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Erik Jones Foundation Partners with North Carolina Humanities

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Official Release
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NASCAR Cup Series driver Erik Jones (center left, holding T-shirt) with Melissa Giblin, NC Humanities programs coordinator (far left), and Sherry Paula Watkins, NC Humanities executive director (center right) and Carol Jones, Erik Jones Foundation board member (far right).

Collaboration Will Promote Statewide Reading Initiative Featuring North Carolina Authors

BIRMINGHAM, Mich. (Dec. 8, 2021) – NASCAR Cup Series driver Erik Jones and his charitable foundation, the Erik Jones Foundation, have partnered with North Carolina Humanities to promote a statewide reading initiative involving North Carolina-based authors.

NC Humanities is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the nonprofit organization connects North Carolinians with cultural experiences that spur dialogue, deepen human connections, and inspire community.

The Erik Jones Foundation champions childhood reading, specifically by embracing literature and promoting the inherent value a book provides. It allows kids to learn and think for themselves, all while combating a decline in grade-school reading proficiency due to COVID-19’s impact on in-person learning.

The Foundation’s partnership with NC Humanities will feature Jones reading North Carolina-centric books out loud to encourage reading at all levels. The 25-year-old racer from Byron, Michigan, who now calls North Carolina home, kicks off the partnership tonight at 7 p.m. EST with a #READwithErik event on his Facebook page. He will read Ty’s Travels: Zip, Zoom by Raleigh, North Carolina’s Kelly Starling Lyons.

“I’ve always been an avid reader and it’s helped me so much in life,” Jones said. “It made me smarter and a little more worldly, to where I could carry on conversations with people from all different backgrounds on a variety of topics. That’s definitely helped me get to the NASCAR Cup Series, where relationships are just as important as what you can do behind the wheel of a racecar.

“Plus, reading can be a great escape. Whenever I’ve faced challenges, sitting down with a good book has helped me relax and refocus, to where whatever I was dealing with before, I at least had a game plan of how to attack it and find a solution. Reading gives me confidence, mainly because I always know more after I finish a book than I did when I started.

“The work that NC Humanities does aligns really well with what we’re trying to do with our Foundation. They appreciate the value books provide and are genuinely interested in getting more people to read, especially kids. We’re very proud of this partnership and I’m looking forward to the events we’ll have together.”

#READwithErik began in the spring of 2020 when COVID-19 forced NASCAR to take a 10-week break and schools transitioned to remote learning. Jones saw an opportunity to share his passion for reading and the first #READwithErik event took place on April 21 when he sat down in front of a camera and read Dr. Seuss’ iconic Oh, The Places You’ll Go on his Facebook page. Since its debut, #READwithErik has featured 40 books with more than 200,000 views.

NC Humanities will provide a book a month to #READwithErik which will either be written by a North Carolina author or highlight the regions’ cultures and traditions. Additional reading resources and original interviews with the books’ authors will be available on NC Humanities’ website, www.NCHumanities.org. NC Humanities is the official North Carolina affiliate for the Center for the Book, a Library of Congress program that promotes reading and literacy nationwide.

“NC Humanities is very pleased to partner with the Erik Jones Foundation,” said Sherry Paula Watkins, Executive Director, NC Humanities. “When we saw what Erik was doing online to promote reading, we knew the potential was there to not only support a good cause, but to also further our message of making sure more kids and adults are aware of the benefits of reading.”

Beyond the #READwithErik inclusion, the Erik Jones Foundation will support NC Humanities holistically throughout the year by promoting and participating in the activities surrounding the 2022 North Carolina Reads statewide book club and other book-centric programs for community centers, schools and libraries.

One upcoming North Carolina Reads event for a to-be-determined date in June is a live panel discussion with Jones and Driving with the Devil author Neal Thompson. The period book by the Asheville, North Carolina-based writer chronicles the rise of NASCAR from its 1930s-era moonshine-running roots to its mainstream popularity of today, where it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and PGA.

Jones read Driving with the Devil last year and enjoyed it so much that he bought numerous copies and gave them as Christmas presents to friends and colleagues within the racing community.

Those wishing to support the Erik Jones Foundation and its initiatives, which also includes encouraging early cancer detection and care for people and promoting animal welfare, can make tax-deductible contributions to the Erik Jones Foundation via the following address or online at www.ErikJonesRacing/Foundation.

Erik Jones Foundation
370 E. Maple Road, 4th Floor
Birmingham, Michigan 48009

How to Give Your Car Personality

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SM
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When it comes to customizing your car, you may feel nervous or apprehensive about making any changes. After all, your vehicle is an expensive investment, so keeping it pristine is crucial.

However, your car is yours! You’ll want to create a space that makes you feel comfortable when away from home.

If you’re looking to give your car personality but aren’t sure where to start, keep reading. You’ll learn some of the easiest ways to help personalize your car, making it truly feel like yours.

Wraps and Paint

One of the easiest ways to change your car’s style is to customize the outside. Whether you invest in a new paint job or opt for a car wrap, you can drastically change the appearance of your vehicle.

This car mod can be pricey, but you’ll want to pay for a professionally done job. You can even match your exterior to your new tires or vice versa. If you’re on the hunt for a tire upgrade, click here to explore your options.

