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Inaugural INDYCAR-Motorsport Games Pro Challenge Set for Feb. 9

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Official Release
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Esports Event To Feature NTT INDYCAR SERIES Drivers

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022) – Motorsport Games Inc. (NASDAQ: MSGM) (“Motorsport Games”) and INDYCAR announced today that the INDYCAR-Motorsport Games Pro Challenge will take place Wednesday, Feb. 9, with the first official esports event between the two parties including many NTT INDYCAR SERIES stars.

Among the drivers expected to compete are reigning champion Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing, four-time Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Helio Castroneves of Meyer Shank Racing, two-time series champion Josef Newgarden of Team Penske and more.

Fans can tune in to watch the full race day at the INDYCAR YouTube channel, starting with the pre-show at 6 p.m. (ET). The green flag for both heats and the race will drop at 6:30 p.m., with the race conclusion and interviews to take place thereafter at approximately 7:15 p.m. NBC Sports’ INDYCAR host and pit reporter Kevin Lee will be the host.

“The 2022 INDYCAR-Motorsport Games Pro Challenge is our first foray into the world of esports with our new partners, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this competition to the fans,” said George Holmquist, Motorsport Games vice president of marketing. “Viewers can expect the same world-class experience as our other esports events, such as the highly renowned Le Mans Virtual Series, to be carried over into this new series. We cannot wait to continue producing live esports events with INDYCAR in the future, all leading up to our first game in 2023.”

This event is part of an exclusive agreement reached in July 2021 between INDYCAR and Motorsport Games, a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world. The partnership will produce a virtual series and an INDYCAR video game expected to launch in 2023 on PlayStation, Xbox and PC.

“INDYCAR fans are a passionate, global audience hungry for quality motorsports gaming content,” said SJ Luedtke, INDYCAR vice president of marketing. “With our partners at Motorsport Games, we are now able to bring those same fans a premier virtual esports experience while also cultivating a new base of INDYCAR supporters and followers. We cannot wait for everyone to see the first-ever INDYCAR-Motorsport Games Pro Challenge this year, and we are thrilled to keep producing these events in the many years to follow.”

Racing will take place on the rFactor 2 PC platform. The track will be announced the day of the race, to keep drivers guessing and add a fun element of mystery to the competition. The format for each heat and the race:

Heat 1
10-minute duration
Random draw starting grid
Points will be awarded
Heat 2
10-minute duration
Starting grid order to be the reverse of Heat 1
Points will be awarded
Race
20-minute duration
Starting grid order to be determined by points position after both heats
Double points will be awarded
The top three finishers will receive donations to a charity of their choice, with first place winning $10,000, second place $8,000, third place $5,000 and an entrant lottery of $2,500.

rFactor 2 players will soon be able to participate in official INDYCAR events through the game’s competition system, which has recently undergone a UI overhaul. Further details will be announced at a later date.

In July 2021, Motorsport Games and INDYCAR entered into an exclusive partnership to create and distribute INDYCAR video games, with the first set to be released in 2023. The companies will jointly create a brand-new franchise that has been eagerly anticipated by racing and gaming fans alike. After nearly two decades without a gaming title, the premier North American open-wheel racing series will be back in people’s homes to play at any time.

To watch all the action, please visit: Traxion.GG Twitch, YouTube and Facebook.

To keep up with the latest Motorsport Game news visit www.motorsportgames.com and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Motorsport Games:

Motorsport Games, a Motorsport Network company, combines innovative and engaging video games with exciting esports competitions and content for racing fans and gamers around the globe. The Company is the officially licensed video game developer and publisher for iconic motorsport racing series across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile, including NASCAR, INDYCAR, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship (“BTCC”). Motorsport Games is an award-winning esports partner of choice for 24 Hours of Le Mans, Formula E, BTCC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, among others.

About INDYCAR:

INDYCAR is the Indianapolis-based governing body for North America’s premier open-wheel auto racing series known as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The series features an international field of the world’s most versatile drivers – including reigning series champion Alex Palou, six-time series champion Scott Dixon, two-time series champion Josef Newgarden and four-time and defending Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves – who compete on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses. The 2022 season consists of 17 races in the United States and Canada and is highlighted by the historic Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions are owned by Penske Corporation, a global transportation, automotive and motorsports leader. For more information on INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, please visit www.indycar.com.

Tuesday Night Concert With Rodney Atkins Kicks off Speedweeks Presented By AdventHealth at Daytona International Speedway

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Official Release
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Processed with VSCO with j4 preset

Just $20 Per Person! Infield campers and West Lot Campers Admitted Free for Concert and Initial Practice for NASCAR’s New ‘Next Gen’ Car

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 2, 2022) – Rodney Atkins, one of country music’s most prominent artists with six No. 1 hits and eight top-five singles, will perform a Tuesday Night Concert at Daytona International Speedway in the UNOH Fanzone at the conclusion of the day’s on-track-action to kick off to Speedweeks Presented By AdventHealth.

Atkins will take to the UNOH Fanzone stage at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15 after two rounds of NASCAR Cup Series practice sessions for the season-opening DAYTONA 500, which will showcase the new ‘Next Gen’ car. The 50-minute sessions are set for 5:05 pm ET and 6:35 pm ET. The UNOH Fanzone, which will showcase a host of food delicacies and the opportunity to see the race cars and drivers in their garage bays, opens at 4:00 p.m. ET.

