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Young’s Motorsports Adds Jesse Little to Team Lineup in 2022

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C.: Young’s Motorsports confirmed today that Jesse Little will join the organization to compete in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2022 starting at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway for the NextEra Energy Resources 250 on Fri., Feb. 18, 2022.

Little, the son of former NASCAR driver Chad Little returns to the Truck Series scene after spending the last two seasons competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for JD Motorsports and BJ McLeod Motorsports, respectively.

Daytona will mark Little’s 35th career start in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and second at the “World Center of Racing” after competing for Diversified Motorsports Enterprises (DME) in February 2020.

“I am beyond thrilled to be able to join Young’s Motorsports for the 2022 Truck Series season,” said Little. “This is an incredible opportunity for me and my career and I couldn’t be more appreciative of Tyler and his family’s support.

“I honestly feel that we are going to really turn some heads next year and show everyone the capabilities of Young’s Motorsports. Tyler has built an incredible infrastructure with really great people and I’m very much looking forward to working with every one of them.”

From 2015 to 2020, Little, 24, has achieved seven top-10 finishes in the Truck Series, including a career-best sixth-place finish driving for his family-owned JJL Motorsports team at Iowa Speedway in 2018.

“Everyone at Young’s Motorsports is excited to add Jesse Little to our team lineup next season,” said Young’s Motorsports team principal Tyler Young. “Jesse is an exceptional driver with not only a lot of knowledge but also devotion and drive. His sound work ethic is going to be contagious and we cannot wait for great results with him on the track in 2022.”

Additional details on Little’s program, including crew chief, marketing partners and truck number will be announced at a later date.

Added Little, “I can’t wait to get to Daytona and get to work building a strong and competitive program. I’m looking forward to announcing our partners for next year soon and finding new ways to deliver value to them.”

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports) and follow on Instagram (youngsmotorsports) and Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

For more on Jesse Little, please like him on Facebook (Jesse Little Racing) and follow on Instagram (@JesseLittle97) and Twitter (@JesseLittle97).

Mitsubishi Motors to Reveal Two Concept Cars at Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 – The Kei EV Concept and the Ralliart Concept Car

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Official Release
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Kei EV Concept

TOKYO, Dec 22, 2021 – (JCN Newswire) – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will reveal a kei EV concept(1) and a Ralliart concept car at Tokyo Auto Salon 2022, which will be held from January 14 to 16 next year(2).

The kei EV concept(3) is a new generation all-electric kei-car with Mitsubishi Motors-ness, founded on safety, security and comfort, as well as environmental-friendliness. It combines easy handling and practical size of a kei-car with smooth yet powerful road performance of an EV, while offering advanced driver assistance systems and connectivity.

The Ralliart concept car brings together Mitsubishi Motors’ engineering and passion for Monozukuri challenges (craftsmanship). With a premium-feel and a strong sense of presence, the styling expresses the company’s vision for the new Ralliart.

(1) Kei-car is a vehicle category in Japan for microcars.
(2) Press day is on January 14, 2022, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 will be open to the public on January 15 and 16.
(3) Production model will go on sale in Japan early next fiscal year (fiscal 2022 is from April 2022 to March 2023).

About Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE:7211), MMC–a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan–, is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has more than 30,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, mainland China, the Philippines, Viet Nam and Russia. MMC has a competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and appeals to ambitious drivers willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation. Since the production of our first vehicle more than a century ago, MMC has been a leader in electrification–launched the i-MiEV – the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, followed by the Outlander PHEV – the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric SUV in 2013. MMC announced a three-year business plan in July 2020 to introduce more competitive and cutting-edge models, including the Eclipse Cross PHEV (PHEV model), the all-new Outlander and the all-new Triton/L200.

For more information on MMC, please visit the company’s website at
https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/

Routine Vehicle Maintenance 101: The Ultimate Checklist to A Safe Car

By
SM
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Part of owning a vehicle is staying on top of routine vehicle maintenance. Though it would be wonderful to purchase a car and be good to go, cars require a lot of ongoing maintenance to ensure proper functioning. Most cars need regular service once they reach their first 5,000 miles. 

Taking good care of your vehicle with regular and routine maintenance will ensure your car stays functional and safe for as long as possible. In this checklist, you will find all the basic “must-knows” to properly take care of your car.

Monthly Maintenance

Tire Pressure and Visual Inspection of Tires

Certain things should be managed every month, whereas there are other things you will not need to do as frequently. Each month, it is recommended that you inspect your tires. This is a quick process, however, very important. Inspecting your tires each month can include a visual inspection to ensure everything looks good, as well as checking the tire pressure. Checking the tire pressure will make sure your tires are safe to drive on. Before going on a long road trip or out-of-town, it is also a good idea to do a quick tire inspection.

If you do not have a tire gauge, many gas stations offer a free tire pressure check and pump. Each car’s tires have different pressure needs, so be sure to research the correct pressure for the tires on your car. This helpful guide will show you where to find this information for your car.

