Home Blog Page 2262

Corvette Racing Going Global in 2022

By
Official Release
-

Chevrolet confirms customer Corvette Z06 GT3.R beginning for 2024

· Dual championship efforts in IMSA, FIA WEC categories
· Garcia, Taylor spearhead on GTD-PRO effort in new-spec Corvette C8.R
· Milner, Tandy embarking on World Championship run in GTE Pro
· Catsburg, Sims return to endurance lineups for 2022

DETROIT (Nov. 11, 2021) – For the first time in its 24-year history, Corvette Racing will contest multiple endurance racing championships during a globe-trotting 2022 racing program.

Corvette’s production-based race team is set for full-season championship challenges in both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship. Corvette Racing will field one Chevrolet Corvette C8.R in each series with a two-car effort planned for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

All six Corvette Racing drivers from 2021 will return for the new season. Antonio Garcia, Jordan Taylor and Nicky Catsburg make up the attack in IMSA while Tommy Milner, Nick Tandy and Alexander Sims contest the WEC.

“This is the most ambitious schedule that Corvette Racing has faced in its nearly 25 years of competition,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. Vice President, Performance and Motorsports. “It will be an honor to race in both the IMSA and WEC series at some of the best tracks in the world.”

Chevrolet also confirmed that it will build and sell the Corvette Z06 GT3.R race cars to customers beginning for the 2024 racing season.

IMSA: New class, new competitors, new challenge

Following the final race of the GT Le Mans (GTLM) category at this weekend’s Petit Le Mans, Corvette Racing will shift to the new-for-2022 GT Daytona (GTD) PRO category.

Garcia and Taylor – who are on the verge of repeating as GTLM Drivers champions – are contesting the full 10-race championship in the No. 3 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette C8.R. Catsburg will rejoin the Garcia/Taylor duo for the Rolex 24 At Daytona (where they won the 2021 GTLM class), Sebring and Petit Le Mans.

The GTD-PRO Corvette C8.R will look similar to the GTLM trim. A revised wing profile will mean a slightly different level of downforce at the rear of the Corvette. The C8.R will run on customer Michelin tires, per GTD regulations.

Under the skin, the GTD-PRO Corvette will retain the same 5.5-liter, flat-plane V8 with a slightly decreased power output over the GTLM rules package. An anti-lock braking system (ABS), tested by Corvette Racing at Belle Isle’s race in June, also will be featured on the IMSA C8.R along with other driver aids that are mandated by the class regulations.

Chevrolet has won 13 Manufacturers Championships (14 with the start of Saturday’s Petit Le Mans) in IMSA since 2001.

FIA WEC: Going for a World Championship

The presence of Corvette Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship means Chevrolet will fight for the GT Manufacturers World Championship along with another IMSA Manufacturers title in 2022.

Milner and Tandy will take on the six-round global championship with the No. 64 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette C8.R, which will continue in the GTE Pro category against similar factory entries.

Milner and Tandy’s season will begin with the 1,000 Miles of Sebring on March 18 as the FIA WEC returns to its doubleheader weekend with IMSA, which runs the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring the following day.

A handful of new circuits for Corvette Racing – Monza, Fuji and Bahrain – await on the WEC calendar for 2022, plus a return to Spa-Francorchamps. The focal point, as is the case each season, is the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Corvette Racing aims to gain invitations for two Corvette C8.Rs as the program goes for a ninth class victory since 2001. Sims will reunite with Milner and Tandy at Le Mans, with the Garcia/Taylor/Catsburg trio eyeing a Le Mans return, as well.
Chevrolet planning for future with Corvette GT3 program
For 2024, a new era of Corvette Racing dawns with the debut of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R racecar – a ground-breaking sports car with customer racing in mind.

The Corvette Z06 GT3.R will be the closest link yet between the production Z06 and racing for Chevrolet’s flagship performance vehicle. Thanks to a strong foundation provided by the mid-engine Corvette Z06 supercar, the Z06 GT3.R will share the same aluminum chassis, a production engine modified for use in the racecar, and similar aerodynamic features. They have the same silhouette and similar dimensions.

At the heart of the Z06 GT3.R is a 5.5-liter, DOHC LT6 V8 engine with the same flat-plane crankshaft architecture that powers the Corvette C8.R. A real-world rolling laboratory, the C8.R laid the groundwork for powertrain and aero strategies that will make the Corvette Z06 GT3.R a worthy competitor in the world of privateer racing.

For the first time, Chevrolet is offering a turn-key, customer-focused racing Corvette for competition in a wide variety of GT3 championships.

“It’s an exciting time for Corvette – first with the reveal of the production Z06 and now confirming the Corvette Z06 GT3.R for customer racers,” said Mark Stielow, Chevrolet Director of Motorsports Competition Engineering. “The availability of the Z06 GT3.R will allow customer race teams the opportunity to campaign a Corvette that has benefited from Corvette Racing’s rich history.”

The Corvette Z06 GT3.R fits the criteria for GT3 sports car racing, which continues to grow exponentially year over year. The introduction of the Z06 GT3.R will mean privateers can compete in both endurance and sprint races across multiple series.

Additional details such as pricing and support package options will be confirmed at a later date. More information is available at Chevrolet Motorsports.

