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Montoya reunites with Arrow McLaren SP for Indianapolis May events

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by James Black/Penske Entertainment.

A familiar name will be returning to the NTT IndyCar Series starting grid in May 2022 after it was announced that Juan Pablo Montoya will be joining forces with Arrow McLaren SP and Mission Foods for a second consecutive season as he competes in the GMR Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course on May 14 followed by the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indy’s iconic oval-shaped layout on May 29.

Montoya, a racing veteran from Bogota, Columbia, will be piloting the No. 6 Arrow McLaren SP Dallara-Chevrolet for both Indy events, where he will be a teammate to AMSP’s full-time drivers Pato O’Ward and Felix Rosenqvist, as he also bids for his seventh Indianapolis 500 entry and third victory.

“I’m excited to return to Indianapolis with Arrow McLaren SP and Mission, to once again compete in a race that holds a special place in my heart – the Indianapolis 500,” Montoya said. “I had a great experience with the team last year and look forward to building on the progress we made in 2021. I think we have a real shot at competing at the front of the field and challenging for the win.”

In May 2021, Montoya drove the No. 86 AMSP Chevrolet to a 21st-place result in the GMR Grand Prix at the Indy road course followed by a ninth-place result in the 105th running of the Indy 500. He won the 500 in his first attempt in 2000 while competing for Chip Ganassi Racing, thus becoming the first Columbian to achieve an Indy 500 victory, and became a two-time Indy 500 champion in 2015 while driving for Team Penske.

Montoya, whose racing career started with karting, returns to AMSP with a rich motorsports resume that includes previous competitions in British Formula 3, International Formula 3000, FedEx Championship Series, Formula One, IndyCar, Rolex 24 at Daytona, NASCAR, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, 24 Hours of Le Mans and FIA World Endurance Championship. During this span, he has competed for organizations that include Williams Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, Team Penske, Meyer Shank Racing, DragonSpeed USA and McLaren.

To go along with two Indianapolis 500 victories, Montoya has one championship and 15 career victories in IndyCar competition. His last victory in IndyCar was at the Streets of St. Petersburg in March 2016 while driving for Team Penske, which also marked his last full-time IndyCar season to date. He claimed his maiden IndyCar title in 1999 in a tie-breaker against Dario Franchitti.

By competing in both Indianapolis events this season, Montoya will reach 97 career starts in the IndyCar Series.

“We’re delighted to have both Juan Pablo and Mission Foods back for another Indianapolis 500,” Zak Brown, McLaren Racing’s CEO, said. “Juan Pablo is an institution in motorsport, with two Indianapolis 500 victories and an impressive Formula 1 career with multiple wins for McLaren. He adds experience that really benefits our team, giving us another driver with the potential to win anytime he steps into the car.”

Mission Foods, which partnered with Arrow McLaren SP in 2020, will be represented on Montoya’s car and suit for both Indy events and will serve as a yearlong associate sponsor for O’Ward and Rosenqvist.

“We are thrilled to partner again with Juan Pablo Montoya and Arrow McLaren SP for the 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500,” Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods’ CEO, added. “The Indianapolis 500 and Juan Pablo are legendary to racing and loved by race fans everywhere. It’s an honor for our brand to align with icons like these.”

The 2022 GMR Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course is scheduled to occur on May 14 at 3 p.m. ET on NBC. The 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled to commence on May 29 at 11 a.m. ET on NBC.

Richard Childress Racing Announces Breakthrough Partnership with 3CHI

By
Official Release
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Leader in natural, hemp-based consumable and therapeutic products to sponsor Tyler Reddick during 2022 season

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 11, 2022) – 3CHI, a company focused on innovation within hemp-based consumer products, is teaming up for a groundbreaking partnership with Richard Childress Racing, Tyler Reddick and the No. 8 NASCAR Cup Series team in 2022, the two organizations announced today.

This is a significant partnership for both organizations as it marks the first category-specific team partnership in NASCAR and first hemp-based consumer brand sponsorship across all major professional sports.

The partnership will kick off with the DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, February 20 at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Tyler Reddick will drive the No. 8 3CHI Chevrolet Camaro in the Great American Race, as well as a significant number of races during the 2022 season as part of the multi-race, multi-year partnership.