There are also many at-home ways you can check the tread on your tires to see if it is time to replace them. Check out this guide to learn more about how to know when to replace your tires.

Lights

It is easy for lighting issues to go unnoticed, especially since you’re unlikely to be looking at the outside of your car if you’re in it! Have a friend, neighbor, or family member help you out by walking around the car to ensure all of your lights are working properly. This includes high beam lighting, brake lights, backup lights, and turn signal lighting. You’ll need to be in the car while they are on the outside to do this check. Maintaining functioning lights is very important for driving safety, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. It’s also imperative that you check the lights, as you don’t want to be pulled over by a police officer and be issued a ticket for violating traffic rules.

Windshield

A visual inspection of your windshield can help ensure your safety, especially during the winter months. Make sure you look for cracks, splits, or damages to the windshield and inspect your wipers as well. Always make sure to check your windshield wiper fluid levels too. 

Yearly Maintenance 

As previously mentioned, some parts of maintaining a healthy vehicle only need to be checked up annually. Some of these include: 

Cabin and Air Filters

These control the air you breathe in while you’re driving your car. In general, these should be replaced each year to make sure you are breathing in clean air. A clean air filter will also ensure that your air conditioning system works well in the hot summer months.

Tire Rotations

It is important to do regular tire rotations so that the tires wear evenly. Tires can be quite expensive. Therefore, tire rotations can help increase the longevity of your tires. Tires that are wearing unevenly may cause your car to vibrate or cause other damages and safety risks while driving. Don’t forget to get your tires properly aligned by the mechanic to ensure better handling and to further prolong your tires. Check out this helpful guide that further explores tips on how to properly look after your tires and wheels, allowing you to save money in the long run.

It would be best to take note when the tires are rotated so you don’t lose track. Tire rotations are recommended at least every 5,000 miles or whatever the car manufacturer indicated in the manual. It would be best to do this simultaneously with the oil change so it’s easier to remember. The front tires usually wear off first. If you consistently rotate on a schedule, you will improve the performance of all four tires without spending on new ones.

Brake Check-Ups

Each year, the brakes on your car should be inspected. Many places that perform vehicle inspections will perform a brake check as part of a regular multi-point inspection. This includes listening for noises that seem unusual and clearing brake dust from the brakes.

If you want to streamline the brake check-up process and make it more efficient for your technician, consider using Autoflow, an innovative software designed to increase technician productivity with an easy-to-use interface that creates a clean and high-tech DVI presentation.

You must also check if the brake fluid needs to be replenished, as this is equally important in the function of your brakes. The roads in the urban area are busier than in the rural area. You’ll find that you’re frequently stopping as you drive, and this causes wear and tear on the brake pads. Compared to those living in rural areas, their brake pads don’t need to be changed as frequently.

These are just a few of the components of the basic recommended yearly maintenance. Each vehicle, depending on the type and usage, will have individual needs. It is always a good idea to follow the maintenance schedule as provided by the car manufacturer. Some other considerations for routine vehicle maintenance include: 

  • Wipers: Depending on where you live and the winter weather conditions, you may have to replace your windshield wipers more frequently. Worn-out or improper wiper blades can be dangerous if they do not properly clear the windshield during poor weather conditions. The wiper blades you buy must be of good quality and must fit perfectly to prevent damaging your windshield.
  • Oil Changes: Most newer cars will tell you when it is time for an oil change. It is a good idea to stay on top of these oil changes as it tells you it is time to do so. Oil changes are needed to ensure the longevity and safety of your car. Be sure to use the correct type of oil for your specific type of vehicle. 
  • Car Battery: Every couple of months, it is a good idea to test your car’s battery. This will prevent possible breakdowns. Many car inspections will include a battery test.

Though these checklist points may seem tedious, they can help prevent pricey long-term problems and help ensure the safety of your vehicle when driving. Creating a personal checklist with a timeline can help make taking care of your car easy. 

Interested in doing more to maintain your vehicle’s health? This complete buying guide can help you find the best OBD2 Scanner to help you analyze and diagnose what may be wrong with your car.

Tips for the Beginner US Online Bettor

By
SM
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Betting is not for the faint-hearted. Putting your cash on the line with the hopes of winning something is not easy. Even with that in mind people still wager and enjoy it as a pass-time activity. 

If you are new to online betting, you may want to get acquainted with a few things that will make your wagering encounter exciting and smoother. Ready, get set, here we go!

Scrutinize a sportsbook before joining it

It is easy to fall prey to rogue bookmakers that are out to steal from unsuspecting players. These sites bank on the naivety of new gamblers, especially when it comes to the terms and conditions. So, before you find yourself between a rock and a hard place, read the site’s policy.

Find out if the wagering den has a valid license from trusted providers. Check the kind of games it offers and how legit their odds are. Get to know the payment options it provides, withdrawal limits, and restrictions when it comes to the same.

