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RFK Racing Earns Seven MARCOM Awards in 2021

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Official Release
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Team Recognized for Outstanding Marketing Efforts for Partners Fastenal, Fifth Third, Navistar

CONCORD, N.C. (Dec. 21, 2021) – Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing (RFK) has again received national recognition in its marketing efforts by the prestigious MarCom Awards, earning seven total honors for the organization’s robust marketing plans. The team took home a combined seven awards, including three Platinum distinctions, which represents the highest level of achievement.

“We are thrilled to again receive national recognition by the distinguished MarCom Awards panel,” said RFK Racing Vice President of Marketing Operations & Communications Kevin Woods. “Honors such as these are further proof of the trust our great partners have in us continue to push the envelope in ways in which to authentically promote their brands. As with any industry, change is commonplace for us on many levels, and we’re proud of the team’s effort to continue to adapt and form compelling platforms for our partners.”

MarCom winners are recognized annually for their excellence in terms of quality, creativity and resourcefulness, with only a small percentage achieving Platinum status. The team earned a Platinum in Social Campaign for its promotion of the Fastenal Forward series, highlighting the brand’s integration of its products and services throughout RFK’s operations and featuring testimonials, product features and more.

Fastenal was also awarded a Gold Award in the Internal Communication Campaign category, for its efforts in the virtual events space. Again due to ongoing effects from the pandemic, Fastenal worked alongside RFK to develop a unique program to activate Fastenal’s top salespeople and their top opportunity customers by creating monthly ‘Coffee Talks’ featuring Chris Buescher and RFK President Steve Newmark.

The virtual events category became a focal point throughout the COVID pandemic, in which RFK excelled by promoting its virtual live events, earning a Platinum Award in Special Events. Included in those virtual events were a live, pre-race virtual show from the Daytona 500 and other marquee events, which included appearances from drivers and team personnel, live look-ins from the track, and other unique and customized options around the event.

The team also brought home Platinum honors for its Communication Plan with virtual planning, which featured weekly ‘race day communications’, serving as an alternative to an in-person race experience. The platform highlighted team profile features, and other aspects of the weekly virtual event experience.

Fifth Third Bank received recognition with the RFK team for its efforts in the Integrated Marketing category, where the bank highlighted its ‘Durham to Daytona’ event. The program featured a robust show car program with stops in its branches from the Carolinas through Georgia, and into Florida for the summer marquee event.

Fifth Third also received Honorable Mention honors in the Corporate Social Responsibility category for its continued contributions in the fight against hunger around Fifth Third Day (May 3). The program also included promoting Fifth Third’s shield program, which ultimately benefitted the bank’s partners across the region.

RFK was also awarded a Gold Award for its celebrated #RFRTruckin campaign, centering on the team’s trek to Bristol Motor Speedway and featuring live content featuring team partner Navistar and the team’s transporter drivers around National Truck Driver Awareness week.

The team was recognized earlier this year by the Hermes Creative Awards and the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), for multiple platforms centered around Castrol and Kohler Generators.

2021 Awards

Roush Fenway Virtual Integrated Planning – Platinum Award for Communication Plan

Roush Fenway Virtual Live Events – Platinum Award for Special Event

Fastenal Forward Content – Platinum Award for Social Campaign

RFRTruckin’ (Navistar) – Gold Award for Integrated Marketing

Fifth Third Bank Momentum Tour – Gold Award for Integrated Marketing

Fastenal Virtual Events – Gold Award for Internal Communication Campaign

Fifth Third Bank Fighting Against Hunger – Honorable Mention, Corporate Social Responsibility

MarCom Awards is an international creative competition that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communications professionals, administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. The international organization consists of several thousand creative professionals. The Association oversees awards and recognition programs, provides judges and sets standards for excellence. Judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.

MarCom entries come from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops, production companies and freelancers. The competition has grown to one of the largest of its kind, with winners ranging in size from individual communicators to media conglomerates and Fortune 500 companies.

About Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing
RFK Racing, in its 35th season of competition in 2022, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner himself in the NASCAR Truck Series, joins the ownership fold while piloting the iconic No. 6 Ford, and brings to the team a championship mindset himself having won the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Championship. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox and English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com, and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

Never Too Late to Dream Chase: Schweitzer Claims First Professional Racing Title

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Official Release
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8 Weeks of Champions: John Schweitzer Western SGT

FIFE, WASH. (21 December 2021)- Winning the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli Western Championship was beyond John Schweitzer’s wildest dreams. (VIDEO: Schewitzer Captures Trans Am SGT West Coast Title – YouTube)

“It was huge,” said the driver from Fife, Washington. “I never thought I would be professional racing in my fifties – let alone chasing the championship.”

The native of Cleveland had a passion for cars from his earlier years. His family had a 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback, and John’s first set of wheels was a 1970 Mustang Mach I he picked up after graduation from high school in 1983 – a car he still enjoys to this day. After participating in track days for a decade, Schweitzer decided to try his hand at racing around five years ago.

“I wanted to step it up and see how I could play with the rest of the boys,” he said. “It’s been quite an experience.”