“This is a unique opportunity to leverage a team partnership with one of the most iconic and innovative teams in NASCAR to help introduce 3CHI’s vast array of products to a passionate and dedicated fan base,” said Justin Journay, founder and chief executive officer of 3CHI. “We’re looking forward to working with Richard Childress Racing to tap into the excitement of the sport and new Next Gen car, unique activation opportunities and technology involved.”

3CHI focuses on bringing natural science and new innovation to the hemp industry and has earned thousands of consumer testimonials to their benefit and enjoyment of 3CHI products. 3CHI produces products made by the industry’s best scientists, using the highest quality natural and organic hemp.

Everything produced by 3CHI follows all federal requirements for full legal compliance. 3CHI’s production and distribution of its products strictly adhere to a policy of safety above all else and sales are for responsible adult use only to consumers aged 21 and older.

“This is a first-of-its kind partnership, both within motorsports and within the sports industry as a whole,” said Torrey Galida, president of Richard Childress Racing. “We’re proud of our role as industry leaders in this category and look forward to introducing a pioneer in hemp-based consumer products to NASCAR, as well as educating fans about 3CHI’s innovative, science-based products.”

For more information, please visit 3CHI.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 2022 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 and Austin Hill.

About 3CHI:
3CHI began with roots as a CBD producer and quickly became a pioneer in science-based cannabis research. Founded by a biochemist, the company was the first commercial developer of hemp-derived Delta 8, leading to the immense popularity of legally compliant THCs today. Based in Indiana, the company continues as an industry leader in emerging THC science and innovative hemp-derived products. To learn more, click here: 3CHI.com. For questions and media inquiries, please reach out to: press@3chi.com.

Rheem Reunites with Harvick in 2022

By
Official Release
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America’s No. 1 Water Heating Brand To Serve as Primary Partner of No. 4 Ford Mustang for Three NASCAR Cup Series Races

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Jan. 11, 2022) – As Kevin Harvick embarks on his 22nd year in the NASCAR Cup Series, a familiar brand rejoins the driver of the No. 4 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) in 2022.

Rheem, America’s No. 1 water heating brand and major air conditioning and heating manufacturer, is commemorating its 15th anniversary in racing, and as a part of the celebration, Rheem will partner with Harvick and the No. 4 team for three NASCAR Cup Series races. Harvick will drive the No. 4 Rheem Ford Mustang March 6 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, May 8 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway and Sept. 11 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City.

The pairing reunites Rheem with Harvick, a relationship that began in 2007 when Harvick won the Daytona 500 in dramatic fashion, beating NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin for the victory by .02 of a second in a frantic green-white-checkered finish. It led to Rheem serving as a primary partner for Harvick’s NASCAR Xfinity Series team, Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI), in 2008.

“Kevin Harvick helped launch Rheem Racing and through KHI, Kevin played a prominent role in Rheem realizing value in the sport and progressively moving up to the NASCAR Cup Series,” said Ed Raniszeski, executive director, Rheem motorsports. “Kevin’s long history with Rheem and his great rapport with Rheem customers makes this a very welcome homecoming. NASCAR has been an increasingly valuable platform for Rheem and we hope this reunion serves as our way of thanking racing fans for supporting Rheem and all sponsors who showcase their brands and believe in the power and future of NASCAR.”

Rheem’s debut with KHI came on May 2, 2008 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway where Harvick finished second in the Lipton Tea 250. Harvick delivered Rheem its first victory as a primary sponsor on Feb. 27, 2010 when he won the Sam’s Town 300 at Las Vegas. Rheem aligned as a primary partner with Harvick in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2011 and stayed with him through the 2013 season before Harvick joined SHR in 2014.

“It’s been 15 years since we first started working with Rheem and it’s great to be back with them,” Harvick said. “The NASCAR fan is their customer, and we’ve worked really hard to understand that relationship to ensure Rheem gets a good return on its investment. This year kind of throws it back to how it all began with Rheem being a primary sponsor on one of my racecars. I’m proud to carry their colors again in 2022.”

Harvick is the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion and he is also a two-time Xfinity Series champion (2001 and 2006). He has 119 points-paying victories across NASCAR’s top-three national touring series – Cup (58 wins), Xfinity (47 wins) and Camping World Truck (14 wins).

