The MAC to Host the 52nd Jack Buck Awards on Dec. 6 Francois, Bruce, Backes, Goldschmidt and Unger to be Honored
ST. LOUIS – On Monday, Dec. 6, the Missouri Athletic Club in Downtown St. Louis will host the 52nd Jack Buck Sports Awards Banquet presented by Redbird Carriers.
This year’s lineup of honorees is set. Recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Isaac Bruce will receive the Stan “the Man” Award for his contributions to St. Louis on the field and in the community through his Foundation. The newly named “Bob Plager Legends Award” will honor two St. Louis Blues greats, Gary Unger and David Backes. World Wide Technology Raceway owner Curtis Francois will receive the Jack Buck Award in recognition for his contributions to racing including landing a coveted NASCAR Cup Series Race for St. Louis. Cardinals Gold-glove 1st baseman Paul Goldschmidt will be honored as the Sports Personality of the Year.
The Jack Buck Award is presented in recognition of dedicated support of sports in St. Louis and making a positive difference in the community. Some past winners of this award include: August A. Busch, Robert Hyland, Joe Garagiola, Stan Musial, Bill DeWitt, Tom Stillman and the MLS4THLOU ownership group.
This annual banquet was established in 1970 by Missouri Athletic Club member Jack Buck to honor the top St. Louis sports figures. Some of the biggest names in sports history including Bob Gibson, Joe Torre, Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith, Al MacInnis, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Brett Hull, Marshall Faulk, Albert Pujols and Kurt Warner have been honored at the event. Every banquet since its inception has aired on KMOX Radio. This year’s banquet can be heard beginning at 8 p.m. on Dec. 6.
NASCAR GUEST STAR KYLE BUSCH EARNS FOURTH Championship Battle Moves to Southern California’s Glen Helen Raceway
(Phoenix) Travis Pastrana (USA) scored his first Nitro Rallycross win at the Phoenix stop of the 2021 championship series on Sunday, while NASCAR guest star Kyle Busch put in a strong performance to place fourth.
In the high adrenaline Supercar final on Nitro RX’s most challenging course yet, Pastrana held off Timmy Hansen (SWE), who earned second, as well as Subaru teammate Scott Speed (USA), who placed third. Hansen won the season opener in Utah and Speed took victory at last month’s championship stop in Minnesota. Only six points separate these top three drivers in the standings.
After celebratory donuts in front of the packed grandstands, Pastrana said, “This [win] is number one by far. It’s absolutely amazing… The Hansens are so good; and Scott Speed: if he gets in front, you’re not getting around.”
NASCAR star Kyle Busch (USA) held nothing back piloting the ZipRecruiter #GoNitro car in his rallycross debut. After qualifying 11th and then advancing through the stacked field of elite drivers to secure his place in the final, Busch fought his way from the last row of the grid to finish just off the podium in fourth.
For Pastrana, already a six-time National Stage Rally Champion and a global action sports icon, this victory was particularly sweet. Nitro RX has been his brainchild and passion project, as he sought to create an exciting, high impact and next gen motorsport.
Pastrana reflected afterwards, “It is a dream come true for me to see the crowd here, to see the sport come to fruition. [And] I think it’s only the beginning.”
Supercar Final (Phoenix):
Finish
Car #
Name
Nation
Team
1
199
Travis Pastrana
USA
Subaru Motorsports USA
2
21
Timmy Hansen
SWE
Red Bull Hansen NRX Team
3
41
Scott Speed
USA
Subaru Motorsports USA
4
51
Kyle Busch
USA
ZipRecruiter #GoNitro
5
02
Cabot Bigham
USA
Dreyer Reinbold Racing
6
34
Tanner Foust
USA
Dreyer Reinbold Racing
7
9
Kevin Hansen
SWE
Red Bull Hansen NRX Team
8
00
Steve Arpin
CAN
GRX Loenbro
With this weekend’s results, Pastrana trades places with Kevin Hansen (SWE) in the Nitro RX Championship standings, swapping fourth place for second. Kevin’s brother Timmy still sets the pace in first while Speed maintains his hold on third.
Supercar Championship Standings:
Position
Name
Nation
Team
Salt Lake City
Minneapolis
Phoenix
Total
1
Timmy Hansen
SWE
Red Bull Hansen NRX Team
50+1
35+1
45+2
134
2
Travis Pastrana
USA
Subaru Motorsports USA
25+3
45+2
50+4
129
3
Scott Speed
USA
Subaru Motorsports USA
30+4
50+3
40+1
128
4
Kevin Hansen
SWE
Red Bull Hansen NRX Team
40+1
40+4
20+1
106
5
Steve Arpin
CAN
GRX Loenbro
45+2
10+2
15+3
77
6
Fraser McConnell
JAM
Olsbergs MSE
35+2
30+1
0+1
69
7
Tanner Foust
USA
Dreyer Reinbold Racing
15+1
15
25
56
8
Kyle Busch
USA
–
–
35
35
9
Cabot Bigham
USA
XCITE Energy Racing
–
–
30
30
10
Andreas Bakkerud
NOR
Subaru Motorsports USA
10
20
–
30
11
Robin Larsson
SWE
Monster Energy RX Cartel
–
25+1
0+1
27
12
Oliver Eriksson
SWE
XCITE Energy Racing
20
5
–
25
13
Kevin Eriksson
SWE
Olsbergs MSE
–
–
0+2
2
14
Oliver Bennett
GBR
XCITE Energy Racing
0+1
–
–
1
14
Liam Doran
GBR
Monster Energy RX Cartel
–
0+1
–
1
In the final of the NRX Next developmental class, Sage Karam (USA) swept the weekend doubleheader, taking the checkered flag on both Saturday and Sunday. Today’s win also marked his third straight in the series. George MeGennis (USA) came in second, securing the podium on both days and for the fourth time, overall. Casper Jansson (SWE), who took first and second at Salt Lake City, also returned to the podium, placing third.