All infield campers and GEICO West Lot campers will be able to attend for free while others – who are not camping guests – can buy a ticket for just $20 per person, gaining access to the UNOH Fanzone for both Atkins’ concert and the Cup Series Practice. To purchase tickets, fans are encouraged to log onto www.DAYTONA500.com now to guarantee their spots for an incredible night of entertainment. Once they have their tickets, those fans coming in for Tuesday’s activities will enter through either Turn 1 or Turn 4 tunnels beginning at 4 p.m. ET

Atkins, who has sold over 14 million units and earned twelve career Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum RIAA certifications, continues to be recognized as a powerful voice on Country radio. His Platinum-selling No. 1 “Watching You” earned the songwriter a BMI “Million-Air” award and the top spot on Country Aircheck’s top-played songs of the decade list. Atkins was the second most-played male artist of the decade overall. Rod + Rose is the self-titled release of new country duo Rod + Rose comprised of Rodney Atkins and Rose Falcon.

Tuesday’s practices and concert will mark the first of six days of racing action on the iconic World Center of Racing. The DAYTONA 500 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). For viewing options for all events as part of Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, log onto www.DAYTONA500.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.

5 Critical Factors to Consider to Choosing the Right Online Game

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SM
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Photo by Naim Benjelloun from Pexels

Online casinos have helped a lot since they come in to save those individuals who love playing, but the only available time they have can’t allow them to play in land-based casinos. There are several online casinos with several online games to make your selection. Having several games at your disposal is good since finding the one you desire is easier. 

However, it is not good to pick any game you see online. Since you may land on a game that may inconvenience your device or ruin your gaming experience. Be keen when selecting any judi slot online to play. Here are the factors to consider to help you choose the right online game:

1. Number of Players

It is crucial to look for the number of participants in a game before selecting. If a game allows multiple players, it is best to choose one with several participants. If a game has several participants, it may mean that it is interesting, and therefore several people want to play it. Also, the game may have the best user interface, thereby attracting several participants. 

No one wants to play a game with a poor user interface. Almost every player wants to navigate easily through the game. A game that is challenging to navigate through may ruin your gaming experience. It may as well hinder you from winning.

2. Game Knowledge

You need to check how familiar you are with the game you want to select. One thing that determines your winning or losing chances is your game knowledge. Various online games have different ways and rules of playing. Ensure you choose an online game that you well know about its rules and ways of playing.

If you are interested in any new online game, consider looking for the demos and familiarize yourself first before playing or investing your cash in it. Investing in a game that you don’t know how to play or its rules puts you at a greater risk of losing.

3. Cost of the Game

When choosing an online game, checking the amount you need to invest in playing is vital. When playing at casinos for real money, consider choosing a game that you can easily afford to pay for the cost of playing. Consider calculating your budget, and set aside an amount that you can afford to lose.

If your budget is not enough for any premium online game, consider selecting some of the best free casino games that online casinos offer.

4. Game Accessibility

Another essential factor when choosing an online casino game is its accessibility. Most people nowadays own smartphones than those with laptops and computers. Therefore, you should choose an online game to access through your mobile phone to enable you to play it at any time and place.

5. Site Hosting the Game

The site hosting the game is another essential factor to consider when selecting. When looking at the host site of the game, there are several factors to check. For instance, you need to choose a user-friendly gaming site with the best customer support team.

Therefore are many other factors to look for when looking for the best judi slot online. However, when making your choice by keenly checking the about factors, you will probably land on the best online casino game.

NationsGuard to Open 2022 with Spire Motorsports at LA Coliseum

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Official Release
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NATIONSGUARD RETURNS TO SPIRE MOTORSPORTS
Automotive Finance and Insurance Specialists to Open 2022 at Busch Lite Clash

CONCORD, N.C. (February 1, 2022) – Spire Motorsports is pleased to announce NationsGuard will return to its family of partners in 2022 and be showcased as the primary sponsor aboard Corey LaJoie’s No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 when the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) makes its highly publicized debut at the famed Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the Busch Lite Clash at the Coliseum.

Every February since 1979, the annual pre-season NCS showcase has been hosted by Daytona International Speedway. In September, NASCAR announced it would move the race from the 2.5-mile Daytona Beach superspeedway to a purpose-built, quarter-mile oval, constructed inside the two-time site of the Summer Olympics (1932/1984) and the home of the University of Southern California Trojans football team.

The inaugural Busch Lite Clash at the Coliseum will mark Lajoie’s first attempt at the pre-season special, situated in LA’s famed Exposition Park. While 36 teams have filed entries only 23 will earn the right to race in the 150-lap feature.

“The Clash at the Coliseum is set to be one of the biggest events in NASCAR’s history,” said LaJoie. “With the debut of the NextGen car, there are so many unknowns going into this race car but that gives me a lot of confidence. I’m a short track guy at heart. I’ve won in the old K&N Series at Bowman Gray Stadium, so I can’t wait to get my elbows up at the L.A. Coliseum.”

“Having NationsGuard come back for the 2022 season is a great shot in the arm for our whole team. I’m excited about giving that group a great run to start the season.”

Created by car dealers for car dealers, NationsGuard gives dealer groups total control over finance and insurance products and prioritizes the customer experience while generating income, cash flow and wealth. To learn more, visit NationsGuard.com.

