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Hooters extends sponsorship of Chase Elliott for three more seasons

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Official Release
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CONCORD, N.C. (Dec. 2, 2021) – With a new three-year contract, Hooters has extended its primary sponsorship of 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott and his No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team fielded by Hendrick Motorsports.

Hooters, the iconic American restaurant brand with a deep history in NASCAR, will continue to be a primary sponsor of Elliott for three races each season through 2024. The company joined 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports as a two-race primary sponsor of Elliott in January 2017 and added a third race beginning in 2019.

In 2022, the No. 9 Hooters Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will appear June 5 at World Wide Technology Raceway and in the NASCAR Cup Series playoff races at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sept. 17 and Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 16.

“For five seasons, Chase has been a brand champion for Hooters both on and off the track, and we are thrilled to extend our partnership with him and Hendrick Motorsports,” said Hooters vice president of brand marketing Monica Fleury. “As the home of race fans, Hooters will continue to provide one-of-a-kind experiences fans can only get at our restaurants. Both Chase’s fan base and NASCAR fans are extremely loyal, and we plan to continue to feed this spirit and passion for years to come.”

Hooters, “The Official Home of Race Fans,” has made Elliott a cornerstone of its marketing efforts. The driver is consistently featured in the company’s national advertising with a variety of special offers and promotions tied to the No. 9 racing program.

“Hooters has been a fun partner to work with over the years,” Elliott said. “They’re a laid-back group that does a great job of promoting their brand and including our team as a big piece of their marketing. They do a lot with each of their three primary races but also make the most of the partnership throughout the entire season. The next several years will be exciting for our team and for the sport, and I’m glad to have Hooters back on board for the ride.”

Elliott, who turned 26 on Sunday, has never missed the Cup Series playoffs in his six full seasons at NASCAR’s top level. The Dawsonville, Georgia, native earned rookie of the year honors in 2016 and secured his first Cup championship in 2020. He has already won 13 career points-paying races, including two in 2021 when he appeared in the Championship 4 for the second consecutive season.

“Hooters does a terrific job maximizing the program with Chase and the No. 9 team,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “To see our partnership deliver valuable results for them is very rewarding. Chase is a champion driver and tremendous spokesperson for the brand, and we look forward to building on that success in the seasons to come.”

ABOUT HOOTERS OF AMERICA LLC:
Hooters of America LLC is the franchisor and operator of more than 385 Hooters restaurants in 20 states and 24 countries. Known for its world-famous Hooters Style chicken wings, the first Hooters opened its doors in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida. Expectations were so modest at the time that the simple fact the doors opened was deemed worthy of a toast. Since then, millions have been liberated from the ordinary at Hooters while enjoying great food, fun, and one-of-a-kind hospitality that can only be served up by the Hooters Girls. For more information about Hooters, visit www.hooters.com or follow us at twitter.com/hooters, facebook.com/hooters, instagram.com/hooters, or tiktok.com/@hooters.

ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS:
Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history. At the sport’s premier level, the organization holds the all-time records in every major statistical category, including championships (14), points-paying race victories (280) and laps led (nearly 75,000). It has earned at least one race win in a record 37 different seasons, including an active streak of 36 in a row (1986-2021). The team fields four full-time Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entries in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson. Headquartered on more than 100 acres in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs approximately 600 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorsports.com or interact on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic Sebring 12 Hour Underway with Wednesday Test Day at Sebring International Raceway

By
Official Release
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  • Sixth Running of Classic Sebring 12 Hour, Pistons and Props, presented by the Alan Jay Automotive Network this Weekend at Sebring International Raceway
  • NASCAR Stars Bill Elliott and Joe Nemechek Among Diverse Lineup of Drivers and Legendary Cars Competing Through Sunday at Sebring

SEBRING, Florida (December 1, 2021) – The Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic Sebring 12 Hour, Pistons and Props, moved off to a fantastic start Wednesday at Sebring International Raceway where near-perfect Florida weather provided the ideal backdrop for an all-day test session in advance of four days of vintage and historic racing competition on the legendary 3.74-mile circuit.

The HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour, Pistons and Props, honors the legendary 12 Hours of Sebring sports car race and the facility’s rich aviation history. Hendricks Field was a World War II era civil and military air field on which the famous 12-hour sports car race has been run for nearly 70 years.

Officially titled the HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour, Pistons and Props, presented by the Alan Jay Automotive Network, the blockbuster event features historic and vintage sports car racing and a Friday “fly-in” and weekend display of equally awe-inspiring military and civilian aircraft from the last half century and World War II era.