Harvick’s season kicks off with the non-points Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum Feb. 5-6 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum before the official start of the 2022 campaign with the 64th annual Daytona 500 Feb. 20 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

About Rheem:

Founded in 1925, Rheem® innovates new ways to deliver precise temperatures while saving energy, water and supporting a more sustainable future. Rheem is America’s No. 1 water heating brand with products available in more than 80 countries. Paloma Co., Ltd.® of Nagoya, Japan, acquired the iconic Rheem brand in 1988. Today the company’s portfolio of premium brands include Rheem®, Raypak®, Ruud®, Eemax®, Richmond®, Splendid®, Solahart® and EverHot™ as well as commercial refrigeration brands Russell®, Witt®, ColdZone® and Kramer®, which are part of the Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG®) division and, most recently, Friedrich, an industry leader in high-end air conditioning solutions.

About Stewart-Haas Racing:

Stewart-Haas Racing is the title-winning NASCAR team co-owned by three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation – the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America. The Kannapolis, North Carolina-based organization has won two NASCAR Cup Series titles, one NASCAR Xfinity Series championship and more than 90 NASCAR races, including such crown-jewel events as the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and Southern 500. For more information, please visit us online at StewartHaasRacing.com and on social at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Single-day tickets go on sale today for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding

By
Official Release
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Ten races will be featured on track during the 18th annual event weekend

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Jan. 11, 2022) – Single-day tickets to the 2022 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding go on sale to the public today at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets can be bought online at gpstpete.com for the 18th annual event set for February 25-27th in downtown St. Petersburg.

Fans get an action-packed weekend featuring 10 races from six different series speeding down the runways of Albert Whitted Airport and racing along the Bayshore Drive waterfront and St. Petersburg skyline. Daily general admission tickets are $25 for Friday, $40 for Saturday, and $55 for Sunday. Single Day Grandstand seats are $120 in upper rows and $95 in lower rows. Junior pricing is available for ages 12 and under.

Multi-day tickets remain available for purchase for those fans wanting to attend all three days of the event weekend. A 3-Day General Admission ticket offers the best value at $60, and 3-Day Grandstand seats are $155 and $125 for upper and lower rows, respectively.

“There’s no better way to begin a new racing season while also enjoying the spectacular weather of St. Pete, Florida. ‘The Sunshine City’ is the perfect setting for the start of another NTT INDYCAR SERIES season,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Presented by RP Funding. “We can’t wait to open the spectator gates in just over six weeks for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding.”

The weekend schedule, highlighted by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season-opening race for its 18th annual visit to the streets of St. Petersburg, will have a full complement of racing series on track. INDYCAR’s future stars will battle in the Indy Lights series. More of the sport’s rising stars looking to climb the professional racing ladder will compete in Indy Pro 2000 Presented by Cooper Tires and Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship doubleheader races for both series. IMSA-sanctioned Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup and SRO’s GT America also add two races each to a loaded schedule with some fender-to-fender showroom stock racing for fans to enjoy.

For additional ticket prices, the event schedule and festival information, visit gpstpete.com. Follow Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding on social media using @gpstpete and #FirestoneGP for the latest updates. Joining the E-Club also provides insider access to the latest news and offers.

About Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding:
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a race event held during Florida’s spring break season. Traditionally the site of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season-opening race, St. Pete is a destination city hosting this annual motorsports tradition and offering a festival atmosphere with its downtown location. The temporary circuit is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn configuration using the streets circling Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dali Museum and extending onto the runways at Albert Whitted Airport, which overlooks the waterfront of Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is owned and operated by Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC. Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC is owned by Green Savoree Racing Promotions 2, LLC whose other subsidiaries also promote three additional INDYCAR SERIES races, The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (July 1-3, 2022), Honda Indy Toronto (July 15-17, 2022), and Grand Prix of Portland (Sept. 2-4, 2022).

For more information, visit gpstpete.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page at @GPSTPETE or follow the event on Twitter @GPSTPETE and Instagram @GPSTPETE using #FirestoneGP.

How to choose the best insurance for your vehicle purchase

By
SM
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Photo by Emmy Gaddy on Unsplash

If you are in the market to purchase a Ford F150 truck you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that the Ford F-Series truck is the best-selling vehicle of 2021 in the United States for the 40th consecutive year.

But before you rush out to purchase your new truck, one of the items that you will want to carefully consider is how to find the insurance coverage that will meet all of your automotive needs and do so at an affordable and competitive price. Below we have compiled all of the relevant information as we take a look at the average insurance cost for a Ford F150. We will also discuss all of the various elements that will affect the price of your automotive insurance policy.

