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New Choice Engine Package Sparks Trans Am TA2 Growth in 2021

By
Official Release
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Engine Photo Credit: Joseph Kotwick/9Points Media

The Choice Engine continues to deliver for TA2 class

MIAMI (15 December 2021)- With a rules package that fosters both cost containment and close competition among three different marques, the TA2 class has gone from strength to strength since its debut in 2011. With the 2019 introduction of the Choice Engine, a lower-cost engine that performs at the same level as the original TA2 certified engines, the class delivered even more value.

During the Choice Engine’s initial roll-out, only one builder was certified to manufacture the new engine. This season, Trans Am opened the ruleset to include all seven TA2 certified engine builders and rebuilders to create a smarter, more stable rules package for competitors.

“The downtime during the pandemic allowed us to reexamine the Choice Engine package,” said TA2 Race Director Ricky Brooks. “We took the original Choice Engine package, and replaced the weak links of that motor with more reliable parts. Once we updated the engine package, we opened manufacturing up to all TA2 certified engine builders (and rebuilders), this way teams and drivers could continue to work with the engine builders they had already developed a relationship with over the years. The change made the Choice Engine stronger, more reliable and a more affordable option for competitors, and allowed us to continue to have great balance between the three different brands that race in TA2.”

The longevity of the Choice Engine is unmatched, with the powerplant lasting the entire season without a rebuild. Katech, whose Choice Engine powered Rafa Matos’ championship-winning 3-Dimensional Services Group Ford Mustang, recommends to its customers to rebuild the Choice Engine around 2500 miles, or roughly 30 hours of operation.

“Depending on the amount of testing a team does, Choice Engines last the entirety of the Trans Am season,” said Beau Bradley, Race Program Manager for Katech. “Anything over this amount of time the customer will begin to see a loss in performance, potential leaks, and, in extreme cases, a higher cost to rebuild the engine. This package has proven to be durable, reliable, and track tested in the 2021 season.”

With increased longevity and durability paired with the option to choose the engine prep shop, the move to the Choice Engine proved popular in the TA2 paddock this year, with several teams making the change.

“The Choice Engine has had a big impact on our competitors,” said Trans Am Race Company President John Clagett. “It has brought operating costs down significantly as the motor lasts for an entire season without a rebuild. These motors deliver the same kind of performance that our TA2 drivers are used to at reduced cost to them. By lowering the overall budget, paired with Pirelli developing an awesome and affordable tire and the vibrant arrive-and-drive programs available with several different teams, the fields have continued to grow. And the racing is phenomenal!”

Made up of three different competitive chassis manufacturers (Howe, Cope and M1), the TA2 class broke a series record twice this season. During the Big Machine Nashville Grand Prix, the TA2 nearly maxed out the grid with 38 cars, at the time it was the most entries in series history. Then during the Heacock Classic finale at Circuit of The Americas, the TA2 class reset the record with a 52-car field.

The TA2 Choice Engine is not a spec class engine and its addition does not change the eligibility status of existing certified TA2 Approved Engines built by approved/certified builders and rebuilders.

Trans Am returns to Sebring International Raceway Feb. 24-27, kicking off the 55th season of Trans Am racing.

Jimmie Johnson set for full-time IndyCar campaign in 2022

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Simon Scoggins for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Following his inaugural season in open-wheel competition as a part-time competitor, Jimmie Johnson will be returning to the NTT IndyCar Series as a full-time competitor in Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 48 Dallara-Honda in 2022.

The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion made an appearance on NBC’s Today Show, where he made the announcement of his racing plans for the upcoming season. In addition, he unveiled the No. 48 Honda that he will be competing in for the new IndyCar season sponsored by Carvana, which returns to sponsor Johnson in all but one of the 17-race schedule. The American Legion will sponsor Johnson at Iowa Speedway in July.

“I’m really excited about this next chapter of my career and competing in the No. 48 with Carvana for the 2022 season,” Johnson said. “The safety of these cars has come so far, and after I tested the ovals at Texas and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I realized this was a challenge I wanted to undertake. I’m thankful for Chip, Carvana and all who made this possible.”

“Last season was so incredible for me and I made a lot of progress, so I know I can be competitive on tracks that I have experience on,” Johnson added. “I can’t wait to be part of the Indianapolis 500, it’s a childhood dream come true.”

Johnson made his inaugural presence in the IndyCar Series this past season following a 19-career in NASCAR highlighted with a record-tying seven championships and 83 career victories, including two Daytona 500s, a record-setting four All-Star Races and four Brickyard 400s. After inking a two-year deal with Chip Ganassi Racing and Carvana to compete in the IndyCar circuit, beginning in 2021, Johnson contested only on the road course events during his first IndyCar season while sharing the No. 48 Honda with two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Tony Kanaan, who competed during the oval events.

During his 12-race schedule to the 2021 IndyCar’s 16-race schedule, Johnson recorded an average-finishing result of 21.1 with his best on-track result being 17th twice during the final two IndyCar events of the 2021 season in September: the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach at California’s Long Beach Street Circuit.