Corvette Racing closes its 2021 season with the 10-hour Petit Le Mans on Saturday, Nov. 13.
ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – GTD-PRO: “I’m looking forward to being back with Corvette Racing, Jordan and in IMSA. It will be my 12th full season in America and I’ve enjoyed all of it. The GTD-PRO class is a little different but in some ways things will be the same as GTLM. We will have the C8.R with some modifications for the rules. It will be good to have the number of cars that it seems we will have in the category. It reminds me a lot of the good years in GTLM where we had four and five manufacturers. That always brings good racing. That’s the key thing and what we all want to do – race and race against the best manufacturers and best drivers. For us, it will be a big change with one car and there is a lot to learn about the GTD-PRO category over the course of the year. We need to maximize all our resources to keep winning in the same way we have for all these years.”

JORDAN TAYLOR, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – GTD-PRO: “I’m super excited to be coming back to IMSA. Obviously going to a new class with more cars and more competition will be exciting. There is a lot to learn for us at Corvette Racing to help with the transition, but the team has so much experience over the years in GT racing that I’m confident we can adapt well. We’ve done some testing behind the scenes already with the car to understand where we are and what we need to work on. So far, so good. It’ll be great to be back with Antonio and Nicky. We’ve had two great years in a row, and hopefully we can make it three in IMSA.”

NICKY CATSBURG, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – GTD-PRO: “GTD-PRO is going to be very competitive with hopefully many competitors in the class. Already the team has done a lot of development and preparation for next year. For those reasons, we are all looking forward to it. I am very happy to again be part of the Corvette Racing program, and it will be nice to continue working with Jordan and Antonio. We are a strong lineup with a strong team behind us. This will be a big challenge but we are ready for it.”

TOMMY MILNER, NO. 64 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – GTE Pro: “It’s an exciting and new challenge to do a full season in WEC. As the decisions were being made, I was asked my preference of what I would like to do for 2022. I’ve obviously enjoyed every single year that I’ve been in IMSA with some amazing tracks and events. But the opportunity to race at some other famous and storied circuits – ones that I’ve never been to – in a Corvette and in the WEC is amazing. The constants of the car, the Michelin tires and having Nick as a teammate are all great benefits. We got a look at what it’s like to race in a normal WEC race when some of the team raced at Spa last year. Having that experience and knowledge will be beneficial for 2022. Personally, I’m thrilled for this.”

NICK TANDY, NO. 64 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – GTE Pro: “I’m excited for this new challenge. I last competed for a full season in the FIA WEC in 2017, so I know what the championship is all about. I’m especially looking forward to taking this Corvette to tracks and events where we haven’t raced the car before. Obviously I’ve been involved in the full IMSA season and Le Mans this year, but to run the C8.R in six- and eight-hour events that WEC runs is something still a little unknown to us at Corvette Racing. Yes, it’s a step into the unknown, but it’s a new challenge and those are always exciting. I definitely will miss my friends, the fans and familiar faces in the IMSA paddock but at the same time I’m looking forward to seeing some familiar faces that I’ve known throughout the years in the WEC paddock. On top of that, this is a World Championship and that is something that is really important for Corvette, Chevrolet and our team. Going for a World Championship is something that not many people compete for, so I’m looking forward to what comes ahead.”

ALEXANDER SIMS, NO. 64 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – GTE Pro: “Looking ahead to 2022, I’m excited to continue the relationship with Corvette Racing and continue racing with this team. It’s great to have another year with Tommy and Nick at Le Mans. It’s been a great experience working with the team and the racing has been great. Already we are hopeful of getting a big race win at Le Mans for the C8.R.”

Team Chevy high-resolution racing photos are available for editorial use.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Wagner Takes Third-Straight MX-5 Cup Win in Remarkable Road Atlanta Finish

By
Official Release
-

Top five finish within .311-second of leader as Wagner grows championship lead

BRASELTON, Ga. (November 11, 2021) – Even for a series that has been recognized for delivering some of the best racing on the continent, Thursday’s Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires race delivered an extra measure of excitement as the top five finishers all crossed the line within 0.311-seconds of the winner.

After the 45-minute race ran under green flag conditions from start to finish, Gresham Wagner (No. 5 Spark Performance) earned his fifth win of the season by just 0.015-second over Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Performance Engineering). Michael Carter (No. 08 Carter Racing Enterprises) was right with them and finished third to keep his championship hopes alive.

Wagner came into the finale with a comfortable, but not insurmountable, lead in the point standings. Halfway through the race at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, it looked like he could say goodbye to that cushion. The battle at the front was tight and while racing door-to-door with another driver, Wagner ran out of room in Turn One and fell as far back as 11th.

“I knew Selin [Rollan] and Michael [Carter] were going to race me hard – they had to, because of the deficit in points, they had to beat me,” Wagner said. “I knew they’d tried to shuffle me back and they did what they needed to do. It wasn’t looking great for me midway through that race, but I knew I had a fast car. I could see where I was faster than the cars around so if I could put in some clean laps, I could be up there in the lead battle.”

Meanwhile, Wagner’s main rivals for the championship, Carter and Selin Rollan (No. 87 Hixon Motor Sports) were trading the lead at the front of the field along with rookie Sam Paley (No. 28 McCumbee McAleer Racing). It took about 20 minutes for Wagner to catch the lead pack again. When Rollan and Paley nearly raced each other off the track, Wagner was able to rejoin the podium fight.

Carter led Rollan and Thomas across the line to start the final lap. As the trio fought for the race win, Wagner, in fourth, saw his opportunity in the final turn, dove to the inside and went three -wide through the apex with Carter and Thomas. Wagner’s car got loose on the exit, but he managed to take the checkered flag 0.015-second ahead of Thomas.