Declutter Your Car

If you’re only looking to change the interior of your car, you’ll want to start by cleaning it out. Removing any trash or large debris from your ride can instantly change the appearance of your vehicle.

Next, you’ll want to clean. Be sure to wipe down windows, vacuum upholstery, and carpets, and try to remove any tough stains. Finally, you may want to add a small garbage can to prevent the build-up of trash in the future.

Incorporate Scent

While the appearance of your car can play a huge role in giving it some character, engaging other senses can help you make your vehicle feel yours entirely.

Adding custom air fresheners, sprays, or diffusers to your ride is a surefire way to make your car more comfortable. No one wants to sit in the smell of old fast food or gasoline! For added character, bring your favorite scents into your car.

Update Your Interior

Finally, updating the interior is one of the best ways to add personality to your vehicle. Adding new floor mats, seat covers, and small knick-knacks can help you make your car feel entirely your own.

You can even install battery-powered LED lights if you’re looking for fun, non-permanent car mods. This addition can help make driving at night with friends fun. Some models also sync to your music!

Once you have all of the fun accessories in your car, don’t forget to add the important emergency items to your trunk to ensure you’re always prepared.

Give Your Car Personality Without Breaking the Bank

Though you may be hesitant to update your car, adding your own personal touches can help you appreciate and value your vehicle more.

When deciding what car mods you want to invest in, be sure to select practical ones that look best in your vehicle. As long as you’re happy with your car, that’s all that matters.

If you found this guide about different ways to give your car personality helpful, be sure to visit the rest of our website. There, you can find more informative automobile content.

How To Negotiate For The Best Possible Car Accident Compensation

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SM
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Female Motorist Involved In Car Accident Calling Insurance Company Or Recovery Service

Car accidents are traumatizing, and dealing with the aftermath is difficult, particularly if you got injured. But, after getting medical attention, you need to claim compensation from insurance companies. Do you need help after a car accident? You should know how to negotiate your settlement to get the best car accident compensation.

A good settlement package should compensate you for injuries sustained, the pain endured, the emotional suffering resulting from the accident, and any other loss suffered, including loss of income and car damages.  

If you find it challenging to negotiate with the other driver or your insurance company, or you feel you have been given an unfair offer from your insurer, it is recommended to hire an experienced car accident lawyer (or one in your location) to help you negotiate a suitable settlement.

Whether you work with an attorney or handle the claim negotiation by yourself, applying these six tips can get you the best possible car accident compensation:  

  1. Inform Your Insurer About The Accident 

The process of securing fair car accident compensation starts with filing a report with your insurance company. Contact your insurer as soon as you get involved in a car accident. Initiating the claim process immediately after the accident enables you to remember details with accuracy.  

While you must get in touch with your insurer, be careful with what you say. When filing an accident report, inform the insurer about the location, date, and time when the accident occurred. Also, provide the names and contact details of parties involved in the car accident. Don’t lie to the insurer, and ensure the information you provide is truthful.  

Furthermore, avoid discussing who’s at fault until you talk to a car accident lawyer, and refrain from making recorded statements.  

  1. Maintain Accurate Records  

Another thing that’ll help you negotiate for the best possible car accident compensation is accurate records. Open an accident file and keep all the car accident records organized in chronological order.  

Some of the critical records to have in the accident file include a police report about the accident, medical records, car repair bills, and any other record that might be relevant to the accident. Having accurate records allows you to back your claims up during negotiations. Having them available can go a long way in expediting the settlement process.  

  1. Establish A Fair Settlement Amount For Your Claim 

It would help if you determine how much your claim is worth before sending your insurer a demand letter. When calculating the figure, ensure you include all the costs and expenses, which include those related to your medical care, income lost due to injuries sustained through the accident, as well as pain and emotional suffering endured due to the accident.  

If your injuries lead to permanent disability or require long-term care, quantify these as well and include the figures in your claim. Furthermore, consider the car repair or replacement costs. If any other property got damaged during the accident, factor in the fees.  

A Boca Raton car accident lawyer can use this information to determine the minimum settlement amount you can accept as compensation for the accident.  

  1. Send Your Insurer A Demand Letter  

Once you have determined your claim amount with the help of an auto injury lawyer, write a demand letter and send it to your insurer. You can find out more information about how to get the most from your insurer by reading articles such as https://www.lawsuitlegal.com/florida/car-accident-lawyer.php online.

Ideally, your demand letter should have a description of the accident, the injuries you sustained, the treatment you received, and the health issues you still have.

Moreover, the demand letter should provide information on the damages sustained by your vehicle, as well as the additional losses incurred due to the car accident. Let your insurance company know how much you’re demanding as compensation based on these issues.

Your insurer will most likely respond with an offer that’s lower than what you demand. To get the best possible car accident compensation, demand between 25% and 100% of the amount you’re willing to accept. Ensure you have proper documentation and evidence to back up your claim. Failure to provide proof can keep you from getting the compensation you deserve.

  1. Turn Down The Initial Offer 

Insurance companies will want to pay lower amounts for accident compensation claims to maximize their profit. Therefore, insurance adjusters will make an initial offer that’s lower than the amount you demand. Most insurers offer unreasonably low initial offers to check whether you know your claim’s worth.  

When you receive such an offer, ask your insurer to justify it and provide specific reasons why your demand is high. Reply to the letter with a response to each reason, highlighting why you can’t accept the offer. Avoid proposing lower figures. Instead, wait and see whether your insurer will adjust the initial offer upward.  

