Home Blog Page 2198

Ford Performance NASCAR: Ford Looking for Second Straight Daytona 500 Victory

By
Official Release
-

FORD PERFORMANCE NASCAR: DAYTONA 500 NOTES

The 64th Annual Daytona 500 is scheduled for this Sunday as the first points race of the Next Gen era takes place at Daytona International Speedway. Ford has won “The Great American Race” a total of 16 times, including last season when Michael McDowell posted the first victory of his Cup Series career, and is coming off Joey Logano’s triumph in the season-opening Clash at the Coliseum.

This Week’s Schedule:

Thursday, February 17 – NASCAR Cup Series Duels, 7 p.m. ET (FS1)
Friday, February 18 – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, 7:30 p.m. ET (FS1)
Saturday, February 19 – NASCAR Xfinity Series, 5 p.m. ET (FS1)
Sunday, February 20 – NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500, 2:30 p.m. ET (FOX)

FORD GOING FOR SECOND STRAIGHT DAYTONA 500 WIN

As mentioned above, Ford has won the Daytona 600 16 times by 13 different drivers. Michael McDowell’s victory last season was the Blue Oval’s third 500 triumph in the last seven years after Joey Logano won in 2015 and Kurt Busch in 2017. Only three Ford drivers have won the Great American Race more than once. Bill Elliott was the first to do it (1985 and 1987) with Dale Jarrett (1996 and 2000) and Matt Kenseth (2009 and 2012) following.

FORD CHANGES IN 2022

There have been a few changes to the Ford Cup Series lineup for 2022. First, Brad Keselowski has gone from driver at Team Penske to driver/co-owner at Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, swapping his familiar No. 2 for No. 6. Austin Cindric has moved up from the NASCAR Xfinity Series and will take over the No. 2 Team Penske Mustang, while fellow Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Harrison Burton moves into the No. 21 Wood Brothers Mustang. A third member of the ROY class is Todd Gilliland, who has moved up from the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series to drive the No. 38 Mustang for Front Row Motorsports. Additionally, Rick Ware Racing will field a pair of Mustangs with Cody Ware running full-time in the No. 51 and a series of different drivers competing in the No. 15.

TINY LUND COMES UP BIG FOR WOOD BROTHERS

Ford won the Daytona 500 for the first time on Feb. 24, 1963 when Tiny Lund took the Wood Brothers to Victory Lane and completed a script that would have made Hollywood envious. Lund didn’t have a ride for the 500, but was at the track watching Marvin Panch test a Maserati when the car went out of control, flipped upside-down and started on fire. Lund, along with four others, rushed to the scene and eventually pulled Panch to safety. Panch, who was the primary driver for the Wood Brothers, was unable to race in the 500 due to his injuries, so the team tabbed Lund as a substitute. Lund defied the odds by winning the race on one set of tires to give Ford and the Wood Brothers their first win in “The Great American Race.”

KENSETH WINS EXPLOSIVE DAYTONA 500

When Ford won the Daytona 500 on Feb. 27, 2012 with Matt Kenseth, it marked his second victory in four years. But while Kenseth will be recognized for becoming the ninth multiple winner of “The Great American Race,” the weekend will forever be remembered for a series of unforeseen events. For the first time in its 54-year history the race had to be postponed until Monday due to rain. As lingering showers persisted the next day, NASCAR officials decided to make it a primetime event for the first time. The race was building to a climax when caution came out on lap 157. During the ensuing caution, something broke on Juan Pablo Montoya’s car and sent it careening into a jet dryer that was working on the track. An explosion ensued and resulted in a red flag that lasted more than two hours as officials repaired the track. There were no major injuries, but the incident resulted in one of the more memorable photos ever taken as driver Brad Keselowski used his cell phone to post a shot from his vantage point on the backstretch. Kenseth eventually held off Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Roush Fenway teammate Greg Biffle on a green-white-checker finish to win.

A CINDERELLA STORY

Ford won the Daytona 500 for the 15th time after Kurt Busch took the checkered flag for Stewart-Haas Racing in its debut event with the manufacturer in 2017. That Cinderella story marked Ford’s fourth Daytona 500 win in a seven-year period, a streak that started with another Disney-type story when Trevor Bayne became the youngest Daytona 500 winner in 2011. The victory was even more memorable because it came one day after his 20th birthday and in only his second career NASCAR Cup Series start for the Wood Brothers.

LOGANO GIVES FORD FIRST SWEEP OF DAYTONA SPEEDWEEKS

Joey Logano survived an intense final 10 laps, including a green-white-checkered finish, to give Ford a sweep of Daytona Speedweeks by winning the 57th running of the Daytona 500. The win came on the heels of Tyler Reddick winning the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Ryan Reed taking the checkered flag for the first time in the NASCAR XFINITY Series event. It also capped an undefeated month of racing at Daytona for Ford, which also won the season-opening Rolex 24 Hours. In the end, Logano used a push from Clint Bowyer to get in front of the pack, but when caution came out with three laps to go for an accident involving Justin Allgaier, the field bunch back up for the deciding restart. As the leader, Logano opted for the outside line and that proved to be the right decision as he got ahead of Denny Hamlin on the inside and stayed in front until the caution came out on the final lap to officially end the race.