“It was nerve-wracking to get shuffled back a bit with two laps to go, and I really had to claw back to put myself into a winning position coming to the last few corners, but luckily the guys in front raced each other just a little too hard and let me get a nose in there,” said Wagner. “I took advantage of a situation that just kind of fell to me.”

It is Wagner’s fifth win of the season and third in-a-row. The victory increases his point lead to 150 points over Carter. He will start second in Friday’s season-ending race and he’s hoping it will be a little calmer.

“I feel good about the win, but not after such a roller coaster, when so much could have gone wrong,” Wagner said. “Hopefully the next one is smoother sailing!”

Thomas returned to the Mazda MX-5 Cup podium for the first time since the season opener at Daytona International Speedway.

“I got the run on Selin [Rollan] in One and started catching [Michael] Carter down the back stretch and then pulled out and we fought side-by-side through 10a and that gave Gresham [Wagner] the run,” Thomas said. “Coming to the last corner, I thought ‘three wide, in Turn 12, at Road Atlanta, in the second to last race for the championship?!’ I was just hoping to not be the odd man out there so I’m really happy to get back on the podium. It’s been a while and feels really good. Tomorrow we are starting a bit better so we’ll come back and go for it again.”

Carter lamented his sudden change in fortune toward the end of the race. He finished third, but he did pick up 10 bonus points for leading the most laps in the race.

“That last lap, I thought I had it won coming out of Turn One,” Carter said. “I had a pretty good gap, but they snuck back up to me. Jared was pushing me down the whole front straightaway and I thought he might stick with me, but he didn’t. The car was fast, but sometimes these things go your way and sometimes they don’t. You always want to win, but it was a good race. It’s a pretty beat-up car, so we’ll go see what we have to fix tonight, come back to win tomorrow and see how the championship shakes out. It’s still in reach, and anything can happen. Thanks to the team, we had a long night last night with some broken stuff, so it’s been a long 24 hours. Third today and we’ll go get ‘em tomorrow.”

Chris Nunes (No. 32 JTR Motorsports Engineering) finished fourth and was named Hard Charger for picking up six positions during the race. This tightens up the Rookie of the Year standings. Paley’s 150-point lead over Nunes has shrunk to 80 points as he finished ninth.

Rollan completed the top five but will start from pole for Friday’s race. He remains third in the point standings, 250 points out of first.

Making his Mazda MX-5 Cup debut, the most recent Mazda Shootout winner Connor Zilisch (No. 72 Hixon Motor Sports) showed impressive form. The 14-year old was in contention for a podium spot before he got sideways and spun into the Turn Five tire wall. The crash damage was too extensive for Zilisch to carry on, but he can hold his head high knowing he turned the fastest lap of the race, a new MX-5 Cup record, at 1:36.622.

When the green flag flies on Friday’s race, a $250,000 championship prize will be at stake as well as an $80,000 award for Rookie of the Year.

The race begins at 10:05am ET and will be live streamed on www.imsa.com/tvlive.

About: The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires is the signature spec series for Mazda Motorsports. The series has been operated by Andersen Promotions since 2017 and is currently sanctioned by IMSA. Mazda-powered grassroots champions can earn Mazda scholarships for this pro-level series. The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup champion is awarded $250,000 as the top rookie nets $80,000.

7 Amazing Tips To Find The Best ATV Parts, UTV Parts, and DIRT BIKE Parts In Canada

By
SM
-

Purchasing ATV, UTV, and DIRT Bike Parts may be perplexing, and the bewildering amount of choices and possibilities are exhilarating.

There are several factors to consider when searching for ATV, UTV, and DIRT Bike Parts, including models, features, purpose, cost, and financing possibilities. This tutorial will begin by assisting you in selecting the corrections replaced by figuring parts for your vehicle, as well as demonstrating how to determine which alternatives are suitable for you and, most significantly, how to choose the most cost-effective payment plan for your budget.

Why is there a need to buy ATV, UTV, and DIRT Bike Parts?

The majority of UTVs and ATVs are utilized for business activities like racing. People use these motors on farms, forestry operations, rugged building sites, forest reserves, campgrounds, and other isolated terrains, earning them the nickname “workhorses.” UTVs are also called leisure vehicles since they are suitable for pioneering hunting expeditions and pleasure outings. UTVs can now be purchased online is one of the most incredible things that has ever happened in the industry. Your choice UTV will be transported to your desired location when you place a purchase. UTVs, like any other motor vehicle, may malfunction.

Maintaining and replacing a UTV automobile is made easier because ATV, UTV, and DIRT BIKE Parts & accessories can be purchased online. You’re in the UTV parts and accessories industry for a variety of reasons. However, if you are not properly educated, you may not make a beneficial purchase unless you are an expert technician.

Things to consider when planning to buy ATV and UTV parts

The good news is that you can now purchase ATV Parts, UTV Parts, and DIRT BIKE Parts from your favorite internet retailers online. After you place your order, the UTV of your choice will be delivered to you within a specific time frame. UTVs, like other motor vehicles, require routine maintenance and repairs when they break down.

Moreover, according to the guys at Rad.parts, all UTV fans and users are always searching for the next best upgrade, aftermarket performance part, accessory, and modification. From radios to wheels and from racing harnesses to engine exhausts, UTV riders will get anything to make their vehicles work better and faster. Depending on the type of UTV they have and the uses they gave it, side-by-side owners go to great lengths to get professional parts. The philosophy behind it is that UTVs rarely break, but they can always perform better. There are many retailers bringing the best on the market for the most sophisticated of clients, whether we are talking side mirrors, seats, drive belts, etc.

