725

Laps led to date: 243,570

Top-five finishes to date: 4,174

Top-10 finishes to date: 8,625

Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:

       General Motors: 1,155

       Chevrolet: 821

       Pontiac: 154

       Oldsmobile: 115

       Buick: 65



       Ford: 815                                                         

       Ford: 715

       Mercury: 96

       Lincoln: 4



  Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467

       Dodge: 217

       Plymouth: 191

       Chrysler: 59



       Toyota: 166

Team Chevy high-resolution racing photos are available for editorial use.

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.

Sammy Smith joins Joe Gibbs Racing for eight-race Xfinity deal in 2022

Photo by Adam Glanzman/NASCAR.

Joe Gibbs Racing announced the addition of Sammy Smith to its NASCAR Xfinity Series program for eight events this season, beginning in July.

The 18-year-old Smith from Johnston, Iowa, will be making his Xfinity Series debut in JGR’s No. 18 Toyota Supra at Road America (July 2). His other starts will occur at Pocono Raceway (July 23), Michigan International Speedway (August 6), Watkins Glen International (August 20), Kansas Speedway (September 10), Bristol Motor Speedway (September 16), Martinsville Speedway (October 29) and at Phoenix Raceway (November 5). Veteran Jason Ratcliff will be serving as Smith’s crew chief while Pilot Flying J, TMC, Allstate Peterbilt Group, Renda Group and Sinclair Tractors will all be serving as sponsors for Smith throughout his Xfinity campaign.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to run the No. 18 Toyota GR Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing,” Smith said. “Making the jump to this level is huge for me and my career, and I’m thankful for all of my partners and supporters that have helped me get here.”

Smith, whose racing career began at age 8 through go-karts before moving up to legends cars and late models, is the reigning champion of the ARCA Menards Series East, having won three events and winning the both the drivers’ title and the Rookie-of-the-Year title while competing for Joe Gibbs Racing. He is currently competing in his second full-time season in the series for Kyle Busch Motorsports, where he has racked up three wins through the first four scheduled events and leads the drivers’ standings by nine points over David Gilliland Racing’s Taylor Gray. His next scheduled ARCA Menards Series East event is this weekend at Iowa Speedway, which will be a combined event between the ARCA Menards Series and the ARCA Menards Series East and occur on June 11.

“Sammy has impressed at every level of his racing career,” Steve DeSouza, Executive Vice President/Xfinity Series for Joe Gibbs Racing, said. “We believe Sammy will continue to excel and look forward to supporting him as he expands his 2022 schedule to include eight races in the Xfinity Series with the Joe Gibbs Racing No.18 team led by crew chief Jason Ratcliff.”

With Smith’s Xfinity debut set, he will also become the seventh different competitor to pilot Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 18 Toyota Supra that has been piloted by Trevor Bayne, Drew Dollar, Connor Mosack, John Hunter Nemechek, Ryan Truex and Bubba Wallace through the first 14 scheduled Xfinity events. The No. 18 team led by Ratcliff sits in 12th place in the 2022 Xfinity owners’ standings on the strength of three top-five results and six top-10 results.

The Xfinity Series is currently entering a two-week break and wil return to action at Nashville Superspeedway on June 27 with Bayne set to compete in the event in JGR’s No. 18 entry.

Sammy Smith’s debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series is set to occur at Road America on July 2 with the event’s coverage to occur at 2:30 p.n. ET on USA Network.

NASCAR Diversity Internship Program Welcomes 2022 Class

The NASCAR industry welcomed a program-record 36 interns leading up to the 2022 Coca-Cola 600

Daytona Beach, Fla. (June 9, 2022) – The NASCAR Diversity Internship Program (NDIP) kicked off its 21st year hosting undergraduate and graduate students across the sport. This year’s NDIP class includes interns from nine Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), multiple student-athletes and two returning NDIP alumni.

The NASCAR Diversity Internship Program is a 10-week program that offers hands-on experience across various roles in the motorsports industry. College students of color selected to participate network with industry executives and learn from experts in one of the largest professional sports industries.

