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Driving Test Examiners Adding To Backlog

By
SM
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One of the many lasting effects of the Covid pandemic in the UK is a worrying backlog in the number of untaken practical driving tests. Although theory tests can be completed remotely, the vital on-road exam obviously needs to be done accompanied by a test examiner. For a number of reasons linked to the pandemic, finding one of these is more difficult than it has ever been, with the result that some learner drivers are having to wait up to ten months before they can sit their test. As a successful theory test is only valid for two years, this is a worrying situation for thousands of learners.

Shortage of Examiners

A large part of the reason for this situation, of course, was the restriction regime put in place during the first Covid lockdown. Also, a “holiday” was introduced for MOT tests, the government banned practical driving tests with a view to cutting human contact as much as possible. This ban lasted for four months and was the first of many factors which began to accumulate and add to non-tested or failed learners.

After the ban was lifted, drivers who hadn’t been behind the wheel for months were often “rusty,” with the result that the failure rate rose dramatically. This in turn meant that it was another four months before tests could be retaken, as both instructors and examiners faced huge demands on their time.

Once the economy began to reopen, many of these stressed examiners decided to look for a new career. With a shortage in goods vehicle delivery drivers, wages in this sector began to rise sharply, with the result that driving experts took their HGV tests and stepped straight into better-paid work. As long as this situation persists, it is unlikely these drivers will return to their previous profession; with the result that there is a shortage of around 300 test examiners in the UK in 2022.

Increased Number of Fails

To make this shortage test passes even worse, it has emerged that newly recruited examiners are failing drivers for increasingly trivial reasons. Whereas the MOT test is set in stone, with very clear reasons for passing and failing at all levels, it seems that passing or failing the practical driving test relies much more on the examiners’ discretion. This in conjunction with new hygiene rules introduced by the DVSA, in another effort to try to slow down the spread of Covid 19. It seems that some test centers are enforcing these rules without any effort to apply common sense.

The DVSA directive is that anyone wanting to take their practical test must ensure the inside of the car (whether that’s their own or their instructors) is “clear and clean” before the examiner will enter the vehicle. This has led to cases of learner drivers being failed without getting behind the wheel. Cases are on record of examiners failing applicants because of blades of grass on foot pedals, traces of mud in the footwell, and other minor items which would be common in any car unless it came straight from the factory.

While the effort to curb the coronavirus is logical and admirable, there is surely no evidence of anyone catching it from a strand of hair on a car seat. Unfortunately, it seems that some examiners and their test centers disagree. Understandably, this has left a number of test applicants extremely upset; especially as there is no way to reclaim the £62 cost of a practical test.

Ongoing Problem

This shortage in the number of test passes is an ongoing problem that is certain to have an impact on many people’s lives. With the pandemic meaning that commuters are less willing to use public transport now than at almost any time in the past, the motoring network will be vital in getting people back to work, and life in general back to some level of normality. With the increase in popularity of electric cars, this is indeed something that the government would welcome (especially if those cars and/or their batteries are manufactured here in the UK).

While the issues of recruiting test examiners are certainly one way to address the problem, this will inevitably mean making the profession more attractive; i.e. financially worthwhile. Meanwhile, it is to be hoped that those examiners still employed are encouraged to take a more sensible view of hygiene regulations. Then, in conjunction with ever-reliable companies like checkmot.com, drivers can get back on the road where they belong.

What Are the Various Benefits of Ceramic Coating?

By
SM
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According to the 2016 census, 50% of households in the Central Coast, Australia, own two or more cars. This data is even more than Greater Sydney, which is 46%. All the car owners in the country want the same thing, “keep their cars like new, forever.” But how can they achieve it? Ceramic coatings Central Coast are the best solution to keep your car appearance problems at bay.

You can be sure that your car’s paint will eventually begin to look a little less pristine over time. Each time you drive your vehicle, it is exposed to dust, sun, bugs, gas, and other types of debris, which gradually damage its paint.

What is the Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic coatings are chemical polymer solutions applied to the exterior of vehicles to prevent their paint from being damaged by external elements. It is usually applied by hand and creates an additional layer of hydrophobic protection on your car’s paint. This chemical bonding and production of a new layer prevents any damage to the factory paint.

Depending on the type of coating and polymer used, ceramic coating can provide a permanent or semi-permanent solution.

Benefits of Ceramic Coating

  • Protection from UV Rays

As one of the most sun-baked countries, Australia experiences the highest sun’s UV radiation levels. In fact, in summer, the UV index here ranges from 10-14. Australian sunlight can cause permanent damage to the exterior and interior of your car. It oxidizes your car’s paint, resulting in an old and worn-out appearance.

Ceramic coatings in the Central Coast can protect your car’s paint from various external elements such as the sun’s UV rays, dust, debris, etc. If your vehicle is ceramic coated, you don’t need to worry about parking it in the sun for hours.

  • Water-Repellent

The ceramic coating not only protects your car from UV rays, dust, and debris but also from water.

Scrubbing the mud from the car’s exterior is a headache as you need to do it extremely carefully so that the polymer doesn’t get damaged. The ceramic coating provides your car dust and water-repellent capability, so dirt and grime-containing water will bead on the surface and eventually wash away. Once you’ve jet-washed your car, it will appear spotless and ageless.

  • Gives Candy-like Gloss

The aesthetics here are something that every car owner will enjoy. Like car bras, ceramic coatings also add gloss and depth to your car’s paint. Your car will look glossy, enhancing its original paint job. It has certainly gained popularity in the Central Coast area over the past few years. More and more people are getting their cars painted with ceramic coatings in Central Coast due to the increasing UV index and other external factors in the region.

  • Cost-effective Option

The popularity of ceramic coatings has made almost all car owners choose it for their cars. Although the initial cost seems high, you will save money over time when you don’t have to pay regularly for wax, car washes, and exterior detailing services. Moreover, ceramic coatings are permanent, meaning you won’t have to worry about replacing them year after year.

  • Improves Durability

Ceramic coatings appear to protect your vehicle’s surface much better than any ordinary paint job. These coatings work by bonding quickly to the molecular structure of your car’s paint and cannot be removed by vibrations or external forces, which makes them last for years. It enhances the durability of your car’s paint, thus preventing it from rusting and looking dull and worn out.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance will keep your car looking good for a long time. As a car enthusiast, you will likely be thrilled with the value that ceramic coating will add to your car. The benefits of ceramic coating make it the best option if you want to keep your car looking new for a long time. It reduces the need for frequent car washes and keeps the paint intact even after long sun exposure.