The NationsGuard livery will adorn both the team’s Nos. 7 and 77 Chevrolets in multiple races throughout 2022 and serve as a major associate sponsor for the entire season.

“We’re eager to get the 2022 season started and pair NationsGuard with Corey LaJoie in the Busch Lite Clash at the L.A. Coliseum,” commented Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “Mr. Hendrick and the NationsGuard team have supported our program from the drawing board to the race track so it’s gratifying to start the season with that collective support.

“Aside from that, NASCAR has done an incredible job creating a first-of-its-kind race in one of the most significant markets anywhere in the world. To take a race that has been rooted in Daytona Beach since 1979 and move it to southern California is more than bold. That’s a forward-thinking undertaking and we’re proud to participate.”

The Busch Lite Clash from the Coliseum will be televised live on FOX Sunday, February 6 beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The much-anticipated, pre-season NASCAR Cup Series exhibition race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90).

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About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports was established in 2018 and is co-owned by longtime NASCAR industry executives Jeff Dickerson and Thaddeus “T.J.” Puchyr. Spire Motorsports earned an upset victory for the ages in its first full season when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7, 2019.

Brad Keselowski – Clash Advance

By
Official Release
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Team: No. 6 Violet Defense Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Matt McCall

Twitter: @RFK6Team, @RFKRacing and @keselowski

Race Format: 37.5 miles, 150 laps

Single-Car Qualifying – Saturday, Feb. 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90
Clash Qualifying Heats – Sunday, Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90
Clash Last-Chance Qualifiers – Sunday, Feb. 6 at 4:10 p.m. ET o FOX, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90

Clash at the Coliseum – Sunday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90

ADVANCE NOTES

Clash Format

· NASCAR takes is annual exhibition, season kickoff event to a venue that has never hosted racing before – the Los Angeles Coliseum – for an action-packed weekend of on-track activity. The sport’s visit to the historic venue for the first time brings with it a new format and a new look.

· Saturday’s on-track activity will get started with a practice session at 12:30 p.m. ET. Qualifying will take place later in the day (8:30 p.m. ET, FS1), which will set the lineup for Sunday’s heat races. Every car entered into the Clash automatically advances to one of the heat races.

· Sunday, drivers will compete in one of four 25-lap heat races with up to 10 cars in each race. The fastest qualifying driver from Saturday will start on pole in the first heat race, second fastest starts on pole in the second heat race and so on.

· The top four finishers in each heat race will automatically advance to the main event, totaling 16 drivers with a ticket to the Sunday night feature. Drivers who do not advance will be placed into one of two 50-lap last chance qualifier (LCQ) races. The top three from each LCQ advance to the Sunday feature.

· The final spot in the 23-man main event is reserved for the driver who finished the highest in the 2021 points standings who does not transfer on finishing position in the heat races or LCQ.

Keselowski in the Clash

· Sunday marks Keselowski’s debut in an RFK Racing machine as both driver and co-owner. He enters his 13th full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series.

· This will be his 10th appearance in the annual exhibition event. He is the 2018 winner of the Clash, and overall has five top-10s in the event. He ran fourth in his first-ever Clash in 2012 in his Championship season, then followed that up with a P2 in 2014.

Matt McCall in the Clash

· McCall will call his fourth Clash event Sunday in LA. He called two with Kurt Busch in the last two seasons, and prior to that finished 10th with Jamie McMurray.

QUOTE WORTHY
Keselowski on racing in the Clash:
“The Clash is a new challenge for us, not only is it the first race of the season, but it’s a new race at a new track, and a completely different style of racing we’ve seen. To say there’s a lot of uncertainty and a lot of hype would be an understatement. When you go to a track you’ve never been to before, the most difficult thing to do is prepare for it and know what to expect. With it being my first race with RFK and our first race together, any success we can have there is going to be huge for our company.”

On the Car

Violet Defense rolls out its new 2022 scheme this weekend at the Clash for its first of six primary races this season. They will return as the primary for three additional races on the No. 6, as well as two with Chris Buescher and the No. 17 team.

About Violet Defense

Violet Defense uses UV disinfection to protect everyday spaces from harmful pathogens by killing up to 99.9% of E. coli, Salmonella, MRSA, C. diff., Norovirus, C. auris, and coronavirus. Violet Defense’s technology is the only known Pulsed Xenon solution that can be installed into a room full-time, creating a continuous way to address disinfection needs of all types of settings. For more information, visit www.violetdefense.com or follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn (@violetdefense).

Chris Buescher – Clash Advance

By
Official Release
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Team: No. 17 Fastenal Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Scott Graves

Twitter: @RFK17Team, @RFKRacing and @Chris_Buescher
Race Format: 37.5 miles, 150 laps

Single-Car Qualifying – Saturday, Feb. 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90
Clash Qualifying Heats – Sunday, Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90
Clash Last-Chance Qualifiers – Sunday, Feb. 6 at 4:10 p.m. ET o FOX, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90

Clash at the Coliseum – Sunday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90

ADVANCE NOTES

Clash Format

· NASCAR takes is annual exhibition, season kickoff event to a venue that has never hosted racing before – the Los Angeles Coliseum – for an action-packed weekend of on-track activity. The sport’s visit to the historic venue for the first time brings with it a new format and a new look.