“We’re excited to welcome a new class of interns and students from diverse backgrounds who will be exposed to an incredible industry of professionals eager to showcase what our sport is all about,” said Brandon Thompson, NASCAR Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion, and the first NDIP alum to be elevated to an officer role at NASCAR. “NASCAR continues to evolve and the NDIP is one of several programs introducing younger and more diverse audiences to our sport. It’s an important effort and we couldn’t be more thrilled about our ‘22 class.”

NDIP was launched in 2000 and since then more than 500 college students have participated in the industry’s longest-running diversity initiative. The program has grown to include several industry partners, providing career opportunities to various NDIP participants: 23XI Racing, General Motors, Hendrick Motorsports, RFK Racing, Rev Racing, RCR, Sonoma Raceway, World Wide Technology Raceway.

In addition to Thompson, the sanctioning body employs several former interns including Jusan Hamilton, Sr. Director, Racing Operations & Event Management; Kathryn Lee, Sr. Director, Marketing Activation; Marvin Aylor, Director, Partnership Marketing; Cole McGinnis, Sr. Manager, Licensing and Consumer Products; Greg Carty, Manager, Licensing and Consumer Products; Jason Simmons, Sr. Manager, International Operations & Strategy; Jordan Leatherman, Sr. Manager, Diversity & Inclusion; Erica Wilkerson, Sr. Manager, Youth & Multicultural Marketing; Jazz Warren, Coordinator, Track Communications; Josh Pena, Coordinator, Event Experience; and Victoria Garcia, Associate Producer.

NDIP is open to college students representing the following races/ethnic minority classifications: Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Latino or Hispanic, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.

The 2022 NASCAR Diversity Internship Class includes:

Intern NameDepartment NameSchool
Alexander CadavidRev RacingNorth Carolina State University
Amani GhonimNASCAR AerodynamicsUniversity of Southern California
Ariann TaylorNASCAR Digital Media InteractiveGeorgia State University
Austin DickeyIMSA MarketingUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore County
Brian BakNASCAR Data StrategyChapman University
Camila SanchezNASCAR InternationalUniversity of Notre Dame
Chardon MuckerNASCAR Sales AcademyPrairie View A&M University
Chidera UdehNASCAR Diversity & InclusionUniversity of Oklahoma
Chien-Hung TsaiNASCAR Strategy & InnovationTexas A&M University
Daniel CéspedesNASCAR Sports BettingDartmouth College
Deja DorseyNASCAR Content TeamUniversity of Southern California
Dillon MarshallNASCAR Sales AcademyDelaware State University
Freddie AllenRoush Fenway Keselowski RacingHigh Point University
Giancarlo FuentesNASCAR Southeast Region, Track MarketingUniversity of Florida
Isha ShafqatNASCAR Competition TechnologyUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte
Jack ChenThe NASCAR FoundationStevens Institute of Technology
Janakinandan PemmasaniNASCAR FinanceUniversity of Cincinnati
Jiani BryantNASCAR ProductionsNorth Carolina A&T University
Jimmil HawkinsMotor Racing NetworkColumbus State University
Joshua SkyNASCAR National SalesSyracuse University
Kimberly BettyGeneral MotorsKettering University
Mariette GervitzNASCAR Driver & Team MarketingGeorge Washington University
Marissa JonesWorld Wide Technology RacewayMaryville University
Maurice GrierNASCAR LegalHoward University
Najah Liggans23XI RacingSpelman College
Nicholas TorresNASCAR Brand MarketingUniversity of Notre Dame
Phillip HallSonoma RacewaySt. John’s University
Precious JohnsonNASCAR Human ResourcesFlorida A&M University
Precious SullivanNASCAR Gaming & eSportsVirginia State University
Ruben MohmeNASCAR Sourcing & ProcurementUniversity of Texas at Rio Grande Valley
Ryan HernandezNASCAR CommunicationsUniversity of Houston
Sarah HallHendrick MotorsportsFisk University
Shemya StanbackRichard Childress RacingCatawba College
Susan WongNASCAR Social MediaArizona State University
Sydney StuartNASCAR Multicultural & Youth MarketingHoward University
Trey GomezNASCAR CommunicationsTexas State University