Christian Rose Kicks Off 2022 Season With Double Effort in Sunshine State

By
Official Release
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NEW SMYRNA, Fla: Christian Rose is still a relatively new name on the ARCA Menards Series scene, but the driver of the No. 42 West Virginia Tourism Chevrolet for Cook Racing Technologies (CRT) is focused on building himself into a household name throughout the 2022 season.

Rose, a former Division 1 baseball player for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore has traded the glove and bat in for a steering wheel and helmet and sets his sight on making noise on the race track in a diverse 2022 schedule that will include competition in the premier ARCA Menards Series and the regional touring ARCA Menards Series East.

Despite just four years of experience as a driver, Rose has captivated an audience for his ability to quickly dial in his race car and backup his intuition with his race craft on the track which included producing two top-10 finishes in his only two starts in the ARCA Menards Series West division last year at the Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway Bullring and All American (Calif.) Speedway respectively.

With some confidence on his side, Rose will kick off his 2022 season with a double dose of action this week at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway and Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

“I’m really excited about 2022,” said Rose. “This is the year where I am focused on taking all my experience and applying it into results for West Virginia Tourism and Cook Racing Technologies. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity that will allow me to race on a larger scale – but I must perform.

“Opportunities like this are truly once in a lifetime and I am taking the necessary steps that I know of to capitalize on the opportunity and prepare for the long term when it comes to my racing career.”

Before shifting his attention to the ARCA Menards Series West last year, Rose spent 2019 and 2020 competing in Late Models which included a large dose of action at New Smyrna which gives the Martinsburg, W.V. native a positive outlook on Tuesday’s Race to Stop Suicide 200 presented by Place of Hope.

“I’ve been hungry to get to New Smyrna because I have turned so many laps there,” added Rose. “I spent a lot of time racing there on a weekly basis a couple of years ago, so I feel like that experience and knowing the fundamentals of the track will put us in a good position to start the week off on a good note.
“Hopefully, we’ll find ourselves in a place to contend for a top-five finish on Tuesday and then turn our attention to Daytona.”

Saturday afternoon’s Lucas Oil 200 driven by General Tire will be Rose’s inaugural debut in the premier ARCA Menards Series. In January, Rose boasted a time inside the top-five on the second day of preseason testing giving him the confidence that his superspeedway debut has the potential to be memorable.

“Daytona is such a huge blessing, you really don’t understand,” he said. “Our preseason test went really well and Bruce (Cook) and the team went through our No. 42 West Virginia Tourism Chevrolet with a fine-tooth comb to make sure we can unload for practice on Thursday afternoon in a good place.

“Daytona is going to be the biggest learning experience of my career but it is a challenge I am ready to conquer and ready to conquer it well. If we can keep ourselves out of trouble and be in a place for a top-10 finish on Saturday afternoon, then I feel like we can put an exclamation point on the weekend!”
In 2022, Rose will also continue to strengthen a relationship with the West Virginia Department of Tourism.

The West Virginia Department of Tourism promotes West Virginia as a leading four-season travel destination and top state to live, work and retire.

Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is one of the most scenic states in the United States and home to thousands of acres of parks and public lands, including America’s newest national park and 45 state parks and forests. In addition to its majestic mountains and rolling hills, West Virginia is full of rich historic sites, enchanting art galleries, charming towns and an immense sense of belonging found only in its heaven-like landscapes.

In West Virginia, let country roads lead you far away from everything. And a little closer to heaven.
“My relationship with the West Virginia Department of Tourism is everything to me,” added Rose.

“Without them, I would not be able to race at New Smyrna or Daytona. It is my goal throughout the year to spread the mission of everything the West Virginia Department of Tourism means.
“It is going to be a fun year.”

Bruce Cook, owner of Cook Racing Technologies and crew chief of both Rose’s entries this week is excited to have the 26-year-old Rose back in his corner for another year of learning, racing and chasing checkered flags.

“Without a doubt, Christian is going to impress people this season,” sounded Cook. “He has really flown under the radar the last year and a half, but I think he is going to be in a position to explode on the track when it comes to his consistency and results.

“I feel like he is definitely capable of winning races and if everything goes our way on a particular race weekend, there isn’t a reason why we should be in a position to challenge for several wins this year. I cannot thank the West Virginia Department of Tourism and the rest of Christian’s partners for their trust and faith in my race team with a talented driver aboard.

“I cannot wait to get the season going on Tuesday night.”

A detailed schedule for Rose will be announced at a later date.

For more on Christian Rose, please like him on Facebook (Christian Rose Racing) or follow him on Instagram (@christianroseracing) and Twitter (@CRoseRacing).

The Race to Stop Suicide 200 presented by Place of Hope (200 laps | 100 miles) is the first of seven races on the 2022 ARCA Menards Series East schedule. Practice begins for the one-day show on Tuesday, February 15 from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The results of practice will dictate the starting grid for the season-opening race. The event will take the green flag just after 7:30 p.m. with live television coverage on FloRacing and taped delay coverage on the USA Network.

The Lucas Oil 200 driven by General Tire (80 laps | 200 miles) is the first of 20 races on the 2022 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Practice begins Thurs., Feb. 17 with a fifty-minute session from 4:05 p.m. – 4:55 p.m. Group qualifying is set for Fri., Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m. The season-opener for the 70th consecutive ARCA season is set the following afternoon on Feb. 19 to take the green flag shortly after 1:30 p.m. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with the Motor Racing Network (MRN) handling the radio waves. ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire weekend festivities.

About The West Virginia Department of Tourism:

The West Virginia Department of Tourism promotes West Virginia as a leading four-season travel destination and top state to live, work and retire.
Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is one of the most scenic states in the United States and home to thousands of acres of parks and public lands, including America’s newest national park and 45 state parks and forests.

In addition to its majestic mountains and rolling hills, West Virginia is full of rich historic sites, enchanting art galleries, charming towns and an immense sense of belonging found only in its heaven-like landscapes.

Hendrick Motorsports Media Advance: DAYTONA 500

By
Official Release
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Daytona International Speedway
Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022
2.5-Mile Oval
2:30 PM ET
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
TV: Fox
Event: DAYTONA 500
Radio: SiriusXM, PRN

5 KYLE LARSON
Age: 29 (July 31, 1992)
Hometown: Elk Grove, California
Resides: Mooresville, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels
Standings: 1st (2021)

No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

OH SO CLOSE: On Sunday, defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson will seek his first win in NASCAR’s crown jewel event, the DAYTONA 500. In 2017, he led the field with one lap to go in the race before his Chevrolet ran out of fuel and coasted to a 12th-place finish. In 15 starts at the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway, Larson has five top-10 results, including 10th in last year’s DAYTONA 500.