· Saturday’s on-track activity will get started with a practice session at 12:30 p.m. ET. Qualifying will take place later in the day (8:30 p.m. ET, FS1), which will set the lineup for Sunday’s heat races. Every car entered into the Clash automatically advances to one of the heat races.

· Sunday, drivers will compete in one of four 25-lap heat races with up to 10 cars in each race. The fastest qualifying driver from Saturday will start on pole in the first heat race, second fastest starts on pole in the second heat race and so on.

· The top four finishers in each heat race will automatically advance to the main event, totaling 16 drivers with a ticket to the Sunday night feature. Drivers who do not advance will be placed into one of two 50-lap last chance qualifier (LCQ) races. The top three from each LCQ advance to the Sunday feature.

· The final spot in the 23-man main event is reserved for the driver who finished the highest in the 2021 points standings who does not transfer on finishing position in the heat races or LCQ.

Buescher in the Clash

· Buescher has two starts all-time in the annual Clash event, including a ninth-place finish in 2017 and a 16th-place run in last season’s edition of the Clash.

Scott Graves in the Clash

· Graves has three races under his belt in the Clash event. His best result came in the 2020 Clash when he and Ryan Newman finished fifth. A year prior they ran ninth, and last season finished 14th.

QUOTE WORTHY
Buescher on racing in the Clash:
“Obviously this is by far the newest thing we’ve ever done in our sport, going to a place we’ve never seen and debuting a new race car. While it’s not a points-paying race, it’s an opportunity for us right out of the gate to work out the kinks and hopefully show everyone the progress we’ve made with essentially our new team with some familiar faces mixed in. It’s going to be interesting no matter the way you look at it, and is sure to be entertaining for everyone watching.”

On the Car
Fastenal returns as the anchor partner for the No. 17 RFK team for its 12th season in 2022. Their first three years with then RFR were with the No. 99 team, before moving over to the No. 17 team since then. They also were the primary partner on the No. 60 Xfinity Series entry that captured the owner’s championship in 2011.

About Fastenal
Fastenal [Nasdaq: FAST] is North America’s largest fastener distributor and a ‘one-stop’ source for hundreds of thousands of OEM, MRO and Construction products. With more than 2,600 stores worldwide, the company supports B2B customers with tailored local inventory and dedicated personnel, who visit regularly, quickly respond to emergency needs, and provide efficient inventory management solutions. Fastenal’s service-oriented business network includes the world’s largest industrial vending program, 14 regional distribution centers, 8 custom manufacturing facilities, thousands of delivery vehicles, and industry-leading sourcing, quality and engineering resources.

Toyota Racing – NCS LA Clash Quotes – Martin Truex Jr. – 02.01.22

By
Official Release
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Toyota Racing – Martin Truex Jr.
NASCAR Cup Series Quotes

LOS ANGELES (February 1, 2022) – Joe Gibbs Racing driver Martin Truex Jr. was made available to media via videoconference prior to the LA Clash event today:

MARTIN TRUEX JR., No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing

What are you expecting out of this race in LA?
“Really not sure. Thinking about it, I’m not sure I’ve raced a stock car on a track this small, and obviously we’ve never raced the Next Gen car so it’s going to be interesting. The cool thing is it’s going to be a lot of fun to do something fun and there is a lot of excitement around it as well. I think everybody is anxious to get out there – get on track – and see what we can do and hopefully it turns into a fun event for the drivers. I’ll enjoy it, and usually when I enjoy it, we run well. I’m excited about it, and it should be good.”

Do you have an opinion on what you think it would take to call this race successful?

“Not really. I don’t know that – I guess it just depends. It sounds like the crowd is going to be good and there is a lot of attention on it. At the end of the day, we want to put on a good show. We don’t want there to be a lot of cautions and wrecks, not a lot of chaos, just a good race to put on a good show with all the attention it’s getting and make it a successful event. I think there is a lot of excitement around it like I said and a lot of things different with the concert and the halftime break and all of the things that are going on. Racing in a new part of the country, I think a lot of new fans will be tuning in and I think we need to put on a good show.”

Do you typically start a season with more anticipation or more apprehension and has that changed at all this year?

“I think in general I always look forward to a new year and seeing what you can do – another chance at doing some good things and winning some races, hopefully, and reaching the ultimate goal. I’m always looking forward to it. This year, obviously, more question marks than ever, which is a little bit different, but we’ve been in situations like this where a lot of things are changing, and you don’t really know. You just try to prepare the best you can. I obviously have a great team and a lot of good people around me, and I try to take advantage of those people the best that I can and that usually works out. I look forward to it and just being open minded and take them as they come.”

When do you think you will have a read on this car?

“I think it’s going to take a while. Typically, we go through the West Coast swing and Atlanta and Daytona and you kind of have some kind of an idea of where you are or get kind of a good feel on how things are going to be. I think this year is going to be way different – I think it’s going to take a while longer. We’ve never had anything change as much as we have with the car this year. It’s going to take us quite a while to figure out where we are at, to learn about this car, to understand how to make it work on different types of racetracks and I think that’s going to go on for a while. Things are going to change very rapidly through the first half of the year. It’s going to take a while to really feel comfortable where you are or understand things to the extent we have in the past.”