FORD’S DAYTONA 500 WINNERS
1963 – Tiny Lund (Wood Brothers)
1965 – Fred Lorenzen (Holman-Moody)
1967 – Mario Andretti (Holman-Moody)
1969 – LeeRoy Yarbrough (Junior Johnson)
1978 – Bobby Allison (Bud Moore)
1985 – Bill Elliott (Harry Melling)
1987 – Bill Elliott (Harry Melling)
1992 – Davey Allison (Robert Yates)
1996 – Dale Jarrett (Robert Yates)
2000 – Dale Jarrett (Robert Yates)
2009 – Matt Kenseth (Jack Roush)
2011 – Trevor Bayne (Wood Brothers)
2012 – Matt Kenseth (Jack Roush)
2015 – Joey Logano (Roger Penske)
2017 – Kurt Busch (Stewart-Haas)
2021 – Michael McDowell (Front Row)

Mullins Racing Prepares For Busy Week In Florida

By
Official Release
-
The No. 3 Crow Wing Recycling/CorvetteParts.net Chevrolet Willie Mullins will drive at Daytona International Speedway during the Lucas Oil 200 Driven by General Tire.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Mullins Racing is set to embark upon one of the most important weeks in team history.

The team owned by Willie and Dinah Mullins will compete in the ARCA Menards Series East and ARCA Menards Series openers this week at New Smyrna Speedway and Daytona International Speedway, respectively.

“This is definitely one of the most important race weeks we’ve ever had,” Willie Mullins said. “Our team is showing signs of potential in the big game of ARCA. We want to go out and continue to prove that we belong in this world.”

At New Smyrna, Willie Mullins will be behind the wheel of his No. 11 Crow Wing Recycling Ford for his third start at the historic half-mile asphalt oval. Last year at New Smyrna, Mullins was able to stay out of trouble and earn a 10th-place finish, his first top-10 finish in ARCA competition on a short track.

The goal is similar this year, with Mullins hoping to stay out of trouble during the Race to Stop Suicide 200 presented by Place of Hope on Tuesday and earn a lead lap, top-10 finish against some of the best young stock car drivers the world has to offer.

“The race at New Smyrna gets me back in the car,” Mullins said. “Me being a driver, I want to get back in the car and go racing. We had a disappointing finish at Salem at the end of last year, but it was definitely a lot more of a learning experience. We want to continue on that learning path and get better.”

Following Tuesday’s race at New Smyrna, all attention turns to legendary 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway. Mullins will wheel the No. 3 Crow Wing Recycling/CorvetteParts.net Chevrolet during the Lucas Oil 200 Driven by General Tire on Saturday afternoon.

The team will also field the No. 03 Ford for rookie Brayton Laster at Daytona, the first time in team history that Mullins Racing will field two cars for the race at Daytona International Speedway. Laster joins the team for the race at Daytona after taking part in the pre-race practice at the track in January.

“We want to make sure Brayton has the best experience possible this weekend,” Mullins said. “For Brayton, I’d love to see him finish in the top half of the field with all the fenders on it. It’s going to be a big, fast learning experience for him but he proved he can get up to speed quick during the pre-race practice in January, so we’re confident he’ll do well.”

For Mullins, who has one top-five and three top-10 finishes during his career at Daytona International Speedway, nothing short of a victory is acceptable.

“Anything less than a win for my car is a disappointment at Daytona,” said Mullins, who earned a career-best second-place finish at Daytona in 2018. “We’ve shown we can run up front when it matters most. We have great equipment, a fast race car and a determined team. We just need to dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s.”

The Race to Stop Suicide 200 presented by Place of Hope from New Smyrna Speedway is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 15. Live streaming coverage will be provided by FloRacing, with the race scheduled to begin at approximately 7:40 p.m. ET.

The Lucas Oil 200 Driven by General Tire from Daytona International Speedway is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 19. Live television coverage will be provided by FS1, with the race scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. ET

Motorcycle Gear for the Race Track

By
SM
-
Photo by Pok Rie from Pexels

Racers go through hours of dedicated and focused practice sessions before going into the big day since, for racers, practice indeed makes you the faster motorcycle on the track. Besides these long practice hours, racers also ensure they have the best motorcycle in the field in terms of speed, durability, and the like. 

However, most racers do not remember that choosing motorcycle gear that works is just as vital as selecting a motorbike that could give you the best chances of winning. Especially for a race that requires speed and thus, warrants all counts of danger, high-quality motorcycle safety apparel can be the difference between waking up in the emergency room or walking away from a collision. 

Investing in high-quality motorcycle gear is also investing in your safety. Moreover, these can also aid you in winning, as they can give you a more efficient ride. Here are some essential motorcycle gear you need for the race track: 

  1. Full-Body Race Suit

The ultimate trademark of racers is their full-body racing suit. They give you the racer vibes and make you look fabulous on the track. But other than providing the watchers some mesmerizing visual appeal for their viewing experience, they also provide racers the safety they need. 

A racing suit is essential for protection against falls or accidents and provides an ideal racetrack performance. These suits are made up of rigid, specialist textiles like cow and kangaroo leather and Kevlar to guard the skin against scraping slips and strong bruising friction. 

Some also come with materials that are especially for protection from heavy impacts. Racing suits also have two-piece types. On track days, racers may wear two-piece suits, depending on their preference. Some race organizations permit them, although most require a full one-piece suit.

  1. Gloves 

Gloves are not only the cherry-on-top piece to complete the ultimate racer look. Like full-body racing suits, racers also wear them for many reasons. 

