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Mazda to Expand SUV Lineup From 2022 Onwards

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Official Release
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Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. (PRNewsFoto/Mazda North American Operations)

HIROSHIMA, Japan, Oct 8, 2021 – (JCN Newswire) – Mazda Motor Corporation has announced plans to expand its SUV lineup starting from 2022. The new models will include the Mazda CX-50 to be produced in our new U.S. plant, as well as models in our Large Product group(1), including the Mazda CX-60, Mazda CX-70, Mazda CX-80 and Mazda CX-90, all of which are slated for introduction over the next two years between 2022 and 2023. We aim to offer customers a diverse choice of SUVs able to provide both the driving pleasure and the latest environmental performance to meet demands in the continuously growing global SUV segment.

Making full use of development and production technological assets, such as Skyactiv technology, bundled planning and flexible production, which have been accumulated over time based on our Building Block strategy(2), we are able to expand our SUV lineup efficiently and with low investment, ensuring stable business growth over the medium to long-term.

The Mazda CX-50 is a crossover SUV that will be added as a new core model to the lineup and be introduced in the U.S. market, where a strong SUV presence as well as off-road performance are in high demand. This model belongs to the Small Product group(3) just like the Mazda3 and Mazda CX-30. The production of the CX-50 will begin in January 2022 at the new Mazda-Toyota joint venture factory, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc. (MTMUS), built in Huntsville, Alabama, in the U.S.

Having a wide price range coming in above that of the CX-50 or currently available CX-5, models from the Large Products group, i.e., the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90, will offer two body types with two seating arrangements: two rows and three rows.

Markets with narrower roads and smaller parking lots such as Europe and Japan, will welcome the introduction of the two-row seat CX-60 and the three-row seat CX-80. Meanwhile, the CX-70 and CX-90 will hit the road in North America and other markets where larger models with a big presence are preferred. Both models feature the wide body type, with the CX-70 having two rows of seats and the CX-90 having three. These models will expand our mid-size crossover SUV lineup.

The Large Product group models will offer a variety of choices of electrified powertrains to respond to each country’s electrification roadmap. The European market, where electrification is already in-full-swing, will primarily see the introduction of plug-in hybrid models with straight-four gasoline engines combined with a motor drive. The straight-six new generation Skyactiv-X gasoline engine and Skyactiv-D diesel engine will also be introduced in combination with a 48V mild hybrid system. The aim being to achieve both high output and high environmental performance.

In North America where high-power performance is valued, we will introduce both turbo-charged straight-six gasoline engine models and plug-in hybrid models to meet customer requirements and respond to environmental regulations. Due to the enduring popularity of diesel engines in Japan, a straight-six Skyactiv-D diesel model with a 48V mild hybrid system and plug-in hybrid models will be introduced to the Japanese lineup.

In parallel, we will carry out sales promotion activities for Mazda’s first mass-production EV, the MX-30, and introduce models which incorporate multiple electrification technologies that use a rotary engine as a generator from the first half of 2022. In addition, we will introduce a product line that uses an EV-dedicated platform from around 2025. Through the introduction of these models, Mazda plans to complete the electrification of all the models it produces by 2030.
In the meantime, the Mazda CX-5, which has retained constant popularity since its launch in 2012, will see its design evolve and its model lineup enhanced through continuous product improvement. Furthermore, introducing the latest safety technologies and connectivity features, we will increase the appeal of the vehicle and give it the space to continue growing as part of our crossover SUV lineup.

In line with our corporate vision, Mazda aims to become a brand that creates special bonds with customers by enriching their lives with an experience of car ownership that provides joy of driving, the pure essence of cars.

(1) CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90
(2) Mazda’s unique strategy to efficiently develop and deploy superior technologies by building up a set of fundamental technologies as “blocks”.
(3) Mazda3, CX-30, Mazda MX-30 and CX-50

The Importance Of Looking After Your Car Tires

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SM
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Photo by Wes Tindel on Unsplash

When you think about car safety on the road, the first component of a car that should come to your mind is a car tire. Car tires form one of the most crucial elements that help a vehicle to function as it should and that is taking you from one place to another. Therefore, your vehicle tires not only impact your road safety but also the performance of your car. 

Hence, if you want to keep your vehicle in good condition, then you have to take good care of your vehicle tires as well. To help you know more about the significance of your car tires, we have created this comprehensive blog post that you should go through in its entirety.

The Significance Of Obtaining The Correct Car Tires

Even though it can be quite tempting to opt for the least expensive set of car tires for your vehicle, low-cost tires aren’t the most durable ones out there. According to a professional service provider offering cash for scrap cars, it’s not worth saving the extra cost by going with a cheaper alternative because you’ll be trading your safety on the road for a couple of hundred bucks. 

Thus, it’s always recommended to opt for a reliable tire manufacturer along with the tire’s ideal make & model that can fit your vehicle’s wheels. 

It should be known that inexpensive tires are generally manufactured using cheap quality rubber, which will not be able to stand the test of time. They can wear out faster than you can even imagine, meaning that you’ll need to replace your tires often. Moreover, there’s also the added factor of low performance. 

So, if you want the best available performance, safety and longevity, it’s always a good idea to spend a little more and obtain the ideal tire for your vehicle. 

The Significance Of Obtaining The Correct Car Tire Pressure

Your car tire should have the proper air pressure to be able to function properly. Thus, you have to regularly check your car tire pressure using an air pressure gauge. If any of your vehicle’s tires have low pressure, then the deficit must be fulfilled properly, otherwise, your car’s performance, handling, and safety on the road will be compromised. 

Moreover, running a vehicle with insufficient tire pressure will lead to more wear & tear of the tires, because the tires have to deal with additional vertical pressure, leading to more friction and ultimately more wear & tear. Your car’s braking system will also be impacted by incorrect tire pressure because the braking system will not be able to work optimally when the tires aren’t inflated properly. 

For any additional queries, be sure to connect with our car experts today. 

Who Will Win The YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway?

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SM
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Photo by Simon Scoggins for Speedwaymedia.com

The fourth and the final superspeedway race of the 2021 season leads us to YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. If you are a NASCAR geek like us, we know that it’s impossible to contain your excitement this time of the year! 

This season will be bumper to bumper as the top contenders’ race for their life and reputation. The Cup Series for 2021 will head to the Talladega Superspeedway on Monday for the second race in Round 12 after Sunday’s race had to be unfortunately postponed due to the unpredictable rain. 

Nevertheless, it is the final that we all are eagerly looking forward to! The 2021 Playoffs will be contested over 188 laps on the Talladega. Our current points leader, Kyle Larson, has failed to finish in his last two appearances and has no wins in 13 starts. Therefore, the YellaWood 2021 odds don’t place him among the top five. 

Nascar YellaWood 2021 Overview and Analysis

If you are a NASCAR fan, you know how difficult it is to predict the results. Once the drivers strap on their safety belts, we know no one can save them. They see an opening, they take it, and then the chaos descends. 

This season is the fifth of 10 playoffs and also the 31st of 26 races. On that note, let’s analyze this season’s top players and their chances of winning the coveted NASCAR YellaWood 2021! 

YellaWood 500 predictions 2021: Contenders

As you are already familiar, this season, Larson is at 12-1 at Ceasers Sportsbook. The driver behind him in the standings is Denny Hamlin, who also happens to be the 8-1 favorite. Brad Keselowski, who was a NASCAR at Talladega champion earlier this year, finishes at 10-1, accompanied by Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott. 

If you have been following the previous seasons, you will know that Ford has won 10 of the last 12 at Talladega. At the same time, Team Penske did most of the damage with its three drivers. At the same time, Roush-Fenway racing was lucky enough to grab one in 2017 with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. The Stewart-Haas Racing with Aric Almirola won in 2018. 