You may also get the most outstanding aftermarket UTV components online from your favorite retailer. Everyone has their motives for going to a UTV parts market. If you are a mechanic, you can only make a good investment. However, even if you aren’t a seasoned technician, this advice will assist you in making an educated selection. Continue reading to learn how to pick UTV components like a pro.

Let us have a look at the best tips that can help you in grabbing the best quality ATV, UTV, and DIRT BIKE Parts :

1.  Keep your eyes on the price

Even if you’re working within a budget, you’ll need to know which models are the ones you’re interested in. While you’ve probably caught a glimpse of a few models as they go by, that’s not enough to guide you through your quest.

It’s time to do your homework and go online searching for the most excellent ATVs for your needs. What size are you looking for? Will you use it for trails, hauling, or a combination of the two? What are the most dependable brands? These are just a handful of the questions that your web research should have solved.

2.  Check with the local dealers

If you’re seeking to buy ATV, UTV, and DIRT BIKE Parts , go with an experienced ATV dealer. Remember that you’re looking for coverage in the form of a warranty, no matter how attractive the price on the ATV someone is selling on Craigslist may be. This will also allow you to learn more about the exact models you’re interested in from someone who has worked with them before.

Purchasing custom UTV components is not a walk in the park, as previously said. You’ll need to browse around to find stores that sell authentic parts at a reasonable price. You only need to know the manufacturer, model, and year of manufacturing of your UTV to get started.

3.  Compatibility

If you want to put together a puzzle, the pieces must all fit together. If they don’t work together precisely, the mystery isn’t finished. If you’re looking to improve the performance of your UTV, be sure the components you buy are compatible with your exact vehicle model. Choosing unsuitable parts may quickly harm your car and cause serious performance concerns.

The compatibility of the UTV components with your truck is the first aspect to examine. The elements must work together. The brand is the first factor that decides whether or not UTV components are compatible with a specific truck.

The replacement parts and accessories for UTV vehicles are designed differently by different manufacturers. And it is this that creates the distinction. As a result, it’s critical to get components of the same brand and compatible with your UTVs. The Polaris RZR 570, for example, can only be used with an Arctic Cat-Prowler.

4.  Consider the big picture.

It’s essential to consider overall performance when it comes to getting the most out of your UTV. Increasing the power of your UTV alone may not be enough to push it to its limits. Regular maintenance will ensure that your car remains in excellent condition. Replacing the drive belt, removing the clutch cover to remove dust, and tightening bolts are easy ways to maintain your UTV. Keeping your UTV maintained will give it a lift, making it seem like it has regained some of what it has lost through the years of wear and tear.

5.  Shipping charges

The third item to consider when purchasing ATV, UTV, and DIRT BIKE Parts is the distributor’s delivery policy. Because you require the UTV parts at your desired location after purchasing, every buyer must consider the seller’s shipping regulations. While some online retailers include delivery costs in their overall prices, others do not.

You can buy from your UTV parts distributor if they have a solid delivery plan. In addition, some companies offer their delivery services, so you may obtain your components as soon as you place an online order. As a result, before making a decision, double-check the seller’s shipping rules.

6.  You Should Know What You Require

Knowing your needs is the first step in getting the best custom UTV components. You should know what you want before starting your search online or at your local dealership. If you don’t make a list of the bespoke components you want, you may not receive everything you require at the same time. In addition, you may wind up purchasing unique parts that aren’t compatible with your UTV.

7.  Look for discount codes

The majority of individuals seldom make purchases without first looking for discount codes or printable coupons. When you buy custom ATV, UTV, and DIRT BIKE Parts regularly, you’ll be surprised at how much money you can save with coupons or discount codes. You’ll come across many UTV parts coupons, promo codes, and printable coupons, so make sure to use them.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a UTV ride through the dunes or along the trails. To those who have never experienced it, the sensation is difficult to express. It’s an adrenaline rush that will have you hooked after just one trip. UTV performance components are designed to improve the power and performance of your vehicle, taking your UTV experience to the next level. Here are a few pointers to assist you to figure out what to look for while improvingLikewise, if your performance by replacing the old parts with new ATV, UTV, and DIRT BIKE Parts.

4 surprising Car Care Things You Need to Know

By
SM
-
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Vehicles have many moving parts and move around in the environment, which means that cars need a lot of care to keep them in good working condition. Some things are apparent, especially if you’re a car person with more than an active interest in cars, but it’s not always that simple for the average person. As such, some simple care car things can be quite surprising as to how important they are.

Please keep it clean.

We’ve all laughed at a dirty car or van that has ‘Clean Me’ inscribed in the dirt on its window. The reality is, though, that keeping the outside of your vehicle clean is vital for safety. However, the dust gets there; the dirt will negatively impact when it builds up too much. External lights will become dimmed and less effective, causing a potential hazard as other road users will not see them as well as they should. Too much dirt on the windows will affect the driver’s vision and could cause them to miss a hazard until it is too late.

Auto Insurance

Auto Insurance is not just for the driver and vehicle owner’s benefit. Should you be involved in an accident that causes damage to other cars and people, your insurance will pay out if you are at fault. By not having insurance, you’ll be trying to cover not just your bills but someone else’s too. There are many levels of auto insurance available so that any driver can afford it. Check out State Farm Insurance reviews to see what one suits you best.