Is the Clash something that you are going to have to battle the desire to win with knowing this race is built for entertainment?

“Hopefully not. I guess there is the potential for that for sure. Especially if you are at the front with some guys that you’ve raced with before, I think there will be a decent level of respect and guys trying to it kind of the right way. We’ll see. It could turn into a crash fest, which I would hate to see. I don’t know. I really don’t have high expectations for either way. I think we are just going to go there and race and see what happens. I just think at a broader look at everything, and what the race is and what attention is getting, I hope that things go – I hope it’s exciting – but I hope it’s not just everybody crashing into one another all day. I really don’t know. I don’t have any expectations either way. I’m just going to go there and race and try to have fun with it.”

What are your thoughts on Blake Harris (former Truex car chief) getting his shot to be a crew chief?

“We’re all really proud of him. We hated to let him go and do that, but to see his passion for what he’s done over the years – his passion for racing and trying to be great – he was obviously a huge part of our team and a huge part of all of our success. We’re really going to miss him, but we’re proud of him and we know that he’s going to do a great job over there. You never know what’s down the road – if we get back together or what not. I’m just happy for him, but I hope he has the opportunity that he’s hoping it’s going to be.”

What is your perspective on a lot of the recent changes with NASCAR that are focused on bringing the pack closer together, which may induce more contact?

“We will just have to wait and see. The Clash, the smaller the tracks get, things like that obviously make it more difficult. We still race at a lot of different style of racetracks where you are going to have to take care of your equipment, for the last of a better term, not beating the body off the things. Certainly, they are going to be a little bit stronger than in the past, I would say with composite bodies, so there is a little more room for rubbing there, but suspension wise I don’t know where we stand on contact and things like that right now. I think a lot of question marks. I think the Coliseum is going to be – if it’s going to happen, that’s going to be the kind of place that is going to make it difficult to race clean and drive clean and do those things, but certainly think it’s still possible, so we will see how it goes.”

Is it worth getting into somebody this weekend if you have a chance to win this weekend because it’s a non-points event?

“There is certainly potential for that; that’s the risk you take every week with the decisions you make. It’s a long year and you definitely don’t want to start off the year in an exhibition race with a bunch of people mad at you.”

How much has the Cup Series missed true bullring type racing like we are going to see this weekend?

“I think we’ve had it at Martinsville over the years, not much more than that. Definitely, going back in time you look at North Wilkesboro and Martinsville and places like that. I think those races are a lot of fun. They are always exciting. I don’t know where this Coliseum is going to fit in this discussion, but it definitely has potential to be pretty wild. We will see. It will be fun. I grew up racing up North, and I raced on a lot of small racetracks. They were always full of contact and lot of excitement. Hopefully, we can put our Cup Series spin on that with the drivers we have and the talent throughout the field it’s going to be exciting.”

How are the bigger brakes going to change short track racing as we’ve known it?

“They are definitely going to change it some. How much exactly, I’m not sure. Obviously, the brakes are big, but the car is bigger, the car is heavier. We will see, but overall, throughout the year since I’ve been doing it even, the brakes have gotten so much better. It’s like they are not an issue anymore. It kind of takes them out of the equation, I’d say, if anything, but again, not really 100% on this car how it’s going to react, but so far the brakes have been really, really good.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With the more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, more than a quarter of the company’s 2021 North American sales were electrified.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Richard Childress Racing Announces Dynamic, Multi-Partner Lineup for Austin Hill’s Rookie NASCAR Xfinity Series Campaign

By
Official Release
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Bennett Family of Companies, United Rentals, Global Industrial and Alsco Uniforms to Partner on RCR’s No. 21 Chevrolet Camaro SS

WELCOME, N.C. (February 1, 2022) – Richard Childress Racing announced today a dynamic, multi-partner lineup for driver Austin Hill in the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series. Bennett Family of Companies, United Rentals Global Industrial and Alsco Uniforms will share time as primary partners on the No. 21 Chevrolet Camaro SS. Hill, 27, will be competing for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in his first full-time season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series driving the No. 21 Chevrolet for RCR.

Andy Street, a long-time RCR employee who guided Myatt Snider to a race win and a NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs berth as the crew chief for RCR’s No. 2 Chevrolet in 2021, will assume crew chief duties for the No. 21 Chevrolet in 2022.

“I couldn’t be more excited for our NASCAR Xfinity Series lineup in 2022,” said Danny Lawrence, Director of the NASCAR Xfinity Series program for Richard Childress Racing. “Austin Hill has already shown his skills as a driver in the NASCAR Truck Series, and we know he will bring that same competitive drive to Richard Childress Racing’s NASCAR Xfinity Series program. I can’t think of a better crew chief to help guide him and the team than Andy Street. They will both do a great job representing our partners, both on and off the track. I’m expecting big things from the No. 21 team this season.”

Each of the partners on the No. 21 team will work with RCR to leverage their team partnership in unique and innovative ways.

Bennett Family of Companies, a McDonough, Ga.-based company, will make its NASCAR debut with Hill and the No. 21 team in the Bennett Transportation and Logistics car. Bennett plans to host customers trackside, giving them unique behind-the-scenes access on race weekends.