There are numerous factors that will ultimately determine exactly how much you can expect to pay when you insure your vehicle. Please note that the different versions of the Ford F150 and the age of the truck can significantly impact the cost of your insurance coverage.

There are other things to consider which include, but are not limited to, your age, gender, driving experience, driving record, where you live and the safety rating of the vehicle. The trim package you choose can affect your insurance rate as well. A standard trim package with Two-Wheel Drive can cost as little as approximately $105 per month for liability insurance for an experienced driver with a clean driving record. The more expensive Crew Cab models that come with a premium trim package and Four-Wheel Drive can cost the same individual as much as $30 more per month for liability insurance.

The safety features and the safety ratings on the Ford F150 that you choose are important items to consider when purchasing any vehicle. Good safety features and ratings can reduce your insurance premium. Insurance companies will often offer discounts for certain safety features including anti-lock brakes, air bags, and anti-theft devices, just to name a few.

Notably, the 2020 Ford F150 crew-cab scored well in IIHS (The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) crash tests. But, keep in mind, that all Ford F150 models may not show the same crash tests results. You can look up the information on how the Ford F150 has performed previously in crash tests at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

If you choose to fully insure your Ford F150, you will probably want to obtain comprehensive insurance which will increase the cost of your automobile insurance. This type of insurance will pay for damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision, for example, damage caused by hail or hitting an animal, and the theft of your vehicle. For this reason, the cost of comprehensive insurance is partly based on how often the vehicle you own is stolen, commonly known as the theft rate.  

A 2018 study by the National Crime Bureau found that a full-size Ford pickup was the third most stolen vehicle in the United States. However, it is usually older year models that are typically stolen as they often don’t have any anti-theft protection.  

These are some of the items you should consider when purchasing a Ford F150 or any vehicle, and a guide to obtaining the best insurance coverage and rate. Lastly, always shop around to obtain several quotes before making your final decision.

Sonoma Raceway bringing back the Chute for 2022 NASCAR Weekend

By
Official Release
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SONOMA, Calif. – There’s nothing like high speed turns at an iconic road course, and this year, NASCAR drivers will be flying down the Chute once again as Sonoma Raceway and NASCAR announced the return of the popular stretch of racetrack during the June 10-12 race weekend.

“We heard from many fans and drivers how much they loved it when we raced the Chute,” said Sonoma Raceway EVP and General Manager Jill Gregory. “The Carousel was part of the original course and we reverted back to it for our 50th Anniversary in 2019 and used it again in 2021. But we race to bring excitement and drama to the fans, and an overwhelming majority of them asked us to bring back the Chute.”

Since the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Cup race length will remain at 350 kilometers, the race will be extended from 90 laps to 110 laps, giving fans more opportunities to see the cars battle for position. It also sets Turn 7 up as a high-speed corner where many legendary passes and confrontations have occurred.

“It will be more exciting for the fans just because those are a couple of wild corners with some new hairy passing zones,” said 2021 NASCAR Champion and Toyota/Save Mart 350 race winner Kyle Larson. “Mistakes can be made in those corners when you’re bouncing over curves so the cars will be moving around a lot. It will be exciting. It will be pretty wild because you can go all the way to exit of Turn 4 on the other side of the curve and barely miss the wall.”

The Chute was constructed prior to the 1998 race and used in every Sonoma NASCAR event through 2018. This stretch of the raceway connects Turn 4 as the cars approach the top of the hill to Turn 7 as the cars prepare for the downhill march through the “S” turns. Martin Truex Jr. was the last driver to win on the Chute layout in 2018.

“Drivers and fans have missed the passing opportunities and close racing created by the Chute so we’ll be returning to that configuration for the NASCAR Cup Series and the return of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series,” said Scott Miller, NASCAR Senior VP of Competition. “NASCAR has seen drama and incredible action at road course races, and we’re looking forward to even more intensity as the Next Gen race car debuts and the Chute returns at Sonoma.”

Stage breaks for the 110-lap Toyota/Save Mart 350 will be at laps 25 and 55. Saturday’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event will be 75 laps with stage breaks at laps 20 and 45. The General Tire 200 ARCA Menards Series West race will be run prior to the Truck race on Saturday.

