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Christian Rose and Team Looking to Thrive at Charlotte Motor Speedway

By
Official Release
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CONCORD, N.C.: There’s been little doubt that ARCA Menards Series rookie Christian Rose and his Cook Racing Technologies (CRT) have showcased speed whether competing in the premier ARCA Menards Series or ARCA Menards Series East this season, but Rose is ready to back up that speed with a satisfying finish in Friday night’s General Tire 150 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

Rose, aboard the No. 42 West Virginia Tourism Chevrolet SS has delivered two top-10 finishes in the ARCA Menards Series this season, but the former Division 1 college baseball pitcher eyes an equaling finish on the big stage of the ARCA Menards Series in one of the most anticipated races of the 2022 season.

“I’m eager to get on the track on Friday,” said Rose.

“Charlotte Motor Speedway is going to be my first intermediate track in the ARCA Menards Series and I feel like I’ve done a really good job doing what I can to prepare myself for the 100 laps that await on Friday night.”

With a mixture of superspeedways and short tracks added to Rose’s growing racing resume in 2022, the General Tire 150 is a good jump-starter for Rose who will attack other extremely fast tracks on the ARCA tour later this season.

“Charlotte is not going to be easy, but I didn’t become a race car driver because I thought it was going to be easy,” added Rose. “I know the competition is not only going to be tight compared to lap times and speed, but I also know there is going to be little room for error.

“I think it’s going to be extremely important to get our No. 42 West Virginia Tourism Chevrolet SS dialed in for practice on Friday afternoon and hope that we can find ourselves near the top-10. If we can do that, we can continue to build our pace throughout the race and hope when push comes to shove when the checkered flag falls – we are all leaving Charlotte with a satisfying finish.”

Charlotte marks Rose’s fifth ARCA start of the year between the two ARCA platforms and has maneuvered two top-10 finishes, highlighted by a season-high 10th place finish at Five Flags (Fla.) Speedway and Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway respectively, a series of mechanical failures have not allowed Rose nor his Bruce Cook-led team to capitalize on the array of strong performances this season.

“I think our most recent race at Nashville, we were going to finish top-five,” recalled Rose.

“The guys on this Cook Racing Technologies team brought me an extremely fast No. 42 West Virginia Tourism car, but we encountered another mechanical gremlin that put us out of the race and a disappointing 12th place finish.

“While it’s tough to look at those finishes, the positive is we know how we were running before things happened that hindered our efforts. Over the past three weeks, we have really taken an extensive look at how we can make sure the issue doesn’t happen again and I believe the solution is there.

“Now, we just need to go to Charlotte, mind our matters, learn and get the best finish possible.”

This season, Rose who will compete in all three of ARCA’s national platforms, the ARCA Menards Series, the ARCA Menards Series East and the ARCA Menards Series West will continue to strengthen a relationship with the West Virginia Department of Tourism.

The West Virginia Department of Tourism promotes West Virginia as a leading four-season travel destination and a top state to live, work and retire.

Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is one of the most scenic states in the United States and home to thousands of acres of parks and public lands, including America’s newest national park and 45 state parks and forests.

In addition to its majestic mountains and rolling hills, West Virginia is full of rich historic sites, enchanting art galleries, charming towns, and an immense sense of belonging found only in its heaven-like landscapes.

In West Virginia, let country roads lead you far away from everything. And a little closer to heaven.

“My relationship with the West Virginia Department of Tourism is everything to me,” added Rose.

“Without them, I would not be able to race at Charlotte. It is my goal throughout the year to spread the mission of everything the West Virginia Department of Tourism means.

“It goes without saying that we have had a lot of speed with our West Virginia Department of Tourism race cars this year and I’m hopeful we can climb that ladder of consistency during the summer stretch. There is still more work to do though. A lot more work.

“We will get there though. Our Cook Racing Technologies team is too good not to have our luck turn around and post the finishes we know that we are capable of.”

This weekend at Charlotte, Rose will also continue to boost his new partnership with the Freedom Fighter Outdoors (FFO). FFO’s mission is to raise awareness and seek public aid for needs, services and activities for injured veterans.

Their events facilitate injured veterans in assisting each other through teamwork-based outdoor recreational activities by providing unique, once-in-a-lifetime outdoor activities. FFO honors and empowers our nation’s injured service veterans.

For the General Tire 150, Rose and the team welcome Gary Bowers, an 18-year veteran of the United States Army.

“I am very proud of my relationship with Freedom Fighter Outdoors and to host Gary this weekend at Charlotte,” sounded Rose. “I feel it is our duty to give back to those who have sacrificed so much to allow me to not only race but enjoy the freedom that we have, especially on this Memorial Day weekend.

“My involvement with Freedom Fighter Outdoors will continue to strengthen as our race season marches on and I look forward to showcasing that soon.”

Following Charlotte, Rose and CRT plan to compete in the ARCA Menards Series West event at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway on July 2.

For more on Christian Rose, please like him on Facebook (Christian Rose Racing) or follow him on Instagram (@christianroseracing) and Twitter (@CRoseRacing).

The General Tire 150 (100 laps | 150 miles) is the fifth of 20 races on the 2022 ARCA Menards Series schedule. A combined practice and qualifying session begins on Friday, May 27, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM channel 391, online channel 981 managing the radio waves beginning at 6:00 p.m. ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire weekend festivities. All times are local (ET).

About The West Virginia Department of Tourism:

The West Virginia Department of Tourism promotes West Virginia as a leading four-season travel destination and top state to live, work and retire.

Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is one of the most scenic states in the United States and home to thousands of acres of parks and public lands, including America’s newest national park and 45 state parks and forests.

In addition to its majestic mountains and rolling hills, West Virginia is full of rich historic sites, enchanting art galleries, charming towns and an immense sense of belonging found only in its heaven-like landscapes.

GMS Racing ARCA Charlotte Preview

By
Official Release
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Daniel Dye, No. 43 Carolina Custom GMS Racing Chevrolet
Charlotte Stats

- Daniel Dye has no prior starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway

2022 ARCA Menards Series Stats

  • Starts: 4
  • Top 5’s: 3
  • Top 10’s: 3
  • Poles: 0
  • Avg Finish: 6.3

Notes:

  • Daniel Dye will make his first career start at the 1.5-mile Charlotte Motor Speedway on Friday, driving the GMS Racing No. 43 Carolina Custom Chevrolet.
  • The No. 43 Chevy driven by Dye is one of just two competitors to have completed every lap (402) of ARCA competition this season. Daniel has been the race leader for 32 of those laps.
  • Dye graduated from Father Lopez Catholic High School in Daytona Beach, Florida, during the off-week (May 21), and will set his sights on attending Daytona State College this fall.
  • DD has 18 career ARCA Menards Series starts, earning one victory (Berlin Raceway, 2021) and numerous top-five and top-ten finishes.
  • Crew Chief Chad Bryant will call the shots from the pit box for Dye, and Derek Kneeland will spot the No. 43.
  • The General Tire 150 is set for 6:00 p.m. ET on Friday, May 27. The race will be televised live on FS1 and broadcast on select affiliates of the Motor Racing Network, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, and MRN.com. Additionally, the race will be streamed through the FOX Sports App.
  • Behind-the-scenes updates and content will be posted to Daniel’s Twitter account on race day, @danieldye43.