Motorcycle gauntlets and gloves shield the rider’s wrists, palms, and fingers from the cool breezy wind while riding and abrasions from any sudden falls or slips. Depending on the glove of your choice, some are watertight, weatherproof, or offer added security. 

Racing gloves, in particular, feature pre-curved fingers and extra armor panels placed into the knuckles and joints. These panels allow for efficient sliding to increase the winning chances. 

  1. Racing boots 

In addition to the mentioned full-body wear, racing boots are also essential before going into the race track. Designers intentionally designed racing boots for racers who ride motorbikes on the hard pavement like a typical racing track surface. 

These boots are usually between 10 and 14 inches tall, shielding the foot and the lower leg from any untoward abrasions. They are also built from leather, metal, plastic, and manufactured composite materials to make a form-fitting but comfortable boot, perfect for riding sessions. 

As racing requires high motorcycle speeds, there is a heightened risk of accidents. Thus, racing boots often have more armored protection than other fashionable boots. Typical protective locations include the shin, instep, ankle, heel, and toes. These regions are often vulnerable to scraping on the rough pavement. Hence, designers provided additional pads to guard these locations. 

The ideal racing boot provides the essential impact and abrasion protection while retaining outstanding single-axis flexibility at the ankle between the boot lower and the shaft. The flexibility features are for shifting and braking to provide racers with efficient and excellent racing performance. 

Indeed, racing is quite an enjoyment. The desire to win can pump up your veins. The speed and the cheers can undoubtedly give you that momentary adrenaline rush and serotonin boost. However, despite all these joys, remembering your safety is crucial. Thus, remember to invest in high-quality gear like the Pandomoto motorcycle riding gear to save you from taking an unwanted visit to the emergency room. 

Finance 101: 6 Ways To Make Money Online

By
SM
-
Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash

The sad reality of life is that making your dreams come true usually costs money, and some of us won’t be able to afford it. Still, it doesn’t mean that you should cease your efforts because there is always the possibility of achieving your goals.

One commonly used solution to deal with this issue is making more money. Although easy in theory, earning additional cash is much more complicated. Children usually try to sell some lemonade or walk the neighbors’ dogs, but you’ll need something more sophisticated.

Fortunately, the Internet is abundant in money-making opportunities ranging from betting online or freelancing to becoming a virtual assistant and even selling things online. The possibilities are endless, and you can easily earn some extra money if you explore some of them.

Whether you want to make your dreams a reality or you just live more comfortably, here are some ways to make money online.

Online Betting

If you’re not interested in working hard and you’d rather take a risk, online betting is a great idea. You can place a Bet Now on practically anything these days, and the internet has plenty of betting sites that are willing to accept your wagers. Make no mistake, though — it’s a high-risk, high-reward venture. Still, you can make money from your bets if you choose the right place to play.

Betting online is one of the most popular ways to earn some extra cash. It’s easy and very convenient. When choosing the right betting platform, you need to find the perfect mix of events, odds, and bookmakers in order to maximize your profits. For example, you can download the Bet365 mobile app and make your bets from anywhere you want, not just at a bookie’s office. It also offers numerous lucrative options, so make sure to get familiar with terms and conditions policies to use them to your advantage. 

Nonetheless, you should be aware of the possible consequences of your gambling ways. Remember that gambling is highly addictive, and it may end up costing you more than you expect. Be careful!

Freelancing

The Internet provides many opportunities for freelancers and remote workers. If you have exceptional writing skills, a talent for creating graphics, or a knack for building websites and apps, you can easily offer your services to other people on the Internet.

Many people worldwide are looking for professionals to assist them with various tasks ranging from web design to logo creation and even programming. Fortunately, you can now earn money doing these things and more via freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. You can also take advantage of freelance marketplaces like People Per Hour or Freelancer for more specific tasks.

Have you ever dreamed about working from home? It is an outstanding opportunity to make money online without leaving the house. Freelancing is also a great way to earn extra cash if you’re looking for a part-time job that’s flexible and convenient.

Selling Your Stuff Online

This is one of the easiest ways to make money online, so it should come as no surprise that so many people are doing it. After all, sites such as eBay create big online marketplaces used by tons of people looking for a bargain or a way to make some extra cash.

If you have something worthwhile at home, you can sell it online. The chances are that you have a lot of junk at home that you don’t want anymore, but it may be worth something to someone else.

Don’t be stingy and post an ad on Craigslist or eBay to see if someone is interested in buying any of your stuff. You never know what will sell and bring you a profit. Besides, even if you end up not making enormous profits, you’ll still remove the clutter from your house.

Online Tutoring

You can make money online by teaching others if you have a specific skill or knowledge. Many people want to learn something new or require help in studying, so you’ll have no shortage of potential students who are willing to pay for your expertise. If you have a college degree or a special certificate, you can use it to promote your online courses and attract new customers.

Although being a tutor might seem daunting at first, several websites can help you create your profile and find students. Also, you can do it live via Skype or any other similar tool or record your lessons and upload them on YouTube for others to watch.

Participating in Surveys

If you like writing and expressing your opinions on various topics — why not share them with others? Many companies need help finding out more about their customers, so they hire people to take surveys. These surveys are conducted via the Internet, so you just need to log in, answer some questions, and earn extra cash.

Many survey sites out there, such as Survey Junkie, Toluna, or Mindswarms, pay cash for taking surveys. They also provide access to free trials, free products, and discounts in exchange for your feedback.