NRX Next Final (Round 6):
Finish
Car #
Name
Nation
Team
1
24
Sage Karam
USA
Dreyer Reinbold Racing
2
9
George Megennis
USA
#YellowSquad
3
36
Casper Jansson
SWE
Enlunds Motorsport
4
55
Lane Vacala
USA
Dreyer Reinbold Racing
5
21
Conner Martell
USA
Dreyer Reinbold Racing
NRX Next Championship Standings:
Position
Name
Nation
Team
RC1
RC2
RC3
RC4
RC5
RC6
Total
1
Casper Jansson
SWE
Enlunds Motorsport
50
40
45
25
20
40
220
2
Lane Vacala
USA
Dreyer Reinbold Racing
40
35
35
40
35
35
220
3
Martin Enlund
SWE
Enlunds Motorsport
45
45
50
45
30
–
215
4
George Megennis
USA
#YellowSquad
25
50
30
20
45
45
215
5
Sage Karam
USA
Dreyer Reinbold Racing
–
30
20
50
50
50
200
6
Eric Gordon
USA
Bak 40 Motorsport
35
25
25
35
25
–
145
7
John Holtger
USA
John Holtger
–
–
40
30
–
–
70
8
Conner Martell
USA
–
–
–
–
40
30
70
9
Simon Olofsson
SWE
Dreyer Reinbold Racing
30
20
–
–
–
–
50
The battle for the Nitro RX championship resumes next weekend at Southern California’s Glen Helen Raceway November 20 and 21. Since 1985, Glen Helen Raceway has been a premier off -road racing destination and is the home of the AMA 125/250 MX Nationals, the Off-Road Winter Series and the National MX track. Now Nitro RX is set to unveil another formidable new track at the iconic venue.
Nov. 20-21 // Glen Helen Raceway // Southern California
Dec. 4-5 // The FIRM // North Florida
ABOUT NITRO RALLYCROSS
Launched in 2018 by motorsports icon Travis Pastrana and the innovators of Nitro Circus, Nitro Rallycross has revolutionized motorsport. With innovative purpose-built courses, banked turns inspired by the wide-open action of Supercross and short-form, head-to-head competition, Nitro Rallycross creates high-impact, thrill-packed racing. NRX’s custom-built permanent tracks – featuring the biggest jumps seen in motorsports – create unrivaled racing excitement. The full-throttle competition is now set to go global, as Nitro Rallycross expands into a full standalone championship series. Looking ahead to 2022, NRX will also add an electric Supercar circuit featuring the all-new FC1-X, the most powerful Rallycross vehicle ever built. For more information, visit NitroRallycross.com.
Nitro Rallycross is part of Thrill One Sports & Entertainment. Thrill One is a next-generation content company that lives at the nexus of sports, entertainment and lifestyle, combining the resources of Nitro Circus, Street League Skateboarding, Nitro Rallycross and Thrill One Media. A multi-media platform founded in 2020, Thrill One is dedicated to creating mind-blowing action sports events and original content, fueled by the most daring athletes, talent and brands in thrill-based entertainment. It also boasts one of the largest aggregate social audiences in action sports, with more than 40 million followers across its multiple brand pages and channels. Visit thrillone.com/ for additional information.
Petit Le Mans, Road Atlanta, IMSA, Braselton, GA, November 2021. (Photo by Brian Cleary/bcpix.com)
Alegra Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3 Team Leads Race Laps and Secures Season-Best Fourth-Place Finish in 10-Hour Motul Petit Le Mans IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Finale
BRASELTON, Georgia – Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams combined for a string of success across two racing series in IMSA’s 2021 finale this past weekend at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. The competitive showing included the best finish of the season for the No. 28 Alegra Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3 team in Saturday’s featured Motul Petit Le Mans, the first Mercedes-AMG GT4 pole of the season and a combined 59 race laps led over 12 hours of competition in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season-ending races.
Alegra Motorsports and No. 28 Mercedes-AMG GT3 of co-driver Michael de Quesada, Daniel Morad and Daniel Juncadella stepped up for the team’s best race of the season with a fourth-place finish in Saturday’s 10-hour Motul Petit Le Mans.
Despite losing valuable track time for repairs after an incident early in the event, Alegra and its trio of drivers were competitive from the drop of the green flag in Saturday’s endurance race.
Starting driver Morad rolled off ninth in the GT Daytona (GTD) class field but quickly moved into the top five in the race’s opening hour. From there, Alegra and its trio of drivers rarely ran out of the top five for the remainder of the race, frequently battling in the top three.
Morad led the No. 28 team’s first laps during his second driving shift Saturday afternoon when he paced the GTD field for 20 laps. Juncadella, in his Road Atlanta debut, later led four laps in the No. 28.
Alegra’s No. 28 was one of three Mercedes-AMG GT3 entries in the Petit Le Mans finale but ended up carrying the Mercedes-AMG Motorsports flag solo after a bizarre multi-car accident in the race’s fourth hour.
Both the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3, of team drivers Russell Ward, Philip Ellis and Maro Engel, and the No. 32 Gilbert Korthoff Motorsports Mercedes-AMG, co-driven by Guy Cosmo, Mike Skeen and Stevan McAleer, were eliminated in a seven-car pileup as the field accelerated up to speed on a race restart. Ward, who started fifth and was running fourth at the time of the incident, and debuting Mercedes-AMG GT3 driver McAleer were both uninjured in the incident.
Morad returned to the wheel of the Alegra No. 28 for the final driving shift of the race Saturday night. He was closing on the third-place finisher when the checkered flag flew, crossing the finish line fourth and less than five seconds behind the final podium finisher.
The fourth-place finish ended Alegra’s challenging season on a high note and topped a pair of fifth place showings in the mid-season summer stretch of back-to-back races at Watkins Glen International in late June and early July.
In Friday’s two-hour Michelin Pilot Challenge finale, Kenny Murillo teamed with Eric Foss as a substitute driver for Jeff Mosing for the second straight race. The son of team owner and former champion driver Ken Murillo, the younger Murillo stepped in the No. 56 for the year’s final two races after Mosing broke his foot in a non-racing incident in September.
Making the most of the opportunity, Murillo won the pole in Michelin Pilot Challenging qualifying, his first in IMSA competition and the first top qualifying effort of the season for the Mercedes-AMG GT4.
Leading the field to the start, Murillo led the first 23 race laps and Foss later put the No. 56 Mercedes-AMG GT4 at the front of the field for 12 laps. The combined 35 laps led were a race-high for the Murillo Racing drivers.
Murillo and Foss were the only teammates to each lead the two-hour Pilot Challenge finale, but the No. 56 was knocked out of the lead with less than 30 minutes to go.
Foss was leading the race when the same competitor that hit the No. 56 in last year’s race at Road Atlanta again made contact again in the same set of corners. Foss was able to drive the damaged car back to the pits, but lengthy repairs dropped the No. 56 to a 17th place finish at the checkered flag.