Tickets for the June 10-12 race weekend are available at www.sonomaraceway.com. Ticket packages including weekend and single-day, camping and fun extras such as pit passes and scanners also are on sale now through the raceway’s website or by calling the box office at 1-800-870-RACE.

NBC Sports, INDYCAR Announce 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Broadcast Start Times

By
Official Release
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INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, Jan. 10, 2022) – NBC Sports and INDYCAR have announced the broadcast start times for the 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule, which will feature a record 14 races on broadcast network NBC, headlined by the 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 29 at iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with coverage on NBC beginning at 11 a.m. (ET).

The first six races of the season will air on NBC, including the season opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding at noon (ET) Sunday, Feb. 27.

NBC Sports will also present the third consecutive year of the INDYCAR-NASCAR doubleheader July 30-31 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, with the INDYCAR race at noon (ET) Saturday, July 30 on NBC.

Highlights of NBC Sports’ 2022 INDYCAR schedule include:

  • The 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 29, on NBC, with coverage beginning at 11 a.m. (ET).
  • The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach returns to NBC at 3 p.m. (ET) Sunday, April 10.
  • The third consecutive year of the INDYCAR-NASCAR doubleheader at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course the weekend of July 30-31, with the INDYCAR race on Saturday, July 30 on NBC.
  • The much-anticipated second iteration of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix on the streets of Nashville, and first presentation of the race on network television, will air at 3 p.m. (ET) Sunday, Aug. 7 on NBC.
  • The season-ending Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will be presented at 3 p.m. (ET) Sunday, Sept. 11 on NBC.

Peacock will exclusively stream an NTT INDYCAR SERIES race for the first time in 2022 when the Honda Indy Toronto race will be held at 3 p.m. (ET) Sunday, July 17. Peacock will simulstream all races airing on NBC and all qualifying and practice sessions, as well as coverage surrounding the 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, Indy Lights races, race day warmups and full-event replays of 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races also will be available on Peacock.

NBC Sports’ 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES coverage schedule:

JTG DAUGHERTY RACING ANNOUNCES FRESH PARTNERSHIP WITH IRISH SPRING®

By
Official Release
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Irish Spring to sponsor No. 47 Camaro ZL1 in Daytona 500 and Bristol Dirt Race

HARRISBURG, N.C. (January 10, 2022) – – JTG Daugherty Racing announced today that Irish Spring® Body Wash will sponsor the No. 47 Camaro ZL1 with Kroger® in the Daytona 500 on February 20th and the Bristol Dirt Race on April 17th.

“We’ve got a strong sponsor lineup this season, and we’re proud to welcome Irish Spring to the Kroger Racing family,” Stenhouse said. “They’ve selected two great races to showcase their body wash brand to NASCAR’s 70 million brand loyal fans, and it’s two race tracks we excel at regularly.”

“More guys choose Irish Spring to get clean than any other brand, and we’re thrilled to join JTG Daugherty Racing in their drive to clean up at Daytona and Bristol,” said Emily Fong Mitchell, General Manager, Personal Care North America.

The two races selected by Irish Spring are sites where Stenhouse has a victory and a runner-up finish. To elaborate, Stenhouse’s second career NASCAR Cup Series victory occurred at Daytona International Speedway on July 1, 2017, and he finished in second-place in his first outing in the Bristol Dirt Race.

“We’re all going to need to use some Irish Spring Body Wash after the Bristol Dirt Race,” Stenhouse laughed. “We had a blast our first time there on dirt and our car was really good on the long run. We’re looking forward to getting back there with Kroger and Irish Spring. But first, we’ll kick things off for Irish Spring in our biggest race of the year, the Daytona 500.”

Live coverage of the Daytona 500 takes place on Sunday, February 20th at 2:30 PM ET on FOX, MRN Radio and SiriusXM Satellite NASCAR Radio. The Bristol Dirt race airs live Sunday, April 17th at 7 PM ET on FOX, PRN Radio and SiriusXM Satellite NASCAR Radio.