Selling Photos Online

If you’re an aspiring photographer, you can make some good money on sites like Shutterstock, which is a stock photo website that allows you to sell your photos. The best part is that you don’t have to do anything except upload your photos and wait for the money to roll in.

Shutterstock has a relatively straightforward pricing system: the more people buy your images, the higher your earnings will be. You can also choose to be paid only when someone uses one of your photos or register as a contributor and earn royalties on everything your pictures are used for.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways to make money online. Some of them will require a lot of hard work, but others require minimal effort. Remember that you should always be careful with your money and avoid spending more than you earn. Online betting and gambling should be done when you’re an expert and know the risks involved.

If you choose to sell your stuff online or become a tutor, you’ll need to do all the research before starting anything. Remember that each site has its own policies, and it may take some time for your earnings to appear on your bank account.

Nevertheless, there’s no reason not to give these sites a try and see if they can provide you with additional cash. If nothing else, it’s undoubtedly a terrific way to learn something new.

Top Benefits of Downloading Music Online

By
SM
-
Photo by LOGAN WEAVER on Unsplash

Online music streaming services have had a significant influence on the music industry. They’ve altered how people listen to music by making it more accessible and easier. There are many streaming services available these days, and most of them have a loyal following. Although many streaming services appear to be identical, several offer distinct selling characteristics that set them apart. If you haven’t yet downloaded any music streaming applications, you’ve come to the right place. This article will educate you on the benefits of doing so.

Variety

One of the most appealing aspects of online music streaming services is the sheer variety of options. There are millions upon millions of songs to choose from on almost all streaming services. This is fantastic because there will never be a shortage of music to listen to. In addition, some streaming services also include radio stations and music videos, allowing for even more variety in the types of music available. You can easily access a variety of genres here, allowing you to pick and choose what you want to listen to. This means you’ll have music to keep you going no matter what mood you’re in or what activity you’re doing.

Downloading Files Without an Internet Connection

The option to download music and listen to them offline is one of the fantastic new features these services offer albeit only some of them at present. Constantly listening to songs online while out and about and not connected to the internet might be a significant drain on your mobile data. This problem is solved by downloading and listening to music when offline. So, the next time you’re connected to wifi, whether at home or online casino sites (online casino siteleri) or anyplace else, make a point of downloading some of your favorite tunes. That way, when you’re listening to music on the move, you won’t have to worry about going over your mobile data limit.

Convenience

Convenience is undoubtedly one of the most appealing online music streaming services. It’s pretty simple to create an account and start listening to music. Once you’ve joined up for a service, you may use it on all of your devices, and many of them even offer mobile applications. After you’ve set up your account, you’re ready to race! To use these services, all you need is access to the internet and a gadget, which most people appear to have at all times. So it doesn’t matter where you are: at home, at work, at school, on public transportation, in your car, or anywhere else, you may listen to millions of songs.

Personalization

The level of personalization available in music streaming services is unprecedented in the business. These services generate a suggested playlist for you based on algorithms and data

from all of the music you’ve listened to. As a result, the recommended music is typically very accurate, and it’s always fun to try something new now and again.

You may also make your unique playlists using these services. Many people have a variety of playlists for various settings or moods; for example, many people have a gym/workout playlist and also one when visiting online casino sites (online casino siteleri). Even if you don’t want to go to the trouble of making your playlist, most of these sites will. Use the search option to choose a playlist segment from which to pick. Not only is it beneficial to listeners in terms of discovering new music and broadening their horizons, but it is also beneficial to musicians in terms of getting their music in front of people.

Is NASCAR the Finest Motorsport in the World of Racing

By
SM
-
Photo by David Myers for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Many people may have heard of NASCAR, but the more away you go from the United States, the less likely it is that you’ll see or hear about the sport. F1 is a popular race across the globe because of its distinctive fast vehicles. NASCAR is easily recognized by the stock vehicles that compete in the series. As the nature of any NASCAR race means that vehicles will regularly collide with barriers or even other drivers, these are cars that have been adapted to withstand a hammering. 

Considering all the advantages of watching NASCAR, it’s puzzling as to why it isn’t watched by more people throughout the world. This is one of the most famous American sports, but it has yet to gain the worldwide recognition that sports like basketball and baseball have had. NASCAR has a lot of flaws when it comes to attendance and viewership, but this is because the sport is still relatively new to many people. It’s possible to make the case that this is a natural outcome of the absence of marketing for the sport. It’s almost impossible to go a day without seeing anything related to Formula 1. 

Even though the NASCAR betting market isn’t very large, the thrilling nature of the sport makes it even more fun to wager on and you can wager on the races on online gaming platforms, there are more casinos available week by week but our team of passionate gamblers has picked out the best gaming platforms so you can maximize your profit.  As well on the casino, you will have the option to play a wide range of games, there are even racing games slots available.

If you’re curious about NASCAR, you’ll quickly discover why it’s regarded as the greatest form of motorsport in the world. A number of things contribute to this, but the most notable is how much racing expertise is on exhibit. Despite the fact that NASCAR has previously been criticized for being tedious, this is not the case at all. The NASCAR drivers’ vehicles are difficult to operate, particularly when the tracks they frequent are taken into account. This is due to the fact that every turn on a circuit presents a new difficulty for drivers to conquer. When you consider that NASCAR vehicles are famously difficult to operate, it’s easy to see why the drivers in this sport are so competent.