While the No. 56 team was disappointed for the second-consecutive year at Road Atlanta, two other Mercedes-AMG GT4 teams rallied for top-10 finishes.
Co-drivers Mark Kwamme and Trenton Estep finished seventh in their Road Atlanta debut in the No. 18 CB Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4. The top-10 showing in just the fourth race for the CB teammates in in Michelin Pilot Grand Sport (GS) class competition was a strong follow up to the team’s first top-five finish one race ago at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR).
Foss and Murillo ran all season alongside the sister, No. 65 Murillo Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4 of Brent Mosing and Tim Probert, who secured their third top-10 finish of the year in the Road Atlanta finale.
Daniel Morad, Driver – No. 28 Alegra Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Coming into the race, we had no expectations because we had no track time. I had three laps of practice before qualifying, so to be only six tenths off of pole in qualifying was promising for us and gave us a direction to work on the car. It came down to literally the warm-up session before the race, where we were still fine tuning the car and making some changes to get it dialed in. We had a few changes in the race, but right from the beginning we set the tone. We jumped from P9 up to P5, saved some fuel, got up to P3 and from there hovered around the top three, top five all day. The boys did an awesome job on the pit stops. Every single stop was perfect, and it allowed us to lead the race at some points.”
Michael de Quesada, Driver – No. 28 Alegra Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3: “It’s hard not to think about what could have been this season, but I have to say Saturday was an absolute win for us. Going into the morning warm-up, we were nowhere, and somehow the guys pulled a rabbit out of a hat. I got in the car for the first stint, and we were just on it. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, it was hard to compete with so little track time, but we absolutely did our best. I have to thank Alegra Motorsports, Mercedes-AMG and our sponsors. It was a real team effort to get us here to this point in the season and I’m happy to end up on a good note.”
Daniel Juncadella, Driver – No. 28 Alegra Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3: “It was great. We missed a lot of practice due to a small incident, so race day was my first experience on track, and I really loved it. It was great to experience it in such a hectic and chaotic race, but we escaped all of the dangers, and in the end, we managed to finish fourth. It was bittersweet, of course, we were so close to a podium, but fourth isn’t too bad, and I’m happy with my first experience here.”
Keeping up with car maintenance is one of the most effective ways to reduce your chances of being involved in a road accident. Because maintenance neglect can lead to instances of failing brakes and other dangerous situations, not maintaining your vehicles is a choice that will put you and other road users in harm’s way.
So, you must prioritize vehicle services as recommended by the manufacturer. More often than not, your car will require a full service every year, or ever 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. But full maintenance services are not the only way to keep your car in top condition; you will need to keep your vehicle clean, change the oil, replace the coolant, and keep an eye on your tires as ongoing responsibilities.
And while you will need to rely on a professional mechanic to assist with most major engine issues, full services, and other issues, some smaller tasks are straightforward enough to do on your own. Knowing how to do these DIY car maintenance tasks will save you quite a bit of money and ensure your car is always in excellent condition.
Changing The Coolant
Coolant is the liquid in the engine that prevents your vehicle from overheating. However, the liquid does not last a lifetime and needs to be replaced every 25,000 miles or four to five oil changes.
To change the coolant, you’ll need a hose, an air compressor, a 4-in-1 screwdriver, a socket, and a wrench. However, if you notice the liquid looks a bit like chocolate milk or there is rust on the tank lid, you must abandon the job and consult a mechanic as soon as possible.
Changing The Oil
Changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is just as important as making sure oil levels are always ideal. That said, topping up the oil is a bit more straightforward than changing the oil.
You will need to put your vehicle on jacks in your garage or driveway and find the oil drain plug beneath the car. Next, put a drain pan in place and remove the plug. Once the oil has all drained out, you can replace the plug and add new oil.
When changing the oil, using the best additive for stiction will also be worth your while. This product should be used with every oil change or every third oil change for the best results. Not only will this extra step eliminate the issue of stiction, but it will also add extra lubrication to the oil system, which will benefit overall engine performance.
Replacing The Filter
While you’re waiting for every last drop of old oil to drain out, you might as well replace the filter or check its condition at the very least. The filter ensures the engine runs smoothly by improving heating and AC systems.
The filter should always look clean and free of any discoloration. If this is not the case, it’s time for a new one. However, it’s as simple as unscrewing the cap that covers the filter, sliding out the old one, and inserting the new one. What’s more, air filters are also incredibly cheap, so doing this to maintain your vehicle definitely won’t set your budget out.
Headlight Restoration
If your headlights are covered in a build-up of gunk, driving is somewhat more challenging and a lot more dangerous. Fortunately, you can restore your headlights without the help of a professional.
You can easily find a headlight restoration kit at most auto parts retailers, and they are incredibly pocket-friendly as well. While these kits are typically inexpensive, some claim that toothpaste is just as effective for headlight restoration.
Replacing Tires
Most drivers should know how to change a tire, mainly because this is a task that can save you from the unfortunate instance of finding yourself stranded on the roadside due to a flat tire.
It’s essential to always keep a spare tire in the boot, although you will also need to change your tires regularly over time. When the tire tread visibly starts to wear down, tears or bubbles in the rubber start appearing, or punctures are resulting in pressure loss, you should opt for new tires as soon as possible.
Fixing The Defroster Grid
The appearance of those unsightly streaky lines on your back windshield is a sign that you need to fix the defroster grid. The lines appear due to tiny wires heating up when the grid is turned on to clean the windshield. Although sometimes they malfunction or stop working altogether.
Fortunately, you can fix this nagging problem pretty quickly, and you can even purchase a defroster grid repair kit to help you get the job done. These repair kits are also quite affordable.
To start, you must clean the windshield and then find any breaks. You can use a voltmeter to do this. Next, you will use conductive paint to cover the breaks. There are also other ways to fix the defroster grid yourself, although the repair kits are typically practical options.
One more tip to make your windshield survive through the cold winter: you can Put the towel on the windshield to prevent the frost. It definitely helps when the car stays in the snowy weather for a long time.
Replacing Fuses
Burnt out fuses are an exceptionally common vehicle malfunction that can happen for several reasons. And while you should take your car for a service if your fuses are burning out, you can replace a fuse easily on your own.