Among the rare sports cars competing at the HSR Classic Sebring 12 is No. 5 Antigua Pro Racing 1968 No. 5 Bizzarini GT Competition (pictured at top) prepared by KMW Motorsports. The Ford-powered Italian exotic is one four owned by Carlo Falcone, who is entered to compete in both the HSR Classic Sebring 12 and the co-headline HSR Sebring Historics, which will determine the 2021 Champions of the full-season WeatherTech Sprint, Stoner Car Care Global GT, Sasco Sports International/American Challenge and B.R.M. Endurance Challenge series.

The Sebring Historics has attracted a strong entry of Stock Car competitors in Group 8 for the final bonuses of this year’s inaugural Historic Stock Car More Driven by Goodyear program, which awards four Goodyear D4920 vintage stock radials to the winners of select HSR Group 8 races.

The strong lineup of stock car competitors at Sebring includes NASCAR stars Bill Elliott, who was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) in 2007 and the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015, and Joe “Front Row Joe” Nemechek.

Elliott competes in his 2014 No. 19 Chevrolet Camaro while Nemechek wheels an ex-Terry Labonte Kellogg’s Corn Flakes 2006 No. 5 Chevrolet Monte Carlo owned by Larry Hoopaugh. Nemechek makes his HSR debut with his own and established NEMCO Motorsports team that has been in operation for more than 30 years.

Elliott, who competes at Sebring with Carlus Gann and Vintage Race Car Restorations (VRCR), also returns to the wheel of VRCR’s 1970 No. 9 Ford Mustang Boss 302. Elliott drove the Mustang to the overall victory in the 2019 Sasco Sports International/American Challenge race at Barber Motorsports Park and looks for another Sasco win in the Boss 302 at Sebring on Friday.

The major on-track part of the HSR Classic Sebring is the 12 Hours of Sebring tribute race that takes place Saturday and Sunday. It begins with a symbolic 12 hours of non-stop competition Saturday before all four competing Run Groups contest a final round of races Sunday morning to bring the Classic Sebring 12 Hour to a finish.

The vintage planes join the celebration on Friday after arriving throughout that morning at nearby Sebring Regional Airport. The traditional “Parade of Planes” from the airport to the Sebring competitor paddock is scheduled for Friday at 4:30 p.m. EST.

Detailed event information for the Classic Sebring 12 Hour and Sebring Historics, including weekend schedules and entry lists, is available at www.HSRRace.com.

Spectator tickets for the HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour are available exclusively at Sebring International Raceway throughout the event. Learn more at www.HSRtickets.com.

About HSR: Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) was formed in the mid-1970s with an event at Road Atlanta. There was one goal then and it remains true today: to celebrate the race cars from the past. As a “time machine” of sights and sounds, HSR provides a venue for competitors and spectators alike to share in the wonderful history and excitement created by the cars that competed at race tracks around the world. HSR currently sanctions eight vintage and historic racing events at some of the world’s most renowned race tracks, including Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway, Daytona International Speedway and more. The complete schedule and full event information can be found on HSR’s website at www.HSRRace.com. Look for the HSR Channel on YouTube and follow HSR on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HSRrace/ and on Twitter and Instagram at @HSR_race. A dedicated website for the Classic 24 Hour at Daytona presented by IMSA is available at www.Classic24hour.com.

Gateway Dirt Nationals and Niece Motorsports Announce “Win & You’re In”

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Official Release
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WINNER OF SATURDAY NIGHT SUPER LATE MODEL FEATURE TO WIN TRUCK RIDE

ST. LOUIS, MO. — Gateway Dirt is back on December 2-4 and the event has big news ahead of this weekend’s spectacle inside of the Dome at America’s Center. The Gateway Dirt Nationals has teamed up with NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Team, Niece Motorsports, to present a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The winner of Saturday night’s Super Late Model feature will not only win the race’s $30,000 prize, but on top of that, one lucky driver will also be awarded the driver’s seat of a Niece Motorsports Chevrolet at Knoxville on June 18th, 2022, when the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series makes its stop in Knoxville, Iowa.

The “WIN & YOU’RE IN” program offers a unique opportunity for some of the country’s best grassroots racers. Niece Motorsports takes great pride in being a team of “racers” and the “WIN & YOU’RE IN” program is a clear example of giving back to grassroots racing.