Quote:

“I’ve heard a lot about how challenging Charlotte is to race at, with its unique characteristics and bumps, especially in turns three and four. I have done my homework and research in preparation for Friday’s race, and I’m confident the GMS guys will bring us a fast Carolina Custom number 43 to run up front with. We’ve been really good at every event so far this season, and I believe a win is right around the corner.”

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.

Carson Hocevar – North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Race Advance

By
Official Release
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Race Advance – North Carolina Education Lottery 200 (134 Laps/201 Miles) | Charlotte Motor Speedway
Friday, May 27 | Concord, N.C. | 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN), Sirius XM Ch. 90
Team: No. 42 Premier Security Solutions Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Carson Hocevar (Portage, Mich.) | Crew Chief: Phil Gould
Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @CarsonHocevar

Hocevar on Friday night’s race at Charlotte Motor Speedway: “Our No. 42 Premier Security Solutions team is looking forward to running back-to-back 1.5-mile races following our strong run at Texas last week. It’s evident that we made the right adjustments from Kansas to Texas and we’re ready to show that speed at a track that we had our best run at a season ago in Charlotte Motor Speedway.”

Hocevar at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Hocevar makes his second career start at Charlotte Motor Speedway Friday night. He made his debut at the track last May in his rookie season, turning in a career-best second-place finish after starting ninth and led five laps on the night.

On the Truck: Hocevar will pilot the No. 42 Premier Security Solutions Chevrolet Silverado Friday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Last Time Out (SpeedyCash.com 220 – Start: 20th / Finish: 4th): After starting in the back half of the field Friday night, Hocevar battled a loose-handling truck in the opening laps and brought his No. 42 Sparco Silverado to pit road during the first caution on lap nine for adjustments. Hocevar restarted 32nd and made his way through the field to 19th by the end of Stage One.

The No. 42 team opted for right side tires only at the stage break and restarted 13th before ultimately earning an 11th-place finish in Stage Two. Following a four-tire stop at the stage break, Hocevar made his way into the top-10 for the first time before the decision to pit for fuel only under caution on lap 107 resulted in winning the race off pit road and restarting second.

On lap 111, Hocevar took the lead for the first of two times on the night before settling into second-place. After a pair of restarts with under ten laps to go, Hocevar challenged for the lead but was unable to regain the top spot to settle for a fourth-place finish – marking his third top-five of the season and third in the last four races.

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 Premier Security Solutions:

Founded in 2013 by a retired Flint Michigan Police Officer, Premier Security Solutions is committed to deflect and deter unlawful activity for their clients, create a safe campus, and provide a secure environment. A company fully committed to community involvement and protection. Premier partners with many community organizations like Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and his G.H.O.S.T. team combatting human trafficking. Premier provides an array of security services, including K-12 school campus, industrial logistics, corporate and event security in addition to a state-of-the-art monitoring center and all types of security training for both law enforcement and civilian trainees. For more information, please visit www.premiersecurity.solutions/

Follow Carson Hocevar on Instagram and on the web: @CarsonHocevar / CarsonHocevar.com

Ross Chastain – North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Race Advance

By
Official Release
-

Race Advance – North Carolina Education Lottery 200 (134 Laps/201 Miles) | Charlotte Motor Speedway
Friday, May 27 | Concord, N.C. | 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN), Sirius XM Ch. 90
Team: No. 41 Worldwide Express Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Ross Chastain (Alva, Fla.) | Crew Chief: Cody Efaw
Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @RossChastain

Chastain on making his fourth NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start of the 2022 season at Charlotte Motor Speedway: “Our No. 41 Worldwide Express team is looking forward to building on the strong runs we’ve had this week in Charlotte. The intermediate package we have at Niece Motorsports has shown a lot of speed and it’s only a matter of improving the end result. I know the hard-working people at Niece Motorsports will have a fast Chevrolet Silverado prepared for us. I’m looking forward to having another shot to run up front with Worldwide Express and the Georgia Watermelon Association on board.”

Worldwide Express Expands Partnership with Niece Motorsports, Ross Chastain: Niece Motorsports and two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Ross Chastain have announced a partnership, with Worldwide Express, joining the No. 41 Chevrolet Silverado entry for four NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) races during the 2022 season beginning at Darlington Raceway.

Worldwide Express, along with its sister brands of GlobalTranz and Unishippers, currently serve as the full-season, primary partners of Niece Motorsports’ No. 40 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Dean Thompson.

Worldwide Express and Trackhouse Racing recently announced a multi-year partnership that spans 21 NASCAR Cup Series races during the 2022 and 2023 seasons for Chastain’s No. 1 Chevrolet and Daniel Suárez’s No. 99 Chevrolet.

Chastain at Charlotte Motor Speedway (NCWTS): Chastain makes his sixth career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start at Charlotte Motor Speedway Friday night and his third for Niece Motorsports. He has a pair of top-10 finishes at Charlotte and an average finishing position of 16.8 across five starts while leading a total of 16 laps.

Chastain has made four starts in the NASCAR Cup Series and 11 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He has one top-five and one top-10 finishes in the Xfinity Series to his credit and has led 69 laps across those 11 starts. Chastain sat on the pole for the 2020 Xfinity Series event and led 68 laps en route to a fourth-place finish.

Friday night’s race at Charlotte marks Chastain’s 99th career start in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, a career that includes three wins (Kansas 2019, Gateway 2019, Pocono 2019), 17 top-fives, and 42 top-10s.

On the Truck: Chastain will pilot the No. 41 Worldwide Express Chevrolet Silverado Friday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway with associate sponsorship from the Georgia Watermelon Association.

Last Time Out (SpeedyCash.com 220 – Start: 14th / Finish: 12th): Chastain wheeled the No. 41 Worldwide Express Chevrolet into the top-10 by lap six before settling for a 13th-place finish in Stage One. Following a four tire stop at the stage break, Chastain made his way back into the top-10 to pick up a ninth-place result in Stage Two.