A blown car fuse can result in issues like lights not working or even starting problems. And because it’s as easy as identifying which fuse is clearly blown, purchasing a replacement, and inserting the new fuse where the old one was, replacing a fuse is an elementary maintenance task.
While there are several other car maintenance tasks that you can do on your own, there will be times when it’s best to have a mechanic tend to your vehicle. Some maintenance and repair jobs can be dangerous to handle on your own if you don’t have the right tools, equipment, or skills to manage the task. But with that said, knowing how to manage all the straightforward maintenance tasks on your own is exceptionally beneficial for drivers.
Have you ever driven a UTV or Utility Task Vehicle? They are also known as Side-by-Side (SxS) and Recreational off-highway vehicles (ROV). These powerful four-wheelers are used both for work and fun. Farmers use them for hauling and mowing, while adventure lovers love them for trailblazing. They are called side-by-side because they have two to four side-by-side seating capacities for passengers. However, like any other vehicle, they are also prone to breaking down. Without the right accessories, you can forget about receiving optimum performance and satisfaction. But what are those UTV accessoriesthat every one of these vehicles should have?
Winch
Since you will be using your side-by-side for off-roading and rough terrain for everyday work, you never know when it might get stuck in the mud. The only thing that will get the cars out in such situations is a strong winch. A winch is a chain wound around a drum operated by a motor or crank connected to another vehicle to pull you out. They are also beneficial for adding an object like a snowplow to clear out the snow effectively. While buying a winch, some of the factors you should consider are weight rating, cable, mount plate, and price.
Extra Tire
Anybody who has a little experience with SxS will tell you the necessity of having a spare tire at all times. Because they operate in rugged conditions, their chances of having flat or blown-out tires are significantly high. The tire you need will depend on whether the vehicle is driven off-road or on the streets. Any tire should be DOT-rated (DOT symbol signifies that the tire manufacturer has followed the US Department of Transportation). An 8-ply will work best for roads. For off-roading, a 4–6 ply will offer optimum performance. Those are light and have an aggressive tire tread with enormous tread blocks. Along with this, there are other accessories also that you must have for a comfortable experience, such as Rugged Radios Intercom.
Rearview Mirror
You will require a rearview mirror at all times. They are indispensable for safety purposes and let you know the distance from another vehicle. It is better to go with a strong one, that offers a broad view, has rigid metal brackets, can be attached without drilling or cutting, and is available with rubber bushings.
Roof
Driving without a roof, with the wind rushing against your face or the sun settling on it comfortably, can be exhilarating. But you will need a roof sooner or later. What if you’re caught in the rain, or it’s scorching hot? A roof will be beneficial at night as you can fix light bars on it. It will also protect you from low-lying branches or other obstructions you could meet in off-road trails. You could also attach a stereo system to it. Some of the standard roofs suitable for these vehicles are aluminum, tinted, soft, and plastic.
Storage Pack
Even though most UTVs have ample storage space, they are driven in rough conditions. That can cause the items to fall and damage quite quickly. In those situations, a storage pack will come in handy. There are several models and sizes of containers available, so go with one that suits your requirements. As a general rule, opt for those that can accommodate many heavy items, sit comfortably, have several compartments, handles, and mounting straps, and be easily installed.
Fuel Tank
Your ROV will need constant fuel to keep going. But finding yourself in the middle of nowhere with an empty tank can be harrowing. A fuel tank will help you out in such situations. Some of the things you should check while looking for a tank are the material, price, accessibility, price, and weight. Steel, aluminum, and plastics work best for fuel tanks. It should also have a nozzle that can reach the fuel caps easily.
These are some of the essential UTV accessories that complete your vehicle. They also enhance the experience of driving these powerful and stylish four-wheelers. Whether you have a UTV or are buying a new one, try to ensure that it has all of these.
The Bobby Labonte Foundation’s Annual Bike Build Teaches Bike Safety, Promotes Active Lifestyle
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – (November 15, 2021) – The Bobby Labonte Foundation, founded by NASCAR Champion and Hall of Fame race car driver Bobby Labonte, continued its tradition of giving to children in need by building and donating 75 kids’ bikes on Friday at the Salvation Army Ken Carlson Boys & Girls Club in Winston-Salem, N.C. The giveaway also included helmets and bike safety lessons provided by the Winston-Salem Police Department, Safe Kids Coalition and Brenner Children’s Hospital.
A bike build and giveaway has been an annual event, part of the Bobby Labonte Foundation charity bike ride, which benefits children and families in need in the Triad area. More than $40,000 in proceeds from this year’s Labonte Roubaix, presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Health Sports Medicine and Bee Safe Storage and Wine Cellar, went to JDRF’s North Carolina Chapter to help families affected by type 1 diabetes.
Bobby and Kristin Labonte (right) talk with children about bike safety and staying active at the Salvation Army Ken Carlson Boys & Girls Club in Winston-Salem, N.C. 75 children were later surprised with a brand-new bike, courtesy of the Bobby Labonte Foundation and Colavita.
“Building and giving away bikes to local kids is a highlight of my foundation’s annual charity bike ride,” said Labonte. “Seeing the childrens’ reactions, how excited they get when they find out they’re taking a new bike home, is so incredible. I really appreciate the partners and volunteers who allow us to do this year after year, particularly Colavita, which supplies us with these bikes.”
Labonte and his wife, Kristin, a former national champion cyclist, encouraged the kids in attendance to stay healthy by being active and to always wear helmets when riding their bikes. Hayluri Beckles, Pediatric Trauma Prevention Coordinator at Brenner Children’s Hospital and Safe Kids Northwest Piedmont Coordinator, made a presentation that included several special guests: Sgt. Kevin Bowers of the Winston-Salem Police Department Downtown Bike Patrol, Michael Hosey of the National Cycling Center and Chair of Safe Kids Coalition and Dr Thomas Pranikoff, who’s an avid cyclist and the Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics and Surgeon-in-Chief at Brenner Children’s Hospital, and Co-Executive Director, Pediatric Service Line. The children learned about how to ride their bikes safely and the importance of wearing helmet. At the conclusion of the presentation, the children were fitted with helmets and brand-new bikes.
“This was a wonderful day with the children at the Boys and Girls Club. We were thrilled to teach them about riding a bike safely,” said Beckles, “It is our hope that they are excited about their new bikes and new helmets and they take what they have learned about bike safety home and apply it every day.”
For more information about the Bobby Labonte Foundation, the charity bike ride, or to become a future sponsor, visit bobbylabontefoundation.org.