“So many of us at this organization cut our teeth in racing at dirt tracks,” said Niece Motorsports General Manager Cody Efaw. “I truly believe that these drivers are some of the most talented in the country, so we’re excited to give someone another platform to showcase their abilities.”

Gateway Dirt Nationals promoter Cody Sommer is well known for unique promotions and feels this is something that continues to set this event apart from the industry.

“When we sat down and put this together it really got me excited to think about it,” said Sommer. “Imagine if Tyler Carpenter would have won this in 2019; this opportunity for that grassroots-level racer is truly once in a lifetime and it just feels great to be a part of something like this for this year’s event.”

The event takes place Thursday, Dec. 2 through Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Dome at America’s Center in Downtown St. Louis, MO. Tickets are available at www.GatewayDirt.com and those not attending can stream it LIVE at www.FLORacing.com.

#GatewayDirt #DirtInDecember #NASCAR #WinAndYoureIn

About Gateway Dirt Nationals:
For more information regarding the Castrol Gateway Dirt Nationals presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts, please visit the event website at GatewayDirt.com or call 314-786-2636. Follow along on social media for the latest details and announcements regarding the event via Twitter @GatewayDirt or Facebook.com/GatewayDirt
www.GatewayDirt.com

About Niece Motorsports:
Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2022, Niece Motorsports enters its seventh season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.

Dyson Muscled His Way to First TA Title in 2021

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Official Release
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Trans Am’s Eight Weeks of Champions: Chris Dyson TA

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (1 December 2021)- Perseverance paid off for Chris Dyson in 2021. After coming close for the last three years, Dyson brought home the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli TA championship following an outstanding season.

The Poughkeepsie, New York, driver won seven of the opening 10 races in the No. 20 ALTWELL CBD Ford Mustang, clinching the title with one race remaining. While Dyson missed the season finale at Circuit of The Americas to concentrate on family matters, late substitute Matthew Brabham took a dramatic last-second triumph to give the team its eighth victory. (VIDEO: Chris Dyson 2021 Season Highlight)

“Winning the championship was massive for me, personally, on a few levels,” Dyson said. “Trans Am has been one of the lynchpins of America road racing for decades, and to be alongside some of the great champions – many of whom I saw racing as a kid – it’s hard to put in to words how meaningful it is, being considered a Trans Am champion.”

Dyson raced in Trans Am for the first time in 2017, finishing 12th in Reed Kryder’s Cadillac CTSV, filling in for David Pintaric in a race won by fellow New Yorker Andy Lally.

Dyson fanned the full schedule in 2018, winning at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta among five podium finishes in finishing third in the championship behind Ernie Francis Jr. and Lawrence Loshak. Coming from top-level LMP1 and LMP2 (675) Prototype sports cars in ALMS, SRP and Daytona Prototype in Grand-Am, Dyson enjoyed the transition to the Trans Am race cars.

“In all the forms of racing I’ve been able to compete in, I raced in cars at the top of the tree for their respective style of racing,” Dyson explained. “I think when it comes to GT-level racing, the Trans Am cars are hands-down the most monstrous cars you could possibly be racing. The actual driving is so rewarding in the Trans Am cars because there are no driver aids. The cars demand a lot of you as a driver, and reward precision and aggression. There’s a nuance between the two that’s endlessly fascinating and challenging.”

The 2019 campaign saw him win races at Indianapolis, Lime Rock and Daytona among seven podiums, capture his first career TA pole at Lime Rock, and place second in the final standings, only 15 points behind Ernie Francis Jr. The pandemic-jumbled 2020 season saw him take third behind Francis Jr. and Tomy Drissi, while winning at Road America and the season finale at Road Atlanta.

His 2021 season started off on an ominous note, when Dyson spun during qualifying, changed tires and had to start 12th at the back of the TA grid for the opening race at Sebring. Gunning for an eighth-consecutive Trans Am crown, Francis Jr, won the pole in track-record speed and led virtually all the way before being passed by Dyson, who won the race on the final lap.

After taking fifth at Road Atlanta and Laguna Seca, Dyson added victories at Lime Rock, Mid-Ohio and Road America, placed third at Brainerd, and ended his season by sweeping the Watkins Glen doubleheader and clinching the title with a victory at VIR.

“There were so many highlights and some very memorable races,” Dyson said when asked about his personal highlights of the championship campaign. “Obviously, winning the opening race at Sebring from the last starting position on the last lap against a guy like Ernie France Jr. – who’s one of the best-ever Trans Am racers – was really satisfying and a great way to start the season.