After gaining three spots on pit road prior to the start of the final stage, Chastain restarted fifth and made his way up to third before the caution came out at lap 105. The No. 41 team opted to come down pit road for fuel only and battled with teammate Carson Hocevar for the lead on the ensuing restart. Chastain fell back to 15th on the second-to-last restart following a caution on lap 127 but managed to come away with a 12th-place result Friday night.

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, visit wwexracing.com.

Follow Ross Chastain on Instagram and on the web: @rosschastain / rosschastain.com

Kris Wright – North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Race Advance

By
Official Release
-

Race Advance – North Carolina Education Lottery 200 (134 Laps/201 Miles) | Charlotte Motor Speedway
Friday, May 27 | Concord, N.C. | 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN), Sirius XM Ch. 90
Team: No. 44 F.N.B. Corporation Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Kris Wright (Wexford, Pa.) | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers
Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @KrisOnNASCAR

Wright on making his second start at Charlotte Motor Speedway: “I am pumped to race in my hometown over Memorial Day weekend. I always find myself enjoying this week in Charlotte.”

“F.N.B. Corporation is returning this weekend for this race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway – in one of their biggest markets. It is always rewarding to race in front of our partners and their friends and family. The No. 44 Niece Motorsports team has been hard at work to put on a good show this week.”

Wright at Charlotte Motor Speedway: This weekend marks Kris Wright’s second NASCAR Camping World Truck Series appearance at the 1.5-mile quad-oval track, located on the outskirts of the Queen City of Charlotte. The Wexford, Pa., – native has one start at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, with a 23rd-place finish on May 28, 2021.

On the Truck: Wright debuts a new refreshed F.N.B. Corporation paint scheme for Friday night’s North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Last Time Out (SpeedyCash.com 220 – Start: 16th / Finish: 35th): Kris Wright, driver of the No. 44 America’s Auto Auction Chevrolet Silverado for Niece Motorsports, finished in the 35 th-place in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series SpeedyCash.com 220 on Friday, May 20, at the Texas Motor Speedway, located in Fort Worth. Wright started in the 16th-place in the 36-truck field. At the end of Stage 1 on Lap 35 he was in the 32nd-place. By the end of Stage 2 on Lap 70, Wright held the 31st-place. On Lap 106, in Turn 2, Wright’s tire was cut and he hit the Turn 3 wall while in the 29th-place. Wright was scored as high as the 16th-place at the Texas Motor Speedway.

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 F.N.B. Corporation

F.N.B. Corporation (NYSE: FNB), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a diversified financial services company operating in seven states and the District of Columbia. FNB’s market coverage spans several major metropolitan areas including: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland; Cleveland, Ohio; Washington, D.C.; and Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham and the Piedmont Triad (Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point) in North Carolina. The Company has total assets of approximately $42 billion and nearly 340 banking offices throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, D.C. and Virginia.

FNB provides a full range of commercial banking, consumer banking and wealth management solutions through its subsidiary network which is led by its largest affiliate, First National Bank of Pennsylvania, founded in 1864. Commercial banking solutions include corporate banking, small business banking, investment real estate financing, government banking, business credit, capital markets and lease financing. The consumer banking segment provides a full line of consumer banking products and services, including deposit products, mortgage lending, consumer lending and a complete suite of mobile and online banking services. FNB’s wealth management services include asset management, private banking and insurance.

The common stock of F.N.B. Corporation trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FNB” and is included in Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index with the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) Regional Banks SubIndustry Index. Customers, shareholders and investors can learn more about this regional financial institution by visiting the F.N.B. Corporation website at www.fnbcorporation.com.

Follow Kris Wright on Instagram and on the web: @KrisOnNASCAR / KrisWrightMotorsports.com

Dean Thompson – North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Race Advance

By
Official Release
-

Race Advance – North Carolina Education Lottery 200 (134 Laps/201 Miles) | Charlotte Motor Speedway
Friday, May 27 | Concord, N.C. | 8:30 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 Charlotte: “Our No. 40 Worldwide Express team is ready to bounce back and put together a strong run following a tough couple weeks recently. We’ve put it in the rearview mirror and our team has put a lot of effort into getting ready to take on Charlotte Friday night. I am confident we will return to performing at the level that will bring our Chevrolet Silverado back to a good spot this week.”

Thompson at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Thompson makes his first-career start at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Friday night.

On the Truck: Thompson and the No. 40 Chevrolet Silverado will have the Worldwide Express/GlobalTranz/Unishippers paint scheme on display for Friday night’s North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Last Time Out (SpeedyCash.com 220 – Start: 13th / Finish: 29th): Thompson kept the No. 40 Worldwide Express Chevrolet inside the top-20 in the early going Friday night, resulting in a 20th-place finish in Stage One. Early on in Stage Two, Thompson reported a tire going down on his Chevrolet Silverado and pitted under green before his left rear tire went down on the following lap, forcing him to pit for a second time.

Following a 36th-place finish in Stage Two, Thompson battled to get back on the lead lap during the final stage but ultimately settled for a 29th-place finish.

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

Hendrick Motorsports Media Advance: Charlotte

By
Official Release
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Charlotte Motor Speedway
Sunday, May 29, 2022
1.5-Mile Oval
6:00 PM ET
Location: Concord, North Carolina
TV: Fox
Event: NASCAR Cup Series (14 of 36)
Radio: SiriusXM, PRN

5 KYLE LARSON
Age: 29 (July 31, 1992)
Hometown: Elk Grove, California
Resides: Mooresville, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels
Standings: 9th

No. 5 HendrickCars.com Patriotic Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

MAKING HISTORY: Last year in the 600-mile event at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kyle Larson led 327 of 400 laps from the pole position and swept the stages to capture Hendrick Motorsports’ record-breaking 269th NASCAR Cup Series victory. The win kickstarted a stretch of four consecutive victories for the driver of the No. 5 entry that included a win in the non-points NASCAR All-Star Race.

GREAT COMPANY: Larson was the first driver since Jeff Gordon in 1998 to win the 600-mile event at Charlotte and the championship in same season. Only five drivers have accomplished this feat: Gordon (twice), Dale Earnhardt (twice), Darrell Waltrip, Richard Petty and Larson.

NEW TRADITION: In May 2021, Charlotte Motor Speedway began taking the previous year’s winner of their 600-mile event to Arlington National Cemetery for the Laying of the Wreath Ceremony at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Earlier this month, last year’s race winner Larson and the team’s vice chairman Gordon participated in the ceremony at the Virginia cemetery. Learn more about the visit by clicking here.