Wheel care

Tires:

Like your feet moving your body, your car’s tires are the part of the car that does all the hard work of moving it around. Yet it’s so easy to ignore them until they’re past due changing. Keeping an eye on tire pressure will save you money on gas as having them at the correct pressure ensures they give the best fuel efficiency. The tread doesn’t always wear evenly across the tire, so be sure to look over them regularly. There is a legal requirement to tread depth as driving without the appropriate tread depth is so dangerous.

Wheels:

It’s not just the tires you need to take good care of; the wheels are equally important. If the wheels become unbalanced, your tire treads can wear down unevenly and at a faster rate requiring more frequent tire changes. Being unbalanced can also cause vibrations of the steering wheel, especially at higher speeds, making keeping control of steering much harder.

Check your fluids.

Sure, you have to fill your car up with gas regularly to keep it running, but it needs other fluids to keep it going too. The engine needs oil for all those tiny moving parts and coolant to stop it all overheating. While neither of these things needs replacing as often as gas, you should get into the habit of checking the oil and coolant levels regularly and topping them up as needed. The damage that is caused by not doing so can be very costly. 

The 2021 season is over with new champions

By
SM
-

The 2021 NASCAR season concluded this past weekend at Phoenix Raceway.  We saw the season dominator Kyle Larson captured the Cup Series championship, Daniel Hemric captured the Xfinity Series championship and Ben Rhodes captured the Camping World Truck Series championship.

The No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team with driver Larson had a dominating 2021 season and will most likely be in the record books for many years to come unless Larson up’s his own stats in 2022.  Larson won 10 races with 20 top-five finishes.  This was the most races won since Jimmie Johnson did it in 2007.

With these amazing statistics, sports betting fans will be watching next season and betting on Larson and the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team to dominate and run up front again in 2022. The team will be the perfect match heading into the 2022 season to win the series championship title.

“I cannot believe it. I didn’t even think I’d be racing a Cup car a year and a half ago. To win a championship is crazy. I’ve got to say first off thank you so much to Rick Hendrick, Hendrickcars.com, Jeff Gordon, NASCAR, every single one of my supporters in the stands, watching at home, my family. I’ve got so many of my friends and family here. My parents, my sister, my wife, and kids.” Larson said.

If you compare the two seasons and the drivers, Larson led 2,581 laps and Johnson led 1,290.  The 2,581 laps are the most since 1995 when Jeff Gordon led 2,610 laps.  “The greats, and when I say it, I think, that’s a very small percentage, they know-how, in the toughest moments, when the heat is on, how to rise up and pull something off that others aren’t capable,” Gordon said.

The 2020 Cup champion Chase Elliott and Larson will compete on November 18-20 in the USAC National Midget Championship Hangtown 100 at Placerville (Calif.) Speedway.  Larson will be running in the USAC National Midget Championship race and then both drivers will compete in the Merced Winged 360 sprint car race.

On to the Xfinity series

Hemric led 663 laps, 15 top-five finishes, 21 top-10 finishes, and won the race, his first career win, to capture the championship.  Hemric is the only driver to get his first win of the season and win the series title.

“Unbelievable. These guys right here have asked me all year how bad do you want it? We gave away one here in the spring. I felt like we had to give one up last week to get here. We were not going to be denied. Thank you, Dave Rogers (crew chief). Bill and Cindy Gallaher. Everyone at Poppy Bank. Will Gallaher. They took a chance on me in 2015 in some form or fashion. They stuck with me through times they probably shouldn’t have to be honest with you. I’ve been waiting a long damn time to do that.” Hemric said.

Finally the Camping World Truck Series

Rhodes, driving for ThorSport Racing won two races, eight top-five and 16 top-10 finishes over 22 races to claim the championship.  This is Rhodes’ first NASCAR championship in his sixth full-time season.

“That was the hardest last 40 laps I think I have ever driven in my life. I was doing things to the race car I probably shouldn’t have been doing, it was dumb, but I had everything to lose. And we brought it home and won it. I don’t even know what to say. This is crazy.” Rhodes said.

Veteran Crew Chief Jerry Baxter Joins DGR

By
Official Release
-

Baxter to Guide Tanner Gray in 2022

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (November 11, 2021)—David Gilliland Racing (DGR) announced today that long time crew chief Jerry Baxter will join the team to lead the No. 15 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) entry with driver Tanner Gray for the 2022 season. Baxter brings a wealth of knowledge to the young NCWTS team with over 35 years of experience in NASCAR.

The 2022 NCWTS season will mark Gray’s third full-time year, and first under the guidance of Baxter. Baxter returns to the NCWTS after spending the last two seasons as a crew chief in the Cup Series. In his NCWTS career, the California native has 16 wins, 59 top-five and 104 top-10 finishes, and 10 pole awards. Most recently in the NCWTS, Baxter guided Brett Moffitt to four wins in 2019.

“Jerry’s passion and history with the Truck Series will be a great addition to DGR,” said David Gilliland, co-owner of David Gilliland Racing. “His experience will be able to provide Tanner with the tools he needs to be a successful driver.”

Baxter’s experience in the NCWTS dates back to 1998 with driver Boris Said at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. Said started from the second position and went on to win the event after leading 47 laps under Baxter’s tutelage. Throughout his NASCAR career, Baxter has called 84 Cup Series and 194 Xfinity Series races in addition to 186 NCWTS races.

