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Ford Performance NASCAR – 2024 Bristol Night Race Playoff Advance

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Official Release
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BRISTOL NIGHT RACE

Thursday, September 19 — NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, 8 p.m. ET (FS1)
Friday, September 20 — NASCAR Xfinity Series, 7:30 p.m. ET (CW)
Saturday, September 21 — NASCAR Cup Series, 7:30 p.m. ET (USA)

The NASCAR Cup Series will conduct its first elimination race of this year’s Playoffs when the annual Bristol Night Race takes place on Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway. The week will also feature the second postseason race for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on Thursday and the final regular season event for the NASCAR Xfinity Series on Friday.

FORD DRIVERS IN THE CUP PLAYOFFS
Joey Logano – Atlanta Winner (Clinched Round of 12)
Austin Cindric – 3rd (+43 above the cut line)
Ryan Blaney – 8th (+29)
Chase Briscoe – 11th (+6)
Brad Keselowski – 14th (-12 below the cut line)
Harrison Burton – 16th (-20)
Note: Top 12 advance after Bristol Night Race

FORD’S SECOND HALF HOT STREAK

Ever since Joey Logano won the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race in May, Ford has been on a roll. The Blue Oval has won nine times in the last 16 races, including the current four-race streak that has seen Harrison Burton (Daytona), Chase Briscoe (Darlington), Logano (Atlanta) and Chris Buescher (Watkins Glen) all find Victory Lane. The last time Ford won at least four in a row was in 2018 when Kevin Harvick (Michigan), Kurt Busch (Bristol) and Brad Keselowski (Darlington, Indianapolis and Las Vegas) combined to win five straight.

MOVING ON UP

This current four-race winning streak has also helped Ford move into second-place in the NASCAR Cup Series manufacturer standings, three points ahead of Toyota with eight races to go. In addition, the Blue Oval now has the second-most victories on the season with nine and trails Chevrolet by only two for the top spot.

FORD TIES MARK

WITH SEVENTH DIFFERENT WINNER

Chris Buescher’s win on Sunday at Watkins Glen International gave Ford its ninth points win of the season and the seventh different driver to reach Victory Lane. That ties the Ford season record for most different drivers to win a race in the modern era (1972-Present). The last time it happened came in 2018, and overall it’s happened four times.

FORD WINNERS IN 2024: Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, Austin Cindric, Harrison Burton, Chase Briscoe and Chris Buescher.

FORD WINNERS IN 2018: Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Joey Logano, Kurt Busch, Brad Keselowski, Ryan Blaney and Aric Almirola.

FORD WINNERS IN 1997: Rusty Wallace, Dale Jarrett, Jeff Burton, Mark Martin, Ricky Rudd, John Andretti, and Ernie Irvan.

FORD WINNERS IN 1994: Rusty Wallace, Ernie Irvan, Jimmy Spencer, Ricky Rudd, Geoff Bodine, Mark Martin and Bill Elliott.

THE LAST TIME

The last time Ford won the first two playoff races in the same season was in 2020 when Kevin Harvick (Darlington), Brad Keselowski (Richmond) and Harvick (Bristol) combined to win the first three postseason events. Ford went on to win four races during that season, but the most playoff wins by the Blue Oval came in 2018 with six.

FORD PLAYOFF DRIVERS AT BRISTOL

Joey Logano: 28 starts, 2 wins, 6 top-10, 10 top-10

Brad Keselowski: 26 starts, 3 wins, 7 top-5, 10 top-10

Ryan Blaney: 15 starts, 0 wins, 2 top-5, 5 top-10

Chase Briscoe: 4 starts, 0 wins, 0 top-5, 0 top-10

Austin Cindric: 3 starts, 0 wins, 0 top-5, 0 top-10

Harrison Burton: 3 starts, 0 wins, 0 top-5, 0 top-10

RYAN BLANEY: “I have no idea how it will be. I don’t know if it is going to be the same as the first race or not. I don’t think it will be the same even if we are in the same situation because teams are going to learn and take camber out and be smarter with tire wear. I don’t know what to expect really. I just hope I don’t blow a tire. It is going to be a little cooler, so I won’t sweat as much in the car, which I like. The race there in the spring, I am back and forth on. I thought it was really cool and great that you have these tires that wear out crazy, I just wish we would have known it ahead of time. As a driver and a part of the race team, that unknown of having no idea what is to be expected throws everybody for a loop. I would like a little bit more experience with that. Is that what NASCAR and people want? Probably not. The best moments are when it is unexpected. To some extent I would like to kind of half way know what is going on. I thought it was good and the tire fall-off was great but you’ve got to get more than 50 laps on it before you blow a tire. You have a fine line there. We will see what happens.”

HARRISON BURTON: “Bristol is super fun. It is a place you can drive the car super hard and now you don’t really know what Bristol you are going to get. Are you going to get the tire fall-off with the major tire failures almost or are you going to get to drive it as hard as you can every lap? Those are two very different mindsets. Preparing for that is tough because you have to kind of prepare for two different races, but Bristol is one of my favorite race tracks and I love going there.”

LOGANO WINS BACK-TO-BACK NIGHT RACES

Joey Logano held off a hard-charging Kevin Harvick over the final 25 laps to win the Bristol Night Race for the second consecutive year in 2015. Logano led four times for 176 laps, including all but four of the final 147 laps and that was because he pitted when the caution came out with 71 laps to go while Penske teammate Brad Keselowski opted to stay out for track position. Even though Keselowski had the lead on the ensuing restart, Logano’s four fresh tires enabled him to get the lead immediately and he held on over the final 64 circuits to post his 11th career victory.

