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SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt | Joe Graf Jr. Martinsville Speedway April Event Preview

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Official Release
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SS Greenlight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Martinsville (Va.) Speedway | Call 811 Before You Dig 250

Fast Facts
No. 07 SS GreenLight Racing Team:
Driver: Joe Graf Jr. (@JoeGrafJr)
Primary Partner(s): Bucked Up LFG Burn
Manufacturer: Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Joe Williams
Spotter: TJ Bell
2022 Driver Points Position: 29th | 2022 Owner Points Position: 20th
Engine: Roush Yates Engines (RYE)
Call 811 Before You Dig 250 Starting Position: 24th

Notes of Interest:

Full of Energy (Burn): Bucked Up Energy Drink and its sister products will continue their role as the primary partner of Graf’s No. 07 Ford Mustang this weekend.

Martinsville (Va.) Speedway is the sixth race of 2022 but is the 37th race overall in a multi-year, multi-race deal with the former ARCA Menards Series winner.

This weekend and for a second time in 2022, Bucked Up will promote its new Bucked Up LFG Burn product.

LFG Burn is a revolutionary pre-workout specifically designed to optimize fat loss. Designed to complement your hard work, LFG acts as both a pre-workout and a fat burning supplement.

This science-based, non-proprietary formula supplies breakthrough ingredients to help you achieve your noble quest towards fat loss.

About Bucked Up Energy: Bucked Up started in 2013 when twin brothers Ryan and Jeff Gardner started marketing a product called Deer Antler Spray. After selling thousands of bottles to GNCs nationwide, the company morphed into what is now Bucked Up, a full-fledged vitamins and supplements manufacturer.

The company has gone from its humble beginnings to becoming the No. 1 best-selling pre-workout brand that’s available in over 10,000 stores worldwide.

Plenty Of Other Bucked Up Energy Drinks Options Available Too: Bucked Up Energy now offers more than 10 quenching options, but two of their popular flavors, Pink Lemonade and Mango Tango now include low-stim options.

Low-stim has the same innovative ingredients that make their OG formula so powerful for focus, mood, motivation and energy. Bucked Up made just one small change and they have been surprised by the resulting epicness.

Boasting a modest of 100mg of caffeine, Bucked Up Low-Stim delivers the same energy, focus, mood, motivation – while reducing the common side effects that come from too-much caffeine, jitters, sleeplessness and anxiety.

Traveling Man: It’s been a busy week for Joe Graf Jr. In between the NASCAR Xfinity Series races at Richmond Raceway and Martinsville Speedway, Graf traveled to Las Vegas, Nev., where he attended a tradeshow for a current marketing partner, while also signed autographs and met with potential new marketing partners introduced through the current marketing partner’s business-to-business initiatives.

Settling In: Martinsville marks the eighth race that the SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt (SSGLRwJL) team embraces their manufacturer switch from Chevrolet to Ford while incorporating its technical alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing.

SHR will supply the organization with race cars while Roush Yates Engines will provide the legendary Ford horsepower. In addition to providing race cars to SSGLRwJL, SHR will also provide technical support for the entire 33-race season.

Additionally, Graf will have NASCAR Cup Series and Stewart-Haas Racing drivers Cole Custer and Chase Briscoe as teammates for select events throughout the 2022 season.

Don’t Forget The New Partner Too: SS GreenLight Racing has added Jeff Lefcourt as a new co-owner of the Mooresville, N.C.-based team, as well as director of business development for the organization.

Lefcourt, a native of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. joins SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt (SSGLRwJL) with a long history of racing endeavors including owning Bethel (N.Y.) Motor Speedway in upstate New York, a current-NASCAR sanctioned race track.

The noted philanthropist, entrepreneur and real estate developer has deep ties to grassroots racing and was instrumental in helping secure the Stewart-Haas Racing alliance with SSGLRwJL in 2022.

Joe Graf Jr. Xfinity Series Martinsville Speedway Starts: Joe Graf Jr. will make his fourth career start at Martinsville Speedway in Friday night’s race.

In his previous three efforts, Graf has delivered a career track best 15th place effort driving for SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt last October.

Additionally, Graf has managed finishes of 21st and 38th respectively.

Joe Graf Jr. Xfinity Series Short Track Nuggets: At tracks classified as short tracks with a track length of under 1.0-mile, Graf has 12 previous NASCAR Xfinity Series starts.

