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Forgeline Adds to Trans Am’s New TA Wheel Package

Forgeline joins Trans Am as new Authorized Wheel Supplier

DAYTON, OHIO (4 NOVEMBER 2021)- The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli is pleased to announce that Forgeline has joined as an Authorized Wheel Supplier of Trans Am in a multi-year deal beginning in the 2022 season.

The announcement comes just a day after Pirelli revealed its new 18 inch tire for the TA class. The new Forgeline TA3R wheel- designed, engineered and manufactured in the United States specifically for TA- will complete the updated tire package.

Over the course of the last year, the full Pirelli and Forgeline package was successfully tested on track by Pirelli and CD Racing with the combination creating a range of advantages and performance gains, including significantly reduced lap times.

“We are very excited to welcome Forgeline as a valued Trans Am partner,” said John Clagett, Trans Am Race Company president. “With the new updates, the Trans Am class cars will pick up speed, and also improve driveability and reduce heat to the wheel, tire and brakes. Once the cars have been tuned to the new tire, the class will become the fastest GT class in the world, while continuing to have the least amount of driver aids.”

Teams can further personalize the new Forgeline wheel with custom powder coating in any combination of team-specified colors.

Forgeline will also offer wheels for the Production classes (XtremeGT, SuperGT, GT).

“Manufacturing wheels for the next generation of Trans Am racing is literally the realization of our childhood dreams,” said Forgeline Founder and Global Sales Manager Steve Schardt. “Dave Schardt (Forgeline President) and I have always been racing fans, and we grew up watching Trans Am racing in the 1980s and 1990s. We couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity to help Trans Am competitors move their performance threshold to the next level!”

The TA3R wheel is a three piece wheel comprised of a wheel center that is precision-machined from a 6061-T6 aerospace forging mated to modular 6061-T6 spun aluminum outer barrels and assembled with high-tech titanium fasteners. The TA3R was engineered through hours of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) specific to the geometry and cornering load demands of the Trans Am TA race cars.

Forgeline formed in 1994 with the express purpose of building custom lightweight forged wheels for road racing applications. For almost three decades since, Forgeline has applied its racing experience and passion for motorsport toward designing and building wheels that can withstand the extreme demands of sports car racing. With an unwavering commitment to strength, safety and performance, Forgeline has earned its place on high performance race cars all over the world. The latest evolution of Forgeline’s GT wheel development program that has previously given birth to a long line of race-winning road course racing wheels.

The National and West Coast Trans Am drivers will wrap up its 2021 season this weekend (Nov. 5-7) at Circuit of The Americas for the Heacock Classic for Trans Am as part of the Austin SpeedTour. Live timing and scoring will be available at www.gotransam.com/livetiming.

About Forgeline:

Forgeline formed in 1994 with the express purpose of building custom lightweight forged wheels for road racing applications. For almost three decades since, we have applied our racing experience and passion for motorsport toward designing and building wheels that can withstand the extreme demands of sports car racing. With an unwavering commitment to strength, safety, and performance, we have earned our place on high performance race cars all over the world.

Spencer Davis ready for Truck Series season finale at Phoenix

AVONDALE, Ariz.: The final race of the 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is upon Spencer Davis Motorsports (SDM) and driver Spencer Davis and the team heads to Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway for Friday night’s Lucas Oil 150 looking to end their season on a high note.

The family-owned team based in Mooresville, N.C. has certainly made strides throughout the year and while the team’s 29th place finish in the most recent race at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway last Saturday afternoon wasn’t what they had hoped, Phoenix is a new race with unlimited opportunities.

“I cannot believe the 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season is coming to an end this weekend,” said Davis.

“Obviously for our family-owned team, I am proud of what we have accomplished. We have had some highs and we have had some lows, but we have persevered through it all and we’re focused on going to Phoenix and getting us a finish that will propel us into the offseason with momentum.”

Much of the 2021 Truck Series has been held without the luxury of practice or qualifying, but to set the tone for the Championship race, a short practice and two laps of qualifying will return to the series this week and Davis believes the critical track time will be pivotal for his Spencer Davis Motorsports team.

“For a small team like ours, we welcome the opportunity to practice and qualify, especially at a track like Phoenix where track position is so important,” Davis added. “Even though it is a relatively short practice on Friday morning, it is still an opportunity to work out the bugs of our No. 11 INOX Lubricants Toyota Tundra and gives ourselves a safe baseline for qualifying.

“We will be practicing and qualifying but racing under the lights. The handling is going to change, but if we can stay ahead of the chassis adjustments, hopefully, we can find ourselves contending for a top-15 finish or better when that checkered flag waves.”

Davis, a native of Dawsonville, Ga. will make just his second Truck Series start at the 1.0-mile oval. Last fall, he started 27th and finished 23rd.

“Phoenix is a good race-able track with a diverse setup,” added Davis. “Being able to run multi grooves and 2 different corners drive more like a gateway but it has trends of a bigger track.

“I had a real good run with NTS Motorsports back in 16’ in the ARCA Menards Series before a motor failure ruined the race. I believe with practice we can really improve in our sub-par performance there last year.

“Overall, I do really like Phoenix as it is like Iowa Speedway and Richmond Raceway, two of my favorite tracks so I’m looking forward to being back there.”

Spencer Davis Motorsports partner INOX Supreme Lubricants will also serve as a major partner for the 22nd NCWTS race of the year.

INOX product range was first released in 1989 with the Original INOX MX3 Lubricant. The original MX3 product was in development stages for two years prior to release with testing and focus on creating the right product for the market.

The INOX product range continues to grow with 12 products on the market, each with their own many specialized qualities used in all different industries.

All their products are tested and trialed before hitting the market to ensure the best of quality is maintained in the INOX name. INOX products are available at all major industrial, electrical, automotive, hardware, bearing and mining, marine, fishing and tackle outlets, plus many more locations.

A wholly owned Australian company Candan Industries is now exporting to over 25 countries including the United States of America, Canada, France, South Africa, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

“I cannot thank Angel and James and everyone with INOX Supreme Lubricants for being a part of our Spencer Davis Motorsports team this season,” said Davis.

“We use their products day to day on our race team and in our machines at our business. A quality product and amazing people helped bring this all together. I hope we can continue our partnership with INOX for the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season.”

Melvin “Woody” Burns who started the year with SDM as car chief will continue in his new role as crew chief for the sixth consecutive NCWTS race.

Entering Phoenix, Davis, 22, has 31 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts to his credit with a career-best finish of seventh at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in Feb. 2018, with additional top-10s at Texas Motor Speedway (June 2018) and Kentucky Speedway (July 2019).

Plans for Spencer Davis and Spencer Davis Motorsports for the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season will be announced at a later date.

For more on Spencer Davis, please like him on Facebook (Spencer Davis Racing) and follow him on Instagram (@spencerdavis_29) and Twitter (@spencerdavis_29).

Stay connected with Spencer Davis Motorsports on Instagram (@teamsdm11) and Twitter (@teamSDM11).

The Lucas Oil 150 (150 laps | 150 miles) is the 22nd of 22 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races on the 2021 schedule. Practice begins on Fri., Nov. 5, 2021, from 8:05 a.m. – 8:55 a.m. Qualifying is set for later in the day at 2:05 p.m. The 36-truck field will take the green flag that night shortly after 5:00 p.m. (8:00 p.m. ET) with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (MT).