If you receive a reasonable initial offer that’s lower than your demand, consider countering it with a slightly lower amount than what you had in the demand letter. Making a reasonable counteroffer can put your insurer in a position where they’re willing to compromise. 

Working with a car accident lawyer through the insurance claim negotiation process would be helpful.  

  1. Determine What’s Important, Focus On That 

When negotiating with the insurance firm, focus on points that favor you. Avoid wasting your time on undisputed issues and focus on what matters most to you. For instance, if you’re suffering from a lifelong injury, focus on discussing how it’ll affect your finances and quality of life. 

If the accident caused you to stay out of work for a significant period, reiterate the wages you lost and how not working affected your family. Communicate why you must be compensated justly for your losses and injuries. For guidance on prioritizing these key issues and presenting them effectively, working with an Indiana car accident attorney can help ensure your most significant losses are clearly communicated and taken seriously during negotiations.

Final Thoughts 

Negotiating fair compensation after a car accident requires adequate preparation. During negotiations, ensure that you or your attorney documents the conversations you have with your insurer. Have the insurer document all settlement offers, and once an agreement is reached, ensure all parties sign a written contract.  

How To Identify The Best High Mileage Engine Oil

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SM
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The best high mileage engine oil offers a lot of benefits to cars. Although it could be helpful to any vehicle, it provides great benefits to vehicles that have run 75,000 miles or over. But it also improves the efficiency of old car models that have run below the said distance.  

With the vast array of benefits, high mileage engine oils could provide, you may be wondering what makes up the best high mileage engine oil. Here is an article to help you identify the qualities of the best high mileage engine oils:

1. High Viscosity Index 

Viscosity or resistance to flow is one good quality of an engine oil, as it provides a thick film of lubrication. Generally, engine oils become thinner when the temperature increases, when this happens, the engine oil protection becomes subpar.  

In choosing an engine oil, you may consider the product’s viscosity index as it tells you whether or not the engine oil could maximize its lubricating properties. This means that the more viscous an engine oil is, the better it lubricates the engine. You may need to carefully select from the best oil brands for high mileage engines.  

2. Thermal Stability 

This quality allows the engine oil to start in the polar opposites of temperatures, so the engine could start even in freezing temperatures. Because of this, car engines are less likely to stall, especially during winter trips. 

On the other hand, the ability to function even in high temperatures allows engines to run, even during scorching weather. This way, the engine oil helps in decreasing the chances of overheating. If neglected, it could even lead to oil leakage, heavy thumping sound, and reduction of engine power. 

3. Stable Oxidation 

You need to choose the best high mileage engine oil that doesn’t react much to oxygen as much as possible. For this purpose, you could select from oils with stable oxidation. These products could decrease the dirt and sludge buildup, which may affect the engine performance in the long run.  

Ignoring sludge buildup may result in the blocking of oil passages, which could lead to oil starvation. In turn, this may increase the possibility of damaged bearings and crankshaft journals. On the other hand, oils that allow excellent oxidation slow down the corrosion of the engine parts. 

4. Slow Reaction To Corrosion 

Although oil and water contact could be the most significant cause of oxidation and corrosion, the quality of engine oil still contributes to these processes. Because of this, you should consider picking the best high mileage engine oil that takes a long time before reacting to water-based substances. 

In addition, a top-notch high mileage engine oil could provide anti-corrosion protection for your engine. This is because it slows down the filing up of dirt and rust in the machine’s underside.  

5. Leak Resistance 

Many high mileage engine oils contain additives and seal enhancers that quicken leak reduction. To pick which suits your engine well, you could compare the products and read reviews. This way, you’d identify the best high mileage oils that could work better on your engine and its parts. You could change the oil more often when your car engine has leaking issues for better results.  

6. Oil Additives 

You may also consider the oil additive that comprises the high mileage engine oil. The most exemplary types have seal swells, antioxidants, and conditioners that prevent leaks. In addition, they also have detergents and additives that give extra protection against wearing out. Top-quality engine oils could help the engine and its interior parts retain their original and excellent shape.  

7. Long Oil Change Intervals 

Changing oil is one of the car maintenance you need to do regularly. However, if you’re using high mileage engine oils, you have the option to have longer oil change intervals than the others. Except for cases when the engines need to address leaking issues, high mileage engine oils could be replaced every 7,500 to 15,000 miles.  

However, it’d help if you still consider changing your oil on time because it may lead to further damages if it takes long intervals. You may need to manually check your engine oil once in a while to see whether it has gone entirely dark and thick because of debris. 

In addition, you may also consider the following points: 

  • If your engine starts to burn your oil, you may need to change your oils as soon as possible. 
  • You could also prepare for a quick oil change if you have run a compression test. 
  • Lastly, you may need to replace the oil if you were using a filter of subpar quality as it may have collected a lot of residue and sludge buildup. 

8. Reasonable Price 

The pricing of the engine oils generally serves as the tiebreaker, especially if most oil products provide the same qualities. You may begin comparing the products with the same prices as which has the best and proven product features, such as higher viscosity and non-corrosion qualities.  

You may also list down the cons and pros of each engine oil. This way, you could pick the product that gives the qualities you’re looking for in an engine.  

