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Bush’s Beans returns to sponsor Friday practice day and Saturday qualifying heat races for both NASCAR Cup and Truck Series during Food City Dirt Race weekend at BMS

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Tickets for Bush’s Beans Practice Day and weekend events on sale now

BRISTOL, Tenn. (Feb. 10, 2022) – Bristol Motor Speedway officials announced today Bush’s Beans Practice Day will once again kick off the Food City Dirt Race weekend schedule of racing on Friday, April 15 with a pair of sessions slated for both the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. In addition, Bush’s Beans also will return as the sponsor for qualifying heat race sessions for both series on Saturday afternoon, April 16, as NASCAR returns to the iconic dirt-transformed half-mile for a second season of dirt racing action.

Friday’s Bush’s Beans Practice Day will feature two scheduled practice sessions for both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The two 50-minute Cup Series practices will be held at 4:05 p.m. and 6:35 p.m. Two 50-minute practices also will be held for the Camping World Truck Series, at 3:05 p.m. and 5:35 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for Friday’s Bush’s Beans Practice Day at $15 each.

On Saturday, both series will compete in heat races to determine their race-day starting positions during Bush’s Beans Qualifying. Four 15-lap heat races in both the NASCAR Cup Series and Camping World Truck Series will be conducted to determine the starting lineups for each main race. Bush’s Beans Qualifying heat races for the Food City Dirt Race in the Cup Series will be held at 6, 6:15, 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. The four Bush’s Beans Qualifying heat races for the Pinty’s Truck Race on Dirt will be held at 4:30, 4:45, 5 and 5:15 p.m. The Bush’s Beans Qualifying heat races on Saturday will precede the Pinty’s Truck Race on Dirt, which will take the green flag at 8 p.m. ET (FS1, MRN Radio, Sirius XM NASCAR Radio).

Saturday’s Bush’s Beans Qualifying heat races in the NASCAR Cup Series will set the field for Easter Sunday’s much-anticipated Food City Dirt Race, scheduled for a green flag start at 7 p.m. ET (FOX, PRN Radio, Sirius XM NASCAR Radio). Food City is celebrating its 30th anniversary as sponsor of the spring Cup race at BMS. The Food City Dirt Race is the second dirt race for the Cup Series in the sport’s modern era. Team Penske’s Joey Logano won the historic Food City Dirt Race last year at BMS and prior to that, the last time the Cup Series raced on a dirt surface was in Sept. 1970 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, won by Richard Petty.

Bush Brothers & Company, an East Tennessee based business, has been a BMS partner since 2015, and also sponsored both of these events last year.

For ticket information, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com or call the BMS Ticket Sales Center at (866) 415-4158.

About Bristol Motor Speedway
Forged amid the scenic mountains of Northeast Tennessee near the Virginia state line, Bristol Motor Speedway is The Last Great Colosseum, a versatile multi-use venue that hosts major auto races, football games, concerts and many other captivating events. The facility features a 0.533-mile concrete oval race track with 28-degree corner banking and 650-feet straightaways that offers racing in several NASCAR touring series, highlighted by two major Cup Series weekends each year. In 2020, the track also served as host of the prestigious NASCAR All-Star Race, and in 2021 began converting to a temporary dirt track each spring to take the Cup Series back to its racing roots. While at the track, fans are offered a unique viewing experience courtesy of Colossus TV, the world’s largest outdoor center-hung four-sided video screen with a 540,000-watt audio system. The adjacent quarter-mile dragstrip, Bristol Dragway, offers more than 50 events annually, including the marquee NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. The Thunder Valley Amphitheatre presented by Ballad Health transforms Bristol Dragway into a premier outdoor concert venue for the world’s greatest music performers. Three football games have kicked-off inside the oval, most notably the 2016 Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol, where border rivals the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech met before an NCAA-record crowd of 156,990. In existence since 1961, Bristol Motor Speedway was purchased in 1996 by Speedway Motorsports, Inc., a publicly traded company that is a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. For more information, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.

KBM to Field Full-Time ARCA Menards Series Entry in 2022

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Official Release
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Sammy Smith to Drive Majority of Events in the No. 18 TMC Transportation Camry

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 10, 2022) – Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) announced today that the organization will field a full-time ARCA Menards Series entry in 2022 with Sammy Smith as the driver for the majority of the events and TMC Transportation continuing their partnership with the 2021 ARCA Menards Series East Champion as the primary partner on his No. 18 Toyota Camry. The 17-year-old Iowa native returns to KBM, where he raced the No. 51 Super Late Model in 2020.

Smith captured the ARCA Menards Series East title last season after producing three wins, one pole, 396 laps led and seven top-five finishes resulting in an average finish of 4.3 across eight races. In ARCA Menards Series action, he produced two top-five finishes and an average finish of 8.3 across three starts, including a runner-up finish at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway in September.

The Toyota Racing Development product has had success racing in various Late Model series in recent years. He won the CARS Super Late Model event at Jennerstown (Pa.) Speedway last year among his four victories and in 2020 won the opening night in Super Late Models at the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway. In 2019, he picked up three victories in the Pro Late Model division at New Smyrna en route to the 2019 World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing championship.

“At TMC Transportation, we’ve always enjoyed racing, and we are excited for the opportunity to continue that history with Sammy Smith,” said Jason Webb, EVP, Asset Management for TMC. “Our iconic black and gold colors have been on the track for many years with Michael Annett and Sammy Swindell, so we’re looking forward to the opportunity to be on Sammy’s No. 18 Toyota after watching him have success in Super Late Models with TMC on the car.”

KBM will be fielding an entry in the ARCA Menards Series for the first time in its history. The organization holds NASCAR Camping World Truck Series records for most career wins (90) and most wins in a single season (14 in 2014). In addition to collecting a series-record seven Owner’s Championships, the organization has produced two championship-winning drivers: Erik Jones (2015) and Christopher Bell (2017).