In August, Johnson made his IndyCar debut on an oval circuit at Texas Motor Speedway during a testing session. Two months later, he participated in the Indianapolis 500 Rookie Orientation Program at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he passed the rookie test. The pass means that he will compete in the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 in May, which will mark his inaugural presence in one of motorsports’ iconic events.

Photo by Simon Scoggins for SpeedwayMedia.com.

“We are very happy about Jimmie running the whole 2022 season and that Carvana will be on nearly all of those races,” Chip Ganassi, team owner of Chip Ganassi Racing, said. “I am looking forward to seeing Jimmie get back on the track after having a year under his belt. With all the experience he has on ovals from his NASCAR career and adding it to his 2021 experience in an Indy car, we think the INDYCAR ovals will play right into his strength. I can’t wait for the 2022 season to begin.”

“Chip Ganassi Racing and Jimmie Johnson are ideal partners, and we’re excited to watch Jimmie race the full season in 2022,” Ryan Keeton, chief brand officer of Carvana, added. “Our entire Carvana crew is inspired by Jimmie’s commitment as he’s forged this new path in his racing career. Carvana has always stood for challenging the status quo, and we see that same drive and passion in Jimmie.”

With his IndyCar plans for 2022 set, Johnson will headline Chip Ganassi Racing’s four-car lineup for the upcoming season that includes former Formula One competitor Marcus Ericsson, six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon and the reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou. Tony Kanaan, who competed on a part-time basis with Ganassi in 2021, has yet to announce his racing plans for 2022.

Jimmie Johnson’s first full-time campaign in the NTT IndyCar Series is set to commence at the Streets of St. Petersburg for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on February 27, 2022.

Wayne Taylor Racing Announces Full-Time Drivers, Michelin Endurance Cup and Rolex 24 Driver Lineup for 2022

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Official Release
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Wayne Taylor Racing Announces Full-Time Drivers, Michelin Endurance Cup and Rolex 24 Driver Lineup for the 2022 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar DPi Championship Season

Brownsburg, Ind. (November 15, 2021) — 2021 Michelin Endurance Cup Champions and 2021 IMSA WeatherTech DPi Vice Champions Ricky Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque will return as full-time co-pilots of the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 in 2022 with hopes of back-to-back wins at the 2022 Rolex 24 at Daytona. 2021 Michelin Endurance Cup Champion for WTR and standout INDYCAR pilot Alexander Rossi will once again assist the team as it looks to make history during this iconic 24-hour endurance battle of wits, stamina and strategy. Veteran driver from England and Rossi’s former Formula 1 teammate, Will Stevens, will join WTR as the team’s endurance co-driver at the Rolex 24 at DAYTONA, the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring, and Motul Petit Le Mans for the 2022 season.

“I’m excited to finally announce our 2022 driver lineup for the full season, the Michelin Endurance Cup and for the Rolex 24 at DAYTONA,” expressed team owner Wayne Taylor. “Each year, we speak with many drivers as we develop our driver lineup, and I feel very good to officially announce everyone. Ricky and Filipe will be back as full-time co-drivers. Continuity is always a good thing and both of them work really well together. We have Alexander Rossi joining us again. He did a great job with us last year helping us win the Rolex 24. Will Stevens will be running all Michelin Endurance Cup races for us. He’s been someone that we’ve been watching over the last year or two and gathering info on. Alex and he were teammates in Formula 1 years ago, so the drivers meshed very well at the recent two day test in Daytona where Will came up to speed very quickly. The most important thing is having everybody with the same goal which is to win. Thank you to Acura, HPD, Konica Minolta, Harrison Contracting and CIT who have all helped to make this happen and I can’t wait to get back to Daytona.”

Established in 2007, Wayne Taylor Racing has asserted itself as a perennial leading force in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The 2021 Michelin Endurance Cup Champions have won three IMSA Driver Championships and nine IMSA Manufacturer Titles since their formation. In the team’s 15 seasons, they have seized four of the last five Rolex 24 at DAYTONA titles, two 12 Hours of Sebring victories and three Petit Le Mans wins. The No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 team will look to make history by winning four Rolex 24 at DAYTONA events in a row with their exceptional driver line-up for 2022.

Ricky Taylor returns to Wayne Taylor Racing for the second consecutive year and his fifteenth season in topflight sports car racing. The IMSA veteran won the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2017 and 2020 and brought his team within one corner of the overall title on their way to an Endurance Cup victory in 2021. Statistically one of the greatest drivers in IMSA history, Taylor boasts a record of 27 victories, 23 pole positions, and 64 podium finishes including wins at all the series’ marquee endurance events—the Rolex 24 at DAYTONA, the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Six Hours of the Glen and Petit Le Mans.

“2022 is going to be a fantastic season,” commented Ricky Taylor, the two-time IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Champion. “WTR, Konica Minolta, Harrison Contracting and CIT came out of the gates so strongly with the ARX-05 in their first season running it, already fighting for a championship. Along with Filipe and Alex rejoining the team, we should have some really strong continuity moving into next season to keep building on our success with HPD and Acura. It’s also great having Will on board with us. He is a world class sportscar driver and we are lucky to have him join the team. He has already contributed greatly to the team, and I think our Rolex 24 lineup is as strong as ever. The competition will be tough with the addition of a second Ganassi Cadillac, but we will welcome it and look forward to fighting for another championship.”