ABOUT COLGATE-PALMOLIVE:

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet. Focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition, the Company sells its products in more than 200 countries and territories under brands such as Colgate, Palmolive, elmex, hello, meridol, Sorriso, Tom’s of Maine, EltaMD, Filorga, Irish Spring, PCA Skin, Protex, Sanex, Softsoap, Speed Stick, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet. The Company is recognized for its leadership and innovation in promoting environmental sustainability and community well-being, including its achievements in saving water, reducing waste, promoting recyclability and improving children’s oral health through its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, which has reached more than 1.3 billion children since 1991. For more information about Colgate’s global business and how the Company is building a future to smile about, visit www.colgatepalmolive.com.

Hardpoint’s Daytona Lineup Features Rob Ferriol, Katherine Legge, Stefan Wilson and Nick Boulle For 24 Hour Return In Porsche 911 GT3 R

By
Official Release
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Ferriol, Legge to Pilot No. 99 GridRival Porsche 911 GT3 R For 2022 season, joined by Wilson at Michelin Endurance Cup events and Rolex-Winning Boulle at Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (January 10, 2022) – Hardpoint returns for the 2022 IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship season beginning with January’s Rolex 24 At Daytona, adding drivers Stefan Wilson and Nick Boulle to the full-time GT Daytona (GTD) class duo of Rob Ferriol and Katherine Legge in the No. 99 GridRival/GNARLY Jerky/de Boulle Diamond and Jewelry Porsche 911 GT3 R.

Ferriol, the team owner in addition to driving duties, and Legge co-drove in 2021 in Hardpoint’s first full season of IMSA WeatherTech competition. Ferriol earned IMSA’s Bob Akin Award in 2021 for the championship’s top Bronze-rated driver, and he and Legge were a part of the Hardpoint entry at the 2021 Rolex 24 that earned a top-10 finish in the team’s first 24 hour race. Legge was a runner-up at Daytona in the GTD class in 2018.

Wilson, a three-time Indianapolis 500 starter, makes his Rolex 24 debut celebrating the 10th anniversary of his late brother Justin Wilson’s win at the historic event overall in 2012. Wilson, through Hardpoint’s partnership with Cusick Motorsports, GNARLY Premium Cut Jerky, LOHLA SPORT and Neptune Systems, will be the additional driver at each of the Michelin Endurance Cup races, beginning at Daytona and including Sebring, Watkins Glen and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

Boulle joins Hardpoint as the 2017 Prototype Challenge class winner at that year’s Rolex 24 At Daytona. Boulle also has a pair of runner-up finishes in 2016 and 2020 and competed in a Porsche 911 GT3 R in the 2019 edition of the race, where he ran as high as second late before the race was shortened due to weather. This will be Boulle’s sixth time racing in the Rolex 24, but the first since his family business, de Boulle Diamond and Jewelry, has become an authorized Rolex dealer in Houston, Texas.

Though Wilson has limited IMSA experience with just one start in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship, that race – a 2017 Prototype Challenge-class run at Circuit of the Americas teamed with Boulle – resulted in a runner-up finish for the pair in their previous run as teammates.

Hardpoint returns to action at the Roar Before the 24, going on-track for the first time officially in 2022 on Friday, January 21. Three practice sessions and a qualifying on Friday and Saturday set up Sunday’s two-driver, 100-minute qualifying race. That race will set the grid for the following week’s Rolex 24 At Daytona, which includes practice on Thursday and Friday before the race begins on Saturday at 1:40 p.m. EST.

Noteworthy:

  • In addition to season-long partner GridRival, the most in-depth fantasy motorsports manager on the planet, Hardpoint’s No. 99 Porsche 911 GT3 R will carry the colors and logo of partners de Boulle Diamond and Jewelry, GNARLY Premium Cut Jerky, LOHLA Sport, Neptune Systems and Cusick Motorsports during the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
  • Hardpoint launched a new branding initiative at the start of the 2022 season, including a new logo, and shortened “Team Hardpoint” to simply “Hardpoint.” Hardpoint is a nod to Ferriol’s military background and refers to the strongest part of the aircraft where weapons, engines and other payloads are mounted.
  • Ferriol and Legge co-drove in 11 of 12 events last year, as Hardpoint ran a two-car effort at Sebring. Legge finished fifth in that race in an all-female lineup that included Christina Nielsen and Bia Figueiredo. Legge finished the season eighth in the driver’s championship, with Ferriol ninth. Hardpoint was eighth in the team championship.
  • Along with the team’s 2022 at-track activity, the Hardpoint eSports team is hosting weekly Happy Hour with Hardpoint meet-ups on iRacing open to fans and other racers. Each week features three different cars, including the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, at three different tracks with staggered start times including practice, qualifying and sprint races.