9. Type Of Engine Oil 

Each type provides you with a unique set of features that makes up an excellent engine oil. In considering this point, you may look closely into the following: 

  • Full Synthetic: This product has high-quality engine oil coupled with a cluster of additives that clean the engine’s interior and improve the car’s performance. 
  • Synthetic Blend: This could be a mix of two high-quality oils or a combination of one high-quality and one low-quality oil.  
  • Conventional: These oils have no extra additives to address leaks and corrosion. Yet, they’re cleaner than synthetic blend.   

In A Nutshell 

When it comes to extending the lifespan of a car engine, the quality of engine oil plays a major role. Fortunately, for old and used cars and vehicles that have reached 75,000 miles, there’s a range of high mileage engine oils to select from. If your vehicle has earned this milestone, you may consider choosing the best high mileage engine oil for your car. You may refer to this article for insights that could help you narrow down your choices and pick what suits your car engine best. 

3 Useful Tips to Maintain and Repair your Foreign Vehicle

By
SM
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Photo by Sten Rademaker on Unsplash

Every one of us here knows that there are extra costs of car ownership in the form of maintenance and repair. This extra cost can also be significantly higher if the car you drive is produced outside of your country. For example, if you drive an Audi inside the United States, Australia, or the UK, the costs of parts and labor will likely be higher due to it being foreign and more difficult to learn and acquire parts.  This unfortunate caveat isn’t as bad as you’d think, however, and learning a few helpful tips can be invaluable in saving big on foreign car repair costs, and ensuring your car is properly repaired.

Find a Specialized Mechanic

Most auto mechanics take any vehicles, which could be cheaper for a visit, but could worsen over time as the vehicle wasn’t repaired properly. However, finding a specialized mechanic can ensure that you get the most cost-effective maintenance possible for your car.

For example, if you live near Melbourne in Australia, you can find a specialized mechanic such as JL Prestige that specifically repairs Audis, Volkswagens, and Skodas. Specialized mechanics also extend outwards to different types of vehicles such as motorcycles and boats, and it’s worth taking the time to search and find all nearby mechanics for your foreign vehicle(s).

These groups and mechanics offer precise knowledge in your foreign vehicle(s) and oftentimes will be partnered with the manufacturers themselves. This ensures your car is getting the exact replacement parts and mechanisms it needs firsthand rather than secondhand, and also provides an avenue for the mechanics themselves to contact the manufacturer to aid in your car’s maintenance.

Understand Your Car

Understanding your car isn’t just knowing how to pop the hood and the layout of your dashboard. Truly understanding your vehicle is knowing where is what on the engine, oil milestones, tire maintenance, and other important fluids.

The easiest and fastest way to learn about your car is through the manufacturer’s manuals that come along with your car. You will almost certainly find this inside the glovebox of your car. If you don’t have one you can search your car’s make and model to find a manual online. Your car’s manual has a ton of important information pertaining exactly to your vehicle. This information includes the frequency you need to change the oil, miles between services, and the location of important components.

While basic cosmetic maintenance including washing your car’s exterior and interior and cleaning tires help, it isn’t enough to protect it for the long run. Understanding how your car operates by using the manual and setting reminders to upkeep your car will extend the life of your car significantly (all of the aforementioned advice also applies to non-foreign vehicles).

Servicing Your Vehicle

Coinciding with understanding your car, being able to self-maintain your car, especially a foreign one is an invaluable skill to have. The definition of self-maintenance extends from replacing integral parts to simply cleaning your car. There are some significant pros and cons to self-maintenance with some of the pros being as follows:

  • Saving Money on Mechanic Bills
  • Better Familiarity of Your Car
  • Flexibility on Repair Time

However, some of the cons can be quite drastic such as needing extremely expensive repairs due to user error or major automotive insurance issues. The good news is, that self-servicing your vehicle has never been more accessible. You can easily find excellent automotive websites, apps, or guides online in minutes. Chances are, someone somewhere has had similar issues, or has created a guide to ensure the best for your car, and keep it out of the repair shop.

Closing Words

Hearing something along the lines of “If you own a foreign car, be sure to have a lot of money.” is daunting. However, it’s typically said by individuals who don’t take a small amount of extra time to get the most out of what they paid for. Owning a foreign car can be no more expensive than a locally built one if maintained and serviced properly. With that being said, the most important takeaway from these tips is the first. Interacting with specialized mechanics is the best way to get the best possible lifespan from your foreign car and ensure the utmost proper care allowing you to spend more time enjoying your vehicle on the road.

Methods to Improve Your Online Betting Experience

By
SM
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Photo by Chris Liverani on Unsplash

When it comes to gambling, whether online or offline; there’s certain stigmatization that comes along with it. Oftentimes, it’s seen as an addiction, waste of money, or completely unfair. While there may be some merit to those claims, approaching online betting with an optimistic mindset along with beneficial methods will improve your overall experience.

Location

The very first and most important step in improving your online betting experience is finding the best website for you to gamble on. The best starting point for this would be to take into account what you like. Good examples of popular interests when it comes to online gambling are games such as poker, blackjack, roulette, and slots. However, if your interests extend beyond those games, and you enjoy something like foreign motorsports betting, for example, you will have to spend more time fine-tuning and researching websites.