Brad Keselowski has been the six-time Talladega winner. He also won the spring Talladega earlier in 2021, and which was his only win this year. Now he is being offered at 16-1 odds to win this match with Circa Sports. The odds are indicative in favour of Brad Keselowski. He is incredible at the draft, knows what he is doing, and has known it since 2009 when he won his career’s first race cup at Talladega. Even though he competed as a part-time driver for an underfunded part-time team, he did prove his worth. 

Ryan Blaney won at Dayon earlier this season in August. This was his career’s third superspeedway win, and he also finished ninth at Talladega in April after leading around 11 laps. 

This week, the racer with great odds is 25-year-old Ford-driver Kevin Harvick, who is partnered with Circa Sports and has 16-1 odds at YellaWood 500 Talladega. Out of all the three-race packages run this season, he is the one who has proved to be the strongest when it comes to the superspeedway race package. 

So far, he has had only one Talladega Cup win in 2010, but in this playoff situation, it can be predicted that the odds are in his favor. He finished fourth in the Dayton 500, leading about 17 laps, and fourth in the April Talladega race after leading 12 laps. 

There have been nine wins for Harvick last season, but no wins in this season so far. However, this doesn’t disregard that he is one of the strongest competitors the Talladega superspeedway has ever seen. As a racer, he has always shown great promise, and we are hoping he continues to do so throughout this season. We are keeping our fingers crossed. 

A massive shocker this season was Chase Elliott. Even though Chase Elliott was one of Vegas’ favorites at 10-1, he stumbled big time and failed to crack the top five. The 2020 Nascar Cup Series champion has seen to be coming off a second-place finish in Las Vegas last week. However, he is currently sixth in the overall NASCAR standings and 35 points behind Kyle Larson. 

Kyle Larson has had six NASCAR Cup Series wins this season. He has enjoyed most of 2021 as the fan’s championship favorite. This Sunday, he will enter the YellaWood 500 with an almost 57-point gap on the cutline. This puts him in a pretty comfortable position with two races still left in Round 12. 

Martin Truex Jr. is also sitting fourth and has a 31-point gap edge on his side. This compiles an average finish of 4.0 four races into the NASCAR playoffs. 

The Talladega race is one of four NASCAR Cup Series playoffs currently run. The other three are the GEICO 500 in May, the Dayton 500, and the Coke Zero Sugar 400. 

In the end, fans know that the Talladega superspeedway is an animal in its own right. No one knows what’s going to happen once the drivers fasten their seatbelts. In fact, the Talladega Superspeedway is the most unpredictable track in NASCAR history. We can only hope that luck is on the racers’ sides. 

Earlier this season, Bubba Wallace scripted history with the first Cup Series Victory. He became the second African-American driver to win a race at NASCAR’s top level. Previously, the record was held by Wendell Scott in 1963. 

YellaWood 500 Top-5 Finish Predictions

According to our NASCAR predictions this season, this is how the tally book for the YellaWood 500 odds looks like: 

  1. #11 Denny Harlin (11/1)
  2. #2 Brad Keselowski (16/1)
  3. #4 Keven Harvick (16/1)
  4. #12 Ryan Blaney (11/1)
  5. #24 Willian Byron (11/1)

If you are interested in placing bets on your favorite NASCAR contenders, we have news for you! Several sportsbooks offer Nascar race predictions; one option is to access through Betmgm review and get the best race predictions. 

CHEVY NCS AT ROVAL: Team Chevy Advance

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Official Release
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TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
BANK OF AMERICA ROVAL 400
CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY ROAD COURSE
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA
OCT. 10, 2021

RACE #32 – CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY ROAD COURSE
Four Chevrolet drivers will seek to advance to the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) Playoffs Round of Eight in the Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course this Sunday, October 10. The Playoff field will be trimmed from 12 drivers to eight following the 109-lap/252.88-mile race as NASCAR’s premier series takes on the 17-turn, 2.28-mile road course that incorporates the high-banked turns of the oval.

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Camaro ZL1 1LE, leads all active drivers in road course wins with seven, including the past two races on the Charlotte ROVAL. In the 2020 event, Elliott led 27 laps, including the final 18, to grab the victory on the way to securing the NCS Driver Championship. In 2019, Elliott led a field-high 35 laps after starting 19th and held off Hendrick Motorsports teammate Alex Bowman by 3 seconds.

Team Chevy’s Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson and AJ Allmendinger have combined to win four of the five NCS races on road courses this season. Allmendinger, the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) Regular Season Champion in the No. 16 Kaulig Racing Camaro SS, will compete in both races this weekend. He has won the past two NXS races on the Charlotte ROVAL.

Here is capsule look at Team Chevy in the title hunt heading into the Round of 12 elimination race:

Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL1 1LE – 2nd in Playoff Standings (+22 points above cutline)
Victories: 6 (field-high)
Top-Fives: 16; Top-10’s: 22; Poles: 1; Laps Led: 2,003
Average Finish: 10.0
Stage Wins: 15
At Charlotte ROVAL (2 career NCS starts): Average Finish: 19.000; Average Running Position; 9.775
Of Note: Larson has competed in two of the three NCS races on the Charlotte ROVAL, leading a total of 52 laps. He has won twice and finished in the top-five in four of the five road course races this season. Larson has led in four road course races for a field-high 116 laps, as well as scored the most points (247) of any competitor. He has two wins and eight top-10 finishes in 20 career NCS starts on road courses.

Chase Elliott, No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Camaro ZL1 1LE – 7th in Playoff Standings (+9 points above cutline)
Victories: 2
Top-Fives: 13; Top-10’s: 18; Laps Led: 525; Average Finish: 11.8
Stage Wins: 3
At Charlotte ROVAL (3 career NCS starts): Wins: 2; Top-Fives: 2; Top-10’s: 3;
Average Finish: 2.667; Average Running Position: 8.028 (series-best)
Of Note: The 2021 NCS season marks Elliott’s sixth consecutive year of being part of the Playoff field. Six of his 13 career NCS wins have come in the Playoffs. Elliott has wins at five of the next seven venues on the NCS schedule. He has won two of the three races on the Charlotte ROVAL and led a field-high 62 of 327 total laps. Elliott has won twice and finished in the top-five in all five road course races this season. In 18 career NCS starts on road courses, Elliott has scored seven wins and 13 top-10 finishes.

William Byron, No. 24 Valvoline Camaro ZL1 1LE – 11th in Playoff Standings (-44 points below cutline)
Victories: 1
Top-Fives: 10; Top-10’s: 17; Pole Wins: 2; Laps Led: 283; Average Finish: 14.5
Stage Wins: 3
At Charlotte ROVAL (3 career NCS starts): Top-10’s: 2; Average Finish: 15.333
Of Note: The 2021 NCS season marks Byron’s third-career Playoffs appearance. Byron has finished sixth in the past two races on the Charlotte ROVAL, including leading a total of 50 laps. He has earned two poles and one top-10 finish (sixth) in the five road course races this season. In 14 career NCS starts on road courses, Byron has scored five top-10 finishes.

Alex Bowman, No. 48 Ally/Charlotte FC Camaro ZL1 1LE – 12th in Playoff Standings ( -52 points below cutline)
Victories: 3
Top-Fives: 7; Top-10’s 14; Pole Wins: 1; Laps Led: 152; Average Finish: 15.2
At Charlotte ROVAL (3 career NCS starts): Top-Fives: 2; Top-10’s: 3; Average Finish: 4.667
Of Note: The 2021 NCS season marks Bowman’s fourth-career Playoffs appearance. Bowman has top-10 finishes in all three NCS races on the Charlotte ROVAL, including a runner-up finish to teammate Chase Elliott in 2019. He has three top-10 finishes in the five road course races this season. In 18 career NCS starts on road courses, Bowman has scored seven top-10 finishes.