5 effective ways to keep your car in tip-top condition

By
Official Release
-
Photo by Luca on Unsplash

Cars are not cheap to buy and certainly aren’t cheap to run, so if you have one, then it makes sense to keep it in good order. It doesn’t have to take long, and not only could it prolong the lifespan of your vehicle, but also help to keep you and your family safe on the roads.

Here are 5 effective ways to keep your car in tip-top condition.

Don’t run out of fuel

If you regularly run on fumes, then it’s a habit you need to break. As well as putting yourself in a situation where you could end up stranded at any time, running on an almost empty tank is not great for your engine. 

Wherever possible, fill up before your fuel warning indicator light comes on but if that isn’t feasible, then make a point of doing so as soon as you remember (and before it runs out entirely.)

Check your oil 

Your car will only run smoothly if all its parts are well lubricated, so it’s important to make sure your oil levels don’t deplete and an oil change is carried out when necessary. Over time, they can reduce to well below minimum recommended levels, so you must check this every month or two and fill it up as necessary. 

If you aren’t sure how to check, there are loads of tutorials online, or if you don’t mind paying for the service, your local garage should be able to help.

Extended warranty

If your vehicle’s original warranty has almost expired, an extended warranty is a great way to ensure that any repairs are investigated and remedied. It is, however, crucial to check the level of cover being offered and read the small print. 

It’s also a good idea to research the worst extended auto warranty companies so that you know what to look out for and which to avoid.

Keep your car clean

If you want your car to continue looking nice both inside and out, then you need to put in some effort. There are loads of specialty car shampoos and cleaners on the market these days, so you won’t have any trouble finding what you need. Many come with built-in wax, while others offer a streak-free, professional finish.

For the car interior, it’s worth investing in a good car vac if you don’t already have one. Upholstery, in particular, can get pretty grubby and dirty, especially if you have kids, so it should help to keep it in decent shape. 

Check your tires

Your tires are one of the most fundamental parts of your vehicle, particularly when it comes to safety. If your treads and wearing down or your tires need inflated, it could be a recipe for disaster, so don’t cut any corners when it comes to tire maintenance. Check your treads, switch to winter tires during the colder months where necessary, and have your tires replaced as and when needed. The better the condition of your tires, the less risk of being involved in an accident.

No. 10 Smithfield Ford Racing: Aric Almirola Daytona 500 Advance

By
Official Release
-

Aric Almirola
Smithfield Ford Racing Daytona Advance
Pole Qualifying | Duel | Daytona 500

Event Overview

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes of Interest

● One More Time: On Jan. 10, Aric Almirola released a video on his YouTube channel announcing his retirement from fulltime NASCAR Cup Series racing after the 2022 season to spend more time with his family. This year marks Almirola’s 11th fulltime Cup Series season. The official press release can be viewed here.

● “I want the Harley J. Earl Trophy:” Almirola has won races at Daytona in NASCAR’s top two series, but the Daytona 500 has managed to elude him, once by just half a lap. Click here to watch Almirola explain how winning the Daytona 500 would be the highest achievement of his career.

● History at Daytona: Almirola scored his first career Cup Series win in the rain-shortened July 2014 race at Daytona, when he led 14 laps. In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, he started on the pole in his first outing in July 2007, and he captured a win there while piloting the No. 98 Biagi-Den Beste Ford Mustang in July 2016. Last year, he won his Duel qualifying race for the first time in his career. Almirola also has three Daytona starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with a best finish of 12th. This year’s Daytona 500 marks Almirola’s 21st points-paying Cup Series start at the 2.5-mile superspeedway.

● In the 2018 Daytona 500, Almirola was a half lap away from becoming a Daytona 500 champion. As he was leading the field to the checkered flag, he made an aggressive block on the No. 3 car of Austin Dillon before he was turned into the outside wall, ending his bid. In last year’s Daytona 500, Almirola showed strength by running at the front of the field on occasion, but his day ended when he was caught in a multicar accident on lap 190.

● To earn a spot in the Daytona 500, drivers must first compete in the Duel – twin 150-mile qualifying races Thursday night that set the 40-car field for Sunday’s main event. Almirola’s Duel win last year was his third consecutive top-three finish in the qualifying event.

● Before drivers compete in the Duel, they race the clock in single-lap qualifying Wednesday night. The two fastest cars are locked into front-row starting spots for the Daytona 500 while the rest of the field is determined by the results of the Duel. Even-numbered qualifiers race in the first Duel and odd-numbered qualifiers race in the second Duel. Almirola’s best Daytona 500 starting position was third, earned last year.

● Almirola’s career: In 388 NASCAR Cup Series starts, Almirola has earned three wins, 26 top-five finishes, 84 top-10s, three poles, and has led 893 laps.

● Almirola has an impressive record at superspeedways with two wins, seven top-fives, 12 top-10s and 84 laps led. Last June, he scored his eighth-consecutive top-10 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway to tie the track record for most consecutive top-10s – a mark set by Hall of Fame inductee Dale Earnhardt Jr., between April 2001 and October 2004.

● Drew Blickensderfer joins the team as the new crew chief for the No. 10 Smithfield Ford Mustang. He replaces Mike Bugarewicz, who was promoted to SHR performance director. Blickensderfer comes from Front Row Motorsports, where he led Michael McDowell to his first Daytona 500 win last season. Blickensderfer and Almirola were together in 2016 and 2017 at Richard Petty Motorsports. Blickensderfer has three combined wins at Daytona – two being Daytona 500 championships.

