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TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR 2022 WORLD OF OUTLAWS BRISTOL BASH AT BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

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RESERVE A SEAT TO HISTORY
World of Outlaws Bristol Bash Tickets on Sale Now
World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars and World of Outlaws Late Models join to race April 28-30 at dirt-covered Bristol Motor Speedway

BRISTOL, Tenn. (Dec. 13, 2021) – The Greatest Show on Dirt and The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet are set to invade the dirt-covered Bristol Motor Speedway for a bash like no other, April 28-30. And tickets are on sale now for you to see this historic event.

GET TICKETS NOW BY CLICKING HERE

For the first time in history, the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars and World of Outlaws Late Models will come together to race on the same weekend at the “Last Great Colosseum” for three nights of can’t miss action.

It’s the second consecutive year both series will venture to the iconic Tennessee track after the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars returned for the first time in 20 years and the World of Outlaws Late Models made their debut this year. However, in 2022, it’ll be the first time the two premier dirt racing series make for a mega weekend, bringing together a plethora of superstars like three-time and defending Sprint Car champion Brad Sweet, four-time and defending Late Model champion Brandon Sheppard, 10-time Sprint Car champion Donny Schatz and many more.

“Bringing the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and the World of Outlaws Late Models together at Bristol Motor Speedway will be a phenomenal event,” World of Outlaws CEO Brian Carter said. “The best drivers in the world racing at one of the most iconic short tracks in the world, it’s what the fans asked for and we’re proud to make it happen.”

David Gravel, who chased Brad Sweet all the way to the final checkered flag in 2021, was the class of the field in his April Bristol debut, sweeping the weekend for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars. He’ll return with his Big Game Motorsports team in 2022 to defend those victories and pick up two more famed gladiator sword trophies.

Four-time World of Outlaws Late Model champion Josh Richards and eight-time World of Outlaws Late Model winner Devin Moran split the Late Model Bristol Bash victories this year. Both will go into 2022 with the chance to make history and be the first repeat Late Model winner, or rising Series stars Ryan Gustin and 2021 Rookie of the Year Tyler Bruening could find themselves having a career moment.

It all sets up another exciting weekend that will be etched in the memories of those who attend. Make sure to reserve your camping and get your tickets now for the 2022 World of Outlaws Bristol Bash. The three-day reserve combo ticket is $90 for adults – $120 for Flag Stand Reserve seats (by the start/finish line) – and only $20 for kids 12 and under – $25 for reserve. Seats are for the front stretch only. All other ticket, parking and camping information can be found by visiting the BMS website or contact the track at 866-415-4158.

Sweeter the Second Time Around: Rafa Matos’ Fight for a TA2 Title

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Trans Am 8 Weeks of Champions: Rafa Matos

MIAMI (13 December 2021)- The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli enjoyed its most competitive season to date in the TA2® class, with historic full grids and exciting races. The season saw 85 drivers compete in National and ProAm Challenge competition, including several of NASCAR’s up-and-coming stars.

Rafa Matos was more than up to the challenge. The Florida-based Brazilian won six of the 12 races, four pole positions and captured the championship by a whopping 82 points, driving Doug Peterson’s No. 88 3-Dimensional Racing Ford Mustang. (VIDEO: Matos Earns Second Trans Am TA2 Championship – YouTube)

“It’s pretty amazing to see the growth of TA2,” Matos said. “The format that John Clagett and Tony Parella have put together while rebranding the series is working. It’s getting everything the general racer wants; having a fast car and an affordable way to run it, while having a legit schedule, with legit racetracks. Those are the most important things.”

Matos is no stranger to winning titles. He was crowned at each step on his climb up the open-wheel ladder, taking championships in Barber Formula Dodge (2003), Star Mazda (2005), Formula Atlantic (2007) and Indy Lights (2008). He was IndyCar Rookie of the Year in 2009, and also the fastest rookie in that year’s Indianapolis 500. He opened 2008 with a GT victory for Mazda in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, and closed that season with an overall victory in the Sunchaser 1000 at Miller Motorsports Park (now the Utah Motorsports Campus), his first race in a Daytona Prototype.

Since then, Matos has enjoyed success in Brazilian stock cars, various sports cars and karting. His career took an abrupt turn in 2017, when he finished second at Detroit in his TA2® debut. After that, Matos was hooked.

After testing the waters by running five races in 2017 (winning the pole at Road America), Matos was quickly impressed.

“When I first came to Trans Am, back in 2017, the series wasn’t as competitive as it is now,” Matos recalled. “Right away, I fell in love with the car. It’s pure driving – it’s pure racing. The series does a nice job in dealing with the balance of performance, making sure that all the brands are pretty equal and competitive inside their playground. The cars are fun to drive, you’re not racing a car with all kinds of driver aids. The H-pattern gearbox also brings an edge to guys who know how to shift the gears properly.”