THE CHAMP: With a victory in the season finale at Phoenix Raceway in November, Larson won the 2021 Cup Series championship to become the record-extending fourth driver to secure a title for Hendrick Motorsports at the highest level of stock car racing. Larson and the No. 5 HendrickCars.com team won five playoff races – tying Tony Stewart for most victories during a 10-race playoff. Overall, the team won a series-leading 10 points-paying events in 2021 plus the annual non-points NASCAR All-Star Race.

DAYTONA CLINCH: Before going on to win the 2021 Cup Series title, Larson secured the regular season championship at Daytona in August despite being involved in a last-lap accident and finishing 20th.

CAREER YEAR: In 2021, Larson led the Cup Series in wins (10), top-five finishes (20), top-10s (26), stage wins (18), laps led (2,581) and average start (6.1) – all career-bests. His laps led in 2021 were more than the combined total of the second- and third-place drivers in that statistical category.

PACING THE FIELD: Larson’s 2021 laps led total (2,581) was the most ever during a 36-race Cup season and the most since NASCAR Hall of Famer and former Hendrick Motorsports driver Jeff Gordon paced the field for 2,610 circuits in the 31-race 1995 campaign.

WINNER AT DIS: In July 2018, Larson won the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway. The Elk Grove, California, native led a race-high 40 laps en route to victory there.

QUICK TIME: At 13.63 seconds, the No. 5 pit crew owned the quickest average time for four-tire pit stops in 2021. The over-the-wall crew returns all five starters in 2022: gasman Brandon Harder, jackman Brandon Johnson, tire carrier R.J. Barnette and tire changers Donnie Tasser (front) and Calvin Teague (rear). Their final performance of 2021 – a 12.345-second four-tire stop – moved Larson from fourth to first for the final restart and propelled the 29-year-old driver to his first Cup Series championship.

YOUR CAR NEEDS: In the DAYTONA 500, Larson will drive the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. From the convenience of home, customers can select the category, make, model and vehicle packages that are important to them from the nearly 30,000 new, high-quality pre-owned and certified cars, trucks and SUVs available at HendrickCars.com. The website also makes it easy for customers to find one of Hendrick Automotive Group’s 93 dealership locations nationwide.

WE’RE HIRING: Hendrick Automotive Group is hiring more than 300 technicians at its dealerships throughout the country. Positions are open for all skill levels and offer tuition and training reimbursement. Interested people can apply at HendrickCars.com.

OVER $200K: In March, Larson launched the Kyle Larson Foundation, which was established to better serve today’s youth, families and communities in need through hands-on support. The Sanneh Foundation and the Urban Youth Racing School are the primary beneficiaries of the foundation, which will also work closely with Hendrick Cares, the corporate social responsibility program of Hendrick Automotive Group. To kickstart the “Drive for 5,” Larson pledged a personal donation of $5 for every Cup Series lap he completed in 2021 and contributed another $5,000 for every top-five finish he earned. After 36 races, he pledged more than $140,000 and raised more than $200,000. To learn more, please visit KyleLarsonFoundation.org.

9 CHASE ELLIOTT
Age: 26 (Nov. 28, 1995)
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Resides: Dawsonville, Georgia
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: 4th (2021)

No. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

DAYTONA STATS: In 12 Cup Series starts at Daytona International Speedway, Chase Elliott has two top-five finishes, three top-10s and three pole positions. He’s led 126 laps on the historic 2.5-mile track, including 36 laps last August. Elliott earned a runner-up finish in the 63rd running of the DAYTONA 500 last year, his personal best in the season-opening event. While the Dawsonville, Georgia, native is still looking for his first DAYTONA 500 victory, he has won two Duel qualifying races on the oval (2017 and 2018). Elliott also won a Cup Series event on the track’s road course in 2020.

HISTORY MAKING: In 2016, Elliott became the youngest driver to earn the DAYTONA 500 pole at the age of 20 years, 2 months and 17 days. That record still stands. He earned his second pole for the prestigious event the very next year.

MOST POLES: Alan Gustafson leads all active crew chiefs with four DAYTONA 500 pole positions and is tied with Leonard Wood and Waddell Wilson for the most overall. He won three straight from 2015-2017, with Jeff Gordon taking the top spot in 2015 and Elliott following suit the following two years. Gustafson also won the DAYTONA 500 pole in 2010 with veteran Mark Martin.

RETURNING HOME: 2020 Cup Series champion crew chief Gustafson will make his return home to the “World Center of Racing” for the DAYTONA 500. He grew up in Ormond Beach, Florida, just down the road from the legendary superspeedway. After graduating from Seabreeze High School, Gustafson enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to study mechanical engineering. This season marks his 18th as a crew chief and his seventh with Elliott.

PUBLIC APPEARANCES: On Sunday, Feb. 20, Elliott will make multiple appearances for fans prior to the DAYTONA 500. At 11:35 a.m. ET, he will stop by the Team Chevy stage for a question-and-answer session. The 2020 Cup Series champ will also participate in a Q&A in the Daytona International Speedway Fan Zone at 12:15 p.m. ET.

NAPA RETURNS FOR 500: For the seventh consecutive year, NAPA AUTO PARTS will kick off the NASCAR Cup Series season on the hood of Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the DAYTONA 500. Elliott has never started the “The Great American Race” without primary sponsorship from the Atlanta-based company. This marks the ninth season NAPA has partnered with Elliott.

IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL: On Wednesday, Feb. 9, Hendrick Motorsports announced UniFirst Corp. has agreed to a five-year contract extension that will lengthen its primary sponsorship of Elliott and the No. 9 team through 2028. UniFirst will maintain three primary races in both 2022 and 2023 before increasing to five per season from 2024-2028. This year, UniFirst will serve as primary sponsor of the No. 9 on March 13 at Phoenix Raceway, May 15 at Kansas Speedway and Aug. 7 at Michigan International Speedway.

WHEN CHASE WINS, YOU WIN: Fans can visit Hooters on Mondays after Cup Series races this season and ask their server for free fried pickles when Elliott finishes in the top 10. If he wins, customers receive free boneless wings with any 10-wing purchase. Get more details at hooters.com/racing.