Hardpoint Quote Board

Rob Ferriol, Driver, No. 99 Porsche 911 GT3 R: “We’re a much smarter team than we were a year ago approaching Daytona for the first time in the Porsche 911 GT3 R, and now have the benefit of a full season under our belt, as well as a few new tools in the kit bag. While it’s been a very short off-season, we’ve taken those lessons learned and used this time to aggressively refine and retool the team, reinforcing in some areas, and bringing in new partners altogether in others. As a driver, I’m excited to start 2022 with a clean slate, sharing driving duties with Katherine once again, but also introducing Stefan and Nick to the fold. Nick and Stefan both bring their own unique perspectives to motorsport and demonstrate just how much of a melting pot this sport can be. It’s great to have them on board. As a team owner, I’m really stoked to see how the team has evolved over the off-season, and couldn’t be prouder to have GridRival back with us again this year, but also the litany of partners joining us at Daytona: Cusick Motorsports, Gnarly Jerky, LOHLA Sport, Neptune Systems, and de Boulle Diamond and Jewelry.”

Katherine Legge, Driver, No. 99 Porsche 911 GT3 R: “I feel honored to be back at Hardpoint for a second season. We had some promising races last year where we made decent progress and I think we can really carry that momentum and the lessons learned into 2022. As a team we have gone from strength to strength and I’m proud to be part of an effort with so much heart. We have made some offseason changes that I believe will enable us to capitalize on the strengths of the team, and Rob and I are determined and motivated to get that elusive podium soon. I have finished second at the Rolex before but still dream of that top step. We are very fortunate that Porsche and GridRival are on this journey with us and will strive to give them the results they deserve. We also welcome Stef and Nick to the fold, they both bring a different perspective and unique set of skills and I’m looking forward to working with both of them moving forward.”

Nick Boulle, Driver, No. 99 Porsche 911 GT3 R: “’I’ve been fortunate to run at Daytona several times now and I think it’s one of the most challenging races mentally. There are more difficult tracks out there, but at Daytona there are so few places to rest as a driver. This will be my sixth start at Daytona and I’m beyond excited to get back into a Porsche 911 GT3 R here. I have experience in the car and I think that the pairing with Rob, Katherine and Stefan is going to be a strong group. Stefan and I had the pleasure of racing together once previously in IMSA and we worked really well together. We are both relaxed, but care tremendously about getting a result. Last time it paid off with a third-place finish at the IMSA race at COTA in 2017 so hopefully we can have a repeat performance.”

Stefan Wilson, Driver, No. 99 Porsche 911 GT3 R: “I’m really happy with the way things turned out joining Hardpoint. To be partnering with Rob, Katherine and Nick is a great opportunity that I’m excited for and want to make the most of. This will only be my second IMSA WeatherTech start, and my first Rolex 24 start, but it’s a series and race that I’ve targeted for many years, I’m just really grateful to Don Cusick, Cusick Motorsports, GNARLY Premium Cut Jerky, LOHLA SPORT, Neptune Systems and Rob Ferriol for believing in me and giving me this chance. It suddenly dawned on me a couple of weeks ago that it’s not only the 60th Anniversary of the race, but it’s 10 years since Justin won overall. I have many fond memories of watching him compete in this race, and I hope I can create some good memories of my own there this month.”

About Hardpoint:
Hardpoint was founded by Rob Ferriol in 2018 with the vision of combining his experience as a successful entrepreneur with his passion for racing. Headquartered at VIRginia International Raceway, the team captured the 2021 Porsche Carrera Cup North America Pro-Am championship in its inaugural season and competes full-time in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship in a Porsche 911 GT3 R with co-drivers Ferriol and Katherine Legge. More information on Hardpoint can be found at www.hardpoint.com or through its strong social media presence on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Almirola To Retire at End of 2022 Season

By
Official Release
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Smithfield Foods To Continue as Anchor Partner for No. 10 Team

View Almirola’s YouTube Video HERE.

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Jan. 10, 2022) – The 2022 season will be Aric Almirola’s 15th and final year as a NASCAR Cup Series driver. The 37-year-old racer will retire after the season finale Nov. 6 at Phoenix Raceway.