About Bobby Labonte Foundation The Bobby Labonte Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by NASCAR champion, Hall of Fame Class of 2020 inductee and businessman Bobby Labonte in 2003. The Bobby Labonte Foundation vision is a cohesive community in which parents and families are empowered to fulfill children’s needs and together find joy, love and happiness. The Bobby Labonte Foundation works in partnership with the local community and community organizations to empower parents, families and children to build a strong foundation for children’s futures. For more information, visit www.bobbylabontefoundation.org or follow the Bobby Labonte Foundation on Facebook.
There were many possible scenarios to be played out Sunday at Auto Club Dragway in Pomona, California as championship titles were on the line for the NHRA Camping Drag Racing Series.
But when all was said and done, the cream rose to the top. Ron Capps, Steve Torrence, Greg Anderson, and Matt Smith each prevailed to win the championships in their respective classes.
Funny Car
Entering with a 58-point lead over his Don Schumacher Racing teammate Matt Hagan, Ron Capps knew he only had one job to do – go all the rounds, gain the bonus in qualifying and defeat his teammate, Hagan, to win championship No. 2. For the most part, Capps did just that. He gained bonus points throughout each of the three qualifying sessions and ended up qualifying second for a first-round match with Terry Haddock. In order to collect the championship, Capps would have to win the first round with Hagan losing in his respective matchup. If Hagan and Capps both won their first-round matchups, then Hagan needed to win the event in order to become a four-time champ.
Well, the latter almost happened as Capps secured his first-round win over Haddock after powering to a time of 3.908 seconds and 325.06 mph. Then, Hagan also got the first-round victory over Tony Jurado. This meant that Hagan and Capps would square off against each other in the quarterfinal. Capps lose to Hagan’s time of 3.948 seconds and 322.34 mph to Capps 3.995 seconds and 319.45 mph. Now, all Capps could do was sit and watch and hope that Hagan would not win the event.
Bristol winner Alexis DeJoria would determine Capps fate, as she had victories over Bobby Bode in Round 1 and Tim Wilkerson in the second round. With the second-round victory, she met Matt Hagan in the semi-finals. When Hagan and DeJoria left the finish line, the two were in a dead heat drag race before DeJoria pulled away and ultimately gave Ron Capps his second Funny Car championship and his first since 2016.
“I can’t even believe that just happened,” said an emotional Capps after watching the Hagan/DeJoria semifinal round as a spectator from the starting line. “That entire Hagan team with (crew chief) Dickie Venables is incredible. I expected them to go win the race. I don’t know what to say. I’m just shaking right now. It was a close race between us in round two, but then I had to stand behind his car during the semis and wait to see how it played out. I remember being in the Pomona Raceway grandstand as a kid and watching guys like Joe Amato and Gary Ormsby line up in the final round years ago here, and to be doing this myself and to now have a second championship, I can’t say enough.
“This championship is for everyone at Don Schumacher Racing and all of the people from my NAPA AutoCare team. From the front office staff and the hospitality crew who host our NAPA guests, and the fab shop guys who build our chassis, a huge thank you,” said Capps, the second-winningest Funny Car driver of all time with 68 national event triumphs, and now, a two-time world champion (2016, 2021). “This championship is for NAPA AUTO PARTS and the NAPA AutoCare folks, everyone at GearWrench and Pennzoil and Dodge that support us. Thank you to our NHRA fans who cheer us on. I love the passion of our sport.”
56th annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, Photo Courtesy of Auto Imagery
Race winner, DeJoria, met Bob Tasca III in the finals after Tasca III won over John Force to secure his spot. Tasca III ended a small race winless streak and won for the first time since Atlanta earlier this year and picked up his third victory of the 2021 season.
“I’ve been chasing a Pomona Wally for a long time,” Tasca said. “I remember being out here as a kid with my dad and I’ve always wanted to win here. It’s just a special day for my family, for sure. I just knew we were going to have a great weekend and we’ve got a great team. Everyone’s coming back next year and it was a fun way to end the year.”
Funny Car Results
Bob Tasca III
Alexis DeJoria
Matt Hagan
John Force
Ron Capps
Tim Wilkerson
Jim Campbell
Paul Lee
Tony Jurado
Chad Green
J.R. Todd
Terry Haddock
Cruz Pedregon
Bobby Bode
Robert Hight
Jeff Diehl
Funny Car Championship Final Standings
Ron Capps, 2,676 points
Matt Hagan, -37
Bob Tasca III, -90
Cruz Pedregon, -121
John Force, -133
Alexis DeJoria, -150
J.R. Todd, -178
Robert Hight, -198
Tim Wilkerson, -315
Jim Campbell, -438
Top Fuel
Brittany Force was a longshot coming into the Top Fuel championship, but she knew that she still had a chance to put a hamper on Steve Torrence’s title reign, despite a 105 margin. However, in order for Force to win the title, she needed Torrence to lose in the first round and she needed to win the entire event.
Torrence qualified second with a time of 3.698 seconds and 317.05 mph and Force was 13th on the board with her time of 3.784 seconds and 328.30 mph. When race day came, Torrence had one job to do. He had to win the first round in order to become a four-time Top Fuel champion and eliminate Force’s hopes of earning her second title. During Torrence’s first-round match, he faced the No. 15 qualifier, Brandon Welch. Once the Christmas tree went green, Torrence powered to a victory over Welch and secured his fourth career Top Fuel championship and eliminating Force’s chances at the title.
However, Torrence didn’t stop there, as he went on to win the race with victories over Doug Kalitta in the quarterfinals, Cameron Ferre in the semis and Don Schumacher’s Antron Brown in the final to gain career win No. 51 and a dominating 11th win of the 2021 season.
“These Capco boys are amazing,” Torrence said of a crew led by Richard Hogan and Bobby Lagana Jr. “It wasn’t always pretty today, but we just kept grinding and somehow we managed to find a way to win. Thanks to all the Capco employees who stand up, stand tall and stand with us every day. To be out here with my mom, my dad, my wife Natalie and my little girl, I am truly blessed to be able to do what I do. This is a great sport, a family sport and I’m just proud to be a part of it.”
By winning his fourth championship, Torrence has joined an exclusive club with Tony Schumacher in Top Fuel, John Force, Don Prudhomme and Kenny Bernstein to win four straight championships. In addition, the Kilgore, Texas native also joined Pro Stocks Bob Glidden and Lee Shepherd.