24 WILLIAM BYRON
Age: 24 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Resides: Charlotte, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: 10th (2021)

No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

BACK AT THE BEACH: During his time in the NASCAR Cup Series, William Byron has eight starts on the legendary Daytona International Speedway oval. The driver has collected one win, two top-five finishes, two top-10s and 92 laps led. However, stats don’t tell the fully story of Byron’s success at the 2.5-mile track. Not only is it the venue where he collected his first pole award (2019 DAYTONA 500) and his first Cup Series victory (August 2020), but he also won the Duel qualifying race there in 2020. Byron was also in position to capture a win during the summer race in 2019 before weather ended the event early and left him with a runner-up finish. In fact, in two of the last five oval races at Daytona, he has collected two top-two finishes. During his 2017 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship campaign, Byron qualified third in the July race, leading 29 laps to score the victory and become the youngest driver with an Xfinity win at Daytona at 19 years, 7 months and 1 day.

NO. 24 TO THE FRONT: In five of the last seven DAYTONA 500s, the No. 24 Chevrolet has started on the front row. The team won pole positions in 2015 with Jeff Gordon and in 2016 and 2017 with Chase Elliott. Byron most recently added to the total after becoming the second-youngest DAYTONA 500 pole winner in 2019, which also marked the Charlotte, North Carolina, native’s first pole in the Cup Series. He then wound up on the front row again, qualifying second for last year’s DAYTONA 500.

SUPER ON SUPERSPEEDWAYS: While superspeedways brings a lot of uncertainty, Byron has embraced the style of racing. In the past six superspeedway events, he has three top-five finishes including his first Cup Series win, which came at Daytona International Speedway in August 2020.

RUDY RETURNS: Entering his sophomore season as a Cup Series crew chief, Rudy Fugle will climb on top of the No. 24 pit box Sunday for his second DAYTONA 500 and his third Cup-level start at the 2.5-mile oval with Byron. Last year, the duo started both races at Daytona from the second position, but despite running up front, misfortune struck the No. 24 car as it was collected in on-track incidents before the checkered flag was shown. Aside from the two Cup appearances, Fugle has seven other starts at DIS, all coming in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The Livonia, New York, native has one runner-up result, one top-five finish and two top-10s across those seven events, including one with Byron where the pair qualified and finished 13th.

NEW SCHOOL CLASSIC: After embracing a new look in 2021, Axalta is keeping the bright-colored stripes the No. 24 team found success with last year. Now in its 30th year of partnership with Hendrick Motorsports, Axalta will return as a primary partner on Byron’s No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in 2021. For a better look at Byron’s car, click here.

BACK TO THE ROOTS: Prior to NASCAR festivities getting started at Daytona International Speedway, Byron will get his racing fix just down the street at New Smyrna Speedway. Climbing behind the wheel of the No. 24 Super Late Model for Wilson Motorsports, Byron is taking part in the World Series of Asphalt event. In Sunday’s 35-lap race, he started 20th after issues in qualifying and raced his way to a ninth-place result. Byron will be back at New Smyrna for Monday night’s 100-lap event.

BEACH BUMS: As NASCAR kicks off Daytona Speedweeks in the Sunshine State, two crew members on the No. 24 team will return home for the first points-paying race of 2022. Engineer Brandon McSwain grew up approximately 100 miles from the “World Center of Racing” in Auburndale, Florida. Not far from where McSwain grew up, engine tuner Ben Proctor calls Lakeland, Florida, his hometown.

SEE WILLY B: On Saturday, Feb. 19, Byron will make an appearance at the eNASCAR stage in the Daytona International Speedway fan midway for a question-and-answer session at 9:30 a.m. ET. Then on Sunday, fans will have another chance to see the driver of the No. 24 when he visits the Team Chevy stage in the fan midway for a Q&A at 12:15 p.m. ET.

48 Alex Bowman
Age: 28 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Resides: Concord, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Greg Ives
Standings: 14th (2021)

No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

LET’S MAKE IT FIVE: Alex Bowman has become a familiar face at the front of the DAYTONA 500 field, having started on the front row for the crown jewel race for four consecutive years. The 28-year-old driver earned the pole position in February 2018 and then again in last year’s event. His 2018 performance made him one of the youngest pole winners in the history of the “The Great American Race” at 24 years, 9 months and 17 days old.

2021 RECAPPED: Bowman is coming off a 2021 season that saw him garner four wins (Richmond Raceway, Dover Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway and Martinsville Speedway), eight top-five finishes and 16 top-10s – all career-bests for the driver of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. He also clinched his fourth playoff berth in as many seasons with Hendrick Motorsports.

MAIN MAN: Last week at Volusia Speedway Park, Bowman made his World of Outlaws debut with his Alex Bowman Racing team. The 28-year-old drove a No. 55 sprint car sponsored by Ally, his primary partner in the Cup Series, and made the feature in three consecutive nights of racing. His next event for ABR is tonight at East Bay Raceway.

DYNAMIC DUO: Stepping into his fourth season at the helm for Bowman, Greg Ives will make his 15th Daytona International Speedway start as a crew chief in Sunday’s DAYTONA 500. The 42-year-old has one win, two top-five finishes, five top-10s and four pole positions while calling the shots at the 2.5-mile oval. His victory came with Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. in July 2015.

IVES’ SUPERSPEEDWAY SUCCESS: Ives has an impressive background on superspeedways, finding success throughout his career as a crew chief. In the Cup Series, the Bark River, Michigan, native has tallied four pole positions, two points-paying wins (Talladega Superspeedway in May 2015 and Daytona in July 2015) and two victories in the Daytona Duel qualifying races (2015 and 2016 with Earnhardt). In addition, Ives led Regan Smith to a NASCAR Xfinity Series win at Talladega in May 2013.

IT’S THE DAYTONA 500: On Sunday, Hendrick Motorsports will make its 39th appearance in the prestigious DAYTONA 500. The team has brought home the Harley J. Earl trophy on eight occasions, which is one shy of Petty Enterprises’ record of nine. Hendrick Motorsports holds the event records for runner-up finishes (seven), pole positions (14), top-five results (29), top-10s (49) and laps led (1,300). It has won the DAYTONA 500 with five different drivers, which is tied with Wood Brothers Racing for the most.

POLE DAY: Hendrick Motorsports has collected 14 DAYTONA 500 pole positions, which is more than double the total of any other organization. The team has won nine of the last 14 poles for “The Great American Race” and 37% overall since it began competing in 1984. It has swept the DAYTONA 500 front row in qualifying seven times and is the only team to ever to earn a 1-2-3-4 qualifying sweep (2019). Hendrick Motorsports has started the race on the front row in each of the last seven years.