Matos ran the full season the following year, winning five races, three poles and the championship.

“Coming from a GT3 car and the highly competitive Brazilian stock cars, I had a pretty good base whereas I could just jump in a Trans Am car and go fast right away,” he said. “By my first full season in 2018, I was fully adapted to the car, and it was a lot of fun.”

The next title, though, was a few years in coming. He placed third in 2019 despite winning four races, and came in second in pandemic-plagued 2020.

“We were in a very good position to win the championship in ’19, but then we had a DNF at VIR and that ruined our season. Then last year was very hectic with the pandemic. I’m glad we got to race some. I had one win, but I had chances to win three or four other races but something always went wrong.”

This past season, Matos was both fast and consistent. After placing second at Sebring – when his power steering failed in the closing minutes – he took eighth at Road Atlanta. From there, Matos won at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca that launched a streak of nine podiums in the remaining 10 events.

Ironically, it was the non-podium –at Nashville – that he called his personal highlight of the year.

“Finishing the race at Nashville without the power steering was my personal highlight,” he said. “I had to drive the car for 20-something laps at that place, and it was very hot at a very physical street course. Muscling the car for that long left me severely dehydrated, and the engineers started coaching me before I passed out in the car. We managed to finish seventh and collected 19 points, so we were able to keep our points lead despite a very strong performance by [Mike] Skeen. We started 18th and went through the field, and were fighting for the lead when the power steering broke.”

Road America saw another charge, from 36th to third, “And if we had a yellow late in the race I think I could have won. The yellow never came, but it felt like a win for us.”

Another highlight was winning at Virginia International Raceway.

“We were definitely the class of the field,” he said. “It was a very good season, full of highlights, but sealing the championship at VIR with one race to go after a good battle with a few drivers was big. That allowed us to go to the last race at COTA just to have fun. I was completely relaxed at COTA. We had fun and finished the championship the way we wanted – winning the pole and winning the race.” (VIDEO: That Moment When Matos Clinched the Trans Am TA2 Championship – YouTube)

Matos knows that the competition will be even tougher in 2022. But he knows he’s also going to be tougher, and is looking forward to defending his championship.

“I think we’re going to be even stronger [in 2022],” Matos said. “A lot of teams tend to slow down during the off-season, but we’re going to focus on the areas where we think we can improve our performance. I think our team is using our resources and our personnel really well in the off-season, trying to improve the cars.”

In the meantime, Matos plans to spend a lot of time at race tracks over the winter – mentoring and coaching several drivers on the South Florida karting scene.

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.

Valerie Thompson Vacates Pilot Seat in Manning’s BUB 7 Motorcycle Streamliner

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Photo Credit: Lou Fischer - BonnevilleStories.com

America’s Queen of Speed cites lack of confidence after mass team resignations

Bonneville Salt Flats, UT (Dec. 13, 2021) – Ten-time land speed record holder Valerie Thompson announces, effective immediately, her separation from Denis Manning and the BUB 7 Streamliner Motorcycle team citing loss of confidence in the streamliner and designer Manning. Thompson has been piloting the former world-title holding motorcycle since 2016 and was Manning’s top funding source for the team.

Considered the “world’s fastest female motorcycle racer” after inking a 328 mph speed record, Thompson is an independent team owner/driver who competitively drag raced before focusing on land speed racing, eventually earning 10 Land Speed Records on two continents.

“We lost some essential crew members over the last few months,” said Thompson about her eroding confidence in the project. “The remaining crew contacted me late last week with the sad news they had quit and removed all their tools from the Team 7 Racing shop. Without this ‘super crew,’ I’m highly doubtful about the performance potential of the BUB 7 to re-capture the worlds fastest motorcycle title. More importantly, I’m concerned for my safety. These are not just my team mates, they’re my guardian angels.”

Each of the departing team members helped extract Thompson from the BUB 7 wreckage after a devastating 363 mph crash on Australia’s Lake Gairdner salt flats in 2018. “While I’m disappointed, I won’t be setting the fastest motorcycle record with Team 7 Racing, I’m heart broken the crew won’t see the results of their 36 months of painstaking re-building work. Each of them has volunteered countless hours in this quest. They deserve better,” added Thompson.

Thompson remains the principal driver of the dual-engine Target 550 streamliner owned by Oregonian and veteran land speed race team owner Marlo Treit.  Treit’s 43-foot, 9,000-pound speed machine is vastly different than the BUB 7 motorcycle. The team’s goal is to break Tom Burkland’s 415 mph World Record set in 2008. Thompson exceeded the team’s testing goals on her first three test runs, clocking 218, 270 and 291 mph.