OVAL OFFICE: In 12 points-paying starts at the 1.5-mile Charlotte oval, Larson has one win, one pole position, two top-five finishes and five top-10s. In 2019 when the annual All-Star Race was held at Charlotte, the Elk Grove, California, native won the Open to gain entry into the All-Star Race, then led the final 13 laps to capture the victory in the exhibition race. Larson also won the Open in 2016.

FAMILIAR SIGHT UP FRONT: During his 2021 championship year, Larson set the record for most laps led during a season on 1.5-mile tracks with 1,317 circuits at the front of the field. This season on all lengths of tracks, he is tied for second for most races led with 10 – the most he has ever led through 13 races in his career. The reigning Cup Series champion has led at least one lap in the last five races, which is tied for the longest active streak in the Cup Series.

SECOND IN COMMAND: Larson ranks second this season in top-five finishes with six, trailing only Ross Chastain who has seven. Larson has a victory at Auto Club Speedway, runner-up finishes at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway, fourth-place finishes at Bristol Motor Speedway (dirt) and Talladega Superspeedway and a fifth-place finish at Richmond Raceway.

WON.5 MILERS: Prior to his victory at the 1.5-mile Las Vegas track in March 2021, Larson had scored nine runner-up finishes – the most all-time without a Cup Series victory – in 71 career starts on 1.5-mile tracks. The 29-year-old driver now has four victories in the last 11 races held on tracks of that length.

TWICE AS MUCH: Since his first race with Hendrick Motorsports at the beginning of 2021, Larson leads the Cup Series with four victories on 1.5-mile tracks. Kurt Busch and Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron are the only other drivers (both with two) to post multiple wins on that length of track during that span.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND REMEMBERANCE: This Memorial Day weekend, the No. 5 team will honor U.S. Army Specialist (Spc.) Rel Allen Ravago IV, who was killed at age 21 while serving in Iraq in November 2003. Ravago was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division, based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Attending the event this weekend at Charlotte are Jax Young, who served with Rel and was his very close friend, and Lynda Sullivan, Young’s fiancée.

OUR PATRIOTS: This weekend as we honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will carry a special patriotic paint scheme. To view the paint scheme and to learn more about the company’s commitment to hiring veterans, click here.

HOME RUN: This weekend at Charlotte, Larson and the No. 5 HendrickCars.com team will wear their “home” white uniforms. Home races occur in markets where there are Hendrick Automotive Group dealerships nearby, and the Charlotte metro area is home to more than 24 of them. Be sure to follow Hendrick Automotive Group’s social media channels and visit HendrickCars.com to view the complete home and away schedule.

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

No. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS Patriotic Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, will be available in the Charlotte Motor Speedway media center on Saturday, May 28, at 5:45 p.m. local time.

QUEEN CITY RÉSUMÉ: Chase Elliott is set to make his 11th NASCAR Cup Series start at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend. In his previous 10 races at the 1.5-mile track, the 26-year-old driver has finished in the top-five in half of those starts, including three runner-up finishes and a victory in the 208-lap Thursday night event in 2020. In all, he has six top-10 finishes and has led for 246 laps.

600 STATS: In Elliott’s three most recent starts in the 600-mile race at Charlotte, Elliott has earned an impressive average finish of 2.67 with the help of two consecutive runner-up results. He’s led 103 laps across those three races and has a worst finish of fourth. In last season’s 600-miler, the Dawsonville, Georgia, native spent 350 of 400 laps running in the top-two positions including 22 laps as the leader. He ultimately finished second to teammate Kyle Larson.

FOLLOW THE LEADER: Halfway through the regular season, Elliott continues to hold the Cup Series points lead, now by 52 markers over Ryan Blaney. Including a tie earlier in the season, this marks the ninth consecutive race week the Dawsonville, Georgia, native has been atop the standings. Through 13 races, Elliott and the No. 9 team have nine top-10 finishes – tied for most in the series – and lead the field with an average finish of 10.77.

1.5-MILE PERFORMANCE: This season on 1.5-mile tracks, Elliott has two top-10 efforts in three starts, finishing ninth at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and sixth at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Earlier this month, he was on his way to a third top-10 finish at Kansas Speedway when a flat left-rear tire caused him to spin, taking him out of contention. In 68 points-paying starts on mile-and-a-half facilities, Elliott has led 881 laps and earned two victories (Charlotte and Kansas), 22 top-five finishes – eight of which are runner-up results – and 37 top-10s. His average finish of 12.69 is second-best among active drivers.

EIGHT FOR NINE: In Elliott’s last nine starts on 1.5-mile ovals, he’s finished inside the top-10 eight times, including three runner-up results and has an average finish of 7.67 – best of all drivers during that span in each of those categories.

REMEMBERING A HERO: In Sunday’s Memorial Day weekend race at Charlotte, the windshield of Elliott’s No. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will showcase the name of U.S. Army First Lieutenant (1st Lt.) Noah Harris. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Harris was a platoon leader for the 3rd Infantry Division. The Ellijay, Georgia, native was part of a mission to rescue some Iraqi Police who were pinned down and in the process of that mission on June 17, 2005, he was killed at the age of 23.

SPEEDY STOPS: The No. 9 team currently owns the best average time for four-tire pit stops at 11.708 seconds through 13 races in the 2022 Cup Series season. The team is comprised of jackman T.J. Semke, gasman John Gianninoto, tire carrier Jared Erspamer and tire changers Chad Avrit and Nick O’Dell.

NAPA KNOW HOW: This weekend, NAPA AUTO PARTS will trade out its normal blue, yellow and white scheme for a patriotic look on the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in honor of Memorial Day. Get a look at all angles of Elliott’s ride for this weekend here.

A SHOC ENERGY DAYTONA RACE EXPERIENCE: A SHOC Energy is giving fans the opportunity to win a VIP trip to the Cup Series race at Daytona on Saturday, Aug. 27. One grand prize winner and guest will get flight and hotel accommodations, tickets to the regular-season finale and a $500 Visa gift card. The sweepstakes is open now through July 15, and fans can enter by texting “ASHOCTRIP” to 97579.

24 WILLIAM BYRON
Age: 24 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Resides: Charlotte, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: 4th

No. 24 Liberty University Patriotic Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

HALFWAY THERE: Halfway through the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series regular season, William Byron is continuing to have a career-best year. In 13 races, Byron has scored two wins, four top-five finishes with 569 laps led, three stage wins and 13 playoff points accumulated. The wins, laps led, stage wins and playoff point totals are his most through 13 races in his Cup Series career. He is currently fourth in the driver point standings and is locked into the Cup Series playoffs for a fourth consecutive season.