CHEVROLET CONTINUES SUPPORT FOR “MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER” WITH PINK CAMARO ZL1 PACE CAR
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 is supporting the cause by pledging to contribute $350 for every lap run under caution, with a maximum of $50,000, during three NASCAR Cup Series races during the month of October.

The first of three NASCAR Cup Series events that are part of the initiative took place at Talladega Superspeedway this past weekend, where a specially-themed pink “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE served as the pace car for the premier event at the 2.66-mile Alabama venue. With 27 laps made under caution during the NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500, Chevrolet will contribute $9,450 towards the campaign.

The pink “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will return as the pace car at Texas Motor Speedway on October 17 and Martinsville Speedway on October 31 as part of the contribution.

CHEVROLET MAKES IT TWO IN A ROW IN NXS PLAYOFFS
Brandon Brown earned his first NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) victory, driving the No. 68 Brandonbilt Motorsports Camaro SS to victory at Talladega Superspeedway.

Championship contender Justin Allgaier finished third and is second in the standings heading into the Round of 12 elimination race: the 67-lap/155.44-mile Drive For The Cure 250 Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina on the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course on Saturday, October 9. He will start on the outside of Row 1. NXS Regular Season Champion AJ Allmendinger, who has won the past two races on the Charlotte ROVAL, is fourth; Justin Haley is fifth; and Noah Gragson is seventh in the Playoff standings. Chevrolet, now with 14 wins, remains atop of the Manufacturer Standings. A Chevrolet driver has won both races in the first round of the series’ Playoffs.

DOWN TO TWO RACES FOR NCWTS
Tate Fogelman earned his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) victory when he drove his No. 12 Chevrolet Silverado to the winner’s circle at Talladega Superspeedway. The Round of Eight elimination race of the NCWTS Playoffs will be contested Saturday, October 30, at Martinsville Speedway, where the Final Four drivers will be determined and secure their chance at competing for the coveted championship title. Reigning NCWTS Champion Sheldon Creed, driver of the No. 2 GMS Racing Silverado, is fourth in the standings. Carson Hocevar is seventh and Zane Smith is eighth.

CHEVROLET CONTINUES ATOP STANDINGS
Chevrolet remains the leader in the NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Standings in pursuit of its 40th title. Team Chevy has recorded manufacturer highs of 14 victories, 134 top-10 finishes, 3,448 laps led and 27 stage wins through 31 races. The Bowtie Brand has already surpassed its totals for wins (9), top-10 finishes (120), laps led (2,399) and stage wins (21) from the 36-race 2020 season.

ON THE WAY TO THE GREEN
With no practice or qualifying for the 109-lap race, the starting lineup is determined by NASCAR’s metrics system that was introduced to the series last year and incorporates results from both individual races and season-long results.

Team Chevy’s Top-20 starters:
8th Chase Elliott, No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Camaro ZL1 1LE
10th Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL1 1LE
11th William Byron, No. 24 Valvoline Camaro ZL1 1LE
12th Alex Bowman, No. 48 Ally/Charlotte FC Camaro ZL1 1LE
13th Kurt Busch, No. 1 Monster Energy Camaro ZL1 1LE
14th Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Camaro ZL1 1LE
17th Erik Jones, No. 43 Power to the Patients Camaro ZL1 1LE
18th Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Kroger/Cottonelle Camaro ZL1 1LE

BOWTIE BULLETS
· Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 14 wins, 134 top-10 finishes and 3,448 laps led of 7,677 total this season.
· In addition to its two wins in three races on the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, Chevrolet has amassed six top-five and 13 top-10 finishes. Team Chevy has led 182 of the 327 laps.
· Team Chevy has led 277 of the 463 total laps on road courses this season to pace all manufacturers.
· William Byron’s 2019 pole win made him the youngest pole winner at the Charlotte ROVAL.
· Kyle Larson led 47 laps in the 2018 race on the Charlotte road course, most of any driver in the brief history of the event.
· Larson paces all drivers with 2,003 laps led this season.
· Five Team Chevy drivers have combined for 27 stage wins: Chase Elliott (Daytona RC, Michigan, Daytona2); William Byron (Homestead, Pocono2, Road America); 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).

FOR THE FANS:
Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Display in the Fan Midway at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Fans can check out an assortment of Chevrolet vehicles including: Corvette Stingray Convertible 3LT, Camaro ZL1, Silverado 2500 LTZ Crew, Blazer RS, Tahoe Z71, Silverado Crew LT.
At the Chevrolet Display, fans can also view a Richard Childress Racing show car.

TEAM CHEVY QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONS AT THE DISPLAY:
Saturday, October 9
· Brandon Brown: 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
· Richard Childress Racing 2022 Partnership Announcement: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Richard Childress and additional RCR personalities
· Jade Buford: 1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 10
· Ricky Stenhouse Jr: 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
· Corey LaJoie: 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
· Daniel Suarez: 11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation:
Saturday, October 9: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 10: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

TUNE IN
NBC will telecast the 109-lap NASCAR Cup Series Bank of American ROVAL 400 at 2 p.m. ET Sunday, Oct. 10. Live coverage is also on PRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. NBC will also telecast the 67-lap NASCAR Xfinity Series Drive For The Cure 250 Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina at 3 p.m. ET Saturday, Oct. 9.

QUOTABLE QUOTES
KYLE LARSON, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 2nd IN STANDINGS
LARSON ON BATTLING CHASE ELLIOTT ON ROAD COURSES THIS YEAR:
“We’ve run first and second a lot this year on road courses. That team and Chase set the bar – you pay attention to how he’s doing and where he’s running. It’s been fun to compete with him on the road courses and we both have a couple wins. Hopefully, we’re battling with all our teammates for stage wins and the victory this weekend.”

CLIFF DANIELS, CREW CHIEF, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1 1LE
DANIELS ON ACCESS TO TEAMMATES NOTES:
“We’ve got the (No.) 9 team’s notes and they’ve won the last two years on the ROVAL. We’re going to study our notes from all the road courses this year and anything we can apply from the high banks of Daytona (road course) and put the best race package together that we can.”

CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 7th IN STANDINGS
ELLIOTT ON RETURNING TO THE ROVAL AS A TWO-TIME WINNER:
“I feel like we have just have had a good road course package. Like I’ve said for years now, I don’t feel like what I do is anything special. I just think we have a good package and Alan (Gustafson) has done a really good job of honing in on the things that matter at a road course and we’ve just kind of hit on things that work. When you are a young guy and you come in to new situations and the foundation is built there for you, it makes it a lot easier for a guy to learn. I think I came in to a great foundation and I was able to really work on myself because we have a solid package and as we improve, the cars and I improve, I think we just landed in a solid place. Does that mean we will be good there forever? No, but I certainly feel that we can improve upon where we’ve been and I can do a better job. We will see where we shake out.”

ELLIOTT ON WINNING THREE CUTOFF RACES LAST YEAR (ROVAL, MARTINSVILLE, PHOENIX):
“We just really tried to enjoy those moments. I just remember last year just going through the rounds and recognizing you really have to start treating some of those weekends like they are cutoff weekends because Phoenix really is a cutoff weekend, if you think about it like that. It’s not necessarily a Round of 3. It’s either you win the race or you go home. There is no in between. I just felt like you have to enjoy those moments and embrace that, and I kept saying if you ever make it to Phoenix, that’s the situation you’re going to be faced with, so you better like it and have fun with it.”

WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 VALVOLINE CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 11th IN STANDINGS
BYRON ON HIS THOUGHTS ABOUT RACING AT THE ROVAL:
“The ROVAL has always been tough ever since we started racing there. I feel like every year it becomes a little bit more normal for us and we’re able understand the race track a bit more and what to expect. The good thing is that I have the same amount of experience there as most of the field since it is a fairly new track. It’s difficult, though, because I feel like this is a race where there is always a lot more contact throughout the field and you can’t prepare for that other than to be ready for anything at any moment. We always have fast cars there, though, so we just need to go there and focus on getting the win. It’s going to be really difficult to worry about points, so a win is really all we’re worried about.”