Thompson, often referred to as “America’s Queen of Speed,” is a lifetime member of multiple 200 and 300 MPH Clubs, a Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee, only female in the “World’s Top 10 Fastest Motorcycle Racers” rankings and aspiring pickleball pro.

Valerie Thompson Background

Valerie Thompson is the World’s Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer and 10X land speed record holder with membership in the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame. She is a member eight 200 MPH Clubs, one 300 MPH Club and the only female in the World’s Top 10 Fastest Motorcycle Racers rankings. In addition to her relentless pursuit of new speed records, Valerie’s goals include earning a professional rating in her favorite sport of pickleball. She started playing less than a year ago and has already collected 6 medals in her first five tournaments playing women’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles. 

Additional Information Photos & Videos
Valerie Thompson Racing (Website): http://www.valeriethompsonracing.com
Rockets and Titans Movie Teaser: https://youtu.be/obtG4f3-c8k
Valerie Thompson Racing (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/ValerieRacing/
Valerie Thompson Racing (Twitter): https://twitter.com/valeriethompson
Valerie Thompson Racing (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/valeriethompsonracing
300+mph Bonneville Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oT4fmXPol0&feature=youtu.be
363+ mph Australia World Speed Trials Crash Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl8NDTyeHqg&feature=youtu.be
Team Target 550 & Marlo Treit: https://www.target550.com/
Target 550 Video: https://youtu.be/_F8Mi6hWzmo

Broad Arrow Group Launches Collectors Garage, a Dedicated Private Sales Business, Debuting With an Outstanding Offering of Exceptional Motor Cars

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Image 1: 1968 Lamborghini P400 Miura - Photo credit: Collectors Garage

Exceptional offering of cars available include stunning 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400, 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS Lightweight, 1983 Lancia Rally 037 Rally Evoluzione 2 Group B, a pair of Lancia Delta Integrale examples including an Evoluzione 16V Martini 5, and a 1990 BMW M3 Sport Evolution

DETROIT, Dec. 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Collectors Garage, a newly introduced Broad Arrow Company dedicated to private sales, launches today with an exceptional offering of post-war sports, grand touring (GT), and rally cars available for immediate purchase and showcased on the company’s website at collectorsgarage.com.

The new company is led by a car specialist team with more than six decades of combined experience with unparalleled automotive expertise, industry knowledge, and global client relationships. The Collectors Garage leadership team includes senior car specialists Donnie Gould, Barney Ruprecht, and Alexander Weaver. Together, the three will be responsible for overseeing the private sales business, growth, and strategy.

Kenneth Ahn, Chief Executive Officer of Broad Arrow Group, Inc., the parent company of Collectors Garage noted, “The launch of Collectors Garage marks an important first step for Broad Arrow Group following the announcement of our formation last week. The estimated $25 billion collector car market is primarily driven by private sales transactions today, both in terms of value and volume. In a highly fragmented and competitive private sales market, we aim to be one of the most trusted advisors for car collectors and enthusiasts to buy and sell cars privately. Our team is dedicated to providing a highly curated portfolio of collector cars for immediate purchase, and we look forward to providing the best possible advice and service to our clients.”

Highlighting the company’s debut announcement is the 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 (Offered At $1,750,000), a stunning car that was restored at the Lamborghini factory with the oversight of legendary chief test driver Valentino Balboni himself. Delivered new to Switzerland, it is not only a late production “thick chassis” example but also one of the comparatively few examples finished in Miura Bleu, in this case with a Gobi interior, the same colors in which the car is presented today. Matching numbers, the car shows exceptionally well and is offered with an extensive history file.

The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS Lightweight (Offered At $1,750,000) is a thoroughbred example of the exceptionally rare M471 RS Lightweight cars, of which only 200 were originally built. Delivered new to Finnish racing champion Leo Kinnunen and accompanied with a full Andy Prill inspection report on file, this matching numbers, highly unique RS was fitted in period with original RSR elements such as the prototypical rear wing and wider rear fenders. Offered on behalf of a significant private collection, and in impressive original, well-preserved condition.

Another exciting highlight is the 1983 Lancia Rally 037 Evoluzione 2 Group B (Offered at $800,000). An excellent example of a racing legend from the Golden Era of all-out Group B rallying, this is the ultimate specification of the 037, of which only 20 examples were built. Campaigned extensively in period at World and European Rally Championship events by a roster of famed drivers, first by the factory and then the privateer Jolly Club team, it is extremely well documented from its racing days through to its tenure in the famed John Campion Collection. It has been Certified by Abarth Classiche, attesting to its originality and correctness throughout.