Photo Courtesy of Mark Rebilas
For the runner-up, it was a bittersweet day for Antron Brown as after this race, he will hang his driver helmet and become a team owner in 2022 for the newly Antron Brown Racing team. Brown was victorious over Justin Ashley, Billy Torrence, and Tripp Tatum in the semis. He came up short in the finals hoping to give Don Schumacher another Top Fuel victory. Brown leaves with 58 runner-up finishes of his career.
“We had a great day here at Pomona. We wanted to end the season out with a win for all of our Matco Tools distributors and our partners who support us like Toyota and SiriusXM and Hangsterfers. At the end of the day, we’ll lick our wounds from this season and get right for ’22. When you drop a hole around 300-feet, it’s hard to stay in front of that Capco car. They won another race and a fourth championship. That’s a great accomplishment and hats off to those Capco boys. It’s time for us to get to work and come out strong in February of ’22.”
Top Fuel Results
Steve Torrence
Antron Brown
Cameron Ferre
Tripp Tatum
Billy Torrence
Doug Kalitta
Clay Millican
Mike Salinas
Justin Ashley
Alex Laughlin
Brandon Welch
Steve Chrisman
Josh Hart
Shawn Langdon
Leah Pruett
Brittany Force
Top Fuel Championship Final Standings
Steve Torrence, 2,873 points
Brittany Force, -236
Mike Salinas, -254
Justin Ashley, -317
Billy Torrence, -375
Antron Brown, -446
Leah Pruett, -472
Clay Millican, -489
Shawn Langdon, -563
Doug Kalitta, -583
Pro Stock
One week after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Championship back in Phoenix, Arizona, NASCAR Team Owner, Rick Hendrick hoped to bring home another title, but this time in the Pro Stock category. Greg Anderson was seeking his fifth championship, while Erica Enders was looking for her fifth championship as well.
Anderson started the weekend off well by earning the No. 1 qualifier Saturday night and a first-round match with No. 16, John Callahan. Enders was fifth in the charts and faced No. 12, Steve Graham, in the first round.
Anderson and Enders won their respective first-round matchups and went to the quarterfinals where Anderson would face Deric Kramer and Enders would go up against Matt Hartford. If both Anderson and Enders won their quarterfinals matches, they would face each other in the semis. The championship scenario was simple. If Anderson won over Enders, Anderson would become champ, if Enders won over Anderson, she was champion.
Unfortunately for Enders, her Elite Motorsports car went sideways in the right lane after the two left the starting line. All Enders could do was watch Anderson’s car get smaller and smaller and as she ultimately lost to Anderson which gave him his fifth career Pro Stock championship.
However, while Anderson was happy with his fifth career title, he had another task to do and that was to win the race. Anderson met No. 2 qualifier Kyle Koretsky in the finals after Koretsky had victories over Troy Coughlin Jr, Aaron Stanfield, and Dallas Glenn.
Both Pro Stock cars rocketed off the line, but when the two got down the track, the victory went to Anderson who picked up his 99th career victory and the fifth of the season.
Photo Courtesy of KB Racing
“This HendrickCars.com Chevrolet is the meanest racecar I’ve ever had in all the years I’ve raced,” said Anderson, who won his first national event in 2001 and earned four previous championships in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2010. “Right off the trailer, it was fantastic, and it never skipped a beat. I’m very proud of everybody on the KB Racing team and so grateful to our team owners, Ken and Judy Black. We definitely came prepared to race, and it paid off in the best possible way.
“I’m at 99 now – that is pretty doggone incredible,” he marveled. “It’s been a special year, getting to that number and passing my old-time mentor, Warren Johnson. We got 98, then we got 99, now 100 is the goal – and I don’t want to stop there.”
Pro Stock Results
Greg Anderson
Kyle Koretsky
Erica Enders
Dallas Glenn
Mason McGaha
Aaron Stanfield
Deric Kramer
Matt Hartford
Troy Coughlin Jr
Kenny Delco
Alan Prusiensky
John Callahan
Cristian Cuadra
Steve Graham
Chris McGaha
Bo Butner
Pro Stock Championship Final Standings
Greg Anderson, 2,752 points
Erica Enders, -107
Dallas Glenn, -177
Kyle Koretsky, -220
Aaron Stanfield, -336
Troy Coughlin Jr, -359
Mason McGaha, -363
Chris McGaha, -391
Matt Hartford, -399
Deric Kramer, -441
Pro Stock Motorcycle
Matt Smith came to Pomona second in the championship standings, just a few points behind Steve Johnson, going into the final race. However, there was also one other competitor seeking her fourth Pro Stock Motorcycle championship and that was Louisiana’s own, Angelle Sampey, who was third in the standings.
Following qualifying, Smith was second, Johnson was fourth and Sampey was fifth on the speed charts. Smith faced Ryan Oehler in the first round and Johnson would meet Fred Camarena. The Vance and Hines driver, Sampey would face Angie Smith. All three drivers won their races and advanced to the quarterfinals, keeping their title chances alive. By winning her matchup against Angie Smith, Sampey, would face off against Matt Smith in the second round.
As the second round came, Johnson, unfortunately, lost on a holeshot to Eddie Krawiec, ultimately ending his championship chase. In the battle between Matt Smith and Angelle Sampey, Matt Smith was victorious. He became a five-time Pro Stock Motorcycle champion on a holeshot win after Smith’s reaction time was .040 compared to Sampey’s .094.
The King, North Carolina native went on to win the race after getting a semi-final victory over Krawiec and eliminating Karen Stoffer in the finals to earn his 32nd career victory and the sixth win of the season.
“The goal was to at least get three round wins today,” Smith said. “When we beat Angelle and Steve (Johnson) lost right in front of us, I knew we were champs. Everything worked out for the best. I knew we were going to have a tough race with Karen, but I hit the Tree as hard as I could and had the best light of the weekend for me. We just made it work and performed well on the starting line.”
For Sampey, she registered her third runner-up of the season and 34th of her career.
There is so much that I can say about this @vanceandhines team. I have been blessed to have the season that I’ve had and can’t thank my team enough for all of their hard work! SO close to that championship, but it wasn’t meant to be. Until next time… #NHRAfinals@MissionFoodsUSpic.twitter.com/8sKL1vJtTy
Up Next: As the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series comes to a close, the teams and drivers will look forward to opening a brand new season next year at the Lucas Oil Winternationals February 17-20 in Pomona, California.