He holds an average starting position of 26.0 and an improved average result of 22.5 and has been running at the conclusion of 11 of the 12 races.

Richmond (Va.) Raceway | ToyotaCare 250 Race Recap: In the most recent NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Richmond (Va.) Raceway, Graf and the SSGLRwJL team debuted the No. 07 Bucked Up Mango Tango Energy Drink Ford Mustang.

After successfully qualifying for the race on their time trials speed, Graf and his team struggled with the overall balance of their race car which hindered their overall performance and yielded a 29th place finish.

School In Session: While juggling a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule with SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt, college life has resumed for Joe Graf Jr.

With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Graf Jr. has resorted to online classes at the University of New York, where he is pursuing a degree in business, media and sports management.

Sneaker Mania: Along with the adrenaline of the Motorsports competition, Joe Graf Jr. also has a vogue for hype sneakers. In his current collection, he owns and wears at least 90 limited edition sneakers – and his collection continues to grow every month.

The current estimated value of his collection tops $100,000.

From the Pit Box: Industry veteran Joe Williams is Joe Graf Jr.’s crew chief.

He will crew chief his 73rd NASCAR Xfinity Series race as crew chief on Friday night and his fourth at the 0.526-mile short track.

In his previous 72 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, he has collected one win (Auto Club Speedway | February 2022), six top-five and 17 top-10 finishes.

Hello From The Other Side: Graf Jr. has a teammate at SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt. Veteran David Starr will drive the No. 08 TicketSmarter Ford Mustang on Friday night for his third start of the 2022 season.

Starr is set to make his 237th career NASCAR Xfinity Series start and third at Martinsville Speedway. His best Xfinity track finish occurred in the 2021 Cook Out 250, where he finished 22nd after starting 34th for Motorsports Business Management (MBM Motorsports).

Follow on Social Media: For more on Joe Graf Jr. visit JoeGrafRacing.com, like him on Facebook (Joe Graf Jr.), follow him on TikTok (@JoeGrafJr), Twitter (@JoeGrafJr) and Instagram (@joegrafjr).

For more on SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt, please like them on Facebook (SS GreenLight Racing) and follow them on Instagram (@ssgreenlightracing) and Twitter (@SSGLR0708).

Joe Graf Jr. Pre-Race Quotes:

On Martinsville Speedway: “Everyone on the SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt team is very optimistic about Martinsville Speedway on Friday night. The speed and finesse we showcased as a team have us upbeat that we can return to the track and contend for another top-15 finish on Friday night.

“If we do that, it would be a welcomed boost for our upcoming stretch of races.”

On 2022 Season: “There is a lot to be proud about in 2022, but there is just as much work to be done. We pinpointed the issue with our Richmond race and are determined to work hard to make sure it’s the last time we experience that type of setback.

“Without question we have the speed in our race cars to battle for top-20s or better, we just need to do a better job of executing. We are definitely keeping that in mind heading to Martinsville.”

Race Information:

The Call 811 Before You Dig 250 (250 laps | 131.5 miles) is the eighth of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2022 schedule. The 38-car field will take the green flag on Friday night, April 8 shortly after 7:30 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

About SS Green Light Racing with Jeff Lefcourt:

As one of the most tenured teams in all of NASCAR, SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt led by team owner and former driver Bobby Dotter and new partner Jeff Lefcourt has been a mainstay entry in the sport fielding entries in either the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series or Xfinity Series competition since 2001.

SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt will continue with a two-car program in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2022.

Erik Jones Hosts ‘3 Reasons to Race’ Fundraiser

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Official Release
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Newly Renovated Birch Run Speedway Site of Erik Jones Foundation Event

BIRCH RUN, Mich. (April 8, 2022) – NASCAR Cup Series driver and Michigan native Erik Jones is returning to his roots on May 19 by hosting a fundraising event at Birch Run Speedway for his Erik Jones Foundation.

The 4/10-mile oval just 15 miles southeast of Saginaw is where Jones cut his racing teeth on his way to the elite NASCAR Cup Series. Today, the track is putting the finishing touches on a massive makeover that will be ready in time for the 2022 racing season. Part of the renovation includes a new event center, and the Erik Jones Foundation will christen the space with its first fundraiser of 2022 called 3 Reasons to Race, which aligns with the three pillars of the Erik Jones Foundation – igniting children’s passion for reading, encouraging early cancer detection and care, and promoting animal welfare.