Most importantly, you have to watch out for US friendly websites since not all websites are made equal. Sign up with the one that accepts Americans and works under US regulations. This way, you can have peace of mind while wagering on your favorite sports.

Play the free games before engaging your funds

Free games are the savior of online stakers. They allow you to have a feel of the set before you invest your funds in it. Online casinos have to offer these games so that the wager fanatics can have a taste before they play for money.

If your chosen casino doesn’t have free games, try searching for them on the provider’s website. In most cases, these games come endowed with credits that make it possible to play them cashless.

While you cannot control the games’ outcomes, you get to know what you will expect when you hit the play button. Feel free to play these free versions as many times as you want until you are confident that you can play them well.

Do not anticipate much

When you join any sportsbook, it is important to understand its dynamics. One sure thing is that the house always has an edge. Another thing you must know is that games take unexpected twists and your team could lose.

Understand how these variables work and how they affect your outcome in each competition. You should also have an open mind that allows you to enjoy the game without expecting much. If you merge these variables, you won’t suffer heartaches when you lose.

Stay away from the jackpots

Yes, we know that you are out to win huge amounts of money but maybe you should stick to the regular games for a while. Use minimal amounts of cash to place your bets before you understand the dynamics of professional sports. Remember, losing is not easy, and especially not when it’s thousands of dollars. Learn how the gaming process works before you start spending significant sums of money.

Practice responsible gambling

Gambling is addictive and players always receive a warning from the bookmaker before they join regarding the same. In most cases, you will be tempted to play another round when you win something. You will want to try to bet on a winning team once more for a chance to win even greater rewards.

As a thumb rule, do not wait for the betting provider to warn you that your time is up. Limit yourself right before you start playing.  There are two ways to do this. You can either set a timer that will alert you once your time-lapses. The second it rings, finish up with the last round and log off from the site.

If that does not work, try setting a dedicated budget for the day’s games. Once your bankroll diminishes, you will have no choice but to leave the betting site.

Do not gamble all your winnings

Whether you’ve won thousands of dollars or you hit a couple of hundreds, never gamble all your winnings. You may argue that the cash wasn’t yours in the first place, but the joy of betting is not just to win but to enjoy the money you receive. 

If you have to place another bet after winning, spend a maximum of 20% of your rewards. You can always try your luck another time.

Do not be a jack of all trades

Unlike online casino games, sports’ betting has different dynamics. You have to understand a game, and then pick a team that you think will win. Observing the team’s patterns is essential for you to know how they will perform in their next game. Specialize in one or two games if you want to be a pro.

Set your budget

How much are you willing to spend? That should be the first question you ask yourself before you begin wagering. The second one should be how much are you willing to lose without feeling any pain? 

Set aside some cash that you will use at the bookmaker’s den and keep the account you will use to wire the funds, empty. Temptations come and you may find yourself moving cash to the wagering site if your online bank is stacked.

Watch out for the wagering requirements

One of the requirements most bookmakers impose on punters is the wagering recommendations. The rule of this regulation is that each payer has to wager through their bonus cash a specific number of times before the betting den allows them to cash out. Some sites say you have to wager your bonus 20, 30, 50, or 60 times before you withdraw.

Others insist that you have to wager 100 times or more before they allow you to enjoy your winnings. Read this fine print information and see what you’re setting yourself up for before accepting the bonuses. If you do not understand the terms and conditions, ask the customer support team for clarification.

Round Up

If you find yourself in an online casino, relax and enjoy the experience. Keep yourself abreast with the site’s requirements before you join the online family and stay away from oppressive bonuses. Remember to trust your instinct about any casino and play responsibly.

Paving complete at the all-new Atlanta Motor Speedway

By
Official Release
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HAMPTON, Ga. (Dec. 21, 2021) – After 163 days of work, crews celebrated the completion of paving at the all-new Atlanta Motor Speedway with fireworks and cheers.

The transformation of AMS started shortly after the checkered flag on July 11. Over the course of five months, the speedway was molded into its new shape, sporting steeper 28-degree banked corners, new drainage technology, and coatings of brand-new asphalt.

With paving complete, the 1.54-mile oval is once again ready to host some of the fastest cars and most talented racers in the world. Testing is planned for the first week of January to prepare for the first NASCAR races at the all-new AMS in 2022.

Tickets for the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 weekend on March 18-20 – the first NASCAR race weekend at the all-new Atlanta Motor Speedway – are available now at www.AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.

About the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 weekend:

Since 2015 the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 has been the main event in Atlanta Motor Speedway’s spring NASCAR weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. This storied race brings awareness to Folds of Honor and its mission to help families of military servicemen and women who have fallen or been disabled while on active duty in the United States Armed Forces.

On Sunday, March 20, 2022, this 500-mile race will be the first for the NASCAR Cup Series on Atlanta Motor Speedway’s revamped racing surface, with NASCAR’s best taking to the reconfigured 28-degree banked corners for the first time.