● Smithfield Foods rejoins Almirola for his final fulltime season. Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with agricultural roots and a global reach. Its 63,000 team members are dedicated to producing “Good food. Responsibly.®” Smithfield is one of the world’s leading vertically integrated protein companies. The company has pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including its industry-leading commitments to become carbon negative in U.S. company-owned operations and reduce GHG emissions 30 percent across its entire U.S. value chain by 2030. Smithfield believes in the power of protein to end food insecurity and has donated hundreds of millions of food servings to local communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan’s Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.SmithfieldFoods.com, and connect on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

● Beyond the 10 YouTube Series:In 2022, Almirola will share his life beyond the No. 10 Smithfield Ford with season three of his award-winning YouTube series. Fans and media can subscribe on YouTube to see Almirola’s personality on and off the track. Episodes have already featured life as a dad, a husband and an athlete, and it gives fans a unique perspective on what goes on in the life of a professional NASCAR driver. Fans can also follow Almirola’s social media channels: @Aric_Almirola on Twitter and Instagram, and @AricAlmirola on Facebook.

Aric Almirola, Driver of the No. 10 Smithfield Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing:

What would it mean to become a Daytona 500 champion in your last fulltime season?

“Outside of winning the championship, if I had to pick one race to win, it would be, without a doubt, the Daytona 500. I’ve won every other race there is to win there. Being only two hours away from Tampa, Daytona is my home track, so it would be huge to have that opportunity to be a Daytona 500 champion. I’m already fulfilled in my career, but that would be the icing on the cake.”

You’re stepping away from fulltime racing to spend more time with family. How cool would it be for them to see you win one more time?

“I think it would be huge for my kids to get to participate in me going to victory lane one more time, especially because they weren’t at New Hampshire last year. We were getting ready to leave on vacation that next day when I got home from New Hampshire. We were going to Key West, so they didn’t go, so that way Janice could have all of their bags packed up, so that was hugely disappointing for them. Obviously, they were excited and jumping up and down on the couch that we won, but they didn’t get to be there to be a part of it. So, I would love for them to have that opportunity to go to victory lane one more time before we hang it up.”

Last year’s Daytona 500 ended prematurely and put you behind in points early. What’s the strategy this year?

“Go out and try to win. That’s it. Whatever strategy makes us cross the finish line in front when the checkered flag waves. I’ve never wanted it more.”

Why is the Daytona 500 such an iconic and much-anticipated race for you?

“First off, Daytona is always exciting for me. It’s my home racetrack growing up just two hours away in Tampa. I have a lot of childhood memories from going there with my family. To top it off, I’ve won there both in Xfinity and Cup cars. I just have a tremendous amount of fond memories spectating at Daytona, even all the way back to my beginning days. I would go back and go-kart in Daytona. It’s always exciting because it brings back all those great memories. Not to mention, it’s the world center of racing. It’s the greatest place on earth to go race at. It’s the biggest race of the year, the one everyone wants to win. Your name is forever etched in history. There’s just no other race like it. It’s such a special race because of the prestige and the paycheck at the end. It’s the highest-paying race. Anybody who is alive and breathing knows of the Daytona 500. Even if you’re not a huge race fan or even a NASCAR fan, you know of the Daytona 500. There’s just so much history around this race that being a Daytona 500 champion is a really big deal.”

What has been the secret to your superspeedway success?

“I can’t put my finger on just one thing. It takes a lot of different things. It takes a fast racecar. It takes a great spotter. It takes a lot of concentration and focus from me, but really just always thinking about your next move. It really is a high-speed chess match and you’re constantly weighing out your risk versus reward and, fortunately for me, I’ve more often than not found myself in position to win these superspeedway races when it comes down to the end of the race. I’ve done it many different ways. I’ve done it by being up front and being aggressive all race. I’ve done it by laying back and avoiding the big wrecks, and then being there at the end. I’ve found myself with opportunities to win these races multiple different ways, so I really think that it takes a lot of different key elements to all just kind of go your way in that given race.”

Walk us through the final lap of the 2018 Daytona 500, when you were half a lap away from being crowned a Daytona 500 champion.

“I felt so confident. I knew that if I hit all of my gears perfectly, I would have a shot at it and I did. I looked in my mirror and saw everyone racing side by side and figured that I was in control of the race and, if I made the right move, I was going to be the winner of the Daytona 500. About halfway down the back straightaway, they were coming with a run and I pulled over to block it. In your head, you know it’s the Daytona 500 and you’re a mile and a half away from winning, so you’re going to do everything you know to try and win that race. I pulled over to block and put a pretty aggressive block on the No. 3. I knew that if I blocked high, he was going to go low. As soon as I blocked high, I knew I was going to have to immediately block low. When I blocked low, he turned against my back bumper and (I went) into the outside wall. I wrecked a mile away from winning the Daytona 500. I don’t necessarily fault him for what he did but, given the same opportunity this year, you can bet your bottom dollar I would return the favor. You’re going to do whatever it takes.”

How was it to win the July 2014 race at Daytona?

“The end goal is not just to make it to the top and be there. The end goal is to be successful at the highest level. To win at Daytona stamped a little bit of validation on the fact that I made it to the top and I won at the highest level of stock car racing in the United States. That win was a career highlight and I hope to add another win.”