Beginning at 5 p.m. EDT on May 19, 3 Reasons to Race will include a unique race-gaming experience where guests can win cash and prizes. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction featuring mementos from such notable NASCAR personalities as Richard Petty, Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Ty Dillon and Jones, as well as other items, including four round-trip tickets on Allegiant Air, authentic sports items from the Detroit Tigers and Flint Firebirds, and two tickets to the FireKeepers Casino 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Aug. 7 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.

“I love going back home and reconnecting with friends and family, and now we’re able to do it with our foundation and raise money for a great cause,” said Jones, a native of Byron who owns 18 wins across NASCAR’s top-three national touring series – Cup (two), Xfinity (nine) and Camping World Truck (seven). “May is National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month, and a portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Melanoma Research Foundation, a group I’ve worked with for several years. I lost my dad to cancer, and it’s made me so mindful of how important early detection is, because the sooner you diagnose it, the more options you have for treatment. This fundraiser will go directly toward research that provides those options.”

The 3 Reasons to Race fundraiser is highlighted by an immersive race-gaming event that includes a 15-foot long gameboard emulating an oval racetrack. Attendees purchase “Birch Run Bucks” from the “pit” and then place their bets on any of six 1/10th-scale racecars of their choice. After all bets are in, the payout odds are calculated. Jones, serving as grand marshal of the event, will call for the engines to fire, whereupon participants are off to the races, cheering on their favorite car in hopes of winning cash and prizes. Ping-pong balls drawn two at a time advance the cars on the gameboard each time their number is drawn. Those with bets on the first car that crosses the finish line, win. And to the victor go the spoils, as only the winners are paid from all of the bets placed. Tickets to support this fundraiser are available at 3 Reasons to Race Tickets.

Even with a new look, Birch Run Speedway is very familiar to Jones. He made his mark at the track as a 14-year-old when in August of 2010, he won the Bob Cross Memorial, becoming the youngest winner in ASA Late Model history. Now a 25-year-old in his sixth full season competing in the NASCAR Cup Series, Jones remains a proud Michigander. He chose Birch Run Speedway for his foundation’s event because of his history at the track, but also to help promote the upgrades across the multipurpose facility.

The figure-eight track and the quarter-mile oval located inside the 4/10-mile oval have been repaved. The 4/10-mile oval has gone untouched as its surface is a favorite of racers, allowing them multiple lanes to find speed and make passes. Pit road, however, has fresh asphalt, and 20 new concrete slabs were added to the pit area, enhancing working conditions for crews.

Improvements extend to fan amenities too. The parking lot has been repaved, and the event center’s pavilion has been enclosed with sliding glass doors on every wall, allowing it to be used throughout the year, regardless of weather. Soon, Birch Run Speedway will be home to Michigan’s longest bar, with a 130-foot long serving area dubbed “Gas Alley” replete with more than 50 TVs and additional high-top tables and chairs.

Attendees can see the revamped Birch Run Speedway in person all while supporting the Erik Jones Foundation. Silent auction items and sponsor opportunities are available for anyone who would like to donate. For more information on each, please email Events@ErikJonesFoundation.org. To purchase tickets, please go to 3 Reasons to Race Tickets.

Sponsors already on board with 3 Reasons to Race include UBS Financial Services, Johnson and Wood Mechanical Contractors, Industrial Propane Service, Alan R. Miller P.C., Brad Keselowski and Tina Eller and Thomas Barth.

Lawless Alan – Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 200 Race Recap

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Official Release
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Race Recap | Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 200 | Martinsville Speedway

Team: No. 45 AUTOParkit Chevrolet Silverado

Driver: Lawless Alan

Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @lawlessalan25

Start: 15th

Finish: 20th

Driver Point Standings: 19th

Owner Point Standings: 23rd

Race Rundown – No. 45 AUTOParkit Chevrolet Silverado

Alan and the No. 45 team held steady in the top-20 in the opening laps at Martinsville Thursday night before a strategy call to stay out during the caution on lap 38 positioned them in the top-10 heading into the final laps of Stage One. Alan fell one spot short of earning a stage point, settling for 11th in the opening stage.