“We’re looking forward to having an expanded role within the Toyota Racing Development program in 2022 and being reunited with Sammy,” Busch said. “He was able to win multiple races and a championship in the East Series last year and we’re confident that he’ll be able to continue his winning ways this year.”

Pilot Flying J, a long-time partner of TMC Transportation during their tenure with Michael Annett, will also join the No. 18 entry with Sammy Smith as a partner.

Smith will be behind the wheel of the No. 18 Camry for all the races he is eligible to compete in based on his age. His first race with TMC Transportation and KBM will be the ARCA Menards Series East event at New Smyrna Speedway on Feb. 15. The rest of the driver lineup will be announced soon.

About TMC Transportation:

TMC Transportation is the nation’s largest employee-owned open deck transportation company. TMC provides expert transportation services and supply-chain management solutions throughout the 48 contiguous states. Founded in 1972, TMC is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, and is known for its integrity, innovation, superior safety record and dedication to quality and customer service. The company’s claim-free, on-time delivery record is the best in the business and is consistently recognized by its customers. To learn more about TMC Transportation, visit tmctrans.com.

About Kyle Busch Motorsports:

Since debuting in 2010, Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) has quickly established itself as one of the most successful teams in all of NASCAR. Owned by two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch and fueled by his passion for winning, the organization holds the Camping World Truck Series records for most career wins (90) and most wins in a single season (14 in 2014). In addition to collecting a series-record seven Owner’s Championships, the organization has produced two championship-winning drivers; Erik Jones (2015) and Christopher Bell (2017).

KBM prepares a fleet of race-winning Toyotas out of its state-of-the art 77,000-square-foot facility in Mooresville, N.C. Fans can stay up-to-date with all the latest KBM news online at www.KyleBuschMotorsports.com, by liking the team on Facebook (KBMteam) and by following the team on Instagram (KBMteam), and Twitter (@KBMteam).

NASCAR’s Newest Cup Series CEO- Jessica McLeod Women in NASCAR

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (FEB. 10, 2022): Live Fast Motorsports (LFM) announced today that Jessica McLeod has been appointed as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Jessica will be working directly with the company’s team owners, Matt Tifft, and her husband, co-owner and driver, No. 78, B.J. McLeod.

NASCAR is currently taking strides towards diversity and inclusion in all forms of occupations in the sport. Powerful women who are a part of NASCAR have now been seen as pit crew members, drivers, owners, executive roles, and more. Live Fast Motorsports is proud to recognize one of these influential individuals, Jessica McLeod. With the youngest ownership in NASCAR, LFM feels a responsibility to lead by example when promoting individuals by performance with no bias.

Jessica has been a part of LFM since its inception, but her experience in the sport of NASCAR dates to 2003 when she and B.J. started dating. Jessica and B.J. are from Wauchula, Florida and have had many business ventures within NASCAR’s K&N, trucks, Xfinity and Cup series. In the Xfinity series, she and B.J. co-own a racing team, B.J. McLeod Motorsports (BJMMS), fielding three full-time stock cars, No. 5, No. 78, and No. 99. Today, Jessica climbs from General Manager to CEO at LFM.

“Jessica (McLeod) has been a crucial asset to LFM since the start,” said LFM co-owner, Matt Tifft. “Her direction, hard work and dedication to the team have served as foundational assets leading us to successes in our team’s first-year, 2021. Today as LFM starts our second-year racing in the Cup Series, it feels right to give credit where credit is due, by naming Jessica with the well-deserved title and promotion of CEO.”

“LFM is honored to name Jessica as CEO,” said co-owner, driver, and husband, B.J. McLeod. “Jessica’s commitment to this team is surreal. She carries tons of behind-the-scenes responsibilities and is a great leader to every employee and crew member on this team.”
Jessica’s promotion is a prime example of the sport’s current industry shifts towards increasing equality and diversity. NASCAR has taken conscious steps of action over the past couple of years to make the organization more inclusive, both internally and externally.

For more information about Jessica McLeod and LFM, please visit www.teamlivefast.com.

About Live Fast Motorsports…

Live Fast Motorsports is a single-car Ford Mustang team based in Mooresville, NC., competing in the NASCAR Cup Series under the No. 78. The team is co-owned by B.J. McLeod and Matt Tifft. McLeod also serves as the team’s driver. B.J.’s wife, Jessica McLeod, is named the company’s CEO.

Jarrett Partners with JR Motorsports in 2022

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Official Release
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Leading Provider of Transportation and Logistics Solutions Featured on Josh Berry’s No. 8

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 10, 2022) – Jarrett, a leading provider of logistics, transportation, warehousing and fleet services, will partner with JR Motorsports and Josh Berry’s No. 8 team for three NASCAR Xfinity Series races, the organization announced today. The Jarrett Chevrolet will compete at Texas Motor Speedway (May 21), Indianapolis Road Course (July 30) and Talladega Superspeedway (Oct. 1) and will have associate placement for the remaining races of the 2022 NXS schedule.

“It’s great to be able to welcome another new partner like Jarrett on board of our No. 8 Chevrolet,” said Berry. “This makes me look forward to getting to Daytona even more. I can’t wait to see what this season brings for this partnership and race team.”

This is the second time the Jarrett brand has been a primary partner in NXS competition and the first time the company will have multiple primary races.

Located in Orrville, Ohio, Jarrett is privately held and family-owned with a vision to be the best logistics company in the industry. Aimed at providing continuous improvement opportunities throughout clients’ supply chain, Jarrett focuses on enhancing operational efficiencies and ensuring seamless execution of end-to-end supply chains. Jarrett showcases excellent customer service, state-of-the-art technology and offers premier services to clients.