The race weekend also features Atlanta’s same-day NASCAR doubleheader on Saturday, March 19, 2022. The thrills of the Fr8 208 Camping World Truck Series race and the Nalley Cars 250 Xfinity Series race all happen in one action-packed day that race fans look forward to every year.

More information on the March 18-20, 2022, Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 weekend and ticket availability can be found online at AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.

Follow Atlanta Motor Speedway:

Keep track of all of Atlanta Motor Speedway’s events by following on Twitter, Instagram, and become a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Atlanta Motor Speedway mobile app.

RFK Racing Earns Seven MARCOM Awards in 2021

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Official Release
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Team Recognized for Outstanding Marketing Efforts for Partners Fastenal, Fifth Third, Navistar

CONCORD, N.C. (Dec. 21, 2021) – Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing (RFK) has again received national recognition in its marketing efforts by the prestigious MarCom Awards, earning seven total honors for the organization’s robust marketing plans. The team took home a combined seven awards, including three Platinum distinctions, which represents the highest level of achievement.

“We are thrilled to again receive national recognition by the distinguished MarCom Awards panel,” said RFK Racing Vice President of Marketing Operations & Communications Kevin Woods. “Honors such as these are further proof of the trust our great partners have in us continue to push the envelope in ways in which to authentically promote their brands. As with any industry, change is commonplace for us on many levels, and we’re proud of the team’s effort to continue to adapt and form compelling platforms for our partners.”

MarCom winners are recognized annually for their excellence in terms of quality, creativity and resourcefulness, with only a small percentage achieving Platinum status. The team earned a Platinum in Social Campaign for its promotion of the Fastenal Forward series, highlighting the brand’s integration of its products and services throughout RFK’s operations and featuring testimonials, product features and more.

Fastenal was also awarded a Gold Award in the Internal Communication Campaign category, for its efforts in the virtual events space. Again due to ongoing effects from the pandemic, Fastenal worked alongside RFK to develop a unique program to activate Fastenal’s top salespeople and their top opportunity customers by creating monthly ‘Coffee Talks’ featuring Chris Buescher and RFK President Steve Newmark.

The virtual events category became a focal point throughout the COVID pandemic, in which RFK excelled by promoting its virtual live events, earning a Platinum Award in Special Events. Included in those virtual events were a live, pre-race virtual show from the Daytona 500 and other marquee events, which included appearances from drivers and team personnel, live look-ins from the track, and other unique and customized options around the event.

The team also brought home Platinum honors for its Communication Plan with virtual planning, which featured weekly ‘race day communications’, serving as an alternative to an in-person race experience. The platform highlighted team profile features, and other aspects of the weekly virtual event experience.

Fifth Third Bank received recognition with the RFK team for its efforts in the Integrated Marketing category, where the bank highlighted its ‘Durham to Daytona’ event. The program featured a robust show car program with stops in its branches from the Carolinas through Georgia, and into Florida for the summer marquee event.

Fifth Third also received Honorable Mention honors in the Corporate Social Responsibility category for its continued contributions in the fight against hunger around Fifth Third Day (May 3). The program also included promoting Fifth Third’s shield program, which ultimately benefitted the bank’s partners across the region.

RFK was also awarded a Gold Award for its celebrated #RFRTruckin campaign, centering on the team’s trek to Bristol Motor Speedway and featuring live content featuring team partner Navistar and the team’s transporter drivers around National Truck Driver Awareness week.

The team was recognized earlier this year by the Hermes Creative Awards and the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), for multiple platforms centered around Castrol and Kohler Generators.

2021 Awards

Roush Fenway Virtual Integrated Planning – Platinum Award for Communication Plan

Roush Fenway Virtual Live Events – Platinum Award for Special Event

Fastenal Forward Content – Platinum Award for Social Campaign

RFRTruckin’ (Navistar) – Gold Award for Integrated Marketing

Fifth Third Bank Momentum Tour – Gold Award for Integrated Marketing

Fastenal Virtual Events – Gold Award for Internal Communication Campaign

Fifth Third Bank Fighting Against Hunger – Honorable Mention, Corporate Social Responsibility

MarCom Awards is an international creative competition that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communications professionals, administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. The international organization consists of several thousand creative professionals. The Association oversees awards and recognition programs, provides judges and sets standards for excellence. Judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.

MarCom entries come from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops, production companies and freelancers. The competition has grown to one of the largest of its kind, with winners ranging in size from individual communicators to media conglomerates and Fortune 500 companies.

About Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing
RFK Racing, in its 35th season of competition in 2022, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner himself in the NASCAR Truck Series, joins the ownership fold while piloting the iconic No. 6 Ford, and brings to the team a championship mindset himself having won the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Championship. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox and English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com, and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

Never Too Late to Dream Chase: Schweitzer Claims First Professional Racing Title

By
Official Release
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8 Weeks of Champions: John Schweitzer Western SGT

FIFE, WASH. (21 December 2021)- Winning the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli Western Championship was beyond John Schweitzer’s wildest dreams. (VIDEO: Schewitzer Captures Trans Am SGT West Coast Title – YouTube)

“It was huge,” said the driver from Fife, Washington. “I never thought I would be professional racing in my fifties – let alone chasing the championship.”