After pitting at the stage break before the start of Stage Two, Alan was sent for a spin in turn two to bring out the caution but remained on the lead lap, resulting in a 29th-place finish in the stage. The No. 45 team opted to stay out at the stage break and restarted the final stage in eighth, but differing strategies on the track shuffled Alan back to outside the top-15 before settling for a 20th-place finish – marking the second-consecutive race as the highest finishing rookie in the field.

Alan on his first short track event of the 2022 season: “It was a decent night here at Martinsville for our No. 45 AUTOParkit team. Finishing 20th is not where we wanted to be, but we learned a lot. We were really aggressive – we used people up and we got used up – it’s all part of this place. We’ll learn from this experience and move on to Bristol.”

About Niece Motorsports:

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

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

About AUTOParkit:

AUTOParkit™ designs, manufactures, and constructs fully automated parking systems for new and existing buildings. AUTOParkit system structural steel and modular design can provide double the capacity of a traditional parking garage, providing up to 17 LEED points and drastically reducing construction time. AUTOParkit automated systems are 40 percent less expensive to operate, safer for the user and reduces carbon emissions associated with parking by more than 80 percent. AUTOParkit’s charging pallets provided by AUTOChargit, are a fast and convenient way of charging EVs and Hybrids. AUTOChargit’s patented technology allows for shuffling charged vehicles cutting infrastructure costs by up to 80 percent.

For more information on AUTOParkit, visit www.autoparkit.com

Carson Hocevar – Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 200 Race Recap

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Official Release
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Race Recap | Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 200 | Martinsville Speedway

Team: No. 42 Premier Security Solutions Chevrolet Silverado

Driver: Carson Hocevar

Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @CarsonHocevar

Start: 9th

Finish: 17th

Driver Point Standings: 12th

Owner Point Standings: 13th

Race Rundown – No. 42 Premier Security Solutions Chevrolet Silverado

Hocevar kept his No. 42 Chevrolet in the top-10 for a majority of the first stage before opting to pit under caution on lap 39 before the stage break, resulting in 14th-place finish in Stage One. After restarting fourth to begin Stage Two, Hocevar made his way into the bottom lane before making the pass to move into third by lap 62. Following a caution on lap 79, he restarted in second before settling for third in Stage Two to earn eight stage points.

Hocevar began to fight a brake issue towards the end of Stage Two and overshot his pit box during the team’s four-tire stop at the stage break. The team worked to remedy the issue during the final stage but it continued to persist, resulting in a 17th-place finish.

Hocevar on his run at Martinsville Speedway: “We had a top-10 Chevrolet Silverado tonight – running third in stage two showed just how much speed we had – but we just lost the brakes at the end. I overshot my pit box when the brake pedal went to the floor and after 10 laps of each run that followed I lost my brakes. I was still able to maintain everyone in front of me, but I wasn’t able to gain on them since I couldn’t drive harder into the corner. This No. 42 team is pretty good on the dirt so we’ll shift our focus to Bristol next week.”

About Niece Motorsports:

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

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

About Premier Security Solutions:

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

Kris Wright – Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 200 Race Recap

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Official Release
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Race Recap | Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 200 | Martinsville Speedway

Team: No. 44 F.N.B Corporation Chevrolet Silverado

Driver: Kris Wright

Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @KrisOnNASCAR

Start: 14th

Finish: 30th

Driver Point Standings: 17th

Owner Point Standings: 20th

Race Rundown – No. 44 F.N.B. Corporation Chevrolet Silverado

Wright and the No. 44 team were faced with adversity early on in Thursday night’s race at Martinsville after being involved in the first caution of the night on lap seven, but rallied back to post a 20th-place finish in Stage One. After making a scheduled four-tire stop at the stage break, Wright continued to battle his way through traffic to post a 25th-place result in Stage Two.

On lap 156, Wright was collected in a wreck coming out of turn two and had nowhere to go, resulting in heavy nose damage that put the No. 44 team three laps down. The team worked to make repairs under caution before being black flagged and brought down pit road under green, culminating in a 30th-place effort.

Wright on his night at Martinsville Speedway: “We had a decent run going tonight at Martinsville, but unfortunately had a lot of adversity thrown our way throughout the night that we had to battle through. We did all we could to keep coming back from each incident, but it wasn’t in the cards for us at the end. Getting black flagged at the end only added insult to injury and all we can do is move on and shift our focus to Bristol.”