Full-time pilot Filipe Albuquerque continues his tenure with the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 team for the 2022 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The 2021 FIA World Endurance Championship multiple race winner, 2020 European Le Mans Champion and LMP2 WEC Champion carries a resume as diverse as it is impressive. His 2021 run with WTR produced a trio of wins, including the Rolex 24 at DAYTONA, en route to the Endurance Cup title.

“The IMSA offseason break is not so long, especially this year, given that the last race was a bit later than normal,” said Filipe Albuquerque. “For someone that enjoys racing, as I do, that is great. I am looking forward to 2022 with my great teammate Ricky. Now that we have more experience with the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05, maybe we can grab that one extra point that made us miss the DPi title in 2021. We came off a fantastic test with the whole team a few weeks ago with Alex and our new team member Will Stevens, I am happy to have Will onboard. He has a lot of experience; we had many fights in the past in ELMS and WEC, so I know how good he is. I hope we can achieve many victories together.”

Seven-time INDYCAR race winner and 2016 Indianapolis 500 champion Alexander Rossi rejoins Wayne Taylor Racing after a productive run across all the four endurance races with the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 team. Having captured a Rolex 24 victory, Baja 1000 win and the Michelin Endurance Cup title last season, he’ll look to build on 2021’s successes in 2022.

“I am thrilled to be returning to Daytona with Wayne Taylor Racing and Acura,” said Alexander Rossi. “It was such a privilege to be able to continue driving with Ricky for what was our third year together and the addition of Filipe couldn’t have gone any better as shown by the result that we were able to achieve last year. It is great to work again with Will Stevens as we were actually teammates back in our F1 days and we were able to get straight back to business after not seeing each other for six years. I can’t wait to get back to the track and hopefully deliver Wayne his 5th 24-hour win in 6 years.”

Will Stevens is currently a Formula 1 Test & Development Driver for McLaren and a standout in the World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series. Will has held roles with various F1 teams dating back to 2008 and made his Grand Prix debut in 2014 before earning a full-time seat with Manor Marussia F1 Team for 2015. His recent career highlights include class wins in the World Endurance Championship and a runner-up campaign in the Blancpain GT Series.

“I’m super excited to join the Wayne Taylor Racing family and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for Daytona, Sebring and Petit Le Mans,” said Stevens. “This team is very respected and one that I’ve always wanted to be part of. IMSA Is a huge market in motorsport that is growing massively and it’s a relationship that I want to build on for the future. I have known Ricky, Filipe and Alexander a little bit over the past few years, so it’s nice to have that relationship already with the guys. It’s an honor to be part of this exceptional No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 team and to help with the success for this year.”

In 2022, Konica Minolta and Wayne Taylor Racing continue their storied history together. Michael Mathe, President, International Operation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA, Inc. has been a driving force in the strong relationship between WTR and Konica Minolta.

“We are very excited to start another season supporting WTR!” exclaimed Michael Mathe.” We are really thrilled with the driver line-up this year and look forward to many wins and to challenge for the IMSA WeatherTech DPi Championship.”

After a historic 2021, HPD looks forward to another year of victories with the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 team.

“Winning both the Rolex 24 and the Michelin Endurance Cup last year were important milestones for Acura’s IMSA racing program,” said David Salters, President and Technical Director of Honda Performance Development, the North American racing arm for Acura Motorsports. “In just the first year of our association, Wayne Taylor Racing has proven to be an important partner in our IMSA effort, and the WTR driver lineup for 2022 is extraordinarily strong. It’s a great racing team, Wayne leads from the front and all our engineers just work well together and want to go racing. We look forward to seeing these very talented drivers in Victory Circle next year for Acura.”

Harrison Contracting enters their third year as an important partner with Wayne Taylor Racing, who also fields standout Ashton Harrison and the No. 25 Harrison Contracting Huracan in the North America Lamborghini Super Trofeo Series for the Painting and Contracting Services company.

“I’m really glad that Harrison Contracting Company (HCC) is once again partnering with WTR and Konica Minolta because of the professionalism and winning spirit they possess,” said Bill Harrison, President and Co-Founder. “Our outlook at HCC is the same as WTR when it comes to quality and the desire to be the best we can be. The efforts on both sides are endless when striving to be number one. At HCC, we provide it through the painting and maintenance services, while WTR does it through racing—and we both do it by building lasting relationships. In our world of business, image is everything, and Wayne and Travis Houge (Vice President and General Manager of WTR) see things in the same fashion that we do here at HCC. The level of what they are providing, and the level of driver development we’ve experienced with Ashton Harrison, is a major part of our desire to reunite again this year with WTR and Konica Minolta. Likewise, working with Acura and Honda is another reason why we wanted to come back this year and rejoin the team. Working alongside their proven success worldwide, and their passion for supporting all levels in racing, helps us know that this is where we want to be on the manufacturer’s side.”

The 2022 season officially begins on January 21 at Daytona International Speedway for the annual Roar Before the 24 with the momentous Rolex 24 at DAYTONA immediately following. Practice begins on Thursday, January 27 with the race running January 29-30. The No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 will work to win a historic four 24-hour events in a row.