SPEEDWEEKS STREAK: Hendrick Motorsports has won at least one race during Daytona Speedways in eight of the last nine years. It earned trophies in the DAYTONA 500 in 2013 and 2014, won both Duel qualifying races in 2015 and one Duel in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The team won the Clash exhibition at Daytona in 2019 and another Duel qualifier in 2020. Its best Speedweeks performances in 2021 came from Chase Elliott, who finished second in both the Clash and the DAYTONA 500.

CARRYING MOMENTUM: Dating back to the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, Hendrick Motorsports has won five consecutive points-paying races. The team record is six in a row, which it has accomplished twice: last season and in 2007.

DAYTONA DECADES: A victory in Sunday’s DAYTONA 500 would make Hendrick Motorsports the first team in history to win the event in five different decades. It has won NASCAR’s biggest race in the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. Petty Enterprises is the only other team to win the DAYTONA 500 in four different decades: the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

ON THIS DAY: On Feb. 20, 2005, four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon won the DAYTONA 500 while driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. It was the third of his three career victories in “The Great American Race.” Today, Gordon is a NASCAR Hall of Famer and the vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports.

WE’LL TAKE THE SPECIAL: Entering Daytona Speedweeks, Hendrick Motorsports holds the NASCAR Cup Series record for wins in special events. The team has 37 combined victories in the season-opening Clash (seven), DAYTONA 500 qualifying races (16), the NASCAR All-Star Race (10) and the All-Star Open (four). Richard Childress Racing ranks second with 28 combined special event wins.

BACK FOR MORE: Entering the 2022 NASCAR season, Hendrick Motorsports will seek to defend as Cup Series champions and extend its current streak of consecutive titles to three. Elliott won the coveted Bill France Cup in 2020, followed by teammate Kyle Larson in 2021. Hendrick Motorsports has earned 14 NASCAR Cup titles – the most in history – and holds series records in every major statistical category, including wins, pole positions and laps led.

BANNER YEAR: The 2021 season was one of the most memorable in the history of Hendrick Motorsports. In May, the team finished 1-2-3-4 at Dover Motor Speedway, won Chevrolet’s milestone 800th race at Circuit of The Americas and broke Petty Enterprises’ long-standing record for all-time Cup Series wins at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The organization recorded 17 points-paying victories, which rank as its second-most ever (18 in 2007). With its entire four-car stable contributing to the 2021 total, Hendrick Motorsports became the first team in Cup Series history with four race winners under the age of 30 in a single season. The year culminated with Larson’s victory at Phoenix Raceway, which clinched the organization’s record-extending 14th NASCAR Cup Series championship.

QUOTABLE /

Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on Daytona drafting: “I wasn’t at Daytona for the test (in January), so I don’t know how the new Chevrolet drafts. I’ve watched video of past races and studied how I could have done things differently since I don’t usually finish well in these types of races. I seem to always end up in the middle of the mess, so I watched to see how others stay ahead of it.”

Cliff Daniels, crew chief of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on Daytona preparation: “Our team did not participate in the test (at Daytona in January), but we were able to follow a lot of what was going on in the test live. We had a lot of great feedback from our teams that were there and are absolutely leaning on them.”

Daniels on DAYTONA 500 qualifying Wednesday night: “We’d love to qualify on the front row. Hendrick Motorsports cars have a great history of being on the front row because everyone here puts in a lot of hard work to build fast race cars. Wednesday night is important but, ultimately, we want to be in position to battle for the win on Sunday coming off turn four of the final lap.”

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on the 2021 season and how the team can improve for 2022: “Not consistently winning, that was the piece we were kind of missing last year. I actually felt like we ran better last year in a lot of ways than we did in 2020. We just didn’t get hot at the end of the year. I was really proud of a lot of things that we did last season and I think we have a lot to build off of. If we can combine the consistency of last year with the number of wins we had in 2020, I think we really have a shot at another championship in 2022.”

Elliott on the racing in the DAYTONA 500: “The 500 is a race that everyone wants to win. The history behind this event and just how special it is, it’s unlike any other race on the schedule. Last year, we came the closest we ever have (second place), but in the past things haven’t worked out so great for us.”

Alan Gustafson, crew chief of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on 2022 goals: “Our goal for a successful season never changes. We want to win the championship and win races. Be there in Phoenix (in November) to compete for it, so that’s really our main goal again. The steps to get there are different than they typically are. It’s going to start in a different place and end in a different place as far as what we’ll focus a lot of our energy on. But the goal is still the same, to be the best team in the series.”

Gustafson on tackling 2022 with a new car: “It’s a new challenge with the car and what I’m most looking forward to is that challenge and then ultimately being successful. Taking that challenge and overcoming all the issues that are there and the challenge it creates and being able to be successful, be competitive and ultimately win. It’s always fun to get to the track. It’s been a busy offseason. I just like getting to the track and getting down to business.”

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on what racing may look like in Daytona with the new race car: “I think it’s going to be similar to what we normally see there. If anything, the test at Daytona in January was more aggressive than we thought it would be. I think the new car allows you to be a bit more aggressive than in the past. I do think the Duels may be somewhat calm just because guys don’t want to tear up their race cars since there’s not many backups available. But the DAYTONA 500 will be just as crazy as it normally is. No one is going to hold anything back and everyone is going to race as hard as they can. Everyone wants to win the DAYTONA 500.”

Byron on how special it is to win at Daytona: “It’s super special to get a win there in any series. Daytona is one of those places that you have to be aggressive to win. That night in (August) 2020 was a big deal for me, trying to get my first Cup Series win but also with the window we were up against to try and make the playoffs. It was stressful, but the DAYTONA 500 is a different feeling than the summer race. It’s a longer race that’s more about setting yourself up for the end. You use the race to learn throughout, but you still want to go for the stage wins to gain points and not start the season in a hole should something happen. You want to make it to the end first and foremost, but you want to really try stay up front all day, if possible, to put yourself in a good spot.”

Rudy Fugle, crew chief of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on the team’s approach to Daytona: “We are one of only a handful of teams who participated in both tests at Daytona with the Next Gen car this off season. We have some really good notes from those sessions that I think we can apply and will give us a slight advantage heading in. That allows us to work on some more specific areas and changes to really get the car dialed in to William’s liking. I think there will be slight caution from everyone this week given the limited amount of cars teams have, but I think it’s not much more than the normal level of caution you have leading into Speedweeks and superspeedway racing where anything can happen at any moment.”

