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Burton, Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team Plan To Bring Speed to Talladega

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Official Release
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Harrison Burton and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are hoping that the speed they showed at Daytona International Speedway in February can be duplicated this weekend at Daytona’s sister track, Talladega Superspeedway.

Burton was leading the season-opening Daytona 500 when a wreck knocked him out of the race. Although races at Talladega, which is similar in size and layout to Daytona, often produces a different kind of race, crew chief Brian Wilson said he and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are aiming to execute the same strategy at Talladega on Sunday as they did at Daytona.

“Talladega is always chaotic and highly entertaining, but we also look at it as an opportunity to score Stage points and get a great finish,” Wilson said. “At Daytona things didn’t end how we wanted them to, but we qualified well, finished strong in the Duel and were at the front when we ultimately were involved in the wreck that took us out.”

Although Burton is a rookie, Wilson said he shows good instincts in the pack racing that occurs at Daytona and Talladega. And he does have a previous Cup Series start at Talladega, where last fall he made his debut in NASCAR’s elite series.

“Harrison’s thought process in the draft and decision making put us in good positions at Daytona,” Wilson said. “The wreck was certainly not due to our approach. We’ll go into this weekend with the same mindset of trying to run up front but also keep ourselves in good positions as the draft plays out.”

There will be no practice prior to Saturday’s qualifying session for the GEICO 500, which means teams won’t have to worry about wrecking primary cars before the start of the race.

Qualifying is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. (11 a.m. Eastern Time), and Sunday’s 188-lap race is set to get the green flag just after 2 p.m. (3 p.m. Eastern Time) with TV coverage on FOX.

Stage breaks are planned for Laps 60 and 120.

About Motorcraft
Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford and Lincoln Dealers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.

About Omnicraft
Omnicraft is part of the Ford lineup of parts brands: Ford Parts, Motorcraft and Omnicraft. Omnicraft is the exclusive non-Ford/Lincoln parts brand of premium aftermarket parts. With over a century of parts heritage to build upon, Omnicraft provides excellent quality and fit and is a preferred choice of professional automotive technicians. To find out more about Omnicraft, visit www.omnicraftautoparts.com or contact your local Ford or Lincoln Dealership.

About Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center
Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change & maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator & electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension & steering, wheel alignment, belts & hoses, lamps & bulbs, wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services. Ford employs approximately 187,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com.

*See seller for limited-warranty details.

Wood Brothers Racing

Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 99 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glenn’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Harrison Burton in the famous No. 21 racer.

Kody King Prepared to Compete in Family-Owned Car

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Official Release
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Kody King is set to make his first start of the year for his family-owned operation in the 45th Annual Spring Classic at Rockford Speedway on Saturday night.

Clear Lake, Ia. (Apr. 21, 2022) – With the CARS Pro Late Model Tour on a one-month hiatus, Kody King is using the free time to ensure that everything is up to speed with his family-owned operation in the Midwest.

The first race up for King in the Midwest will be at Rockford Speedway on Saturday evening for the 45th Annual Spring Classic, where he will look to apply his knowledge from the CARS Tour and offseason preparation and bring home a strong run.

While King is not entirely sure of what to expect from Rockford, he does know the car provided by his family and crew is much stronger compared to the previous season.

“I feel really good about [the car] with the new engine and all the work we’ve put in over the winter,” King said. “The car felt really solid in testing and I’m ready to hop back in and see what I can do.”

King admitted that his first venture into the CARS Tour has been filled with many hard but valuable on-track lessons.

In his first three appearances with Lee Faulk Racing, King’s best finish was a seventh at Hickory Motor Speedway. He currently sits fifth in the CARS Pro Late Model Tour standings; 25 points behind the current leader in Caden Kvapil.

Competing against Kvapil, William Sawalich, Luke Fenhaus and other talented drivers has proven to be beneficial for King, who added that the CARS Pro Late Model Tour is serving as an ideal opportunity for him to thoroughly understand what it takes to be competitive in races over 100 laps in length.

“I’m new to longer races and really working on my physical endurance,” King said. “I’m also learning new braking strategies, adapting to changes in the car as the race progresses and also my communication skills to relay what the car feels like back to my team.”

Although King will be back close to home in the Midwest this weekend, he plans to approach the Spring Classic at Rockford just like his three CARS Pro Late Model Tour events to date.

With the Spring Classic being one of Rockford’s crown jewel events, King said that endurance, effective communication, and versatility behind the wheel are all qualities that he can use as he battles the rest of the field through the 88-lap Big 8 Late Model Series feature.

In turn, King said that he can properly utilize his experience from the Midwest and carry it over into the CARS Tour, but he also understands that patience and more time on the track will be imperative for him to find more consistent success in the south.

“Hard work is overall the most important skill, whether that’s physical endurance or driving skill,” King said. “I need to learn from my mistakes and see what others are doing to get an edge over me. If I can do that effectively, then the wins will come with time.”

Having won at Hawkeye Downs Speedway last year, King feels confident in his chances to hold his own against the veterans and rookies of the Midwest and return to the CARS Pro Late Model Tour in May with momentum on his side.