A great example of a website for this would be 22Bet, as they cover a wide array of games for you to bet on as well as additional fun and engaging niche casino games. Fortunately for you, there is no shortage of niche websites and online casinos to choose from and the perfect one for you is a simple google search away.

Accessibility

The next thing to look at is how to optimize convenience and accessibility to best suit your online betting experience. Accessibility relates to how easily you can drop in and out of your gambling experience, and convenience relates to how many roadblocks you must cross to even get into the games. The updates from Data HK broadcasting the results of HK live output are always the main goal of players who have placed their numbers to play the HK lottery today.

A good, accessible online betting experience goes hand in hand with the ability to access it on a mobile device. The ability to play and enjoy gambling on the fly, anywhere you wish, is one of the best ways to get even more enjoyment out of online gambling, so long as you continue to do so responsibly. Another key thing to look into when it comes to accessibility is localization. This relates to how well foreign translations are or whether it’s in a language you understand. Localization also takes disabilities into account and could offer different means to play to best suit yourself.

Convenience directly relates to how well it works with you and your accounts. A good online gambling site or app has good convenience when it’s capable of interacting directly and quickly with your bank account or things such as a crypto wallet quickly and easily. The fast it’s able to get funds in and out, the more enjoyable the overall experience will be.

Mindset

Having a healthy mindset when it comes to gambling can reduce frustration and pessimism. Understanding that it is indeed gambling and nothing is guaranteed to go in your favor is the first step to having a more stable mindset on gambling. The best way to do this is to go in with realistic expectations. This doesn’t mean to go in thinking you’re only going to lose money; what this truly means is that you should go in expecting a fun rollercoaster of ups and downs either playing enjoyable games or getting involved with the thrills of a motorsports race, for example. The lows of losing won’t be nearly as bad and the highs will feel even better.

Online betting has never been more prevalent and enjoyable. Following these methods as well as gambling responsibly could result in some thrilling nights of fun. Remember to choose the website best for you as well as have a good mindset going forward. Think of it as a night on the town and write off all expenses, whilst also having the opportunity to win big!

Petty GMS Motorsports to Compete with Two Full-Time Teams in the NASCAR Cup Series

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Official Release
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STATESVILLE, N.C. (December 7, 2021) – Maury Gallagher, owner of GMS Racing and majority owner of Richard Petty Motorsports, along with motorsports icon Richard Petty announced today the creation of Petty GMS Motorsports. The organization will field two full-time NASCAR Cup Series entries in 2022 with drivers Ty Dillon and Erik Jones and be housed at GMS Racing’s current multi-building complex in Statesville, North Carolina.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity to work with Richard (Petty), arguably the greatest driver in NASCAR history, and form Petty GMS Motorsports,” Gallagher said. “Petty GMS will have a sole focus of winning. Both teams have a track record of winning and we have a strong desire to continue this legacy in a new chapter. Ty (Dillon) and Erik (Jones) have proven themselves through the years and we are looking forward to the success they will have as teammates.”

Richard Petty, a member of the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame class of 2010, will serve as Chairman of the newly formed organization and remain a face of the team at the racetrack. Affectionally known as “The King,” Petty has accumulated over 200 wins, 123 poles, the most wins in a single season (27), the most Daytona 500 victories (seven), most consecutive wins (10) and was the first of three drivers to win seven championships in the NASCAR Cup Series.

“Maury (Gallagher) and Mike (Beam) have built a really solid organization at GMS,” said Petty. “They’ve won a lot of races and a couple of championships in the Truck Series, and I really look forward to doing the same in the Cup Series. Maury’s commitment to competing and winning is obvious in everything he does, that’s something we really needed. The opportunity to combine our two organizations on the Cup front makes a lot of sense for all of us for a number of reasons, one of which is the talent we have between the two organizations; this will make us a lot stronger together.”

To further the Petty tradition, Dillon will now drive the No. 42 – the original number Lee Petty sported from 1949-1961. The eldest Petty earned three championships and 54 wins in the No. 42. In addition, Kyle Petty raced the number from 1979-1982 and 1989-1996, with Beam as the crew chief of the No. 42 in 1981-1982.

Jones will continue to pilot the iconic No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Previously announced partnerships and crew chief pairings for both Dillon and Jones will remain in place.

“As for the car number for the second car, I don’t know that I can express how special it is to me personally to have the No. 42 number racing alongside the No. 43 again,” Petty continued. “I grew up watching my dad race that car, I worked on cars with that number way before I started racing. Dad had a lot of success winning races and championships with that number. Kyle drove cars and won races with the No. 42 as well. It’s really special to me that Petty GMS will be racing that car number.”

Petty GMS Motorsports will be led by President Mike Beam, who will oversee the day-to-day operations. Brian Moffitt will assume the role of Executive Vice President of Sales.

“Mike (Beam) will lead the effort as President of Petty GMS,” said Gallagher. “During the seven years we have been together, he has won at all levels, producing hall-of-fame numbers – five championships, 65 wins, and 41 second-place finishes. We look forward to competing at the highest level of motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series.”

GMS Racing will continue to compete full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series. Since forming in 2012, Gallagher’s organization has captured two NASCAR Truck Series championships, one ARCA Menards Series title, and two ARCA Menards Series East championships, as well as 65 wins, 235 top-five, and 427 top-10 finishes across six series.