CHEVY NCS AT PHOENIX: Team Chevy Advance

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
NASCAR CUP SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP
PHOENIX RACEWAY
AVONDALE, ARIZONA
NOVEMBER 7, 2021

RACE #36 – SEASON FINALE AT PHOENIX RACEWAY
The Championship 4 is set and a trip out west to Phoenix Raceway will determine the 2021 NASCAR Champions. Five Chevrolet drivers across NASCAR’s three national series will contend for titles during the NASCAR championship weekend at the 1-mile Arizona tri-oval.

The action-packed championship weekend kicks off with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS), where Team Chevy’s Zane Smith will vie for his first title in the Lucas Oil 150 on Friday, November 5, at 8 p.m. ET. AJ Allmendinger and Noah Gragson seek their chance at their first NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) Driver Championship and the 22nd for Chevrolet on Saturday, November 6, at 8:30 p.m. ET in the 200-lap/200-mile championship race. The championship weekend and 2021 NASCAR season is capped off with the NASCAR Cup Series Championship on Sunday, November 7, at 3 p.m. ET.

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, will aim to become the 11th different driver to win back-to-back championships in the 312-lap NASCAR Cup Series Championship race. Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson, driving the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL1 1LE, will seek to hold his first Bill France Cup. Larson’s nine points-paying victories, which includes four in the Playoffs, is more than double each of the other championship contenders. The 2021 season marks the first time since the inception of the NCS Playoffs elimination-style format (2014) that Hendrick Motorsports has advanced two drivers into the Championship 4. Team Chevy has 24 wins in 50 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) races at Phoenix Raceway, including last November by Chase Elliott, in a victory that clinched his first-career Driver Championship and the 32nd for Chevrolet.

A capsule look at Team Chevy in the NASCAR Cup Series title hunt:

Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL1 1LE
Victories: 9 (field-high)
Top-Fives: 19; Top-10’s: 25; Poles: 1; Laps Led: 2,474
Average Finish: 9.3
Stage Wins: 17
At Phoenix (14 career NCS starts): Top-Fives: 5; Top-10’s: 8; Average Finish: 11.643
Of Note: After a historic debut season with Hendrick Motorsports, Larson enters the season finale in a spot in the Championship 4 for the first time in his career. His previous best finish in the NCS standings was sixth in 2019. The Regular Season Champion has eight top-10 finishes, with a best of second in 2017, in 14 NCS starts at Phoenix Raceway. In the March 2021 NCS race at the track, Larson finished seventh.

Chase Elliott, No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts ZL1 1LE
Victories: 2
Top-Fives: 14; Top-10’s: 20; Laps Led: 858; Average Finish: 11.5
Stage Wins: 6
At Phoenix (11 career NCS starts): Wins: 1; Top-Fives: 4; Top-10’s: 7; Average Finish: 11.152
Of Note: Elliott enters the season finale in a spot in the Championship 4 for the second consecutive year. The 2021 NCS season marks Elliott’s sixth consecutive year of being part of the Playoff field. Elliott would be the first driver to win consecutive NCS titles since career Chevrolet driver Jimmie Johnson’s record five in a row from 2006-2010. He would also be the 17th driver all-time in NCS history to win multiple championships; and join Kyle Busch as just the second active NCS driver to win more than one. Elliott won the November 2020 race at Phoenix to clinch the Driver Championship and has six other top-10 finishes in 11 starts at the track.

CHEVROLET MAKES UP HALF OF NXS CHAMPIONSHIP 4
NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) Regular Season Champion, AJ Allmendinger, and Noah Gragson lead the Chevrolet contingent into the series’ Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway. Gragson, driving the No. 9 JR Motorsports Camaro SS, entered into the Round of 8 elimination race at Martinsville Speedway in a must-win situation to advance. Leading a race-high 153 of 207 laps, Gragson took the lead in the first attempt at overtime on lap 201 to capture his third win of the 2021 season and advance to the Championship 4 for the first time in his NXS career. In five starts at Phoenix, Gragson has three top-10 finishes, with a best of second in the fall 2020 race.

Joining Gragson in the NXS Championship 4 is AJ Allmendinger, driver of the No. 16 Kaulig Racing Camaro SS. 2021 marks the first full season that Allmendinger has competed in the series, as well as advancing to the Championship 4. The Chevrolet driver has taken his Camaro SS to victory lane 5 times this season, as well as earned the NXS Regular Season Championship to kick off his first Playoff run in the series.

Following the penultimate race of the season at Martinsville, Chevrolet clinched its 23rd NASCAR Xfinity Series Manufacturer’s Championship. With 32 of 33 races complete, eight different Team Chevy drivers have contributed 16 wins: AJ Allmendinger (five wins), Noah Gragson (three wins), Justin Allgaier and Josh Berry (two each), and Justin Haley, Jeb Burton, Brandon Brown and Myatt Snider (one each). Michael Annett and Brett Moffitt also contributed points toward the championship.

“Chevrolet is honored to again win the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series Manufacturer’s Championship,” said Dr. Eric Warren, Chevrolet Director of NASCAR Programs. “A special thank you goes to all of our Chevy teams and drivers for their tireless work that collectively secured this special recognition for Chevrolet. Being competitive at this level is vital for the development of drivers and crew members. This accomplishment is a testament of the teamwork between the GM NASCAR Competition Engineering team and the race teams that is required to be successful in one of NASCAR’s top series.”

SMITH DRIVES FOR TRUCK TITLE
Zane Smith captured the victory at Martinsville Speedway last weekend in the No. 21 GMS Racing Chevrolet Silverado to advance to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) Championship 4 for the second year in a row. Smith’s exciting overtime victory at Martinsville marked the 22-year-old driver’s first win of the 2021 season and third of his career in the series. In just his second full-time season in the NCWTS, Smith will represent the bowtie brand in the championship hunt, seeking to give Chevrolet its 15th NCWTS Driver Championship.

CHEVROLET LEADS IN MAJOR CATEGORIES
Securing its series-leading 40th NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer’s Championship, Team Chevy drivers have earned 18 wins in 35 races in 2021. It marks the most victories in a season for Chevrolet since it won 20 in 2014. Team Chevy has also recorded manufacturer highs of 151 top-10 finishes, 4,425 laps led and 33 stage wins.

Team Chevy drivers that have contributed wins this year include: Kyle Larson (nine), Alex Bowman (four), Chase Elliott (two), and AJ Allmendinger, William Byron and Kurt Busch (one each). Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Ryan Preece also contributed vital manufacturers points to help capture the Manufacturer’s Championship title for Chevrolet.

“Winning championships is a goal we set for ourselves at the beginning of every season, and capturing the NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer’s Championship is one we value very much,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors President. “The competition every week is so close, so to be able to win this year, Chevy’s 40th since 1958, is a testament to all of the continued collaboration and teamwork by owners, drivers, crew chiefs, crews, Chevrolet engineering and technical partners at the engine shops. This year was a different approach—one that drew on the strength of one team. From the engineering of the car for aero to the engines and pit crews—the one team approach brought the best for our drivers each race. We look forward to carrying over this momentum to 2022 and the new NASCAR Next Gen Camaro ZL1.”

TEAM CHEVY LOOKS FOR SIXTH POLE IN SEVEN RACES
Team Chevy drivers have earned the Busch Pole Award five times in the six races in which qualifying has been held this season. Title contender Kyle Larson has an average start at Phoenix of 7.2. Fellow championship contender Chase Elliott has an average start of 4.7, including the pole for the November 2020 race at Phoenix Raceway.

CHEVROLET WRAPS UP 2021 “MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER” CAMPAIGN AT MARTINSVILLE
Since 2011, Chevrolet has partnered with the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” initiative through dealership walks, national test drive promotions and national service rebate promotions. Again this year, Chevrolet supported the cause by pledging to contribute $350 for every lap run under caution, with a maximum of $50,000, during three NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) races during the month of October.