A THREE SERIES SWEEP

One of the most memorable Ford weekends at Bristol came in August of 2014 when Ford swept all three NASCAR series races – Craftsman Truck, Xfinity and Cup. Brad Keselowski captured his first NCTS victory while Ryan Blaney took the Xfinity event. Joey Logano capped the weekend sweep when he passed Matt Kenseth with 45 laps to go and then had to hold off Keselowski to post his third win of the 2014 season. Logano was in control until caution came out with 69 laps to go. While he pitted for four tires, Kenseth and others stayed out which put Logano sixth on the ensuing restart with 63 to go. With fresh tires, however, he was able to move to the front in less than 20 laps and then hold off his Penske teammate down the stretch. It marked the first time Ford swept all three divisions in the same weekend since 2006 when Mark Martin (NCTS) and Kenseth (NXS and NCS) did it, ironically, at Bristol.

FINAL REGULAR SEASON RACE

The final regular season race for the NASCAR Xfinity Series is set for Friday night with two Ford drivers already assured of competing in the postseason. Cole Custer will get the opportunity to defend his championship from last year after winning earlier this year at Pocono Raceway while Stewart-Haas Racing teammate Riley Herbst owns a berth because of his victory in Indianapolis. Ryan Sieg goes into this weekend’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway 43 points below the cut line, but a win would automatically put him in the 12-driver field.

FORD GOING FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT WIN

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series has been on a three-week break, but will return to action on Thursday night at Bristol Motor Speedway for the second playoff race in the Round of 10. Ford goes into the event having won three straight after Ty Majeski captured victories at Indianapolis Raceway Park and Richmond Raceway while Layne Riggs took his first career win at the Milwaukee Mile. Majeski enters the race second in the standings, 44 points above the cut line while defending series champion Ben Rhodes is on the bubble, sitting two points below the final transfer position.

FORD’S NASCAR CUP SERIES WINNERS

AT BRISTOL

(DOES NOT INCLUDE DIRT)

1963 – Fireball Roberts and Fred Lorenzen

1964 – Fred Lorenzen (Sweep)

1965 – Junior Johnson and Ned Jarrett

1966 – Dick Hutcherson (1)

1968 – David Pearson (Sweep)

1969 – David Pearson (2)

1970 – Donnie Allison (1)

1971 – David Pearson (1)

1988 – Bill Elliott (1)

1990 – Davey Allison (1)

1991 – Alan Kulwicki (2)

1992 – Alan Kulwicki (1)

1993 – Mark Martin (2)

1994 – Rusty Wallace (2)

1996 – Rusty Wallace (2)

1997 – Dale Jarrett (2)

1998 – Mark Martin (2)

1999 – Rusty Wallace (1)

2000 – Rusty Wallace (Sweep)

2001 – Elliott Sadler (1)

2002 – Kurt Busch (1)

2003 – Kurt Busch (Sweep)

2004 – Kurt Busch (1)

2005 – Matt Kenseth (2)

2006 – Matt Kenseth (2)

2007 – Carl Edwards (2)

2008 – Carl Edwards (2)

2014 – Carl Edwards and Joey Logano

2015 – Joey Logano (2)

2018 – Kurt Busch (2)

2020 – Brad Keselowski (1) and Kevin Harvick (2)

2022 – Chris Buescher

FORD’S NASCAR Xfinity Series WINNERS

AT BRISTOL

1989 – Mark Martin (2)

1994 – Kenny Wallace (2)

1996 – Mark Martin (1)

1997 – Jeff Burton (1)

2006 – Matt Kenseth (2)

2007 – Carl Edwards (1)

2009 – David Ragan (2)

2014 – Ryan Blaney (2)

2015 – Joey Logano (1)

2020 – Chase Briscoe (2)

FORD’S NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES WINNERS AT BRISTOL

(DOES NOT INCLUDE DIRT)

1995 – Joe Ruttman

2004 – Carl Edwards

2006 – Mark Martin

2014 – Brad Keselowski

2015 – Ryan Blaney

No. 45 DEX Imaging Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 Team Enters the Penultimate Round of 2024 at Home Race in Indianapolis

By
Official Release
-

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (September 17, 2024) – The Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti (WTRAndretti) No. 45 DEX Imaging Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 team heads to its’ first home race with the TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). The new six-hour race will mark the penultimate event of the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC) as the season ends with two endurance events.

Kyle Marcelli and Danny Formal will return to pilot the No. 45 DEX Imaging Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 as they enter their first home race as a driver duo in IWSC after the pair competed in Lamborghini Super Trofeo (LST) in 2023 around IMS. Marcelli and Formal will be looking to secure a positive result at the endurance event, as the team seeks to find a formula for the longer races of the season. Formal will also return to double duty as a driver for the No. 1 WTRAndretti Lamborghini Huracán LST as he remains in the championship hunt in the PRO category for Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America.

Marcelli and Formal will also be joined by Graham Doyle as he returns as the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup co-driver. Doyle has continued to show impressive pace in the LST North America series as he competes in the No. 10 DEX Imaging Lamborghini Huracán LST and will also compete in double duty during the IMS weekend with two LST races.

“For our GTD program, I’m looking forward to seeing them do well at Indy,” said Wayne Taylor, Team Principal, WTRAndretti. “They’ve found a bit of speed after recently testing at Road Atlanta. Between Kyle and Danny, and Graham joining for these last two races, I think it should be a good weekend for the team and I’m really looking forward to going back to another endurance race – I love the long-distance races.”

The No. 45 DEX Imaging Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 team will have its first on-track action at IMS with practice at 11:15 a.m. ET on Friday, September 20 followed by qualifying on Saturday, September 21, at 3:40 p.m. ET. The TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks is set for a 11:40 a.m. ET start for the six-hour event with broadcast beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET on Peacock followed by NBC broadcast through the checkered flag live at 3 p.m. ET.
No. 45 DEX Imaging Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 Drivers
Kyle Marcelli: “It’s wild to think we have just two races remaining on the schedule. In this business, the years go by quick! We continue to evolve as a team, learn and of course push ourselves to improve. There’s no question we have all the tools we need to be successful, and the fact that we have not been on the podium has everyone a bit disappointed. But I have the upmost faith in this program, it’s just a matter of time. Maybe the home track advantage will play into our favor, and we will find ourselves in the winner’s circle. Rest assured, that’s our only objective. We also look forward to the new six-hour challenge at Indianapolis and welcome the return of Graham Doyle to the line-up.”