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR consists of three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour), one local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series) and three international series (NASCAR Pinty’s Series, NASCAR Peak Mexico Series, NASCAR Whelen Euro Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

Richard Childress Racing, Dow and Team Rubicon Honor U.S. Military Veterans with Patriotic Paint Scheme Over July 4th Holiday Weekend

Celebrating Dow’s 125th Anniversary with driver Austin Dillon at Road America

WELCOME, N.C (June 8, 2022) – Nearly 1,900 U.S. Military Veterans will “ride” with Austin Dillon over the July 4th Holiday when he competes in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Road America in a patriotic No. 3 Dow Salutes Veterans Chevrolet featuring the names of U.S. Military Veterans and active-duty military members.

The 2022 Dow Salutes Veterans Chevrolet highlights Dow’s Military Degree Equivalency (MDE) program, and the work of Team Rubicon. In addition to honoring U.S. Military veterans, RCR will recognize long-time partner Dow with a special logo on the hood of the No. 3 Dow Salutes Veterans Chevrolet in celebration of the Company’s 125th Anniversary.

“I’m proud to have played a small role in Dow’s history and heritage so it means a lot to be able to help celebrate their 125th Anniversary and honor employee veterans at the same time,” said Dillon, driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet. “Dow has been with me through some of the greatest moments of my Cup Series career, and their team of scientists help make our Chevys faster, lighter and more precise. It’s special to be able to reflect on the powerful effect the Dow Salutes Veterans program has had over the years, and to honor our true heroes – veterans and active-duty military – for their service and dedication.”

2022 marks the eighth consecutive year that Dow has partnered with RCR to honor U.S. Military veterans. The program began with just over 350 veterans in 2015 to nearly 1,900 this year.

“The Dow Salutes Veteran’s program with Richard Childress Racing is a very tangible and meaningful way to recognize the many contributions of Dow and RCR veterans to our country and to our companies,“ said Jane Palmieri, president, Dow Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure and Executive Sponsor of Dow VetNet. “The special, patriotic-themed No. 3 Dow Salutes Veterans Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the perfect way to commemorate our veterans and the milestones we’re celebrating this year.”

This year’s No. 3 Dow Salutes Veterans Chevrolet features Dow’s commitment to the service and skills that veterans bring to the workforce with a special nod to Dow’s Veterans Resource Group (VETNET) and Military Degree Equivalency (MDE) program. The program provides an opportunity for individuals with extensive military background to utilize their broad scope of training and education, leadership experience, and proven ability to perform in high-pressure situations to better transition into a successful career at Dow.

The car’s paint scheme also highlights Dow’s relationship with Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization that has been instrumental within Dow.

“Team Rubicon and our veteran volunteers are thrilled to ride with Richard Childress Racing and Austin Dillon this July 4th,” said Art delaCruz, CEO of Team Rubicon. “We’re proud to partner with Dow to be a part of their continued investment in the men and women who have served this country.”

Watch Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Dow Salutes Veterans Chevrolet in the Kwik Trip 250 presented by Jockey Made in America at Road America live on USA Network on Sunday, July 3 at 3 p.m. ET.

Kaulig Racing Weekly Advance | Sonoma Raceway

Kaulig Racing Weekly Advance | Sonoma Raceway
Toyota / Save Mart 350

Sonoma Raceway
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Sunday June 12 at 4 p.m. ET on FS1

In 2022, Kaulig Racing has earned one top five and three top-10 finishes in the NCS
The team has led 22 laps so far this year (Haley, 20; Allmendinger, 2)


AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Gold Fish Casino Slots Camaro ZL1

AJ Allmendinger has made six starts in 2022 and earned his first top-10 finish of the season last week at World Wide Technology Raceway
Allmendinger has made 10 starts at Sonoma Raceway and has recorded one pole award and two top-10 finishes
He has led 65 laps at Sonoma