The third and final NASCAR Cup Series event of the initiative took place last weekend during the NCS Playoffs Round of 8 elimination race at Martinsville Speedway. The specially-themed pink ”Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 served as the pace car for the NCS event at the .526-mile Virginia venue. Heading into the Martinsville race weekend, the running total sat at $28,700 following the first two races of the campaign at Talladega Superspeedway and Texas Motor Speedway. With 91 laps made under caution during the NCS Xfinity 500 race at Martinsville Speedway, the threshold was met, and Chevrolet will contribute a total of $50,000 towards the campaign.

BOWTIE BULLETS
· Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 18 wins, 151 top-10 finishes and 4,425 laps led of 8,888 total this season.
· In addition to its 24 wins, Chevrolet has amassed 18 poles, 113 top-five and 220 top-10 finishes in the 50 races at Phoenix Raceway.
· NCS Championship 4 contenders Kyle Larson (29) and Chase Elliott (25) are more than 10 years younger than the two other Playoff drivers.
· Elliott would be the 17th driver with multiple championships in NASCAR’s premier series.
· Hendrick Motorsports leads all teams with 11 wins at Phoenix Raceway.
· Hendrick Motorsports has an NCS-leading 13 Driver Championships among four drivers: Chase Elliott (2020), Jimmie Johnson (2016, ’13, ’10, ’09, ’08, ’07, ’06), Jeff Gordon (2001, ’98, ’97, ’95) and Terry Labonte (1996).
· Hendrick Motorsports has 16 NASCAR National Series Owner Championships (13 in the NASCAR Cup Series and three in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series).
· At the November 2015 race, Jimmie Johnson set the Phoenix Raceway qualifying record of 143.158 mph.
· Kyle Larson paces all drivers with 2,474 laps led, which has eclipsed Jeff Gordon’s 2001 record for a 36-race NCS season (2,320) set in 2001.
· Kurt Busch is tied for the most starts (37) among active drivers at Phoenix Raceway.
· Five Team Chevy drivers have combined for 33 stage wins: Chase Elliott (Daytona RC, Michigan, Daytona2, Charlotte2, Las Vegas2 x2); William Byron (Homestead, Pocono2, Road America, Kansas2); Tyler Reddick (Road America, Indianapolis road course x2); Kurt Busch (Nashville Superspeedway, Pocono1, Atlanta2); Kyle Larson (Las Vegas, Atlanta x2, Kansas, Dover x2, Charlotte x3, Sonoma x2, Nashville, Darlington2, Bristol2, Las Vegas2, Texas2, Kansas2).

FOR THE FANS:
Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Displays in the Fan Midway and Campground at Phoenix Raceway.
Fans can check out an assortment of Chevrolet vehicles at the Fan Midway including: 2021 Tahoe Z71, 2021 Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss, 2021 Equinox Premier, 2021 Silverado 2500 LT and a 2021 Blazer RST. The Campground Display will feature a 2022 Camaro ZL1 and 2022 Colorado Z71.
The Chevrolet Display in the Fan Midway will also feature the first public showing of the All-New 2023 Corvette Z06.
Fans can also view Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE show car at the Chevrolet Display in the Fan Midway.

TEAM CHEVY QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONS AT THE DISPLAY:
Friday, November 5
Chase Purdy, Jack Wood and Tyler Ankrum: 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Carson Hocevar and Ryan Truex: 12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Tate Folgeman: 12:45 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 6
Brandon Brown: 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Chase Elliott: 2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Corey LaJoie: 2:20 p.m. – 2:35 p.m.
Josh Berry: 3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sam Mayer: 4:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Sunday, November 7
Erik Jones: 9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Alex Bowman: 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Tyler Reddick: 11:20 a.m. – 11:35 a.m.

Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation:
Friday, November 5: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 6: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 7: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

TUNE IN
NBC will telecast the 312-lap NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at 3 p.m. ET Sunday, November 7. Live coverage is also on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. NBCSN will telecast the 200-lap NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race at 8:30 p.m. ET Saturday, November 6. FS1 will telecast the 150-lap NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Lucas Oil 150 at 8 p.m. ET Friday, Nov. 5. Live coverage of both is also on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

QUOTABLE QUOTES:
KYLE LARSON, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 1st IN STANDINGS
LARSON ON HIS MINDSET HEADING TO PHOENIX RACEWAY:
“It’s definitely the most important race ever in my career. I’m fortunate that it’s at Phoenix. It’s a track I haven’t won at before, but I’ve had some really good runs there, and earlier this year we had a really, really good race car. I just made two mistakes and sped on pit road two different times. If I can clean up those mistakes, I think we’ll have a great shot to win as well as the other three guys who I’m sure I’ll be going up against. It’ll be tough, but I’m looking forward to a chance to race for a championship.”

CLIFF DANIELS, CREW CHIEF, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1 1LE
DANIELS ON USING NOTES FROM SPRING PHOENIX RACE:
“The best experience that we have to go off of is the spring race that we had there. Our car was really fast. We had a couple of mistakes of Kyle speeding on pit road, and some of that was on us too just for getting the timing marks down. But we’ve learned from that and we have good notes from that race. Of course, great notes from Alan (Gustafson) and Chase (Elliott) winning the championship and winning the race there last year. So, those two recent data points of ourselves and our teammates are just great to have and great to go off of and build from.”

CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 2nd IN STANDINGS
ELLIOTT ON IF THERE ARE LESSONS FROM LAST YEAR’S CHAMPIONSHIP RUN THAT HE WILL CARRY WITH HIM THIS SEASON:
“I think a little bit of everything. We will look at obviously our car side of things from how we raced the last few years, not just that particular race last year. Then, obviously, the spring race in Phoenix – we have some things to look back at. So, I think we will definitely dive through every bit of that information that we have. I think from the mental side, having that experience of going and experiencing the emotions of the week and leading up to it and all those things, it is kind of nice to have been through that before. It didn’t really seem to matter last year so I don’t know that it really matters; I don’t know whether it really affects your performance or not, but there were things and experiences that I learned last year that I’ll try to carry forward to better myself and to better our team and that’s all you can do with that information.”

ELLIOTT ON BEING LOCKED INTO THE CHAMPIONSHIP 4:
“Getting in that final four is really the goal every year. The goal is to go win the championship, so it’s just nice to have another shot. It wasn’t the exciting transfer walk-off type like it was last year but nonetheless, to have a shot to go race for to the championship is really all that matters to us right now. I would love to have won at Martinsville, but I feel like our teams in a good place, performing well over the last couple weeks so I am excited for the opportunity. That’s all I can ask for this time of year.”

ELLIOTT ON THE NO. 9 TEAM DYNAMIC:
“I feel like we have a great team. I feel like our approach is very similar; I let him do his job and he lets me do my job. We don’t question it and I feel like it ends up being a really nice working relationship. Our team has grown and has changed a little bit over the course of my six years. I think that as you go, you evolve and you get to know people better, you start doing better. You start finding that little bit in each person that helps performance each week and it all adds up. So, we have a great group people. I am proud to have them and I am excited go to work this weekend.”

ALAN GUSTAFSON, CREW CHIEF, NO. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS CAMARO ZL1 1LE
GUSTAFSON ON COMPETING FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP AGAINST NO. 5 TEAM:
“It makes it a lot of fun. It’s certainly more enjoyable for me and it gives you a little bit of comfort knowing that you have teammates who are going to be pushing the front and pushing forward to prove their cars, their pit crews, all of the above. It’s a fun time here and we are proud of everyone at Hendrick Motorsports and what they have been able to do in all phases of this organization. They are operating at a super high level. It’s a fun time and we certainly enjoy it.”