RUDY FUGLE, CREW CHIEF, NO. 24 VALVOLINE CAMARO ZL1 1LE
FUGLE ON HIS OUTLOOK FOR ADVANCING ONTO THE ROUND OF 8:
“I know I’ve said it before, but this weekend’s race at the ROVAL is no different for us than how we have prepared for earlier races. We’re just going to go there and execute the best race we can. While it’s technically doable to get into the next round on points, it’s going to be a bit harder than it was in Bristol. We’re really focused on converting the speed we have shown all year into a win and, hopefully, additional playoff points that we can use in the next round. Obviously though, things change once the race gets going, so if the situation changes we will adapt our strategy to match. On paper, our results at road courses aren’t where we want them, but I don’t think it accurately represents the speed we have had in those races, either. William has really become a great road course racer and we have a great road course package not only with the No. 24 team but with Hendrick Motorsports as a whole. Sunday’s race is a high-stress situation, but this team has overcome a lot this season, so I know we’re capable of advancing on if we execute.”

ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY/CHARLOTTE FC CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 12th IN STANDINGS
BOWMAN ON EXPECTATIONS AT THE ROVAL THIS WEEKEND:
“We are going into this weekend’s race at the ROVAL knowing that we most likely need to find victory lane in order to advance. We have finished well here before, so we really need to focus on what we can control. The Ally team has been working hard on this road course Chevrolet and I know we will have a shot at it on Sunday.”

BOWMAN ON RUNNING THE ALLY/CHARLOTTE FC SCHEME AT THE ROVAL:
“Getting Ally into the playoffs was one of our goals this season, and I really want to get them as far as we can in the playoffs. Having the Charlotte FC program on the car this weekend will be really special for everyone involved and I am pumped to show Christian (Fuchs) what race day looks like for this 48 team. This Chevrolet has a lot of meaning to the city of Charlotte, so ending up in victory lane Sunday would be huge.”

GREG IVES, CREW CHIEF, NO. 48 ALLY/CHARLOTTE FC CAMARO ZL1 1LE
IVES ON HOW THEIR SUCCESS AT THE ROVAL GIVES THEM CONFIDENCE:
“When you look at the finishing position, it doesn’t really tell you the tale of the race, either. I think one time we did some alternate strategies to try and get there. Another time we had to go to a backup car and Alex wrecked on the first lap and we were able to come back strong and finish well. There’s a lot of adversity in those place finishes that I feel like will bide us well for what we have to do on Sunday. Going out there and winning is key, that’s the number one goal no matter what situation you are in, and here it is definitely dire to make that happen to transfer on to the next round. I feel like we are up to the challenge and I feel like Alex has a tendency to find that little bit more or that extra percentage that we need to get it done. I am excited for the team; I am excited for us to get that opportunity and see what we have to show for it.”

IVES ON HAVING CHARLOTTE FC ON THE CAR:
“That’s really cool. To have another premier sport in Charlotte is not only great for the city but also for the competitive spirit that everybody has around here. Maybe that is the help and the support that we need to pull this one off and to come in a little bit of an underdog. Since Charlotte FC is a new team to MLS, somebody probably thinks they are an underdog now, too. Hopefully, we can go out there and combine to have a great race and come out of there with a win as well as have a good season for them.”

TYLER REDDICK, NO. 8 LENOVO CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 14th IN STANDINGS
IS THERE ANY COMPARISON BETWEEN THE CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY ROVAL AND THE DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY ROAD COURSE YOU COMPETED ON EARLIER THIS YEAR?
“I really thought the two were going to be pretty similar, but they are really nothing alike. The Daytona Road Course is a really challenging track. The chicane we added to the frontstretch has some similarities to what the nature of the Charlotte ROVAL can be like, but to me, the Charlotte track feels a lot more like a street course. I really enjoy both tracks even though they are nothing alike other than being two ovals we’ve turned into road courses.”

AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 17th IN STANDINGS
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY ROVAL?
“The ROVAL has never been the greatest track for us, but I have high confidence leading into the race this year because we have performed so well on road courses this year. I’ve improved as a driver, and we have improved as a team, so we’ll see what we can do. We’re going to try our hardest.”

ERIK JONES, NO. 43 POWER TO THE PATIENTS CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 24th IN STANDINGS
HOW DOES THE ROVAL COMPARE TO OTHER ROAD COURSE CIRCUITS ON THE NASCAR CUP SERIES SCHEDULE?
“I feel like the (Charlotte) ROVAL is kind of its own animal. Obviously, we’ve only raced on it since 2018. I think, overall, everybody has kind of figured it out now for the most part and gotten their cars a lot better through the last few years. It’s unique to itself. The infield section is so tight and so narrow. It almost feels like a go-cart track and we’ve got big, heavy stockcars on it. And then, obviously the oval sections are really high-speed. It’s kind of hard to get your car balanced in all of the sections of the course. A lot of it is really slow and you’re really trying to get your car to handle well through that infield section.”

“It’s tough. It’s low grip and narrow. It’s just tough to get your stuff good. I ran good there myself last year and hopefully we can just carry that over into this year.”

DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 COMMSCOPE CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 25th IN STANDINGS
YOU HAVE A BUSY WEEK AHEAD?
“Yes we do and that’s the way we like it. Charlotte is a home race for everyone and there are always a lot of activities. This is going to be fun. Obviously the race is the most important, but the Pitbull concert is going to be fun, plus we have lots of sponsor events during the week. Then we get to test the new car and I can’t wait for that.”

HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS AND THE REMAINING NEXT GEN TESTS?
“These are extremely important. A lot of people are working very hard to learn as much as we can about the new car. What you learn at these tests will show up in how well you run at the first part of the 2022 season.”

WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO TRACKHOUSE RACING WINNING THE TEAM AWARD AT THURSDAY’S DIVERSITY AWARDS CEREMONY?
“That’s really cool and I couldn’t be prouder for Justin and everyone at Trackhouse Racing. This is what his vision was for us when we started and he is making it happen. I’m thrilled to be his driver and part of this team. We are just getting started, there’s going to be more to come.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics

Manufacturers Championships:
Total (1949-2020): 39
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

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: 14
Poles: 5
Laps Led: 3,448
Top-five finishes: 62
Top-10 finishes: 134
Stage wins: 27 – Chase Elliott (Daytona RC, Michigan, Daytona), William Byron (Homestead, Pocono 2, Road America), Kyle Larson (Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Atlanta x2, Kansas, Dover x2, Charlotte x3, Sonoma x2, Nashville, Darlington, Bristol), 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: 809 (1949 to date)
Poles won to date: 722
Laps led to date: 240,153
Top-five finishes to date: 4,127
Top-10 finishes to date: 8,536

Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:

       General Motors: 1,143
       Chevrolet: 809
       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.

Team Hardpoint Riding Momentum Into Home IMSA Race at VIR, Live Saturday at Noon on NBC

By
Official Release
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Rob Ferriol and Katherine Legge Ready For Action In IMSA GTD No. 88 Richard Mille/GridRival Porsche GT3 R; Efrin Castro and Riley Dickinson Back In Action Off Podium Porsche Carrera Cup Finishes

DANVILLE, Virginia (October 7, 2021) – Team Hardpoint’s three-car Porsche racing effort, spanning the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GT Daytona (GTD) class and Porsche Carrera Cup North America, will have a home-field advantage this weekend at VIRginia International Raceway.