“The legacy of GMS Racing has been focused on winning and achieving high success, no matter the series,” added Beam. “Our 25-acre, three-building complex in Statesville has roughly 150,000 square feet and is equal to many current Cup shops in size and sophistication. We are ahead of most of the new Cup entrants this year because of our infrastructure. This highly functioning race shop will allow us to hit the ground running. This facility combined with our race-winning personnel gives me confidence that we can make an impact as soon as this season. I have competed in the Cup Series before and understand how things should work.”

The 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the annual exhibition race on Sunday, February 6.

Wright Motorsports Ready to Return to IMSA GTD as Champions

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Official Release
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BATAVIA, Ohio, (December 7, 2021) – Following a highly successful season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and Michelin Pilot Challenge, Porsche customer racing team Wright Motorsports will return to the WeatherTech GTD class in 2022, moving its IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge championship-winning driver lineup into the No. 16 1st Phorm Porsche 911 GT3 R race car. The 2021 WeatherTech Michelin Endurance Cup and Michelin Pilot Challenge team and driver champions will see the return of Ryan Hardwick and Jan Heylen to the team, racing the full 2022 GTD season. The championship-winning pair will be joined by 2021 GTD class champion Zacharie Robichon for the four endurance races that comprise the Michelin Endurance Cup.

“Though the 2021 season just ended a few weeks ago, we’re already in full preparation mode for 2022,” said Team Owner John Wright. “I’m thrilled to be able to announce that our program is returning with the same support we have from our partners 1st Phorm, Una Vida Tequila, and Mountain Motorsports, with Ryan and Jan as drivers. Ryan Hardwick is a huge part of our team’s success this year, and I’m excited for us to build on that in 2022 with him returning to race in GTD, for a third year with Wright Motorsports. Consistency in excellence and execution has been the focal point of our program for many years, and I’m thrilled to have Ryan and our partners back for a third season together.”

Stability and strong results certainly acted as the team’s foundation to earn championship success in the Michelin Pilot Challenge program. Despite missing the first race of the season, Ryan Hardwick, Jan Heylen, Max Root, and team clinched the 2021 team and driver championship title in November at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. With seven podiums, the team only finished outside the top-five once, in what was a tightly contested championship battle.

After securing the title in the No. 16 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport, the pairing will move up to the headlining IMSA series, the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, racing the No. 16 1st Phorm Porsche 911 GT3 R. The move marks Hardwick’s first full season back in the WeatherTech Championship since 2020, where he and Patrick Long earned eight top-five finishes and came second in the GTD team and driver championship missing the title by a mere two points.

Aiding the team in their defense of the 2021 Michelin Endurance Cup title, the endurance championship within the full-season championship, Hardwick and Heylen will be joined by Zach Robichon, overall drivers’ champion in the 2021 GTD class. From competitor to teammate, Robichon’s successful experience racing Porsche machinery in the GTD class for the last three years gives the team a strong foothold to defend its 2021 Michelin Endurance Cup Championship. The 29-year-old Canadian racer will join the 1st Phorm racing duo at the season opener Rolex 24 At Daytona, the Twelve Hours of Sebring, Six Hours of the Glen, and the season finale of Petit Le Mans.

Including the series-wide pre-season test and qualifying race at the Roar Before the 24, the 2022 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship calendar will see the GTD class participate in 13 events across North America. The series will return to mostly all of the classic race tracks fans know and love including Daytona International Speedway, Sebring International Raceway, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Road America, VIRginia International Raceway, and more. For full schedule and series information, visit imsa.com.

DRIVER QUOTES

Ryan Hardwick | No. 16 Porsche 911 GT3 R
I couldn’t be more excited to be back with Wright Motorsports and back in the number 16 1st Phorm Porsche GTD car for the entire 2022 IMSA WeatherTech Championship season. The 2021 season didn’t quite go as planned for me personally. After a major setback in Daytona to start the year, I put my entire focus squarely on our Michelin Pilot Challenge GS program, and along with my teammate Jan Heylen, we accomplished our goal of winning the team and driver championships in that series.

Now for 2022, I am directing all my energy and focus back on our primary GTD program. I’m super pumped to share the 16 car again this year with Jan Heylen, who has been by my side ever since I first drove a Porsche GT3 R at the Encore in Sebring way back in 2019.

I’m also excited to welcome Zach Robichon to our team this year! Zach is a fierce competitor, as well as the reigning GTD class champion. He will be a strong addition to our lineup and will no doubt help defend our team’s Michelin Endurance Cup championship title. I can’t wait to get back to Daytona in January. I’ve got some unfinished business to handle at that track and really looking forward to the challenge.

Jan Heylen | No. 16 Porsche 911 GT3 R
I’m really excited, and I know this goes for the whole team, to continue this relationship with Ryan and 1st Phorm. We’re coming off of a strong season in GT4 with Ryan as my teammate, to now go back to a full season with Ryan in GTD. This is something we’re all really excited about. It’s something that as a team we’ve all worked on and looked forward to for some time. Ryan is the guy that is making all this happen, so I’m grateful for this opportunity. This will be my eighth year with Wright Motorsport, and it means a lot to be a part of this team, especially with John Wright and Bobby Vigilone’s support. Patrick Long contributed to this, introducing me to Wright and to Ryan, so I’m very grateful. I’m excited to be kicking off the year with one of my favorite races at Daytona. We have some unfinished business there, with a few podiums but not yet the top step. I’m looking forward to going back and coming away with a good result.