Danny Formal: “Indy six-hour this week and I’m super excited for this race. I’m going to be racing in Super Trofeo and the GTD at our team’s home race, so super excited for that. We had really good results last year and a great test recently in the Super Trofeos. I’m ready to get back with the endurance team on the GTD side with Graham, Kyle and myself, we are ready to get the top five the team deserves in an endurance race. Graham has improved drastically this season, and I think we have all the ingredients to be up there and fighting and put the No. 45 DEX Imaging Lamborghini Huracán EVO2 where it belongs – fighting for the top five or even maybe for podium. Super excited to get back with the WTRAndretti team, get back to the home race and try to get the result that we truly deserve.”

Graham Doyle: “In a season where the endurance events have seemed to slip our grasps, I believe Indy will be a turning point for the No. 45 endurance crew. While this is the maiden six-hour event at Indy, I believe our drivers and crew know the track and car allowing us the opportunity to not only to display a competitive car but push for a chance to make it onto the podium.”

ABOUT WTRANDRETTI
Andretti Global and Wayne Taylor Racing announced a new, long-term partnership in 2023 that combines the resources of the two championship-caliber teams to compete in IMSA’s top classes. In 2024, Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti (WTRAndretti) has expanded to a two-car GTP program as well as competes in the GTD class. Coming off its 2023 championship winning effort, WTRAndretti continues its Driver Development Program competing in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America series with a full stable.

WTRAndretti’s global motorsports enterprise boasts two IMSA driver championships (2013 and 2017), and back-to-back IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Championships (2020, 2021) which contributed to nine IMSA manufacturer championships for Acura, Pontiac, Corvette and Cadillac. In its brief 17-year history, WTRAndretti has accumulated multiple victories in sportscar racing’s most iconic events: Rolex 24 At Daytona, Twelve Hours of Sebring, Petit Le Mans, Mid-Ohio, Road America and the Six Hours of The Glen. With its back-to-back PRO Class Championship wins (2022, 2023), WTR also has ten North America Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championship titles and a Lamborghini World Finals title.

Andretti Global, a Championship-winning motorsports organization, competes in additional racing categories worldwide, including the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, Extreme E, Australian Supercars and the Mexico SuperCopa Championship. Additionally, the racing enterprise commits to driver development through competition in INDY NXT by Firestone and through support of Sebastian and Oliver Wheldon’s racing careers.

Logan Bearden to Drive for AM Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Bristol Motor Speedway

By
Official Release
-

STATESVILLE, N.C.: Officials from AM Racing confirmed today that Logan Bearden will drive the team’s No. 15 Ford Mustang in Friday night’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Food City 300 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway on September 20, 2024.

The final race of the regular NASCAR Xfinity Series season will be Bearden’s first driving for the Statesville, N.C.-based team, but his sixth Xfinity start of the season and first since Michigan International Speedway last month.

During the week, Bearden, a veteran Late Model competitor, can be found as an underneath mechanic at the AM Racing shop.

This week, Bearden will trade his wrenches for a steering wheel and hopes to deliver the organization their third Xfinity Series top-10 finish of the season.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at AM Racing for this opportunity,” said Bearden. “It’s been a lot of hard work to get this opportunity, but I look forward to making the most of it.

“My goal will be like it is for every NASCAR Xfinity Series race I’ve competed in this year to make gains from practice to the race and race for the best finish possible.

“The team is coming off a top-10 finish last weekend at Watkins Glen, and I’d like to continue to add to the team’s momentum with another strong run on Friday night.”

For Bearden’s AM Racing debut, Mullis Construction Group will serve as the primary partner for the highly anticipated 300-lap race in Thunder Valley.

Mullis Construction Group has the expertise, resources, and experience to provide exceptional construction services for all types of projects. We approach each job with attention to detail and a focus on customer satisfaction.

Jami and Angie Mullis, the proud owners of Mullis Construction Group, are driven by their passion for construction to provide top-quality services, including renovations, custom designs, commercial makeovers, multifamily construction, and more to their clients.

They take pride in their attention to detail, expertise, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

“It’s always great to bring a new partner like Mullis Construction Group to the sport and, especially for a race that is super important to me,” added Bearden. “Without a doubt, there is some pressure this weekend, but I’m staying focused and ready to get to Bristol and get to work.”

The Leander, Texas native is known for his short track skills in Late Model competition, but with his Bristol Motor Speedway Xfinity debut on deck, Bearden is keeping his goals realistic.

“I really want to bring the AM Racing team another top-10 finish,” added Bearden. “That could happen if everything goes our way, but the goal is just to keep our No. 15 AM Racing Ford Mustang on the lead lap and be in a position to finish inside the top 15 when the checkered flag waves.”

The Texan made his Xfinity Series debut this spring at Richmond (Va.) Raceway followed by Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, Portland International Raceway, Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway and Michigan.

Four of his five previous Xfinity starts have returned with Bobby Dotter’s SS-GreenLight Racing team while he drove for Joey Gase Motorsports in his Nashville track debut in June.

In addition to NASCAR competition, Bearden will also compete in select late-model races throughout the country aboard his family-owned No. 66 Bearden Automotive team.

For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

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

The Food City 300 (300 laps | 159.9 miles) is the 26th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice will occur on Friday, September 20, from 2:00 to 2:35 p.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 2:40 p.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 7:30 p.m., with live coverage on the CW Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Eastern).

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

The family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events in its eighth year of competition.