“We’re really excited to be partnering with JR Motorsports and Josh Berry for the 2022 season,” said Mike Jarrett, founder and CEO of Jarrett. “Given that Josh and JR Motorsports are backed by Dale Earnhardt Jr., we knew that this team was aligned with our passion for excellence and would represent the award-winning brand Jarrett has come to represent.”

Jarrett actively invites JR Motorsports fan engagement through its digital and social channels at www.gojarrett.com, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.

ABOUT JARRETT:
Jarrett is guided by our eight core values: courage, character, civic responsibility, excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, respect, fairness, and compassion. Our mission is to put exceptional people and innovative technology at the center of your supply chain. Jarrett’s vision is to be a market leader in the supply chain industry by delivering world-class service to our clients while staying true to our family-owned values. Partnering with Jarrett, clients can anticipate and resolve supply chain challenges, unlock operational efficiencies, and lower transportation-related costs. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Orrville, OH. Additional locations for Jarrett include Cleveland, OH, Hickory, NC and Los Angeles, CA; warehousing locations in Orrville, OH and Leola, PA; and fleet services centers located in Seville, OH and Kent, OH. Jarrett has multiple accolades including: Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Companies (15x), 2021 Green Supply Chain Award, and Food Logistics Top Green Provider (3x). For more information about the company, visit www.gojarrett.com.

ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS:
JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 21st year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017 and 2018. The company also races in Late Model competition and owns four championships in regional Late Model divisions and added a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.

Spencer Boyd Inks Extension with Sponsor Freedom Warranty

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Official Release
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Mooresville, NC (February 10, 2022) – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver Spencer Boyd announced today that Freedom Warranty, the fastest-growing vehicle service contract administrator in the nation, has renewed their sponsorship of the Missouri native. The extension will carry the partnership through a fourth season together.

Fans can expect to see the Freedom Warranty logo on the No. 12 Chevrolet Silverado at every race this season with two primary sponsorship races highlighting the campaign.

“We have become very close over the years,” Boyd said of the leadership group at Freedom Warranty. “I go to the Christmas party every year as if I am an employee and get to catch up on what’s happening with their families. They are a hard-working group and I want to make them proud every time I’m out there on the track.”

Boyd’s 2021 program with Freedom Warranty included a diecast that is due to arrive any day from Lionel Racing as well as a NASCAR Xfinity Series race in New Hampshire with a family connection that goes beyond racing.

“We believe in what Spencer is doing with his career, so want to support him in his efforts,” said Chris Miller, CEO of Freedom Warranty. “Our goal is to help protect one of peoples’ most valuable items, their cars. Whether they reach out directly or sign on through their dealer, we want NASCAR fans to know about our service and how it can help them.”

Freedom Warranty first appeared on Boyd’s race winning truck at Talladega in 2019.

Miller smirked and added, “And to answer the question we get a lot, no we don’t warranty Spencer’s race cars. That is what he has a pit crew for!”

About Freedom Warranty
Freedom Warranty is the fastest-growing vehicle service contract administrator in the nation, offering a variety of products sold exclusively through authorized auto dealers, certified repair facilities, established lenders, and accredited insurance agencies in 23 states and the District of Columbia. Their goal is to provide a valuable service to automobile owners who want to protect their investment and shield them from unexpected repairs. By providing superior service to contract holders, they strive to provide dependable coverage with customer care that goes above and beyond.

Visit Freedom Warranty at https://www.freedomwarranty.com

Eibach Joins Trans Am and SVRA as Newest SpeedTour Partner

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Official Release
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SOUTHLAKE, Texas (February 10, 2022) – Eibach, Inc. is the newest partner to join the SpeedTour family ahead of the 2022 race season. The agreement names Eibach the “Official Spring Company” of the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli (Trans Am) and an “Authorized Spring Company” of the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA). From F1, NASCAR, IMSA, DTM, IndyCar, ARCA, SCORE, King of the Hammers, Supercross, to Lucas Oil Late Models and many more, Eibach is the most diverse and influential motorsport spring company in the world.

“Eibach makes the finest performance springs in the world,” said Tony Parella, owner of the Trans Am Series and SVRA. “From F1 to NASCAR to IndyCar and more, they are ingrained in the top tier of motorsports as race teams and race series around the world turn to Eibach for their state-of-the-art technology and expert craftmanship. I’m excited for them to join the SpeedTour paddock and can’t wait to see the impact they make on the track.”

Based in Corona, Calif., Eibach has over 70 years of racing heritage. Much like the SpeedTour competitors, Eibach’s focus on performance and handling—and therefore the joy of driving—comprise their top priorities. With the product philosophy of “Engineered to Win,” Eibach has taken lessons derived directly from motorsports to improve driving characteristics and develop their suspension components for cars both on the racetrack and on the street.

“Partnering with SpeedTour and getting involved in Trans Am and SVRA is a natural fit,” said Mark Krumme, Eibach’s Head of Marketing. “From the wheel-to-wheel racing of Trans Am to the passion and dedication of SVRA, our priorities and philosophies align perfectly. We’re excited to get into the paddock, to get to know the racers and to introduce them to our line of suspension components.”

SpeedTour provides partners with value through a unique B2B ecosystem, located in a paddock filled with business owners and corporate executives. With highly-visible branding opportunities available during SpeedTour event weekends, promotion abilities also exist within SpeedTour Quarterly Magazine and on the various SpeedTour websites and social media platforms. The list of partners from top brands and companies involved with SpeedTour and its racing series continues to grow.