“Also, winning at home – we swept our home races. Winning at Lime Rock in the rain was very rewarding, and going up to Watkins Glen and taking both ends of a doubleheader. To win at the two tracks I’ve considered home my whole career was tremendous, and those results put us in a great position to close the championship at VIR.

“Winning this year was particularly special because we did it with a great partnership with Greg Pickett – who himself is a Trans Am legend – and to come in and showcase the ALTWELL CBD brand for most of our victories this year was particularly satisfying.”

Unfortunately, family matters took priority for the season finale in Austin, but CD Racing again was up to the challenge. Brabham filled in at the 11th hour and beat Francis Jr. on a last-lap sprint to the checkered flag after chasing the South Floridian for the entire race. He is the son of Geoff Brabham, who raced against Chris’ father Rob Dyson in the glory days of the IMSA Camel GTP. (VIDEO: Chris Dyson Honors Gala Championship Acceptance Speech)

“I think Matthew did a terrific job,” Dyson said. “What can you say? He came in on short notice, having never driven the car before he sat in it on Friday, and by the end of the weekend he was a race winner. It was unfortunate that I had to miss the event, but Matthew stepped up, performed beautifully and in a lot of ways was an extension of a relationship between the Dyson and Brabham families that goes back decades. I was really proud of Matthew, he’s unquestionably a star of the future and has a really bright career ahead of him. It was a tremendous result for the team, and it underlines how strong our package has become and how good the team is, that we can win without me driving.”

For 2022, expect to see Dyson back in action in Trans Am.

“Right now, our priority is to come back and defend our Trans Am championship, and hopefully build on what we’ve done so far,” he said. “I know the competition is not going to rest easy, and we’re already eagerly preparing for 2022.”

The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli is one of the longest-running championships in motorsport, and will celebrate its 55th season with a diverse 12-race 2022 schedule that will include multiple road courses, a roval and a street circuit.

Trans Am’s 2022 roster of races will be staged at legendary venues across the United States as part of SpeedTour, IndyCar Series and NASCAR events with the season kicking off at Sebring International Raceway February 24-27.

Special offer from ALTWELL CBD:
To celebrate the successful partnership between Chris Dyson and Greg Pickett, ALTWELL CBD has extended a special 30% discount off all orders. Visit Altwell.com and enter the code DYSON30.

For a quicker shopping experience click here: https://altwell.com/discount/DYSON30

This code is good for one time use only and does not expire.

6 Tips for Selling Your Car Privately

By
SM
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Selling your car privately can be exhausting if you do not have the right approach and strategies to make this process hassle-free.  On the brighter side, choosing to sell your car privately is a pathway to ensuring you get the most money for your used car without relying on a third party. Here, we look at six tips for selling your car privately.

  1. Know your car’s value

You are never ready to sell your used car until you have it professionally evaluated to get an estimated sale price. Remember to check the current market price that other private sellers in your area are asking for similar car models, factoring in the year of manufacturer and current mileage. An excellent way to save money on this process is to opt for instant car buying valuations from reputable companies.

  1. Beware of fraudulent buyers

Your safety should be a priority when selling a car privately, and to avoid fraudulent buyers, you should:

  • Avoid meeting or driving buyers to unknown locations
  • Discredit potential buyers who want to negotiate over the phone or email
  • Have a friend or family member with you when meeting a buyer or taking them for a test drive
  • Never handover the key until payments have been reflected on your account

It is advisable to sell your car to reputable companies like cash for cars San Bernardino to eliminate the risks associated with selling your car privately. 

  1. Have all the necessary paperwork ready

It is vital to collect all the necessary paperwork before putting up your used car for sale. Some of the documents you will need to ensure you effortlessly close a sale include:

Note: Never let potential buyers make copies or take photos of these documents, as these should only be handed over once you complete a sale.

  1. Make a great first impressions

Your car’s condition will be a make-or-break factor for most buyers, and you need to capitalize on this. Ensure your automobile is depersonalized and looks cared for by giving it a thorough interior and exterior cleaning before showing it to potential buyers. If you have the budget, a few cheap fixes and waxing will go a long way in making your car extra attractive.