Multi-Platinum Recording Artists Eli Young Band Added to Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 Concert Lineup

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Official Release
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  • GRAMMY Award-nominated recording artists, Eli Young Band will perform this year’s pre-race concert ahead of Sunday’s Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 on Oct. 13
  • Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 weekend tickets can be purchased online at charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Kids 12 and under get in all weekend for just $10

CONCORD, NC (Sept. 17, 2024) – GRAMMY Award-nominated Eli Young Band is set to electrify America’s Home for Racing with a high-energy pre-race concert ahead of the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, Oct. 13.

“We’re thrilled to bring our sound to America’s Home for Racing and to get fans revved up before the green flag drops at Charlotte Motor Speedway,” said Mike Eli of Eli Young Band. “There’s nothing like the energy of a race track so we’re going to bring a party to the fans that no one will want to miss.”

The 14-time billboard charting group is slated to perform a 60-minute set, pulling from their wide range of singles like platinum “Love Ain’t,” Academy of Country Music Award Song of the Year and five-time platinum “Crazy Girl” and three-time platinum hit, “Even if it Breaks Your Heart.”

Starting as college roommates 20 years ago, this Texas-rooted band of brothers, Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones and Chris Thompson write their own songs, play their own instruments and continuously sell out venues from coast to coast. From sharing the stage with some of country music’s biggest legends such as Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and more, the Eli Young Band will headline Charlotte Motor Speedway’s infield pre-race stage as they rock the ROVAL™, following a concert earlier in the day by NASCAR fan-favorite Tim Dugger.

“The biggest race in NASCAR’s Playoffs deserves the biggest entertainment lineup off the track as well,” said Charlotte Motor Speedway President and General Manager Greg Walter. “With the Eli Young Band added to Sunday’s slate of music and fun, fans are once again in for a weekend to remember here at America’s Home for Racing.”

The concerts are free for all fans with a Sunday Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 ticket. Fans can upgrade their ticket to include a Track Pass for front-stage access to both concerts and driver introductions.

Following the concert, NASCAR’s top drivers will battle it out in a pivotal Playoff showdown race on the newly reconfigured road course in the final Round of 12 race before the field is cut to just eight drivers competing for a championship.

TICKETS:

To purchase Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 weekend tickets, fans can shop online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Kids 12 and under get in all weekend for just $10.

MORE INFO:

Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway and get the latest news by following on Twitter and Instagram, becoming a Facebook fan or downloading the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

WTRAndretti Acura ARX-06 GTP Teams Head to Indianapolis Motor Speedway

By
Official Release
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INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (September 17, 2024) – The Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti (WTRAndretti) pair of Acura ARX-06 GTPs shift back to endurance racing action with the inaugural TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks six-hour event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). After returning to the IMS Road Course in 2023, the WTRAndretti team are ready to put on a show at the team’s home track with both Acura ARX-06 GTPs and alongside teammates in the GTD class and Lamborghini Super Trofeo – totaling up to seven WTRAndretti cars on track throughout the weekend.

Aiming to pick up from where they left off, Ricky Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque in the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06 enter Indianapolis following a pole position and podium result at Road America last month. With experience driving the Acura ARX-06 at IMS in 2023, Taylor and Albuquerque will look for the podium after earning a top five result in last year’s event. The mission remains the same for the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06 crew: to win the remaining two events left on the calendar.

For Louis Delétraz and Jordan Taylor, the No. 40 DEX Imaging Acura ARX-06 team looks to bounce back after a promising weekend turned challenging at Road America. Although the pair has not raced together in the Acura ARX-06 GTP at Indianapolis before, Taylor last time in a prototype car at IMS saw him starting from pole position and Delétraz earned a podium finish in LMP2 in 2023’s Battle on the Bricks. Like their No. 10 teammates, it’s all about winning and the best result possible to finish the final races this season.
The WTRAndretti duo of Acura ARX-06 GTPs will take to the IMS Road Course starting with practice on Friday, September 20th, at 11:15 a.m. ET. Qualifying is set for 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 21st, live on Peacock. On Sunday, September 22nd, the TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks six-hour endurance event will see the green and clock countdown begin at 11:40 a.m. ET with coverage on Peacock followed by NBC on air at 3 p.m. ET.
Wayne Taylor, Team Principal, WTRAndretti: “Since we are out of the points race for the championship, we are going to try to win these last two races. It will also be the end of our partnership with HRC so we would like to go out on top. We had a good test at Indy a few weeks ago so I’m feeling positive that we should have a good car and go for the win. Indy is a new endurance race, so I’m looking forward to it – I love the long-distance races.”

No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06 GTP Drivers
Ricky Taylor: “We had a great test there last month and have certainly improved ourselves since last year, six hours will prove a different challenge, and we are up for it. Indy is a very unique circuit and whether or not the similarities in duration to the Watkins Glen six hour will translate, only time will tell. We will prepare our best and learn as much as we can to make educated decisions for the race. It was great fun last year to see all of the support from family and friends of the WTRAndretti team, it is something we don’t always get to see or share. With this event becoming one of the championship’s marquee events, it will make it even more enjoyable to share with everyone.”

Filipe Albuquerque: “Indianapolis’s going to be a new type of race for us, a six-hour race. Our last endurance race would’ve been a nice one – the two WTRAndretti cars were leading the race before the last 20 minutes, so we were looking good and competitive. We were also competitive and got pole position in the last sprint race at Road America, so it seems like we are getting faster and faster. We’ve been very competitive and of course we want to be competitive at Indianapolis. Safety cars and cautions will play a huge role in strategy, but we had a good test there and we got a good feeling of the car. One thing that can play in our favor is that we are not fighting for the championship so when others will be taking care of their championship and not taking as much risk because they have a bigger picture, we don’t. So, this can maybe play in our favor and a lot of motivation to go for the win for sure.”

No. 40 DEX Imaging Acura ARX-06 GTP Drivers
Louis Delétraz: “I’m excited for the Indianapolis 6-Hour because it’s our home race and also now an endurance race. Six hours at Indy will be a new challenge, the characteristics of track make it interesting with traffic. We have tested at the track with WTRAndretti, and the Acura ARX-06 was great. We have nothing to lose, and we want to win the last two races to finish the year strong!”