About Niece Motorsports:

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

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

About F.N.B. Corporation

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

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

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

Dean Thompson – Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 200 Race Recap

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Official Release
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Race Recap | Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 200 | Martinsville Speedway

Team: No. 40 Worldwide Express Chevrolet Silverado

Driver: Dean Thompson

Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @deanthompsonr

Start: 28th

Finish: 36th

Driver Point Standings: 30th

Owner Point Standings: 34th

Race Rundown – No. 40 Worldwide Express Chevrolet Silverado

Thompson and the No. 40 team experienced adversity early on in Thursday night’s race at Martinsville, suffering from an electrical issue 13 laps in that caused their Chevrolet Silverado to stall on the frontstretch. Thompson was unable to re-fire the engine, ultimately ending the team’s night.

Thompson on his tough-luck night at Martinsville: “Unfortunately, it was another tough-luck night for our No. 40 Worldwide Express team with an electrical issue bringing our run to an abrupt end. We had a lot of confidence going into the first short track race of the season and we’ll bring that same energy to Bristol next week.”

About Niece Motorsports:

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

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

About Worldwide Express

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

GMS Racing NCWTS Martinsville Speedway Recap

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

START: 12TH

FINISH: 8TH

POINTS: 13TH

Quote: “Overall, it was a pretty solid race for us tonight at Martinsville. I think that has been probably our cleanest race from start to finish yet. I’m really proud of my Champion Power Equipment crew, we cleaned all of our mistakes up and I thought we had a legitimate fifth place truck. We opted for stage points to help us get out of a hole, which might have ended up hindering our finish, but overall I’m proud of everyone tonight.”

Jack Wood, No. 24 ChevyLiners.com Chevrolet Silverado RST

START: 29TH

FINISH: 35TH

POINTS: 27TH

Quote: “Extremely frustrating race for us tonight at Martinsville. I’m absolutely gutted for my No. 24 Chevy Liners team. Once again, we just got caught up in others’ messes and had nowhere to go. It’s tough to keep on swallowing these unfortunate finishes. I hope we can turn our luck around next weekend at Bristol so we can get our season back on track. I’m thankful for everybody on my team putting in the effort to bring me fast trucks each week and I know our time is coming.”

ABOUT GMS RACING:

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

SOCIAL MEDIA:

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

DGR NCWTS Race Recap: Martinsville Speedway

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Official Release
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Thursday, April 7
Track: Martinsville Speedway, .526-mile oval
Race: 5 of 23
Event: Blu-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 200 (200 laps, 105 miles)

Hailie Deegan, No. 1 Wastequip Ford F-150

Start: 31st
Finish: 19th

  • Due to the cancellation of qualifying for rainfall, Hailie Deegan lined up 31st by nature of NASCAR’s qualifying order matrix for the Blu-Emu 200 at Martinsville Speedway.
  • The 20-year-old took the green flag in the bottom lane and quickly moved her way up the order, reaching the 20th position after a restart for an early incident on lap 24.
  • Deegan sustained damage battling for position on the next restart, dropping her to 25th before pitting to rectify the handling issues caused by the incident. After clearing the left front fender and taking a pound out of the left rear, the No. 1 rejoined in 28th.
  • Fending off a tight condition that left her unable to stay in the coveted bottom lane, pit strategy and a strong run on old tires kept the Wastequip team in the top-20 as Stage 2 came to a close. On the ensuing restart, Deegan climbed up the leaderboard, reaching as high as 13th and clocking her fastest laps of the contest.
  • A caution on lap 156 forced Deegan down pit road to gear up for one last run towards the front of the pack. Restarting 21st, she fought her way to 19th as the checkered flag dropped on the final lap of the race.

Tanner Gray, No. 15 Black’s Tire Ford F-150

Start: 13th
Finish: 21st

  • Practice and qualifying were rained out on Thursday afternoon, which put Tanner Gray starting 13th by way of NASCAR’s qualifying matrix.
  • Gray was running 11th at the first caution flag on lap 39. A few of the leaders came down pit road which moved him up to eighth for the restart. He would finish Stage 1 there for three stage points.
  • The 15 team pitted for tires and fuel and rejoined the field to restart 21st. While running 23rd on lap 71, the caution flag waved once more and the team pitted again. During the pit stop, a pit gun malfunction slowed down the stop and caused Gray to go one lap down.
  • The Black’s Tire driver restarted 32nd and rode in that position until the end of Stage 2. He was awarded the lucky dog and subsequently pitted for tires and fuel again.
  • Gray restarted 27th for the final stage, but a spinning truck on the opening lap squeezed him into another truck and he was forced to pit to clearance all four tires. He rejoined at the tail and worked his way forward to 21st by the time the checkered flag waved.