“Sonoma is a home track for me, so it’s an important weekend. Although I have never had the best luck at Sonoma, it’s one of my favorite tracks on the schedule. With the momentum we have from our win in Portland and a great finish at Gateway, everyone at Kaulig Racing has some confidence going into the weekend. I think we can unload well and set the tone for qualifying. If we can do what we did at Circuit of the Americas earlier this year, there’s no doubt in my mind we can go out and win this race.” – AJ Allmendinger on Sonoma


Justin Haley, No. 31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Camaro ZL1

Justin Haley has an average finish of 18.8 in 2022 across 15 starts
Haley has earned one top five, one top 10, seven top-15 finishes and has led 20 laps in 2022
Haley has made one start at Sonoma Raceway in the NCS

“I’m excited to get back to road-course racing. We were fast at Circuit of the Americas earlier this year and had a decent top-15 day. I’m looking forward to being competitive and running up front at Sonoma in our No. 31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet.” – Justin Haley on Sonoma


About Kaulig Racing™

Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started and made the Championship 4 round in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons. They will continue fielding three, full-time NXS entries; the No. 10 Chevrolet driven by Landon Cassill, the No. 11 Chevrolet driven by Daniel Hemric, and the No. 16 Chevrolet driven by AJ Allmendinger. With multiple wins, Kaulig Racing has come to be one of the top competitors on track each weekend. The team made multiple starts in the NCS in 2021 and won in its seventh-ever start with AJ Allmendinger’s victory at “The Brickyard” for the Verizon 200 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The young team has acquired two charters for the 2022 NCS season, with Justin Haley competing as its first, full-time driver in the series. The team’s second entry will be shared by part-time teammates AJ Allmendinger, Daniel Hemric and Noah Gragson. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

RCR Event Preview – Sonoma

Richard Childress Racing at Sonoma Raceway … In 75 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Sonoma Raceway, Richard Childress Racing owns two wins. Dale Earnhardt claimed the first win for the organization in 1995, leading the final two laps of the race to secure the victory. Earnhardt also won the pole for that same event, the first for the Welcome, N.C.-based team. Robby Gordon won at Sonoma in 2003, leading 81 of 110 laps and holding off Jeff Gordon for the victory. RCR has racked up 14 top-five and 26 top-10 finishes since the NASCAR Cup Series made its debut at the track in 1989. The team has led 140 laps at the California road course and has completed 7,715 of a possible 7,762 laps (99.39 percent).

Introducing the Carolina Cowboys … Driven by the same passion for performance that guides his race team, Richard Childress’ latest endeavor brings Professional Bull Riding to the Carolinas. The Carolina Cowboys represent Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in the PBR Team Series, an elite new league featuring the world’s top bull riders competing in games beginning in July 2022. The team is operated by Richard Childress Racing with 2018 Daytona 500 Champion Austin Dillon serving as General Manager. Don’t miss the Carolina Cowboys inaugural “Cowboy Days” Home Stand September 9-11 at Wake Forest’s Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Tickets are on sale at PBR.com and Ticketmaster.

Follow Sunday’s Action at Sonoma … The Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway will be televised live on Sunday, June 12 beginning at 4 p.m. ET on FS1 and will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

This Week’s True Velocity Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Sonoma Raceway … Austin Dillon has made seven previous NASCAR Cup Series starts at Sonoma Raceway, earning his best finish of 13th at the 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course last year. In his most recent road course start, Dillon finished 10th at Circuit of the Americas in March. In addition to competing in the NASCAR Cup Series this weekend, Dillon plans to compete in the NASCAR Truck Series race on Saturday.

Welcome, True Velocity … True Velocity is an advanced technology company focused on critical defense infrastructure and the modernization of small arms and ammunition. Founded in 2010, Texas-based True Velocity has more than 350 patents pending or issued on its products, technology, and manufacturing processes. Initially, the company is focused on revolutionizing the ammunition industry. True Velocity’s proprietary composite-cased cartridge provides significant logistical advantages over traditional brass-cased ammunition and gives end users unmatched accuracy, repeatability, and reliability, all in a lightweight cartridge. True Velocity products are manufactured in the U.S. in a state-of-the-art facility and are currently available to public agencies, at select retail locations, and direct-to-consumer at tvammo.com.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

How do you prepare for Sonoma Raceway?

