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Welcome BJ McLeod Motorsports’ 2022 Crew & Car Chiefs

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Official Release
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Stock Car No. 5, No. 78 and No. 99 Leadership

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 11, 2022 AT 3 PM EST): BJ McLeod Motorsports (BJMM) announced today the crew and car chiefs for stock cars No. 5, No. 78 and No. 99. Stock car No. 5 will be led by Crew Chief, Dave Ingram, and Car Chef, Adam Brooks. Stock car No. 78 will be led by Crew Chief, D.J. Johnson, and Car Chief, Jeremy Crandal. Stock car No. 99 will be led by Crew Chief, Mike Tyska, and Car Chief, Ryan Henderson.

These dedicated NASCAR Xfinity series (NXS) crew members are excited to start a new season with BJMM and bring a sense of renewed energy to the shop that owners, B.J. McLeod and Jessica McLeod, are eager to see translate to the track.

Race car No. 5 will be led by Crew Chief, Dave Ingram, and Car Chef, Adam Brooks. Crew Chief, Dave Ingram, has been in the racing world since birth. Ingram has known owner, B.J. McLeod, since McLeod was 13 years old. Ingram has been by McLeod’s side since day 1 of his Xfinity series racing. Car Chief, Adam Brooks, started racing at 10 years old. He has been surrounded by the industry for 28 years and known McLeod since 2002 when they raced against each other as kids. McLeod believes these long-term relationships provide the team with exceptional communication skills and personal insight that will be an advantage this season.

Stock car No. 78 will be led by Crew Chief, D.J. Johnson, and Car Chief, Jeremy Crandal. Crew Chief, DJ Johnson, is from Emporia, Virginia and the upcoming 2022 season will mark his 27th year in the racing industry. Car Chief, Jeremy Crandal, has been in the racing industry for 25 years. These experienced BJMM crew members are ready to use their dense industry knowledge to guide the team to success in the upcoming 2022 season.

Stock car No. 99 will be led by Crew Chief, Mike Tyska, and Car Chief, Ryan Henderson. Crew Chief, Mike Tyska, is embarking on his first year with BJMMS. Tyska and McLeod met at Germain Racing over a decade ago and re-connected three years ago, leading them to reunite on the same team at BJMM this season. Car Chief, Ryan Henderson, started racing at 7 years old but has now been working in the NASCAR industry for 7 years. Tyska and Henderson are valuable members of the BJMM crew and are eager to start the 2022 racing season.

About BJ McLeod Motorsports…
B. J. McLeod Motorsports is an American professional stock car racing team that competes full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The team is based out of Mooresville, NC. and owned by B.J. McLeod and his wife, Jessica. The team currently fields the full-time No. 5, No. 78, and No. 99 stock cars.

Tribute To A Champion

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Official Release
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Mooresville, NC., Feb 10, 2022 – The late Bob Keselowski to be honored by Empire Racing Group in the ARCA Menards Series season-opener the Lucas Oil 200 Driven by General Tire, at Daytona International Speedway.

Empire Racing Group is transforming the No. 8 Chevrolet driven by Sean Corr to the black No. 29 Winnebago to replicate the car Keselowski drove when he raced in the ARCA Series. “When I approached Empire team owner’s John and Sean Corr they were more than happy to make this happen. This tribute means the world to me, Bob was a very good friend, he helped me and my team a lot. Honoring him will be one of the most rewarding parts of my career, this is a win to me”, said Mike “Grumpy” Cheek, Team Manager for Empire Racing.

Empire Team owner John Corr says, “Bob was not only a friend to our team but helped us with multiple car builds and setups. Words can not explain how honored we are as a team to pay tribute to a true champion”. Team owner and driver Sean Corr says, “It’s a great feeling to have the opportunity to drive the iconic No.29 to memorialize such a great man and his achievements in racing”.

Keselowski won 24 races throughout his ARCA career and won the series championship in 1989. He later moved on to the Camping World Truck Series racing in the inaugural race for that series. The No. 29 was once again in victory lane in 1997 with the Truck Series.
For more information about Empire Racing Group visit our website at http://www.empireracinggroup.com/.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpireRacingDriverDevelopment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empireracinggroup/

Austin Hill to Drive Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado at NCWTS Season Opener at Daytona International Speedway

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Official Release
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CONCORD, N.C. (February 11, 2022) – Spire Motorsports announced today that eight-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) race winner Austin Hill will steer the team’s No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado in the February 18 NextEra Energy 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway where United Rentals will serve as Hill’s primary sponsor.

The team announced in November that it will expand its NASCAR footprint and field a NCWTS team in select races in 2022 and is led by championship-winning industry veterans Mike Greci and Kevin “Bono” Manion.