GUSTAFSON ON LOOKING BACK AT THE 2020 CHAMPIONSHIP NEARLY ONE YEAR LATER:
“To me, it’s much more about 2021 than 2020. I’ve just been focused on trying to get in a position where we can do that again. I really haven’t had a chance to reflect on last year much or really even think about it. We are just focused on this season and trying to get ourselves and our team in the best position we can for this weekend. Certainly, there’s some things we learned going through last year and this season so far that we can apply, but as far as anything else, it’s just been keeping our eyes forward. We are looking forward to getting to Phoenix.”

WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 RAPTOR CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 10th IN STANDINGS
BYRON ON WHAT TO EXPECT RETURNING TO PHOENIX RACEWAY THIS SEASON:
“When we went to Phoenix earlier this season, it was a good experimental race for us. It was still early on in the year, and we were still getting Rudy (Fugle) up to speed in the Cup Series. I think we learned a lot that race, but unfortunately not a ton will apply when we go back this weekend. With everything we’ve learned throughout the year, the car will be set up completely different and the track will handle differently, as well. The good thing is we will have practice this time around. With this being the final race, you know everyone will bring their best equipment, but we will have the time to really dial it in before the race. You just don’t want to cross the fine line of dialing yourself in or dialing yourself out.”

RUDY FUGLE, CREW CHIEF, NO. 24 RAPTOR CAMARO ZL1 1LE
FUGLE ON WHAT THE TEAM HAS ACCOMPLISHED THIS SEASON:
“It’s crazy to think that this is the last race of the season and that my ‘rookie’ year is coming to a close. I couldn’t be more proud of what we have accomplished as a team this year. I had a lot to learn coming in and everyone helped to get me up to speed. We won a race so early on and showed consistency throughout the rest of the year. This team as a whole, William included, has grown so much in just a short time to have a career-best year. There will be more to come; our chance will come. We would love to be heading to Phoenix in the hunt for a championship but we’re glad to have two teammates in the hunt representing Hendrick Motorsports, as well. We’ll all four be strong Sunday.”

ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 14th IN STANDINGS
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO GET 4 WINS THIS YEAR AND ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THIS BREAKOUT YEAR?
“Yes and no. It’s so frustrating to have this Playoff run go how it has gone. Last year we had a great Playoff run. We didn’t go into it with a lot of Playoff points, but we were extremely consist – finished pretty well in the points and had a good Playoffs and this year we’ve just had everything go wrong that could possibly go wrong. So, it was really special to at least get pointed in the right direction to try to end the season on a on high note and get a win after how the last couple of months have gone. Obviously, we’d rather be in the final four. I think it’s pretty obvious, that’s what everybody wants. We just haven’t had the consistency that needed to make that happen. It’s unfortunate but that’s just the way it went. So, we will work hard at trying to understand why that is. We’ve been trying to understand why that is for quite a while, so if we can get that dialed in we’ve proven we can win races. Anytime we have a shot at it, we tend to finish the job. So, (We will) just keep trying to continue to put ourselves in positions to win races try to dial in that consistency and will be really good.”

GREG IVES, CREW CHIEF, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1 1LE
IVES ON THE APPROACH TO SUNDAY’S RACE AT PHOENIX:
“Really similar. Obviously, they always talk about racing the Playoff guys with respect and I don’t think we race anybody with disrespect. So, whether you’re in Playoffs or not I don’t think it should matter. Obviously, you know, things happen on the racetrack and intentional, not intentional, we will be truthful about it. There was a time in the last few years Alex made a move and it was intentional, and he owned up to it, so track record should speak for that. But yeah, Phoenix, we have two teammates in in there, we have a guy we just had some controversy with, so I don’t expect us to raise you know Denny any different as well as our teammates any different than we have all year. For a position to win the race, it really comes down to whoever wants to go for second, right? In the end, we’re never going to put ourselves in a situation to ruin those guys opportunity to win a championship because we know at some point, we’ll be in that same scenario and want to get raced exactly how they would. So, in in the end, we’re just going to go out there have a nice calm, clean race, hopefully a fast car, and you know kind of let the driving and the speed dictate itself.”

AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 DOW COATINGS CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 17th IN STANDINGS
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON PHOENIX RACEWAY?
“Phoenix Raceway is a tough short-track and one of those places that you hit it or you don’t. I’m thankful that we have practice this weekend because this track is challenging, especially with no practice. I’m looking forward to Phoenix, because it’s such a fun track for drivers. It can be a really good place for the No. 3 Dow Coatings Camaro ZL1 1LE team. We’re planning to end the season on a high note.”

ERIK JONES, NO. 43 RELLEVATE CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 24th IN STANDINGS
TALK ABOUT SOME OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PHOENIX RACEWAY THAT STICK OUT TO YOU AS A DRIVER.
“Phoenix (Raceway) is a cool place. I always like going there. It’s challenging as a driver because the two ends are so different. But it’s fun just moving around and trying different stuff. I think with the PJ-1 down it’s actually helped that track a little bit, just being able to move around and run some different lanes. As a driver, if you have a good car, I feel like you can always move through the field there, which is what you want to be able to do. At some places, that’s challenging. But Phoenix is one of those tracks where you can come through the field if you have a good enough car.”

“It’s fun. It’s another track that’s kind of like a road course, even though it’s an oval, and that makes for some fun racing.”

DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 GOOD SAM CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 25th IN STANDINGS
WHAT DID YOU THINK OF YOUR FIRST SEASON?
“I think we had a good year. We had some good runs and we struggled at times as well, but that’s normal for a first-year team.

“I like how we work together and I know the future is bright. I wouldn’t want to be with any other team right now. I like our direction and can’t wait to get the 2022 season underway.”

COREY LAJOIE, NO. 7 SCHLUTER SYSTEMS CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 29th IN STANDINGS
“We’re rolling into Phoenix with the reigns off. Last race ever for the Gen 6 car. We know where we’re finishing in points, so we can get creative with strategy & be aggressive on restarts, more so than usual. We’ll certainly be respectful of the 4 guys chasing a championship, while also trying to end our 2021 season with the Schluter Systems Camaro on a high note. Phoenix is almost a blend of an intermediate track and short track with aerodynamics being important, but mechanical grip is at a premium as well.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics

Manufacturers Championships:
Total (1949-2021): 40
First title for Chevrolet: 1958
Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)

Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021

Drivers Championships:
Total (1949-2020): 32
First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)
Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)
Most Recent: Chase Elliott (2020)

Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020

Event Victories:
Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)

2021 STATISTICS:
Wins: 18
Poles: 5
Laps Led: 4,425
Top-five finishes: 71
Top-10 finishes: 151
Stage wins: 33 – Chase Elliott (Daytona RC, Michigan, Daytona, Charlotte RC, Martinsville x2), William Byron (Homestead, Pocono 2, Road America, Kansas 1), Kyle Larson (Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Atlanta x2, Kansas, Dover x2, Charlotte x3, Sonoma x2, Nashville, Darlington, Bristol, Texas 2 Kansas 2,), Kurt Busch (Nashville, Pocono 1, Atlanta 2, Las Vegas 2), Tyler Reddick (Road America, Indy RC x2)

CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:
Total Chevrolet race wins: 813 (1949 to date)
Poles won to date: 722
Laps led to date: 241,130
Top-five finishes to date: 4,136
Top-10 finishes to date: 8,553

Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:

       General Motors: 1,147
       Chevrolet: 813
       Pontiac: 154
       Oldsmobile: 115
       Buick: 65

       Ford: 811                                                         
       Ford: 711
       Mercury: 96
       Lincoln: 4

       Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467
       Dodge: 217
       Plymouth: 191
       Chrysler: 59

       Toyota: 162

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.