  1. Be ready to market your car

Are you out to sell one of the luxury cars that hold value over the years or a family-friendly wagon that has been lightly used over the years? You need to be prepared to determine the best selling point for your car and use it to your advantage. However, in doing this, you should remember to:

  •  Craft a good description of your car without going overboard
  •  Remember, a car’s odometer is not the only determinant of your automobile’s price
  • Take high quality pictures that show the entire vehicle

Indeed, nice photos are a must-have ingredient for a successful sale. From picking the right place and time to choosing the right camera and taking the right shots, Easy compare has prepared a comprehensive guide for you. With this guide, you will be able to easily attract buyers and sell your car faster and at a BETTER price!

  1. Learn how to negotiate

Are you selling your used car to upgrade to an affordable but cool sports vehicle or get out of your current financial problems? Regardless of your end goal, you must be prepared to negotiate with buyers when selling a used car. A great strategy is to set a higher price than what you want to provide room for negotiations.

Endnote

The decision to privately sell your car comes with its unique challenges, and these tips will help make this process simpler.

Dalton Kellett remains at A.J. Foyt Racing for 2022 IndyCar season

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Chris Owens/Penske Entertainment.

A.J. Foyt Racing announced that Dalton Kellett will be remaining with the organization and as driver of the No. 4 Dallara-Chevrolet sponsored by K-Line Insulators USA for the 2022 NTT IndyCar Series season.

Kellett, a 28-year-old native from Stouffville, Ontario, Canada, is coming off his first full-time IndyCar season with A.J. Foyt Enterprises, where he finished in the top 20 six times and achieved a career-best result of 12th place at the World Wide Technology Raceway in August before settling in 23rd place in the final standings.

“I’m very excited to be back with AJ Foyt Racing for the 2022 season!” Kellett said. “We are looking forward to the year and continuing to build on the momentum from 2021. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be back in the number 4 Chevrolet. A.J., Larry, our team partners, and K-Line have made this a possibility, so I am very thankful for them. Looking back at 2021, we had moments of promise and some encouraging results, we need to enter the 2022 season on that trajectory. The schedule looks very exciting this year, some familiar tracks returning [looking at you Iowa] and I can’t wait to be racing in front of the hometown crowd in Toronto!”

The 2022 IndyCar season will mark Kellett’s third in the series after making his debut at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course circuit in July 2020, where he competed in seven additional events throughout the season.

“It’s great to have Dalton continuing with the team in 2022,” Larry Foyt, team president of A.J. Foyt Racing, said. “He made some solid progress in his first full season in the NTT INDYCAR Series, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish next season. He is a true team player and a great ambassador for AJ Foyt Racing.”

Prior to IndyCar competition, Kellett, who started his racing career through snowmobile and go-karts, competed in the 2011 Ontario Formula Ford Championship season and spent the next two seasons competing in the U.S. F2000 National Championship with Pabst Racing Services. He then competed in the Pro Mazda Championship during the following three seasons (Team Pelfrey in 2013-14 and Andretti Autosport in 2015) before moving up to the Indy Lights series in 2016 with Andretti Autosport. From 2016 to 2018, Kellett recorded five podium results with Andretti and a best-career points result of seventh place in 2018 before joining Juncos Racing for the 2019 Indy Lights season along with making select WeatherTech SportsCar Championship starts. In Indy Lights, he finished in the top 10 in all 18 scheduled races and achieved his sixth career podium result at the Exhibition Place in Toronto, his home country, before finishing in seventh place in the final standings.

Kellett will be a teammate to Kyle Kirkwood, the reigning Indy Lights champion and the first competitor to achieve a championship throughout the Road to Indy program. Kirkwood will be piloting the No. 14 Dallara-Chevrolet for A.J. Foyt Racing.

With his plans for the upcoming season set, Kellett’s third season in IndyCar competition with A.J. Foyt Racing will commence at the Streets of St. Petersburg for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on February 27, 2022.

VP Racing Fuels Continues as Sponsor of 2021 BFGoodrich Tires Mint 400

By
Official Release
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Will provide fuel in Primm once again for racers of all classes

  • 2021 marks the continuation of a multi-year agreement between VP and the Mint 400
  • VP boasts more than 80 fuel blends, including UTV96 relied upon by top UTV racers
  • Sport’s biggest stars will get their power from VP on hand at the starting line in Primm

VP Racing Fuels will continue as a sponsor of the 2021 BFGoodrich Tires Mint 400 as part of its multi-year agreement, Mint 400 officials announced today. The unmistakable blue and red of VP’s industry-leading lineup of fuels will be on site not only at the Mint 400 Off-Road Festival in downtown Las Vegas, but also at the starting line in Primm, where VP will be on hand to supply racers of all types with the product they need to complete “The Great American Off-Road Race.”