No. 10 Smithfield Ford Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Aric Almirola

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer
Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Car Chief: Jerry Cook
Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

Engineer: Davin Restivo
Hometown: Asheboro, North Carolina

Engineer: James Kimbrough
Hometown: Pensacola, Florida

Spotter: Joel Edmonds
Hometown: Dobson, North Carolina

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Ryan Mulder
Hometown: Sioux Center, Iowa

Rear Tire Changer: Trevor White
Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Tire Carrier: Tyler Bullard
Hometown: King, North Carolina

Jack Man: Sean Cotton
Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Fuel Man: James “Ace” Keener
Hometown: Fortuna, California

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Tony Silvestri
Hometown: Sylvania, Ohio

Mechanic: Robbie Fairweather
Hometown: Westbrookville, New York

Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller
Hometown: Monroe, New York

Tire Specialist: Russel Simpson
Hometown: Medford, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Dale Lackey
Hometown: Taylorsville, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Wayne Smith
Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

Bucked Up Energy Drink Strengthens Relationship with Joe Graf Jr. in 2022

By
Official Release
-

MOORESVILLE, N.C.: NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Joe Graf Jr. and SS GreenLight Racing (SSGLR) announced today that Bucked Up Energy Drink and their sister products will strengthen their partnership with the team for the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season beginning with next Saturday’s Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner 300 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

For the season-opening race at Daytona on Sat., Feb. 19, Bucked Up will feature its new Strawberry Kiwi flavor with Graf’s No. 07 Ford Mustang infused with a pink and green livery.

Inspired by nuclear fusion, Bucked Up Strawberry Kiwi is an unparalleled source of energy and refreshment.

We won’t get deep into the science, but in nuclear fusion, you get energy when two atoms join together to form one — the same reaction that powers the sun.

With Bucked Up Energy Strawberry-Kiwi, we fused two delicious flavors to form one. The result — a zero sugar, solar-sweet source of energy so abundant the world might actually start revolving around you.

“I am super proud to continue representing the Bucked Up Energy Drink brand for the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season,” said Joe Graf Jr. “The explosive growth Bucked Up has experienced over the past two years is just insane. Their company accelerated far beyond their expectations in large part because of their involvement in NASCAR.

“Bucked Up has been a part of my NASCAR journey since my rookie season in 2020, and everyone on the team is excited to have them as a partner in the next chapter at SS GreenLight Racing in our first race with Ford, Ford Performance, Roush Yates Engines and our technical alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing at Daytona.

“I really feel like we are going to surprise everyone this season!”

Graf and the team also confirmed that 2021 partners G-Coin, CoverSeal and Market will return as primary partners throughout the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.

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

For more on SS GreenLight Racing, please like them on Facebook (SS GreenLight Racing) and follow them on Twitter (@SSGLR0717) and visit their website at SSGreenLight.com.

About SS Green Light Racing:

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

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

Mahindra Tractors Racing: Chase Briscoe Daytona Speedweek Advance

By
Official Release
-

CHASE BRISCOE
Pole Qualifying | Duel | Daytona 500
No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

Event Overview

● Wednesday, Feb. 16: Daytona 500 qualifying (single-lap qualifying to determine pole for the Daytona 500)
● Time/TV/Radio: 8 p.m. ET on FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
● Thursday, Feb. 17: Bluegreen Vacations Duel (twin 150-mile qualifying races that set the field for the Daytona 500)
● Time/TV/Radio: 7 p.m. ET on FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
● Sunday, Feb. 20: 64th annual Daytona 500 (first of 36 points-paying NASCAR Cup Series races in 2021)
● Time/TV/Radio: 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● The 64th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 20 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway marks Chase Briscoe’s second start in the prestigious NASCAR Cup Series event and the first for the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) team’s new sponsor Mahindra Tractors. Briscoe started 30th in his Daytona 500 debut in 2021 after a spin resulting in damage during his Duel qualifying race forced the No. 14 team to unload its backup car for Sunday’s race. He methodically worked his way toward the top-20 before rain brought things to a halt on lap 31. Once racing resumed, Briscoe was running 22nd when the car ahead of him lost control due to a flat tire and made contact with the No. 14 Mustang. The team made repairs and Briscoe returned to the track and avoided further incident to finish 19th in his first points-paying Cup Series race.

● Before Briscoe can make a run at redemption in Daytona 500, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year will have to make it through the Bluegreen Vacations Duel – twin 150-mile qualifying races that set the 40-car field for Sunday’s race. The front row for the Daytona 500 will be set based on fastest times during single-lap qualifying on Wednesday night. Odd-numbered qualifiers compete in the first Duel and even-numbered qualifiers battle in the second Duel to fill out the rest of the starting grid for Sunday’s race.

● In addition to last year’s Daytona 500, Briscoe has had one other Cup Series outing at Daytona in August 2021, when he started in 16th and appeared headed for a top-10 finish before being caught up in a multicar accident during overtime. Unable to complete the final lap, he was scored 22nd, one lap down.

● Outside of the Cup Series, he has made six previous starts at Daytona – four in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and one apiece in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and in the ARCA Racing Series. He has started within the top-10 for five of those races, with his best being a third-place qualifying effort in the 2016 ARCA season-opener. His best finish is third, earned twice – August 2020 in the Xfinity Series and February 2017 in the Truck Series.