Longtime sponsor Smithfield Foods will continue as an anchor partner of Almirola and the No. 10 team of Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), with 2022 marking the brand’s 11th year with Almirola and its fifth with SHR.

“I truly enjoy driving racecars and I’m excited to race my heart out in 2022 for Smithfield and Stewart-Haas Racing,” said Almirola, driver of the No. 10 Smithfield Ford Mustang. “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.”

Almirola made his NASCAR Cup Series debut on March 11, 2007 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, three days before his 23rd birthday. He teamed up with Smithfield in 2012 while at Richard Petty Motorsports for his first full year in Cup. The Smithfield/Almirola partnership is now one of the most tenured in NASCAR, and since the duo joined SHR in 2018, Almirola has represented Smithfield in the NASCAR Playoffs every year and scored two wins – Oct. 14, 2018 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and July 18, 2021 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to have Aric as part of our Smithfield Family for more than a decade now,” said Shane Smith, president and CEO, Smithfield Foods. “In addition to being an incredibly talented racer and devoted family man, Aric embodies Smithfield’s values and has embraced our commitment to do good for our customers, employees and communities. He will always be family. We wish him all the best in his next chapter and look forward to another great year with him and Stewart-Haas Racing.”

Almirola’s decision to make the 2022 season his last was pragmatic. The Tampa, Florida-native is a husband and father of two, and as he and his wife, Janice, looked at life beyond racetracks on Sundays, Almirola determined that stepping back from racing would allow him to take new steps with his children as they pursue dreams of their own.

“Janice and I have spent many nights talking about it and the questions are the same as anyone else would have when you’re going to stop doing something. Can I afford it? The answer I kept coming up with is that I can’t afford not to. Will I regret it? I think I’ll regret it if I don’t,” Almirola said.

“At the end of this season, we’re going to have a 10-year-old in Alex and a nine-year-old in Abby, and I’m going to have a short window with them while they still think Dad is cool. I want to be there for them and to be a part of the things they’re interested in. Before we know it, they’re going to have car keys and they’re going to be running off with their friends, doing the same things I did when I was 16 or 17.”

Tony Stewart, co-owner of SHR with Haas Automation founder Gene Haas, first met Almirola in 2004 when they were teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing. Stewart was already a NASCAR Cup Series champion with the first of his three titles in hand (2002, 2005 and 2011) while Almirola was just beginning his NASCAR career after being selected as one of the first two drivers for Gibbs’ diversity program.

“I’ve watched Aric develop into a really good racecar driver and it was a proud moment when we were able to bring him to Stewart-Haas Racing,” Stewart said. “He’s really delivered for our race team and for Smithfield, always putting in maximum effort. I know he wants to go out on a high note and we’re going to give him all the resources to succeed.

“That being said, we also want him to enjoy this season. Aric is a great husband and father, and this year will bring a lot of cool moments that he’ll be able to share with his family. He’s earned this opportunity to go out on his terms.”

Almirola’s best seasons have come with SHR. He finished a career-high fifth in points in 2018 and scored a career-best 18 top-10 finishes in 2020.

“It means a lot to be able to walk away on my own terms. It’s been a great ride. I have been blessed beyond my wildest imagination and I honestly have no regrets,” Almirola said.

“Do I wish I would’ve won more races? Sure, and there’s still an opportunity this year. Do I wish I would’ve won a championship? Sure, and I’ve got a lot of drive to make that happen this year. I’m a competitive person. I want to win and I want to be a champion, but at the end of the day, I know that those things mean way less than being there for my family.

“I made it to the highest level of American motorsports as a professional racecar driver. It’s been amazing, with a lot of ups and downs and everything in between. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. But I’m ready to go back to being a fan.”

Almirola’s final season kicks off with the non-points Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum Feb. 5-6 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum before the official start of the 2022 campaign with the 64th annual Daytona 500 Feb. 20 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

About Smithfield Foods, Inc.:

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

About Stewart-Haas Racing:

Stewart-Haas Racing is the title-winning NASCAR team co-owned by three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation – the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America. The Kannapolis, North Carolina-based organization has won two NASCAR Cup Series titles, one NASCAR Xfinity Series championship and more than 90 NASCAR races, including such crown-jewel events as the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and Southern 500. For more information, please visit us online at StewartHaasRacing.com and on social at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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