“It’d be hard to imagine a Mint 400 without VP Racing Fuels powering the world’s best off-road racers,” said Mint 400 CEO Matt Martelli. “We’re excited to welcome them back for 2021 as part of our multi-year agreement, not only to Fremont Street but also to the center of the action at our start line in Primm. We’re expecting plenty of class winners this year to rely on VP’s full line of racing fuels to power them to victory!”

Founded in 1975, VP Racing Fuels is known as the World Leader in Fuel TechnologyTM. It boasts a catalog of more than 80 fuel blends, as well as coolants, lubricants, and fuel additives, and is run to victory by some of the most renowned names in motorsports around the world. From top-of-the-line offerings that power Unlimited Trucks driven by stars like Rob MacCachren, to the innovative UTV96 that allows UTV racers to make more power and resist vapor lock better than pump gas, expect VP to power racers up and down the starting lineup. Fans can learn more about VP’s full line of products on Fremont Street as part of the Mint 400 Off-Road Festival before the VP team heads to Primm with the racers to keep them gassed up on the way to victory.

The Mint 400 has held the title of the toughest, most spectacular off-road race in North America since 1968 when it was first run. Initially, the race was a public relations event promoting the Mint Hotel’s annual deer hunt. but what started out as a hotel promotion soon grew into a legitimate desert race. Since its 2008 revival, “The Great American Off-Road Race” has only gotten bigger and more prestigious, and deeper fields every year only make it tougher to win.

This year’s BFGoodrich Tires Mint 400 will take place from December 1-5 in Las Vegas. More information on the event for racers and spectators is available at TheMint400.com, or follow the event on Facebook and Instagram. For more information on VP Racing Fuels, visit www.vpracingfuels.com.

About The Mint 400
The Mint 400 is the oldest and most prestigious off-road race in America, and is held each March in the treacherous foothills of Sin City. The multi-day event features a massive vehicle parade down the world famous Las Vegas Strip, a two day festival on historic Fremont Street, and two days of grueling off-road racing on a desolate and punishing 400-mile racecourse. Nearly 65,000 off-road and recreational enthusiasts come to watch 500 race teams in 50+ classes from 25 different states and 15 different countries go door to door, while the Livestream coverage is beamed to over 800,000 viewers worldwide. No other off road race allows fans the thrilling experience of watching the top off-road race teams from around the world battle for fame and glory, in a festival setting – complete with a luxury VIP section. The Mint 400 is “The Great American Off-Road Race”!

Tyler Ankrum moves to Hattori Racing Enterprises for 2022 Truck Series season

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Ted Seminara for SpeedwayMedia.com.

The 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season will feature a fielded expansion and a new driver lineup for Hattori Racing Enterprises after it was announced that Tyler Ankrum will be joining the organization as their second competitor.

Ankrum, a 20-year-old native from San Bernardino, California, and the 2018 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East champion, will be driving the No. 16 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro with continuous sponsorship support from LiUNA! in all but three of the 23-race schedule in the upcoming season. Scott Zipadelli, who led the No. 16 team to HRE’s first NASCAR championship in 2018, will retain his role as crew chief for Ankrum.

“This is a great opportunity to join a tight-knit team with a really strong foundation,” Ankrum said. “I couldn’t be more excited to join HRE and return to the Toyota family. To be able to work with Scott Zipadelli and his team on the LiUNA! Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is a big opportunity for me. I want to get back to victory lane, be a threat in the playoffs, and continue this team’s winning ways. I think we can do that together and I’m looking forward to putting in the work to make that happen.”

Ankrum’s entrance to HRE comes a day after the team announced that Chase Purdy will be piloting the newly-formed No. 61 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for the upcoming Truck Series season, which will mark the first time where HRE will field two full-time entries in the series.

“Tyler has been through the playoffs and has a lot of Camping World Trucks experience,” Shige Hattori, team owner of Hattori Racing Enterprises, said. “Scott [Zipadelli] and our entire team have been successful the last several years and we’re looking forward to seeing Tyler rejoin team Toyota. We want to get him back to victory lane and be a strong playoff contender.”

Ankrum, who will replace Austin Hill in the No. 16 Toyota, joins forces with HRE following a two-year run in the No. 26 Chevrolet Silverado for GMS Racing. He made the 2020 Truck Series Playoffs and tallied three top-five results and 10 top-10 results before achieving a ninth-place result in the final standings. This past season, he missed the Playoffs and settled in 15th place in the final standings despite earning his first career pole at Circuit of the Americas in May, three top-five results and five top-10 results.