Hill is a veteran off 119 NCWTS starts and has been a consistent front runner and race winner over the past three seasons. The Winston, Ga., native will be reunited with Greci after the pair spent 2019-2021 working together at Hattori Racing Enterprises where Hill drove the team’s No. 16 entry and Greci served as general manager. Hill earned a spot in the NCWTS playoffs all three years, finishing as high as fifth in 2019.

Manion spent the last two years at GMS Racing and will handle the team’s crew chief responsibilities.

“I’m excited to work with Spire Motorsports at Daytona,” said Hill. “It’s a lot of fun to go to a track where I’ve have had success and won a race in the past. Hopefully we can put on a good show for United Rentals and get back to Victory Lane.”

Hill snared the checkered flag in the 2019 NCWTS annual Daytona Beach season opener and has a pair of top-six finishes in five Truck Series starts at “The World Center of Racing.” Over those same five starts, the 27-year-old has earned a 14.2 starting average, coupled with a solid 14th-place average finish. Meanwhile, Hill has recorded one NASCAR Xfinity Series Daytona start and one in the ARCA Menards Series.

In addition to his duties for Spire Motorsports during Daytona’s annual February festival of speed, Hill will also be at the wheel of Richard Childress Racing’s No. 21 NASCAR Xfinity Series entry, where he’ll pursue championship honors this season.

With nearly 1,300 locations across the globe, United Rentals, Inc. is the largest equipment rental company in the world. The company employs over 20,000 people, and services industrial and commercial markets and homeowners both domestically and internationally.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Austin Hill in the Truck Series,” said Craig Schmidt, Vice President, United Rentals. “Austin is a proven performer, and we’re proud to have him represent the United Rentals brand, on track and off. We look forward to a great race at Daytona.”

”When the opportunity to have Austin Hill drive for Spire Motorsports in the Truck Series’ race at Daytona presented itself, it was an easy decision,” said Greci. “It was really a no-brainer and to have United Rentals on board is the icing on the cake. Austin is an exceptional driver and speedway racer. His work ethic is second-to-none, and he has the desire its takes to be successful. He’s not someone who just goes through the motions. He’s there to win. We have a great history with one another so we’re hoping to add another hash mark to our win column in Daytona.”

The NextEra Energy 250 from Daytona International Speedway will be televised live on FS1 Friday, February 18 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The first of 23 races on the 2022 NCWTS schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90).

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About United Rentals …
United Rentals, Inc. is the largest equipment rental company in the world. The company has an integrated network of 1,288 rental locations in North America, 11 in Europe, 28 in Australia and 18 in New Zealand. In North America, the company operates in 49 states and every Canadian province. The company’s approximately 20,400 employees serve construction and industrial customers, utilities, municipalities, homeowners and others. The company offers approximately 4,300 classes of equipment for rent with a total original cost of $15.79 billion. United Rentals is a member of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, the Barron’s 400 Index and the Russell 3000 Index® and is headquartered in Stamford, Conn. Additional information about United Rentals is available at unitedrentals.com.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports was established in 2018 and is co-owned by Jeff Dickerson and Thaddeus “T.J.” Puchyr. In 2022, Spire Motorsports will field two full-time NASCAR Cup Series entries. Corey LaJoie will drive the team’s No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in NASCAR’s premier series for the entire 2022 campaign while Josh Bilicki and Landon Cassill will split time in the team’s No. 77 entry. The team will also field a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team in select events. Spire Motorsports earned an upset victory for the ages in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7, 2019.

HaasTooling.com Racing: Cole Custer Daytona Speedweek Advance

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Official Release
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COLE CUSTER
Pole Qualifying | Duel | Daytona 500
No. 41 HaasTooling.com 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 2022)

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

Notes of Interest

● Cole Custer, driver of the No. 41 HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), kicks off his third career NASCAR Cup Series fulltime points-paying season with the 64th running of the Daytona 500 on the 2.5-mile Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway oval.

● Returning to Custer’s Mustang is team co-owner Gene Haas’ newest holding, Haas Tooling, which was launched as a way for CNC machinists to purchase high-quality cutting tools at great prices. Haas cutting tools are sold exclusively online at HaasTooling.com and shipped directly to end users. HaasTooling.com products became available nationally in July 2020. Haas Automation, founded by Haas in 1983, is America’s leading builder of CNC machine tools. The company manufactures a complete line of vertical and horizontal machining centers, turning centers and rotary tables and indexers. All Haas products are constructed in the company’s 1.1-million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Oxnard, California, and distributed through a worldwide network of Haas Factory Outlets.

● Custer and his fellow Cup Series competitors ventured to his Southern California stomping grounds last weekend (Feb. 5-6) for the successful debut of the long-anticipated NextGen car that saw its first racing action in the non-points Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum. The native of Ladera Ranch, California, and 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year had a solid weekend on the purpose-built, quarter-mile asphalt oval in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, qualifying sixth and then finishing fourth in his heat race to advance to the 150-lap main event. He completed every lap and took the checkered flag seventh. “It was one of the coolest events I’ve ever been a part of,” Custer said afterward of the inaugural event that drew an estimated 60,000 fans and strong television ratings. “To walk down those steps into the Coliseum and see the big names performing – it was a fun track to race around. Hats off to NASCAR. They deserve a great pat on the back for what they’ve done here. I’d love to come back.”