BRASELTON, Ga., (November 14, 2021) – The 2021 race season ended for sports car racing team Flying Lizard Motorsports last weekend at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. After finishing the year for multiple customer racing efforts in the Yokohama Drivers Cup, GT World Challenge America, and GT America, the team traveled to Braselton, Georgia for the season finale of the Porsche Carrera Cup North America with driver Chris Bellomo.
“Road Atlanta is an amazing track and we have so much history here,” said Team Owner Darren Law. “I am proud of both the Flying Lizard team and Chris Bellomo. We have had another successful season and Chis is progressing well as a driver. We fulfilled all our objectives for 2021 which were to gain race experience for Chris, lock up the drivers’ Championship in Yokohama Porsche Drivers Cup, and have good finishes in Porsche Carrera Cup. We look forward to building on this for 2022.”
In addition to racing in the Yokohama Drivers Cup, where he earned eight wins and the Platinum Championship, Bellomo expanded his racing efforts to include select events in the IMSA Porsche Carrera Cup North America Presented by the Cayman Islands, a single-make Porsche racing series that runs in support of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Bellomo made his series debut at Road America early in the summer, finding his feet amongst his competition in the new series. The season finale weekend kicked off to a good start for Bellomo, who qualified third in the ProAm 991 class. He had a clean and competitive run for the first of three 45-minute races, finishing second, capturing his first podium in the new series. In race two, he started fourth and was enjoying a good run until contact caused a mechanical issue on the car, ending his race prematurely. The team repaired the car Thursday evening and had the No. 68 Porsche ready to race by Friday morning, where Bellomo earned a second-place finish after starting in fourth, putting in a strong drive to close the season out with a positive result.
“I’m super happy with the way the season ended,” said Bellomo. “Race two wasn’t what we all hoped for, but it was nice to finish in second place in Carrera Cup. Combined with the Yokohama Drivers Cup championship title, we accomplished our goals for the season. Big thanks to Darren and Johannes for their support, and to Flying Lizard for giving me such a great crew. Dieter’s work on the car has been great all season. I’m really looking forward to next year, improving as a driver, growing, and hoping to have some more success next year.”
The Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta triple-header officially brings the 2021 race season to a close for Flying Lizard Motorsports. In anticipation of the 2022 race season, the Lizards are hard at work building the race programs for another season, to be announced after the New Year. For the latest information, visit lizardms.com and sign up for team updates.
About Flying Lizard Motorsports Based out of Sonoma, California, Flying Lizard Motorsports is one of the most iconic sports car teams in motorsports, having celebrated ten driver and team championships, as well as competed internationally at the 24 Hours of Le Mans eight times.
The Lizards burst on the American Le Mans Series scene in 2004, competing in the GT class until 2012. In 2013, the team moved to the GTC class, still competing in legendary events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona. In 2014, the team expanded its program to include running two Audi R8 LMS in the TUDOR Championship, and in 2015, again expanded the program to include two Porsches in Porsche Club racing. Flying Lizard closed out the season with a dominating win at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill with Toyo Tires, a win they repeated in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The 2020 season proved the team’s most successful to date, earning four titles in the GT4 America championship. Flying Lizard Motorsports has proven to be a championship contender no matter the race series or race car. For more information, visit lizardms.com.
Second start, first podium in WeatherTech competition ahead of expanded 2022 program
Braselton, Ga. (13 November 2021) – After 10 hours of racing in the Motul Petit Le Mans, Jr III Racing celebrated a first-ever IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship podium result with a strong run to second place on Saturday. The second-place finish is the best race finish of the season for the team, which made its WeatherTech series debut earlier this year at Road America. Drivers Garett Grist, Spencer Pigot, and Ari Balogh combined in the No. 30 Airbnb Ligier JS P320 to lead the race on the way to a well-fought second place result.
Balogh took the green flag for the 10-hour endurance in the No. 30 Ligier from the fourth row, and made a steady march up the running order on the way to taking the LMP3 lead on lap 99 before pitting to put Grist in the car.
A race that saw eight full course cautions saw the team continue to adopt the strategy as the light faded and temperatures dropped. Grist completed three pit stops while he held the LMP3 lead for 67 laps. Grist never slowed during his double stint posting the fastest LMP3 lap of the race of 1:15.942-seconds on lap 174.
Grist brought the No. 30 Airbnb Ligier JS P320 to pit lane on lap 204 where Pigot climbed onboard for his first race laps. As the sun began to set, Pigot strapped in for a triple stint. He battled back and forth with the eventual winners, never falling below second as the team delivered timely pit stops through his long run into the darkness, which went for over four hours before turning the car over to Grist.
Grist dove into pit lane for the final time from the lead where the Jr III Racing crew were ready to put 30 seconds of fuel in the car. The Canadian pushed for 26 laps before the No. 30 Airbnb Ligier JS P320 took the checkered flag in second.
“It was a really good day and the team did a really great job,” said Pigot. “Obviously it’s Jr III Racing’s first ever Petit Le Mans, and only the second WeatherTech race for the team, so to come away with a podium and really have no issues at all on track and on pit lane is pretty amazing. Everything went smooth for the most part, so I’m very happy with the result. Obviously we would have liked to challenge a little bit for the win, but this podium is a great result.”
The podium result comes as Jr III Racing prepares to go full-time in the LMP3 category in 2022.
“This is awesome and it’s important to me as a driver, but even more important to the entire team,” said Grist. “It’s the first WeatherTech race for (team owner) Billy (Glavin) and Jr lll Racing. We made it to the end with zero problems, which in a race like this is really difficult. All three drivers did a great job, really taking care of the car. Massive props to the team, preparation was great and the pit stops were outstanding. Of course, we’re already looking forward to 2022, and getting a second-place finish in your first race with the team you feel pretty good for the following year! Lots to work on over the next two months and get ready for 2022.”
The checkered flag capped a weekend that saw the team competing in both the IMSA Prototype Challenge races as well as the WeatherTech finale.
“Going into a race like Petit, you never know what to expect so to have a clean race with good stops and keeping up with the yellows to make the most of the strategy, it’s pretty satisfying to come home with a solid finish like this in our first time out here,” said Billy Glavin. “Hats off to everyone on the team for all the execution, and really to the drivers as well because it was pretty tricky today with the low temperatures and of course all the traffic to deal with. We are always focused on winning, and I think we learned a lot this weekend to help us come back next year and hopefully do just that. It has been a big weekend for this team, and I could not be more proud of the job that everyone did. We are really looking forward to the future and this was a great event to build from for next year.”