Ankrum, who made his first two Truck career starts in two of the final four races in 2018 with DGR-Crosley, campaigned in 20 of 23 Truck races in 2019 between DGR-Crosley and NEMCO Motorsports. He earned his first career win at Kentucky Speedway in July and went on to compete in the Playoffs, where he made it all the way to the Round of 6 before his title hopes came to an end in November. He went on to finish in eighth place in the final standings.

Through 67 previous Truck starts, Ankrum has achieved one career victory, one pole, nine top-five results, 24 top-10 results and an average-finishing result of 16.0 as he seeks another bid towards more victories and the 2022 Truck Series Playoffs.

Miguel Paludo Returns to JRM and NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2022

By
Official Release
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Photo courtesy of https://www.jrmracing.com/

Porsche Carrera Cup Brasil Champion to Drive No. 88 BRANDT Chevrolet in Three Events

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Dec. 1, 2021) – Miguel Paludo will return to JR Motorsports for three NASCAR Xfinity Series road course events in 2022. Paludo, a seven-time champion and current defending winner of the Porsche Carrera Cup, will drive the No. 88 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet in the NXS races at Circuit of the Americas (March 26), Road America (July 2) and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course (July 30).

A native of Nova Prata, Brazil, Paludo will compete for JRM in a BRANDT-branded entry in NXS competition for the second straight year. The No. 88 expands BRANDT’s on-track presence to a pair of Chevrolets in the three events. Paludo will race alongside teammate and full-time NXS driver Justin Allgaier, who drives the No. 7 BRANDT Chevrolet.

“We are back for 2022!” said Paludo during today’s announcement at the BRANDT do Brasil headquarters in Londrina, Brazil. “Last year proved to me that JRM has the best team in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and I can’t wait to get back to the track with this group, especially now that we will have the opportunity to practice and qualify this season. I am very excited to again represent BRANDT and Brazilian agriculture on three of America’s most exciting tracks.”

Additionally, next season will see the return of weekly practice sessions – which had been temporarily suspended in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions – and of the fan-favorite No. 88 to the JRM stable for the first time since 2018. Paludo is set to join team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. behind the wheel of the No. 88 in 2022. Earnhardt Jr. is scheduled to drive at Martinsville Speedway (April 8).

“I can’t tell you how proud we are to have our brand on the iconic No. 88,” said Rick Brandt, CEO & President of BRANDT. “To race the same car number that Dale (Earnhardt) Jr. will drive—in front of our best customers and prospects from Brazil—is just humbling to say the least. I can’t wait to watch Miguel in the No. 88 and Justin (Allgaier) in the No. 7 battle it out and fight for wins in three events next year.”

Embarking on its seventh year of operation, BRANDT do Brasil has seen tremendous growth. With its headquarters in Londrina and manufacturing in Olimpia, BRANDT do Brasil offers a wide range of BRANDT’s proprietary technologies for crops as diverse as coffee, citrus, vegetables, sugar cane, soy and corn to retailers and growers across Brazil.

Paludo and BRANDT have found success at nearly every level, dating back to when Paludo first drove a BRANDT entry in a NASCAR Camping World Truck series event at Chicagoland Speedway in the fall of 2013. From there, the duo has gone on to earn five championships, 20 wins and 60 podiums in Porsche Carrera Cup Brasil competition.

Founded in Central Illinois, BRANDT is a fast-growing, family-owned company and a leader in global agriculture. Specializing in innovative products and services to help growers get maximum yield from their crops, BRANDT supplies customers in 49 states and more than 80 countries, including Brazil. The organization has also had a long, rich history in NASCAR, coming into the sport with Allgaier in 2011 before joining forces with JRM in 2016.

ABOUT BRANDT:
A leading agricultural company, BRANDT serves growers and farmers around the globe. Founded in 1953 by Glen Brandt and his sister Evelyn Brandt Thomas to help Illinois farmers adopt new and profitable technologies, the company has experienced aggressive growth under the leadership of President and CEO Rick Brandt. BRANDT’s focus is providing the products and services that give growers the best opportunity for maximum return while building a stronger, healthier and more abundant food supply. For more information, visit BRANDT on the web at www.brandt.co.

ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS:
JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 20th year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017 and 2018. The company also races in Late Model competition and owns four championships in regional Late Model divisions and added a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.