Jordan Taylor: “We had a great test at Indy a few weeks ago, so I’m looking forward to getting back there and seeing how we stack up. It is our home race as a team, so it’ll be great having a lot of family and friends out there supporting us at such a legendary track. We had great speed at the last race in Road America but weren’t able to capitalize on it in the race. Hopefully this week we will be in such a strong position again to fight for the win.”

ABOUT WTRANDRETTI
Andretti Global and Wayne Taylor Racing announced a new, long-term partnership in 2023 that combines the resources of the two championship-caliber teams to compete in IMSA’s top classes. In 2024, Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti (WTRAndretti) has expanded to a two-car GTP program as well as competes in the GTD class. Coming off its 2023 championship winning effort, WTRAndretti continues its Driver Development Program competing in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America series with a full stable.

WTRAndretti’s global motorsports enterprise boasts two IMSA driver championships (2013 and 2017), and back-to-back IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Championships (2020, 2021) which contributed to nine IMSA manufacturer championships for Acura, Pontiac, Corvette and Cadillac. In its brief 17-year history, WTRAndretti has accumulated multiple victories in sportscar racing’s most iconic events: Rolex 24 At Daytona, Twelve Hours of Sebring, Petit Le Mans, Mid-Ohio, Road America and the Six Hours of The Glen. With its back-to-back PRO Class Championship wins (2022, 2023), WTR also has ten North America Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championship titles and a Lamborghini World Finals title.

Andretti Global, a Championship-winning motorsports organization, competes in additional racing categories worldwide, including the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, Extreme E, Australian Supercars and the Mexico SuperCopa Championship. Additionally, the racing enterprise commits to driver development through competition in INDY NXT by Firestone and through support of Sebastian and Oliver Wheldon’s racing careers.

Kaulig Racing and Food City Team Up for Bristol Night Race

By
Official Release
-

Hemric to Drive the No. 31 Mtn Dew Doritos® Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Bristol

 LEXINGTON, N.C. (September 17, 2024) – For the second year in-a-row, Kaulig Racing and Food City are teaming-up for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race.

Daniel Hemric’s No. 31 Camaro ZL1 will showcase both PepsiCo’s Mountain (Mtn) Dew and Doritos® brands for the infamous night race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

“We’re excited to continue our great partnership with Food City at one of the most exciting races of the season,” said team president, Chris Rice. “For the second year in-a-row, they have been with us for both Bristol races, and we hope to continue this relationship for years to come.”

Earlier this season at the Food City 500, the Tennessee-based soft drink, alongside the top-selling cheese puff brand, CHEETOS® were featured on AJ Allmendinger’s No. 16 Camaro ZL1. This time, the #1 single-serve soft drink will be onboard the No. 31 Camaro, alongside Food City favorite, Doritos®.

“Food City is proud to once again team up with our friends from Kaulig Racing and PepsiCo to sponsor Daniel Hemric and the Kaulig Racing No. 31 Camaro ZL1 for Saturday’s running of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race,” says Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer.

The Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway will kick off Saturday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m. ET on USA Network.
 
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 earned 23 NXS wins, made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started, and won two regular-season championships. In 2021, the team competed in select NCS events, before expanding to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 and adding a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. Since its first NCS start in 2021, the team has earned two wins. Kaulig Racing is currently fielding two full-time entries in the NCS and continues to field three full-time NXS entries, with a part-time fourth entry at select events. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $91 billion in net revenue in 2023, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

About Food City

Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 154157 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama.

The Best Gifts for NASCAR Fans for the Upcoming Holiday Season

By
SM
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Finding the perfect gift for a NASCAR fan can be a challenge. NASCAR fans are passionate, and their love for racing goes beyond just watching the sport. Whether they’re rooting for their favorite driver or collecting memorabilia, there’s a wide range of gift ideas that can hit the mark. If you’re looking to make a NASCAR fan’s day, here’s a list of the best gifts that are sure to rev their engines.

NASCAR Diecast Models

Diecast models are the quintessential collectible for any motorsport enthusiast. These miniature replicas of actual NASCAR cars are made with impressive detail, showcasing everything from the paint schemes to the sponsor decals. Fans often collect models of their favorite drivers, iconic race cars, or even championship-winning vehicles.

One of the best aspects of these officially licensed models is that it’s like you took a shrink-ray to an official vehicle. Models are on a 1:24 scale, and every little detail is included.

Why it’s great: These high-quality diecast models make great display pieces in a bedroom, living room, or man cave.

Recommended brands: Action Racing Collectibles, Lionel Racing.

NASCAR Race Tickets

Nothing beats the excitement of attending a live NASCAR event. Gifting race tickets provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many fans, as they can witness the speed, energy, and atmosphere of a live race.

Your best bet is to get tickets when a race comes to your city, but a destination vacation might be a great idea too. NASCAR has been holding special races in downtown Las Vegas, Chicago, and even inside the Los Angeles Colosseum. Perfect way to mix a fun vacation with a little street racing magic.

Why it’s great: Live races are filled with energy, and there’s nothing like hearing the roar of the engines in person.

Top races: Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, Talladega Superspeedway.

Apparel and Gear

From hats and t-shirts to jackets and jerseys, NASCAR apparel is diverse and a favorite among fans. Whether it’s emblazoned with a favorite driver’s number, sponsor logos, or the NASCAR logo itself, clothing is a practical and stylish gift.

Why it’s great: Wearing NASCAR gear is a way for fans to show off their loyalty both at races and in everyday life.

Hot items: Driver-specific merchandise, vintage-inspired designs, official NASCAR team apparel.