The native of Cleveland had a passion for cars from his earlier years. His family had a 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback, and John’s first set of wheels was a 1970 Mustang Mach I he picked up after graduation from high school in 1983 – a car he still enjoys to this day. After participating in track days for a decade, Schweitzer decided to try his hand at racing around five years ago.

“I wanted to step it up and see how I could play with the rest of the boys,” he said. “It’s been quite an experience.”

In his first full season of club racing, he won six races and captured two poles en route to a GT2 season championship, and continued to enjoy success the following seasons racing a Holden Commodore, an Australian-built G.M. product.

“That car is a 2000 Howe chassis,” Schweitzer explained. “When we were at Laguna Seca, we met Chas Howe, and he built the car and knew the whole story behind it. It’s a two-seater, and that car was a lot of fun. But as the [2021] season went on, the competition got into higher-horsepower cars, so for me to keep up I had to step up the horsepower.”

Schweitzer joined Trans Am in 2020, finishing second at Sonoma in rainy conditions to place on the podium in his first professional racing start.

For 2021, he followed up a third at Sonoma by taking second at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. At that point, he decided he needed a change, and traded up to a Ford Fusion. His first race with the new car was at Thunderhill, and that became his first Trans Am Western Championship victory.

“The key to that victory was just finishing the race,” he explained. “We had a couple of issues in that race. The exhaust manifold headers, because we were dealing with the sound issue and it caused a big hole to blow out of the headers, so about halfway through the race the header was blowing hot air at my feet, so the last 15 minutes of the race I couldn’t put my feet down. Also, I lost first gear in the transmission. But I was not going to give up first place. I still had good times – my lap times were actually better in the last half of the race.”

He followed up the victory with a fourth at the Ridge and second-place finishes at Portland and Utah Motorsports Campus to clinch the title.

“Every race was a highlight,” Schweitzer said. “Every race had something unique about it. After Thunderhill was the Ridge, and it rained pretty bad. I tried to drive in the rain, but my windshield was so bad I couldn’t see where I was going. My pit crew had to tell me which way to go so I could get to the pits and get parked.

“At Utah, we had a practice day with 50-mph wind gusts. I had my best laps of the weekend during that windstorm. That race went really well for me, but the big downfall was that there were no yellow flags. I was running better laps in the second half of the race, so I was hoping for a yellow to get me caught back up and get another shot at them.”

With the championship in hand, Schweitzer took on a new challenge in the season finale at Austin’s Circuit of The Americas – running in TA2® with an eye to the future.

“I was a little challenged – my first time driving a TA2® car and my first time at CoTA,” Schweitzer said. “We didn’t have a lot of practice time, so I started finding my way around the track in the second half of the race.”

Now, Schweitzer is set to make the step to the new division.

“My goal is to get out there, and always try to finish ahead of where I started, and see how many points I can rack up,” he said.

The move to TA2® takes Schweitzer full-circle – he’s back behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang, a 2020 Mustang built by Stevens-Miller Racing.

“I love Ford Mustangs, and that was a big selling point with Stevens-Miller,” he said. “I have a few Mustangs I keep at my shop, in my ‘man cave.’

“With everything shut down from COVID the past two years, I don’t know what I would have done if it wasn’t for racing,” Schweitzer said. “I’m committed to keep racing for another 10 years, at least. My racing goal is to do some National events on the East Coast. I’d love to go to the July 4 event at Road America, with the NASCAR race going on, that’s a bucket list event for me, along with Watkins Glen and some of the other tracks. I hope to do one or two different tracks out east, I love the National events. When they came to Laguna Seca this year, it was absolutely phenomenal.”

The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli Western Championship returns for its sixth season in 2022, visiting iconic tracks in the Western half of the United States in conjunction with the SportsCar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) SpeedTour. The series will open its 2022 season at Thunderhill Raceway April 9-10. For a full schedule and more information on the Trans Am Series, visit www.GoTransAm.com.

Corey Heim Slated for 15 Races in the No. 51 Tundra TRD Pro in 2022

By
Official Release
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Mardy Lindley to lead efforts of No. 51 team again next season

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Dec. 21, 2021) – Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) announced today that Corey Heim will return to the organization and be behind the wheel of the No. 51 Tundra TRD Pro for 15 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races in 2022. JBL, the authority in engineering superior sound, returns to KBM for an eighth season and will be the primary sponsor on Heim’s Toyota for 10 races. Crew chief Mardy Lindley will return for his second season atop the pit box for the No. 51 team.

Heim made three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts for KBM in 2021, with a best result of 11th coming at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway in October. The Georgia driver had an impressive Truck Series debut at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway in May, where he led two laps, finished Stage Two in the runner-up position and was running second when he got turned from behind on a restart with just under 30 laps remaining.