LEADING THE FIELD: With 13 races complete in 2022, Byron has led laps in 10 of them – tied for the second-most with Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson. His 569 laps led are the most by a driver this season. He has also spent the most laps running in the top-10 (2,379) as well as the most laps running within the top-five (1,610). The Charlotte, North Carolina, native has also picked up 13 playoff points – the most by any driver so far this season.

1.5-MILE MOMENTUM: Byron is no stranger to success on mile-and-a-half tracks during his Cup Series career. Since the start of the 2021 season, Byron has two wins, one runner-up finish, five top-fives, and nine top-10s on 1.5-mile tracks. He also has three stage wins with 411 laps led on tracks of that length and an average finish of 8.17.

HOME SWEET HOME: Cutting his teeth in the racing world in Charlotte, North Carolina, Byron is one of only a handful of drivers who was born and raised in the “home of NASCAR.” After visiting U.S. Legend Cars International headquarters in Harrisburg, North Carolina, with his father in 2012, Byron found himself behind the wheel for the first time the next year competing in the Young Lion Division. Winning 33 of the 69 legend car events he ran across the United States in 2013, Byron went on to lock up the U.S. Legend Car Young Lions National championship and the Thursday Thunder Young Lion championship at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Progressing to the Legend Car Pro Division the next season, Byron also signed with JR Motorsports’ developmental program at the same time. From that point on, Byron hasn’t slowed down any as he climbed the racing ranks before ultimately making it to the top level of NASCAR as a Cup Series rookie in 2018.

CUE CHARLOTTE: In his Cup Series career, Byron has five starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s 1.5-mile oval, with four of them being the 600-mile event on Memorial Day weekend. In just his second start at Charlotte in 2019, Byron became the youngest pole sitter for the 600 at the age of 21 years, 5 months, and 24 days. In his five total Cup Series starts, Byron has one pole award, one top-five finish and two top-10s with 61 laps led at his hometown track, including a track-best finish of fourth in last year’s race. Other than his five Cup Series starts at Charlotte, the 24-year-old driver has two NASCAR Xfinity Series starts as well as one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start.

RUDY RUNS CLT: Sunday will mark crew chief Rudy Fugle’s second time on top of the pit box for the 600-mile event at Charlotte. In last year’s race, Fugle led the No. 24 team to a fourth-place finish after running within the top-five for 372 of the 400 laps. Aside from his one Cup Series start, Fugle has 10 other starts at Charlotte on his résumé, with all but two of those coming in the Truck Series. The Livonia, New York, native has collected two wins (2013 and 2019), four top-five finishes, and six top-10s. In fact, his Truck Series drivers completed all 1,077 laps run in those races with 310 laps led. One of those truck starts came with Byron in 2016, when the duo led 25 laps en route to a 10th-place finish.

LIBERTY U PATRIOTIC SCHEME: Liberty University will be back on William Byron’s No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 this weekend for the prestigious 600-mile event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. However, as a part of NASCAR’s annual NASCAR Salutes program, the Liberty University Chevy will sport a special patriotic paint scheme as a part of the 600 Miles of Remembrance to honor those who have served and continue to serve to defend our country. The special scheme includes an American flag Liberty University logo on the hood of Byron’s machine, as well as stars and stripes on the front and rear quarter panels. To see Byron’s scheme for this weekend’s race, click here.

HONORING ARMY SFC RONALD A. GRIDER: As a part of the No. 24 Liberty University patriotic paint scheme for this weekend’s race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Byron’s Chevrolet will feature a tribute to U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (Sgt. 1st Class) Ronald “Aaron” Grider. He was a Purple Heart recipient as well as three-time Bronze Star Medal recipient. Grider was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Like Byron, who is in his junior year at Liberty University, Grider was a Liberty student as well, enrolled in its online program, pursuing a B.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies.

HOME TRACK FEEL: In addition to this weekend’s race being Byron’s at home track, a couple other members of the No. 24 team also claim this as their home track including mechanic Jacob Bowman, from Pilot Mountain, fueler Landon Walker, from North Wilkesboro, and jackman Spencer Bishop, from Pinehurst.

48 Alex Bowman
Age: 29 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Resides: Concord, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Greg Ives
Standings: 8th

No. 48 Ally Patriotic Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

TEXAS IN THE REAR VIEW: After qualifying 20th for the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway last Saturday, Alex Bowman battled back and took home yet another top-10 finish this season. He finished the first stage in 18th, the second stage in 10th and the third stage in 15th before crossing the finish line for the All-Star Race in sixth. While no regular season points were awarded in the exhibition event, Bowman’s valiant effort allowed him to continue to build on his front-running consistency this year.

TOP DOG: Through 13 races in the Cup Series season, Bowman has tallied eight points-paying top-10 results. This stands as his best mark in that category at this point of a Cup season in his career in NASCAR’s premier league. Prior to this season, Bowman’s 2021 performance was his best, with five top-10s through 13 races. He did not get his eighth top-10 finish until race 16 at Sonoma Raceway. Only Kyle Busch and teammate Chase Elliott have more top-10s this season, with nine each.

BOWMAN ON 1.5-MILERS: Bowman is one of three Cup Series drivers to have top-10 results at all 1.5-mile venues this season. The 29-year-old driver won at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March, placed 10th at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March, and crossed the finish line in ninth at Kansas Speedway in May. Ross Chastain and Martin Truex Jr. also had top-10 finishes at all those tracks, but Bowman is the only one of those drivers with a win at a 1.5-mile track this season.

LEADING THE WAY: Bowman has the third most-laps led in the last three 600-mile races at Charlotte Motor Speedway, leading the field 177 times. He follows Truex, who led the field for 203 laps and teammate and 2021 race winner Kyle Larson, who has led 327 circuits at the venue.

IVES AT CHARLOTTE: Crew chief Greg Ives will make his 12th points-paying start as a crew chief in the Cup Series at Charlotte this Sunday. The Bark River, Michigan, native has two top-five finishes and five top-10s. Last time at the 1.5-mile venue, Ives and Bowman notched a fifth-place result.

PACK THEM UP: On Wednesday, Bowman and the No. 48 Ally Racing team paired with volunteers from primary sponsor Ally to pack more than 2,000 care packages for the United Service Organizations (USO). Divided among two packing stations, approximately 60 volunteers were able to put together packages with snacks, candy, and hand-written notes. To learn more about the event, click here.