CHEVROLET WINS 23RD NASCAR XFINITY SERIES MANUFACTURER’S CHAMPIONSHIP

CHEVROLET CLINCHES 23RD BILL FRANCE PERFORMANCE CUP
Award Recognizes Manufacturer Champion in NASCAR Xfinity Series

DETROIT – (November 4, 2021) – Chevrolet has secured back-to-back Manufacturer’s Championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The 2021 achievement marks the 23rd time the bowtie brand has captured this prestigious honor, more than any other manufacturer.

The triumph also marks the seventh time Camaro SS has earned the award since becoming Chevrolet’s flagship vehicle in the Xfinity Series in 2013.

“Chevrolet is honored to again win the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series Manufacturer’s Championship,” said Dr. Eric Warren, Chevrolet Director of NASCAR Programs. “A special thank you goes to all of our Chevy teams and drivers for their tireless work that collectively secured this special recognition for Chevrolet. Being competitive at this level is vital for the development of drivers and crew members. This accomplishment is a testament of the teamwork between the Chevrolet NASCAR Competition Engineering team and the race teams that is required to be successful in one of NASCAR’s top series.”

Capping off the regular season, Chevrolet placed more contenders in the playoffs than any other manufacturer with seven drivers from four teams in the running for this year’s title.

With 32 of 33 races complete, eight different Team Chevy drivers have contributed 16 wins: AJ Allmendinger (five wins), Noah Gragson (three wins), Justin Allgaier and Josh Berry (two each), and Justin Haley, Jeb Burton, Brandon Brown, and Myatt Snider (one each). Michael Annett and Brett Moffitt also contributed points toward the championship.

The 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series season will conclude at Phoenix Raceway on Saturday, Nov. 6 for the series’ Championship race.

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.

DiBenedetto Making Final Start in Motorcraft / Quick Lane Mustang

Sunday’s Cup Series season finale at Phoenix Raceway will mark Matt DiBenedetto’s 72nd and final points race aboard the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang.

In his two years behind the wheel of the iconic No. 21 Mustang, DiBenedetto has scored six top-five and 20 top-10 finishes. He led 98 laps last year and 68 this time around, pushing the Wood Brothers past the 25,000 milestone for overall laps led.

DiBenedetto scored his career-best points finish of 13th last year, and enters Sunday’s race in 19th place and is assured of topping all his points finishes prior to joining the Wood Brothers team.

“This will be an emotional week for me,” DiBenedetto said. “I have genuinely appreciated every single time I’ve stepped foot in the 21 car.

“I have always been a fan of the sport. I’m a first-generation racer. I didn’t have funding behind me, and if you told me as a kid that one day I would drive the 21 for the Wood Brothers I would have freaked out and wouldn’t have been able to believe it.

“The amazing thing is that the Wood Brothers will be family for life, and I’m so thankful for them.

“I’m hoping we close out the year strong.”

Eddie Wood said he and his family appreciate all the effort DiBenedetto has put in during the past two years.

“We all thank Matt for his hard work and dedication,” Wood said. “Like all the drivers who have come before him, Matt will remain part of our history, and although this chapter is ending he’ll always be a part of the Wood Brothers racing family.”

Wood also offered thanks to the crew chiefs who have worked with DiBenedetto over the past two seasons.

“Jonathan Hassler and Greg Erwin served us well the past two years,” Wood said. “We couldn’t do what we do with the efforts of people like Matt, Jonathan and Greg.

“And we can’t say enough about the support we get from our sponsors, Motorcraft and Quick Lane as well as the Menards family and their vendors who have backed the No. 21 Mustang.”

Wood also offered his appreciation for his team’s alliance with Team Penske, and the contributions from Ford Performance and Roush Yates Engines.

“It’s been a good couple of years,” Wood said.

Unlike most Cup Series races this season, there will be practice and qualifying prior to the start of Sunday’s 312-lap NASCAR Cup Series Championship. A practice session is set for Friday at 1 p.m. (4 p.m. Eastern Time). Qualifying is scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m. (7 p.m. Eastern), and Sunday’s race is set to get the green flag just after 1 p.m. (3 p.m. Eastern), with TV coverage on NBC.

Stage breaks are set for Laps 75 and 190.

About Motorcraft:

Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford and Lincoln Dealers, independent distributors and automotive parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.

About Omnicraft:

Omnicraft is part of the Ford lineup of parts brands: Ford Parts, Motorcraft and Omnicraft. Omnicraft is the exclusive non-Ford/Lincoln parts brand of premium aftermarket parts. With over a century of parts heritage to build upon, Omnicraft provides excellent quality and fit and is a preferred choice of professional automotive technicians. To find out more about Omnicraft, visit www.omnicraftautoparts.com or contact your local Ford or Lincoln Dealership.

About Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center

Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine vehicle maintenance including tire repair and replacement with a Low Tire Price Guarantee and a full menu of automotive services including oil and filter, brakes, alignments, batteries, and shocks and struts on all vehicle makes and models. Service is performed by certified technicians at more than 1,000 locations worldwide while you wait, and no appointment is necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 200,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Wood Brothers Racing

Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glen Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 99 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glen’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Matt DiBenedetto in the famous No. 21 racer.

Monster Energy Racing: Riley Herbst Phoenix NXS Advance

RILEY HERBST
Phoenix NASCAR Xfinity Series Advance
No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

NASCAR Xfinity Series Overview
• Event: NASCAR Xfinity Series Season Finale (Round 33 of 33)
• Date: Saturday, Nov. 6
• Location: Phoenix Raceway
• Layout: 1-mile oval
• Time/TV/Radio: 8:30 p.m. EDT on NBCSN/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Riley Herbst Notes of Interest

• Momentum is on Riley Herbst’s side as he heads into the season-ending NASCAR Xfinity Series race Saturday at Phoenix Raceway. In the series’ prior race last Saturday at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, the driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing charged from 26th to 10th with less than 60 laps to go. It was his 12th top-10 finish of the season and his third top-12 in a row. It was a strong display of resilience from the 22-year-old racer out of Las Vegas. A five-car incident on lap 194 of the scheduled 250-lap race collected Herbst and dropped him from eighth to 26th. Undaunted, Herbst rallied back, cracking top-10 by lap 227 and surviving a pair of eventful overtime restarts for a hard-earned 10th-place result.

• When the Xfinity Series rolled into Phoenix back in March for its fifth race of 2021, Herbst emerged with a solid fourth-place finish thanks to some savvy driving in the closing laps. He started 30th after enduring three DNFs (Did Not Finish) in the season’s first four events, but Herbst methodically worked his way through the field and entered the top-20 by lap 12. He continued his forward progress as the race wore on and was sitting seventh on the final restart with three laps to go. He then threaded his way through the cars ahead of him in the closing laps to cross the finish line in fourth. It was his first of four top-fives this season, with the others being a fourth-place drive April 24 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, a fifth-place run Sept. 11 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway, and a third-place effort Sept. 17 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

• Saturday’s race will be Herbst’s fifth career Xfinity Series start at Phoenix. In addition to the fourth-place result earned in March, he finished among the top-11 in two of his other three starts. Complementing his Xfinity Series outings at Phoenix is a 10th-place run in his lone NASCAR K&N Pro Series West start at the track in November 2019, and a 15th-place drive in his lone NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start in November 2018.