ABOUT KONICA MINOLTA

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. is reshaping and revolutionizing the Workplace of the Future. The company guides and supports its clients’ digital transformation through its expansive office technology portfolio, including IT Services (All Covered), intelligent information management, managed print services and industrial and commercial print solutions. Konica Minolta has been included on CRN’s MSP 500 list nine times and The World Technology Awards recently named the company a finalist in the IT Software category. Konica Minolta has been recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys for fourteen consecutive years, and received Keypoint Intelligence’s BLI 2021 A3 Line of The Year Award and BLI 2021-2023 Most Color Consistent A3 Brand Award for its bizhub i-Series. Konica Minolta, Inc. has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for nine consecutive years and has spent four years on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list. Konica Minolta partners with its clients to give shape to ideas and works to bring value to our society. For more information, please visit us online and follow Konica Minolta on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter. Wayne Taylor Racing’s existing lineup of partners that also features Harrison Contracting, Acura Motorsports, Hammer Nutrition and CIT.

Modern Muscle Car All-Star Invitational Comes to Las Vegas March 18-20, 2022

By
Official Release
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LAS VEGAS—It was announced today The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is the site of the Unlimited Modern MuscleCar All-Star Invitational next spring, March 18-20, 2022. Part of MuscleCars at The Strip, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022, the best racers running Mopar, Ford, and Chevy are invited to show off their hot rods at the desert oasis of speed.

The quarter-mile race-within-a-race is open to 2004 and newer domestic muscle cars 9.0 or faster. NHRA tech rules will be enforced with race cars subjected to a 3,300 lb. minimum weight and power adders authorized for use.

“While the classic muscle cars of 50 years ago or so get most of the attention, there’s some 21st-century Detroit iron that also deserves recognition,” said event promoter Phil Painter. “There’s no comparisons to those amazing pre-80s cars that motorheads like me dream of, but that being said, the cars of the last 15 years or so have their own charm.”

An example of modern muscle is highlighted by the two fastest Dodge Hellcats in America, raced by current world record holder Kevin Helmick and Leon Epling, the world-record holder from 2017 to October of this year. The race, featuring Helmick’s GRMPYCAT versus Epling’s 007, is the main event of the three-day weekend.

“Kevin is the first racer to eclipse the 6.99-second ET threshold in his class and Leon is one of the best there is,” Painter said. “This is going to be the must-see race of the competition. There can only be one No. 1 and I can’t recommend enough that muscle car enthusiasts come out to see it.”

MuscleCars at The Strip is a three-day muscle car lovers dream weekend featuring autocross racing for all levels of experience, automotive vendors at the Manufacturers Midway, and a swap meet. Additionally, three different car shows for Mopar, Chevy, and Ford are scheduled with the highlight of the event being drag racing on the world-class racing surface at The Strip. Led by Jeff Foster, the facility’s drag crew provides one of the best strips in the sport.

The entry fee, including car and driver, is $350. Pre-entry at the website is appreciated and provides racers an opportunity to avoid lines the week of the race.

For more information, visit the event’s official website at MATSLV.com, the official page on Facebook at Facebook.com/MATSLV or call 702-256-8254.
-HSM-

About HighSide Media
Founded in 2007, HighSide Media has represented some of the top drivers, teams, facilities, and sanctions in American motorsports. HighSide Media provides public and media relations for racers at every level with tailor-made programs for every budget. Pass YOUR Competition on the HighSide.

ARCA Menards Series Announces 2022 Broadcast Schedule

By
Official Release
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Coverage includes live races on FS1, MAVTV, and FloRacing; tape-delayed events on USA Network

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 15, 2021) – ARCA announced today its 2022 broadcast schedule for the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East and ARCA Menards Series West.

FOX Sports will broadcast nine ARCA Menards Series races live on FS1, beginning with the traditional season-opener at DAYTONA International Speedway. The nine races will also be available live on the FOX Sports App to authenticated subscribers of FS1.

Eleven ARCA Menards Series races will air live on MAVTV Motorsports Network and stream simultaneously on FloRacing – the new streaming home of all NASCAR Roots series.

All ARCA Menards Series East & West races – when not combined with ARCA Menards Series events – can be streamed live on FloRacing and will air tape-delayed on USA Network around the following weekend.

Once again, MRN will broadcast all ARCA Menards Series platform races that are companion with NASCAR national series events. Races will air on select MRN affiliates, MRN.com, ARCARacing.com and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Click here for highlights of the 2022 ARCA Menards Series schedule and here for highlights of the 2022 ARCA Menards Series East & West schedules.