“A lot of simulator time. Get in the simulator and run a lot of laps. We’ve been finding some time to do that within the busy schedule. Road courses haven’t been a strong suit for us, but they are improving, and I am very proud of that. There’s a lot of beating and banging at the end of those road courses. It seems like they’ve become rougher and rougher as we go. I’m looking forward to those challenges. I did put in a lot of work this off season.”

How do you feel like your team has done so far this year?

“We’ve been pretty consistent week in and week out. We’re just showing up and doing our job; keeping all four tires on the ground and working hard to make the car better throughout the race. Hopefully we will have a win soon, but for now we are just doing the best we can to be consistent and earn stage points. That’s what you have to do.”

CC Header Template_TR_Lenovo.png
This Week’s Lenovo Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Sonoma Raceway … Tyler Reddick has one start at Sonoma Raceway, earning a 19th-place finish on the lead lap last year. The driver of the No. 8 Lenovo Chevrolet has made 10 starts on road courses in his NASCAR Cup Series career and has tallied five top-10 finishes, highlighted by a second-place effort in 2021 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course. Reddick won his first Cup Series pole position in 2021 at Circuit of the Americas.

About Lenovo … Lenovo’s story has always been about shaping computing intelligence to create a better world. With the world’s widest portfolio of technology products, we deliver our vision of Smarter Technology for All through products, solutions, software, and services that individuals, communities, businesses, and entire populations need to fulfill their potential. We serve more than 180 markets, and we own the majority of our facilities, giving us unrivaled scale, efficiency, and control of our supply chain. Our global manufacturing allows tailored offerings to regional markets and includes more than 30 manufacturing facilities, including in-house, joint venture, original design manufacturer, and contract manufacturer sites in Argentina, Brazil, China, Germany, Hungary, India, Japan, Mexico, and USA.

TYLER REDDICK QUOTES:

Do you think you’re getting better on road courses?

“I’ve gotten better through practice and working on the simulator. Sonoma is one that I’ve only raced at once and now we’ve changed configurations again so it’s like starting over. Hopefully, the learning period is not too large. Sonoma is an abrasive track and wears tires out.”

What has Sonoma Raceway meant to the area that you grew up in and was there anything about that track that got you excited about racing when you were a kid?

“Well oddly enough, I never went there as a kid. It was seven hours from where I was born but it was the closest track that we had. I always watched on TV and wondered what it was like down there. I was never in Napa Valley. It’s kind of weird for me. It’s the closest one to home but it was so far away it never made sense to go. I definitely liked going there for the first time. I got to spend a couple of days exploring the area last time I raced there. I went out early and got to go home. It was cool to spend some time in the area but for me it is a weird sensation because it does feel really far from home.”

CHEVROLET RACING IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES: Chevy INDYCAR Teams Eager for Challenges of Road America

A dozen Chevrolet-powered IndyCars will look for Bowtie’s sixth win of 2022

DETROIT (June 9, 2022) – Chevrolet’s team’s in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will close out a hectic five-week stretch of competition this weekend at one of North America’s top road-racing destinations: Wisconsin’s historic Road America for the Sonsio Grand Prix Presented by AMR.

Twelve Chevrolet-powered IndyCars – including the 2022 debut of Paretta Autosport’s No. 16 Chevrolet for Simona De Silvestro – are entered for Sunday’s 55-lap 220-mile race around the 4.048-mile, 14-turn circuit. De Silvestro and AJ Foyt Racing’s Tatiana Calderon – in the No. 11 Rokit Chevrolet – are the first female pair to compete in the same INDYCAR race in nine years, and both are on Team Chevy.

Chevrolet is coming off an historic victory last weekend at Belle Isle – the manufacturer’s 100th INDYCAR win since it returned to the series in 2012 with its 2.2-liter, twin-turbo V-6 engine. The Bowtie Brand reached the mark by winning five of the first seven events of 2022 and leads the Engine Manufacturer Championship.