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on racing in the DAYTONA 500: “I am excited to get to Daytona and kick off the season. Greg (Ives) and the guys back at the shop have been working super hard to get the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet ready for this week. Hopefully, we continue our streak of front row starts at the 500 and get the momentum rolling early. We just have to try and stay out of the mess and start the year with a win.”

Greg Ives, crew chief of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on racing in the DAYTONA 500: “Heading to Daytona is always a fun and exciting time. Not only are you getting the season started, but everyone here at Hendrick Motorsports always produces fast speedway Chevrolets, so I am looking forward to getting down there. We have started on the front row for four consecutive years because of what everyone does here at Hendrick Motorsports. Our main goal this year is to go down there and have a car capable of having speed and being there at the end. Whether that is pole-winning speed, I’m not sure, but our goal is to have a car that handles well and be there at the end when it counts at the 500. Having the Harley J. Earl trophy in your collection is something that is really cool, so hopefully we can add it to our shelves this year.”

All South Electrical and One Stop Convenience Stores to Power JCR at Daytona

By
Official Release
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SPARTANBURG, SC- After a 2021 campaign that saw Jeremy Clements make the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs for the second time in his career. The team is excited about the outlook for the 2022 season. JCR heads to Daytona for The Beef, It’s What’s for Dinner 300 with long-standing partners, All South Electrical and One Stop Convenience Stores, as co-primary sponsors. Plus, a ton of motivation to garner a spot once again in the XFINITY Series playoffs.

“Chuck Koon, Scott and Dawn Ward, and everyone at ASE and One Stop have been very loyal to us over the years,” says Jeremy. “The Wards have been with me since I was racing Dirt and Chuck and his team have continued to step up their support every year since 2012. Now it’s up to us build on last year’s performance and race our way into the Playoffs again. – It’s Race season, Let’s Go!” Clements went on to say.

The #51 Chevy Camaro SS will also carry the logos of associate sponsors; First Pacific Funding, Fox Sports Spartanburg, Whitetail Smokeless, E3 Spark Plugs, Elite Towing and Recovery, Zmax Race Products, Carolina Driveline, and Upstate Body and Detail. If you need a commercial electrical contractor for retail, office, or industrial environments, be sure to find a reputable contractor in your area.

RACE PREVIEW
Track: Daytona International Speedway
Date: Saturday, February 19th, 2022
Broadcast Information: TV: 5:00 pm EST on FS1

FAST FACTS
Best Start 8th – 2021
Best Finish 8th – 2014
24th career start at Daytona

JCR TEAM
Team: No. 51
Crew Chief: Mark Setzer
Manufacturer: Chevrolet
Engine: Clements Racing Engines

ABOUT ALL SOUTH ELECTRIC

All South Electrical Constructors, Inc. was founded on June 1, 1993, by Chuck and Charlie Koon as a single-family and small multifamily/commercial electrical contractor. By 1996, All South Electrical had created one of the most creditable reputations within the State of Georgia for its outstanding support to its customers. All South Electrical has employed a group of professionals whose goals and objectives are the same as its founders, to provide a quality product at the most economical price while maintaining a safe environment within the workplace.
Today, All South Electrical is one of the most competitive electrical contractors within the multifamily market. Presently we average 5000 units per year as well as our service department.

All South Electrical is licensed in all the Southeastern states. For more information see www.allsouthelectric.com

Worldwide Express, GlobalTranz, Unishippers Join Thompson, No. 40 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet for 2022 Season

By
Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 14, 2022) – The No. 40 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado piloted by Sunoco Rookie of the Year Contender Dean Thompson welcomes a new partner for the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) season as Worldwide Express and its family of brands announced a partnership with the team Monday.

Worldwide Express, along with its sister brands of GlobalTranz and Unishippers, will serve as the primary partners of Thompson’s No. 40 Chevrolet Silverado for all 23 races during the rookie’s 2022 season, beginning with the NextEra Energy 250 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 18.

“I’m beyond thankful and blessed to have Worldwide Express and its family of brands on our No. 40 Chevrolet Silverado for the entirety of the 2022 season,” Thompson remarked. “I’m looking forward to the start of this partnership and sharing my rookie season with Worldwide Express while making it a memorable year for all of us.”

Among the top non-asset logistics providers in the country, the three brands offer marketing-leading solutions for parcel, less-than-truckload (LTL) and truckload shipping and managed transportation services delivered through proprietary technology. With unique data assets and business intelligence capabilities, more than 120,000 shippers, from small and mid-size to enterprise businesses, benefit from enhanced visibility and efficiency for their supply chains.

Worldwide Express’ partnership with Niece Motorsports includes a business-to-business activation with Thompson Pipe Group, which will also be displayed on Thompson’s No. 40 Chevrolet Silverado for the 2022 season. Through the agreement, Worldwide Express will become the official shipping partner of Thompson Pipe Group and its manufacturing locations all across North America.

“We are proud to partner with the Niece Motorsports team,” said Rob Rose, president of the three brands. “Their rich history of striving to win and hunger for continuous improvement is directly aligned to the business approach shared by our employees, franchisees and agents. We, too, work to be better every week and drive competitive advantages for our customers and carrier partners. This was a natural fit for us, and we are excited to put our support behind the team in their race to the top of the leaderboard.”

Thompson, entering his first full-time season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, made his series debut last November in the Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix Raceway, producing a 21st-place finish after starting 25th.

Thompson also made seven starts in the ARCA Menards West Series during the 2021 season, earning two poles (Irwindale, Roseville), two top-10 finishes and five top-15 finishes. His best finish in the series was a second-place result at Irwindale in 2021. After starting on the pole, Thompson led 144 of 150 laps, ultimately finishing second.

“We are incredibly proud to welcome in a new partner, not only to Niece Motorsports, but to the sport,” said Niece Motorsports Team Owner Al Niece. “To see the enthusiasm that everyone at Worldwide Express and GlobalTranz has regarding this program is really exciting to me. It’s an honor to have them join our Niece Motorsports family, we are looking forward to great things ahead.”

The NextEra Energy 250 at Daytona International Speedway will be broadcast live on FS1, the Motor Racing Network (MRN), and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio on Friday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. (ET).

#

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

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

BRYAN CATHCART RETURNS TO NASCAR PINTY’S SERIES

By
Official Release
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(February 14, 2022) Bryan Cathcart returns to the NASCAR Pinty’s Series joining Bray Autosports for the 2022 season.