In his first full season of club racing, he won six races and captured two poles en route to a GT2 season championship, and continued to enjoy success the following seasons racing a Holden Commodore, an Australian-built G.M. product.

“That car is a 2000 Howe chassis,” Schweitzer explained. “When we were at Laguna Seca, we met Chas Howe, and he built the car and knew the whole story behind it. It’s a two-seater, and that car was a lot of fun. But as the [2021] season went on, the competition got into higher-horsepower cars, so for me to keep up I had to step up the horsepower.”

Schweitzer joined Trans Am in 2020, finishing second at Sonoma in rainy conditions to place on the podium in his first professional racing start.

For 2021, he followed up a third at Sonoma by taking second at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. At that point, he decided he needed a change, and traded up to a Ford Fusion. His first race with the new car was at Thunderhill, and that became his first Trans Am Western Championship victory.

“The key to that victory was just finishing the race,” he explained. “We had a couple of issues in that race. The exhaust manifold headers, because we were dealing with the sound issue and it caused a big hole to blow out of the headers, so about halfway through the race the header was blowing hot air at my feet, so the last 15 minutes of the race I couldn’t put my feet down. Also, I lost first gear in the transmission. But I was not going to give up first place. I still had good times – my lap times were actually better in the last half of the race.”

He followed up the victory with a fourth at the Ridge and second-place finishes at Portland and Utah Motorsports Campus to clinch the title.

“Every race was a highlight,” Schweitzer said. “Every race had something unique about it. After Thunderhill was the Ridge, and it rained pretty bad. I tried to drive in the rain, but my windshield was so bad I couldn’t see where I was going. My pit crew had to tell me which way to go so I could get to the pits and get parked.

“At Utah, we had a practice day with 50-mph wind gusts. I had my best laps of the weekend during that windstorm. That race went really well for me, but the big downfall was that there were no yellow flags. I was running better laps in the second half of the race, so I was hoping for a yellow to get me caught back up and get another shot at them.”

With the championship in hand, Schweitzer took on a new challenge in the season finale at Austin’s Circuit of The Americas – running in TA2® with an eye to the future.

“I was a little challenged – my first time driving a TA2® car and my first time at CoTA,” Schweitzer said. “We didn’t have a lot of practice time, so I started finding my way around the track in the second half of the race.”

Now, Schweitzer is set to make the step to the new division.

“My goal is to get out there, and always try to finish ahead of where I started, and see how many points I can rack up,” he said.

The move to TA2® takes Schweitzer full-circle – he’s back behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang, a 2020 Mustang built by Stevens-Miller Racing.

“I love Ford Mustangs, and that was a big selling point with Stevens-Miller,” he said. “I have a few Mustangs I keep at my shop, in my ‘man cave.’

“With everything shut down from COVID the past two years, I don’t know what I would have done if it wasn’t for racing,” Schweitzer said. “I’m committed to keep racing for another 10 years, at least. My racing goal is to do some National events on the East Coast. I’d love to go to the July 4 event at Road America, with the NASCAR race going on, that’s a bucket list event for me, along with Watkins Glen and some of the other tracks. I hope to do one or two different tracks out east, I love the National events. When they came to Laguna Seca this year, it was absolutely phenomenal.”

The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli Western Championship returns for its sixth season in 2022, visiting iconic tracks in the Western half of the United States in conjunction with the SportsCar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) SpeedTour. The series will open its 2022 season at Thunderhill Raceway April 9-10. For a full schedule and more information on the Trans Am Series, visit www.GoTransAm.com.

Corey Heim Slated for 15 Races in the No. 51 Tundra TRD Pro in 2022

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Official Release
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Mardy Lindley to lead efforts of No. 51 team again next season

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Dec. 21, 2021) – Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) announced today that Corey Heim will return to the organization and be behind the wheel of the No. 51 Tundra TRD Pro for 15 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races in 2022. JBL, the authority in engineering superior sound, returns to KBM for an eighth season and will be the primary sponsor on Heim’s Toyota for 10 races. Crew chief Mardy Lindley will return for his second season atop the pit box for the No. 51 team.

Heim made three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts for KBM in 2021, with a best result of 11th coming at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway in October. The Georgia driver had an impressive Truck Series debut at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway in May, where he led two laps, finished Stage Two in the runner-up position and was running second when he got turned from behind on a restart with just under 30 laps remaining.

The 19-year-old driver finished second to Ty Gibbs in the 2021 ARCA Menards Series championship standings after producing six wins, three poles, 406 laps led, 16 top-five and 20 top-10 finishes and an average finish of 3.1 across 20 starts. Heim has totaled seven wins, 503 laps led, 26 top-five and 35 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 4.2 across 36 career ARCA Menards Series starts.

Heim will be in the No. 51 for the Truck Series 2022 season opening event at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway Feb. 18 and will also compete in the final eight races on the schedule. The remainder of his schedule will be announced at a later date.