“Everyone on our program and all of our teams have worked extremely hard during this run of events at Indianapolis, plus Detroit and now Road America,” said Rob Buckner, Chevrolet Program Manager for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. “We’re grateful to reach the 100-victory mark with our 2.2-liter V6 engine, and there’s no place better than to start the drive to 200 than at a circuit like Road America.

“It’s a circuit that presents a variety of engineering tests,” he added. “Obviously the track is very fast with long, wide-open straights but at end of these are hard braking zones for a number of 90-degree corners. Throw in high-speed corners like the Carousel and the Kink, plus a race surface that brings high tire degradation, and this will be one of the most challenging races of the season.”

Road America returned to the INDYCAR schedule in 2016, and Chevrolet has won twice at the circuit since then: Team Penske’s Will Power – the winner last weekend at Detroit and the current points leader – in 2016 and teammate Josef Newgarden in 2018.

In addition, Arrow McLaren SP’s Felix Rosenqvist won at the circuit in 2020. Chevrolet also has been strong in qualifying with the manufacturer taking six of seven pole positions since 2016.

Newgarden has extra incentive to win at Road America. With early-season wins at Texas Motor Speedway and the Long Beach street circuit, he heads to Wisconsin with a chance to win the PeopleReady Force for Good Challenge, which rewards the first driver to win on an oval, street circuit and road course in the same season. That driver will share $500,000 with his or her team and donate $500,000 to that driver and team’s chosen charity.

Chevrolet and the NTT INDYCAR Series continue the 2022 season with the Sonsio Grand Prix at 12:55 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 12 from Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The race will air live on NBC, the Peacock streaming service and SiriusXM IndyCar Nation (Channel 160) beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET. Live timing and scoring will be available at racecontrol.indycar.com.

TEAM CHEVY QUOTES

PATO O’WARD, NO. 5 ARROW McLAREN CHEVROLET, ARROW McLAREN SP: “I am excited to go back to Road America where I got my first pole in IndyCar. I’m looking forward to making our No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet a bit better than last year and fight up at the front.”

FELIX ROSEQVIST, NO. 7 VUSE CHEVROLET, ARROW McLAREN SP: “It will be good to be back at Road America. It’s where I got my first IndyCar win back in the day. Think it’s been one of our weakest tracks and I actually didn’t drive last year; but I think we’ve made some good progress since then. We know what to do to be competitive so we’re pretty pumped to get back and try to continue our streak of good speed and good results that we’ve had lately.”

TATIANA CALDERON, NO. 11 ROKiT CHEVROLET, AJ FOYT RACING: “It’s been very tough for me coming as a rookie with very little testing. So I think we have improved particularly, like, in the road courses where I can, like, explore the limit of the car a little bit more. These street circuits are really tough here, compared to Europe even or some other places. The bumps that you experience in Detroit, for example, I think that’s unique from INDYCAR that you can have all these kind of tracks. I’ve been enjoying suffering a little bit, as well. It’s tough, but we like the good competition. Yeah, hopefully once we get to places where I’ve been before, like Indy GP again, Mid-Ohio where I tested for the first time last year in July, to go to familiar places, I hope that our performance can continue to improve.”

SIMONA de SILVESTRO, NO. 16 CHEVROLET, PARETTA AUTOSPORT: “I think the last time I was at Road America was 2009. For me, the expectation, I think at the end of the day you want to do the best job you can. I think we have to be realistic as well. We have not tested. It’s the middle of the season, all these guys and girls have been running half the season already. We need to see where we kind of stack up. I think for me in a sense, I’m really looking forward to getting back in an IndyCar. So from that point of view I think I’ll push quite hard to get up to speed as quickly as I can.”

CONOR DALY, NO. 20 BITNILE CHEVROLET, ED CARPENTER RACING: “Road America is such a classic event for our sport. To be partnered with Paretta Autosport this weekend as well is really nice. Having three drivers under our banner will help us collect a good amount of information and hopefully lead to us being as strong as we can be! We’ve had three solid races in a row and want to keep adding points to the board and keep this positive momentum going!”