The team moved into their race shop at the VIRginia Motorsport Technology park on the grounds of the race track last November. Saturday’s Michelin GT Challenge at VIR features only the GT LeMans and GTD classes of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in a two-hour, 40-minute race that begins at 12:10 p.m. EDT on Saturday and can be seen live over the air on NBC. The team’s two-car Porsche Carrera Cup effort races in a pair of 45-minute races live on IMSA.com/tv, at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 9 and at 12:15 p.m. EDT on Sunday, October 10.

The No. 88 Richard Mille/GridRival Porsche 911 GT3 R will once again be co-driven by team owner Rob Ferriol and Katherine Legge. The duo is coming off arguably their strongest overall performance of the season on the temporary street circuit at Long Beach.

Though it’s a home race for the team, it’s also a home race for Ferriol. As a resident of Fayetteville, North Carolina, just over two hours from VIR, Ferriol watched races as a fan for the first time at VIR; ran his first track day at VIR in 2015; made his club racing debut at VIR in 2016; and, while running IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup in 2018 and 2019, made a one-off start in the TCR class at VIR in 2018 and made his IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge GS class debut at VIR in 2019.

“There are certainly positives and negatives to this weekend at VIR,” Ferriol said. “Obviously, we know the track well and it’s our favorite. Having friends, family and partners here is fun. But we need to make sure we keep doing what we’ve been doing and not overdrive our No. 88 Richard Mille/GridRival Porsche 911 GT3 R just because we want a strong result. All that said, we have the opportunity to pull everything together that we’ve been working on this season but the rest of the GTD field isn’t going to pull over and just let it happen.”

Legge understands the importance of the home race for the team, but is focused on continuing the momentum that the team has carried through the past several races. The Team Hardpoint Porsche finished eighth at WeatherTech Racway Laguna Seca and ninth at the Long Beach Grand Prix, both times improving significantly from the start of the race.

“I am really looking forward to the home stretch, figuratively and literally,” Legge said. “VIR is the team’s home race, and the next time out at Road Atlanta is my personal one. We have done a few miles of testing at VIR so I feel more relative comfort and confidence going into this one. That, coupled with the fact the team, drivers, and car continue to get stronger each outing, gives us renewed excitement. I think the whole team are all buoyed by momentum going into the remaining two races. VIR is such a neat track, and I enjoy driving there very much, I have had some epic battles and some great results in the past and want nothing more than to repeat the same this year. Rob and I are still hungry for that elusive podium and we will be pushing as hard as ever to get it here!”

Drivers Efrin Castro and Riley Dickinson are each looking for strong run in Porsche Carrera Cup North America competition.

In Castro’s last appearance during the Porsche Together Fest tripleheader at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he piloted his No. 65 Fine Fare Supermarkets/GoDominicanRepublic.com Porsche 911 GT3 Cup to a pair of wins in the Pro-Am class. Those gold medals were his second and third wins of the season and his eight podium finishes in 11 of 16 races have him secure placed in the second slot of the season-long point championship.

Dickinson earned two additional overall podiums at Indianapolis, bringing his total to five in the first 11 races in the ultra-competitive Pro class of the championship. Dickinson’s runner-up finish in the No. 53 Porsche Austin/Team Hardpoint Porsche 911 GT3 Cup during race one at IMS was a season best, and opens the door to a strong finish this weekend at the team’s home race.

“I’m really looking forward to this weekend,” Dickinson said. “VIR is such a rewarding track to drive on, there are so many areas where the smallest of margins can and will have a huge impact on the overall lap time. We have some weather in the forecast, which will only mean that the Porsche Carrera Cup North America racing will be even more intense. I can’t wait to go and represent Team Hardpoint at our home race!”

The race weekend opens on Friday with WeatherTech and Porsche Carrera Cup practices at 8 a.m. EDT, followed by a second round of practices for both series mid-day. Ferriol and Legge will qualifying the No. 88 Richard Mille/GridRival Porsche 911 GT3 R at 4:35 p.m. EDT that afternoon. Saturday features Carrera Cup qualifying, the noon time IMSA WeatherTech Championship race, and an afternoon Porsche Carrera Cup race. The final Carrera Cup race takes place on Sunday, October 10.

Noteworthy:

-The Team Hardpoint paddock and pit box will have extra visitors during this weekend’s Michelin GT Challenge at VIR.

Michelin is bringing a group of U.S. Army soldiers from nearby Fort Bragg to Saturday’s race as part of the base Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program. The 10 soldiers will, among other things, visit the Team Hardpoint transporter and race shop throughout the day, and get to see some of the race from the Team Hardpoint pit box. The military connection is important to Team Hardpoint, as Ferriol served eight years as an enlisted Intelligence Specialist in the US Marine Corps, followed by another five years as a government civilian with Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Across his 13 years of government and military service, he has deployed to multiple conflict zones around the globe in support of US counterterrorism operations, including Iraq, Afghanistan, South America and Africa. Jason Link, Team Hardpoint’s General Manager, served in the US Army for 14 years, including four years as an infantryman with the 3/75th Ranger Regiment and for 10 years as an Operator with the 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force), and other members of the team’s crew have military experience as well.

About Team Hardpoint:
Hardpoint Motorsports was founded by Rob Ferriol in 2018 with the vision of combining his experience as a successful entrepreneur with his passion for racing. Headquartered at VIRginia International Raceway, the team’s 2021 plans include a full-season effort in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship in a Porsche 911 GT3 R and a multi-car effort in the IMSA Porsche Carrera Cup North America. More information on Hardpoint Motorsports can be found at www.hardpoint.com or through its strong social media presence on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Nashville Superspeedway honored at NASCAR’s 2021 Drive for Diversity Awards

By
Official Release
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Facility wins Track Award for inclusion efforts that reached new audiences throughout Middle Tennessee

LEBANON, Tenn. (Oct. 7, 2021) – Nashville Superspeedway was honored at NASCAR’s 2021 Drive for Diversity Awards today for its efforts to support diversity and inclusion as well as its results in reaching new audiences for motorsports throughout Middle Tennessee.

The Track Award, which was announced at today’s ceremony at NASCAR’s Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C., was given to Nashville Superspeedway, which hosted a sell-out crowd for its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race in June as part of its first year back hosting NASCAR events after a 10-year hiatus.

During its 2021 race weekend, Nashville Superspeedway hosted more than 120 alumni and guests from Tennessee State University (an HBCU located in Nashville) as part of a collaboration with the TSU Alumni Association, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), Slim and Husky’s Pizza Beeria, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and local transportation company Gray Line. Slim & Husky’s and Uncle Nearest are black-owned businesses with roots in Middle Tennessee, and Uncle Nearest is an official corporate partner of Nashville Superspeedway.

The alumni received a complimentary package including a Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race ticket and pit pass, a ticket to NMAAM and transportation to the Superspeedway that included food and beverage options.

Also that weekend, approximately 30 students from the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) of Nashville attended the Tennessee Lottery 250. KIPP is a free, open-enrollment college preparatory school in low-income communities throughout the United States.

Local KIPP students were greeted by Nashville Superspeedway President Erik Moses upon arriving at the track, had a Q&A with NASCAR Cup Series star Bubba Wallace, toured the NSS campus and attended a press conference featuring NASCAR team owner and music superstar Pitbull.

Moses is the first African-American track president in NASCAR history and the NSS full-time staff is comprised of more than 50 percent minorities and/or women.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition from NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program,” Moses said. “Building our fanbase and expanding our cultural footprint is not only a goal for NASCAR as an industry but for our track in Middle Tennessee as well. As we continue to build upon the foundation of our inaugural NASCAR Cup Series weekend, Nashville Superspeedway looks forward to working with more community groups and welcoming new fans to the sport and our campus.”

In the last year, Nashville Superspeedway has also been able to facilitate financial contributions to improve its surrounding community. In collaboration with Ally Financial, NSS contributed $25,000 to the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, a historic civil rights organization, and $25,000 to Box 55, which supports first responders in Nashville.