King would like to thank his family, Lee Faulk Racing Development and MPM Marketing for all of their support, along with his partners in Port City Racecars, Omans Performance, Northern Racing Products, House Motorsports, J3 Renovation & Design, Capital Signs, K1 RaceGear and Wiley X.

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About McCallister Precision Marketing

McCallister Precision Marketing (MPM) focuses on assisting up-and-coming race car drivers with career advancement and promotion. McCallister Precision Marketing helps drivers build confidence in front of and behind the camera, giving them the tools they need to advance to the next level. The company also provides companies with a strategic plan for their sales, marketing and promotional needs. We believe in building positive relationships with our clients so that we may provide them with the most professional, yet personal guidance they need, in order to achieve their racing goals. Our clients include race car drivers, race team owners, companies and racing series’. We also work closely with charities and charity events. For more information on McCallister Precision Marketing, visit www.MarketWithMPM.com, email TonyaMac44@MarketWithMPM.com or call 803-361-6199.

Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix Announces Opening Party

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Official Release
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Credit: Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix
  • Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix Opening Party with Musical Performances presented by Heineken® to feature live music, special guests and a host of Formula 1® drivers on Wednesday May 4th at 7pm ET
  • A dynamic music show presented by Heineken® will see superstar DJ/Producer Kygo headline as the music act with special guests, who will play to a live crowd to celebrate the first-ever F1® race at the Miami International Autodrome
  • Spectacular opening show will take place on the eye-catching podium built on the south side of Hard Rock Stadium
  • General Admission Tickets to the event will be priced from $100 and are on sale now here

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., South Florida Motorsports (SFM), promoter of the Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix has today announced details of a star-studded opening night of entertainment, special guests and live music presented by Heineken®, that will take place in the build-up to the first-ever Formula 1® race in Miami Gardens.

The Opening Party with Musical Performances presented by Heineken® will be an unforgettable evening of live music and driver introductions with a crowd full of fans expected to enjoy the event, that will also be broadcast live on F1’s social media channels. Accompanying the F1® drivers and Team Principals on stage for the show, will be drivers from the all-female support category W Series, as well a star-studded presenting line-up.

Taking place on the huge bespoke podium, where the top three drivers will receive their trophies on race day, the opening show will give fans an exclusive look into what a Miami style F1® race weekend will look like. With accompanying music by Kygo & special guests, the event is set to be a thrilling curtain-raiser to the inaugural race which takes place at the newly-built Miami International Autodrome.

Richard Cregan, CEO of the Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix said: “We can’t wait to introduce Formula 1 to Miami, and this event is the perfect way to start the race week. We’ve been working tirelessly to deliver an event that people will enjoy, and also on ways to give as many fans as possible a taste of our event. We’re thrilled that the F1 drivers, Team Principals and Kygo & special guests presented by Heineken®, will help us to do that on May 4th and officially launch our race weekend in Miami style.”

Since 2016 Heineken® has been an integral global partner of Formula 1® providing spectacular live concerts and world class entertainment in unique settings across the globe. In addition to their Event Title Partnerships and socially-responsible campaigns, Heineken® has given F1® fans an opportunity to come together to enjoy live music from amazing artists and DJs at some of the most iconic race tracks in the world. The Opening Party will be the perfect way for Heineken® to get the Miami weekend started.

The Opening Party with Musical Performances presented by Heineken® will bring together impressive music performances with internationally-renowned artist, producer and DJ, Kygo introducing a host of special guests, friends and A-list celebrities, and the whole night will take place on the stunning Formula 1® podium which overlooks both the race track and the Miami Campus fountains.

Kygo said: “I’m super excited to be working with Heineken® to perform at the Opening Party to celebrate the first ever F1 race here in Miami. Miami is such a cultural capital, and I can’t wait to see the meeting of the buzz of such a vibrant city, with the glamour of Formula 1, and I look forward to opening the weekend with a big celebration!”

The Opening Party with Musical Performances presented by Heineken® will offer a great additional opportunity for fans to experience the Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix experience. General admission tickets are on sale now and will be priced from $100. To buy tickets to attend this star-studded show, click here.

Follow us at:

Facebook – F1 Miami Grand Prix
Twitter – @F1Miami
Instagram – @F1MIA
LinkedIn – F1 Miami Grand Prix

About the Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix

Scheduled to make its debut on 6-8 May, 2022, the Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix is the sport’s newest race on the Formula 1® calendar. Located in Miami Gardens, Florida, the world’s top drivers are set to compete on a brand-new circuit located within the complex of the Hard Rock Stadium, the home of the legendary Miami Dolphins NFL team. The 5.41km Miami International Autodrome features 19 corners, three straights and has an estimated top speed of 320km/h.

The race will also provide an additional tourist boost and economic impact to local businesses in the greater Miami region. Formula 1® and South Florida Motorsports are working closely with the local community to provide an allotment of discounted tickets for the residents of Miami Gardens, ensuring they have the opportunity to experience the thrill of the sport. Additionally, South Florida Motorsports have launched a programme to support both local businesses and the community to ensure they get the full benefits of the race being held in Miami Gardens. This includes a STEM education programme through F1 in Schools, as well as the opportunity for local restaurants to be part of the race weekend.About AutoNation.