2022 ARCA Menards Broadcast Schedule

DATERACESTART (ET)Network/Stream
Sat, Feb. 19Daytona*1:30 PMFS1 / FOX Sports App
Fri, March 11Phoenix*7:30 PMMAVTV / FloRacing
Sat, April 23Talladega*1:00 PMFS1 / FOX Sports App
Sat, May 14Kansas 1*2:00 PMFS1 / FOX Sports App
Fri, May 27Charlotte*6:00 PMFS1 / FOX Sports App
Sat, June 11Iowa9:00 PMMAVTV / FloRacing
Sat, June 18Berlin8:00 PMMAVTV / FloRacing
Sat, June 25Elko10:00 PMMAVTV / FloRacing
Fri, July 8Mid-Ohio*5:00 PMFS1 / FOX Sports App
Fri, July 22Pocono*6:30 PMFS1 / FOX Sports App
Fri, July 29Indianapolis Raceway Park*6:30 PMFS1 / FOX Sports App
Sat, Aug. 6Michigan*6:00 PMMAVTV / FloRacing
Fri, Aug. 19Watkins Glen*6:00 PMFS1 / FOX Sports App
Sun, Aug. 21Springfield2:00 PMMAVTV / FloRacing
Sun, Aug. 28Milwaukee3:00 PMMAVTV / FloRacing
Sun, Sept. 4Du Quoin9:00 PMMAVTV / FloRacing
Sat, Sept. 10Kansas 2*7:00 PMMAVTV / FloRacing
Thu, Sept. 15Bristol*6:30 PMFS1 / FOX Sports App
Sat, Oct. 1Salem7:00 PMMAVTV / FloRacing
Sat, Oct. 8Toledo4:00 PMMAVTV / FloRacing

2022 ARCA Menards Series East Broadcast Schedule

DATERACENetwork/Stream
Tue, Feb. 15New SmyrnaUSA (Tape Delay) / FloRacing
Sat, March 19Five FlagsUSA (Tape Delay) / FloRacing
Fri, April 29Dover*USA (Tape Delay) / FloRacing
Sat, May 7NashvilleUSA (Tape Delay) / FloRacing
Sat, June 11IowaMAVTV / FloRacing
Sun, Aug. 28MilwaukeeMAVTV / FloRacing
Thu, Sept. 15Bristol*FS1 / FOX Sports App

2022 ARCA Menards Series West Broadcast Schedule

DATEWEST RACENetwork/Stream
Fri, March 11Phoenix*MAVTV / FloRacing
Sat, March 26IrwindaleUSA (Tape Delay) / FloRacing
Sat, April 23KernUSA (Tape Delay) / FloRacing
Sat, June 4PortlandUSA (Tape Delay) / FloRacing
Sat, June 11Sonoma*USA (Tape Delay) / FloRacing
Sat, July 2IrwindaleUSA (Tape Delay) / FloRacing
Sat, Aug. 20EvergreenUSA (Tape Delay) / FloRacing
Sat, Sept. 3PortlandUSA (Tape Delay) / FloRacing
Sat, Oct. 1All-AmericanUSA (Tape Delay) / FloRacing
Fri, Oct. 14LVMS BullringUSA (Tape Delay) / FloRacing
Sat, Nov. 5Phoenix*USA (Tape Delay) / FloRacing


* Race will be broadcast on MRN

(Schedule subject to change)

About ARCA

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum in Toledo, Ohio, and acquired by NASCAR in April 2018, is the leading grassroots stock car sanctioning body in the United States. Bridging the gap between NASCAR’s top three national touring series and weekly racing all across the country, the organization is scheduled to administer more than 100 events in multiple racing series in 2022, including the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, the ARCA/CRA Super Series, and the ARCA Midwest Tour, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways. For more information about ARCA visit www.arcaracing.com, or follow ARCA on Facebook (@ARCARacing) and Twitter (@ARCA_Racing).

TWO-TIME CHAMPION CORY KRUSEMAN ENTERS FIVE CARS IN CHILI BOWL MIDGET NATIONALS

By
Official Release
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(Ventura, CA, December 14, 2021) Ventura, California racing legend Cory Kruseman is entering five cars in January’s 36th Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The annual event will take place on the same Tulsa Expo Center Raceway surface that Kruseman won the race on in 2000 and 2004.

Kruseman’s Chili Bowl lineup consists of Albuquerque, New Mexico’s Caleb Saiz, Jesse Denome of Escanaba, Michigan, Californians Dave Gasper of Goleta, and San Juan Capistrano’s Evan Garvy, and Kiwi midget racing star Travis Buckley of Auckland, New Zealand.

Twenty-six-year-old Saiz, who will be making his first foray into midget racing at the Chili Bowl, comes in as a highly decorated sprint car driver from “The Land of Enchantment.” This year he won his third (second in a row) Lucas Oil POWRi New Mexico Motor Racing Association non-wing sprint car championship. In addition, the affable driver also captured sprint car titles in 2017 and 2018 at the Sandia Speedway. He will come into the Chili Bowl off a win at the 305-winged sprint car Turkey Bowl at the Vado Speedway Park on November 27th. A few weeks earlier, the talented driver showed his durability by finishing second in the 305 feature at Sandia. Moments later he used the same 305 to finish second in a 19 car 360 sprint car main event.

Jesse Denome, a past resident of San Diego who moved back to his native Escanaba, Michigan in the beautiful Upper Peninsula, will be racing in his second Chili Bowl in January. The veteran driver first crossed paths with Kruseman when he helped the latter with his sprint cars at the Ventura Raceway. He then progressed to driving sprint cars in the VRA Series at Ventura and eventually ventured to the USAC/CRA and PAS Senior Sprint Car competitions at Perris Auto Speedway. Denome now races U.P. Super Vintage Modifieds at the Upper Peninsula International Raceway in Escanaba. In 2021, he racked up one win and eight top-five finishes. In addition, he never finished out of the top 10 in nine starts on the 1/5-mile red clay oval. Those stats netted him second place in the championship point standings, only 18-points out of first.