“Coming up through the Toyota Racing Development program not only have I looked up to Kyle as a driver but I’ve also watched him build KBM into an organization that provides up-and-coming drivers with all the tools that they need to win races and compete for championships, so I’m super grateful for the opportunity to compete for an owner’s championship alongside him in the No. 51 Tundra TRD Pro in 2022,” Heim said. “I was able to get JBL to victory lane three times in the ARCA Menards Series this year and I know that with Mardy (Lindley, crew chief) atop the pit box and the team I have around me that I can get them to victory lane again this year in the Camping World Truck Series.”

“Corey proved that he is capable of running up front and winning races in the ARCA Menards Series last season and we feel that he is very deserving of the opportunity for an expanded schedule with KBM next year,” Busch said. “Without any practice or qualifying he was able to step right in and run well enough in his Truck Series races this year and we feel that once he is able to get behind the wheel on a more consistent basis that he is someone that will be able to compete for wins. He has a great relationship with Mardy (Lindley, crew chief) and they’ve already been putting in a lot of work in the offseason to make sure that they get our long-time sponsor JBL back to victory lane and put the No. 51 in the hunt for the owner’s championship again next year.”

Lindley’s drivers produced three wins in his first season at KBM, two with owner-driver Kyle Busch and one with Martin Truex Jr. Before arriving at KBM, Lindley guided his drivers to 32 wins and four ARCA Menards Series East championships since 2013, including back-to-back titles with Sam Mayer the last two seasons. Additionally, he earned the ARCA Menards Series Sioux Chief Showdown championship with Mayer in 2020. Behind the wheel, the second-generation driver won 11 races on the Pro Cup Series from 2000 to 2006 and was crowned the series champion in 2001.

Further sponsor announcements for the remaining races on Heim’s schedule are forthcoming.

About JBL:

JBL creates the amazing sound that shapes life’s most epic moments. From iconic events like Woodstock and concerts at Madison Square Garden, to games at Yankee Stadium and weekend road trips, JBL elevates listeners’ experiences with award-winning audio that lets them make the most of every moment. With 75 years of unmatched professional credentials and industry leading innovation, JBL has expertly blended a bold vision of the future with the passion and talent of engineers and designers around the globe. JBL’s Signature Professional Sound is the leading technology that powers major pop culture events, and the brand has partnered with the world’s top talent across music, sports and esports. Follow JBL news online: like JBL on Facebook; follow JBL on Twitter and Instagram @JBLaudio; check out our YouTube Channel; follow us on TikTok; and connect with JBL on LinkedIn.

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).

MIKE CHRISTOPHER, JR TO MAKE DEBUT IN ALLENTOWN, PA INDOOR RACING EVENTS JANUARY 7-8

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Official Release
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MIKE CHRISTOPHER, JR. TO MAKE THREE QUARTER MIDGET INDOOR AUTO RACING SERIES DEBUT JANUARY 7-8 IN ALLENTOWN, PA PPL CENTER; WILL DRIVE TREY HODDICK CAR; ENTRIES GROW FOR TQS, SLINGSHOTS AND CHAMP KARTS

ALLENTOWN, PA DECEMBER 21, 2021 . . . Highly regarded asphalt Modified specialist Mike Christopher, Jr., will make his TQ Midget Indoor Auto Racing Series debut on Friday and Saturday, January 7-8 during the Ironton Global sponsored Allentown Indoor Race inside the PPL Center in downtown Allentown, PA.

Christopher, 22. of Wolcott, CT, will be driving a new car owned by Trey Hoddick of Buffalo, NY. Scott Kreutter of Alden, NY, an experienced TQ Indoor racer, will be Christopher’s teammate.

Christopher’s car will carry the No. 82 in the Indoor Auto Racing Series events.

“Trey said I could put any number on the car I wanted so I’m bringing the number 82 from my Modified,” he shared.

Tickets for the two days of racing in Allentown are on sale now. To order online visit www.pplcenter.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the arena box office, open every Tuesday and Thursday and during events hosted at the arena including Lehigh Valley Phantoms games.

Christopher said he had been prepared to race in the 2020 Indoor Auto Racing Series finale.

“I was going to run the last race of season in Syracuse. We were all set to go the day before. I was ready to leave and before I did, the whole thing got shut down because of COVID.

“The car has been sitting on a shelf since then. I called Trey a few weeks ago, and he said, ‘a deal’s a deal’, everything’s ready to go,” Christopher shared.

Christopher. who stands six feet inches, said one of his main obstacles he must face is getting comfortable in the close TQ Midget cockpit.

“I had a problem getting my knees to fit in and at the same time get my head low enough. I’m bringing a bunch of padding with me to help with that.

“What I want to do is come into the Allentown race, make the feature and come out of there clean and with a plan for the next race. If I can’t get comfortable in the car, I’ll just have to suck it up,” Christopher bottom-lined.

Ironton Global and Ironton Telephone and Internet are Allentown Indoor Auto Racing Series title sponsors.

Ironton Global, the leading international provider of cloud-based communication services, headquartered in Coplay, PA, is the title sponsor for the Allentown event.