Rounding out the initial offering are a pair of very special Lancias including one of the rarest iterations of the homologated Group A rally car, the 1992 Lancia Delta Integrale Evoluzione 16 Valve Martini 5 (Offered at $350,000) and a pristine example of the final, most desirable variant of Integrale, presented in one of the most desirable colors, the 1994 Lancia Delta Integrale Evoluzione II 16V “Blu Lord” (Offered at $195,000). An additional noteworthy highlight includes BMW’s legendary E30 M3, the 1990 BMW M3 Sport Evolution (Offered at $255,000). Superbly presented and complete with extensive documentation, the 1990 BMW is one of very few Sport Evolutions built for homologation purposes and is nothing less than thrilling to drive.

About Collectors Garage and Broad Arrow Group

Collectors Garage, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan with offices in New York, Florida, and Southern California, is a dedicated private sales business of Broad Arrow Group, Inc. Collectors Garage is focused on offering a curated portfolio of high-quality collector cars for immediate purchase and providing the best advice and service for car collectors and enthusiasts buying and selling collector cars through private sales. Learn more at collectorsgarage.com.

Broad Arrow Group represents the collective vision of its founders, team members, and partners — to be the best advisor, marketplace, and financier for car collectors, with integrity, trust, and innovation. Broad Arrow Group is a holding company, founded in 2021 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to develop and operate a portfolio of businesses and brands that address the needs of various segments of the collector car market and to transform the collector car industry. Learn more at broadarrowgroup.com.

Please contact Ian Kelleher at Ian.kelleher@broadarrowgroup.com for more information.

PPG Named Official Paint and Finishing Supplier of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, NTT INDYCAR SERIES

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INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, Dec. 13, 2021) – PPG (NYSE: PPG) has reached an agreement to become the Official Paint and Finishing Supplier of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

As part of the multiyear agreement, PPG is also the Official Sponsor of Indianapolis 500 qualifying weekend. Drivers will compete for the prestigious Indianapolis 500 pole and one of the coveted 33 spots in the field for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” during PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 at IMS.

“PPG is one of the most loyal and trusted partners in the history of our sport, and we’re proud to pair IMS and INDYCAR with such an iconic and globally recognized brand,” Roger Penske said. “Like us, PPG is built on quality and leadership in the marketplace with a strong tradition of excellence spanning more than a century. We look forward to seeing and supporting PPG’s sponsorship activation, especially during Indy 500 qualifying weekend.”

“We are excited to continue and further expand our relationship with racing and specifically with the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” said Michael McGarry, PPG chairman and chief executive officer. “PPG paints, coatings and specialty materials have been used throughout racing for decades, and now to have them be part of the future INDYCAR SERIES and IMS experience is an exciting opportunity. Our company purpose is ‘to protect and beautify the world,’ and this partnership will provide opportunities to bring this to life in new and colorful ways.”

The partnership revives a relationship between PPG, IMS and INDYCAR that began decades ago. PPG served as the title sponsor of the INDYCAR SERIES from 1980 to 1997. The company sponsored the Indianapolis 500 Pole Award and was an Indy 500 contingency sponsor from the mid-1970s until the late 1990s. PPG sponsored the winner’s trophy for the NASCAR Brickyard 400 at IMS from its inaugural race in 1994 through 2000.

PPG has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Team Penske in both the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and NASCAR, dating back to 1984 when PPG provided the paint for Team Penske’s numerous race cars. Today, PPG’s involvement with the team includes primary sponsorship of Team Penske’s cars in both INDYCAR and NASCAR.

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™

At PPG (NYSE: PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and materials that our customers have trusted for more than 135 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 75 countries and reported net sales of $13.8 billion in 2020. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

We protect and beautify the world is a trademark and the PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

Rumble in Fort Wayne 23 Adds “Rising Star Award” For Quarter Midget Division

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FORT WAYNE, IN (Dec 13, 2021) – Pit Row TV, the broadcast partner for The Rumble in Fort Wayne presented by Jason Dietsch Trailer Sales, will acknowledge the “Rising Star of the Rumble” with a plaque presented through SPEED SPORT 1 and a check for $200 to the quarter midget racer chosen by committee to receive it.

“The Rumble in Fort Wayne has been a launchpad for the careers of many national level stars,” said event promoter Larry Boos. “Today, I see Chase Briscoe and Erik Jones racing at the highest levels and I remember when they were much younger and racing their quarter midgets with us at the Rumble. I expect to see many more ascend to the national ranks after their time with us, too.”

Covering the careers of young racers since the early days has been SPEED SPORT, who just launched a new content network, SPEED SPORT 1. The Rumble in Fort Wayne is one of the crown jewel events in their portfolio; Pit Row TV is an affiliate of SPEED SPORT TV.

“The excitement of having the likes of Tony Stewart, Ken Schrader, and Justin Peck may receive the biggest headlines, but we want to look deeper and attempt to shine a light on a quarter midget racer on the rise with this award.” said Pit Row TV’s Chief Steward, Tony Stevens.