The 19-year-old driver finished second to Ty Gibbs in the 2021 ARCA Menards Series championship standings after producing six wins, three poles, 406 laps led, 16 top-five and 20 top-10 finishes and an average finish of 3.1 across 20 starts. Heim has totaled seven wins, 503 laps led, 26 top-five and 35 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 4.2 across 36 career ARCA Menards Series starts.

Heim will be in the No. 51 for the Truck Series 2022 season opening event at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway Feb. 18 and will also compete in the final eight races on the schedule. The remainder of his schedule will be announced at a later date.

“Coming up through the Toyota Racing Development program not only have I looked up to Kyle as a driver but I’ve also watched him build KBM into an organization that provides up-and-coming drivers with all the tools that they need to win races and compete for championships, so I’m super grateful for the opportunity to compete for an owner’s championship alongside him in the No. 51 Tundra TRD Pro in 2022,” Heim said. “I was able to get JBL to victory lane three times in the ARCA Menards Series this year and I know that with Mardy (Lindley, crew chief) atop the pit box and the team I have around me that I can get them to victory lane again this year in the Camping World Truck Series.”

“Corey proved that he is capable of running up front and winning races in the ARCA Menards Series last season and we feel that he is very deserving of the opportunity for an expanded schedule with KBM next year,” Busch said. “Without any practice or qualifying he was able to step right in and run well enough in his Truck Series races this year and we feel that once he is able to get behind the wheel on a more consistent basis that he is someone that will be able to compete for wins. He has a great relationship with Mardy (Lindley, crew chief) and they’ve already been putting in a lot of work in the offseason to make sure that they get our long-time sponsor JBL back to victory lane and put the No. 51 in the hunt for the owner’s championship again next year.”

Lindley’s drivers produced three wins in his first season at KBM, two with owner-driver Kyle Busch and one with Martin Truex Jr. Before arriving at KBM, Lindley guided his drivers to 32 wins and four ARCA Menards Series East championships since 2013, including back-to-back titles with Sam Mayer the last two seasons. Additionally, he earned the ARCA Menards Series Sioux Chief Showdown championship with Mayer in 2020. Behind the wheel, the second-generation driver won 11 races on the Pro Cup Series from 2000 to 2006 and was crowned the series champion in 2001.

Further sponsor announcements for the remaining races on Heim’s schedule are forthcoming.

About JBL:

JBL creates the amazing sound that shapes life’s most epic moments. From iconic events like Woodstock and concerts at Madison Square Garden, to games at Yankee Stadium and weekend road trips, JBL elevates listeners’ experiences with award-winning audio that lets them make the most of every moment. With 75 years of unmatched professional credentials and industry leading innovation, JBL has expertly blended a bold vision of the future with the passion and talent of engineers and designers around the globe. JBL’s Signature Professional Sound is the leading technology that powers major pop culture events, and the brand has partnered with the world’s top talent across music, sports and esports. Follow JBL news online: like JBL on Facebook; follow JBL on Twitter and Instagram @JBLaudio; check out our YouTube Channel; follow us on TikTok; and connect with JBL on LinkedIn.

About Kyle Busch Motorsports:

Since debuting in 2010, Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) has quickly established itself as one of the most successful teams in all of NASCAR. Owned by two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch and fueled by his passion for winning, the organization holds the Camping World Truck Series records for most career wins (90) and most wins in a single season (14 in 2014). In addition to collecting a series-record seven Owner’s Championships, the organization has produced two championship-winning drivers: Erik Jones (2015) and Christopher Bell (2017).

KBM prepares a fleet of race-winning Toyotas out of its state-of-the art 77,000-square-foot facility in Mooresville, N.C. Fans can stay up-to-date with all the latest KBM news online at www.KyleBuschMotorsports.com, by liking the team on Facebook (KBMteam) and by following the team on Instagram (KBMteam), and Twitter (@KBMteam).

MIKE CHRISTOPHER, JR TO MAKE DEBUT IN ALLENTOWN, PA INDOOR RACING EVENTS JANUARY 7-8

By
Official Release
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MIKE CHRISTOPHER, JR. TO MAKE THREE QUARTER MIDGET INDOOR AUTO RACING SERIES DEBUT JANUARY 7-8 IN ALLENTOWN, PA PPL CENTER; WILL DRIVE TREY HODDICK CAR; ENTRIES GROW FOR TQS, SLINGSHOTS AND CHAMP KARTS

ALLENTOWN, PA DECEMBER 21, 2021 . . . Highly regarded asphalt Modified specialist Mike Christopher, Jr., will make his TQ Midget Indoor Auto Racing Series debut on Friday and Saturday, January 7-8 during the Ironton Global sponsored Allentown Indoor Race inside the PPL Center in downtown Allentown, PA.