The Allentown event, as well as 2022 Series events in Atlantic City, NJ and Syracuse, NY are being presented by BELFOR Property Restoration Services, provider of professional 24/7 residential and commercial restoration services.

Future Homes of Kunkletown, PA, a home construction company, specializing in residential, multi-family, and energy efficient buildings, has also returned as the presenting sponsor for the Saturday night card of racing in Allentown.

Though he has yet to turn a wheel in a TQ Midget, Christopher has seen his share of highlight reel footage. His late uncle Ted won five TQ Indoor features and back to back Series titles, in 2010 and 2011.

“I wish I could talk to him and ask him questions about Indoor racing. I saw him have so much success in Indoor races,” Christopher admits. “I know it’s going to be tough to get into the feature but Trey will be giving me a good car. It’s all up to the driver.”

To do well, Christopher, who is used to racing primarily in his native New England region, will have to outrun a solid contingent of greater Lehigh Valley, PA racers.

Kyle Lick of Lehighton, PA returns to the PPL Center driving a car owned by his father. Tyler Lindsay, Micro Sprint dirt track specialist at Shellhammers Speedway, riding out of Slatington, PA, will compete driving a family owned car.

Earl Paules of Lehighton. PA, a perennial favorite, is entered in a car sponsored in part by E. Schneider & Sons Scrap of Allentown, PA. Mike Bednar of Lehighton, PA, will be driving Mike Murray’s highly touted No. 12 TQ Midget.

In addition, western New York teams, Hoddick’s neighbors, are also planning to fight for victory in the PPL Center Series opener.

Ryan Susice, Ramsomville, NY, Tyler Thompson, Oswego, NY, Jonathan Reid of Lockport, NY and Ryan Bartlett of Watertown, NY, have all filed race entries.

Christopher will also be up against one other New Englander. Derek Robbie of Bellingham, MA has entered in a car owned by Nick Giordano.

The biggest Indoor Auto Racing Series PPL Center TQ Midget race winner is Ryan Flores of Mooresville, N.C. Flores, who works for Roger Penske’s NASCAR Cup organization, will be seeking his fifth victory in January, with his eyes set on becoming the winningest TQ driver in series history. Christopher is a close friend of Flores.

The Allentown schedule calls for doors opening at 6:00 PM with racing getting underway at 7:30 PM on Friday. On Saturday, doors open and Fan Fest begins at 5 PM with racing starting at 7:00 PM sharp.

The on-track Fan Fest is available at no extra charge to ticket holders who chose the option when making their purchase. This allows access to the speedway where the cars competing will be on display for photos and drivers available for free autographs.

After Allentown, the series will head to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall on January 28 & 29 for the NAPA KNOW Gambler’s Classic and conclude in Syracuse, NY at the NY State Fairgrounds Exposition Center on Friday and Saturday, March 11 & 12.

Additional entries are currently being accepted by the Indoor Auto Racing Series for its trio of 2022 races.

“We expect that competitor interest in the TQ Midget, Champ Kart, and Slingshot classes will be at an all-time high since we haven’t raced at all in over a year,” Series organizer Len Sammons noted.

TQ Midget race cars will headline all the programs with high-speed excitement competing on speedways set up on the concrete floors of three arenas. Slingshots and Champ Karts will complete the tripleheader programs.

Series information including links for purchasing tickets, hotel rooms and racer entry forms are available on the series website: www.indoorautoracing.com.

Sponsorship opportunities remain for all Indoor Auto Racing Series races.

CHRIS CROWDER READY FOR INITIAL RUN IN CHILI BOWL MIDGET NATIONALS

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Official Release
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Chris Crowder's immaculate lightning sprint car.

(Colorado Spring, CO, December 20, 2021) Veteran Colorado open-wheel racing star Chris Crowder is set to escape from the clutches of winter and into the hot action at the 36th Annual Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma in January. It will be his first attempt at the celebrated race that features more than 300 entries from all disciplines of racing including NASCAR, NHRA, and Indy Cars.

Crowder, who resides in Colorado Springs, will be one of more than 75 drivers attempting to become the Rookie of the Race. For his initial effort in the annual event, he will be wheeling the Del Morris Motorsports/Accelerated Services Auto Transporters/Morris Insurance Agency/Open Wheel Logistics/Champion Brands/Spike/Esslinger/RSI/#17R and he will be a teammate to San Rafael, California’s Frankie Guerrini.

“This is a great prestigious race,” the former member of the United States Marine Corps said about his impression of the Chili Bowl. “Just to be there amongst the Kyle Larson’s, Rico Arbeau’s, and those guys. To be on the same stage as those guys is a unique opportunity that very few people get a chance to have. I have no expectations and Del has no expectations. The only thing he asks is if we can pass one car every time we hit the track. That is what we are shooting for. Other than that, we are going to go to have some fun and gain some experience.”

“Del actually reached out to me,” the 47-year-old driver said when queried on how he met Harris. “He said he had watched me drive at Bakersfield and Placerville and thought that I was a very clean driver, and I did not tear up a lot of equipment. I guess they had an open seat available, and they reached out to me through one of his crew guys asking if I would be interested. Obviously, the answer was heck yeah.”