Zacharie Robichon | No. 16 Porsche 911 GT3 R
I’m excited at the opportunity to be joining Wright Motorsports for the 2022 Michelin Endurance Cup races. Their endurance cup championship in 2021 speaks to the level at which this team operates, and I’ll be looking to help them achieve even more success next year. Ryan and Jan will be tough competitors for everyone in the overall GTD championship, and I’ll do everything I can to help them achieve their goals in the overall classification. I’ve spent a few years competing against this team, and I know how strong they are, the opportunity for myself to join this lineup is one I don’t take for granted and the season can’t come soon enough!.

1st Phorm
1st Phorm is a sports nutrition company based in St. Louis, MO. In 2009, CEO Andy Frisella and his business partner Chris Klein started the brand, and since then, it has become the fastest growing supplement company in the world. 1st Phorm has set the standards in the industry for quality and helping people reach their goals. This new racing partnership is not their first time in the exotic car scene either. 1st Phorm has been the title sponsor for the Gold Rush Rally for six years running. With over a million followers across social media, 1st Phorm has amassed a huge cult-like following known as, “The Legion of Boom.” They stand for a movement in the fitness world. To turn it back to what it was meant to be. Helping others improve their lives, to be a good human… and to drop the excuses and do the work. 1st Phorm is a winning brand and they don’t expect anything less when it comes to their race team. For additional info: www.1stphorm.com

Mountain Motorsports
Mountain Motorsports is a group of motorcycle and powersports dealerships with multiple locations in the southeastern United States. The company was founded by lifelong friends Ryan Hardwick and Justin Price when they opened their first location as a single-line Honda dealership in Sevierville, Tennessee in 1999. The company has since grown into one of the largest retailers of motorcycle and powersports vehicles in the nation, spanning nine dealership locations representing eleven of the industry’s most well-known brands. For additional info: www.mountainmotorsports.com

Una Vida Tequila
Una Vida translates to One Life. That is how this brand started. By people who want to live their “One Life” to the absolute fullest and to their highest potential. A group of guys from the Midwest who love great quality tequila, and want their One Life to have meaning and impact others.

One Life, One Tequila is our CORE BELIEF. We’re building the only tequila brand you will ever need to drink. Una Vida is bigger than just tequila we’re also building a culture of people who want to live their life to their utmost potential.

Our story begins and continues to grow bottle by bottle. It’s a life mission for us to create a community of people who all raise a glass knowing they’re living their ONE LIFE! For more information, visit unavidatequila.com

Wright Motorsports
Wright Motorsports is the premier Porsche race engineering facility in Ohio and a multi-series, international racing team known for superb car preparation, expert race strategy, and driver development. Located in Batavia, Ohio, it is owned and directed by John Wright, a certified Porsche factory-trained technician. As a crew chief John Wright has played a key role in winning eight driver and seven team championships in World Challenge, IMSA (ALMS) and the Grand-Am Rolex Series. Wright Motorsports won the team championship in Porsche GT3 Cup USA in 2012, 2013, and 2015, and went on to win the Pirelli World Challenge Overall, Sprint, Team, and Manufacturer’s titles in 2017. In 2020, the team captured the GT World Challenge America Am championship.

GRX Loenbro concludes the 2021 Nitro Rallycross Season

By
Official Release
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Starke, FL – After 5 rounds spread across the United States, GRX Loenbro concluded the 2021 Nitro Rallycross season this past weekend in Florida.

Held at Florida International Rally Motorsports on the property of Hickory Regional Airport, the event provided drivers with a mixed surface for which to compete. Utilizing old taxiways and run off areas of the old airport, NRX created a long high speed track for the season finale.

Following practice sessions 1&2 Saturday morning, the GRX Loenbro team worked to make changes and find additional speed around the course. Looking at head to the Battle Brackets later in the day, the team knew that the weekend was going to be challenging as the track utilized the most tarmac sections out of any track visited throughout the season.

Battle Brackets began with Steve Arpin taking a round 1 win over Liam Doran, pitting him up against Scott Speed in round 2. Round 2 began as both Arpin and Speed left the start line and powered to turn one. Entering turn 1 on the outside, Arpin pushed wide and ended up on the grass runoff area as Speed pulled away. Unfortunately due to this small error, Arpin had lost too much time and regardless of what he did he was unable to catch Speed ending Day 1 of competition.

Day 2 began with Heat Races. Lining up on the inside of Row 2 next to Chase Elliott, Arpin launched off the line and began his push to the front passing Oliver Erickson. As the race progressed Arpin worked on reeling in Timmy Hansen however he did not have the necessary pace needed to make the pass and get into P1. As a result Arpin was forced to race the semi-final.

Starting on the front row of the semi-final, Arpin battled with Oliver Erickson going into turn 2. The two pushed wide and Arpin was sent off the side of the jump resulting in a red flag, cars where then sent back to restart the race. After another Red Flag due to an incident involving Liam Doran, Arpin was able to lead from the Green Flag to the Checkered Flag, putting him into the final.