Christopher, 22. of Wolcott, CT, will be driving a new car owned by Trey Hoddick of Buffalo, NY. Scott Kreutter of Alden, NY, an experienced TQ Indoor racer, will be Christopher’s teammate.

Christopher’s car will carry the No. 82 in the Indoor Auto Racing Series events.

“Trey said I could put any number on the car I wanted so I’m bringing the number 82 from my Modified,” he shared.

Tickets for the two days of racing in Allentown are on sale now. To order online visit www.pplcenter.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the arena box office, open every Tuesday and Thursday and during events hosted at the arena including Lehigh Valley Phantoms games.

Christopher said he had been prepared to race in the 2020 Indoor Auto Racing Series finale.

“I was going to run the last race of season in Syracuse. We were all set to go the day before. I was ready to leave and before I did, the whole thing got shut down because of COVID.

“The car has been sitting on a shelf since then. I called Trey a few weeks ago, and he said, ‘a deal’s a deal’, everything’s ready to go,” Christopher shared.

Christopher. who stands six feet inches, said one of his main obstacles he must face is getting comfortable in the close TQ Midget cockpit.

“I had a problem getting my knees to fit in and at the same time get my head low enough. I’m bringing a bunch of padding with me to help with that.

“What I want to do is come into the Allentown race, make the feature and come out of there clean and with a plan for the next race. If I can’t get comfortable in the car, I’ll just have to suck it up,” Christopher bottom-lined.

Ironton Global and Ironton Telephone and Internet are Allentown Indoor Auto Racing Series title sponsors.

Ironton Global, the leading international provider of cloud-based communication services, headquartered in Coplay, PA, is the title sponsor for the Allentown event.

The Allentown event, as well as 2022 Series events in Atlantic City, NJ and Syracuse, NY are being presented by BELFOR Property Restoration Services, provider of professional 24/7 residential and commercial restoration services.

Future Homes of Kunkletown, PA, a home construction company, specializing in residential, multi-family, and energy efficient buildings, has also returned as the presenting sponsor for the Saturday night card of racing in Allentown.

Though he has yet to turn a wheel in a TQ Midget, Christopher has seen his share of highlight reel footage. His late uncle Ted won five TQ Indoor features and back to back Series titles, in 2010 and 2011.

“I wish I could talk to him and ask him questions about Indoor racing. I saw him have so much success in Indoor races,” Christopher admits. “I know it’s going to be tough to get into the feature but Trey will be giving me a good car. It’s all up to the driver.”

To do well, Christopher, who is used to racing primarily in his native New England region, will have to outrun a solid contingent of greater Lehigh Valley, PA racers.

Kyle Lick of Lehighton, PA returns to the PPL Center driving a car owned by his father. Tyler Lindsay, Micro Sprint dirt track specialist at Shellhammers Speedway, riding out of Slatington, PA, will compete driving a family owned car.

Earl Paules of Lehighton. PA, a perennial favorite, is entered in a car sponsored in part by E. Schneider & Sons Scrap of Allentown, PA. Mike Bednar of Lehighton, PA, will be driving Mike Murray’s highly touted No. 12 TQ Midget.

In addition, western New York teams, Hoddick’s neighbors, are also planning to fight for victory in the PPL Center Series opener.

Ryan Susice, Ramsomville, NY, Tyler Thompson, Oswego, NY, Jonathan Reid of Lockport, NY and Ryan Bartlett of Watertown, NY, have all filed race entries.

Christopher will also be up against one other New Englander. Derek Robbie of Bellingham, MA has entered in a car owned by Nick Giordano.

The biggest Indoor Auto Racing Series PPL Center TQ Midget race winner is Ryan Flores of Mooresville, N.C. Flores, who works for Roger Penske’s NASCAR Cup organization, will be seeking his fifth victory in January, with his eyes set on becoming the winningest TQ driver in series history. Christopher is a close friend of Flores.

The Allentown schedule calls for doors opening at 6:00 PM with racing getting underway at 7:30 PM on Friday. On Saturday, doors open and Fan Fest begins at 5 PM with racing starting at 7:00 PM sharp.

The on-track Fan Fest is available at no extra charge to ticket holders who chose the option when making their purchase. This allows access to the speedway where the cars competing will be on display for photos and drivers available for free autographs.

After Allentown, the series will head to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall on January 28 & 29 for the NAPA KNOW Gambler’s Classic and conclude in Syracuse, NY at the NY State Fairgrounds Exposition Center on Friday and Saturday, March 11 & 12.

Additional entries are currently being accepted by the Indoor Auto Racing Series for its trio of 2022 races.

“We expect that competitor interest in the TQ Midget, Champ Kart, and Slingshot classes will be at an all-time high since we haven’t raced at all in over a year,” Series organizer Len Sammons noted.

TQ Midget race cars will headline all the programs with high-speed excitement competing on speedways set up on the concrete floors of three arenas. Slingshots and Champ Karts will complete the tripleheader programs.