Round 3 Racing takes WRL Championship Chase to COTA

By
Official Release
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Austin, Texas (1 December 2021) – The 2021 World Racing League season comes to a close in the Lone Star State at the Circuit of the Americas on December 3-5th. Round 3 Racing returns to a four entry lineup including the debut of the No. 401 Team Hagerty BMW M4 GT4 in the GTO category.
At the head of the GP3 National Championship leaderboard, the No. 605 Hagerty Drivers Club Porsche Boxster entry has 16 hours of racing ahead in their campaign to claim the overall trophy.

No. 401 Team Hagerty BMW M4 GT4 (GTO)

Buz McCall, Brad McCall and Sarah Montgomery will usher in a new era for R3R with the introduction of the No. 401 Team Hagerty BMW at COTA. The driver trio spent the majority of the 2021 season behind the wheel of the No. 702 Porsche Cayman which was retired from competition following the weekend at VIRginia International Raceway.

Together the elder McCall and Montgomery have storied success at COTA together. In the 2020 edition of the race weekend, they combined to take the top step of the podium in the GP3 category.

The Hagerty drivers aim to pace the field with their new equipment to replicate results in the debut of the No. 401 BMW.

“I am very excited to drive the No. 401 Team Hagerty BMW M4 GT4 for the first time this weekend,” said Montgomery. “This BMW platform was built for endurance racing and loaded with modern technology that will allow us to contend for a win. We were able to test the car a few weeks back that went remarkably well. To end the season on a high note would be a great finish but also a new beginning to share with Buz and Brad (McCall).”

No. 701 Team Cooper Tires Porsche Cayman (GP1)

Loni Unser, Mo Dadkhah and Mike Gilbert return to the No. 701 Team Cooper Tires Porsche Cayman in the final endurance weekend of the 2021 season.

The Team Cooper Tires trio have proved hard work brings results since the introduction of the No. 701 Porsche Cayman at Road America as they fought through early mechanical gremlins to take three podium results and their first GP1 win at VIRginia International Raceway.

“We have made great strides since Road America and want to continue that progress this weekend at COTA,” said Unser. “The entire Round 3 Racing crew and team have put blood, sweat and tears to get us to this point. Mike (Gilbert), Mo (Dadkhah) and I want to bring home one more trophy for them this season. COTA is a fun track that will be a great experience in the Cayman. I’m excited to get on-track this weekend.”

No. 601 Team Sentinel Porsche Boxster (GP2)

Representing Team Sentinel, James Candelaria, Christian Maloof and Hannah Grisham will wheel the No. 601 Porsche Boxster at COTA. The season finale weekend will mark the final race for the No. 601 Porsche Boxster that will be sold following the checkered flag on Sunday.

Candelaria and Maloof are veterans at the 3.4-mile Texas track and were part of the GP3 class win alongside Buz McCall and Montgomery in 2020. They look to replicate results along with Grisham who will make her first WRL start at COTA this weekend.

“It is hard to believe the end of the season is here but COTA is a great place to do it,” said Grisham. “As a driver, I have grown so much this season with the help of my teammates. They have pushed me to continue to get better. I have only made one previous start at COTA in a Spec Miata so studying the track and learning from Christian (Maloof) who has more experience there is important for a successful weekend.”

No. 605 Hagerty Drivers Club Porsche Boxster (GP3)

With the current lead in the GP3 National Championship battle, the driver team of Jim Ptak, Dennis Neel, Cole Loftsgard, and Carter Pease have dominated the class this season in the No. 605 Hagerty Drivers Club Porsche Boxster.

Since joining the team at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, the No. 605 Porsche Boxster have made eight podium appearances which includes five class wins at Road America, Daytona International Speedway, two wins at Road Atlanta, and the 24 Hours of Sebring International Raceway.

“This season has been a whirlwind experience,” said Ptak. “The four of us in the No. 605 first met and came together earlier this year with no expectations but to just race and learn as we go. To have the success we have had and now be contenders for the GP3 National Championship leaves us all speechless. Buz and Brad McCall have put together a stellar crew that has given us a car each weekend with no issues and the ability to win. Our goal this weekend is to execute as we have every other weekend – keep the car clean and at the front at the end of the day. We have what it takes to bring the championship home this weekend.”

The weekend at Circuit of Americas begins Friday, December 3rd with practice and qualifying before 16-hours of racing on Saturday and Sunday. Live in-car streaming will be available each race morning via the Round 3 Racing Twitter (twitter.com/round3racing).

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