About HEINEKEN®

HEINEKEN® is the world’s most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken® brand, the Group has a portfolio of more than 300 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. HEINEKEN® is committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management. Through “Brewing a Better World”, sustainability is embedded in the business. HEINEKEN® has a well-balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets. It employs over 85,000 employees and operates breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries. Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shares trade on the Euronext in Amsterdam. Prices for the ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbols HEIA NA and HEIO NA and on Reuters under HEIN.AS and HEIO.AS. HEINEKEN® has two sponsored level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programmes: Heineken N.V. (OTCQX: HEINY) and Heineken Holding N.V. (OTCQX: HKHHY). Most recent information is available on HEINEKEN®’s website: www.theHEINEKENcompany.com and follow us on Twitter via @HEINEKENCorp.

About Formula 1®

The FIA Formula 1® World ChampionshipTM was inaugurated in 1950, unifying the sport of Grand Prix motor racing as the world’s most prestigious motorsport competition. Through more than 70 years it has grown to become the world’s most popular annual sporting series. In 2016 it was watched by 400 million unique television viewers from over 200 territories. The 2021 season will run from March to December and spans 23 races in 21 countries. Formula 1® is a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation (NASDAQ: LSXMA, LSXMB, LSXMK, BATRA, BATRK, FWONA, FWONK) attributed to the Formula One Group tracking stock. For more information on Formula 1® visit: formula1.com

Greg Van Alst and Team Upbeat Ahead of Talladega ARCA Rematch

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Official Release
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TALLADEGA, Ala.: Nestled in his new race shop a few feet from his home in central Indiana, Greg Van Alst and his Greg Van Alst Motorsports team have been readily preparing for Saturday afternoon’s General Tire 200 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

Amid dealing with the eccentric weather of spring showers and winter blizzards since competing in his most recent ARCA Menards Series race at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway, Van Alst is ready to escape the wild weather of the Midwest and head to Alabama and focus on trying to earn his first career ARCA Menards Series in just his second start at the 2.66-mile superspeedway.

“I’m excited to get back into the speedway car this weekend,” said Van Alst. “We did not get a chance to show what we were really capable of at Daytona in February.”

And it’s not just Daytona where Van Alst wasn’t able to showcase what his family-owned team was capable of.

Last April at the Southern Alabama race track, Van Alst felt like he was in a prime position to make a move for the lead but was spun by another competitor that abruptly ended his chances of a superspeedway upset.

Returning to Talladega a year later, Van Alst feels his superspeedway program is even better than it was in 2021 and is eager to continue to showcase that in the third ARCA Menards Series race of the year.
“I think we will be even better,” explained Van Alst of his superspeedway equipment. “We keep getting wrecked and every time we do, we repair it to be better than it was before. Without qualifying and the field set by owner points, we are likely forced to start mid-pack.

“No matter what though, I think we will have our work cut out for us. But, if we can find a good drafting partner we will make our way to the front and be in contention for the win.”

No matter where the Anderson, Ind. native starts on Saturday afternoon, should the veteran pull off his first career ARCA win in his 14th career start, the hard work over the past year and a half will have come full circle.

“It would mean everything to win,” sounded Van Alst. “It would prove that we deserve to be at this level and that we can compete against the best in the business from our own backyard shop. Winning is the reason we are here.

“We were one position away from doing it last summer at Winchester and Talladega provides another opportunity for us to try again.”

With finishes of 22nd and 36th respectively in the opening two races of the ARCA season, Van Alst is also looking to Talladega to pull his team from a disappointing start where circumstances outside of the driver’s control have dictated less than ideal finishes.

A win would undeniably turn the team’s world upside down for the right reasons, but if a win isn’t in the cards this weekend, a top-10 would be more than welcomed as the team hopes to run the full 20-race schedule in 2022.

“We are just plugging along the best we can,” Van Alst offered. “Both years I won championships in Late Models started out in a similar fashion. We are not going to give up.

“All we can do is continue to prep for each race the best that we know-how and continue to try to bring the fastest pieces that we can and hope that our luck will turn around.”

Chris Barkdull’s CB Fabricating, a longtime partner with Greg Van Alst Motorsports has boosted its commitment to the team and will continue its role as the primary marketing partner of Van Alst’s No. 35 Chevrolet.

Headquartered in Anderson, Ind., CB Fabricating offers a complete list of fabricating from design, laser cutting, CNC punching, forming, welding, powder coating, and assembly.

Their 26,000-square-foot facility allows them to service the needs of many different industries. Everything from the Automotive, agricultural, aquatic, medical, transportation, electrical enclosures, and much more.

“Chris enjoys competing at tracks like Daytona and Talladega just as much as I do – if not more,” Van Alst sounded. “Talladega is a pinnacle race for our small team and I’m thankful to have the support of Chris and CB Fabricating.”

In addition to CB Fabricating, Top Choice Fence, Norton Transport, KRJ Race Products and Lintz Creative will serve as associate marketing partners for Van Alst’s 14th career ARCA start.