OUR HERO: This Sunday, the No. 48 Ally Patriotic Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will adorn the name of fallen soldier Specialist (Spc.) Matthew E. Baylis, U.S. Army. He joined the military in August 2005 after his high school graduation and was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq from Fort Benning, Georgia in 2006. Spc. Baylis was a machine gunner, responsible for providing cover fire for his fellow soldiers. On May 31, 2007, his platoon came under heavy fire in Baghdad and his platoon leader was hit. Spc. Baylis started providing cover fire, allowing the other soldiers to save the platoon leader and take cover. The platoon leader survived; however, Spc. Baylis was fatally hit while seeking cover. For his courageous action, Baylis was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Matthew’s stepmom, Kerri Baylis, is an Ally employee and nominated her stepson to be on the No. 48 Ally Chevy. Additionally, Ally will be donating to The Specialist Matthew Baylis Memorial Fund, which helps veterans and children of veterans with educational costs/needs.

NEARING 100,000: Hendrick Motorsports needs to lead 305 miles to cross 100,000 miles led. To date, the organization has led 99,695.90 miles in its storied history with 1,238.43 miles led coming this season. In last year’s race on Charlotte 1.5-mile layout, Hendrick Motorsports led 559.5 of a possible 600 miles.

HISTORICAL HIGHS: In this race last year, Hendrick Motorsports earned its 269th NASCAR Cup Series win to pass Petty Enterprises to become the all-time winningest team in Cup history. All four Hendrick Motorsports cars placed in the top-five marking the first time in the history of the Memorial Day weekend event that a team had four drivers finish in the top five. Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott’s 1-2 finish was the third instance that teammates finished in the top two in this 600-mile race.

BLACKJACK: Hendrick Motorsports has 21 wins at Charlotte Motor Speedway among nine drivers, which are tied (with Junior Johnson and Associates’ 21 wins at Bristol Motor Speedway) for the third-most Cup Series victories at any one particular track by an organization. The team also holds the top-two spots on this list with its win totals at Martinsville Speedway (27) and Dover Motor Speedway (22). Interestingly enough, Hendrick Motorsports has won at both Martinsville (with William Byron) and Dover (with Elliott) this season.

ENDURING STRENGTH: The 600-mile race at Charlotte is a test of everything – machine, pit crew and driver. The longest race on the Cup schedule has been won 12 times by Hendrick Motorsports – that’s more than the second- and third-place teams on the list combined (Richard Childress Racing with six wins and Petty Enterprises with five).

DEEP SIX: Six drivers have won this race in the team’s history. Jimmie Johnson’s four wins (2003, 2004, 2005 and 2014) as part of his track-best eight wins serve as the team high and are followed by Jeff Gordon with three wins (1994, 1997 and 1998). Darrell Waltrip was the first Hendrick Motorsports driver to win this crown jewel event and he won it in back-to-back years (1988 and 1989). Casey Mears (2007), Kasey Kahne (2012) and Larson (2021) each have one win.

FLASH BACK: Since last year’s race on the Charlotte oval, Hendrick Motorsports has won 17 of the 35 points-paying races (a 48.6% winning percentage) held in the Cup Series. That mark is one less than the combined total by every other team in Cup over the same span.

MIDWAY MARK: At the midway point of the NASCAR Cup Series regular season, Hendrick Motorsports has five wins in 2022 – the most in the series. The organization is the fastest to have its entire four-car lineup win in one season as it achieved that in the first 11 races of the season.

QUOTABLE /

Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on win in this race last year: “That was so cool to get Mr. (Rick) Hendrick that historic win. It wasn’t spoken about, but I think every team wanted to deliver that win for him and we were fortunate enough to be the ones who did. Hopefully, we can have the same type of performance this weekend. Track position will be important, so a good qualifying session on Saturday helps a lot for Sunday.”

Larson on Fan Fest at Hendrick Motorsports: “This will be my first one as a Hendrick Motorsports driver. It’s great they are opening up campus again to the fans and it’ll be great to see them all out there this weekend.”

Cliff Daniels, crew chief of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on if there will be big swings from daytime to nighttime racing in 600: “I don’t really know. Yes, there will be some swings from daytime to nighttime, but the biggest swings with this Next Gen car may be due to track position. Your car tends to get ‘free’ when running up front because of all the air on the car. Back in traffic, when there is not much air on the car, you tend to get tight. It’s a different balance requirement depending on where you are in traffic. There will be some changes based on daytime to nighttime racing, but the bigger swings or adjustments may be when you are out front versus running in traffic.”

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on honoring U.S. Army First Lieutenant Noah Harris: “Racing on Memorial Day weekend has always been something that’s meant a lot to me. While I didn’t know Noah (Harris) firsthand, after reading his story and his commitment to his country, obviously it speaks for itself, but he was just a standup individual. He was devoted to his country from a very young age, and I think for that we’re always grateful. He was a standup young man who gave his life serving our country and protecting us here at home. It’s an honor to be carrying his name on my NAPA Chevy this weekend.”

Alan Gustafson, crew chief of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on preparing for the longest race of the year: “There’s not as much for us to prepare for with this new car than in years past. You’ve just got to make sure you’re taking care of your car because it is such a long race. You’ve got to make good decisions, be around at the end and not get crashed. The field typically thins itself out with people making mistakes or having issues. We’ll see how it goes. Racing on Memorial Day weekend is always something I enjoy, so I’m looking forward to it.”

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on what racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway means to him: “Racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway is always special for me. I grew up watching races here as a fan, I raced Legend cars on the quarter-mile and have raced there in every series of NASCAR for the most part. It’s a hometown race for Mr. (Rick) Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports as well. You always want to run good when the shop is literally across the street. Winning the 600 would already mean so much given the history of this race, but it would carry even more meaning for myself. We ran well in last year’s 600, the biggest difference will be with the Next Gen car. I think we have some good notes on mile-and-a-half tracks so far this year, and with how long the race is, it gives us time to adjust throughout the race if we need to.”

Rudy Fugle, crew chief of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on what he expects for the race at Charlotte: “Even though we have raced at two mile-and-a-half track in a row now, I think we can take the most away from the race at Kansas (Speedway). We had a fast car that weekend and I think with how the race played out, we could have had a shot to be there in the end, or at least finish top five. About the only thing we can apply from last weekend’s race at Texas (Motor Speedway) is that they applied the resin in the upper lanes. That will effect the handling of the car throughout a run, especially going from day to night like we will during the 600. It’s a long race though and you want to make sure you keep up with how the track changes so you don’t fall behind early on.”

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on what it means to carry the name of U.S. Army Specialist Matthew E. Baylis for the race on Memorial Day: “It is an honor to be able to have Spc. Baylis on the No. 48 Ally Chevy this weekend. Hearing about the bravery he had to join the Army after the events on 9/11 and then to serve our country and give the ultimate sacrifice, it is my privilege to be able to have him ride along this weekend. Hopefully, we can get him into victory lane and have his family join us in remembering him for the hero he was.”