Series information including links for purchasing tickets, hotel rooms and racer entry forms are available on the series website: www.indoorautoracing.com.

Sponsorship opportunities remain for all Indoor Auto Racing Series races.

CHRIS CROWDER READY FOR INITIAL RUN IN CHILI BOWL MIDGET NATIONALS

By
Official Release
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Chris Crowder's immaculate lightning sprint car.

(Colorado Spring, CO, December 20, 2021) Veteran Colorado open-wheel racing star Chris Crowder is set to escape from the clutches of winter and into the hot action at the 36th Annual Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma in January. It will be his first attempt at the celebrated race that features more than 300 entries from all disciplines of racing including NASCAR, NHRA, and Indy Cars.

Crowder, who resides in Colorado Springs, will be one of more than 75 drivers attempting to become the Rookie of the Race. For his initial effort in the annual event, he will be wheeling the Del Morris Motorsports/Accelerated Services Auto Transporters/Morris Insurance Agency/Open Wheel Logistics/Champion Brands/Spike/Esslinger/RSI/#17R and he will be a teammate to San Rafael, California’s Frankie Guerrini.

“This is a great prestigious race,” the former member of the United States Marine Corps said about his impression of the Chili Bowl. “Just to be there amongst the Kyle Larson’s, Rico Arbeau’s, and those guys. To be on the same stage as those guys is a unique opportunity that very few people get a chance to have. I have no expectations and Del has no expectations. The only thing he asks is if we can pass one car every time we hit the track. That is what we are shooting for. Other than that, we are going to go to have some fun and gain some experience.”

“Del actually reached out to me,” the 47-year-old driver said when queried on how he met Harris. “He said he had watched me drive at Bakersfield and Placerville and thought that I was a very clean driver, and I did not tear up a lot of equipment. I guess they had an open seat available, and they reached out to me through one of his crew guys asking if I would be interested. Obviously, the answer was heck yeah.”

Crowder’s foray into racing started with drag racing his 1966 Chevelle when he was in high school. However, after high school, he joined the Marines, and that put racing on a hiatus until he got out of the military. When he came back to racing in 2005, it was a far different discipline than what he did in his teen years. Instead of racing in one straight line, he started racing on two straight lines with turns on each end.

While Crowder added a straightaway and turns to his racing effort, he also took some things off for open wheel racing. Stuff like doors, fixed roofs, transmissions, and more. He has been going full bore and slinging clay now for 16-years. While he currently may be best known for lightning sprint cars, he also has driven competitively in winged and non-wing 305 sprint cars.

Over the years in lightning sprints, Crowder has won over 30 main events including five in 2021. He has also captured four lightning sprint car championships. Two of those titles came with the Rocky Mountain Lightning Sprint Car Association. Another was in the POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Series during its inaugural year in 2020. In addition, he scored a title with the now defunct Colorado 1200 Outlaws.

Even though he won the 2020 SWLS crown, for the past four or five years, Crowder has taken his show on the road and has not raced for points. Thus, he has spread his winning across the country. His biggest victories of 2021 came at the POWRi Midwest Lightning Sprint Car Nationals at the Central Missouri Speedway in May and in night #2 of the Hangtown 100 at California’s Placerville Speedway on November 19th (the picture at the top of this release is from Crowder’s win at Placerville).

“I’m an open book right now,” Crowder said when asked what he could take from a lightning sprint to his first midget race. “I think the similarities are mostly cosmetic. Between the two of them, the chassis size is very similar, (as well as) wheel size and things like that. I am anticipating the horsepower difference and obviously having power steering as well. I want to see and feel how that relates even to the 305s.”

“Del and myself have talked about where does this lead to afterwards,” the friendly driver stated when asked if he thought the Chili Bowl could lead to more midget rides. “His words to me were, he would love to have me in a car next year. Possibly doing some USAC West stuff out in California. As long as we all jell together, the crew guys, Del and myself, I think there is a great opportunity here.”

When not on the racetrack, Crowder has been in trucking for over 20-years and has owned Open Wheel Logistics Trucking for more than eight years. He has also maintained a race shop named Crowder Race Products since 2015.

The Chili Bowl Midget Nationals is one of the premier open-wheel races in the world. The race will take place from January 10-15 on the Tulsa Expo Raceway inside the massive SagNet Center, which is one of the largest free-span buildings in the world. Crowder will compete on one of the preliminary nights which will determine where he starts in Saturday’s finale.

For fans unable to make it to Tulsa for the race, they can watch live on www.floracing.com for the five preliminary nights and Saturday’s prelims before the coverage switches to MAVTV for the finals.

In addition to the above-mentioned Chili Bowl sponsors, Crowder thanks his yearlong backers including Accelerated Services Auto Transporters, Open Wheel Logistics, Wayne Demonja Motorsports, Diablo Fabrication and Design, K&H Suspension, Sprocket Specialties, Schoenfeld Headers, R&S Powder Coating, Rees Enterprises, and Wine Country Motorsports.

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