For more on Greg Van Alst and Greg Van Alst Motorsports, please visit GregVanAlst.com, like them on Facebook (Van Alst Motorsports) and follow him on Twitter (@GregVanAlst35).

For more on CB Fabricating, please visit CBFabricating.com and like them on Facebook (CB Fabricating).

The General Tire 200 (76 laps | 200 miles) is the third of 20 races on the 2022 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Group practice begins on Fri. April 22 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The series won’t host qualifying, setting the field by 2021 ARCA car owner standings. The 60th ARCA from Talladega is set to take the green flag on Saturday, April 23 shortly after 12:00 p.m. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with the Motor Racing Network (MRN) handling the radio waves. ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire weekend festivities. All times are local (CT).

Gus Dean Hunts Second ARCA Talladega Triumph with Venturini Motorsports

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Official Release
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TALLADEGA, Ala.: Gus Dean is hunting in Saturday afternoon’s General Tire 200 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

The Bluffton, S.C. native is trophy hunting that is as the Venturini Motorsports driver returns to the 2.66-mile superspeedway for the first time in ARCA competition in two years looking to rekindle the magic he showcased in 2016 when he scored his first career ARCA Menards Series victory in an upset victory in just his second series start.

A lot has transpired for Dean since that defining moment in his career nearly six years ago, but the feelings and the emotions of his Talladega triumph feel as if the win was yesterday.

“I’m super excited to get back to Talladega Superspeedway,” said Dean. “It’s one of my favorite race tracks on this earth. It’s very special to me and my family and I’d like nothing more than to do that again with Venturini Motorsports on Saturday.”

The third ARCA Menards Series race of the season will mark Dean’s second race with the potent Venturini Motorsports and with a top-five finish in their debut together two months ago at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, Dean is looking to build on that momentum in his sixth trip to the famed-Alabama facility.

“I can’t thank Venturini Motorsports enough for everything they are doing,” explained Dean. “As we mentioned before Daytona, we have been trying to work together for a couple of years and I’m glad that the stars finally aligned.

“Daytona was good. It was nice to finish my first ever race there. The Venturini Motorsports team brought me a race-winning No. 55 Dean Custom Air Toyota Camry, but we were run over by another car under the yellow and it caused some damage and we had to pit and rally from the back.

“We were able to fight back to inside the top-five on the last lap, but just ran out of laps. Hopefully, we can have a mistake-free day on Saturday and return to Victory Lane.”

Talladega has proven to be one of Dean’s best race tracks in ARCA competition. In five starts, he has one win, three top-10s and five top-16 finishes. With an average finish of 8.8, the Late Model standout is eager to approve that statistic in his second ARCA start of the season.

“I’ve always run well at Talladega and I hope that trend continues this weekend,” added Dean. “I had a really good car the last time I competed in 2020 but unfortunately had an electrical issue and it doomed our chances of a victory.

“We’re bringing the same No. 55 Dean Custom Air Toyota Camry that we raced at Daytona and I know what that car is capable of and I just look forward to a fun 76 laps of working with my teammates and getting my first win of the season.”

With just practice on deck and his starting position set by 2021 owner points, Dean knows he does not have the best starting position, but he also knows he’ll have a car capable of getting him to the front.

“Patience is going to be super important on Saturday, especially at the start of the race,” Dean explained. “There are some really good cars starting mid-pack or towards the rear of the field and it’s going to take some patience and just using our heads to negotiate the traffic and then setting yourself up after the modified pit stop.

“Our Venturini Motorsports cars ran well together at Daytona in February and I’d know we can do it again, so I’ll try to get to the front as quickly and safely as possible and hope that we can settle it amongst ourselves for the win. We will just see what happens.”

In addition to Talladega, Dean will return to ARCA competition with Venturini Motorsports at Michigan International Speedway in August.

The 27-year-old South Carolinian is poised to have a busy 2022 season between ARCA, Late Models, Mud Truck Racing and a hopeful sporadic appearance or two in one of NASCAR’s National Series.

“With no championship on the line for me this season, it’s about having fun,” sounded Dean. “Whether that’s competing with Venturini Motorsports in ARCA, DLP Motorsports in Late Model competition or the other racing endeavors we have planned for this season. Of course, the urge to still compete full-time is there, but it takes marketing partners and a lot of financial commitment to make it happen.

“Until we can hopefully put ourselves back into that position again, we’ll take the path that has been laid out before me and make the most of it.”

In addition to Dean Custom Air, Folds of Honor, IMPACT, Kick Industries, TOSOT and WileyX will serve
as associate marketing partners for Dean’s 57th career ARCA start.

For more on Gus Dean, please visit GusDean.com, like him on Facebook (Gus Dean Racing) and follow him on Instagram (@GusDean) and Twitter (@GusDean).

The General Tire 200 (76 laps | 200 miles) is the third of 20 races on the 2022 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Group practice begins on Fri. April 22 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The series won’t host qualifying, setting the field by 2021 ARCA car owner standings. The 60th ARCA from Talladega is set to take the green flag on Saturday, April 23 shortly after 12:00 p.m. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with the Motor Racing Network (MRN) handling the radio waves. ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire weekend festivities. All times are local (CT).