• While Herbst won’t be racing for the Xfinity Series championship at Phoenix, there’s still a points battle to be fought. Herbst protected his 11th-place position in the drivers’ standings with his 10th-place run last Saturday at Martinsville. At Phoenix, he’ll race to catch 10th-place Jeb Burton, who sits 27 points ahead of him. Herbst finished 12th in points during his rookie season in 2020.

• Herbst should feel right at home at the desert mile in Arizona. Being a third-generation racer from Las Vegas, he’s taking his family name from the deserts of the southwest to the asphalt tracks of NASCAR. Herbst began racing go-karts up and down the West Coast at age 5. He soon followed in his family’s footsteps in 2006 when he transitioned to off-road racing, where his grandfather Jerry, his dad Troy, and his uncles Tim and Ed, all became Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame inductees after their numerous championship-winning campaigns. But by age 10, Herbst sought a return to pavement, which began with Legends cars before transitioning to Speed Trucks, Super Late Models, the K&N Series, Trucks, and now, the Xfinity Series. After Saturday’s Xfinity Series race he’ll take some time to return to his family’s off-road roots Nov. 15-20 when he participates in the Baja 1000.

Riley Herbst, Driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang

It’s the final race of the season. What are your thoughts on the year as you head into the finale?

“Man, this season has been full of ups and downs. While we struggled in the beginning, we really started to hit our stride over the summer. All of the hard work seemed to be paying off. We didn’t have the playoff run we would’ve liked, but we learned a lot that we can carry over into the 2022 season. I’m excited to continue to get stronger with this team. Ready to finish it out strong in Phoenix.”

You scored a fourth-place finish thanks to a strong restart in the final laps the last time you raced at Phoenix. What’s the plan heading into Saturday’s race?

“Last time we were in Phoenix, we had an impressive finish and really started to show what this team could do if presented with an opportunity. We avoided the chaos at the end and brought home a top-five. Heading into this weekend, the ultimate goal is to win, but most of all, we want to finish out the season with another strong finish. This team has worked hard all season long. I know we can get it done.”

After this race, you get a three-month break until the start of your 2022 campaign. How will you be spending the offseason?

“The work definitely doesn’t stop in the offseason. After Phoenix, all eyes are on Daytona in February. There’s still work to be done. We want to come out of the gate strong when we unload the car for the 2022 season. I’ll get a chance to go home to Vegas and see my family, so I’m excited. Also, I’m running the Baja 1000 in a couple of weeks, so there’s a lot of stuff going on after the checkered flag this weekend.”

No. 98 Monster Energy Team Roster

Primary Team Members:

Driver: Riley Herbst
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Crew Chief: Richard Boswell
Hometown: Friendship, Maryland

Engineer: Justin Bolton
Hometown: Latrobe, Pennsylvania

Engineer: DJ VanderLey
Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

Spotter: Tim Fedewa
Hometown: Holt, Michigan

Over-The-Wall Crew:

Front Tire Changer: Shayne Pipala
Hometown: Frankfort Square, Illinois

Rear Tire Changer: Chris Jackson
Hometown: Fort Mill, South Carolina

Tire Carrier: Chad Emmons
Hometown: Tyler, Texas

Fueler: James Keener
Hometown: Fortuna, California

Jackman: Sean Cotten
Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Road Crew Members:

Truck Driver: Steve Wood
Hometown: Eatontown, New Jersey

Front End Mechanic: Mike Brill
Hometown: Woodsville, New Hampshire

Engine Tuner: Willie Pelotte
Hometown: Oakland, Main

Roush Fenway Weekly Advance | Phoenix II

Roush Fenway Weekly Advance | Phoenix II

The 2021 NASCAR season comes to a close this weekend at Phoenix Raceway, a 1-mile track where Jack Roush has 17 wins all-time including seven in the NCS.

NASCAR Cup Series Championship
Sunday, Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. ET
NBC, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90
· Ryan Newman, No. 6 Castrol GTX Ford Mustang
· Chris Buescher, No. 17 Fastenal Ford Mustang

Martinsville Recap, Phoenix Preview

· Buescher powered through for a ninth-place finish at Martinsville a week ago, his third top-10 in the last five races. Newman finished 32nd.

· Fastenal returns to Buescher’s machine for the final race of 2021, while Castrol will run its GTX products on Newman’s machine in Phoenix.

Hooked on Phoenix

Roush Fenway has 295 combined starts at Phoenix, totaling 17 wins, 75 top-five and 134 top-10 finishes. RFR Fords have nine poles and have led 4,031 laps at the 1-mile track.

Winning in the Desert

Roush Fenway has won at Phoenix in all three of NASCAR’s major divisions, with the organization’s first win coming in the fall of 1993 with NASCAR Hall of Famer and former driver Mark Martin in the NCS. Roush Fenway won the second-ever NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Phoenix in 2000 and former driver Greg Biffle claimed the organization’s 100th overall NASCAR Xfinity Series win at Phoenix in 2009.

Former driver Carl Edwards also won at the track that fall to give Roush Fenway the season sweep. All in all, six drivers have won NASCAR races for Roush Fenway at Phoenix (Martin, Biffle, Edwards, Kurt Busch, Matt Kenseth and Joe Ruttman). In addition, Edwards swept Phoenix in the fall of 2010, winning both the NXS and NCS events.

Recent Ryan in Phoenix

Four years ago in the Phoenix spring race, Ryan Newman went to victory lane in the No. 31, marking his most recent win in the NCS. He started 22nd in that race before going on to lead the final six laps en route to his 18th career Cup series win.

Xfinity Success

Phoenix was one of the strongest tracks for Roush Fenway’s Xfinity program. In 93 starts, the organization won eight times, earned 27 top-fives, 53 top-10s and has led 1,406 laps. Roush Fenway most recently went to victory lane with Edwards in Nov. 2010. Its eight wins rank most of any track on the circuit behind only Charlotte (12), Darlington (15), Richmond (9) and Rockingham (10).

Tale of the Tape

Roush Fenway has started 166 NCS races at Phoenix, recording a total of seven victories, 35 top-five finishes, 60 top-10 finishes, four poles and has led 2,291 laps. Edwards earned Roush Fenway’s most recent victory at Phoenix in the March 2013 event.

Roush Fenway Phoenix Wins

1993 Martin Cup

1997-2 Ruttman Truck

2000 Burton Cup

2000 Burton NXS

2001 Biffle Truck

2001 Burton Cup

2001 Biffle NXS

2002 Kenseth Cup

2005-1 Busch Cup

2005-2 Edwards NXS

2006-2 Kenseth NXS

2008-2 Edwards NXS

2009-1 Biffle NXS

2009-2 Edwards NXS

2010-2 Edwards Cup

2010-2 Edwards NXS

2013-1 Edwards Cup

DeFrancesco joins Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport for 2022 IndyCar season

Photo credit: James Black (Penske Entertainment).

Following months of speculation, Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport announced that Devlin DeFrancesco will be joining the organization to pilot the No. 29 Dallara-Honda for the 2022 NTT IndyCar Series season, which will mark his inaugural presence in the series.

The 21-year-old racer who competes with dual nationality (Canada and Italy) is coming off his first full-time season in Indy Lights with Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport, where he earned two podium results, nine top-five results and a sixth-place result in the final standings. He made his inaugural presence in IndyCar during a two-day test session at Sebring Raceway in October, where he gained valuable insights during his run.