Nashville Superspeedway was among other Drive for Diversity Award recipients including:

• Crew Member Award: Brian Eastland

• Developmental Series Driver Award: Rajah Caruth and Toni Breidinger

• Sam Belvanis Industry Ambassador Award: Bernard Pollard

• Institution Award: Boys & Girls Clubs of America

• National Series Driver Award: Bubba Wallace

• Outstanding Intern Award: Korn Supatrabutra and Iris Wright

• Partner Award: RISE

• Team Award: Trackhouse Racing

• Young Racer Award: Regina Sirvent

Nashville Superspeedway again hosts NASCAR’s best next summer for another tripleheader weekend on June 24-26, 2022, highlighted by the Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, June 26. The NASCAR tripleheader weekend also includes the Rackley Roofing 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday, June 24 and the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday, June 25.

Keep track of Nashville Superspeedway’s latest news and updates at NashvilleSuperSpeedway.com via social media at Facebook.com/NashvilleSuperspeedway, on Twitter at @nashvillesupers and Instagram @nashvillesuperspeedway. For questions about media relations, employment, or other inquiries, interested parties are encouraged to e-mail info@nashvillesuperspeedway.com.

About Dover Motorsports, Inc.

Dover Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE: DVD) is a promoter of NASCAR sanctioned motorsports events whose subsidiaries own and operate Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del., and Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn. The company also plays host to the Firefly Music Festival, produced by AEG Presents. For more information, visit www.DoverMotorsports.com.

Pixar Animation Studios’ Jay Ward Named Grand Marshal of the 2021 Greenwich Concours d’Elegance

By
Official Release
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Pixar Animation Studio’s Creative Director for Franchise stands with Lightning McQueen at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C. (Photo courtesy of Pixar Animation Studios)

Pixar’s Family-Friendly Focus is the Perfect Fit for Hagerty’s Innovative Concours Event

GREENWICH, Conn. (Oct. 7, 2021) – Jay Ward, Pixar’s Creative Director for Franchise, will serve as Grand Marshal for the 25th anniversary edition of the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance on October 24, 2021. Selecting Jay Ward as Grand Marshal for the first Hagerty-hosted Greenwich Concours emphasizes the company’s pledge to honor tradition while expanding the automotive experience to a wider range of enthusiasts.

Ward joined Pixar in 1998, initially working in the Art Department for the Pixar favorite, Monsters, Inc. Leadership quickly recognized his automotive expertise and Ward began work as the automotive and later franchise creative consultant on all three “Cars” films and “Cars Toons.” His influence can also be seen in everything from 95-adorned backpacks to the “Cars Land” attraction at Disney California Adventure.

In 2001, Ward created the Pixar campus classic car show, “Pixar Motorama.” What started as a low-key employee car show grew into an influential event hosting vehicles from the collections of Jay Leno, Chip Foose, The Petersen Auto Museum as well as manufacturer concepts and a number of his own classic cars. Ward’s automotive knowledge has opened doors at the highest level of the collector car hobby; serving as an Honorary Judge at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and a Class Judge for the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, Audrain Newport Concours and Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance.

Pixar Animation Studio’s Creative Director for Franchise stands with Lightning McQueen at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C. (Photo courtesy of Pixar Animation Studios)
In addition to his work on “Monsters, Inc.” and “Cars” projects, Ward worked in the Art Departments of “Ratatouille” and “Brave,” and served as Associate Producer of the 2008 Pixar short film “Presto.”

“When our team considered a long list of potential candidates for this year’s Grand Marshal, one name rose to the top, Jay Ward,” said McKeel Hagerty, Greenwich Concours d’Elegance Chairman and CEO of Hagerty. “Jay’s impact on pop culture, capturing the imagination of the next generation and awakening a life-long passion for cars and driving, is inspiring.”

Pixar Animation Studio’s Creative Director for Franchise and 2021 Greenwich Concours d’Elegance Grand Marshal, Jay Ward. (Photo courtesy of the NASCAR Hall of Fame)
Pixar’s family-focused approach to entertainment complements a reimagined 2021 Greenwich Concours d’Elegance. Moving beyond the traditional Concours, Saturday and Sunday will feature the event’s first Youth Zone, anchored by a life-sized version of Lightning McQueen from the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C. The area will also include slot cars, racing simulators and serve as home base for the weekend’s Hagerty Youth Programs.

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to be selected as the Grand Marshal because Hagerty has gone to great efforts to rethink what an automotive Concours can be, with many events and vehicles sure to widen the audience to more car lovers than ever,” said Ward. “Greenwich is such a beautiful setting for this show and inviting our life-sized Lightning McQueen to be on display allows Pixar and “Cars” fans to spend up close and personal time with the No. 95 too. I can’t wait for what I expect to be an unforgettable weekend of great cars and plenty of fun.”

The 2021 event also marks a new evolution of the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance’s weekend program. Saturday’s inaugural “Festival of Fun” features the unexceptional cars of Concours d’Lemons, RADwood favorites from the ’80s and ’90s and Porschella by CarPark, a celebration of all things modified Porsche. A range of hands-on activities – ride & drives, racing simulators, Hagerty Youth Programs and more – will entertain enthusiasts and their families. On Sunday, both domestic and international marques will be celebrated in the 25th Annual Concours d’Elegance.

Building on its purpose to save driving, Hagerty supports car enthusiasts and members through an expanding portfolio of events, experiences, and integrated product offerings. In the past two years Hagerty has added the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, the California Mille, the Concours d’Elegance of America, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and McCall’s Motorworks Revival to its roster of premiere automotive events. Hagerty Drivers Club, which now has more than 650,000 members, is a hub of car culture offering unique experiences, entertainment, branded content, social communities and discounts focused on cars and driving. DriveShare, Hagerty’s innovative peer-to-peer enthusiast vehicle rental marketplace, and MotorsportReg.com, the world’s largest motorsports event management system, help connect fans with the cars and experiences of their dreams.

About the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance:
Founded in 1996, Greenwich Concours d’Elegance is a three-day premier motoring event held October 22-24, 2021, in Greenwich, Conn. Now part of Hagerty, the 2021 event celebrates tradition while integrating new elements, each created to engage the next generation. Exclusive gatherings, luxury shopping, ride and drives, new vehicle experiences and entertaining seminars surround Friday’s Grand Tour and Saturday’s Radwood, Concours d’Lemons and Porschella events. Sunday’s nationally recognized Greenwich Concours d’Elegance celebrates historically significant vehicles along the town’s picturesque harbor front. Each year the event supports local charities as a part of Hagerty’s larger giving strategy.

About Hagerty:
Hagerty is a specialty insurance provider focused on the global automotive enthusiast market and an automotive enthusiast brand offering integrated membership products and programs. Hagerty is home to Hagerty Drivers Club, Hagerty DriveShare, Hagerty Valuation Tools, Hagerty Media, Hagerty Drivers Club magazine, MotorsportReg, Hagerty Garage + Social, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, the Concours d’Elegance of America, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, the California Mille, Motorworks Revival and more. For more information, visit www.hagerty.com.

Weekend schedule for Charlotte ROVAL

By
Angie Campbell
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Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images

The NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series will compete at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend as the Playoffs continue.

Sunday’s Bank of America ROVAL 400 will serve as an elimination race, cutting the 12-driver postseason field to eight drivers. The Xfinity Series Drive for the Cure 250 at Charlotte will also mark the last event in the Xfinity Round of 12, with eight drivers continuing in the Playoffs.

All times are Eastern.