Dixon Tops 227 To Pace First Day of Indy 500 Open Test

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Official Release
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INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, April 20, 2022) – Six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Scott Dixon led the first day of the Indianapolis 500 Open Test on Wednesday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as drivers and teams began preparation for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

Dixon’s best lap was 227.187 mph in the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, aided by an aerodynamic tow on the 2.5-mile oval.

The session started 90 minutes late due to morning rain. Testing ended approximately 30 minutes early as a precaution so INDYCAR and IMS officials could inspect the acceleration lane inside Turns 1 and 2 after three drivers spun while exiting that lane during the day, with two of the incidents happening in the last 20 minutes of running.

Cool air temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s kept speeds high and drivers on their toes as most ran in aerodynamic packs. There were three sessions, with the opening two hours for veteran drivers, followed by a two-hour session for rookies and veteran refresher tests and then an open track for all competitors.

“I think the conditions are always pretty ideal when you run this time of year,” Dixon said. “The car feels really good. A lot of it depends on track placement and how much confidence you have in the car, how big a tow you can get. I guess we lucked out on that today.

“We still have a bit of a test. We didn’t get through too much of it because the session was kind of fragmented, then obviously finishing early. Still a lot of work to do I think for the tomorrow. Maybe we’ll get a bit of a time extension tomorrow depending on conditions. All in all, I think all the drivers were really confident with how the day went and how the cars felt. But I think that’s maybe across the board because of conditions.”

Conor Daly was second fastest overall at 226.985 in the No. 20 BitNile Chevrolet. Callum Ilott was the fastest of the seven Indianapolis 500 rookies, third overall at 226.308 in the No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet.

Santino Ferrucci was fourth at 226.182 in the No. 23 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Chevrolet, while Marcus Ericsson rounded out the top five at 225.341 in the No. 8 Huski Chocolate Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.

The second day of testing will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (ET) Thursday for all drivers. Track action can be viewed live in the U.S. on Peacock Premium, NBC’s live streaming service. International fans can view the test on IndyCar Live!

The INDYCAR Radio Network will provide coverage for the all-cars sessions. The coverage will be on network affiliates, including racecontrol.indycar.com and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.

Global racing stars Romain Grosjean and Jimmie Johnson continued their journeys toward their first Indianapolis 500 starts, turning laps with the veteran drivers since both completed the Rookie Orientation Program during testing last fall at IMS. Formula One veteran Grosjean’s fastest lap was 223.253 in the No. 28 DHL Honda, while seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Johnson’s best lap was 222.255 in the No. 48 Carvana Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.

All five Indianapolis 500 rookies still needing to complete the Rookie Orientation Program – Kyle Kirkwood, Devlin DeFrancesco, David Malukas, Christian Lundgaard and Ilott – passed all three phases of the test today. Marco Andretti completed his refresher test, while two-time “500” winner Juan Pablo Montoya and Sage Karam will finish their refreshers Thursday.

Three drivers – all Indianapolis 500 winners – spun while either on or exiting the acceleration lane from the pits in Turns 1 and 2.

2016 winner Alexander Rossi was the first to suffer the mishap, avoiding wall contact on a spin in his No. 27 NAPA AUTO PARTS/AutoNation Honda moments after the track opened at 12:30 p.m. (ET).

Four-time and reigning Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves also spun in the same spot during the open practice, careening across the track and hitting the SAFER Barrier in Turn 2 at 5:11 p.m. (ET). Castroneves was unhurt, but his Indy 500-winning No. 06 AutoNation/Sirius XM Honda suffered significant front, right-side and floor damage.

“I didn’t feel anything strange, anything bottoming, I wasn’t pushing,” Castroneves said. “And the rear just spun out. I was trying to control it, making sure I didn’t crash, and it was a very odd situation. Unfortunately, we couldn’t avoid that. It was very unusual.”

Just 21 minutes later, 2018 “500” winner Will Power spun in his No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet in the Turn 1 warmup lane and veered toward on-track traffic. He barely kept his car from entering the oval, and Colton Herta was forced to run above the racing line in Turn 1 to avoid Power, also spinning, nudging the SAFER Barrier in Turn 1 and shearing the attenuator from the rear of his No. 26 Gainbridge Honda. Power and Herta both were unhurt.

Ericsson could have been awarded the unofficial driver of the day award after he deftly darted around the spinning cars of Castroneves and Herta in separate incidents, barely evading a major incident.

“He was going left and right and wasn’t sure, and my brakes weren’t quite locked up yet, so it wasn’t clear which direction I was going,” Herta said Ericsson’s evasion of his spin. “Then I locked them up, and luckily he’s a heads-up driver and got out of the way.”

The 106th Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 29 at IMS.

Sainz inks two-year F1 contract extension with Ferrari

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Mario Renzi/Formula 1.

Scuderia Ferrari announced that Carlos Sainz Jr. has inked a two-year contract extension to continue to drive for the championship-winning organization through the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship season.

The news comes as the 27-year-old Sainz from Madrid, Spain, is off to a strong start in his second season with Ferrari, where he has notched two podiums during the first three F1 events this season: a runner-up result at Bahrain and a third-place finish at Saudi Arabia in March. He is currently ranked in third place in the drivers’ standings.