Jr III Racing will return to IMSA competition at Daytona International Speedway for the season opener Road Before the 24 with two IMSA Prototype Challenge entries in January.
Braselton, Ga. (November 14, 2021) — The No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 finished third in the 2021 iteration of Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta this evening, securing the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup title, falling just a few short meters of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship crown. The podium marks their seventh of a season which culminated in a second place finish in the IMSA WeatherTech DPi Championship.
Minutes after the clock struck noon, Filipe Albuquerque, from seventh place, took the green flag and immediately claimed sixth with a clinical overtake. He battled to maintain the position and emerged from the team’s first pit stop in fifth. After a long yellow and subsequent restart, Filipe used a blistering run down the back straight to take fourth position into Turn 10a, quickly widening the gap. The team took third position in the second round of pit stops under yellow and maintained the position through a third full course caution.
Ricky Taylor assumed his position behind the wheel with seven hours and 51 minutes remaining, cycling out of the pits ahead of the team’s championship rivals. Another full course yellow neutralized the field minutes later and Ricky took the restart in second. Half an hour later, he took the lead and completed the fourth hour of the race at the front, earning crucial points towards the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup.
A significant wreck between GT competitors caused a caution period long into the sixth hour of the race. Alexander Rossi entered the cockpit for his single stint as darkness fell and the track surface cooled dramatically. He put forth a strong effort to return the reigns to Albuquerque in sixth place with just under four hours on the clock.
Another yellow flag period brought a restart with three hours remaining and Filipe made a pass for fifth position shortly after. Entering the pits under green in fourth, the team maintained position, setting up an opportunistic overtake by Albuquerque for third at the restart. Filipe pushed hard, passing the team’s championship rivals for P2, this time on the outside of Turn 10a. He made the move stick through Turn 12, expertly using traffic to extend the gap behind.
At the next pit cycle, the chasing cars undercut the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura, taking earlier green flag stops with one and three-quarters of an hour to go. Ricky Taylor climbed aboard a lap later to take the Konica Minolta machine to the finish. On cold tires, he slid off the track upon pit exit. The pair of chasing cars, with warmer tires, overtook him. After the final round of stops, he fought back brilliantly, closing an 11-second gap to his championship rivals directly ahead. He arrived on the bumper of the No. 31 car on the final lap, attempting a dramatic lunge for the championship in the final braking zone. Unfortunately, he fell inches short. After cutting across the grass at Turn 10b, he relinquished the position before the finish line, taking third place on track and second in the final points standings.
“I’m so thankful for everyone at HPD, Acura, Konica Minolta and Harrison Contracting who give us the opportunity to do this,” said Ricky Taylor. “This was the hardest weekend in recent memory. It was a trying weekend where we didn’t have pace until the race. I think the way the race was going and what we saw at the end was all the drivers doing our best to pay the guys back and earn what the team deserves. It’s an incredibly disappointing result, but we’re lucky to be able to fight like this. Congratulations to the No. 31 guys. They’re always strong and that’s what makes winning these championships so special. Because they’re difficult. You are racing against some high-level competitors. If we’re ever behind them, they’re looking in their mirrors at us. I think the positive is that we have the shortest offseason we’ve ever had this year, so we can go straight to Daytona and finish next season like we wanted to finish this one: one spot higher.”
“Today, we showed what we are made of,” said Filipe Albuquerque. “We had a really difficult start to the week. We were off where we normally are and had our worst qualifying ever. But the race is only over when it’s over, right? After 10 hours we finished only half a second from the title. In the end, even though we lost, we gained a lot of respect in the paddock, even from the guys that won the championship. They took their hats off to us. We are sad, but with honor. The team did a great job. Alex and Ricky drove brilliantly. We made decisions to come back, we have a great car. Again, we should not forget that we won the Endurance Championship, we won Daytona and we made a hattrick of wins. We finished a little bit short of the championship, but it was a hell of a year for our first with the Acura car and my first with the Wayne Taylor Racing team.”
“It always blows me away how, after 10 hours, it can come down to the last corner,” said Alexander Rossi. “Ricky and Filipe were the class of the field today and gave the team every opportunity to have a shot at it at the end. Ultimately, to come a little bit short after so much is a tough pill to swallow for everyone, but also a testament to how good the year has been for the whole team. Being able to be a part of it for the four races was very special and we had some good moments for sure. I’m proud of the guys and what they accomplished today, and I can’t wait to see how it progresses next year with a car that they have a year under their belts with.”
“Firstly, congratulations to the Whelan team and their drivers,” said team owner Wayne Taylor. “They didn’t do anything wrong. They finished ahead on track, and they won the championship, and they deserve it. My team and my drivers were just spectacular. Our partners at Honda Performance Development, Acura, Konica Minolta, and Harrison Contracting deserve many thanks. Our drivers and our team—there are too many good things to say. No one can say that we didn’t put in everything to go and win. Ricky did what Ricky does. I am tired, but extremely happy.”
After taking three victories, including the historic Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2021, the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 team now enters the offseason testing phase, turning their full focus towards the 2022 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Stay tuned to Wayne Taylor Racing’s official social media channels for news, updates, and announcements.
ABOUT KONICA MINOLTA
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. is reshaping and revolutionizing the Workplace of the Future™. The company guides and supports its clients’ digital transformation through its expansive office technology portfolio, including IT Services (All Covered), intelligent information management, managed print services and industrial and commercial print solutions. Konica Minolta has been included on CRN’s MSP 500 list nine times and The World Technology Awards recently named the company a finalist in the IT Software category. Konica Minolta has been recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys for fourteen consecutive years, and received Keypoint Intelligence’s BLI 2021 A3 Line of The Year Award and BLI 2021-2023 Most Color Consistent A3 Brand Award for its bizhub i-Series. Konica Minolta, Inc. has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for nine consecutive years and has spent four years on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list. Konica Minolta partners with its clients to give shape to ideas and works to bring value to our society. For more information, please visit us online and follow Konica Minolta on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter. Wayne Taylor Racing’s existing lineup of partners that also features Harrison Contracting, Acura Motorsports, Hammer Nutrition and CIT.