Memberships and Fan Clubs

Many die-hard NASCAR fans love feeling closer to the sport, and fan club memberships offer just that. The official NASCAR Fan Council or exclusive driver fan clubs provide perks like early access to race tickets, behind-the-scenes content, and members-only events. It’s a unique gift that not many fans even know exist. And who doesn’t like being in s a special club?

Why it’s great: Memberships offer an insider’s experience, making the fan feel more connected to the sport and their favorite drivers.

Look for: Exclusive fan clubs for specific drivers like Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, or Chase Elliott.

Home Decor

From wall art featuring iconic NASCAR moments to custom signage with a favorite driver’s number, NASCAR-themed décor allows fans to bring their love for racing into their living space. Garage signs, posters, and even clocks designed with racing themes are popular choices. Perfect for a home office or your husband’s man cave.

Why it’s great: It allows fans to personalize their homes, garages, or man cave with a touch of NASCAR flair.

Ideas: Metal signs, framed racing photos, and checkered flag-inspired accessories.

Car Accessories and Tailgating Gear

NASCAR fans love tailgating, and having the right gear is essential. A NASCAR-branded cooler, portable grill, or folding chair will take their race-day experience to the next level. And don’t forget to deck the car out too with goodies. License plate frames, car air fresheners, and driver-specific racing flags are affordable gifts that folks love.

Why it’s great: Race day is as much about the social experience as it is about the competition. Tailgating gear enhances the fan experience.

Recommended items: Coolers, chairs, air fresheners, and grilling accessories.

NASCAR Video Games

For fans who love both racing and gaming, NASCAR video games provide an interactive way to engage with the sport. These games allow them to immerse themselves in the racing experience, take on the role of their favorite driver, and compete in high-speed races against other competitors online.

Why it’s great: It offers an exciting, hands-on way for fans to experience the thrill of NASCAR races. Great for solo play or racing against a group of friends.

Available on: PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

Pit Crew Experience

For a NASCAR fan who craves a more interactive and thrilling experience, a pit crew or racecar driving experience makes an unforgettable gift. These experiences, available at tracks across the U.S., allow fans to ride shotgun in a real NASCAR stock car or drive one around a race track. It’s neither for the faint of heart nor cheap, but they’ll never forget the experience.

Why it’s great: It gives fans an adrenaline-pumping taste of what it’s like to be part of the race action.

Companies offering this: NASCAR Racing Experience, Richard Petty Driving Experience.

Driver Autographs and Memorabilia

If you’re buying for someone who has a favorite driver, you can’t go wrong with authentic autographs and memorabilia.From signed helmets and gloves to race-used items like tires or sheet metal, these pieces offer a deep connection to the sport. And they make a great conversation starter in anyone’s home.

Why it’s great: Owning a piece of NASCAR history makes fans feel like they have a special connection to the drivers and the races.

Where to find: Official NASCAR auctions, sports memorabilia stores, or directly from driver fan clubs. Be sure to buy from reputable dealers, there are a lot of fakes out there.

Documentaries and Books

For fans who enjoy diving deeper into the history and strategy of NASCAR, a well-written book or documentary can be a perfect gift. There are plenty of books covering everything from NASCAR’s history and iconic races to biographies of legendary drivers like Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty, and Jeff Gordon. With a sport that features such a rich history, there’s a topic for everyone.

Why it’s great: It allows fans to learn more about the sport’s history and discover interesting behind-the-scenes stories.

Popular titles: “Driving with the Devil” by Neal Thompson, “Earnhardt Nation” by Jay Busbee, and documentaries like “The Day” about the iconic Daytona 500 race.

Final Lap

When buying gifts for a fan, there are so many options that can fit their unique passion. The business has made it simple with access to good online or at events. Whether it’s a collectible diecast model, an unforgettable race-day experience, or some cool gear, your thoughtful gift is sure to fuel their excitement for the sport they love. No matter the occasion, you can’t go wrong with any these top NASCAR-themed gifts!

3 Tips for Breaking Into Motorcycle Racing

By
SM
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Photo by Michele_Morrone at https://depositphotos.com/

Motorcycle racing is one of the most thrilling sports out there. It combines all sorts of skills from passion to speed. Whether you’re considering racing on a professional level, or simply want to compete in a few local events, the same rules apply. 

Getting started is as simple as knowing the right steps and mindset. With the right mindset and approach you can carve out a thrilling motorcycle racing future for yourself, and break into an exhilarating world.  Here are some of the most essential tips for breaking into motorcycle racing.

Get The Right Bike

Not any old bike will do if you hope to be successful. You want something that is crafted with the highest quality materials and meets the highest quality standards.  Remember, not all bikes were built to be used for competitive racing. Starting with the wrong bike can not only put you at a disadvantage against your competitors, but it can even be dangerous. 

That doesn’t mean to say you need the most expensive bike on the market, but rather one that will provide a good balance between power and control.  This will allow you to learn the basics without being overwhelmed by a bike that’s too powerful. As you improve at racing you can gradually upgrade to a more powerful bike that suits your skill level.

Get Trained 

Motorcycle rating is so much more than just riding skills.  You have to master all sorts of skills from proper braking to controlling the throttle to how you position your body. Not to mention you have to have the right strategy if you hope to win. 

Even though riding in the street counts as helpful experience, a professional can help you learn better precision and discipline in a more structured environment. Consider signing up for a motorcycle racing school where you can learn from a skilled professional who is trained and capable. 

Not only will you have a great teacher by your side, but you’ll also have a highly controlled and safe environment for you to practice without the hazards of riding in the street.

Remember, the learning process should be gradual and structured, otherwise you risk rushing into the process and potentially risking your safety.

Get Safety Gear

Half of the excitement of racing is the thrill and danger that comes along with it. Yet high risk doesn’t necessarily have to mean you allow yourself to get hurt. Taking the proper precautions is critical if you hope to prioritize your safety. 

Make sure that you invest in the right gear to avoid sustaining a serious injury. You want to have a full-face helmet, leather clothing, and of course boots and gloves. 