Saturday, Oct. 9

3 p.m.: Xfinity Series Drive for the Cure 250 presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
Distance: 155.44 miles (67 Laps)
Stage 1 ends on Lap 20, Stage 2 ends on Lap 40, Final Stage ends on Lap 67
NBC/PRN/SiriusXM NASCAR
Pole: Austin Cindric

Sunday, Oct. 10

2 p.m.: Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400
Distance: 252.88 miles (109 Laps)
Stage 1 ends on Lap 25, Stage 2 ends on Lap 50, Final Stage ends on Lap 109
NBC/PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR
Pole: Denny Hamlin

NASCAR Cup Series Driver Playoff Outlook

RankDriverPointsRace WinsStage WinsPlayoff PtsPts From Cutoff
1Denny Hamlin (P)3,11621030In On Wins
2Kyle Larson (P)3,0976156022
3Joey Logano (P)3,096151321
4Brad Keselowski (P)3,09512820
5Martin Truex Jr. (P)3,095452920
6Ryan Blaney (P)3,090342415
7Chase Elliott (P)3,08423219
8Kyle Busch (P)3,08425229
9Kevin Harvick (P)3,075002-9
10Christopher Bell (P)3,056105-28
11William Byron (P)3,0401314-44
12Alex Bowman (P)3,0323015-52

NASCAR Xfinity Series Driver Playoff Outlook

RankDriverPointsRace WinsStage WinsPlayoff PtsPts From Cutoff
1Austin Cindric2,1315944Clinched on Points
2Justin Allgaier2,109232155
3Daniel Hemric2,095071441
4AJ Allmendinger2,0874104533
5Justin Haley2,078151524
6Brandon Jones2,07501321
7Noah Gragson2,072231718
8Harrison Burton2,0620288
9Jeb Burton2,054119-8
10Myatt Snider2,038105-24
11Riley Herbst2,030001-32
12Jeremy Clements2,014000-48

Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course Data

Season Race #: 32 of 36 (10-10-21)
Playoff Race #: 6
Track Size: 3.67-kilometers / 2.28-miles
Track Type: Road Course
Number of Turns: 17
Elevation Change: 35 degrees
Race Length: 109 laps / 400 kilometers / 252.88 miles
Stage 1 and 2 Length: 25 laps (each)
Final Stage Length: 59 laps

Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course Qualifying Data

Track qualifying record: Kurt Busch, Stewart-Haas Racing Ford (106.868 mph, 76.805 secs.) on September 29, 2018.
2020 pole winner: Metric Qualifying set the starting lineup.  Denny Hamlin started from the pole.

  • A total of 35 drivers have competed in more than once at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course in the NASCAR Cup Series.
  • Alex Bowman leads the series in average starting position at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course with a 3.333 in three starts.
  • Kurt Busch won the pole for the inaugural Playoff race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course (2018) and William Byron won the pole for the second Playoff race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course (2019).
  • Chase Elliott won the second and third Playoff race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course in 2019-2020.
  • The youngest race winner at the Charlotte RC: Chase Elliott (September 29, 2019 – 23 years, 10 months and 1 day).

Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course Race Data

Track race record: Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford (82.125 mph, 03:01:34) on September 30, 2018.
2020 race winner: Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet (76.948 mph, 03:17:11) on October 11, 2020.
2019 race winner: Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet (75.499 mph, 03:20:58) on September 29, 2019.

  • Ryan Blaney won the inaugural Playoff race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course; his first win on a road course in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2018.

From OddsChecker: Chase Elliot strong favorite to win Bank of America Roval 400

Elliot is given +230 odds, or an implied 30.3% chance to win the Bank America Roval 400. Second favorite is Kyle Larson, who is given +550 odds. Denny Hamlin is 5th favorite with +1400 odds.

BANK OF AMERICA ROVAL 400 

Driver Odds Implied chance 
Chase Elliot +230 30.3% 
Kyle Larson +550 15.4% 
Martin Truex Jr +800 11.1% 
Kyle Busch +1200 7.7% 
Denny Hamlin +1400 6.7% 
William Byron +1600 5.9% 
Christopher Bell +1800 5.3% 
Joey Logano +2500 3.8% 
Ryan Blaney +2600 3.7% 
Kevin Harvick +3100 3.1% 

2016 Mustang GT | Themed Customer Build

By
Official Release
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AmericanMuscle’s New Video Features a Head-Turning Ride

PAOLI, Pa. (September 27th, 2021) – AmericanMuscle (AM) is back with another episode of their “Customer Builds” YouTube series. The new video spotlights a 2016 Mustang S550 GT with a “HotWheels” wrap and plenty of other appearance and performance mods. AM host, Justin Dugan chats with the owner of this unique build to gather insight and inspiration for the muscle car community. Viewers can head to AM’s website to see a complete mods list for this build, additional images, and detailed product specs.

AM leverages user-generated content from across the nation to help its customers visualize the upgrades they can make to their own ride at home. This themed GT does not disappoint with its one-of-a-kind color scheme and growing list of thoughtful mods. Justin Dugan begins the virtual sit-down with a chat about the hood and bumper combination. Other key upgrades include a PMAS Cold Air Intake, BBK Long Tube headers, AWE Track Edition Cat-Back Exhaust, and a Hurst Rear Spoiler. Viewers are treated to a sound bite of the exhaust and learn what future mods are in store for this outstanding build.

This episode’s “HotWheels” themed 2016 GT is guaranteed to get the ideas flowing for new and seasoned Mustang owners alike. AM’s “Customer Builds” series will continue with a behind-the-scenes look at awesome builds from across the country.   Viewers can subscribe to AM’s YouTube channel to see more builds like this along with product reviews and step-by-step install videos.

View it here: https://www.americanmuscle.com/ford-mustang-builds-profiles.html?from=0&imageid=405474

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About AmericanMuscle

Starting out in 2003, AmericanMuscle quickly rose to be one of the leading aftermarket Mustang parts providers in the business. With the addition of Challenger in 2018 and Charger in 2020, AmericanMuscle provides the most sought-after parts, accessories, and fast shipping. Located just outside of Philadelphia, AmericanMuscle is dedicated to supporting the Mustang, Challenger and Charger communities with the highest level of customer service. Please visit http://www.AmericanMuscle.com for more information.

Smithson, Keating, and Merrill join DXDT Racing for Indianapolis 8 Hour

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Official Release
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STATESVILLE, N.C. (October 7, 2021) – The 2021 Fanatec GT World Challenge America presented by aws championship draws to a close next week at the hallowed grounds of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, ending the season with the longest race of the year, the Indianapolis 8 Hour. Three Mercedes AMG GT3 cars will represent DXDT Racing in the season finale, expanding from their two-driver lineups to three as the teams prepare for the endurance event. Scott Smithson, Ben Keating, and Thomas Merrill will join the team, completing the lineups on the team’s trio of Mercedes AMG GT3 race cars. CJ Moses will also return to race his Mercedes AMG GT3 in GT America, and Kevin Boehm will close out his TC America season in the No. 9 Honda Civic Type R.

Fanatec GT World Challenge America
Heading into the final round of the year, DXDT Racing remains in the 2021 Pro/Am driver’s championship. Since DXDT Racing is competing in the Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli’s Indianapolis 8 Hour, the team’s standing at the three-hour mark will determine how many points are earned towards the final tally in GT World Challenge America. Since each GT World Challenge race weekend is normally comprised of two 90-minute races, each entry will receive double points at the three-hour mark. DXDT Racing’s points towards the team championship standings will be earned by the team’s top-placing Mercedes.

Scott Smithson will join the No. 63 Mercedes AMG GT3 of David Askew and Ryan Dalziel. Smithson raced with the team in 2020, earning three wins and six podiums in TC America, racing a Honda Civic Type-R. This season, Smithson has joined the Michelin Pilot Challenge’s TCR class, earning two podiums in five races. With two podiums and six top-five finishes to date this season, Askew and Dalziel will be racing hard to close out the season with a much-coveted victory.