“I’m thrilled to be joining DGR and working with Tanner,” said Jerry Baxter, No. 15 crew chief. “Tanner is a great young man and he’s eager to perform well behind the wheel. I’m looking forward to working with him and helping him get to the next level.”

Baxter’s first on-track activity with Gray is scheduled to be at the NCWTS manufacturer’s test at Atlanta Motor Speedway on December 6.

“I can’t wait to work with Jerry,” said Tanner Gray. “He has a lot of experience across the sport and a proven track record in the Truck Series. I’m still learning week in and week out, so it will be nice to have consistency next season with a veteran voice in my ear. I’m excited to work together to get the No. 15 Ford Performance F-150 running up front where it belongs.”

The opening 2022 NCWTS race at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway will be televised live on FS1 at 7:30 p.m. ET on February 18.

About David Gilliland Racing

David Gilliland Racing (DGR) is a race team owned by NASCAR veteran David Gilliland and businessman Johnny Gray. The team specializes in driver development, competing full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, multiple ARCA Menards Series divisions and CARS Tour with factory support from Ford Performance. In its first four years of operation, DGR has achieved success in each series tallying up multiple wins and championships. The team operates out of three buildings totaling 60,000 square feet in Mooresville, N.C.

NASCAR and Champion’s Week Return to Nashville

By
Official Release
-

Annual postseason celebration set to honor

NASCAR Champions in the Music City during 2021 Awards

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 11, 2021) – As the 2021 season comes to an end, NASCAR prepares for a return to Nashville from Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 to host its annual Champion’s Week celebration.

The NASCAR Awards held on Dec. 2 at the Music City Center will formally crown this season’s champions, as fellow drivers, industry luminaries and celebrities descend upon the heart of downtown Nashville for the first time in two years to celebrate a memorable 2021 season.

In addition to the Cup Series Champion, NASCAR will honor the Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series champions in the largest Awards Show to date. In addition, the champions of the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, as well as the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series national champion, have been invited to the NASCAR national series events in Nashville to celebrate their titles.

In addition to the Awards, the streets of Nashville will once again host the “Burnouts on Broadway presented by DoorDash” on Wednesday, Dec. 1 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. CT, an event where all drivers will look to leave their mark – literally – on lower Broadway under the neon-lit streets.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to return to Nashville to celebrate the champions of our sport,” said Pete Jung, SVP, Chief Marketing Officer at NASCAR. “Although we weren’t able to celebrate in person in Nashville last year, we saw the city’s energy and passion for motorsports on full display when we came to Nashville Superspeedway earlier this year. Nashville welcomed us with open arms in 2019 and we’re looking forward to another unforgettable Champion’s Week in Music City.”

The formal postseason Awards is a tradition that stretches back to 1981, when the event was held in New York City. It relocated to Las Vegas in 2009 and then called Nashville its home for the first time in 2019.

For more information on Champion’s Week, including a more detailed schedule and more, please visit www.nascar.com/championsweek

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR consists of three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour), one local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series) and three international series (NASCAR Pinty’s Series, NASCAR Peak Mexico Series, NASCAR Whelen Euro Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

Top Ford Truck Builds of SEMA 2021

By
Official Release
-

AmericanTrucks’ New ‘The Haul’ Episode Takes Viewers to Vegas

PAOLI, Pa. (Nov 10th, 2021) – In this episode of AmericanTrucks’ (AT) ‘The Haul’ YouTube series, Justin Dugan is on location in Las Vegas, NV to check out the “biggest and baddest” Ford truck builds at SEMA 2021. The video includes vehicle walkarounds, event coverage, and what to expect at this year’s show.

“We’re going to be bringing you the hottest trucks of the show, not just F-150s but also the little guys, the big guys, and everything in between,” says Justin. After taking in the sights and sounds of the Ford Out Front playground, Justin heads over to some standout truck builds to give viewers a taste of what to expect when visiting the show. Inside at the Ford Booth, Justin shares footage and commentary on some of top picks: a BTR Customs F-150 Tremor, Ford F-100 Eluminator, Ford Performance Sport truck, 2021 F-150 Lighting, Tucci Hotrods’ Maverick, Skyjacker Suspensions’ 2021 Ranger, Air Design’s Maverick, and Addictive Desert Design‘s Raptor.

AT’s new episode of ‘The Haul’ shares the excitement of SEMA with a focus on noteworthy Ford truck builds. From the tried-and-true F150s/F250’s to new products like the Maverick and Bronco; there’s something for everyone at SEMA 2021. AT is committed to its community of truck owners and enthusiasts with event coverage, how-to videos, parts reviews, customer builds, and much more.

View it here: https://www.americantrucks.com/at-ford-sema-2021.html

 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

About AmericanTrucks

AmericanTrucks is regarded as one of the best, most reliable online aftermarket retailers providing parts and accessories for F150, F250, Ranger, Silverado, Sierra, and RAM. Catering to the needs and demands of late-model truck owners and enthusiasts, AmericanTrucks provides the best parts with support from genuine truck experts. Located just outside of Philadelphia, AmericanTrucks is dedicated to offering the truck community with the highest quality of parts and customer service. Please visit https://www.americantrucks.com for more information.

Brian Wilson joins Wood Brothers Racing as crew chief for Harrison Burton in 2022

By
Andrew Kim
-
Photo by Simon Scoggins for SpeedwayMedia.com.