Competitors can register for the Baker Racing Engines Quarter Midgets on-site at the Rumble through the start of each day’s racing events. Additionally, registration will be open through the start of each day’s racing events for all other divisions including the North Baltimore Custom Cuts winged 600cc Midgets, LiUNA non-winged 600’s, and the headlining midget cars. The go-kart division will also be represented with 8 classes including the Jeremy Howe Racing Sr. Champs, Coe Heating & Air Conditioning Junior 3’s, Economy Auto Parts 330 Clones, Bob Buescher Homes 360 Clones, everageauto.com Wedge Karts, Junior Sportsman, 400 Clones and Kid Karts. Each of the divisions and classes will compete in full programs each day.

Advance tickets are available through any Ticketmaster outlet or at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum box office, and on race-day. For those unable to make the trek to Fort Wayne, this year’s program will be live streamed in its entirety via Pit Row TV and SPEED SPORT TV.

Complete event information may be found at www.rumbleinfortwayne.com

Wheaties Continues 100th Anniversary Celebration with Century Box Featuring the Legendary Michael Jordan

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As part of the celebration, Wheaties Also Joins 23XI Racing

MINNEAPOLIS (December 13, 2021) — As part of Wheaties’ 100th anniversary, the brand is paying tribute to sports icon Michael Jordan, who will be featured on the box for a historic 19th time as part of a year-long commemorative celebration. As part of the celebration, Wheaties will partner with 23XI Racing, co-owned by Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, and its driver, Bubba Wallace, during the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Wheaties has forever changed what it means to be a Champion by recognizing athletes who are not only the best at their sports, but those who have broken barriers and made significant contributions to the world at large.

Throughout his career, Jordan shattered records during his time in the NBA, created the emblematic Jordan brand, uplifted charities and nonprofits, influenced sports culture and most recently, formed 23XI Racing. As the embodiment of the Wheaties Champion, Jordan will be recognized on two limited-edition, 100th anniversary boxes: an iconic orange box available now at retailers, and a new collector’s Gold Foil box that debuts on December 14, 2021. The Wheaties Champion first appeared on the Wheaties box in 1988 and continues to inspire future champions.

“A modern-day legend and inspiration for champions of all ages, Michael Jordan is an incredible athlete, humanitarian and entrepreneur,” said Kathy Dixon, senior brand experience manager for Wheaties. “We are so proud to launch the next box in our anniversary series honoring one of the greatest sports stars and most-decorated Wheaties athlete in history.”

Adding to his legendary career, Jordan made history in 2020 when 23XI Racing was formed, as Jordan became the first Black majority owner of a full-time race team in NASCAR’s premier series in nearly 50 years. History was made again on October 4, 2021, when Wallace won his first-career Cup Series race making Wallace the first African American to win a NASCAR Cup Series race since 1963.

“To be able to honor MJ as part of the Wheaties 100th anniversary celebration and have Wheaties join the 23XI Racing family is special for our team,” said Wallace. “When you think of greatness, you think of Michael Jordan and his drive for excellence both on and off the court. His competitive nature and determination motivate me in my career every day. It is an honor of a lifetime to drive for MJ and rep the No. 23, a number that is such a big part of his legacy.”

Wallace will join in the Wheaties 100th anniversary celebration on Tuesday, December 14, to deliver the newly minted ‘Michael Jordan Gold Foil Wheaties box’ to a handful of Jordan superfans, fellow athletes and friends. Wallace will be easy to spot en route in Charlotte, North Carolina, behind the wheel of a replica Wheaties-branded Toyota Camry.

The No. 23 Wheaties Toyota Camry TRD takes to the track on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at Auto Club Speedway.

Fans of collectables can get in on the action and purchase the Michael Jordan Gold Foil Box for $25.00 each on www.Shop.Wheaties.com starting at noon EST on Tuesday, December 14. For fans who are unable to get their hands on the Gold Foil box, the limited-edition Michael Jordan Wheaties Century Box is available at national grocery retailers now for a SRP of $4.99.

Wheaties fans can expect to see other instantly recognizable athletes who have previously graced the iconic orange box through the Century Box Series – giving a nod to champions past and present.

About Century Box Series

Earlier this year, Wheaties announced the Century Box Series celebrating 100 years of the iconic brand, bringing back the most legendary past cover athletes of our time. The series kicked off with none other than ‘The Greatest’, Muhammad Ali, commemorating the late boxer’s achievements in and out of the ring.

To celebrate the centennial, Wheaties is looking back at its most iconic covers, paying homage to the athletes that continue to inspire future generations. For this momentous celebration, Wheaties is honoring trailblazing sports icons and their stories of accomplishments on and off the court. The athletes featured in the commemorative series are those who transcend sports and decades as the brand looks to its next 100 years.