About SpeedTour: SpeedTour hosts motorsports festivals encompassing America’s top road racing series at the most prestigious race tracks across the country. Competition ranges from the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli (Trans Am), Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), Formula Regional Americas powered by Honda (FR Americas), Formula 4 United States Championship powered by Honda (F4 U.S.), to International GT (IGT) and more. Trans Am, FR Americas and F4 U.S. are all sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing, which is related to SpeedTour through a long-term agreement to the commercial rights to brand and operate SCCA Pro Racing. With 21 events on the 2022 schedule, SpeedTour will exceed 5,500 entries. Between racing, concerts and car shows, SpeedTour events often attract more than 25,000 spectators. Additional marketing and promotional opportunities for SpeedTour are available through SpeedTour Quarterly Magazine, a quarterly magazine delivered in both print and digital formats and SpeedTour TV, a live streaming platform. Several marquee SpeedTour events will be live streamed at SpeedTour.TV.

About the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli: The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli is the longest-running professional road race series in the United States. The Trans Am Series was founded by racing factory pony cars in the late 1960s. More than 50 years after their launch, Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers continue to be sold today, with Trans Am racing credited as playing a major role in their success and longevity. The SpeedTour will host the professional race series at 16 events nationwide in 2022.

About Sportscar Vintage Racing Association: SVRA is the largest vintage racing organization in the world. A typical event has several hundred vintage race cars representing over 100 years of automotive history on the track. The drivers of these race cars are high net-worth, prominent professionals. In 2022, SVRA will host 21 events at some of the most iconic race tracks in North America, including Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sebring International Raceway, Watkins Glen International, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Sonoma Raceway and Circuit of The Americas, among others. This nationwide footprint has over 312,000,000 Americans living within 200 miles of our events.

About Eibach: Eibach production technology is recognized worldwide as leading its field, from our high-tensile strength spring-steel alloys, our advanced CNC winding process, our high-quality corrosion protection and the legendary precision and longevity of our components.

The entire process, from initial development to final shipping, is subject to an extensive Quality Management System that is certified by the highest ISO 9001:2015 international quality standard. In fact, Eibach operates in accordance to its own, more rigid, specifications. When you see the Eibach logo on a part, you can be sure that it is of the highest possible quality.

Eibach springs have supported innumerable race and championship winners over the last two decades. In series as different as Formula 1 and NASCAR, the winning factor is often chassis setup and tuning. When everybody has comparable power, the driver who wins is the one who can put that power to the ground-and maintain momentum through the corners. The list of Eibach partners reads like “Who’s Who” in Motor Sports: AMG, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Honda, Lamborghini, Lola, MazdaSpeed, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Porsche, Renault F1, Toyota, and many, many more.

Talking With the Fans! An Incredible Lineup of Drivers, Personalities set to be Part of Fan Question & Answer Sessions During Speedweeks Presented By AdventhHealth

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Official Release
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Fans to get Opportunities to Ask Questions to Some of NASCAR’s Best at Track’s Midway, UNOH Fanzone, Harley J’s Experience and ONE DAYTONA

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 10, 2022) – Fans will be treated to numerous Question & Answer sessions with a host of NASCAR drivers and noted personalities during Speedweeks Presented By AdventHealth at Daytona International Speedway which will culminate with the 64th running of the DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20.

Among the opportunities will be 10 former winners of NASCAR Cup Series races at Daytona, including two – Denny Hamlin and Michael McDowell – that are DAYTONA 500 Champions. There will be five premier series champions – Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, Martin Truex, Jr., Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson – on hand to take questions from fans in attendance. The majority of the Fan Q&As will be held in the infield UNOH Fanzone.

Driver Corey LaJoie, however, will kick off the week as part of the NASCAR Hauler Showcase at ONE DAYTONA on Monday at 6:00 p.m. ET. Fans will also be able to see up close and personal the brightly-colored, 18-wheeled NASCAR Cup Series haulers that take team’s race cars and equipment to each NASCAR venue.

Rodney Atkins, one of country music’s most prominent artists, will debut the UNOH Fanzone for the week on Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. ET, with a concert (no Q&A). This takes place after on-track action – practice for the new NASCAR ‘Next Gen” Cup Series that starts at 5:05 p.m. where fans can see up close the drivers and teams working on the cars (from the UNOH Fanzone). All infield campers and GEICO West Lot campers will be able to attend for free while others – who are not camping guests – can buy a ticket for just $20 per person, gaining access to the UNOH Fanzone for both Atkins’ concert and the Cup Series Practice. To purchase tickets, fans are encouraged to log onto www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com now to guarantee their spots for an incredible night of entertainment.

Below is the list of Fan Q&A for Speedweeks Presented By AdventhHealth:

Monday, Feb. 14, 2022 – NASCAR Hauler Showcase
ONE DAYTONA

6:00 p.m.: Corey LaJoie – Son of two-time Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 Champion Randy LaJoie, seeking first victory in NASCAR Cup Series driving for Spire Motorsports

Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022 – Practice for NASCAR Cup Series
UNOH Fanzone Musical Performance

8:00 p.m.: Rodney Atkins – Noted Country Music Artist
Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 – Bluegreen Vacations Duel
UNOH Fanzone Q&A

4:30 p.m.: Ricky Stenhouse – 2017 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Champion
4:45 p.m.: Denny Hamlin – Three-time DAYTONA 500 Champion, 2008 Wawa 250 Champion
5:30 p.m.: Aric Almirola – 2014 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Champion
5:45 p.m.: David Ragan – 2011 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Champion
6:00 p.m.: Steve O’Donnell – NASCAR Executive VP & Chief Racing Development Officer (Tech talk on Next Gen car)
Friday, Feb. 18, 2022 – NEXTera Energy 250
UNOH Fanzone Q&A

1:15 p.m.: Chase Briscoe – Begins second NASCAR Cup season with Stewart-Haas Racing
2:25 p.m.: Ross Chastain – 2019 Wawa 250 Champion, Florida native begins second fulltime season in NASCAR Cup Series
2:45 p.m.: Christopher Bell – Last year’s NASCAR Cup Series Daytona Road Course Champion; Ty Gibbs – Last year’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Daytona Road Course Champion
Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022 – Lucas Oil 200 and Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300
UNOH Fanzone Q&A