Sixteen-year-old Gasper made a career shift in 2021 when he went from racing in the Lucas Oil Off-Road Series to the California Lightning Sprint Cars. The teen achieved off-road success at an early age by winning titles in the Junior 1 and 2 classes. In 2020, he won the Rookie of the Year award in the Modified Karts, but when the off-road series folded, Gasper had to find something new. That is when he turned to Lightning Sprints. How did he do in his initial season going in circles? He won the 2021 CLS Rookie of the Year award and the annual Civil War Series title. Most importantly, he won the season-long California Lightning Sprint Car Series championship on his first try and became the youngest champ in the 27-year history of the club. After making his midget debut at the Chili Bowl, Gasper will defend his CLS title and will begin racing 360 sprint cars as well.

Garvy, who turned 21 in August, competed and won in both quarter midgets and bandoleros as a child. However, he stepped away from racing when he was 12 years old and did not compete again until 2021. He re-launched his career racing dwarf cars and it paid immediate dividends. In 37 appearances on the track in 2021, he scored 11 wins, 19 top three, and 29 top 10 finishes. Those lofty statistics netted him two championships in his first year back. One of the titles was in the legends car track championship at the Havasu 95 Speedway. The other came in the California State Asphalt Legends Series. In addition to his prowess in the legend cars, he also made his debut in the Nut Up To Late Model Series at the Madera Speedway. The Chili Bowl will be his first race in a midget.

Kiwi racer Buckley’s sojourn to the USA to drive for Kruseman at the Chili Bowl will be his third trip stateside this year. A regular in sprint car and midget races in his native New Zealand, Buckley’s finest stateside finish came when he placed second in the USAC Western Midget main event at the Ventura Raceway, on September 11th. In other prior visits to the USA this year, he competed in the grueling USAC National Midget Indiana Sprint Week, raced in the Lucas Oil POWRi National Midget League, Taco Bravo Sprints, and the Sprint Car Challenge Series.

Fielding five cars racing over six nights at the Chili Bowl requires a lot of behind-the-scenes work. Taking care of the cars in the pits will be team owner Kruseman, Mike Nigh, and Trevor & Jeremy Stout.

The Chili Bowl Midget Nationals is one of the premier open-wheel races in the world. More than 300 drivers from all disciplines of racing, including NASCAR, NHRA, and Indy Cars, take part in the six-day racing extravaganza. 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-spam buildings in the world.

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.

Kruseman Motorsports would like to thank the following team partners for making the 2021 Chili Bowl effort possible. Lucas Oil, Kwik Change Products, FK Rod Ends, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, Sander Engineering, K-1 Race Gear, ARP Fasteners, Advance Shocks, WEM-West Evans, Circle Track Performance, K&N Filters, Kenny’s Components, PKP, and No Limit Powder Coating.

Gift certificates for the Cory Kruseman Sprint Car and Midget Driving School can make a great Christmas present for that special racing fan on your shopping list. From raw novices to pros trying to hone their skills, Cory has courses for everyone. For more details or to make a reservation, visit https://kruseman.com/ or call 805-649-1243.

This release was produced by Scott Daloisio. To contact him, call 909-226-7768 or email mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com

4 Of The Most Popular Cars With NASCAR Fans

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SM
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Photo by Jasper Garratt on Unsplash

Nobody appreciates cars more than fans of NASCAR. NASCAR fans see beyond the exterior of vehicles and have a high level of appreciation for what happens under the bonnet. NASCAR fans know their cars, so it is interesting to see what regular cars are preferred by the fanbase. NASCAR fans tend to gravitate towards cars that are the perfect balance of speed, engineering, practicality, and good looks. Additionally, NASCAR fans tend to prefer cars that are domestic. So, what are a few of the most popular cars amongst NASCAR enthusiasts? Keep reading to find out what cars you should be looking at if you are in the market for something new.

1. Ford F-150

Research shows that the Ford F-150 pickup truck is by far the most popular car with NASCAR enthusiasts (and Americans in general). Ford and the F-150 have built a solid reputation over the years and you know that you are getting a quality vehicle that is good-looking but also rugged, practical, and hardworking. It features an impressive towing capacity of 11,300 lbs with a number of engine options available (including an electric version in the near future).

2. Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Chevrolet Silverado is another pickup truck favored by NASCAR fans and an impressive vehicle that is well suited to a range of motorists. It is surprisingly lightweight and features a comfortable, stylish cabin for a smooth ride but is a tough, rugged, and hardworking pickup. There is also a wide range of engines to choose from and a self-driving feature that is even compatible with a trailer.

3. Tesla Model 3

It is no surprise that NASCAR fans have a slight obsession with the incredible Tesla Model 3. This futuristic vehicle is pioneering and an outstanding example of engineering, so it is easy to see why so many NASCAR fans are in the market for a preowned Tesla Model 3 (it is also the most affordable offering from the electric vehicle manufacturer). The iconic electric vehicle boasts an incurable range of up to 358 miles and an impressive 0-60 time of just 3.1 seconds – something that will pique the interest of any NASCAR fan.

4. Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 is considered a class leader in the pickup market by many and certainly a pickup that ticks all of the boxes. It is for this reason that it is such a popular choice with NASCAR fans that appreciate the Ram 1500’s on and off-road capability, luxury-grade interior, and huge storage space. It is hard to go wrong with the Ram 1500 as such a popular and highly regarded pickup truck.

These are currently a few of the most popular cars with NASCAR fans. If anyone has an eye for automotive quality, it is NASCAR fans. These vehicles are all exceptional examples of engineering and build quality and, while they may not do too well on the track, they are all highly practical and reliable vehicles that any motorist will appreciate. 

Speedway Children’s Charities’ Charlotte Chapter Distributes $406,000 to Local Nonprofits

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Official Release
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  • The Charlotte chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities visited several of this year’s recipient organizations to spread cheer and deliver grant funding, capping a busy year of fundraising for local children in need
  • Supporters can register to volunteer or donate to Speedway Children’s Charities by visiting speedwaycharities.org

CONCORD, N.C. (Dec. 14, 2021) – With help from Santa Claus and Charlotte Motor Speedway’s mascot Lug Nut, members of Speedway Children’s Charities Charlotte chapter’s Board of Trustees and staff visited area nonprofits earlier this week delivering holiday cheer and grant funding to organizations making a direct impact on the lives of children in need. In total, SCC Charlotte will distribute $406,000 in grants this year to 38 deserving charities located throughout the region. The recipient organizations serve more than 28,000 area children facing challenges ranging from learning disabilities and broken homes to childhood cancer.

On Tuesday, SCC volunteers and staff visited three of this year’s recipients, The Learning Collaborative, Piedmont Residential Development Center and The Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County. Santa Claus and Lug Nut joined the festivities, passing out toys, candy canes and plenty of Christmas cheer.

“Today we were privileged by Speedway Children’s Charities to be visited by Santa and Lug Nut and staff members to be presented with charities money to help our school,” said Veronica Smith of The Learning Collaborative. “The smiles on children’s faces as they came in… eyes beaming, it’s great for all of us. It’s why we’re here – just pouring into the children, lightening their day and making this a joyous holiday season.”

Standing on a patch of grass inside the fenced yard at Piedmont Residential Development Center, Program Director Sandy Cox shared how the funds would directly impact the children PRDC serves.

“This money is our big stepping stone to start a new playground at PRDC,” Cox said. “This is going to bring normalcy for them. What it means to my babies is freedom. They are going to be able to get out and play like normal kids.”

The event wrapped up a year of fundraising for SCC Charlotte, including drive-in movies, Laps for Charity track rides and providing golf cart shuttles to fans during major race weekends, among other activities.

“Today is the most exciting day of the year,” said Lisa Starnes, executive director of Speedway Children’s Charities. “It’s so special. We work all year long. Fans come and support us. Volunteers spend hours and hours helping us raise this money. It’s all about today. It’s all about the smiles and the tears — couldn’t get better.”

The Charlotte chapter of SCC is one of seven located at Speedway Motorsports racing facilities across the country. Since inception in 1982, SCC has awarded in excess of $60 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the nation.

“This is where everything really happens,” said Marcus Smith, vice chairman of Speedway Children’s Charities. “We’re grateful to be able to raise money. Sixty million dollars so far from Speedway Children’s Charities is really beyond what we would have guessed would ever have happened 20 years ago, but today we’ve set our sights even higher. We really want to help kids in need.”

For more information on Speedway Children’s Charities or to learn how to volunteer or donate, visit www.speedwaycharities.org.

KEEP TRACK:

Fans can connect with Speedway Children’s Charities by following on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

ABOUT SPEEDWAY CHILDREN’S CHARITIES:

The mission of Speedway Children’s Charities remains true to the ideals it was founded upon in 1982: To care for children in educational, financial, social and medical need in order to help them lead productive lives. SCC provides funding for hundreds of nonprofit organizations throughout the nation that meet the direct needs of children. Our vision is that every child has the same opportunities no matter what obstacle they are facing.

World Wide Technology Raceway attracts rush of fans from across North America for NASCAR Cup Series Race in June 2022

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Official Release
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Thousands of ticket deposits and sales prove event’s importance;
Ameren Illinois making major infrastructure upgrades while WWTR undergoes renovations

ST. LOUIS (December 14, 2021) – In the first months since its announcement, the June 5, 2022, NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway has earned significant fan and sponsor interest, generating thousands of ticket deposits and more than 500 inquiries for hospitality suites and on-site camping experiences. More than half of the available tickets for the race have been claimed by existing ticket holders with the balance available for public sale on December 15, 2021. Further, improvements outside the venue will upgrade the driver, race and fan experience as Ameren Illinois makes critical enhancements to bolster the local electric grid that serves customers in and around the racetrack, including upgrading the two circuits currently feeding the venue and adding a third circuit.

“The technology that drives modern racing, coupled with on-site attendance from broadcast media outlets and more than 60,000 fans, requires significant power, and Ameren Illinois is helping ensure we host a seamless event for all,” said Curtis Francois, owner and CEO, World Wide Technology Raceway.