The legendary Wood Brothers Racing team took to social media to announce that Brian Wilson will be joining the organization to serve as crew chief for rookie Harrison Burton and the iconic No. 21 Ford Mustang team for the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Wilson, a native from Detroit, Michigan, and a graduate from North Carolina State University with a degree in mechanical engineering, is coming off his sixth season as a crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Team Penske. He guided Austin Cindric and the No. 22 Ford Mustang team to five victories, a pole, 22 top-five results, 26 top-10 results, an average-finishing result of 8.2, a runner-up result in the driver’s standings with Cindric and an owner’s championship for the team in 2021, which marked Team Penske’s sixth Xfinity owner’s title.

Having spent the previous three seasons as a full-time crew chief for Cindric, Wilson achieved his first championship as a crew chief during the 2020 Xfinity season with Cindric, who won six races and achieved 19 top-five results, 26 top-10 results and an average-finishing result of 8.6 throughout the season.

In 163 appearances as an Xfinity crew chief that spans back to 2016 and all with Team Penske, Wilson achieved 23 career victories between four different competitors (Ryan Blaney, Austin Cindric, Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano). He also achieved 14 poles, 89 top-five results and 126 top-10 results between six different competitors, including Sam Hornish Jr. and Paul Menard.

The 2022 season will mark Wilson’s first as a full-time NASCAR Cup Series crew chief. He previously served as a Cup crew chief in four races in 2017 for Brad Keselowski and Penske’s No. 2 Ford Fusion team, where Keselowski finished in the top 10 in all races Wilson was atop the pit box and calling the shots. Wilson also served as a race engineer for Keselowski in the Cup circuit for five seasons prior to becoming an Xfinity crew chief in 2016.

Wilson replaces Jonathan Hassler, a former Team Penske race engineer who became the crew chief for the Wood Brothers Racing team in June and in place of veteran Greg Erwin. Hassler is set to join Team Penske and serve as crew chief for Ryan Blaney and the No. 12 Ford Mustang team for the 2022 Cup season.

The 2022 season will also mark the first full-time Cup campaign for driver Harrison Burton, who is set to pilot the No. 21 Ford as a Cup Series Rookie-of-the-Year contender. The second-generation competitor from Huntersville, North Carolina, spent the previous two seasons in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Joe Gibbs Racing. During the two-year span, Burton achieved four career victories, 25 top-five results, 44 top-10 results, an average-finishing result of 11.4 and two Xfinity Playoff appearances, where he finished in eighth place in the final standings in both seasons.

Burton replaces Matt DiBenedetto, who spent the previous two seasons driving for the Wood Brothers in the Cup circuit. In two seasons, DiBenedetto earned six top-five results, 20 top-10 results and a Cup Playoff appearance in 2020, where he finished in 13th place in the final standings. DiBenedetto, who finished 18th in the 2021 Cup final standings, has yet to announce his plans for the upcoming NASCAR season.

Wilson is set to make his NASCAR Cup Series crew chief debut with the Wood Brothers Racing team in 2022, beginning at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum. The event is scheduled to occur on February 6, 2022, at 8 p.m. ET on FS1.

CHEVROLET RACING IN NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION: POMONA – PRE-RACE ADVANCE & QUOTES

By
Official Release
-

CHEVROLET AT POMONA

What: Auto Club Finals
When: Friday, Nov. 12-Sunday, Nov. 14
Where: Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California
TV: FS1 will telecast eliminations live at 4 p.m. ET Sunday, Nov. 14

Team Chevy drivers aiming to lock up championships
Titles on the line in pro categories at Auto Club Finals in California

DETROIT (Nov. 11, 2021) – Chevrolet drivers in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Camping World Drag Racing Series return to Southern California with championships on the line in the Auto Club Finals.

Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California, will host its second NHRA event in the past 14 weeks, and titles will be decided in the four professional classes. The points-and-a-half structure will set the stage for race day drama.
Team Chevy drivers Greg Anderson and Erica Enders are locked in the Pro Stock “drive for five” as both seek their fifth world championship.

Anderson, who has led the Pro Stock standings since the opening race in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro SS, holds a 32-point advantage over Enders. Rookie of the year favorite Dallas Glenn, driving the RAD Torque Systems Camaro SS, is also in the hunt.

“We just have to keep doing what we’re doing and execute,” said Anderson, who has scored four wins, four runner-up finishes and 11 No. 1 qualifiers through 16 races as he seeks his fifth Pro Stock championship. “It doesn’t make much sense for us to change our gameplan because the bottom line is we have the best package when we execute. We’ll treat it as another race and go do what we do best and that’s go and try to win.”

Enders claimed her third Pro Stock title at the track in 2019. The 2020 season finale was not held at Auto Club Raceway because of state COVID-19 protocols.

Said Enders, who has four wins and a pair of runner-up finishes in the Melling Performance Camaro SS for Elite Motorsports: “Sometimes you have to remove yourself from the situation to really grasp how cool it is and almost surreal. As a kid driving junior dragsters, I could have only imagined competing for one world championship let alone our attempt at a fifth. This is a dream come true for me.”

Brittany Force, who wrapped up the 2017 Top Fuel title at Auto Club Raceway, is second in the standings and within striking range of her second championship. Force recorded one of her 12 No. 1 qualifier honors driving the Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet dragster in the first race at Pomona.

“We still have a shot at getting to the top, but that team needs to be defeated in the first round and we need to win the event,” she said. “It’s Pomona, my home track and I’ve seen crazier things happen with teams pulling off a championship at the very end. Our team did it in 2017 and we’re going after it again. One race, one weekend and we’re giving it everything we got.”