9:15 a.m.: Joey Logano – 2015 DAYTONA 500 Champion, 2011 Wawa 250 Champion, 2018 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
9:45 a.m.: Ryan Blaney – 2021 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Champion
10:00 a.m.: The Thunderbirds – To perform flyover during National Anthem, 12 consecutive years and 13th overall
11:35 a.m.: Kyle Busch – 2008 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Champion, Two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion seeking first DAYTONA 500 victory
12:00 p.m.: Chris Buescher – 2015 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion
12:15 p.m.: Bubba Wallace – Runner-up in 2018 DAYTONA 500, captured first NASCAR Cup Series last fall at Talladega Superspeedway
Midway Q&A (Exhibit Area Outside Track off ISB)

9:30 a.m.: William Byron (eNASCAR exhibit) – 2020 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Champion, 2017 Wawa 250 Champion
12:00-1:30 p.m. (TBD on exact time): Cole Custer (Kids Zone Exhibit): One-time winner in NASCAR Cup Series, third season with Stewart/Haas Racing
Harley Jr’s Experience Q&A (High Banks Suite)

1:00 p.m.: Michael McDowell – Defending DAYTONA 500 Champion
Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022 – DAYTONA 500
UNOH Fanzone Q&A

9:45 a.m.: UNOH Engine Rebuild Exhibition
10:30 a.m.: Daniel Suarez – 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion, second season with Trackhouse Racing (owners’ Pitbull & Justin Marks)
10:45 a.m.: Tyler Reddick – 2018 Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 Champion, two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion
11:00 a.m.: Austin Cindric – 2021 Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 Champion, 2022 Sunoco Rookie of the Year Candidate for Cup Series for Team Penske; Harrison Burton – Four-time NASCAR Xfinity Series winner; 2022 Sunoco Rookie of the Year Candidate for Cup Series for Wood Brothers
11:15 a.m.: Kyle Larson – 2018 Wawa 250 Champion, Reigning NASCAR Cup Series Champion seeking first DAYTONA 500 victory
12:00 p.m.: Martin Truex, Jr.: 2017 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, 2005 Wawa 250 Champion seeking fist DAYTONA 500 triumph
12:15 p.m.: Chase Elliott – 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, 2016 Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 Champion seeking first DAYTONA 500 win
** Schedule is subject to change

The DAYTONA 500 gets the green flag at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb 20 (FOX, FOX Deportes, MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

While RV Camping and frontstretch seating are sold out, fans can still be a part of the DAYTONA 500 experience with fan hospitality options. There’s still a variety of hospitality packages left in the Rolex 24 Lounge Suites and the all-new Harley J’s Experience (High Banks Suite with incredible view of the frontstretch), plus options for other events as part of Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth. For ticket information, log onto www.DAYTONA500.com.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as the all-new NASCAR Tracks App, for the latest speedway news.

About Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a state-of-the-art motorsports facility and was awarded the SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in 2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of The Great American Race – the DAYTONA 500. Though the season-opening NASCAR Cup Series event garners most of the attention – as well as the largest audience in motorsports – the approximately 500-acre motorsports complex, also known as the World Center of Racing, boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe. In addition to at least nine major event weekends, the Speedway grounds are also used extensively for events that include concerts, civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing and police motorcycle training. The iconic venue will be the site of a host of motorsports events early in 2022, beginning with AHRMA Classic Motofest and the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA in January, and the 64th DAYTONA 500, which will debut the first points race for NASCAR’s ‘Next Gen’ car as part of Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth in February. The tradition-rich 81st Annual Bike Week At DAYTONA returns in March, featuring DAYTONA Supercross and the DAYTONA 200, and in May with the Heroes Honor Festival. Later in the summer during Independence Day weekend, the track, in association with Torneos, will host Soccer Fest before the NASCAR Cup Series returns for the final race of the regular season with the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Aug. 27.

Speedco Returns as Featured Partner of Front Row Motorsports Truck Program

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Official Release
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National Truck Care Brand to Lead Zane Smith in 2022

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 10, 2022) – Ready to make a championship run, Front Row Motorsports (FRM) returns Speedco, a national network of service locations for the trucking industry, as the anchor partner of Zane Smith and the No. 38 FRM Ford-F150 team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS). Speedco will be the primary partner for eight races this season including the season opener at the Daytona International Speedway.

Speedco will also partner with Smith and the No. 38 team at the Circuit of the Americas, the dirt race at the Bristol Motor Speedway, the Kansas Speedway, the Nashville Superspeedway, the night race at the Bristol Motor Speedway, the Talladega Superspeedway and at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Speedco began its partnership with the truck team in its inaugural season in 2020 with driver Todd Gilliland and again in 2021. Gilliland and Speedco made the NCWTS playoffs both seasons before Gilliland advanced to the NASCAR Cup Series team at FRM. Now, it’s three-time truck series winner and two-time champion runner-up Zane Smith taking the reign of the No. 38 Ford F-150.

“We’ve been impressed with the truck program that Front Row Motorsports has put together in a brief time,” said Dave Frankenfield, Vice President of Marketing, Speedco. “Our customers love the truck series and Todd made it exciting for us the past two seasons. Now, with Zane coming over, we are just as excited about this upcoming season. He’s a proven winner and we want to support him and the team as they vie for the championship.”

Speedco has been a part of the Love’s Family of Companies since 2017. Love’s has over 420 truck service centers, which include Speedco and Love’s Truck Care locations, and provides oil changes, preventative maintenance, inspection services and tire offerings for commercial truck drivers. The network had more than 1,500 maintenance bays and the most comprehensive, roadside coverage in the country. Smith is now ready to carry the Speedco colors.