● The NextGen is the seventh version of the stock car NASCAR introduced in 1949. Its most notable features include a sequential shifter, 670-horsepower engines, a single center-lock wheel nut akin to Indy cars and sports cars, and car numbers just behind the front wheels, as well as carbon fiber-reinforced plastic body panels, a carbon-fiber floor that covers the entire underneath portion of the car, and a rear-end diffuser – all of which are in place to reduce dirty air. Its rack-and-pinion steering replaces the archaic recirculating ball used in its predecessors, and an independent rear suspension is a drastic upgrade from the full-floating axle first championed by 1950s-era Detroit products. Most importantly, the NextGen car is much more in line with what manufacturers sell and consumers want to see.

● To earn a spot in this year’s Daytona 500, drivers must first compete in the Bluegreen Vacations Duel – twin 150-mile qualifying races that set the 40-car field for the Daytona 500. Custer drove the No. 41 Mustang to a fifth-place finish in his first career Duel in 2020, and finished 14th in his Duel last year.

● Before drivers compete in the Duel, they race the clock in single-lap qualifying. The two fastest cars are locked into the field while the rest of the drivers are split into the Duel. Odd-numbered qualifying positions race in the first Duel and even-numbered qualifying positions are in the second Duel. Custer was 14th in single-car qualifying in 2020 and 25th last year.

● The Daytona 500 marks Custer’s 76th’s career Cup Series start and his fifth on the Daytona oval. His 11th-place finish in last year’s Daytona 500 is his best result at the iconic track.

● In NASCAR Xfinity Series competition at Daytona, Custer made six starts from 2017 through 2019, all in SHR Fords. He had a best start of third in the August 2018 race, and best finishes of 14th in the 2018 and 2019 season openers, both seasons culminating with runner-up finishes in the series championship.

● Eleven days after his 18th birthday, Custer started the 2016 ARCA Menards Series season opener and his first career race on the Daytona oval from the pole. He led a race-high 42 laps before bringing the No. 54 for car owner Ken Schrader home 10th.

● Speedweek Appearance: Fans are invited to meet and hang out with Custer and Dixie Vodka at the Daytona Hooters location (2100 W. International Speedway Blvd.) on Friday (Feb. 18) from 3-4 p.m., before he heads back to the track for Friday-night practice.

Cole Custer, Driver of the No. 41 HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

Do you feel your solid effort at the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum is a sign of things to come this year?

“For sure. I think it’s a mindset going into this year. We want to go into this year and hit hard and be able to figure out this car faster than any other team and try to figure out how to get us back to the front where we belong at Stewart-Haas Racing. It was a great way to start off the year, a great confidence-builder. It was kind of an oddball racetrack, but I think you can take a few things to other racetracks like Martinsville and the short tracks and things like that. Everybody went there trying as hard as they could, so it was good to have the pace that we had and have a solid run.”

Having grown up in Southern California, what resonated with you about that event?

“It was cool. I had tons of texts and tons of messages from friends who went to the race and that’s one thing that’s always cool about your home racetracks, that you’re able to see friends and family and just kind of have that atmosphere there. Overall, it was just really cool to be back home and be able to put on a great show that we had. I think NASCAR knocked it out of the park and really had a great racetrack that was racy, and they did a great job promoting it, and I think it was a real home run for everybody.”

How much has the NextGen car evolved since you first tested it in September to now as you head to Daytona?

“From what we had in September to Speedweek, it’s going to be a lot different. They had a more recent test at Daytona in early January, and they changed a lot from the September test to that test. It seemed like they were a lot more racy at the January test and all the drivers were pretty happy with the car and how it drove and how it drafted. So I think they’ve made some huge gains on it since the September test when I went out and tested. I think we’re all looking forward to it. If everything from the test lines up, it should be a really great Daytona 500.”

What are your impressions of the NextGen car so far?

“For me, it was extremely durable, especially when you beat and bang – especially front to rear. If you hit somebody in the back of their car, you wouldn’t cave the nose in like the last car and knock your radiator out, so they’re really durable in that sense. Also, just to feel the tire and how much drive we had and, honestly, how much grip we had at that small of a racetrack was pretty surprising. I think they knocked it out of the park, like I said before. The car performed good. The racetrack was good. The event was good, so I can’t give you any negatives right now.”

Would you like to see more stadium races and, if so, where?

“I could definitely see them doing more because it was such a success. Honestly, I think the drivers liked it, so I think a race like that would be good to keep for like an All-Star Race or a non-points race just because, when points are on the line, it can get a little bit outrageous, I guess you could say. In the future, I don’t know. I think soccer stadiums are cool – even overseas. I think a race overseas would be pretty crazy. Logistically, it would be pretty hard, but it would be pretty cool.”