About Wheaties

Wheaties is an iconic brand that has been a part of American culture for 100 years. In 1934, Wheaties honored Lou Gehrig as their first cover athlete and has celebrated champions on their iconic orange cereal boxes ever since. Some of the greatest athletes in history have been honored on Wheaties boxes. The team behind “The Breakfast of Champions” have redefined what it means to be a Champion and to champion, reserving their cover for athletes who are using their sports platform for something greater. Wheaties believes the world needs more champions who champion. To view more about Wheaties, or shop for products, visit www.wheaties.com.

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.

Head-to-Head At Yas Marina

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(Image from formula1.com)

This weekend marks the final race of the 2021 season for Formula 1 and it’ll be pitting both Mercedes and Red Bull, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen against each other as they go into the final race tied on points. To raise the stakes even higher, this race will also be the decider for the championship too with both teams very much in with the running to win and a substantial amount of prize money too. Punters will certainly be looking to wager on the final title race, with others wagering at their favorite play options at https://ukonlinecasinoslist.com/ in the meantime – but how close is the race looking and who will likely win?

The track – Historically the Yas Marina circuit has been heavily favored for the Mercedes with their great straight-line speed, and with the new configuration it only plays into their car more too – there are still some tight turns where the Red Bull can make up a bit of time, but with the rocket-powered engine that’s to be placed in the Mercedes once again for the same performance boost seen in Brazil, on pure performance alone it looks as if the Mercedes could find quite a substantial advantage.

The drivers – Verstappen has found some criticism over the past few races for taking some liberties on the racing line and perhaps being a bit more aggressive than needed, and Hamilton hasn’t escaped criticism for the same in the past. The rice director and stewards may certainly look to be a bit more hands-on with the final race and have issued a statement suggesting that a points deduction could certainly be possible if neither driver respects the rules throughout the weekend and have seemingly issued some steeper warnings about clean driving and ensuring track limits are respected throughout the weekend. 

The strategy – The final race will feature the softest compound tyres, and although the race will take place in the evening, which will be a cooler environment, the strategy will play out. It’s a very fast track, it could be a close shave towards the end for the teams that may look to have a longer stint on the hard tyres, and given the tyre performance throughout the rest of the season pushing the tyres too far could be the season decider with unexpected failures and punctures being a recurring theme. 

Either way, it’s going to be an exciting and intense battle, the hope will be as clean a race as possible with some respectful driving – and with the 2022 season set to be very different with the new cars and new regs, it’s the end of the current turbo-hybrid era before the new one begins.

Top Hidden Strategies to Give You Best Bets

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Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Online gambling has become popular both online and in land-based casinos. It is easy to keep doing it because it may become your source of income if you keep winning. There are several games in the betting area. For example, there is a barracat game that entails cards, meaning it is a table game. It has both casual and seasoned players, and it is loved since it is a table game where you can play it while chatting with friends and more. Using the correct strategies, the players of this game or any other can grow their bankroll, make winning odds which will likely take the gameplays to a top level.

Whether rich or poor, you can engage in the casino to win or lose. But instead, you should input the best strategies that will help you make the right decision. Besides winning any game, one should learn and adhere to the rules.

Best strategies to apply

It is possible to apply these tricks to avoid losing bets applied from the game, especially in many casino table games. These are some of the things to do so that you can emerge a winner in games like bet baccarat (แทงบาคาร่า).

1-2-3-4 strategy

It is a strategy that depends on your wager. It encourages increasing the stake, for that matter. The entire idea of this system means you adjust the amount of money that you use in betting. That means you will have to cover up yourself for the losses you may incur. There is no definite foolproof strategy since the more you stretch the budget, the more chances you will earn profit.

One-sided strategy

It is a simple strategy that entails selecting consistent bets either by the players or bankers. One should do this unless they lose. For instance, if the game of your choice does not win three consecutive times, then you need to stop and wait until your choice begins to win once more before you resume betting. It is always good to have a target amount of money you wish to win. That way, you will be sure when to stop the game.

Paroli

This is one of the amazing betting systems existing in table games betting in a casino. It allows you to increase your bet every chance you win. In addition, it favors the sports bettors, unlike many other strategies that are aligned to the interest of the betting website.

Stick to your budget

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Verstappen wins maiden Formula One World Championship in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

By
Andrew Kim
-

In a season-long championship battle for the ages between a legend and a prominent star each representing two powerhouse organizations, a one-lap shootout on fresh tyres handed Max Verstappen his maiden Formula One World Championship after the Dutchman overtook and fended off Sir Lewis Hamilton to win both the title and the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday, December 12.