“We know the NASCAR Cup Series race is going to have a tremendous economic impact on the region,” said Richard J. Mark, chairman and president, Ameren Illinois. “This upgrade, which is part of our overall statewide plan to build a cleaner, greener, more resilient grid, plays a role in making WWTR a premier motorsports venue.”

The strong response is indicative of what the sporting world knows – the NASCAR Cup Series with its 80-million fans delivers millions of dollars each year to host communities. An economic impact study by The Rawlings Sports Business Management Department at Maryville University projects this race will produce at least $60 million in economic impact for the St. Louis market annually.

Venue Improvements

The WWTR team is managing many improvements to the venue, focusing heavily on the highly desirable infield experience including premium camping sites, a large interactive fan entertainment area adjacent to the garages, and upgraded driver and team owner access. The hospitality suite tower is undergoing renovation as well with updated interiors and an enhanced VIP entrance. More than $40 million in improvements are underway for the 2022 racing season, which will include the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at WWTR.

“We are receiving strong interest in naming rights for the race and will unveil our sponsor and related fan opportunities soon,” said Francois.

About World Wide Technology Raceway

World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is the home of NASCAR, INDYCAR, and NHRA racing in the St. Louis region. Located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis and covering more than 600 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1/4-mile drag strip, 1.25-mile superspeedway, recently expanded 2.0-mile road course, a state-of-the-art karting facility, a 14-acre multi-purpose dirt off-road venue, and the adjacent Gateway National Golf Links. WWTR and owner Curtis Francois have been recognized with several awards, including: 2021 Comcast Community Champion of the Year; 2021 Jack Buck Award; 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Track Award; 2018 Innovator Award from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission; 2017 Outstanding Facility of the Year Award from the Race Track Business Conference; and the 2017 Spirit of St. Louis Award from the St. Louis Attractions Association.

About Ameren Illinois

Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 807,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles and our mission is to power the quality of life. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.

Kaulig Racing Finalizes NASCAR Cup Series Driver Lineup

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Official Release
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Hemric, Gragson to Join Allmendinger in All-Star Lineup for No. 16 Camaro ZL1

LEXINGTON, N.C. (December 14, 2021) – Acquiring three out of the four 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) Championship 4 drivers, Kaulig Racing’s No. 16 Camaro ZL1 will be piloted by AJ Allmendinger, Daniel Hemric and Noah Gragson, as each will compete part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS).

While the team announced earlier this year that Allmendinger would pilot the No. 16 for select races in the 2022 NCS season alongside full-time driver, Justin Haley, Kaulig Racing has finalized its second, full-time entry with Gragson and Hemric.

“We think our roster for the 2022 season features some great drivers,” said team president, Chris Rice. “Having three out of the four Xfinity Series championship contenders helping to build our new Cup Series program, is truly a tremendous opportunity for this Kaulig Racing team. While these guys have been fierce competitors for the last few years, having them bring that same tenacity as teammates will be extremely fun to watch and a great way for this team to grow in its first, full season in the Cup Series.”

With the 2021 NXS champion already tabbed for Kaulig Racing’s flagship, No. 11 Chevrolet in the series, Hemric will make his return to the NCS for the first time since winning the Cup Series Rookie of the Year award in 2019. Hemric has made 38 starts in the NCS, earning a pole award, one top-five and two top-10 finishes.

“I have had the chance to race against some great drivers over the past few years,” said Hemric. “AJ (Allmendinger) is a great competitor, who can win on any track, and Noah [Gragson] and I have been teammates in the past at JR Motorsports. Each of us are different, but seeing how intense both AJ and Noah are as professionals gets me excited for this upcoming season. Now we have the opportunity to be able to lean on each other and try to build a program here at Kaulig Racing at the highest level of our sport. I feel fortunate to be a part of this.”

Finishing third in the 2021 NXS points standings, Noah Gragson will compete in 14 NCS races for Kaulig Racing, while Allmendinger and Hemric will participate in the remaining series events.

“This is a really unique opportunity I have with Kaulig Racing to be able to share the No. 16 with two of my biggest competitors in the Xfinity Series,” said Gragson. “I’ve had the chance to work with Daniel before, but it will be a new experience working with AJ. We’ve raced against each other for a few years now, and I think working as teammates will only help us get better as drivers.”

The 2022 season will mark Kaulig Racing’s first-ever full-time season in the NCS, as the team will field two, full-time entries. More news regarding specific events and partners will be announced at a later date.

About Kaulig Racing™

Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started and made the Championship 4 round in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons. They will continue fielding three, full-time NXS entries; the No. 10 Chevrolet driven by Landon Cassill, the No. 11 Chevrolet driven by Daniel Hemric, and the No. 16 Chevrolet driven by AJ Allmendinger. With multiple wins, Kaulig Racing has come to be one of the top competitors on track each weekend. The team made multiple starts in the NCS in 2021 and won in its seventh-ever start with AJ Allmendinger’s victory at “The Brickyard” for the Verizon 200 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The young team has acquired two charters for the 2022 NCS season, with Justin Haley competing as its first, full-time driver in the series. The team’s second entry will be shared by part-time teammates AJ Allmendinger, Daniel Hemric and Noah Gragson. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

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