The Peterborough, ON native is returning to full time competition, last racing in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series in 2016.

Cathcart is a long time racing competitor and ready to kick off the 2022 season after spending the last few years away from the series to focus on family and business. However, the Canadian racer has always stayed close, often seen at the track supporting numerous Pinty’s teams. Now that Cathcart’s children are a bit older, he is happy to return to the series and enjoy the season as a family.

Cathcart is looking forward to working with Bray stating, “I’ve known Jim forever, he is such a fixture and supporter of NASCAR, and we get along so well, I want to get back into the series and strengthen his team as well” said Cathcart, mentioning he thinks it will be a great fit.

Jim Bray just celebrated his 89th birthday and his history in racing goes back to the middle of the last century. A fierce racer that became the second Canadian to participate in the Daytona 500. He’s been a champion supporter for racers and racing in Canada throughout his life and expects to field a two-car team in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series for 2022.

Bray, the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Famer states, “I don’t know anybody that doesn’t get along with Bryan Cathcart. He’s always positive and enthusiastic and we’ll get the best result we can at each race”.

Last season Bray Autosports didn’t have one DNF which Bray himself states they are pleased about that adding, “We think there’s even better race results possible and that’s what were looking for this season”.

Bryan is excited to get behind the wheel of the Bray Autosports machine during the 13-race 2022 NASCAR Pinty’s Series season beginning Saturday May 14th at Sunset Speedway in Innisfil, Ontario.

Flying Lizard Returns to GT4 America, GT America with Aston Martin

By
Official Release
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Sabo and Lee join championship efforts

SONOMA, Calif., (February 14, 2022) – Two years after Flying Lizard Motorsports swept the team and driver titles in GT4 America with a pair of Aston Martin Vantage GT4 race cars, the team will again race a pair of Aston Martins in SRO America. With the support of sponsor 5.11, manufacturer of purpose-built apparel, footwear, and gear, Elias Sabo and Andy Lee will team up to compete together in the GT4 America championship, and Sabo will run a separate GT4 entry in GT America. Elias Sabo and Andy Lee will team up to compete together in the GT4 America championship, and Sabo will run a separate GT4 entry in GT America.

“It’s great to welcome new racers to the Lizard family and to return back to again race with Aston Martin, a manufacturer we’ve had great success with,” said Program Manager Darren Law. “I have personally known Andy for a long time and recently met Elias, and I’m proud to welcome them to the team. They’re both proven racers and I’m looking forward to challenging for more championships this year in SRO America.”

The Lizards clinched the four 2020 team driver titles with 17 wins and 21 podiums between the 2020 GT4 America Sprint and GT4 America SprintX program with drivers Michael Dinan and Robby Foley. The remarkable success earned the team their seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth championship titles since the team’s professional racing inception in 2004.

“We are delighted to have Flying Lizard back with Aston Martin Racing,” said Huw Tasker, head of Customer Racing at Aston Martin. “We’ve enjoyed working with them in the past and we know what a great combination AMR and Flying Lizard can be following our super-successful partnership in 2020 that included a clean sweep of four SRO GT4 championships. The Vantage GT4’s growth as a competitive proposition continues in the GT racing market around the world, and we expect Flying Lizard will fully contribute to that in 2022.”

The approaching season will be Elias Sabo’s first year racing the Aston Martin Vantage GT4 car. Sabo first joined what was then the Pirelli World Challenge in 2018, participating in six races in the SprintX GTS Pro/Am category, racing a McLaren 570S GT3. In 2020, he began a two-year stint racing Audi machinery, running an Audi R8 LMS GT4 in the GT4 America Pro/Am class and an Audi R8 LMS GT2 in GT America.

This season, he will contest the No. 8 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 alongside Andy Lee in GT4 America. Lee is also a familiar face in GT4 America, originally the Pirelli World Challenge SprintX series. He joined the series in 2018 as Sabo’s co-driver, creating a strong on-track pairing in a competitive series. The GT4 America series hosts a two-driver, one-car format, in a pair of 60-minute races each weekend. Sabo and Lee will compete together in the Pro/Am category, one of the series three classes.

Sabo will also run a separate No. 8 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 entry in GT America, a sprint series for bronze drivers, running a pair of 40-minute races per event weekend. The GT America series is comprised of three classes: SRO3 (GT3), GT2, and GT4. Sabo participated in the inaugural season in 2021, competing in both rounds at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the inaugural Nashville Music City Grand Prix. The team will compete in the full 2022 GT America schedule, with the exception of the season-opening race at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and the Nashville Grand Prix.

DRIVER QUOTES

Elias Sabo
“We are looking forward to the upcoming SRO season with Flying Lizard. It’s exciting to work with such an incredible team whose track record of success is undeniable.”

Andy Lee
“Getting the chance to represent Flying Lizard is a dream come true for me! Elias and I are eager to learn from the team as we change cars from the Audi to the Aston Martin GT4 for the upcoming season. The last time Flying Lizard competed with the Aston Martin in the GT4 Sprint-X division they won the championship. That’s very confidence-inspiring and we look forward to working hard to continue that winning tradition.”

2022 GT4 America Schedule
Sonoma Raceway
Rounds 1 & 2 | April 15-17

Ozarks International Raceway
Rounds 3 & 4 | May 20-22

VIRginia International Raceway
Rounds 5 & 6 | June 17-19

Watkins Glen International
Rounds 7 & 8 | July 22-24

Road America
Rounds 9 & 10 | August 19-21

Sebring International Raceway
Rounds 11 & 12 | September 23-25

Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Rounds 13 & 14 | October 7-9

2022 GT America Schedule
St. Petersburg
Rounds 1 & 2 | February 24-26

Sonoma Raceway
Rounds 3 & 4 | April 15-17

Ozarks International Raceway
Rounds 5 & 6 | May 20-22

VIRginia International Raceway
Rounds 7 & 8 | June 17-19

Watkins Glen International
Rounds 9 & 10 | July 22-24

Road America
Rounds 11 & 12 | August 19-21

Sebring International Raceway
Rounds 13 & 14 | September 23-25

Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Rounds 15 & 16 | October 7-9

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About Flying Lizard Motorsports
Based out of Sonoma, California, Flying Lizard Motorsports is one of the most iconic sports car teams in motorsports, having celebrated ten driver and team championships, as well as competed internationally at the 24 Hours of Le Mans eight times.