Returning once again to race alongside George Kurtz and Colin Braun in the No. 04 Mercedes AMG GT3, Ben Keating will return to the team once again to defend last year’s win at the inaugural event. No stranger to endurance racing, Keating holds wins at the Twelve Hours of Sebring, Rolex 24 At Daytona, and is a three-time Michelin Endurance Cup winner. He bolsters an already strong lineup, as Kurtz and Braun hold three podiums and two wins in their five 2021 GT World Challenge America races to date.

Thomas Merrill will complete the endurance lineups for DXDT Racing, joining Erin Vogel and Michael Cooper in the No. 19 Mercedes AMG GT3. Currently competing in the four North American Endurance Cup races on the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar calendar, Merrill has celebrated one endurance podium this year in, finishing in first at the Six Hours of the Glen with co-drivers Steven Thomas and Tristian Nunez. Next weekend, he joins Vogel and Cooper, who just earned their third podium of the season at Sebring International Raceway.

The Indianapolis 8 Hour will air in its entirety on YouTube.com/GTWorld, beginning Sunday, October 17 at 10:00 AM Eastern. Fans can purchase three-day weekend tickets for $50 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway website.

DRIVER QUOTES

David Askew | Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS
No. 63 CrowdStrike/ DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3
Indy is the final race of the season, but there’s so much going on it doesn’t seem that way. We had a decent Sebring and there’s plenty of work to do on the cars with a short turn-around. We always get it done! The Indy weekend is different than the other “standard” weekends since we have our two GT World Challenge races embedded in the ICGTC 8-hour race. For the enduro Ryan and I have Scott Smithson as our third driver. Scott drove with us in our Honda TCR program in ’20 where he had break-out success. This season he’s been racing TCRs in the other series and is looking to begin the jump to GT3. Why not start with an 8-hour enduro!

Ryan Dalziel | Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS
No. 63 CrowdStrike/DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3
I’m looking forward to Indy. We had a strong run there last year, and we have Scott smith joining us this year. Our lineup will have one of the strongest of the Pro/Am cars, and it’s a good track for the Mercedes. It’s a little bittersweet that it’s the last race of the season, but the best race is the last one, going into the next season. Hopefully we can have a good result for the No. 63 and progress on from there in the off season.

Scott Smithson | Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS
No. 63 CrowdStrike/DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3
I’m excited to be back running with the DXDT family! I ran TCR with the team last season. I’ve been running TCR in the Michelin Pilot Challenge this season in preparation to move to the GT3 class. Indy will be my GT3 Debut. I hope to get up to speed quick so I can help teammates David Askew and Ryan Dalziel. I’m honored to run with both of them and looking forward to this learning experience! I’ve missed the team and it’s great to be back!

George Kurtz | Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS
No. 04 CrowdStrike/DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3
I’m looking forward to getting back to Indianapolis and ending our season how we started it. The Indianapolis Eight Hours brings together many of the best GT3 competitors from around the world. We were honored to win last year’s race and expect to contend again this year.

Colin Braun | Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS
No. 04 CrowdStrike/DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3
Winning the Indianapolis Eight Hour a year ago was a highlight for everyone at CrowdStrike and DXDT. The event has grown in stature this year with a lot of solid competitors. It will be another tough fight but the three of us – myself, George, and Ben – had good chemistry last year. There isn’t any reason why we can’t contend and be successful again.

Ben Keating | Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS
No. 04 CrowdStrike/DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3
I am so excited to join George and Colin for the Indianapolis 8 Hour. This race was so much fun last year, and I hoping we can repeat the full experience. Last year was a very tight race until we got towards the end and some of the strategy started to play out. We know that all of us get along well and are quick in the car. This is the recipe for a good endurance event. I have looked forward to the Indianapolis 8 Hour ever since we kissed the bricks last year!

Erin Vogel | Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS
No. 19 CrowdStrike/DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3
I’m really looking forward to Indianapolis. It’s a great way to end the race season with the 8 Hour. The energy you have walking into the speedway is palpable. It just has so much history and it’s exciting to be there. The racing will be really good. I’m excited to have some European teams over and mixing up the field. We’re going to enjoy having a third driver, and we’re really excited to have Thomas Merrill joining us for the 8 Hour. We have a great lineup with the three of us. We’ve known each other for many years and it’ll be the first time we’ll get to drive together. It’s going to be a great program and a good way to finish the season.

Michael Cooper | Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS
No. 19 CrowdStrike/ DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3
I’m excited to go to the Indianapolis 8 Hour in a GT3 car with Erin Vogel and Thomas Merrill. We have a strong chance in the Pro/Am class, and I think it’ll be a good track for the Mercedes AMG GT3.

Thomas Merrill | Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS
No. 19 CrowdStrike/ DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3
I’m delighted to join Erin Vogel, Michael Cooper, Jim Bell, and everyone at DXDT for the Indianapolis 8 Hour. I’ve been admiring Erin’s racing career as it has progressed for a while now and was honored to be asked to join the team. With the group of people we have involved, I see no reason why we can’t be fighting for the win.
GT America Powered by AWS
The Indianapolis weekend will see the return of CJ Moses to the GT America series after sitting out of the last three double-headers. Moses and the No. 58 Mercedes AMG GT3 will race in the final two rounds of the 2021 season on Friday, October 15 at 4:55 PM Eastern and Saturday, October 16 at 12:05 PM Eastern. Both races will air live on the GT World YouTube page.

DRIVER QUOTE

CJ Moses | GT America
No. 58 CrowdStrike/AWS/DXDT Mercedes-AMG GT3
I really enjoy racing at Indianapolis. It has an incredible history of racing with so many historic names. To be able to race a car like the Mercedes-AMG GT3 around the IMS road course will be fantastic. It’s been a huge learning process this season and I hope we can pay it off with a strong showing to close 2021.

TC America Powered by Skip Barber Racing School
Kevin Boehm and the team behind the No. 9 Honda Civic Type R will be eager to end the season on a high note, following a weekend of highs and lows at Sebring International Raceway last week. Remarkably, Boehm had his first DNF of the season, where the engineer and race car driver have so far earned six podiums and an additional three top-five finishes so far this season. Boehm and DXDT currently stand third in the TC driver and team standings, and still mathematically in the 2021 battle for the championship titles.

Race one will take place Friday afternoon, October 15 at 1:35 PM Eastern, and Saturday, October 16 at 3:20 pm on YouTube.com/GTWorld.

DRIVER QUOTE

Kevin Boehm | TC America
No. 9 CrowdStrike/DXDT Honda Performance Development Civic Type R TC
This year has been a big learning experience. TC America has a lot of great racing and great competitors. Plus it has some fantastic tracks like Indianapolis. My main focus is coming away with victory at Indy and let the championship take care of itself. We can send this program into the offseason with some very positive momentum if we can accomplish that.

ABOUT DXDT RACING
DXDT Racing is a high-performance sports car racing team founded in 2014 by team principal David Askew and located in Statesville, N.C. The Team’s primary focus is GT3 and Touring Car racing in North America. DXDT is a provider of turnkey racing support and delivers customized racing solutions for its clients and sponsors. DXDT is a performance-driven team comprised of highly experienced racing professionals capable of delivering wins and championships, including ten wins in GT World Challenge and a Rookie of the Year in 2020 alone. Follow the team on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for race season updates.

ABOUT CROWDSTRIKE®
CrowdStrike® Inc. (Nasdaq: CRWD), a global cybersecurity leader, is redefining security for the cloud era with an endpoint protection platform built from the ground up to stop breaches. The CrowdStrike Falcon® platform’s single lightweight-agent architecture leverages cloud-scale artificial intelligence (AI) and offers real-time protection and visibility across the enterprise, preventing attacks on endpoints on or off the network. Powered by the proprietary CrowdStrike Threat Graph®, CrowdStrike Falcon correlates over 2.5 trillion endpoint-related events per week in real time from across the globe, fueling one of the world’s most advanced data platforms for security. For more information, visit crowdstrikeracing.com

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