Greg Ives, crew chief of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on being in Charlotte this weekend: “With the race being 600 miles, you have to plan your stops as strategically as you can. We expect a lot of tire wear with fall off so that will play into more of a tire strategy, but we also need to be prepared for a fuel mileage race to break out as past races have been won that way. All in all, we are confident we have learned a lot this year about the new car on 1.5-mile tracks and will be ready to go compete like we do every weekend.”

TeamSLR Ready To Tackle Lime Rock Park

By
Official Release
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Chris Liesfeld Joins Connor Mosack for Traditional Memorial Day Weekend Race in New England

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (May 26, 2022) – Rested and refreshed after a three-week break for the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, TeamSLR is ready to roll up the East Coast to Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut, for the traditional Memorial Day weekend race at the scenic road course in southern New England.

Round 6 of 2022 offers the TA2-class competitors a pleasant change of scenery after back-to-back races in California – April 24 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca near Monterey, California, and May 1 at Sonoma Raceway. Full-season driver Connor Mosack leads the TeamSLR effort at the 1.478-mile, seven-turn Lime Rock layout and will be joined for the first time this season by Chris Liesfeld, a familiar face in the TeamSLR camp.

Mosack will pilot the No. 28 High Point University/Nic Tailor Custom Fit Underwear/Interstate Foam & Supply/TeamSLR/M1 Racecars Ford Mustang, while Liesfeld will be behind the wheel of the No. 96 Fields Racing/TeamSLR/M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro. Liesfeld last raced for TeamSLR at the 2021 season finale at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas.

The 23-year-old Mosack, who hails from Charlotte, North Carolina, will be pulling double duty this weekend. He’ll be competing in the ARCA Menards Series race Friday night at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway and will forego TA2 practice and qualifying Friday at Lime Rock. A fourth-place finisher for TeamSLR in last year’s TA2 race at Lime Rock, Mosack will start Saturday’s scheduled 68-lap race from the back of the grid.

Liesfeld will make his 14th career Trans Am start Saturday at Lime Rock. The 47-year-old from Richmond, Virginia, has only competed in the series’ TA2 division, earning a best finish of third in 2012 at Brainerd (Minn.) International Raceway. His experience with TeamSLR, however, is deep. Liesfeld’s company, Fields Racing, has been competing with TeamSLR and the Lagasse family for several years.

Connor Mosack, Driver, No. 28 High Point University/Nic Tailor Custom Fit Underwear/Interstate Foam & Supply/TeamSLR/M1 Racecars Ford Mustang:

How was your first experience at Lime Rock last year, when you had a solid qualifying effort and a top-five finish on race day?

“I felt like we just had a good car last year. We qualified third in the rain, but we were very close to winning the pole. Unfortunately, we had some damage passing a lapped car in the race and we lost a lot of speed as a result.”

You’ll have to start Saturday’s race from the back after missing Friday’s practice and qualifying sessions due to your ARCA commitments in Charlotte. What are your expectations for Saturday?

“Yes, I will be racing in the ARCA race at Charlotte on Friday night, so we’ll be coming from the rear. We will need a caution or two, but I believe we can work our way back to the front.”

Chris Liesfeld, Driver, No. 96 Fields Racing/TeamSLR/M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

With this being your first TA2 race this season, what are your expectations for the weekend?

“I know TeamSLR will do their part and provide me with a fast car. If I can produce steady improvements from the first track session to the last lap of the race, then I’m satisfied I will have done my job.”

Even though it’s your first race of the season, do you feel your past experience racing in the TA2 class will be a benefit at Lime Rock?

“Lime Rock is a short track and doesn’t give you a lot of time to make up for mistakes before you find yourself at the back of the pack. Certainly, I think being a veteran, patience and consistency behind the wheel can make the winning difference. You just have to be consistently fast.”

About TeamSLR:

TeamSLR competes fulltime in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli in a multifaceted effort that includes dedicated entries in the TA2 division, customer programs, driver coaching and car construction. Its history dates back to 1985 and covers a wide spectrum of motorsports, including NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA, ARCA and ASA. TeamSLR is a family-owned organization run by Scott Lagasse Sr., and Scott Lagasse Jr., The father-and-son duo have combined to win more than 100 races and seven championships across a variety of series and styles of racecars, from paved ovals to road courses to dirt tracks. For more information, please visit us online at www.TeamSLR.com, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

Trans Am Racer Connor Mosack To Make NASCAR Xfinity Series Debut in Portland with Joe Gibbs Racing

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Official Release
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Eyes Wide Open
Connor Mosack To Make NASCAR Xfinity Series
Debut in Portland with Joe Gibbs Racing;
23-Year-Old Trans Am Series Racer To Drive
No. 18 OpenEyes.net Toyota GR Supra in Pacific Office Automation 147

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (May 25, 2022) – With 21 starts in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, Connor Mosack is ready to grab another rung on the racing ladder by stepping up to the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

The 23-year-old racer who is currently in his second year competing for TeamSLR in the TA2 division of “America’s Road-Racing Series” will make his Xfinity Series debut June 4 in the inaugural Pacific Office Automation 147 at Portland (Ore.) International Raceway. Mosack will drive the No. 18 OpenEyes.net Toyota GR Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing in the 75-lap race around the 1.964-mile, 12-turn road course.

“Our Xfinity Series program was designed to provide opportunities to racecar drivers like Connor who are looking to expand their careers by challenging themselves in a very competitive racing series,” said Steve deSouza, Executive Vice President, NASCAR Xfinity Series/Development, Joe Gibbs Racing. “Connor has accomplished quite a bit in a relatively short period of time in Trans Am and we’re proud to help further his development in NASCAR.”

Portland is an appropriate venue for Mosack to make his first Xfinity Series start. While the Charlotte, North Carolina-native doesn’t have any prior experience at the flat, clockwise circuit in the Pacific Northwest, Mosack has plenty of experience learning new racetracks quickly. As a TA2 rookie in 2021, all but two of the series’ 10 tracks were new to him. Nonetheless, Mosack was a fast study. He scored four podium finishes in his final eight races, including a breakthrough win Sept. 12 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.

“Every race is a new opportunity to learn and apply the lessons from your last race,” said Mosack, who finished third in the 2021 TA2 championship standings and is already a two-time pole winner in 2022. “I feel like I’ve learned a lot in Trans Am thanks to the coaching I’ve gotten from Scott Lagasse Sr. and Jr., at TeamSLR, and I genuinely want to see how it all translates to the Xfinity Series. I’m looking forward to the experience of working with Joe Gibbs Racing and their veteran crew chief Jason Ratcliff in my debut at Portland, and we’re all grateful to represent OpenEyes.net.”