“I raced against the Speedco truck for much of last season,” said Smith. “It’s cool to be in their truck this season and compete for wins and the championship. The support from Speedco has made the Front Row Motorsports truck program one of the best in the series. It’s impressive to see the success they’ve had, and I want to continue that. I’m thankful they are back with us, and I want to have a great year for them.”

For more information about Speedco, visit www.loves.com. You can also follow Speedco on social media: Twitter at @SpeedcoPM, Facebook at @SpeedcoPM and Instagram at @speedcopm.

About Love’s Travel Stops and Speedco
Love’s Travel Stops is the nation’s leading travel stop network with more than 580 locations in 41 states. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company remains family-owned and operated and employs more than 34,000 people. Love’s provides professional truck drivers and motorists with 24-hour access to clean and safe places to purchase gasoline, diesel fuel, fresh coffee, restaurant offerings and more. Love’s has over 420 truck service centers, which include Speedco and Love’s Truck Care locations. Love’s and Speedco combined is the largest oil change, preventive maintenance and total truck care nationwide network with over 1,500 maintenance bays and 1,200 emergency roadside vehicles available for customers. Love’s is committed to providing customers with “Clean Places, Friendly Faces” at every stop. To learn more, visit loves.com or follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter.

About Front Row Motorsports
Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Camping World Truck Series and the 2021 Daytona 500 champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team– from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Thad Moffitt To Race STP Sponsored Truck At Daytona To Commemorate 30th Anniversary Of Richard Petty’s Fan Appreciation Tour

By
Official Release
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Statesville, NC – GMS Racing is proud to announce an exciting, new partnership with Reaume Brothers Racing to welcome Thad Moffitt, fourth generation driver and grandson of legendary NASCAR Hall of Fame member Richard Petty, for a multi-race schedule driving the newly unveiled No. 43 Chevrolet Silverado RST entry.

The co-op effort between Reaume Brothers Racing and GMS Racing will include technical and engineering support from the two-time championship winning team, pulling valuable resources and crew members from both entities while building teamwork with GMS Racing drivers Grant Enfinger and Jack Wood along with their respective teams.

Moffitt’s 2022 racing schedule will be kicked off in a big way at the season opening race at Daytona International Speedway, where the longtime Richard Petty partner STP will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Petty’s “Fan Appreciation Tour” with a paint scheme paying homage to the 1992 retirement season.

“I am super excited to make my NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut at Daytona in the No. 43 Reaume Brothers Racing Chevrolet with team support from GMS Racing. Daytona is a track that has a lot of family history, and having STP onboard makes it that much more special. It truly is an honor to run the iconic STP branding on my Silverado along with my fire suit, and I am hoping to represent their longtime support of my family in a great way.” said Moffitt.

Since 2017, Moffitt has competed in forty-four ARCA Menards Series races while running for various teams. In that time, the twenty-one-year-old driver from Trinity, NC has posted a stout rep sheet with 25 top-10 finishes and eight top-fives, earning a best-career finish of third at Phoenix Raceway last season. Thad competed for the ARCA championship in 2021, ultimately finishing fourth in the series standings despite only running sixteen of the twenty races.

Daytona will mark an important career milestone for Moffitt, as he will attempt to make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut with the No. 43 team. This debut will be only the fourth time in NASCAR national series history in which a fourth-generation driver will compete, making the occasion extra special for the Petty/Moffitt family.

RBR Team Owner Josh Reaume looks forward to bringing Thad on board, saying “I am thrilled to be able to partner with GMS and have their support; they are an extremely strong and highly respected organization that I have a great relationship with. Everyone at Reaume Brothers Racing is excited to work with Thad and have him make his Truck debut with us. Lastly, it’s an honor to play a role in helping continue the Petty Family racing tradition. Thad is a very talented young driver, and it will be fun to watch him grow and see where his career takes him.”

The paint scheme that Thad will drive will be instantly recognizable to diehard NASCAR fans of all ages, as it brings back memories from “The King”, Richard Petty. The iconic STP color scheme will be prominently featured on the truck in addition to a fire suit which resembles Petty’s from the 1992 Daytona 500 – Petty’s final start in the Great American Race.

“STP is proud to continue its partnership with the Petty family and join Richard’s grandson, Thad, for the NextEra Energy 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway, ” said STP Senior Manager, North America Brand Activation, Craig Hamilton, “Thad’s debut with STP is an exciting moment for the brand and will mark the third-generation Petty that STP has partnered with in NASCAR. We’re proud to carry on the tradition, now in its 51st year, and we’re looking forward to seeing where Thad’s career takes him.”

Indeed, there’s no better way to honor the iconic STP/Petty relationship that dates back to 1972, one of the longest lasting marketing partnerships in all of sports. Ahead of the partnership announcement, Richard offered his enthusiastic remarks:

“Over the past 50 years STP has been with me very step of the way and I’ve been proud to support them. But this takes it to a whole new level for me. To have Thad racing with STP at Daytona, a place that our family has been so successful at, is just very special to me personally. Obviously, I’ve watched Thad’s career grow and he is ready for this next step in the Camping World Truck Series. It will be great to see another member of the Petty family racing with STP.” said Petty.

Moffitt will compete in a hybrid schedule in 2022 which will include the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series and Trans AM. Additional Details of Moffitt’s schedule along with further partnership announcements, will be forthcoming. Partnership opportunities are available for the No. 43 program – for all partnership inquiries please contact Stephen Moffitt via email at smoffitt@pettygms.com for more information.

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will begin its 28th season under the lights with the NextEra Energy 250 at Daytona International Speedway. For live coverage of the event, tune in to FOX Sports 1 at 7:00 PM ET as Thad Moffitt makes his debut with the No. 43 STP Chevrolet Silverado RST.

For more information about our newest driver, please visit his official website at www.thadmoffitt.com. Additionally, fans are encouraged to follow Thad on Twitter with the handle @ThadMoffitt and Instagram with the handle @ThadMoffitt46.