“I am incredibly grateful to Michael [Andretti] and George [Steinbrenner IV] for the belief they have shown in me over the past two seasons moving up the Road to Indy ladder,” DeFrancesco said. “To now take that final step into INDYCAR with two of the world’s biggest names in sports – Andretti and Steinbrenner – is an incredible opportunity that I can’t wait to take full advantage of. I have three very experienced teammates to learn from and that is what makes this opportunity even more exciting. To get to race in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport and to contest the Indianapolis 500 is a dream come true and I’m so looking forward to getting started.”

Beginning his racing career with go-karts at age six, DeFrancesco joined forces with HHC Motorsports and competed in the 2015 Ginetta Junior Championship series. He then ascended his way through the racing ladder from the Toyota Racing Series through the F3 European Championship region, where he won the 2017 Spanish F3 Championship.

Following the 2018 season, where he competed between the GP3 Series and the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, DeFrancesco competed in the FIA Formula 3 Championship series with Trident in 2019. The following season, he graduated to the Indy Pro 2000 Championship series with AndrettiSteinbrenner Autosport, where he earned two victories, six podiums, three poles and a runner-up result in the championship standings. He also captured the Rookie-of-the-Year title before moving up to Indy Lights and now the IndyCar Series.

“We’re thrilled to keep Devlin in the Andretti Autosport family as he makes his final jump up the Road to Indy ladder into INDYCAR,” Michael Andretti, CEO and Chairman of Andretti Autosport, said. “Devlin has been a great addition to our Indy Lights program and has showed a lot of growth and strength at the recent test days. I think he will continue to grow with INDYCAR, and I’m really glad that we could again partner with George and the Steinbrenner Racing team for the No. 29.”

“Two years ago, we started a journey with Devlin with the intent to one day take him all the way to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and I’m thrilled that day has come,” George Steinbrenner IV, CEO of Steinbrenner Racing, added. “From Indy Pro 2000 to Indy Lights and now to INDYCAR, he really impressed with his two initial days in an Indy car and we’re excited to see him in action in 2022.”

The addition of DeFrancesco completes Andretti Autosport’s full-time roster for the 2022 IndyCar season, where he will be a teammate to Romain Grosjean, Colton Herta and Alexander Rossi. DeFrancesco will also be replacing veteran James Hinchcliffe, who piloted Andretti’s No. 29 Honda to a podium result in the inaugural IndyCar event at Nashville Street Circuit and a 20th-place result in the final standings. The Canadian veteran has yet to announce plans for the upcoming season.

DeFrancesco is scheduled to make his NTT IndyCar Series debut for the 2022 season-opening Grand Prix of St. Petersburg at the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, on February 27.

Rackley W.A.R. Team Report: Phoenix Raceway

Team Report NASCAR Camping World Truck Series News and Notes

Event: Lucas Oil 150
Date: Friday, November 5, 2021
Venue: Phoenix Raceway
Location: Avondale, Arizona
Track Description: 1-mile(s)
Race: 150 laps / 150 miles

Rackley W.A.R.’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series History … Since entering the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) in 2021, the Centerville, Tenn.,-based organization has logged 22 starts with five drivers, Willie Allen, Josh Berry, William Byron, Brett Moffitt, and Timothy Peters, collecting one top-10 finish (Texas), with an average starting position of 20.5 and an average finishing position of 22.1.

RACKLEY W.A.R. STATISTICS

In the Rearview Mirror: Martinsville (Va.) Speedway … Josh Berry, driver of the No. 25 Rackley Roofing Chevrolet Silverado for Rackley W.A.R., finished in the 28th-place in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series United Rentals 200 at the Martinsville Speedway on Saturday, October 30. Berry started in the 25th-place in the 40-truck field, and at the end of Stage 1 on Lap 50 he was in the 17th-place. The Rackley W.A.R. team battled a mechanical issue, and lost a lap due to diagnosis and repairs. By the end of Stage 2 on Lap 100, Berry was scored in the 28th-place. He was scored as high as the 12th-place at the Martinsville Speedway.

Catch the Action … The Lucas Oil 150 at the Phoenix Raceway will be broadcast live on FS1 on Friday, November 5, starting with NASCAR RaceDay: NCWTS Phoenix at 7:00 p.m. (ET). It will also broadcast live at 7:30 p.m. (ET) on the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Qualifying for the championship event of the 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule will air Friday at 5:00 p.m. (ET) on FS1.

Willie Allen
No. 25 Rackley Roofing Chevrolet Silverado Valley of the Sun … This weekend marks Willie Allen’s third Phoenix Raceway appearance with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The Rackley W.A.R. co-owner spent seven years as a driver in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS), and has two starts (2005, 2007) at the Phoenix Raceway. In addition, Allen has one NASCAR Xfinity Series start (2006) at the one-mile track.

Speedway Stats: Willie Allen has 21 combined NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts on speedways (tracks 1 to 2-miles in length). The Bon Aqua, Tenn.,-native has collected an average finish of 22.4.

Pit Stall Selections … Pit Stall 11, towards Turn 1.

Atop the Pit Box: Chad Kendrick … Chad Kendrick, crew chief for the No. 25 Rackley Roofing Chevrolet Silverado, has two top-five finishes and three top-ten finishes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at the Avondale, Ariz.,-facility in 10 starts. In addition, Kendrick captured the pole award with NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) driver Ross Chastain in 2013.

QUOTE WORTHY

Willie Allen, driver of the No. 25 Rackley Roofing Chevrolet Silverado for Rackley W.A.R.

“I am excited to be back behind-the-wheel of the No. 25 Rackley Roofing Chevrolet Silverado this weekend at the Phoenix Raceway. I love Phoenix. I have not been on the new configuration of the track, so I am glad we get to practice and qualify this weekend. “Our Rackley W.A.R. team members have worked hard all year. I am hoping to end the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season on a good note.”

WILLIE ALLEN PHOENIX RACEWAY PERFORMANCE PROFILE Date Event Start Finish Laps Status Led November 11, 2005 Chevy Silverado 150 33 34 79/150 rear end 0 November 9, 2007 Casino Arizona 150 11 17 150/150 running 0 WILLIE ALLEN STATISTICS

Follow Rackley W.A.R. on Social Media … To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, visit Rackley W.A.R.’s Twitter page – @Rackley_WAR, and on Instagram at @rackley_war. “Like” Rackley W.A.R. on the official Facebook page at facebook.com/RackleyWAR.

SS GreenLight Racing | Joe Graf Jr. Phoenix Raceway November Event Preview

SS GreenLight Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway | Xfinity Series Championship 200

Fast Facts
No. 17 SS GreenLight Racing Team:
Driver: Joe Graf Jr. (@JoeGrafJr)
Primary Partner(s): Model Electronics Inc.
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro
Crew Chief: Joe Williams
Driver Points Position: 28th | Owner Points Position: 26th
Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines (ECR)

Notes of Interest:

Welcome Aboard: This weekend at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway, Joe Graf Jr. and the No. 17 SS GreenLight Racing Chevrolet Camaro will highlight Model Electronics as the primary partner in the final race of the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.

The 33rd race of the 2021 season signifies Model Electronics Inc.’s entry into the NASCAR world with athlete driver Graf Jr.

Model Electronics will become the eighth new primary marketing partner that Graf Jr. and SSGLR have introduced to the NASCAR Xfinity Series scene this season.

About Model Electronics Inc.: Founded in 1976, Model Electronics Inc. has grown to become one of the largest OEM (Original equipment manufacturer) authorized electronic service centers in the nation.

Headquartered in Ramsey, New Jersey, Model Electronics Inc. is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Model Electronics is the parent company to Model Electronics TX located in Dallas, Texas and Model Electronics AES, located in Ramsey, New Jersey.