You want gear that’s specifically designed for racing as it will offer better quality than general riding gear. And while it may be tempting to cut costs and buy a cheaper brand or even used, you always want to buy new materials that meet the latest safety standards.

RFK Advance | Bristol II

By
Official Release
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Bristol II Event Info:
Date: Saturday, Sept. 21
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Bristol, Tennessee
Format: 500 Laps, 266.5 Miles, Stages: 125-125-250
TV: USA
Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Friday: 4 p.m. ET, Practice (USA, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Friday: 4:50 p.m. ET, Qualifying (USA, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 7:30 p.m. ET, Race (USA, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • The annual Bristol Night Race plays host this weekend to the final race in the opening round of the NASCAR Playoffs.
  • Brad Keselowski sits below the cut line needing a solid finish to advance into the Round of 12, just behind the No. 11 and ahead of the No. 19.
  • Since Chris Buescher’s win at Bristol in 2022 – the first overall under the RFK banner – RFK has finished top-10 in two-straight Bristol races, with a pair of top-5s each from Buescher (2023 fall) and Keselowski (2024 spring).
  • Keselowski has the third-best average finish of any driver at Bristol in the last four seasons (7.5), with Buescher just behind in fourth at 8.8.
  • Jack Roush has 19 Bristol wins all-time, including 12 in the Cup Series, second-most only behind Michigan (14).

6 Team Info:
Crew Chief: Matt McCall
Partner: Castrol Edge

17 Team Info:
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: Fastenal

  • RFK team partner HOIST will be activating this weekend in the campground area at Bristol Motor Speedway, centered around its ‘Fuel the Pull’ event. The ‘Fuel the Pull’ will be hosted at the HOIST vendor site stationed in the Souvenir Alley at the All-American Campground, hosting a series of tug-of-war pick-up games, where attendees can compete against friends, enjoy complimentary HOIST beverages and participate in the excitement of the weekend races.
  • Buescher will make an appearance at the HOIST activation on Friday at 2 p.m. for a Q&A with fans in the area.

Keselowski at Bristol
Starts: 26
Wins: 3 (2011, 2012, 2020)
Top-10s: 10
Poles: 2 (2020)

  • Keselowski makes his 27th Cup start on the concrete at Bristol this weekend. He has three Bristol Cup wins all-time with 10 top-10s and a 15.8 average finish.
  • He’s coming off a third-place run there this spring, and a P8 finish last fall in this race after starting sixth. In the past four fall races he has finishes of P8, P6, P34 and P3.
  • Keselowski’s three wins at BMS came back in 2011-12, and most recently in 2020.
  • Keselowski has led laps in 15 different Bristol races totaling 1,014 laps, his best total of any track on the circuit outside Richmond (1,280).
  • Keselowski has started top-10 in five of the last six Bristol races, including a pair of poles in 2020. Overall he has a 9.7 average starting position – his best of any track outside of Homestead (8.9). He has 16 starts inside the top-10 in 26 Bristol events.
  • Keselowski also made 14 Xfinity starts at Bristol with one win and eight top-10s, and seven Truck starts with one win and three top-10s.

Buescher at Bristol
Starts: 15
Wins: 1 (2022)
Top-10s: 5
Poles: —

  • Buescher enters the weekend with a load of momentum at ‘The Last Great Colosseum,’ coming off three-consecutive finishes of seventh or better. He’s the defending winner of the fall race from two years ago, and has led a combined 187 laps in the last three races alone.
  • He finished seventh at Bristol this spring – after starting 34th – and fourth last fall.
  • Overall, Buescher has five Cup top-10s at Bristol, with an eighth-place finish in the 2020 fall race, and a fifth-place run back in 2016.
  • Buescher has an average starting position of 23.9 with a career-best starting position of 12th (2016).
  • Buescher made five Xfinity Series starts at Bristol with three top-10s and a best finish of third (2015).

RFK Historically at Bristol
Cup Wins: 12 (Mark Martin, 1993, 1998; Kurt Busch, 2002, 2003, 2003, 2004; Matt Kenseth, 2005, 2006; Carl Edwards, 2007, 2008, 2014; Chris Buescher, 2022)

  • Runner Up: RFK’s storied history at Bristol began on April 10, 1988 with the No. 6 NCS car earning a second-place finish. Since that time, in addition to the organization’s 11 NCS wins at the track, RFK Fords have finished second at Bristol on 15 occasions (7 NCS, 4 NXS, 4 NCTS).
  • History and Hot Streaks at “Thunder Valley”: RFK’s history at Bristol has been one of hot streaks, including trips to victory lane in 10 of the last 21 seasons at the famed short track. RFK swept the track in 2003 and put a NCS car in victory lane at least once in every season from 2002-2008.
  • Tale of the Tape: RFK has started 223 NCS races at Bristol, recording 12 total wins with 53 top-five and 93 top-10 finishes. RFK Fords have an average finish of 15.7 with 3693 laps led all-time.

RFK Bristol Wins

1993-2 Martin Cup

1996-1 Martin NXS

1997-1 Burton NXS

1998-2 Martin Cup

2002-1 Busch Cup

2003-1 Busch Cup

2003-2 Busch Cup

2004-1 Busch Cup

2004 Edwards Truck

2005-2 Kenseth Cup

2006-2 Kenseth Cup

2006 Martin Truck

2006-2 Kenseth NXS

2007-1 Edwards NXS

2007-2 Edwards Cup

2008-2 Edwards Cup

2009-2 Ragan NXS

2014 -1 Edwards Cup
2022-2 Buescher Cup

Last Time Out & Where They Stand
Watkins Glen: Buescher earned the first road course win of his career Sunday at the Glen, overcoming three late-race restarts and retaking the lead from road course ace Shane Van Gisbergen. Keselowski finished 26th.

Points Standings (6: 14th, 17: 18th): Keselowski sits 12 points behind the cut line entering Bristol.