RINUS VEEKAY, NO. 21 DIRECT SUPPLY CHEVROLET, ED CARPENTER RACING: “Road America is my favorite track, it’s been two years since I’ve last driven there so I am excited for this weekend! The track suits my driving style and the team has made huge progress. It should be a good weekend, especially with Direct Supply on the car! I’m really ready to get back on track there with all of my bones in the right place places this year!”

CALLUM ILOTT, NO. 77 DYNAMIC EDGE CHEVROLET, JUNCOS HOLLINGER RACING: “Having spent a week out of the car obviously in Detroit, looking at the racing from a slightly different angle, I can happily say I am going to be back in the car for Road America. I have been cleared by the INDYCAR Medical Team. We looked quite extensively at my hand and the risk of further damage is a lot lower. It’s still a factor, but the track surface in Road America is a lot less bumpy than Detroit. Looking at Road America, I haven’t been there yet, but it’s a good high speed fun track and quite long as well. There are some good overtaking zones, so it should be a fun weekend with a lot of action. I am super excited to get back in, coming off the momentum we had at the INDY GP we should be on for a good weekend.”

BY THE NUMBERS: Chevrolet in INDYCAR

· 1: Chevrolet’s position in the INDYCAR Engine Manufacturer standings after seven races

· 2: Consecutive front-row starts in the Indianapolis 500 for Rinus Veekay of Ed Carpenter Racing

· 2: Wins at Road America for Chevrolet-powered teams since 2016, when INDYCAR first raced at the circuit.

· 3: Team Chevy drivers in this year’s race who have previously won at Road America in INDYCAR: Will Power (2016), Josef Newgarden (2018) and Felix Rosenqvist (2020).

· 4: Consecutive victories by Chevrolet to open the 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin won the pole and race at St. Petersburg. Penske teammate Josef Newgarden won at Texas and Long Beach, and Pato O’Ward was victorious at Barber Motorsport Park for Arrow McLaren SP

· 6: Different Chevrolet drivers to win races dating back to the start of 2020. Scott McLaughlin was the most recent at St. Petersburg

· 6: Number of Manufacturer Championships in the NTT INDYCAR Series since 2012

· 6: Number of Team Chevy Driver/Entrant championships since 2012

· 9: Wins from pole by Will Power with Chevrolet power since 2012, most by any driver

· 14: Consecutive seasons with at least one win by Will Power, including past 11 with Chevrolet

· 18: Wins by Roger Penske-owned entries in the Indy 500 since 1972

· 26: Wins by Will Power since 2012. All have come with Chevrolet, giving him the most of any driver with same manufacturer

· 39: Pole starts by Will Power since 2012 in a Chevrolet-powered car, most of any driver

· 100: Chevrolet victories in NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012

· 109: Earned poles by Chevrolet since 2012

· 172: NTT INDYCAR SERIES races as V6 engine supplier since 2012 return to INDYCAR

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in nearly 80 countries with nearly 2.7 million cars and trucks sold in 2021. 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.

T3M Reaches Halfway Point with Road America Race This Weekend

Josh Green sits in his #3 Indy Pro 2000 car

Elkhart Lake, Wis. (June 9, 2022) – Turn 3 Motorsport is set to race at fan favorite circuit Road America for Rounds 9 and 10 of the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires as the series reaches the halfway point in the 2022 season. The team has performed well at the 4.014-mile, 14-turn road course in years past, earning some of their strongest results last year in both the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship and Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires and taking the Indy Pro 2000 win in 2020 with current Indy Lights driver Danial Frost.

Having scored a pole and/or podium result at every event thus far, the team is eager to continue its victorious streak as the season continues this weekend at Road America.

3 Josh Green // Indy Pro Championship

SessionGuardian / Zimperium / Lionfish Tech Advisors / Mark Green / JHG Investments

“The team and I have continued to grow every weekend this season, and I’m excited to show our strengths at Road America,” said Green. “Turn 3 has had a very strong car there ever since their first season, and I know we will capitalize on that throughout our weekend. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!”

2 Jonathan Browne // Indy Pro 2000 Championship

Human Centred Movement / CRPS Awareness

“I’m looking forward to getting back to a road course this weekend,” said Browne. “It will be my first time racing at Road America, so I’ll be looking to learn quickly to set myself up for a strong weekend.”