The Lizards burst on the American Le Mans Series scene in 2004, competing in the GT class until 2012. In 2013, the team moved to the GTC class, still competing in legendary events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona. In 2014, the team expanded its program to include running two Audi R8 LMS in the TUDOR Championship, and in 2015, again expanded the program to include two Porsches in Porsche Club racing. Flying Lizard closed out the season with a dominating win at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill with Toyo Tires, a win they repeated in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The 2020 season proved the team’s most successful to date, earning four titles in the GT4 America championship. Flying Lizard Motorsports has proven to be a championship contender no matter the race series or race car. For more information, visit lizardms.com.

About 5.11
With offices around the globe, 5.11 ABR Corp. and its subsidiaries, including 5.11, Inc., work with end users to create purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear designed specifically to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who always have to be ready. 5.11 products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at 5.11 company-owned retail stores.

Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical

5.11 ABR Corp. is a subsidiary of Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI).

5.11, 5.11 Tactical and Always Be Ready are registered trademarks of 5.11, Inc. All rights reserved.

Drew Dollar joins Joe Gibbs Racing for Xfinity superspeedway events

By
Andrew Kim
-
Photo by Allison Farrand/ARCA Racing.

Drew Dollar will be joining forces with Joe Gibbs Racing to pilot the No. 18 Toyota Supra in all four superspeedway events for the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.

The 21-year-old Dollar from Atlanta, Georgia, will make his Xfinity debut in the season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway on February 19 before returning two months later at Talladega Superspeedway on April 23. He will then campaign at Daytona for a second time on August 26 followed by the series’ second visit to Talladega during the 2022 Xfinity Series Playoffs on October 1. With sponsorship support coming from Lynx Capital and Dollar Concrete, veteran Jason Ratcliff will be remaining at Joe Gibbs Racing to serve as the crew chief for the No. 18 Toyota team that will have multiple competitors pilot the ride throughout the season.

The news comes as Dollar is also scheduled to compete in four ARCA Menards Series events for Kyle Busch Motorsports this season, beginning at Daytona on February 19. He campaigned in 12 of 20 ARCA events for Venturini Motorsports in 2021, where he recorded a pole for the season-opening event at Daytona, six top-five results, eight top-10 results and a seventh-place result in the final standings. In 34 previous ARCA starts, he has one recorded victory, which occurred at Talladega in June 2020, along with a pole, 10 top-five results, 24 top-10 results and an average-finishing result of 8.2. His best results in the ARCA standings is fourth place in 2020, where he campaigned in all 20 scheduled events.

In 2021, Dollar made his inaugural presence between NASCAR’s top three national touring series after competing in eight Camping World Truck Series events for Kyle Busch Motorsports. During this stint, he best on-track result was 10th place during the season-opening event at Daytona in February.

“I’m really excited to make my NASCAR Xfinity Series debut in Daytona with Joe Gibbs Racing,” Dollar said. “This will be a great opportunity for me to continue my development with an organization that has a long history of success in this series and to learn from a crew chief like Jason Ratcliff.”

Dollar is the second competitor to be confirmed to pilot Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 18 Toyota Supra throughout the 2022 Xfinity Series season. Former Daytona 500 champion Trevor Bayne was confirmed as the first part-time competitor for the team’s “all-star” entry on February 9.

The remainder of Joe Gibbs Racing’s Xfinity Series driver lineup will be determined at a later date.

Dollar is scheduled to make his Xfinity Series debut at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 19, with coverage to occur at 5 p.m. ET on FS1.

Kaulig Racing Welcomes New Partner for 64th-Annual Daytona 500

By
Official Release
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Daniel Hemric to Drive the No. 16 Heritage Pool Supply Group, Inc. Camaro ZL1 in NASCAR Cup Series Season Opener

LEXINGTON, N.C. (February 14, 2022) – Kaulig Racing will make a splash with new partner, Heritage Pool Supply Group, Inc. (Heritage) on board the No. 16 Camaro ZL1, driven by Daniel Hemric for the 64th-annual Daytona 500.

Heritage, a division of SRS Distribution (SRS), is one of the nation’s leading family of independent pool and supply distributors. Brand new to the pool and spa industry, Heritage has quickly become the nation’s 2nd largest and fastest growing distributors of pool products.

“We are thrilled to partner with Kaulig Racing and Daniel Hemric for our inaugural foray into the NASCAR experience at the Daytona 500,” said Dan Tinker, SRS president and CEO. “Heritage Pool Supply Group is a young, hard charging, and fast-paced company which represents the very best family of independent companies in the Pool and Spa Supply Industry. Our teammates and customers are all proud to be rooting on the No. 16 car this week!”

Diving right into the world of NASCAR, Heritage will act as the primary partner on the No. 16 Camaro ZL1 for NASCAR’s pinnacle event, the Daytona 500, as well as an associate partner on Hemric’s No. 11 Chevrolet for the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) season opener at Daytona International Speedway.

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming Heritage Pool Supply Group to our Kaulig Racing Family for the biggest race in NASCAR!” said Chris Rice, president of Kaulig Racing. “Kaulig Racing is continuing to grow, and with that, comes new and exciting partnerships with amazing organizations that have only attributed to our success.”

Kaulig Racing announced earlier this year that Hemric, along with a full season in the NXS, will make eight starts in the team’s second NCS car. The 2022 Daytona 500 will mark the reigning NXS champion’s first NCS start since the 2019 season.

“This is an exciting week for me to be making my return to the NASCAR Cup Series and to be welcoming a new partner into the series,” said Hemric. “It shows the excitement and growth of our sport, as well as the positive direction it’s heading in. I’m looking forward to starting this new chapter in the NextGen car with Heritage and Kaulig Racing.”

The 64th-annual Daytona 500 will take place on Sunday, February 20 at 2:30 p.m. ET with coverage on FOX.


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.

About Heritage Pool Supply Group

Founded in 2021 and headquartered in McKinney, TX, Heritage Pool Supply Group has grown to become one of the largest and fastest growing pool supply distributors in the United States. Since our inception, we have established a differentiated growth strategy and entrepreneurial culture that is focused on serving our customers, partnering with our suppliers, and attracting the industry’s best talent. We currently operate under a family of 17 distinct local brands encompassing more than 91 locations across 23 states. Heritage Pool Supply Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of SRS Distribution Inc., a portfolio company of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. and Berkshire Partners LLC., and one of the largest and fastest-growing privately held wholesale distributors in the United States. For more information, visit www.heritagepoolsupplygroup.com.

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