Crowder’s foray into racing started with drag racing his 1966 Chevelle when he was in high school. However, after high school, he joined the Marines, and that put racing on a hiatus until he got out of the military. When he came back to racing in 2005, it was a far different discipline than what he did in his teen years. Instead of racing in one straight line, he started racing on two straight lines with turns on each end.

While Crowder added a straightaway and turns to his racing effort, he also took some things off for open wheel racing. Stuff like doors, fixed roofs, transmissions, and more. He has been going full bore and slinging clay now for 16-years. While he currently may be best known for lightning sprint cars, he also has driven competitively in winged and non-wing 305 sprint cars.

Over the years in lightning sprints, Crowder has won over 30 main events including five in 2021. He has also captured four lightning sprint car championships. Two of those titles came with the Rocky Mountain Lightning Sprint Car Association. Another was in the POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Series during its inaugural year in 2020. In addition, he scored a title with the now defunct Colorado 1200 Outlaws.

Even though he won the 2020 SWLS crown, for the past four or five years, Crowder has taken his show on the road and has not raced for points. Thus, he has spread his winning across the country. His biggest victories of 2021 came at the POWRi Midwest Lightning Sprint Car Nationals at the Central Missouri Speedway in May and in night #2 of the Hangtown 100 at California’s Placerville Speedway on November 19th (the picture at the top of this release is from Crowder’s win at Placerville).

“I’m an open book right now,” Crowder said when asked what he could take from a lightning sprint to his first midget race. “I think the similarities are mostly cosmetic. Between the two of them, the chassis size is very similar, (as well as) wheel size and things like that. I am anticipating the horsepower difference and obviously having power steering as well. I want to see and feel how that relates even to the 305s.”

“Del and myself have talked about where does this lead to afterwards,” the friendly driver stated when asked if he thought the Chili Bowl could lead to more midget rides. “His words to me were, he would love to have me in a car next year. Possibly doing some USAC West stuff out in California. As long as we all jell together, the crew guys, Del and myself, I think there is a great opportunity here.”

When not on the racetrack, Crowder has been in trucking for over 20-years and has owned Open Wheel Logistics Trucking for more than eight years. He has also maintained a race shop named Crowder Race Products since 2015.

The Chili Bowl Midget Nationals is one of the premier open-wheel races in the world. The race will take place from January 10-15 on the Tulsa Expo Raceway inside the massive SagNet Center, which is one of the largest free-span buildings in the world. Crowder will compete on one of the preliminary nights which will determine where he starts in Saturday’s finale.

For fans unable to make it to Tulsa for the race, they can watch live on www.floracing.com for the five preliminary nights and Saturday’s prelims before the coverage switches to MAVTV for the finals.

In addition to the above-mentioned Chili Bowl sponsors, Crowder thanks his yearlong backers including Accelerated Services Auto Transporters, Open Wheel Logistics, Wayne Demonja Motorsports, Diablo Fabrication and Design, K&H Suspension, Sprocket Specialties, Schoenfeld Headers, R&S Powder Coating, Rees Enterprises, and Wine Country Motorsports.

Calling All Car Lovers: 3 Simple Tips to Keeping Your Car Looking Brand New

By
SM
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Photo by MOTIVID .ORG on Unsplash

You probably remember your first car. It didn’t matter what it was, what year, the make, or the model. All that mattered was that it was yours, and you were going to make it the best no matter what anyone else thought about it.

Your first car will probably always have a special place in your heart, or in the junkyard. But you’ll probably also remember all the steps you took to make that car look its best. And many car owners today are no different.

Reports have shown that in 2020 alone, American car owners spent over 80 billion dollars on car parts, accessories, and beautification products. And this pales in comparison to the money spent on the cost of car maintenance.

Today we have many methods to keep our vehicles looking their best long after we’ve driven them off the lot. Here, we’ll explore a few of those methods.

Paint Protection Film

Aside from the engine and all the moving parts that make a vehicle do what it’s designed for, the most important part of a vehicle in most owners’ minds is the paint job. Without a slick paint job, free from scratches and dents, you might as well be driving your mother’s minivan.

But even though that shiny new paint job that attracted you to the vehicle will surely fade over time, one way to keep it looking sharp is to add a paint protection film.

Paint protection film acts as a buffer of sorts, a line of defense between your car and mother nature, road debris, and the occasional bump from a car door in the parking lot. 

With paint protection film, your car’s coat of paint is better able to hold wax and to keep its shine long into the future.

Car Washing 

Believe it or not, but if you neglect washing your car, all of that dirt, tar, and debris can deteriorate your paint. And just like the human body, you can only avoid the shower for so long before it’s–very noticeable. 

You should wash your car at least once a month to keep the paint looking new. And with frequent washing, you’ll also be able to take care of minor paint chips and other blemishes before they get worse.

Even washing your car should include the use of specially formulated car soap, manufactured specifically for removing grease from the paint. Additionally, you should always wash from the top-down, taking care to scrub away all grease and tar with non-abrasive tools.