Do you feel you’ll need to be any more conservative than usual this year as you practice, qualify and race in the Duel in leadup to the Daytona 500?

“That’s one of the things I probably need to ask my crew chief Mike (Shiplett). We only really have one car. I think we will have a backup car ready if something does go wrong, but it’s something we don’t have a lot of parts and pieces right now. Everything is a little bit hard to get right now, so it’s one of those things that I think you’re going to have to go out there and race. You can’t just go out there and ride around because that’s not what we do. I think you have to be smart in certain circumstances. If you know it’s getting crazy coming down to the end and you don’t have a great shot at starting good anyway, you might as well just drop back and make sure you don’t get wrecked. It’s one of those things that, if you find yourself in a bad spot, you’re probably going to have to get out of it because you don’t want to risk wrecking your primary car.”

Any particular concern about running around teams that have to race their way into the 500?

“Yeah, that’s always one of the interesting things about the Duel. We’re all racing hard up front and in the pack, and you also have the guys who are trying to make the race that are racing their guts out, so it’s one of those races where there’s not really a safe spot – at any superspeedway race. You just kind of have to keep an eye on them, know who they are and what they’re racing for and kind of keep that in mind.”

What are the differences between this year’s car and last year’s car that you’re excited about?

“I think one of the coolest things about it is how it relates more to your street car on the road. Before, our old cars were probably based on 1960s technology. Now, we have a car that has independent rear suspension, modern wheels, different steering components. It’s a lot more modern in relation to what you see on the road today and that’s what really is intriguing to me.”

With this NextGen car, how do you set expectations, and what are they for you and your team?

“I think the biggest thing is getting back to what we do best at SHR and that’s just competing up front and going for wins. Last year, for every single one of us, it was not the year that we wanted. We wanted to be able to run up front more and have more competitive races where we got to compete for wins. This year is the perfect year to rebound from that and show people what we can do. We want to get back to multi-win seasons and get to victory lane a lot more. We put a lot of work into this NextGen car, the guys have been working extremely hard trying to figure out every single little piece, and I think we’re going to hit the ground running in trying to get back to victory lane as soon as we can.”

How are you approaching your third season, personally?

“This is definitely the year to turn everything around. With a clean slate, a brand new car, everybody’s pretty much equal. And I think it’s a year that we can definitely go out there and get back to victory lane, where we belong at Stewart-Haas Racing. I’m really looking forward to it. I think we have some really great guys at the shop who are really figuring out this new car, so I’m really looking forward to getting to Daytona and seeing what we’ve got there.”

No. 41 HaasTooling.com Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Cole Custer
Hometown: Ladera Ranch, California

Crew Chief: Mike Shiplett
Hometown: Amherst, Ohio

Car Chief: Tony Cardamone
Hometown: Bristol, Virginia

Engineer: Lee Deese
Hometown: Rockingham, North Carolina

Engineer: Scott Bingham
Hometown: Lawrenceville, Georgia

Spotter: Andy Houston
Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Josh Leslie
Hometown: Mount Clemens, Michigan

Rear Tire Changer: Coleman Dollarhide
Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Chad Emmons
Hometown: Tyler, Texas

Jack Man: Matthew Schlytter

Hometown: Ponte Vedra, Florida

Fuel Man: Dewayne Moore
Hometown: Griffin, Georgia

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Joe Zanolini
Hometown: Sybertsville, Pennsylvania

Shock Specialist: Aaron Kuehn
Hometown: Kensington, Connecticut

Tire Specialist: Austin Greco
Hometown: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Engine Specialist: Evan Cupples
Hometown: Hudson, Illinois

Transporter Co-Driver: David Rodrigues
Hometown: Santa Clarita, California

Transporter Co-Driver: Charlie Schleyer
Hometown: Youngsville, Pennsylvania

Season Preview: Showtime Motorsports Sebring Trans Am

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Official Release
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Sebring, FLORIDA – February 11, 2022 – The traditional Trans Am presented by Pirelli curtain raiser is highly anticipated and now just two weeks away. For the first time in 2022 the Showtime Motorsports Franklin Road Apparel Team, spearheaded by Ken Thwaits, will be doubly represented in both the TA and TA2 Class races.

Paul Menard will be leading the charge for the flagship Showtime Motorsports team at Sebring international Raceway, February 24 to 27, with the NASCAR Driver set to compete in the TA Class race alongside team principal Ken Thwaits while over in TA2 Showtime also has a twin pronged attack with two-time TA2 Class Champion Cameron Lawrence set to drive the No. 6 Chevrolet Camaro and 2021 West Coast Champion Carl Rydquist in the No. 4 Chevrolet Camaro.