“We are thrilled to partner with Richard Childress Racing and Austin Hill this season,” said Lynette Mathis, Vice President of the Bennett Family of Companies. “Our companies share many core values, plus a commitment to excellence, and RCR has a long tradition of success on the track. We are looking forward to our debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this season, and working closely with everyone at RCR to create best-in-class opportunities for our partners.”

United Rentals, the world’s largest equipment rental provider, makes their partnership debut with RCR in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this season. The company will leverage the partnership to strengthen the connection with its customers through brand and hospitality activities.

“We look forward to partnering with the Richard Childress Racing team and Austin Hill in the NASCAR Xfinity Series,” said Dale Asplund, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at United Rentals. “Like United Rentals, RCR has a strong culture committed to excellence. Together, we look forward to our teams delivering a great experience for our customers and fans while chasing victory in the Xfinity series. We have supported Austin Hill since 2017 and are proud to continue our partnership as he takes the next step forward in his career with RCR.”

Global Industrial is a Fortune 1000 company based in Port Washington, New York. The company sells industrial products and office supplies through direct to business channels. Established in 1949 by Michael and Paul Leeds, the company now sells over 1 million products via their online sales and call center.

“Our partnership with RCR gives us a unique platform to build brand awareness and reach more customers by tapping into the passion of the NASCAR fan,” said Klaus Werner, Sr. Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Global Industrial “Our strategic partnership will provide a pathway to introduce Global Industrial’s robust product and solutions selection to a new audience so that we can help more customers solve more problems and be more successful. In addition to being a strong on-track contender, we know that Austin Hill will be a solid representative off-track for the Global Industrial Brand.”

The 2022 season marks the sixth season for Alsco as a partner with Richard Childress Racing. Alsco is a fifth-generation family-owned-and-operated uniform company founded in 1889 and recognized by the prestigious Hohenstein Institute for having invented the uniform rental industry. Celebrating over 130 years of business, Alsco provides uniform laundry services and other products that keep businesses clean and safe to customers in the healthcare, automotive, industrial and hospitality industries.

“Our company has seen first-hand the benefits of partnering with Richard Childress Racing,” said Ben Fox, Director of Sales and Marketing at Alsco Uniforms. “For the past five seasons our partnership with Richard Childress Racing has been a key element of our overall sports marketing plan and a great platform to showcase our uniforms with the team of employees at RCR. We’re thrilled to continue to showcase our uniform cleaning service, alongside our variety of products through this partnership.”

Hill makes his RCR debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 19. The race is live on FOX Sports 1 at 5 p.m. ET. For more information, please visit rcrracing.com.

About Richard Childress Racing:
Richard Childress Racing (rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing, and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2021 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR champion, 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet), along with two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Tyler Reddick (No. 8 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Sheldon Creed (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

About Bennett Family of Companies
McDonough-Ga. based Bennett Family of Companies is a woman-owned, Women’s Enterprise Business Council (WBENC) certified, diversified transportation and logistics company. Through its nine affiliated operating companies, the Bennett Family of Companies delivers integrated transportation and supply chain management solutions worldwide. For more information, visit www.bennettig.com

About United Rentals:
United Rentals, Inc. is the largest equipment rental company in the world. The company has an integrated network of 1,278 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 20,100 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 $15.72 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 Global Industrial Company:
Global Industrial Company (NYSE:GIC), through its operating subsidiaries, is a value-added industrial distributor. For more than 70 years, Global Industrial has gone the extra mile for its customers, and offers more than a million industrial and MRO products, including its own Global Industrial exclusive brands. With extensive product knowledge and a solutions-based approach, Global Industrial helps customers solve problems and be more successful. At Global Industrial, “We can supply that®.”

About Alsco:
Alsco is a fifth-generation family-owned and -operated uniform company founded in 1889 and recognized by the prestigious Hohenstein Institute for having invented the uniform rental industry. Celebrating over 130 years of business, Alsco provides uniform laundry services and other products that keep businesses clean and safe to all kinds of customers in the healthcare, automotive, industrial and hospitality industries. With more than 180 locations and 20,000 employees, Alsco provides laundry rental services to more than 355,000 customers in 14 countries, which makes Alsco Uniforms the largest uniform company in the world. Visit http://www.alsco.com to learn more about how Alsco Uniforms is the industry’s best kept secret.

MOLSON COORS EXTENDS LONG-TIME TEAM PENSKE PARTNERSHIP WITH NO. 2 FORD MUSTANG NASCAR CUP SERIES TEAM

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Official Release
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All-Star Race Sponsorship with Rookie Austin Cindric Builds on 35 Plus-Year Relationship

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (February 1, 2022) – Continuing one of the longest-standing partnerships in all of motorsports, Molson Coors and Team Penske will once again team up to feature the Keystone Light brand on the No. 2 Ford Mustang in 2022. NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year contender Austin Cindric will race the Keystone Light Mustang in May at the NASCAR All-Star race hosted at Texas Motor Speedway.

“Our 35-year legacy partnership with Team Penske – a constant in motorsports for nearly four decades – has seen an all-star lineup of Molson Coors brands and Penske drivers teaming up to race for championships,” says Adam Dettman, Head of Partnerships at Molson Coors. “Now, Austin Cindric is jumping behind the wheel of the iconic No. 2 car for Keystone Light’s second year as the featured brand. We look forward to raising a cold Keystone Light in victory lane with Austin and his Penske teammates in 2022.”