The 24-year-old Verstappen commenced the 2021 F1 weekend finale by claiming the pole position over Hamilton on Saturday. At the start, however, Hamilton powered his Mercedes to the front on medium tyres. Then in Turn 6, Verstappen made a bold move beneath Hamilton and forced Hamilton off the course, though Hamilton came back on the course to retain the lead. Despite protests being launched from Red Bull Racing over Hamilton’s off-course venture, the stewards allowed Hamilton to continue as the leader.

From Laps 15 to 20 of 58, where both Hamilton and Verstappen pitted, Sergio “Checo” Perez, the second Red Bull Racing competitor, was leading ahead of Hamilton with the Mexican veteran receiving orders to fend off Hamilton. By Lap 21, however, Hamilton reassumed the lead following an intense battle with Perez.

With less than 10 laps remaining, Hamilton was still leading, but racing on worn tyres. By then, Verstappen, who last pitted on Lap 36, was trying to cut Hamilton’s huge deficit and navigate his way through lapped traffic.

Then an opportunity struck with five laps remaining when Nicholas Latifi wrecked his Williams Racing car in Turn 14. Under the safety car caution period, Hamilton remained on the track while Verstappen pitted. As the laps dwindled and the safety car remained on the track, the FIA and stewards instructed for five lapped cars in between Hamilton and Verstappen to overtake them and the safety car to cycle back on the lead lap, which left Hamilton and Verstappen running nose to tail of one another for a one-lap shootout to the finish. The decision was one that left Mercedes, including team principal Toto Wolff, unhappy with the call.

At the start, Hamilton retained the lead, but Verstappen kept him within his sights. Then in Turn 5, Verstappen made a bold move beneath Hamilton to take the lead. Despite receiving two opportunities to regain the lead, Hamilton could not keep pace with Verstappen’s Red Bull machine as the Dutchman was able to navigate his way around the circuit for a final time and streak across the finish line to claim the race victory and the championship to the delight of his team and nation.

With the victory, Verstappen, who notched his 10th Grand Prix victory of 2021 and the 20th of his career, became the 34th different competitor to achieve a Formula One World Championship and he became the first Dutchman to win an F1 title. By beating Hamilton by eight points, he delivered the first drivers’ championship for Red Bull Racing since 2013 as Red Bull claimed its fifth championship.

“It’s unbelievable,” Verstappen said. “Throughout the whole race, I kept fighting and then of course, that last opportunity on the last lap, it’s incredible. I’m still having a cramp. It’s insane. I don’t know what to say. These guys right here, my team and of course, Honda, they deserve it. I love them so much and I really, really enjoy working with them already since 2016, but this year has been incredible. To my team, I think they know I love them and I hope we can do this for 10, 15 years together. There’s no reason to change ever. I want to stay with them for the rest of my life…Our goal was to win this championship and now, we have done that.”

“It’s just insane,” Verstappen added. “My goal when I was little was to become a Formula One driver. When they play the national anthem, you one day hope they play yours and then when you stand here and then they tell you that you’re the World Champion, it’s something incredible. Especially my dad, the special moment we had here, all the things come back to your mind, throughout all the years where you spent together traveling for that goal, and then you are here together, everything comes together in the last lap. Insane, these people. My whole team, my family, my friends, my best family friends, the people I grew up with go-karting, the ones who pushed me to where I am today, most of them were here. It just sounds amazing. It’s incredible to see all this [Netherlands] orange here, but all over the world where they supported me throughout my whole career and especially in Formula One, it’s just incredible and I hope I can do this for a very long time with the support of my great fans. Throughout the whole race, I just tried to keep on pushing, tried to keep on believing in it even though it didn’t look like it and in some times, miracles happen. Lewis [Hamilton] is an amazing driver, an amazing competitor. He made it really, really hard for us and everyone loved to see it. We had some tough times, but I think that’s all part of this sport and its emotion. Everyone wants to win. It could’ve gone either way today, but next year, we’ll come back and try it all over again.”

Hamilton, who dominated the finale and was on track in winning a record-setting eighth F1 title prior to the late restart, settled in second place for the eighth time on the track in 2021 and in the runner-up position in the standings, which marked his first title loss since losing to former teammate Nico Rosburg in 2016. With Hamilton’s runner-up result and to go along with Valtteri Bottas finishing in sixth place on the track, Mercedes were able to claim an eighth consecutive Constructors’ title by 28 points over Red Bull Racing Honda.

“Firstly, a big congratulations to Max and to his team,” Hamilton said. “I think we did an amazing job this year. My team, everybody back at the factory, all the men and women we have at here worked so hard this whole year. It’s been the most difficult of seasons. I’m so proud of them, so grateful to be a part of the journey with them. We gave it everything. This last part of the season, we gave it absolutely everything. We never gave up. That’s the most important thing. We’ll see about next year.”