Open Eyes is a global impact ministry co-founded by Frank Harrison, Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Consolidated, and his son James Harrison, who passed away while serving in Kenya in 2010. James’ mission to serve others selflessly continues today through the Open Eyes Mobile Messengers program and its relief and development efforts around the world, including Ukraine and the Middle East.

“We are honored and thrilled that Connor and Joe Gibbs Racing chose to showcase Open Eyes by putting us on board as Connor makes his debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series,” said Denny Matthews, President, Open Eyes. “Our purpose of accelerating the Gospel to the unreached and underserved is fast tracked as a result of our partnership with Connor. Our global team joins me in wishing Connor great success as he pursues his passion in the Xfinity Series.”

Mosack has firsthand knowledge of Open Eyes’ mission, as he volunteered with the group in Africa during the summer of 2017, visiting Rwanda and Uganda.

“The time I spent with Open Eyes in Africa was probably one of the most impactful moments of my life,” said Mosack, a 2021 graduate of High Point (N.C.) University with a degree in business entrepreneurship. “Its name speaks for itself because it did open my eyes to how people live in other areas of the world and how having purpose, along with someone they can lean on for strength and support, can make a difference in their everyday lives.”

Mosack’s experience with Open Eyes and his time at High Point has contributed to a well-rounded upbringing. Mosack played football and lacrosse in middle school and high school, and it wasn’t until he was 18 that his racing career began. He started in Legends cars and after winning five championships, he transitioned to Late Model stock cars in 2019. He ran the full Solid Rock Carriers CARS Tour in 2020, winning the rookie-of-the-year title. Mosack augmented his Late Model schedule with four TA2 races in late 2020 before committing to TA2 fulltime in 2021 while also competing in select ARCA Menards Series races. In his most recent ARCA start May 14 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Mosack finished fifth.

“For me, seat time is really the most important thing, and experience in just about any car is really helpful,” Mosack said. “Knowing you can be fast in the Trans Am Series gives you the confidence that you can drive fast and be competitive in other series. That’s my biggest takeaway as I get ready for my Xfinity Series debut at Portland.”

The Pacific Office Automation 147 gets underway at 4:30 p.m. EDT on Saturday, June 4 with live coverage on FS1 and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Coca-Cola named the official soft drink of the Pacific Office Automation 147

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Official Release
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NASCAR Xfinity Series headlines stock car racing weekend at Portland International Raceway

PORTLAND, Ore. (May 25, 2022) – Coca-Cola has been named the official soft drink of the Pacific Office Automation 147, the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Portland International Raceway (PIR) on June 3-4, 2022.

The beverage company will be the exclusive distributor of soft drinks, energy and sport drinks, and water during the race weekend, which marks the exciting return of a NASCAR national series to the Pacific Northwest for the first time since 2000. Coca-Cola products, including but not limited to Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Coke Zero Sugar, Barq’s Root Beer, Fanta Orange, Dasani Water and Powerade, will be available to fans at PIR during the event.

“Coca-Cola is thrilled to secure a long-term partnership with Green Savoree Portland and this NASCAR weekend by getting involved with the Pacific Office Automation 147 at Portland International Raceway. We can’t wait for the weekend to get here,” said Dave Gillard, manager of strategic partnerships at Swire Coca-Cola, USA. “The partnership aligns with Coca-Cola’s commitment to support major community events and engage with racing fans throughout the Pacific Northwest.”

Coca-Cola’s ties to stock-car racing run deep, with the company’s connection to NASCAR extending more than 50 years back to 1969. The company sponsored NASCAR cars from 1969-76 and 1990-94 under the Coca-Cola and Mello Yello brands, respectively, and in 1998, Coca-Cola became an official partner of NASCAR, an affiliation that still stands today. Currently, in addition to sponsoring various drivers, the beverage company holds the naming rights of two major NASCAR Cup Series events – the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway.

“We are excited to partner with an iconic brand like Coca-Cola as NASCAR comes back to Portland for the Pacific Office Automation 147,” said Jerry Jensen, general manager of Green Savoree Portland, which owns and operates the event at PIR. “Coca-Cola’s presence at the track will be a great addition to a great event in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s a big win for our fans who will be able to enjoy Coca-Cola’s classic lineup of beverages all weekend long.”

The NASCAR Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards Series West will both take to PIR the weekend of June 3-4. The NASCAR Xfinity Series will get on track twice on Friday, June 3, for a late morning practice session and then qualifying happening late afternoon during “happy hour” to set the next day’s starting grid. On Saturday, June 4, the Pacific Office Automation 147, a 75-lap race covering 147.52, will get underway at 1:30 p.m. PDT, followed by an ARCA Menards Series West 51-lap feature to cap off the two-day event.

Tickets to the 2022 Pacific Office Automation 147 are on sale now at nascarportland.com. Friday general admission is just $20, and Saturday’s price is $45. A 2-Day General Admission for both days is just $55. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. Single Day Grandstand seats are also available securing the best vantage points at PIR.

For overnight visitors to the area, Travel Portland has organized a variety of local hotel accommodations and packages at special rates incorporating some of the most well known brands to unique boutique properties. The official host hotel of the weekend is the recently updated Holiday Inn Portland-Columbia Riverfront sitting in close proximity to PIR along the scenic Columbia River. Visit the “Travel Options” page of nascarportland.com to find out more on the accommodations and offers available.

Race fans are encouraged to discover all the natural wonders and events Portland has to offer by checking out TravelPortland.com. This NASCAR Xfinity Series weekend featuring the Pacific Office Automation 147 also happens during the renowned annual Portland Rose Festival featuring an array of civic events.

Stay up to speed on NASCAR’s visit to Portland on social media all year long by following #NASCARPortland or by signing up for the E-Club on the website.

About Coca-Cola:

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our hydration, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Gold Peak, Honest and Ayataka. Our nutrition, juice, dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.coca-colacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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 and three international 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, Americrown Service 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’).

About Green Savoree Racing Promotions:

Green Savoree Racing Promotions (GSRP) is an Indianapolis-based motorsports event ownership and management company whose subsidiaries own, operate and promote race properties in Lexington, Ohio, home of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and The Mid-Ohio School, Portland, Ore., St. Petersburg, Fla., and Toronto, Ontario. These events provide a festival experience and showcase some of the most exciting racing series in the world including the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires open-wheel development series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, ARCA Menards Series and more. In working together since 1993, co-owners Kim Green and Kevin Savoree have won four INDYCAR championships, three Indianapolis 500 races and the 12 Hours of Sebring as team principals, and established the first INDYCAR street race in 2004. More information about the company, its subsidiaries, and these events is available on the event websites at gpstpete.com, hondaindy.com, midohio.com and portlandgp.com.

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