“I am very happy to have renewed my contract with Scuderia Ferrari, Sainz said. “I have always said that there is no better Formula 1 team to race for and after over a year with them, I can confirm that putting on this race suit and representing this team is unique and incomparable. My first season at Maranello was solid and constructive, with the whole group progressing together. The result of all that work has been clear to see so far season.”

Sainz is currently campaigning in his eighth full-time season in Formula One that includes previous season starts with Toro Rosso, Renault and McLaren prior to Ferrari. During his first season with Ferrari in 2021, he notched a career-best runner-up result during the Monaco Grand Prix in May, a total of four podiums and 20 top-10 points-paying results as he finished in a career-best fifth place in the final standings.

Through 143 career starts in Formula One, Sainz has achieved a total of eight podiums, 570 points and an average-finishing result of 10.3.

“I feel strengthened by this renewed show of confidence in me and now I can’t wait to get in the car, to do my best for Ferrari and to give its fans plenty to cheer about,” Sainz added. “The F1-75 is proving to be a front-runner, which can allow me to chase my goals on track, starting with taking my first Formula 1 win.”

The decision for Ferrari to retain Sainz means that he will remain as a teammate to Charles Leclerc, the current championship leader who has won two of the first three events this season at Bahrain and Australia. Leclerc is currently competing with a Ferrari contract that also runs through 2024.

“I have said several times that I believe we have the best driver pairing in Formula 1 and so, with every passing race, it seemed a completely natural step to extend Carlos’ contract, thus ensuring stability and continuity,” Mattia Binotto, Team Principal & Managing Director of Ferrari, said. “In his time so far with the team, he has proved to have the talent we expected from him, delivering impressive results and making the most of all opportunities. Outside the car, he is a hard worker with an eye for the smallest detail, which has helped the whole group to improve and progress. Together, we can aim for ambitious targets and I’m sure that, along with Charles, he can play a significant part in fuelling the Ferrari legend and will write new chapters in the history of our team.”

With his new, extended contract official, Sainz is set to proceed towards his quests of winning his maiden Grand Prix event and World Championship title by competing at Imola Circuit on Sunday, April 24, for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Weekend schedule for Talladega

By
Angie Campbell
-
During the NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 25, 2021 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

The NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series travel to Talladega Superspeedway this weekend. The ARCA Menards Series will also complete Saturday afternoon in the General Tire 250.

The Camping World Truck Series will have some time off but will return to compete on May 6 at Darlington Raceway.

Brad Keselowski leads all Cup Series active drivers with six wins at the 2.66-mile track and is the defending race winner.

The Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash program continues with AJ Allmendinger, Landon Cassill, Brandon Jones and Austin Hill eligible to contend for the $100,000 bonus.

Friday, April 22

4 p.m.: ARCA practice – Groups (Impound)
No TV

5:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series Qualifying (Impound) (Single Vehicle/1 Lap/2 Rounds)
FS1/MRN/SiriusXM

Saturday, April 23
11 a.m.: Cup Series Qualifying (Impound) (Single Vehicle/1 Lap/2 Rounds)
FS1/MRN/ SiriusXM

1 p.m: ARCA General Tire 250 – 202.16 miles (76 Laps)
FS1/MRN

4 p.m.: Xfinity Ag-Pro 300
Stages 25/50/113 Laps = 300.58 Miles
FOX/MRN/SiriusXM
The Purse: $1,475,583

Sunday, April 24

3 p.m.: Cup Series GEICO 500
Stages 60/120/188 Laps = 500 Miles
FOX/MRN/SiriusXM
The Purse: $7,420,008

Active Race Winners (10)WinsSeasons
Brad Keselowski62021, 2017, 2016. 2014, 2012, 2009
Joey Logano32018, 2016, 2015
Ryan Blaney22020, 2019
Denny Hamlin22020, 2014
Bubba Wallace12021
Chase Elliott12019
Aric Almirola12018
Ricky Stenhouse Jr12017
Kevin Harvick12010
Kyle Busch12008

Tony Stewart Racing: Houston Advance for the 35th NHRA SpringNationals

By
Official Release
-

Leah Pruett & Matt Hagan
Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel & Funny Car Drivers
35th NHRA SpringNationals
April 22-24 | Baytown, Texas

Event Overview

Friday, April 22 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

● Nitro qualifying session (Q1): 7 p.m. CDT/8 p.m. EDT

Saturday, April 23 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

● Nitro qualifying session (Q2): 2 p.m. CDT/3 p.m. EDT
● Nitro qualifying session (Q3): 5:15 p.m. CDT/6:15 p.m. EDT

Sunday, April 24 (Nitro Eliminations, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

● Round 1: 11 a.m. CDT/12 p.m. EDT
● Round 2: 1 p.m. CDT/2 p.m. EDT
● Semi-Finals: 2:35 p.m. CDT/3:35 p.m. EDT
● Finals: 4:10 p.m. CDT/5:10 p.m. EDT

TV coverage on FS1

● Friday, April 22: Qualifying show (6 p.m. CDT/7 p.m. EDT)
● Sunday, April 24: Qualifying show, recapping all of Saturday’s action (9:30 a.m. CDT/10:30 a.m. EDT)
● Sunday, April 24: Finals show (6:30 p.m. CDT/7:30 p.m. EDT)

Notes of Interest

● The NHRA SpringNationals at Houston Raceway Park in Baytown, Texas, is the fifth event on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series’ 22-race calendar in 2022. Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) brings its two fulltime entries – one in Top Fuel for nine-time event winner Leah Pruett and one in Funny Car for three-time Funny Car champion Matt Hagan. Hagan’s runner-up finish in the series’ prior event at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway put him atop the Funny Car point standings in just his fourth start with TSR.