Finally, you should always dry your car after each wash. This way you won’t let hard water or soap deposits build up and ruin your shine. 

Waxing

After every few months, you should reapply a coat of wax. And while some wax formulas claim that you only need to apply one coat a year, or longer in some cases, this is probably one of the biggest false claims in the automotive world. 

Studies on car wax have shown that wax will quickly deteriorate under abrasive conditions, and even under direct sunlight exposure. 

And even though you might not be putting as much wear on your car as a Nascar driver, wax doesn’t deteriorate in a uniform fashion either. In fact, spots will begin to form as the wax erodes, leaving blurry and shiny spots all over the car.

As a best practice, always wax under shade, away from direct sunlight. And buff and polish immediately after application. If you really want to keep that shine, make sure you reapply wax after every third wash. 

On average, most car owners who drive every day wax their vehicles once a year. But if you bump this up to 3 times a year, you’ll be able to enjoy your shine much longer than average. 

Our cars immediately lose book value right after we drive them off of the lot. But the value they bring to us never diminishes as long as we take care of them. Taking the time to keep your car looking its best will be of great benefit to you, especially if you go to trade it in years down the road.

9 common questions about charging the Chevy Bolt

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SM
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Here are the most common questions asked about charging Chevy Bolt, along with their answers.

Can I charge my electric car in the rain?

Chevy Bolt is fully functional in wet weather, making it very safe to drive on slick roads with some caution of course. Electric cars are equipped with safety features that protect the battery and its components from damage that can be caused by water or snow. Below are a few key precautions are recommended during inclement weather conditions:

  • Wipe down the exterior of your Chevy Bolt after driving through puddles or sprinklers, especially if you see any fluid on the ground below.
  • Don’t let children play near electric car charging stations when they are plugged into an outlet.
  • Be aware of possible hazards around areas where ice has accumulated due to being close proximity to a power source for your charger. This includes injury from tripping over excess cord length or a slippery surface.
  • Never operate power tools near the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) for your Chevy Bolt. Don’t plug them into outlets that are next to EVSEs, and don’t use an extension cord with EVSEs. They could cause electric shock if they come in contact with water.
  • Be careful not to damage electrical components of your vehicle while cleaning it during inclement weather conditions, as excess moisture can lead to corrosion on parts like brake lines and wiring systems.
  • Keep a clear area around charging stations when plugged into outlets so you will have enough space to open doors safely.

Can you overcharge an electric car?

Yes, you can overcharge Electric Vehicles. Electric cars have a charge limit to prevent the battery from being damaged by too much power at once. However, Chevy Bolt’s system automatically regulates how much energy is sent to your electric car so there is no risk of damaging it with excess electricity. If a charging station malfunctions or has been tampered with, this safety feature won’t work and an “Overcharging Prevention” light will appear on your dashboard as a reminder not to keep adding more juice into your Electric Vehicle until you’ve unplugged it from both ends. 

To avoid damage caused by overcharging Chevrolet Bolt EV batteries: 

  • Never leave plug-in Electric unattended while plugged into an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
  • Be aware of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment malfunctions and tampering.

Does an electric car lose charge when parked?

Yes, Electric Vehicles lose charge when parked. Electric vehicles that are plugged into Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) will still draw power even if they’re not being used. This is to ensure your Chevy Bolt maintains full battery power and does not discharge while you are not using it.

Can I get a DC charger at home?

Yes, Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment can be installed in your home. Electric Cars have a range of up to 238 miles on one full charge. However, for longer trips, it is best to use a DC fast charger that will provide an 80% recharge within 30 minutes at compatible charging stations along the way.

What is the best charger for the Chevy Bolt?

Definitely comparing the two possible charger options, Level 1 and Level 2, the leader is the fast Level 2. When choosing, use the right amount of amps, for a Chevy Bolt it’s at least 30 amps and 240 volts. Look at proven charger models that are recommended by professional installers. Depending on your needs, you can choose from a variety of hardwired or plug-in Chevy Bolt battery chargers, such as those with a NEMA 6-50 or 14-50 outlet. 

How fast is a DC fast charger?

DC fast chargers can charge Electric Vehicles in half the time of a typical Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) that is used for most Electric cars. DC Fast Chargers provide an 80% recharge within 30 minutes at compatible charging stations, but there are many factors to consider when determining how long it will take your Chevy Bolt to get back up and running:

– Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) type and condition at your charging location, as EV Charging Stations that don’t work properly will take longer to recharge Electric Vehicles. If Electric Car supply equipment is malfunctioning or has been tampered with it may cause damage to Electric Cars like Chevy Bolt.

How much does Chevy Bolt cost?

One of the most frequently asked questions is how much Chevrolet Bolt costs. The base price for a 2017 Electric Vehicle model starts at $37,495 before any applicable state or federal tax credits are applied.

How many miles does an Electric Vehicle have on a full charge?

Chevy Bolt comes standard with an estimated 238-mile range.

How long does it take to charge Chevy Bolt?