Fielding two cars in both the two main divisions of the definitive muscle car series represents a considerable investment and step up for the ambitious but affable Thwaits, whose enthusiasm for Trans Am burns brighter than ever. We spoke to the Showtime supremo last week and he delivered a decidedly upbeat bulletin about the expanding team, “The test was successful, and we had competitive lap times in both classes. The new 18-inch wheel is very fast, much faster than before, so credit goes to Forgeline and Pirelli who have developed a really great wheel package for TA.”

Ken went on, “With Paul Menard alongside me in TA, and then two Champions Cameron and Carl in TA2 – you can see we are taking this season very seriously and want to win races. I’m also really excited about having Menards, SWIFT Springs and Sabelt on the car.”

The No. 5 Franklin Road Apparel Chevrolet Camaro driven by Ken and the No. 7 Franklin Road car driven by Menard are two of a bumper entry of 17 cars in the prestigious TA class. The action gets underway for the TA Class drivers with the first testing session at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, February 24 with a follow up session at 4:20 p.m. the same afternoon. There is a practice session for TA at 10:55 a.m. before the all-important qualifying session at 3:50 p.m. The green flag for the race is scheduled at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Cameron and Carl are two of a whopping 47 competitors in the TA2 class race and get their first taste of the track at 11:25 a.m. on Friday with a second optional testing session at 4:30 p.m. that afternoon. Official practice is at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday morning with qualifying at 5:45 p.m. The TA2 race is at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.

One of the oldest continuously operated tracks in the US, Sebring occupies the site of Hendricks Army Airfield which was a training base for B-17 pilots in operation from 1941 to 1946. After the war, Russian-American aeronautical engineer Alec Ulman was looking for sites to convert from military to civilian use when he discovered Hendricks and used the runways and service roads to stage a sports car endurance race similar to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Sebring’s first race was held on New Year’s Eve of 1950, attracting thirty race cars from across North America. The track is often recognized for its famous, high-speed “Turn 17”, a long, bumpy, fast right hander that can make or break a car’s speed down the front straight. The corner can fit up to three cars wide.

Buy your tickets for the Sebring SpeedTour with a whole weekend of action click here. If you can’t be there in person you can download the new Trans Am application from any smart device and watch the race events live, check out the Google PlayStore or Apple.

Visit the team’s website for Showtime Motorsports, showtimemotorsports.net.

Learn more about the Showtime Motorsports team partner, Franklin Road Apparel, at franklinroad.com and keep up to date with the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli at gotransam.com. #GoTransAm

Check out the Showtime Motorsports Facebook page and @ShowtimeMotorsp on Instagram!

About Showtime Motorsports:
The Showtime Motorsports brand includes Ken Thwaits’ racing team and racecars, and an outstanding classic Camaro collection. Providing professional racing programs with Audi Sport Customer Racing, Showtime Motorsports brings together a dynamic staff who employ diverse talents and share a passion for cars, racing and caring for clients like they are our own family members.

FOX Sports’ Charles Woodson, Football Hall of Famer, Super Bowl Champ and Heisman Trophy Winner, to Serve As Grand Marshal for 64th Running of the DAYTONA 500

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Official Release
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The Great American Race, Set for Sunday, Feb. 20, Will Showcase NASCAR’s New ‘Next Gen’ Car

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 11, 2022) – Daytona International Speedway announced today that FOX Sports’ personality Charles Woodson, the Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback and Super Bowl Champion, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 64th running of the DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb 20 (FOX, FOX Deportes, MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

As part of his responsibilities, the 1997 Heisman Trophy winner will give the command “Drivers, Start Your Engines” for The Great American Race (2:30 p.m. ET) at iconic Daytona International Speedway, the season-opener for the NASCAR Cup Series.

Woodson joined FOX NFL KICKOFF for the 2021 season after multiple appearances as a FOX NFL and BIG NOON KICKOFF college football studio analyst.

A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Woodson played 18 seasons in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers, racking up a list of accolades including Super Bowl XLV champion, 2009 Defensive Player of the Year, 1998 Defensive Rookie of the Year and the 2015 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in February 2021, his first year on the ballot, and was enshrined in Canton in August 2021.

Prior to his professional career, Woodson was a two-time All-American at Michigan and led the Wolverines to an undefeated season and national championship in 1997, the same year he became the only individual to win the Heisman Trophy while playing significant minutes on both sides of the ball. He is also one of 10 men to win the Heisman and to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Woodson found time during his career to focus on off-the-field endeavors including his own wine and whiskey line. Intercept by Charles Woodson includes a limited-edition Hall of Fame Cabernet Sauvignon, a chardonnay and a red blend with all three rated in the 90s by Wine Enthusiast.