32 Christian Weir // USF2000 Championship

ProFlo / Ferguson / eComfort.com

“We’re getting to the point in the season now where we are going to some of the tracks that I’ve been to already, and I’m looking forward to building off the momentum we’ve made,” said Weir. “I believe we can challenge around Road America and that this can be my breakthrough event.”

33 Spike Kohlbecker // USF2000 Championship

Ignite Autosport / Margay Racing / TierPoint / PSL / RSolution / TrueTitle / Ruckus Racing / Messmer Cares / Alvear / Cfx

“Road America is another amazing track on our calendar,” said Kohlbecker. “It’s fast, flowing, and creates some good racing. Last year I podiumed at this track, and this year I’m looking to do the same. Make sure to tune in to Road To Indy TV to watch all the sessions live!”
“I’m very excited to be racing at Road America,” said Team Owner Peter Dempsey. “It’s the closest race we have to our home base in Chicago, and it’s a track I have a lot of great memories at both as a driver and as a team owner. I won my first race here as a driver and then as a team owner. We have developed a strong package here over the years, and I’m really looking forward to having a successful weekend. Hopefully the drivers can step up and make some magic happen this weekend for our team.”

Pre-event testing begins today follow by practice and qualifying sessions on Friday and races on Saturday and Sunday. A full weekend schedule is detailed below.

Live streaming for the event can be viewed worldwide on the Road to Indy TV app or on www.indypro2000.com / www.usf2000.com.
To stay up to date on Turn 3 Motorsport, follow the team on social media using the handle @turn3motorsport.

THURSDAY, MAY 26
8:55-9:55am – USF2000 Test 1
10:05-11:05am – Indy Pro 2000 Test 1
1:00-2:00pm – USF2000 Test 2
2:10-3:10pm – Indy Pro 2000 Test 2

FRIDAY, MAY 27
8:00-8:30am – USF2000 Practice
8:45-9:15am – Indy Pro 2000 Practice
10:30-11:00am – USF2000 Qualifying 1
11:15-11:45am – Indy Pro 2000 Qualifying 1
1:30-2:00pm – USF2000 Qualifying 2

SATURDAY, MAY 27
8:00-8:30am – Indy Pro 2000 Qualifying 2
11:00-11:45am – USF2000 Race 1 (12 laps / 45 min)
2:15-3:05pm – Indy Pro 2000 Race 1 (15 laps / 50 min)
3:20-4:05pm – USF2000 Race 2 (12 laps / 45 min)

SUNDAY, MAY 27
8:30-9:20am | Indy Pro 2000 Race 2 (15 laps / 50 min)

All times Central Standard Time.

About Turn 3 Motorsport: Turn 3 Motorsport is a full-service operation specializing in racecar preparation, engineering, and driver development. Founded and managed by racecar driver and coach Peter Dempsey, T3M is focused on professional service, team member growth, and high-level performance across multiple racing series.

In 2019, the team secured the Blue Marble Cocktails Radical Cup North America championship titles in the 1340cc, 1500cc, and overall classes. Later that year, Peter and Turn 3 Motorsport achieved a record-breaking win at the NASA 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance race, piloting the #10 Eastern Racing / Turn 3 Motorsport Radical SR3 RSX 1340 to a dominating win, leading 638 out of 672 laps, and becoming the first car under two liters to achieve the overall win.

In the team’s rookie season, Turn 3 Motorsport attracted attention out of the gate by winning the season opener of the 2020 Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires in a sweeping performance with Singaporean driver Danial Frost. Frost and the team went on to achieve a pole position, six podium finishes, and third overall in the championship in 2020.

In 2021, T3M expanded its presence in the Road to Indy by introducing a two-car program into the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship alongside its Indy Pro 2000 Championship campaign. In its debut USF2000 season, the team found victory at the season finale with American driver Josh Green as well as earning an additional podium and fifth overall in the championship. The team earned further accolades in the Indy Pro 2000 series with a race win at the season finale by Irish driver James Roe as well as a pole position at World Wide Technology Raceway and seventh overall in the championship.