As the lights went green for the final race of 2021, Arpin held back to avoid damage as 8 cars powered towards turn 1. Getting caught up slightly behind a few cars bumping and banging Arpin took then gap jump on lap one and settled into P3. Giving it everything he had, Arpin powered the GRX Loenbro HempFusion #00 around the track. It wasn’t until Arpin took the joker lap on the last lap that he fell back to P7 after having to slow up slightly to merge back onto the racing line. In the end Arpin crossed the line 7th solidifying a P5 in Championship points.

“Overall I’d say this season was a success. We made it to the final at every round of the championship and I think they says something about this GRX Loenbro group. Yes, we had ups and downs. But, we never stopped fighting regardless of the challenges that were thrown at us, we worked together and overcame each one. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished this season and excited to continue to develop the relationship we’ve established with GRX. Looking to the future, Nitro Rallycross has a plan in place to succeed and I am looking forward to seeing how things plays out over the coming months.” – Steve Arpin

“The track at The FIRM was very different to what we had raced on so far in Nitro RX this season, but Steve and the team adapted to the change well and we were strong on race day, especially in the semi-final and the early laps of the final. On the different day we might have ended up with a podium here, but it didn’t play out like that this time. Still, we maintained our record of being in the final in every round. All of the boys in the team worked very hard this weekend, including a late evening on Saturday, and they can be proud of what they have been a part of this year. It’s been a good season, it’s been a pleasure to work with Steve and his team as a combined effort with GRX and most importantly, I think we all had a lot of fun. Now let’s see what the future holds.” – Jussi Pinomaki

Be sure to follow Steve, Loenbro Motorsport, Grönholm RX, HempFusion, SCT Performance and Yokohama on social media:
Facebook: Steve Arpin, Loenbro Motorsports, HempFusion, SCT Performance, Yokohama
Twitter: @stevearpin, @loenbroracing, @hempfusion, @sctperformance, @YokohamaTC
Instagram: @arpin00, @loenbromotorsports, @hempfusion, @sctperformance, @yokohamatire

About Loenbro Motorsports
Owned by brothers Paul and Jon Leach, Loenbro Motorsports is the racing team division of Loenbro, a successful industrial construction and services company. Loenbro provides single-source solutions for industrial customers from coast to coast. Its reputation for exceptional performance and a strong work ethic has helped fuel its growth since it was founded in 1998. For more information, visit www.loenbro.com.

About GRX-SET World RX Team:
GRX, led by two-time World Rally Champion Marcus Grönholm, made its maiden full-time foray into the FIA World Rallycross Championship in 2017, having previously run Niclas Grönholm to Finnish Rallycross Championship glory in 2015. Building on that solid foundation, GRX evolved into a full-blown, two-car World RX team with a pair of newly built Hyundai i20s in 2018. Since, the team has scored a best overall result of second in the World RX Teams’ Championship in 2019. The team has also claimed four World RX outright wins, three with Niclas Grönholm in Norway and South Africa in 2019 and Finland in 2020, and with Timur Timerzyanov in Belgium 2019.

Following Historic Season, McDonald’s® USA Expands Partnership with 23XI Racing

By
Official Release
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Mooresville, NC (Dec. 7, 2021) – Today 23XI Racing and McDonald’s announce that the Golden Arches will expand its partnership with the team by increasing its presence on the No. 23 Toyota Camry TRD with Bubba Wallace across multiple primary races this season, including the 2022 Daytona 500.

“McDonald’s has really stepped up over the years and played a large part in my career,” said Wallace. “Getting McDonald’s back to Victory Lane for the first time since 1994 and having them on our Camry for my first win in the Cup Series this year was really special. To be a part of the McDonald’s family and be involved in programs like Black and Positively Golden and work toward similar goals both on and off the track also means a lot to me. I’m excited to continue to build on our relationship and get the 2022 season started with McDonald’s on our Camry TRD for the Daytona 500 – hopefully with another trip to Victory Lane.”

As part of its expanded relationship with 23XI Racing, McDonald’s is welcoming 2004 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kurt Busch to the family and will appear as the primary partner on the No. 45 Toyota Camry TRD for multiple races during the 2022 season.

“Racing with Monster Energy over the last decade together has been an incredible ride,” said Kurt Busch. “We win, we have fun, we promote together, and I am very grateful for their partnership. It feels like family racing for them, and I believe McDonald’s will have the same feel. The power of these brands elevates the No. 45 Camry TRD to a top tier level before we even take the green flag. Let’s win!”

“We’re looking forward to another great season with the 23XI Racing team,” said Vicki Chancellor, Owner/Operator and Chair, McDonald’s USA Franchisee Marketing Committee. “We remain proud of Bubba’s history-making season and success, and are excited to welcome Kurt to the team as we plan to celebrate another year of racing and our fans.”

The 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season gets underway with the Busch Light Clash at the LA Coliseum on Sunday, February 6, 2022, followed by the 46th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 20, 2022.

About McDonald’s USA
McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to nearly 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook. www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.

About 23XI Racing

23XI Racing – pronounced twenty-three eleven – was founded by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin in 2020. With rising NASCAR star Bubba Wallace selected to drive the No. 23 Toyota Camry TRD, the team made its NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Wallace made history on October 4, 2021, when he captured his first career Cup Series win, becoming just the second African American to win in the Cup Series, and earning 23XI Racing its first-ever victory. 23XI Racing will expand to a two-car organization in 2022 with Cup Series Champion Kurt Busch driving the No. 45 Toyota Camry TRD.

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