The DAYTONA 500, which feature NASCAR’s anticipated ‘Next Gen’ car, has sold out of reserved frontstretch seating and RV camping, but fans can still be a part of the DAYTONA 500 experience with fan hospitality options. There’s still a variety of hospitality packages left in the Rolex 24 Lounge Suites and the all-new Harley J’s Experience (High Banks Suite with incredible view of the frontstretch), plus options for other events as part of Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth. For ticket information, log onto www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. The full schedule is below:

  • Tuesday, Feb. 15: DAYTONA 500 practices (5:05 p.m./6:35 p.m. ET).
  • Wednesday, Feb. 16: DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented By Busch Light (8:05 p.m. ET).
  • Thursday, Feb. 17: Bluegreen Vacations Duel At DAYTONA qualifying races (7:00 p.m. ET); NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practice (4:35 p.m. ET) & ARCA Menards Series practice (5:30 p.m. ET).
  • Friday, Feb. 18: NextEra Energy 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race (7:30 p.m. ET); ARCA Menards (1:30 p.m. ET) and Camping World Truck Series qualifying (3:00 p.m. ET); NASCAR Cup Series practice (6:00 p.m. ET).
  • Saturday, Feb. 19: Lucas Oil 200 Driven By General Tire ARCA Menards race (1:30 p.m. ET) and Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series event (5:00 p.m. ET); NASCAR Cup Series final practice (10:30 a.m. ET); NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying (11:35 a.m. ET).
  • Sunday, Feb. 20: DAYTONA 500, The Great American Race (2:30 p.m. ET).

** Schedule subject to change

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

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

Black’s Tire and Auto Service to Continue Gilliland Family Tradition

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Official Release
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Family Company to Support Todd Gilliland in Cup Rookie Season

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 11, 2022) – A historic NASCAR partner and participant, Black’s Tire and Auto Service is back with Front Row Motorsports (FRM) and NASCAR Cup Series rookie, Todd Gilliland in 2022. Black’s Tire and Auto Service will be the primary partner of Gilliland for two races as Gilliland makes the move up to the NASCAR Cup Series.

The famous Black’s Tire and Auto Service colors will adorn the No. 38 Ford Mustang at the Richmond Raceway in April and again at the Darlington Raceway in May.

Black’s Tire and Auto Service has always been a supporter of the Gilliland family. David Gilliland donned the logos throughout his career in both the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the NASCAR Cup Series before Black’s Tire moved to Todd and FRM in 2020. Black’s Tire and Auto Service has been with Todd Gilliland and FRM the past two seasons.
This season, Gilliland will bring a new dynamic scheme with him to the track that represents the new era of NASCAR, but also keeps the traditional colors and logos of Black’s Tire in NASCAR.

“We enjoy our partnership with Todd, the Gilliland family and Front Row Motorsports,” said Ricky Benton, Owner, Black’s Tire and Auto Service. “Todd’s move to the NASCAR Cup Series combined with the new car in the NASCAR Cup Series, has our customers and employees really excited for this season. We’re cheering for Todd and wishing him the best as he steps up in his racing career.”

Gilliland is proud to carry the Black’s Tire brand, knowing its history with his family and within NASCAR.

“It’s been really cool to represent Black’s Tire and their employees and customers the past few seasons,” said Gilliland. “I’m proud to bring them back into the NASCAR Cup Series this year and I want to represent them as best as possible. The customers of Black’s Tire and Auto Service are enthusiastic race fans who have a proud history in the sport. It’s an honor to carry that on and I hope to do them proud this year.”

Black’s Tire will also be an associate partner of Gilliland the No. 38 Ford Mustang team all season. The team officially beings their season at the Daytona 500 on February 20 live on FOX.

About Black’s Tire and Auto Service
Black’s Tire and Auto Service was formed as Black’s Service Station by W. Crowell Black in Whiteville, N.C. in 1929. Now, with 46 locations in both North and South Carolina, Black’s remains a local, family owned/operated tire sales and service and vehicle repair business. In addition to the retail and commercial locations, Black’s also operates four warehouse/distribution centers, BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors, a commercial sales division and a tire-retreading business, Carolina Retreads. The Black’s Tire family includes more than 700 highly skilled, service-minded team members and ASE certified technicians. To learn more about Black’s Tire or to find a location, visit www.blackstire.com. Follow Black’s Tire and Auto Service on social media: Twitter at @BlacksTire, Instagram at @BlacksTire and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/blackstire.

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

Jack Wood Teams Up With Make An Impact Foundation for a Good Cause at Daytona International Speedway

By
Official Release
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STATESVILLE, NC: GMS Racing is proud to announce a new partnership with Make An Impact Foundation (MAIF) and Jack Wood. The goal of the partnership, which will be primarily showcased at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway, is to generate funds for MAIF to build playgrounds, parks, and other recreational projects for underprivileged children.

Make An Impact Foundation strives to create a place where all kids have equal opportunity and ability to play freely without barriers to growth, dreams, and imagination. As part of the mission, Make An Impact and their partners are working to reverse the decline of outdoor play in America. The crisis of play has a negative impact on the physical, emotional, and social well-being of kids, families, and communities throughout the nation.