Bass Pro Shops Racing: Martin Truex Jr. Bristol Advance

By
Official Release
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Martin Truex Jr.
Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Advance
No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing

Event Overview

● Event: Bass Pro Shops Night Race (Round 29 of 36)
● Time/Date: 7:30 p.m. EDT on Saturday, Sept. 21
● Location: Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway
● Layout: .533-mile concrete oval
● Laps/Miles: 500 laps/266.5 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 125 laps / Stage 2: 125 laps / Final Stage: 250 laps
● TV/Radio: USA Network/ PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● One More Chance to Advance: After being involved in an accident in a late-race restart Sunday at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International, the New Jersey native sits 15th in the 16-driver playoff standings, 14 points below the top-12 cutline with one race remaining in the Round of 16. Only the top-12 drivers in points after Bristol advance to the next playoff round.

● Truex has three top-five finishes, five top-10s and has led a total of 341 laps in 34 career NASCAR Cup Series starts on Bristol’s concrete surface. Truex’s average Bristol finish is 20.2.

● Memory Lane: While Truex is still seeking his first Bristol win in NASCAR’s top series, he has visited victory lane at the East Tennessee track in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Truex brought home the win at Bristol in the spring 2004 race during the first of his back-to-back Xfinity Series championships, which came in 2004 and 2005.

● Truex has traditionally struggled at Bristol, but this season’s first trip to Bristol in March helped him and his Bass Pro Shops team gain confidence on the half-mile bullring. He brought home a runner-up finish to JGR teammate Denny Hamlin, leading 54 laps in a race where tire management was the story of the day. In his 33 races on the Bristol concrete prior to the March race, Truex had led a double-digit number of laps just four times. It was his most laps led in a race there since he led 52 laps in the August 2019 race. Prior to joining JGR in 2019, Truex led 116 laps in the spring 2017 Bristol race in a Toyota for Furniture Row Racing.

● Looking for 35: Truex’s win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon in July 2023 was his most recent Cup Series win, the 34th of his career, tying him with 2004 champion Kurt Busch for 25th on the all-time Cup Series win list.

● Ahead at this Stage: Truex has accumulated 64 stage wins since the beginning of the stage era in 2017. He is the only driver with 10 or more stage sweeps, with his latest sweep coming at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn in August 2023. Truex scored his fourth stage win of the season Sunday at Watkins Glen, leading the field across the line at the end of Stage 1.

Martin Truex Jr., Driver of the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE

If tire wear is a factor again at Bristol like it was in the spring race, how confident are you in your tire management skills to manage that?

“Yeah, I’m certainly looking forward to it more than in past years. Bristol has been in the past, just ‘hammer it’ as hard as you can all day. Track position was huge. Tires didn’t really wear out and it was all about pit stops, restarts and track position. Now, in the spring, it was like old-school racing. I enjoyed that more and had better success at it than I did in previous years at Bristol, so I’m excited for that and I think it’s a good opportunity for us with our Bass Pro Shops Camry.”

What are your thoughts on racing at Bristol, especially with this being a playoff cutoff race?

“Bristol hasn’t been my favorite place, but we’ve had some good runs there, too. I think we’ve been competitive there over the years. It’s a place that’s tight and things happen fast there, so you have to be on your toes. Always really excited to be a part of how great the crowd is there, and the fans love that place. Obviously the spring race there was very encouraging, and hope we can run up front all night like we did there in March and have a shot to make it through to the next round. Would be great to have another strong run there and finally get a win at Bristol with our Bass Pro Shops Camry. We’ll see how it plays out.”

Does going to Bristol make you nervous or does the spring race result give you and the team a bit more confidence going into this weekend?

“We’ve run well there at times, like the spring, for sure. We’ve certainly struggled at times, but I think everybody has. That place is tricky with the spray, and the groove moving around. We won’t race where we practice. It’s a little bit of a challenge there, but all of the times we’ve run there, it’s always been a flat tire or a loose wheel. I can’t even use both hands to count all of the times that has happened. It’s just been a tough place, hopefully no bad luck this weekend and we can go just have a smooth race and hopefully have the performance to get the job done.”

Is your approach going to be to try to point your way on to the next round?

“That’s the goal every week – try to get as many points as you can. You want to run up front and be in the mix with whatever position you are in. We certainly try to do that and maximize stage points and do everything we can. Some of it is out of our control and we can only focus on what we can control. It is going to be tough to point our way in, but it is a long race and a lot can happen, especially at a place like Bristol, so we are looking forward to the opportunity.”

How will you balance keeping track of where your fellow playoff drivers are versus what you are doing on Saturday night?

“You kind of just take it as it comes. Right now, we know where we stand and what we have to do, but things change, and if things change in a major way, they will let me know, but we just have to go race and do the best job that we can do no matter what everyone else has going on.”

No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Martin Truex Jr.

Hometown: Mayetta, New Jersey

Crew Chief: James Small

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

Car Chief: Chris Jones

Hometown: Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Race Engineer: Jaik Halpainy

Hometown: Blockville, New York

Spotter: Drew Herring

Hometown: Benson, North Carolina

Road Crew Members

Underneath Mechanic: Ryan Martin

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Virgina

Mechanic: Todd Carmichael

Hometown: Redding, California

Interior/Tire Specialist: Tommy DiBlasi

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Engine Tuner: Beau Morton

Hometown: Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Transporter Driver: Kyle Bazzell

Hometown: Fairbury, Illinois

Transporter Driver: Eddie DeGroot

Hometown: Baldwinsville, New York

Over-The-Wall Crew Members

Gas Man: Matt Tyrrell

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Jackman: Caleb Dirks

Hometown: Riverside, California

Tire Carrier: CJ Bailey

Hometown: Outer Banks, North Carolina

Front Tire Changer: Thomas Hatcher

Hometown: Middleburg, Florida

Rear Tire Changer: Lee Cunningham

Hometown: Leaf River, Illinois

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