Auto Club Raceway is the home track for John Force Racing. Team patriarch John Force is the Funny Car leader with a whopping 16 wins and 16 No. 1 qualifier honors at the track, including eight victories in the season finale. Force, driving the PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant Camaro SS, will challenge for his record-extending 17th Funny Car title.

Teammate Robert Hight, driving the Auto Club of Southern California Camaro SS, has recorded five victories between the twice-yearly races at the track.
Chevrolet has clinched its 26th Manufacturers Cup and Aaron Stanfield is the Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown champion for the second season in a row driving the Janac Brothers Racing Chevrolet COPO Camaro. Stanfield will be recognized alongside his father Greg, who earned his fifth Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series championship driving his ’87 Camaro, as the first father-son duo to win NHRA national championships in the same season.

FS1 will telecast eliminations live at 4 p.m. ET Sunday, Nov. 14.

CHEVROLET FROM THE COCKPIT

TOP FUEL:

BRITTANY FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, MONSTER ENERGY/FLAV-R-PAC CHEVROLET DRAGSTER (second in points): “We head into the final race of the 2021 season in Pomona this next weekend. I’m ready to get Friday qualifying started and get this weekend going. We are currently No. 2 in points, 105 behind Steve Torrence. We still have a shot at getting to the top, but that team needs to be defeated in the first round and we need to win the event. It’s Pomona, my home track and I’ve seen crazier things happen with teams pulling off a championship at the very end. Our team did it in 2017 and we’re going after it again. One race, one weekend and we’re giving it everything we got.”

FUNNY CAR:

JOHN FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, PEAK ANTIFREEZE 7 COOLANT CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (fifth in points): “I’m still in it. It could still happen. I know it’s a slight chance, but it’s still a chance and we’re going to do everything we can to try to make it happen. Winning championships, it comes down to the wire, things can get wild. I would know. It’s going to be a fight, but I know this PEAK Chevy team, they’re up for it. Danny Hood, Tim Fabrisi, Joe Barlam and all my guys, they want it just as much as I do.”

ROBERT HIGHT, JOHN FORCE RACING, AUTO CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (seventh in points): “It’s been an inconsistent season for this Auto Club team. I’m hoping that the progress we’ve made towards the end here will continue into next year. We’ve worked hard, and, in some places, it’s paid off. There’s been some mistakes, but we’ve worked as a team to overcome them. Now it’s about going out there and finishing the year off with a bang and having some fun while doing it. Auto Club Raceway, the Auto Club Finals. There’s so much to be racing for at this event. It’s the end of the season, it’s my sponsor’s race at my sponsor’s racetrack and it’s home for John Force Racing. All the more reason for us to come out and do well. Take it one pass at a time starting in qualifying. I can’t wait to get out there and get the weekend started.”

PRO STOCK:

GREG ANDERSON, KB RACING, HENDRICKCARS.COM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (first in points): “We just have to keep doing what we’re doing and execute. As long as we execute, we’ll be just fine, we’ll when the thing. We’ve got, I believe, the fastest car and if we can make the run we need and I can get the light I need to have, then we’re going to win. It doesn’t make much sense for us to change our gameplan because the bottom line is we have the best package when we execute. I think the odds are in our favor. I’d rather have the lead going in; it makes them have to do a better job than we do. We’ll treat it as another race and go do what we do best and that’s go and try to win. I’d love nothing better than to close out the season with a win. I’ve always said I don’t go to a race to make more points than the next driver, I go to win the race. That’s the goal and it all ties together.”

ERICA ENDERS, ELITE MOTORSPORTS, MELLING PERFORMANCE CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (second in points): “My plan is to park it in the winner’s circle. I’m looking forward to it; I know my guys are up for it. Here we are in our attempt at a fifth world championship. Sometimes you have to remove yourself from the situation to really grasp how cool it is and almost surreal. As a kid driving junior dragsters, I could have only imagined competing for one world championship let alone our attempt at a fifth. This is a dream come true for me.”

DALLAS GLENN, KB RACING, RAD TORQUE SYSTEMS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (third in points): “Our Vegas win two weeks ago really put us in a good spot for this last race of the season. Obviously, we’re the longshot for the championship but it’s still mathematically possible. If Greg and Erica go out in the first round and I take it to the winner’s circle, we’ll be the champs. All I need is a chance.”

KYLE KORETZKY, KB RACING, LUCAS OIL CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (fourth in points): “I’m pumped up and sad in the same sentence. The season has gone by so quickly. We’ve had a great season so far and looking to finish strong. We’re going to Pomona to do everything we can to finish off our second season on a winning note. I think every run I learned something new. I learned a different way to win and a different way to lose and keep pushing forward. That’s part of the learning curve. We’re looking good right now to run a full 2022 season.”

TROY COUGHLIN JR., ELITE MOTORSPORTS, JEGS.COM ORDER CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (fifth in points): “The Finals are one of those almost mythical drag races you grow up dreaming about. For a kid from Ohio, the Finals invoked thoughts of sunshine, a really cool So-Cal drag racing vibe, and the history of all the greats that have won there. Plus, it’s nearly always the place where championships are decided. If we can have a strong finish with our JEGS.com Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro, then I’ll be happy. It’s been such a fun season and I’ve learned so much. The time has absolutely flown by for me. I don’t want it to stop.”

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

1...2,2612,2622,263...6,733Page 2,262 of 6,733