● Dodge Power Brokers and Direct Connection return to Pruett’s Top Fuel dragster and Hagan’s Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car this weekend in Houston. The Dodge Power Brokers program serves as the exclusive source for Direct Connection, Dodge’s factory-backed performance parts program, which is equipped with staff trained to deliver a performance-focused customer service experience.

● The SpringNationals will mark Pruett’s 176th career Top Fuel start and her ninth at Houston. For Hagan, the SpringNationals will be his 298th career Funny Car start and his 14th at Houston.

● Pruett is looking for her second victory at the SpringNationals. Her first win came in 2017 when Pruett’s run of 3.781 ET at 321.96 mph defeated Steve Torrence (3.787 at 322.11 mph). She has one No. 1 qualifier at Houston, which came in 2018 with a run of 3.680 ET at 326.00 mph and set a new track record.

● Hagan has one career SpringNationals win, which came in 2010. It marked his first career win and it came in his 31st start. His run of 4.390 ET at 247.57 mph defeated Jeff Arend (4.714 ET at 231.20 mph). Hagan has one additional final round appearance at Houston – 2019 when he was defeated by Robert Hight. Hagan is seeking his first No. 1 qualifier at Houston.

● The SpringNationals will be a homecoming for Hagan’s crew chief, Dickie Venables. Venables is a Houston native who grew up in Space City and started racing there with his dad. Hagan will run a special decal to honor Dickie’s father, Richard “Dick” Venables, who passed away on Dec. 29, 2021. In 1960, Dick went to work as an automotive technician for Taylor Exploration. In 1962, he purchased the shop and started Southwest Brake & Wheel Alignment Service. He retired in 2006 after 44 years in business. He had a passion for drag racing, and although it was just a hobby that he and his friends enjoyed, he was a pioneer in the sport. He paved the way for his son Dickie to make a career in the NHRA for the last 40 years. After Dick passed away, his family suggested The Tony Stewart Foundation for those who wished to make a donation in Dick’s name. The mission of the Tony Stewart Foundation is to provide grant funding to well-qualified organizations serving children who are critically ill or physically disabled; animals at-risk or endangered; and drivers injured in the sport of motor racing.

● DYK? The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series will make its 35th and final appearance at Houston Raceway Park when the final pass is made on Sunday of the SpringNationals. Known for its sea-level location along Trinity Bay that creates a race-perfect, oxygen-rich environment, Houston Raceway Park hosted its first national event in 1988. And while the track has seen plenty of straight-line action in the years since, it will succumb to the expansion of Katoen Natie, the Antwerp, Belgium-based international logistics service provider and port operator. The company already has 5 million square-feet of warehouse space adjacent to the facility, but the company is expanding its footprint for receiving, storing and distributing petrochemicals and consumer goods, as well as housing its process engineering and other business units, and that expansion comes at the expense of Houston Raceway Park.

Leah Pruett, Driver of the Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel Dragster

With 2022 marking the final appearance for the NHRA at Houston Raceway Park after 35 years, what is your favorite memory from the historic track?

“My favorite memory from Houston has got to be my Top Fuel win in 2017. We beat Steve Torrence, who is now the reigning world champ, in the final on a super-close race. It was on a day where I was at the top of my game and in a groove with that team, and I feel we are at that same level with this new team. This track just exudes memorable experiences – from a semifinal finish in Top Fuel in 2016 at a race I untraditionally attended, with an absent team owner, to No. 1 qualifier in 2018, and heading to Baytown midweek between races for the top-secret, late-night Dodge Demon development test sessions. So many cool personal memories. I’d like to top it off with our first Top Fuel win for Tony Stewart Racing.”

After six full, strong runs at the Four-Wide Nationals in the series’ last event at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, what’s the mindset for you and the Dodge Power Brokers team going into Houston?

“It has given us confidence, but some good runs off the trailer will give us even more confidence, with a capital ‘C’. Neal (Strausbaugh, crew chief) and Mike (Domagala, co-crew chief) have a very healthy running engine program and I’m proud of all the hard work my crew is putting in.”

With a day of testing at Las Vegas after the Four-Wide Nationals, did the team gain valuable information it can apply to this weekend’s race at Houston?

“We have an even better understanding of our supercharger inventory after testing, which is imperative with these high-horsepower conditions. Knowing what we have to work with power-wise has been the goal of ‘just needing more laps’. We’re getting there and our confidence is growing.”