Molson Coors first partnered with Team Penske in the 1980s, racing in the INDYCAR SERIES as driver Danny Sullivan won multiple races while representing the Miller brand. The Molson Coors and Team Penske partnership reached a new level in 1991 when Miller became the sponsor of the No. 2 Cup Series car driven by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace. The No. 2 team has proudly carried Molson Coors brands for more than 30 years. The tradition will extend to the 2022 season with Cindric driving the Keystone Light Ford Mustang.

“Becoming the driver of the iconic No. 2 in the Cup Series has helped me develop an even deeper appreciation for the rich history of the car and the team,” said Cindric, the 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) Champion. “Building on the partnership with Keystone Light and Molson Coors adds another chapter to that history. The No. 2 has evolved over the years. First it was Midnight, then the Blue Deuce – so I’m excited to add to the tradition and ‘Grab a Stone’ with Keystone Light and our team in 2022.”

In 2021, Keystone Light fueled fan love with a slew of sweepstakes for autographed merchandise and branded sportswear and ‘Stones (beer) to enjoy during race day. Fans and beer lovers alike can look forward to continued support and interactive activations from Keystone Light into 2022.

Cindric begins his NASCAR Cup Series rookie season in 2022 following four winning years competing in the Xfinity Series. In addition to winning the 2020 series title, Cindric helped secure the sixth NXS Owners’ Championship for Roger Penske last season. Collectively, Cindric has produced 13 wins, 62 top-five and 89 top-10 finishes in 133 Xfinity Series starts. The racer made his Cup Series debut this past season, competing in seven races for Team Penske with a pair of top-15 finishes.

For the second-consecutive season, Texas Motor Speedway will host the NASCAR All-Star race in 2022 with the 50-lap All-Star Open and the 100-lap All-Star race on May 22.

About Molson Coors

For more than two centuries, Molson Coors has been brewing beverages that unite people to celebrate all life’s moments. From Coors Light, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian, Carling, and Staropramen to Coors Banquet, Blue Moon Belgian White, Blue Moon LightSky, Vizzy Hard Seltzer, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Creemore Springs, Hop Valley and more, Molson Coors produces many beloved and iconic beer brands. While the company’s history is rooted in beer, Molson Coors offers a modern portfolio that expands beyond the beer aisle as well. Our Environmental, Social and Governance strategy is focused on People and Planet with a strong commitment to raising industry standards and leaving a positive imprint on our employees, consumers, communities, and the environment. Learn more about Molson Coors Beverage Company, visit molsoncoors.com, MolsonCoorsOurImprint.com or on Twitter through @MolsonCoors.

About Team Penske
Team Penske is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Cars owned and prepared by Team Penske have produced more than 590 major race wins, over 650 pole positions and 41 championships across open-wheel, stock car and sports car racing competition. Over the course of its 56-year history, the team has also earned 18 Indianapolis 500 victories, two Daytona 500 Championships, a Formula 1 win, overall victories in the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring, along with a win in Australia’s legendary Bathurst 1000 race. In 2022, Team Penske will compete full-time in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, NASCAR Cup Series and the World Endurance Championship. For more information about Team Penske, please visit www.teampenske.com.

No. 10 Farmer John Ford Racing: Aric Almirola Busch Light Clash Advance

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Official Release
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Aric Almirola
Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum
No. 10 Farmer John Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

Event Overview

● Event: Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum

● Time/Date: 3 p.m. EST on Sunday, Feb. 6

● Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

● Layout: Quarter-mile oval

● Format: 150-lap Feature with a 23-car field set by Heats and Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ)

● TV/Radio: FOX / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

● Note: Heats and LCQ are broadcast live from 3-5 p.m. EST. Feature airs live at 6 p.m. EST.

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.

● NextGen: Before Almirola enters his next chapter, the 37-year-old native of Tampa, Florida will get a taste of the next chapter of NASCAR during the 2022 season with the NextGen car debuting this weekend at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The NextGen is the seventh iteration of the stock car NASCAR introduced in 1949. Each version has been an improvement from its previous form with a goal that is morein line with what manufacturers sell and consumers want. Design and spec changes 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. Diving deeper, there are 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. Also, rack-and-pinion steering replaces the archaic recirculating ball, and an independent rear suspension is a drastic upgrade from the full floating axle.

● The Busch Light Clash is the traditional non-points, season-opening race. This year’s edition marks the first time since 1981 that a Cup Series season has been kicked off at a track other than Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. While NASCAR is introducing the NextGen car to its legions of fans, the industry also wasted no time introducing a glimpse of what could be the future of stock car racing by constructing a quarter-mile track in the confines of the historic Los Angeles Coliseum – well known for hosting two summer Olympics, numerous Super Bowls, and college football’s University of Southern California Trojans. While this is a new concept in the modern era of stock car racing, similar configurations have been run. The series raced on quarter-mile Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, from 1958 to 1971. This year’s Clash field is open to 40 racers, with each driver vying for one of 23 spots in Sunday’s feature race.

● Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum format:

After Saturday’s practice and the initial single-car qualifying session, drivers will be placed into heat races based on their best-posted qualifying speed. Every car entered into the Clash automatically advances to one of the heat races, giving them a chance to move on to the main event.
On Sunday, drivers compete in one of four 25-lap heat races with up to 10 cars in each race. The fields will be filled out in a manner consistent with their initial qualifying speed. Fastest will start on pole in the first heat race, second-fastest starts on pole in the second heat race, and so on (one, five, nine, etc., line up in Heat 1).
The top four finishers in each heat race will automatically advance to the main event, totaling 16 drivers with a ticket to Sunday’s feature. Drivers who do not advance from their qualifying race will be placed into one of two 50-lap Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) races. The top three from each LCQ advance to the Sunday feature.
The final spot in the 23-man main event is reserved for the driver who finished the highest in the 2021 points standings who does not transfer on finishing position in the heat races or LCQ.
● Busch Light Clash History: In Almirola’s five previous Clash appearances, he has finished in the top-10 three times with a best finish of sixth.

● Appearances: On Saturday, Almirola will join “The Cars Garage” hosts to test his driving skills on a custom, radio-controlled obstacle course at the PIXAR Cars activation just outside the Coliseum from 12:30 to 1 p.m. PST. Later, he’ll join his Stewart-Haas Racing teammates for a Q&A at the Fan Fest stage from 4 to 4:15 p.m.

● 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.

● 2021 Recap: Almirola’s 2021 season was full of ups and downs. He started the season by winning his Duel qualifying race at Daytona before a string of bad luck and unfortunate finishes plagued the No. 10 Smithfield team. On June 13, Almirola’s luck turned when he raced his way into the NASCAR All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, and the following weekend he earned the pole award for the Cup Series’ inaugural race at Nashville Superspeedway before earning his first top-five finish of the season. Four weeks later, on July 18, Almirola and the No. 10 team visited victory lane at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon after leading 46 laps at the 1.058-mile flat oval to earn his third NASCAR Cup Series win and catapulting the No. 10 team into the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. Almirola did not advance past the Round of 16 and finished 15th in the playoff point standings.

● Smithfield Foods rejoins Almirola and the No. 10 Ford team as the anchor sponsor for his final fulltime NASCAR season. Smithfield has been a sponsor of Almirola’s for the entirety of his fulltime NASCAR Cup Series career – making it one of the longest-lasting partnerships in NASCAR.

● The No. 10 Farmer John scheme will be Almirola’s first NASCAR NextGen paint scheme to hit the track for the 2022 season. Pioneering a revolution in the supply of locally flavored meats, Farmer John has been a Southern California staple since 1931. This will be the fourth time Farmer John has been a primary sponsor on the No. 10 Ford and the first time this particular red, white and blue livery has adorned Almirola’s car. Fans can keep up with the California brand’s NASCAR experience, which includes a prerace Fan Zone for all fans and special appearances by Farmer John himself, by following on Instagram (@FarmerJohnLA), Twitter (@FarmerJohnLA), and Facebook (@FarmerJohn) and using the hashtags #SoFarmerJohn and #FJLABlitz

● Pristine Auction, an online auction site, specializing in autographed memorabilia, sports cards, coins, art, and collectibles, has joined Stewart-Haas Racing as an associate sponsor of the No. 10 and No. 4 cars for the 2022 season. Since the inception of the family-owned company in 2010, Pristine Auctions has grown from a spare bedroom to two facilities in Phoenix, Arizona, totaling over 60,000 square feet and a staff of over 150 team members. Pristine Auction works with top authentication companies to ensure that all items offered are 100 percent authentic, making them a top destination for collectors and sellers globally.

● Beyond the 10 YouTube Series:In 2022, Almirola will continue to share his life beyond the No. 10 Smithfield Ford with season four 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 Farmer John Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing:

What do you think about the NextGen debut this year?

“Everything is different. The approach is different. The way the car handles, steers, and drives is different. The way the crew guys work on the cars. The way they set them up. Everything we do is a hard reset. When I look at this season, it really gets me excited for all of the changes and the land of the unknown. There is so much opportunity out there for everybody and to be the ones to try and figure it out first is exciting. The entire year is going to be about resetting each weekend, starting at the Clash. Even the data from the first few tests is irrelevant because the rules that applied then are already different, so we’re heavily relying on the guys and girls at the shop to constantly adapt to change and I’ll have to do my part.”

Are you excited about racing inside of the Coliseum?

“Having the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum is such a unique opportunity for our sport. All of the history this venue has is one thing, but it’s another to make history debuting the NextGen car at the same time. No one really knows what to anticipate during the race, but it’s definitely going to put on a show for the fans in attendance and those fans at home watching. The one really cool thing is that I’ll be able to tell my kids and grandkids that I raced inside the Coliseum. My son got really excited when I showed him pictures. He said ‘Dad that’s where the Cars movie was filmed,’ so that was funny.”

You announced you will retire from fulltime racing at the end of the 2022 season. Tell us about that.

“I truly enjoy driving racecars and I’m excited to race my heart out in 2022 for Smithfield and Stewart-Haas Racing. But to be the best in this business, you’ve got to be selfish and, for the last 37 years, my life has always revolved around me and what I needed to do. I want to be present. I want to be the best husband and father, and that to me means more than being a racecar driver. So, it’s one more year where I’m all in on racing, where we’ll do whatever it takes to compete at the highest level. But when the season is over, I’ll be ready to wave goodbye. I’ve loved every minute of it, but it’s time for the next chapter of my life.

No. 10 Farmer John 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

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