Ali O’Connor, Director of Impact Development at MAIF, welcomes the partnership with open arms, stating “There are no adequate words for how excited and thankful we are to have this partnership come to life with Jack Wood and GMS Racing. Making an impact in children’s lives is a priority for our Foundation and coming out of this pandemic, outdoor play is more important than ever for kids in our communities. We are just so appreciative of Jack and the rest of the GMS Racing team helping us raise awareness for the #MAIFKidsPlay platform.”

The race at Daytona will mark the start of Jack’s bid to win the Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors as he competes in his first full-time season with GMS Racing. Wood raced in twelve events with the No. 24 team last season, but this will be his first truck race at the 2.5-mile super speedway. He looks forward to opening the year with the new partnership opportunity.

”I am proud to become an advocate of the Make An Impact Foundation and lead the #MAIFKidsPlay initiative through our unique partnership. As a young racer, physical health has played a crucial role in my performance on track, so when I became aware of the decline in outdoor play due in part to the lack of access to playgrounds, I made it my mission to raise awareness and funds to combat this nationwide issue. I know for a fact that outdoor play as a kid had a positive influence on my life, so it is my goal to help other kids live that healthy lifestyle as well. The Make An Impact Foundation stands for that goal, making this partnership a great one.” proclaimed Wood.

The Make An Impact Foundation serves the Lake Norman community as well as communities across the United States as an outlet for philanthropic efforts for everyone. Whether you own a business and are looking for a way to get your team involved, or are looking to provide donations on a personal level, please visit www.MakeAnImpactNow.org to learn more.

The 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, February 18th, with the running of the NextEra 250. Stay up to date with the Make An Impact Foundation driver Jack Wood by following along across all social media platforms at his official handle @DriverJackWood.

#WeAreGMS | #NASCAR

ABOUT MAKE AN IMPACT FOUNDATION:

The mission of Make An Impact Foundation (MAIF), a 501(c)(3), is to promote the education and well-being of children. MAIF identifies children in severe need (homeless, poverty, etc.) as well as those with learning needs, emotional needs, disabilities, or disease and creates opportunities to produce a change in their lives. Our vision at MAIF is to meet the needs of children by identifying worthwhile projects, empowering project champions, and finding donor partners to help meet each need. For more information about MAIF visit our website, www.MakeAnImpactNow.org. Follow MAIF on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for additional content.

ABOUT GMS RACING:

GMS Racing competes full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series operating the No. 23 and the No. 24 Chevrolet Silverado RSTs, as well as the ARCA Menards Series with the No. 43 Chevrolet SS. Since the team was formed in 2012, GMS Racing has won five titles across multiple series, including the 2016 and 2020 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship, the 2015 ARCA Menards Series championship, as well as the 2019 & 2020 ARCA Menards Series East championships. GMS has grown to occupy several buildings located in Statesville, N.C. including operations for GMS Fabrication. The GMS Racing campus also houses operations for Petty GMS, a two car full-time NASCAR Cup Series team formed in 2021.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow GMS Racing on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

NASCAR Cup Series drivers announce formation of Drivers Advisory Council

By
Official Release
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 11, 2022) – Today, the NASCAR Cup Series drivers announce the formation of the Drivers Advisory Council. This council is an independent group of eligible members that, through its passion for competition and sustainability of racing, is committed to further improving the areas of safety in motorsports, growing and enhancing the sport, and maximizing the opportunities for drivers to achieve success both on and off the track.

The Drivers Advisory Council, comprised of current and former Cup Series competitors, will work alongside key stakeholders within the industry to collectively move the sport forward and construct positive change. Seven drivers will serve as Board of Directors for the newly formed group: Kurt Busch, Austin Dillon, Denny Hamlin, Corey LaJoie, Joey Logano, Kyle Petty, and Daniel Suarez.

“As a current driver and also a team owner, I now see things from a different perspective and that has made me appreciate the importance of collaboration across the industry,” said Denny Hamlin, current NASCAR Cup Series competitor and team owner. “The new council will deliver a unified, collective voice from the drivers to help address any challenges we face and help accomplish the common goals the industry shares.”

Jeff Burton, former NASCAR driver and multi-race winner in the premier series, will lead the effort in conjunction with the Board of Directors. The veteran leader will serve as Director of the council.

“I’ve been fortunate to have many roles within the sport and I’m excited to add this venture into the fold,” Burton stated. “I’m humbled and honored that the drivers have asked me to help with this effort. I believe we have a great sport, and this council has the opportunity to work together with the entire industry to make it even better. Personally, I will also continue my work with NBC and provide fresh insight to our viewers at home. This new role with the council will only elevate the broadcasts.”

To continue the steady enhancement of NASCAR, the Drivers Advisory Council will partner with the sanctioning body and its key leaders to achieve common success.