Matt Hagan, Driver of the Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car

With 2022 marking the final appearance for the NHRA at Houston Raceway Park after 35 years, what is your favorite memory from the historic track?

“Houston will always have a special place in my heart since it’s where I got my first NHRA win. I got in on a peddle job and won the race on a peddle job. As a driver, it was really special for me because a lot of it was up to me that day to win the race. It was against Jeff Arend and I blew the tires off – left and right and sideways. It was pretty crazy. Obviously, I was still learning how to drive a racecar then. It’s neat to make those memories and reflect back on them. I know this last race at Houston Raceway Park will be special, as well.”

Since gaining the points lead with your runner-up finish in the series’ last event at the Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, what’s the mindset for you and the Dodge Power Brokers team going into Houston?

“Coming off the points lead, three final-round appearances and a win, we have a lot of good momentum going and are in a good headspace. We have a good vibe going. Working for Tony (Stewart) has been great. He is an awesome guy that’s laid back. I can’t wait to get to Houston for the last race there and hopefully pull a win out of it.”

With a day of testing at Las Vegas after the Four-Wide Nationals, did the team gain valuable information it can apply to this weekend’s race at Houston?

“It was nice to get some testing in the Monday after Las Vegas and try some new things. Overall, our team is working hard behind the scenes to try and stay on top. We’re going to go out there and prove why we’re supposed to be here. I feel good about my driving, my lights, and the car that Dickie (Venables, crew chief) is putting together. We have a great team and we’re having fun with what we’re doing.”

What will it mean to honor Dickie Venables’ father, Dick Venables, with a special decal at Houston?

“Dickie and his dad are so special to me. Dickie grew up around drag racing with his dad and I was able to meet Dick several times. In Houston, they would always barbeque and bring ribs over for the team. Dickie’s dad was a super cool guy. I can see why Dickie got into drag racing because his dad loved it so much. Dickie and I sat down at the start of the year. We dedicated this whole season to his dad, not just one race win. We’re hoping we can get him a championship, but either way, we’ll be honoring him. Dick instilled some great qualities into Dickie and they show every weekend on the racetrack. It’s a special race weekend because Dickie is going to have a lot of family at the race. With me getting my first race win at Houston, it would be special to get another win at our final race there to honor Dick.”

Roush Fenway Keselowski Weekly Advance | Talladega I

By
Official Release
-

RFK Racing takes its successful Superspeedway program to Alabama this weekend for the first of two trips to Talladega Superspeedway, where Jack Roush has eight wins all-time, including five in the Cup Series.

NASCAR Cup Series Race at Talladega
Sunday, April 24 | 3 p.m. ET
FOX, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90

· Brad Keselowski, No. 6 Castrol Carbon Neutral Ford Mustang
· Chris Buescher, No. 17 Fastenal Ford Mustang

Recently at Dega

RFK has led laps in eight of the last 11 races at Talladega with five top-10s in that span. Buescher is coming off a sixth-place run last fall, one of his two top-10s at the track, while Keselowski is the winningest active driver at Talladega with six victories, tied for second on the all-time list with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon.

Photo Finish at the Line

It came down to the final few inches for Newman two years ago in the fall race, as he finished second behind Ryan Blaney by .007 seconds, the sixth-closest finish in NASCAR history. Newman lined up fifth on the inside line for the final restart with three laps to go. After a four-car group went single-file coming to the white flag, Newman took the lead and led coming out of turn four and through the tri-oval before Blaney snuck to his inside just before the start/finish line. It was a long 188 laps for the entire field as rain set in after 57 laps were completed, postponing the finish to Monday afternoon.

Running Clear Across Alabama

RFK has seen its fair share of success at the Alabama track, amassing 277 starts, eight wins, 44 top-fives and 95 top-10s across NASCAR’s three major touring series. Roush machines have also tallied seven poles, including three in cup action, and have led more than 1500 laps.

Winning in Greenbow

RFK has won in all three of NASCAR’s major series at Talladega. The team won its first race at Talladega in the NCS event in the spring of 1995. Former RFK driver Mark Martin won for the organization in all three series at the 2.66-mile oval.

Most recently, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. piloted his Fifth Third Bank Ford to victory lane four years ago when the NCS rolled through Talladega for the organization’s eighth win at the historic track.

Fastest Chicken in the South

Former RFK driver Mark Martin won the fastest Cup race ever recorded on May 10, 1997 at Talladega piloting the No. 6 Ford. Martin, who held off NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt, started from the 18th position and led 47 laps en route to the victory. The race saw 26 lead changes and had an average speed of 188.354 mph.

Tale of the Tape

RFK has started 218 NCS races at Talladega with 78 top-10 and 37 top-five finishes along with three poles. Former drivers Mark Martin (1995, 1997), Jamie McMurray (2009), Matt Kenseth (2012) and Stenhouse are responsible for RFK’s combined five Cup wins and overall a Jack Roush Ford has led 1519 laps at the 2.66-mile track.

RFK Talladega Wins

1995-1 Martin Cup

1997-1 Martin Cup

1997 Martin NXS

2006 Martin Truck

2009 Ragan NXS

2009-2 McMurray Cup

2012-2 Kenseth Cup

2017-1 Stenhouse Cup

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