Taylor Gray, No. 17 Ford Performance F-150

Start: 19th
Finish: 26th

  • Taylor Gray started 19th after practice and qualifying were cancelled due to rain. He fired off too tight at the drop of the green flag and was in 20th when the caution flag waved on lap 39.
  • Chad Johnston called the 17 down pit road for tires, fuel and adjustments. He finished Stage 1 in 24th, but stayed out at the break and restarted 12th for Stage 2.
  • The driver reported the handling felt much better and he cracked the top 10 with 14 laps to go in Stage 2 and finished there at the green-checkered. However, the Ford Performance F-150 got tighter as the race wore on, reporting that his speed was hurt by being too tight center off in turns two and four.
  • Despite an otherwise strong performance, a late front suspension piece malfunction and last lap pitstop to apply two missing lugnuts rendered the No. 17 team two laps down, with Gray ultimately finishing the Blu-Emu 200 in 26th position.

Next event: Pinty’s Truck Race on Dirt at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee on April 16 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Payton Freeman Running Four Races in Five Days

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Official Release
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Payton Freeman is set to compete in four races across a five-day period, starting with Tuesday's Castrol FloRacing Night in America at Eldora Speedway. (Photo: Jacy Norgaard)

Columbia, S.C. (Apr. 8, 2022) — Payton Freeman is preparing to embark on one of the most hectic stretches of his young career.

The busy week for Freeman begins on Tuesday when he travels to Eldora Speedway for Castrol FloRacing Night in America, which he will then follow up with trips to Volunteer Speedway, Wythe Speedway and Tazewell Speedway on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Freeman does not have any experience to his name at any of the upcoming venues, but the prospect of gaining valuable knowledge while also chasing sizable paychecks has him optimistic that next week will be a successful one despite the challenges.

“This involves a lot of work and preparation, but I think it will be good for us,” Freeman said. “Being in a car so many nights in a row can only be helpful and hopefully we’ll be able to learn a lot since these are all new tracks for us.”

Freeman added that each race on the docket will be approached differently than the previous one.

Along with FloRacing putting up a $22,022 paycheck for the winner at Eldora, the race at Volunteer in Bulls Gap, Tennessee will provide Freeman a unique opportunity to gain national exposure as a participant in the inaugural Kyle Larson Presents, FloRacing Late Model Challenge Powered by Tezos.

The two events at Wythe and Tazewell are a part of the Schaeffer’s Oil Spring National Series. Freeman is contesting the full schedule in that division and is currently tied for seventh in the point standings; 34 points behind co-leaders Michael Page and Mark Whitener.

Going from one track to another is something that Freeman expects will put some strain on his equipment. Despite this, Freeman is ready to embrace the challenge and use the positives and negatives from those races to better himself as a driver.

“There will be lots of tires to cut as well as lots of maintenance on the car,” Freeman said. “The biggest thing is that these four races will involve a lot of hard work and preparation. However, I think this is a step in the right direction for us to figure out what we need later down the road.”

Freeman believes that the improvements made to his car over the past couple of months will allow him to maintain the pace that enabled him to claim the Southern All Star Dirt Racing Series title last year.

Only a few weeks removed from a second place run at Boyd’s Speedway, he knows the victories are going to start occurring more frequently and wants to do everything possible to be both physically and mentally prepared to battle up at the front every night.

With these events attracting many of the best dirt late model drivers around the United States, Freeman understands that perfecting the setup and figuring out each track will be imperative towards getting the strong runs he needs to keep momentum going in his favor.

“It would mean a ton to win,” Freeman said. “That would really jumpstart our year. The first one is the hardest to get but hopefully we can turn our luck around here. The competition we’ll be racing against will be tough but we’re going to do the best that we can.”

Freeman will attempt to start his eventful week on a high note when the Castrol FloRacing Night in America season-opener gets going on Tuesday evening.