It takes around nine hours to fully recharge your car when you plug in using an outlet, but the 240-volt charger that comes standard with this Electric Vehicle package can be recharged in less than five hours!

Best tips for Motorsport

By
SM
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On the cusp of an upcoming new year, comes fresh new opportunities for the wondrous world of motorsport. These opportunities will come in the form of the Nascar Cup, Formula 1, Rally, Circuit, Indy, and many more; and it’ll be up to you to apply your knowledge and tips to win big or earn bragging rights amongst friends. Whether a seasoned veteran or an up-and-coming aspirant; learning some additional tips will help make your 2022 year of motorsport worthy of remembrance!

  1. Learn the Teams

Knowledge is the most important thing when it comes to motorsport. Knowing and following teams, learning about driver and crew changes, as well as performance history; are all extremely important to keep up with. For example, many teams will unveil their driver line-ups well before their relevant seasons begin. Investing time researching these articles is among the best methods to plan for the future. If you’re new, finding and following a specific team for each of the various motorsport genres is a great way to learn a lot, quickly.

  1. Know the Tracks

Coinciding with the aforementioned point, learning the tracks is the next best step in enjoying motorsports. Seeing your driver of choice do well based on your research and predictions is certainly one of the most exciting things you can experience in motorsport. Like before, simply researching specific cups can yield invaluable track atlas information such as the new 2022 Nascar Series tracks. 

  1. Discovering Wagers

Like many other sports; a lot of people use their time spent researching and turn it into winnings for themselves and family. If you’re looking for more than just bragging rights, you will need to find a place to make such wagers and bets. The good news is that nowadays this can be easily done online on websites, and simply finding the best betting sites for you is just an easy Google search away.

  1. Where to Watch

Aside from typical cable networks; finding places to watch motorsports can be difficult, especially if you’re into niche genres or international events. Fortunately, in the past couple of years, the ability to watch motorsports online has never been more accessible with online streaming. Many of these streaming services are free and allow anyone to watch internationally; one of the biggest being motorsports.tv, which provides a multitude of options for anyone wanting to watch motorsport.

  1.  How to Connect

Lastly, becoming connected with others who are also invested in motorsports is an amazing way to get the most out of motorsport. Surrounding yourself with those who are equally invested will provide many social opportunities to get out and have fun; as well as a way to share information amongst yourselves to become better prepared. You can use apps, social media, or websites and blogs to easily find like-minded individuals to connect and share the wonderful world of motorsports with.

Motorsport truly does have something for everyone. You will certainly get out what you put into it whether it’s money, friendships, or simply bragging rights; you will find your time invested is well spent. Hopefully, you can use some of these tips to make the 2022 year of motorsports the next best one for yourself, and your friends and family.

DRIVING 101 ANNOUNCES 2022 NASCAR RACING EXPERIENCE SCHEDULE

By
Official Release
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CONCORD, NC - October 22, 2021: NASCAR Experiance and the Andretti Experiance at the Cahrlotte Motor Speedway on October 16, 2021 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Scott Hunter/PixelRez Media) Talent: Canaan Reese @canaanreeseofficial Alli Griffith @alligriffith_ Kristin Staggs & Ed Staggs @bohnbodyarmor

Country’s Premier Driving Experience to Bring Fast-Paced Fun to 16 Speedways Nationwide

Book Now for the Race Fan on Your Holiday Gift List

CHARLOTTE (December 17, 2021) – Motorsports’ leading fan driving experience partners – Driving 101, which operates NASCAR Racing Experience, Richard Petty Driving Experience and Mario Andretti Racing Experience – announced today the schedule of event dates at premier speedways across the country.

Race fans can drive the same tracks as their idols, including Atlanta Motor Speedway, Auto Club Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Daytona International Speedway, Dover International Speedway, Homestead Miami Speedway, Kansas Motor Speedway, Kentucky Motor Speedway, Homestead Miami Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Michigan International Raceway, Nashville Superspeedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Phoenix Raceway, Richmond Raceway, Talladega Superspeedway and Texas Motor Speedway.

“At the NASCAR Racing Experience, you get the unique chance to race the same cars and the same tracks as your motorsports heroes,” said Kurt Weinhart, chief revenue officer for Driving 101. “We know that people are planning in advance for their vacations and events next year. With the complete 2022 NASCAR Racing Experience calendar in hand, they can secure their seat for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, bucket-list trip or corporate event.”

The NASCAR Racing Experience makes the ideal holiday gift for any race fan or thrill seeker. Reservations at the NASCAR Racing Experience are on sale with prices starting at just $249.99 to drive a NASCAR race car and $129.99 for NASCAR Ride Alongs. Advance reservations are encouraged as track times fill up quickly. Reservations can be booked at www.NASCARRacingExperience.com or 704-886-2400.

Driving 101 and its three trusted racing brands now runs at 16 nationwide speedways for NASCAR Racing Experience as well as 14 nationwide speedways for Mario Andretti Racing Experience.