Following the finale, Mercedes launched two protests to the FIA over the decision to conclude the finale with a one-lap shootout while also alleging that Verstappen overtook Hamilton during the final safety car period and prior to the shootout. Following an extensive review amid the controversy, where members of Mercedes and Red Bull met, the protests were dismissed and Verstappen’s championship was retained.

Finishing behind the two championship contenders on the track was Carlos Sainz, who achieved his fourth podium result of the season and capped off his first season with Ferrari in a career-best fifth place in the drivers’ standings. With teammate Charles Leclerc finishing 10th on the track, Ferrari capped off the 2021 F1 season in third place in the constructors’ standings over the McLaren F1 Team.

“Especially the ending has been particularly great for me,” Sainz said. “With my best race in Ferrari putting together everything I’ve learned through the year, to put together a strong race today with the start, the race management, with a podium, that gets me also P5 in the Drivers’ championship. It all came together. It was a very challenging [season], especially because the lack of testing, so I had no idea how quickly I was gonna adopt. At Bahrain, I saw that I was pretty quick and I said, ‘OK, I’m gonna be there.’ I know I’m quick. I know that when I have the car to my liking, I have the speed to do whatever it takes to be quick in Formula One. The first part of the year was challenging, adapting to two different things of the car that I didn’t fully understand. The last third, I put together everything to put some good qualifyings and some good race finishes.”

Rookie Yuki Tsunoda for AlphaTauri rallied from an up-and-down rookie season in F1 to notch a career-best fourth place on the track ahead of teammate Pierre Gasly and Bottas, who capped off his fifth and final season with Mercedes in third place in the drivers’ standings. Lando Norris, who wrapped up his junior season in F1 competition and with McLaren in a career-best sixth place in the drivers’ standings, finished seventh on the track followed by Alpine’s Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon while Leclerc rounded out the top 10 on the track.

Finishing outside of the top-10 points-paying results on the track was Sebastian Vettel, who concluded his first season with the Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team in 12th place in the driver’s standings. Daniel Ricciardo followed pursuit along with Lance Stroll and rookie Mick Schumacher.

Sergio “Checo” Perez, who was in late contention for a podium result, ended his race in 15th place after retiring prior to the one-lap shootout. Despite the result, Perez capped off his first season with Red Bull Racing in fourth place in the final drivers’ standings along with five podiums and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix victory in June.

Latifi, following his late accident, retired in 16th place while teammate George Russell retired in 18th place and in his final event with Williams Racing due to a transmission issue.

Antonio Giovinazzi concluded his final event with Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen in 17th place on the track after retiring on Lap 36 due to a gearbox issue. Ten laps earlier, teammate Kimi Räikkönen retired in 19th place, dead last, after spinning in Turn 6 due to a braking issue on Lap 26. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked Räikkönen’s 349th and final career start in Formula One with the 2007 champion stepping away from F1 competition.

Nikita Mazepin, one of two Uralkali Haas F1 competitors, did not compete after testing positive for COVID-19 hours to the finale.

Race Results

1. Max Verstappen, one lap led

2. Lewis Hamilton, 51 laps led

3. Carlos Sainz

4. Yuki Tsunoda

5. Pierre Gasly

6. Valtteri Bottas

7. Lando Norris

8. Fernando Alonso

9. Esteban Ocon

10. Charles Leclerc

11. Sebastian Vettel

12. Daniel Ricciardo, +1 lap

13. Lance Stroll, +1 lap

14. Mick Schumacher, +1 lap

15. Sergio Perez – Retired, six laps led

16. Nicholas Latifi – Retired

17. Antonio Giovinazzi – Retired

18. George Russell – Retired

19. Kimi Räikkönen – Retired

Final Driver Standings

1. Max Verstappen

2. Lewis Hamilton

3. Valtteri Bottas

4. Sergio Perez

5. Carlos Sainz

6. Lando Norris

7. Charles Leclerc

8. Daniel Ricciardo

9. Pierre Gasly

10. Fernando Alonso

11. Esteban Ocon

12. Sebastian Vettel

13. Lance Stroll

14. Yuki Tsunoda

15. George Russell

16. Kimi Räikkönen

17. Nicholas Latifi

18. Antonio Giovinazzi

19. Mick Schumacher

20. Robert Kubica

21. Nikita Mazepin

Final Constructor Standings

1. Mercedes

2. Red Bull Racing Honda

3. Ferrari

4. McLaren-Mercedes

5. Alpine Renault

6. AlphaTauri Honda

7. Aston Martin Mercedes

8. Williams Mercedes

9. Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari

10. Haas-Ferrari

The Formula One teams and competitors enter an off-season period before returning to action at Bahrain International Circuit for the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday, March 20, to commence the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship season.

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