Payton Freeman would like to thank all of his supporters and partners, including his parents, crew and fans as well as Freeman Plumbing, Coltman Farms, MPM Marketing, Stilo, KRC Power Steering, K1 RaceGear, Schaeffer’s Oil, Base Racing Fuel, SRI Performance, Captial Race Cars, Shelton Trucking, Chattham & Son Tile, Rod Roberts Trucking, Collins Signs, Sweet Victory Apparel, Accu-Force Dyno & Testers, Swift Springs, Penske Racing Shocks and Strange Oval.

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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.

Toyota Racing NCWTS Post-Race Recap — Martinsville 4.7.22

By
Official Release
-

FOUR TUNDRA TOP-FIVE FINISHES ROUND OUT MARTINSVILLE
Johnny Sauter Leads Toyota Contingent of Top-10 Finishers with Runner-Up Result

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (April 7, 2022) – Johnny Sauter (second), Kyle Busch (third), John Hunter Nemechek (fourth) and Ben Rhodes (fifth) led Toyota with top-five finishes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Martinsville Speedway on Thursday night.

Toyota Racing Post-Race Recap
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Martinsville Speedway
Race 5 of 23 – 200 Laps, 105 Miles

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS
1st, William Byron*
2nd, JOHNNY SAUTER
3rd, KYLE BUSCH
4th, JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
5th, BEN RHODES
6th, CHANDLER SMITH
7th, MATT CRAFTON
10th, TYLER ANKRUM
11th, TY MAJESKI
12th, CHRISTIAN ECKES
13th, STEWART FRIESEN
22nd, TATE FOGLEMAN
23rd, TIMMY HILL
28th, BLAKE LOTHIAN
29th, CHASE PURDY
34th, KADEN HONEYCUTT
*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

JOHNNY SAUTER, No. 13 Protect The Harvest Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, ThorSport Racing

Finishing Position: 2nd

What did you need in the closing laps to catch William Byron?

“The two-thirds part of the corner, I just couldn’t quite cut the corner like I needed to and actually asked (Carl) Joiner (crew chief) to tighten it up there on the first run and I wish I wouldn’t have done that because generally if you fire off a little bit free here as the night goes on and get better. Just so proud everybody at ThorSport on this Protect the Harvest Toyota Tundra. That’s the first in-house chassis and in-house body for ThorSport. So to come here and run second, it’s not exactly what we’re looking for, but just need a little bit more turn, but all in all solid night.”

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK, No. 4 Mobil 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, Kyle Busch Motorsports

Finishing Position: 4th

How was your race tonight and how was the race track surface?

“The track didn’t take any rubber tonight. Just was super slick. We missed the balance a little bit. But my guys worked hard. We made adjustments on it throughout the race. Didn’t know exactly which side we’re going to be — being way different than our teammates come in here. So it’s something new to try and keep moving forward. So it’s another solid finish for us way better than finished in 24th or 25th. Good points day. We did what we needed to do other than win the race. So solid day for the Mobil 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro and we’ll go to Bristol next week. I feel like we’re starting to build some momentum between the Truck series and the Xfinity series and having some good runs and good finishes so just have to keep it up.”

BEN RHODES, No. 99 Tenda Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, ThorSport Racing

Finishing Position: 5th

What was the biggest challenge for you and the race team tonight?

“Big picture racing and I mean we went for both stages to get the stage points for our season. That’s tough to do at a short track like Martinsville. You need a lot of patience and you put yourself in a bad position for the end of the race. You know, you’re faster than the guys in front of you, but you’re burning your stuff up whether it’s not getting air to the brakes or you’re not running the line you want to and you’re running your tires up. So I hate that we had to race for stages, but at the same time really happy to know that I think we closed the gap up in the points lead. It’d be really nice to have it right now. But that’s just part of what makes the Truck Series so unique is we have a short races and different strategies and we had such a bad fast Tendra Toyota Tundra today, I just would have loved to have the win, but there’s more races this season and we’re going to keep running it smart and trying to race everybody as good as we can. I know I got into my teammate Matt Crafton so I feel really bad about that. I got going really good on the restart, And I meant to pull out and then was like, ‘What do I do with this run?’ I look out to the left side and I wasn’t past the line yet and that would be a penalty so I tried to get on the brakes and then I just ran right into the back of him. I look like, well I don’t know what I look like, but it didn’t look good.”

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About Toyota

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

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

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

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