With over 40 years experience, they have partnered with some of the most well-known automotive brands such as General Motors, Nissan, BMW, Visteon, Delphi, Honda and more.

Operations include research and development, engineering, repair, remanufacturing, sales and distribution of factory-installed automotive electronics including radios, instrument clusters, navigation and video.

Number Swap: For the final time this season, Joe Graf Jr. will drive the No. 17 Chevrolet Camaro instead of his traditional No. 07 Chevrolet Camaro.

Phoenix marks the third race this season where Graf has swapped numbers this season. Earlier this year, Graf drove the No. 17 Chevrolet at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway in June and most recently at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway ROVAL last month.

Graf will retain his same No. 07 team with the number swap for the Xfinity Series Championship 200.

School Back In Session: While juggling a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule with SS GreenLight Racing, college life has resumed for Joe Graf Jr.

With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Graf Jr. has resorted to online classes at the University of New York, where he is pursuing a degree in business, media and sports management.

Save The Date: The offseason may be approaching, but that doesn’t mean Joe Graf Jr. won’t be around. This week, he confirmed his attendance for this year’s 32nd annual Stocks-For-Tots.

Returning after a one-year sabbatical due to COVID-19, this year’s event is set for Tuesday, December 7, 2021, in Mooresville, N.C.

Additional details on the engagement will be available through Graf’s social media or Stocks-For-Tots, official Facebook page.

Since 1989, Stocks for Tots has generated more than $1 million and collected well in excess of 70,000 toys during its never-ending efforts to raise awareness of child abuse throughout North Carolina.

In Loving Memory: This weekend at Phoenix Raceway, Joe Graf Jr. and SS GreenLight Racing will carry the name of Bray Pemberton on the passenger side name rail of the team’s No. 17 Chevrolet Camaro.

Pemberton passed away on September 8, 2021, after a brief illness.

Pemberton was an instrumental figure in the everyday business and growth of Graf’s motorsports career. He will be deeply missed by all.

Saving You Some Money: As fall has officially fallen, Joe Graf Jr.’s other marketing partner Z Grills still wants to help the NASCAR community save money – but also enjoy the perfect fall barbecue dinner.

With the holidays on the horizon, Z Grills Racing (ZGrillsRacing.com) is offering a 10 percent discount off your TOTAL purchase, using the code NASCAR at checkout.

Joe Graf Jr. Xfinity Series Phoenix Raceway Starts: Joe Graf Jr. will make his fourth NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway in Saturday night’s Xfinity Series Championship 200.

In his three previous races, Graf finished 31st, 27th and 25th respectively. In his most recent trip to the desert, Graf Jr. contended for a top-20 finish, but a late-race scrap with the wall dropped the No. 07 Z Grills Chevrolet Camaro to 25th at the checkered flag.

Joe Graf Jr. Xfinity Series Career Speedway Nuggets: At tracks from 1.0-mile to 2.0-mile in size, Graf has competed in 32 NASCAR Xfinity Series races. He holds an average starting position of 26.1 and an average result of 24.7.

Martinsville (Va.) Speedway | Dead On Tools 250 Race Recap: In the most recent NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, Graf Jr. delivered an impressive performance.

After starting 32nd, Graf struggled with the handling of his No. 07 CoverSeal Chevrolet Camaro, but positive adjustments from crew chief Joe White allowed Graf to march forward during the third stage.

Climbing from as deep as 36th in the field, Graf earned a commendable lead lap 15th place finish and his best result at the 0.526-mile paperclip overall in three career Xfinity starts.

Put Me In Coach: To strengthen his physique, Joe Graf Jr. began collaborating with new trainer and former NASCAR Cup Series Josh Wise during the 2020 offseason.

In addition to Wise, Graf has also been working with former NASCAR driver and open-wheel driver Scott Speed on being more disciplined behind the wheel of his No. 17 Model Electronics Inc. Chevrolet Camaro.

Sneaker Mania: Along with the adrenaline of the Motorsports competition, Joe Graf Jr. also has a vogue for hype sneakers. In his current collection, he owns and wears at least 85 limited edition sneakers – and his collection continues to grow every month.

The current estimated value of his collection tops $90,000.

From the Pit Box: Industry veteran Joe Williams is Joe Graf Jr.’s crew chief.

He will crew chief his 65th NASCAR Xfinity Series race as crew chief on Saturday night and his fourth at the 1.0-mile oval.

In his previous 64 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, he has collected four top-five and 15 top-10 finishes.

Hello From The Other Side: Graf Jr. has a teammate at SS GreenLight Racing. Veteran JJ Yeley will drive the No. 07 Chevrolet Camaro on Saturday night for his 16th start of the 2021 season.

Yeley, a native of Phoenix, Ariz. is set to make his 351st career NASCAR Xfinity Series start and 22nd at Phoenix. His best Xfinity track finish occurred in the 2006 Arizona Travel 200, where he finished sixth after starting 18th for Joe Gibbs Racing.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Joe Graf Jr. visit JoeGrafJr.com, like him on Facebook (Joe Graf Jr.), follow him on Twitter (@JoeGrafJr) and Instagram (@joegrafjr).

For more on SS GreenLight Racing, please like them on Facebook (SS GreenLight Racing) and follow them on Twitter (@SSGLR0708) and visit their website at SSGreenLight.com.

Joe Graf Jr. Pre-Race Quotes:

On Phoenix Raceway: “I really feel like we have some momentum on our SS GreenLight Racing team right now, especially after last weekend’s race at Martinsville.

“As far as Phoenix is concerned, I’ve had very good cars there in the past, just haven’t had the finishes to show for it. I’m hoping we can change that on Saturday night.

“No doubt the addition of practice and qualifying should be extremely beneficial to us this weekend. Joe (White, crew chief) has been doing an amazing job and I’m looking forward to another opportunity of earning another top-15 finish to close out my sophomore year.”

On Model Electronics Partnership: “Being a native of New Jersey, I am thrilled about this partnership with Model Electronics for this weekend at Phoenix Raceway.

“For 45 years, Model Electronics has been a staple in the automotive arena and now we’re bringing them to NASCAR and allowing them to ignite their brand to one of the most sponsor-loyal fan bases in the United States.

“Our No. 17 Model Electronics Chevrolet Camaro looks not only electrifying but very patriotic and I am excited to see it on the track and deliver Model Electronics and their customer base a memorable finish in our last race of the year.”

On Xfinity Series Homestretch Run: “Hard to believe that this is it for the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. Our season has not gone the way we planned, but it has not been from a lack of effort, just a variety of circumstances – most beyond our control.

“I really look forward to Phoenix though. We see this race as another opportunity, just like Martinsville last weekend.

“Not only is Phoenix another chance to deliver a strong finish but build some momentum for the offseason. We are also starting to get focused on 2022 and cannot wait to announce those plans soon.”

Race Information:

The Xfinity Series Championship 200 (200 laps | 200 miles) is the 33rd of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2021 schedule. A fifty-minute practice is scheduled for Fri., Nov. 5 from 3:05 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. Qualifying is set for race day, Sat., Nov. 6 at 2:35 p.m. The 36-car field will take the green flag later in the day shortly after 5:30 p.m. MT (8:30 p.m. ET) with live coverage on the NBC Sports Network (NBCSN), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

About SS Green Light Racing:

As one of the most tenured teams in all of NASCAR, SS GreenLight Racing led by team owner and former driver Bobby Dotter has been a mainstay in the sport fielding entries in either the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series or the Xfinity Series competition since 2001.

SS GreenLight Racing will continue with a two-car program in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2021.