“The 2022 season offers the best NASCAR stock car and Indy-style car driving experience choice for customers, race fans, thrill seekers and corporate America. In short, we are the leader in the driving experience industry. We’ve enhanced our nationwide locations, strengthened our marketing strategies, and made the racing experience even more authentic,” said Weinhardt.

About Driving 101: Driving 101 and its three trusted racing brands now the NASCAR Racing Experience at 16 speedways nationwide as well as running the Mario Andretti Racing Experience at 14 speedways nationwide. Both offer a vast array of corporate outings and motorsports-themed events. NASCAR Racing Experience is the leading experiential racing company in North America, offering the most realistic racing programs available to motorsports fans nationwide. For more information call 704-886-2400 or visit www.NASCARRacingExperience.com

Era Motorsport Confirms IMSA 2022 Season

By
Official Release
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Rolex 24 winners return to LMP2 class

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (December 21, 2021) – Era Motorsport, winners of the 2021 Rolex 24 At Daytona, will return to competition in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the 2022 race season, again racing the Oreca LMP2 07 car. Dwight Merriman and Ryan Dalziel will race together as the full-season drivers, reuniting the race-winning pair while team owner Kyle Tilley will act as the endurance driver in the calendar’s four endurance races.

The 2021 season proved to be a whirlwind season for the Indianapolis-based team, in its sophomore year of professional sports car racing. This year saw Era Motorsport expand to the Asian Le Mans Series and clinch their class championship before entering competition in the European Le Mans Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Cup Series.

In the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the team produced a commanding performance at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, securing victory in the LMP2 class with Tilley, Merriman, Dalziel, and Paul-Loup Chatin. Chatin will again return to race with the team in January for the next running of the iconic event, setting the team up for success again with continuity of competitors. After Tilley, Merriman, and Dalziel produced an impressive second-place performance at the demanding Twelve Hours of Sebring, Merriman and Dalziel went on to secure the team’s second win of the year at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The pair were well on their way to a podium finish at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca when another prototype lost control and took the No. 18 Era car out of contention in the final turns.

With a solid foundation and proven quality of performance, Merriman, Dalziel, and the team will be ready to fight when the season begins January 23, 2022, at the Roar Before the 24. Traditionally the first official test of the season, the Roar now holds several test days as well as the Motul Pole Award, a one-hour, 40-minute race that will determine the starting grid for the Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 29-30. As announced in August, the 2022 calendar will feature twelve rounds total, comprised of four endurance races and eight sprint rounds. The LMP2 class will compete in all four endurance events and three of the eight sprint races, returning to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Mid-Ohio SportsCar Course, and Road America. For full series information, visit imsa.com.

DRIVER QUOTES

Dwight Merriman
It’s great to be getting the band back together for 2022 in IMSA. We really hit our stride as a team as the season progressed, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do in this approaching race season. I’m thrilled to be having Ryan alongside me for the full season, and it’ll be great to still have Kyle around for the endurance events. Winning the Rolex 24 was such an amazing experience, and I’m looking forward to getting back to Daytona so we can defend that win and have a great 2022.

Ryan Dalziel
Our 2021 season was amazing, winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona, then backing it up with a second place at Sebring was a perfect start. We struggled a little in Europe with the rules etc. but when we came back to the USA we instantly found our stride winning at Road America. In my own head, I wasn’t looking at other IMSA opportunities, I was super happy staying at Era in my 2021 endurance role. However, when Kyle offered me to drive full season with Dwight, I was completely ecstatic. Kyle and Sarah Tilley have built an incredible team and I am honored to be part of it for 2022. I can’t wait for Daytona.

Kyle Tilley
Our third season in IMSA promises to be one of our biggest challenges yet. With an influx of teams to IMSA LMP2 competition, the level has certainly been raised. Whilst I’m going to miss being one of the full-season drivers in our #18 Oreca, it is the right decision for the business and the LMP2 team as a whole, as we strive to build our brand ahead of LMDH. That said, I am delighted to be able to stay as the 3rd for the Michelin Endurance Cup, and to defend our victory at the Rolex 24!

Paul-Loup Chatin
I am really happy to be back with the Era team for this new 2022 season and especially for the 24 hours of Daytona. We had an incredible time together last year with this success and it is very important for me to go back with Dwight, Kyle, and Ryan and fight for the first place again. The challenge is high but I am convinced that together we have the potential to achieve great things. A big thank you to the whole team for renewing their confidence in me

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About Era Motorsport
Era Motorsport was formed in 2018 with the idea of providing unmatched excellence in historic racing. Just two years later, the team expanded to the world of professional sports car racing, fielding an Oreca 07 in the prolific IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2021, the team went on to win at the iconic Rolex 24 At Daytona, in what was their second attempt competing in the event. Motorsport isn’t just a hobby, it is a way of life: a passion that is in the team’s blood. Whether you find us in the IMSA WeatherTech paddock with modern prototypes or chasing down lap records in our fully restored classic sports cars, or even globetrotting to experience historic F1 at some of the world’s most iconic circuits, Era Motorsport has something for everyone. In 2021, the team secured a prestigious victory at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, and also became class champions in the Asian Le Mans Series.

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