About Energizer Holdings, Inc.

Energizer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ENR), headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of primary batteries, portable lights, and auto care appearance, performance, refrigerant, and fragrance products. Our portfolio of globally recognized brands include Energizer®, Armor All®, Eveready®, Rayovac®, STP®, Varta®, A/C Pro®, Refresh Your Car! ®, California Scents®, Driven®, Bahama & Co. ®, LEXOL®, Eagle One®, Nu Finish®, Scratch Doctor®, and Tuff Stuff®. As a global branded consumer products company, Energizer’s mission is to lead the charge to deliver value to our customers and consumers better than anyone else.

About Reaume Brothers Racing

Reaume Brothers Racing is entering their fifth season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series fielding the No. 33 and No. 43 entries in 2022. The team is dedicated to providing unparalleled excellence and quality to our drivers, team members and partners. We are committed to building value by bringing and creating a culture of competitiveness, performance and teamwork. For more information, please visit www.reaumebrothersracing.com.

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.

M&M’S Racing: Kyle Busch Advance for the 64th Daytona 500

By
Official Release
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KYLE BUSCH
Bringing Home the Hardware

HUNTERSVILLE, North Carolina (Feb. 10, 2022) – As the points-paying portion of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season is set to begin with Speedweek activities starting Tuesday at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, Kyle Busch has once again turned his attention to filling the space set aside in his trophy case for the one big race he’s yet to win.

Busch, driver of the No. 18 M&M’S Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), is hoping to check the box of Daytona 500 champion by finally securing the Harley J. Earl Trophy that goes annually to the winner of The Great American Race. Sunday will mark his 17th career Daytona 500 start.

A win in the traditional points-paying season-opener would be one of the most noteworthy accomplishments on Busch’s already impressive resume. The hardware celebrating the important race wins and accomplishments already checked off his list are housed in a large trophy case at his Kyle Busch Motorsports race shop. The list starts with his two Cup Series championships in 2015 and 2019, along with his wins in crown jewel races, starting with the Southern 500 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway in 2008 and back-to-back Brickyard 400s at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2015 and 2016, along with his first points-paying Cup Series win at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway in the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend in 2018, preceded by his first All-Star Race victory at Charlotte in 2017. While Busch will also have his sights set on adding wins at the new venues that have been added to the schedule, the Daytona 500 trophy still remains at the top of his list.

The Las Vegas native begins the pursuit of his first Daytona 500 win and third championship sporting the familiar yellow M&M’S scheme on his No. 18 Toyota. The M&M’S brand will be returning to Busch’s car for its 15th and final season in 2022, along with other Mars Wrigley products highlighted on the car throughout the year, which include a mix of new and familiar products from the SNICKERS, SKITTLES and PEDIGREE brands.

While the Daytona 500 will serve as the points-paying debut of the NASCAR NextGen racecar, the season kicked off early and unlike ever before with the first-ever Cup Series race Feb. 6 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. For his part, Busch made a strong showing in the first on-track activities with the new car as he was fast qualifier, won his heat race, then led a race-high 64 laps but came up just short of a win with a runner-up finish in the Busch Light Clash. The M&M’S driver will look to finish one spot higher in the official debut for the car at Daytona.

The M&M’S Toyota will be on track for Daytona Speedweek starting with practice on Tuesday. It will continue with single-lap qualifying Wednesday night, then Thursday night’s Bluegreen Vacations Duel qualifying races. Busch won his Duel qualifying race in 2009, 2013 and 2016. And the official NASCAR Cup Series season begins in earnest with the Sunday’s Daytona 500 for Busch, who in addition to his three non-points race wins at Daytona, captured his first and only points-paying Cup Series win at the 2.5-mile superspeedway in July 2008.

So, as Busch and his No. 18 M&M’S Camry head back to Daytona for the latest edition of Daytona Speedweek, his sights will be set on winning The Great American Race and hoping to become the 41st driver to grace the Harley J. Earl Trophy as Daytona 500 champion.

KYLE BUSCH, Driver of the No. 18 M&M’S Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing:

You are still going after that first Daytona 500 trophy. Is this the year you are able to get to Daytona 500 victory lane?

“I don’t know if this this is the year or not, but we’ll all have to find out together. It’s been a long time, obviously. I’ve been doing it for quite a while. It’s the last trophy to check off the box. I’ve certainly been close a few times and have been way far away at other times. I feel like the superspeedway thing has not been my knack over the last few years for whatever reason. I’ve been trying to learn on it and watch film and getting better at it in those situations. We had a fast car last year and we had a fast car for all the speedway races. We were up front and leading last year’s race with 15 or so laps to go and had an engine let go. It’s a mix of a lot of luck and some skill, as well. You can be leading going down the backstretch and have someone drill you from behind and crash you, so it’s never over till it’s over and you can get to the finish line and finally put our M&M’S Camry in victory lane there. Our friends at M&M’S have also been trying for years and I’m also hoping we can get it done for them, as well as for myself.”

What do you anticipate it being like to get your feet under you with the new car?

“I think the biggest thing with getting familiar with the new car is just understanding it’s little things that it likes and it doesn’t like, whether it’s setup-wise or even driving-wise. Just how far can you push the limit of the new car? Where are the breaks going to let you go into a corner, or how much grip is the bigger, wider tire going to have? How long does that grip hang on for and when does it fall off? You have to see if it was more or less than before. So, all of those things, there are so many more things to learn. The car being heavier and the driving dynamics of the car and the differential is all way different than anything we’ve ever seen.”

What were your first impressions of the new car when you tested at Charlotte for the first time in December?

“My first test was at Charlotte and it was OK. There was some learning to get through. We heard some of the challenges they had before and we were able to see those and fine tune on them while we were at the test, and go through and fix some of those issues that some of the other guys were having in the earlier tests. So that was nice, that we were able to contribute and find some fixes for some of the things some of the other guys had been battling.”