“Collaboration is critical to our growth, and we welcome any opportunity to strengthen communication with our drivers,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer. “We often look to drivers for input when making decisions that affect the sport, and the Drivers Advisory Council will help streamline that communication. Working together, we will continue to deliver the great NASCAR racing experience our fans expect and deserve.”

In addition, the Race Team Alliance (RTA), consisting of 14 Cup Series organizations, will support and work alongside the council.

“One of the keys to our sport being successful is collaboration among all of its stakeholders. Having a formalized group through which the drivers can better communicate will be a great asset for all of us. They picked the perfect guy to lead the Drivers Advisory Council in Jeff Burton and have assembled a solid Board of Directors to get the group started with a strong, unified voice,” said Dave Alpern, President of Joe Gibbs Racing and Co-Chair of the Team Owner Council.

Additional Quotes of Interest from the Board of Directors

From Kurt Busch, 2004 NASCAR Cup Series Champion:

“It’s an honor and a privilege to collaborate with my fellow drivers on the Drivers Advisory Council. The collective experience and insight represented on this council is ideally suited to carry NASCAR into the future and ensure its long-term sustainability. Through the council, I look forward to collaborating with NASCAR and the team owners to continue fostering positive change in the sport that has meant so much to me over the past two decades.”

From Austin Dillon, 2018 Daytona 500 Champion:

“I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with the drivers, NASCAR and other stakeholders to put the best product on the track each week, emphasizing the future of the sport and the safety of drivers. My family has been involved in NASCAR my entire life, so, personally, it means a lot to me to be able to help leave my mark and progress the sport that I know and love by serving on the Drivers Advisory Council.”

From Corey LaJoie, current NASCAR Cup Series driver:

“The Drivers Advisory Council will be a united and streamlined channel of communication, with Jeff Burton as our fearless leader, that will benefit the fans, sponsors, media and ultimately the sport. It’s a privilege to have your voice heard alongside your peers to further progress the sport in every aspect.”

From Joey Logano, 2018 NASCAR Cup Series Champion:

“I’m thrilled to see the progress in our sport lately and feel that the Drivers Advisory Council will help progress our sport even further. The board is made up with experienced, forward-thinking drivers with a great leader in Jeff Burton. Communication from drivers to other stakeholders in our industry has been a challenge for years. This will most definitely help clarify feedback from drivers and help move our sport forward with a unique perspective from behind the wheel. We have had a welcoming experience from stakeholders, and I know we can all pull the rope in the same direction. Safety, fan experience, and a great on track product, are just some of the goals.”

From Kyle Petty, former Cup Series driver and current NBC analyst:

“I believe the formation of the Drivers Advisory Council is the start of a new era in NASCAR. Through the leadership of Jeff Burton and the Board of Directors, the drivers now have a united voice. A voice that can effect change and improvement in almost every aspect of our sport. The DAC has the opportunity to create a legacy for generations of drivers to come.”

From Daniel Suarez, current NASCAR Cup Series driver:

“First of all, I am thrilled to be a part of this great sport. Since I started my career in NASCAR, after arriving from my home country of Mexico, I have seen a great deal of positive changes. I believe the creation of the Drivers Advisory Council will add a first-hand perspective and, in my opinion, help create more positive changes and increase the speed that diversity can have in the sport. This will benefit present and future sponsors, our current and future fan base, as well as the teams and viewership in general. I say this with great sincerity and commitment to support this sport, the fans and the sponsors we represent.”

Further details regarding the Drivers Advisory Council’s efforts will be released as they become available.

Taylor Gray ARCA Menards Series East Advance: New Smyrna Speedway

By
Official Release
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Tuesday, February 15
Track: New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway, half-mile oval
Race: 1 of 7
Event: Race to Stop Suicide 200 (200 laps, 100 miles)

Schedule

Practice/Qualifying: 3:30 p.m. ET
Race: 7:40 p.m. ET (FloRacing)

Taylor Gray, No. 17 Place of Hope Ford Fusion

  • Taylor Gray will make his second career start at New Smyrna Speedway when the ARCA Menards Series East returns there on Tuesday evening.
  • At this race one year ago, the 16-year-old driver qualified on the pole and led 43 laps, but had to settle for a third-place finish in the 175-lap event after a tap to the bumper entering turn three while leading on the final lap caused a three-wide, door-to-door dash to the checkered out of turn four.
  • Gray had a successful 2021 season in the ARCA ranks earning two victories in ARCA West action at Portland (Ore.) International Raceway and The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. In five ARCA East starts, he didn’t finish outside the top-five a single time.
  • Chad Johnston will once again guide Taylor and the No. 17 team from atop the pit box in 2022, while Nick Payne will be the eyes in the sky from the spotter’s stand.
  • An ambitious 2022 schedule lies ahead for the Ford Performance prospect with plans to compete for the ARCA East and Sioux Chief Showdown championships. In total, Gray will enter approximately 20 ARCA events and eight NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
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