● After making their first appearance on the famed No. 14 during the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum on Feb. 6, Mahindra Tractors, a brand of Houston-based Mahindra Ag North America, joins Briscoe for his second appearance in The Great American Race. Part of Mahindra Group’s Automotive and Farm Sector, Mahindra Ag North America is the No. 1 selling farm tractor company in the world, based on volumes across all company brands. Mahindra farm equipment is engineered to be easy to operate by first-time tractor or side-by-side owners, and heavy duty to tackle the tough jobs of rural living, farming and ranching. Steel-framed Mahindra tractors and side-by-sides are ideal for customers who demand performance, reliability and comfort at a great value. Mahindra dealers are independent, family-owned businesses located throughout the U.S. and Canada.

● The longer the workday – or the race day – the more important comfort becomes. Mahindra Tractors offers many comfort features for its operators, including air suspension seats with extra cushioning. At the racetrack this season, guests of SHR will be able to experience that comfort for themselves as the No. 14 pitbox has been retrofitted with the Mahindra comfort seat.

● For the second consecutive year, Briscoe will join the FOX broadcast team for the ARCA race at Daytona on Feb. 19 as an analyst during its live coverage of the 80-lap event. Briscoe is the 2016 ARCA champion, a title he won by a commanding 535-point margin thanks to a series-best six wins. The ARCA race gets underway at 1:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

Chase Briscoe, Driver of the No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing:

Talk about the preparation that goes into the start of the season and the role you play in that as a driver.

“There’s been a lot of preparation happening, not just for Daytona but for the West Coast races that follow. This new car has thrown everyone for a loop and that’s making things a bit more hectic than it would typically be. We have to make sure we’ve got what we need for Daytona, where anything can happen. But the guys also need to be ready for what’s next. My role in that preparation really comes down to simulator time and giving them the most information I can on how things feel and what I’m looking for so that, once we get to the track and start to make laps, we can make changes as quickly as possible.”

Has there been any big difference in your emotions as you get ready for your second Daytona 500 compared to your first?

“Last year wasn’t a normal season, on track or off track, but a big part of that difference was not having as many fans around. I felt it the most at Daytona. As a driver working your way up to the Cup Series, you want to have that big Daytona 500 moment with the full stands and the big prerace show. I didn’t get that. So, I might not be a rookie this year, but I think I’ll have more of the feelings associated with a first Daytona 500 than I did last year now that we’ll have a sold-out crowd and get to do all of those things we’ve missed out on over the last year and half. I really feel like I’m getting ready to go down to Florida and start my rookie season.”

Do you have a goal that you’d like to accomplish in your second season?

“The goal, and truly the expectation, is to run up front consistently. Be a guy that’s in the hunt for wins most weekends, not just four or five times. If we could get a win or two, make the playoffs and then make a run in the playoffs, that would be a successful second season. Daytona is a place where you want to win. No matter who you are or what kind of background you come from, you want to be able to say you’re a Daytona winner. It’s not my favorite type of racing, but it’s one that fans always make sure they are watching. It’s humbling to be able to compete in it but winning it and starting the season off with a step in the right direction toward fulfilling those goals would be a moment I’d never forget.”

The start of a new season gives drivers a chance to evaluate how they performed the previous year and how they can improve on that moving forward. There are plenty of factors that will play into that evaluation – a new car and new tracks on the schedule – but you have changes in your life off-track that you also have to take into consideration. Has becoming a father had any impact on you as a driver?

“I think, for one, it makes me more relatable. Before becoming a father, I think a lot of people saw me as a kid or a young driver. I am a young driver but, when you become a parent, it’s easier for people to see you as more mature and having your life together. Having a family that you have to provide for and always having that in the back of your mind as you make decisions. I think I’ve matured a lot since the day Brooks was born. It definitely translates to my racing. I race with a different tenacity. You’re racing for something a lot bigger than yourself and that gives you more motivation. I’m sure that will change and, as we go through this season, I’ll continue to adapt to fatherhood and that will absolutely carry over to how I race. Having Brooks around has been very eye opening, but it’s been so much fun and I’m excited to have him and Marissa there.”

No. 14 Mahindra Tractors Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Chase Briscoe
Hometown: Mitchell, Indiana

Crew Chief: John Klausmeier
Hometown: Perry Hall, Maryland

Car Chief: J.D. Frey
Hometown: Ferndale, California

Engineer: Mike Cook
Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Engineer: Marc Hendricksen
Hometown: Clinton, New Jersey

Spotter: Joey Campbell
Hometown: Berlin, Connecticut

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Daniel Coffey
Hometown: Granite Falls, North Carolina

Rear Tire Changer: Chris Jackson
Hometown: Rock Hill, South Carolina

Tire Carrier: Jon Bernal
Hometown: Shelby, North Carolina

Jack Man: Brandon Banks
Hometown: High Point, North Carolina

Fuel Man: Corey Coppola
Hometown: Bluefield, West Virginia

Road Crew Members

Underneath Mechanic: Stephen Gonzalez
Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Interior Mechanic: Trevor Adams
Hometown: Naples, Florida

Tire Specialist: Keith Eads
Hometown: Arlington, Virginia

Shock Specialist: Brian Holshouser
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Engine Tuner: Jon Phillips
Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri

Transporter Co-Driver: Todd Cable
Hometown: Shelby, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Rob Fink
Hometown: Mocksville, North Carolina

1...2,1972,1982,199...6,736Page 2,198 of 6,736