What are your expectations with the new car at the season’s biggest race, the Daytona 500?

“I think you just have to go out there and race with this new car being at Daytona for the first time. You get a chance to practice and a chance to run it in the Duel races, so you get to get your feet wet a bit to understand how it does in the draft. Until you get in a pack of 40, cars you really aren’t going to have a whole understanding of what it takes and what its limitations are. I think you are going to be learning that as you go and it’s going to be never-ending.”

What are your expectations for Daytona and the first portion of the season?

“I think it’s really important to get a solid foundation. I’ve always kind of focused on that. Ideally you would like to have a good Daytona and a good West Coast swing and kind of see where you’re at and what kind of season you are having and where your team is. That’s always been my goal, but it hasn’t always worked out that way. I’ve blown up or crashed or had other issues at Daytona that set you back, and then you are continually trying to climb yourself back up the ladder. It would be nice to have a solid and painless Speedweek, then going into the West Coast swing and swing for the fences and have a great start to the season.”

What would winning the Daytona 500 mean to you?

“Winning the Daytona 500 would be huge. It’s essentially the last trophy on my checklist that I really need. I also want to win COTA (Circuit of the Americas), Nashville, and all the new tracks, as well, but the Daytona 500 is one that has eluded me, and many others for that matter. I would certainly like to think I could get that race checked off my list before it’s all said and done, and to also be known as a Daytona 500 champion in addition to my championships and other race wins.”

Why is the Daytona 500 so difficult to win?

“Because everybody else wants to win it and it’s on all their bucket lists and, of course, it’s a race that 40 people have a chance to go out there and win. I wouldn’t say the same for a race like Vegas. You go to Vegas and obviously that’s a race where probably 10, 12 guys are going to have a chance to win but, when you show up to Daytona, all 40 people will believe they have a chance to win.”

Event Overview:

Wednesday, Feb. 16: Daytona 500 qualifying (single-lap, two-round qualifying to determine the pole for the Daytona 500)

· Time/TV/Radio: 8 p.m. ET on FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Thursday, Feb. 17: Duel at Daytona (twin 150-mile qualifying races that set the field for the Daytona 500)

· Time/TV/Radio: 7 p.m. ET on FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Sunday, Feb. 20: 64th annual Daytona 500 (first of 36 points-paying NASCAR Cup Series races in 2022)

· Time/TV/Radio: 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Meet the No. 18 M&M’S / Joe Gibbs Racing Team

Primary Team Members:

Driver: Kyle Busch
Hometown: Las Vegas

Crew Chief: Ben Beshore
Hometown: York, Pennsylvania

Car Chief: Nate Bellows
Hometown: Fairfax, Vermont

Spotter: Tony Hirschman
Hometown: Northampton, Pennsylvania

Race Engineer: Seth Chavka
Hometown: Soldotna, Alaska

Race Engineer: Jaik Halpainy
Hometown: Blockville, New York

Over-The-Wall Crew Members:

Gas Man: Matt Tyrrell
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Front Tire Changer: Thomas Hatcher
Hometown: Middleburg, Florida

Jackman: Kellen Mills
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

Tire Carrier: CJ Bailey
Hometown: Outer Banks, North Carolina

Rear Tire Changer: Lee Cunningham
Hometown: Leaf River, Illinois

Road Crew Members:

Engine Tuner: Dan Bajek
Hometown: Camden, New York

Truck Driver: Chris Miko
Hometown: Bronx, New York

Truck Driver: Mike Curtis
Hometown: Grandby, Connecticut

Mechanic/Tire Specialist: Justin Peiffer
Hometown: Lebanon, Pennsylvania

Mechanic: Scott Eldridge
Hometown: Warsaw, Indiana

Mechanic: Tony Hamm
Hometown: Walla, Walla, Washington

Notes of Interest:

● Is This The Year? Busch heads into his 17th Daytona 500th start still looking for his first victory in The Great American Race. He isn’t the first multiple championship-winning driver who a Daytona 500 race win has eluded. Past champions including Buck Baker, brothers Bobby and Terry Labonte, Rusty Wallace and Tony Stewart all had fantastic careers but were never able to bring home the Harley J. Earl trophy. Notable drivers who went far into their careers before their first Daytona 500 victories were Dale Earnhardt winning in his 20th attempt, and Michael Waltrip bringing home the hardware on his 15th try. Ironically, Busch’s older brother Kurt Busch went for most of his career before winning his first Daytona 500 in 2017 in his 17th attempt. Will that be an omen for Kyle Busch in this year’s race?

● New Look Daytona Schedule: The schedule of activities leading into the Daytona 500 looks much different than it has in recent years as it has been compacted. Instead of starting during the previous weekend with the Busch Light Clash, that traditional, non-points event was run two weekends ago. Daytona 500 practice begins Tuesday evening. Just like last season, Daytona 500 qualifying is set for Wednesday night, the Duel twin 150-mile qualifying races will be Thursday night, and the week Speedweek culminates with the 64th Daytona 500 on Sunday.

● Dueling at Daytona: Busch will make his 17th start in his Bluegreen Vacations Duel twin qualifying races. In his previous 15 starts, Busch has led 168 laps and has three career wins in the qualifying event – 2009, 2013, and 2016.

● Almost: Busch almost drove to his first Daytona Cup Series victory in July 2007, when he finished second to race-winner Jamie McMurray by a mere .005 of a second in a drag race to the finish line.

● No More ‘Almost:’ Busch finally notched his first and only Cup Series points-paying win at Daytona in the July 2008 Coke Zero 400. He was just ahead of Carl Edwards when the caution flag came out for a multicar accident in turn one on lap 162 during a green-white-checkered finish. Busch was declared the winner by NASCAR officials when it was determined his car was in the lead when the caution came out to end the race.

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